It became clear to a packed room at the Art Gallery that something wonderful had taken place - the best in us was on display

By Pepper Parr

July 22nd, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

Part 2: Queen’s 70th Jubilee celebration

Half way through and Karina Gould calls for a break – asks people to mingle, get some coffee, juice, maybe a cookie.

This crowd didn’t need any coaxing.

What the room experienced, and by this time the extent of what was taking place was very clear.  The city was getting a look at people who have made the city what it is.  Gould explained that the 150 word descriptions were written by the nominators – Gould’s office just typed it out.

Everyone knew some of the people who were recognized but I don’t think anyone knew all of them.

The whole was greater than the sum of the parts and we could see it – it was in the room with us.

The list of those being called forward continued..

William Leggitt
Bill has led many local and international projects through the Rotary Club, including the development of vegetable and fruit gardens in Guatemala, providing latrines to communities without water, and enabling clean water projects. He regularly participates in local food drives, fundraisers, and had worked to support the sponsorship of refugees. Bill always gives the best of himself to make his projects successful.

Lisa Lunski
Lisa has been the leader of Friday Night Community, a community service organization that has provided no-cost meals as well as clothing, snacks and so much love and care to people in the Burlington community. During the pandemic, she pivoted to support the community with pickup and drop off meal options.

John MacMillian
Born in Cape Breton, John joined the Canadian military and became a paratrooper. After moving to Burlington, he started his own company which grew to include 65 employees. John has been a leader in community AA groups for over 52 years and has mentored and counselled thousands as they overcame their addiction to alcohol, enabling them to return as healthy members of their families, workplace and our community.

Nick Manz
Nick has been the President of the Burlington Centaurs Rugby Club since 2017. Through his volunteer efforts and leadership, he has raised the rugby club from the lowest branch division to one of the top clubs in the Province with the Men’s team competing in the highest level of representative competition. Nick has increased the rugby club’s community involvement with a focus on the youth by growing the sport at the grass roots level. He actively supports women in sport in leadership roles and has recently created the Mixed Ability Rugby program, and inclusive sport program for the community.

Brian Mather
Brian had a major stroke while he was a university student. Since then, he has been involved in Burlington Stroke Recovery, and has been the President for 25 years. He also started Halton Stroke Fellowship, and during the pandemic, he regularly made calls to all members, to check in on them. He also happens to have a beautiful singing voice!

Jim McDonnell
Jim has a genuine interest and energy for helping others. He is the current President of Able Sail, a 45 year volunteer at the Sailing and Boating Club, an active Rotarian, an usher at his Church, and a member of the Burlington Seniors Centre. He didn’t let COVID slow him down, and worked to ensure he gathered friends for safe outdoor exercise, and remained fundraising for important local and international causes. His ‘formula’ for thriving as an older adult is “stay connected, stay curious, and keep moving as you help others every day.”

Blair McKeil
Blair has been deeply involved in marine transportation for most of his life, and lead his family business McKeil Marine, growing it to one of Canada’s largest marine transportation companies. Although no longer involved in the day-to-day, he provides support and mentorship. He supports countless organizations in youth, education, arts, innovation, environment, hospice care, business and much more. Blair’s focus and personal sense of duty to his community is evident in all that he does.

Nancy McKenzie
Nancy began a unique initiative during COVID called Meals of Hope, which now runs five shifts out of Port Nelson United Church. They supported Wellington Square and Gore Park Community Outreach Program. She is an active participant in a Winter Clothing Drive and supports the LGBTQ2+ community through Affirm Ministry Group.

Sylvia McNicoll
Sylvia was a part of Writing the Rollercoaster – Stories of Riding Out the Pandemic in Burlington. She helped to record videos, offered free writing workshops, read submissions, and edited stories. Writing the Rollercoaster launched in September 2021 to the delight of the authors and readers. The book was also offered free of charge to the public at various locations throughout Burlington.

Raffick Rennie Mohamed
Raffick has been involved in the community for 50 years. He has had many roles at McMaster University and Humber College, was on the St. Mathews Committee for English for Immigrant Mothers, and has been involved in the Burlington Mundialization Committee, the Halton Islamic Association, HMC Connections, and the Syrian Refugee Sponsorship Committee.

Sam Muia
Sam is one of the most energetic and positive volunteers at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. He is always smiling, enthusiastic and willing to help in any way he can. He is a strong presence in the warehouse and donation area when he is volunteering. Sam is always happy to chat with donors and let them know why their support is so key to our success, and he never steers away from heavy lifting.

