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The 40th Annual County of Stettler Community Service Awards honour the best in recreation, culture and community contributions

The County of Stettler honoured county residents who had made some outstanding contributions to their communities.
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County Reeve Wayne Nixon welcomes everyone who had made it to the county’s 40th Annual Community Service Awards on Friday evening

The County of Stettler announced the winners of this year’s Stettler Dodge Community Service Award and Atco Electric Cultural, Arts and Heritage Award, among other community service awards, held at an evening ceremony on Friday, Feb. 10 at the Big Valley Jubilee Hall on Main Street.

The awards honour community members and county residents for their outstanding contribution to recreation, culture and service in their communities.

This year’s Stettler Dodge Community Service Award was given to Tammy and David Webster of Big Valley for their devotion and dedication to the community. The award was presented by Lorraine Hankins, Director of Recreation at the county, on behalf of Kelly Hicks of Stettler Dodge and Abby Webster.

The Atco Electric Cultural, Arts and Heritage Award was given to Marlene Conibear of Donalda for her exceptional contribution to the culture in the community.

Conibear was unable to attend the ceremony, so the award presented by Tracy Volker of Atco and John Pearson of Donalda Agricultural Society was accepted by Darlene Tantrum instead.

Conibear was honoured on Sunday, Feb. 12 at the Donalda Drop-In Centre when the Donalda Coulee Friendship Club hosted their monthly pancake breakfast.

“Every community has an individual who exhibits a passion for history, an enthusiasm for culture and the dedication to ensuring that our heritage is preserved and honoured. Donalda has many such individuals, and this person is truly a treasure and a force to be reckoned with,” said Pearson. “Our community is truly lucky that she calls Donalda her home.”

The supper for the evening was catered by Big Valley’s Katrina’s Catering, while the entertainment was provided by singer and musician Robyn Armstrong.

The Reeve welcomed all those who made it that evening, before saying grace to start the supper.

This was followed by Armstrong’s songs before the awards were presented.

The other award recipients were as follows.

Sullivan Lake West Agricultural Society Community Service Award Twila Buchwitz

Donalda and District Agricultural Society Community Service Award Ron Borchuk

Big Valley Agricultural Society Community Service Award Raj and Doug Duncan

Stettler and District Agricultural Society Community Service Award Betty Ettinger

Botha Community Centre Lifetime Achievement Award Josie Hunter

Botha Community Centre Youth Award Jennifer Hoekstra

Endmoor Culture and Recreation Society Community Service Youth Award Rylee Jones

“We receive nominations from community members for the two major awards,” Hankins said. “The volunteers that are nominated have spent countless hours volunteering and contributing to their community.”

The regional recreation board selects the winners for the other awards, which is a difficult decision as each nominee is so deserving, Hankins explained.

“The recognition of our volunteers is very important to the County of Stettler and it is an event that continues to grow in size and magnitude,” Hankins added. “We have great sponsors that continue to support our event and our volunteers, and hopefully we will continue to increase the number of communities that present awards and corresponding sponsorships.”

According to Hankins, it is great that the awards are hosted in a different part of the county each year as it gives that area an opportunity to highlight their unique community and all the great work that they do.

“The County of Stettler is happy to support this great event,” Hankins said.