Three High River residents were in Ottawa Wednesday to receive Senate 150 Commemorative Medals for their outstanding community service.

Senator Scott Tannas says the medals are a way to celebrate the Senate's role in Canada.

"We wanted to do something special for the anniversary of the country and it was proposed by one of the senators that we craft a medal and provide it to citizens in our communities across the country recognizing them for the work that they do for their communities or exception achievements," Senator Tannas says. "Each senator was given 12 medals to give away in whatever fashion any senator wanted to go at it in terms of picking the people."

He says the biggest ovation was for lemonade magnate Tate Barton who's raised tens of thousands of dollars for the High River Hospital's Cancer Care Centre in memory of his mother, for the great treatment she received there.

"Tate became a rock star here today and at the ceremony Tate was the only one who received an ovation, it was really moving," Tannas says. "People read, in the program, his story and as soon as his name was called people gave a loud and long ovation, and that was the only ovation in the whole thing."

Jim Ross was recognized for his work with a pair of post flood committees that helped people get back on their feet and dealt with systemic problems with the Disaster Recovery Program.

"Jim and his committee did so much work and helped so many people get their claims settled that I couldn't agree more, I had a number of people who suggested Jim as being the perfect guy to highlight and I was so proud to be able to do that," he says.

 

Speaker of the sSenate George J.Furey, Jim Ross, Senator Scott Tannas

And finally Jim Nikulak was honoured for his many acts of volunteerism.

According to a statement put out by Tannas' office "John has contributed thousands of hours of volunteer time as a worker, donor and fundraiser for worthy causes including the High River Hospital Auxiliary, the Food for Thought Lunch Program, the MS Society, the Little Britches and Santa Claus parades, the Highwood Lions Club and Sunrise Village.   
He also dedicates time to the High River United Church, of which he is proud to be an honourary member of the Women’s Group.  John explained in an interview that he volunteers because he enjoys people.

Speaker of ther Senate George J.Furey, John Nikulak, Senator Scott Tannas

Tannas says Nikulak took advantage of the opportunity to visit the nation's capital.

"He's a charming guy and he's got so much energy, I think he's really enjoyed his time here in Ottawa," Tannas says."He's been very active, toured the parliament buildings, participated in question period and so and he's been such a tremendous member of our community."

 

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