Some exceptional local women are being celebrated.
The Vernon Woman of the Year nominees have been announced and one lucky lady will be crowned with the 2012 title at a May 17 banquet.
“Our 25th annual Woman of the Year celebration is a very special community event which allows us to recognize a remarkable group of outstanding women,” said 2012 chairperson Colleen Barker. “We are thrilled to announce the five nominees for this year’s silver anniversary event.”
One of these very deserving nominees will be announced as the 2012 Vernon Woman of the Year Thursday at the Best Western Vernon Lodge. The semi-formal event gets underway at 5:30 p.m.
Tickets are $50, including taxes, and include dinner and wine on the table, and can be purchased at www.vwib.com or by e-mailing Krista Ingram at doctorkrista@gmail.com.
In recognition of the silver anniversary theme, the 2012 recipient will receive a custom-designed silver anniversary piece generously contributed by Gregory’s Fine Jewellery.
Dauna Kennedy Grant – Vernon Public Art Gallery:
Nominated by Mary-Jo O’Keefe of MJO Tours
Dauna is executive director for the Vernon Public Art Gallery and has always been involved in her community both professionally and on a volunteer basis. Dauna currently leads the Steering Committee for the proposed new cultural complex for the North Okanagan, as well as sitting on the board of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce. Dauna was instrumental in developing Riot on the Roof – an annual art event held in the Parkade – and for promoting a raffle as part of Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts. In addition to supporting cultural events, Dauna has also been crisis line volunteer and trainer and on the board of the Kokanee Swim Club. She believes in creating a healthy vibrant community for the younger generation to grow and live in.
Lorna Robb – Cheek to Cheek Dance Studio
Nominated by Angie Tumlinson of The Sprouted Fig
Lorna is a trained dance instructor who competed professionally for many years all over North America. While working with the Arthur Murray Dance Studios in Toronto, Lorna’s focus changed from her own competitive dancing to Pro-Am competitions because of the progress her students made when dancing with her. “I’m proud of my advanced students” said Lorna. “But my preference is to teach beginners.” Lorna has been a promoter and advocate of the Vernon Winter Carnival and the Queen Silver Star program, as well as a supporter of the Downtown Vernon Association’s efforts to keep downtown vibrant. More recently, Lorna started a local fundraiser for Hospice called “Dancing with the Vernon Stars” which has raised over $58,000 to-date. Lorna is known for bringing a dance culture to Vernon that is both entertaining and fun.
Mary Williamson – We Care
Nominated by the We Care Team
Mary has been a Registered Nurse for over 51 years and states: “You go into nursing for the love of the work, not the paycheque”. At the age of 72, Mary is still taking on new challenges and loves to share her knowledge and experience with others. In 1987 Mary opened the first private care facility called “Mary’s Manor”. Mary was always an advocate of private supportive living and founded the Okanagan Private Supportive Living Association and continues to serve on its board. Mary operated her business for 10 years before moving on to work with We Care Home Health Services. She is known for serving seniors in our community through her “wellness clinics” and her expertise as a Foot Care Nurse. Mary was awarded the “Excellence of Service” plaque by the College of Registered Nurses of BC in 2010. In addition to her nursing duties, Mary has been involved with the Vernon Winter Carnival and BC Winter Games, as well as spending many years in Guiding and on a parent’s group for Scouting.
Tamara Cinnamon – Sutton Group
Nominated by Susie Helland
Tamara is a young real estate agent who recently purchased the Sutton Group and now acts as owner and broker. Tamara is recognized among her real estate peers as having ‘great ideas to help people in our community. She has organized an annual car show which raises money for Habitat for Humanity, the Warm n’ Fuzzy drive to collect winter clothes and blankets for those less fortunate, and even the Spooky Bowl to encourage everyone to ‘give back’. Tamara’s most recent commitment is to the Sutton Scoop, which gives a voice on the internet to people and businesses in Vernon. Tamara has also been involved in Mind, Body & Sole, a benefit to help children who could not otherwise join sports groups. Tamara was recently nominated for the Young Entrepreneur and New Business of the Year awards through the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce.
Teresa Durning – Vernon Visitor Centre
Nominated by Margaret Hogan – a volunteer at the Vernon Visitor Centre and Vernon Winter Carnival.
Teresa came to Vernon in 2009 to take on the role Team Leader of the Vernon Visitor Centre – one of the only multiple Visitor Centres in the province. Teresa has established herself in that short time as a leader with vision, initiative, creativity and courage. Teresa is dedicated to her staff of employees and volunteers and often assists them in obtaining skills outside of the workplace; skills that allow them to gain future employment in their chosen field. Teresa is constantly educating herself in order to ensure that Vernon’s Visitor Centre is at the top of its field in marketing our great city. She has been involved with Toastmasters and recently became certified to train employees in obtaining their Ministry of Tourism Certification. Teresa teaches a tourism class in the Queen Silver Star Excellence program to ensure that the ladies chosen to represent Vernon are true Ambassadors. Teresa is also active in the Adopt a Creek program and received an Environmental Leader Award from the Regional district.
