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VIDEO: Foursome of outstanding Langley volunteers lauded

One couple and two individual volunteers were recognized for the dedication to community
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Jeff Morfitt and his wife Kellie Reynolds were presented the John and Muriel Arnason award during the Township of Langley’s annual volunteer recognition dinner and awards ceremony at the Langley Events Centre on Thursday evening. (Roxanne Hooper/Langley Advance Times)

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Volunteers give without expecting anything in return, think of others first, and make the world a better place for all of us.

They are the heart of the community, and last night (Thursday, April 4), volunteers were celebrated by the Township of Langley for all they do and everything they contribute.

The Township’s annual volunteer appreciation and awards evening was held at the Langley Events Centre and hundreds of people who assist those in need, care for the environment, encourage active lifestyles, support children and seniors, and enhance quality of life within the community were treated to dinner, entertainment, and special presentations.

Volunteers are a vital part of this community, said Township Mayor Jack Froese.

“Their hard work and dedication makes a huge difference in people’s lives and their efforts can be felt throughout the Township of Langley,” he elaborated.

“Hosting this annual event is a small token of our appreciation and thanks for everything volunteers do throughout the year. It is always an honour to present this evening.”

At the event, three awards were presented to recognize community members who go above and beyond to make Langley a better place.

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Honouring lifetime caregiver

Shirley McGonigal, a former nurse at Langley Memorial Hospital, was named the 2018 Eric Flowerdew Volunteer of the Year.

Now 83 years old, McGonigal retired 20 years ago but continues caring for people, visiting those who are ill or housebound, shopping and preparing meals, performing wound care, taking seniors to appointments, and visiting patients who are in hospital or care facilities.

She often sees five to 10 people a week.

A member of the LMH heritage committee since its inception in 1993, McGonigal is also active in the United Churches of Langley congregation. She serves with the pastoral care and prayer shawl knitting ministries, organizes memorial receptions, teas, and craft fairs, as well as delivers cards and cookies at Easter and Christmas.

The Flowerdew award is named after former parks and recreation commissioner, school trustee, and municipal councillor Eric Flowerdew.

It is presented to an individual who promotes an active living lifestyle that enhances Langley’s quality of life and community spirit throughcreative, cultural, physical, or social pursuits.

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Ribfest founders applauded

The 2018 John and Muriel Arnason award was presented to married couple Jeff Morfitt and Kellie Reynolds for their extraordinary efforts to present the inaugural Ribfest last summer at McLeod Athletic Park.

Hosted by the community’s four Rotary Clubs, the massive fundraiser brought in 25,000 visitors and raised $60,000 for Rotary projects in Langley and around the world.

Morfitt was chair and Reynolds secretary-treasurer of a 25-person committee that organized the inaugural three-day event featuring award-winning barbecue fare, entertainment, and activities.

Members of the Rotary Club of Langley Sunrise, the couple are supporters of the Langley Youth Hub, Starfish backpack program, SASSY Awards, and serve with Rotary’s Charitable Foundation.

Friends Donna Linke and Pauline Markle, the longest-serving dog walkers at the Langley Animal Protection Society, were also nominated for the Arnason award.

The Arnason Award was created in memory of Muriel Arnason – the first woman to be elected to Township council – and her husband, John, to recognize two people who volunteer together to make Langley a better place.

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Excels as athlete, academic

The 2018 – 2019 Pete Swensson outstanding student of the year award went to Carson Sidhu, a Grade 12 student at D.W. Poppy Secondary.

Carson maintains a 93.5-per-cent average while taking eight courses and has been named top student in philosophy and computer technology.

He competed at the Physics Olympics, performs with the school’s wind ensemble and senior jazz band, and has received the Duke of Edinburgh’s bronze and silver medals.

Poppy’s athlete of the year, Carson is captain and MVP of the senior boys basketball team, was named an all-star at three tournaments this past season, plays volleyball and baseball, and swims.

Carson is involved in youth leadership, volunteers with the Weekend Fuelbag Program, and is a certified CPR Heartsaver.

Other students nominated for the award included Asher Mayan of Langley Christian School, Brooke Lindberg of Langley Fundamental, Fabrice Louise of R.E. Mountain, Jordan Jacobs of Walnut Grove Secondary, Kori Johnson of Langley Secondary, and Madison McKellar of Brookswood Secondary.

The Swensson award is named after internationally recognized athlete and photographer Pete Swensson, the Township’s first recreation director and originator of the Langley Walk.

It is given to a Langley student in Grade 11 or 12 in recognition of their athletic achievement, academic accomplishment, leadership, and commitment to the community.

The Swensson award winner received a $750 scholarship and the Flowerdew and Arnason award recipients received $750 to contribute to a recognized charity or society of their choice.

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Shirley McGonigal was presented with the Eric Flowerdew award during the Township of Langley’s annual volunteer recognition dinner and awards ceremony at the Langley Events Centre on Thursday evening. (Roxanne Hooper/Langley Advance Times)
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Langley’s world renowned ukulele ensemble, led by director Paul Luongo, performed at the Township of Langley’s annual volunteer evening at the Langley Events Centre on Thursday. (Roxanne Hooper/Langley Advance Times)
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Langley’s world renowned ukulele ensemble, led by director Paul Luongo, performed at the Township of Langley’s annual volunteer evening at the Langley Events Centre on Thursday. (Roxanne Hooper/Langley Advance Times)
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