OLDS — The Lions of Southern Alberta Memorial Forest, a project spearheaded by the Olds Lions Club, was officially dedicated during a ceremony on June 4.
The forest, a series of trees with markers denoting 56 deceased Lions Club members from across southern Alberta and elsewhere, sits in a southward expansion of the Olds Cemetery.
A massive crowd, which included dignitaries as well as friends and relatives of those deceased Lions Club members, gathered in front of a gazebo to hear speeches.
Afterward, members of the crowd toured the trees with the memorials. A luncheon was also organized.
Olds Lions Club member Henry Czarnota gave the crowd a history of the creation of the forest.
He noted it began about five years ago, as a project by Lions Club District C-2 to help celebrate the centennial of Lions International.
"I emphasize that our forest and the use of that space, is a partnership that has developed that we cherish. We sincerely do appreciate the help that the Town (of Olds) has given us,” Czarnota said.
As part of that partnership, municipal staff water and maintain those trees.
Phase 1 of the cemetery expansion included the planting of 110 trees.
“The cost of the 110 trees was $20,000, which was a bit of a hiccup for our club," Czarnota said.
But we did have some finances. And in discussion with Doug Wagstaff (the town’s director of community services), they allowed us to pay that $20,000 over a two-year period if necessary.”
The clubs in Olds and District C-2 and others contributed another $33,000 to sponsor creation of the gazebo.
“We have five Lions in our forest who served their club and community for 50 years or more. Another four served at least 45 years,” Czarnota said.
“They as well as the rest of the Lions who we commemorate with trees were our models for volunteerism in their community. We honour their contributions with this dedication ceremony.
“Continue to honour them by making periodic visits to our memorial forest. They will smile from the heavens as you walk among their trees.”
Czarnota noted the project isn’t quite finished. The road will be surfaced and bricks will be laid down in the paths.
Czarnota praised Town of Olds Mayor Judy Dahl and Wagstaff for all their help to make the forest a reality.
He presented a plaque to Wagstaff for all the help he and his staff provided regarding the forest, noting that any time he asked for anything, town staff provided it.
“If I wanted their hearts, I think they would have lent us their hearts.”
"I can honestly say working with Doug on any project is enjoyable. There is no stress. There is nothing that we can’t dialogue upon and that we cannot agree upon,” Czarnota said.
“His cooperation as a representative of the town is beyond our expectation.”
“On behalf of the employees, Doug, but especially on behalf of our club, we want to extend our appreciation to you, because you’re a joy to work with, you’re a tribute to the community.”
Czarnota said the Lions Club also wants to present another plaque to mayor Dahl and town council in thanks for their assistance. He said that will happen sometime in the future.
Dahl and Wagstaff thanked Czarnota for his kind words but said all that help is a direct result of the work of town staff.
Dahl addressed the crowd on behalf of the town, saying the local Lions Club does many things to improve the community, including organizing PUG (Pick Up Garbage) Day, managing the Lions Campground, donations to the Christmas Angels and donations of mittens and toques to needy elementary school students.
“On behalf of the elected officials and the community, we are honoured to have the Lions Memorial Forest today and into the future as a legacy of Lions Club members,” Dahl said.
Rev. Harold Hunter recited a prayer for the occasion.
“Oh God, on this special dedication day, we pause to remember Lion members, among others, who are no longer with us. Their memories live on through this forest of trees," he said.
“As evergreen trees retain their colours, no matter what the season, so may it be with those we honour today. They will live on, if only in memory.
“Thank you for the foresight of organizations that have brought us to this place.
“Bless the Lions Club and each member as we dedicate this park. May it always be a place of reflection and recollection of days gone by and a moment to look ahead as well,” he added.
Lions MD C Council chairperson Frances Sawiak and District C-2 governor Darryl Rawleigh also addressed the crowd.
Zone chairs took to the podium to read the names of the deceased and the relevant clubs.
A moment of silence was held.
The crowd was encouraged to recite the dedication in unison.
“We dedicate this memorial forest and these trees to the memory of those departed Lions and friends of Lions.
“As these trees grow, may they help us recall each of their lives with thanksgiving,” they said.
Red Deer-Mountain View MP Earl Dreeshen and newly re-elected Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Nathan Cooper were invited to speak during the ceremony but were unable to attend.
