Past President
J. ERIC HAMMILL
Eric Hammill was raised in Lower Freetown/Newton, PEI. In 1954, he
purchased a 100-acre farm in Newton where he and his wife Helen
(McIsaac) raised two sons, Robert and Preston.
A major contributor to the agriculture industry in Prince Edward Island, Eric
served as Secretary-Manager of the PEI Federation of Agriculture. In 1996,
he was elected MLA for District 19 (Borden-Kinkora) and was appointed
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and Minister responsible for the PEI
Grain Elevators Corporation. He was also Minister responsible for the
Maritime Harness Racing Commission. In 1999, he was recognized by
Atlantic Post Calls as Man of the Year and he was inducted into the Atlantic
Agricultural Hall of Fame.
Eric has always been involved in community events and has served on
several local committees. Eric and Helen are both active members of Saint
Malachy's Roman Catholic Church in Kinkora.
Eric is President of Maple Leaf Seniors Club in Kinkora. He has served for
several years on the Board of Directors of the PEI Senior Citizens’
Federation and is currently Past President.
J. ERIC HAMMILL
Eric Hammill was raised in Lower Freetown/Newton, PEI. In 1954, he
purchased a 100-acre farm in Newton where he and his wife Helen
(McIsaac) raised two sons, Robert and Preston.
A major contributor to the agriculture industry in Prince Edward Island, Eric
served as Secretary-Manager of the PEI Federation of Agriculture. In 1996,
he was elected MLA for District 19 (Borden-Kinkora) and was appointed
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and Minister responsible for the PEI
Grain Elevators Corporation. He was also Minister responsible for the
Maritime Harness Racing Commission. In 1999, he was recognized by
Atlantic Post Calls as Man of the Year and he was inducted into the Atlantic
Agricultural Hall of Fame.
Eric has always been involved in community events and has served on
several local committees. Eric and Helen are both active members of Saint
Malachy's Roman Catholic Church in Kinkora.
Eric is President of Maple Leaf Seniors Club in Kinkora. He has served for
several years on the Board of Directors of the PEI Senior Citizens’
Federation and is currently Past President.
President
JOHN KENNY
John Kenny has been a resident of Stratford for the last thirty-five years and
is a retired truck driver for Island Petroleum. Throughout the years, John has
held various positions in community organizations. For twelve years he was
Chairman of the Council for Bunbury (now Stratford). He was also President
of the Cross Roads Fire Department for seven years, and has been a
member of other committees for the Town of Stratford.
John has been married to Mary Redmond for forty-five years. They have
three daughters and four grandchildren.
John was the President of Mayflower Seniors Club in Stratford from 2003 to
2007 where he currently holds the position of Past President. Since 2006,
he has volunteered as a Friendly Visitor. John has served for several years
on the Board of Directors of the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation as Director
and First Vice President and is currently President.
JOHN KENNY
John Kenny has been a resident of Stratford for the last thirty-five years and
is a retired truck driver for Island Petroleum. Throughout the years, John has
held various positions in community organizations. For twelve years he was
Chairman of the Council for Bunbury (now Stratford). He was also President
of the Cross Roads Fire Department for seven years, and has been a
member of other committees for the Town of Stratford.
John has been married to Mary Redmond for forty-five years. They have
three daughters and four grandchildren.
John was the President of Mayflower Seniors Club in Stratford from 2003 to
2007 where he currently holds the position of Past President. Since 2006,
he has volunteered as a Friendly Visitor. John has served for several years
on the Board of Directors of the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation as Director
and First Vice President and is currently President.
Treasurer
KEN DUNN
Born and raised in Morell, Ken and his wife of forty-three years, Sharon, have
nine children and nineteen grandchildren. Ken worked with the PEI Liquor
Control Commission for twenty years in Cardigan.
He was a dedicated volunteer coach and manager with the Morell Area
Baseball Association. His interests are baseball and hockey. He was also
a charter member of the Morell Knights of Columbus and the Morell Lions
Club.
His humour is a welcome addition to the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation
Board of Directors.
He is currently the President of Morell Legion Seniors. This is his third year
serving as a Director on the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation Board.
KEN DUNN
Born and raised in Morell, Ken and his wife of forty-three years, Sharon, have
nine children and nineteen grandchildren. Ken worked with the PEI Liquor
Control Commission for twenty years in Cardigan.
He was a dedicated volunteer coach and manager with the Morell Area
Baseball Association. His interests are baseball and hockey. He was also
a charter member of the Morell Knights of Columbus and the Morell Lions
Club.
His humour is a welcome addition to the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation
Board of Directors.
He is currently the President of Morell Legion Seniors. This is his third year
serving as a Director on the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation Board.
| BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
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Behind the Scenes . . .
The PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation Board of Directors meets quarterly
to discuss issues that effect Island seniors and examine potential solutions.
to discuss issues that effect Island seniors and examine potential solutions.
