Congratulations Michael, Russell and Greg!

Michael Hennessy, Russell Mason and Greg Ryckman to receive community recognition awards

 

(Sault Ste. Marie, ON) - The 2013 recipients of the City’s Community Recognition Award are Michael Hennessy, Russell Mason and Greg Ryckman.

 

The Cultural Advisory Board Community Recognition Award is presented annually by the Corporation of the City of Sault Ste. Marie.

 

This award recognizes cultural contributions for activities considered to be particularly outstanding, innovative, or which have demonstrated long-term commitment to culture as defined in the City’s Cultural Policy.

 

Michael Hennessy receives the award for contributions in the performing arts – theatre. Russell Mason is recognized for his contributions in the visual arts, and Greg Ryckman receives the award for performing arts – music (see below for details).

 

Michael Hennessy- Cultural Advisory Board 2013 Community Recreation Award for Performing Arts (Theatre)

 

Michael Hennessy has been actively involved in community theatre in Sault Ste. Marie for the past 35 years.

 

He has participated in over 80 main-stage productions during that time, both as an actor and director, and has spent many years providing advice and guidance to those in our region.

 

He has directed five winning main-stage productions at the annual Quonta Regional Drama Festivals, has won two Outstanding Director awards, and in 1978 was named Outstanding Director at the All Ontario Theatre Festival. He has recently become an adjudicator and is in the talent bank of Theatre Ontario.

In 1982, Michael co-founded Family Life Theatre. Family Life Theatre brings community and public awareness of social issues of concern.

 

He has written, produced and directed over 1,800 performances of over 30 plays bringing these social issues to the public and to school children.

 

Using his Plays for Living as a tool, Michael always brings in social workers to lead the discussions after the productions and this has led to many youth and seniors receiving the support they need.

 

Family Life Theatre’s productions help improve the quality of life for many citizens of this community.

 

Michael also mentors his actors and production staff on how to perform, create lighting and in costume design.

Michael has been an ambassador for Sault Ste. Marie throughout the province of Ontario, and has worked diligently throughout his life towards making Sault Ste. Marie a good place to live and raise a family.

 

Russell Mason - Cultural Advisory Board 2013 Community Recreation Award for Visual Arts

 

Russ Mason is a retired elementary school teacher. He has extended his teaching skills into the arts community for more than 40 years.

 

He is well-respected both locally and provincially.

Russ has generously shared his expertise as a weaver/small business operator, introducing many people to his world of fabric through exhibitions, workshops and more recently, leading tours to India. During exhibitions, he educates everyone (artists, citizens, tourists) about the importance of craft in general, and his work specifically, thus benefiting everyone by encouraging people to support the local economy.

Russ has tirelessly volunteered his time to many arts events and organizations, providing leadership and resources that have benefited both the arts sector and the broader community.

Specifically, for many years he was highly involved in the Sault Craft Association, The Fall Festival of the Arts, The Art Gallery of Algoma, and the Ontario Crafts Council when it was active in Northern Ontario.

He remains very prominent in the Handweavers and Spinners Guild, having been the local and Provincial Chair at various times. His dedication to local organizations and events has contributed to their longevity.

 

Greg Ryckman- Cultural Advisory Board 2013 Community Recreation Award for Performing Arts (Music)

 

Greg was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie and received his undergraduate degree in music from the University of Western Ontario.

 

Before he returned to school for a Bachelor of Education, Greg toured the country as a working rock musician. It was then that he understood the impact that music has on both audiences and performers.

Greg joined the Music Department staff at Korah Collegiate & Vocational School soon after receiving his teaching credentials. As the driving force behind Korah Collegiate’s “Mustang Sally”, Greg has created a unique opportunity for young performers to hone their skills and to act as ambassadors promoting the value of the Algoma District School Board’s Character Education Program.

 

Members of Mustang Sally are truly leaders and demonstrate all the aspects of good character. This is evident in their energetic and extremely professional live show.

Mustang Sally is a 13 piece rhythm and blues band. It is comprised of four powerful vocalists, a solid rock rhythm section and a horn section that is commonly referred to as the “Pied Pipers of Funk”. They have publicly performed more than a hundred times since the band’s inception in January of 2004 and have wowed audiences across Ontario.

 

Most performances are on a volunteer basis for a variety of charities and functions. These performances have increased band members’ awareness of the charities and also the importance of “giving back” to their community.

In its tenth year, Mustang Sally now has members that first saw the band when they were in kindergarten.

 

Through Greg’s relentless hard work, the program has equipped itself with gear and gigs that many professional musicians would envy.

 

The program is known for a consistent level of excellence, and has represented our community by touring provincially.

A number of Greg’s students have gone on to careers in the entertainment industry.

 

The Community Recognition Awards for 2013 will be presented at the October 21, 2013 City Council meeting.

 

Congratulations to this year’s recipients.

 

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