Olds resident Maureen Gustafson and Olds College chair Leona Staples both won awards during the 11th annual Red Deer & District Community Foundation’s Women of Excellence Award Gala.
They were among six Olds and area nominees. The others were Jody Carrington, Lucinda Watkins, Lisa Nicholson and Christa Duquette.
Gustafson won in the health and wellness category and Staples won in the agriculture category.
Following are the biographies for those two ladies, as presented during the awards.
In regard to Gustafson, it said, "Maureen Gustafson quietly exudes spiritual health, one of the seven dimensions of health. Her own health and beliefs are apparent whether she is engaged with her family, church or the larger community.
"To support her family and her community, Maureen became a volunteer extraordinaire; volunteering in leadership and other positions for 18 years at her children's schools, over 20 years at her church and in music and sports organizations with which her family were involved.
"Intuitively, Maureen modelled spiritual health values in all her volunteer activities. People volunteered and still volunteer to assist Maureen in her many endeavours. Maureen encourages innovation in ideas and action, in completing tasks, no matter how monumental and in ensuring everyone celebrates their successes."
In regard to Staples, it said, "Leona Staples is a fourth generation farmer who has dedicated her life to sharing and teaching the community about the history of farming, growing foods in Central Alberta, and creating family memories with an authentic farm experience.
"She and her husband Blaine, own and work The Jungle Farm as a legacy to preserve the history and practices of the family’s centennial farm.
"She began influencing those in the agricultural industry when she was a teen as a very active 4-H member winning awards for public speaking, leadership and parliamentary procedures.
"She began influencing those in the agricultural industry when she was a teen as a very active 4-H member winning awards for public speaking, leadership and parliamentary procedures.
"After graduating from the U of A, she worked with Alberta Agriculture as an extension agent and taught many education programs to rural women.
"In 1996, Leona and Blaine moved to the family farm to raise their three boys; together they made changes to create what The Jungle Farm is today.
"She serves as an executive board member for the Innisfail Growers Cooperative, she was one of the founding board executive for the Calgary Farmer’s Market which continues to be the largest year-round farmer’s market in Calgary and by chairing the Olds College board of governors."
