East Prince Health Board Chair Katherine Kelly today unveiled a new regional award to honour individuals or groups in the community who have demonstrated special achievement in healthcare and wellness promotion.
The Charles Linkletter Brighter Futures Award will be presented to an individual, team or group associated with East Prince Health who has made a significant contribution to the region's mission - to encourage families, individuals and communities to attain and maintain their best possible health.
Mr. Linkletter was a well known local businessman who had a long and distinguished career as a local businessman and community volunteer. Among his many contributions, he spent several years as a Charter member of the East Prince Health Board and the Prince County Hospital Foundation.
A special award launch was held today at the * East Prince Health Region [to Nov 2005]al office in Summerside. Staff, physicians and the community are being invited to submit nominations in preparation for the first award to be presented at the upcoming regional annual meeting on November 28.
Following the passing of Mr. Linkletter, the East Prince Health Board decided that it would be a good idea to create an award in his memory which would bring recognition to those individuals and groups who contribute to health in the East Prince community.
After some Board discussion and collaboration with the East Prince Health Reward and Recognition Committee, The Charles Linkletter Brighter Futures Award began to develop. The Award is the first regionally based recognition award for East Prince Health.
Early this summer, as part of the effort to develop the award, local artists were asked to submit concepts to the health region. Joan Savage, a noted local artist and Manager of Public Health at East Prince Health, was awarded the opportunity to develop the award. She has since painted her impression of "Taylor's Pond," an area in North Granville which was a favorite fishing retreat for Mr. Linkletter. The original painting will be permanently placed on a large wood mount, currently being constructed by Community Connections, which will list names of award recipients in the coming years. Each award recipient will receive a framed limited edition print of "Taylor's Pond."
East Prince Health Board Chair Katherine Kelly commented that "Our Board sees this award as a way to recognize significant community achievement and to help inspire all who have the potential to contribute to community health and wellness."
Marilynn Linkletter widow of Charles Linkletter, attended the award launch. "Our family is very honored to have Charles' name used for such a prestigious award. He always viewed special achievement in health care and wellness promotion as among the most important contributions and service any individual or group could give to the community."
Mrs. Marilynn Linkletter assisted in the award development by offering a photo she had taken of the Taylor's Pond area. Although the foliage in the area has changed over time, the chalk pastel scene depicts what the lake would have looked like when Charles enjoyed its serene view.
The deadline for award nominations is Friday, November 9. A five member selection committee will review the nomination submissions.
An award nomination package is available to all who are interested by calling East Prince Health at 888-8028.