LP-SP Sask Seniors Mechanism Awards_Oct 31

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2018 AWARD RECIPIENTS Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism Seniors Working Together

VOLUNTEER AWARDS

MARJORIE ENGLUND

MARIE M. FAVEL

ROBERT A. WALKER

BILL BRENNAN

MARJ THIESSEN

LYNN KOT

MARGO ANDERSON

LEIGH BISHOP

JAN GAVEL

CORNELIUS MARTENS

BETH KESSLER

SAVE ON FOODS PHARMACY #5505

KAMSACK & DISTRICT NURSING HOME AUXILIARY

EDEN CARE COMMUNITIES

CELEBRATING SENIORS On Sunday, Sept. 30, the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism hosted the ninth annual Celebrating Seniors provincial senior volunteer awards. The awards were presented at a banquet held at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina.

These awards celebrate the contributions seniors make to our society and provide an opportunity for Saskatchewan to be made aware of the contributions of older adults in all aspects of the life and work of our province.

Award categories include

Centenarian, Community Leadership-Rural, Community Leadership-Urban, Contribution to a First Nations or Métis Community, Education, Fitness, Heritage and Culture, Intergenerational, Lifetime Achievement, Arts and Entertainment, Advocacy, Teamwork, and SeniorFriendly Business.

The evening began with a reception during which each of the nominees received a corsage, a certificate and a gift bag of goodies donated for the occasion. They also had their photo taken with

the Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable W. Thomas Molloy, who presented them with a pin.

After the reception the emcee for the evening, Rod McKendrick who works in the Ministry of Justice, welcomed everyone to the event and kept everything flowing smoothly. Elder Shirley Wolfe-Keller gave a blessing for the event. Greetings were presented by our Honourary Patron the Honourable Thomas Molloy, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan; Ms. Linda Restau on behalf

of the provincial government; Deputy Mayor Barbara Young on behalf of the City of Regina; and Mr. Randy Dove, president of the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism.

Presentations highlighting the volunteer contributions of each nominee were shown throughout the evening. A big thanks to Access Communications!

Our platinum sponsor for the event was CAA Saskatchewan. Following an excellent buffet supper Pat Friesen, vice-chair of the CAA Saskatchewan Board of Direc-

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tors, introduced our guest speaker Lorne Calvert.

The awards ceremony commenced with Pat Friesen presenting the Heritage and Culture Award on behalf of CAA Saskatchewan. Other awards were then presented

by SSM President Randy Dove and the Honourable Thomas Molloy, with selected awards presented by the Gold Sponsors – the Centenarian award by Colleen Stenhouse, Regional Director of Operations, on behalf of All Seniors Care Living Centres, and the Community

Leadership-Rural award by Wayne Rutten on behalf of SaskTel Pioneers Chapter 59.

The Celebrating Seniors awards take place annually. Anyone can nominate someone for an award. The nominees must be 55 years of age or older, be a resident of Saskatchewan, and have made a significant volunteer contribution to their community. Contact Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism at 306359-9956 for more information or for a nomination package.

9TH ANNUAL SASKATCHEWAN SENIOR ADVOCACY

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP (RURAL)

Robert (Bob) Gawley has volunteered with the Canadian Diabetes Association for more than 32 years. He has held a variety of advocacy and educational leadership roles including Vice-Chair and later Chair of the Regina branch, serving on the Saskatchewan Division Board, and the National Board. He is currently on the Saskatchewan Advocacy Committee. He is committed to making life better for people living with diabetes.

Leigh Bishop’s passion to effect change, to face challenges, and to find solutions sets him apart. He has held leadership roles in a wide variety of organizations, including the Piapot First Nations Wellness Committee, Legion, Kinsmen, Lions Club, the local Museum board, church and nursing home boards, town council and others.

Wherever he is needed, he works hard to benefit others, to encourage and support them.

Robert A. Walker has a keen interest in agricultural concerns, health and seniors issues. He also advocates for aboriginal issues.

Through the Royal Canadian Legion, he has been an advocate on behalf of veterans. He was a driving force behind the formation of what is now known as the Saskatchewan Retirees Association, and is still active with the SRA. His drive to serve is an integral part of his nature.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Ronald Crone uses his love of music to enrich the lives of others. Every Friday afternoon will find him in a care home, singing and playing for the residents, and he often entertains at special occasions for seniors in the community as well. Music can reach a person when other methods no longer can. Ron’s music is truly making a difference in many peoples’ lives.

