We have a long way to go ....

And these are just some of the people who are helping us get there.

Our Board Members

Ida Gavlas grew up on Amherst Island, and worked for 27 years in Administation at the Municipal Office in Stella. Ida and husband George, will celebrate 50 years of marriage this fall. She has two children, and says her grandchildren are her main hobby. Ida claims she was “Happily Retired until she decided Amherst Island needed a walk-in medical clinic...” Ida has many years of volunteering under her belt, and believes in the motto: “Not what your community can do for you but what you can do for your community”.

Judy Greer has been an island resident since 2005. She is a retired Occupational Therapist having worked in KFLA many years doing home visiting and specializing in seniors and caregiver support. Judy is currently a volunteer with L&A Hospice, Amherst Island Women’s Institute and the Weasel and Easel. Judy loves sailing and travel.

Reta Foley, worked in hospitals, medical and dental clinics as an RN, eventually starting her own business, providing a computerized billing service for doctors. Reta and husband Kirk built a house on Amherst Island In 1979 which has been mostly used as a summer cottage. They continue to commute to Toronto on a regular basis. Reta’s volunteer work includes membership in a Philanthropic Educational Sisterhood, which raises funds to support women around the world to achieve their educational goals. Reta’s hobbies include reading, gardening, playing the piano & enjoying her 6 grandchildren.

Karen Miller is a fifth generation islander and likes giving back to the community that has given her so much. Karen retired from INVISTA Canada in 2017 with 26 years of accounting and government interaction experience, including Accounting & Payroll Supervisor, Plant Controller and Regional Tax Manager. As a volunteer, Karen is a past Treasurer for St Alban’s Anglican Church and has just assumed the Treasurer position for The Neilson Store Museum where she has been a Director for three years.

David Pickering joined the military at 17, and worked as a radio signal operator. An Officer in the Canadian Military at age 30, David managed computers and communications systems, then taught at the military communications school in Kingston. David retired to the island at age 58, where he continues to pursue his interests in computers and communications. David is treasurer for both the Island Radio station and the Amherst Island Men’s Society (AIMS), and is a member of the Board for AICA (community alliance) and AICMC.

Cathy Showalter retired to Amherst Island in 2019, after a career in administration, in the fields of law and satellite communication. During the 1990’s Cathy provided crew training and QA services to the Canadian Space Agency in the field of human space flight. Cathy recently returned to work (from home) as a legal assistant for a Canadian marine shipping company headquartered in Montreal.

Wendy Shelley, worked 30 years in Long-Term Care, as a Registered Nurse, Director of Care and Administrator. After moving to Amherst Island in 2008 and 3 years of retirement, Wendy returned to Nursing, and worked in a Flex Clinic for another 1 ½ years. Wendy was involved with the Alzheimer Society and Scouts Canada for many years, and is a member of the AIWI. Wendy enjoys her grandchildren, gardening, travelling North America and chasing waterfalls with husband Richard.  

Some of the many others.

Jenn Morris, Registered Foot Care Nurse, talked about foot health: offering tips, exercises and sharing the importance and benefits of looking after your feet.

Desireé Mathias, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator and Melissa Smith, a Registered Nurse, who are associated with the Napanee Area Community Health Centre presented on risk and risk mitigation techniques for type 2 diabetes.

Mike Pavagadhi of the Bath Family Pharmacy answered questions such as, "Can I take cough medicine along with my prescription?" or "What's the difference between Tylenol and Advil?"

Kristin Kelly, a Registered Massage Therapist spoke about back pain and what causes it.  She talked about skills for avoidance and alternatives for treatment.

Trish Beckett presented on Coping with Arthritis.  She is a retired physiotherapist from The Arthritis Society.

Maureen McGinn an RN, helped with all our vaccination clinics.

Reta Brown did cookbook sales and helped in clinic assist with clients.

David Fleming did cookbook pickup as well as clinic assist, set up, traffic control and gave rides for clinics.

Charlene Feraday, a retired RN, worked with the lobster sales, the cookbook sales, and did clinic monitoring for reactions.

George Gavlas helped with clinic set ups, traffic control, gave rides for clients, and did cookbook sales.

Bonnie Livingstone was the driving force in the cookbook compilation.  She also did cookbook sales and flyers.

Woody Woodiwiss did our conceptual drawings of our possible future clinic as well as designing our letterhead and new cookbook cover.

Elana Zanetti was a clinic assistant, and helped with seating clients.

The Back Kitchen volunteers helped with fundraising associated with our four meals produced from our cookbook.