At the city's Salute to Excellence Awards at city hall Monday evening, the mayor and five councillors were giving out nice Salute to Excellence plaques for straight volunteer leadership.

In arts and culture, recognized were musician Francis Dunnigan (Catholic Schools All-City Band), educational filmmaker Ava Karvonen, documentary maker Dan Kauffman (Jewish community history), visual artists Amy Loewan, arts builder David Norwood (Winspear Centre, Transalta Arts Barn), sculptor and organizer Keith Turnbull, playwright Marty Chan and print maker Sean Caulfield.

Community service citations went to naturalist Margaret Reine, and realtor Sid van der Meulen for much charity leadership and fund raising.

As always, it's the most deserving folks who feel they don't deserve the recognition.