Awards ceremony recognizes those who make a difference in community

MARY ROBINSON has been a volunteer for Digby Area Soccer Association for more than six years. She has been a key part of the organizing team that delivers a community soccer program for youth ages 3-18. Mary has held many positions within the organization including; treasurer, registrar and secretary, and has performed all duties to the highest standard. Her timely efforts have been a key factor to the growth and success of soccer in the Digby area.

DAVID ROGERS, or Captain Dave, as his Scouts call him, has for over 30 years been an integral part of the lives of over 500 young people in Carleton, Ont., and now in Digby. David encourages the youth to focus on the possibilities. He teaches that problems are things for which we have not yet found a solution. He mentors and supports and looks for unique opportunities to enrich the lives of each scout. David has always exceeded the mandate of the Scouts Canada Program. He has received the 30 Years in Scouting Pin, the Commemorative Centennial Medal, and the Certificate of Commendation.

BEATRICE CAUET has dedicated many countless hours to the Royal Canadian Legion, Digby Branch 20. She carries out visits to our sick and shut-in members of Tideview Terrace, Digby General Hospital, and in their homes. She delivers fruit baskets to members returning home from the hospital, and Bea is a very active in the Legion Poppy Campaign. Outside of the many hours she gives to the Royal Canadian Legion, Bea donates her time to the Weymouth Historical Society, Digby General Hospital Auxiliary, and the New Tusket Women’s Institute.

JAMES WHEELHOUSE has spent many hours at the Employment Opportunities Partnership assisting individuals with completion of application forms for CPP benefits. There is an amazing amount of paperwork required for such a process and he has willingly over the last several years offered his time and expertise to those individuals requiring the assistance. The Employment Opportunities Partnership would like to recognize James for his many volunteer hours assisting community members with this need.

TODD SIMMS has shown generous support at Digby Elementary School by working with children. He has lead by example and instilled in students the value of hard work, honesty and respect. His patience and willingness to assist the children is remarkable, and undoubtedly goes unnoticed. Todd also coaches for the Digby Minor Basketball program. Thank you Todd, for your belief and dedication to the children at Digby Elementary School.

PETER and PEARL JANSON have been dedicated volunteers to the Town of Digby. They are always available and ready to lend a helping hand. In the past 30 years, they have been members of numerous boards and associations. They have volunteered at Digby Regional High School, Digby General Hospital, Digby Scallop Days, Conway Workshop, and were Brownie and Scout Leaders. They continue to volunteer with the Digby Curling Centre, Digby Elementary School Breakfast Program, the After School Badminton Club, Digby Food Bank, and Admiral Digby Museum.

DONNA TIDD’s voluntary contributions are numerous as she has a habit of becoming integral to many worthwhile initiatives. Currently Donna is chair of the Digby and Area Community Health Board, and chair of the Eldridge Memorial Library Association in Sandy Cove. She is the first to some to the aid of a person in need and she ensures that the dignity of the person is maintained. She also has a phenomenal skill for encouraging others to get involved.

JURGEN GREIGOSCHEWSKI is a parent volunteer who over the past number of years has donated his time as head coach of the Digby Dolphins Swim Team. He has taken time to be on deck to assist swimmers in teaching and coaching individuals in all aspects of competitive swimming. He plans, organizes, supervises, and ensures that all swimmers have fun while teaching the skills needed. Jurgen was also part of the provincial committee responsible for hosting the 2007 Nova Scotia summer swimming championship at the Digby Swimming Pool in August. Jurgen being a past Digby Dolphin swimmer himself realizes the importance of young people being active and involved in a team setting and the many benefits this brings.

MABEL BURNS has been an important volunteer for the Digby Neck Consolidated School. She operates the hot lunch program, and contributes to many school activities. Mabel is always available to support the community; she assists with the Scouts, Little River Baptist Church, and seniors in her area with transportation and personal care.

MARION CROFT was a dedicated Digby Hospice volunteer and her decision to continue helping dying individuals with VON has been heaven sent. Her manner, attitude, and laughter offer individuals and their families the support they need to face end of life issues. The Victoria Order of Nurses is honored to have Marion as a volunteer.

JENNIFER MARSHALL is the driving force behind Barton Consolidated Home and School Association. For the second consecutive year as president, Jennifer is always willing to lend a helping hand, often spending her free time at the school. Whether organizing the Thanksgiving meal, the annual Spring Fling, staff appreciation week, pancake day, after school activities, school trips, and soliciting for donations, Jennifer gives 110 per cent of herself, leads by doing and truly has a big heart for the students and staff of Barton Consolidated School. She is truly the epitome of a volunteer.

ROGER WINCHESTER, currently vice-president of Mothers against Drunk Driving-Digby Chapter, has been a member of MADD since its inception in 1997. Roger has dedicated countless volunteer hours to raise public awareness through educational programs, fundraising, and providing services to victims and their families. Whether he is speaking at a driver education class, decorating a float, participating in fairs, Roger has been front line in spreading the message to ‘Drive safe, drive sober’.

