The following individuals received Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals based on individual recommendations made to the Honourable Gordon O’Connor, PC, MP by members of the general public:
WILLIAM BERRY
Major Berry served with the Artillery Cadets and with the RCAF, and is a Korean War veteran. He is a Founding Member of the March Historical Society and the Pinhey’s Point Foundation. He is active in the Legion and volunteers regularly. A former alderman, he was appointed to the Kanata Committee of Adjustment where he served as chairman for nine years.
DR. ADAM CHOWANIEC
As a leader in the high-tech industry, Dr. Chowaniec is committed to support & advance Canadian entrepreneurship. He has been involved in many companies including Newbridge Network, Zarlink, Belair Networks, tundra Semiconductor, to name a few. His volunteer efforts have included roles with Startup Canada, the Ottawa Health Research Institute & fundraising for the Museum of Nature.
JJ CLARKE
For three decades, JJ Clarke has been one of the best known broadcasters in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. He is a current resident of Kanata, Ontario and has raised large amounts of money for countless local charities. He has used his celebrity status to raise the profile of many volunteer-based organizations, large and small. He is an outstanding citizen and an example of what it is to be a great Canadian.
HUGUETTE COLLINS
A member many community boards, Mrs. Huguette Collins served as a civil servant for 35 years. Mrs. Collins contributed significantly to her community through Army Cadets events. She was the seamstress for historical reenactments and advocates for veterans and seniors in her community. She is an active member of the Huntley Friendship Club, volunteered at the Grey Nuns Convent, and is well known in her community for her generous food donations from her very own garden.
CAROLINE DAY
Mrs. Day’s volunteer service began as a teenager, teaching young children, then teen groups, young adults, and women where a need was apparent. She has always been passionate about her community and her country and volunteers regularly for non-profit groups in the community. She currently resides in Woodlawn, Ontario and remains an active volunteer in her area.
COUNCILLOR ELI EL-CHANTIRY
Well known in the West Carleton area, Councillor El-Chantiry has been dedicated to the community for many years. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre and has worked with numerous local groups including community centres, churches, the legion, and seniors groups to support Ottawa’s vibrant community spirit. In 2001, he was recognized as West Carleton’s Citizen of the Year.
MICHAEL FROESCHL
Dr. Michael Froeschl was nominated for his work as a distinguished interventionist cardiologist. He has been an innovator in the treatment of heart disease. His published work includes the “Association of aspirin dosage to clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention”, which has been recognized around the world by his peers. Dr. Froeschl’s clinical interests include interventional, critical care, and general cardiology. His chief academic interest is medical education.
REGINALD GAMBLE
A current resident of Almonte, Mr. Gamble is currently a funeral director who has been a pillar of his community. He is the Past Chairman of the Almonte General Hospital, Past President of the Almonte Lions Club, where he has been a member for over 40 years, a Member of the North Lanark Highland Games, and Past Chair and member of the St. Mary’s Parish Council, and has been a Master of Ceremonies for the Glengarry Highland Games.
AKRUM GHADBAN
Mr. Ghadban was nominated for his extensive work within the RCMP to build resilience to extremism with his work in the National Security Section. In 2005, Mr. Ghadban was an investigator with the Special Court for Sierra Leone and spent 12 months in Africa leading investigative teams into the conflict diamond trade and subsequent civil war. In 2007, he represented Canada at the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation training Indonesian Police Officers. In his current community of Richmond, he can often be seen helping elderly neighbours with day-to-day tasks such as shoveling snow on those tough Ottawa Valley snow days we are all so accustomed to.
MARK GRASZA
Mr. Mark Grasza is a renowned Canadian artist who, through his works, portrays the rich cultural heritage of Canada. He has contributed over 1000 paintings to Heads of State and Heads of Government and even designed the inaugural diplomas used by the Senate and House of Commons. He teaches students in his studio in Stittsville, Ontario.
LOWELL GREEN
For over 40 years Lowell has been the voice of the "little guy" on CFRA Ottawa. An avid sports fan, he has championed amateur & professional sport in the capital. His various entrepreneurial efforts have made him a legend in the community of Ottawa.
