Community Spirit Lives Here! 2020-21

Devon Communities in Bloom has celebrated 19 great community members since Community Spirit Lives Here! started last November. We are pleased to celebrate Stephanie Vander Veen as the 20th and final recipient of this winter’s run of the program.

Stephanie’s enthusiasm for helping others is uplifting. She attributes her capacity for love and giving to her faith, her mother, and the organizations and other volunteers in Devon who strive to serve others. It is important to Stephanie that the people and organizations she works and celebrates with are recognized for their role in her capacity to serve the community as she does.

As a friend or neighbour, Stephanie shovels sidewalks, waters plants, babysits children, cat sits, delivers meals, and introduces new residents to other Devonians. As a community-minded person, Stephanie returns abandoned shopping carts to the store, pays it forward in the Tim Horton’s drive-thru, and picks up other people’s litter. She is known to don a costume to make people laugh as she waves to them outside their window at the Devon Hospital or Discovery Place. She also hosted a block party in her front yard for Neighbourly Devon, helped launch the app NextDoor, and enjoyed leading an online knitting workshop as part of the Town of Devon’s social distancing community events. With her kids, she grows pumpkins at her in-laws’ farm near Calmar to sell from their home’s garage in September as a fundraiser for Operation Christmas Child and the Samaritan’s Purse Canada.

Stephanie restarted the Devon Block Parent Program in 2015 and continues to be involved as chairperson. For the program, she visits schools and various children's groups to teach about the Block Parent sign, and what to do if someone needs help. She and her fellow Block Parent volunteers raise awareness of the program by being part of the Devon Days Parade and Christmas in the Park, as well as leading the watermelon-eating contest and the water tank drop at Devon’s Canada Day celebration. The Devon Block Parent program couldn’t run without the other volunteers, and the kind assistance provided by the Town of Devon and Devon RCMP.

She enjoys volunteering with the Thursday Indoor Playgroup run by the Town of Devon and the Friday Fun with Friends Playgroup at the River of Hope Baptist Church. River of Hope Church also hosts a girls’ group called GEMS which Stephanie is looking forward to being involved with again, hopefully starting next September. Volunteering at her church's nursery, worship and morning coffee-chat on Sunday is something that Stephanie feels blessed to be a part of. She is humbled to also serve as a board member of the Devon Christian School.

Stephanie is looking forward to working with the Devon Family Community Support Services (FCSS) on a video series for the Town of Devon’s Facebook page about kids and stress.

Stephanie is motivated by love, hope, and the desire to show kindness to others. She longs to make Devon as friendly and kind a place for everyone as it is for her. She is grateful to live in a community where she can raise her kids to be contributing and caring members of society.

A friend and neighbour describes her as someone who loves to have fun and is extremely capable and giving. With her love, hopefulness and generous spirit, Stephanie Vander Veen makes Devon a better place to live.

Devon Communities in Bloom has selected Devon Home Hardware to be recognized by the program Community Spirit Lives Here!

If there was ever a business that demonstrates genuine community spirit it is Devon’s Home Hardware. Claire and Al Emerson bought the business twenty-two years ago and during that time they have provided the residents of Devon with the very best of service and a broad line of products. With their daughter, Lori, serving as the store manager, the business is a family affair. But in Lori’s words, “Devon Home Hardware has always been Mom’s ‘baby’ and one that she is very proud of.”

In 2008 Devon Home Hardware was honoured as best business of the year by the Devon and District Chamber of Commerce. Known for spectacular window displays, outstanding customer service and exceptional business sense it was recognized for its ongoing commitment to the community. “This business is the heart of downtown Devon” said Carol Logan, former chair of the Chamber’s small business week celebrations.

The store celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2008 by holding a two-day sale offering customers free beef on a bun, cake, doughnuts and refreshments. Home Hardware’s Area Manager, Richard Badke, and Vice-President, Don Kirck, were on hand to present Claire, Al and Lori with a commemorative plaque. The Emersons claim the store’s success is largely due to the friendly staff.

Fast forward another ten years to 2018 when Devon Home Hardware held a similar event to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Both Claire and Lori say they appreciate the many wonderful customers who have loyally supported them all through the years.      

