Sask Senior Mechanism Oct 2014

Leader-Post • leaderpost.com

S P ON S OR E D BY SA S K AT C H E WA N S E N IOR S M E C H A N I S M

M o n d ay, O ct o b e r 2 0 , 2 0 1 4

2014

Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism Hosts Volunteer Awards

On Sunday October 5th the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism (SSM) hosted the fifth annual Celebrating Seniors, provincial senior volunteer awards at the Delta Regina Hotel 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 seniors in all aspects of the life and work of our province. The 28 nominees received a corsage, a gift bag and a certificate. They also had their photo taken individually and with our Honourary Patron the Honourable Vaughn Solomon Schofield, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, who presented each one with a pin. After the reception, the MC for the evening, Jean Freeman, welcomed everyone to the event. Several guests brought greetings – the Honourable Vaughn Solomon Schofield, Mr. Russ Marchuk (Provincial Government), Councilor Jerry Flegel (City of Regina), and Mr. Robert Wuschenny, (Vice-President of the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism). Our guest speaker for the evening was Jim Hopson, President and CEO of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Awards were then presented by SSM Vice-President Robert Wuschenny and the Lieutenant Governor, with selected awards presented by Platinum Sponsor – the Teamwork Award by Trish Watier on behalf of SaskEnergy, and by Gold Sponsors – the Fitness award by Roger Carriere on behalf of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, the Centenarian award by Karen Lisk 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 Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism (SSM) is a nonprofit, social benefit organization that was formed in 1990. The mission of SSM is to bring together Saskatchewan seniors’ organizations to contribute to a better quality of life for seniors. This is done by: • Research and action on issues affecting seniors; • Being a unified voice advocating for seniors; • Giving and receiving direction and support to/from member organizations; • Partnering with member and other organizations; and • Creating awareness and coordination of resources and services for seniors. SSM currently has sixteen member organizations and three supporter organizations which, combined, include more than 100,000 seniors throughout the province. SSM offers the opportunity for these groups to collaborate thereby having a stronger voice and greater impact on issues affecting older adults. For more information please visit our website at www.skseniorsmechanism.ca. ABOUT THIS CONTENT: These stories were produced by Leader-Post Specialty Products on behalf of the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism for commercial purposes. The Leader-Post editorial department had no involvement in the creation of this content.

——Award Recipients——

Special Recognition Betty Pickering

Advocacy Catherine Verrall

Arts & Entertainment Orton and Nancy Ratzlaff

Centenarian W. Donald Regier

Community Leadership (Rural) Evelyn Elizabeth McCuaig

Community Leadership (Urban) Mercedes Montgomery

Contribution to a First Nations or Métis Community Ruth Robillard

Education Maria Reardon

Fitness Rick Rohatyn

Heritage & Culture Harvey Cashmore

Lifetime Achievement Arthur Zacharias

Senior Friendly Business Papa Geordie Gas & Grocery

Teamwork ~ SaskTel Pioneer Salvage Sales All photos by Dale Williams Photography

SaskEnergy is proud to support the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism. Thanks to all of the “Celebrating Seniors” Award winners who make Saskatchewan a great place to call home.

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S P O N S O R E D BY S A S K ATC H E WA N S E N I O R S M E C H A N I S M

Monday, October 20, 2014

S P O N S O R E D BY S A S K AT C H E WA N S E N I O R S M E C H A N I S M

Leader-Post • leaderpost.com

Mo n d ay, O c to b e r 2 0 , 2 0 1 4

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Fifth Saskatchewan Senior Volunteer Awards 2014 Nominees Arts & Entertainment

Orville Kaminski and Matt Heisler provide stellar service to their retirement community — and beyond. Orville is a retired Lutheran pastor who conducts chapel services on a bi-weekly basis, lends an ear to those who need someone to listen and ministers through his music. Matt is a musician who volunteers at the regular Friday social at the residence, as well as playing for special events there. He has taken his musical gift to many residences and care homes for 20 years. In the past two years, Matt and Orville joined forces to delight their audiences, with Matt on piano and Orville on bass.

