Agricultural Leadership

Colin and Laura Jackson

Located just north of Sherwood Park, the Jackson Homesteaders Farm is one of the oldest operating homesteads in the province. Since taking ownership of the farm nearly 30 years ago, Colin and Laura Jackson have worked tirelessly to carry on the family legacy and share their passion for agriculture with the next generation. Today, the property is home to grain fields, dairy cows, rescued birds, honeybee hives and a horse boarding facility. Colin and Laura welcome hundreds of visitors to the homestead every year through Open Farm Days, school field trips and Junior Forest Warden events, educating each guest on sustainable rural living. They also rehabilitate injured birds, donate crops to a global food security organization and use a “no-till” farming approach to reduce their carbon footprint. The Jacksons embody the heart and soul of rural Strathcona County, caring for this corner of the earth and spurring others to do the same.

Arts, Culture and Heritage

Bill Roberts

In 2018, Bill Roberts created the Music Society of Strathcona County, building a non-profit from the ground up. In just six years, Bill and a team of dedicated volunteers have significantly boosted the County’s music scene, launching an annual music festival, concert series and web-based radio station. Under Bill’s leadership, the RavenWood Music Festival has brought in an incredible lineup of major Canadian headliners and local acts for two days of live music every year. The festival showcases the true vibrancy of the County, providing a space for local musicians, artists and businesses to engage with residents and tourists. Bill and the Music Society volunteers also run the Ravenwood Music Club concert series at Strathcona County Museum & Archives and web-based Sound Sugar Radio. Bill’s passion, vision and wise leadership not only continues to make live music more accessible, but creates new opportunities for all residents to build community and connection. 

Toni Keller

Both personally and professionally, Toni dedicates her time and talents to ensure community members of all ages and stages have access to artistic expression. She served as the president of the Arts & Culture Council of Strathcona County for six years, volunteering countless hours. Under Toni’s leadership, the organization soared to new heights as she brought in original events and programs to support more residents in their creative expression. Toni spearheaded everything from grant-writing workshops to Culture Days to the Art Foster program, which allows artists to display their work in local businesses. Regardless of the project, Toni always steps in with positivity and enthusiasm. She recognizes just how much of a difference art can make in the lives of individuals, and is committed to changing this community one painting, performance and poem at a time.

Athletic Achievement

Tim Wiseman

Locals may recognize Tim Wiseman as one of the friendly faces at local fixture Sherwood Bowl. But Tim doesn’t just help run the family business—he is also a passionate advocate, tireless volunteer,and formidable competitor in the sport of five-pin bowling. This past fall, Tim won the grueling four-day TPC Tournament, edging out over 270 top bowlers from across the country in front of his home-town crowd. He’s also competed at the national level five times, bringing home four gold medals and one silver. When he’s not throwing strikes, Tiim generously offers his time and expertise to the bowling community. He volunteered as President of the Edmonton 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association for a decade, and now serves as president of the provincial association and vice-president of the Canadian board. Whether volunteering or competing, Tim is a respected representative of our community, uplifting the sport of bowling close to home and across the nation. 

Laura Sherrer-Townsend

Laura Sherrer-Townsend is a local business owner, ultrarace competitor, community leader and mom of five. After setting an ambitious goal of running 50 ultraraces before her 50th birthday, Laura decided to channel her athletic passion into an even bigger purpose—raising funds for the Saffron Centre and their vision of communities free from sexual violence. In 2019, Laura turned her dream into a reality, launching Survivorfest in Strathcona County. The annual 24-hour ultramarathon draws competitive athletes from around the world for a celebratory event featuring local artists, food trucks and live entertainment. One hundred per cent of the proceeds from Survivorfest go directly to the Saffron Centre and their educational programs in County schools, where Saffron staff teach youth about healthy relationships, online safety and consent, helping prevent sexual violence in our community. Thanks to Laura’s vision, drive and resilience, SurvivorFest has raised over $21,000 and sparked crucial conversations about sexual violence —making Strathcona County a healthier, safer community for us all.

