They are often busy, but always have time for others. They are spurred on by a sense of community, not vanity or a fat paycheque. And most of their good deeds go unrecognized.
One evening, however, is devoted to these unsung local heroes: the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Night.
This year’s event takes place at the Agrena on Wednesday, April 24, from 5:30 p.m. to about 9:30 p.m., and is expected to attract up to 500 people.
As usual there are three prestigious awards to be presented: the Rosemary Empey Volunteer of the Year, Longstanding Service Award and the Outstanding Youth Award (for those aged up to 24).
Nominees for the Rosemary Empey award are Shannon and Carla Carlson, Margaret Wimmer and the Barrhead Grizzly Trail Fire and Rescue Association.
St. John’s Lutheran Youth Group and Emma van Loon are the youth award nominees, while Ella Stoik has been nominated for a longstanding service award.
In addition, Barrhead Public Library will be presenting a Making a Difference in our Community Award.
This year’s theme – “Volunteers count. Count me in” – champions the spirit of giving which Barrhead and Westlock will be relying upon during the 2013 Alberta 55-plus Summer Games.
A huge army of volunteers will be needed when the two communities host the July 25-28 games.
One of the guest speakers will be games committee chair Gerry St. Pierre, who is expected to deliver a rallying cry for help and talk about Barrhead’s history.
It is also hoped that Elsie Measures, a familiar name in local sporting circles, will say a few words.
Dignitaries providing welcoming remarks include representatives of the Town, County, Chamber of Commerce and Pembina Hills school division. Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock MLA Maureen Kubinec is listed to speak as well.
“It will be a great night,” said Jenny Bruns, chair of the volunteer committee, last week.
The evening will start with a grand entrance of award nominees to the sound of bagpipes played by Gary Hove.
Dale Clarke will then take over musical duties, playing the piano while guests enjoy a lasagna dinner.
Before the presentation of awards, there will be a variety of entertainment. It will include highland dancing by 11-year-old Carley McMann of Dunstable, a piano recital by Rotary Music Festival medal winner Amanda Warkentin, and a rendition of “O Danny Boy” by festival winner in voice Amanda Terpsma.
Step dancers Adele Nichols, Carolyn Bajer, Phyllis Nanninga, Pauline Smecko, Leslie Penny and Zelda King are also scheduled to perform. MC for the evening will be Dale Greig.
Tickets are $5 and are available at FCSS.
More about the nominees…
Ella Stoik
Ella Stoik has been nominated by Elaine Dickie for the Long Standing Service award.
As a true volunteer, when Ella sees something that needs doing, she doesn’t hesitate to ask how she can help. For the past 20 years, she has been an active volunteer with the Barrhead Public Library as a Library Trustee for nine of those years, and a “Friend of the Library” for seventeen. Ella’s cheerful disposition and willingness to say yes to projects of all sizes make for a happy workplace. She is equally at ease planning a large scale public event, such as the Library’s annual Country Christmas, or pitching in to clean up the Library storeroom. Every year Ella can be counted on to judge 4-H communications events, and in the past has traveled as far as Edson to judge the regional public speaking competition. Ella volunteers to work casino fundraisers for a number of organizations, including the library and the Barrhead Daycare Society. She regularly assists with lunches at her church, and is a member of the “Witness” committee. Each year Ella reads to the elementary school classes during Reading Week, and has assisted with Rotary Music Festival in the past.
Enthusiastic helpers are the backbone of any non-profit organization. Someone as willing as Ella and as generous with her time and talents is a true gift to the community.
St. John’s Lutheran Church Youth Group
The St. John’s Lutheran Youth Group Ages 12-22 has been nominated by Shelly Ree for the Youth Volunteer of the Year award.
The Lutheran Youth Group has been operating the concession at the Blue Heron Fair with enthusiasm for several years, as well as the popcorn booth at the Wildrose Rodeo Final. Members participate in the highway cleanup, where their responsibility is nine kilometers on Highway 18. During the holiday season the group volunteers as Santa’s helpers, dressing as elves for the Santa’s Workshop event. They bring out their singing voices as well, caroling to Hillcrest residents. Many members teach Sunday school throughout the year, play in the hand bell choir at St. John’s, and sing in a choir. Some help lead worship once a month by reading, leading prayers, singing, and playing in the worship band. Members also help as leaders for the church Vacation Bible School, where they lead young children with music, games, drama, snacks and crafts. There are many fundraising efforts made, most recently a 30 hour famine for a Canadian Lutheran World Relief; a battery drive, and the St. John’s Annual Pancake Supper. The group donated $5,000 to a project called One Community, which supplies everything a third world community would need.
