Township of Tiny Opens Nominations for the 2024 Citizen of the Year Awards
By Township of Tiny
April 8, 2024 – Tiny- The Township of Tiny is calling for nominations for the 2024 Citizen of the Year Awards. The nomination period closes at noon on August 30, 2024. Award categories include the following:
Corrie Hamelin Memorial Community Volunteer Award This award recognizes an individual who has volunteered their time and energy to more than one community association, organization or cause, in a selfless manner; and/or has strong beliefs in giving back to the community and benefiting the people of the township.
Robert Robitaille Memorial Volunteer Award This award recognizes an individual who has generously volunteered their time and has been committed to the development and advancement of parks and recreation in the community; and/or has made a difference and as a result, has improved the quality of life in the township.
Senior of the Year Award, also known as the “Heart of Tiny Award” This award recognizes an outstanding senior who, during or after the age of 65, contributed to the enrichment of the social, cultural, or civic life of the township.
Youth of the Year Award This award recognizes an outstanding youth who, before or during the age of 18, contributed to the enrichment of the social, cultural, or civic life of the township.
If you know or are a Tiny resident that is worthy of one of these awards, please submit up to one page of details including:
- the reason for the nomination,
- the special work or service,
- the effect it had on the community, and
- who has benefited from these efforts.
The nominator may include additional information with the nomination such as letters of support, copies of certificates, newspaper clippings, and/or stories. An individual cannot be nominated for achievements related to a current political appointment.
“We are excited to announce that we are accepting nominations for our annual Citizen of the Year Awards,” said Mayor David Evans. “These awards allow us to recognize those who contribute to the wellbeing of our community and make Tiny such a great place to live. If you know a Tiny resident that should be recognized, I encourage you to submit a nomination”.
For more information or to view the nomination applications, visit www.tiny.ca/volunteer.
A Tiny Senior Moment
By Jennifer Gray, Township of Tiny, Senior Column Writer
Walking
The unusually warm weather this year blurred the lines between the seasons but the calendar made spring official on March 19. Spring in itself is a rejuvenating concept; it signifies new beginnings and fresh starts. It’s a sign of brighter, warmer, longer days ahead and opportunities to fill them. We become spurred into planning and cleaning mode: plans for our gardens, plans to clean windows, clean out the garage, clean and declutter our houses. It’s a good feeling to get rid of the cobwebs.
What about our physical cobwebs that have accumulated over the winter months? We should also make a spring plan to get outside for some exercise.
Walking is one of the best exercises we can do for ourselves. A mountain of information is available on the benefits of walking for older adults. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research presents findings that walking outdoors, especially in nature provides physical and emotional benefits.
Walking can strengthen bones and muscles, lower risk of heart disease and cancer, ease joint pain and boost the immune system. It can also reduce anxiety or depression and improve sleep.
Walking is also a highly cost effective and accessible activity. No fancy equipment is required. All that’s needed is a comfortable pair of shoes, suitable clothing and a route. It doesn’t have to be far or fast; a walk around the block, or even down the road and back is a good start. Distances can be increased slowly and routes changed up. There’s lots of enhancements to make walking easier and more enjoyable. A pair of walking poles or a cane helps with balance. Pedometers or Fitbits have become popular for counting steps. Music, audio books or podcasts are an enjoyable companion if used safely. Walking with others is a great way to add social enjoyment to the activity.
Fortunately for us, the Township of Tiny has some wonderful walking and hiking opportunities. The Tiny Rail Trail, established in 1978, is 23-km long and part of the Trans Canada Trail network. It passes over lovely prime agricultural land and through hardwood forests. The trail’s flat surface is a combination of paving and crushed stone which makes it accessible for beginner and moderate walkers. The trail is easy to access from a number of locations it passes through. Awenda Provincial Park, located on Tiny’s peninsula jutting into Georgian Bay also has a wide variety of groomed trails. They range from easy to difficult, providing a good selection for walkers and hikers of all levels. Parking and public facilities are available.
The Tiny Marsh Loop Trail located on Tiny Flos Townline, is another option and a great destination for nature lovers. This area is Ontario’s first provincially owned and managed wetland. It offers 600 hectares of marsh and 300 hectares of field and forest. Observation towers, a marsh viewing mound, wildlife blind and boardwalk provide great opportunities for bird watchers. The biggest obstacle will be getting out your door but once you do, you’ll be surprised at how good you feel. So, the next time someone tells you to take a hike, just smile, put on your shoes and go.
Trail information
Online:
Tiny Rail Trail: https://maps.simcoe.ca/Trails/?TRAIL=TinyTrail
Awenda Provincial Park: https://www.ontarioparks.ca/pdf/maps/awenda/park_map.pdf
Tiny Marsh: https://maps.simcoe.ca/Trails/?TRAIL=TinyMarshLoopTrail
Phone:
Township of Tiny, Recreation Department:
705-526-4204