Community Service

Corey McEwen

When the pandemic shut down the world in early 2020, County resident Corey McEwen decided he could do something to counter the rising fear, uncertainty and isolation. He launched the Sherwood Park Easter Egg Hunt, safely getting families outdoors, engaged and connected. Since 2020, the hunt has grown into a much-anticipated community event. Under Corey’s visionary leadership, the egg hunt has raised over $20,000 for local charities, gathered 5,000 pounds of food for the Strathcona Food Bank and provided sponsorship opportunities to over 150 local businesses. Over the past four years, Corey’s infectious energy, spirit and passion have strengthened the fabric of our entire community. He’s set an inspiring example of what can happen when one determined individual decides to give back. 

Glenda Sheard

In Strathcona County, the name Glenda Sheard is synonymous with community service. Over the last four decades, Glenda has generously offered her time and energy to countless causes and organizations. She’s emceed local events, dressed up in character for Library Bookmobile parades and built beds for children in need through Sleep in Heavenly Peace Strathcona. She’s also volunteered with the Seniors Advisory Committee, Ravenwood Music Festival and the Sherwood Park Highland gathering. And that’s just scratching the surface. When not at an event, Glenda can be heard online through local web-based station, Sound Sugar Radio. Hosting both “Sunday Night with Glenda” and “The Park in the County,” she engages listeners by highlighting diverse community events and causes. Glenda’s contagious enthusiasm inspires her friends and neighbours to jump in and volunteer by her side, creating an impact that ripples out across the community.  

Economic Diversification

Peter Giannakopoulos

A number of years ago, Peter Ginnakopoulos’ young niece faced a terminal diagnosis. She told her uncle she wanted to be remembered for helping as many people as possible. Peter named his restaurant after his niece Nitza—and dedicated himself to honouring her wish. At Nitza’s Pizza, Peter is generous with his time, energy, food and funds, particularly when it comes to any project that supports kids and youth. He’s donated to countless local organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club, Little Warriors and the Stollery. Plus, he hosts the Nitza’s Pizza Golf Tournament every year to fundraise for a child facing a health crisis. In life’s difficult moments, Peter shows up. He builds authentic relationships and walks with others through their losses. Strathcona County is incredibly lucky that Peter built his business here. He’s diversified our local economy by running his restaurant with integrity, compassion and care.  

Heroism and Leadership

Alexander Weatherby

For over two decades, Alex Weatherby has supported differently-abled adults to get bowling in Strathcona County. With a love for people and the sport, Alex has made bowling accessible to countless individuals by creating a warm, welcoming environment where each athlete feels empowered to compete—and build community. Working closely with the Robin Hood Association, a local non-profit that supports people with disabilities, Alex has been a key leader in weekly bowling nights since 1998. He first volunteered with the Special Olympics league before helping organize a new Sunshine League for special persons in 2022. For over 20 years, Alex has made his way to the lanes for bowling night, where he’s always ready with an encouraging word, helpful coaching tip or enthusiastic cheer. With an infectious enthusiasm, Alex has not only made a difference in the lives of individuals but made all of Strathcona County a more livable community by ensuring everyone has access to sport. 

Jessica Agrell-Smith

Over the last five years, Jessica Agrell-Smith has led the Elk Island Regional Honor Choirs Association as president of the board. The local organization brings the gift of choral music to Strathcona County’s children and youth by establishing auditioned choirs and training the young choristers in theory, practice and performance. Stepping into the leadership role in 2019, Jess guided the choir through some of its most challenging years as the pandemic forced practices online, threatened registration numbers and put pressure on the association’s finances. With tenacity and perseverance, Jess found creative ways to keep the young choristers practicing and performing, all while balancing the budget with new grants and sponsors. Through years of uncertainty, Jess never wavered, knowing Elk Island Regional Honor Choirs Association is about more than music—it also provides a place for youth to build friendships, find belonging and ultimately give back to their community through the gift of voice.  

