Today is a special day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Island seniors, says Valerie E. Docherty, Minister of Community Services and Seniors.
Ms. Docherty joined Mary Hughes, Chairperson, PEI Seniors’ Secretariat on National Seniors Day to honour five Islanders with 2013 PEI Senior Islanders of the Year Awards:
• Lois Brown, Kensington – for her work and dedication to her community and excellence in mentoring other generations.
• Sr. Norma Gallant, Wellington – for her leadership in community safety and crime prevention.
• Eric Hammill, Kinkora – for his leadership and mentorship in agriculture.
• John Kenny, Stratford – for his significant contributions to community life.
• Marion Murphy, Millvale – for her perseverance and dedication to improving the lives of others.
“The PEI Senior Islanders of the Year Award gives us an opportunity to highlight the unique role that older adults play to enhance community and family life and promote positive images of aging,” said Minister Docherty. “Year after year, our Senior Islanders of the Year prove to be extraordinary individuals and fantastic role models who show us, first hand, what is possible at any age or stage in life.”
“The PEI Seniors’ Secretariat is pleased to present these awards to recognize the difference these men and women have made to our Island community as a whole,”
said Mary Hughes, Chair of the Seniors’ Secretariat. “Through their lifelong dedication to improving the lives of others, each recipient has made an impact on our province, and we are all better for it.”
Nominations for the 2013 PEI Senior Islanders of the Year Award were open to the public for any eligible Island resident over the age of 65. The Prince Edward Island Seniors’ Secretariat reviewed the nominations and selected the 2013 recipients.
Backgrounder
Lois Brown, Kensington, is an active volunteer with the Kensington Legion and Ladies Auxiliary, and is a canvasser for the Red Cross, Canadian Cancer Society and the Kidney Foundation. Ms. Brown has dedicated 45 years of service to Scouts Canada as the Chairperson of the local Scouting Group Committee and as a supporter of Scouting meetings and functions that recognize youth and leader Scouting achievements. She has also served as the liaison between community Scouting Groups and their sponsor, the Kensington Royal Canadian Legion. Described as “a wonderful advocate for Veterans in this area,” she has often been observed delivering treats and well wishes to those in need. In 2010, she was named Legionnaire of the Year and, in 2013, was recognized as the Kensington Citizen of the Year. An avid life-long learner, Ms. Brown has developed an interest in new technology. She is also a skilled artist and craftsperson who enjoys knitting, weaving, basket making and Swedish embroidery.
Sr. Norma Gallant, Wellington, is the current President of the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation and is well known for significant contributions to her community as a volunteer and leader in community safety. She is a former music teacher who began her work in community safety and crime prevention in 1999. Since 2001, she has worked as a Francophone Victim Assistant delivering service to populations which, because of cultural and/or language differences, require assistance from Victim Services in their own community. She has been an active member of a number of community safety committees including the Victim Services Advisory Committee, the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Committee, Circles of Safety and Support, and PEI Family Violence Prevention Services; a board member of the Community Legal Information Association; a facilitator with the Speak Out program; and a master facilitator with the Virtues Project: Gift of Characters. Sr. Norma is also an active volunteer in her local community and beyond, supporting Canada Games, Les Jeux de l’Acadie and local festivals. As noted in her nomination, “Sr. Norma has a unique way of engaging people of all ages and approaches all of her work with enthusiasm, creativity, warmth and a genuine desire to improve the quality of life for others.”
J. Eric Hammill, Kinkora, is a former Secretary/Manager of the PEI Federation of Agriculture, Atlantic representative on the National Farm Products Marketing Council, and President of the Kinkora Dairy Cooperative. He was recognized for his contributions to agriculture in 2000 with his induction into the Atlantic Agriculture Hall of Fame. Mr. Hammill was a member of the PEI Legislative Assembly representing District 19 Borden-Kinkora from 1996 to 2003 and served as Provincial Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. An active community volunteer, Mr. Hammill has been a past president of the Maple Leaf Seniors Club and has held a number of leadership positions in the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation, including President of the Federation. Described as a “kind, considerate and intelligent man who always has the best interest of Island seniors in the forefront of his mind,” he has used his considerable talents to ensure that agriculture is accorded significant profile in provincial and national forums.
John Kenny, Stratford, is immediate past-President of the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation. In 2011, he was recognized by the Town of Stratford for his community work as recipient of the Stratford annual volunteer award. In his community, Mr. Kenny has been President of the Mayflower Seniors’ Club, a volunteer with the breakfast program at Glen Stewart School, past Chair of the Council for Bunbury, President of the Crossroads Fire Department, a Friendly Visitor to isolated seniors, and a member of the Town of Stratford Recreation Program Committee. Described as an individual who is “an inspiration to many, John gives unselfishly of his time for the betterment of our community” and has been acknowledged for his significant contribution of “time, energy and expertise for the betterment of the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation and all Island Seniors.”
Marion Murphy, Millvale, is a former teacher and school secretary with a substantive and enduring tradition of contributing to improve the lives of Islanders. Ms. Murphy represented 1st Queens in the Legislative Assembly from 1989 to 1996. She is an author of two books and contributes a monthly column in The Northern Star newsletter. Described as “a remarkable woman who has contributed so much in so many ways to the life of her community,” she has been a volunteer with the Red Cross, Catholic Women’s League, Credit Union and the Palliative Care program. Marion has also risen to the challenge of organizing the Marion Murphy Marathon for Life – raising $20,000 for QEH. She has been described as “a wonderful example for all – indeed an inspiration.”