A celebration of Barrhead 's best

For three hours last week Barrhead celebrated the spirit of giving.

Reflecting on its many blessings, the community thanked those who give time, effort, love, and sometimes money to others, without expecting anything in return.

One of those blessings is Elaine Timm, who received the Rosemary Empey Volunteer of the Year Award. Timm has volunteered for 25 years at Blue Heron Support Services and contributed to the operations of the New to You store.

“I don’t know what to say, but thank you everyone,” said Timm. “You have all helped to do a wonderful job too out there. Thank you.”

The presentation was the highlight of the Barrhead Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Night on Wednesday, April 23.

Other winners were: Justine Hunter, Outstanding Youth Volunteer; Charles and Bernice Grabler, Longstanding Service; and Royal Canadian Legion #75 and Barrhead FCSS Board of Directors, “Making a Difference” group award.

About 500 people packed a balloon-festooned Agrena for the annual event, which was themed “Building Communities.” The Master of Ceremonies was Linda Mueller, executive director of Barrhead Family and Community Support Services.

Among those who spoke were Yellowhead MP Rob Merrifield, Barrhead Mayor Gerry St. Pierre, Reeve Bill Lee, chair of the Volunteer Committee 2014 Jenny Bruns and the Chamber of Commerce vice president Richard Parker.

They talked about the value of volunteers and how they give meaning to the idea of community.

The evening also included a presentation by Parks and Recreation director Sue Keenan on the Communities in Bloom project, door prizes, and a showing of the “Community of Barrhead” promotional video, which was put together by Edmonton-based Frame 30.

Entertainment was provided by Barrhead Composite High School Senior Concert Band, Rotary Music Festival winner Rebekah Nikkel, and the Magic Lamp Singers.

The evening started with a grand entrance of award nominees followed by supper – lasagna and salad, and strawberry shortcake, served by Anna Swan.

BCHS band members helped clear tables and clean the kitchen to raise funds for their trip to Cuba. They then reassembled to accompany the audience in the singing of O Canada.

Of course, the centrepiece of the occasion was the awards presentation.

After they were invited on stage, the recipients posed for photographs with Merrifield, St. Pierre, Lee and Parker. Some spoke, some chose not to, perhaps unused to the limelight.

Their modest smiles under the stage lights showed their gratitude.

Timm, the only nominee for the Rosemary Empey award, received her honour from 2012 winner Edith Strawson.

As well as helping Blue Heron, Timm has volunteered at Flower Lane since 2009 and been a member of Meadowview Lutheran Historical Society for 13 years. In 2001, she and her husband Wilbert started a project to restore an old Lutheran church in the Meadowview district.

Hunter received her award from 2012 Outstanding Youth winner Bertha Lavigne.

Described as an amazing young woman who is a role model to her peers, Hunter volunteers as a Sunday school teacher at St. John’s Lutheran Church and is involved in the youth group there, supporting and working at all the main fundraisers throughout the year. She also volunteers at Barrhead Elementary School, and has helped at volunteer camp and the Honduras Water Project.

Next recipients were Charles and Bernice Grabler, chosen for the Longstanding Service Award. The other nominees were Mosside Community Hall volunteer Doreen Hofmann and Crossroads Community Center director Maxine McEachern,

“All of tonight’s nominees are winners and I think it appropriate that we give a round of applause to all three nominees,” said Mueller.

“Their time, their efforts and support have impacted the lives of so many in this community. There is only one plaque tonight for Longstanding Service and after much deliberation the committee decided to present the 2014 Longstanding Service to Charles and Bernice Grabler.”

The Grablers, who received their award from Herb Kloeck, have given long service to their community, being members of the Meadowview Community Association since it existed, keeping the hall intact as a venue for community functions.

“It is an honour to be a nominee here and especially to win,” said Bernice Grabler. “We never expected this at all.

The Grablers thanked their nominator Leslie McEachern, c/o Meadowveiw Community Association.

Two nominees for the group “Making a Difference” award were: the Royal Canadian Legion #75 and Barrhead FCSS Board of Directors.

The Legion participate in many community activities, including the library’s annual November tea where military veterans tell Grade 5 students about their experience of war and peacekeeping campaigns. They also give their time at Remembrance Day ceremonies, carry out the poppy fund-raising drive, and support Barrhead’s youth and seniors.

The FCSS board volunteer time and effort out of love and compassion for the community. They believe all students attending Barrhead Elementary School should have access to food to increase their ability to learn, and they ensure children wake up to gifts on Christmas morning. Also, they support the Food Bank, encourage progress in the community garden, and govern the facilitation of various FCSS programs.

Presenters Charlene Fuhr and Betty Garvey said the award would be shared by both groups.

“Thank you very much, we are deeply honoured to receive this award,” said FCSS director Betty Johnson.

“On behalf of our chairman, Adolph Bablitz, who is not here, I can say he will be very, very happy and proud. We are proud to serve Barrhead. Thank you.”

“I must admit I’m a little biased, but I am thrilled to see the board of directors acknowledged for their work,” said Mueller.

Legion president Chuck Mortimer received the award with first vice-president Becky Lonsdale and second vice-president Lena Wierenga.

“Thank you for the honour of being nominated for this award,” said Mortimer.

Mortimer paid tribute to Legion member Herman Barkemeyer, who was unable to take the stage because of a bad foot.

“I want to thank Herman for all he has done for this community,” he said.

The winners received their awards with humility and grace.

It was that kind of evening.