Another demonstration of the store’s community spirit was a few years back on Remembrance Day when the employees transformed the store’s front window into a mini-museum, complete with army gear, war photos, flags and medals.

When it comes to supporting community sporting events, schools and churches, Devon Home Hardware has always shown its generosity. Local hockey, curling and baseball teams have also enjoyed donations over the years. Initiatives such as Make-A-Wish Foundation, Christmas in The Park, Christmas Elves, Trees Canada, and the Devon Hospital Foundation have all been benefactors of Home Hardware’s contributions. Additionally, they have sponsored the Riverview School Yearbook and Graminia Rink Project and participated in the Wild Pink Yonder event and the Home Hardware Curling Cup with the proceeds going to young curlers.

Claire has been a member of the Devon and District Chamber of Commerce for 22 years, serving as treasurer for two years. It goes without saying that Claire has put her heart and soul  into serving the community for many years.

Through their kind hearts and community spirit, Claire, Lori and Al help to make Devon a better place to live. 

Devon Communities in Bloom has selected Stewart Hutchings to be recognized by the program, Community Spirit Lives Here!

Being a giving individual, Stew submitted this letter to Devon Communities in Bloom in response to being recognized by Community Spirit Lives Here! that highlights the contribution of others to his community building activities:

“As our two children, Ted and Heather, were getting older, Sharon and I arrived in Devon in the fall of 2002 on a search for a smaller community to fully retire in. The opportunities and potential were obvious and what we had been looking for: recreational activities for myself and the opportunity for Sharon to engage with the United Church Women which had been a been a huge part of her life. After serving military service with the Royal Canadian Air Force we moved to Edmonton and then Sherwood Park while I served in the Edmonton Police until retirement in 1990. In 1991, I participated in my first MS Bike Tour from Leduc to Camrose and back the following day.

In Devon, the recreational widows opened for me and cycling in particular. Town of Devon employees Janet Guthrie and Michelle Levasseur helped revive mountain bike racing and the door was then opened to local road, mountain bike, and cyclocross racing. Devon hosted the National 2010 Road Individual Time Trial Championships set the stage for The International 2013 Tour of Alberta. 

Led by Kevin Haugjord in 2011, the Devon Bicycle Association (DBA) was incorporated. Our most successful Devon Bears Youth Program was adopted and led by Pepper Harelton from Shift Happens and a trained coaching staff from the DBA. The DBA is recognised throughout Alberta as a premier cycling association, that is both inclusive and dedicated to advancing cycling as a family and community value.

My beautiful Sharon Ann died April 28, 2017 in the Devon Hospital. A loss I feel everyday but not in sorrow. We honor her as a mother, grandmother and my forever loving partner who carried us through the aspects of family life that challenge all of us. Sharon was there for me in every moment of my sport activities as a volunteer, cheerleader and voice of reason when required. Support from my family, my bicycle family, local businesses and community ties have enriched my retirement years to the fullest. My appreciation and gratitude to all of you is deep and genuine.

My thanks to Communities in Bloom for their recognition and to Devon’s volunteers who, together with the Town of Devon, make the many community activities possible. We are fortunate indeed to live here.

Light up tomorrow with today.

Stew”

Devon Communities in Bloom would like to follow Stewart’s letter with more about his contributions to the community.

Stew: 

• has been president of Devon Bicycle Association since January 2016,

• was chairman of the Alberta Summer Games Mountain Bike from January 2016 until August 2016,

• was the Zone4 mountain bike coach, Alberta Summer Games from May 2014 until July 2014,

• was chairman, Host Community Stage 2 – 2013 Tour of Alberta,

• and has volunteered in rider development for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada since January 2015.

In the cycling community, Stewart is a local legend: riding hundreds of kilometres a week and contributing the same time and energy into community projects and charity events. He was a key player in the design and development of a recently completed bicycle trail just west of the Devon bridge. The 62-metre ascent is a fantastic trail that offers value and enjoyment—just like Stew and so has been named, “Up to Stew.” 

In 1978, Dorothy and Claypool bought their house in Devon when Dan was hired by Imperial Oil. A year later, they moved to Scotland where Dan worked on the North Sea. They moved back to Devon in 1982 and have lived here since.  

