By Emily Jaycox For the Independent
About 140 people came out for the 42nd annual County of Stettler Community Service Awards on Feb. 21 at Linda Hall.
The awards recognize volunteers in agriculture, recreation and culture.
Coun. Dave Grover brought greetings from the county.
“I’m quite proud to be in this county,” he said.
Dinner was provided by Teresa’s Catering and guests were serenaded by the country musical stylings of Genuine Cowgirls, a band from Big Valley.
Denise Nitschke, a member of the Linda Hall Ladies, was the master of ceremonies for the evening.
The Stettler Dodge Community Service award was awarded to Raymond Meston.
Meston was recognized for his many volunteer hours and for the welcome sight of his water truck on hot summer days and for snow plowing.
The ATCO Electric Arts, Culture and Heritage award was given to Lane Damberger.
Damberger served as president of the Donalda Community Council before it became the Donalda Agricultural Society and has served as the executive director of the Donalda Museum.
A welder by trade, he’s used his talents to build artwork and donate a wheelchair ramp and bike rack.
The Sullivan Lake West Agricultural Society Community Service award recipient was Winnie Paulsen.
Paulsen is known for her community spirit and enthusiasm for volunteering for the Endiang cemetery club and as part of the Endiang Community Hall Club, holding executive positions.
Roy and Beth Fulton received the Donalda and District Agricultural Society Community Service Award.
The Fultons are involved in many agricultural boards and community events and Beth has used her skills in design and marketing to benefit the community of Donalda.
Val Erickson was awarded the Big Valley Agricultural Society Community Service Award.
Erickson has coached and volunteered in sports and has served on the Big Valley Hall board for 20 years.
The Stettler and District Agricultural Society Community Service Award was given to Jerry Sinclair for his involvement and passion for rodeo.
The Botha Old Tyme Dance Club was chosen for the Botha Community Centre Lifetime Community Service Award for its donations to community improvements and its role in bringing people to Botha.
Connor Nixon, described as a role model and helper at school, received the Botha Community Centre Youth Service Award.
Aubrey Ross was the recipient of the Botha School Youth Service Award for her patience with younger students, involvement in junior rodeo and her volunteerism.
Rhett Walker, known for his helpfulness around the community and service to the local ice rink, received the Endmoor Youth Community Service Award.
In 2020 the community services awards night will be hosted by Rochon Sands, Nevis or Erskine.