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Jeff Cristall and Mary Gooden are recognized by Brandon West Progressive Conservative MLA Reg Helwer for their individual dedication to their communities by each receiving the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. (SUBMITTED)
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Brianna Cullen is a small business owner who also is awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal from Helwer. (SUBMITTED)
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Karen Peto, executive director of the YWCA in Brandon, and national board member Yaso Mathu show off their Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals as YWCA president Elaine McGregor looks on Thursday afternoon. The pair were given the honours for their work with the women’s group.
(COLIN CORNEAU/BRANDON SUN)
To commemorate Queen Elizabeth II and her 60 years on the throne, members of the Manitoba legislature have each had the opportunity to present the Queen’s Jubilee Medal to worthy members of their communities. These are people who have made substantial contributions to the lives of their fellow citizens.
Brandon West Progressive Conservative MLA Reg Helwer made three presentations.
Mary Gooden is being recognized for her support for the local arts community in Brandon, notably for starting Staircase Canadiana. It was an innovative art gallery of its time that featured local artists and their work. Gooden was also a part of two long-standing family businesses, along with her late husband George. Together, they operated Gooden’s Men’s Wear and The Ski Shoppe.
Jeff Cristall is MNP’s former Brandon-based managing partner for southern Manitoba and a faithful volunteer in his community. Aside from acting as chairman of the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup host committee, Cristall has taken on the chairmanship of the 2017 Canada Summer Games bid committee. He has also offered his talents to the local arts community, serving as treasurer of the Brandon Festival of the Arts.
Brianna Cullen is an owner of two small businesses in southwestern Manitoba and in her spare time, she rescues animals in harm’s way and finds new homes for them. She is also being honoured for acts of bravery when her class of sailing students was caught in a sudden squall on Pelican Lake. Cullen is part of a volunteer group working on aerating Pelican Lake. Their efforts can be seen at www.healthylake.ca.
Arthur-Virden Progressive Conservative MLA Larry Maguire made two presentations.
Michelle Chyzyk has taught music for over two decades in three Virden schools and has also served as an accompanist, choreographer and choral director with many gold medal choirs, musicals and drama productions.
Gregg Fotheringham is a Reston-area farmer and staunch supporter of environmental education programs — especially for youth.
» Submitted
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition December 14, 2012
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