Ten new Order of Hamilton members honoured

Ten city residents were recognized as members of the Order of Hamilton Sunday as part of Mayor Fred Eisenberger’s virtual New Year’s Levee.

The new award of merit was created in 2019 to honour lifelong volunteers who make Hamilton a better place.

A committee that includes the city manager and clerk and is chaired by the mayor reviewed the nominees.

The honourees received a medal.

This year’s ceremony was done online because of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on gatherings.

Here are your newest Order of Hamilton members:

> Lifelong volunteer Rabia Saleem Awan was honoured for work inside and outside Hamilton’s Muslim community, working to help seniors and promote interfaith understanding.

> Lawyer Jim Cimba was recognized for 30 years of volunteer work and board participation with many local community and children’s aid organizations.

> Dr. Margaret Denton was recognized as a community leader and champion for seniors in Hamilton, helping push forward successful programs like Age Friendly Hamilton and Let’s Get Moving. á Beautiful Alleys group founder Brenda Duke was honoured for decades of community garden and environmental service in her neighbourhood and beyond.

> Longtime Beavers leader Mary Elop was recognized for 40 years of service with Scouts Canada and young Hamiltonians.

> Advocate Anthony Frisina was honoured for his dedication to promoting improved accessibility via a television program he created and the Above and Beyond organization he founded.

> Library supporter George Gecz was recognized for decades of advocacy for both the Hamilton Public Library and digital literacy and access. á Dr. Nadia Eva Rosa was honoured for a lifetime of Holocaust education, advocacy for survivors and anti-racism work. á Essential Aid founder Raven Van Bommel was recognized for her ongoing work to alleviate poverty and hunger for children.

> Ancaster champion Robert J. Wilkins was honoured for decades of service and fundraising, particularly for the arts, in his community and across Hamilton.