Top 7 Over 70 chair David Andrews speaks to guests as the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta announces its inaugural seven award recipients at the Connaught Golf Club on Thursday afternoon.--NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
Members of the Community Foundation of Medicine Hat and Southeast Alberta introduced recipients for the inaugural Top 7 Over 70 project during an announcement at Connaught Golf Club on Thursday afternoon.
The seven recipients of the recognition project were not honoured for life achievements but instead celebrated for new skills, activities, businesses and projects they began after turning 70.
The Top 7 Over 70 award recipients are:
Jacob Eckert – Eckert was 88 years old when he published a book sharing his family’s history.
“It’s the story of his family’s history of escape from persecution, violence and tyranny,” said chair David Andrews while introducing recipients. “Jake’s story is relevant to us as it continues to repeat itself among newcomers to our communities.”
Deborah Forbes – Forbes recently completed a doctor of philosophy from the University of Westminster.
“This year the exciting new project for which she has been chosen … is a new artistic venture with her solo exhibition series entitled ‘Sea Jellies, Next Generation,” said Andrews.
Nancy Hanson – After working her lifetime on the farm, Hanson has become a self taught photographer, publisher and writer.
“For me, she most exemplifies what the award is all about,” says Andrews. “She is a naturalist who uses her knowledge to inspire her photography. She is also a publisher of wonderful postcards … she’s given away hundreds of these to friends and strangers alike.”
Martha Munz Gue – Munz Gue founded the Medicine Hat’s volunteer Adopt-a-Pond program with a goal to keep local bodies of water clear of trash and to identify invasive species.
“It just goes to show how a simple but very eloquent idea can activate volunteers and make a difference at over 80 years of age,” said Andrews. “Martha exemplifies community involvement with her tireless efforts to promote environmental stewardship.”
Blair Reid – Reid has played a vital role in the development of the Dunmore Indoor Arena that is expected to be complete later this year.
“Blair has a long history of involvement in his community, particularly in sports and rodeo,” said Andrews. “The Dunmore community ranch arena celebrates our livestock and agricultural roots and will be an asset to all our communities for generations.”
Bill Yuill – Yuill Family Foundation and the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre within the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.
“Bill Yuill is a name to conjure with when it comes to philanthropy in Medicine Hat and southeastern Alberta; his contributions are legendary.” said Andrews.
Wilma Hunter – Hunter is an active member of the ‘Dress a Girl’ program aimed at reducing child abductions.
“The ‘Dress a Girl’ program makes dresses for vulnerable girls, ensuring they appear well dressed and cared for, thus less likely to be targeted for abduction,” explains Andrews. “Wilma has developed teams of sewers and volunteers who canvass thrift stores and sales for material.”
The seven recipients will be honoured Oct. 10 at a public gala at Medalta in the Historic Clay District and a videographer will be producing videos on each individual that will be played during the award gala.
The award project is the first of its kind outside Calgary, where the idea was founded by oil patch pioneer and philanthropist Jim Gary in 2017.
