Submitted photo.
GRIMSBY – Thirteen community leaders were honoured with Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medals for their exceptional contributions to their province and the country, Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak said during a medal presentation at the Casablanca Winery Inn in Grimsby.
“This year we celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty’s ascension to the throne,” Hudak said. “In our community tonight, we honour her tenacity and spirit, which have guided the Commonwealth into the 21st century.
“We are also recognizing 13 of our residents for their inspiring dedication to making our community one of the best places in the world to live.
“Anyone who has lived here knows what an amazing, tightly-knit community we have, and it’s because people have always been more than willing to help out a neighbour, volunteer their time and run programs that truly enrich our lives.
“In an age that is often considered impersonal, tonight reminds us that the warmth of the human spirit, and our common humanity, still exists. In fact, it thrives,” Hudak concluded. “By dedicating their time and skills, each of our honoured guests has created – and continues to make – a lasting impact on our community. And for that, we thank you, and honour you.”
Nominated by a friend, an associate or a peer for their achievements, the recipients are:
Nick Andreychuk, of Grimsby – 35 years of public service in municipal politics having served multiple terms as a member of council and as Mayor of Grimsby.
Beverly Davies, of Beamsville – Recipient of the Order of Niagara. Active member of the Lincoln County Fair Board. Long-time volunteer with the Girl Guides, Scouts and Jordan Museum.
David Davies, of Beamsville – WWII veteran. Active in the field of conservation and has won numerous awards for his work to protect the Niagara Escarpment.
Greg Dyson, of Fonthill – Dedicated support-staff volunteer with the 613 cadets in Fonthill. Volunteers with Heart and Stroke Foundation and is a Corrections Volunteer Provincial Drill Instructor.
Marion Holt, of Vineland – Volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross for 45 years. Has worked as a volunteer driver, assisting evacuations in foreign countries and building shelters as part of disaster relief efforts.
Captain Lynn Giovenazzo ,of Fonthill – Dedicated and committed volunteer of the 613 Army Cadets in Fonthill, the top cadet group for its size in Ontario. Planned and organized a trip to Vimy for 50 cadets this past year.
Mabel Kaiser, of Beamsville – A volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society since 1959. For nearly three decades, served as the local campaign manager recruiting hundreds of door-to-door volunteers.
Barbara Longfield, of Grimsby – Chair of the Grimsby Heritage Advisory. Instrumental in starting the Grimsby Art Competition. Long-time advocate for the arts and heritage.
Major Michael MacNamara, of Fonthill – Has spent most of his life serving Canada as a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Is a dedicated cadet instructor and one of the country’s foremost experts in cadet training and recruitment.
Brian Purdy, of Grimsby – Has been honoured with 81 national and international production and creative awards as a producer and director with 50 years experience in television, radio, advertising and stage productions. Has lent his talents to numerous charitable organizations.
Mary Anne Sellers, of Mount Hope – Organized the “Hamilton Garrison Deployment Family Support Cell” that supported over 50 families of reservists who were deployed to Afghanistan from 2008 to 2011.
Lieutenant Colonel Gary Sexton, of Stoney Creek – Commanding Officer of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada. Has operated his own financial services business while dedicating countless hours to his regiment.
Wendy Watt, of Grimsby – Chair of the Grimsby Economic Development Committee. Served as chair of the Local Heritage Advisory Committee and past president of the Grimsby Historical Society.
(Submitted by the Office of Tim Hudak, MPP)
