Board of Directors

2020-2021

Executive

President – Edith Furdievich

I first became involved with the Herman Prior Centre as a square dancer.  We have danced in the Centre for over twenty years.  A few years after retiring from teaching, I started volunteering in the kitchen.  I joined the board in May of 2013.  Our bylaws state that a board member may serve for six years then must retire for one year.  Last year was my year “off”.  I enjoyed being on the board with many dedicated and hard working members and was pleased to be asked to return.  We have an excellent staff and I am looking forward to working with them and with our new and returning board members. As we are able to open, we will all work toward an exciting, activity filled year!

1st Vice President – Sandra Duchak

I achieved my CGA designation in 1999 but am not an active CGA right now. Co-owner of First Choice Income Tax for over 40 years. Mother of  2 boys and 2 girls, have 4 grandchildren.

Have been leader with Gainsborough 4-H club for 40 years, club representative on Central Plains 4-H council, director on MB 4-H council. Had been director on Portage women’s shelter for one term. I would love to expand my network of friends and give back to a different segment of the community by being a director on Herman Prior board.

2nd Vice President – Kay Humphrey

 I have been volunteering for over 30 years with different organizations.. When my three children left the nest I decided to give my free time to helping others in any way I could. I have belonged (or still do belong) to such organizations like Boston Terrier Rescue, Lions Club, Royal Canadian Legion, Lions Manor Foundation Board and am particularly fond of volunteering with senior organizations. I was president of the volunteers at Seven Oaks Home for the Aged in Toronto for many years and when moving to Portage immediately joined the Herman Prior Activity Centre. I believe volunteering not only enriches the lives of others but also enriches my own life.

Treasurer – Barb Cavers

 I have been a member of Herman Prior for the last 13 years since we moved to Portage. My sister originally got me involved with HP as a volunteer helping out in the office and kitchen. For 3 years I taught the computer class for seniors giving them some basic information on Word; Excel; Email and the Internet. For the last few years I have been mainly helping Chris and Kathy in the office and recently started working the front desk cause Chris and Kathy have gotten so good at their jobs that they don’t need a lot of help anymore. I ran an office in Winnipeg for many years and hope to bring some of my experience to the board. 

Secretary – Yvette Cuthbert

I like to be involved in the community. I have been on the Portage la Prairie School Board since 1998. I have been on several other boards as well; PCRC, Portage Public Art Committee, the ArtSmart Committee. I organized Culture Day events here for 3 years. Really, I like to lend a hand where I feel I can make a difference. I have been volunteering at the Herman Prior Centre, writing grants, painted the grey in the auditorium, a whimsical painting on the piano and more. I actually grew up in BC but my 3 children were born in Portage la Prairie, and I think we have a lovely community here. I am an artist, and like to look for creative solutions to issues.

Directors

Ed Enns

I have had a very successful work life. Hired as a labourer, went to foreman within two weeks and then farm mangager. I left the farm to go to Esso Chemical Fertilizer plant and retired from there. I stayed on as a safety co-ordinator and technician for 18 years but worked there for 25 years full time and 5 years part time after retirement. Then went on to Syngenta as farm equipment and maintenance worker for 26 years.

I have been on the Herman Prior Activity board on two separate occasions. Prior to coming on for the second time for 4 years and going on to 4 years now this second time around. I like being part of the community and working for a place for seniors to come to.

Lynne Payette

I have lived in Portage on and off for 43 years in total.  I first moved here as a child when my father was posted to Southport.  He was posted elsewhere but eventually came back here in 1969.  After that I moved to Calgary and then Winnipeg finally moving back to Portage when he passed away, so I guess you could say Portage is my “home town”.  I first became a member of Herman Prior Centre when I turned 55 but was not able to partake of any services at that time since I worked in Winnipeg.  Once I retired in 2016 I became more involved with the Centre coming for the midday meals and volunteering at the front desk in addition to other volunteer opportunities as needed.  I have been on the Board of Directors for three years now.  I feel it is necessary for those who are involved with the Centre to step up and help to keep it a vibrant space for its members.  In addition to my volunteering at Herman Prior Centre I am currently the Second Vice President and Membership Chair of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 65.

Pat Hay

No Bio

Sandra Sharpe

My name is Sandra d Sharpe. My home town is St. Ambroise, MB where I lived for 30 some years. I now reside in Portage la Prairie. I worked as a supervisor at IGA and as a supervisor at restaurants and fast food stores. I worked for many years at MDC as a PNA 2 nurse assistant where I learned so much working with disabled adults. I have been on many boards here in Portage la Prairie including Parks, Glesby, MMF and Herman Prior Centre and enjoy volunteering at our many events. I also volunteered at the Portage Friendship Centre. This is my third year as a board member and I hope to be a part of the organization for many years to come. I am married and have a small dog named Anna Marie.

