June 12, 2007

Markham Recognizes 2007 Seniors Hall of Fame Winners

Markham, ON ~ Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Markham Council recognized the winners of the Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame awards, now in its ninth year, at the June 12 Markham Council meeting.  

The awards recognize the contribution, dedication, leadership and quality of service that seniors give to the Markham community. "We are pleased that we have the support and dedication of such great residents. These people give back to their community, they have served this community for decades by volunteering their time in many different areas. Through their actions they make Markham a great place to live," said Mayor Frank Scarpitti.

Chosen by a citizen committee, the awards are given during June, designated Seniors Month by the Province of Ontario.

The recipient of the Hall of Fame Award in 2007 is Lorne Smith.

This highest award is given for unique and outstanding contributions by Mr. Smith, who is Markham's official historian. He started volunteering at the Markham Museum in 1970 and is involved with his church, school children, the Markham Fair, and the Pennsylvania German Folklore Society. Mr. Smith is a previous winner of the Town's Achievement and Civic Recognition Award (ACRA) for cultural achievement. He has chaired the Town's Cemetery Board since 2000.

Meritorious Awards go to:

Robert Harrington — Robert Harrington is recognized for his work at Participation House in Unionville. By refurbishing outdated computers, Mr. Harrington has made it possible for those affected with cerebral palsy to communicate with each other. By adapting these otherwise useless computers to the special needs of these adults and children, Mr. Harrington has helped open doors unavailable to them in the past.

Sharon Lawlor — Ms Lawlor is recognized for her involvement with many projects at the Markham Stouffville Hospital and her many committee directorships.

Certificates of Appreciation for significant contributions are presented to:

Shirley Schaefer has volunteered in the community since 1966. Ms Schaefer has worked with the Thornhill Lions for 20 years, been a member of the York Central Hospital Board for eight years and was on the building committees for the Unionville and Markham libraries. Currently a director of the Thornhill Seniors Centre, she served as a member of the organizing committee for the club.

Sunny Lau has been involved with volunteerism since his arrival in Canada in 1975. Mr. Lau is well known in the community, working with local groups, supporting many causes. Mr. Lau is a recipient of "The Al Waxman Award" for his long and continuing contribution to volunteerism.

John McKenna is an untiring volunteer in the Unionville area. He has worked with the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, driven numerous people to medical appointments, is an unstinting worker for The Knights of Columbus, arranged fishing derbies for youth and is a reader for services at St. Patrick's and St. Justin The Martyr churches.

Building Markham's Future Together

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For further information, to request an interview, please contact:

Marjorie Rebane, 905-479-7754
Corporate Communications