Meet our 2003
Women of Distinction Nominees |
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Young Woman of Distinction
Catherine Hayhoe, 27
Catherine Hayhoe graduated with honors from Georgian College with her Diploma in Nursing this past May through a remarkable journey. Health challenges in her teens threatened to cripple Catherine, and financial challenges forced her to withdraw from school. Persistent and determined, Catherine achieved her diploma while at the same time operating her own business, A Friend in Need, support services for seniors and other disadvantaged persons, in their homes. For overcoming obstacles and remaining an inspiration to those around her, her mother, Cathie Hall, and Shriner Thomas Lee have nominated Katherine for the award of Young Woman of Distinction.
Jennifer Peake, 24
Jennifer Peake is currently working on her Liberal Arts degree and running her own business – The Perfect Plan – Wedding Consultation & Party Planning Services. Years of volunteer work mark Jennifer as a young woman dedicated to the needs of others, such as organizing 30-hour famine relief spaghetti dinners raising money for Habitat for Humanity, or working with disadvantaged youth and seniors, but you may just as likely find her on stage with Jam Sandwich or leading drama instruction. For her community spirit and thoughtfulness of others, Reverend Sue Woods and Daphne Flaherty have nominated Jennifer for the award of Young Woman of Distinction.
Kailey (Mathers) Richter, 29
Kailey Richter is a kindergarten teacher. Born and raised in Muskoka, Kailey is also an athlete, a coach, a community fundraiser and a promoter of healthy lifestyles. Kailey has dedicated her skills to leadership development programs to empower and inspire youth. Well travelled, Kailey has returned to Muskoka with her life partner, Matt. Together they operate the Muskoka Trail Run Series, which has attracted countless athletes to enjoy all that Muskoka has to offer. As a dynamic young woman who leads by example, Sandy and Gary Thompson have nominated Kailey Mathers for the award of Young Woman of Distinction.
Erin Kimberly Thorne, 19
In 2003, Erin was named Bracebridge’s Athlete of the Year. This was no surprise, to those who know Erin as a lifelong athlete, a team player, and promoter of women’s sports. Erin’s hard work and commitment to sport earned her a golf scholarship to Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she is currently studying. Attracted to sports dominated by males, Erin worked hard to promote women’s hockey at the secondary school level, and build golf leagues for women and men. For her ‘never give up’ attitude, and active encouragement of others, Erin has been nominated by Deborah Ovell and Sonja Chunick, for the award for Young Woman of Distinction.
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Champion of the Environment
Margaret Casey - Environmentalist
The recipient of the Wayland Drew Natural Heritage award in 2000, Margaret Casey has a long resume as a volunteer environmental activist and watchdog, vigilant and vocal spokesperson on development, and hands-on in developing education programs and solutions. As a Past-President of the Lake of Bays Association, and former Chair of the Environment Committee, Margaret was instrumental in creating Septic and Shorelines, a door-to-door program educating waterfront property owners on the maintenance and inspection of septic systems, a program today managed by the Township. For her commitment, persistence, enthusiasm, and dedication to Muskoka’s environment, in the face of sometimes strong opposition, Judi Brouse and Patricia Arney have nominated Margaret for the award of Champion of the Environment.
Janice Enright – A Wing and a Prayer
Janice Enright is the best friend a bird could have. This fall marks the 10-year anniversary of A Wing and a Prayer Rehabilitation Centre, a sanctuary for injured birds, in Utterson, founded by Janice Enright which runs entirely on fundraised dollars and has treated over 3500 birds representing 156 species. Starting with just a few cages at the shelter, the program soon moved to her home, where she, literally, rises with the birds. It is not just her commitment to rehabilitation, but her compassion for life that drives her dedication and professionalism. Her work has been documented on the Discovery Channel, CBC, and MCTV and she has become a valued resource for conservationists and veterinarians. For her unbridled compassion for life, and all living things, Kathleen Doyle and Lisa Labrash have nominated Janice for the award of Champion of the Environment.
