Serving their communities: Pictou County volunteers recognized at provincial awards ceremony

Pictou County residents were recognized for their volunteering efforts at the 52nd Provincial Volunteer Awards on Sept. 28.

Among the residents honoured was Art MacLean, as he’s known to his friends, a dedicated community volunteer whose commitment to service earned him the Volunteer of the Year award from the Town of New Glasgow.

MacLean served as a member of the New Glasgow Fire Department for 25 years and chaired the department’s Santa Claus Parade for 10 years. Over the years, he has devoted countless hours to supporting community events, emergency response efforts, youth initiatives, and public safety programs. He has also volunteered extensively with first aid services at numerous Town of New Glasgow events, the Joe Earle Memorial Road Race, and the Atlantic International Airshow alongside the New Glasgow Police Youth Troopers program.

“It was quite humbling and gratifying,” MacLean said.

“Volunteer work is just a part of who I am, and I’ve been volunteering all of my life. I enjoy the work and providing a service to my community by helping out however I can. Getting an award like this is certainly very gratifying, but I’m not looking for the attention when I do this; I just enjoy volunteering and knowing that I’m helping someone out.”

MacLean’s dedication to helping others has earned him two life-saving awards, including for assisting an infant aboard the Caribou to P.E.I. ferry in 2012 and helping save the life of a participant during the 2024 Joe Earle Memorial Road Race.

He received the Joe Earle Memorial Road Race Volunteer Award earlier this year. The town said MacLean continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through his generosity, leadership, and community spirit.

Seven Pictou County residents received awards for their service to their respective communities in 2026. They are Ruth Thompson (Municipality of Pictou County), David Arthur (Art) MacLean (Town of New Glasgow), Clifton Mason and Lola (Town of Stellarton), Mary Taylor (Town of Westville), Dawn Westhaver (Town of Pictou), Danielle MacCarron (Town of Trenton), and Ann Francis-Muise (Pictou Landing First Nation).

Thompson has dedicated more than five decades of volunteer service in Pictou County. She moved from Edmonton, Alta., to Plymouth in the late 1960s and almost immediately began helping in the community. Beginning her involvement with the Plymouth Community Centre in 1970, Thompson would serve extensively from 1977 through the mid-1980s, and again from 2009 until this year, recently stepping down after decades of service.

Community members widely credit Thompson’s commitment as a key reason the centre has continued to serve residents for so long. It is presently undergoing renovations to become a daycare facility, which is expected to open by 2027.

“It’s been a very satisfying experience,” Thompson said.

“I was surprised when they called me to let me know that I was receiving the award. I’ve been doing this for over 50 years now, and it’s satisfying to know that my work has been recognized,” she added.

“When I first moved to Plymouth, I didn’t know anyone in the neighbourhood, so volunteering helped me to get out and meet people. I’m very glad that I decided to volunteer back when I did, as it taught me to love my wonderful community and the people that live in it.”

Clifton Mason and his beloved dog, Lola, are considered “unofficial” volunteers in the Town of Stellarton. According to the town, from early spring through winter, he and Lola can be seen strolling the streets of Stellarton, with litter grabber and garbage bag in hand, collecting trash and other debris.

The town has said Mason and Lola embody the spirit of Stellarton Communities in Bloom: citizen-led, exhibiting civic pride, a positive sense of community, and tangible improvements generated by their efforts. The duo has never been asked to do the work they do, choosing to clean up the town out of a genuine desire to help out however they can.

“I’m just the guy who picks up garbage,” said Mason.

“Back when I first started volunteer work 10 years ago, I thought to myself, ‘Why not?’ I don’t volunteer because I have to, but because I want to. It certainly feels very nice to have my work recognized, and I thank the people whenever they take time to thank us.”

