2022-01-05

Community spirit abounded in Queens in 2021

by KEVIN MCBAIN

  • <p>Hospital supporters of note</p><p>It was an announcement many hospital foundations only dream of making. In the summer of 2021, the Queens General Hospital Foundation announced it had received $4.8 million from the estate of the late Diane and Tim Ledvina. Originally from New York, the couple had made the Region of Queens Municipality its preferred location of retirement, Diane died in 2012 and Tim in 2015, both from cancer. As a sign of appreciation for the level of care they received by staff at Queens General Hospital, Tim decided to leave the money to the foundation, which made its announcement after the bequeathed funds were received.</p><p>FILE PHOTO</p>
  • <p>Infallible generosity</p><p>A well-respected member of the community for years, Sheldon Cohoon (pictured at left) has become a virtual Port Medway icon. Cohoon, 83, was told in October 2020 that he had inoperable cancer. Since then and although his health is failing, his giving spirit has remained infallible. In 2021, he donated more than $130,000 in cash and goods to the Port Medway Fire Department (PMFD). In the photo with Cohoon is Valerie Baker, treasurer of the PMFD Auxiliary, presenting a plaque in recognition of his contributions.</p><p>FILE PHOTO</p>
  • <p>Universal vision</p><p>It was only a spark in her eye in 2016, but for Debbie J. Wamboldt, chair of the Queens Universally Designed Playpark, the dream for a universal play park for her community will soon become a reality, thanks in part to her vision and leadership. Wamboldt has led the fundraising for the park, which brought in a whopping $600,000 in 2021, far surpassing her original, ambitious goal of $450,000. Work is expected to begin on the project this spring and finish by early summer.</p><p>FILE PHOTO</p>

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Last year saw huge contributions of one sort or another by individuals to the community in Queens. We reflected on a few heroes of the county.

Back to the News Page
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
Thank you for printing this article from lighthousenow.ca. Subscribe today for access to all articles, including our archives!