Lynn Kot has promoted the performing arts in her community for over 50 years, particularly with the Weyburn Concert Series. She has served as the Series’ president and as performing arts coordinator. She has acted as a mentor to high school students in a program which engages young people in the arts. Her lifelong commitment to the arts has enriched her community greatly.

CENTENARIAN Marjorie Englund’s gift of music and love of the arts have enhanced lives since she was a young girl. Now in her 90s, she still plays for the Sunday church service and for monthly services at Last Mountain Pioneer Home, as well as for informal jam sessions.

She supports community events any way that she can. She is truly a role model for community involvement.

FITNESS Jan Gavel goes to Harbour Landing Village nearly every day, helping with outings, teaching exercises, bringing residents down to activities, taking residents out to appointments, and visiting with lonely residents. She leads Forever... in Motion classes, runs a walking club out of the Southland Mall, and has encouraged countless people to stay physically active. She goes above and beyond in her dedication to fitness and to the community.

Adeline Fossey has been involved in the life and work of her community in a multitude of ways over the years. Her service has always gone far beyond the expectations of her position.

She researches projects, applies for grants, does publicity -- she is the goto person for practically everything. She has truly made a lasting impact in her community.

Beverley Keyser has been a driving force in her community for decades.

She was the driving force for the Forever... in Motion group. She advocates for care home residents and families, contributing greatly to the quality of residents’ lives. She is active in her church, in community groups, and her advocacy for children and seniors, as well. She embodies commitment, time and caring.

When Genny Novak sees a need, she makes sure that it is dealt with.

She played a key role in revitalizing the Senior Center in her community, organizing events, applying for grants, promoting senior fitness, and more. She takes on all tasks with keen enthusiasm, inspiring everyone around her. She’s thought of as a blessing to the whole community.

Chris Oehler has been a leader in his community throughout his life.

For 60 years, he was involved in the Strasbourg Lion’s Club, working with countless projects. He served on Town Council, in his church, and with the Golf Club, among other activities.

Where he now lives, he is involved in nearly every activity that presents itself. He is always there to lend a helping hand.

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP (URBAN) In retirement, Margo Anderson has become a vital part of the Food Bank’s program. She is active with the Food Bank’s Making Community Connections mini health fairs, community kitchen programs, cooking demonstrations and classes, and is a volunteer peer leader for LiveWell with Chronic Pain and Chronic Conditions. She goes above and beyond in all that she does, enhancing the lives of many in the community.

Mavis AshbournePalmer serves her community in countless capacities: welcoming new immigrants, serving children, encouraging youth, educating adults, and celebrating culture through the Multicultural Society of Saskatchewan, the Regina Multicultural Council, the Saskatchewan Caribbean Canadian Association, the Saskatchewan Jamaican Association, SaskCulture, the aboriginal community, and more. She is dedicated to ensuring that all people feel they belong and have a role to play in the community.

CONTRIBUTION TO A FIRST NATIONS OR MÉTIS COMMUNITY

Eddie D. Bitternose is an advocate for his community, for First Nations traditions, and for residential school survivors. He offers cultural and traditional teachings in a variety of ways, such as providing bison and tipi teachings, leading a commemorative three-day trail ride from George Gordon First Nation to the Treaty 4 Territory Gathering at Fort Qu’Appelle, and being a positive role model and a leader in his community.

Marie M. Favel is known as “a powerful listener with a great inner strength.”

She helps Métis and First Nations people struggling with mental health issues and addictions, as well as working on projects dealing with issues such as suicide prevention, family violence, and sexual abuse. As an Elder resource person she provides traditional teachings to youth and adults. She has touched many lives, and has changed many lives.

L o r n a J. S t a n d ingready has dedicated her life to bridging gaps, utilizing community partnerships, providing education and mentoring, instilling First Nations culture, enhancing selfsufficiency and sustainable healthy lifestyles. She works to address the impact of residential schools on survivors. She is also a strong advocate and community builder for First Nations women, children and families, and for all children, women and families, continually going beyond what is expected.

EDUCATION

Dr. Ann Grahame is dedicated to fostering learning and literacy in her community, encouraging all to keep learning throughout life. She tutors in literacy both one-on-one and in group sessions. She is active with the Rotary Club of Regina in a number of projects, including literacy, and has been involved with or has home-hosted for the Educational Foundation for Foreign Studies and the Rotary Youth Exchange Program.

