Recognition by District
DlSTRICT 11 VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR |
 Maureen Taylor Quota International of Penticton Mauren has been a dedicated charter member of the Penticton Club since 1984. Over the years, she has served in all the Executive positions. From there she went on to being the District 11 Lt. Governor, Governor and then served as the Canada Area Director from 2004 to 2006. This past year, as she finished up her Canada Area Directorship and attended the Convention in Australia, she kindly stepped in and took over the club Presidency as our existing President could not continue in the position any longer. Maureen spent countless hours assisting the club Treasurers, polishing and finishing the financial statements and budgets to be in the required format for our gaming commission through which we receive our largest income. At the same time, Maureen work with the local By-laws Committee updating our bylaws. The largest project we have ever completed is our Early Infant Hearing Testing which we have been continually pursuing for the last 9 years. As 2007 President, Maureen was very instrumental in meticulously and persistently corresponding with the Okanagan Interior Health Authority to finish the complicated contracts and agreements we insisted upon to configure this service to be delivered in Penticton and for all babies, as opposed to just the at-risk newborns. She was successful and was able to include this milestone in our 1st Annual Charity Night in April where whe presented the funds to complete this goal. As per our District Bylaws, a past Governor is required to head the District Audit and Advisory Committee and Maureen stepped up and gladly completed that alons being c=Chairman of the Budget and Finacne Committee as well. Maureen has been spending a lot of extra time working behind the scenes in conjunction this year with Liz Revell as a member of the Canada Area Website Committee. We have watched Maureen have a complicated and challenging year in her own family life and yet, she has always given us 110 percent of her efforts without ever questioning it. She took it upon herself to print off personalized Quota business cards for everyone in the club but the real advertisemtnt we feel that counts, is how she proudly presents herself in the community as a successful Quotarian in all circles of her life. Join the Quota Club of Penticton in recognizing Maureen Taylor as their 2007 Volunteeer of the Year! |
 Margaret Ferguson Quota International of Weyburn Margaret Ferguson has been a dedicated member of Quota International of Weyburn for 36 years. She had served as President, Vice-President, and as Chariman of countless committees. Margaret, Chairman of the Member Care Comnniittee for more that 10 years, keeps track of our birthdays and anniversaries. She faithfully visits everyone who is confined to hospital or home. Margaret shares her kindness and her genuine neighborliness with all. Margaret has been a member of the Nominees Tea Committee since the inception of Quotas Women of the Year Awards. She is capable, has good ideas and an artists eye for what looks good. She is nearly always at meetings and never misses an opportunity to help with projects. Margaret is active in her Church and was a member of the official Board for 24 years. She has also been President of the United Church Women for years. She is leader of the Lazy Daisy unit, working on the preparation of banquets and funeral lunches. Margaret also visits "shut-ins" for the Church. She is a 62-year Life Member of the Alexandria Rebekah Lodge. In 2003, Margaret was honoured with the Rebekah Merit Jewel for her valuable years of service to the Lodge and her community. She was Noble Grand in 1954 and 1989 and served as District Deputy President. Margaret is extremely knowledgeable about the work of the Lodge and fills in for any officer missing from a meeting. She works at every fund-raiser held by the Lodge. Margaret is active with the Weyburn Retired Nurses. Margaret Ferguson exemplifies the true spirit of volunteerism and the Quota spirit of sharing, caring, compassion and friendship. |
 Marlene Yurkowski Quota International of Weyburn Marlene Yurkowski is known as a Quotarian you can count on. No matter what the task assigned, Marlene sees that it is done well and done on time. Marlene has been a member of Quota International of Weyburn since 1996, has held the offices of vice president, secretary, and treasurer, and has worked on various committees. Most recently serving on the Nominations Committee for our Women of the Year Awards, her efforts garnered a record of 19 nominations for the four awards! She is also noted for her competency in submitting club nominations for various Quota International awards, usually with winning results. A successful fund-raiser, her single-handed efforts with the clubs Just Desserts fund-raiser nets our club over a thousand dollars annually. Marlene succeeds in convincing us to all sell our tickets—no small feat! Now retired, Marlene was Head Librarian of the Weyburn Public Library, where she co-founded the Weyburn Friends of the Library. She was recognized by the Saskatchewan Reading Council for the International Reading Councils Celebrate Literacy Award. She was a member of Weyburns Communithon Board of Directors for 11 years and prior to that was a member of the Weyburn and district United Way. She was a member of the Consumers Association of Canada for over 35 years, serving in many executive positions. She was recognized with the Canadian Consumer Special Award of Merit and Saskatchewans first Consumer Award of Merit for her research for the establishment of the Saskatchewan Warranties Act. Marlene is very fond of reading, drama, music, and figure skating. She is the member who helps the club function by quietly filling in where other members have overlooked or forgotten or been unable to do a job. She has generously committed her time and diplomacy skills - representing the club at district and international Quota gatherings. Although she tries to maintain a low profile, she is highly regarded and admired for her determination to carry on despite the fact that her physical health is not optimum. We are grateful that Marlene is a member of Quota International of Weyburn and pleased to present her with the 2006 Volunteer of the Year honor. |
