Former Erin village councillor Doug Follett and Chricket Yule are two of the most recent recipients of Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Awards.
A presentation by Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott and Mayor Lou Maieron was held on Nov. 6.
Maieron noted part of the night’s agenda included a presentation of the jubilee medals.
In his background to the medals, Arnott noted this year marks the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the throne.
“Tonight I am here on behalf of the Governor General of Canada,” said Arnott.
“As the Queen’s representative working with the Ministry of Citizenship in Ontario, the Governor General allocated a number of Diamond Jubilee medals to each member of provincial parliament for presentation to worthy recipients.
“We were advised that recipients should have helped build the Canada of today, have distinguished themselves from others in their field by achievements in their field and sustained contributions, be highly respected in their communities, and selected by a process which is non-partisan, merit-based, and inclusive.”
Arnott chose to ask local councils in his riding to submit nominations.
“Tonight we are here tonight to honour two of Erin’s leading citizens.”
Maieron started off noting the first recipient was Yule, who served on the board of directors for Centre 2000.
Worked with Special Friends
Maieron referenced the work Yule does with Special Friends – a program which provides activities and outings to teens and adults with special needs while giving a day of respite to each family.
Yule’s first response was “Wow. Oh my gosh.”
She said she’d just recently seen Cathy Keeler and June Switzer receive awards.
“I said to both of them they deserved the awards because they’d done so much for the community. I don’t know who was the deciding body, but thank you,” said Yule.
Councillor John Brennan noted that Yule’s work in the community “made the decision easy.”
Also up for a medal was former Erin village councillor Doug Follett.
Maieron quipped that “our second nominee is a little more familiar with sitting at a council meeting.”
Maieron added Follett has helped direct him in politics.
“Douglas Follett has served the community for many years,” the mayor said.
Follett expressed surprise at the nomination.
“This was a complete surprise because we come to all the council meetings. For me, this was just another council meeting,” said Follett.
Maieron said Follett was a bit of a mentor and played a role in getting him involved in politics.
