Four Hatters honoured with 2017 Civic Recognition Awards
By Medicine Hat News on April 18, 2017.
Stan Sakamoto may have lost the recent federal byelection, but the well-known businessman has won a place in the 2017 Civic Recognition Awards for his dedication to community service. Sakamoto was one of four named to the biannual list when the list was released on Monday night, including artist Arne Handley (Cultural), Gerald Freedman (Humanitarian), and John Slater (Environmental). No nominations were received in two other categories, sports or community inclusion. “I know that there are people in the community who make a major contribution,” said Coun. Les Pearson, who was council’s lead contributor for the project.“In two years, I hope there will be a full slate of deserving candidates.” Nominations were examined by a committee made up of members from seven public advisory boards and committees that report to city council. Council members said Monday that those honoured were well deserving of the awards. The awards will be presented at a ceremony on May 25 in the Esplanade’s main theatre. Sakamoto has been a long-time supporter of local charities and events, such as the Kiwanis Christmas banquet and other fundraising diners through his catering company. He is a member of the Rotary Club, Junior Achievement, and REDI Enterprises board. He was named the Medicine Hat College business person of the year in 2010. Handley was an early volunteer director in the process of re-establishing Medalta Potteries as a working site and museum. He has also served on the city’s public art committee and the heritage resource committee. Freedman, a retired investment broker, has been an active fundraiser for the YMCA in Medicine Hat, the local food bank and other endeavours. Slater is the former president of the Grasslands Naturalists, who has helped form annual park, highway and shoreline cleanups, as well as supported programming with the Naturalists. 12
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