CLAUDE HAW
Mr. Claude Haw has been a cornerstone of the Ottawa technology community for over 30 years. After helping grow several major technology companies, he created his own venture fund. He is a former President of OCRI. He is active in the educational community as a guest lecturer at local universities.
NADINE HEINS
Mrs. Nadine Heins who was nominated for her 35 years of volunteer work with the Museum of Civilization and the National Museum of Man. Mrs. Heins has dedicated 35 years of volunteer work toward educating Canadians and visiting school groups about their shared history and national heritage. She has contributed to Ottawa-area museums with passion and grace and has been described as a person who can do this with “exceptional grace and can communicate her passion about Canada’s cultural heritage to others in an infectious way.”
LYALL HIGGINSON
A resident of Carp, Ontario, Dr. Higginson has been a leader in the Heart Healthy movement and as the President of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, he promoted innovative diagnostics. His public research includes “Physical activity following hospitalization for coronary artery disease”, which has had a very positive impact across the country.
DANIEL HILTON
A resident of Kanata, Mr. Hilton was nominated because has been tremendously active in his community as the co-founder of Kids Futures and Past Scout Canada Leader. He has been a Board Member and the Chair of the Scouts Canada Foundation, helping thousands of young people attend camp. He introduced the “No One Left Behind” campaign and was the Chair of the 100th Anniversary Scouts Canada Gala. He has raised over $100 million for local businesses and has aided the development of 6 public companies in the Ottawa area.
KEVIN JOYNT
Mr. Joynt has been a dedicated public servant for 23 years at Library and Archives Canada. He currently resides in Kanata, Ontario. Through Library and Archives Canada, Mr. Joynt worked on a special project, the World War II Killed in Action Digitization Project and regularly works outside of business hours to help Canadians discover their own personal family histories through genealogical searches. He is passionate about writing and coaches baseball within his community.
JACQUELINE KUMMEL
As a military wife and a mother of three, Mrs. Jacqueline Kummel is recognized for her dedication and excellence in lifelong community service in healthcare as a clinical ER nurse and nursing instructor for over 30 years in communities across Canada. She has been active in her community through fundraising efforts for local schools and community events. Mrs. Kummel has provided counsel and been a trusted confidant to many friends in need.
PROFESSOR IAN LEE
Professor Ian Lee is a leader in the movement to make economic and demographic issues understandable to Canadians. He was nominated for his leadership. His work "The Competitiveness Debate in Canada", in the Proceedings of Canadian Political Science Association, is seen as a landmark in this field. He earned his Ph.D. in Public Policy at Carleton University in 1989 and has taught the strategic management course both at Carleton University and around the world for over 20 years.
DR. MICHELLE LEM
Dr. Michelle Lem began a free mobile pet clinic for the homeless community in Ottawa at the Ottawa Mission and through Operation Come Home, an organization for homeless teens. She established an outreach program to meet the need for integration of veterinary education and care in the community and actively provides insight to the public into veterinary medicine.
JAMES LOWRY
Mr. James Lowry is very well known in his community for his numerous community roles. He served as a Councillor in Missisppi Mills for many years and has held numerous roles on Ramsay Township Council, including as Reeve. He has been an active volunteer in the area for countless organizations and has been honoured for his work in agriculture many times.
JUDITH MCGRATH
Mrs. Judith Ann McGrath was nominated for pioneering work in the educational co-operative movement in the 1970s in Newfoundland. Mrs. McGrath has held key roles in the women’s movement in Canada’s Arctic. She is highly active in government sponsored projects to prevent substance abuse and family violence. She wrote the well-known book “Dyes from Lichens & Plants.”
HEATHER MCNAIRN
An internationally recognized expert in the use of remote sensing to monitor crops, Mrs. Heather McNairn has published 39 papers in peer-review journals and written chapters in numerous books. She earned a bronze medal for Canada at the 2009 World Karate & Kickboxing Council and in May 2012, she received a second degree black belt in Karate.
