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Unbreakable Ukraine Picture Show on Display in Chipman
Unbreakable Ukraine Picture Show on Display in Chipman
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
The Unbreakable Ukraine Picture Show, in support of Firefight Aid Ukraine was on display at the Chipman National Hall on May 24.
Firefighter Aid Ukraine (FFAU) volunteer Hawkins Choi was on hand with four other volunteers. On display was the work of Ukrainian photographer Vyacheslav Khabaylo. Around 60 photographs displayed on canvas illustrated some of the devastating aftermath of the conflict.
Choi said he saw a Firefighter Aid Ukraine booth in Kingsway Mall two years ago. “I so admired what they were doing and wanted to do something to help out. The organization collects unneeded and unwanted firefighter bunker/turnout gear, personal protective equipment, life rescue equipment and medical supplies from fire departments and vendors in Canada and sends donations to Ukraine.
According to the FFAU website, “FFAU aims to raise the necessary funds to send these goods to first responders in various locations of Ukraine who are in desperate need of equipment and supplies required to fulfill their duties to serve and protect citizens, while ensuring one's own safety.”
Former Premier Ed Stelmach spoke on some of the work that various charitable organizations he’s involved in have done and continue to do to assist the people of Ukraine. “We don’t know what the final outcome will be, but we do know that after the war there will be years and years of rebuild.”
Village of Chipman Trudy Smith told attendees, “This is not just a celebration for Firefighter Aid Ukraine, but also a small celebration for your (Pat Tomkow) 40 years as CAO.” Smith, who organized the event, then asked Stelmach to say a few words about Tomkow.
“It’s amazing how quickly 40 years have passed. I have, along with many here, have had the distinct pleasure of working with you; not only as County Councillor, MLA, Minister, and Premier…”I remember as MLA going over plans the village undertook. In all seriousness, we see an end of an era, an era where public servants set aside the clock whether it’s a family matter in town, broken waterline, stray dog, derelict yard that requires attention; Pat was one that never looked at the watch if it meant working longer into the evening. Also, she undertook responsibility of the water commission and upgraded her skills and carried a very good reputation in the county and was always honest and straight forward in her work with elected officials; and let’s face it, there’s a number of elected officials here,” stated Stelmach.
Lamont County Reeve David Diduck stated, “Before I start to congratulate Pat I wanted to reflect a little bit on the Ukraine war. I remember the evening the war started. I was at the Alberta Legislature with Premier Kenney, MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, UCC-APC President Orysia Boychuk and there were several ministers and Counsel General Danylenko. And the reason of that meeting anticipation the war would start, but we didn’t know it would start that day. Before I got home from the Legislature the war was ongoing. I think Mr. Putin thought that the war would be very short-term, obviously he’s been proven wrong over three-and-half years down the road and it’s still ongoing. That just shows the spirit of us Ukrainians. We fight hard. We don’t give up, and we fight for what we think is right. So, they still need money, donations, prayers, and let’s not forget them because they aren’t on TV anymore. Ukraine, continue to stand strong.”
Diduck, who grew up a few miles away from Chipman, commended Tomkow on her 40 years and said it was an amazing accomplishment, and noted that Chipman has always maintained some historical buildings, which is a credit to her and previous councils.
I’m not sure retirement date, but have a project to work on Range Road 185. Construction expected later this fall. Chipman has always been a great community to collaborate with. So, Pat congratulations on 40 years of service and hope best in what choose to do in future.”
Bruderheim Mayor Karl Hauch and Vegreville Mayor Tim MacPhee also said a few words on behalf of their municipalities. Hauch said, “Kudos to Pat for 40 years as CAO and 30 Years with the Water Commission. There’s nobody as sharp as this lady and we give her all the credit.”
MacPhee said he met Pat 12 years ago, and he’s sat as a representative on the water commission for the past 10 years. “I don’t know how to describe Pat. I’ve been in business my whole life, trying to make payroll at the end of every month. I’ve seen people that are organized, and I’ve seen dedicated employees and I’ve seen very intelligent employees; and Pat is all of them. She is the most professional person that I’ve dealt with in politics.”
Shana McIntyre, Deputy Mayor of the Village of Chipman, also paid tribute to Tomkow, who has “mentored and supported four mayors and almost a dozen councillors. That is a huge feat in and of itself.
When she started village in debt…Through hard work and dedication from Pat and council they were able to put village into the black in a few years, and through successful management continued to keep Chipman the beautiful, independent and debt free community that we are today. Your dedication to the Village can be seen in the countless and tireless hours to the Village, not just through her vast knowledge and experience with budgets and management of operations; but also through the hands on work in the early days helping lay sod in various park areas, plant trees, build flower gardens, putting in sidewalks, and painting the curbs at the village office when it was put in place.
She continues to volunteer her time in helping the historical society when do perogy dinners for the Car Crafters and various other things. Anyone who knows Pat will tell you that she has a wealth of information and the memory of an elephant, which is amazing when you consider how tiny she is.
She has served on many different boards and hosted many different events over the years with calm and patience and grace, and continues to do so on a regular basis.”
Former Fort Saskatchewan RCMP Detachment Superintendent Barry Larocque. “I want to talk about what missing from society and that is grace. It’s nice to see consistency and continuity in municipality and over 40 years, you’ve done that. In today’s world where fighting, difference of opinions is prevalent, always treated with respect, and more so, grace. So, I appreciate that on a personal level.”
