The Planning Committee

The planning committee and in particular the executive are wrapping up and trying to meet the provincial government requirements to close this non profit registration of the organization.

Hopefully we will be able to give back to the community any surplus. The community mindedness of these individuals has not gone unnoticed and their dedication to the homecomings success.

Due to the interest in the homecoming nearby communities have sent representatives to a planning meeting that was open to the public. Their interest and enthusiasm to be involved have inspired the committee to invite their participation as full planning committee members.

Contact any of the committee members to receive an electronic registration form to be returned with your fee. The “Come Home to the River – McNamee 2009 Homecoming” Committee members are:

Lorne Amos - Chairman lamos1@nb.sympatico.ca

Lorne was born in the village of McNamee. He left at a very early age to further his education and trade training in the military. He worked for 40 years in the Aviation Industry and retired in the position of Regional Director, Transport Canada after 23 years of service. He has served on many social and family committees and is presently President, Old Mill Pond Golf Club, the Vice-President, of Enterprise Miramichi, and belongs to several business and fraternal organizations. In 2007 Lorne was inducted into the Aircraft Maintenance Engineers-Hall of Fame in a ceremony in St. Johns, NF.

Viola Savage O’Donnell - Treasurer vhsavage@nbnet.nb.ca

Viola was born in McNamee and grew up attending the McNamee School in grades 1 to 6; she then attended the Upper Miramichi Regional High School from grades 7 to 12. Her nursing training was at the Victoria Public Hospital School of Nursing in Fredericton from 1970-73. A change in careers occurred in 1988 when she began working with the Province of New Brunswick. Viola has volunteered with many non-profit organizations. She served as the President of the Douglas Home and School Association, the vice-President of the Victoria Public Hospital Alumnae, Chair of the Victoria Public Hospital Class of 1973 Reunion Committee, volunteer referee for the Fredericton Youth Ringette league. At the present she is employed with the Department of Health as the Monitoring and Compliance Officer (Audit). Viola is coordinating the Coffee Table Photo book and has produced the 2008 calendar.

Sharon Stewart - Secretary sharclark@rogers.com

Sharon grew up in the village of McNamee. At the age of 17 left to work for the Province of New Brunswick, followed by the private industry. She moved on to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police where she retired after working for 35 years as the Executive Assistant to the Officer in Charge of Criminal Operations, "J" Division. Her many years of committee service comes from Interested Parents Groups, Professional Secretaries Association, Figure Skating Club, Social Committees, and on committees involving various activities for her daughter including as a Girl Guide Leader. Sharon helped organize her 20th High School Class Reunion. She received the Queen's Jubilee medal for her work with various committees / community involvement. Just recently she became Coordinator of the Neighborhood Watch Program with the Fredericton Police Force.

Members at Large:

Roger Clowater roger@rogerclowater.com

Roger was a police officer in Saint John, New Brunswick for 25 years. His credo of “leave people feeling better about themselves after their contact with him than they felt before” helped him receive the Governor General’s medal for exemplary service. He operated an outdoor adventure company treating international tourists to experiences they would cherish for a lifetime. From 1999 – 2008 he was the president of a chocolate confectionary company Mary’s Gourmet Inc based in Toronto. His formal studies include a Masters of Science in Public Relations from Stirling University, Scotland, United Kingdom and Corporate Communications Management from Seneca College, Toronto, Ontario with high honors. The Canadian Public Relations Society awarded him the Doris Whiteside Award for professionalism. He currently is a freelance public relations practitioner in Toronto and volunteers for the “Polo for Heart” Campaign. Roger is the public relations coordinator for “Come Home to the River”.

Floyd Amos amosnanc@nbnet.nb.ca

Floyd was born and raised in McNamee and graduated from Upper Miramichi Regional High School. Upon leaving school he went to Fredericton. He worked as a florist and then 30 years as a manager in the Transportation industry for Trius Inc. He served on many committees such as School Bus Safety for the Maritime Provinces and President of the Fredericton Taxi Association. He has chaired committees within the industry and the Non-Profit Association for Cystic Fibrosis. He is currently a member of the Executive of the Old Mill Pond Golf Club in Doaktown. Floyd is also the Co-Chair of the homecoming committee.

James Dudley mr.d_333@hotmail.com

James was born and raised in McNamee. He graduated from the Atlantic Police Academy, had a career with the Saint John Police Force until retirement. His interest in transportation, logistics and the safe flow of traffic will assist the committee. He is active on the Transportation committee to ensure the safety of attendees to the “Come Home to the River – McNamee 2009 Homecoming”.

James Stewart stewaja@yahoo.com

James was born and raised in McNamee and graduated from Upper Miramichi Regional High School. After leaving school he went to Upper Miramichi Regional High School where he was the custodian. His pride in the school and integrity in his work was evident to the students who walked the hallways of the school. He resides in Boiestown and is the coordinator for the Canoe Races. He has been involved in the community and with the planning of these events for years.

Irva Larsen larsend@nbnet.nb.ca
Irva grew up in the village of McNamee. After graduation with a Business Education Diploma from the Upper Miramichi Regional High School, she worked for the Department of Agriculture, Province of New Brunswick. Over the past 34 years, she has worked in a variety of positions with her longest tenure being in the banking industry. Recently, in upgrading her education she graduated with Honours from the Atlantic Business College with a Diploma in Business Technology. In the last few years, she has worked as Administrative Assistant for two non-profit organizations and is currently working for River Valley Health as Administrative Assistant.

Euphema Black – O’Donnell aeblack@nb.sympatico.ca

Euphemia is the Volunteer Coordinator. She was born and raised in McNamee. She is now married and raised two sons in Central New Brunswick. She recently retired after thirty years in the health care field and moved back to the Miramichi River. She has excellent people, organizational and communications skills. Her great love of McNamee shows in her respect for everyone regardless of their social or economic standing. She is very excited and looking forward to a fantastic and fun homecoming with everlasting memories. The homecoming is an event Euphemia dreamed about years ago.

Boiestown Community Member:

Olga Ross olgaross@nb.sympatico.ca

Olga was born in Doaktown and lived in New Bandon until 1968 and since that time lived in Boiestown. She is a graduate of Upper Miramichi Regional High School. Her career has been with Diamond Construction and the Department of Justice in Fredericton. She enjoys working for the community and helping with events. She is Secretary of the following groups; Community Mobilization Group, Miramichi Board of Trade Inc., Boiestown United Church Worship Team and Council, Central Miramichi Community Health Advisory Committee, Treasurer, Upper Miramichi Elementary Home and School Association and a member of the Boiestown Senior's Group. She also served as the Secretary of the Upper Miramichi Regional High School Homecoming two thousand and two.