CAROL ANNE MEEHAN
As a local television anchor, Mrs. Meehan has dedicated herself to showing Ottawans the importance of good citizenship. She has devoted countless hours working for charities in the Ottawa Valley and has reached out to everyone from senior citizens to inspiring young journalists. Her charitable work for organizations such as CHEO and the fight against breast cancer has been an example of nation-building at a grassroots level.
BRENDA MERKLEY
Mrs. Brenda Merkley is a founding member of a local Chamber of Commerce, Ms Merkley is active in the Bridlewood Community Association. She regularly contributes to youth activities and engagement through her participation within the Kanata little league and hockey associations. She can be seen in the community as a regular canvasser for the Arthritis Society and the Canadian Cancer Society.
JEFFERY MILLS
Mr. Jeffery Mills is the Coordinator of Community Development for Mills Community Support Corporation in Almonte. He is a cycling advocate who actively volunteers & organizes events near Almonte and Pakenham to promote healthy living, age-friendly communities, and the local culture & economy and was awarded this year’s Cultural Volunteerism Award. He is a frequent volunteer in rural Haiti, organizing fundraising for that country.
BETH MLACAK
Mrs. Beth Mlacak was instrumental in getting French Immersion programs into the Carleton Board of Education. She is a supporter of the Arts as a founder of the Kanata Art Gallery, a founder of Young at Arts, and a strong community-oriented person based out of Kanata, Ontario.
BERNARD MUZEEN
As a child and youth advocate since 1958, Mr. Bernard Muzeen is active in his community through youth clubs and events, the HOPE Beach Volleyball Tournament, and was co-founder of National Child Day, which is celebrated annually on November 20th. He worked for the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa for 22 years helping young people thrive in our community.
ANDREW NELLESTYN
Our next recipient was nominated for his contributions to our military and his international work. Colonel Nellestyn was recommended for this award by many people, including Senator Pamela Wallin and Chief of Defence Staff, and he was given a letter of thanks from the Prime Minister for his work as co-producer of the 52-episode documentary The Veterans, which premiered to high acclaim at the Canadian War Museum’s 2011 Remembrance Day Program and has been adopted by schools in Ontario as part of their Remembrance Day Programs. Colonel Nellestyn has received many other honours including the Professional Engineers of Ontario Citizenship Award, he was made an honourary citizen of Egypt by President Anwar Sadat, and the Order of St John of Jerusalem inducted him into the Order in the rank of Officer.
MASTER PHIL NGUYEN
Alongside his wife, Amelia, Master Phil Nguyen founded the of award-winning Bully Busters program, a free martial arts-based workshop that has taught elementary school students assertiveness, verbal & non-verbal skills to respond to bullying in a non-physical & peaceful manner. He was a Top 40 under 40 recipient in 2007 and has won several community awards including the Mayor’s City Builder Award in 2012 and the People’s Choice awards for Family Business of the Year and Citizen of the Year in 2006 and 2007 respectively.
BRONSON NINO
As a student of mechanical engineering, Mr. Bronson Nino has demonstrated outstanding community service both locally and internationally. Together with 19 friends, he helped to raise $10,000 to build a school in Sierra Leone. He is an on-ice instructor for local hockey and an assistant coach of high school wrestling. He was a leader at this high school leadership camp and has been active in his community.
MARK PAPOUSEK
A local radio broadcaster and role model, Mr. Mark Papousek was nominated for his support of many Ottawa Valley events to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation. He advocates regularly for countless local charitable events and fundraising causes within the community. For 20 years, he has hosted the Friday Hot Seat at the Kanata Sports Club to raise money for amateur sports in the community.
DR. JOANNE PERRY
Dr. Joanne Perry has been a dedicated family physician in her community for 25 years and currently practices in Stittsville, Ontario. Since 1998, she has volunteered annually on mission trips to third world countries to provide medical care to remote impoverished areas including countries such as Romania, Nepal, Bolivia, Guyana, Kenya, and Haiti on self-funded trips. Her group endeavors to work with existing health care workers to treat the local population and provide public health education.