Dorothy started volunteering in her early teens and it continues to be part of her lifestyle to this day. If someone needs help, she wants to be there. Dorothy feels she gets a lot out of her community service. For example, while living in the United Kingdom, she joined the Petroleum Women’s Club of Scotland with 900 members from 27 different countries. This group raised a lot of money for the community through its annual Christmas Bazaar, and throughout the preparations, Dorothy was excited to learn how to make a variety of crafts from different cultures.

Dorothy has been a Devon Lionett for many years. This organization, with Dorothy as one of the volunteers, has been involved in the Single Seniors Dinner for a number of years. 

Another organization where Dorothy serves the Devon community is the United Church. She has worked in the Thrift Shop since its inception, as well as belonging to the United Church Women’s (UCW) group, singing in the choir and sitting on the board. She has also worked with other volunteers to maintain Centennial Park for many years and has collected for the Heart and Stroke Foundation for 30 years. When Dorothy makes a commitment, she sticks to it.

Dan recounted a story to explain why he volunteers. When living in Estevan, Saskatchewan, Dan was out on a boulevard with fellow Lions planting trees. A farmer pulled up beside them and asked, “Don’t you boys work for the oil companies?” In response to their affirmative answer, the farmer probed, “Then why are you planting trees? You won’t be here to enjoy them.” One of the Lions answered, “Well, we’re hoping that there are volunteers planting trees in the towns we’ll be moving to.” 

Dan has been referred to as Mr. Lion, having served with the organization for over 60 years in every community he has lived. The Devon Lions Club has done many wonderful things for Devon but one that stands out for Dan is the Community Centre. He was one of the driving forces behind it being built, serving as chair of the committee that raised $500,000 in two years. With a matching amount from the Town of Devon, the new Community Centre opened its doors in 1998 with everything paid for. Other highlights for Dan include having a feasibility study done to determine the need for Discovery Place and running Goldring Manor during its first year. 

Dan also serves on the board of the Canadian Petroleum Discovery Centre south of Devon. In 2019, he finished writing a book about his adventures in the oil industry called, I Survived Damn Near Everything. The book’s Preface focuses on his philosophy of life where Dan describes his 10 commandments of success, the final one being, “Be willing to give service, what counts most in life is what we do for others.”

Dan and Dorothy have both lived by that commandment. Their kind hearts, commitment and community spirit, have made, and continue to make, Devon a better place to live.

Devon Communities in Bloom has selected Bill Bates & Gloria Sirski-Bates to be recognized by the program Community Spirit Lives Here!

Both Bill and Gloria are long time residents of Devon.  They have been described in the following ways: “they are energetic and selfless,” “they are thoughtful and considerate of others,” and “they are always giving and always doing”.

They are both active members of the Devon Lions Club where they serve in a multitude of ways.  Important to the Bates, is their involvement in the program which loans out scooters, electric wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs and walkers.  Bill has served as treasurer, and has volunteered at the Farmers’ Market, Music Jams, and Devon Days breakfast.  Gloria is co-chair for Lions Quest in this district.  Lions Quest promotes social emotional learning.  Many teachers in the Blackgold District have been trained either in person, or virtually, to use this program in their classroom.

The couple are both active members of the Devon Pioneers 73 Club where they enjoy floor curling and bridge.  Gloria is president and co-leader of the Quilting Club.  Through this program, many quilts are donated to the Devon Hospital, Leduc Food Bank, HUB, and to other organizations.  Comfort quilts are offered to individuals or families when a need arises. . . perhaps illness, bereavement, or a house fire.

Bill and Gloria are avid supporters of the Canadian Energy Museum.  Bill served as treasurer.  Gloria led school tours and tended the flower beds and community garden.

Gloria is part of the Ecumenical Outreach group, which works with other organizations to assist people in need of food, clothing and furniture.

In 2019 Bill and Gloria were hosts for the Devon Communities in Bloom yard tour.  Afterwards they organized a tour for the hosts so they too could see each others’ yards. Following the tour, they generously invited everyone to their home to socialize and debrief on the season’s program while providing all the food and beverages. Gloria also co-facilitated a rhubarb leaf steppingstone workshop hosted by Communities in Bloom last summer and she helps to keep her neighbourhood connected by maintaining a book nook on the curb at her home.

