Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List

Jennifer Williams who is the Director of Volunteers for Air Show London, tries to make an environment that is inclusive to persons of all abilities. Jennifer always finds ways to make everyone feel included, even volunteers in wheelchairs, who feel valued and appreciated in the help they are able to provide due to Jennifer’s wonderful leadership. Jennifer always makes sure all volunteers have everything they need to be involved and she is always very accommodating for all volunteers and will even move the volunteers to a more accessible area for safe accessibility. She also includes individuals from many diverse communities who are all free from discrimination on disability, sex, race, and age. For these reasons and more, Jennifer Williams is named to the 2024 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List, in the category of accessibility.

Don Pollock has volunteered the past several years with the local London CARP Branch in the capacity of President. This active London chapter provides a wide variety of informative educational speakers for each chapter meeting, and provide valuable take away information for many seniors in the London area. With Don’s dedication and contributions to the organization, there has been increased attendance with every monthly meeting. His assistance is key in putting together the popular meeting agendas and speakers. For his efforts as President of the local London CARP Branch, and more, Don is named to the 2024 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List in the category of Age Friendly.

Audrey Cooper grew up in the city of Toronto. When she started her own family in the 1950’s and 60’s, she soon found herself divorced with three children to raise. She charted her own course, choosing to become a single mom entrepreneur, employing, training, mentoring, and helping other women open doors in a male-dominated business world. 

Decades later, after a successful career, and with children raised, Audrey faced retirement and a move from Toronto to London to be closer to family. Healthwise, she was also dealing with another challenge - depression. In true Audrey fashion, after seeking conventional mental health treatments, she plotted her own therapy. At 76 years of age, she picked up a paintbrush and started to paint. She had happy memories of growing up in Toronto’s Danforth Avenue neighbourhood, and they became the subject of her colourful acrylic canvases painted in a whimsical folk-art style – envision a citified Maude Lewis. 

She started to enjoy sales of her new-found talents and was enjoying the camaraderie of kindred spirits in her new home, when one day, looking at an empty space in London’s downtown Talbot Centre, she decided it was the perfect venue to showcase works by the city’s talented creative community. “Its purpose was clear to me,” she says. And so, a dream was born. 

Before long, Audrey gathered a team to help schedule exhibits, hang the artworks, handle social media, help host gatherings … its members were all artists who had found someone to share their passion, and valued the opportunity the gallery gave them to gather with like-minded souls. Or, they were simply inspired by the woman whose laughter they had once heard echoing through the concourse halls and, following the sound, found a white-haired senior, sporting large, white-framed glasses, and bright red lipstick, swearing at a laptop computer. They all wanted to be Audrey when they grew up! 

Over the years, the number of artists Audrey has invited to exhibit on the walls has grown, and so too has the spectrum of talent, from those who are professional, well-trained, and established, to others whose work is ‘emerging’ - those who are still in the early stages of their career, but Audrey sees something she likes. They are young, they are middle-aged, they are seniors – all have found a passion for art. The number of new and repeat customers looking for local art has also grown. 

Dozens and dozens of local artists work has adorned the gallery walls over the past 10 years, and countless other creatives have been inspired by her talents as an artist, encouraged by her endeavours and contributions to the London art scene, or simply come under the spell of ‘the Audrey story’. For all these reasons and more, Audrey Cooper is named to the 2024 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List, in the category of Arts.

.Bill Brady is a print and radio journalist, manager, and executive who has been involved with various local and national organizations. He is regarded as a pioneer of the telephone call-in show in Canada. Brady's daily radio program was on the air in the Southwestern Ontario region for more than 20 years. A radio personality and general manager for CFPL radio in London, Brady also was the president of operations for the Blackburn Radio company, and the senior vice-president at the parent Blackburn Group company. Brady has served as president of the Central Canada Broadcasters Association, and in 1996 he was inducted into the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame. For all these reasons and more, Bill Brady is named a Distinguished Londoner for the 2024 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List.

Brian Harris is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Victory Branch London and has been since 2006. In 2007 Brian joined the executive as the Sergeant-at-Arms, Public Relations Chair and Operations Chair. In 2009 he was elected President and served a 2-year term. He has held almost every position on the Victory Executive through 2022, During those years he held multiple positions at Zone and District levels of the Legion including Commander. In 2019 he was elected Vice President of Ontario Command and served one three-year term. Also, in 2019 he was appointed Provincial Poppy Chair, a position he continues to hold. In 2017 he began an initiative to permanently house homeless Veterans in London, a position he continues to chair today. In 2011 he began his support of two youth groups, #9 Royal Canadian Army Cadets and London Legion Track and Field Alliance, both positions he continues today. For his nearly two decades of service to the Royal Canadian Legion and our Veterans in multiple capacities, and his encouragement and development of youth activities, Brian Harris is named a Distinguished Londoner for the 2024 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List.