BOB PLAMONDON
Mr. Bob Plamondon is a best-selling author, historian and commentator on national issues. His third major book, Blue Thunder: The Truth about Conservatives from MacDonald to Harper, has received wide acclaim. Bob is active in his community serving numerous community organizations and boards. He is a graduate of Carleton University, earning a Masters of Management Studies and a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) with a major in marketing. He has taught at three universities over a twenty year period on a full and part time basis.
COUNCILLOR SHAD QADRI
Councillor Shad Qadri has headed the Stittsville Village Association and the Rotary Club of Ottawa – Stittsville and was one of the founders of both organizations. He is active in community work and because of his involvement, became known as “Mr. Stittsville” for his participation at community events. In addition to his work as an Ottawa City Councillor, he is also a director of the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre.
PATRICIA RACINE
Mrs. Patricia Racine is a resident of Stittsville and an active volunteer within the community. Mrs. Racine has volunteered her time with Ottawa-area French school boards for 16 years and owns a home daycare. Her main focus when volunteering is to ensure that children with learning difficulties and their parents are well guided in their education. Her incredible courage and alertness saved the life of a toddler in 2011. Mrs. Racine was at home and working in her backyard on July 17, 2011 when she heard a panicked cry for help from a neighbour. She quickly realized that a young child had just been pulled from a pool but was not breathing. She initiated CPR, at which point the child began to breathe before the arrival of the paramedics. Because of her quick thinking, heroism, and courage, a tragedy was prevented.
HELEN RAPP
Mrs. Helen Rapp was nominated for her service to our country and to veterans. Mrs. Rapp is a World War II veteran and has been vice-chair of the Military Widows’ Association of Canada. She has been a volunteer at the Queensway Carleton Hospital Emergency Ward for 35 years. Mrs. Rapp has shared her stories at the War Museum and at local schools for Remembrance Day for many years.
THE HONOURABLE TIMOTHY RAY
The Honourable Justice Timothy Ray is a Superior Court Judge who has also received the Gordon Henderson Lawyer of the Year Award. He has been a course conductor and presenter and is often seen volunteering his time at various speaking engagements. He contributed to Rural Expo 2003, Girl Guides of Canada and the Algonquin Advisory Committee. He is past Chair of the Almonte General Hospital. Justice Ray is active in Scouts Canada where he received the Medal of Good Service for his 20 years of volunteer work.
JOCELYN REMUS
An active member of the Scouts Canada Community, Ms Jocelyn Remus has been a volunteer leader with Scouts Canada and Girl Guides of Canada since 2008 and is one of the few leaders in the local organization who is qualified to work in all sections. She was awarded The Order of the Caribou for her work to plan and run a council-wide Cub camp with over 300 participants. She has received several awards for her service to youth. Jocelyn was injured while acting as an emergency responder at the World Trade Centre in September 2001.
JIM RICHARDS
Master Warrant Officer Jim Richards has volunteered with the Red Cross for 20 years including his assistance to help set up Disaster Services, the First Aid Provisioning Team, and his participation in mock exercises and providing first aid services at various events. Through his work with St. John Ambulance over the last 22 years, he has helped to certify first aid instructor-trainers in Jamaica and has helped several scout organizations, high schools and in first aid competitions. He has earned membership in the Order of St. John and was recognized by the Chancellor’s Commendation.
GRAHAM RICHARDSON
Dedicated to community service, Mr. Richardson is co-captain of the Royal Ottawa Campaign for Mental Health with Daniel Alfreddson. He volunteers with the Bruyere Continuing Care Foundation, the Ottawa Food Bank, and the Alterna Ultimate Run for Men's Cancer. He has been a role model and an outstanding citizen here in Ottawa.
WAYNE ROSTAD
As a 20 year veteran of CBC’s “On The Road Again”, Mr. Wayne Rostad is well known in the community and across the country. He commits tireless hours for charity in the Ottawa area including at the Ottawa Heart Institute, CHEO, and Make a Wish Foundation. He is a board member of several charitable organizations. He is also a recipient of the Order of Canada.
