Paul and June Norvila, well known in Bentley for their tireless contributions to the community, were recognized recently at the agricultural society’s AGM for a job well done.
Unfortunately, the couple was not in attendance to receive the plague with their name on it, nor be privy to the accolades given to all the recipients from ag society president Joan Dickau.
“Paul was in the hospital and anyway, we didn’t know about the award,” said June Norvila. “We had received an invitation, but nothing seemed any different and we didn’t realize we would be recognized.”
Norvila said she and her husband are honored to receive the recognition.
“It is a real honor to know after all these years they thought enough of us to put our name on a plaque. And, really, we enjoyed helping out, both of us.”
Paul became a director of the Bentley and District Ag Society sometime around 1986 and remained on the board until the fall of 2011. He also chaired the finance committee and went through the ranks as second vice president, first vice president and president.
For several years Paul collected donations which went towards the publishing and mailing of the fair exhibitor’s handbook. Because of his tireless efforts there was no cost to the ag society, in fact, most times a profit was realized.
“People got to know what he was coming for when they saw him,” said June. “It got so they were expecting him to remind them (about the handbook).”
Paul also was the horseshoe club contact and liaison for the ag society and served on the Blindman Valley Ag Centre building committee from its inception until it dissolved in 2010.
June Norvila worked just as hard as her husband to contribute to the ago society, using her gifts as a reporter to promote the event.
In 1996 she took over as editor of the fair and rodeo exhibitors’ handbook. She did this for 15 years and is pleased to note the little book won some awards when it was entered in provincial ag society contests.
June was also convener for the fair bench exhibits art show from 2003 to 2007 and guided new conveners, finally helping to organize it in 2010 when no conveners stepped up to the plate.
She also was convener of the first stock dog trials for three years. This job included gathering prizes and getting donations.
She continues to help with the horseshoe tournament.
While June does her best to provide stellar coverage of all events for the newspaper, she looks forward to enjoying the events as a spectator and being with her family.
Also honored by the ag society was Merlyn Wilson and Chloe Ree.
Doris Bargholz, an original founding member, was the first to be honored by the ag society in November 2009. She was a member for more than 40 years.