MARKHAM, ON ~ June 11, 2008 ~ Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Markham Council recognized the winners of the Mayor’s Seniors Hall of Fame awards, now in its eleventh year, at the June 10 Markham Council meeting.

“Seniors are a tremendous asset to the community for the knowledge and wisdom they share with residents,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “They serve as mentors and role models for the community and provide a valuable sense of history as we plan for the future. They are the foundation of volunteerism in the community. These awards recognize the important contribution seniors make to keep Markham a great place to live. Congratulations to this year’s winners and thanks to all seniors who continue to serve our community. ”

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 2008 is Margaret Bibby.

This highest award is given for unique and outstanding contributions by Ms. Bibby. She started volunteering 70 years ago. She is most proud of her work with the Older Adults In Action group and her role as advocate for the visually handicapped. Margaret partnered with Shamser Singh, to create the Markham Seniors Hall Of Fame.

Meritorious Awards go to:

Herbert (Bert) Harris – Bert is recognized for his involvement of 38 years with youth soccer. He volunteers with the Markham Stouffville Hospital and has served the Markham Senior Centre for many years in various capacities including president.

John Milligan – Having served in the RCAF 1943 – 1946, John is a member of the Markham District Veteran’s Association organizing many Town events for veterans. He has twice been president of the Markham Seniors’ Centre, and has served as Vice President and Director of the Older Adults in Action Seniors’ Club.

Certificates of Appreciation are presented to:

Gordon (Gord) MacRae – Gord has been a community volunteer for many years, involved with minor hockey, soccer, baseball and ringette. He volunteers with Thomson Court, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church and has received awards from Markham and the Government of Canada.

Barbara Taverner – for years Barbara has been an untiring volunteer in the Unionville area, working with the Unionville Home Society, as a member of The Markham Board Of Trade and as Chair of the Second Wind Dreams Program at Unionvilla, which is dedicated to change the perception of aging for seniors – one dream at a time.

Manickampillai Velauthapillai has been involved with volunteerism since his arrival in Canada. This includes work with the Canadian Diabetes Association and Armadale Public School. Mr. Velauthapillai is a recipient of many awards for his long and continuing contribution to volunteerism. 

Markham, a municipality of more than 285,000 residents northeast of Toronto, is Canada’s most diverse community. Renowned for a rich heritage, vibrant neighbourhoods and environmental leadership, Markham is also the home of many of Canada’s leading life science and technology businesses.