        It was a community come together in Stoughton on Friday, May 6, as they celebrated the businesses and volunteers who contribute to the vibrancy of the town.
               Throughout the month of April the community was given the opportunity to place their votes for Volunteer of the Year and for Business of the Year, which culminated in the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce Recognition Night.
               Beginning at 6:30 p.m., held at the Stoughton Legion, residents enjoyed cocktails, appetizers, and entertainment before the announcements at 7:30 p.m.
               Entertainment for the evening was local band, Wool Tree Grove, which is the very talented Aaron and Jacquie Walbaum. They were joined by their eldest daughter Mycah, who had won first place in the 18U category at the fiddle competition in Weyburn the weekend before. Comments throughout the evening were very complimentary of the couple and their eldest daughter’s abilities.
               The award presentations then began with Hazel Schindel presenting the Business of the Year award sponsored by the Town of Stoughton. Three very deserving businesses were nominated including Farrell Agencies, Newhope Pharmacy, and Herr Kutz. Farrell Agencies first came to Stoughton in December of 2013, are privately owned and operated, and maintain a staff of three in Stoughton. Newhope Pharmacy was purchased by current owners, Chelsea and Hazel Schindel, in 2007 and they have thrived in the community ever since, offering a variety in their store from the necessities to gift items. The final nominee was Herr Kutz Salon, which is owned and operated by Taure Brigden. Herr Kutz first came to the community in 1975 under the name Carol’s Beauty Salon, which passed down through the family leaving Brigden the third generation to own the business.
               The community spoke and Herr Kutz Salon was this year’s winner. Brigden, not one for public speaking, thanked the community for the honour in a short, but sweet acceptance speech.
               Town of Stoughton Councillor, Tom Sangster, then spoke about the Volunteer of the Year nominees before announcing this year’s winner.
               Nominated were Dorothy Knoch, Betty Lou McIntosh, Anne Kernaleguen, Karla Gervais, Pat Slater, Danielle Hoffman, Ray Coderre, and the Dinner Theatre Group.
               Whether born and raised in Stoughton or moved to the community, volunteerism and the want of community members to better their town for their friends, family, and neighbours is what Stoughton is built on. Each of those who volunteer offer a variety of time and services to ensure each aspect of the community is taken care of.
               In the end the Dinner Theatre Group, made up of Aaron Walbaum, Danielle Hoffman, Trevor Elliot, Lauren Creighton, and Holly Fraser, were chosen as this year’s Volunteer of the Year for their fundraising efforts, which brought in $26,000 to the community.
