Award Recipient
KCRTA member Diane O’Connor (middle) was recognized by the Province of New Brunswick recently for her years of volunteer work in the community involving the creation and promotion of opportunities for seniors. She is one of the founders of The Hive, an age friendly center in Rothesay. For a number of years, Diane helped to organize and participate in seniors’
health fairs that promoted wellness and healthy lifestyles for ages 50+ in Saint John and Kings County.
During the COVID lockdown Diane conducted video interviews with local experts for the Rothesay Hive Facebook page to discuss health, healthy lifestyles, safety, and general interest topics for seniors who could not be out in the community to learn about issues relevant to them.
Recently, Diane volunteered to use her expertise to help the NBSRT Online Media Committee produce a new video series titled Dream Catchers featuring members who successfully pursued a life-long dream after they retired. Her relaxed and personable interview style resulted in two excellent conversations with a member who sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in a small sailboat, and another who realized his dream of becoming a pilot. Look for more great conversations in the future.
Recently, Diane was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (New Brunswick). She feels humbled and honoured to be included with so many deserving volunteers who received this award in the Rothesay area. Premier Higgs read the following at the investiture:
“As Chair of the Age-Friendly Advisory Committee and volunteer for groups such as Go-Ahead Seniors and Zoomers on the Go, Diane has been a major player promoting safe and healthy living for seniors in Rothesay. She has also been a board member for the Elizabeth Fry Society.”
NOTE: Diane began her career at the Kinsmen School in the former Town of Newcastle (City of Miramichi) and was part of the negotiating team that brought Auxiliary teachers into the NBTA in the mid 1980’s. She retired in 2009 from Quispamsis Middle School.
So pleased to read that Diane O’Connor has been recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal for her volunteer work with seniors and for seniors. She is definitely a very deserving person! Congratulations, Diane!