SJAC BOARD MEMBER – CONNIE NEWMAN – RECOGNIZED FOR HER TREMENDOUS VOLUNTEER EFFORTS

The St. James Assiniboia 55+ Centre (STJASC) extends its congratulations to board member Connie Newman who was recently recognized by the Manitoba Council on Aging for her significant volunteer efforts that are helping to enhance the lives of seniors across the province.

At an October 20, 2017 Manitoba Council on Aging Recognition Awards ceremony at the Legislative Building, Connie received a recognition award for her volunteer work with the University of Manitoba’s Centre on Aging, the Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba, the Coalition for Healthy Aging in Manitoba committee, and the Transportation Options Network for Seniors:

“Connie Newman has given of her leadership, management and multi-tasking skills to benefit many non-profit organizations that enhance the lives of seniors. She is chair of the Mayor’s Age Friendly Seniors Advisory Committee.

She is a member of the Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (RTAM) where she continues to serve on the organization’s Educational Advocacy Committee, which promotes lifelong learning. The committee organized a series of workshops across the province, including sessions in Winnipeg, Thompson, Brandon, Dauphin and Portage la Prairie, to provide information about the support services available to seniors. While originally intended for RTAM members, the workshops have since been made available to all area seniors, with great response, thanks largely to Connie’s work.

A strong advocate for seniors, Connie volunteers on the advisory board of the University of Manitoba’s Centre on Aging. She is a volunteer member of the centre’s Manitoba Our Voice initiative, a research project that seeks to collaborate with seniors who are citizen scientists, to help improve their communities. She also plays a leading role in the Coalition for Healthy Aging in Manitoba committee, as well as serving on the working sub group for Age-Friendly environments.

Connie is also a board member of the St. James-Assiniboia 55+ Centre. Connie is treasurer of the Transportation Options Network for Seniors. Through the Manitoba Seniors Coalition, she has proven to be an effective advocate for issues of particular interest to older people, such as housing, income security and health care.”

“The SJAC is grateful to have Connie on our board. She is a great community leader who is passionate about seniors’ issues, committed to making a difference, and works tirelessly to improve the lives of seniors,” said Gerald Knutson, SJAC Board President. “On behalf of the board and staff, congratulations Connie on this well-deserved award and our thanks to you for your countless contributions to our centre.”

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