By Ted McMeekin, Ancaster/Dundas/Flamborough/ Westdale MPP

The holiday season is full of wonder: Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, Jews commemorate the miracle of light, Muslims mark the Hijra as the start of a new year and all of us, of whatever tradition, open our doors and our hearts just a little wider to family and friends.

It is also a time of transition as we prepare to welcome in a new year.

As we move into 2013, I want to offer a sincere thank you’ to the hundreds of residents who consistently go that extra mile to make our community a better place in which to live. A wise man once wrote, “Volunteers are not paid because they are worthless but rather because they are priceless.” So to everyone who has lent a helping hand, been a good neighbour, coached a sports team, mentored a child, helped someone in distress, made that call to cheer up a sick or worried friend, worked with their service club on an exciting community projects or any one of a hundred acts of kindness, I say thank you and well done.

To celebrate our transition into 2013, I am holding a special New Year Levee on Saturday, Jan. 19 from 1-3:30 pm. at the old Ancaster Town Hall on Wilson Street in Ancaster. Please try to join us.

The mayor and several councillors will be there to bring their greetings. The mayor has also promised to bring his saxophone and entertain us with a special tune.

Several guests will also join us for a very special 2:30 p.m. celebration and presentation of Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals. This special medal commemorates Her Majesty the Queen’s service to Canada over the last 60 years. Her Majesty has been many things, but foremost has been her unwavering commitment to public service.

Seven medals will be presented to community champions – people who have unselfishly given of themselves over the years.

Please plan to join us as we celebrate the life and work of Randy Baker, Gary Caldwell, Mark Chamberlain, Tim Christianson, Co. Chris Corrigan (retired), Clare Crozier, Ivan McPhail, Sylvia Parr, Russ Powers, Art Samson, Roy Sheldrick, Julia Smith, Jim Steep, former mayor Bob Wade, Harvey Wood, Eleanor Wood, Sylvia Wray and Donn Zver.

In closing, let me wish everyone good health, much joy and many blessings in 2013. Hope to see you at the levee.