Through their heart-felt generosity and devoted community spirit as a couple, Bill and Gloria make Devon a better place to live. 

Mitch Wincentaylo started working for the Town of Devon in 2019 and is the Town’s first Indigenous Engagement & Culture and Inclusion Coordinator, a job in which Mitch gives his heart and soul.  Reviewing his vast array of accomplishments in a relatively short period of time, one could confidently say that Mitch goes above and beyond the call of duty.

Described as soft spoken, humble, and dedicated, he has successfully helped to build positive relationships at an institutional level between the Town of Devon and Indigenous communities throughout the region, and also at a personal level amongst the diverse residents of Devon and Indigenous people throughout the region.

His work largely began with the development of the Indigenous Engagement Framework for the Town of Devon which provided an action plan with a focus on training opportunities for leadership and staff, community events, engagement with local schools and relationship building with Treaty Six Nations and Métis organizations.  This framework is available to the public on the Town of Devon’s website and was created through consultation with various Nations from across Treaty Six.

A very meaningful event for Mitch was the marking of a historic event on June 19th when, in front of the Town office, Mayor Ralph raised the Treaty Six and Métis Nation flags alongside the Chiefs of Treaty Six Nations and Métis Nation of Alberta Leaders.

Residents have had many opportunities to attend the various workshops and classes facilitated by Indigenous teachers and organized by Mitch.  A few of them include bannock making, traditional beading, sweetgrass soap making and the ever popular Cree language classes.  Some of the programs that have been offered virtually attracted participants from Manitoba and New Mexico.

Noteworthy among Mitch’s contributions has been working with First Nation’s members to create spaces for ceremony to be held in Devon.  Ceremony has brought together Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Devon, creating a stronger connection and understanding between one another.

While social distancing, many members of the public enjoyed Devon’s pow-wow and jigging presentations in Voyageur Park on September 24th.  Some attendees expressed how much they enjoyed the pow-wow and would like to see more of these events in the future.

A Devon resident had this to say: “Mitch has been an essential part of reconciliation in our community and creating relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. His work has created opportunities for my family and I to learn more about our Indigenous heritage that we wouldn’t have learned otherwise. The initiatives that Mitch has organized are both informative and interactive and make me even more proud to be a part of this town.”

Strengthened by his connection to the earth and the love and friendships he shares with his family and community, Mitch brings his values of love, kindness and empathy to his work and enjoys engaging with people and creating opportunities for people to learn. What motivates him is his belief in people working together to make Devon and the world a better place. 

There have been numerous other programs, workshops and events that Mitch has introduced to Devon to help build respect and understanding of the Indigenous culture and worldview. Through his generosity and community spirit, Mitch helps make Devon a better place to live.

The individual who recommended Leanne Pahal for Community Spirit Lives Here! called her an angel. Several years ago, Leanne responded to an advertisement asking for volunteers to help out at the Devon Pioneers 73 Club (a service group that builds connections to the community for Devon residents who are 50 years of age or older) offering to take on the position of treasurer. Leanne says that when she learned of the Club’s need for a treasurer, she felt that she had the time to help and as an accountant had the necessary skill set. So, she called to offer her assistance and that decision to give her time and expertise has meant so much to the Club.

According to a Club member, Leanne has now served for several years as an exceptional treasurer, a position that has been hard to fill in the past. This is a commendable act on its own; it is even more commendable knowing that Leanne has done this while raising a young family and working full time. On top of that, she is not old enough to be a Club member and enjoy the activities that occur there. To this, Leanne responds that she is very happy to be an honorary member as treasurer because she has met amazing people through the Club over the last few years. The members inspire her with the volunteer work they do for the Club and throughout the community. Leanne looks forward to being able to get more involved in the Devon community in the years to come!

Through her generosity and community spirit, Leanne helps make Devon a better place to live.

Prior to moving to Devon, Tim lived in Europe to pursue a career in car racing while completing his designation as a professional accountant. He also served as the head coach of the Sunridge Nancy Greene Downhill Racing team. Now Tim and his wife Cindy, have now called Devon home for nearly 20 years along with their daughters Cassidy, and Dani.  