Karen Hood-Caddy – Author and Environmentalist
Karen Hood-Caddy is a woman whose values and passions drive her work, hobbies, and volunteerism as an author, Personal Coach, and an active volunteer on the Muskoka Watershed Councils’ Public Education Committee. Karen has been instrumental in creating and promoting Clean and Green 13, a pamphlet that lists a variety of green behaviours that will keep Muskoka healthy. As an author, Karen has given a voice to environmentalism through her characters in a trilogy set here in Muskoka, Tree Fever, Flying Lessons, and the recently launched The Wisdom of Water. For living a life that is respectful of all living things, and for gently encouraging others to do the same, Martin Avery and Kate Oldham have nominated Karen for the award of Champion of the Environment.
Commitment in Care Giving
Anne Bunn – Windermere – Child Care Provider
If it takes a village to raise a child, the families who have shared their children with Anne Bunn feel blessed by the small town goodness she brings to their world. A home based childcare provider for over 15 years, Anne Bunn has shared and enhanced the lives of 42 children, growing confident, kind, inspired citizens through mutual respect, fresh air, great advice, meaningful play, imagination and love. She raises children, she raises parents, and she raises the bar every day - a sentiment supported by all families in her care. Limited to two nominators, who speak for countless, Michele Koner and Jayne Jones have nominated Anne Bunn for the award of Commitment in Care Giving.
Norma Jean Bustard – Bracebridge – Health Care Practitioner
Norma Jean Bustard has successfully combined the roles of homemaker, nurse, businessperson and community activist for many years, while inspiring others through her community voluntarism and profession. As a retired nurse, Norma was a treasured and valued inspiration, support system and mentor for colleagues, encouraging pride in their profession and themselves. As a community volunteer, it was through Norma’s vision and caring spirit that Red Cross Homemakers was founded here in Muskoka. For her gentleness, kindness, sense of humour and zest for life, long time friend Beth Black and colleague Janice Ball for the award of Commitment in Care Giving have nominated Norma.
Maria Duncalf-Barber – Bracebridge – Coordinator, Daphne’s Drop-In
Maria is second-time nominee for Women of Distinction, a statement in and of itself. Since moving to Muskoka from Liverpool, England, in 1993, Maria spared no time getting involved and giving her time and energy to the Muskoka community. A founding member of the Y, Vice-Chair of the Caregiver Association of Muskoka, past member of the Alzheimer’s Society and HIV and AIDS Group, a cable TV producer and host, a therapist, and a featured writer in Muskoka Magazine, are just a sample of her endeavours. It is Maria’s work in coordinating Daphne’s Drop In, which brings women together for a welcoming, nurturing and informative Monday morning each week that has inspired her nomination. For her ability to celebrate, inspire and encourage women, Diane Boyda and Susan Allen have nominated Maria for the award of Commitment to Care Giving.
Sandra Louden – Gravenhurst - Early Childhood Educator
Storyteller, community volunteer and childhood educator Sandra Louden has committed 33-years to the children of Gravenhurst. As a stable, positive and encouraging role model, she has always welcomed children with open arms, and an incredible amount of love. To Sandra, it was important to create a bond with each and every child, and for this dedication she is held in high regard with all whom she has taught. Recently retired from the Gravenhurst Co-operative Nursery School, in June of this year, Sandra was recognized with the Mayor’s Award. “My career is a gift from God”, says Sandra. For her courage through challenges, and her outstanding dedication to the children of Gravenhurst, Kelly Funtuz and Patty Ferrari have nominated Sandra for the award of Commitment in Care Giving.
Eva Olsson – Holocaust Survivor and Educator
Eva Olsson is a survivor – of an oppressive religious upbringing, bigotry and racism. The outbreak of World War II plunged Eva into the heart of the Holocaust, concentration camps, slave labour factories, disease, and the death of millions, including most of her family. For 50 years she remained silent but in1996 Eva began speaking about her life in her grandchild’s classroom, and then hundreds of classrooms, churches, correctional facilities, book clubs, meeting halls, and universities, bringing a message of tolerance to children everywhere. At the age of 76, she wrote and published her autobiography, which today is in its third print. For her caring for humanity, and her persistence in promoting the acceptance of others, despite looks, gender, race, religion and weight, Mandy Dart and Mary Denomy were inspired to nominate Eva for the award of Commitment in Care Giving.
