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IN THE NEWS
Courtenay-Alberni Trio honoured with Coronation Medals
Three Alberni Valley women have received King Charles III coronation medals for their longstanding service to the community in the fields of housing, healthcare and seniors' care.
Gord Johns, MP for Courtenay-Alberni, called recipients Marlene Dietrich, Jeanette Watts and Cyndi Stevens three of "the most influential, powerful, inspiring women" in the community. Johns presented the medals in separate ceremonies in November 2024.
Dietrich served as president of Abbeyfield Houses Alberni Valley Society for more than a dozen years, having joined the board a few months before the arrival of the first residents. She worked in various roles for the provincial government after raising four children and fostering four more. She has also served on several boards such as the Alberni Valley Heritage Commission, volunteers with the Alberni District Historical Society and Archives and more.
Watts is nursing manager with the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council and has managed the health of Nuu-chah-nulth people on and off reserve for 36 years. Stevens is the executive director at the Port Alberni Friendship Center and among other projects oversees Walyaqil Tiny Home Village on Fourth Avenue and the shelter at 3939 Eighth Avenue.
Three Courtenay residents get the King Charles III Coronation Medal
Today (Nov. 15), three Courtenay locals were presented the King Charles III Coronation Medal by member of Parliament, Gord Johns. The medal is awarded to only 30,000 Canadians.
Doug Cox received the medal in recognition of his creative vision for over 28 years of presenting the gift of music to the people of Vancouver Island and mobilizing thousands of volunteers to create the community of MusicFest for three magical days each summer.
"I am honoured to present you with the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of your creative vision over 28 years of presenting the gift of music to the people of Vancouver Island," said Johns.
Anne Davis received the medal in recognition of 30 years of service with the Comox Valley Transition Society and a lifetime of community activism for social justice for all.
"Your advocacy for unions to enhance their responses to intimate partner violence and [your] service on numerous local and provincial boards and committees have contributed significantly to public awareness of violence against women in our society," said Johns.
Tim Ennis received the medal in recognition of his important contributions to the acquisition, protection and restoration of ecologically significant lands and waters on Vancouver Island.
"Over 25 years, your determination to seek common cause with the entire community in the interest of the environment has been remarkable," said Johns.
King Charles III Coronation Medal presented to 'outstanding' PQB recipients
Several outstanding individuals in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area were recently honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns presented the medals at a ceremony held at the Society of Organized Services building on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal is awarded to just 30,000 Canadians on behalf of the Governor General. The medals that are specially minted of nickel and silver by the Royal Canadian Mint are a way of recognizing outstanding individuals who have made a difference through their achievements and their service to community and country.
SOS executive director Newton presented with King Charles III medal
Susanna Newton, SOS executive director, was presented with the King Charles III medal by MP Gord Johns on Nov. 13.
During the presentation, Johns recognized Newton for her significant contributions to strengthening the community through 30 years of dedicated service with SOS.
He commended her for effectively guiding the organization through the challenges of COVID-19, highlighting her outstanding leadership and commitment to stabilizing and restoring operations to better support local residents.
Johns also praised the SOS board of directors, staff and loyal volunteers.
Newton, surrounded by SOS staff, said she was honoured to receive the award.
“I would like to share this with our amazing SOS staff and volunteers who work so hard every day to improve the lives of our residents," she said. "I’m grateful that SOS has provided me with valuable opportunities to make a meaningful difference in our community. I appreciate the recognition from MLA Johns and his team today, encouraging our SOS team to continue working to meet needs and enrich lives.”