Tim and Cindy encouraged their girls to explore their sporting passions, one of which was Nordic skiing.  

Tim noticed that many families left the sport once their weekly lessons ended. With the help of some friends he created the Bears Ski Team which encouraged athletic and social development by offering training in racing and biathlon as well as seasonal programs and wilderness survival courses. It wasn’t long before the Devon Bears were regularly winning biathlon podiums, gaining recognition as one of the most successful Nordic programs in Alberta. Soon other ski clubs started reaching out to Tim for advice on how to achieve similar success. 

Hoping to provide further professional instruction and development, in 2014 Tim partnered with the U of A Ski Team and the Crazy Mare Ranch Biathlon, led by former Olympians Kevin and Ntala Quintilio. This fruitful association helped Bears youth grow into top level athletes. Many former Bears now race and train with Crazy Mare and the U of A team.  

Energized by team ventures, Tim was instrumental in developing several other local sport programs. Cycling was a favorite pastime, so Tim and organizer Bruce Copeland created the Devon Grand Prix of Cycling. This three-day race eventually joined the Canadian Nationals bringing the world’s best cyclists to Devon for the Tour of Alberta.

This led Tim and the Devon Bicycle Association to create Sprockids, the Bears’ Youth Mountain Bike Program.  This initiative extended the season of activities for Nordic skiers and taught mountain biking to youth of all ages. It continues to be a popular activity in Devon.

As the programs grew, the need for funding and top-level coaching also grew.  In order to financially support a broad range of activities including, skiing, biking, hiking, and canoeing, Tim helped establish the Bear’s Adventure Sport Society (BASS).  This organization is dedicated to creating connections between corporate sponsors, fundraising events and local sports organizations.

For nearly ten years BASS has donated over $50,000 to local youth sports groups in the form of equipment, trips, and fees for top coaches.  In addition to designing the Ski-At-School program, BASS was able to provide support for the Wizard Lake Winter Try It Festival, the Town of Devon Family day winter festival, and donated 400 sets of ski equipment to Devon schools. 

In 2019 Bears Ski team ended and a brand new club was created just outside Devon called Parkland Crazy Mare Ski and Biathlon, with BASS providing funding for a full fleet of rental skis, grooming equipment, coaching, and biathlon gear.  The program sold out in less than two hours and continues to grow.

With BASS a proven success, Tim is now writing Bears in a Box, a club set-up guide for other communities. But that is not the only writing Tim has engaged in. When Tim’s girls were young he made up a story for them which they shared with their friends. Soon Tim was receiving requests from parents for a copy of it. It has since been published. Tim also wrote two articles that appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul, one of which was featured in the Ottawa Herald.

Tireless Tim has invested an enormous amount of time and heart into building a happy active community, rewarded with the bright smiles of everyone who has joined in the activities he supported. Through his dedication, kindness and community spirit, Tim has helped make Devon a better place to live.

Devon Communities in Bloom has selected Ted and Bobbie Belke to be recognized by the program: Community Spirit Lives Here!

Ted and Bobbie have lived in Devon for 18 years and have always demonstrated great community spirit in every aspect of their lives. Many of the residents in the cul-de-sac where they live enthusiastically attest to what great neighbours they are. Last spring, when so many people were first locked away in their homes due to COVID-19, the Belkes led a weekly neighbourhood cheering session to salute the healthcare workers who put themselves at risk.  

A retired and admired engineer, Ted can often be seen cleaning the snow off neighbourhood driveways. In summer, he will be found tending to his spectacular backyard garden and kindly offering advice about caring for flowers, growing vegetables or feeding the birds to anyone who asks. For years, Ted was a member of the River Valley Alliance while also volunteering for a bio-engineering shoreline stabilization project.  

Bobbie has a kind and generous community spirit, taking the time to bake treats for friends and neighbours as well as lending favourite books to anyone interested in another literary adventure. For many years, Bobbie has been a member of a quilting group helping to make and donate quilts to many great causes. She is also an active member and teacher with the Devon Library’s knitting club and the United Church charity knitting group.  

