Community Spirit Lives Here! 2023-24

Devon Communities in Bloom is delighted to recognize Jessica Sernes through its program, Community Spirit Lives Here!  

Jessica Sernes has volunteered for many groups and activities in Devon. Slo-pitch may have benefited most from her generosity, even though Jessica does not play ball herself. Her dad, Dennis Sernes, volunteered with the Association in the 90s. She started volunteering, along with Josh Bignell, when new people were needed to keep the league going. They, along with other volunteers, worked together to develop a league with 16 Devon teams. Jessica will be resigning from the board of the Devon Slo-Pitch Association this year after serving as president for 11 years.

When Jessica’s dad passed away from cancer in 2003, she was moved to organize a fundraiser in his honour. While ill, her dad had mentioned that he was thankful his employer had insurance so his salary was covered as he had met many families who weren’t so lucky. All of the proceeds from the Dennis Sernes Memorial Slo-Pitch Tournament were donated to the Patient Financial Assistance Program run by the Alberta Cancer Foundation. In the 15 years the tournament was held, Jessica estimates that it donated over $133,000 to the program.

A letter of endorsement from the Alberta Cancer Foundation for the 15th and last annual Dennis Sernes Memorial Slo-Pitch Tournament states:

Patients and families requiring cancer care in Alberta have access to the best cancer care available anywhere in the world today, and this is thanks in large part to our donors and supporters of the Alberta Cancer Foundation – the fundraising partner of the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton, the Tom Baker Centre in Calgary, and Alberta Health Services’ 15 regional and community cancer centers. 100% of the funds raised benefit Albertans facing cancer.

Because of COVID and no ball diamonds being open in Devon in 2022, Jessica turned her fundraising efforts to golf, a game that she does play. For two summers now, she has organized a local golf tournament to continue raising money for the Alberta Cancer Foundation. In addition, when the Devon Golf and Conference Centre experienced a set-back and needed a hand in getting the clubhouse ready for the 2022 season, Jessica and others gave their time and elbow grease to get the place cleaned up before the opening date. 

Other volunteer activities have included serving as chair for the softball committee when Devon hosted the 2013 Special Olympics Summer Games. She was a member of the resident advisory committee which contributed to the plans for the new ball diamonds and a member of the Devon Days committee from 2014 to 2018. 

For the above-mentioned organizations, Jessica has helped with every aspect—from manual labour to canvassing door-to-door asking businesses for donations or support, from organizing draws and plans to encouraging others to volunteer where they could.

On top of helping all these groups, Jessica is well-known among family, friends and neighbours for being the go-to organizer and for always being willing to host or help out where she can.

When Crissi Fedor’s husband, Darran, was sick with cancer, Jessica spearheaded a group of people, including Darran’s employer, who pitched in to raise enough money to send Crissi, Darran and their boys to Toronto to attend two Blue Jays games and visit the Hockey Hall of Fame. Crissi will be forever grateful for her generosity. 

Jessica has been involved in organizing other activities to raise money for families experiencing health problems. When she hears of a need, she tries to help.

Like so many people who are big-hearted, Jessica was uncomfortable with this public form of recognition. She explained, “I was taught to be this way. And I do it to show my own kids. I like to stay busy and I really like to bring people together. Plenty of people have helped me. I haven’t done it alone.”

Those who have volunteered with Jessica and/or benefited from her generous and hardworking character are less reluctant to sing her praise:

“Jessica’s community spirit inspires everyone around her to do what they can to make our community a vibrant, exciting and friendly one. Jessica is always willing to volunteer to lend a hand any time, in any role she can. Her efforts and ideas are always appreciated, and she deserves recognition for all her hard work.”

“I truly cannot think of anyone more devoted to helping others in our community in times of struggle or devastating loss. Her character is one of genuine altruism. Jess is a gem to our little town.”  