Outstanding Group

BriarPatch Family Life Education Centre

Since its inception nearly 30 years ago, the BriarPatch Family Life Education Centre has walked with thousands of community members through some of life’s most difficult moments. Specializing in grief support, the centre runs both the H.E.A.R.T.S. program (Healing Empty Arms Recover Through Sharing) and the Colored Tears initiative. H.E.A.R.T.S. supports families who have lost a baby during pregnancy or any time after birth, while Colored Tears helps youth process grief through art, music and movement. The centre is also well-known for providing exceptional childcare, with a philosophy centred around compassion, responsibility and learning through play. Regardless of the program, BriarPatch anticipates the needs of this community and rises to fill them. The centre’s caring staff have touched countless lives, rippling out to make Strathcona County a healthier, safer and more resilient home to all residents. 

County Clothes-Line Foundation

Forty years ago, a resourceful group of citizens opened the County Clothes-Line in Strathcona County. Today, that grassroots project has grown into a pillar of our municipality. The County Clothes-Line Foundation channels all profits from thrift sales back into the community, funding grants, scholarships and emergency supports. Since their inception, the Foundation has awarded over $2.2 million in grants to over 1,200 local individuals and organizations! These funds have supported everything from seniors’ sports to local music to school playgrounds. Regardless of the cause, the Foundation’s goal is always the same: to make Strathcona County a place where every person is empowered to live a healthy, meaningful life. Through their strong partnerships, generous vision and committed work, the County Clothes-Line Foundation has truly built capacity in this community, empowering citizens to make their own neighbourhoods safer and kinder for all.  

Service to Seniors 

Brenda Jossy

A long-time rural Strathcona County, Brenda Jossy supports Josephburg’s seniors to live healthy lives in a caring community. Brenda has served on the Board of the Strathcona Area 5 Seniors’ Club for the past eight years, championing new events and programs that provide spaces for seniors to socialize and engage in community life. She was also instrumental in bringing adult yoga and fitness classes to Jospehburg in 2012 after noticing a lack of local exercise programming. These classes remain popular to this day, supporting seniors’ holistic health and helping them live independently longer. In all she does, Brenda demonstrates kindness, authenticity and genuine joy, inspiring others to volunteer. She’s created a legacy of care in Josephburg that will strengthen the community for future generations. 

Carol Schwarzer

With quiet, selfless determination, Carol Schwarzer has stepped into countless behind-the- scenes roles to meet the practical needs of the County’s seniors. She volunteers regularly at Capital Care Strathcona, reading to the centre’s residents. When an older community member is ill, Carol gets cooking, baking, and crafting, soon showing up at the hospital or home with a handmade card and homemade meal. Most importantly, Carol engages the next generation in giving back. She volunteers with a local church youth group, leading a group of teen girls. Last year, Carol and the girls committed to monthly acts of community service, including visiting local seniors’ homes to sing and play games. While Carol tends to stay out of the spotlight, all who’ve met her are quick to speak of her compassionate care and ever-ready smile. With her practical care and sincere kindness, Carol ensures people of all ages are seen, welcomed and taken care of in Strathcona County.

Mayor’s Award

Vince Gatti

Long-time resident Vince Gatti has dedicated his entire adult life to serving Strathcona County as a business owner, volunteer and community leader. Vince has personally helped thousands of County residents in his five decades of commitment to this place and its people. He was instrumental in creating the Strathcona County Christmas Bureau in 1979—a local non-profit that collects donations and delivers hand-made gift hampers to local families in need. Vince has helped steer the Christmas Bureau through 44 successful campaigns, providing leadership as president of the board and working tirelessly behind the scenes. Using his auto expertise, he ensures the non-profits trailers are properly maintained, insured and stored. Vince has also volunteered on the board of the Strathcona Food Bank, served as a volunteer firefighter and partnered with local domestic violence shelter A Safe Place to provide free car repairs. Regardless of the cause, Vince leads with wisdom, humour and integrity. His dedication has launched a legacy of care that will serve Strathcona County long into the future.