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Ryley Principal bids adieu to the final Ryley Grad Class of 2020
Tofield RCMP cautions loud residents with bylaw ticket
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Wednesday June 3, 2020 Vol. 102 Issue 40
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Drainage repair options at Lindbrook Estates to be examined
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Former County resident wins Emerald Foundation Award Patricia Harcourt Staff Reporter
Pres Winter after winning Emerald Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award on June 2, 2020. SUBMITTED PHOTO/KEVIN SMOOK
Pres Winter, a former resident of Beaver County and now residing in Viking was given a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with bluebirds at the 29th Annual Emerald Awards on Tuesday, June 2 in a virtual ceremony. His award was announced by Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi in a category that “recognizes eco-heroes who have made an outstanding contribution” to the environment. Nenshi said Winter has made “an invaluable contribution to bluebird populations” over a span of 44 years starting in 1977 when he started building and placing his bluebird boxes along a trail in the countryside. Winter started out with 200 bird boxes along a trail covering a 12-mile radius of Viking. Since that time in 1977, he has also banded about 44,500 bluebirds. “I’m honoured to receive this prestigious
award,” Winter said, adding he was grateful to the Rural Outreach and Agricultural Renaissance Society (ROARS) organization for nominating him and supporting his endeavour over the years. “Thanks to Vern Hafso and all who helped out,” he said, in that organization. Winter also remembered the many other volunteers who came out to work with him over the years. “Thanks to all the helpers young and old,” he said, and recalled the times his own children came along with him to help. “It’s exciting to introduce children to the beauty and magic of bluebirds," he said, noting that when he is banding a baby bird, “the look of awe is priceless” on their faces. Winter wanted everyone to know that the work of bluebird trails has become one of the largest successful grass roots activities in North America. Continued on Page 20