Helen Nixon has taught music in her community for over 50 years, giving countless children a solid grounding in musical knowledge. She has volunteered as church organist since her teens and has also served as choir director, leading the choir at festivals and other events, including many visits to the area’s nursing homes with the choir or on her own. She has often been called on to provide entertainment for community events and has been actively involved in the Last Mountain District Music Festival. She has worked hard to heighten awareness of music from early childhood into adulthood.

Centenarian

Orton Ratzlaff began entertaining in care homes in 1986 and continues to this day, often traveling on Saskatoon city transit with his guitar and amp. Nancy Brissaw joined him in musical partnership in 2011. At ages 74 and 80 respectively, Nancy and Orton recently married, cementing their partnership. They play guitar and banjo, and their harmonious singing brings joy to audiences in care homes in and around Saskatoon. It’s been said that they have “a way of making each person feel special, and take time to get to know them…It would be quite difficult to find a more positive and consistently cheerful couple than these two.”

Margaret (Marg) Cobb’s life has been devoted to serving her community through music since her youth. She began piano lessons at age five, continued her education by enrolling at the University of Regina at age 38 to obtain her bachelor of music degree, and at age 92, continues to delight and educate others with her piano, organ and choir leadership skills. She is a past matron and 50+ year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, serves as organist/ musician for two chapters, and has served as grand organist at the annual conference many times, most recently in April 2014. She has also been involved in many committees at grand chapter and in her home chapter over the years.

Community Leadership (Urban)

After serving as a United Church minister in Saskatchewan for over 30 years, Donald Milne and his wife retired to Regina, where he immediately became active in their retirement residence. He provides leadership for the residence’s chapel services on a biweekly basis, and is always available for caring counsel to help any resident who is going through a difficult time. He feels that he has received so much that it is necessary to give back. Being a volunteer gives him satisfaction, knowing that he has helped someone. It is said of him, “Don brings with him a wisdom and understanding that is a true gift.”

As a practicing nurse and educator of nurses, Mercedes Montgomery developed a lasting commitment to health, wellness and leadership in the community. She is a tireless proponent of positive aging, giving presentations to audiences of all ages on the subject. Not only is she a committed member of the board of St. Paul’s Hospital, she led the process of rewriting the board’s bylaws, served as board chair and is now chair of the Human Resources Committee, bringing to all these roles a dedication that is exemplary. As well as these involvements, she finds time for activities such as the Orchid Society and writing and publishing a novel. “She brings warmth, compassion, and dedication to her volunteer work,” her supporters say.

Heritage & Culture

Harvey Cashmore’s devotion to preserving the history of his area began when he attended his first Western Development Museum meeting in 1961 at the age of 22. He has taken on various administrative roles over the years, as well as repairing and operating steam engines at the North Battleford Museum. He has been active with the Glaslyn and District Museum, playing a key role in its presence in the community. Other involvements include maintaining the cenotaph at Midnight Lake and membership in the Northwest Museum Association. He is a passionate researcher of the history of the area, assisting in the compilation of various history books and serving the City of North Battleford Historic Archives on a volunteer basis.

Elsie Mironuck has been a supportive and thoughtfully innovative educator and leader all her life. In 1986, Sherwood School, where she was principal for many years, was renamed Elsie Mironuck Elementary School. In retirement, she continues to take special interest in the students of the school, is active with the Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan, helps with the Alex Youck School Museum, visits shut-ins, helps with her church, has served on the boards of a day care and a retirement home, and has been involved with projects such as the UNICEF store. Elsie is known for her integrity, honesty, commitment, loyalty, hard work and, most importantly, her sense of giving and sharing.

Contribution to a First Nations or Métis Community

Dale Richardson’s commitment to volunteerism is shown by his involvement in a wide variety of organizations, such as SaskTel Pioneers, his church, the United Church Housing Corporation, St. Cecilia Men’s Club, Pioneer Village Chapel Finance Council, the Telephone Pension Association of Saskatchewan, STARS lottery sales, Government House Historical Society and the Regina Orchid Society. “One call to Dale and he was there” seems to be the watchword of this man’s volunteer ethic. This is borne out by another quote from one of his supporters: “Within every volunteer organization there is an individual who can be relied on to be on the ready whenever they are called. Dale is one of those volunteers.”

