Wednesday January 21st, 2009

SOUTH HURON — The South Huron Chamber of Commerce and the Exeter Business Improvement Area (BIA) have recognized an Exeter man for his contribution to the community.

Mike Heller was awarded a 2008 Citizenship Award at Monday night’s South Huron council meeting.

Heller is a familiar face to local residents as he can frequently be seen in the winter months shoveling snow in the downtown area, including the sidewalks and the parkette. He also picks up garbage around town in the summer time and cuts lawns.

Fred Simmons of the Chamber of Commerce said the Chamber has been talking for some time about such a Citizenship Award and, partnering with the BIA, decided Heller would be a good choice as the first recipient of the honour. Simmons called the award a celebration of the people in the community and described Heller as a good ambassador for the community who is always friendly and polite when he meets people on the street.

During Monday night’s presentation, Tom Hartai of the BIA said the downtown businesses appreciate all that Heller does for them. In addition to a plaque, Heller received a large box of gifts donated from local businesses.

Heller dedicated his award to everyone around the world who tries to keep the world a peaceful place and who tries to keep their community safe. In addition to shoveling and cleaning up around town for the exercise it gives him, Heller says he does his work to keep a sense of community within Exeter. He said he wants Exeter to be a place in which its citizens and visitors can feel warmth.

Heller said he considers the award the entire community’s, not just his. Upon receiving his award, Heller’s friends in the council chambers gallery gave him a round of applause.

South Huron Mayor Ken Oke thanked Heller for his work and said the community needs more people like him.

Simmons said he hopes to see the award continue in future years.