A message from CAO/Clerk Suzanne Klatt on the announcement of the recipients of Ontario’s Senior Achievement Awards:

On behalf of Council, Staff and Residents of the Township of Madawaska Valley I am very proud to share the news that Lorraine Finn, long time resident in Barry’s Bay, was in attendance in Toronto yesterday accompanied by her son, to receive the prestigious Ontario Senior Achievement Award. The award is given out annually to individuals across the province who have contributed significantly to their community after the age of 65. Lorraine was one of just sixteen people recognized across the province for 2022.

Anyone who has had the pleasure to work with, volunteer with, or just be around Lorraine can attest to her passion and commitment to this community and the wellbeing of our residents. In July 2022, she was nominated and recognized as the ‘Above + Beyond Achiever’ in Madawaska Valley. She has dedicated herself to serving others in our community by organizing large fundraising events, sitting on local and volunteer boards. After retiring as an elementary school principal, she became involved in numerous community groups. This past June, she retired from the St Francis Memorial Hospital Auxiliary after serving forty years as a volunteer of the group. President of the Auxiliary since 1989, she managed the hospital’s Gift Shop, sat on the St Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation Board, Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care Board, and the Patient and Family Advisory Council. Lorraine’s volunteer work spans beyond healthcare, lending a helping hand to St. Mary’s annual chicken supper, as one of the original organizers of Bay Day, and as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels.

It was her passion and service to others that led Madawaska Valley Hospice, St. Francis Memorial Hospital, St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation, and Barry’s Bay and Area Home Support to jointly nominate her for the province’s annual Senior Achievement Award. On behalf of the Township of Madawaska Valley congratulations to Lorraine on her extraordinary achievements and a heartfelt thank you for your contributions in Madawaska Valley Township.

An invitation has been accepted by Lorraine to attend a Regular Council Meeting on February 21, 2023 providing Council the opportunity to personally extend their thanks and acknowledge her contributions throughout the municipality. Lorraine is truly a Community Ambassador!

Suzanne Klatt CAO/Clerk