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32 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday June 15, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Their commitment is felt in the community Continued from page 31 and President of the Oakvillegreen Conservation Association, which through newsletters and a website, provides environmental information to its members. "Liz's energy is abundant," said Buttigieg. "She takes on causes, initiatives and projects that she truly believes in. As stated by her, `she lives her values,' values that include a moral responsibility to our future generation, to take care of our home by acting locally to improve our environment." Benneian is also a part of the Family Heritage Day Committee, the World Threads Festival and Trafalgar 200 celebrations. The other recipient of the Individual Volunteer Award was Sandy Sandel. For the past eight years, Sandel has been a full time volunteer at Sunningdale Elementary School, where she aids in all manners of activities from preparing mail bundles to making photocopies and icing for gingerbread houses, while at the same time helping students in any way she can. "Sandy Sandel has touched the hearts of every child at Sunningdale School," said Buttigieg. "Her generosity and warmth are felt by all in the school community. She says she loves coming to the school and enjoys being there but the school is the true benefactor from her dedication. Sandy is an extraordinary volunteer that provides countless volunteer hours to Sunningdale School." The Senior Award went to Hennie Vermeer, who has been involved with Special Olympics Ontario for close to 30 years. "Hennie demonstrates a wonderful understanding of all of the athletes and their special needs and has established beautiful bonds of 19" LCD Flat panel TV Don't Forget Father's Day Sunday, June 17th Save $40 $ .99 279 Save 55% $ .99* 89 Save $100 $ .99 379 Save 25 1/2 Price Save 25% % $ 9 .99 Save 20% ea, up $ 4.79 ea $ 9.99 ea, up Sat. 8:00am-7:00pm Sun. 9:00am-6:00pm Sat. 8:00am-7:00pm Sun. 9:00am-6:00pm 2006. While quantities last. friendship with so many of them," said Buttigieg. Vermeer has also been a volunteer at the Oakland's Regional Centre for 25 years. There, she has been co-ordinating the centre's sewing room. Also, Vermeer has volunteered at Lorne Skuce School's Breakfast Program and, for 10 years, she has been part of Oakville's Meals on Wheels program, where she has assisted in driving and delivering meals to seniors in the community. The recipient of the 2007 Sports Development Award was John Mooney. Mooney has volunteered with the Oakville Little League Association for more than 15 years. "John displays all the qualities one should aspire to as a volunteer in youth sports; dedication, enthusiasm, kindheartedness and a model of good sportsmanship," said Buttigieg. "John's volunteer effort and commitment has enriched not only the league, but also the lives of over 900 youth and their families that play." Throughout his tenure as a volunteer with the league, Mooney, who is currently vice-president of operations for the league, has taken part in coaching, served as equipment manager, acted as grounds crew, fundraiser and concession worker and been on the board of directors. The Art Award went to the World of Threads Festival, a bi-annual festival that provides an educational forum for celebrating traditional and contemporary textile arts. "We took about two years planning the event and we are already planning the next event for 2009," said Jane Coryell, chair of the steering committee for the festival. "We had a team of about seven people, all volunteers, putting in easily thousands of hours." The festival has helped put Oakville on the cultural map. "It is such a vindication of all the hard work that we did, and the time that we put in and the faith that we have that textile arts are a viable arts medium," said Coryell. The final recognition was the Youth Award, which went to Julie Harmgardt, a Grade 11 French immersion student at Thomas A. Blakelock High School. Harmgardt leads a very active school life. She is president of the Interact Club and World Council for her school. She serves as her school's liaison for the Oakville Santa Claus Parade Committee and co-president of TOLES (Teens Organizing Local Events for Seniors). "Julie takes on all her initiatives with wonderful enthusiasm and exception dedication,' said Buttigieg. "She is driven, to not only complete the task, but ensure its success. Julie's extraordinary leadership skills make her an excellent role model, not only for other youth, but for everyone." All recipients from this year's Community Spirit Awards received original, hand-crafted glass awards created by local artist Andrew Kuntz. The 2007 Oakville Community Spirit Awards once again showed the total commitment of individuals and the community as a whole to bettering Oakville now and in the future.