Board of Directors

2023-2024

Executive

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.

1st Vice President Gini Martin

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.

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.

2nd Vice President – Edith Furdievich

 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 Heather Donley

 My name is Heather Donley 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.

Director – Barb Cavers

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!

Director Jerry Maksymyk

Director 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.

Director Randy Dengate

Director Kathy Wightman

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