Petrolia Town Crier Les Whiting says he's "hardly old enough to be a senior" but was honoured nonetheless to receive the Ontario Senior of the Year award.
Mayor Brad Loosley presented the award to Whiting during a town council meeting on June 23.
"I shall put this in a place of honour. I'll kind of blur out the 'senior' part and say 'middle-aged with 40 years experience,'" said Whiting, as members of council chuckled. "Thank you very much, and this is a great honour!"
Whiting has spent over 20 years as town crier, but is also involved in the community as a Rotarian, chair of the Committee of Adjustment, member of the Board for Petrolia Discovery, a board member for the Community Refrigerator, a St. Andrew’s member, and member of the Scotch Club.
"We can’t think of a more deserving honouree," read a Town of Petrolia Facebook post. "Congratulations, Les we’re so grateful, and humbled to celebrate you and your contributions to Petrolia."
The Ontario Senior of the Year Award allows each municipality the opportunity to recognize one person, who is at least 65 years old, who has enriched the social, cultural or civic life of their community.
Meanwhile, the Municipality of Brooke Alvinston named Wayne Deans as this year's Senior of the Year.
Adrian Verwegan was also the recipient of the Senior of the Year award for the Town of Plympton-Wyoming.
The month of June was also recognized as Seniors Month in Ontario.