A group picture of Monday night's Platinum Jubilee Award recipients. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Honouring Community Service

City of N.B. recognizes 13 with Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medals

Feb 7, 2023 | 11:55 AM

Over a dozen North Battleford residents were recognized for their years of service Monday night at the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal Ceremony at the Chapel Gallery.

Mayor of North Battleford David Gillan was on-hand for the medal presentations and said it was great to recognize many who give of themselves to making the community a better place.

“I’m honoured to be here, presenting awards to such deserving people,” Gillan said. “We had a lot of nominations and these 13 really stood out. It’s all about community service and just like the Queen [who exemplified] 70 years of service and dedication, we were looking for the same attributes: people in the community who give of themselves, of their time, and care about the community.”

Recipients included:

Freedom and Flexibility

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Dec 12, 2025

Riderville

Now for the Hard Part

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Seniors Scene

Christmas is Coming

Dec 09, 2025

– Kate Abrahamson (Volunteerism) *accepted on her behalf by her father Randy Abrahamson

– Kerilyn Voigt (Healthcare)

– Const. Navdip Garcha (Law Enforcement)

– Jane Zielke De Montbrun (Healthcare)

– Alvin Baptiste (Reconciliation)

– Const. Guillaume Lavoie (Law Enforcement)

– Pat Gotto (Volunteerism)

– Chief Lindsay Holm (Protective Services)

– Melanie Roberts (Education)

– Amber Stewart (Volunteerism)

– Donald Meriam (Philanthropy)

– Rosemarie Stadnyk (The Arts)

– Sherron Burns (Reconciliation)

Amber Stewart, who was recognized for her volunteer contributions, said while the news that would receive the Jubilee Medal came as a surprise, it was also a real honour.

“I was really surprised when I got word as I just feel like I do my job, I help in my community, and it’s just part of what you do,” Stewart said. “But it’s an honour to be recognized, and I really love the community and believe in it, so doing the work doesn’t feel like work to me. I’m very honoured.”

Fire Chief with the City of North Battleford, Lindsay Holm said the medal is something he dedicates to his family for their sacrifices that allow him to operate at his best and continue to serve the community.

“For myself, it’s extremely humbling [to receive the Jubilee medal and to be quite honest with you, I think my family probably deserves this more than I do,” Holm said.

“They’re the ones who have to be deprived on birthdays, holidays and all of that to let me do what I do best and I’m very honoured to be one of the people to receive this award. I get to go to work every day to a job I love and help people, and at the end of the day that’s what I got into this service for.”

Rosemary Stadnyk, who was recognized for her contributions to the arts, said it was special just to be recognized alongside so many others also making a positive impact in the community.

“It’s very exciting and a real honour,” Stadnyk said. “I feel very honoured to be with these people from the community who have done such wonderful work for others; people who have volunteered and made a real contribution to the community of North Battleford.”

For Alvin Baptiste, who was recognized for his efforts in reconciliation, he said it’s all about making the community a better place for the next generations to come.

“To receive the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award is an honour,” Baptiste said. “Just making this community a better place for our children is the purpose of it, and building bridges with other nationalities so we can all live together in peace and harmony.”

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1