Accolades are still rolling in for former Fruitvale mayor Libby Nelson.
The woman who served the village and the villagers of Fruitvale for 15 years in the top municipal political posting will be receiving a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal in honour of her contributions to the community.
Nelson was nominated by her council, as well as the Regional District of Central Kootenay board of directors, last month for the medal, designated in commemoration of Queen Elizabeth’s sixth decade at the helm of the Commonwealth.
Nelson was not just about community political service, said current Fruitvale Mayor Patricia Cecchini, she also did a lot of community work through her church in philanthropic support.
“She has dedicated herself to the local government and to the community in immense ways,” she said. “Libby Nelson has made a tremendous difference in our area, not only in Fruitvale, but regionally as well.”
Fruitvale chief administrative officer Lila Cresswell said Nelson was chosen based on her “dedication to peers, local government, the community and Canada.”
Cecchini will be presenting the medal and certificate in a ceremony at the Diamond Jubilee Seniors’ tea on Friday at 3 p.m. at Fruitvale Community Centre.
Looking back over her career, Nelson said in a Daily Times story in October, 2011, she believed her greatest accomplishment had been moving from a boil-water advisory notice to the safety of a completed water treatment plant.
Current Montrose village councilor Don Duclos also noted Nelson was instrumental in renovating the Fruitvale Community Hall, which many thought should be torn down, creating a source of pride for the community.
He pointed to a revamped works yard and shop, flower planters and park benches, and a small, but efficient fleet of Village-owned equipment as other improvements under her leadership.
The Queen celebrates 60 years as monarch in 2012. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee takes place from Saturday, June 2-5, with celebratory activities throughout the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth.
Also awarded
A former Fruitvale resident will also be receiving the award on Friday in Dawson Creek.
Paul Gevetkoff, who was born and raised in Fruitvale, will also be given the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award, in recognition for the work he contributed to his new northern home.
A former city councilor for nine years, Gevetkoff has been instrumental in keeping the local Bear Mountain Ski Hill in operation, as well as raising funds for numerous community groups.
The former forester retired as superintendent of works in the area after he graduated from Selkirk College in Castlegar.
“I’m so proud of him and what he has done. It’s just amazing,” said Marg Gevetkoff, his sister and current Fruitvale resident.