Longtime local resident Phyllis Bucknell has received the Golden Girl award for her volunteer contribution to the community.
Mayor John Harwood made the presentation Friday evening, Sept. 12, as part of the Clearwater Canoe Regatta.
According to her award citation, Bucknell has been an active member of the Clearwater Elks since she came to Clearwater.
She has volunteered on almost every May long weekend for both the parade and the ball tournaments.
She has been a supporter of many causes including extending her support for Clearwater Breast Friends, aiding in donations for Evergreen Acres, participating with Bingo’s, craft fairs and, of course, the Elks' pancake breakfasts.
Even though Phyllis has had some health problems recently, you can still find her doing craft fairs and being up early to help with the pancake breakfast.
Bucknell was not the only local volunteer to be recognized by Harwood on Friday evening. Also given awards for their service were:
• Marie Giesbrecht – a tireless volunteer with youth sports, she is a well loved teacher with an even disposition that carries into her coaching roles.
• Geoff Giesbrecht – a strong coach and mentor, he takes on the whole gambit of ages and coaches with a passion for the sport and to see the kids excel.
• Orlynn Braaten– well known as a passionate voice of hockey, Orlynn extends his passion to summer ball. This summer, Orlynn went to the coast to help coach for the Summer Games.
• Clint McGill – Another amazing gesture of community spirit, Clint has made a big impact on the youth. His experience and coaching tips contributed to a very successful team.
• Clearwater Curiosity Shop – When the Clothes Co. thrift shop closed, a gap was felt in the community. A group of people banded together and, under the vision of Heidi Funk, Clearwater now has the Clearwater Curiosity Shop, where all sorts of treasures can be found.
• Shirley de Vooght and Serenity – Over the years, Shirley and Serenity have developed international acclaim for being “the” place to play in the North Thompson (if not anywhere on earth due to her amazing hospitality).
• Dan Coleman – Although Dan has been out of the school system for a while, he has never left coaching. He spends hours at the fields with the kids, helping them to learn new track and field skills.
• John and Susan McFarland and Shirley Grant – We would like to acknowledge John, Susan and Shirley for their help with District of Clearwater's Age Friendly program. John and Susan have been to every lunch and make sure the program runs successfully. Shirley is the queen of coffee and smiles. She sets the tone for the lunch and paints sunshine with everyone.