Erin honors outstanding businesses, community leaders

Shamrock Awards recognize contributions made to community in 2022

Municipal officials have noticed the hard work of businesses, volunteers and residents in Erin, honoring them at an annual ceremony in town.

The Town of Erin presented the Shamrock Awards at Erin Centre 2000 April. 19. It was developed to recognize individuals, organizations and businesses that made a significant contribution to the community during the 2022 calendar year.

Peter Meleka of Erin Pharmacy won the business of the year award. He felt happy to win the award in front of his three children.

“It’s a very good feeling when you feel like the people around you love you,” said Meleka. “That’s how I was feeling.”

He has been in business for 12 years. He said he feels the support from the community. Keeping his award inside the pharmacy, Meleka said he hopes his children see that hard work pays off, and their efforts will be appreciated.

Gerry Walsh, Venus Hood, Luke Longstreet, Audrey Devonshire, and Val Bush were presented with community volunteer awards. Ann Shanahan was named the citizen of the year. Marcel Pijper and Josh Scheerer of Farmstead Fresh received the innovation award. Budson Farm and Feed obtained the agriculture/agri-business award and Nathan Audette secured the environment award.

“We are very fortunate to live in a community where everyone’s hard work and contributions have enhanced our town tremendously,” said Mayor Michael Dehn. “Without volunteers, many events and organizations that are core elements of the town of Erin would be left wanting. It is our individual and collective actions that helps in creating a strong, interconnected, vibrant community.”

Nominations were submitted by residents and recipients were chosen based on council and on a ranked ballot system. Nominees did not need to live in Erin, but their contributions had to enhance the community.

Read the full story