Jeanette Weber – Nominated and won the Golden Heart Award in June 2011

Jeanette Weber was born in Paradise Hill, SK.  Jeanette and her husband, Ken, have 4 children, 12 grandchildren, and one great grandchild.  She worked as a dental assistant for 20 years and spent several years working as a resident attendant.  She has been a volunteer for many years and loves working with seniors. Jeanette Weber has made tremendous contributions to the quality of life for seniors in Saskatchewan, particularly through her volunteer work with the   Saskatoon Council on Aging and Porteous Lodge.  Jeanette began volunteering as the program coordinator for Council’s Drop in Program for older adults in 2005 and has since joined Council’s fundraising committee and helped organize Council’s most recent 20th Anniversary event. Jeanette’s warm and friendly nature guarantees that all older adults interested in taking part in the Council’s programs are welcomed. Jeanette admires the immeasurable knowledge and wisdom older adults bring to our community and believe that one can never do enough for the people who helped build Canada into the great place it is.

Murray Scharf – Nominated and won the Community Village Builders Award in June 2011

A Saskatchewan part-time farmer, Murray Scharf and his wife Marj have five children.  A former University of Saskatchewan Dean of Education, Murray brings a wealth of experience as a leader, manager and motivator. Murray’s respect for seniors is evident in many ways, but most notably through the number of hours he devotes to projects with both the Council on Aging and the University of Retirees Association.  The only time Murray is not volunteering is during spring seeding and fall harvest due to his love of farming, and when he takes a vacation with his lovely wife Marj. His attendance at a meeting – even when not chairing – usually ensures the time will be productive and enjoyable for everyone in attendance.  Murray is on the Council’s Board and is on the Advocacy Committee.  He also is the Chair of the Finance/Fundraising Committee and co-chair of the Age Friendly Committee.  He is also one of those rare individuals who truly enjoys people, relating to both young and old in their own language while never being condescending or false.

Peggy MacLeod – Nominated and won the award for YWCA Women of Distinction Award in May 2011

Rosanna Parry Photography

Peggy MacLeod was born in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. Peggy and her husband, Bob, have three children and two grandchildren. Her career as a registered nurse and nurse educator has focused on the health and well-being of seniors. Peggy is passionate about keeping seniors involved in the community as long as possible. Peggy has dedicated her time to numerous committees for seniors and community health. Peggy was on the Board of Directors for the Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA) for 6 years. She held the position of educational chairperson from 1998-1999 and then was the First Vice-President for 5 years. She was also on SCOA’s Informal Caregiver Committee for 4 years. Peggy still works part time and is a mother, yet finds the time to volunteer in the community.

Kathy Specht – Nominated for the Strategic Alliance Award

Kathy Specht, Sales Manager TCU Place – Kathy Specht was born in Windsor, Nova Scotia.  She has lived in Saskatoon for the past 29 years.  Kathy and her husband Allan have five children and one granddaughter.  She has worked at TCU Place in the Sales Department for the past 17 years and provides expertise and many in- kind hours to organize Spotlight on Seniors.  Kathy is on the Spotlight Committee and her in- kind support involves advertising the event, helping to plan it, and  booking booths for nonprofit agencies and businesses wanting to participate in the event.  She also works in-kind with staff in other areas of TCU Place to organize the setup arrangements for the day with respect to booth setup, sound system, catering etc.  She has enjoyed working with the Council on Aging and reviving Spotlight on Seniors for the past 10 years.