Lonny Napper was looking dapper until he lost his tie.
The fashion faux pas came during the Plympton-Wyoming Mayor’s annual Community Appreciation Luncheon in front of a packed house at the Camlachie Community Centre.
The light-hearted moment came when auctioneer John VanKlaveren and his wife Joyce were called to the podium to receive a Mayor’s Community Appreciation Award.
VanKlaveren then took the tie from Napper’s neck and auctioned it off for $120.
“How much will you give me for this?” the auctioneer called out, as his assistants Kiley Zavitz, 4, and her sister, Zoe, 7, each held up $20 bills to spur the bidding.
The VanKlaverens were recognized for the 30th anniversary of their business, and for donating widely to the community.
They were among the 17 individuals and groups recognized by the mayor for helping making Plympton-Wyoming a better place.
Dr. Susan Mathers was one of those selected. Mathers recently garnered the Patient’s Choice Award from the Ontario Medical Association, in honour of her work in Wyoming and Petrolia.
A graduate of the University of Western Ontario medical school, Mather became a travelling locum. She came to Lambton County in 2000 to fill in for Dr. David Wan.
She never left, marrying local resident Mark Minielly.
Mathers splits her time between her practices in both Petrolia and Wyoming. She’s also one of Lambton county’s coroners.
In her 400-patient clinic in downtown Wyoming, she holds a special place in the hearts of senior residents who would otherwise have a hard time travelling to get medical care.
“Our office is very patient-centered,” Mathers says. “It’s a country practice and is much the same as it was when it started.”
The doctor even does house calls.
Mathers has a mutually beneficial relationship with Plympton-Wyoming as they provide the space for the practice.
“We work together to make the clinic work,” Mathers adds.
Others receiving recognition from the mayor include:
•Wyoming Minor Baseball Association, for providing organized baseball for more than 400 kids and for upkeep of local ball diamonds.
•Toastmaster Club organizer Julie Whitely, a recipient of the distinguished Toastmaster’s Award.
•Hydro One in Wyoming for being one of Wyoming’s largest employers, along with 50 years of continued service to the community.
•Huron Shores Optimist Club for 40 years of supporting numerous projects in Plympton-Wyoming both the young and old.
•Carrie-Ann Wilson for educating hundreds of students on agriculture and rural life by spearheading the Ag in the Classroom program.
•Faith and Dave Abbey in honour of Faith’s Footsteps. Faith, a cancer survivor has walked three times from London to Sarnia raising awareness and funds for ChildCan.
•St. Patrick High School Robotic Team members Jessie Clark, Kyle Hendrikx, Lucas Hendrikx and Olivia Schenk, all of Plympton-Wyoming, for their technology skills. The students are members of the high school’s first robotics team, winning first at the regional contest at Ryerson University, before moving on the World Competition in St. Louis where they placed 24th out of 72 entries.
•Lynn Eves for 25 years of helping birds of prey through the Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation.
•Mike Vasey, Brian Freer and Joe Emilio in honour of receiving the Fire Services Long Term Services Medal for 25 years or more service.
•Keith Murray was recognized posthumously for his tireless volunteerism with Huron Shores Optimists, Tai Chi and COPA in restoration of the F-86 Sabre Jet fighter in Sarnia’s Germain Park. He also entertained in nursing homes, parks and at special occasions.
•Science Fair winners Keenhan Reidhead and Jace McGrail for their project on road salt.
•The Wyoming Fire Department, the Plympton-Wyoming Agriculture Society and the Wyoming Lion’s Club for joining together and organizing the Tri Tractor Pull.
•Bill and Lynn Duffield for their long service and achievements in the Ontario sheep industry.
•Canton Saw Sharpening owner Les Canton for being an inspiration and role model for anyone facing the challenges of life.
•Sarnia-Lambton Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu for being chosen by Maclean’s Magazine for being Parliamentarian of the Year for 2016. She was chosen by her peers, for being the most collegial MP.
•Jessie Brooks and her dog Kasper for an incredible joint effort. The pair have chalked up 10 wins at dog shows in Canada and the U.S., along with back-to-back scholarships wins in Flora, Illinois.
Proceeds from the event were donated to the Plympton-Wyoming Minor Baseball Association.
