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On Monday, October 1, which marked National Seniors Day and the International Day of Older Persons, twenty-four exemplary residents were honoured at the Flato Markham Theatre at the 2018 Mayor’s Seniors’ Hall of Fame Awards.
Dr. Ken Ng received this year’s Mayor’s Seniors’ Hall of Fame Award for his immense contributions to cultural collaboration in Markham, Ontario and in Canada. For three decades, Dr. Ng has established several Chinese cultural centres and clubs throughout Markham, worked tirelessly for the United Way and social agencies and championed interfaith and cross-cultural understanding across the country.
Dr. Ng founded the Federation of Chinese Canadians in Markham, the Markham Chinese Cultural Centre, the Chinese Seniors Association of Markham, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Markham, and the Chinese Canadian Sports and Recreation Club of Markham. He helped establish the annual Taste of Asia Festival in Markham in 2003 and has served as its chairperson ever since. Dr. Ng’s influence on promoting multiculturalism extends far beyond the Chinese community in Markham and York Region. He sat on the Canadian Human Rights Tribune from 1990 to 1993 and, in 2001, was appointed the Governor of Canadian Council of Christians and Jews. Dr. Ng was awarded the Sovereign Medal from the Governor General of Canada in 2017, among his many other notable accolades.
Two outstanding seniors received Meritorious Awards: Bill Dawson and Judi McIntyre.
Bill Dawson brought the joys of music to our community. For the last decade, people have flocked to the Unionville Millennium Bandstand on Thursday nights throughout the summer. Bill founded this popular event to provide free and quality live music to the community and to date, 112 performances have been featured, making Thursday nights synonymous with summer in Unionville. Bill’s volunteerism also extends to the sporting community, with the creation of Hockey with Heart to support the Markham Food Bank. The charity has grown to support other local charities including the Children’s Wish Foundation, Hockey Helps the Homeless, B-Strong and many more.
Judi McIntyre’s contributions can be felt most in Markham’s cultural scene. She too has brought music into our hearts. Judi has performed with the Markham Concert Band since 1985 and held various roles on its Board of Directors. She also served on the Board of the Markham Theatre for Performing Arts and has helped organize the Markham Village Music Festival for decades. Judi continues to serve on dozens of committees in Markham but perhaps, is known most for creating the Markham Children’s Festival in 1999.
Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Ruxuan Tan, Satya Arora and Elaine Vollett.
Ruxuan Tan can often be found playing his beloved violin in the pavilion behind Wilmer Public School or at the Happy Life Centre, where he encourages other seniors to get involved in the community, stay active and keep learning.
Satya Arora has been an advocate of Markham seniors for years, and is involved with 10 organizations including the Vedic Cultural Centre and the Social Services Network, where she spends 40+ hours a week volunteering, fundraising, organizing and inspiring older adults.
Elaine Vollett has made dreams come true for hundreds of families after founding The Centre for Dreams, which focuses on ensuring that young adults with developmental disabilities live meaningful, independent and happy lives. It’s a place where everyone is treated with dignity and respect and where everyone’s abilities and differences are celebrated.
This year’s nominees were: Satya Arora, Marilyn Aspevig, Yan Chan, Kui Tuen Francis Chan, Kin Shing Cheng, Bo Shan Cheng, Andy H.A. Cheung, Wan Yi Cheung, Bill Dawson, Joyce France, Les Gagnon, Lillian Given, Athol Hastings, Michael Ka Lit Ho, Anthony Wing-Keung Ko, Sammy Lam, Judi McIntyre, Ken Ng, Arul Rajasingam, Po Yu Tam, Ruxuan Tan, Barbara Tate, Elaine Vollett, and Guan Fa Wu.
Marilyn Aspevig has been a member of the Markham Public Library Board since 2011 and was Vice Chair from 2015-2017. She also volunteered with the Markham Stouffville Federal Liberal Association, and the Canadian Cancer Society.
