The tribute paid on Sept. 20 to Bowden residents Larry and Shirley Adams was well deserved and underlines the importance of involvement in one's community.
The presentation was organized by and MCed by Kim Urichuk who owns the Bowden ATB Financial agency and was made possible through ATB Financial's Surprise And Delight program. Olds ATB Financial branch manager Val Joevenazzo also praised the couple for their involvement.
When the Adamses bought the Reddi Mart store and moved down to Bowden in 1985 from Fairview, Alta. they could have simply operated their business and spent their remaining time at home as many do.
After all, operating a store like that which is so central to the community naturally involves putting in a lot of hours. Anyone would be exhausted at the end of the day.
But Larry and Shirley didn't let that stop them.
They got deeply involved in the community.
Larry served on the fire department for 22 years. He also coached baseball and basketball as their children played on those teams.
Shirley contributed in many ways as well, including serving on town council for many years. She has also been a longtime member of the town's cemetery committee and has chaired it for several years.
Larry and Shirley have also donated to many sports teams and clubs over the years and provided slushies for kids after games and windups.
After giving back to the community in countless ways for so long, no one would likely blame the Adamses if they both decided to step back. But they plan to keep on giving, although they admit they likely won't do so to the same extent as before.
Shirley says it's only natural they would be so involved. She notes her parents provided that example. She also says the needs to be filled are easy to see in a small town, compared to a big city.
That's true, but nonetheless, other people see those same needs and choose not to get involved.
On the day of the ceremony it was cold and bitter, but that didn't stop a huge crowd from coming out to show their appreciation to the couple for all they've done in Bowden. The crowd, which was three and four deep in most places, stretched across the Reddi Mart parking lot.
That's how much Larry and Shirley are admired and it shows how grateful the community is for all they've done.
