Submitted
Town of Ponoka staff and councillors met recently at the Ponoka Kinsmen Community Centre to celebrate with employees their years of service.
Mayor Larry Henkelman congratulated and thanked the employees for their service and contributions to the town.
“This year we have eight staff receiving long service awards ranging from five to 20 years of service, with a combined total of 95 years.
These numbers represent a skilled employee team and also a commitment and loyalty to the Town and the citizens of Ponoka.
“The 2010 employee stats reveal that approximately 45 per cent of the town’s employees have been with the town for a period of 10 years or more. We are indeed fortunate to have retained the town’s workforce to ensure a knowledgeable and experienced staff.”
The following staff received awards for long service for the 2010 year:
• Five years: Marvin Albers, equipment operator (public works), Larry Cire, lineman (electrical), Betty Quinlan, director of corporate services
• 10 years: Stan Baliant, director of property services,
• 15 years: Val Schabert, accounting clerk (taxes), Doug Webber, equipment operator (parks/complex)
• 20 years: Wally Swier, equipment operator (public works), and Gerald Matichuk, director of engineering and development.
Each employee received a certificate recognizing their years of service, in addition to an honorarium. Fond memories and stories were shared among the group.