H. M. (Merv) Sands Memorial – Loon Lake Citizen of the Year
The LLCRAS BOARD 2023 Citizen of the Year
Last fall Janet Harman, Susanne Kavalec and I had the honor of reviewing the nominations submitted by the membership for the COTY Award. It quickly became apparent there was overwhelming support for the Award to be given to the Loon Lake Road Community Recreational and Agricultural Society Board of Officers and Directors.
Since being elected the Board has made significant contributions to the betterment of the community.
These contributions include: renovation of the community hall, development and operation of a small retail operation, oversight of the development of a community trail, a dog park, developing a pickle ball court in the hall, and managing the operation of the annex building.
Administratively, the Board has redone the Society’s bylaws, developed operating policies and procedures, and approved the development of strategic and asset management plans to enable us to apply for grant funding, Grants were successfully obtained for hall renovations, the purchase of appliances, and fire smart initiatives. They established a social media presence for communication to members, and spearheaded lease opportunities for the annex.
Many new and long-time volunteers have come forward to help with grounds maintenance and development, operation of the retail kiosk, assist with administrative tasks and hall cleaning. Volunteers took training in food safety and Serving it Right.
The Board demonstrated leadership throughout the pandemic in several ways: they were able to host
Zoom rather than face to face meetings to carry on the Society’s business. They took the initiative to close the hall during that time and to use that opportunity to undertake much needed hall renovations. During that time the Board solicited and gratefully received donations of labor and materials from volunteers, professional contractors and businessmen.
In the meantime fundraising opportunities continued with raffles, entertainment initiatives, events such as the pancake breakfast, and when permitted, the ATV Fun Run. Of note are the newly developed meat pie fundraisers which have been well received by members and the public.
Each of the Board members brings their individual strengths together to form a very effective team keeping at the forefront the Society’s values of kindness while continuing to work in the best interest of the community.
Without further ado Janet, Susanne and I, on behalf of the membership, would sincerely like to thank and congratulate the team of Maureen, Kimm, Brenda, Sandy, Moira, Mary Ellen, Gail, Tanis, and Mirka as the winners of the 2023 Citizen of the Year Award.
Photo from left to right: Tanis MacAulay, Director, Kimm Davis, Vice President, Gail Smith, Director, Brenda Harrison, Treasurer, Mary Ellen Graf, Director, Moria Passley, Director, Maureen Morris, President, Sandy Eby, Secretary, Mirka Kouril, Director (absent)
Janet and Barry Harman 2022 Citizens of the Year!
Today, Sid, Suzanne and I have the pleasure to present Janet and Barry Harman with the Loon Lake Road Community Recreational and Cultural Society’s Citizens of the Year award for 2022.
Janet and Barry embody the values which the society has embraced since its inception. They have always be the ones to reach out and lend a hand to our membership community.
They have lent their artistic and carpentry skills to the development and maintenance of the hall, its store, its trails and its signage. The artistic talents exhibited by Janet have been unselfishly shared with and for the development of the community on a continuing basis. He award winning artwork has been the basis for a number of successful fundraising initiatives and we are here today to honour you and Barry for unselfishly enriching the quality of life for our community and through these endeavours and we proudly present you with this recognition. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts Barry and Janet.
Lois Harper (on behalf of the COTY Committee & LLCRAS)
2021 Citizen of the Year
Congratulations to Doug and Susanne Kavalec who were awarded the Citizen of the Year Award 2021 for outstanding Community Service! Presented by our 2020 COTY winner Lois Harper.
Susanne united the community together with the heart campaign, donating time and materials to create over 100 “loon lake love” signs. Countless volunteer hours as a Director on the LLCRAS Board and our Sunshine Committee, assisting with fundraisers, events, reader board sign, helping with the creation, development, and maintenance of the Community Trail, donating materials, and constructing the dog park, and donating handmade craft items to sell at the Hook, Wine & Sinker boutique, just to name a few!
Doug, you have volunteered to help with unloading materials for the renovation of the hall on a moment’s notice, loaned your personal equipment and helped with the creation of the trail, dog park, and have selflessly helped with other tasks whenever asked.
We are grateful to have you both in our community and all you help and support!
Thank you to the Citizen of the Year Committee:
Sid Ward
Bill Salisbury
Lois Harper
2020 Citizen of the Year
2020 – Lois Harper
Thank you to the Citizen of the Year Committee:
Sid Ward
Bill Salisbury
Jim Burdeyney
Photos: Sid Ward presenting the Citizen of the Year award and Brenda Harrison accepting on behalf of Lois Harper.
Previous Years Citizen of the Year:
2021 – Doug & Susanne Kavalec
2020 – Lois Harper
2019 – Sid Ward
2018 – Bill Salisbury
2017 – LLVFD
2016 – Faye Morrison
2015 – Frank Borri
2014 – Norm & Diana Dixon
2013 – Ron & Louise Hanson
2012 – Cathie Jonhstone
2011 – Norm Dixon
2010 – Paul Battershill
2009 – Gail Smith
2008 – Brian & Sandy Biggs
2007 – George & Doreen Malmsten
2006 – Gail Smith
2005 – Ted & Grace Crawford
2004 – Lynette Monsos
2003 – Ken & Ron Ebert
2002 – Ray & Diane Pullen
2001 – Frank & Brenda Borri
2000 – Frank Lacey
1999 – Doreen Rondquist
1998 – Ray Rondquist
1997 – Faye Morrison
1996 – Ethel Smith
1995 – Ola Roed
1994 – Patricia Bell
1993 – Anita Donovan
1992 – Ethel Roed
