> West Niagara businesses, organizations showcased in Then & Now /Pgs 8-11 > West Niagara mayors give 2020 reviews Pgs 5&11 > Hat Trick Hockey is back Pg 6 > Beamsville restaurant COVID pivots to bodega retailer Pg 7 Thursday, January 7, 2021 Vol. 9 Issue 38
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Pennachetti accepts Order of Canada appointment By Mike Williscraft NewsNow While motorists are not supposed to text and drive, it may be a good idea to add no taking messages from the Governor General’s office while driving to that list. “I almost drove off the road,” said Len Pennachetti of the moment when he received word he had been appointed to the Order of Canada. The formal announcement came Dec. 20. “The Order of Canada is one of our country’s highest civilian honours. Its Companions, Officers and Members take to heart the motto of the Order: Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam - They desire a better country,” stated the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada’s press release. Pennachetti, who has been a dominant force on the local wine and tourism scene for decades earned his new status as a “member”, according to the release, “For his key role in developing the Ontario wine industry and for fostering tourism in the Niagara Peninsula region.” The news was a com-
Len Pennachetti, well-known for his work in the wine and tourism industries and the force behind Cave Spring Cellars, has been appointed to the Order of Canada. Williscraft - File Photo plete shock to Pennachetti. “I got a call from Rideau Hall. I was driving. I still remember where I was. I was driving through the valley right here in Jordan,” he recalled, noting the woman who called was one of the governor general’s fact checkers.
“I nearly drove off the road. It was quite an interesting conversation because she knew a lot about me.” A short time later, some additional information arrived by mail, with two, snowflake lapel pins part of the package. “I was told I would be allowed to wear
them starting yesterday (Dec. 30 when the appointment was announced). As one might suspect in this current COVID-19 environment, the traditional formal presentation many may be familiar with seeing has been put off. “They are delaying it.
That was made clear in the letter I received with the package,” said Pennachetti. “It’s indefinite. They have not made any decisions.” Pennachetti’s drive to grow the fortunes of the wine and tourism sectors ascend far beyond what was his Jordan-centric op-
erations - Cave Spring Cellars and Inn On The Twenty. In 2017, Inn on the Twenty was sold to Vintage Hotels and its owner Jimmy Lai. About two years ago, he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Niagara Entrepreneur of See LEN, Page 3