During her career as an educator, including teaching in the classroom, Ruth Robillard organized cross-cultural student exchange trips, worked with the Rainbow Youth Centre and with the Regina Métis Sports and Cultural Centre. As a volunteer, she has served the Saskatchewan English Teachers Association and Friends on the Outside (FOTO), where she worked with imprisoned First Nations and Métis men before and after their release. She has been a volunteer for the Prairie Citizen Advisory Committee for the Correctional Service of Canada for Regina Parole/Oskana Centre, has served on the board of directors for the Cornwall Alternative School and has been a member of the Campion College board of regents. Ruth continues to give presentations on FOTO’s work, is involved in a Reading Circle with former inmates and serves as chair of Holy Cross Pastoral Council.

A champion of prairie writing, Ken Mitchell has a history of volunteering, and of encouraging people to write their stories. He has been involved, and often was key, in the founding of such organizations as the Saskatchewan Writers Guild, Grain Magazine, the Saskatchewan Artists Colony, the Edinburgh Playwright’s Workshop, the Mexico-Canada Colloquium, the Wascana Writers’ Group, the Festival of Words, the National Council of Writers and the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism’s Century Club. He teaches English as a Second Language on a volunteer basis for approximately two months a year at the university in Camaguey, Cuba. He organizes events for seniors, and is often found performing his cowboy poetry. He was instrumental in the development of Regina’s Cathedral Village Arts Festival and is still actively involved in this event. “Ken’s contributions over his lifetime to the arts and culture of Saskatchewan have been enormous,” his supporters say.

Robert Mossing is well known in Regina and farther afield for his dedication as an educator and musician. He has received many accolades over the years, including the comment that “the best reward for him is seeing his students succeed.” He organized and conducted community bands in Strasbourg and Kipling and was an instructor and conductor for the Regina Lions Band, becoming director of the Lions bands in 1970. In 2005, he formed the Mossing School of Music. He was an original member of the Saskatchewan Band Association and is a member of the Prairie Winds Adult Band, the Regina Harmony Lions Club and the Saskatchewan Roughrider Pep Band. Music and volunteering have been his lifelong passions.

W. Donald Regier has been a key supporter and advocate for the community of Laird for many decades. In his working life, he served in any way possible, and that ethic continues in his retirement years. He could be thought of as “Mr. Laird” in recognition of his service to the community, which has included serving on the town council, playing a key role in the development of a town history book, taking on the upkeep of the cemetery, becoming community reporter for the Saskatchewan Valley News and having a founding role in the Laird New Horizon Senior Centre. He holds a position on the Waldheim Menno Home board, as well as many other official and volunteer positions.

Marlene Flasch is a diligent, positive and enthusiastic volunteer and advocate for seniors in her community. Among her many activities are delivering Meals on Wheels, serving on a committee of the New Horizons Centre, taking seniors to medical appointments in Saskatoon, visiting shut-ins and those in hospital and care homes, assisting the Multiple Sclerosis Society in Biggar and in Saskatoon, and helping with day trips for seniors that are organized by the Biggar Museum. As a member of the Friends of the Lodge, she worked hard to ensure that a long-term care facility would be built in her community, and she now volunteers with the Biggar and District Health Services Foundation.

Since high school, Phyllis Jones has known the importance of volunteering. Over the years, she has been a youth leader, and has been active on church committees, the Clare Parker House Board and the Superannuated Teachers Association of Saskatchewan, all while completing her Bachelor of Arts degree through evening classes and summer session. She is devoted to the concept of lifelong learning, and has taken classes to further her own knowledge, as well as volunteering as a tour guide for elementary students at the Regina Plains Museum and serving as a tutor at the Regina Public Library for 25 years, informally mentoring both students and fellow tutors.

