Glenboro Ag Society presents Honorary Lifetime Memberships and reports a successful year

The Glenboro Agricultural Society celebrated another successful year at its Annual General Meeting on Sunday, February 23. The meeting began with a presentation by guest speaker Dennis Morgan, a paramedic with Underwater Recovery, who demonstrated the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), now located at the community hall.

Morgan emphasized the importance of quick action in a cardiac emergency, explaining that the AED provides clear, step-by-step instructions, making it easy for anyone to operate. “Minutes matter,” he stressed. “When the heart or breathing stops and the body is deprived of oxygen, survival is unlikely after ten minutes. This AED can help restart the heart and restore oxygen flow before paramedics arrive, which is especially crucial when an ambulance could be coming from a town 30 minutes or more away.”

He also discussed the key differences between heart attack and stroke symptoms. A stroke victim typically experiences slurred speech and weakness or numbness on one side of the body, while a heart attack is often signaled by chest pressure that may spread to the neck, arm, jaw, or back, along with sweating, nausea, or dizziness. Morgan strongly cautioned against giving aspirin to someone experiencing stroke symptoms. “I want to get the message out – never administer aspirin to a stroke victim,” he warned.

Board Changes and New Directors

Following the presentation, Glenboro Ag Society President Kathy Noel introduced the board and announced that two director positions needed to be filled, as longtime directors Verna Mowat and Joyce Wilton decided to step down. Additionally, treasurer Jenn McPhail submitted her resignation.

“We were very fortunate to find a new treasurer, and we’re grateful that Connie Feader has agreed to step into that role,” Noel announced, thanking everyone for their contributions over the years. Through a nomination process, the society welcomed Ian Hamilton and Andrea Hamilton as new directors for a three-year term.

Honorary Lifetime Memberships Awarded

Noel then presented Honorary Lifetime Memberships to Dwayne and Irene Drinkwater, Joyce Wilton, and Verna Mowat in recognition of their significant contributions to the society.

“The four people being recognized today are truly the backbone of agriculture in our community,” Noel stated. “They helped build the history of the Agricultural Society as we know it today.”

Dwayne and Irene Drinkwater, local honey producers for nearly 70 years, have been actively involved with the Ag Society and the Glenboro 4-H Beef Club. Both were dedicated volunteers on fair day – Dwayne as a longtime board member and Irene as a baking director, overseeing entries and assisting with judging. “Dwayne worked alongside the Kovars for many years. We always know this pair of volunteers will be there when needed,” Noel said gratefully while presenting them with a gift.

Next, Noel called upon Verna Mowat and thanked her for her service, highlighting her years on various committees, her eight years as secretary, and three years on the MAAS provincial board. “In recent years, Verna initiated and organized an agricultural display under the big tent on fair day – something I’m sure she will continue to be part of in the future,” Noel said.

Although Joyce Wilton was unable to attend, Noel recognized her dedication to the Ag Society over the years, even while raising two children. “Paul was active in the 4-H Beef Club, and I’m sure Joyce had Marcie making entries for the hall. Now, Joyce’s granddaughter is carrying on the tradition by submitting entries,” Noel remarked with a smile. She also praised Wilton’s role in the hall committee, often seen setting up or cleaning after events.

“Joyce and Verna are always our go-to ladies for organizing lunches, making sure food is available during workdays or events,” Noel added. “Even though they’re stepping down, we will still see them on fair day helping with entries, awarding prize money, and continuing their work with the Farmers’ Market, which they’ve coordinated for many years.”

Fair Day and Community Improvements

Noel noted that last year’s change of Glenboro Fair Day from July 1 to August 17 proved to be popular, and the society plans to continue with the new date.

Ongoing improve-ments to the baseball field and walking trails remain a priority, with grants being applied for and plans underway. The former Turf Club also began renovations to a newer, smaller barn, with hopes of completion this year. The old race barn was demolished due to structural concerns, opening up a new green space that has been well received by the community. “Some of the space is being used for ball diamond expansion, while other ideas are still being discussed,” Noel explained.

A project to install a conference room projector, large projection screen, and sound system was put on hold in favor of addressing a kitchen renovation due to an ongoing mouse problem. Despite hiring an exterminator, evidence of mice was continually found in the hall’s old cabinetry.

“The original cupboards have been in the hall since it was built, with no backs or tightly closing doors,” Noel explained. With no other solutions offered, the society decided to replace the cabinets entirely, selecting a quote from Milshof Colony.

“The new cabinets have recently been installed, but upon removing the old ones, we discovered the flooring also needs replacement,” Noel added. This year, with support from the Glenboro Area Foundation Grant, the project is moving forward.

New Agricultural Society Scholarship

A new initiative for 2025 is the introduction of the first annual Agricultural Society Scholarship, a $1,000 award for a Glenboro graduate pursuing education in Animal Husbandry.

The meeting concluded with a potluck supper, enjoyed by all in attendance.

Sara Smith (left) and Kathy Noel (far right) presented Glenboro Ag. Society service awards to Dwayne and Irene Drinkwater. PHOTO BY SUZANNE PADDOCK