MERWYN LONGMIRE goes above and beyond the call of duty where youth are concerned. He looks for the positive in any youth and works to help them achieve their goals. As a volunteer with Employment Opportunities Partnership, Merwyn assist with their youth programs. If a youth needs a ride, Merwyn would be there. He takes his times to talk with the youth and listen attentively to all they have to say. Merwyn also volunteers his time working with youth in extracurricular activities in his area.

WANDA KINNEY is a loyal volunteer at Tideview Terrace. For many years, she has been going to Tideview on a weekly basis to lead a singsong for residents, assist with bus trips and bible studies. Wanda is very dedicated to the residents, and offers her time freely when they are sick or in the need of companionship.

DIANE CROCKER has been a dedicated VON volunteer since 2003. She is always willing to help wherever needed; volunteer visiting, fundraising, tea-hospice, frozen meal delivery. Our organization has surely been enriched with Diane’s passion for helping others.

JEAN COLE is a senior showing other seniors how staying active and involved is key to successful aging. She actively volunteers with VON with fundraising, volunteer visiting and phone buddies, the RCMP Seniors’ Safety program with monthly breakfasts, and the ‘phone-a-friend’ program, the Digby and Area Fall Prevention Coalition, and educates seniors on remaining active and avoiding injury. Jean has spent her entire life helping in one way or another, and activities include the Women’s Institution of Nova Scotia, Conway Workshop, Family Resource Centre, and Special Olympics.

MARGARET McNALLY-MYLES gives generously of her time volunteering for Smith’s Cove Fire Department; preparing, printing and distributing the monthly breakfast flyers, various fundraising activities, and co-hosting the breakfasts, as well as the Smith’s Cove Cemetery Society and her church. Whatever is asked of her, it is done in a willing, very capable and cheerful manner, making Maggie a joy to work with.

ELEANOR VanTASSELL’s support of VON and her community never wavers. She volunteers with the palliative care visiting program, and volunteer visiting. She visits her two clients faithfully and helps make their day better by showing someone cares. Her caring attitude shows in the faces of her clients.

SHIRLEY RITCHIE has worn many hats. She has participated and supported the Canadian Cancer Society as a canvasser and now the Relay for the Life. She is secretary of Digby Food Bank, and also stacks and puts food on the shelves, and volunteers at Bethany Bargain Bin. Shirley is active within her church with Meet and Greet, financials, and doing communion to residents outside of the church. In between this, she visits regular with two seniors in the community.

SUSAN PUXLEY has been working one-on-one with an adult learner at Digby Area Learning Association, teaching basic literacy that will have an impact on the individual’s ability to re-enter the workforce. Her interests, enthusiasm, and dedication to the personal goals of the learner are exemplary of a true volunteer spirit.

CINDY HAZEL has been a tireless volunteer for Digby Elementary School. She has been a dedicated member of the Home and School Association for five years and is co-founder and current chair of the Peaceful Solutions Committee, a volunteer committee dedicated to bringing awareness to students about the negative effects of bullying. As chair, Cindy has helped organize student surveys, guest speakers and student reward days. This committee has had a positive effect on the school. Cindy has also been a member of the school’s Student Advisory Council for four years.

Youth Volunteer Award

Recognizing young people, 13-24, who have made a significant contribution as volunteers

SHELBY AMERO has a heart as big as the ocean. She decides one day that she had something to contribute to her community and took action. Shelby is congratulated on her efforts and energy as she contributes in a huge way to seniors who need a helping hand with yard work, dog walking, picking up mail, taking out the garbage, or simply visiting. Shelby is learning at a young age what it means to volunteer, and is setting an example for all of us.

KIERDEN MARSHALL has been a player with Digby Area Minor Hockey Association for a number of years but being too old to play this past year, did not hesitate to say yes when he was asked to coach. The dedication and commitment he has shown to Digby Area Minor Hockey was outstanding; he obtained all proper certification, often turned down refereeing opportunities, which were paying jobs, to coach and be with his team. Kierden’s many qualities were regularly demonstrated to the coaching staff, players, and parents. He brought a lot of patience, knowledge, organization and enthusiasm to the team. His maturity shone through every time he stepped on the ice.

Building Healthier Futures Corporate Award

Recognizing a corporation that has made significant contributions through support and encouragement of employee volunteerism or shown corporate support for community initiatives.

THE DIGBY COURIER has made a significant positive difference. Granted the media role gives them a unique ability to ensure that good news gets out, but they have made a concerted effort to ensure this actually happens. They report the news in a comprehensive and professional manner but they often go the extra mile to assist a worthy cause. With respect to their role with the Board of Trade they have assisted us with the publication of the Buy Local Directory, have actively participated on committees and working groups to move the goals of the Board forward. They have also been a resource for many other non-profit groups. Editor John DeMings, sales Nicole Hanscomb, office manager Liz Blinn and reporter Jonathan Riley.