Minister announces appointments to the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador

Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Paul Shelley today announced six new appointments and three reappointments to the Board of Directors of the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Government remains committed to the Heritage Foundation and its mandate of protecting and preserving historically significant built heritage and heritage districts in the province. We recently renewed this commitment by providing $250,000 in Budget 2004 to allow the foundation to continue its important role," said Minister Shelley. "I am confident that the individuals comprising the new board of directors will bring expertise, experience and leadership to the foundation and will ensure the continued recognition and protection of the province�s heritage structures."

The Heritage Foundation board of directors has a total of 12 members. Current members Cindy Gibbons (Red Bay), Dr. Robert Mellin (St. John�s) and Robert Parsons (Grand Bank) have been reappointed for a second three-year term, while six new members have been appointed for a three-year term: Roy Dawe (Cupids), Shannie Duff (St. John�s), Kenneth Flynn (Placentia), Patsy Gardner (Flower�s Cove), Patricia Hatch (Corner Brook) and Sandra Wheeler (Corner Brook). Board members Fred Hann (St. John�s) and David Hood (St. John�s) will continue their terms until August 31, 2005. Michael Clair will also continue to serve on the board as a representative from the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.

"I would like to acknowledge the incredible contribution of those board members whose terms have expired. Our thanks go out to the outgoing chair, Ruth Canning, and to members Gordon Bradley and Vincent McCarthy for their commitment and dedication to the preservation of the architectural heritage of the province and for the progress that has been made under their leadership," said Minister Shelley.

The Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador is a legislated body that operates under the Historic Resources Act. The organization�s mandate is to assess the province's built heritage and encourage its preservation through education, recognition and a grants program. Since its creation in 1984, the foundation has been government's arm in ensuring that as much of our built heritage as possible is preserved.

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-0928

BACKGROUNDER

Cindy Gibbons, a resident of Red Bay, Labrador, is a well-respected interpreter at the Red Bay National Historic Site. She is also a member of the Wessex Newfoundland Society, the Newfoundland Historical Society, the Newfoundland and Labrador Genealogical Society, Museum Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada�s National History Society.

Dr. Robert Mellin, a resident of St. John�s, has a private architectural practice based in St. John�s and is a faculty member with McGill School of Architecture in Montreal. He is a recipient of three Southcott Awards for heritage restoration, is widely published in the field of architectural studies and has written reports on heritage planning and urban development.

Robert Parsons, a resident of Grand Bank, is a well-known author on the topic of maritime history and shipwrecks, historical researcher and a long-time member of heritage organizations. He is a member of the Newfoundland Historical Society, Writer�s Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Association of Cultural Industries.

Roy Dawe, a resident of Cupids, is an active member of the community who has demonstrated a commitment to preserving and protecting the architectural heritage of Cupids and the province. Mr. Dawe currently serves as Chair of the Cupers Cove Heritage Foundation and is a former Chair of the Cupids Historical Society and former mayor of the town of Cupids.

Shannie Duff, a resident of St. John�s, is a well-known champion of architectural heritage in the province. Throughout her career, she has stressed the importance of heritage preservation and affordable housing in urban development. She has spent over 20 years in municipal affairs, serving in various roles, including mayor of St. John's and currently serves as a councillor on St. John�s City Council. Ms. Duff is a recipient of the Order of Canada and the Queen�s Golden Jubilee Medal.

Kenneth Flynn, a resident of Jerseyside, is highly involved in the heritage community as president of the Placentia Area Historical Society, Co-chair of the Town of Placentia Heritage Advisory Committee, curator at O�Reilly House Museum and a board member of the Newfoundland Historic Trust. He is also the founding member of the Placentia archaeology project.

Patsy Gardner, a resident of Flower�s Cove, is an active member of the community with an interest in the restoration and preservation of historical sites in the province. She currently serves as the executive director of the Great Northern Peninsula Joint Councils, a councillor with the Town of Flower�s Cove and chair of the Straits-St. Barbe Chamber of Commerce.

Patricia Hatch, a resident of Corner Brook, is a current board member of the Corner Brook Museum and Archives and chair of the board of Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador.

Sandra Wheeler, a resident of Corner Brook, is a co-owner of The Ewing Gallery, a privately- owned art gallery in Corner Brook, and a sessional lecturer in folklore at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College. She is a board member of the Newfoundland Historic Society and a past director of the Corner Brook Museum and Archives Society.

2004 08 12                                        3:55 p.m.