LIEUTENANT-COMMANDER DOUGLAS ROWLAND
Lieutenant-Commander Douglas Rowland has promoted democracy through his work as an MP during the 1970s and following that, in his role in the International Election Monitors Institute. He volunteers regularly with the Salvation Army and several Ottawa organizations designed to help those in need throughout our community. He has extensive experience on boards in the not-for-profit sector as well as management committees in both government and private sector.
MARC RUEL
Dr. Marc Ruel is an award-winning surgeon who pioneered the use of minimally invasive heart surgery. Dr. Ruel is a cardiac surgeon and endowed chair of cardiac surgery research at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. He holds the rank of Professor of Surgery, with cross-appointments in Epidemiology and Community Medicine, and in Cellular and Molecular Medicine. He is the Assistant-Dean, Clinical and Translational Research, at the University of Ottawa. His research includes the role of cells, including stem cells in cardiac regeneration. He is an accomplished classical pianist and has raised thousands of dollars for heart research.
HESTER SHACKLETON
Mrs. Hester Shackleton was nominated for her work with the West Carleton Food Bank. Hester Shackleton has demonstrated a commitment to her local community through her involvement of over 20 years in the work of the West Carleton Food Bank. As coordinator, she enabled community members to give a helping hand to one another and helped thousands of families in need in our area.
BRIAN TACKABERRY
Mr. Brian Tackaberry has helped promote and preserve Canadian culture and heritage through his work in organizations such as the North Lanark Highland Games over the last 28 years and the Perth Citizens’ Band for 32 years, of which he served as Bandmaster for 24 years. He has worked tirelessly to preserve Ottawa Valley’s history and has promoted the Scottish culture in Lanark County. He has been a member of the Ontario Genealogical Society for 28 years and the United Empire Loyalists for 20 years, including 9 as President.
ANDREW TAIT
Mr. Andrew Tait has been an active volunteer for over 25 years with neighborhood projects, Christmas food banks, and youth sports. He was a major influence in the local minor hockey organization and was a key player in having a new arena built. He helps disadvantaged families by providing free hockey equipment, much of which he purchases and donates personally.
KAREN TAYLOR
Mrs. Karen Taylor has worked tirelessly over 15 years as a volunteer on the board of the Fitzroy Harbour Community Association. The Association actively strives to improve life in the village through community events including Harbour Days, sports tournaments, an annual Winter Carnival, ice fishing derbys, and countless other special events. Mrs. Taylor organizes several fundraisers each year in support of community betterment and is very active in her area and in the Association.
EMILY TIEU
At 14 years of age, Miss Emily Tieu has already started her volunteer career. For the past 8 years, she has contributed immensely to her community through the Help Emily Help Tyler campaign, which raised donations for a boy with a rare form of cancer. Her first garage sale at age 7 raised $91 and now, eight years later, she has raised $80,000. Emily designed bracelets in support of organ donation and actively volunteers with local charitable events such as the Valerie’s Flutter Foundation. Earlier this year, she co-emceed the 2012 Spirit of the Capital Youth Awards. She is a role model to her classmates and friends and I know that she will continue on to do many great things throughout her life.
THOMAS WATSON
Mr. Thomas Daniel Alexander Watson was nominated for his incredible dedication to his community. Despite his young age, Mr. Watson has devoted his life thus far to helping others. He has provided self-funded scholarship assistance to students at Saint Paul University here in Ottawa after completing his own education there. He is an active volunteer with the Canadian Cadet program and volunteers to visit patients in hospitals. He is a current member of the St. John’s Ambulance and Canadian Civil Air Search and Rescue.
CLAYTON WHEATON
Mr. Clayton Wheaton is a community volunteer in a broad scope of activities including youth programs, environmental projects, scouting and sports. He is active in the Bridlewood Community Association, serving 2 years as President, and a charter member of the Kanata Legion. It has been said that Mr. Wheaton is considered one of the most significant contributors to the success that the branch has achieved to date.
SHELLEY WHITING
