Community Spirit Lives Here! 2025-26

Kristin Walsh’s view of community building is inspired by Margaret Mead’s words, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”  These powerful and motivating words drive Kristin’s actions both personally and professionally. Kristin gives her time and contributes to her community because it makes her feel great. 

When Kristin moved here in 2012, it was to work for the Town of Devon as the Recreation Coordinator, and later as Manager of Parks, Recreation and Culture. It was a perfect role for Kristin as it allowed her to work alongside many community organizations and individuals who exemplified community spirit and volunteerism. She supported and learned from the people who generously gave their time and energy to Devon. 

Kristin left Devon in 2021 to pursue a career opportunity, but her Devon community spirit was so strong that, while living in Red Deer, Kristin returned to town on several occasions to help organize and volunteer at events such as Canada Day, Devon TED Talks and Christmas in the Park. She planned the second Merry & Bright Parade and, while she has stepped back from participating on the committee, she continues to offer ideas to help enhance future events.

A co-worker from the Town of Devon wrote, “Kristin’s community spirit shines through in the energy and creativity she brings to every initiative. She has a remarkable ability to unite people around a common goal and is deeply committed to strengthening recreation and community life in Devon.”

Kristin recently moved back to make Devon her home. One of her priorities upon her return was to get involved with service organizations that match her interests and make important contributions to the lives of residents. 

She has re-joined the Devon Fire Department as a firefighter. After moving to Devon in 2012, she volunteered with the fire department for nearly 10 years and played a big part in fire calls. In addition to fighting fires, she helped develop the water rescue program and became a qualified instructor for it. She also initiated events such as the Halloween night candy crew, the Legs of Fire stair climb events to raise awareness about mental health, and the province-wide Fire Department Challenges to shave their heads in support of multiple sclerosis. 

One of her fellow firefighters shared that, “Kristin was a major asset to us in the Fire Department. She brought previous experience with her. She helped us with our water rescue training and equipment recommendations. She also contributed heavily to organizing events that we put on.”

Kristin has also joined the Devon Bicycle Association to support a community-led organization that promotes active living in shared outdoor spaces. 

The Devon Communities in Bloom committee is pleased that she has also offered to join our committee. We know she is a strong supporter of our mission to foster civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement as she initiated discussions with interested individuals in 2017 about re-forming a Communities in Bloom group here.

Kristin’s goal has always been to support causes that bring people together and strengthen connections. For her, community building includes organizing, participating, or simply showing up. Isn’t it great that Devon residents can count on Kristin, and many others along with her, to do just that?

Kristin is a big fan of Devon and her motivation to be one of our community builders is strong. She feels that community spirit is real here — people care, they show up for one another, and they make room for everyone to contribute. That’s what makes Devon feel like home and why she chose to return. We are happy to welcome her back.

Devon Communities in Bloom has credited longtime resident and environmental advocate Don Kenyon with its Community Spirit Lives Here! recognition, celebrating decades of leadership, collaboration, and persistence that have helped shape a greener, more sustainable environment.

Kenyon is widely known for championing sustainability initiatives long before they became commonplace.  He has been an activist for environmental causes and nature conservation in Devon and other parts of Canada all his adult life.  He credits family camping trips in his formative years with shaping his deep appreciation for the natural world.

Other Devon residents value and admire his lifelong commitment to creating a more sustainable future: 

“I do not personally know another person who has spent more of their adult life dedicated to causes aimed at protecting and preserving the natural environment”  

“Don’s commitment to the planet is unmatched by anyone else I have ever met.  If his passion for the environment and the effects we as humans have on this fragile system were taken even a fraction as seriously as Don does, we would all be considered stellar stewards of this earth.”

Through countless formal and informal conversations with residents about sustainability and conservation, Kenyon has inspired many small actions that have led to lasting change. He and his wife, Jenise, have long been leaders in the annual Christmas Bird Count. Since 1988, they have served as zone captains, organizing volunteers, surveying habitats throughout the river valley, and submitting data that provides an annual snapshot of bird populations in and around Devon and Calmar.

Kenyon’s impact extends well beyond the community. In 1992, he joined a group of Edmonton-area advocates to meet with then-mayor Bill Smith to discuss the creation of a regional river valley park system. That early vision—stretching from Devon to Fort Saskatchewan—led to the eventual formation of the River Valley Alliance. Kenyon served on the Alliance’s committee from 2004 to 2009.

Closer to home, Kenyon was among the Devon residents who helped establish the Devon Nature Club. The club has played an important role in protecting ravines, wetlands, the river valley, and parks, while working with Town staff on conservation projects and offering educational presentations. Kenyon has served on the club’s board for more than a decade.

