After serving with the Odessa Fire Department, contributing to the development of the community and maintaining his family's business, it was time Francis Savage received an award — which is exactly what has happened. Savage was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Lennox and Addington Economic Development Awards Thursday at the Strathcona Paper Centre in Napanee.

Born in Odessa, Savage's family opened and operated what is now known as Savage's Home Hardware. At the age of 15, he joined the fire department, where he served for 18 years.

During that time, Savage and his colleagues built the skating rink in Centennial Park. He became a member of the Ernestown Township recreation committee, where he was instrumental in the planning and building of the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre. He also served on the Lennox and Addington County School Board before retiring in 2004.

Savage and his wife, Cathy, had four children, all of whom worked in the family store at one point. The store is now run by his son, David, and his wife, Deborah.

Also honoured Thursday were:

Manufacturer of the year, presented to Willy Dog Hot Dog Carts of Napanee which, since 1989, has custom built specialized designs for hot dog vendors. Relocating to Napanee in 2010, the company now employs 18 area tradespeople.

Hook's Rona in the Township of Addington Highlands was named small firm of the year Award. Not only an economic force in northern Lennox and Addington County, Hook's Rona has also won national retailing awards.

The tourism product of the year went to the North American Gaeltacht, located in Tamworth. Dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional Irish language, dance and culture, Cumann Na Gaeltachta is the first gaeltacht in the world outside of Ireland. The organization holds an annual week-long summer immersion camp, drawing people from across the country, and from the United States and Ireland.

Paulridge Berry Farm was named agricultural operation of the year. The Switzerville farm attracts locals and tourists to the county all summer, with eight hectares of strawberries and four hectares of raspberries, as well as other produce. In addition to the berries and produce, they also farm 240 hectares of soybeans and 80 hectares of wheat.

Two couples were recognized for with community volunteer service.

Bob and Wendy Brockmeyer from Stone Mills were honoured for their role in planning and promoting the L&A Rides motorcycle tourism initiative.

Joe and Theresa Tisdale of Greater Napanee were recognized for their leadership in the Discover L&A geocaching event, for which they hid more than 60 new caches across the county. The event drew more than 220 participants from all over Canada.

From:  Long-time volunteer firefighter honoured
The Kingston Whig Standard
November 21, 2011