Adam Prudhomme
Beaver Staff
Doris Lucas’ commitment to downtown Napanee was rewarded last Thursday when she was presented with a Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteering.
Hastings-Lennox and Addington MP Mike Bossio presented the longtime business owner with the medal at the mayor’s levee, doing so on behalf of Governor General Julie Payette.
Lucas was nominated for the award by Greater Napanee deputy mayor Marg Isbester, who listed Lucas’ investment into the community, which dates back 70 years.
Over that time Lucas has been credited as a mentor to countless entrepreneurs in the area. She was also noted to have helped revive Dundas Street, investing in several empty stores during the early 2000s.
“I often talk about how do we build sustainable, renewable communities,” said Bossio as he introduced the award. “Rebuilding Main Street is how you do it. For 70 years (Lucas) has worked tirelessly to build downtown Napanee and turn it into one of the gems of eastern Ontario.”
Lucas was joined by her children as she accepted the award.
“This is quite a surprise,” she said. “I have enjoyed every minute that I’ve spent in downtown Napanee. I’m very proud of our town.”