MAPLETON – The Ontario Senior Achievement Award recognizes “extraordinary seniors who, after the age of 65, have made significant contributions to their community or province.”
That’s according to a letter from Minister for Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho, inviting Mapleton council to nominate a local senior for the award.
Councillor Marlene Ottens suggested nominating Ab Hesselink “given all the work he did planning the Drayton 150.”
Hesselink lived in Drayton for 62 years, serving on the fire department for 37 years, on council for 21 years, and on the Drayton Festival Theatre board for 35 years.
Drayton 150 was a three-day event with dozens of events including a soap box derby, live music and a car show.
Council agreed unanimously on the nomination without discussion.
The province recognizes up to 20 seniors with the award each year.
Recipients contribute to their communities in a range of fields such as arts, literature, community service, volunteering, education, environment, fitness and humanitarian activities.
