News Release

Excellent Edmontonians Saluted

Citizens who inspire others and enhance Edmonton’s reputation as a dynamic and diverse city were honoured at the2014 Salute to Excellence Citation and Performance Awards.

“Great cities are inspired by people who dare to dream big and do more,” said Mayor Don Iveson. “These individuals have found a passion, and, in the pursuit of their interests, have enriched the lives of others and enhanced their community in remarkable ways.”

Citation Awards recognize individuals or groups who have given more than five years of distinguished service as volunteers and have been inspirational leaders in the areas of arts and culture, sports, and community service.

Twelve individuals were awarded citation awards for their work as volunteers, pacesetters, fundraisers, mentors and long standing community leaders.

Arts and Culture

• Jalal Barzanji – Honoured for being a passionate ambassador of freedom of expression as a poet, journalist, and human rights activist.
• Heather Bedford Clooney – Recognized for her contributions in the area of musical artistic direction.
• Don Bouzek – Lauded for presenting stories from diverse communities through his work as a theatre director, videographer, and founder of Ground Zero Productions.
• Wendy Grasdahl – Honoured for creating opportunities for amateur musicians at the local, national and international level, including with the Armed Forces Musical Branch and adult musical summer camps.
• Dorothy Jean Harris – Celebrated for her love of dance, dance education, and sharing dance with youth at elementary, secondary and post-secondary school levels.
• Todd Janes – Recognized for his work in alternative arts culture, and for partnerships with schools, diverse communities, and social justice sectors.
• Ken Regan – Honoured for his work with and stewardship of CKUA radio.
• Arnold Rumbold – Recognized for his volunteer involvement in various board and committee roles with a range of musical groups and community-focused societies.

Community Service

• David Dodge – Celebrated for his many years volunteering with community-based organizations including community leagues.
• Gillian Horwitz – Honoured for her work in the areas of women and children’s health, both in Canada and Israel, as well as her work in the area of Holocaust commemoration and remembrance.
• Don Lore – Recognized for his extensive community involvement in a range of activities including coaching, community leagues, the Edmonton Food Bank and the United Way.

Sports

• George Murphy – Lauded for his leadership in the area of outdoor sport, including cross-country skiing and orienteering, as well as coaching, teaching and championing other types of amateur sports.

Performance Awards honour individuals who have gained outstanding recognition at the national or international sporting level.

More than 200 sports performance awards were given to amateur athletes who play or train in Edmonton, or are connected to the city. These include individual, team and Olympic/Paralympic athletes representing a range of sports at various levels, including masters-levels.