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Platinum Jubilee honours local unsung heroes

'Whether it is through their volunteer work with a charity, their dedication to our community through service clubs, or their commitment to helping others'

It was a special day for some local citizens who normally don't get the recognition they deserve.  

A Queen's Platinum Jubilee Award ceremony took place on Tuesday at the North Bay Museum.  

During the event, a group of unsung local heroes were recognized. 

The local event is part of a national program where citizens are being recognized across the country celebrating the Queen's 70th year on the throne.  As part of the ceremony, the nominees were given a limited edition commemorative pin. 

"This pin embodies the virtues of the Queen's 70-year legacy of selflessness and steadfast service and those are the qualities that our award winners exemplify," said Anthony Rota, Nipissing-Timiskaming MP, who handed out the commemorative pins.  

"Whether it is through their volunteer work with a charity, their dedication to our community through service clubs, or their commitment to helping others.   

"It honours the people who work hard in their communities to make sure everything works well, it really shows dedication," added Rota.   

Platinum Jubilee Award winners: 

Jay Aspin - dedicated over 40 years of public service as a school board trustee and a member of the North Bay City Council for six terms.  

Nancy Dewar-Stenning - nominated for her commitment with FIRST team 1305 robotics program. 

Peter Handley - nominated as founding member of the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame in 1977.  Helped create plaques for many of the Heritage sites around North Bay through his time as Chair of the North Bay Heritage Committee. 

Judy Jessen, Janet Zimbalati, Sandy O'Grady - nominated for their efforts organizing the Remembrance, Recognition and Renewal event at the Davedi Club this summer. 

Gary Jodouin - nominated for his efforts organizing the Santa Claus Express for more than 25 years. Gary passed away on June 5, 2022. The award was accepted by his widow Carol.  

Gillian MacIntosh - volunteers as a full-time K9 handler and trainer of "Chewi" a yellow labrador donated to victims services of Nipissing District. 

Jason MacLennan - nominated for his efforts and idea of inclusion to the forefront in North Bay.  

Kelsey McLean - nominated through work with Victims Crisis Assistance and Referral Services and volunteering with BAYSAR.  

Anne Taylor - nominated for her volunteer work with the North Bay Power and Sail Squadron for more than 22 years and has been a member for 27 years. 

Jamie Tremblay - nominated for his role as Defence Aboriginal Advisor to the 22 Wing Command, a role he has served since 2019. 

Nico Waltenbury - nominated for creating 'Bay Bundle" a non-profit, shop local program which started during COVID-19. 

Other winners who were not in attendance were Dr. Joel Carter and Robert Palangio. 

Dr. Carter was recognized as being instrumental in attracting more doctors to the areas, while Palangio was nominated for his service as a board member at the Capitol Centre and his efforts in the construction of North Bay's mausoleum. 


Chris Dawson

About the Author: Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson has been with BayToday.ca since 2004. He has provided up-to-the-minute sports coverage and has become a key member of the BayToday news team.
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