Evelyn Chertkow has been a longtime volunteer tour guide with Museum London. Since she began her volunteer role in 1970, she has contributed to the education of thousands of students in the region regarding the art and history of London. She continues to tour at the museum, where, for over 53 years, she has generously shared her knowledge and experience with students of all ages. She has shared her expertise and passion for the art to inspire youth to think critically about art and find the wonder within it. Evelyn has also supported artists and their work, contributing to the thriving art community London has enjoyed while she has resided here. She has also given back with generous donations of artwork to the museum to complement the many pieces within a collection she has used to educate and inspire countless youth in London. For these reasons and more, Evelyn is named a Distinguished Londoner for the 2024 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List.

Sheilah Hogarth is a northwest London resident who has actively been collecting litter throughout the city for the last 12 years. Surgery to help her epilepsy allowed her to be more independent and motorized wheelchairs have allowed her to be mobile. She has been giving back to the community and encouraging others to do their part as well. Her contributions not only beautify the city, but also help protect wildlife, plant life, waterways, soil and ecosystems from toxic and dangerous chemicals and materials they shouldn't be introduced to. For her contributions to our London community and her time giving back, Sheilah is named a Distinguished Londoner for the 2024 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List.

The Youth Coalition Combating Islamophobia (YCCI), is a passionate collective of Muslim youth and their adult mentors, dedicated to raising awareness, advocating for change, and combating Islamophobia. Through workshops, events, and educational resources, YCCI strives to empower individuals and communities to stand against prejudice and discrimination. For all their efforts and contributions in bringing positive change, YCCI is named to the 2024 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List in the category of Distinguished Londoner.

Rumina Morris became the City of London’s first Director of anti-racism and anti-oppression in 2021, and was responsible for building and staffing this newly formed division. In the aftermath of the attack on Our London Family, Rumina was instrumental in the design and implementation of the City’s plan to disrupt and dismantle Islamophobia. This effort won accolades and admiration across Canada, and was hailed as a model for other cities to follow. Through Rumina’s leadership, the ARAO division provides guidance, tools and support training for employees to take proactive steps to address systemic racism and oppression within the workplace, and within the community. In addition to targeting racism and oppression, directed towards Black people, Indigenous people, Asian people, and all people of colour, the division also focuses on ableism, xenophobia, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia, and other equity seeking groups as necessary. For all these reasons and more, Rumina Morris is named to the 2024 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List, in the category of Diversity and Race Relations.

Diane has been involved with many community volunteer initiatives locally that supported environmental action. Reimagine Institute for Community Sustainability – helped with foundation for tool lending library. Thames Region Ecological Association (TREA) Board–organized projects such as waste reduction campaign to schools and community, how-to- workshop series, helped with yearly Bicycle Festival planning and eventual wind down, engaged with Home County festival waste reduction strategies. Organized many public workshops, ie. renewables, conservation, energy efficiency, composting, cycling. Spearheaded pollinator garden, multi-cultural workshops for newcomers, neighbourhood visits door-to-door to discuss waste issues. Helped EcoSchools with curriculum ties to climate/health.

Post-Carbon London – Developed a community wide energy plan response campaign for London through neighbourhood forums, round table, local election survey, etc. resulting in municipal plan support. City Advisory Committee on the Environment (ACE) – committees for Pollination forum and City pollinator policies, Resilient City conference, Urban Agriculture policy followed by ACE input to spearhead the Friends of Urban Agriculture initiative, organized ACE input to various draft City budgets, contributed to policy topics such as City’ anti-idling by-law, climate emergency action plan and draft London Plan.

She participated in the City Urban Agriculture Strategy committee as ACE rep, was a member of City Community Engagement Task Force tasked with municipal engagement policy, City Cycling Advisory Committee input to City Cycling Master Plan and various development projects, London Middlesex Road Safety Strategy team tasked with implementing plan to reduce traffic accidents.

With CAN-Bike London startup–she organized delivery of instructor training, school and community programs, Learn to Ride initiatives, outreach in the 3 counties aligned with various school board boundaries. Was a part of Green Energy London Co-operative startup– organized incorporation, strategic planning, promotions. She was part of Zerofootprint’s Good Coins initiative – which mapped outreach campaign encouraging sustainable behaviour. Was a local representative for the Federation of Community Power Cooperatives. Was a co-organizer for the SWO people’s rally at Victoria Park, promoting awareness for international COP meetings. She was the London SOUP microfunder – member of committee for planning events, support for local food projects.

Diane was an active member of the organizing team for the Share the Road Cycling Coalition summit held in St. Thomas.Diane was also a part of ‘Green jobs’ conference committee goal to spearhead a local ‘Just Transition’ green initiative. Diane acted as a local resource on the Climate Dialogue with the Premier on a Low-Carbon Ontario. She was a also a Member of London District Energy Renewable Co-op, Council of Canadians London chapter (helped to establish Blue Community), Can-Bike London links to Urban League, London Environmental Network and Big Bike Giveaway, an admin with Caremongers London (fb help to Londoners during Covid-19) and many more. 