The Belkes are both active members of the Lions Club, volunteering at the Lions’ blood donor clinics and Christmas in the Park. Ted has helped with transplanting trees in Lions Park and with the Devon Farmers Market. Bobbie was responsible for the Lions’ literacy project. She and Ted have also enjoyed reading these books to students in their classrooms.  

Bobbie, Ted and their son, David, are great supporters of St. George’s Anglican Church. Bobbie has organized a number of handicraft initiatives including the creation of seasonal decorations for the church such as quilted banners for Christmas and Easter. She has also led workshops for the creation of clothing items like mittens and dresses intended as donation items for individuals in need. They are also among the many St. George’s volunteers who host a community soup and sandwich lunch once a month. Once the world allows public gatherings again, you will undoubtedly see the two of them cooking and serving food in the church hall. 

Their church also enjoys the benefit of Ted and David’s volunteer efforts to keep the sidewalks clear of snow and ice, as well as mowing the lawns and raking leaves in warmer weather. Ted also tends to the church’s flower gardens. Recently, he and his friend Jim managed the installation of a new outdoor walkway light to match the building’s recently re-habilitated sidewalk, a project which they also oversaw. 

In 2019, the Belkes volunteered for the Devon Communities in Bloom summer yard tour providing personalized tours of their gorgeous back yard. Additionally, Ted catalogued their numerous flowers and plants and made that information available to all who visited that day. 

Ted and Bobbie have made countless contributions to their town with no thought of reward or acknowledgement, finding opportunities to create a better world. Through their kind hearts, positive outlooks and active community spirit, they help to make Devon a better place to live. 

Devon Communities in Bloom has selected Gloria and Dale Mabbott to be recognized by the program Community Spirit Lives Here!

Dale and Gloria are described by fellow volunteers as humble, hardworking and an example of how to work well together as a couple or with a group of volunteers. For over twenty years, the Mabbotts have given a generous amount of time and energy to the Devon United Church and Centennial Park as well as being involved with Devon Christmas Elves when it began.

Visitors to the Devon United Church Thrift Store are likely to see Gloria and Dale helping during store hours, accepting donations and serving customers. What they are not likely to see is all the work that Gloria and Dale, along with other volunteers, do behind the scenes. Gloria and Dale help sort donated items to determine if they are ready to be sold at the store or if they should be passed on to another charitable organization such as the Bissell Centre or The Mustard Seed. They clean and repair furniture, appliances, linens and clothing. Dale and fellow volunteers haul items to the recycling centre and re-organize the storage area. Gloria repairs clothing items that need minor stitching to make them saleable. Those attending in-person services at the United Church would see Dale working the soundboard and, during the pandemic, would know Dale is often at the Church setting up for the online services. Dale takes care of the Church’s other technology needs such the security system. Recipients of Gloria’s phone calls and visits will be aware of her efforts to reach out to other members of the congregation to check in and see how they are doing.

Gloria and Dale were members of the group that started Bloom 2000. The group worked with the Town to revitalize Centennial Park into an attractive gathering spot for the community. Gloria was working at Riverview School at the time and brought students in the gardening option to assist with the work in the Park.

People walking through Centennial Park on a summer Monday evening over the last twenty years would have seen Dale and Gloria, along with fellow volunteers, planting, watering, weeding and pruning.  Behind the scenes, Dale and Gloria would have organized the plant orders and, with others, picked up the annuals on planting day. They would also have coordinated volunteers; consulted with the Town to organize soil amendments, watering, fertilizer and other support from Park staff; and turned the irrigation system on and off over 20 growing seasons.

Dale and Gloria moved to Devon in 1971. They raised two sons here and nurtured many friendships. During their volunteering, they have always been surrounded by great friends and helpful community members.

The Mabbotts’ discipline and enjoyment of the town amenities are evident by their hour-long walk on Devon’s trails and sidewalks every morning. A neighbour described their well-kept yard as an inspiration to him. A fellow volunteer declared that she doesn’t know anyone who works as hard and who has contributed more through community service than Gloria and Dale. 

They are not only volunteers but leaders, facilitating the realization of a better future through planning, collaboration and setting an example of service for the common good. Through their volunteer work, they have helped many people in our community and beyond. Dale and Gloria’s kind hearts and community spirit make Devon a better place to live.

