SANDFIELD––They couldn’t keep it a secret from her, because Betty Heis was on the awards committee. She ordered her own plaque. On Saturday, June 21, at the Big Lake Women’s Institute’s annual luncheon and bake sale, Ms. Heis was presented with the Citizen of the Year award for the community of Sandfield.
“I did know,” she said. “I was on the organizing committee. But I was very surprised. I wasn’t expecting it.”
It couldn’t have gone to a more deserving person than Betty Heis. The list of her community involvement is extensive and dates back decades. In 1987, Ms. Heis held the position of Secretary with the newly formed Sandfield Fire Department. In an ironic twist, on the evening of the first meeting to organize the fire department, a farm home in the community burned down.
With Sandfield’s amalgamation into the Municipality of Central Manitoulin, the Sandfield Fire Department ceased to exist so Ms. Heis acquired the role of the first Secretary/Treasurer of the Sandfield Community Association, which later became the Big Lake Community Association. The first improvement achieved by the original members of the association, of which Ms. Heis was one, was a toilet seat for the Big Lake schoolhouse.
Her work with the fire department and community association led to involvement with the Manitoulin Snowdusters Snowmobile Club, which she joined in 1998. She became Secretary/Treasurer and remained in that role for a noteworthy 15 years. Among other responsibilities, she coordinated volunteers, issued trail permits, and kept members informed of trail conditions. She continues to assist the new executive with problems they may have.
Ms. Heis has been a member of the Big Lake Women’s Institute for 10 years, the past six of which has seen her as secretary/treasurer. She records minutes, keeps the finances in order, and is the “go to” person for anything computer related. In addition, she sits on the Tweedsmuir History Book Committee with the Institute and is a member of the Citizen of the Year committee.
What makes Betty Heis so special is not just her active involvement in her community, but her caring and thoughtful support for friends, family, and others in need of any assistance, of any kind. “Last but not least,” the nominating letter stated, “Betty is a friend you can count on.”
Ms. Heis accepted her award with a smile, thanking the Big Lake Women’s Institute and her husband Doug who has “been there to put up with all the phone calls. He’s always been by my side,” she said.
Newly re-elected Member of Provincial Parliament for Algoma-Manitoulin, Mike Mantha, was there to present Ms. Heis with a certificate of recognition. “Your dedication and countless hours of volunteer service to others has had an enormous impact on your friends, neighbours, and even strangers by brightening and improving the lives of the many people your work has touched,” he read. “I wish you continued fulfillment in your future voluntary endeavours. Congratulations.”
Mr. Mantha also presented a certificate on behalf of MP Carol Hughes, who could not attend. “As federal Member of Parliament for Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing, I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to Betty Heis, Big Lake Women’s Institute Citizen of the Year for Ward 3, Sandfield,” he read. “You are truly a role model for many. The recognition you have been bestowed speaks volumes as to how many lives you have touched.”
The accolades continued with more flowers from the Institute and from her husband, Doug, who presented her with a bright bouquet and a proud hug. Through it all, Ms. Heis remained gracious and humble, but appeared to be quite pleased.
She was trying to return to the busy kitchen, where a number of volunteers were working hard to keep the steady line-up of luncheon attendees fed but she couldn’t quite duck away from additional questions and photographs.
“It’s a wonderful group,” she said. “They’re all great to work with. There’s not a sourpuss in the bunch. They’re all my friends.” She smiled. “We all have different talents. I don’t knit or quilt but I’m good with computers. Everyone has something to contribute.”
Everyone is thankful for the contributions of Betty Heis.
“Is there anything else?” she asked this reporter politely. “I have to help out.”
by Lori Thompson