Helen Davidson Helen Davidson joined Quota International of Weyburn when our club was chartered in 1954, and she has been a loyal member for more than 51 years. She has served as our club president and vice president, and she has volunteered for many committees. Helen still attends Quota meetings, and she takes part in special events. For many years, Helen was the official organist for the Weyburn clubs annual Quota Carol Festival and the director of the clubs Quota choir. Though she is unable to do that now, she still attends the festival and sings. And she provides us with her musical expertise and advice. During her time in Quota, Helen discovered she had a penchant for clowning. She and fellow club member Isabelle Butters were renowned for their humor and the skits and plays that they wrote and performed at various functions. A friend, who thought she knew Helen and Isabelle well, said it was a surprise when they were so hilarious. She previously knew them only as serious women who were strictly business. Outside of Quota, Helen has been a lifelong member of Calvary Baptist Church and their volunteer organist and choir director for more than 57 years. Helen also taught music in Weyburn, worked with the Music Festival Association, and has shared her gift of music with the whole community. Helen has many wonderful Quota memories; she particularly enjoyed attending district conferences and international conventions, and she fondly remembers the Denver convention. Above all, she cherishes the memories of the friendships made through Quota. |
DlSTRICT 18 VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR |
 DIANE PASSMORE Quota International of Peterborough Diane Passmore is a Past President of the Quota Club of Peterborough. The Club feels that she deserves the award for her volunteerism in the following areas: Diane co-chairs her church’s annual strawberry fair, is the weekly counter of collections, and is a member of the Parish Council. She visits shut-ins, chairs the coffee hour after all services and is always available to help if and when help is needed. As a member and Secretary of the Peterborough Handweavers and Spinners her weaving is often sold at the Club’s fundraisers. In Quota, Diane arranges use of the church hall for Quota’s many fundraising activities. She is always the first to arrive and the last one to leave. She helps set up and cleans up after the events. Diane is a skilled, knowledgeable and caring member of the Club, giving of both her time and her talents for Quota. Diane always goes above and beyond the call of duty, is always ready to lend a helping hand, and embodies the true spirit of volunteerism. She is the District's 2010 winner. |
 EUGENIA RAWN Quota International of Owen Sound District 18 2009 Volunteer of the Year winner is EUGENIA RAWN from Quota International of Owen Sound. Following a devastating accident in June 1997, in which her husband Harry sustained a brain injury, Eugenia’s world became a succession of doctors, hospitals and therapists. One such person, speech pathologist Mary Craig-Low, went on to become a very good friend to Eugenia and Harry. Mary introduced Eugenia to the world of Quota in the winter of 2000 and Eugenia became a member of the Owen Sound Club in March, 2001. Then International President, Dolores Brosky, “pinned” Eugenia at her installation ceremony. The rest, they say, is history. Although rather quiet in nature, Eugenia stepped up to the plate when asked. In the first 3½ years of being a member, Eugenia held the positions of Treasurer, Secretary and President-Elect, serving as President for the year 2005-2006. She has served in many capacities on the various committees of the Owen Sound club and is a strong supporter of Publicity and Promotion, having chaired this committee on numerous occasions over the years. She believes that it is up to each of us to promote the work of Quota, both in our own area as well as world-wide, but also realizes that publicity from your local newspaper goes a long way too. Although she has not had the opportunity to attend a convention yet, she enjoys renewing old friendships at District Conferences and Canada Area meetings. In her personal life, Eugenia has been married to Harry for 29½ years and has one son and two step-children. These children have blessed Eugenia and Harry with a total of 9 grandchildren, the newest granddaugher, Laura Elizabeth, born Valentine’s Day 2009. “Weesau”, an eight year old Shi-tzu dog completes the family. Eugenia has been a staff member at Division Street United Church in Owen Sound since September 1990. She was Secretary-Treasurer until 2004 at which time this position was changed to create two positions. She enjoys her role as Secretary and the contact with congregation members as well as the community. Volunteering for Eugenia started as a young adult when she lead the Teeswater C.G.I.T. group in her home church. Her own years as a member of C.G.I.T. made this commitment very easy for her. Moving to Owen Sound in 1978, working full time and having a family, the volunteering aspect was set aside for a few years. In the mid 1980s she was Sunday School Superintendent at Division Street United Church, a position she held for 5 years. In the late 1980s the family became involved with the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association, and a long relationship with the Salmon Spectacular Fish Derby was formed. Each year, the last week of August will see Eugenia busy on the computer at least three evenings inputting the data for fish caught. