MPP Michael Mantha Recognizes 3 Young Heroes and a Lifelong Volunteer in Manitouwadge
Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha with the 3 teen heroes displaying the certificates presented to them; left to right are Anna Marie Gillman, Melodie Mallais and Mercedes Hunter. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com
MPP Michael Mantha presents Mrs. Marlene Turner with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her years of service and commitment to the community of Manitouwadge and its residents. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com
MANITOUWADGE, ON – Friday, December 14th, an estimated 200 Manitouwadge residents gathered at the High School auditorium for Nite On The Town Entertainment Series’ (NOTES) Annual Christmas Community Showcase organized by NOTES Chairperson Natalie Labbee. Before this year’s showcase could begin however, MC Al Cresswell introduced Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha who had two very special presentations to make.
Mr. Mantha began by inviting 3 young women, local teens who attend Manitouwadge High School, to take the stage; Mercedes Hunter, Anna Marie Gillman, and Melodie Mallais. The Provincial government representative spoke of dedication, of how we can all learn from the quick actions taken by the trio when they saved the life of a stranger who was drowning in Manitouwadge Lake this summer. (CLICK HERE for the full story). Mr. Mantha finished by presenting Miss Hunter, Miss Gillman and Miss Mallais with beautifully bound certificates from himself, on behalf of the Goverenment of Ontario, and MP Carol Hughes, on behalf of the Canadian Government. The girls seemed sincerely surprised and touched by both the recognition from their MPP and the roaring applause from those in attendance, taking their seats without any delay after posing with Mantha to provide family, friends and local press with the photo-ops they wanted.
The next presentation MPP Michael Mantha made was one that many Manitouwadge residents would agree was long overdue; recognizing a 43 year resident of the community who has been integral in the creation of many vital organizations. Marlene was the creator of Manitouwadge’s Grief and Loss Support Group which holds an annual memorial at the cemetary, she was also the driving force behind the Manitouwadge Community Garden which continues to grow by leaps and bounds and has become the home of gardens for each of the elementary schools as well many local residents. There are many other groups and causes she has been responsible for ensuring were established in Manitouwadge and Mr. Mantha described her very appropriately as “A true catalist making sure needed projects and programs could exist to enhance the quality of life for everyone in Manitouwadge”
Mr. Mantha would present Mrs. Marlene Turner with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, a new commemorative medal created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. This very special medal is a described as a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country while also honouring significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. Those assembled broke into a wave of applause, many taking to their feet when Mr. Mantha announced Mrs. Turner as recipient, calls of “You deserve it Marlene”, “We love you Marlene” coming from every part of the audience.
Congratulations to all 4 ladies for the special recognition they received Friday, as Mr. Mantha put it these are small tokens of appreciation for women who have made very big differences in the lives of others.
Watch the videos below to hear more about Mrs. Turner’s contributions to her community or the token of appreciation Mr. Mantha provided the 3 girls.