Nancy Osborne – An Officer and a Gentlewoman
Nancy Osborne has not chosen a beaten path. In 1976 Nancy joined the Canadian Forces Security and Military Police Branch and what followed was a 20-year career faced with an abundance of opportunities and challenges, and many ‘firsts’ for women. As a soldier, she was the first woman to command a section with the special investigations unit, and the first Officer Commanding Training for Military Police, Security and Intelligence at a national level. In June 2002, she became one of only four women worldwide to be appointed as a Field Security Coordination Officer for the United Nations. Recently returned from the Sudan, for her service and protection and caring of citizens abroad through the United Nations, Andrea Johnston and Tish Firman have nominated Nancy for the award of Commitment in Care Giving.
Donna Whitmore – Bracebridge – Child Care Provider
Peace of mind and a love for their children is a gift that Donna Whitmore has given parents whose children share her home and her life as a professional childcare provider. Each day, she can be counted on to greet with a smile and set children off on adventures of reading, music, manners and crafts while nourishing their minds, their bodies and their spirits. Miss Donna, as she is known to her “borrowed” children, has created such an impact in 16 years of child care that children beg to come on weekends and continue visiting for years after they’ve outgrown child care. For her love of life and love of children, the Henderson’s and Laura Stoughton have nominated Donna for the award for Commitment in Care Giving.
Health, Fitness & Sport
Erin Bailey – Bracebridge – Instructor and Personal Trainer
Erin Lynne Bailey is a dancer, a gymnast, a personal trainer, and a favourite teacher of many students. She also makes the short list for many, of people who have had a lasting impact on their lives. A graduate of Guelph University, and countless certifications in coaching, fitness and dance, Erin has been working with girls and women in an array of programs offered through Muskoka Fitness and the Bracebridge School of Ballet. Erin herself feels blessed to be able to succeed at a profession she absolutely loves. Erin feels most successful when those she works with achieve their goals. For her dedication, enthusiasm, and encouragement, Debbie Hartley and Jo-Anne Boulding have nominated Erin for the award for Health, Fitness & Sport.
allie chisholm smith – Huntsville – Yoga Instructor
allie does not capitalize her name, a sign of the many assumptions she does not make about others or her path in life. Following a degree in Native Studies from Trent, she earned her Masters in Environmental Studies at York. Today allie is a Yoga Instructor, a therapist and a businesswoman. Specializing in eating disorders, allie’s proudest accomplishment was creating Yoga for Round Bodies at Sheena’s Place in Toronto, a centre for eating disorders. “I wanted to create a space where woman could learn to love their bodies”, she explains. allie is an inspiration to others for her constant quest for non-violence, and works to instill in her students a sense of self-worth. As a true humanitarian, allie has been nominated by Jocelyn Smith and Lorraine (Thompson) van Luit, for the award of Health, Fitness & Sport.
Kelly deMos – Bracebridge – Educator and Hockey Enthusiast
Kelly deMos is an educator, a community volunteer, and an advocate for women in sport. She is also compassionate, passionate, and leads by building leadership in others. Kelly is most proud of bringing female hockey to Bracebridge. “I wanted to create a fun, hard-working environment where females of all levels could play hockey”, she says of a patient, persistent, and infectious pursuit of this goal. Today, Kelly coaches and plays, but she also finds time for new adventures, such as white-water kayaking. Equally impressive, Kelly also finds time for other acts of compassion, such as volunteering on the Sexual Assault Crisis Help Line. For her quiet and determined efforts for girls and women, Kelly has been nominated by former recipient Enid Powell, and Laurie Lupton for the award for Health, Fitness & Sport.
Evelyn Finlayson-Kelly – Bracebridge – Dance Instructor
No stranger to dancers Muskoka-wide, Miss Evelyn states that starting the Bracebridge School of Ballet was the best decision she ever made. It was an exercise in both economics and self-esteem as she found a place to belong after years of competition. Soon the business took on a life of ‘her’ own, and today hosts 150 students per year and an expanded curriculum of jazz, lyrical and modern dance, hip hop, tap, acro, tai chi and exercise classes. From the age of seven Evelyn devoted her entire life to the study of dance and today her accomplishments are measured in the successes of her students. For instilling a love of dance and remaining a generous and loving mentor to her students, Susan Allen and Rosemary Dyer have nominated Miss Evelyn.