“I have had the pleasure of working with Jessica over the years with Devon Days and she brings a lot to any volunteer table. I have seen 1st hand how successful her Sernes Slo-Pitch Tournaments have been and how well organized everything is. She is self-motivated, she works hard, and ALWAYS has a smile on her face.”

Devon Communities in Bloom is delighted to thank Jessica Sernes for all she has done and continues to do to make Devon the great town that it is.

He is a 16-year-old student in grade 11 and yet Matt Hanly is already making a significant impact through his dedication to volunteer work. From a young age, Hanly felt a calling to serve his community, and his commitment continues to expand and strengthen. 

Here are some of the comments we have heard from community members about him:

“He has a heart of gold and a maturity beyond his years.”

“You can find him volunteering at almost all Town and community-led events, throughout the year, always with a smile.”

“He is organized, self-disciplined, on top of things and humble.” 

Hanly's journey into volunteerism began around the age of 11 or 12 when he participated in a youth leadership course offered by the Town of Devon. This led him to volunteer at the Town's summer day camps, where he spent up to three days per week assisting children aged five to nine. Through organizing games, fitness and drama activities along with engaging the kids in cooking, Hanly found joy in creating positive camp experiences for the children.

Hanly became a regular attendee at Local Youth Experience where he was able to participate in programs and socialize with other youth and at the same time, learn about additional community volunteer opportunities.  Through his involvement, Hanly volunteered for events that include the Haunted House, PRIDE celebrations, Canada Day festivities, Family Day and Devon Days. 

For the past three years, Matt Hanly has been an active member of the Cadets and engages in leadership development activities such as Model UN conferences.  These conferences are a simulation of the UN General Assembly and other multilateral bodies where students debate topics of global significance from the perspective of the country or organization they represent.  Also through Cadets, he has volunteered at the Food Bank and helped the Legion with their Poppy Fund.

A citizen of the Métis Nation, Hanly embarked on a new volunteering endeavor at Fort Edmonton Park last year, where he served as a Junior Indigenous Interpreter. Through this role, he shared Indigenous stories, arts, and history with park visitors, to help enhance the understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture. Hanly committed to giving at least two days per week at the Park last summer and intends to continue volunteering there this summer.

His passion for Indigenous studies and history has driven him to learn Michif and Cree, as well as traditional crafts like beading and tufting. Hanly views some of his volunteer work as a means to reclaim his identity and hopes to continue advocating for Indigenous issues, through his recent membership on the newly-formed Town of Devon’s Indigenous Advisory Council. 

Beyond his Indigenous advocacy work, Hanly remains actively involved in school-based volunteer initiatives. He attends St. Peter the Apostle Catholic High School where he serves on the Student Union and participates in planning events such as pep rallies, Valentine's Day celebrations, and Heritage Day festivities. He also volunteers to help organize transportation for school sports teams.

Recently Hanly has taken on yet another leadership role as a member of Devon’s 75th Anniversary General Committee working with the Town and community to plan this special celebration which will take place next year.

When asked about his motivation for volunteering, Hanly credits his family's tradition of community service and emphasizes the importance of the connections made along the way. He believes that volunteering offers an opportunity for individuals to find happiness and pursue their passions while making a positive impact on the world.

As Hanly continues to devote himself to various causes, his impact on the Devon community and beyond serves as an inspiration to all who encounter his remarkable dedication and passion for service.

Louis and Lois Hedberg’s interest in people and serving the needs of others has benefited Devon for many years and we are delighted to recognize them through Community Spirit Lives Here!  Everyone we talked to about Lois and Louis expressed admiration and appreciation for what they achieved and how they did it with good cheer and fun.

The following quotes indicate the respect and affection that Devon residents have for how the Hedbergs served the community through their hardware store, their volunteer work, and as neighbours.

“I can’t think of any other couple that has contributed more to Devon.”

“They were always so friendly to everyone.”

“Both wanted to be involved in anything that came up in town and do whatever they could to help.”

“Louis loved getting people together.”

