A total of 10 residents of Clearwater and area were presented with community service awards by District of Clearwater Mayor John Harwood during the first-ever FRE-gata at Rotary Sports Park last weekend. The recipients were:
Barb Coates:
For her involvement in enriching and enhancing Clearwater Youth Soccer and for exceptional contributions with Clearwater Minor Hockey. Our youth and families are so lucky to have her in our community and care so deeply about our kids and their athletic development.
Grant Gale and Cheryl Thomas:
Both Grant Gale and Cheryl Thomas are exceptional gifts to the community for their dedication to the Emergency Social Services program here in Clearwater. They are the glue of the organization and they are the ones that can be counted on at 2 a.m. to help get victims of fire or other devastation to a clean safe bed. Grant and Cheryl are the folks we call on in an emergency – they work tirelessly to keep the very small team together, ensuring adequate training of the volunteers, attending the emergency response meetings on their own time ... all with a smile!
Fred Hulke:
For his tireless commitment to the floor hockey program. Fred volunteered an incredible amount of hours to help this community program operate and was really well received by everyone who came out.
Liz Shook:
For being the vision behind the Children’s Art Festival and bringing the world of art into a child’s life. Liz has opened up the door to art for hundreds of children over the past three years. The Children’s Art Festival is a magical day for budding artists and professional artists who share their passion with today’s youth.
Ken Kjenstad:
For his tireless commitment to Clearwater youth sports. His enthusiasm for hockey and ball are not just limited to cheering in the stands but gets him right into the field of action. Clearwater Minor Hockey has so much to thank him for as he was integral to organizing refs for the season as well as being a referee himself on many occasions. The Clearwater softball provincials were said to be some of the best ever. Ken on the BBQ is not only a superb ambassador for the community but his volunteer efforts assist with a major part of fundraising. These are just two of the many ways that Ken dedicates his heart and soul to the community. We value his stewardship, his wisdom and the fact that people and their well being are always what motivates Ken to give.
Heather and Patrick Stanley
Heather and Patrick are the backbone of the Clearwater Food Bank. Over the years, they have dedicated thousands of hours to helping those who need a helping hand. Our community has weathered many times of economic change and Heather and Patrick are always there to help. They work quietly behind the scenes to ensure that people are looked after and they don’t stop until each and every person has been cared for. They are inspirational in the way that they have helped the Food Bank and the people who utilize the Food Bank. They have started many wonderful programs and engage people in other services that might assist. Our community is so lucky to have these two beautiful people.
Sabine Cooperman
Sabine Cooperman is being acknowledged for her work with the Farm to School Program. She is extremely dedicated to this cause and has spent many hours writing grants and organizing the various components to see this project take flight. She is an excellent team member. Her enthusiasm is contagious and students and parents have all enjoyed being a part of the evolution of the project. What started as an idea has now germinated and is growing to expand. We appreciate all that she brings to Farm to School and to the families of Clearwater.
Keith McNeill
A gesture of community appreciation for going above and beyond the job description! The community is grateful to Keith for the countless number of hours he spends ensuring that the local news is covered.
Although the Clearwater Times has received several awards for their publication, it is important to our valley that we acknowledge Keith for his commitment.
Whether it be 6am, 6pm or any hours in-between, Keith can be counted on to represent every demographic in our area. We appreciate the thoughtful editorials and the balanced news reporting. Thank you
Keith for sharing the news that our valley is vibrant and a wonderful place to live!