The Manitoba Council on Aging Recognition Awards Ceremony

Monday this week recognition awards were given to the following for their work to make life better for seniors:
Individuals: Ness Beattie (Winnipeg), Peter Froese (Gimil), Melvin Jaster (Powerview-Pine Falls), Edna Jerome (Winnipeg), Bert Kinzierski (Arborg), Susanna June Menzies (Winnipeg) and Isabelle Wood (Shoal Lake).
Organizations: Charleswood Seniors Inc., Rupert's Land Caregivers Services, Sally Luke
As well the Murray Smith ward was given to Hill Byholt of Gimli.

In addition the following were cited for Honourable Mention:
Individuals: Doug Anrew (Rossburn), Diana Ateah (Victoria Beach), Randy Conway (Winnipeg), Jean Kujanpaa (Lawrence), Sigurgorg Lupky (Arborg), Muriel McPhail (Carberry), Gerald Morran (Grandview), Jake Neufeld (Altna), Dianne (Dee) Rickner (Grand Beach), June Price (Ashern), Bill Russell (Lac Du Bonnet), Barbara Smith (Pilot Mound) and Jane Stevenson (Morris).
Organizations: Carman Active Living Centre, Lee Mandock and Raili Macleod.

In the photo above I am with Sigurbjorg Lupky of Arborg, one of those who received the honourable mention. When we met, she immediately remembered the time I was in Arborg during or just after a major snowstorm. The roof in the Senior's Centre in Arborg was leaking so that a lot of snow was able to blow in - and pile up inside the centre - much of it was between the roof and the ceiling tiles. I helped shovel the snow out. I also called Bert Kinzierski (a recipient of this year's recognition award - but not present as he had a family matter to attend to in Alberta). Bert Kindzierski was the Mayor of Arborg at the time and he immediately realized the potential seriousness of the situation and helped make sure everyone was okay.