Five accomplished Islanders were honoured with 2012 Senior Islanders of the Year awards by Minister of Community Services and Seniors Valerie E. Docherty today.
“The Prince Edward Island Senior Islanders of the Year Awards highlight many talented individuals across the province,” said Minister Docherty. “The Prince Edward Island Seniors’ Secretariat had its work cut out choosing from the many incredible nominations. 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, among others, volunteer work, artistic achievement, fundraising, community participation, career achievements, and fitness and recreation.
This year’s 2012 Senior Islanders of the Year award recipients are:
• Garnet Buell of Murray River
• Joye MacKenzie of Charlottetown
• George Olscamp of Summerside
• Antoine Richard of Wellington
• Doreen Wooder of Ellerslie
“The Prince Edward Island Seniors’ Secretariat is pleased to recognize the important contributions older adults make in helping us remember our history and improve our way of life,” said PEI Seniors’ Secretariat Chairperson Mary Hughes.
“These 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
Garnet Buell
Garnet Buell of Murray River is a long-time community volunteer, fundraiser, songwriter, and conservationist. An accomplished musician of acoustic guitar, fiddle, mandolin and base guitar for over 60 years, Buell has produced four CDs. He is a member of the Community Council in Murray River and has played an active role in supporting the restoration of the Grist Mill. Garnet also helps to organize community recognition of Remembrance Day and special holidays. Known as the “Ceilidh King,” Mr. Buell gives generously of his time and talent at benefits and fundraisers for causes including the QEH Equipment Drive, raising $270,000 in his community in 2011; the Macphail Homestead and the Northumberland Fisheries Festival. He is also well known for his efforts to protect wildlife and fowl through the creation of 17 ponds that foster an appreciation for nature in all who visit. As a legacy gift, for the benefit of current and future generations, Buell has donated 100 acres to the Island Nature Trust. The PEI Seniors’ Secretariat is pleased to recognize Garnet Buell for his community spirit, generosity and leadership in conservation.
Joye MacKenzie
Joye MacKenzie describes her volunteer school as “my second home.” Most frequently found at her local school, MacKenzie has volunteered at Glen Stewart School every morning of every school day for the past 19 years working with small groups or individual students who need support. She is the coordinator of the school’s breakfast program, arriving each morning at 6:30 a.m. to ensure that students get a healthy start to their day. Joye helps prepare, serve and clean up after breakfast, recruits and maintains volunteers, and collects monetary, in-kind and food donations. Joye celebrated her 10th anniversary as a volunteer with the literacy support program, Project Love in 2003. Noted as “a friend, mentor and guide for countless students,” Joye has a special gift of being able to offer a word of cheer and encouragement to students who need it most. Nominators cite Joye MacKenzie as an individual who has touched many lives in a positive way. The PEI Seniors’ Secretariat is pleased to recognize Joye MacKenzie for her caring and dedication to young Islanders.
George Olscamp
George Olscamp is defining a legacy of community volunteerism. He is engaged as a full-time volunteer with a variety of charities in Summerside including the Kinsmen Club, Saint Paul’s Church, Knights of Columbus, Canadian Cancer Society and Meals on Wheels delivery. A naval veteran of World War II, Olscamp demonstrated leadership within the Royal Canadian Legion as the President of Provincial Command for two years and President of the Summerside branch for two years. As part of this leadership, he was instrumental in forming a bursary fund at his Branch which continues today to assist members’ dependents with their education costs. He was appointed as a member of the District Client Advisory Committee of Veterans where he served for nine years. He has received the Meritorious Service Medal and Palm Leaf, the Royal Canadian Legion’s highest honour. Olscamp has been honoured as Legionnaire of the Year in 1985 and 1992, received a Veterans Affairs Commendation in 2010, and was recognized as Summerside’s Citizen of the Year in 1995.
Antoine Richard
Antoine Richard has had an accomplished career as an administrator, businessman, civil servant and office manager for Employment and Immigration Canada, and president and director of the Acadian Pioneer Village. In addition to his career accomplishments, Richard has demonstrated his support of education through his involvement as President of Unit 5 School Board, President of the PEI School Board Association, and member of the Holland College Board of Governors and the Holland College Finance Committee. Antoine is a keen supporter of culture and heritage and has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Acadian Museum; Evangeline Acadian Committee; co-founder of the Tisou cultural camp; organizer of Canada Day Celebrations for Acadians of PEI, Festival Acadien, and vice-president of Acadian Games. Antoine understands the importance of health services and has participated in a number of health-related committees including the Summerside Hospital Foundation, PEI Health Policy Committee, member of the Evangeline Area Health Pilot Project Committee and as former president of Prince County Hospital. Recognized as a past Acadian of the Year, the PEI Seniors’ Secretariat is pleased to recognize Antoine Richard for his generous community contributions as a Senior Islander of the Year.
Doreen Wooder
In 1999 when the Stewart Memorial Hospital Auxiliary welcomed its newest member, an energetic Doreen met the challenge by announcing, “I’m new to the area and I’m ready to become involved.” Getting involved is one of Doreen’s gifts. She is described as being “ready to lend a hand as she rallies others for action.” As a founder of Tyne Valley Meals on Wheels, Pastoral Care Committee, founder of the West Prince Angel Network, and former coordinator of Kuddles for Kids (a group which makes teddy bears for children in developing countries), Doreen has touched the lives of many people. In her parish, Doreen supports church life as a greeter, secretary of the Church Council and in her support of fundraising benefits. Over the past years, Doreen has proven to be a dedicated and tireless worker as a member of the Stewart Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and active with the PEI Association of Healthcare Auxiliaries. Doreen Wooder is recognized for her dedication and passion for helping others through her work ethic and remarkable task focus.