UPDATED: 31 honoured at Diamond Jubilee Medal ceremony

UPDATED: 31 honoured at Diamond Jubilee Medal ceremony
A group shot of all 31 Diamond Jubilee Medal recipients.

Community members, friends and families, from across the counties, gathered at St Andrew’s Church to celebrate the 31 recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, during a formal ceremony Sunday afternoon.

With pomp and circumstance, guests of honour were piped in before a standing room only congregation. The national anthem followed.

“I’m so proud, humbled to be amongst the recipients from our community,” said MP Guy Lauzon who presented the medals and certificates in the formal ceremony.

“People are volunteering; people are giving of their money, of their time, day after day, after day, for the good causes in our community. We are blessed in this riding with the most incredible citizens you can imagine.”

The award was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s ascension to the throne as Queen of Canada, and given for significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.

To be eligible, nominees were required to be Canadian citizens or residents and to have made a significant contribution to a particular community in Canada, or to have had an significant achievement abroad that brings credit to the country.

Among the recipients, former Citizen of the Year, Sean Adams, was honoured for his countless community involvements and fundraising efforts, including the Children’s Treatment Centre, Cornwall Community Hospital, St Lawrence College among so many others.

Jim Brownell, former MPP, retired teacher with UCSB for 32 years, councillor, deputy reeve, now serves as president of the Lost Villages Historical Society as well as SD&G and Cornwall Township Historical Societies. He is presently the chair 2015 International Ploughing Match and Rural Expo, and on the BOD Quilt of Belonging among many others.

Mamie David, a resident of Akwesasne, was recognized for her devotion to recreation, youth and education in the community. She serves on the Akwesasne Area Management Board, SD& Legal Clinic BOD, Akwesasne Justice Circle, and works with Corrections Canada for the aboriginal early release program. Davis is also on the Cultural Centre BOD, a SD&G School Board Trustee, and Akwesasne Mohawk school committee member.

A prominent and well-respected member of Cornwall’s francophone community Rose Desnoyers, past president of Le Centre Culturel de Cornwall, is heavily involved in the promotion of culture and history of the francophone community in our region, including Vive Cornwall, Cabane a Sucre, Franco Bistro, and La Librairie du Centre.

Two members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 297, past president, Ernie Filion and current president, Ken Heagle, were honoured for their volunteer work and dedication to veteran’s affairs.

Seaway News publisher, Rick Shaver, was recognized as an active leader in local business community, a member of the Kinsmen Club of Cornwall as well as his volunteer work and fundraising efforts for many other associations, charitable organizations and community events.

Team Cornwall chairman, Gilles Latour, who was honoured for his tireless work in promoting the city and for fundraising, brought his family up with him to receive his medal.

Other recipients from the city included Gerald Samson for his volunteer work benefiting youth; Josée Sauve, chair of the local Terry Fox Run; and Theresa Taylor, community volunteering and involvement, Rotary Club, Children’s Christmas Fund; Karen Torrie-Racine active volunteer for MS Society and the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario; D’Arcy Grant, for his work with Big Brothers and Big Sisters; and Rachelle Lamond for her involvement with the St Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre, Bereaved Families of Ontario, Children’s Treatment Centre, and community service clubs.

The ceremony ended with the singing of “God Save the Queen,” after which a reception for recipients, families and friends was held, in the school gymnasium.

During the year of celebrations across the country, 60 000 deserving Canadians will be recognized.

Medal recipents:

Sean Adams

Sean Adams was born in Cornwall and received his education at local schools before continuing his education at Queen’s University and Ottawa University Law School.

In 1984, Sean was called to the Bar, and practiced law in Ottawa for several years. But with strong family ties in Cornwall, he returned to work with his father, Ronald J. Adams, at his law firm in the city. Sean became a partner with that law firm, Adams, Sherwood, Swabey & Follon after the passing of his father in 1991.

Sean has devoted countless hours to many community and charitable organizations and received many community awards, including being awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, Cornwall ‘Citizen of the Year’ in 2002, and the United Way “Behind the Scenes” award in 2004, and a “Paul Harris Fellowship’’ award by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International in 2005.

Sean has also received honours from the Kinsemen’s Club of Cornwall, the Rotary Club of Cornwall, the Children’s Treatment Centre, the Knights of Columbus, and the Ontario Medical Association.

He has been involved with fundraising efforts for the Cornwall Community Hospital, St. Lawrence College, the Cornwall Children’s Treatment Centre, the United Way of Cornwall & District, and the Heart & Stroke Foundation, among others.

Sean’s energy, leadership, and fundraising abilities are truly exceptional, not to mention his stamina to keep as busy as he is.

Bill Bresee

Bill Bresee has been a familiar face around the Lancaster Legion for the past several years and has served as a key leader with Branch 544 of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Before his involvement with the Legion, Bill organized a Fundraising yard sale to purchase a new sign at the entrance to Bainsville, a project he is proud to be reminded of each time he enters his community.