Dr. C. Rajasekara Murthy
Dr. Murthy has made contributions, nationally as well as internationally, devoting over 35 years as a Senior Research Scientist at the Centre for Inland Waters and Professor at McMaster. One of his major achievements was the establishment of the Karnataka Environment Research Foundation, an NGO in Bangalore, India. Dr. Murthy represented Canada in several international Scientific and Technology transfer initiatives through UNESCO/UNDP/ UNEP, and the WHO. As Scientist Emeritus, he is still very active in mentoring, visiting professorships at major institutes and conducting international lectures.

Louise Paddock
Louise volunteers at her church and within apartment building’s community. She has created the Three C’s Program at her apartment, Crafts, Cooking, and Conversation, which has been a bright light for many residents. She also helps with grocery delivery, and bake sales, fundraising for local charities.

Brent Paszt
Brent has been involved in Rotary for many years and has chaired Ribfest numerous times, garnering lots of support for the community. A previous Board Member at the Carpenter Hospice, he chaired the Hike for Hospice. All this while raising two lovely daughters.

Stephan Pichocki
Stephan is a key figure in the Ukrainian community in Burlington. For 17 years he has been the President of the Tyrsa Ukrainian Dancing school, and a member of Holy Protection Parish Council. He is also a member of the Downtown Business Association. Since the war in Ukraine began, he has worked to support Ukrainians at home and abroad. He has organized a rally, cochaired a fundraiser concert, acted as an interpreter with HMC, collected monetary and physical donations, and helped refugees settle.

Connie Price
Connie is a prominent figure in Aldershot and advocate for seniors. Within her active involvement at St. Matthew’s Church, she has participated in a number of initiatives including food collection drives and providing free masks to the public. Connie works with Parks and Recreation to provide senior outdoor exercise areas around the city, has pushed for park upgrades, and works to ensure seniors in the community stay informed.

Mae Radford
Mae has had an extensive nursing career. She was as a volunteer manager at VON Hamilton and oversaw multiple community health support services. She also served on Burlington’s Advisory Committee on Violence Against Women, the Ontario Human Rights Commission, the Board at Joseph Brant Hospital, the Carpenter Hospice, and the Rotary Club. In Mae’s words… “As a nurse, my interest has been to care for people, to help them achieve comfort and relief from any pain, physical, mental, emotional or spiritual”

Shirley Robinson
Shirley has served so many in need in Burlington. She was an outstanding volunteer at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Patrick’s Conference, the Catholic Women’s League, and the Compassion Society. In her many roles, she has paid social visits and acted as a listening ear, delivered food, and run food drives.

Nancy Romic
Nancy manages Shifra Homes, supporting young pregnant woman and mothers. She has turned this wonderful home into a sanctuary for women and their families to come to rely on. A mama to many, her generosity and kindness, her ongoing commitment to these young women and their children’s futures is inspiring and deserves recognition.

Amy Schnurr
Amy is an environmental leader in our community as the Executive Director of Burlington Green. Amy is a shining example of community contribution and does so without a public spotlight. She has nominated so many other volunteers for awards over the years and her tremendous contributions are also worthy of recognition. She has also served as the chair of the Save General Brock Park Committee.

Gordon Schottlander

Gordon is a WW2 and D-Day veteran, who fought alongside Canadian soldiers. He has given his time to the Chamber of Commerce, the Burlington Planning Board, the YMCA Planning Committee, the Knights of Columbus, St. Gabriel’s Church, the Moon in June Race, and was founding chairman of the Burlington Family YMCA, and much more. He is a family man (he has 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren!) a businessman and has received the key to the city.

This one was special.  With his certificate in hand Gord stood during an extended standing ovation.   Proud, grateful this 104 year old soldier stood tall.

Rene Schuster
Rene is the founder and leader of the Burlington Dad group, which serves a pivotal role within the community of Burlington. Under Renes leadership the Burlington Dads have raised over $400,000 for local charities and families in need. Without Rene this couldn’t have been done, not to mention his community group has a following of over 5000 members now. Rene with the Burlington Dads hosts several events a year for the community of Burlington.

Dennis Scott
Dennis has dedicated his life to fostering inclusion within his community. As the Chair of the Halton Black History Awareness Society, he ensures that Black history is taught as Canadian history. He also supports the arts community through the Halton Freedom Festival. Through his dedication and perseverance, Dennis worked to ensure that Burlington was the first city to declare Emancipation Month in North America.

Elaine Scrivener
Elaine has served with the Burlington Volunteer Bureau, Burlington Downtown Business Association, Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington, Boards of Joseph Brant Hospital and Foundation, Burlington Art Centre, Burlington Downtown Partnership, Community Development Halton, and the Burlington Museums Foundation. Elaine recognizes the importance of her role as mentor, and sustainer and actively steward new volunteers into community engagement alongside her husband Bernard.

