The City of Lacombe honoured recently five long-standing volunteers in an intimate ceremony.
City of Lacombe Mayor Steve Christie, City councillors and various community members gathered at the Lacombe Memorial Centre to pay tribute to those who have volunteered their time on the City’s many boards, committees and commissions.
“Tonight I want to formally thank each member of the groups represented here for their contributions to enhancing the City of Lacombe’s programs and services,” said Mayor Steve Christie. “It’s because of volunteers like you and the work you do in the City that we are able to provide excellent services and programs.”
Those honoured for their dedicated service who retired after completing their terms include Laverne Jones from the Lacombe Art Collection Committee, Bob Creurer from the Arts Endowment Committee, Karen Penrice from the Lacombe and District Recreation and Culture Board, James Young from the Library Board and Casey Kooyman from the Lacombe Police Commission.
Young works in the banking industry and he became a member of the City of Lacombe Library Board in 2012. He said he chose to join the board as a way to be involved in the community that wasn’t focused on sports or children’s activities.
“Libraries in my past have always been a way that I have educated, learned and supported,” he said. “I was approached by a former library board member and I chose to do it. Over time I became more involved and more active. It really was a lot of fun.”
Jones began serving on the Art Collection Committee eight years ago and has been interested in art in both her personal and business life.
“I enjoy art,” she explained. “It’s always been a part of my passion. As part of the early board members and the start of the art collection committee, we put into place procedures and things like that.”
Jones noted through the committee, the 1% for art collection policy, and many volunteers, the City has some truly amazing art now.
Penrice served on the Lacombe and District Recreation and Culture Board from 2009 to 2014 as a Lacombe County representative. She also sits on the Lacombe Art Collection Board.
Kooyman has also been involved with the Park and Recreation Committee along with the Lacombe Police Commission where he served from 2009 to 2014.
Long-time resident Creurer joined the Art Endowment Committee in 2008. He has been highly involved with the development of the City murals.
“I was part of the early group that looked after the initiating of the murals,” he said. “I became a member of the local art club and I have been painting for probably 20 years. I love Lacombe and I like to volunteer where I can be of some assistance.”
Each year, the City of Lacombe holds an annual Volunteers of Distinction ceremony to celebrate the positive energy that volunteers interject into the community. The ceremony is also an opportunity to recognize not only the commitment but also the dedication required by volunteers in making a difference to the delivery of municipal services and programs within the City.
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