Many would describe Bill as someone who worked his way up the Executive’s ranks. In 2004, he joined the Lancaster Branch and volunteered as a Bartender on weekends. He was elected the following year to Executive Committee and served as Treasurer, Lotteries Chairman, and Bar Chairman.

He continued his ascension 12 months later in 2006 when he was elected President of Branch 544. He has been acclaimed each year since then and is currently serving in his 7th consecutive one year term.

In 2011, he expanded his service to veterans when he was elected Zone G 4 Commander of the Royal Canadian Legion, responsible for 6 Legion Branches in Eastern Ontario. He continues to be an advocate for veterans, Legions, and the Canadian Armed Forces in our community.

Thurland Brown

When still in high school, Pastor Thurland Brown was at fault in what could/should have been a very serious car accident.  By the grace of God, no-one was injured except a minor injury to himself.  While his inner-change did not happen overnight, it was as a result of that accident that he felt God begin to call him.  Within a few months, he committed himself to serving God by serving others, and the best way he could see to do that was through the church.

Thurland started as the Youth Pastor at the Winchester Wesleyan Church in July 1975 before rotating jobs in Ontario and Eastern Canada, moving out east to Sussex New Brunswick for two years in the same position.  He returned to SD&G in 1978 as the Pastor at the Newington Wesleyan Church.

He and his wife Lorraine returned to the Maritimes as a Pastor and volunteer firefighter. It was during that time that he realized his passion for helping children and youth. They opened their homes as foster parents for trouble teens and Pastor Brown served on the Board of Directors of the local Children’s Aid Society.

Thurland has said that as he aged, he realized more and more that every day of his adult life is doubly a gift from God:  first because all life is a gift, and secondly because his life was spared on that day.  With that realization, there has come a desire to use this “life-gift” in particular to encourage today’s teens.

He returned to North Dundas as the Pastor at the Winchester Wesleyan Church for the past 17 years and counting. He has accomplished a lot during his time in Winchester including graduating with a Masters of Ministry from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2001. The following year, he began working as the District Secretary of the Central Canada Wesleyan Church, a position which he continues to hold today.

Locally, he has served variously as Secretary and Chair of the North Dundas Ministerial Association and as Member-at- Large and Chair of the Pastoral Care Committee at Winchester and District Memorial Hospital.

A key highlight of Pastor Thurland’s work was the establishment and continued success of the HUB!, a Friday night drop-in Centre for youth in Winchester for the past 5 years.

From his time as a Youth Pastor to his return, Thurland’s passion for youth and mentorship has been nothing short of powerful, successful, and worthy of recognition.

Jim Brownell

Jim Brownell is a well-known face to many here today and in our community. In 2003, he was elected to the Legislature of Ontario, as the Liberal Member of Provincial Parliament for the Riding of Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburg, and re-elected in 2007, as the Member from Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry.

While serving as an MPP, he served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, the Minister of Tourism, and the Minister of Consumer Services.

Jim was a teacher with the Upper Canada District School Board for 32 years, retiring in December 2000. In 2000, and for some years following, he was an instructor in the Encore Seniors’ Programs at St. Lawrence College, Cornwall.

Among his many roles in the community, he served for 14 years as councillor, deputy reeve and reeve in the Township of Cornwall and Township of South Stormont. In December 2000, he was appointed to a three-year term as commissioner with the St. Lawrence Parks Commission. 

Jim served as president of the Lost Villages Historical Society and Museum from 1992 to 2003, and returned as president in May 2011. As well, he served as president of the Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry Historical Society and the Cornwall Township Historical Society, and has been actively involved with church committees at Our Lady of Grace Parish.

In 2001, Jim was awarded the Ontario Heritage Foundation’s Heritage Community Recognition Award. In 2002, his community honoured him with the Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Medal. In 2011, the Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry Highlanders provided him with a special membership in The Glens. In June 2012, he was awarded an Honorary Diploma from St. Lawrence College.

In retirement, Jim continues with a busy life. Jim was appointed the Chair of the 2015 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo, being held in Finch. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Quilt of Belonging; the Eastern Ontario Training Board; the St. Lawrence War of 1812 Bicentennial Alliance; and the Parish Council of Our Lady of Grace/St. Pius X Parish like his late Mother. If that was not enough, he currently serves as Honourary Co-Chair of the Cornwall Community Hospital’s “To Your Health” Campaign.

Jim Brownell resides in Long Sault with his wife Paulette, and they are the proud grandparents to Emma and Kate.

Wayne Burns

If you have ever had strep throat or a bad migraine or needed to pick up a birthday card in Winchester, chances are you know Wayne Burns and been impressed with his easy going professional manner. Wayne has served 40 years on Councils and Boards including as Councillor for the former Village of Winchester for a term.

In his profession as a pharmacist, Wayne has always been a big believer of encouraging healthy living and making sure that rural communities like North Dundas have great access to quality health care.  He was involved with the Winchester District Memorial Hospital Board member for 11 years, including a term as Chairman and served as Chair of the Fundraising and Public Relations of the Hospital for 10 years.