For all her contributions over the years and her dedication to bettering the environment, Diane Szoller is named to the 2024 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List in Environment.

Jason Hick is the Communications Co-ordinator for Architectural Conservancy Ontario London Region Branch. He has changed the profile of heritage issues in the locality through reaching out to the community in a very effective and informative way. Through social media, Jason has engaged with a larger group of interested people and keeps everyone involved with local, provincial and even country-wide heritage issues and events. His technical knowledge has been invaluable. Jason has also contributed significantly to the Heritage House Sign initiative which has done so much to illuminate our neighbourhoods and heightened the heritage awareness and profile in the city. For these reasons and more, Jason Hick is named to the 2024 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List, in the category of Heritage.

Jenna Rose Sands is a Cree Anishninaabe artist and writer in London. She has created the "Atrocities Against Indigenous Canadians for Dummies", a zine which explores hard to read about (and surely harder to write about) topics such as the Residential School System, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and the 60s Scoop. She's also created a website full of resources to support her writings. More recently, she is the Executive Director of SafeSpace. She has been a fierce advocate for London's Health and Homelessness Whole of Community System Response, has advocated for unhoused Londoners who are being harassed and targeted on the street, and has secured additional funding from the City for greater supports, like increased access to beds and showers for at London's rising unhoused population. For these reasons and more, Jenna Rose is named to the 2024 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List, in the category of Humanitarianism.

Jamie Walls has been a member of the London Search and Rescue (LSAR) team since 2005. LSAR assists London Police Services, Ontario Provincial Police, and 8 other local Police Forces in searches for missing or lost persons.

Jamie has been a searcher for the team and is on-call 24/7/365. He is a volunteer trained in missing person behaviour, search patterns, clue & evidence handling, psychology of survival, map and compass word, emergency management, and standard first aid. Jamie has taken on a role as an instructor on the team and has taught numerous classes of new recruits. Jamie is a team lead who oversees searchers while operational. Jamie took additional training to further his knowledge of search and rescue: Advanced Search and Rescue and Search Manager Training.

Jamie served on the Senior Leadership Team as Deputy Commander of the LSAR team up until October 2020. In October 2020 he was elected as Commander of the team. His main task was to oversee the transition of the LSAR team from a division under St. John Ambulance to their own independent organization. When LSAR left St. John Ambulance, Jamie led the team through transition to be a non-profit organization and eventually a registered charity.

Under his guidance as Commander of LSAR, between 2020-2023, the team increased in size from 60 members to 108 members. The team enhanced their digital capabilities as he registered domains, got the team @lsar.ca email addresses, and a website. Under his direction, the fundraising capabilities of the team expanded their equipment. The team was able to improve operational capacity by purchasing new radios, GPS units, and electric-assist bikes. He also improved the team's search abilities by equipping LSAR with three thermal imaging monoculars. His vision to outfit the team with technology has enabled the team to respond to more searches in a year than any other prior years. Between 2017 to 2020 the team assisted with 19 missing persons searches. Between 2020-2023 the team assisted with 39 missing persons searches.

Under Jamie, the team flourished and improved the safety of London’s lost persons. His foresight into the technological and digital needs of the team will assist LSAR for years to come. For these reasons and more, Jamie Walls is named to the 2024 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List, in the category of Safety and Crime Prevention.

 Vito Frijia joined the National Basketball League of Canada (NBLC) in 2011 when 7 teams began to play. The London Lightning were born, and as a result, brought professional basketball to London. It also gave hundreds of Canadian basketball players an opportunity to play professional basketball, as the league had a player policy that had to include a minimum of four Canadian players per team. Vito, as owner of the team, brought 6 Championships to London in 11 years and allowed many Londoners to enjoy and cheer on our home team. Thousands of London basketball fans attended, along with thousands of elementary school aged children, because Vito would give thousands of free tickets to the school to give to the children.

Vito was elected President of the NBLC in 2015 and helped promote and develop the new league. The Lightning won Championships in 2011+2012, 2016+2017, and 2022 +2023, bringing the spotlight to London and recognition for the team, fans, and the city.

Vito is not only generous with school children, but he also donates his gym facilities to organizations that need a place to practice or hold an event. BGC, the YMCA, and KidSport London, have all taken advantage of Vito’s generosity and willingness to help the community, and encourage kids to play sports.

Vito has also contributed financially to London’s athletes performance on the world stage. Vito has generously donated to expensive costs of training for the Olympics.

Because of his love for sports, his leadership abilities, and his willingness to help children develop and play sports, Vito Frijia has been named to the 2024 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List, in the category of Sports.