Deb Dalziel and Pat Mestern are Centre Wellington’s most recent recipients of Diamond Jubilee medals.
On Dec. 17, Centre Wellington Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj started off the regular council session in a special presentation, accompanied by Ted Arnott, Wellington-Halton Hills MPP.
Arnott said “even though it’s been a long, busy day, I’m delighted to be here, to say thank you at the end of the year.”
Arnott said the extraordinary teamwork in Centre Wellington is one of the things that makes the community special.
“But I have another duty tonight which is very special – to present, in association with Mayor Ross-Zuj, two Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medals.”
Arnott said a number of Diamond Jubilee medals were allocated to each member of provincial parliament to present to worthy people within their respective ridings.
Arnott asked municipal councils within Wellington and Halton to submit nominations of leading citizens.
Pat Mestern
Ross-Zuj welcomed Mestern to the council chamber that night.
In addition, Ross-Zuj said council wanted to be able to make the presentation a surprise before Christmas.
“Pat, you are such a deserving receiver of this medal,” Ross-Zuj said, acknowledging that Mestern is the author of a number of historical fiction novels.
“Her characters are absolutely delightful and she captures the history of our country in many of her stories.”
Ross-Zuj said Mestern also writes for many travel magazines and is an active supporter of the local community, in every way.
“In particular, she makes Fergus the place to be,” Ross-Zuj said.
“Our Scottish culture is so well preserved and celebrated. Pat, you’ve done an outstanding job making sure people know what that culture is all about.”
Deb Dalziel
Next up was Elora and Fergus Tourism co-ordinator Deb Dalziel.
Ross-Zuj said Dalziel was responsible for promoting the community for many years, in addition to supporting the area’s Scottish heritage.
“She works tirelessly to make certain our municipality is well known throughout Ontario, Canada and even internationally.”
