Three St. Marys residents recognized for being Strong As Stone

Three St. Marys residents were recognized as part of the town’s Strong As Stone program on Tuesday, May 27. The program celebrates individuals who perform selfless deeds for the good of the community. Pictured in the back row, from left, are Mayor Al Strathdee and councillors Marg Luna, Dave Lucas, Rob Edney, Brogan Aylward and Jim Craigmile. In the front row, from left, are Marie Stevens, Alizon Sharun, Coun. Fern Pridham and Stephannie Metcalfe.

By St. Marys Independent Staff

The Town of St. Marys recently recognized three St. Marys residents who have demonstrated their commitment to community for being Strong As Stone.

At the May 27 St. Marys council meeting, Mayor Al Strathdee and councillors celebrated that commitment through the town’s annual Strong As Stone recognition program. The program allows people to nominate those whose volunteer acts benefit the community.

“Annually, this program allows residents to acknowledge the selfless deeds that enhance the quality of life within our community,” Mayor Al Strathdee said. “We extend our deepest gratitude to all those who dedicate their time, talents and energy to assist others and strengthen our community. … This is just a small show of appreciation that council, on behalf of the town, can make.”

Marie Stevens is among the group and has actively volunteered with the St. Marys Community Players, the St. Marys Presbyterian Church and the Inner Wheel Club of St. Marys. Since 2019, she has served as the treasurer and contributed to various community initiatives. Stevens has been a consistent supporter of local charitable efforts, including the Salvation Army Kettle Program and the Heart and Stroke Society through annual canvassing. Stevens also led fitness classes as a volunteer at the Friendship Centre for 10 years.

“Her extensive contributions to St. Marys showcase her dedication to the community, making her a deserving recipient of the Strong As Stone award,” Strathdee said.

“I love this town and I’m all for it,” Stevens said. “If I can do anything I am able to do to make it better, it’s wonderful. Thank you.”

Stephannie Metcalfe, known as “Sparkle,” founded the 1st St. Marys Sparks/Embers unit, which has grown from a small group to 31 members aged five to nine over eight years. Metcalfe empowers young girls by fostering personal growth, community service and teaching life skills such as first aid and financial literacy through cookie sales.

“Her leadership has a lasting impact, enriching the community and preparing girls as future leaders through various activities and service projects,” Strathdee said. “And Stephanie’s brought some of the girls here tonight who are involved in the program. They recently made birdhouses for the town, actually, that are down in Meadowridge (Park), and council was quite excited about that. … We’re always very happy to have young people active in our community, and we’re very thankful for your efforts in that, Stephanie.”

“I’m honoured to be here,” Metcalfe said. … I just have a few thank yous. One, my mom, for being there from the very beginning, my children for being guinea pigs throughout this whole process, my husband for the mess this leaves in our home, my mother-in-law and all the leaders present, past and future that have made this such a success. Thank you.”

The final recipient was Alizon Sharun, a poet and resident of St. Marys, who serves as the director and chair of the St. Marys Poetry Circle. Sharun has organized community poetry events and chaired monthly meetings promoting both local and international poetry. Her dedication extends beyond the poetry circle, as she actively supports various community events and local poets in St. Marys.

“Alizon’s efforts significantly enrich the cultural fabric of St. Marys, making her a deserving recipient for this community award,” Strathdee said.

“I’m thrilled and delighted and honoured to get this nomination,” Sharun said. “ … We’ve always had support from the town and we’re very grateful for that. It’s lovely to have an award in the arts. I think the arts can speak to people and affect our hearts in a wonderful way. I look forward to many more adventures with the group. Thanks so much to the group I belong to and support.”

All three of this year’s award recipients received a Strong As Stone certificate and a bouquet of flowers from the town.

The next call for Strong As Stone nominations will start in spring 2026. An announcement will be made when nominations open through the local media, social media and the town website (www.townofstmarys.com).