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet anglers who come to the Owen Sound area each year to participate in this great ten day festival. In an effort to give back to the local hospital community for the help and support the Rawn family received at the time of Harry’s accident, Eugenia began volunteering in the Gift Shop in September 2003. She and Harry “man” the shop every Thursday evening and at least one Sunday during the month. As of April 9th, Eugenia has logged 1,128 volunteer hours in the gift shop. They feel so fortunate for the opportunity to “give back” even just a little. “Blood. It is in you to give.” Eugenia believes in this saying and is a strong supporter of the Canadian Blood Services . Since moving to Owen Sound in 1978, she has donated 91 times. Last fall she and Harry volunteered at the International Plowing Match held in Teeswater. For a few years, Eugenia and Harry were active with the Brain Injury Association of Grey-Bruce before it ceased operation. Eugenia does not celebrate her birthday one day of the year, but rather 31 days. Each October 1st, their home becomes a showcase of fun, magic and “horror” in celebration of Halloween and Eugenia’s birthday. For the last 25 years, the inside of the house is decorated with bats, spiders, candles, lights and lots of other scary things. The front lawn is transformed into a cemetery complete with “body” parts protruding from the ground, a 6-foot casket with “Igor”, the “Grim Reaper”, “Mr. Bones” a 6-foot skeleton complete with a cowboy hat, as well as an assortment of other displays. Eugenia and Harry enjoy creating these displays in their basement and welcome the people who stop to look, walk around and take pictures. Halloween evening, finds “Witch” Eugenia and Harry enjoying the trick or treaters who “just have to come to this house because it is so cool”. The smiles are worth the work! Then they set to work to transform their yard to a Christmas Wonderland for all to enjoy. In her spare time, Eugenia loves to watch her grandchildren grow, read, play “pepper” with her friends through Quota, and construct woodworking projects with Harry. Together they have designed and built six different pieces of furniture for their home and enjoy the time spent on each project. The satisfaction in a job well done is evident when they speak about their accomplishments. Eugenia’s woodworking and painting skills are impressive. Eugenia values her Quota friendships and the support given to each other in times of sorrow, in times of triumph, in times of fellowship. She would like to thank the Owen Sound Club for this nomination. Eugenia is a Quotarian who truly lives up to the intent and spirit of the Quota Collect and Mission Statement. We are very proud to make this nomination as it is well deserved |
 Jean Eyre Quota International of Orillia The 2008 winner is Jean Eyre from the Quota Club of Orillia. Jean has been volunteering since the age of 14. While in England, Jean worked with her mother on the Market Harborough chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. She continued volunteering with the Market Harborough Ladies Circle, eventually President Jean joined the Quota Club of Orillia in November 1983 and has held numerous positions, including President. She always finds time in her busy life to give back through volunteering. Jean is often one of the first members to put her hand up offering gifts of honey from her business, the Beeworks, for guests and speakers. She shares her life with her husband Dave and they recently returned to England to renew their vows, after 25 years of marriage. Jean also has an interest in photography. She was instrumental in creating out Fund Raising Calendar I 2006 as well as producing our DVD “Cooking with Quota” in 2007. In 1990 while serving on the International Community Service Committee she introduced the successful Teddy Bear Program. Jean will celebrate 25 years as a Quotarian in November, 2008. We are proud to have Jean as a member of the Orillia club and as our Volunteer of the Year 2008. |
 Betty Lou Howlett Quota International of Grey Bruce This year’s winner is Betty Lou Howlett from Quota International of Grey Bruce. Since joining Quota International of Owen Sound in 1974, Betty Lou has thought primarily of what she could do to contribute to the Club. She became Secretary in her first year and was asked very early to be President; which she accepted. Betty Lou has always given her time and energy to being a good Quotarian and as her life took her to the London, Ontario Club and then to the St. Thomas Club she was always willing to take the responsibility of membership by accepting duties as was needed including the position of President. Betty Lou then became involved with responsibilities at the District level. She became Lieutenant-Governor, then Governor in 1990 and all the way to Canada Area Director. At that time, under her direction, a