Devon Communities in Bloom has selected Warren Friesen to be recognized by the program, Community Spirit Lives Here!

Warren is the epitome of a selfless human being, always putting others’ needs ahead of his own, working two jobs and having raised a son by himself. Having a Mennonite influence and a family that has been active in missionary work, Warren has spent much of his adult life in the service of others and his community.  

Warren has lived in Devon for many years where he served as a leader in Devon’s Cubs and Scouts while his son was growing up. He says the community has helped him a great deal. He also organized a seniors' community summer barbeque for the residents of Cottage Courts where he brought all his own equipment including tables and BBQ, cooked and cleaned up. 

As well as working a full-time job, he works as the handyman at Cottage Courts and has numerous part-time jobs in mechanics, home improvements and woodworking, which he does for people at greatly reduced prices.  He says it’s not about the money. It's about helping others. He operates under a tradename called Warren's Whittlins.

When it comes to building or mechanics, Warren can do pretty much anything. He is always thrifty and finds ways to save the condo residents money. Although he is paid to work at the condo, Warren goes above and beyond often doing jobs for the residents for free. He keeps an eye on residents’ properties and cares for their grounds when they are away. He has a way of making everyone feel safe and secure. In addition to people living at Cottage Courts, Warren checks on and cares for other seniors and others in need.  

When he learned of an individual who was recovering from surgery, Warren offered to take his own RV to a lake and leave it there so the recovering patient could have a free holiday. He makes sure people in need are recommended for Christmas food boxes and does Secret Santa work for kids. 

Warren seldom takes a vacation, but when he does, it is to go hunting in the fall. He says it's not about killing something. It’s about relaxing in nature. He is known for his appreciation of community and has a great sense of humour. 

Warren’s kind heart and community spirit make Devon a better place to live.

Devon Communities in Bloom has selected George and Christine Bernier to be recognized by the program: Community Spirit Lives Here!

George Bernier and Christine Parie both moved to Devon in the early 1970’s, and each raised their own family of four children within a block of each other.  The kids all went to school together but Christine and George didn’t meet each other until 1991 when a friend introduced them.  George offered to teach Christine to cross country ski and she accepted. That was the beginning! George and Christine have now been married for twenty-five years.

George worked as a machinist in Edmonton, then Nisku, and then back to Edmonton until he retired. He could then devote his time to setting tracks for the Devon Nordic Ski Club, learning from Bert Mockfort and Irvin Servold.  He continued track-setting and maintained the grooming equipment for 17 years, until his health demanded his attention.  George has had more than 20 blood transfusions during the last twelve months to satisfy his blood cancer but he is still able to ski most days!

Both Christine and George helped with the Devon Nordic Ski Club’s annual loppet.

Christine retired in 2010 after working for 27 years at the Town of Devon office as Executive Assistant to the Council and Town Manager.  While employed she volunteered on the Town’s Youth Justice Committee and was a board member, then secretary, and later treasurer for the Devon Nordic Ski Club.  

After retirement she started playing music with Edmonton and Devon friends (The Sunbeams) and entertained, usually free of charge, at seniors’ homes in Edmonton and Devon, and at the Devon Hospital. She organized and performed for many community events, including Christmas in the Park, the regional mayors’ BBQ, the Town’s Christmas concert, the Shriner’s Hoedown, and the Girl Guides Christmas concert.

Christine has been the recording secretary for the Devon General Hospital Foundation for the past several years and still enjoys that involvement.  Unfortunately that won’t involve helping out at the Taste Around the World event in 2021 due to COVID restrictions

Christine and Sylvia Paul instigated the best monthly music jams in the region held at Devon’s Pioneer 73 Club. George finally agreed to get involved, even though he felt it was primarily for “old people”.  Soon, Christine and George stepped up to be the Rental Co-ordinators for the Pioneer 73 Club, then Christine held a board position, and finally the president’s position. They both helped with set-up and clean-up of monthly luncheons and music jams, which sometimes took them until midnight. George enjoyed selling the 50/50 tickets with Ed Els through each of the music jams, for most of its seven-year history.

