Town of Goderich recognizes outstanding citizens who make significant contributions to the community
- Kate Smith
- 17 hours ago
- 5 min read
At a Citizen Recognition Event on November 17, the Town of Goderich celebrated 25 individuals who have made a significant contribution or positive impact to the community.
The following citizens, committee members and volunteers were recognized: Colleen Maguire, Vlorat Vitija, Con Melady, Michele Young, Eric Kirk, Rhea Seeger, Barry Ward, Maureen Nummelin, Vicky Culbert, Barry Page, Mary Gregg, Nancy Hughes, Alexander Bome, Alexandra Kasper, Barron Purser, Darren Scholl, Michael Daly, Ralph Rubino, Rub Debrouwer, Christopher Spaleta, Colin Carmichael, Tony Decoo, Donny Rivers, Matthew Hoy, Chelsey Merkt.
“Goderich has a long and proud tradition of volunteerism, neighbourliness and civic spirit,” remarked Mayor Trevor Bazinet on social media.
“The people we are honouring tonight embody those qualities. Through their dedication, compassion, and willingness to step forward when others step back, they help make Goderich the Prettiest Town in Canada and a place we are all proud to call home.”
Members of committees were recognized, but amongst the recipients were two stand-out individual citizens – Vlorat Vitija, owner of Chuck’s Roadhouse in Goderich and Colleen Maguire, former diagnostic imaging manager at AMGH and life-long volunteer.
Vlorat Vitija, owner of Chuck’s Roadhouse in Goderich is a very hard-working businessman.
According to the nomination letter, Vitija never waits for people to come to him; he’s a man of action and eager to help in the community. When others come looking for donations or support, he never says no.
Vitija is also involved with the Rotary Club.
Being a businessperson in a small town and after going through COVID as well as an increase of online shopping, Vitija understands the importance of being involved in the community to try and make a difference.
“Volunteers are the heartbeat of our community,” wrote Bazinet.
“Their time, energy, and selfless commitment help make Goderich stronger, more connected, and truly special. I’m grateful for each person who steps forward to make a difference, and I look forward to recognizing their outstanding contributions.”
Colleen Maguire also received an award on November 17.
Maguire has participated in so many activities over the decades to help the Town of Goderich.
“Thank you so much for this recognition,” said Maguire.
“I’m truly humbled and honoured that I’m here to do this and receive this recognition.”
Maguire has exemplified a strong sense of volunteerism, civic pride and commitment towards this community.
Since 2009, Maguire has brought local historical characters to flesh and blood to tell their stories at the Huron County Historical Gaol, in Behind the Bars summer program, and tours of Mr. Sallows landmarks during Jane’s Walks.
Maguire has been a board member at the Sallows Gallery since 2013, and is currently the Chair of the Board, and a researcher and presenter for the gallery.
According to David Yates, Maguire has been instrumental in preserving the art of famed photographer Reuben Sallows, and she published his biography. She’s also a popular speaker, telling local audiences stories ranging from Victoria photography props to marine disasters.
Maguire is also the secretary of the local committee for ‘The Great lakes Storm of 1913’ and served as the Chair of the Ontario Genealogical Society from 2016-2020, and Secretary 2020-2024.
Making full use of her technical skills, she was a volunteer videographer at Knox Church for services and concerts and has been a volunteer crew chief for 30 years for the Celtic Roots Festival.
Maguire served the community as a Medical Radiation Technologist at the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital (AMGH) for 39 years.
During her time there, she was the diagnostic imaging manager and was the team leader for the purchase of the CT scanner, digital mammography, and the implementation of the digital imaging system.
Maguire has been involved in various volunteer positions for 50 years. She moved to Goderich from Stratford in 1974 but then was away at college studying to be a medical radiation technologist until 1976. The next year, 1977 was Goderich’s sesquicentennial and she began volunteering.
Maguire was thrilled to hear she was nominated and felt honoured to be recognized for her efforts over the years.
“You volunteer because you are passionate about what you do,” Maguire remarked.
“Everyday, people thank you, but to then receive the honour of the Town of Goderich Citizen Recognition Award for your lifetime of volunteerism, it is like the cherry on top of the sundae.”
Over the years Maguire has held several positions including acting for 10 years with Goderich Little Theatre, portraying the Gaol Matron Mrs. Margaret Dickson for 10 years at the Huron County Historic Museum and Gaol, acting as Secretary with the Great Lakes Storm of 1913 where this committee won a Governor Generals Award for Community Programming, and in 2013 directed the 100th Anniversary Church Service with the same music and scripture readings as were used 100 years earlier in 1913.
Maguire is also a frequent speaker with the Ontario Genealogical Society and Chairman of the local branch from 2016-2020 and secretary with the local branch from 2020-2024.
She was instrumental in producing David Yates’ two local history books, and researches and writes the Salt Festival Bus Tours.
In 2025 Maguire received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award.
Maguire is inspired to volunteer because of her love for Goderich and Huron County.
“It is so rich with history and stories of unique and outstanding characters,” explained Maguire.
Maguire encourages anyone to pick an area of interest and volunteer. Her perspective is that volunteerism is not as prevalent in the current generation as it is in hers, and she believes so many are missing out on a satisfying, affirming and rewarding experience.
“You don’t need to know everything about the area of interest but be willing to learn,” added Maguire.
“Nothing can replace human to human interaction, and it is a good way to make new friends with similar interests.”
Apart from these two extraordinary individuals recognized, various committees to the Town of Goderich and its members were recognized for their work and impact on the community.
The Environment Committee was recognized for the wealth of knowledge the committee shares and their work including the implementation of the green organic bins in the community: Con Melady, Michele Young, Eric Kirk, Rhea Seeger, and Barry Ward.
The Municipal and Marine Heritage Committee was recognized for the work of past and present committee members including Alexander Bome, Vicky Culbert, Mary Gregg, Nancy Hughes, Mauren Nummelin, and Barry Page.
Memorial Arena Task Force was recognized for the work done recently to decide what to do with the local facility. Those members recognized include Alexandra Kasper, Barron Purser, Michael Daly, Darren Scholl, Ralph Rubino and Ruby Debrouwer.
Rebuilding Downtown Infrastructure Task Force members were recognized for the work done over the past year including the current project that is on time and on budget. Members recognized include Vicky Culbert, Christopher Spaleta, and Colin Carmichael.
Committee of Adjustment Property Standards Committee members were recognized for their work with minor variances, severances and legally, non-conforming rules. Members recognized include Tony Decoo, Matt Hoy and Donny Rivers.
Councillor Renumeration Task Force members were recognized, as they took on the task to objectively look at how councillors in the municipality are renumerated. This was done with a tremendous amount of research and comparison with other municipalities. The volunteers recognized include Chelsey Merkt, Ralph Rubino and Michael Daly.
“We hope to continue this year after year because it is important to recognize all the hard work each recipient has done,” remarked Mayor Bazinet.