committee was formed to draw up plans and policies for Development and Growth for District 18 and because of her leadership this has continued to this present time. It was Betty Lou’s suggestion that new clubs not be charged registration in their charter year to encourage new clubs to attend conferences and conventions. This also has been accepted and has become a policy at the International level. Betty Lou was instrumental in setting up funding for the Canada Area Director and has implemented many of the improved circumstances at the District level. Betty Lou has chaired many conferences and has been Parliamentarian many times for the District. . She has been Chair of the International Service Committee of and sat on the By-laws Committee. She will be serving again this year on the District Awards Selection Committee. Among her many attributes, crediting others with her successes comes naturally to Betty Lou. She stated her gratitude to Sharon Chevrier for inviting her to a Quota Meeting, Ilse Mitchell for being her mentor, her sister Anne Ashcroft for her encouragement, Judy Juniper and many others for helping with the various committees and was pleased and grateful that so many were willing to meet with her and assist in the formation of various ideas and projects. In her personal life Betty Lou is very much a family person. She has had to contend with many difficulties. She has been widowed twice and has one son and two step-sons. Betty Lou tells the story of how her second husband proposed to her while she was on a quick break from a Quota Conference she was chairing and she had to make a speedy decision as he was being posted in Regina. When she accepted, she said it was Quota friends that helped with the preparations that were needed. Many Quotarians will remember Bruce who was very supportive of Quota events and her Mother accompanied her at many Quota conferences. Betty Lou said it has always been Quota friends that have helped her through the happy times and the sad times. Quoting from Betty Lou, “Quota has always been there for me. I have got more from Quota than I have ever given.” Outside of Quota, Betty Lou has been involved in many other charitable activities through her job and her personal life, such as United Way, and has had many successes in raising funds for these organizations. Betty Lou has now retired from the Catholic School Board in London and has returned to Owen Sound. We are very fortunate that she has joined us in the Silver Q Club, Quota International of Grey Bruce. True to her style she agreed to be Secretary when we needed one last year and will be our Vice-President for the 2007-08. In addition to being willing to accept positions as she is needed she always volunteers to be on a committee, volunteers for any project, volunteers to make one of her delicious recipes for potluck meetings, volunteers her lovely home for a meeting, and volunteers when any member needs a helping hand. Betty Lou loves to be included in events such as bus trips, friends in the club that like to go on excursions or any special celebrations. She has fully accepted the concept of Silver Q and invites visitors to our meetings with the hope that they will become a member. Her attitude is; everyone has their own expectations of what Quota will mean to them and everyone has their own special capabilities that they can offer to the Club. Betty Lou’s own words express why she is such a great Quotarian and why Grey Bruce Quotarians were so pleased to nominate her. She says: “No words can express what Quota has done for me and I don’t feel I can do enough to pay back what I have received through this Club.” Betty Lou was presented with the crystal bowl donated by Past Governor, Marie Dobson-Dunlop, 2002-2004, to honour a Quotarian who positively affected the District by embodying the true spirit of volunteerism. |
 Carol Kolbus Quota Club of Ottawa Carol has been an active member of the Quota Club of Ottawa for the past 18 years. She has been on the Board of Directors and has assumed positions of Director, Vice President and President over the years. Carol has also chaired various committees, and as a committee member she has participated in all the 6 golf tournaments that we held by securing teams, sponsors and door prizes. Prior to that, she helped with our Bingo nights for many years. She presently sits on various committees as an involved member, specifically Ways and Means and Development and Growth. Carol has put her heart and soul and time into all of her undertakings She is a true Quotarian through and through as she has given her time, expertise and talents to all of our club’s endeavors. She is our Master Planner for our Annual Night at the Races in that she left a detailed blueprint for those that succeeded her. Carol has participated whole heartedly this year in the Bake Sale, as an a valiant bowler in the Max Keeping Foundation Bowl-a-thon, selling Entertainment Books, securing monthly cheese orders, hosting the residents at our Annual Christmas Party at the New Orchard Lodge, seeking out sponsors and selling tickets to our annual Night at the Races fundraiser. Carol comes to the table for all of our clubs undertakings. She embraces each activity with enthusiasm, active participation, applying her quiet and efficient ways and enjoying herself while doing all tasks without complaint. She participates fully in our meetings, social events, fundraising, hands-on service activities and lends a guiding and gentle hand to new members. She is an excellent example of what Quota and a Quotarian is all about as Carol ‘Shares and Cares’.