Valerie Houston – Personal Assistant and Tai Chi Instructor
In 1999, Valerie Houston made a lifestyle change. She re-located to Muskoka from Toronto and opened Temple Knights – a Christian based martial arts school and nature retreat. She then attended Georgian College and graduated with a 95% average as a Personal Assistant II. Today one finds Valerie teaching Tai Chi, where students report that Valerie’s comfortable teaching methods and reassuring manner are conducive to learning. That is, when she’s not busy teaching instructors of Tai Chi, coordinating Women’s Weekends, or working part-time at The Pines Long Term Care facility as a Restorative Health Aide and Activity Aide. As a teacher, a mentor, and a living example of good living, Jack Martin and Pam Dunlop have nominated Valerie for the award of Health, Fitness & Sport.
Beverly Ann Longhurst – Windermere – Fitness Instructor and Fundraiser
In rural Muskoka, distance and time often make it a challenge to pursue fitness. Lucky for Windermere, and Raymond and Utterson and Ufford, Bev Longhurst brings this opportunity home. Since 1986, Bev has offered programs that are fun and accessible to woman in this area. Sometimes there have been large classes and sometimes small, but there have always been classes. In 2000, Bev was hired by the Windermere House to manage their fitness centre, which is made accessible to the community. Bev also brought the Terry Fox run to Windermere, a tribute to her daughter, a cancer survivor, who today is expecting her first child. In 2003, 179 people attended this run, raising over $17,000. For her dedication to community and devotion to well being, Iris Greer and Pat Veitch have nominated Bev Longhurst for the award for Health, Fitness & Sport.
Lorraine (Thompson) van Luit – Huntsville – Fitness Club Owner
Lorraine’s journey from Trinidad to Muskoka has been filled with adversity and opportunity. From Montreal to Barbados and Singapore, Lorraine’s career has shifted from Flight Attendant to Fitness Instructor along with her other roles of single mother of four, and now today is a re-married mother to five and current partner in Motivations Fitness in Huntsville. As a fitness instructor, Lorraine has an infectious spirit, and a genuine and obvious desire to give people of all ages and abilities the tools to improve their quality of life, including offering her facility and time to Community Living, without charge. For her deep caring and sincere commitment to others her business partner, Kim Byce, and her friend Susan Henderson, have nominated Lorraine for the award for Health, Fitness & Sport.
Gael Andrea Valiots – Huntsville – Personal Trainer
Gael Valiots is a personal trainer and an athlete. She completes triathlons, and competes in swimming and downhill skiing. Outside of her role as a mentor, athlete, coach, fitness instructor, personal trainer, Gael also lends time to charitable events including Fit for Heart, Terry Fox Run, Run for the Cure, and the Rock 95 Toy Drive. She is the former owner of Gael’s Gym, and recognized and addressed barriers to participation for woman and men, such as childcare, which she offered on-site. As a friend, and a truly humble professional who has a gift for making women and men enjoy participating in fitness for life, Gael has been nominated by Lia Kutzscher and Jill Walter for the award for Health, Fitness & Sport.
Caroline van den Bulk – Huntsville – Mountain Bike Athlete
Caroline, and her husband Fred, are valued entrepreneurs for the community of Huntsville, who relocated from Holland and opened the Muskoka Bicycle Pro Shop. Since then, it’s been all uphill, and downhill, and uphill again for 36-year old Caroline. Breaking traditions and creating new rules for women in sport, Caroline has made a presence for women in the field of mountain biking, winning events, breaking records, and breaking them again, as an extreme athlete, and this year winning Huntsville’s Sports Woman of the Year. Caroline teaches, offers clinics, but most of all offers inspiration for an ageless approach to pursuing your dreams. For this, she has been nominated by her friend Laura Derbyshire and her husband Fred for the award for Health, Fitness & Sport.
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