Hamilton, ON -- Sept. 15, 2016:  Seven outstanding citizens have been named to Hamilton’s Gallery of Distinction. The 2016 inductees include leaders from healthcare, the arts, local business, community service and sports. Each has made a lasting contribution to Hamilton. They will be inducted at the 33rd annual gala dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 15th at Michelangelo Events & Conference Centre.

The 2016 Hamilton Gallery of Distinction inductees are:

Ardyth Webster Brott

For 30 years, Webster Brott has been a driving creative force in Hamilton. Born in Dundas, she has committed her life to making Hamilton a richer, more vibrant city. As Executive Director of the Brott Music Festival, she leads and shapes one of Hamilton’s most important cultural events bringing world-class performers and an eclectic mix of music to Hamilton. An accomplished author of children’s books, her bestseller Jeremy’s Decision, has also been orchestrated and performed by symphonies throughout North America.

Terry Cooke

First elected to City Council when just 25, Terry Cooke’s commitment and service to Hamilton includes service as a councillor, regional chair, business leader and Foundation president. After being re-elected to Council three times, he became Regional Chair in his thirties and led Hamilton-Wentworth during a time of great change including amalgamation and the Red Hill Expressway. Retiring from politics at 40, he joined The Foxcroft Group as COO and President. Today, he leads the Hamilton Community Foundation in its mandate to drive positive change for his beloved hometown.

Brenda Flaherty

Hamilton born and raised, Brenda Flaherty’s life is dedicated to a healthier hometown. Armed with her Mohawk nursing diploma, and later degrees from McMaster and Queen’s, she embarked on a career helping patients, first as an Emergency Department nurse, then head nurse and today Executive Vice President and COO of Hamilton Health Services. Along the way, she’s earned a reputation for putting patients first and for being a visionary leading with integrity, and is frequently called-upon to serve in volunteer leadership roles in many community organizations.

Russ Jackson

Canada’s best-ever quarterback, Hamilton’s Russ Jackson matched excellence on the playing field with service to his community once the playing days were done. A record-setter at Westdale and McMaster, he starred on both the field and in the classroom. Turning pro, he led the Ottawa Rough Riders to three Grey Cups, winning dozens of awards and honours along the way. While leading the Rough Riders, he began a teaching career that would include serving as vice-principal and principal at high schools in Ottawa, Mississauga and Brampton.

Joseph S. Mancinelli

Joe Mancinelli’s lifelong commitment to organized labour and his hometown began at a young age. Born and raised in Hamilton, he spent his early summers working as a general labourer – his first connection to the trade union that would become his life’s work. Now International Vice-President of the Labourers International Union of North America (LiUNA) – Canada’s largest building trade union - Joe is leaving his mark on Hamilton in restored and revived buildings across town: LiUNA Station, the Lister Block and in new developments like Regina Gardens and Queen’s Garden. His service to Hamilton includes long-standing volunteerism with Hamilton Health Sciences, St. Joseph’s and many others.

Carl and Kate Turkstra

A family well known because of the successful lumber enterprise that bears their name, Carl and Kate’s Incite Foundation has been investing in Hamilton’s arts and culture organizations for years. With little publicity or public awareness, the Turkstras’ investments go directly to those who need them the most. The Hamilton Art Gallery, Hamilton Philharmonic, Theatre Aquarius, An Instrument for Every Child, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, City Kidz and many others are beneficiaries of their support. Thanks to their philanthropy, arts, culture and education are embedded in every corner of the city.

Background on The Gallery of Distinction

The Hamilton Gallery of Distinction is a unique institution that exists to recognize and celebrate Hamilton’s most distinguished citizens both past and present. In 1984, as part of the hometown homecoming celebrations, the Hamilton Gallery of Distinction was created under the stewardship of a volunteer board of directors. To date our community has celebrated the accomplishments of more than 200 (including 2016 inductees) outstanding individuals.

The portraits and biographies of all inductees along with this year’s recipients are featured in the Gallery of Distinction display on the third floor of the Hamilton Central Library.

Nominations are received from the general public, and a panel representing the community is convened each year to select inductees.

More information: www.hamiltongalleryofdistinction.ca

Tickets to the Nov. 15th gala dinner are available by calling 905-522-1151 (ext. 100)

Download Photos of this year’s inductees: http://adobe.ly/2cpykRp