He led the fundraising charge for the new hospital laboratory in 1980’s and Co-chaired the hospital’s HELP fundraising campaign in 1990’s where over $4 million was raised. He further supported the Hospital’s finances by coordinating and running Bingo’s at the Lions Club for 5 years.

His efforts for the Winchester District Memorial Hospital did not end there. He was a key figure in the Renewing the Vision Campaign during the major early 2000’s campaign. He organized Winchester’s door to door and businesses campaign and was directly involved in raising $2.5 million out of $15 million in raised in total.

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Wayne has also been a strong supporter of the Winchester Legion. He served as their Treasurer for 10 years during which they undertook a renovation for $250,000 and raised over $500,000, which was redistributed to local causes and charities.

Wayne is also a leader in his profession as a Councillor for his local Pharmacy organization’s district and participated in a medical mission in Tanzania, Africa in 2008.

He has also been involved with the Winchester United Church council for 13 years as chair of council and church’s bookkeeper. If that wasn’t enough organization to manage as their Chief Financial Officer, Wayne combines his finance skills and passion for healthy active living to serve as Treasurer for his local badminton club, lob ball league, and square dance club.

Bernard Cameron

Father Bernard Cameron has dedicated his life to the service of God as a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall for over 50 years. He has taught and promoted the Catholic faith to students at both the primary and secondary levels for many years.

He has mentored many young men in their journey to priesthood. He has ministered to the sick, the poor, the elderly and the down trodden his whole life. Father Cameron has also supported numerous charities throughout Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, and the City of Cornwall.  Father Bernard Cameron has been an excellent example of how to live a strong devout Christian faith on a daily basis.

It is truly fitting today that we awarded this honour in his second home where he has inspired and reinforced the spirit of God to literally thousands and thousands of friends, neighbours, and community members. In a place where he speaks weekly, and done so for decades, it is our turn to honour his service and longevity in return here today.

Shirley Coons

Shirley Coons has been an active member of the Chesterville community for many years. She has an extensive and diverse array of volunteer and community experience.

From her time involved with her children’s Parent Teacher Association and the Chesterville Skating Club, where she served as Badge Secretary for 10 years, Shirley has been a familiar face to many events and organizations.

She was a long time member of the Chesterville Fair Board and served 2 years as President. She served as Deputy Reeve of the former village of Chesterville and a Member of County Council prior to amalgamation, one of the few females to do so.

Gardening and the outdoors has been a passion for Shirley. She is an active Member of the Green Action Gang and strong supporter of the Waterfront and Flynn Park developments in the downtown area and currently serves as Treasurer of the Kayak Club.

There is also a very compassionate and personal side to Shirley’s volunteerism. For 35 years, she has been as transportation convenor for needy cancer patients and has been a Volunteer Driver for 10 years, taking friends, neighbours, and strangers alike to chemotherapy, radiation, and doctors appointments. Shirley also volunteers as a client visitor for the Dundas County Hospice.

Also listed regarding her service is being an active in her Church and a frequent baker for the Chesterville Legion, not to mention her title as a Community Watch Patroller. As Mayor in North Dundas, I can tell you that a young hooligan does not watch the meet Shirley on the streets at night.

These many descriptions speak to Shirley’s diverse experience and illustrates her philosophy of ensuring both quality and quantity when it comes to helping the place she loves so dearly.

Mamie David

Mamie David is a resident of Akwesasne and is well-regarding by her colleagues for her devotion to recreation, youth, and education in her community.

She currently serves on the:

–          Akwesasne Area Management Board

–          SD&G Legal Clinic Board of Directors

–          Iroquois Nationals Board of Directors

–          Neh Kahnikonriio Council (Akwesasne justice circle)  

–          Aboriginal early release program with Corrections Canada

–          Kawehno:ke Recreation Committee 

Her previous roles and community involvement includes:

–              Ronnathahonni Cultural Center Board of Directors

–              CKON 97.3 Board of Directors

–              Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry School Board Trustee

–              Akwesasne Mohawk Board of Education Trustee

–              Akwesasne Mohawk School Committee

Providing opportunities for youth and ensuring that education services are offered to a strong standard has been a passion of Mamie during her tenure as a Trustee. Her colleagues regard her as focused, caring, and passionate and is a role model to many in Akwesasne and the Cornwall area, particularly with youth.

Rose Desnoyers

Rose Desnoyers is a prominent and well-respected member of Cornwall’s francophone community. She just completed a 3 year stint as President of the Centre Culturel in Cornwall where she led the efforts to reinvigorate the facility, it’s programs, and networking opportunities.

While she has been involved with many organizations like the Children’s Aid Society, among others, Rose has worked hard to promote the importance and history of the francophone community in our region.

