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Sunshine Women‘s Institute Tweedsmuir History Book 3 searcha ble pdfa Allan and Mary Helen Simpson receive Agricultural Awardfiof Merit (photo M. Ulczak) Left to right are Agricultural Award of Merit recipients, Dr. Allan Simpson and Mary Helen Simpson, along with Denis Pommainville, reeve of Nation Township. Pommainville presented the Simpsons with a certificate on behalf of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, at the recent Soil and Crop March 13: «100x Improvement Association banquet in St-Bernardin. ST-BERNARDIN â€" Longâ€" time Stardale dairy farmers. Dr. Allan and Mary Helen Simpson, were presented with the Eastern Valley Soil and Crop Improvement Association Award ofMerit last Saturday evening. for more than a qu ting-century of involvement in agriculture and rural life. At the annual dinner of the EVSCIA. (Prescott County branch), held March 23 at the St- Bernardin Community Centre, count) president Thomas Hearle read the citation. then presented the couple with an Award of Merit plaque. followed by the large. wooden plaque which bears the names of all previous winners. Christa Hearle, wife of the EVSCIA count} president. presented a bouquet of roses to Mary Helen Simpson. Several previous award-winners were on hand including Cecil and Maureen Cass. Herve" Castonguay. Gaston Levac and their spouses. The recognition didn't stop there. The Hon. Don Boudria presented the couple with a certificate from Prime Minister Jean Chrétien as well as one from Boudria's own office. Provincial MPP Jean- Marc Lalonde brought a congratulator) scroll from Premier Mike Harris and a further certificate bearing his own signature. Representing warden Michel Lalonde. Nation Township reeve. Denis Pommainville. presented the Simpsons with another certificate of honour â€" this one on behalf of Prescott-Russell United Counties. A seventh citation “as presented by Scott Allen on behalf of the Dairy COUniY 04 Producers of Prescott County. for "25 years commitment in advancing the interests of dairy producers", Speaking for the provincial board of directors of the Soil and Crop Improvement Association, Cecil Cass commended Allan and Mar) Helen on their achievement. and encouraged farmers to both complete. and register their environmental farm management plans. Hometocelebratetheir parents' award were the Simpsons‘ daughters. Christy and Sally. along with son John and his wife. After some persuasion during dinner, Christ Simpson spoke a few words on behalfofall the younger Simpsons. Recalling that her parents had cited "spending more time with their children" as one reason for moving back to the farm, Christy spoke of the life lessons she. her brother and sister learned as a result of working alongside their parents; for example. the value ofhard work, With a fewjokes about running after heifers at 5 am, and the early start time of morning chores. Christ} reflected on the importance of growing up on a farm surrounded b} extended family and a caring communit}. In Closing all three thanked their parents for making the decision to mo\e to the team. "This award is like an Oscar” Expressing thanks for the axiard. AIIan Simpson told the audience. "this award is like an Oscar for famin farming. presented by those who work in the business and live in the community."