Quota International of Collingwood The Quota International Club of Collingwood would like to acknowledge and recognize Ann Keating-Morrison with the District 18 Volunteer of the Year award. BACKGROUND Ann Keating-Morrison was born in QUOTA INVOLVEMENT Ann Keating-Morrison has been an active member of the Quota International Club of Collingwood since 1999. She served as President from 2002-2003 and is currently our Club’s Publicity representative. She is also currently a member of Quota International New Club Development Committee. WHAT POSITIVE AFFECTS HAS THIS INDIVIDUAL AS A VOLUNTEER? If one were to look up the definition of “positive” in the dictionary, Ann’s picture is likely beside it. To begin with, Ann’s positive character is evidenced by her bravely approaching our Quota table in 1999 from which we were selling our fund-raising quilt tickets. Ann asked a number of specific questions that day about our Club, and as is her usual practice, did some research about Quota International, and quickly decided to come out to a meeting to see what we were about. From that minute on, our Club soon realized we were very lucky to have Ann as a Quotarian. Ann has a tremendous sense of humour and can easily make us feel positive, upbeat and comfortable with her humour. Ann’s positive affects within our Club are evidenced in her ability to model professionalism and respectfulness for the young and more senior members of the Club. Ann’s positive affects are evidenced by her ability to speak up at meetings usually resulting in meaningful dialogue amongst members. Ann’s positive affects were evidenced by her willingness to allow her name to stand for President in 2002 - a very brave step considering she had not been a Quotarian all that long. Ann’s positive affects as a volunteer are evidenced in her networking in our community through her publicity role in the Club. This has been evident in Ann linking our Club to local publications/newspapers to promote our Club as well as organizing events in which our Club can participate and share what we are about. Ann did an amazing job of volunteering her expertise in the organization of the Lynn Johnston fund-raising event that raised over $7,000 for our Club. This event garnered a significant profile for Quota such we have not seen for awhile. Get an idea going, give it to Ann and she can create magic with it. There is nothing that Ann is not willing to take on and motive others to join her. Most of the Clubs in District 18 have seen or heard Ann’s rendition of our Collect which demonstrates Ann’s dedication and commitment to Quota – her belief in the spirit of volunteerism. Ann is far from done with respect to her goals for Quota whether that is at the local Club level or International level. Ann would like to see more Clubs in District 18 and in our Quota world. Our Club knows that Ann spends at least some part of her day volunteering her time in the name of Quota to strengthen our Quota roots. WHY DO WE THINK ANN KEATING-MORRISON EMBODIES THE TRUE SPIRIT OF VOLUNTEERISM? Ann Keating-Morrison gives of herself to Quota without being asked. Ann offers her voluntary services of her own free will. It is evident to our Club that Ann is not seeking attention for herself or looking for recognition for what she does – she just does it because she truly believes in the philosophy of Quota and for which Quota stands. Through Ann’s commitment to volunteering with Quota, she is strengthening our Club and our community. Ann while doing her volunteering is making new connections for our Club, building our Club’s sense of community, teaching us new skills, strengthening our club’s self-esteem and sets through example, leadership. Ann has mentored new members within our Club and initiated and saw the revamping of our New Member Orientation packages and Club’s By-Laws. In closing, our Club believes Ann Keating-Morrison is more than deserving of the District Volunteer of the Year Award. We hope you will agree. |
