Meet Vernon's Good Citizen of the Year

Meet Vernon’s Good Citizen of the Year

Jan 22, 2019 | 1:57 PM

One lucky lady got the shock of her life on Tuesday after being crowned Vernon’s Good Citizen of the Year.

Carol Armstrong received the award for 17 years of dedication running the ” Single Friends 60 Plus Group.”

The group meets twice weekly for coffee and participates in monthly outings like camping and dancing.

She says she was motivated to start the group after losing her husband .

” It’s a struggle when you are single you have been married all your life , or many years , to make your way out,” said Armstrong

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” You feel lost , you don’t know anybody.”

The ” Single Friends 60 Plus Group ” first started with just eight members but has since grown to over 80; providing a sense of community for those who have lost loved ones.

” I wouldn’t have as many friends if I didn’t start this, I just wouldn’t . I’m just as happy to have all of them as they are happy to have me,” said Armstrong.

Aside from organizing the group, she also visits sick members in the hospital , house sits , provides rides , and organizes celebrations of life for members who have passed away. She also raises money to support the Turtle Valley Donkey Refugee Society.

Her hours of dedication to members of the city who would otherwise feel alone is what caught the eye of the award organizers .

” It’s great to see such an engaged member of our community working to create friendships and facilitate activities for local seniors who are living on their own. She’s committed to making sure members of her group feel they belong and are never alone , ” said Hailey Rilkoff, Chair of the 2018 JCI Vernon Good Citizen Award in a press release.

Vernon’s Good Citizen of the Year is presented by JCI Vernon annually and relies on nominations from members of the community.