Yan Chan is the founder of the Ianville Tai Chi Club, providing over 200 students with free Tai Chi and Chi Kung lessons. He is also a volunteer interpreter at the Carefirst Services and Community Services Association, providing translation services to seniors attending medical appointments.
Kui Tuen Francis Chan is a Director of the Scarborough Senior Chinese Association and also volunteers as a Health Talk speaker at the Carefirst Services and Community Services Association, bringing health care information to seniors in York Region and providing translation services.
Kin Shing Cheng is a Director of the Scarborough Senior Chinese Association and also volunteers as a Health Talk speaker at the Carefirst Services and Community Services Association, offering meal delivery services for handicapped seniors in Toronto and Markham.
Bo Shan Cheng is a Director of the Scarborough Senior Chinese Association and, as a formally trained Chinese Opera Performer, teaches singing and on-stage body movement to members of the Chinese Opera Arts.
Andy H.A. Cheung is a Director of the Canadian Society of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, providing health education to the public on Chinese Medicine Remedy. He is also the Chairman of the Natural Medicine Health Society.
Wan Yi Cheung is a Director of the Scarborough Senior Chinese Association, leading the building maintenance department. She is also President of the Scarborough Senior Chinese Dramatic Association.
Joyce France was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Markham District Veterans Association and the first person to volunteer at the Markham-Stouffville Hospital in 1990. She continues to volunteer at several senior centres in Markham including Markhaven and the Cedar Crest Manor.
Les Gagnon’s friends refer to him as the “Entrepreneur of Markham volunteers” for creating new programs in the community. He is the President of Lifelong Learning Markham, volunteers to teach others the game of Bridge, and is a generous donor to the Markham Stouffville Hospital and Markham Food Bank.
As a retired teacher, Lillian Given’s passion for education led her to volunteer as a story teller at the Markham Public Library. She has helped plant trees with the 10,000 Trees for the Rouge organization, and volunteered at the Markham-Stouffville Hospital.
As a volunteer for Information Markham, Athol Hastings is likely one of the first faces you will see when you enter the Markham Civic Centre. He has also volunteered at the Markham Museum for over a decade, cataloguing and digitizing the records and photographs.
Michael Ka Lit Ho is a Director of the Scarborough Senior Chinese Association, volunteering as a team leader of Music and Dramatic Group. He also volunteers at the Carefirst Services and Community Services Association.
Anthony Wing-Keung Ko volunteers on several Markham committees, including the Seniors Advisory Committee, Cycling & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Markham YMCA and the York Central Chinese Canadian Association.
Sammy Lam is a Ballroom Program Coordinator and Instructor, and a member of the Angus Glen Older Adult Club, where he has taught hundreds of senior’s ballroom dancing. He also volunteers with the Richmond Hill Chinese Community Church every Sunday.
Arul Rajasingam is a member of the Middlefield Seniors Wellness Club, founder of the Greensborough Tamil Seniors’ Wellness Club and is now Interim President of the Markham Tamil Association.
Po Yu Tam is a Director of the Scarborough Senior Chinese Association and a member of the Ontario St. John Fellowship Hong Kong Chapter, who has also been awarded Officer of the Order of St. John by St. John Ambulance Brigade in 1997.
Barbara Tate is a familiar face at the Markham Civic Centre, who volunteers with Information Markham. She also sits on the Markham Race Relations Committee and organizes a book club for past and present Milliken Mills High School teachers.
Guan Fa Wu is the Secretary and Vice President of the Markham Ward 6 Seniors Association. He encourages seniors to participate in all types of healthy, friendly activities and seminars to increase their knowledge and better their lifestyle.
Congratulations to all of the 2018 Mayor’s Seniors’ Hall of Fame Award winners and nominees and thank you for your passion, commitment and dedication to bettering our community.
Markham is a City with a long and strong history of volunteerism. The Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Award is presented to a nominee over 60 years of age who has made a unique and outstanding contribution to the Markham Community.
