Anna Meakin knew she had been chosen to receive the 4-H Canada 2018 Provincial Volunteer Leader of the Year Award.
But what the long-time member and leader of the Double Diamond 4-H Club didn’t know was when she would get it, or how.
And so it became a complete surprise when she received the award at the April 1 evening meeting of the club at Busby Hall.
4-H Northwest Region vice-president and key leader Bertha Kasbohm, a long-time friend and volunteer with Meakin for many years, arranged the surprise.
She had contacted many 4-H parents, friends, district volunteers and family members to meet at Busby Hall after the meeting was in progress to present the award. About 90 people, including the members of the Double Diamond Club, filled the hall.
“Everyone volunteers at some point in their life, whether it be large or small; while others make a career of volunteering,” said Kasbohm.
“Take for example, our honoured guest, Anna Meakin. Today, Anna volunteered to pick up Susan and Cole Littlechilds to bring them to this meeting. Little did she realize it was only a ploy to get her here on time.”
Minutes earlier, after the meeting began, others arrived and waited outside while Kasbohm went inside to ask permission of the club president to speak. That accomplished, she welcomed those patiently waiting in the cool evening air to come on in, all to the complete surprise of Meakin.
The Westlock District 4-H along with the Double Diamond Club had nominated her for the award for all her volunteering accomplishments, especially in 4-H.
“Without all your generosity, the Double Diamond 4-H Multi-club would not be as successful as it is, and has been, for the past 40 years,” Kasbohm noted.
She gave a bit of history of Meakin’s volunteering years, beginning when she and her younger sister Lois were taught at a very young age by their parents, Bob and Mary Burns (Bob Burns was inducted into the Alberta 4-H Hall of Fame in 1983).
“So it became only natural for Anna to continue volunteering in many ways. When Bob and Mary stepped back from leading the 4-H club, Anna stepped forward and has continued,” she noted.
While most of her volunteering has been with 4-H, Anna Meakin also volunteered for many other organizations; quietly, and without any fanfare.
Kasbohm contacted many family and friends and herself to list some of those volunteer accomplishments: board member of the Pickardville United Church as a Sunday School teacher, the Rivière Qui Barre Power and Figure Skating Athletic Association along with their minor hockey athletic association, Edmonton Northlands volunteer for 10 years, Edmonton Northlands Rural and Youth Community representative, president and treasurer of the Busby Gymkhana Club, and a member of that club for 40 years.
And there was much more. Committee member of the Three Rivers Gymkhana Association, judge and timer for Alberta Team Cattle Penning three years in a row, director in charge of the Westlock & District Agriculture Society horse show for five years, chairperson of the Northwest Region 4-H Light Horse Committee for two years, chairperson of the Edmonton Northlands Klondike 4-H Fun Show for four years, Alberta 4-H Hall of Fame selection committee member in 1993, Alberta Provincial 4-H Public Speaking teller in 1993, Westlock District 4-H Council treasurer for 34 years – and still counting, RQB Ranchero 4-H Light Horse Club leader for three years while at the same time, assistant leader of the Double Diamond 4-H Club, and followed by becoming general leader of the Club for 39 years and still counting.
“These are only a few of Anna’s accomplishments, and there are many more,” Kasbohm said.
Meakin came forward to receive the award with a rousing, stand ovation of those gathered.
Several 4-H leaders and associates, family, and former members added their congratulations and memories, including Darren Soetaert, sister Lois Schmidt, Leslie Majeau, Northwest Region 4-H president, Fred vande Ligt, past president of Westlock District 4-H, former 4-H regional secretary Jocelyn McKinnon, Lori Ryker, Janice Schole, Bonnie Kluthe and her daughter Shelley Chamzuk
Shelley also shared a short slide show of memories of her mom’s years as a 4-H member and leader.
On her own behalf, Meakin concluded the “official” portion of the evening, saying, “I’m just overwhelmed. Thank you everyone. It’s been a great 38, or 39 years. It’s really, truly an honour. Thank to my family for putting up with me going day after day.”