The Board of Directors of the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation consist of fifteen volunteer members. Board
members include: President John Kenny of Stratford, Past President Eric Hammill of Kinkora, First Vice-
President Ross MacKay of Bloomfield, Second Vice President Sister Norma Gallant of Wellington,
Treasurer Ken Dunn of Morell, Secretary Margaret Ching of Munns Road, (Prince County
Representatives) Kay McCardle of Kinkora, Reg Noonan of Borden-Carleton, Thelma Sweet of O'Leary,
(Queens County Representatives) Fred Quinn of Charlottetown, Stuart Aitken of Stratford, Steve
Stephenson of Charlottetown, (Kings County Representatives) Corena Gairns of Montague and Sandra
Stead of Montague.
The Board and Executive Director Linda Jean Nicholson meet on a regular basis to discuss issues of
importance to Island seniors.
members include: President John Kenny of Stratford, Past President Eric Hammill of Kinkora, First Vice-
President Ross MacKay of Bloomfield, Second Vice President Sister Norma Gallant of Wellington,
Treasurer Ken Dunn of Morell, Secretary Margaret Ching of Munns Road, (Prince County
Representatives) Kay McCardle of Kinkora, Reg Noonan of Borden-Carleton, Thelma Sweet of O'Leary,
(Queens County Representatives) Fred Quinn of Charlottetown, Stuart Aitken of Stratford, Steve
Stephenson of Charlottetown, (Kings County Representatives) Corena Gairns of Montague and Sandra
Stead of Montague.
The Board and Executive Director Linda Jean Nicholson meet on a regular basis to discuss issues of
importance to Island seniors.
Director, Kings County
CORENA GAIRNS
Born in Lower Montague, Corena (Steele) Gairns was raised in
Charlottetown and Lower Montague. She is a widow and a retired employee
of the Federal government. Corena has one son who resides in British
Columbia.
Corena is an active member of her church and several other organizations
including the Lower Montague Women’s Institute. She is a founding
member of the Loans Cupboard at Kings County Memorial Hospital.
Corena is a member of the 50 Plus Seniors Club in Montague. This is her
third year serving as a Director on the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation Board.
CORENA GAIRNS
Born in Lower Montague, Corena (Steele) Gairns was raised in
Charlottetown and Lower Montague. She is a widow and a retired employee
of the Federal government. Corena has one son who resides in British
Columbia.
Corena is an active member of her church and several other organizations
including the Lower Montague Women’s Institute. She is a founding
member of the Loans Cupboard at Kings County Memorial Hospital.
Corena is a member of the 50 Plus Seniors Club in Montague. This is her
third year serving as a Director on the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation Board.
Second Vice President
SISTER NORMA GALLANT
Sister Norma Gallant lived in Abram-Village until finishing High School, then
went to Magdalen Islands to attend Teacher's College followed by University
studies in Quebec. Before joining the Congregation de Notre Dame in
Montreal she taught School Music Programs in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward
Island and Quebec for 10 years. The following 30 years Norma worked in
Adult Education throughout Canada.
Since 1999, Sister Norma has been working in Crime Prevention
addressing the root causes of crime. She loves outdoor activities especially
Alpine skiing.
Sister Norma is a member of the Bel Âge Club in the Evangeline Region.
She is beginning her third year as a Director on the PEISCF Board.
SISTER NORMA GALLANT
Sister Norma Gallant lived in Abram-Village until finishing High School, then
went to Magdalen Islands to attend Teacher's College followed by University
studies in Quebec. Before joining the Congregation de Notre Dame in
Montreal she taught School Music Programs in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward
Island and Quebec for 10 years. The following 30 years Norma worked in
Adult Education throughout Canada.
Since 1999, Sister Norma has been working in Crime Prevention
addressing the root causes of crime. She loves outdoor activities especially
Alpine skiing.
Sister Norma is a member of the Bel Âge Club in the Evangeline Region.
She is beginning her third year as a Director on the PEISCF Board.
Director, Queens County
STUART AITKEN
Originally from Fortune, Stuart Aitken has lived in Stratford since 1966. Stuart
is a retired employee of the trucking industry where he was a tractor/trailer
driver and manager.
Stuart and his wife Ann have one son, Bruce. Stuart is an avid golfer. He is
active in his local church and is a volunteer cruise ship ambassador in
Charlottetown.
He is an active member of the Mayflower Seniors Club in Stratford. This is
his third year serving as a Director on the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation
Board.
STUART AITKEN
Originally from Fortune, Stuart Aitken has lived in Stratford since 1966. Stuart
is a retired employee of the trucking industry where he was a tractor/trailer
driver and manager.
Stuart and his wife Ann have one son, Bruce. Stuart is an avid golfer. He is
active in his local church and is a volunteer cruise ship ambassador in
Charlottetown.
He is an active member of the Mayflower Seniors Club in Stratford. This is
his third year serving as a Director on the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation
Board.
Director, Queens County
FRED QUINN
Born in Alberton, Fred Quinn was raised in Charlottetown and attended city
schools. He received a diploma in Public Administration from UPEI. He is a
retired civil servant after thirty-five years service with the Queens Printer.