Lynda Simmons
Lynda Simmons conceived of and launched Writing the Rollercoaster – Stories of Riding Out the Pandemic in Burlington. Lynda worked to create writing videos, offered free writing workshops, read and edited submissions, and planned a launch event. The book launched in September 2021 to the delight of the authors and readers. Copies of the books were also offered free of charge to the public through the library system and businesses across the city.

Janice Skafel
Janice Skafel has been a tireless supporter of refugees assisting more than four families to come to Canada and settle here over more than twenty years. She worked within St. Luke’s Church to form the Burlington Downtown Refugee Alliance and has acted as chair. She also organizes Advocacy Breakfasts which brings in guest speakers. An invaluable leadership skill is her ability to encourage and enable others to bring their own unique talents and abilities and to contribute and lead.

Richard Slisinski
Richard has been involved with the Polish National Union of Canada for 27 years, having held positions as President, VP, Treasurer and more. He has never ended energy and devotion and is constantly fundraising for events. He has also volunteered with Halton Region Youth Soccer for 20 years as a coach and mentor, acting as a shoulder to lean on for many youths.

Murray Sutherland
Murray Sutherland has been the Colour Guard Commander with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 60, in Burlington, and is now the current president. He has spent countless hours organizing Remembrance Day parades for the last 15 years and has acted as a mentor for many members. His write ups have been used in books, he has spoken at the US Department of Energy, and was invited by the International Energy Agency in Paris to present his take on the emerging energy scenario. He has also taught Oil, Geopolitics and the Middle East at McMaster University.

Rashid Husain Syed
Rashid is a global energy expert, having writing extensively and spoken around the world. He is a regular columnist in the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail, Arab News, and other outlets, and has had his work featured in a book. He has chaired several global industry conderences and also occasionally teaches at McMaster University.

John Tait
John was President of the Burlington Rep Hockey Club, the Eagles from 1997 – 2020. John has consistently stressed the importance of not only skill development, but the personal growth of the athletes as people. During his time as President of the Eagles, he fostered the growth of the Gift of Giving Back, which has since raised millions of meals and hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial support for local beneficiaries such as the Salvation Army, The Burlington Food Bank, Food for Life, the Compassion Society, Halton Women’s Shelter, the Carpenter Hospice and the ROCK.

Joseph Tassoni
Joseph is a leading member of the downtown Burlington community and innovative fashion designer. All of his product in locally and his nominator can be quoted as saying “I have seen him late at night cutting and sewing away!”. He supports the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation, the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation, and the Halton Women’s Place. Joseph is a great resource for other businesses owners, always encouraging and supporting them.

David Vandenberg
David has served in volunteer leadership positions within over 10 organizations and helped raise over $350,000 for charities and non-profits. Recently, he helped lead the meal program at Wellington Square. He now is an Advisor for Canadian Tire Jumpstart where he manages the builds of their national inclusive play projects.

Peter John VanDyk
Peter is an incredible ambassador for Burlington, philanthropically and in the business community. He volunteers his time with the Sound of Music Festival, the Burlington Holiday Market, the Taste of Burlington, the YWCA Hamilton, and many more. No matter how busy he is, he always seems to find ways to support other businesses & include those left on the sidelines.

Roy Voorberg
Roy has been an Auxiliary Constable with Halton Regional Police for the past 25 years. Each year he has volunteered hundreds of hours assisting sworn officers on patrol, doing RIDE stop checks, at large scale community events like Sound of Music or Ribfest, managing traffic at road races, doing searches for lost individuals, canvassing for evidence, home safety evaluations for the public and a myriad of other community-safety oriented tasks. He has mentored dozens of new Auxiliary Constables over that time and has been a Sergeant for much of the last decade providing administrative support, training and moral & morale support for those reporting to him. Whenever there’s an issue, he’s the pillar we’ve turned to.

Sheila Waldron
Sheila is a volunteer with Crafts, Cooking, and Conversation. She has also given her time to arrange theatre visits for members of the group, promoted reading and walking, and helped out in the community garden. She remains a regular volunteer at Joseph Brant Hospital.

Dean Walker
Dean Walker has made immeasurable contributions to a more inclusive Canada, especially for Deaf Canadians. Dean founded the Burlington Association of the Deaf and has been an advocate and expert in equity and access. He has contributed to policy in provincial legislation and worked to accommodate deaf individuals in the justice system. He has volunteered with the Ontario Association of the Deaf, for 25 years, acting as Executive Director for 3 years. He has also coached the 1981 Ontario Deaf Olympics basketball team and was Head Coach for the Deaf Canada baseball team in the 2000 World Tournament.

George Ward
George is a longtime resident of Burlington and has been active as a volunteer in many causes throughout the years, especially in politics. George believes in getting involved w