Nearly 270 people were crowded into the Stettler Community Hall on June 19.
There were 268 people spread around 31 tables at the Steller Farmer’s Appreciation Supper at the Stettler Community Hall on June 19. (Kevin Sabo/Stettler Independent)
The people were on hand for the Rotary Club of Stettler’s annual Farmers Appreciation Supper.
While doors opened just after 5 p.m., the event didn’t officially kick off until 6:30 p.m. when the assembled group was welcomed by current Rotary president Arlene Morton.
Morton introduced the evening’s master of ceremonies, former Rotary scholarship winner Jace Thorsteinson.
Thorsteinson introduced Rotarian Scott Pfeiffier, and vocalists Patty Steen and Phil Jarmin who performed O Canada, before welcoming Mayor Sean Nolls and Reeve Larry Clarke who brought greetings from their respective municipalities.
Grace was said by Rotarian and pastor Ross Helgeton, after which the 31 tables were called to dish up from the buffet-style meal cooked up by TC’s Catering.
As supper was finishing up, Morton and incoming Rotary president Stacey Benjamin took to the podium once again and introduced the 4H Paul Harris Fellow honourees.
Honourees were Lee Carothers, Dwayne Grover, Anita Mappin, and Doug Norman for their extensive work in the 4H Alberta program over the years. His wife and daughter, Jonanne and Lana, accepted the award posthumously for Norman.
Once the Paul Harris Fellows honourees were complete, it was time to honour the 2023 scholarship recipients.
Five youth planning to carry on their education in agriculture were honoured with 2023 scholarships.
Jonah Jarmin received the rotary scholarship for the second year in a row, which was presented by Dean Tschirren.
Jonah Jarmin receives his scholarship cheque from Central Alberta Co-op representative Dean Tschirren (right). (Kevin Sabo/Stettler Independent)
Emily Brown received a scholarship, presented by Connie Addam.
Emily Brown presents prior to receiving her scholarship cheque. (Kevin Sabo/Stettler Independent)
Carolyn McNeill received a scholarship, presented by Gina Smid.
RBC Royal Bank Representative Gina Smid (right) presents a $1,000 scholarship cheque to Carolyn McNeil. (Kevin Sabo/Stettler Independent)
Rachael Deaver received a scholarship, presented by Dr. J. Dobinson.
Dr. J. Dobinson of Stettler Vet Clinic presents a $1,000 scholarship cheque to Rachael Deaver. (Kevin Sabo/Stettler Independent)
Finally, Chance Morbeck received a scholarship, presented by Morton.
Chance Morbeck presents during the Farmer’s Appreciation Supper prior to receiving his scholarship. (Kevin Sabo/Stettler Independent)
Before each presentation, each of the youth gave a verbal presentation thanking the Rotary and the sponsors for the scholarships and what education the funding is going to be used for.
Each scholarship was for $1,000.
Following the presentations, Rotarian Scott Pfeiffer introduced the evening’s entertainment, the father and son country-singing duo of Kent and Josh Nixon.
After the Farmer’s supper presentations, Kent and Josh Nixon provided entertainment to the crowd. (Kevin Sabo/Stettler Independent)
