Two women with a love for community have been honoured by their peers.
Former Armstrong librarian Ruth Bosomworth, who turns 100 this summer, and longtime Highland Park Elementary teacher Rea Smith have been named winners of the 2013 Armstrong Spallumcheen Citizen of the Year.
The pair will be honoured at the Citizen of the Year tea at the Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum Tuesday at 2 p.m., and will also be featured at Canada Day ceremonies in Memorial Park.
“I’m just tickled pink to share it with her,” said Smith, who, along with Bosomworth, found out they had been named Citizens of the Year on Thursday.
It was 37 years ago, when Smith and her family moved to Armstrong, and Bosomworth was employed at the Armstrong library.
“She was the librarian and always checked the books in and out for our kids and did story time with the kids,” said Smith.
Known for her love of kids and teaching, Smith was honoured for being involved in such activities as the Interior Provincial Exhibition, Communities in Bloom, the community garden, community Christmas dinner, the Hokkaido Japanese exchange program and giving out care packages to friends in the community who are going through a tough time.
She ran a cake baking contest in her classroom with community judges, and started the Salmon in the Classroom program where eggs were kept and hatched in classroom aquariums to promote empathy and understanding in the students.
“It’s quite humbling,” said Smith of the award. “I consider this a small town full of people who all dig in and do what needs to be done. There are so many people deserving of this, but it is quite lovely to be singled out.”
Bosomworth shares a birthday with the city she has called home since 1943.
She was still in shock about being given such a prestigious honour when contacted by a reporter Thursday.
“I just heard about it and I quite can’t believe it,” said Bosomworth.
“I’m still wondering why, you can’t help but wonder. I haven’t been able to do much volunteering or anything. When it happens, you make the best of it. I will enjoy it.”
Bosomworth is well-known for years in the library, as well as for riding her bicycle around town. She parked her bike for good when she turned 80.
One of the things Bosomworth was nominated for was being a member of the Minerva Club, founded in 1908, and remains active.
It’s a women’s club founded for the education and entertainment of its members by 12 ladies of the community.
Bosomworth joined in 1948 and is still an active member. She was mentioned in the dedication in the Minerva Book, published in 2008 to celebrate the club’s centennial:
“To Ruth Gordon Bosomworth, a beloved member of the Minerva Club since 1949. She has kept us woven together into a happy whole.”
Bosomworth is also a 70-year member of the Knob Hill Friendship Club.
