Betty Jones says she was a little afraid when she began a legacy that’s still around to this day.
In 1964, Jones helped start ARC Industries, now the Monty Parks Centre. A teacher, she knew that she could help people with developmental disabilities learn skills that would help them get work in the community.
“They just enjoyed it so thoroughly,” she said, remembering when a carpenter showed her first four clients some woodworking skills.
Jones was one of 15 community members, including Dougall Media’s Fraser Dougall, honoured with a Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal Saturday afternoon.
“It feels wonderful,” Jones said after receiving her medal. “I love the queen I always have”
MP John Rafferty (NDP, Thunder Bay- Rainy River), said he really wanted to focus on the people who helped build the community.
“Really sort of unsung heroes, people who either shy away from the limelight normally or people who don’t get recognition,” he said at the Knights of Columbus Centre. “They worked behind the scenes to build this community.”
Rafferty said it wasn’t easy compiling the list as there were a lot of worthy nominations. Grace McLaren had already received a jubilee medal. And after the presentation she wasn’t the only one in the family as her husband Jack was awarded one.
“It’s very humbling,” Grace said of receiving the medal.
Jack McLaren said it’s been an incredible journey working with the Hymers Agricultural Society for more than 55 years. His grandfather was one of the original founders of the annual fair. Really, he was just continuing what his grandfather started he said.
“I didn’t expect this. I was just doing what I thought I should be doing,” McLaren said, adding he’s very appreciative of the honour.
Here is the full list of recipients:
James Ash, Kevin Bellin, Brian Berringer, Dorothy Chambers, Hector Fraser Dougall, Lorne Clifford, Frederick Boyd Johnson, Joseph Johnson, Elizabeth Jones, Alexander Koval, Joanne Locke, Jack McLaren, Moffatt Makuto, Christopher Mills, Bill Towill.
