Seven Community Leaders Awarded King Charles III Coronation Medal in Niagara West
Smithville – On behalf of the Ontario government, Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, awarded King Charles III Coronation Medals to seven outstanding individuals, recognizing significant local contributions and exceptional achievements.
“I want to congratulate Capt. Arnold Wadsworth, Joanne Battersby, Maike Althaus, Teresa Sarkesian, Rev. Terry Bone, Toni McKelvie and Tony Joosse on receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal in Niagara West,” said MPP Oosterhoff.
“As recipients of this honour, all seven community leaders represent the best of our cherished values of community service and civic spirit.”
In a ceremony at Branch 393 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Smithville, recipients received their Coronation Medals, along with a framed certificate and official letter of congratulations from the Province of Ontario.
A retired member of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve, Capt. Arnold Wadsworth was honoured as a local minor hockey coach, as well as for volunteer service with Community Care of West Niagara, GBF Community Services and the Beamsville and District Lions Club.
A lifelong resident of West Lincoln, Joanne Battersby was honoured for her involvement with the Niagara 4-H Association, as well as hospice volunteer service with Rose Cottage.
As Executive Director of Hydrogen Ontario, Maike Althaus was honoured for over fifteen years of experience in the global clean technology sector, driving innovation and growth.
As President and Chief Executive Officer of the Electricity Distributors Association, Teresa Sarkesian was honoured for over thirty years of experience in provincial policy development and advocacy, guiding the energy industry through complex transitions.
Rev. Terry Bone was honoured for his pastoral ministry and community engagement at Lakemount Worship Centre in Grimsby, as well as support of GBF Community Services, local temporary foreign workers and advocacy with Voice of the Martyrs Canada.
A dedicated community leader, Toni McKelvie, President of Branch 613 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Fonthill, was honoured for her community service and a legion initiative to provide meals to local seniors and veterans during the pandemic.
Former Deputy Mayor of the Town of Grimsby, local volunteer and advocate, Tony Joosse was honoured for his efforts as Co-Chair of the Save and Rebuild West Lincoln Memorial Hospital campaign.
MPP Oosterhoff was joined at the ceremony by Marvin Junkin, Mayor of the Town of Pelham, and Cheryl Ganann, Mayor of the Township of West Lincoln, as well as local councillors, Wayne Olson, and Joann Chechalk.
“In a time of economic uncertainty and unjustified trade threats – when our very nationhood is being questioned – Canada, as a constitutional monarchy and Commonwealth realm, will continue to pledge our allegiance to the Crown as a distinct and united nation,” said MPP Oosterhoff.
“As Canada’s Head of State, King Charles III remains a fundamental part of our system of government and sense of identity. The Coronation Medal is a visible and tangible way to recognize individuals of all ages and from all walks of life who have made a difference in their community.”
Last August, MPP Oosterhoff issued a call for nominations for the Coronation Medal to constituents of Niagara West with the nomination period concluding in September 2024.
The Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat of the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism was responsible for administering the King’s Coronation Medal Program in Ontario on behalf of the federal government.