Above & Beyond - Awards Salute An Extra Effort

Lisa Currie-The Daily Gleaner, November 22, 2000

Above and Beyond: The city handed out its annual Above and Beyond Awards on Tuesday evening.  Those attending the evening included: Tommy Jellinek, deputy mayor and presenter, Left: and recipients, Natasha Colter, Ralph Duguay and Sheila and Frank Talbot

Fredericton is highly acclaimed for its maritime hospitality throughout the country.  Visitors to the capital city had an opportunity to nominate individuals who went "Above and Beyond" the call of their usual duties to be honoured at the 10th Annual Above and Beyond Awards, held Tuesday evening at City Hall Council Chambers.

"We know it's a great place to live and raise our children," said City Coun.  Marilyn Kerton.  "We need to share that through tourism."

The popular program recognizes local accomodations, attractions, restaurants, businesses and local community members who provide a special helping hand to guests in the city.

This year's 88 nominees were selected by visitors who completed an Above and Beyond reply card which can be found in the Fredericton Visitor guide and at local accommodations and attractions.

Everyone left the party with a prize of some sort.  All nominees were presented with a certificate and specially designed pewter pin, with the new logo, designed by Jessica Bostwick.  As well, 35 door prizes were given won.

A selection committee reviewed the cards and awarded the Above and Beyond Awards to Natasha Colter, from Jessie's Landing, who went to the rescue of stranded boaters on the St. John River, Ralph Duguay, Atlantic Super Valu, who acted as an ambassador for the city, giving helpful directions and information on the city; Frank and Sheila Talbot, who helped a family feel better about leaving their son in a new city and apartment; and Richelle Plumstead an employee from Robert Laagland Industries who canvassed the community to help a stranded family from Ottawa.

Repeat nominees for the award are Sally Delmas from town and Country and Rhonda Guidry from the Lobster Factory who have each been nominated five years in a row.

"the Above and Beyond Awards" are a good opportunity to show the people who love Fredericton that they are appreciated said Kerton.

The grand Prize, sponsored by DineAid.Com consisted of an all expense paid weekend for two at any CP Hotel, as well as a dinner for two.  An internet web site, DineAid.Com, specializes in informing readers of the best places to eat.  Garth McCrea, VP of Sales of DineAid.Com presented the award to Natasha Colter.

Even though city employees were not eligible for the awards the committee recognized them publicly.  An amusing skating story of Kelly Watts, from the city recreation department, was shared that evening.  It seems a New Yorker was looking for a place to rent some ice skates, but unfortunately that service is unavailable.  Watts wanted the New Yorker to experience skating in Fredericton so much that he loaned the individual his ice skates for three days.  The big city individual was impressed by the trustworthy nature of Watt.s

Lt.-Gov. Marilyn Trenholme Counsell was a guest at the ceremony and was inspired by the incredible personal stories.

"Little gestures make such a big difference," Trenholme Counsell said.

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