The Town of Irricana hosted its centennial volunteer appreciation dinner and awards presentation, Nov. 24 at the community centre.
Four awards were given out during the event, including the 2011 Centennial Rural Volunteer Recognition Award, which went to area-resident Lynn Den Beste.
Den Beste was honoured for her work on the library board and KIK 50 Plus Club as well as the hours she has dedicated to working at Pioneer Acres and with the Irricana Recycling Society.
“Lynn’s crowning achievement was the development of the library’s Provincial Plan of Service for the next five years,” said Mayor Lisa Constantini, who was the MC of the event. “The board is better because she sat at its table.”
Den Beste was thrilled with the unexpected award.
“It is nice to have that recognition,” she said. “You live in a small community, if you don’t do things, things don’t happen. (Volunteering) is a way to be involved and you get a lot back from it.”
Former Irricana volunteer fire chief Judy Unsworth was named the 2011 Centennial Urban Volunteer of the year.
A longtime resident of the town, Unsworth has dedicated countless hours of volunteering. According to Constantini, her efforts have been directed to a number of places, ranging from the Irricana Playschool to serving as a Town councillor and deputy mayor.
Unsworth volunteered with the local fire department for 15 years, spending five as station fire chief, recently stepping down to take a position at Station 72 in Balzac.
“It was because of her leadership she has made Irricana one of the top fire departments in the county of Rocky View,” said Constantini. “It is the Town’s pleasure to honour Judy Unsworth.”
Unsworth said she was honoured and privileged to be recognized, adding that volunteering has brought many opportunities, challenges and friends into her life.
“I owe them a debt of gratitude because of what I have been able to do because I have volunteered,” she said.
Grade 10 resident and Beiseker Community School student Hailey Paul was given Irricana’s Centennial Youth Volunteer Award for her involvement with the Irricana Theatre Society and her willingness to get involved.
“She is a warm and friendly young lady who doesn’t think twice about offering to help,” said Constantini. “She is an above-average student with a bundle of fun-loving energy that is contagious to those around her.”
Paul, 15, said she sees the world differently because of her volunteering.
“When you sacrifice, you get a lot,” she said. “It makes me realize that being the better person is totally worth it.”
Roseanne Trottier, Paul’s mom, was very proud to see her daughter recognized.
“I am very proud of her, she excels at everything she does,” said Trottier. “It is rewarding to have a good child like this and it is rewarding when she is recognized.”
The Mayor’s Recognition Award for Outstanding Community Contribution was given to Janice and Glen Culp, who unfortunately could not attend the event.
The couple, according to Constantini, have made lifelong contributions to the community, including contributing to the building of Irricana Lions Community Hall and the town’s recreation centre and curling rink.
The couple has served on many boards, including the Irricana and District Agricultural Society and Janice has served on the town’s economic development and tourism committee for eight years, including as chair. Glen has been heavily involved in playing, organizing and coaching baseball in the community.
“Congratulations to Janice and Glen Culp for their outstanding contributions to our community and the much deserving honour,” said Constantini.
During the annual event, attendees were treated to a beef-on-a-bun dinner, put together by council and staff.
“It is my pleasure to thank all the volunteers who donate their services and time to the benefit of our community and its people,” said Constantini, “It is because of the efforts of the… volunteers that help us achieve not only the vision, but the reality of a better community.”
