Local athletes and volunteers were honoured by the Town of Bracebridge recently.
Tuesday night at the Sportsplex dozens of people were recognized for their service to organizations and sports teams.
The following individuals and organizations were recognized at the Awards Celebration:
Barbara Roche Bettke – Bracebridge Volunteer Service Award
Barb has been a volunteer with Hospice Muskoka for ten years in many different roles, she also volunteers at Carter’s Rescue for Dogs on a regular basis and is very involved with her community, family and friends.
Sandy Crawford – Bracebridge Volunteer Service Award
Sandy has been a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka for many years. She has been a positive mentor to three different children has watched them grow, treated them as if her own and incorporated them into her family’s events.
Allan McLeod – Bracebridge Senior of the Year
Allan provides financial support and marketing assistance to several clubs and non-profit organizations in the community and he generously provides support to those requiring accessibility assistance.
Mary Lou Chuter – Bracebridge Good Citizenship Award
Mary Lou had the distinct honour of being nominated for the Bracebridge Good Citizenship Award by four local organizations: South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Auxiliary; Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre; Bracebridge Probus Club; and the Bracebridge United Church.
Muskoka Women’s Hockey League – Bracebridge Outstanding Volunteer Achievement
In 2014, the Muskoka Women’s Hockey League was established to provide an opportunity for women in Bracebridge to play in an organized league. This need was identified by four local hockey enthusiasts, that made the founding executive: Courtney Doran, Kim Knight, Stephanie Oates and Christy MacDonald.
Ethan Crossett – Jim Quigley Memorial Award–Bracebridge Athlete of the Year
Ethan is a Grade 12 student who has been an integral part of Bracebridge athletics since he moved to town 5 years ago.
Mark McGrath – Bracebridge Community Coach of the Year
Mark is the head coach of the Muskoka Grizzlies; an all-girls hockey team in Bracebridge.
Muskoka Dance Connection Competitive Team – Norm Harkness Memorial Award Bracebridge Team of the Year
The Muskoka Dance Connection Competitive team has achieved great results over the last couple of years.
The Bracebridge Baseball Wall of Fame was created in 2011 to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions or achievements in the sport of baseball in Bracebridge in one of four categories: Player, Coach/Official, Fan/Supporter, and Builder/Sponsor.
2019 Inductees into the Bracebridge Baseball Wall of Fame include:
Tom Gefucia – Bracebridge Baseball Wall of Fame – Player
The Gefucia family has been playing baseball for many years. Tom, more affectionately known by his teammates as “Chico”, has spent 49 years playing men’s fastball at various levels.
Ross Watt – Bracebridge Baseball Wall of Fame – Builder/Sponsor
Ross is always approachable when it comes to looking for sponsors. In the 1970’s there were several teams in the Bracebridge area requiring sponsorship, and it was at that time that Ross became involved.
David Veitch – Bracebridge Baseball Wall of Fame – Fan/Supporter
Dave has been supporting the Bracebridge Fastball and Softball programs since 1991. He spent a decade as the scheduler for Bracebridge Fastball and also created schedules for Bracebridge Minor Ball and the Muskoka Ladies Softball League.
Mike Holm – Bracebridge Baseball Wall of Fame – Coach/Official
Mike was the cornerstone of the Muskoka Hornets Baseball Association. When Mike signed on with the Hornets organization in 2012 they had limited resources and volunteer assistance.