Gini Martin

Raised on a family farm North East of Oakville MB, Gini Martin attended Mill Creek, Oakville, and Arthur Meighen High Schools respectively. After furthering her education and residing in Winnipeg briefly, Gini moved back to her home town to raise her three sons. The community of Oakville provided the perfect environment for a life rich in both family time and recreation. Following in her footsteps, Gini’s three sons all took up figure skating, then hockey, baseball and soccer. Gini was, and continues to be passionate about contributing to her community. Her volunteer work speaks volumes to this. Gini volunteered on the Hall Board, on the Oakville Minor Hockey Board, chaperoned many school outings, was the organizer of the Senior Christmas Supper for an entire decade, and of course spent countless hours volunteering for canteen duty at the Oakville Arena and Curling rink, not to mention the horrid hockey bingos.

Gini’s 40 year career in health care, although demanding was also very fulfilling. Among the dedicated staff that Gini enjoyed working with, were the many colorful residents she loved. With the residents came the loving families whose contributions were immense not to mention the contributions of the countless volunteers over the years, sharing their talents and time with the very deserving residents. Gini’s love of serving others has shifted in retirement, from the residents, to her 5 beautiful grandchildren. When she isn’t caring for or doting over them she enjoys several past times, many of which are provided by HPAC such as music, dancing, exercising, assisting in the kitchen and volunteering at special events.  Moving into Gini’s second year on the HPAC board, she is excited to continue working with new and old board members and staff in such a fun, team oriented environment.

Patti Hillier

Right after high school I joined the Army for 12 years. While in CFB London I was the first and only female president of Junior Ranks Mess. After getting out of Army I sold real estate for three years. Moved west and took Aesthetic and Electrolysis Course. Worked in Aesthetics for about 10 years with the last three running my own business. Involved with Daughters of the Nile in Winnipeg (Women’s Version of Shrine). Was elected Queen (CEO) of Winnipeg Temple in 2012-2103. Sat on several committees including Policy & Procedure, By-laws, Finance and Fundraising. Moved to Portage la Prairie approximately 10 years ago. Became involved with Herman Prior Centre about one year ago as a volunteer. I felt I needed to get involved more with the community. I have enjoyed meeting members and working on various tasks.

Barb Bradley

I have been in and around the Portage la Prairie area most of my life as my direct ancestral family landed at Pratt’s Landing in 1884 to join others already here and I have lived here, with my husband and family since 1972.   I spent almost 36 years working within the Federal Government, all at Southport and Portage la Prairie, retiring in 2008.  We raised our family of 3 children on Dufferin Avenue and were totally immersed in the youth sports world while the children were growing up.  My main hobby is family history research which I have been doing since 1975.  Since retirement, I have been involved mostly with the local Legion Branch with involvement off and on with various community organizations.  We live on an acreage in the Edwin district where horses and gardening are our main interests.  Our children are out on their own, with all, plus 2 of the in-laws, being members of the Canadian Forces.  We have 8 beautiful grandchildren who we miss dearly as all live away.  Over a period of 13 years, we hosted 12 exchange students, most for a full school year.  We keep in touch with most  and have had a few return visits.  I thank you for the opportunity to serve on the Board of the Herman Prior Center and to get to know the wonderful Portage seniors who frequent the centre.   I hope I am able to contribute to the betterment of the Herman Prior Centre.  

Kim Dengate

Hi! My name is Kim Dengate. I’m a retired R.N. who worked in long term care for most of my 30+ year career. I volunteer at HPAC with the blood pressure clinic and occasionally in the kitchen. I enjoy attending the seniors’ fitness classes as well as Euforia (Latin dance class) here at HPAC. Reading is another pastime. I look forward to meeting and working alongside new people while I’m on the board here for the next two years.

Heather Stiegler

 My name is Heather Stiegler and I am the Financial Assistant for the R.M. of Portage la Prairie. I look forward to being on the Board of Directors and working together with the other board members.

Bill Knott

Grew up in South and Central Africa. Canadian since arrival in 1968.  Married for 51 years to Yvette Souque of Haywood, MB. Bachelor and Master’s degrees.

Varied career : Mining, clinical psychologist, municipal civil servant, university professor in Australia and Canada, national sport director, political assistant.

Volunteer work : +300 blood donations, kidney donation, varied Boards like Habitat for Humanity, Operation Red Nose and others in various countries.

I now garden and we travel as much as funds and viruses will allow.

2019-2020

Executive

• President – Joan Hewson
• Vice President – Kay Humphrey
• 2nd Vice President – Jo-Ann Voesenek
• Treasurer – Ed Enns
• Secretary – Harriet Turnbull

Directors

• Bev Case                  
• Gini Martin
• Pat Hay                 
• Bill Kramble
• Bunny Dietrich          
• Lynne Payette
• Sandra Sharpe

2018-2019

Executive

• President – Kathy Bryce
• Vice President – Jo-Ann Voesenek
• 2nd Vice President – Kay Humphrey
• Treasurer – Ed Enns
• Secretary – Harriet Turnbull

Directors

• Joan Hewson           
• Irene Dunn
• Bev Case                  
• Edith Furdievich
• Val Pogue                 
• Bill Kramble
• Bunny Dietrich          
• Lynne Payette
• Pat Hay                    
• Sandra Sharpe