Several committed residents of the County of Stettler were honored with community service awards during the county’s annual awards night Jan. 15 at Linda Hall.
“Congratulations to all winners,” said Councillor Les Stulberg, who chairs Stettler Recreation Board as he addressed the crowd.
“Volunteers are the most valuable resources to keep facilities and programs going.”
Here’s a rundown of the award winners:
• Stettler Dodge Community Service Award
Archie and Ila Lunevich – Nominated by the Linda Hall community, the Luneviches have been very active with Linda Hall and the Fritz Hall community with various projects.
“This couple is the prime example of what hard work and working together can accomplish, both in their farming career and in play,” said the nomination letter.
Both were very active with 4-H when their children were young. Archie is active in the men’s club, golf at Big Valley and Stettler and Ila is active in the women’s club.
• Donalda and District Agricultural Society Community Service Award
Harvey Koch –
Koch is a relatively new to the community in that he retired in Donalda in 2005.
By early 2006, Koch had become a volunteer to assist the community with some of the ongoing tasks like operating the community hall, equestrian centre, curling rink and ski hill.
His contribution in working with agricultural society members and summer students was described as invaluable.
• Big Valley Agricultural Society Community Service Award
Sharon Duncan –
Living in Big Valley since 1986, Duncan has been involved with various community groups such as Big Valley Curling Club in various positions, Royal Purple since 1986, Big Valley United Church and a director of the board of Big Valley Community Hall.
She is described as an enthusiastic and tireless volunteer.
Community members say Duncan can always be counted on to help.
• Sullivan Lake West Agricultural Society Community Service Award
Rob and Laurie Somerville – “Rob and Laurie Somerville have both shown community spirit and volunteerism in the Byemoor and Endiang communities and in the County of Stettler,” says the nomination letter.
Rob served as treasurer of the society for three years and worked hard to research several projects at Endmoor Arena and completed several applications to secure provincial funding.
He has also been active with the surface rights group and various boards and committees in the county.
Laurie serves on the library board for the county, and both have active in various community activities and events.
• Stettler District Agricultural Society Community Service Award
Ted Nibourg –
Recently elected the new president of the society, Nibourg co-chaired the organizing committee for the Stettler Steel Wheel Stampede last August.
A member of the society since 2003, he has been characterized as “a fountain of information” with his knowledge with Alberta Agriculutre’s Info Centre in Stettler where he is employed.
Nibourg also plays saxaphone with the local Jazz Guys music band.
• Botha Community Society Award
Isabel Kerl –
Kerl is known for her continuous involvement in the community.
Over the years, she has been active with Botha United Church and United Church Women and church board.
She was the editor of the Botha history book and helped organize homecomings for Botha’s 75th and 100th anniversary celebrations.
• Botha Community Centre Youth Award
Kendra Grams –
Grams volunteers with Botha School with fundraising for various organizations and for multiple sclerosis and active in 4-H and Botha Community Centre.
In high school, she began serving on student council as social convener and also became active with the local chapter of Students Against Drunk Driving.
