Campbell named senior of year in Emo

As tears welled in her eyes, Bernice Campbell noted how honoured she felt to be offered the “Senior of the Year” award by the Township of Emo.
“It will be 60 years this month that we first moved to Emo,” she said during a party held for her yesterday. “This truly is home.”
The surprise party was held in the cafeteria at the Emo Health Centre, where Campbell often volunteers. And she stressed the honour really was a surprise.
“I had no idea,” she remarked. “I saw them bringing in cake and I thought it was for Mr. [Maurice] MacMillan, whose 100th birthday is coming up.
“I’m weepy—really honoured,” she added.
Several of Campbell’s friends were on hand to congratulate her on the achievement.
“Bernice has really earned this,” said Lloyd Wheatley on behalf of the residents at the Golden Age Manor. “She’s done so many things around town and we really appreciate her and her active life.
“We hope her good health continues on for many years.”
“There’s nobody better to give the award to,” echoed Elder Jack.
Heather Oltsher, who sits on the Emo and District Hospital Auxiliary with Campbell, agreed the award was well-deserved.
“She’s great for the community,” Oltsher stressed. “And she likely does far more than we even know. She’s a friend to everyone and she truly enjoys everything she does.”
Emo Coun. Ken Fisher was on hand to present the award and help dish out cake and ice cream to all of Campbell’s friends. And, of course, Campbell helped serve the dessert.
“We’ve watched her for years helping everyone,” Coun. Fisher insisted.
“She’s always doing something—never sits still.”
He noted Campbell volunteers much of her time at the manor and the hospital, as well as just helping others in the community.
Campbell agreed she is pretty active in the community and with her volunteering.
“It must be my background in nursing—I just like helping people,” she remarked.