It would be impossible to list everything Arthur Zacharias does for his community of Osler and beyond. His volunteerism began in 1965 when he and his wife, Edna, served with the Mennonite Central Committee in Arizona, working in a Hopi village. Back home, Art volunteered with his church, with Meals on Wheels and assisted seniors and anyone else who needed his help. Now, Art keeps the Seniors’ Hall in tiptop condition, serves as chairperson of the Local Housing Authority Committee in administration and in practical ways – making repairs, doing plumbing and electrical work, building ramps and mowing lawns. He is always available to help seniors with home maintenance. He and his wife are on call with Mennonite Disaster Services, and have served in many locations in Canada and the United States. In his “spare time” he is a gifted musician and actor, performing with The Barn Playhouse Theatre and the Joy Singers.

Maria Reardon is committed to health services and education. She is active in the Canadian Health Network, the Seniors’ University Group of the University of Regina, is a member of the Canadian Federation of University Women, the Regina Symphony Women’s Association and the Mackenzie Infant Care Centre board. She is vice-chair of the Provincial Advisory Committee on Older Persons. She makes elder abuse awareness presentations to seniors’ groups and to professional organizations. She is active both as a teacher and a learner, and has mentored many people, both in her long career and as a volunteer.

Owned and operated by Darrell and Angelique Haysom, Papa Geordie Gas & Grocery has greatly enhanced the lives of the people of Regina Beach and area, particularly seniors. The store is brightly lit, has automatic doors, wide aisles and handicapaccessible washrooms. They provide a delivery service, a selection of freshly made lunches, an in-house bakery and a butcher who can cater to individual needs. They support community projects, employ seniors, and do much to make life in Regina Beach the best it can be. They support groups such as the Lakeside Heritage Museum, Last Mountain Lake Cultural Centre, the Regina Beach Leisure Time Club, the Southeast Regional Library Board and many others that benefit seniors and everyone in the community.

Evelyn Elizabeth McCuaig is one of the most pro-active and involved volunteers in her community. She was a school trustee in the 1960s, has been a member of the Eastend Co-op Board at various times throughout four decades, was involved in 4-H (locally and provincially), and numerous other activities. She serves the Eastend Activity Centre as president, secretary and janitor; is regional assistant to the Region J seniors’ representative of the Saskatchewan Seniors Association and is a member of the Eastend Historical Museum Society, the Saskatchewan History and Folklore Society and more. “She does the right thing…because it is the right thing and needs to be done,” her supporters say.

Elizabeth McMahon is a powerhouse of volunteer activity. She is involved in all aspects of the Perdue United Church, from washing dishes to leading worship when the need arises. She is actively involved in the Perdue Agricultural Society, the Perdue bowling leagues and has been matron and worthy matron of the Acacia #3 Order of the Eastern Star. She has received accolades and honours for her volunteerism, from a Life Membership Award from the Saskatchewan Association of Agricultural Societies to the Wild Goose Recreation Association Volunteer Award. She is a passionate advocate and supporter for seniors and their activities.

Fitness

Emily Grudnizki is committed to promoting fitness for all ages and abilities. The classes she leads in her small community help seniors enhance their mobility, encourage those in the middle years to build an active lifestyle to carry them through their lives, and challenge teens to either develop a lifestyle of fitness or to enhance their natural athletic ability through more intense workouts. She conducts her classes with humour, tact and confidence, making each person feel comfortable about their current abilities while encouraging them to enhance their health and fitness level. She leads by example — her own fit lifestyle is a shining inspiration to others.

Senior Friendly Business

A Special Thank You to our Gold Sponsors

At 82, Henry Loewen is a driving force behind the Waldheim New Horizons Seniors’ Club, helps out at the Seniors’ Centre and the Jubilee Centre, is involved with his church and appears whenever a helping hand is needed in the community. Although much of what he does is in the background, it’s been said that “his positive attitude and active lifestyle make him an example and role model to other seniors.”

