Some of our current members in attendance from left to right: Chris Hamming, Ducle Paulino, Lilian Elliott, Robbin Whachell, Kyle Uno and Nathen Blower. (Photo: Ed Paulino / HSWS)
On June 11th the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society attended the annual awards night put on by the City of Coquitlam at Dogwood Pavillion to honour and thank local groups and recognize individuals, organizations and educators who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to promoting, conserving and enhancing Coquitlam’s natural environment.
It was an extra special evening for us as our one or of society's longest-serving members, EARL ELLIOTT (Seen below, right), was honoured in the individual category. Earl happened to be out of town on a kayaking trip, but his wife Lilian accepted on his behalf.
Earl Elliott joined the Hoy Scott Watershed Society in November 2006, starting as one of our daily feeders, which he still continues to this day. Earl is a conscientious and committed volunteer and is always there to lend a hand where needed. He participates and helps out at our annual Salmon Come Home and Salmon Leave Home Festivals, our annual stream clean ups, as well as assists with our invasive plant removals and hatchery maintenance, now contributing close to 1000 man hours.
Lilian Elliott accepted her husband Earl's award certificate on his behalf.
In 2012, the Society was at a crossroads, with a decline in volunteers and/or those retiring from active service. Earl stepped up and assumed the Vice President role, as well as assisted hatchery manager, Rodney Lee, in a new weekly public engagement activity that boosted membership and commitment levels. Without Earl’s commitment and active role in operations, the Hoy-Scott Creek Watershed Society might not exist today. He even recruited his wife, Lilian to join the Society, and they are a solid fixture at meetings and events. Thank you Earl!
As always the city put on a lovely evening full of great food, fun environment-themed trivia, and there were lots of special guests and raffle prizes.
A big THANK YOU to Ed Paulino for taking these photos to capture our night.
See MORE PHOTOS on our Facebook album.
The two Hoy-Scott Watershed Society tables 9 and 10. (Photo: Ed Paulino / HSWS)