Taylor is known for transforming a personal dream into a powerful community movement in the Town of Westville. The town said her plan to walk 100 km in one day for Food-for-Focus grew into a full Westville-wide event as she shared her vision with local partners, schools, the congregation, the mayor, the library, the legion, the military, and residents. The town rallied with meals, activities, a parade, and family events, creating a shared celebration of compassion and action.

Taylor’s ability to mobilize an entire town around a cause reflects her deep commitment to service and community. Some of the projects she supports include Food for Focus, Pictou County Food Bank, Pictou County Fuel Fund, Viola’s Place, Karma Closet, Emma’s Pyjamas, and Tearmann House. Her determination, humility, and unwavering focus on children’s well-being have motivated organizations, leaders, families, and volunteers to join her.

“This work is important to all lives, and I’m just happy to be a part of that,” said Taylor.

“I was very honoured to be nominated, and especially to be among a phenomenal group of people who do so much for our community. It’s very humbling to receive this award, because I do not do this for recognition. I just like to be a part of the community as much as I can and to share my time with others.

“Volunteer work is so important for our communities because it builds up its strength,” she added. “The more that people are able to share their time, talents, and strengths with the community, the easier it is to build one that finds collaboration easily. When we do that, we are able to know each other better and share in that love and grace.”

Francis-Muise was recognized for her outstanding dedication, selfless service, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of her community.

“Ann generously gives her time, energy and compassion to support countless community initiatives. Whether volunteering through the church, helping organize and participate in Mali’komij celebrations, supporting the annual Pilgrimage to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, taking part in community clean-up efforts, or encouraging friends and neighbours to stay active through walking and outdoor activities, she consistently leads by example,” says a bio from the provincial volunteer awards ceremony’s program.

“Her kindness and enthusiasm bring people together, inspiring community members of all ages to become involved, stay connected, and take pride in their community. Ann understands that community is strengthened through shared experiences, inclusion, and caring for one another.”

The bio noted Francis-Muise has made a lasting and positive impact on many people’s lives.

“Her volunteer spirit reflects the true meaning of service, generosity, and community leadership.”

MacCarron has been a dedicated volunteer in Trenton for many years, giving her time and energy to support local organizations. Most recently, it has included the Trenton school community.

A teacher with 18 years of experience, MacCarron is currently the learning support teacher at Trenton Elementary School.

“Danielle has made a meaningful impact through her involvement with Home and School, School Advisory Committees, the Breakfast Program, and the Backpack Program. Her commitment goes far beyond attending meetings – she plays an active role in planning events, managing budgets, and ensuring programs run smoothly for students and families,” her bio said.

“Each morning, Danielle helps lead the school breakfast program which includes planning menus, purchasing groceries, and preparing and serving meals to students. For her, the most rewarding part is seeing children start their day with a full stomach and a smile, knowing they are supported and ready to learn.”

MacCarron’s passion for volunteering began at a young age.

“She describes it as something that has never felt like work, but simply a way of giving back that comes naturally,” the bio says. “Her contributions have helped create opportunities, strengthen food security, and foster a sense of care and belonging within the school community.”

Westhaver is described as a go-to gardening expert in Pictou.

She is past president and a lifetime member of the Pictou and Area Garden Club, holding many leadership roles, provincially and nationally.

“Her years of expertise and willingness to help others inspired her to create and share weekly gardening videos during the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in the highest ever sales for the annual plant sale,” says her bio.

Westhaver was awarded the Nova Scotia Garden Association of Garden Clubs’ Garden Hero in 2022.

“She has been the organizer of countless annual plant sales, designed and project-managed plantings at the Pictou Veterans Wing, Scammell Gardens, and is a 12-year mentor and organizer for the Pictou Community Garden,” the bio reads.

Westhaver has more than 40 years of volunteering experience locally and in Alberta. It includes secretary and leader positions in Scouting and Pathfinders, president of Central Highlands Association of the Disabled, and providing support to Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities, and various recreation and sport organizations, notably the Nova Scotia 55+ Games.