With 60,000 Albertans receiving Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, Ponoka residents are receiving their fair share, most recently with two Ponoka Legion members Sybal Evans and Craig Paterson.
Evans recently received the award during the Ponoka Legion awards night and it is her unselfish caring personality that makes everyone feel special. She has chaired the bingo committee and helped with membership growth.
She has also dedicated many hours to kitchen at the legion preparing Friday night suppers and other banquets.
She has been active in many community groups such as the Welsh Society for 40 years, the Sunshine Singers for 10 years, Meals on Wheels, Ponoka Minor Hockey and volunteers at the Ponoka Food Bank. She also prepares tax returns through FCSS at no charge.
Paterson received his medal in Red Deer recently among 22 other Albertans. Premiere Alison Redford and Lt.-Gov. Donald Ethell presented the medal to Paterson for his service to the Ponoka Legion, the Air Cadets and a combined 25 years of service in the army and the navy.
Paterson currently has a law practice in the Town of Ponoka.