StettlerLocal.com March 22 , 2022 @ 3:30pm
Where are you from? Where did you grow up?
Nova Scotia - I grew up just outside Halifax in a place called Lower Sackville.
Why do you (did you) choose Stettler as home?
I used to work at the Parkland Regional Library, and we would visit public libraries throughout Central Alberta. Whenever I would be coming back from out east, visits to Czar, Amisk, Cadogan, I would pass through Stettler. I would always think, aaahhh civilization! I was living in Lacombe at the time and envied your Canadian Tire and Walmart stores! When the opportunity came up to work at the Stettler Public Library I jumped at it. Stettler actually reminds me of Glace Bay, Cape Breton (where my parents came from) for some reason, something about the air in the morning. It feels familiar.
What do you do? What is your full title?
I am the manager at the Stettler Public Library, a hoppin' little place right here in the heart of Stettler. If you haven't been lately, why not drop by sometime and we'll set you up with a free membership and show you all the cool things you can access and do.
Education?
Dalhousie University, and lots of informal education.
Family?
Yes, here in Stettler with my mother. My daughter relocated from Alberta to Nova Scotia in 2019 for a great opportunity. I am looking forward to seeing her when she visits this summer.
Who inspired you in your youth? Plenty of people, but if I had to single out one person, I would say my fifth-grade teacher, Patsy Boutilier. She had a wonderful knack for really seeing children and encouraging us, and she was just really an excellent human.
Who inspires you now?
I have a thing for underdogs and scrappy people. Anyone who has been knocked on their 'arse (as they say) and gets up and keeps on moving, keeps positive, keeps contributing and makes a brighter future for themselves and those around them. Those are the people that inspire me.
Do you have any hobbies?
Reading, kayaking, hiking, music (ukulele, piano). I am trying to learn violin right now, it's tough, and I just might be the worst student ever, but I am making progress and hope to be kitchen-party-ready in five or more years!
What are your plans for the future?
I am looking forward to the summer, getting out into the garden, onto the water with friends when the ice melts and enjoying a visit with my daughter.
Anything else you would like to add about being a resident of Stettler County?
I love that we have a resident moose that passes through the neighbourhood from time to time. It is wonderful to be so close to nature. There are so many beautiful places in and around Stettler. I also love that there is so much going on in town. People are doing amazing things to bring the community together for the arts, music, live theatre, sports, etc. The past few years have been tough, but this is a community that steps up and supports one another (even if we don't always agree). I am looking forward to exploring it further in the coming years.
Thank you to Rhonda O'Neill for participating in our Local Spotlights.
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