BOYLE — Trying to pick someone with community spirit in Boyle is like trying to choose one item off a menu that's way too big — the village is filled with spirit.
But when Terryl Turner's name was put forward, it was a no-brainer to choose the woman who has done so much for her community with no expectation of reward.
“Terryl is the definition of community spirit,” nominators Shelby Kiteley and Lindsey Stanton told the council.
Kiteley and Stanton noted Turner was instrumental in getting a splash park and that she volunteers many hours to various groups like the Greater Athabasca Community Foundation (GACF), which is fundraising for the new skate park, and 4-H.
“By thinking outside of the box her committee was still able to hold successful fundraisers when the pandemic limited activity,” Kiteley said.
They noted some fundraising ideas born out the need to follow health mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic have now turned into new traditions in the community like the tractor tire wreaths, Easter eggs and bale bunny, the pumpkin weigh-off and more.
“This past Christmas she was a leading part of the 'Light Up a Senior' initiative which brought Christmas cheer to those with a restricted lifestyle due to the pandemic. Not only did she and the members of GACF head this they even cut down the trees themselves, sourced unique gifts for 60 plus residents based on wish lists provided, wrapping them, and delivering them for Christmas.”
Mayor Colin Derko read the submission from Kiteley and Stanton during the council meeting Feb. 16 before making the presentation to Turner.
“That needs to be read about six times, but I won't do that,” he said. “We’re proud that you’re in our community and leading our community and it’s people like you and the groups that you work with that make Boyle what it is today.”
Derko also mentioned that whenever council mentions the fruits of Turner’s labours to other elected officials they are always impressed and added when people stop at his own business in Grassland, he often hears comments about the tractor wreaths and more.
“So, it goes a long way,” he said. “I know it’s very tiring and taxing on your life and it’s not even nice of us to ask that of you, but you just do such a good job.”
In a phone interview before the presentation, Turner admitted she wasn’t expecting the acknowledgment and thought it was for the entire GACF organization.
“I was extremely shocked and confused at first because I just assumed it was to the whole organization, the Greater Athabasca Community Foundation,” she said. “So, I was, ‘Oh that’s fantastic.’”
Then the realization set in.
“It made me realize you don't do it for the recognition and when it does come, you're quite bashful (because) you’re doing it for other reasons,” said Turner.
Kiteley and Stanton had the last word though, summing up Turner in their submission to council.
“Terryl is one of the most selfless people we have ever met.; a great role model and team player,” they said. “It is because of people like her that small, rural communities continue to thrive.”
