Today has been proclaimed Queen Nosey Day in Orillia by Mayor Don McIsaac.
In honour of Nosey Neighbours, the popular Facebook page celebrating its sixth anniversary, McIsaac says it's important to recognize the woman behind the enterprise.
"Like a lot of Orillians, I've been following it for years," he said. "It provides valuable information about what's going on in the community."
McIsaac says Queen Nosey, the administrator of the page, is a "loving and giving person" for providing the online service at no cost to followers.
"She's a selfless person who does this for the greater good of the community," he said. "I think it's just wonderful."
McIsaac says he enjoys how Queen Nosey reports about what is happening in Orillia — bluntly and humorously.
"It's just really great to read," he said. "You find out a lot of stuff by going on there before you find out about it through an official channel."
McIsaac says it's important to recognize Queen Nosey today and other local volunteers who give back to the community.
"There's a saying that you should catch people doing something good and tell them about it," he said. "This is a situation where something is right and good and it's important to acknowledge and praise it."
Queen Nosey, who remains anonymous for her protection, says she's flabbergasted to be recognized by McIsaac.
"To be honoured this way isn't something I ever envisioned happening in my life," she said. "To be honest, I think I'm still in a state of shock."
Queen Nosey says it's a "special feeling" to be recognized by the community and local government.
"My cheeks hurt a little from smiling," she said. "I love this community and have so much respect for our mayor, Don. I'm filled with gratitude."
Nosey Neighbours currently has 36,648 follower — a number that is rising daily, she says.
"It's been a wild ride watching it go from 50 followers to 2,000 and then to over 36,000," Queen Nosey said.
For Queen Nosey, running the page is like having a part-time job. She says she spends countless hours answering private messages, posting for awareness, and doing background work.
"I hadn't planned on it becoming so well known, but I jumped right in with two feet and couldn't give up after it exploded with followers," she said.
"The sense of being helpful to the community because I'm a bit of a people pleaser and the entertainment value is what keeps me going."
Queen Nosey thanked her "mascot," Nick from Bala, who helps her with the page.
"Whether it's entertaining us in the comment section or going as far as making an incredible video about our Sunshine City, I want to thank him for being him," she said.
"I'm so thankful for the connections I've made while running this page."
