Sarnia's Mayor has released a 2023 honours list which highlights the work of several individuals and groups.
The mayor's honour list 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.
Bill Abercrombie is being recognized for his contributions to local hockey and the Sarnia Sting organization. He stepped down from his role as president of the organization in June.
Retired lawyer Margaret Capes is being honoured for her many years of assisting low income and marginalized people. Mayor Bradley said she continues to be a strong advocate for homeless individuals in Sarnia.
Janine Day is being commended for her accomplishments in basketball. She coached the Lambton Lions Women's Basketball team for a second season in 2023 and was named the Ontarío Colleges Athletic Associations Women's Basketball Coach of the Year.
Sarnia's Golden K Kiwanis Club leader Dick Felton has been recognized for his tireless work. Bradley said he has been club president twice and was instrumental in establishing a club which focuses on improving the lives of children and youth in the community.
Marilyn Gifford is being honoured for her effort to attract more family doctors in Lambton County. Mayor Bradley said she "worked tirelessly" to collect 1,000 signatures on a petition calling for local physician residency spaces. He said she is hoping a pilot program will create more medical residency spaces and assist more graduates in their journey to become family doctors.
The International Symphony Orchestra [ISO], and its executive director Anthony Wing, are being commended for continuing the unique organization in Sarnia and Port Huron. The ISO celebrated its 65th anniversary in 2023.
Retired child and youth worker and Kids' Konnection organizer Marg Johnson is being recognized. Bradley said the church outreach program matches children in grades one to six with adult mentors to enhance their reading skills.
Sarnia's Labour Day organizing committee is being honoured for its work. Mayor Bradley highlighted work done by leader Arlene Patterson to keep the parade as "the longest running" in Canada.
Artistic swimmer Larissa Loucks is being commended for her strong work ethic and determination to excel. The 16-year-old and her team won the Junior Free Team event at the Canadian Artistic Swimming Championship in Calgary in 2023.
A group of Sarnia residents, who are members of the Rotary Club of Sarnia, are being recognized for their effort to find locations to build affordable housing in the city. Mayor Bradley said Heather Martin, John Degroot, Michael John Kooy and Brian Mundt came together in 2023 to undertake the task.
Described as a faithful volunteer in the community, Harold (Hal) Regnier is honoured posthumously. He died from a sudden and unexpected illness in February. Mayor Bradley noted that Regnier was a driver with the Canadian Red Cross, and a dog walker at the Sarnia and District Humane Society, among other things.
Sarnia's Terry Fox Run coordinator for the last 14 years, Laurie Rome, is being commended for her willingness to try new and fun ideas to fundraise and engage the community.
Mark Seibutis and volunteers from the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA Flight 7) are being recognized for providing fly pasts at Remembrance Day services in Sarnia.
Don and Laurene Smith are being honoured for their generosity to local charities. Mayor Bradley said they are "very community-minded and generous people who over the years have quietly supported numerous local charities, never wanting recognition for themselves, personally or professionally."
Finally, the directors of "Nightlight" are being commended. Murray and Gwen Stephenson opened the adult drop-in centre in downtown Sarnia, which marked its first anniversary in March, 2023. Mayor Bradley said it "welcomes people who are experiencing homelessness, seniors who are lonely, new immigrants to the area and international students."
Bradley said the list is "highly personal" and based on his own observations throughout the year, nominations from citizens and media stories. A reception will be held in the spring to formally recognize the recipients.