Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley is recognizing one of his predecessors and a promoter of the local arts community in his 2017 Honour List.
18 citizens and five groups have been named to the Mayor's Honour List, which was established in 1981 by the late mayor Marceil Saddy as a tribute to the unsung people and groups who've been instrumental in improving the quality of life or making a significant contribution to the City of Sarnia and Lambton County.
Former Sarnia Mayor and MPP Andy Brandt is being recognized for his ongoing support, dedication and commitment to Sarnia through many leadership, fundraising and community activities. Brandt serves as chair of the Lambton College Foundation and has led the Envision Tomorrow Campaign efforts to develop two new world-class facilities on the campus -- the NOVA Chemicals Health and Research Centre and the Athletic and Fitness Complex.
Noelle's Gift is being honoured for recognizing a young school teacher, not by how she left us, but by how she lived.
"From one of the darkest moments in Sarnia's history emerged a shining light of hope and optimism," says Bradley. "Students in need continue to receive the warm embrace of Noelle's love."
Noelle's Gift has raised about a million dollars to help local students and families in need. It was established in memory of Noelle Paquette, a kindergarten teacher with the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, who died tragically in 2013.
The Sarnia Braves, who became the 2017 Southwestern Ontario Senior Baseball League Champions, are being recognized for their record season and the Sarnia Minor Athletic Association, which celebrated its 70th anniversary this past year, is being honoured.
Also being recognized:
- Jan Allardyce, a dedicated and long-time member of the Sarnia Sports Hall of Fame.
- Jaggi Singh, Tom Wolfe, Ashvin Thakkar and Raj Barchha for their idea and ongoing efforts toward a designated scattering location for human ashes in the City of Sarnia.
- Pardis Baha, the creator of the Lambton Youth Jazz Orchestra.
- Raveen Duggal, Diya Duggal, Ally Campbell and Amelia Glazier. A group of young girls who've worked to help the less fortunate through Plan International Canada's "Because I'm A Girl" initiative.
- Melissa Chong, for leading an initiative to send Christmas cards to the Canadian Armed Forces.
- Priscilla Gagne, who won a gold medal at the Para-Panamerican Judo Championships held in the summer in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
- Ian McLean, a local artist whose oil painting are on display in private and corporate collections across Canada, the U.S., United Kingdom and Australia.
- Geraldine Robertson, one of many indigenous children in Canada who were removed from their homes and sent to residential schools. Robertson researched names to be placed on a plaque honouring the 161 residential school survivors from Aamjiwnaang. It was unveiled this year and her work earned her an Order of Canada nomination.
- John Rochon, a local historian who has become an advocate for preserving Sarnia's historical buildings.
- John Rozema, for his work with the Sarnia-Lambton Goodwill Industries board and other charitable organizations.
- Joe Salvatore, an original member of the LACAC, which is now known as the Sarnia Heritage Committee, for his commitment to Sarnia heritage in downtown Sarnia by restoring and preserving a number of key buildings.
- Lee Ann Symington, the founder of Cat Chance, a spay, neuter and return program which has taken hundred of stray cats off the street.
- Dan White, who retired after 29 years of teaching at SCITS high school in 2017. White was the Director of the SCITS Revue and Alumni Revue for 20 years.
- Nello Zeppa, an Italian immigrant, who helps other immigrants in Sarnia-Lambton with various government forms, helped develop the serenity garden at Marshall Gowland Manor and for over a decade personally sponsored a scholarship for a St. Pat's student heading to university.
- Roy Hare, a Sarnia WWII veteran.
- Kerry Horan, a strong advocate for veterans in the city.
- Terry Macdonald, a volunteer with the Inn of the Good Shepherd, Bluewater Health and active member of All Saint's Church.
- Kevin McHarg, a retired firefighter who helped research for the book written by Phil Egan, "Walking Through Fire", which documents the history of the Sarnia's fire service.
Mayor Bradley says the list is based on his own observations throughout the year, nominations from citizens and media stories.
A reception will be held early in the new year to formally recognize the recipients.