Education

Lifetime Achievement

Edward Latoski has been, and continues to be, an active and contributing member of many local volunteer organizations, as well as his church. He was a charter member of the local council of the Knights of Columbus and a founding member of the local Lions Club. He was part of the Wishart Aces fastball club and the Wishart Volunteer Fire Brigade. His current activity focuses on his church and the Hilltop Recreation Center. At the church, he is lead cantor and a member of the choir, and is active in leadership roles on the parish council. At the Recreation Center, he fulfills nearly every duty imaginable, including manager, custodian and coach — cleaning, repairing, ensuring the facility is open when needed, cooking for fundraisers and generally keeping the center running. It is said of him, “It is difficult to imagine this community functioning without his services.”

Community Leadership (Rural)

At Regina Public Library it’s easy for seniors to physically access materials and programs at branches all over the city. Assistive technology is available in many locations, and materials are available in a variety of formats to suit different needs and abilities. Outreach Services provides assistance for those whose disabilities prevent them from reading printed material; a Home Reader service; Institutional and Private Care Home Service, providing library materials for longterm care facilities; and digital talking books, audio and e-audiobooks, and braille books for the visually impaired. Literacy Services assists seniors who have difficulty with English as a second language, and provides opportunities for other seniors to volunteer as tutors. “For seniors, especially shut-ins and those in Long Term Care, Regina Public Library is an invaluable service.”

Rick Rohatyn’s volunteerism in the field of fitness and sport began with the Estevan Oilfield Technical Society’s annual golf tournament when he was 19 years old. Throughout his life, both at work and as a volunteer, he has championed physical fitness and activity for all ages. He served as chairman of Estevan’s 1980 Saskatchewan Summer Games and is active as a volunteer for the upcoming 2016 Games. He has served as a coach in minor softball and hockey, and has also coached and organized senior sports teams and events. Besides his sports-related volunteerism, he is an active member of the Estevan Elks #113 Lodge and volunteers for activities in the local nursing home.

Special Recognition Award

Presented to SSM president Betty Pickering in acknowledgement of her commitment and sacrifice in her work as president of the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism and in other organizations. In addition to serving as the current president of SSM, she is past president of the Saskatchewan Federation of Union Retirees. Betty began her working career at the Regina Public Library and was instrumental in the unionization of the library workers. She was a union activist for more than 40 years. Betty played a major role in the development of the Regina Community Clinic, including serving two terms as the president of its board. Among her many other accomplishments, she sat on the first Saskatchewan Advisory Committee on the Status of Women. Betty is a tireless advocate for justice, and is passionate about issues affecting seniors, particularly in the areas of health care, home care and pensions.

Joy Tatton has been a member of the Churchbridge Swimming Pool Committee for 44 years. In that time, she has coordinated the swimming lesson program, prepared grant applications, overseen staffing and lifeguard/instructor recruitment, served as representative on the local recreation board and fulfilled other responsibilities key to the administration and use of the pool. Most recently, she was instrumental in developing swimming programs for special needs people and seniors that provide opportunities for swimming in a quiet, unintimidating and fully accessible setting. Now 91, she is still active in volunteering for the pool, as well as taking part in the programs herself.

Teamwork

Advocacy

SaskTel Pioneer Salvage Sales is a group of volunteers that refurbish computers, office equipment and furniture, which are then sold to the public. The money raised benefits district or multi-district community projects such as schools, seniors’ homes and associations, health and wellness advocacy groups, and groups serving those who live in poverty. A total of 41 volunteers have worked for Salvage Sales over the years, with 20 of them still active. In 2013 this relatively small group of volunteers refurbished and sold 365 laptops, 247 desktop computers, 6 iPads, 522 chairs, 260 file cabinets, 44 tables, 34 desks and 6 drafting desks. Add to this computers donated to Computers for Schools or transferred to other clubs and you get an idea of the magnitude of the work this group does.

Every day, Catherine Verrall finds ways to walk on the earth more lightly. Her volunteer activity is anything but light — she has been a part of Raging Grannies, the Regina Peace Action Coalition, the Regina Citizens Transportation Coalition, Transport 2000 Prairie Branch and the Making Peace with Earth Conference, to name just a few. Her most recent project is the writing and marketing of the book Every Bite Affects the World, an earthcare cookbook and collaborative food justice project. Her energy, passion, strength, lack of timidity and persistence, among many other qualities, make her stand out in any crowd.