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Community leaders take a bow
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The sold-out event was hosted by Northern Life publisher Abbas Homayed, and Marianne Zadra ofEastLink. Eight awards were presented during the evening.
"Each year, we hear inspiring stories of struggle and success, of inventiveness and ingenuity, of dedication and delivery, and of commitment and caring," said Homayed. "These are attributes that build community. These are attributes that sustain communities, and these are attributes that we honour at the CBAs every year."
Michael Atkins, president of Laurentian Media, said, "We are so lucky at Northern Life. Not only do we tell your stories, once a year we get to experience the true greatness of Sudbury through the Community Builders Awards of Excellence."
And this year's Winners are:
Arts Oryst Sawchuk
Economic Development BESTECH
Education Anna Maria Barsanti
Environment Cooperative Freshwater Ecology Unit
Health Care Léo Therrien
Sports and Recreation Chris Gore
Young Leader Candice Kirkbride
Hall of Fame Risto Laamanen
Thank you to our sponsors. Platinum Sponsor: EastLink. Award Sponsors: GijimaAST (Arts), Ontrak Control Systems (Economic Development), Vale-Inco (Education), Sandvik (Environment), McQueen's Furniture (Health Care), Akfit Fitness Superstore (Sports & Recreation), Fortin Foundation (Young Leader) Mining Technologies International (Hall of Fame).Wine Sponsor: Synergy Controls, Table Décor Sponsor: Centis Tile, Table Placard Sponsor: Benefit Partners.
Thank you to this year's Judges: David Courtemanche, Dana Jennings, Norm Lavallee, Dr. Stephen Monet, Doug Nadorozny, Paddy O'Sullivan, Dr. David Robinson, and Dr. Michael Staffen.
A multi-disciplined artist, Oryst Sawchuk defies simple classification. He is an architect, a graphic designer, a painter, a sculptor and a musician, as well as an urban planner, and a business and community leader. He has spent all the years of his adult life in service to citizens of Greater Sudbury. His artistic expression is rooted in social consciousness.
Economic Development
BESTECH executives Marc Boudreau and Denis Pitre expect 100 percent growth over the next five years. The company has earned a reputation for industrial automation, engineering, software development, power systems and environmental monitoring. Adapting to challenges, developing new products, and finding new markets have been the keys to the success of BESTECH. Its strength is the numerous services (10 divisions) it offers for clients in diverse industries such as mining, pulp and paper, forestry, oil and gas, automotive, manufacturing, insurance, and the public sector.
Anna Maria Barsanti is an outstanding educator who uses creative ways to get students to enjoy learning. During her career she was vice-principal at Lasalle Secondary School, and then principal at Northeastern Secondary School. For four years she was the Student Success and Learning to 18 leader with the Rainbow District School Board. Her colleagues say she was an inspiration to staff and students. Barsanti retired in 2008, but she hasn't stopped working. She is currently the Provincial Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy (PAVIS) education co-ordinator with the Greater Sudbury Police Service--a youth outreach program that aims to reduce drug use and gangs. She is also mentoring future teachers as a pre-practicum placement consultant with Laurentian University's School of Education.
The Cooperative Freshwater Ecology Unit is one of the groups that has ensured the environment of the region is in better shape for the city's grandchildren than it was for their grandparents. The Co-op Unit has spent almost 30 years researching, restoring and monitoring lake water quality in the City of Lakes. The Co-op Unit is headed by John Gunn (Canada Research Chair, Department of Biology, Laurentian University), Bill Keller (MOE; Department of Biology, Laurentian University) and Tom Johnston (MNR; Department of Biology, Laurentian University).
Léo Therrien is the executive director of the Maison Vale Inco Hospice, a place where people go to live their final journey. Under his guidance, Sudbury has a place where people can die in peace and with dignity. Therrien was involved in the building of the hospice from beginning to end. This included securing government support and taking part in raising $4 million for the building in the My Sudbury Needs A Hospice campaign.
Chris Gore is manager of community partnerships for the City of Greater Sudbury and supports projects that encourage citizens to live active lifestyles. He practices what he preaches, so the lines between his day job and his commitment to volunteering for recreational activities, such as Jackrabbit skiing and coaching soccer, are blurred. He worked in an official capacity with citizens who wanted to revitalize Adanac Ski Hill, build a skate park in Minnow Lake, and to make improvements to the Laurentian University track, but he also gave freely of his own time to make the projects successful. While most people consider their job a nine-to-five effort, Gore considers his 24/7.
Candice Kirkbride 24, shares her story with high school students. In addition to her testimony about the tragic dangers of drinking and driving, she inspires young people who may have to overcome obstacles to realize their potential. When Kirkbride was 15, she was hit by a car driven by a drunk driver, She suffered a severe brain injury and has little short- term memory. She is blind in one eye and had some paralysis. After a long recovery, she finished high school, and has recently graduated from college.
Risto Laamanen, who died in July 2009 at the age of 61, was as successful as he was humble and understated. Born in Finland, he was two when his family moved to Sudbury. He became a major force in commercial and industrial construction and mining, as well as an inspiring and dedicated volunteer and philanthropist. He served on the Science North board of directors for 14 years, and he was a faithful supporter of his alma mater, Cambrian College. Laamanen was generous with his time and his financial support for things he thought made Sudbury a better place to live.
Detailed winner profiles and photos are posted online at www.cbawards.ca.
