As part of International Women's Day and Zonta Rose Day earlier this month, the Zonta Club of Sault Ste. Marie Area has recognized 11 people who have made outstanding contributions to our local community with a yellow rose.
Among the honourees are:
- Georgia June Abel, who was nominated for increasing quality of life of Indigenous peoples through dancing, beading, public speaking on many topics. She also helped to create safe spaces for LBGTQ+ at schools and the community of SSM and area.
- Karen Aelick, who was nominated for volunteer cooking/serving food and many other services at The Hub AAMHA, for people in need. She has also served in Zonta for 12 years on a variety of committees.
- Joanne Atkinson, who was nominated for 10 years of volunteering in a Zonta fundraiser, Purses, Pies and Pinot. Joanne served as president and a number of committees since she joined in 2006.
- Denise Bell, who was nominated for her generosity in raising funds for local service projects in Sault Ste. Marie through Karma classes at her yoga studio, 4Allyoga.
- Carol Gartshore, who was nominated for volunteering for 40 years in the Arts community in SSM and area.
- Debbi Greco, who was nominated for 18 years volunteering with Breaking Away, 20 years United Way and 15 years volunteering for Christmas cheer, and always working quietly behind the scenes of our community.
- Amanda Johnston, who was nominated for the support given annually to children (and their families) at Christmas by delivering gift bags. Funds for the bags came from a craft show fundraiser and silent auction organized by Amanda. She also organizes an annual spring craft event in support of The Twinkie Foundation. Amanda designed a candle of Hope several years ago with the proceeds supporting the Zonta Club’s ovarian cancer awareness campaign.
- Heather MacDonald-Gjos, who was nominated for time volunteering at Harvest Algoma, Quilts for Kids and Kindergarten Vision Screening for RTOERO as well as the countless ways she supports the many projects in the Zonta Club.
- Gail Nelson, who was nominated for 30 years of volunteerism through the Theatre and Art in Sault Ste. Marie with a spotlight on “Over the Rainbow Children’s Entertainment Committee.”
- Lynne Palumbo, who was nominated for donating a significant amount of time to support cancer patients and their families on their journey; this included spear-heading a fund-raising campaign that gave 200 travel bags to patients travelling to Sudbury while the bunker in Sault Ste. Marie was being upgraded.
- Nevaeh Pine, who was nominated for her strong advocacy on Indigenous issues, in particular Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and two-spirited plus individuals.
“We have been honouring people in our community since 2006 and are always amazed at the variety of experience, ages and strengths of these community leaders," said Jane Vienneau, president of the Zonta Club of Sault Ste. Marie Area.
Presenting each of these wonderful individuals with a yellow rose on International Women’s Day is a simple act of recognition for the contributions they have made to Sault Ste. Marie and area and/or globally. The Zonta Club is proud and privileged to do this.”