George and Christine can often be seen at community events supporting their eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren in their figure skating, hockey, swimming, soccer, cross-country skiing, and Guides.

George and Christine absolutely love the Devon community. They will continue to serve where they can and have no intention of ever leaving their fabulous town. They both have a kind heart and their community spirit makes Devon a better place to live.

Devon Communities in Bloom has selected Laurie Keindel to be recognized by the program: Community Spirit Lives Here!

Laurie owns and operates the Discovery Place Hair Salon. With COVID-19 causing so many to be confined and missing out on social contact, Laurie has taken the opportunity to spearhead numerous initiatives enriching the lives of many Devon residents, especially the elderly in Discovery Place and elsewhere. 

Recently Laurie created a huge Remembrance Day poppy outside Discovery Place which became an internet sensation. Shortly after, she transformed her giant poppy into a jolly Santa Claus to the delight of everyone who saw it. 

Laurie has brought a number of fun experiences to Discovery Place such as fashioning a makeshift indoor Tim Hortons “drive-through” for residents to pick up coffee and baked goods and hiring Oilers home game singer Robert Clark to sing the national anthem for last year’s Christmas party. More recently, she arranged with CFCW AM radio to send cardboard cut outs of the radio personalities for a virtual radio show with Stella Stevens to Discovery Place. Laurie has also received local and national attention for her colourful sidewalk chalk murals created for residents to enjoy during their summer walks during the pandemic.  She is currently in the midst of fashioning a unique Frozen2 snow display for local people to enjoy.

She also participates with and supports many charities including the Make a Wish Foundation. 

Laurie represents Northern Alberta as a top 1% Google Local Guide, one of 200 such guides around the world. Her photos of local businesses have been seen over 30 million times.  For her outstanding achievements Google sent her on an all expenses paid trip to Connect Live at the Google Campus in San Jose to expand her knowledge of how to use technology as a promotional tool.

Laurie is a great supporter of the community and uses her social media savvy to celebrate people, businesses and the town far and wide.  She has created numerous YouTube videos about Devon events that have netted thousands of views online. Laurie is also well known for promoting local people for recognition such as the time she nominated local artist Kym Simon for a local radio contest. Kym ended up with a private meetup with Oprah Winfrey. 

Aside from providing entertainment for the residents of Discovery Place, working to promote extraordinary people at her keyboard or happily shaping public art, Laurie’s kind and generous acts are too many to count, but she always has another project in the offing because she is dedicated to seeing the smiles on people’s faces.  Laurie Keindel’s kind heart and community spirit make Devon a better place to live. 

Devon Communities in Bloom has selected Brian Hicks of Devon Tim Hortons to be recognized by the program Community Spirit Lives Here!

Through his local Tim Hortons, Brian helped to host numerous Neighbourly Devon pop-up coffee events creating welcoming spaces where neighbours meet, chat and get to know one another.  He regularly sponsors Timbits soccer and hockey jamborees and helped to sponsor the refurbishment of the Graminia hockey rink.

He commissioned local artist Aimee Movold to design a colorful mosaic of the Devon bridge made from used Tim Hortons gift cards. The project included the participation of a multitude of Devon residents including youth. This unique and eye-catching work of art is now on display for the enjoyment of the public at the Tim Hortons drive-through.  

Brian’s community spirit was especially energized during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tim Hortons gift cards were donated to hospital staff.  The Devon Christmas Elves has been the charity of choice for the local Tim Hortons Smile Cookie program and his business has supported the annual charity breakfast at the Devon Fire department.

For the past couple of years, he arranged for his business to sponsor the Newcomers Event at the Citadel.  New Canadians enjoy live music, hot beverages and baked goods, and receive a ticket to the performance.  This is a meaningful event for Brian, and he enjoys being there to personally extend a warm welcome to Canada.

Another way that Brian has contributed to the community is as co-founder of Devon’s Walk the Talks which invites community members to gather monthly to learn about opportunities to live sustainably from experts in the field. 

There are too many residents to count who can personally attest to Brian’s generous nature and have unexpectedly received his thoughtful aid and support.  

Brian Hicks’ kind heart and community spirit make Devon a better place to live.