Fred is Director of the Local 19 Union of Public Service Employees and is
Chairman of the Workers Compensation Board Occupational Health and
Safety Advisory Council. Fred is presently secretary and founding member of
the PEI Federation of Union Retirees Chapter of CLC Union Retirees of
Canada. He has been an active member of the Charlottetown Volunteer Fire
Department for thirty-five years. He has been a volunteer in a variety of
community organizations and associations. He is married to Dianna Sinclair
of Charlottetown. They have four children and nine grandchildren.
This is Fred’s third year as a Director on the Board. He represents the
Federation on the PEI Seniors’ Secretariat.
FRED QUINN
Born in Alberton, Fred Quinn was raised in Charlottetown and attended city
schools. He received a diploma in Public Administration from UPEI. He is a
retired civil servant after thirty-five years service with the Queens Printer.
Fred is Director of the Local 19 Union of Public Service Employees and is
Chairman of the Workers Compensation Board Occupational Health and
Safety Advisory Council. Fred is presently secretary and founding member of
the PEI Federation of Union Retirees Chapter of CLC Union Retirees of
Canada. He has been an active member of the Charlottetown Volunteer Fire
Department for thirty-five years. He has been a volunteer in a variety of
community organizations and associations. He is married to Dianna Sinclair
of Charlottetown. They have four children and nine grandchildren.
This is Fred’s third year as a Director on the Board. He represents the
Federation on the PEI Seniors’ Secretariat.
First Vice President
ROSS MacKAY
Born in Campbellton, Ross MacKay left for Toronto in 1957. He married
Shelia Smith from Cape Breton and they have four children and fourteen
grandchildren.
Ross worked in the remanufacturing section of Canadian Tire for nineteen
years as a machinist. He spends his spare time working at a variety of part-
time and temporary positions and playing an active role in his grandchildren’
s lives
.
Ross is a member of the O’Leary Sunshine Club. This is his third year
serving as a Director on the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation Board.
ROSS MacKAY
Born in Campbellton, Ross MacKay left for Toronto in 1957. He married
Shelia Smith from Cape Breton and they have four children and fourteen
grandchildren.
Ross worked in the remanufacturing section of Canadian Tire for nineteen
years as a machinist. He spends his spare time working at a variety of part-
time and temporary positions and playing an active role in his grandchildren’
s lives
.
Ross is a member of the O’Leary Sunshine Club. This is his third year
serving as a Director on the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation Board.
Director, Queens County
STEVE STEPHENSON
William Thomas “Steve” Stephenson was born near Toronto, Ontario. He
was a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force for 34 years and was Base
CWO at Summerside. Steve has lived in France, German, western Canada
and various places around the world.
Steve and his wife Nora have been married for over 50 years and have three
grown daughters. He is a trained photographer and enjoys reading and
travelling.
He is a member of the Mayflower Club in Stratford. This is his second year
serving as a Director on the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation Board.
STEVE STEPHENSON
William Thomas “Steve” Stephenson was born near Toronto, Ontario. He
was a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force for 34 years and was Base
CWO at Summerside. Steve has lived in France, German, western Canada
and various places around the world.
Steve and his wife Nora have been married for over 50 years and have three
grown daughters. He is a trained photographer and enjoys reading and
travelling.
He is a member of the Mayflower Club in Stratford. This is his second year
serving as a Director on the PEI Senior Citizens’ Federation Board.
Secretary
MARGARET CHING
Born and raised on PEI, Margaret and her husband reside in Eastern Kings.
She is currently a member of the Eastern Kings Senior Neighbour’s Club in
Munns Road. This is her second year serving on the PEI Senior Citizens’
Federation Board and her first year as Secretary.
MARGARET CHING
Born and raised on PEI, Margaret and her husband reside in Eastern Kings.
She is currently a member of the Eastern Kings Senior Neighbour’s Club in
Munns Road. This is her second year serving on the PEI Senior Citizens’
Federation Board and her first year as Secretary.
Director, Prince County
KAY McCARDLE
Born in Hope River, Kay and her husband Edward farmed. Kay later worked
at the store in Kinkora. Kay has been active in a variety of community
organizations including home and school, and is past president of the
CWOL.
Kay is past president of the Maple Leaf Seniors Club in Kinkora. This is her
second year serving as a Director on the PEI Senior Citizens' Federation
Board.
KAY McCARDLE
Born in Hope River, Kay and her husband Edward farmed. Kay later worked
at the store in Kinkora. Kay has been active in a variety of community
organizations including home and school, and is past president of the
CWOL.
Kay is past president of the Maple Leaf Seniors Club in Kinkora. This is her
second year serving as a Director on the PEI Senior Citizens' Federation
Board.
NEW BOARD MEMBERS:
Thelma Sweet, Prince County Representative
Reg Noonan, Prince County Representative
Sandra Stead, Kings County Representative
Thelma Sweet, Prince County Representative
Reg Noonan, Prince County Representative
Sandra Stead, Kings County Representative
