Electoral Area G Volunteer of the Year honoured

From the arts to the environment, youth programs, recreation & historical projects, Anne Jardine has been a dedicated volunteer

Anne Jardine has been a tireless volunteer in the Columbia Valley and community of Edgewater since 1993. — Photo courtesy RDEK

Anne Jardine has been officially recognized as the 2019 Electoral Area G Volunteer of the Year.

“Anne is a dedicated and tireless volunteer. From the arts to the environment, youth programs, recreation and historical projects, Anne has enriched the social and cultural infrastructure of the Columbia Valley and the community of Edgewater in so many ways,” says RDEK Electoral Area G Director Gerry Wilkie.

Jardine came to the Valley in 1979 and taught at David Thompson Senior Secondary for 31 years. She built her home in Edgewater in 1993 and has been an active volunteer in the community ever since.

She has served as President of the Columbia Valley Arts Council, has been an executive member of the Columbia Valley Music Society, is a tireless advocate for the Pynelogs Arts Centre, is a member of the Lost Bell Singers, and is a founding member and current Board Chair of the Steamboat Mountain Music Society. “Her background in musical theatre and passion for performance arts has brought many musical and theatrical performances to life in Edgewater and across the Valley,” adds Wilkie.

For the past several years, Jardine has served on a panel for the Columbia Valley Cultural Alliance, which reviews applications and awards grants throughout the East and West Kootenay.  She was a founding member of the Kirksland Restoration Society and in this role has advocated for the acquisition, preservation and sensible use of rangeland. She helped rebuild the remaining section of the Luxor Trail with CBT Youth Link and other local volunteers.

Jardine was the first coordinator for the Edgewater Youth Centre, has been a director for the Edgewater Recreation Society for 20 years and is the current President of the local Retired Teachers Association. “Her dedication and list of volunteer activities is astounding and it is wonderful to be able to recognize her and thank her for everything she has done for our Valley,” adds Wilkie.

Jardine was honoured at a volunteer celebration in connection with the Area G Town Hall Meeting Tuesday night in Edgewater. Following the volunteer of the year celebration, attendees to the Town Hall Meeting heard presentations on the Five-Year Financial Plan, Solid Waste Management Plan Review, new Recycling Depot, Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund, Baptiste Lake Dam Project and FireSmart basics.

The RDEK’s Volunteer of the Year celebrations and Town Hall Meetings wrap up July 2nd in Windermere. For more information, visit www.rdek.bc.ca.