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By Cindy Ballance
Editor
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 Not only did the Okotoks Lions Club celebrate
30 years of service in the area last weekend, they also celebrated those who have
offered their helping hands over those years.
At a special Lions banquet held Saturday, this year's Lion of the Year and Citizen
of the Year were selected.
For the anniversary celebration Joyce Maier-Rasmussen was invited to speak to the
club regarding suicide prevention and the Partners family and youth centre in Okotoks.
To her surprise, however, she was not only asked to speak, she was there to receive
the Citizen of the Year award.
The Citizen of the Year is selected from nominations and is someone who contributes
selflessly to the Lions and the community.
'I was very pleased,' said president Peter Hills of the winner. 'She well deserves
it.'
Maier-Rasmussen was shocked by the announcement and happily accepted the award.
'They asked me to come and say a few words about Partners. I was absolutely shocked
(about winning the award). What a privilege,' said Maier-Rasmussen still glancing
at her crystal Lion award.
'The service clubs in the community have been so supportive -- it is very encouraging,'
she said.
Maier-Rasmussen explained that the number of hours and work needed to run Partners,
as well as continue in the many other groups and clubs she is involved in, is exhausting
sometimes.
'It is nice to feel some support in the community. It gives me more strength and
courage to carry on,' added the proud award winner.
Among her many accolades, Maier-Rasmussen is the executive director of Partners,
has facilitated and coordinated numerous suicide prevention workshops, is a member
of the Healthy Okotoks Coalition, Foothills Community Centre Foundation, FCHS parent
council, Calgary Eastside Coalition Multicultural Communities, Men's Crisis Support
Service in Calgary, among many others.
Also during the celebration, the Lion of the Year was selected. Chosen was Stew Tomlison,
a seven-year member of the club.
'It is a great club to be a part of,' said Tomlison after receiving the award.
Tomlison added that without the teamwork of the club, its successes would have not
been as grand.
'It is nice to be chosen by your peers for an honor like this,' he added.
Having chosen the two award winners at the 30th anniversary of the Lions Club, highlighted
the evening for not only the members of the club, but other dignitaries who joined
in the celebration.
Hills explained that the motto of the Lions Club is 'We Serve.'
'Over the last 30 years we have fulfilled our motto. We provide service to the community
and we hope to continue,' said Hills.
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