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Former trustee Gershon presented with citizenship award

Gerri Gershon, who served as public school trustee for 33 years before retiring last fall, received the Member of Parliament’s Award for Citizenship at Don Valley West’s New Year’s Levee on Jan. 19.

She was presented the award by the riding’s MP Rob Oliphant and MPP Kathleen Wynne who hosted the levee. They thanked Gershon for her “years of passion and dedication to serving the Don Valley West community” and they were joined by students from local schools who also offered their appreciation.

“I was really touched by the honour,” Gershon said in a later tweet. “I will remain an active community member. I loved being connected with our various neighbourhoods.

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The annual afternoon event attracted about 300 residents to the Toronto Botanical Garden on Lawrence Avenue West.

They were entertained by musicians including a York Mills Collegiate quartet, the Banskota family originally from Nepal, and Gabrielle Turcotte and Mark Ruan.

Refreshments were served by young people from Thorncliffe Park, Leaside, Lawrence Park and York Mills.

Banskota family at levee
PERFORMING FAMILY: The Banskota family, originally from Nepal, play at New Year’s levee on Jan. 19.