More recently, Kenyon has focused on mentoring emerging community leaders. He has assisted with the development of the Devon Eco Collective by helping them draft their mission statement and guiding its early goals. In 2024, the group delivered its “Week of Water,” engaging residents in learning about water stewardship. He has also supported the local Walk the Talks group, sharing his experience and encouraging community-led initiatives.

Kenyon’s personal commitment to sustainability is equally evident. He was among the first Devon residents to install solar panels on his home, taking pride in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

There is much more that could be said about Don Kenyon’s contributions to a greener community. Through advocacy, education, and a lifelong commitment to nature, he exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and environmental stewardship that Devon Communities in Bloom seeks to recognize. His story is a reminder that meaningful community change is built patiently and collaboratively over many years.

Devon Communities in Bloom Recognizes Dan and Debi Nonay through Community Spirit Lives Here!

Christmas is a time of giving and a good time to think of those who give year-round. This Christmas, we’d like you to spend a few minutes thinking about volunteers Dan and Debi Nonay.

After retiring from dairy farming, Dan and Debi moved to Devon in 2011, where Debi was born and raised. When Debi’s dad, a long-time member of the Lions Club, was no longer able to drive himself to the meetings, Dan offered to take him. In short order, Dan was a member of the Lions Club himself. His contributions to the Club include helping with the Single Seniors Christmas Dinner, Christmas in the Park, and numerous pancake breakfasts. As a member of the Lions Campground committee, Dan helped with improvements to roads and facilities; consulted and provided insight for and helped build the flood prevention measures; and helped design and implement infrastructure upgrades. His motivation was to help create a quality facility for campers and the local community to enjoy.

Debi was a Lions Club member for a time, but her volunteer calling was the Devon General Hospital which she regards as the heart of the community. In addition to sitting on the Devon General Hospital Foundation’s board, Debi is involved in many of the Foundation’s activities. She helps organize and volunteers at the The Taste events. She managed the hospital Gift Shop for many years. She was also involved in the Foundation’s Memory Tree annual campaigns and the Legacy Wall.

Fellow volunteers had this to say about their community spirit:

“Dan is an exceptional volunteer and a true asset to the Devon Lions Club and his community! He has served on multiple committees over the years and his ‘ready to help with any task’ attitude exemplifies the spirit of service that the Devon Lions Club promotes. It’s people like Dan who make community organizations thrive—bringing both expertise and a genuine desire to make a difference wherever help is needed.”

“It’s been an honour to serve on the Devon General Hospital Foundation with Debi the last 12 years. She is a hard worker and isn’t afraid to volunteer for committees and fundraisers. Debi steps up to help whenever she is needed. The Foundation would not have been as successful without Debi’s knowledge and expertise. Dan was also a great supporter, helping set up for fundraisers and placing all the leaves on the Legacy Wall.”

Behind these few words about Dan and Debi’s volunteer activities are many hours of time and work donated over many years to their community. We thank and celebrate them for their generosity and dedication to Devon!

Devon Communities in Bloom Recognizes Raylee Dupont through Community Spirit Lives Here!

At just 15 years old and in Grade 10, Raylee has already distinguished herself through an impressive commitment to community service. Her record includes several years of diverse volunteer work, reflecting a dedication unusual for her age.

Community members speak highly of her leadership and compassion:

“Raylee is a natural leader! Whether she’s running an activity or just joining in, she elevates the group.”

“Raylee is an asset as a volunteer and one of the most endearing youth I have ever worked with.  She’s one of the strongest kids I know and she perseveres even when she is unsure.  More than anything, she CARES.”

Raylee began volunteering at just 10 years old through the Local Youth Experience (LYE), which continues to provide many of the opportunities she embraces today. One of her favourite roles is serving as Dungeon Master for LYE’s Wednesday night Dungeons & Dragons group, a position that allows her to guide and engage fellow youth in creative storytelling.

Every other week, she also acts as a program assistant for the Grade 5 and 6 group on Thursday nights, helping supervise participants and leading activities. 

Her involvement with LYE’s Local Leaders group further expands her volunteer reach. Through this collaboration, Raylee lends a hand at major community events, including Devon Days, Christmas in the Park, Family Day, Out by the River, and various fundraising efforts.

Raylee believes she will remain a lifelong champion of volunteerism, a commitment that seems deeply rooted in her family’s values. She notes that her parents and sister have also served as active volunteers in the community.

When asked about what virtues seem to help describe her, Raylee identifies confidence in leadership and reliability – qualities clearly reflected in the work she does.

As she continues to offer her time, talents, and energy to local causes, Raylee’s impact on the Devon community stands as an inspiring example of dedication, leadership, and heart.