2013 Civic Awards

2013 CIVIC AWARDS

Excellence in Volunteerism (4 nominees): Marjory Gove

Marjory has lived in Peachland for the past 40 years and during that time has volunteered for many Peachland organizations including the Red Cross Loan Cupboard, Peachland United Church and the Peachland Wellness Centre. Marjory is a valuable volunteer at the Wellness Centre using her talents to assist with statistics and attendance management. She is also a host for the Tai Chi program and a volunteer driver. She is always willing to help with shut-ins by providing meals and supporting her church wherever needed. Marjory is known her dependability.

Excellence in Community Service: Jerry Dober Sunday Breakfast (Group)

For the past 11 years, the Jerry Dober breakfast has become a place where people come to have a home cooked meal shared with family and friends. Beyond serving breakfast, volunteers often state, "it's the best job I have ever had". It is an opportunity to bring people together and serve the community. It is a very special day with many acts of kindness and compassion.

Excellence in the Arts: Chris Byrd

Chris has quietly worked in the background for a good many years. He was significantly involved in the Little Schoolhouse restorations, worked on the website for the Volksport Club, presented workshops for the Wellness Centre speaker’s series and has been a member of the PEDC and the Arts Council for many years as a board member and webmaster. Chris is also actively involved in showcasing the "Artist of the Month" which features a local artist in the Peachland View each month. Chris is also working actively on the Art Gallery Implementation committee.

Excellence in Education and Conservation: Peachland Bat Education and Conservation Program (Group)

When the decision was made to refurbish the Peachland Primary School, an initial step was the investigation of the schoolhouse attic for bat habitat. Once the size of the bat colony was realized, it was a foregone conclusion these mammals, so valuable to our ecosystem, required protection. The Peachland Bat Education and Conservation program was developed through the efforts of dedicated volunteers of the Peachland Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Centre. More than 400 children and parents participated in interactive presentations from Osoyoos to Kelowna. Through corporate sponsorships and donations, cameras have been installed in the attic roost providing an opportunity for live viewing of the bat behaviour. Interactive stations are currently being developed for the interpretive centre.

Excellence in the Spirit of Christmas: Al and Heather Johannson

Al Johannson on Clarence Road hangs between 5,000-8,000 lights outlining the structure of their home and decorating the driveway and trees within their yard. Al has also built whimsical wooden structures to add to the festive display. This display is an envy to many in the neighbourhood.

Excellence in Community Spirit (2 nominees): Sherry Kendrick

Sherry's contributions to Peachland include, but are not limited to her volunteerism, leadership, inclusiveness and overall community spirit. Sherry donates her personal time every Tuesday morning to the Wellness Centre assisting with administrative tasks and maintaining an array of documents. Sherry also facilities the Sunshine Singers. She was also instrumental in establishing an inter-generational choir combining senior singers and youth from the elementary school. More recently she has been actively involved with Stars on Stage which provides talent and opportunity to bring the whole community together.

Excellence in Environmental Conservation: Doris Muhs

In 2013, Doris was instrumental in revitalizing the front and side yards at the Peachland Wellness Centre. Doris had previously been a successful manager for other renovation projects and she willingly accepted the task of the front yard. Doris worked to establish plans, develop timelines and volunteer recruitment to support the project. Her Honor Lieutenant Gov. Judith Guichon noticed the xeriscaping when she visited the wellness centre on tour. Doris did an exceptional job xeriscaping the Peachland Wellness Centre. The resulting benefit is using less water and minimizing maintenance to create a natural yet beautiful yard.

  Excellence in Athletic Achievement: Jesse Mills

Jesse, a talented local hockey player, was selected 88th Overall (4th Round) in the 2012 Bantam Draft. 2011 Jesse supported his team at the International Children’s Games (hosted in Kelowna) and helped take his team to the provincial championships in 2012. The Edmonton Oil King held his rights and in the fall of 2013, Jesse went to Edmonton to play with his WHL team. From home town Peachland, Jesse is the youngest player on the Oil Kings bench. Jesse is the only player from the West Kelowna Minor Hockey 1997 cohort to launch at a young age directly into the WHL. This is an amazing achievement for someone so young. Jesse has had 5 points in his 34 game appearances. This category has not been awarded since 2004.

Unsung Hero (6 nominees): Dave Stuart

Dave Stuart is a tireless behind the scenes kind of guy. He serves his community in an unselfish way through the Peachland Lions Club, the Peachland Economic Development Committee and the Peachland Community Centre. He has been an active member of the Peachland Lions Club serving as secretary and being a liaison between the Lions, the District and various international events. In 2013, Dave was also involved in the implementation committee for the revitalization of the Paddle festival. Dave spends many hours in various rolls doing whatever is asked. He can often be seen flipping hamburgers, timing and flagging for races and events and serving breakfast. Dave is someone who actively keeps the volunteer flame alive - always working to better our community.

Lifetime Service - Peachland Auxiliary to the Kelowna General Hospital

The Hospital Auxiliary has been providing services to our community and to the Kelowna General Hospital and Hospice House since 1976. Since its inception it has raised in excess of $100,000 to provide equipment and services for the hospital and hospice. Their fundraising is accomplished through providing catering services to the residents and organizations of Peachland. Donations are between $10,000-$15,000 annually.

Youth Citizen of the Year – Stacey Takenaka

Stacey Takenaka was a vice-ambassador for 2012-2013 season. He is reliable, always on time and willing to help at any community event. He was a good sport participating in all ambassador activities including dress shopping with the girls. He is talented, kind and considerate and a true gentleman. He also assisted with the Cancer Society Daffodil campaign, Relay for Life and other related events. He has continued to support community events and has proven to be a professional and entertaining MC. He also helps out at his church taking care of set up/take town and managing the sound system.

Citizen of the Year (3 nominees) – Robert (Scotty) Grieve

Robert "Scotty" Grieve is a thinker and a doer in the field of mechanics, electrical, carpentry and other related skills. He will help to identify the problem then set about rectifying it. Scotty is a most valuable to the 50+ Centre, Peachland Yacht Club and the Masonic Lodge. Scotty is also a member of the Kelowna Shrine Club and works tirelessly to keep their parade equipment in order - which is featured in many parades including Peachland.