FRYS, POLAK RECOGNIZED IN LEGISLATURE

QUEEN’S PARK, TORONTO — Local residents from Gravenhurst and Bracebridge received recognition in the legislature Wednesday.

Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Norman Miller rose to congratulate three residents who have recently received awards from the Lt.-Gov. Elizabeth Dowdeswell.

Said Miller quoting himself in a release Thursday:

“Three residents of Muskoka have recently been recognized by our lieutenant governor.

Marion and Cyril Fry, who had been honoured at the legislature Feb. 22 received further recognition at Queen’s Park Wednesday from MPP Norm Miller.

“Cyril and Marion Fry of Gravenhurst received the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement on Feb. 22. This award recognizes people who have made an exceptional volunteer contribution to heritage conservation for 25 years or more.

“Cyril and Marion were instrumental in creating the Gravenhurst Archives in 1978 and been involved in collecting, preserving and sharing the history of the town ever since. They were also involved in the Segwun Steamship Museum.”

Miller added:

Bracebridge lawyer Jean Polak was praised by Miller for her work with Rotary, the town and legal community.

“On March 7, Jean Polak of Bracebridge was one of eight people to receive the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship. This award recognizes individuals for their exceptional efforts and outstanding contributions to their communities—and I can’t think of a more deserving person.

“Jean is highly involved in the community. She is probably best known for her work with the Rotary Club of Bracebridge. For 26 years she has been involved with the Rotary Club’s annual theater production, most often as producer. This year I attended the Bracebridge and Huntsville rotary clubs’ production of Mamma Mia! and I have to say it was a great show.

“Jean has also served on the boards of Muskoka Conservancy and the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital, and volunteered with Community Living South Muskoka and other organizations. Beyond our community, she has been a member of the Chief Justice of Ontario’s Advisory Committee on Professionalism and worked with the Advocates’ Society.

“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Cyril and Marion Fry and Jean Polak for their contributions to our communities and offer my congratulations.”