Devon was fortunate when Lois and Louis Hedberg decided to move here from Cadomin in 1960. At that time, Lois’ mom and dad owned the Devon hardware store. When their business partner decided to sell his share of the store, Lois’ parents invited Lois and Louis to become their new partners. For 20 years after that, Lois and her mom, Mary, worked in the dry goods section while Louis and his father-in-law, Charlie, worked in the tools, lumber and toys sections. For them, the store was not only a way to earn a living, it was also a way to serve the community. Louis would go to customers’ homes to help them install or fix their appliances or meet them at the store outside of business hours so they could buy a Christmas present for a loved one. A resident who grew up in Devon described how she thinks of the Hedbergs and the hardware store with fondness whenever she recalls the excitement she felt on her 12th birthday when she picked up her shiny new five-speed bike. When the hardware store burned down circa 1964, Louis was one of the volunteer firefighters who tried to save the building. When the construction of the new store was finished, Devon residents expressed their appreciation for the Hedbergs and their business by showing up with wheelbarrows and trucks to help move their inventory from the temporary location.

After selling the hardware store, Louis worked at the new Devon water treatment plant. He embraced that occupation too and served the water treatment industry by working on the curriculum development committee for the program at NAIT. The area above the water treatment plant was named “Hedberg Hill” in recognition of his dedication to this important municipal service.

Louis and Lois volunteered for decades with the Lions and Lionetts, the United Church Thrift Shop, and the Girl Guides and Scouts. In addition to managing the Lions Park Campground before a manager was hired, Louis initiated many projects at the Park including building a laundry facility, cutting down the old poplar trees in the Park and bucking them to sell as firewood to campers, supporting the Town’s first iteration of Christmas in the Park, and spearheading the Town’s spring cleanup. Lois worked the Thursday shift at the Thrift Shop for over 40 years. Louis’ volunteer work for the United Church included refinishing the pews and cutting up rags and selling them to oil companies and other businesses out of the hardware store and his home garage with 100% of the proceeds going to the Thrift Shop. Lois was a leader of the Guides and Louis of the Scouts for many years.

Louis was also on the Chamber of Commerce for many years and served as a town councillor from 1964 to 1970 and mayor from 1970 to 1977. Louis was in the public eye more than Lois, but he concedes that she was always behind the scenes giving him a gentle push and support. 

For many of the years they lived on Ontario Crescent, Louis and Lois organized an annual garage sale and potluck supper with their neighbours. Louis visited schools and other groups every year at Christmas, putting on the Lions’ Santa Claus suit to create some holiday fun. He also wore the suit for a neighbour who’d asked him to deliver presents to her two grandchildren on Christmas morning. The neighbour recalls with gratitude her grandchildren’s wide eyes when Louis handed them their gifts.

Lois and Louis have been community-minded business owners, dedicated volunteers and fun-loving neighbours for the 64 years they’ve lived here. Devon Communities in Bloom is delighted to thank them for all they did to make Devon the great town that it is.

Devon communities in Bloom has selected the volunteers with Walk the Talks (WTT) to be recognized for creating a local forum for sustainability education.

These are some of the comments we heard from community members who spoke about WTT:

“I think that Walk the Talks is fantastic because it challenges my mind.”

“The presentations are varied and interesting.”

“Great group of people that attend.”

“The presentations, covering various topics and initiatives, are timely and informative.  I have constantly been amazed at the depth of knowledge exhibited by the attendees during the Q and A discussion following the presentations.”

WTT is a grassroots initiative born out of the Town of Devon’s 2016 economic development taskforce which developed a vision for a net-zero community.  Since March 2017, the founders of this group and other recruits have been hosting monthly events that delve into the pressing environmental issues of our time and potential solutions such as renewable energy sources, improved waste management methods and other innovations that will help to shape Canada’s more environmentally conscious future.

"Our mission is to provide community members with opportunities to explore provocative ideas, innovations, and discoveries that support actions toward a sustainable future," says Marc Haine, one of the organizers of WTT. 

