By Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
Conservative MP Chris Lewis (Essex) has presented 30 community members with the King Charles III Coronation Medal, recognizing their contributions to Essex and Canada.
The award is given to individuals who have made a significant impact on their communities at a national, provincial, regional or local level. Recipients must have been alive on May 6, 2023, the date of King Charles III’s coronation.
Lewis sought nominations from local town councils and Royal Canadian Legions across the riding. The recipients represent a diverse group of individuals recognized for their dedication to the community.
The recipients include Mary-Maureen Atkin, Jennifer Chevalier, Capt. (Ret.) Ernest Gazdig, Ed Gibbs, Linda Lynch, Sara Machnik, Sandy Repko and Helen Lewis (posthumous) from Kingsville; Christopher Bailey, Dr. John Cappucci and Thomas LeClair from LaSalle; Jennifer Baggio, Gilbert Bastien, Richard Brooks, Kristin Kennedy and John Vanthournout from Belle River; Bill Granger and Brandon Chartier from Essex; John Garnet Edwards, Ron Giofu, Tim McAllister and Andrew Stewart from Amherstburg; Donald Lucier, Robin Martin and Jeremy Sinasac from Harrow; Tim Byrne and Bruce Lodge from Lakeshore; Katherine Gunning from Cottam; Stephanie Zekelman from Tecumseh; and James Crichton from Windsor.
Lewis said it was an honour to celebrate the contributions of those selected.
“Each honouree has brought something extraordinary to our communities. Their dedication has impacted so many lives in Essex and beyond,” Lewis said.
“Thank you all for leaving the world a better place than you found it.”