She has volunteered with numerous events and organizations such as:

–          AEFO

–          Vive Cornwall

–          Cabane a sucre

–          Franco Bistro

–          Librairie du Centre

And many other causes in our community

Joan Farlinger

Joan Farlinger has been a role model for many women in Dundas County for her grace, intelligence, and leadership in many local endeavours.

As a busy spouse and mother at their Lakeshore Drive farming operation with her husband Charles outside Morrisburg, Joan has always been involved in her local community.

She broke the proverbial ‘’glass ceiling’’ and was selected by her peers as the first female Chair of the WDMH Board of Directors and also served as the President of WDMH Auxiliary for six years.

She represented the Hospital and our community well as the President of the Hospital Auxiliary Association of Ontario travelling frequently to Toronto and across the province to lend her advice and knowledge to other volunteer Auxiliaries.

Back home, she has been involved with the

–          Morrisburg  Curling Club

–          Knox Presbyterian  Church

–          Dundas County Junior Farmers

–          Provincial Director for Junior Farmers of Ontario

She is still active in the WDMH family as a Board Member for the Rural Healthcare Innovations, a non-profit corporation established with the support and endorsement of the Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) to run the former Dundas Manor in Winchester.

Ernest Filion

Ernest Filion currently has been heavily involved with Royal Canadian Legion Branch 297 and currently serves as Past President.

Ernie Joined the Naval reserve list in 1962 to 1974, which changed to Canadian Forces Supplementary reserves in 1974 with rank of Lt. (Navy) and retired with the Rank of Captain in 1992.

He received the Canadian Forces C.D. Medal in 1986 and was awarded Canada’s 125th Medal for the Anniversary of Confederation.

Ernie was a volunteer member of the Navy Veteran Association of Cornwall for 20 years and served on their executive and also was a member of the Navy League of Canada for 30 years.  

He joined the Royal Canadian Legion in Cornwall 1982 with the aims and objective of providing as much support to our Veterans its members and to provide support to our community.

Over the past 33 years he has held many chairmanships such as Public Relation Chairman, Honor and Awards Chairman, Finance chairman, Membership chairman, Building and House committee Chairman and also held the positions of First, Second and third  Vice President and held the position as Branch President for four years from 2007 to 2011.

In addition, he was elected to the position of Deputy Zone Commander for Zone G 4 for 8 years and then elected to the position of Zone Commander for two years which hold the responsibility of the six branches in this area.

In March of 2009, he was re-elected to the position Deputy Zone Commander for the term of 2009/2011.

Ernie has passionately advocated and supported veterans and their needs for many years, and continues to work just as hard as he did his first day of service.

Barbara-Ann Glaude

Barbara-Ann Glaude is a long-time and diverse volunteer in agricultural causes in Stormont County. She, and her husband of 30 years Michael raised their 4 children on their farm in Berwick.

Barbara-Ann is well known for her volunteerism to many causes, which ranges from canvassing for Cancer and the Heart and Stroke Foundation for 28 years to assisting the St. Bernard’s Catholic Church and Women’s League for decades.

She is perhaps best known for her advocacy and promotion of agricultural organizations in the area. She has been involved in various capacities with the:

–              Stormont Dairy Herd Improvement Corporation, and it’s provincial wing the Ontario DHIC

–              4-H

–              Junior Farmers

–              Dairy Educator Program in Stormont County

–              Ontario Farm Women’s Network as the Treasurer/ Corresponding Secretary

–              Women for the Survival of Agriculture

–              Holstein Ontario- Eastern District where she received the Distinguished Achievement Award

–              Stormont Federation of Agriculture and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture

–              Stormont Soil and Crop Improvement Association as Secretary/Treasurer

–              Stormont Seed and Forage Show Secretary/Treasurer

–              Stormont Agricultural Society- 4H Chairperson, Secretary  and Treasurer

–              Stormont and Cornwall Farm Fair Chairperson

–              Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies- District 1

Barbara-Ann brings a wealth of experience and energy to her work in these organizations. She continues to be involved with the majority of these organizations today, serving on key positions in their Executives, in case cases for well over a decade and counting.

Doug Grenkie

If you volunteer in the village of Morrisburg, chances are you have worked with Doug Grenkie.

Doug has served in a number of roles in the South Dundas area. He has been a member of the Morrisburg & District Lions Club for over 40 years.

He is:

–          Past Presdent, Dundas County Cancer Society and Past President of the Eastern District of the Cancer Society for the Ontario Division

–          Secretary-Treasurer and now Treasurer of Morrisburg & District Canadian Club for 40 years

–          Member of Cornwall Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Shrine Club & Member of Karnak Temple in Montreal

–          Member of the Board of Directors for Partners for Children in Development for over 20 years.

–          A strong promoter and fundraiser for the Children’s Treatment Centre in Cornwall

–          And just completed a stint as Chair of the Morrisburg Waterfront Committee

Doug also served as Chair to the “Close to Home” Campaign to raise $5.5 million for the new Winchester District Memorial Hospital in the past couple of years.

