By Echo staff

Published Oct. 24 2017

To celebrate Canada’s sesquicentennial MP Jamie Schmale gave out special awards to community members in the riding. There were hundreds of nominations for the awards which Schmale created for those who have made outstanding contributions to the community.
There were 15 categories including arts culture and heritage; caregivers; community builders; entrepreneurs educators older adults sports and recreation and others.

Medals were given out during five ceremonies in three days earlier this month.
Honoured at the Haliburton Legion in the “community builder” category were Curry Bishop Jack Brezina Andy Campbell Mike Jaycock Paul MacInnes and John Teljeur.  Pat Thornett and Arthur Ward were honoured in a combined community builder/faith in action category. Jan and Chris Woods were awarded under “arts culture and heritage” and the Haliburton District Lions Club received an award as a service club. Bill Gliddon was given an award under the “good neighbour” category and John Magee was awarded for “faith in action.”

In Wilberforce the Highlands East Fire Service were awarded as first responders Darrell McQuigge received his award in the “sports and recreation” category Evelyn and Wayne Galloway were “good neighbours” and the Wilberforce Legion’s Ladies’ Auxiliary received the award under the Legions and Ladies Auxiliaries category.
Names of awards recipients who haven’t yet received their medals will be included in Schmale’s Christmas publication.
– Jenn Watt