Lakefield Herald Special Report

Diamond Jubilee Medals awarded

Three local residents were presented with Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals during a Township of Selwyn Council meeting on February 12.

Surrounded by friends and family, Anita Hayes, Brenda Neill and Dr. Elwood Jones were recognized for their significant achievements and community involvement.

“We have outstanding citizens in our community,” said Mayor Mary Smith.

“It makes me proud to live in this community and it’s people like Anita, Brenda and Elwood that make the Township and County a wonderful place to live.”

Mayor Smith called each recipient forward as she noted their exceptional community achievements and presented them with their Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Recipients also received a framed certificate of recognition personally signed by the Governor General of Canada David Johnston.

Recipient Information

Anita Hayes has been a member of the Smith-Ennismore Community Policing Volunteer Committee since 2000 and has served as Chair since 2003.

She is passionate about seniors and sits on the executive of Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (S.A.L.T.) and hosts safety for seniors workshops within the County of Peterborough.

Her volunteer time from 2003 to 2012 totals over 7,000 hours. Anita Hayes was nominated by Councillor Sherry Senis on behalf of the Smith-Ennismore Police Services Board.

Dr. Elwood Jones is a retired professor from Trent University. He promotes regional history through his work at Trent Valley Archives, is the author of a weekly history column for the Peterborough Examiner and has published many books on local history.

Elwood is very passionate about the Trent Valley Archives and about making history come alive through stories. Elwood Jones was nominated by Ruth Kuchinad on behalf of Trent Valley Archives.

Brenda Neill has over 12 years of service on the community’s Library Board. She was responsible for the establishment of the Lakefield Library Silver Birch reading program.

Brenda also chaired the Lakefield Literary Festival from 1998-2004 and has been an active volunteer for over 17 years with the Festival.

For over 40 years, Brenda has directed the junior choir at Lakefield United Church. She has been recognized for her many years of school community involvement and was inducted in 2004 on the Lakefield District Secondary School Wall of Honour.

Brenda Neill was nominated by Michael Stedman on behalf of the Selwyn Public Library Board.

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