ANN MUNRO is completing her 28th year as a Bard on the Beach volunteer. She’s aiming to get to 30 years in support of the internationally recognized organization she and husband, Patrick Munro, a former CBC radio host, first became aware of when Patrick interviewed Christopher Gaze, founder of the Bard festival, in 1989.
Ann says she loves live theatre, and that’s why she has committed so much time to support it. While working full time, first as a critical care nurse and then as a seniors’ residential care manager until four years ago, Ann says she still managed to average 100 volunteer hours/season at Bard. She has taken on every possible role while she’s watched the festival grow and change over time.
“I’ve always believed in giving back to my communities,” says the mother of two, who also handmade 80,000 pink ribbons for an early Run for the Cure.
Now a Pender Harbour resident, the former Vancouverite also sits on the Reading Centre Board and serves as Hospitality Chair for the Chamber Festival in her community. “I couldn’t imagine not doing all this,” says Ann. “It keeps you young to keep your mind and body active.”
MICHAEL SHAMAN, originally from Winnipeg, and now based in Nanoose Bay, Vancouver Island, says he’s been a lifetime rail transport guy. Fifty years ago, he worked his way from apprentice technician to an executive position with CN Rail and then went on to be COO with Bombardier Systems Division, designing and selling engineering services and maintenance contracts to UK’s Virgin Trains and the US and Europe’s ADtranz.
After working and living around the globe, he was ready to retire a few years ago to pursue leisure activities that include photography, gardening, cycling, kayaking and hanging out with his wife of 51 years, Gloria, and their grown children.
But, “I got itchy again,” admits the grandfather of one. So, when he was invited to apply his systems skills to the Canada Line for their future planning, he went back to work part-time.
“I love the challenge,” says Michael. “I like to transfer my knowledge and my years of experience to new projects. The mind is like a muscle that needs to be used.”
Even though he is still being headhunted for new projects worldwide, Michael has now found balance in his life – and hopes to keep it. “I like to have no plan when I get up in the morning,” he says, “but I’m not ready to shut down yet.”
Verena Foxx is a Vancouver writer/educator. If you have a story to share, contact her at: verena.foxx@gmail.com
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