| Irene's efforts net her senior award |
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| Local Content - Local News |
| Written by Greg Price |
| Wednesday, 03 March 2010 16:53 |
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With how shy she can be at times, Irene Merkle blushes and wonders what all the fuss is about. That’s because Merkle was given the Senior of the Year award at the Kinsmen Club of Taber’s Heritage Supper on Feb 22. Whether it’s making arts and crafts, peeling potatoes or selling 50/50 tickets at Clearview Lodge for the last six years, the only thing that has been slowing down Merkle’s giving spirit in the last three months has been a knee that will be replaced next month. “It’s just I like people and I like doing things,” says Merkle. “There was a time in my life when people helped me and I’d like to do something for somebody else.” Merkle was also featured earlier this past summer at Cornfest, as Global television did a spot with her for Senior Savvy. Merkle has always loved doing arts and crafts and has often donated her inspirations to her grandchildren’s schools, along with quilts and blankets to the Ronald McDonald House as well as Clearview Lodge. “I’ve had nine kids and 12 grandkids so at that point I’m doing them in volume anyway,” says Merkle with a chuckle. “I do whatever. When the mood strikes me I never know when to stop. I don’t even count the time. When I do it I really enjoy it so it’s not like it’s work. It is something that relaxes me and I’m just happy people like what I’m giving them. I like doing stuff like that and if people appreciate it, it makes it that much more worthwhile. But most of the time I’m not doing it for recognition, I’m doing it for self satisfaction.” Merkle has been a resident of Taber for 63 of her 75 years, with many well wishers giving their congratulations to Merkle after receiving the award at the Taber Community Centre right before the musical entertainment started in an event Merkle has been attending for the last six years. “It was very emotional for me. I never thought I was worthy of something like that. I was asked (Thursday) night where my tiara was for my head after thinking I’m a queen. I said I can’t find a tiara big enough for my head, it’s too swollen,” Merkle said with a chuckle. “It was a very nice honour.” |
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