On the third Wednesday of each month, the community comes together to listen to experts discussing innovative solutions for a sustainable future. These events are entirely free, thanks to the dedication of WTT's organizers and presenters who generously volunteer their time.

The driving force behind WTT includes visionaries like Brian Hicks, the late Dr. Ted Little, and Heather Acres, who were members of the Town of Devon's economic development taskforce. This dynamic trio recognized the need to host ongoing learning opportunities and discussions about sustainability issues within Devon.  They then recruited Marc Haine, Dr. Antonio De Crisci, Alan Vowles, and Georgia Rehill to help make it happen.  These individuals contribute many hours per month researching potential topics and presenters and taking care of logistics for each event.

In addition to the monthly speaker sessions, WTT expanded its educational outreach by hosting two 3-week courses entitled "Home Energy Lab" presented by local energy enthusiast, Rod Gilmour.  These courses empowered homeowners to adopt sustainable practices in their households, contributing to both environmental preservation and cost savings.

During the pandemic, WTT adjusted by hosting their monthly events online. The transition allowed the initiative to not only continue but also expand its reach beyond the local community. Today, participants can choose to attend events either in-person or online, ensuring accessibility for everyone interested in the sustainability discourse.

WTT expresses gratitude to its expert presenters by planting a tree for each one.  The trees symbolize not only appreciation but also a commitment to fostering a greener and healthier environment. The presenters often express sincere appreciation for having a tree planted for their efforts.

The success of WTT can be measured not just in the numbers – with an average audience of 25 people per event, at times exceeding 50 – but in the extraordinary level of education community members have received by listening to the various subject matter experts over the past 7 years.

In keeping with the tradition of engaging speakers and compelling subjects, the upcoming Walk the Talks (WTT) event will feature Dr. Kathryn Harrison, a political scientist from UBC, offering valuable insights on Canada's response to climate change. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, February the 21st, at 7:00 PM in the Dan Claypool room for this interesting presentation and discussion.

Devon Communities in Bloom takes great joy in honoring the volunteers of WTT, acknowledging their positive impact on our community, and commending the dedicated individuals who truly embody the spirit of service, contributing to the continuous improvement of Devon.

The existence of the Devon Thrift Shop is evidence to the power of volunteerism and community engagement. Since its inception in 1982 by the United Church Women (UCW), this humble thrift store has become a bustling hub of activity, thanks to the efforts of over 35 dedicated volunteers who collectively contribute more than 800 hours per month. 

Residents of Devon have embraced the thrift shop not only as a place to find affordable clothing, kitchenware, games, toys, books, and more but also as a means to clear out clutter from their homes. This cycle not only benefits individuals but also contributes to the circular economy, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the environment. 

The Devon Thrift Shop is open three part-days per week, providing ample opportunities for the community to explore the treasures within. They are open on Tuesdays from 1-4, Thursdays at 1-4 and 6-8, and Saturdays from 10-2. Donations are accepted during hours of operation and anytime in the outside bins.

What sets this thrift shop apart is not just the variety of items on display, but the meticulous organization maintained by the volunteers. The store exudes a sense of order, cleanliness and friendliness that makes the shopping experience enjoyable for all.

The volunteers, who come from diverse backgrounds and not exclusively from the United Church, play a crucial role in the shop's success. Their activities include sorting through boxes and bags of donations, cleaning and making repairs, carefully selecting items for display, checking for product recalls, and transporting a curated selection of items to Discovery Place so residents can shop at home. 

Beyond serving the community directly, the Devon Thrift Shop extends its generosity to other agencies in the region, providing both goods and yearly cash donations. This altruistic approach showcases the shop's commitment to not only meet local needs but also to contribute to broader social initiatives while eliminating trips to the landfill.