Do you know a senior who has made an outstanding contribution to the Markham community? Help us show our appreciation – nominate him or her for this prestigious award!
Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Markham's seniors committee recognized the winners of the 2017 Mayor's Hall of Fame Awards.
The 19th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards were celebrated at the Markham Civic Centre at a very special ceremony on October 2nd, 2017. John Buie received this year's Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Award for his service and volunteering throughout the city. Ross Bowser and Rob Hyland received Meritorious Awards, and Certificate of Appreciation were presented to Vijay Ghai, Lorna Rogers and Helen Walter.
The 18th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards were celebrated at the Markham Civic Centre at a special ceremony in Council on September 26, 2016. Khalid Usman recieved this year's Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Award for his service and leadership in his community. Khalid has been an active member of Markham's Race Relations Committee for years, and became the driving force behind the "Many Faces of Markham" project that promotes mutual respect and rapport between vaiours communities. He has also served as the Chairman of York Region's Peace Tree initiative. Beyond his work in Markham, Khalid has made significant contributions to the international community, as one of the founding directors of the Canadian Federation of Intercultural friendship (CFIF).
Mayor’s Seniors Hall of Fame Award winners and nominees were honoured at a ceremony in Council Chamber at the Markham Civic Centre on October 1, 2015. John Webster received the 2015 Hall of Fame Award. Following in the footsteps of his ancestors, John has been active in many charitable and not-for-profit causes in Markham. As the Official Town Crier, John represents the City in competitions around the world. A member of the Optimist Club of Markham, John has volunteered with many community organizations and events over the years. He is also a chartered member of the renowned Markham Concert Band and has chaired both the Golden and Diamond Jubilee Committees.
Anne Nicholson and Ardy Reid received Meritorious Awards, and Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Javid Khan, Al Wallis and Dorothy Reesor.
The 16th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards were celebrated at the Markham Civic Centre at a special ceremony in Council on October 1, 2014. Betty Bell received this year’s Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Award for her tireless work with the community. Betty devoted hours to raising funds for the Breast Health Centre at Markham-Stouffville Hospital and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. She has also been an active volunteer with the Celebration of Hope, the Raffle of Hope, the Culinary Classic Golf Tournament and many other charitable community events. In addition, Betty received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal Award in 2012.
The Meritorious Award recipients were Robert Stiver and Mary Lou Busato. Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Jean-Anne Dodge, Ashok Joshi, Carol Smith and Elaine Wilton.
The winners of the 15th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards were recognized at a special ceremony at the Markham Civic Centre on October 1 2013. This year’s recipient of the Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Award is Peter Mason. Carol Wong and Angela Morris are the recipients of the Meritorious Award, and Certificates of Appreciation are awarded to Barbara Taverner, Bruce Brown, Louise Mills.
14th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards (2012)
Council extended congratulations to the recipients of the 2012 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards. The Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Award is presented to a nominee over 60 years of age who has made a unique and outstanding contribution to the Markham Community. This year’s recipient of the Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Award was Ms. Dorothy Gilbert.
Meritorious Award recipients included Mr. Ratilal Patel and Mr. Mashesh Chokshi. Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to Mr. Randolph Po, Mr. Paul Kearns and Mr. Hal Hill.
Photo: Mayor Frank Scarpitti and members of Council with the 2012 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame award recipient Dorothy Gilbert.
Listen to Gila Martow's (All Talk TV.com) interview with Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame 2012 Nomination Committee Member Tony Murphy and volunteers Enid Corbett, Gord Walter and Peter Miasek
13th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards(2011)
Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Markham Council recognized the winners of the 2011 Mayor’s Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame awards at its June 14th Council meeting.
Congratulations to Certificate of Appreciation winner Yash Kapur, Councillor David Rawcliffe (represented by Councillor Howard Shore); Meritorious Award winner Hilda Pearson; Hall of Fame Winner Joanne Olson (represented by Councillor Carolina Moretti) ; Meritorious Award winner Bill Crothers; Awards Committee Chair Raj Sethi; and Certificate of Appreciation winner Judi McIntyre.