Marj Thiessen is a lifelong volunteer who has made valuable contributions as a volunteer educator at the Lifelong Learning Centre since her retirement. Her passion for intergenerational connections shows through in her service as a preschool assistant, and teaching kids to work in the kitchen at Dallas Valley Ranch Camp.

Through these and many other opportunities, Marj contributes to the education and wellbeing of all ages.

VOLUNTEER AWARDS 2018 NOMINEES SENIOR FRIENDLY BUSINESS Hill Avenue Drugs makes the patient’s wellbeing a top priority, making Hill Avenue Drugs a place where seniors feel at home and well-caredfor. The pharmacy knows their customers and their medical history well. They offer compounding, so can make a liquid preparation when needed. They offer prescription delivery, ease of parking, and a seniorfriendly, visually-appealing layout. They take time with people, and are only a phone call away.

The team led by Beth Kessler – Save On Foods Pharmacy #5505 goes above and beyond for the older adults in the community.

The pharmacy manager does education sessions in other venues, as well as providing in-store education sessions. The entire staff exudes a positive outlook, an interest in the overall health and wellness of their customers, and a special concern for seniors. They seek to reach beyond their regular roles when dealing with seniors.

HERITAGE AND CULTURE Bill Brennan has spent his life telling stories that make the past come to life. He has served on countless committees and boards dedicated to heritage preservation. He has made a profound contribution to the Lifelong Learning Centre, igniting interest in an amazing variety of historical topics. He also leads Heritage Walking Tours in Regina, making historical events live again through his stories.

Dale Racette has had a lifelong commitment to preserving our past, knowing that it is important to know our history in order to move forward into the future.

In his local area, he has assisted in creating a community museum, acquiring artifacts, giving blacksmithing demonstrations, whatever he can contribute. He helps set up, clean up, and take down for museum events, quietly doing repairs, and overseeing many projects.

INTERGENERATIONAL

At Eden Care Communities, their daily intergenerational programming ensures that there are always opportunities for interactions and learning opportunities between the generations. They encourage interactions between children in elementary schools and the Elders in care homes and residences; visits from Saplings Early Learning Child Care Centre, Erhlo Early Learning; and Cosmo Connections and Saskatchewan Abilities. The intergenerational spirit is an integral part of Eden Care.

Harbour Landing Village community is a trailblazer in the concept of intergenerational interaction. Senior residents can visit the day care and play with the children whenever they choose. Intergenerational interactions are enhanced in the restaurant, coffee shop, and hair salon where the public can interact with residents of the Village’s independent living, supportive living, memory care, and university student living communities. It is truly a place for all ages.

TEAM WORK

The Kamsack & District Nursing Home Auxiliary has given stellar service to the Home for the past 43 years, raising funds to provide everything from magazine subscriptions to medical equipment, a piano, and the recently completed wheelchair-accessible patio. Over many years and with countless projects, their spirit of caring has been strong.

Through their vision, dedication and hard work, they enhance the lives of the community’s most vulnerable citizens.

The Regina Beach & District Lions have served their community for 39 years. In that time, they have completed countless projects, including senior appreciation suppers, donating playground equipment to the school, and sponsoring an annual high school scholarship, to name only a few. They see where help is needed, and they ensure that the task is done. This group truly lives to serve.

The Strasbourg Forever ... in Motion Leaders have converted their community into a healthier place to live, work, and play.

Their commitment and enthusiasm brings an average 30 to 40 eager exercisers, ranging in age from 50 to 80 plus, to the twiceweekly sessions. Their positive, encouraging attitude and sense of fun has greatly enhanced the experience for the group’s members.

A Special Thank You To Our Gold Level Sponsors

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Sylvia Appel brings her smiling face and positive attitude to her devotion to service as a volunteer. She volunteers at the Last Mountain Pioneer Home. She also serves her church in an amazing range of ways, such as chairing the Ministry and Personnel Committee, serving on other committees, helping with the church newsletter, coordinating Meals on Wheels, and other activities. Her life is spent in giving.

Leslie (Les) Lye has had a deep sense of service to others all his life. During his working years, as well as being a committed single father, he served as president of the IBEW and on multiple committees, became a Mason, and joined a fife and drum band. After retirement he found his passion in advocating on behalf of other older adults, and he serves in many capacities. His lifetime of service continues.

Cornelius Martens has devoted his life to making life better for his community. His commitment to culture and history ranges from using his musical talents to repairing, restoring and renovating historic buildings and artifacts.

