Award Nominations

As the founder and artistic director of BlackLit Durham, Greg Frankson has demonstrated impactful leadership in the arts and cultural sector by providing a powerful platform for Black authors, poets, and spoken word performers to share their voices through regular performances at the St. Francis Centre in Ajax.

Greg has created a dynamic, inclusive space where artists can thrive, audiences can engage through open mic participation and thoughtful dialogue, and Black culture is celebrated in its depth and complexity. His dedication ensures that Black literary artists, who often face limited opportunities, have meaningful access to audiences within the Durham Region.

Greg’s commitment to collaboration, cultural awareness, and community building has made BlackLit Durham a cornerstone of artistic expression in Ajax, and his continued efforts to expand its reach highlight his passion and make him a truly deserving recipient of the Arts & Culture Award.

Jacob Moore is a dedicated Ajax resident, entrepreneur, and community advocate whose leadership has significantly strengthened local connections and opportunities.

As the owner of The Hemp Spot and a strong supporter of small businesses, Jacob championed the continuation of the Ajax Markets this year, recognizing the need for residents to shop local, while connecting with neighbours and supporting small vendors. Engaging and attracting a number of small businesses with a diverse range of products to sell, his efforts fostered grassroots economic growth, inclusion, and community spirit.

Jacob’s strong commitment to civic engagement through the Ajax Markets resulted in a series of community events that engaged many community members in Ajax.

Nelson Bond is a remarkable example of how everyday kindness can transform a community. Nelson, a blind senior, demonstrates resilience, generosity, and unwavering positivity at the Ajax Community Centre, where he begins each morning with exercise, making him a beloved and inspiring figure.

What truly sets Nelson apart is the way he uplifts everyone around him, through his warm conversations, humor, and thoughtful gestures like treating friends to coffee after workouts, creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. Nelson naturally brings people together, helping older adults and newcomers alike feel connected and valued.

Though he holds no formal volunteer title, Nelson embodies the spirit of volunteerism through consistent, meaningful good deeds. His kindness combats isolation, builds community, and encourages others to participate more fully in life.

Nelson’s quiet leadership, resilience, and everyday generosity make him deserving of the Good Deed Award.

Faye Tano is recognized for her exceptional dedication as a one-on-one volunteer with Community Living Ajax-Pickering and Whitby. Her consistent, compassionate support has built a deeply trusting relationship with the individual she assists, helping foster confidence, independence, and meaningful personal growth.

Faye’s approach embodies true accessibility, listening patiently, adapting to unique needs, and communicating with empathy and respect. Whether participating in activities or helping develop life and social skills, she creates an environment where the person she supports feels valued, included, and empowered.

Faye’s unwavering commitment and kindness guides the support she provides, which celebrates progress and provides steady and dignified encouragement.

Her volunteer impact is transformative, making her an exceptional candidate for this award.

J’Mone Manhertz is an inspiring educator whose 13 years with the Durham District School Board have made a profound and lasting impact on students in Ajax. Through his work at Ajax High School and its feeder schools, he has consistently shown a deep commitment to empowering youth and fostering their personal and academic growth.

His leadership in initiatives such as the Tallawah Youth Conference, The Cipher: Black Male Empowerment, and the Town of Ajax Youth Hub demonstrates his dedication to creating supportive, inclusive spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and motivated.

As a Youth Liaison Worker, J’Mone provides mentorship that is both relatable and transformative, helping students navigate personal challenges, encouraging new perspectives, and guiding them toward positive choices. As a Black educator and role model, he recognizes the powerful influence he holds particularly for young Black males and uses it to inspire confidence, community, and purpose.

J’Mone’s unwavering commitment to youth makes him truly deserving of the Education Award.

As CEO of WeCandle, Tim Cordeiro has created a workplace where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and individuals facing barriers to employment are given meaningful, fairly paid opportunities to thrive. Tim’s philosophy of “We Can Achieve, We Can Inspire,” is reflected in every aspect of the organization.

Under his vision, every tool in the candle-making process has been adapted for full accessibility, empowering all artisans to perform every task with confidence, and Tim highlights the personal stories and talents of each team member, fostering dignity, visibility, and community connection.

Beyond candle making, Tim ensures employees gain broader skills, whether doing sales at the Ajax Market, to social media training, all expanding their confidence and future opportunities.

Tim’s dedication to community and employment inclusion, makes him profoundly deserving of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.

Senior Support - Certia Miller

As President and CEO of The Lighthouse Retreat and Homebound Wellness, Cerita Miller has created a warm, engaging, and supportive environment where seniors can thrive through cognitive, social, and physical enrichment programs, weekly communal meals, and free community events.

Beyond program delivery, she is a tireless advocate. As a long-standing member of the Age-Friendly Ajax Steering Committee and a newly appointed member of the Lakeridge Health Board, she works to strengthen transportation, housing, and health services for older adults.

Her leadership in organizing community forums on accessible transportation, providing education and support for seniors particularly in the Black community, and her efforts toward developing supportive housing demonstrate her deep, lasting impact. Cerita’s vision, advocacy, and compassion, truly embody the spirit of the Senior Support Award making her a deserving award recipient.

Health & Social Service - Sabiha Shaikh 

Sabiha is an exceptional volunteer whose compassion, cultural awareness, and dedication significantly strengthen the Alzheimer Society of Durham Region’s impact in the community.

As an Ambassador for the organization, she plays a vital role in building meaningful connections with diverse cultural, linguistic, and faith communities, ensuring that dementia services are truly inclusive and accessible. Her ability to share lived experiences and foster trust helps families feel seen, supported, and understood

In addition to volunteering in programs, Sabiha is a Public Education volunteer, raising awareness at community events, delivering hands-on learning through the Virtual Dementia Tour, and helping the public better understand the realities of dementia. Through her work as a Support Group Co-Facilitator, she also creates a safe, welcoming space for women and care-partners to connect.

Heritage - Ajax Heritage Advisory Committee

Over many years, the Ajax Heritage Advisory Committee has demonstrated outstanding leadership in bringing Ajax’s history to life and making it accessible, engaging, and meaningful for the community. This past year, the Committee transformed historical research into two new immersive storytelling experiences - the Friends Cemetery Tour and the Audley Spirit Walk - that helped to deepen the public’s understanding of the Town’s roots.

For the Friends Cemetery Tour, Committee members conducted extensive archival research to uncover the stories of Ajax’s earliest Quaker settlers and crafted compelling scripts that connected participants to the values and experiences that shaped the community

Their work on the Audley Spirit Walk similarly revived the history of the former village of Audley, introducing residents to influential figures whose contributions once defined the town’s early identity.

The Heritage Advisory Committee’s dedication, creativity, and rigorous research have strengthened community pride, preserved important local narratives, and ensured Ajax’s heritage is celebrated for generations to come, making them the deserving recipients for the Heritage Award.