Northland Volunteers Continue to inspire

Published 07 July 2008, Posted in Northland

Parkinsons New Zealand recently celebrated it’s 25th anniversary.  As part of the celebrations, special commendations were awarded to people in recognition of thier contribution and achievements to the society.

“Northlanders featured very strongly in the nominations.”

Parkinson’s Northland Division
Media Statement

Northland Volunteers Continue to inspire

A keen walker, painter, star gazer and dedicated committee people are among those who were recognised by Parkinson’s New Zealand on 4 June.

Nine members of the Northland division of Parkinson’s New Zealand received special commendations for their outstanding volunteer and community contributions.

As part of the Society’s 25th anniversary celebrations, special commendations were awarded on 4 June at the Whangarei Support Luncheon by National Director Deirdre O’Sullivan to recognise the people that contribute so much and inspire others with their generosity and courage.

In April Northlanders Eileen Parore, Dirk van Der Scheer, and Merle Armiger were the overall recipients of the recognition awards presented in Wellington.
 
“We are delighted to recognise the contributions and achievements of the special people who make up our Society,” said National Director Deirdre O’Sullivan.

“Northlanders featured very strongly in the nominations.

The Awards and People Specially Commended

Peter Snell Keep Moving, Keep Fit Award – recognition for a person with Parkinson’s who endeavours to remain active and takes part in exercise to the best of their ability.

Don Swift – Don experienced the first symptoms of Parkinson’s at age 41 and was not diagnosed until seven years later.  He continued to work as a Land Surveyor and was Treasurer of the Northland division.  Don walked The Heaphy Track in 1997 amd om 2005 he attended Outward Bound.  After completing the course Don continued to walk the Queen Charlotte Sound. He completed the Otago Rail Trail in 2006 and the Abel Tasman Walkway in 2007.  After more than 20 years living with Parkinson’s he still completes a weekly exercise session.

Joy Crombie – Joy endeavours to walk 2.5 kilometres twice every day.  She is an active member of her church and does home visits to people in the community on foot.

Laurie Helsby – Laurie doesn’t let Parkinson’s get in the way of leading a very full and active life.  He is very active playing bowls and golf and has recently joined the gym.

Myrtilla Parkin (and The Andrew Dunn Volunteer Award) – Myrtilla was approached in 1994 to become Secretary of the new Northland Division of Parkinson’s New Zealand.  Myrtilla remains active on the committee.  She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s three years ago and remains active in church groups, is a volunteer for meals on wheels and has recently taken up bowls.

The David Levene Volunteer Award – recognition for a volunteer who gives outstanding service to the Society.

June Attwood – June has been a committee member of the Northland Division for 11 years.  She organizes the kitchen for the Whangarei Support luncheons and the Care and Share luncheons at different Northland locations to encourage people living with Parkinson’s and their carers to socialize with others.

Jill Roberts – After caring for her husband who had Parkinson’s for many years Jill has remained a loyal friend of the Society.  She served for many years on the committee and continues to run fundraising activities including monthly raffles.  Jill’s home cooking is usually pre-ordered by members.  She picks flowers from her garden to decorate the tables at functions and has button holes or small bunches of flowers for all members and carers celebrating their birthdays.

The Ron Greenwood Community Spirit Award – recognition for a person with Parkinson’s who contributes to the wider community.

Brian Hewlett - Brian continues to farm with his wife Gailene and has been a very active member of the Lions Club for 35 years.  Brian and Gailene host exchange students.  Brian enjoys boating and fishing and comes to the rescue of boats in distress.  Every year he takes Society members on his boat for a tour around the Bay of Islands.  Brian thoroughly enjoyed Outward Bound which took him out of his comfort zone.

The Gus and Irene Fisher Carpe Diem Award – recognition for a person with Parkinson’s who “seizes the day” through their passion for work, creativity or a hobby.

Ivan Ford – Three years ago Ivan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Now at aged 80 he continues his 10 year passion for painting.  Ivan’s style is free and is not affected by his Parkinson’s.  He attends an art group every week and enjoys the support and encouragement he receives.  Ivan sells his work from his home studio.

Trevor Webster – Trevor started building his own observatory and telescope before he retired at 67.  A diagnosis of Parkinson’s didn’t deter his enthusiasm for the project and Trevor is now at the point where the observatory is under computer control able to seek out celestial positions.  Some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s cause him frustration with his development of this project but doesn’t dent his enthusiasm and determination.