Barb Matthews has been named as the Norm Stirling Citizen of the Year.
Dr. Barb Matthew was recognized by the municipality for her dedication to healthcare and impact on the North Perth community for nearly four decades.
Dr. Matthews has also identified and addressing local needs by developing and teaching a Farm Trauma Seminar.
Laila Blazek was named as the Youth Impact Award recipient with Mark Kennedy, Jerry Rozendal and Dianee De Jong being this year’s Inspiration Award winners.
Information on the recipients of all awards includes;
Barb Matthews: 2025 Norm Stirling Citizen of the Year Award Recipient
Dr. Barb Matthews is recognized for her exceptional dedication to healthcare and her profound impact on the North Perth community over nearly four decades.
As the first female physician at Listowel Memorial Hospital and Clinic, Dr. Matthews has played a pivotal role in advancing access to healthcare in the region. She has been a tireless advocate for maintaining a fully staffed and operational Emergency Department, ensuring residents continue to receive critical care close to home.
In addition to her leadership in emergency medicine, Dr. Matthews maintains a busy clinical and maternity practice, having safely delivered many members of the North Perth community. She is deeply committed to the future of rural healthcare, mentoring medical students and actively supporting physician recruitment efforts, including inspiring the next generation of healthcare providers.
Known for her compassion and dedication, Dr. Matthews goes above and beyond for her patients, offering personal support, conducting home visits, and providing care for homebound and hospice patients. She has also identified and addressed local needs by developing and teaching a Farm Trauma Seminar to improve response and care for agricultural-related injuries.
Beyond her medical contributions, Dr. Matthews is an active and enthusiastic community volunteer. She has served as an emcee for numerous local events, including hospital fundraisers, Paddyfest, and Agricultural Society initiatives. A familiar face in local arenas, she has supported youth sports and has always been ready to lend her expertise when needed.
Dr. Matthews’ compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to community service embody the spirit of the Norm Stirling Citizen of the Year Award. Her legacy continues to shape and strengthen North Perth.
Laila Blazek: 2025 Youth Impact Award Recipient
Laila Blazek is a dedicated and compassionate young leader whose commitment to community involvement goes far beyond expectations. While secondary students are required to complete 40 hours of community service to graduate, Laila has already more than doubled that requirement during her Grade 11 year.
She contributes her time in a variety of meaningful ways, including volunteering with The Listowel Banner’s Letters to Santa program, supporting event preparation for the Women of Distinction North Perth celebration in support of United Way Perth Huron, and coaching youth basketball through North Perth’s municipal programs. For the past three seasons, Laila has prioritized coaching each week from October to March, demonstrating her strong sense of responsibility and passion for mentorship.
At Listowel District Secondary School, Laila is actively involved in extracurricular activities, including basketball, badminton, and soccer, and has recently joined the school band as a drummer, an instrument she has been dedicated to since age six. Her commitment to making a difference was further recognized when she received the school’s Social Justice Award in Grade 10.
Laila’s compassion extends beyond organized activities. She is known for supporting peers who may be struggling and for her deep care for animals. With aspirations of becoming a veterinarian, she has spent time rehabilitating injured wildlife and pets, providing care and comfort before returning them to their natural environments. She also works at a local veterinary clinic, pet sits for families and has participated in the Introduction to Veterinary Medicine program at the Ontario Veterinary College.
Balancing her many commitments with academic excellence, Laila has maintained honour roll standing throughout high school. Her kindness, leadership, and dedication make her an exemplary youth in the North Perth community.
Jerry Rozendal: 2025 Celebrate North Perth – Inspiration Award Recipient
Jerry Rozendal is recognized for his longstanding dedication to the North Perth community and his continued commitment to service, leadership, and mentorship.
For more than 30 years, Jerry has been an active and valued member of the Parks Board, contributing his time, leadership, and insight to enhance community spaces for residents of all ages. Jerry played a key leadership role in the development of the Memorial Arena Park project, dedicating countless hours to help bring the vision to life.
Jerry has also devoted many years to supporting youth sports, coaching minor hockey and serving in leadership roles, including Past President of Listowel Minor Hockey. His involvement has had a lasting impact on young athletes and their families.
Even in his 70s, Jerry continues to lead by example through an active lifestyle and ongoing community involvement. Whether organizing seniors’ leagues or participating in local events, his enthusiasm for bringing people together remains unwavering.
Jerry’s lifelong commitment to volunteering and community-building exemplifies the spirit of the Inspiration Award.
Dianne De Jong: 2025 Celebrate North Perth – Inspiration Award Recipient
Dianne De Jong is recognized for her extraordinary generosity, creativity, and dedication to supporting mental health initiatives and fostering joy throughout the community.
Together with her partner, Steve Terpstra, Dianne has helped transform Kadylack Farm into a welcoming and meaningful community space. Through their Sunflower Fields initiative, they have raised and donated more than $100,000 to local organizations across Perth County.
Known for her warmth and kindness, Dianne creates an inclusive and uplifting experience for all visitors, ensuring accessibility and spreading messages of positivity throughout the space. Her dedication extends from early mornings to late evenings, always focused on creating meaningful moments for others.
An educator for more than 27 years and a children’s author, Dianne’s passion for helping others is evident in all that she does. Affectionately known as the “Sunflower Lady,” she continues to inspire through her generosity, compassion, and commitment to community.
Mark Kennedy: 2025 Celebrate North Perth – Inspiration Award Recipient
Mark Kennedy is recognized for his remarkable 30-year commitment to volunteering with the Listowel Jr. B Cyclones and his unwavering dedication to the local hockey community.
