News Release: Town of Paradise hosts Annual Municipal Awards to celebrate Volunteer Week

Kane Somerton is a well-rounded, active and proud Special Olympian who competes in track and field. He won two gold medals, in the 200 metre race and the standing long jump, and a silver medal in the shotput, at the Special Olympics Provincial Games. These results earned Kane an automatic berth to the 2016 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games where he won gold in the men's 400 metre Integrated Relay Race, a silver in the 200 metre Race, and two bronze, one each for the Standing Long Jump and the 100 metre Race. Both of these competitions have earned him the right to compete for a spor with Team NL with Special Olympics in the upcoming Summer Games in Winnipeg. In addition to sports, Kane is an active participant with various youth programs including the 905 Viking Royal Canadian Army Cadets, where he received volunteer of the year and Counselor in Training with the Paradise Day Camp Summer Program.

 

Jillian Hutchings is a talented gymnast who has competed provincially, nationally and internationally.  On the provincial scene, she won all around gold at the Frosty Flip, all around third at the Snowbowl Invitational, and placed first at Provincial Championships for Level 10.  At the Atlantic Championships Jillian won gold all around and competed in the Eastern Canadian Championships and the Canadian Championships. She was the first gymnast from NL to be invited to the Junior National Team Training Camp. She also went to Florida to compete in the Sand Dollar Invitational and place seventh all around.  Even with all the training and competitions, Jillian still found time to complete the Coach in Training program with Campia Gymnastics, which also named her Female Athlete of the Year and she was a finalist for the same honour with Gymnastics NL. 

 

Currently a physical education teacher , Colin started his running career in high school. From there he joined the Memorial University Cross-Country team where he was a four-time All-Star and won two AUS team championships. He represented Canada three times for cross-country.  In 2016, Colin travelled across the country competing in the Vancouver Sun Race, the Toronto Waterfront, and Canadian Cross-Country Championships. Locally, he had a phenomenal year in 2016 on the road race scene where he won the Tely 10, the ANE Mews, the Paradise Five / Dime, and the Turkey Tea.

 

Heather Healey is a talented athlete who competes internationally in baseball as a member of Team Canada. She was first introduced to the sport of baseball at the age of five and came up through the Paradise Minor Baseball system. Last year, she was starting pitcher for Team Canada on the U20 national team in the Women’s Internal Cup in Dominican Republic and helped Canada win the gold. In summer 2016 she was the first female to be drafted into the St. John’s Amateur Baseball League for the intermediate and senior men’s division. She also played with the Capitals in the Men’s Junior A provincials, another first for a female baseball player. In September, Heather travelled to South Korea with the Canadian Women’s National Baseball Team to play in the Female Baseball World Cup and helped Team Canada to win a silver medal. She is also a team member with the New England Women’s Red Sox Baseball Team. In addition to playing baseball, Heather is also an avid hockey and softball player who is currently in her second year at Memorial University.

 

Darrell Mugford is head coach for the Paradise Warriors Tier 1 Novice Ultimate Warriors. He is known for treating all players with respect and compassion, ensuring that each one has an equal opportunity to learn. He teaches his players respect for the game, for each other, and for opposing players. His passion and knowledge for hockey are evident in everything his does as coach and his team has learned tremendously from him.  Darrell believes in not just fostering great hockey skills but in helping to develop well-rounded individuals. He gets respects because he gives respect and parents say it is a joy to watch him coach their kids. 

 

The inaugural recipient for Property Pride is a business which has been in the Town of Paradise for over 50 years and last year completed a major renovation. A new four-star hotel was built on the location which now has a variety of room types including, suites, efficiency rooms, accessible rooms, meeting room, a business centre, and other modern amenities. The expansion also included a new building which is now home to three additional businesses in the Town. Crossroads Inn and Suites has taken on a new exciting and vibrant look, with a welcoming curb appeal to everyone.

 

Vida Clarke is a long-standing resident of the Town of Paradise and is deeply committed to volunteer activities. For the past 11 years she has volunteered with the Paradise Adventure 50 plus Club where she passionately advocates for seniors. She currently serves as Club Treasurer, helping to ensure the financial well-being of the organization. As Treasurer, Vida leads the preparations and submissions for funding proposals to Government for healthy aging initiatives. She also helps organize Club events and activities for many special occasions. This active volunteer also leads the Club’s collections for the local food bank and the VOCM Happy Tree.  Vida knows all members by name and is known for giving everyone a genuine warm welcome. She is described as a humble individual who gives unselfishly and expects nothing in return. 

 

The Kin Club of Paradise displays outstanding leadership, community values, and a tireless effort to be an integral part of the community. This group is regularly involved in many Town events including Snow and Ice, SunSplash, and the annual Christmas Parade. Last year, through its fundraising efforts, the Club delivered over 50 hampers to help those less fortunate. The group also participated in Day of Kindness where they paid for parking for anyone at the Janeway or the Health Sciences Centre for a day. Throughout the year, the Kin Club and its members volunteer for events, celebrations, meetings and answer the call when a community member needs help.

 

Since it was founded in 2013, Vigilant Management has gone from three partners to a team of 17 and seen annual sales grow 170%. In just under five years it has gone from operating out of a basement to being established in its own 14,000 sq foot building. Its innovative approaches are changing the industry standards as they implement new project management models and progressive HR practices. They are a strong community partner, supporting and volunteering for a host of organizations and activities. From its inception, Vigilant Management has maintained its corporate mission to make successful construction projects while putting people first. 

 

Serrina Hiller is an active Guider who has a passion for volunteerism and her community. She is currently a first year Ranger with the 1st Chamberlains Rangers and a Girl Guide Assistant Leader with the 2nd St. Thomas Brownies. She has earned the Lady Baden Powell Award, received her Canada Cord and is currently working on her Chief Commissioner's Award. Outside of Guiding, Serrina is a member of the Mount Pearl-Paradise Figure Skating program for 12 years and has been recognized on numerous occasions for her performance.  Beyond her Involvement with organized community groups, Serrina is a selfless youth who gives generously to those around her and worldwide. This year, she asked for no Christmas gifts instead filling and donating ten shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. She also donated 12 inches of her hair to Locks of Love, a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to children suffering from long-term medical hair loss. Serrina can also be found volunteering for the Gathering Place, Choices for Youth and the local food banks. 

 

For over 26 years, George Dupont and his family have called the Town of Paradise home. He has given freely of his time and expertise to several organizations over the past two decades while juggling the demands of family life and building his career. Over the years, he has been a volunteer with the Scouting movement, and thought to be a major contributor to its success and growth in Paradise. George is also a dedicated volunteer to minor hockey. For many years, he played a significant role in developing, supporting and growing female hockey. Currently, George is serving as President of the newly-formed Paradise Minor Hockey Association, which is nearing the end of its inaugural season which had over 600 players at all levels.