Wood carver, food bank volunteer highlight Pickering Civic Awards

Pickering Durham Art

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Published June 29, 2022 at 9:22 am

A sculptor and wood carver of international acclaim, the Director of Volunteers for the St. Paul’s-on-the-Hill Community Food Bank and a motivational speaker and life coach highlight the 2022 Pickering Civic Awards, held for the first time since 2019.

Dorsey James, who has been carving images from world mythology using recycled cedar hydro poles for more than two decades, shared the Arts Award with Anusha Broekhuyse and was also named Senior of the Year. His carved sculptures are installed in public parks, along the waterfront trail and in a place of honour in Alex Robertson Park.

Margaret Jocz, who has ensured those in need get enough to eat in Pickering through her work with the Community Food Bank, and Andree Nicole Vernon, who wears many hats (but the one that fits her the best is motivational speaker) were awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards.

The Civic Award Ceremony was hosted in person at Pickering City Hall to recognize the outstanding achievements of residents, community organizations and local businesses. Winners are nominated by peers and residents for their outstanding contributions to the community.

Other winners included:

Individual Volunteer Award

  • Rita Ciani
  • John Currie
  • Fahad Hashmi
  • Kiriga Konalingam
  • Bruce Lewis-Watts
  • Wendy Mohammed
  • Diane May-Delle Palme
  • Darlene Walker
  • Natassa Zervopoulous

Service Group Award

  • Canadian Progress Club,
    Durham Region Women

Community Group Award

  • DARS

Amateur Sports Award

  • Christopher Deslauriers

Youth Volunteer Award

  • Nathan Barnes

Youth Leadership Award

  • Zohair Ahmed
  • Haley Hill
  • Xan Koerner

Sustainability Award

  • Elexicon Energy
  • Marshall Homes
  • Opus One Solutions

Cultural Diversity Award

  • lshrat Sarwar Butt

Heritage Award

  • Stephanie Bourque
  • Jocelyne Pelletier

Urban Design Award

  • Altona Towns

Local Business Award

  • Cafe Ro
  • Charcuterie Pickering
  • Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
  • (Pickering)
  • The Harmony Martial Arts & Fitness Centre
  • KvH Fashions
  • Lai and Associates
  • Usmania Grill

Environment Award

  • Chúuk

Accessibility Award

  • David Wysocki