12th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards(2010)
For more than a decade, through the Mayor’s Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards, Markham honours those who make unique and outstanding contributions to our community. The 2010 award recipients were Clive Hylton, Jeanne Ker-Hornell, Tilley Murray, Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Gladys Keeble, Sam Masson, Committee Chair Raj Sethi, and Bill Crothers.
11th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards(2009)
The 2009 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame winner is Dennis Patchell. Mr. Patchell began the ‘Tabs for Chairs’ program. This now-world-wide program has collected more than 3.5 billion soft drink aluminum tabs, giving almost 200 people wheelchairs. It takes 17 million tabs to purchase one wheelchair. Mr. Patchell volunteers with the Salvation Army at Christmas time, and has collected food for the Markham Food Bank.
Congratulations to all the 2009 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Winners of Meritorious Awards and Certificates of Appreciation:
10th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards(2008)
The 10th AnnualMayor's Seniors Hall of Fame winner is Margaret Bibby. Ms. Bibby (centre) 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 Mayor's Seniors Hall Of Fame.
Congratulations to all the 2008 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Winners of Meritorious Awards and Certificates of Appreciation: Herbert (Bert) Harris, John Milligan, Gordon (Gord) MacRae, Barbara Taverner, and Manickampillai Velauthapillai, for their unique and outstanding contribution to the Markham Community!.
9th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards(2007)
The 2007 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame winner is Lorne Smith. Mr. Smith, who is Markham's official historian,.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 Markham's Achievement and Civic Recognition Award (ACRA) for cultural achievement. He has chaired the Markham's Cemetery Board since 2000.
Congratulations to all the 2007 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Winners of Meritorious Awards and Certificates of Appreciation: Robert Harrington, Sharon Lawlor, Shirley Schaefer, Sunny Lau, and John McKenna for their unique and outstanding contribution to the Markham Community!
8th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards(2006)
The 2006 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame winner is Ross Sutherland. A previous winner (in 1999) of a Markham Meritorious Award, Mr. Sutherland has been in the forefront of charity and community service for many years. He founded the Markham Men of Harmony and is a director of the Markham Historical Society, founding member of the Markham Arts Council, honorary historian of the Markham Theatre for Performing Arts, Chair of the St. Andrew’s Garden Club and a recipient of the Canadian Confederation Commemorative.
Congratulations to all the 2006 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Winners of Meritorious Awards and Certificates of Appreciation: James Dornan, Kam Wing Soong, Mary Boress, Gayle D. Ellis, Mulshanker Vyas, and Melita Waterman for their unique and outstanding contribution to the Markham Community!.
Thank you to all who sent in nominations. The Award Presentation took place at the June 13, 2006 Council Meeting.
7th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards(2005)
Thank you to all who sent in nominations. The Award Presentation took place at the June 14, 2005 Council Meeting. Congratulations to all the award recipients for their unique and outstanding contribution to the Markham Community!
The 2005 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame winner is Dennis "Red" Carlsen. Former President & Director of Kiwanis, former Commissioner & President of Scouting Ontario and Program Director of the Markham Mayor's Seniors Centre, Mr. Carlsen is a true treasure of our community!
Congratulations to all the 2005 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Winners George Mann; Gokul Khatri; Betty Hoover; Red Carlsen; Ramesh Patel; Committee Chair Raj Sethi.
6th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards(2004)
Winners of the 2004 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards were announced at the Council presentation on November 16, 2004. The 2004 Hall of Fame Award Winner was Donald Miller.
Congratulations to all the 2006 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Winners of Meritorious Awards and Certificates of Appreciation: Olive Graham; Gladys Keeble; Louisa Dart; Margaret Jones and Margaret Amos.