Within many organizations, he not only attends meetings, he does the hard work necessary to make things happen.

Even at 89, he still uses his snow blower to clean community sidewalks and keeps the cemetery grass mowed.

Lois Morrison has spent her lifetime serving others. Her involvement with the Girl Guides of Canada has been a constant. Not many people have been involved in the same organization for 75 years!

She has also served the fitness community in many capacities, as well as other organizations.

She gives talks about keeping active after the death of a loved one. Her selfless attitude resonates with everyone she encounters.

Albert Provost has been involved in many causes and programs over the course of his life. As a teacher, he worked hard to enhance students’ opportunities, and was heavily involved in the teachers’ association. He has held many leadership roles within the Knights of Columbus, is active politically, has served on the Catholic School Board, and many committees supporting Catholic education, and has played a key role in many other projects and organizations.

Gwendolyne Seed has been volunteering for decades. She has volunteered for the RCMP as a scenario actor in cadet training sessions.

She has served with the Regina Alternative Measures Program for over 20 years, acting as an advocate/surrogate for victims of crime. In the supported-living community where she now lives, she is active on the tenant-run social committee, and is a role model for living a vibrant and active life.

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BETTER FOR ALL: AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES C A RO L T O D D POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS

Saskatchewan has joined numerous other jurisdictions in launching an Age-Friendly Community Recognition Program.

The program, a joint initiative by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism (SSM), an umbrella group for seniors’ organizations, began its search for age-friendly communities earlier this year as part of the international program started by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2010. The WHO website states that “age-friendly environments foster healthy and active aging. They enable older people to age safely in a place that is right for them, be free from poverty, continue to develop personally, and to contribute to their communities while retaining autonomy, health and dignity.”

The WHO program, launched in 2010 as a response to the world’s aging population and increased urbanisation, aims to connect cities, communities and organizations worldwide with the common vision of making their community a great place to grow old in. As part of the program, communities become part of a network that currently includes 705 cities and communities in 39 countries, covering over 210 million people worldwide.

While such communities enact programs to offer a better quality of life for older individuals, those efforts result in environments that benefit everyone, says Holly Schick, the executive director of the Saskatchewan

Seniors Mechanism. “The ideal agefriendly community, while it starts from the perspective of older adults, it really makes a community better and more inclusive of all people,” she says.

She says that all communities should work towards becoming agefriendly. “Age-friendly communities hope to address all that [senior specific issues like isolation] while at the same time creating communities that are healthy and better places for everybody,” Schick says.

In July of this year, Statistics Canada reported that more than 23 per cent of the national population is aged 60 and older. Here in Saskatchewan, the 2016 census showed an increase of almost 11 per cent in the number of residents age 65 and older.

Age-Friendly Communities is a particular program which communities participate in. To be able to apply for recognition as age-friendly, interested communities must join the program through the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism. They then need to complete certain goals – establish an Age-Friendly Committee, obtain the support of their municipal government, assess the community to determine where age-friendly initiatives are needed and develop, publicize and implement an action plan. Information on the program is available on line at www.agefriendlysk.ca.

Schick says the Saskatchewan communities that will be recognized as age-friendly under the program will be announced later this fall, likely during the Legislative Sitting in November. She says SSM is thankful for

the provincial support of the program. “We very much appreciate the Government of Saskatchewan agreeing to do the recognition of communities. That’s an important step for Saskatchewan,” she says.

There are eight areas in which communities can ensure they are age-friendly: buildings environment, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication, and community support and health services. Schick gives the examples of communities that have implemented a seniors’ walking group, constructed a community garden, plans for visiting older people in their nursing home and an intergenerational pen pal project. “They can be cultural activities. They can be intergenerational. These are all different areas they can be working in,” says Schick.

Schick says that the recognition of age-friendly communities in Saskatchewan does not mean that there is no more work to be done. She anticipates the recognition program will be continued into the future.

“Recognition means that they have done things to move along in the agefriendly journey. It’s not an end – it’s an ongoing process, they continue to do things. And, it’s our intention to continue to work with them once they’ve received that recognition and to be able to renew that recognition every two to three years,” she says.

As the WHO says: “An age-friendly world is possible and will be built by all of us – community by community, city by city, and region by region.”

And, here in Saskatchewan, too.

THIS STORY WAS CREATED BY CONTENT WORKS, POSTMEDIA’S COMMERCIAL CONTENT DIVISION, ON BEHALF OF SASKATCHEWAN SENIORS MECHANISM.

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