In 1983, Doug spearheaded a drive to open local live professional theatre and was successful leader forming the Upper Canada Playhouse and then served as President of the Playhouse for several years.

He is well regarded in his profession as a lawyer In 2009, he was awarded the Law Society Medal. He is a Past President of the Ontario Bar Association and former Executive Member of the Canadian Bar Association.

Since 1978, he became Member of Council for the Ontario Bar Association. More specifically, he served as the OBA’s Foreign Conference Director leading lawyers and judges in meetings in over 30 foreign countries promoting the rule of law and assisting lawyers and judges in those countries.

He is also Founding Settler and Trustee of the Advancement of Legal Education and Research Trust, a registered charity for the Ontario Bar Association. Another testament to his professional regard and interest in community service.

Ken Heagle

Ken Heagle is another excellent example of a strong advocate for our local veterans and the Royal Canadian Legion, its mission, and its values. He is currently serving as the President of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 297 in Cornwall.

He served at the Regional level of the Legion as District “G” Zone G4 as both Deputy Commander and the Commander position itself for a total of 6 years. His work with the Legion culminated in Ken be awarded a Lifetime Membership to the Legion in 2009.

Ken has also volunteered in many capacities outside the Legion. He worked on the Cornwall Community Police Auxiliary for 15 years and served as a Committee Member for the Cornwall Police Kidney Foundation golf tournament from 1995 to 2003. 

He has become an expert at Chairing 6 successful fundraising dinners over the years. He chaired 4 dinners for the Canadian Cancer Society, raising over $12,000 and another two for the Cornwall Hospice raising over $10,000 at those.

To cap it all off, he was previously awarded the Union Gas Citizen of the Year Award for his continued devotion to community causes.

Dr. Graham Houze

Dr. Graham Houze is a retired family doctor in Morrisburg where delivered an excellent quality of care for 40 years. During his time in the health care sector, he acted as Chief of Medical Staff at the Winchester District Memorial Hospital and past representative to the Ontario Medical Association Council for the Winchester-Kemptville Medical Society.

In addition to his family practice and work at WDMH, he served as the provincial coroner for Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry for 43 years until his retirement from that role in 2010. 

Despite his retirement, Dr. Houze keeps active in the medical community by serving as a Member of Council for the Physicians’ Services Foundation, an organization that provides funds focused on two key areas of interests: the education of practising physicians and health research with an emphasis on research relevant to patient care.

He is also currently serving as President of the Morrisburg Royal Canadian Legion Branch 48, and has served in the past in leadership positions of the Heart Fund of Dundas County and the Morrisburg & District Canadian Club.

Dr. Houze is a past, present, and future, and most importantly, a patient fan of the Major League Baseball team the Baltimore Orioles.

Sandra Lalonde

Recreation, culture, and her community have been key interests in the work and service of Sandy Lalonde, a resident of Moose Creek. 

Her first volunteer experience involving recreation started at the age of 16 as a Youth Bowling Council coach for 10 years. She expanded her passion to serve on the:

–          Roxborough Recreation Committee,

–          As President and former Treasurer of Moose Creek Recreation Association for 18 years

–          As President of the Moose Creek Pool Committee for 13 years

–          Member of the North Stormont Amalgamated Recreation Board

–          Member of Moose Creek Rec & Rink Committee to replace the former recreation centre; a committee she is soon to enjoy a well deserved retirement from.

Sandy did not limit her service to recreation causes in her community. Additionally, she served on the North Stormont Community Police Association as Vice President and currently serves Chair of Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Community Investment Review Team for our local region, a position where she has had much success and has been recently re-appointed for another 3 year term.

She has been married 30 years to her husband Dan and raised 2 grown children Charles & Chelsea.

Rachelle Lamond

Rachelle Lamond is a busy volunteer in the City of Cornwall, who is a popular colleague to work along  side as she strives to help those less fortunate. She currently serves as President of the Auxiliary to St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre and is a Board member of the St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre facility. 

She also serves as President and leading figure of the Cornwall chapter of the Bereaved Families of Ontario. She ensures that the organization’s mandate to create programs, services and resources to support bereaved families. Their focus is Bereavement services for adults, children and youth, and survivors of suicide.

She volunteers her time as well as a Board member of the Children’s Treatment Centre, as a member of both Le Club Optimiste de Cornwall and the St. Lawrence Seniors Club. A true example and record of compassionate volunteerism in our community.

Gilles Latour

Gilles Latour has been a key figure and leading voice in the promotion and awareness of the City of Cornwall as a great place to live, work and open a business, and raise a family.

As Chairman of Team Cornwall, an organization dedicated to educating people about the positive attributes of the city, he has led the organization for the past 10 years and help lead its’ growth to over 340 active ambassadors. Hundreds of local business owners and residents work closely with the City’s Economic Development Department, and with local organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce to liaise with their networks and spread the word about how Cornwall is establishing itself as a progressive and affordable commercial, industrial, and residential hub.