Margaret Wimmer
Margaret Wimmer has been nominated by Brenda Fisher for the Rosemary Empey award.
Margaret has always demonstrated the spirit of giving her whole life with a willingness to do a good job in helping others. The Senior Drop In Centre, Brookside, United Church, and Aspen Health Services are but a few groups Margaret is involved in. She inspires others to live healthy by leading in exercising, helping with flu shots, and assisting with mammogram screening. Margaret belongs to the Barrhead Auxiliary, a group that raises money for equipment at Healthcare Centre and Keir Care Centre. She joined in 2005 and has been treasurer for the past six years. Margaret is on the board at the drop in centre, as well as the catering committee. She helps with groceries and preparing cooking, serves to funerals, crib tournaments, floor tournaments, and helps out with the bingo tournaments throughout the year. As vice president of the Brookside Village Condo association, Margaret helps coordinate weekly chair exercises, and make sure everyone’s condo insurance is up to date. She also takes over when the president is away, and is willing to help out when other needs arise. With the Summer Games coming up, Margaret is in charge of the concession booths.
Barrhead Grizzly Trail Fire and Rescue Association
Barrhead Grizzly Trail Fire and Rescue Association has been nominated by the County of Barrhead No. 11 for the Rosemary Empey award.
The association raises funds to purchase fire and rescue equipment needed in the community not included in the budget. Instead of accepting the equipment can’t be purchased, they roll up their sleeves and fundraise. Since it was formed in 1991 the association has shown tireless team efforts in their ongoing fundraising activities, which includes BBQ sales, fundraising socials, and the annual Red Eye Hockey Tournament. Members have been able to purchase tools like a portable hydraulic pump, by-pass shear cutters, hydraulic hoses, portable lights, stabilizer kits, at no cost to the rate payers. Many organizations have also benefited too, including Alberta Transportation, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Associated Ambulance, and Barrhead Fire Services. Members have participated in the Heroes in the Sky event and calendar sales, which raised funds for Habitat for Humanity, the Hot Lunch Program, and the local food bank. In 2011 a LUCAS Chest Compression System was purchased for the local ambulance service, and in 2012 the association provided funding for a 6x6 off-road fire and rescue unit.
Emma van Loon
Emma van Loon has been nominated for the 2013 Youth Volunteer of the Year award by Grace Huisman, past president of the Barrhead District 4-H Council.
Emma joined the 4-H program 10 years ago and has developed into a strong leader and dedicated volunteer. She has led her 4-H club as president for the past three years and been treasurer for two. As well as helping to organize the annual Shrove Tuesday pancake supper at the MTM Hall, for eight years she has planted trees with club members at the Clear Lake Campground. She has also put on judging workshops for club members. Emma really shines beyond her club. For two years she has been secretary of the Barrhead 4-H District Council and the Key Member in the district. She has organized two very successful family dances, being responsible for all aspects of the event. In 2012 Emma organized a successful district public speaking workshop, teaching members how to prepare a speech. Emma also helped with a public speaking workshop for the Westlock 4-H District and was asked to MC one of their public speaking competitions. As a member of the Northwest Regional 4-H Council’s judging committee, Emma has input into the classes that will be at the competition. She has volunteered to write a study guide for a consumer decision making class and find a judge.
Shannon and Carla Carlson
Shannon and Carla Carlson have been nominated by Roy. S and Diana Ulmer for the Rosemary Empey award.
Shannon has been president of the Barrhead &District Agrena Society since 2000, and Carla is presently serving as a director. Shannon and Carla have spearheaded many projects that are highly desired in the community. These projects have made Barrhead a great place to live and raise a family. During the construction of the Agrena, Shannon tirelessly gave his time working with the engineers and contractors. He, along with his volunteers, worked long hours on some parts of the project to cut down costs. Shannon helped organize and plan the Blue Heron Walking Trail. The completion of the trail is ongoing, and Shannon is working in his shop to finish the construction of the donor wall. Shannon has also been actively involved in coaching hockey and baseball, and volunteers for the Freedom Community Club. Carla has played an important and supportive role in many projects that Shannon has spearheaded. She personally assisted in the construction of the boardwalk and volunteered in the fundraising of the Blue Heron Walking Trail, helped plan and design the lottery home, and is currently chair of cycling for the Alberta 55+ Summer Games to name a few.
