Creative Retirement Manitoba's 2008

Recipients of the Ageless Heroes Awards are:
Doreen Wilson of Winnipeg for Bridging the Generations and Dr Tom Graham of Winnipeg for Love of Learning. They were among 7 nominees honoured at the Creative Retirement Manitoba annual fall luncheon.

These awards, sponsored by Manitoba Blue Cross, recognize individuals who have made contributions to their community through their passion for learning and ability to bridge generations.

Love of Learning Nominees

DR. TOM GRAHAM, nominated by Winnifred Warkentin, has inspired many participants of the numerous courses he has taught to delve further into the topic or subject, whether it is researching family genealogy, a world religion, or a novel. His love of learning has earned him an educational major in Political Science, (BA), Doctor of Ministry, and a Ph.D. with a major in Medieval Chinese Buddhism. His professional career has taken him around the world and included a teaching post in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia where he taught in Mandarin and has since served many years at the University of Winnipeg. His volunteerism has included teaching computer skills, literature, puzzles, religion and culture. Dr. Graham has facilitated and hosted several courses for CRM including the History of the World Program. He teaches with enthusiasm and energy enabling his students to feel comfortable and valued. The atmosphere in the classroom is always positive and one of support and encouragement. Dr. Graham’s love of learning and sharing his expertise is a real inspiration to others.

PHYLLIS WATSON, nominated by Helen Norrie, has been involved in local organizations which are essential to the quality of life for many years. Phyllis spent several years living in Canada’s North where she was appointed for a two year term by the government of the NWT as Justice of the Peace and Coroner. This combination provided an experience which demonstrated how eager she has always been to embrace new challenges and expand her knowledge. During her first term as Treasurer for the University Women’s Club of Winnipeg, Phyllis converted the manual bookkeeping system to a computer system. She managed the paperwork involved in registering and dealing with a myriad of government documents to incorporate the preservation of Ralph Conner House. She contributes to a living history program created for Grade Six students who have a section of social studies called “Lives of Women During World War One”. Phyllis has performed well above the expected role of a volunteer in every organization in which she has been involved. She has a vast knowledge in many areas and willingly contributes her expertise in the gentlest manner. Her sense of commitment to whatever she does and the relentless determination to learn and to stand up for what she believes are sterling qualities she possesses.

NANCY CORNISH, nominated by Kim Poppel, is an active vibrant senior, who volunteers her talents in many areas including, but not limited to, serving on the Board of Directors of Brandon’s Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc.; serving as bookkeeper for the centre; encouraging new members to join and be active; organizing fund raisers; teaching computer accounting and volunteering at Helping Hands soup kitchen. Nancy continually involves herself in new challenges and passes her experiences along to others. She is a huge asset to the community of Brandon adding much vibrancy and enthusiasm to all of her activities.

ISABELLA DRYDEN, nominated by Hien Tran, shares her vast and varied knowledge and talents by teaching computer programs to seniors and especially, EAL (English as a second language) mature students. These EAL students face many day-to-day difficulties and Isabella, with her charm and dedication, manages to give them all a sense of hope and awareness. Her commitment and genuine concern for others has established her as a role model for other retirees. She is held up as an example of healthy aging and also as an example with older adult clients who are struggling to recreate their lives. Her mind is always fresh and her cheerful character, patience and experience of teaching people inspires all who come in contact with her.

Bridging the Generations Nominees

DOREEN WILSON, nominated by Walter Skuba has, throughout her adult life, always been involved in many volunteer activities. Some of these have included but are not limited to: the Children’s Aid Receiving Home; helping teachers and students in neighbourhood schools and with the Winnipeg Volunteer Reading Aides assisting young adults and children to develop reading skills. At Winnipeg Harvest Doreen has packed food and conducted tours of the facility for school children. Another long time activity has been working with Aboriginal children grades 3 to 6 in a variety of tasks including preparing breakfast once a week at the Wi Wabigooni School. Doreen is a remarkable, enthusiastic, energetic person with a hearty laugh and a good sense of humour which she passes on to children, youth, young adults and seniors.

MARIE ENNS, nominated by Tracy Dahl has been named “the singing unsung hero”. While serving as an elementary music teacher in the Winnipeg School Division, Marie took a great interest in and encouraged all her students, taking some of the more gifted ones and involving them in musical productions throughout the city including seniors’ residences and hospitals. She would write her own scripts, stage and choreograph all the performances. Marie also organized a community orchestra. She was a “volunteer extraordinaire” and role model who inspired and instructed her students in responsibility and accountability. Today she volunteers for Creative Retirement Manitoba’s Seniors and Students Together Program and spends some of her time going from school to school involving the students in mini productions. Marie also spends a lot of her time with seniors in senior’s residences, encouraging and teaching them to act out their musical fantasies. Her smile, confidence, passion and enthusiasm are contagious to all who come in contact with her.

DEAN DANFORTH, nominated by Jim Carson and members of the Crescentwood Community Centre, is being recognized for his boundless energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the children and young people of the community. Over the years Dean has been a coach, manager and mentor in many sports programs and has been named “Mr. Grizzlie” in connection with the Crescentwood Grizzlies Football program. He mentors and encourages youth to be involved in the community and in particular has been a source of knowledge and support to a young male very much in need of a father figure. Dean never looks for recognition for his contributions but finds his reward in being a part of the development of many fine citizens.