(City of Red Deer)

By rdnewsNOW staff

upstanding and outstanding citizens

City honours recipients of Mayor’s Recognition Awards

Jun 15, 2023 | 3:04 PM

The 2023 Mayor’s Recognition Awards were handed out in Red Deer Wednesday.

The annual awards program recognizes Red Deer citizens for their significant contributions to our community in the categories of Athletics, Fine and Performing Arts, Distinguished Voluntary Service, and Community Builder.

“Mayor’s Recognition Award recipients are exceptional people who have made lasting impacts through their community involvement,” said Mayor Ken Johnston. “It is my honour, alongside my council colleagues, to recognize these individuals, and it is my hope that their dedication inspires even greater acts of kindness and service in the future.”

This year’s Mayor’s Special Award – the highest recognition given by The City of Red Deer, in honour of humanitarianism, exceptional achievement, or acts of heroism or bravery – was presented to three individuals:

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• Halima Ali (nominated by Zainab Mohamoud): Originally from Somalia, Halima has dedicated her career and life to supporting immigrant and refugee women and their families. As Executive Director of the Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association (CAIWA), Halima has introduced several new programs aimed at helping integrate immigrants into their new community. Through her unwavering commitment and dedication, she continues to make a positive difference in the lives of those seeking to build a new life in central Alberta.
• Maggie Loney-posthumous (nominated by Tammy Rogers, Deirdre Ashenhurst, Kerry Lowe, Donna Hovsepian, Norma Gauthier, Lisa Tough, Hayley Christen, Lloyd Pulliam, Marjorie Daniels and Pat Marcellus): Maggie was a remarkable Indigenous Elder and humanitarian whose accomplishments and contributions left a lasting impact on the community. She dedicated herself to educating others about Indigenous knowledge and fostering understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Sadly, Maggie’s passing in December 2022 marked the end of a life dedicated to making a difference and promoting understanding and respect within the community. Her legacy will continue to inspire and influence us all for years to come.

READ MORE: Red Deer Elder remembered fondly as gentle, but ferocious

• Irene Tomlinson (nominated by Kate Walls): Irene’s contributions extend far beyond her role as a security officer. With a keen eye and unwavering dedication, Irene diligently monitors properties and keeps a watchful eye on the entire neighborhood. Her actions have directly impacted and saved lives. In times of crisis, she has stepped forward without hesitation. Irene’s selfless dedication speaks volumes about her character and the profound impact she has on the community.

Athletics

Recognizes individuals or teams placing first in a national event or competition; or placing first, second or third in an international event or competition sanctioned by the respective national or international governing body; or placing first at the highest possible level that can be achieved in their sport.

Individuals

Grace Anne Campbell
Molly Simpson

Red Deer Catalina Swim Club

Tristan Cote (Head Coach)
Tejas Nayar (Assistant Coach)
Evan Kafara (Coach)
Abbi Bahler
Ben Bahler
Annika Erickson
Ryan Falk
Kaymin Graham
Myles Grant
Grace Hitchcock
Kingston Hitchcock
Jaycob Hoedel
Anna Horbushko
Jose Javier Martinez
Andrade Martinez
Addison Pruden
Noah Thomas
Priya Thomas
Sofiia Tokar
Parks Tweedale
Cooper Waddle
Maddie Wien

Red Deer Tennis Club Members

Darrell Nichols
Jean Anne Nichols
Ferdie Soriano
Barb Young

Distinguished Voluntary Service

Recognizing outstanding volunteers who have made a significant impact, enhanced the quality of life and/or implemented a significant positive change in Red Deer.

Individuals

Wayne Blenkhorn
Benny Borgman
Lorraine Cooper
Stephen Cooper
Cody Howitt
Jaanvi Lal
Fern Lenihan
Janessa McCormack
Bob Pelletier
Linda Rowe
Myrna Schmidt
Denise Sorensen
Jack Swainson

Fine and Performing Arts

Recognizing individuals and groups who have gained national or international acceptance or recognition of outstanding specific achievement and/or a series of accomplishments over time in one or more of the arts.

Lacey Oake

Community Builder

Recognizing outstanding individuals or groups who have demonstrated special or unique qualities and who have made a difference in our community through leadership, dedication, innovation and creativity, with long term benefits.

Individuals

Lena Drok
Zainab Mohamoud
Nancy Paish
Marie Payne

Central Alberta Crime Prevention Centre Board

Jeffery Dawson
Christa Elliot
April Furness
Melissa Jacobson
Dawn Lundquist
Debb Mann
Shane Pahara
Lorraine Pitts
Doug Redmond
Debbie Romkes

Parkland Regional Safety Committee’s Fallen Worker Legacy Park Sub-Committee

Sally Brown
Tanya Cuffe
Treena Dixon
Doug Kereliuk
Tara Leis
Brad Vonkeman

The Ukrainian Displaced Persons Planning Committee

Father Jim Nakonechny, Chair
Burton Bailey
Emily Berg
Cheryl Deagle
Gerda Groothuizen
Audrey Gross
Olena Karachentseva
Oksana McIntyre
Alla Mysko-Henke
Craig Nykyforuk
Oksana Oliinyk
Vasyl Oliinyk
Daria Savchuk
Maria Serrano
Vitalii Varvaruk

More information about the nomination process is at reddeer.ca.