Gilles also serves as Chairman of the Cornwall Edition of the Max Keeping Foundation and is

–          Head Coach South Stormont Selects Atom B Hockey Team

–          Coach South Stormont Select IP program

–          Manager of Cornwall Coyotes Girls Soccer 

–          and Head Coach Cornwall Kinsmen Boys Soccer

In his previous roles, he Co-Chaired the Cornwall Celebration Community for the Olympic Torch Relay for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, and served as:

–              President of the Cornwall Business Association

–              Media Chair Kinsmen Cornwall Lift Off

–              and Cornwall Community Hospital Major Gift Campaign “Team Captain”

Gilles’ efforts to raise Cornwall’s profile and attract new businesses and families to Cornwall, and his leadership and motivation to involve others are a true testament to his character and devotion to making a difference.

Rick Marvell

Rick Marvell resides in Williamstown and is a well-respected community leader and volunteer. He currently serves as the President and Chairman of the following organizations:

–              President of Canada’s Oldest Fair, the Williamstown Fair

–              Chairman of Habitat for Humanity Restore in Bonville

–              and Chairman of St. Mary’s Community Center Williamstown where he lead a strong revitalization of the facility                 and its operations

Rick also currently dedicates his time and energies as Board of Directors for 4 additional community service clubs and organizations:

–             Seaway Valley Habitat for Humanity

–              The Quilt of Belonging in Williamstown

–              Williamstown Green Thumb Society

–              and Cornwall Community Hospital “To Your Health Campaign” as a Cabinet member

Rick and his wife Lise were recently honoured with a Township of South Glengarry Citizen of the Year in 2012 for the difference and impact they have made in their time in the municipality. Rick’s ability to get others involved, and make things happen, make him a true example of community leadership and the Canadian spirit.

Dr. Mary Jane Randlett

Born and raised in New Brunswick, Dr. Mary Jane Randlett of South Stormont received her Medical degree from Dalhousie University 1982 in Family Practice.

After practicing several years, she moved to her husband’s hometown of Cornwall in 1991. She had begun to do Palliative Care in Oakville and gradually increased her interest in this area with her own patients and referrals from other General Practitioners and oncologists.

In the late 1990’s, Dr. Randlett began to discuss with nurses, caregivers and others physicians, the need for an alternative place to provide end of life care for those individuals that could not remain at home. She based their dreams on the British model of a Hospice and CareFor spearheaded the feasibility study, and you can say the rest is history. Dr. Randlett was an instrumental and inspirational figure in the project that opened the Cornwall Hospice in September 2009.

It has been a wonderful community project involving so many kind and generous citizens and she and her team of volunteers and staff are proud to showcase the state of the art facility. In 3 years, they have cared for over 400 residents from across our region, a true example of compassion and helping fellow Canadians in their last days. 

Gérald G. Samson

Dès le début de sa carrière dans l’enseignement dans notre milieu, Gérald –natif de Cornwall –  s’est vite impliqué dans la communauté à titre de bénévole, surtout auprès de la jeunesse.

In fact, back in 1966 and because of his commitment and dedication to community, Gerald was already the recipient of the very first Outstanding Young Man of the Year Award which was given by the Cornwall Jaycees at the time. His involvement with the organization of the annual Festival of Hope for the handicapped, his contribution to the festivities of the Old Home Week, the Centennial celebrations, the Cornwall Community Chest fundraising campaigns and the organization of the Catholic Diocesan Synod along with services rendered as chair of St. Lawrence College’s French-language Advisory Committee stand out as worthy accomplishments in his earlier years.

L’implication communautaire a fait partie intégrale de la vie de Gérald au cours des années. Cette réalité a été confirmée en septembre dernier lorsque la communauté  a retenu sa candidature à titre de personnalité francophone de l’année, associée à la promenade d’honneur du Monument de la francophonie. Multiples sont les exemples où on le retrouvait agissant comme président, bénévole, personne ressource, maître de cérémonie, facilitateur ou animateur pour les organismes tels que le Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie, l’ACFO, la Caisse populaire, la Régionale Saint-Laurent de généalogie, le club Richelieu, le Centre Charles-Émile Claude et la radio communautaire CHOD-FM.

Gerald’s concern for children’s welfare led to his appointment as the spokesperson and secretary of the Alexandria-Cornwall’s Diocesan Committee on Managing Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Children for some 15 years. His commitment to community led to his appointment by the Lieutenant Governor in Council to the Champlain Grant Review Team of the Ontario Trillium Foundation which he chaired for five of his six-year term.

Josee Sauve

Josee Sauve has been an eager volunteer since the age of 10 when she started with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. Her connection and inspiration to get involved came when her father was afflicted with MS in the mid-1970’s. She sold carnations door-to-door and worked her way up to being a volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Institute for the Blind (which involved escorting the sight-impaired on outings) and the Sweet Maria Riding Program (which involved training horses for therapy for special needs children).

