It was an event that brought people together.
It was an event that brought the community together.
It was an event that shone a light on the good that's being done in this part of the province by both adults and kids, as well as businesses and community groups.
It was an event that was one of my absolute favorite things to write about in the pages of our newspaper.
It was an event that was shelved four years ago and it hasn't been back since.
What am I talking about?
I'm talking about the Community Appreciation Awards, which at one time were given out on a yearly basis and put a spotlight on people who were recognized as the Citizen, Youth, Business, and Community Group/Event of the Year in Outlook. It was a fun event, and I very much enjoyed writing about it because it allowed me the chance to just sit down with everyday people and really delve into their own stories, highlighting their accomplishments, views, and their takes on this community before the big night arrived, in which they took to the stage and collected their prestigious awards.
The last such event was held in May 2019. The recipients of the awards were Brent Larwood (Citizen), Kendyl Stephenson (Youth), AG Foods (Business), and the Outlook branch of the Royal Canadian Legion (Community Group). I can remember talking with Brent about his award win prior to the ceremony, and something he said in our chat stayed with me for the longest time:
"You just do things for the joy or the passion to help other people," he said. "It’s also the community. To live in a community where there are just so many programs and so much passionate people; I feel like I just kind of latch on to them and the wave that they have. We’re really fortunate.”
That's pretty much the truth, isn't it? When it comes to pitching in and lending a hand, we aren't really doing things for ourselves, we're doing them for others and we're doing them to try and make our community a better, more efficient place.
And how about someone younger like Kendyl? That night at the awards banquet, she said the following:
“So many of the high school and community teams I’ve been involved with benefit from the support of local businesses and volunteers, so I’ve seen firsthand the importance of giving back to your community. Because of others who have helped and influenced me, I will always try to give back to others.”
That's pretty cool to see someone at that age have that kind of mindset, where someone is inspired to keep giving back to others and to their community. How about the Outlook Legion branch? Well, Justin Turton, the branch secretary at the time, said this:
“It is the mandate of the Royal Canadian Legion to serve veterans, which includes serving military and RCMP members, and their families to promote remembrance and to serve our communities and our country. All the members of Branch 262 are proud to strive and achieve that mission.”
I don't think anyone reading this column will argue the point that Branch #262 does a damn fine job of serving this community, especially since in the time that has passed, the Legion worked tirelessly to see Outlook's Veterans Memorial Park come to life. Finally, how about AG Foods, that year's Business of the Year?
I can remember store staff taking to the stage to receive the award, and owner Royce Taylor becoming emotional in giving his speech. He said the following:
“It’s an honour for us to receive this award, and it’s very much appreciated. One month from today, Lorna and I will be married 40 years. For 38 of those years, we’ve worked hand in hand, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. We were able to work with all three of our children, and we were able to teach them about working in the store. We’re very proud of what they’ve accomplished and the people that they’ve each become. Last but not least, this award is not for Lorna and I, this award is for our staff. Without them, we wouldn’t have received this award. Thank you for looking after things when we’re away, and you’re all very dedicated to our store, and I really appreciate it.”
In my book, that fits Royce and the store staff to a T. They're not there to ask for any such recognition, they're just there to provide the people of Outlook and area with the groceries and service that they desire. No fuss, no ceremony. But in the end, it was still great to see the store recognized.
So, with the last time this event took place having been almost four years ago now, the question is how do we bring it back? Do we change the format? Do we add a little suspense to the awards and have it be a surprise as to who wins what? Fair questions, and here's my take on it.
First off, I think giving power to the people of the community might be one of the things that could draw big interest. Could you come up with a nominee list for each award? Three people in the running for Citizen of the Year, for example? Three businesses up for that award, three community groups, that sort of thing? I think that's possible. Come up with a shortlist of nominees, and then you give Outlook and area residents the vote. Run the nominees in this newspaper and on our website, ask people to vote on their favorites, and let it go for a few weeks. Finally, the winners are announced as the voting numbers are tallied, and there you go: your newest recipients of the 2023 Community Appreciation Awards are...
I think one of the things that draws people in is that ability to have a say in the final product. Let the people vote and I think the recipients of the awards might be even more humbled to think that an entire community area decided that they should receive such an award. After that, we get some outside sponsors to help pay for a supper, some desert, and we have ourselves a grand ole night to celebrate!
What say you, Outlook?
For this week, that's been the Ruttle Report.
