Opal Wildfire Update #23

Our quality of life is never as blessed as when established by God, rooted in family and supported by community.


Work is never as light as when shared by many hands.


Success is never so sweet as when enjoyed with friends.


In September and October I was privileged to attend two events that celebrated achievements of the extraordinary.  Separated by a month and 100 kms, these events were organized in isolation from each other yet they shared a common theme and purpose.  Both were held to celebrate those who volunteer and go the extra mile.


In early September my wife and I attended the Alberta Volunteer Stewards and Park Hosts Conference.  Alberta Parks manages a program that provides the tools that Albertans need to express their love of our parks and open spaces ie Alberta's Natural and Protected Areas Volunteer Stewards and Alberta Volunteer Park Hosts.  These folks fill a void that Park's staff are  unable to.  They monitor, respond, direct and educate while providing many of the activities that take place in our Parks and protected spaces.  Most Albertans have no idea who these folks are and much less what they contribute to positive Park experiences and to the protection of Alberta's landscapes.


Our spirits were lifted and a tear was brought to the eye as these folks enjoyed their day in the sun.  Individuals, not-for-profit organizations and whole families were acknowledged for their contribution, achievements and for their giving spirits.  Their actions define the true meaning of what it is to be Albertan.  It was a wonderful event.

Members of the Rainbow Equitation Society are the provincial Volunteer Stewards for Opal, Halfmoon Lake and four other local Natural Areas.  Over the years they have cleaned up all kinds of garbage (everything from sardine cans to car bodies).  They work hard at keeping our Natural Areas pristine and safe for visitors.

This picture was taken out at the Opal Wildfire and used for the firefighters'

 annual fundraising calendar.  

We attended the second event on October 22 at the Radway Agri-centre (Radway must be the home of the best food in North America).  As we walked into the facility we were greeted and handed a date log for 2011 and tickets for a door-prize.  The date log had a glossy cover  printed with the words 'Teamwork -- together we achieve the extraordinary.  Compliments of County of Thorhild No. 7'.


This event was billed as 'Emergency Response Appreciation Night'.  The program included a wonderful meal and awards ceremony, some great powerpoint presentations and a dance.


A lot of people receive the Opal Wildfire Updates and/or click on this blog.  Many of these folks live in the big centres of Edmonton and Calgary.  They may not be aware that in rural areas emergency response teams will almost certainly be made up of volunteers.  24/7, 365 days of the year our community volunteers provide us with their assistance in times of emergencies.  It is these volunteers that were the first responders to the Newbrook Fire of 2008 and the Opal Wildfire of this year.  Backed up by staff from Sustainable Resources, it was these volunteers who brought these beasts under control.

These firefighting dudes work hard and as you can see, it's not all about spraying water on burning trees.



Both events were great! We shared in two different events for two different groups of people who in all likelihood are not  acquainted with one other.  Yet they share so much in common.  Both groups share the spirit of volunteerism.  Both know what it means to go the extra mile.  Both groups of people provide the necessary elements that are needed to create a caring community.  And that's not where the similarities end.

To the left is an oatmeal cookie. Every cookie was individually wrapped as seen here and sent out to the firefighters by an unknown member of the community. 

To the left are junior high students  at the Halfmoon Lake Natural Area cutting trail and picking up deadfall.





The folks that fought the wildfires did so on the very lands, open spaces and natural areas that Alberta Volunteer Stewards monitor and work to protect and preserve.  Different job descriptions -- same effect.  Both contribute to enriching the quality of life in our community.  They appreciate the value of teamwork knowing that many hands make for lighter work and that by working together they achieve the extraordinary.  Lastly, both groups appreciate that success is never as sweet as when it is shared with friends.


Thanks to all.


Richard