By Rob Vogt

Connie Quayle is the 2024 Claresholm Citizen of the Year.
She was honoured with the award at the Volunteer Appreciation event at the Claresholm Community Centre on April 22 hosted by Claresholm and District Family and Community Support Services.
John Cope, last year’s citizen of the year, presented the award.
“This year’s Citizen of the Year has been a life long resident of our community,” he opened. “This person has dedicated many years to serving our community through their work and their volunteer efforts. The recipient has always been proud to call Claresholm home.”
Over the course of her 36-year career with Alberta Health Services at the Claresholm Centre for Mental Health and addictions, she worked tirelessly in a sometimes difficult role.
Through her work, she stepped up to be a union representative, which involved organizing many activities for the members such as staff barbecues and family Christmas parties.
“(Her) dedication has impacted the lives of many,” Cope said.
In addition to her work, Quayle has volunteered countless hours in various capacities.
She spent two terms, for a total of six years, as a councillor with the Town of Claresholm and the committees associated with that role included:
• Claresholm Housing Authority;
• Learn-A-Lot Playschool;
• Claresholm Healthy Community Coalition;
• Oldman River Regional Services Commission;
• Audit; community standards; and disaster services committees;
• Subdivision and Development Appeal Board;
• Family and Community Support Services board.
Following her time on town council, Quayle continued to serve as the community member-at-large representative on the Town of Claresholm’s Economic Development Committee.
Quayle has also been involved with the Claresholm Curling Club in many ways, including being on the volunteer executive in a variety of roles.
She recently celebrated curling 50 straight years with the Claresholm Curling Club, and managed the curling club concession for more than 30 years.
Also an avid golfer, Quayle is a supporter of the Bridges at Claresholm Golf Club and has assisted with events and leagues as needed.
Other volunteer roles have included Meals on Wheels; the Kinette Club of Claresholm; and the Claresholm Arts Society.
She has also been conducting elections for the seniors’ drop-in/social centre for the past 12 years, and as recently as a few weeks ago.
“The recipient’s passion for our community is often displayed quietly, but their hours and hours of volunteer involvement speak volumes,” Cope said.
“In recognition of their service, dedication, and the positive impact they have had on the community of Claresholm, it is my pleasure to announce the 2024 Citizen of the Year – Connie Quayle.”

Gertner named Junior Citizen of the Year

Avery Gertner is the 2024 Claresholm Junior Citizen of the Year.
She was honoured at Volunteer Appreciation put on by Claresholm and District Family and Community Support Services on Tuesday, April 22 at the Claresholm Community Centre.
Tania Smeltzer, representing Connect First Credit Union who sponsored the award, made the presentation.
“She is an amazing young lady who is well-liked by her peers, and is a great role model to younger members of the skating club and rodeo scene,” she began.
Gertner is currently in Grade 11 at Willow Creek Composite High School.
She started as a program assistant with the Claresholm Skating Club when she was about 11 years old.
“She just loved skating, and wanted to be able to help the little kids learn to skate. She took a couple years off, but returned to the club this year in this capacity once again,” Smeltzer read.
“She hasn’t taken lessons for a few years, but heard there was some help needed and offered her time. The coaches and other program assistants relied on her experience and leadership a lot this year. And, of course, the young skaters loved her.”
Gertner is also a student officer (vice-president) on the Alberta High School Rodeo Association board, representing the student body.
She has shown leadership, drive and determination throughout her rodeo career, and is a great contributor on the board, reads the nomination letter submitted on her behalf.
She’s a great competitor, but also a great friend and role model.
Gertner was selected to represent Alberta at the National High School Rodeo Association at their mid-winter meeting in Deadwood, South Dakota.
She has emceed many of the association’s banquets, including their graduation recognition night. She steps up anywhere it’s needed.
Gertner also joined the planning team for the Claresholm and Pincher Creek high school rodeos, and hosted a weekly breakaway roping practice through the winter at the Claresholm Agriplex.
Gertner recently participated as a youth member at the Art of the Cowgirl event in Arizona. Art of the Cowgirl is a gathering to celebrate cowgirls and their contributions to the western lifestyle and culture through workshops, horsemanship clinics, an all-girl ranch rodeo and horse sale. It gathers, connects, and encourages western women.
Gertner and her father Logan were also featured in a promotional video for the Nature Conservancy of Canada as a spokesperson on the importance of preserving native grasslands.
In the summer she will be working at several jobs including at the Bridges at Claresholm Golf Club, training horses, and at the Pink House Selfcare Boutique.
“She always has a smile on her face,” Smeltzer said.
Then she presented Avery Gertner with the award as the 2024 Claresholm Junior Citizen of the Year.