Seniors, young people and community groups were recognized by government for their work to improve communities and encourage interaction across generations.

“Nova Scotia seniors make significant contributions through volunteer work, and by sharing their knowledge and skills to improve life in our communities,” said Seniors Minister Leo Glavine.

“These awards celebrate their contributions, as well as the importance of programs and people that bridge the gap between generations.”

The Remarkable Senior Awards recognize outstanding adults over the age of 50 who are actively involved in community groups, provide service to other seniors or youth, and take on leadership roles in local organizations.

Elizabeth McMichael of Cornwallis Park, Annapolis Co., received a Remarkable Senior Award for her dedication to volunteerism. Ms. McMichael is an avid gardener who established the Cornwallis Community Gardens Association in 2010 to help connect seniors with local students to build, plant and maintain a community garden for local residents.

“My fear was that once this generation is gone, there would be no one to teach kids how to garden. I knew that to teach kids in a meaningful way, we would need to give them hands-on experience in a real garden,” Ms. McMichael said.

“I get a lot of satisfaction out of being able to share life experiences, and I’m happy to see the community garden grow into something useful.”

Other 2014 Remarkable Senior Award winners include:
— Leadership: Evelyn Goodwin, a mental health advocate in Shelburne
— Community Service: George Silver, a retiree and dedicated community volunteer in Mahone Bay

Nova Scotia Intergenerational Awards were presented to outstanding older adults, youth and volunteer groups who serve the community through activities that inspire interaction between younger and older generations.

The Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board, Schools Plus and R.C. MacGillvray Guest Home received an award for the Virtues Intergenerational Program, which connects students from Mira Road Elementary School in Sydney with seniors at the R.C. MacGillvray facility to discuss virtues, such as honesty, generosity and kindness, and learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives.

“This program opens kids’ eyes and helps them see things from a broader perspective,” said Paul Mombourquette, principal of Mira Road Elementary School. “They learn about the experiences and lives of seniors, which helps them gain empathy and enables them to better relate across generations. It helps them realize their problems are not as significant as they seem.”

Other 2014 Nova Scotia Intergenerational Award winners are:
— Younger Generation: Jordan Stephens, a Grade 9 student who volunteers with seniors in Falmouth, Hants Co.
— Older Adult: Reverend Elias Mutale, a leader and mentor with the African Diaspora Association of the Maritimes in Dartmouth

For more information about the Department of Seniors’ Remarkable Seniors and Intergenerational Awards programs, please visit:
http://novascotia.ca/seniors/Remarkable-Senior-Awards.asp
http://novascotia.ca/seniors/NS_Intergenerational_Awards.asp .

Source: Release