Between 1985 and 1998, she was the United Way coordinator in her directorate at Transport Canada responsible for encouraging her co-workers to participate in payroll deductions as well as holding auctions and bake sales. She resumed that role when she joined the Seaway International Bridge Corporation staff in 2002 and still has that role with a great success rate in 2012.

Her biggest endeavour has been the Terry Fox Run held annually in Cornwall. In 2006, she received a postcard from the Terry Fox Foundation, only a mere 6 weeks before the September Run was to take place, stating that the Run would be cancelled, as they could not find an organizer in Cornwall. With the support of her family, she took the cause up immediately and made it happen.

This past year was Josee’s 7th Terry Fox Run as Co-Ordinator and with the continued support of her friends and family, she foresees continuing to be the Community Run Organizer for many years to come.

Rick Shaver

Rick Shaver has been an active leader in the Cornwall Business community for many years. He currently serves as President of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce since 2010, and has served as a Director for the past 16 years.

Rick is a 23 Year member of the Kinsmen Club of Cornwall serving as President and Chairman of many community  events including the Annual Pizza Party, Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser, and Lift-Off BBQ.

Rick’s community service has been evident through his involvement with several reputable causes in the Cornwall area; he has served as a Director of the Kinsmen Cornwall Lift-off and served as its’ Chairman in 2011.

He has also served in either a current or past role as:

–              Director, Cornwall Boys and Girls Club

–              Honorary Chair, Foundation Parade of Nations

–              Director, St. Lawrence College Journalism Program Advisory Board

–              President, St . Lawrence College Alumni Association

–              Director, Vice Chair, and Chair of the Cornwall General Hospital Foundation

–              Co-chair Cornwall Winter Carnival

–              Director Agape Center

–              Director Canada Trust Friends of the Environment Foundation

 

Rick is well-regarded in his profession as the President of Seaway News and sits on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Community Newspapers Association and the Canadian Community Newspapers Association lending his expertise and passion to other parts of our province and country.

Sue Tarle

Sue is a compassionate volunteer that has made a true difference in lives of families and individuals living with disabilities. A program matching a volunteer and a physically disabled individual twelve years ago has grown into a wonderful social group, the Cornwall Handi Social Club, for so many in our community.  What started as of group of 3 and is now 93 has been a source of pride and delight for Sue, but she believes that the best part is to see the community learning to accept those with physical disabilities as an equal. 

Activities with the physically disabled include: swimming twice a week, dinner club once a month, meeting and game night once a month, mall meet up every Thursday, Karaoke once a month, bowling every Friday and special social nights.

Sue’s life passion has been to make life much brighter and fulfilling to the many people living with physical disabilities in our community. Without Sue, and her dedicated group of volunteers, this program would never have succeeded. For that, we are grateful for her contributions.

Theresa Taylor

I think I have found someone who talks faster than I do, except that she’s supposed to do it. Theresa Taylor is a prominent auctionner and community volunteer who devotes much time in her professional and personal life to raise funds and awareness of local charities.

Theresa is a proud member of the Rotary Club of Cornwall where she serves as a Board Member and Chairperson of the Rotary Cereal Drive for the Children’s Christmas Fund. She is also a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship.

She is also involved with the Children’s Christmas Fund as the Diretor of Public Relations.

In her professional development work, she is a Board member of the Cornwall Business Association and Regional Director of the Autioneers Association of Ontario where she has been an Ambassador at the Royal Winter Fair and presenter at their annual convention.  At the national level, she has been involved with the National Auctioneers Association as a past committee member of Presidential Advisory committee, Public Relations committee, and Membership committee. She also demonstrated her expertise and respect in her field by presenting at their Conference and Show. She expands her mentorship and instructing skills with World Wide College Auctioneering, the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre, and many local secondary schools.

Theresa has used her fundraising skills to raise money and awareness for nearly 25 different organizations in our community ranging from the Boys and Girl’s Club to the Cornwall Community Snow Suit Fund to the Canadian Cancer Society to the Salem United Church in Summerstown and the SD&G Branch of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Her involvement has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not over $1 million, for these worthy causes.

Trevor Tolley

Trevor Tolley is a retired Professor Emeritus of Comparative Literature from Carleton University who has resided in the Williamsburg area in the Township of South Dundas for many decades. In addition to his academic achievements in the classroom, he has authored several publications and articles focusing on English language and literature.

Trevor served as a Councillor for the former Township of Williamsburg from 1988 to 1994 earning the respect of his colleagues for his expertise and devotion to providing affordable housing for local residents. He served as President of the Williamsburg Non-Profit Housing Corporation from 1992 to 2009 and was instrumental in bringing additional social housing units to Williamsburg. His advocacy and leadership were entrenched in the project when it was named in his honour. He also received a 20 year service award from the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association in 2008. In addition, he served as President in the early 1990’s of Community Living Dundas County and remained on the Board until 2009.

