Clinton honours Sandy Garnet, other volunteers with new fountain

BY SCOTT STEPHENSON

Over the years, the people of Clinton have come together time and again to enhance their community through public art initiatives. From interactive murals to the student sculpture garden, the crown jewel of Central Huron is proud to wear its creative spirit on its sleeve. On Sept. 10, Clinton unveiled its latest piece of public art: the Volunteer Celebration Fountain, located at 6 Isaac Street.

 

The idea for this stately, three-piece fountain was inspired by one of Clinton’s most-dedicated volunteers: Sandra Garnet, an Isaac Street business owner and Blyth resident who passed away in 2022.

 

Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “I’d like to thank everybody for coming out today. We really appreciate it,” he shouted over the noise of bustling weekday traffic. “We’re here today to pay tribute to one of our great citizens and a true promoter of our downtown: Sandra Garnet. Sandy was instrumental in so many things that happened in the downtown area, and across the municipality for many, many years. We certainly miss her.”

 

When the downtown core underwent major street construction a few years ago, the township decided to take advantage of the disruption by adding a feature fountain to honour Garnet, along with all the other volunteers who have donated their time and effort over the years to make Clinton just a little bit more lovely for residents and visitors alike.

 

Ginn emphasized the value that selfless volunteers bring to the municipality. “I’m sure Sandra would be willing to share the recognition of this statue and water feature with the rest of the community,” he told the crowd. “I knew her pretty well, and I can say that with confidence. We rely on volunteers to make our community special… there are so many different groups who contribute, whether it’s the Lions, the Kinsmen, the service clubs, the horticultural societies, the fair boards - the list goes on and on. Most people don’t volunteer for recognition, but we want to recognize you for what you do and what you contribute.”

 

The fountain was created in collaboration with Jim Wallace, a local sculptor who specializes in metalcraft. It features three symbolic “v” shapes, intended to represent the three pillars of volunteerism: selflessness, sacrifice and service.