This year, Her Majesty the Queen, and Canadians are celebrating her 70th year on the throne. Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee is being celebrated in many ways including through the production of a limited-edition commemorative pin, and locally, a certificate of recognition.
During a reception on Friday afternoon, the Honourable Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming, and Speaker of the House of Commons recognized exceptional community leaders who were nominated by fellow constituents.
“It is important to recognize the work of community volunteerism, activism and leadership and make sure those efforts do not go unnoticed. There are people working hard to make sure we can live and work in a place that is safe and celebrates many cultures and identities and I was honoured to recognize those members of our community with these commemorative pins,” says Rota.
The list of recipients is as follows:
Réjeanne Belisle Massie: Nominated for her work as President of the ARTEM Cultural Centre and treasurer of the Temiskaming Art Gallery. She is a retired teacher and has also been involved in the Festival des folies francophones, the Christmas market and the Association Canadienne-française de l'Ontario (ACFO) in Temiskaming.
Dan Cleroux: Nominated for his dedication and commitment to Coleman Township. As Mayor and a Chamber President, Dan has spearheaded many projects that have had great economic benefits for the community including mining conferences to show of the area’s mining and mineral potential to the world and promoting this region as an area of sustainable development.
Sharron Graydon: Nominated for being involved in many different organizations around the Temiskaming Shores area including President of the New Liskeard Skating Club and the Temiskaming Summer Skating School, Organizer of the New Liskeard Fall Fair Harvest Queen Contest for many years, and Chair of the CT Scan Foundation for the Temiskaming Hospital
Dan Hackett: Nominated for his work to make Bass Lake Resort a more family friendly place over the last few years. He has also organized a Christmas Luau at the resort for the past six years which is a themed fundraiser with the proceeds going to a charity of his choosing.
Candy Keith: Nominated for her work with the Pied Pieper Kid shows Live Professional Family Entertainment. This was a volunteer team that toured the north and brought diverse representational arts and culture opportunities to children and families for over 20 years through hands on workshops. Candy was also the District Director and President of the Business and Professional Women’s organization from 1986-1997 where she led local public awareness and safety campaigns to support women in domestic abuse situations as well as leading women’s equal pay and working rights initiatives during that time.
George Lefebvre: Nominated for his efforts on all he has been involved with during his time at Latchford City Hall. He has served Latchford as the Clerk Treasurer, Councilor, and Mayor for over 40 years. Also, a longtime member of Sgt. Aubrey Cosens VC Branch 629, Royal Canadian Legion which he presently serves as President.
Dave MacDonald and Mary MacDonald: Nominated for their dedication to the Living Temagami Arts and Culture organization which promotes community interest, engagement, appreciation, and education in the arts, culture, heritage, local history, and other areas.
Gail Moore: Nominated for her work as Chair of CJTT’s Christmas Wish for over 25 years, seeing over 300 children a year receive something for Christmas. Gail was a member of the Board of Directors with the Tri Town District Chamber of Commerce, Garderie Bouton d’Or, Police Services Board and Multiple Births Canada. As part of that last organization, she chaired the National Multiple Births Awareness Day for 12 years.
Christopher Oslund: Nominated for his well-respected knowledge of the area, having been the curator for the Haileybury Museum. He was a member of Haileybury city council beginning in 2000 and was also successful in the polls for the amalgamated City of Temiskaming Shores. He became City Clerk and worked for three Mayors during his time there, before moving over to the position of Chief Administrative Officer in Coleman Township. He is the former president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 54 and an active member of the Temiskaming Genealogy society.
Margaret Villneff: Nominated for her dedication as a teacher to local school children from 1954 until her retirement in 1990. She has been the Director of the New Liskeard Fall Fair, a member of the Rockley Women’s Institute and Hudson Women’s Institute for over 40 years. She was also involved in the beginning of Riverside Farmers Market and has been a Director of the Little Claybelt Homesteaders Museum serving in the positions of President, Vice-President and Club Secretary.
Rota says, “This was a perfect opportunity to recognize many local residents who quietly donate their time for local charities and organizations. They embody the virtues of the Queen’s 70-year legacy of selflessness and steadfast service, and they really are unsung heroes of our region.”
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