Trevor has been long-time figure as local spokesperson and volunteer for the New Democratic Party of Ontario. He was elected as President of the SDG Provincial NDP Association for 25 consecutive years and supported the Provincial party’s Executive in various roles including on the Small Business and the Municipal Affairs committees. He was also awarded the Community Activist Award from the Cornwall & District Labour Council in 2009.

His passion and devotion to his beliefs have made him a well-respected figure in Dundas County, across political lines, which is a true testament to his many years and list of accomplishments, particularly in the field of social housing in his local community.

Karen Torrie-Racine

Karen Torrie-Racine has been involved with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada for 27 years as an active volunteer. She has sat on the local Board of Directors during this time as Vice Chair and then Chair on 3 different occasions, all the while taking part in every fundraising event for the chapter in all those years.

She has been the Volunteer Office Manager, Education Director, and Public Relations Director for the Cornwall & District Chapter for the past 20 years and is most proud of her service to local MS clients assisting with programs and services. The organization is very proud that the local chapter is all volunteer run with no paid staff.

Karen has also been part of many committees at the provincial level of the MS Society for over 15 years and for the past 7 years has sat on the Ontario Division Board of Directors in Toronto and is presently the Secretary of the Board and the Chair of the Chapter Relations Committee for all of Ontario.

In addition to her work with the MS Society, Karen has been an active volunteer for the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario for 20 years. She was PTA President and Catholic School Council Chair for much of the 15 years that she was a parent in the system.  She is also involved at the school board level as the first ever Parent Involvement Committee Chair for the board, the very first Catholic School Council Chair of Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary, and remains a proud member of the Catholic Education Coalition since it was established 11 years ago.

Karen is also a member of the organizing committee for the annual Bishop Cup, an instructor for the annual ‘Vacation Bible School’ held at St. Peter’s Parish, 6 year member of the organizing committee for the David Ezard Walk for Liver Disease research, and a valued member of the Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee for the City of Cornwall for the past 10 years, helping to change the perception of people with disabilities in our community and making life more accessible for those requiring mobility aids.

Helen Tupper

Helen Tupper has a lot of energy and patience. And it has been put to the test several times over the years each year as a key organizer with the South Dundas Soccer Association. The Association hosts a major soccer tournament in Iroquois each year that involves over 600 young soccer players, dozens of teams, and hundreds of parents over a weekend each summer. She has an excellent reputation for her organizational skills, ability to work with others, and run an effective and smooth event year after year.

In addition to her great work with young kids and the Soccer Association for 12 years, Helen has also served for 5 years as Hulbert-Valley Playgroup Co-ordinator and 14 years with the Iroquois Public School/Seaway District High School Councils further cementing her reputation as a great volunteer that has provided great program, healthy active living, and educational opportunities for hundreds, if not thousands of children in the South Dundas area.

Sandra Weagant

Sandy Weagant is a proud mother of 4 and busy grandmother of 3. She and her husband Bob are well known in the South Mountain area for their service to their community.

Sandy has collected for the Heart & Stroke Foundation for over 30 years visiting her neighbours door to door. She has been a faithful Director of the South Mountain Fair Board for 35 years with a particular emphasis on the Culinary Arts program and the Sunday Ecumenical Church service. 

Her faith is not only visible during her volunteer work with the Fair, as she has served in various capacities with the Anglican Parish of North Dundas for 41 years and counting. 

In addition, she volunteers at:

–              the North Dundas Food Bank

–              the Nor-Dun Seniors Support Centre

–              as a Community Emergency Response Volunteer

–              and has worked with Habitat for Humanity on 2 projects

 

Bob is a member of the Mountain & District Lion Club and because of her presence at many of their events and causes, she has been named an honourary member.

Sandy works behind the scenes and never asks for credit or recognition. She is an excellent example of a community leader embodies the true Canadian values of hard work, dedication, and without seeking credit.

Miriam Wheeler

Miriam Wheeler is a retired Educator of 31 years with the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario and predecessor board.

After her retirement, she volunteered with Scarboro Missions, a Catholic Mission Society of priests and lay missioners based in Toronto.

She worked with Scarboro Missions in Guyana, South America for six years. In Guyana,  she:                     

–          taught English and Math at various Orphanages

–          Volunteered at a Hospital that  treats Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy) as well as a Home for the Aged

–          Taught English as a second language to Spanish-speaking  priests working in Guyana’s Interior

–          Worked in the Interior as a tutor to the Amerindian Secondary Students living in the Regional Dorms

–          Worked closely with Esther McIntosh (a Guyanese woman) to establish a Homework and Computer Centre, a Library and a Day Care in  Railway View, a Squatter community on the West Coast of the Demerara River

Since returning home, she has been back once to Guyana and will again return in January for a 5 month period. At this time, she will be working directly with the Railway View community: teaching teachers, establishing home based employment for the women of the community.

Miriam’s international work has been fascinating, inspiring, and an example that one person can truly make a difference in the world. To those who have so little, her work is improving their quality of life, and in many cases, saving it.

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