The list of organizations that receive donations from the Thrift Shop is long: Devon Christmas Elves, Devon Hospital Foundation, Bissell Centre, Youth Empowerment & Support Services, Canadian Energy Museum – Leduc #1, Rundle’s Mission, Inner City Ministry, Leduc Food Bank, Wings of Providence, United Church of Canada Mission and Service Fund, United Church of Canada Bursary Fund, Lutheran Association Ministerial Pilots (LAMP), Women in Need House, and House of Refuge. In addition, Hope Mission, Africa We Care Foundation, Diabetes Canada, Humane Society, Bissell Centre Mustard Seed, and the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) Bedroll Campaign, receive clothing and textile items.   

It should be noted that the shop serves individuals and families in need. Upon referrals from the Town of Devon or the United Church minister, the thrift shop opens its doors for private sessions, allowing these individuals and families the dignity of choosing items that meet their immediate requirements.

A delightful aspect of the Devon Thrift Shop is the infectious culture of good that permeates the space. Laughter is sometimes so prevalent in the sorting section that, on occasion, the door between the shop and sorting area has had to be closed to contain the noise. This vibrant atmosphere not only makes the shop a welcoming place for customers but also underscores the strong sense of community among the volunteers. The group further embraces a culture of unity by getting together for group meals and entertainment.

Another noteworthy aspect of the organization is the longevity of its volunteers. Most of the contributors have devoted themselves for the long term, embodying a commitment that speaks volumes about the enriching environment and the charity’s meaningful goals. Still, the Devon Thrift Shop is always on the lookout for fresh faces to join the crew. Experienced volunteers provide a training program for new recruits through offering their expertise to guide and mentor them.

Devon Communities in Bloom is delighted to celebrate the Thrift Shop’s positive impact on our community and recognize its dedicated volunteers who embody the true spirit of service. They make Devon a better place.

Di Rushfeldt is a positive driving force in our community and has been actively involved in numerous organizations in Devon for many years. 

She has been a part of the Robina Baker Parent Fundraising Committee since 2016. She helped register the group as a society and set up AGLC licensing. She has spent countless hours almost single-handedly organizing fundraisers and researching and applying for grants to fund a new playground. The fundraising for this playground is nearing completion, and the equipment has been ordered with plans to build it in May 2024! Last year, Di was on the Riverview Middle School Fundraising Council where she played an integral role in getting some instrument stands for the band program. She was also vice-president of the Devon Skating Club and was instrumental in having an upgraded harness installed for the coach and skaters to use when learning new techniques. In the spring, she coached U7 (under 7 years) soccer with the Devon Soccer Association. And after years of being a part of the Bears mountain biking program in Devon, she and her husband Larry will be taking over the running of it in the 2024 season. 

Di volunteers to support and stay involved with activities that her children participate in. She feels that it is important to set a good example to encourage them to step up and volunteer in the future. So much of our society is dependent on volunteers and they are so hard to find. Organizations fall apart without people like Di who are willing to step up and volunteer to keep things going. She is the kind of person who gets things done in the most efficient way possible. Every community needs people like Di!

Serena Grimson, chair of the Robina Baker School Council, has this to say about Di, “It is nearly impossible to express how deeply committed Di is to making the world around her a little more beautiful. She is an unsung hero for all of the organizations she channels her energy into. She continually shows up, using her knowledge and expertise, to help make one small change at a time. Anyone who has ever worked with, or benefited from her tireless efforts, I’m sure would say the same. I am forever grateful knowing that a person like Di is in our community, working to make our lives a little brighter. We are so lucky to have this amazing human.” 

And Jared Coffin, principal of Robina Baker Elementary School added, "I've known Di for many years in my time here in Devon. She has championed fundraising efforts at both Robina Baker and Riverview Middle School. She has hung on through many years of fundraising for a new park at Robina Baker. Her efforts to get the park built will finally be celebrated this spring as the group has secured the financing to make it happen. Di has been proud to lead her team through fundraising during a pandemic and has always approached it with a positive attitude! She encompasses the very nature of what community spirit is all about. Congratulations Di!" 

Devon Communities in Bloom is delighted to recognize Di Rushfeldt’s community building efforts through their program Community Spirit Lives Here!  She makes Devon a better place.