2011 Senior Islanders of the Year were announced today by Minister of Community Services, Seniors and Labour Valerie E. Docherty.
“The Prince Edward Island Senior Islanders of the Year Awards highlight the many accomplished and generous individuals across the province,” said Minister Docherty. “The Prince Edward Island Seniors’ Secretariat received many nominations and, as Minister Responsible for Seniors, I would like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate someone and for recognizing the unique role that Island seniors play in enhancing our Island communities.”
The award recognizes and celebrates the significant contributions by Island seniors in many areas of community life including volunteer work, artistic achievement, fundraising, community participation, career achievements, fitness and recreation, and other activities.
2011 Senior Islanders of the Year award recipients:
• George Dalton of Summerside
• Tina Davis of Stratford
• Thelma MacDonald of Souris
• Sheila MacKay of Bloomfield
• Malcolm Patterson of Montague
“The Prince Edward Island Seniors' Secretariat is pleased to recognize the important contributions that older adults make in improving our way of life,” said Prince Edward Island Seniors' Secretariat Chairperson Mary Hughes. “The recipients are remarkable examples of what is possible at any age or stage in life.”
For more information about the Senior Islanders of the Year awards or the award recipients, visit www.gov.pe.ca/seniors.
Backgrounder:
George Dalton is recognized across PEI for his expertise in genealogy, heritage and historical issues. A retiree of the Canadian Armed Forces, Dalton is an active volunteer with the Summerside and Area Historical Society, a member of the board of directors of Eptek Art and Cultural Centre, City of Summerside Heritage Advisory Committee, Tryon Museum, Bedeque Area Historical Society and a lecturer at the PEI Tourism Course. Dalton has spearheaded support for the recognition of war brides through public events and lectures on PEI and in other provinces.
Tina Davis is an accomplished wood worker who created the tabernacle for the Sisters of St. Martha in 1985. A former librarian at the Souris community library, Davis has been recognized with a Ben Wicks Literacy Award for her commitment as a teacher for literacy programs. An active volunteer, she is a director of the Seniors Active Living Centre, a volunteer at Anderson House, a builder with Habitat for Humanity, engaged in rural beautification efforts and a canvasser for the Canadian Cancer Society. Known as a friend to newcomers to PEI, Davis has been recognized with teamwork and professional development awards.
Thelma MacDonald has been noted for her strong advocacy and commitment to community leadership. As the first female mayor of Souris (1988-1991), and a counselor for three terms, MacDonald is noted for going the extra mile and her attention to detail. Her participation in community life has included support of the local rink committee, literacy volunteer, member of the hospital board, Eastern Kings Exhibition, Meals on Wheels, Canadian Cancer Society, Red Cross, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and rural beautification.
Sheila MacKay began a lifetime career as a volunteer at age 13 when she provided care for an elderly woman who was confined to a wheelchair reflecting, “I learned so much from her”. She is an active member of the O’Leary Seniors Sunshine Club, helps to support the transportation needs of older adults in her community; was a founder and president of the Maplewood Manor Auxillary; participates in the West Prince Caring Cupboard on the board of directors, as secretary and by distributing food. Known for her support for youth, she has been a Brownies leader, Allied Youth Advisor, volunteer with the O’Leary Figure Skating Club and a volunteer for literacy.
Malcolm Patterson is a World War II veteran and retired bank manager who actively volunteers with the Canadian Cancer Society to support people to meet their transportation needs; volunteered with a local school for 17 years; is a literacy volunteer and is a member of several service clubs (St Andrews Masonic Lodge, Philea Temple) and an active supporter as past president and treasurer of a local seniors club. Mr Patterson has been recognized as a Maritimer of the Week (Live at 5) and with the J. Cooke Howatt Award for Meritorious Service.