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Timmons, D’Amico Thorold Senior Citizens of the Year

Margaret Timmons and John D’Amico were both named Thorold’s Senior Citizen of the Year this week

Margaret Timmons may be 98, but she still volunteers in her community.

She and John D’Amico were both named Thorold’s Senior Citizen of the Year in a ceremony at the Ontario Paper Company Thorold Seniors Centre Wednesday.

“It sure shows how thriving and active Thorold is when you have to pick a senior of the year and we have to pick two,” noted Regional councillor Tim Whalen.

Describing Timmons as “selfless” and “community-minded,” nominator Angela Braun added, “She has been such a hero for me and a role model all my life.”

Timmons is a Right to Life founding member and at Birth Right, provided assistance to pregnant women, said Braun.

“She's an active member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, serving the poorest of the poor, and in their soup kitchen,” and was chair of the SVDP House, “which existed on Pine Street for years.”

A long-time Catholic Women's League member, Timmons has taken Holy Communion to the sick and suffering, and visited residents at Cobblestone Retirement Residence. Wife of the late James Timmons, she’s the mother of seven, grandmother of 11, and great-great grandmother of 14.

“And in her spare time, she knits baby blankets for hospitals,” Braun mused.

“What make Thorold so special are people like Margaret,” said Mayor Terry Ugulini. “We use these seniors as our role model. Giving back in our community is the best legacy we can leave.”

On behalf of the province of Ontario, MPP Jeff Burch commended her for “still doing volunteer work” at age 98. Whether “donating to a refugee family, or making sandwiches, you have touched so many lives,” he said.

“Margaret, you are a role model for us and a tireless volunteer,” said Anna Oakes, on behalf of Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey, who was in Parliament. “It takes a very special person to continually show kindness and caring for your community the way you have.”

The provincial government’s theme this year is Aging Strong: Respect and Protect Seniors. To recognize June as Seniors Month, the annual ceremony was hosted by The Thorold Senior Citizens Association and Thorold’s Age Friendly Committee, along with an Information Fair, featuring displays and service providers at the Seniors Centre prior to Senior of the Year presentations—with Timmons taking the title for the province of Ontario, and John D’Amico winning for the City of Thorold.

“I’m here to acknowledge one of the hardest working, nicest guys in the town,” said Mal Woodhouse.

D’Amico “was involved with the original Thorold Chamber of Commerce, and has been involved in supporting business in Niagara and Thorold, and is the current chair of the NCBOTAC, which originated here in Thorold; being the voice of business owners and advocating on their behalf,” said Woodhouse.“His selfless acts have made our community a better place. John seems to be always happy-go-lucky, and his wife Elaine is always there to support him.”

“I’ve known John a long time,” said Mayor Ugulini. “He’s a role model in our community and he’s what makes the city of Thorold what it is, and I want to thank you for that. You have definitely made a difference in the lives of many.”

Burch also gave him a certificate for his “35 years of contributions. You most certainly are a shining example of what giving to the community is about,” said the MP.

“You should be very proud you have a citizen like this in your community,” added Oakes. “John demonstrates leadership in the business community and is a true gentleman, and pleasure to work with. He cares about his community and brings knowledge and experience; empathy and community leadership.”

Whalen joked, “John, who would’ve thought when we started school together, I’d be up here congratulating you for senior of the year?”
 

While working full-time, D’Amico, a father of two, consistently volunteered to serve on multiple committees, including Club Roma’s board of directors for 25 years, and Club Capri's board for nine years, helping both organizations raise funds to benefit several local charities, including the Canadian Cancer Society, Community Care St. Catharines/Thorold, the former St. Catharines Hospital, current Niagara Health System and the Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre Foundation, with John joining the latter organization for 20 years as well.

“John’s son Robert recalls ‘growing up' at Club Roma,” said Woodhouse.

Thanking his children, Kristin and Robert, for their support, D’Amico said, “I dedicate this award to my wife, Elaine.”

Music by the Young at Heart Choir began and ended the ceremony; and the seniors led the crowd in singing Happy Birthday to Timmons, who will turn 98 on June 16.

“Thank you, everyone,” she said. “I will never forget this day.”