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Your LOCAL Media since 1918! VOLUME 107: ISSUE 40
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Many community members gathered to celebrate Cindy Neufeld in recognition of her 44 years of service to the Town of Tofield during her retirement open house at the Tofield Community Hall on Friday, May 30. Neufeld first started working for the Town as an accounting clerk in 1981, and had been the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) since 1991. David Williamson, founder of SDI Group, the health and safety firm that has been partnered with the Town for the last 20 years, was the afternoon’s emcee. “Fun fact, the average CAO term is roughly about two years, give or take, and 34 is off the charts. Cindy is far above an exception to the rule,” he said. Among those who spoke during the program included Town of Tofield Operations Foreman Kevin Iverson, who was the first to acknowledge a theme that soon emerged, that Neufeld has prepared many a wonderful meal for people.
“We, the staff, would like to express our sincere gratitude for Cindy's 44 years of unwavering dedicated service and leadership to the Town of Tofield and its staff. Over her years, Cindy has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, which in turn created a positive work environment that helped us all grow professionally and personally. “Her home cooked meals for meetings and birthdays will be truly missed and are second to none. Cindy, as you start your new chapter in your book of life, we wish you all the best in your retirement. May it be filled with joy, relaxation, and the pursuit of the best golf score ever. We will miss you, a lot,” Iverson said. Dave Berrecloth, Tofield Agricultural Society president, spoke on Neufeld’s extensive volunteer hours and dedication to the community. “In my 60 years of being part of this community, I've watched some truly amazing individuals that have given countless hours to help promote and strengthen this community. Everyone who has had the
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good fortune of being part of Cindy's journey over these 44 years would agree that she is truly one of these individuals. We all thank you. “Cindy, we wish you a healthy, happy and long retirement. Thanks for the dedication and the memories and know that there would be many more to come,” Berrecloth said. Williamson read from a compiled list from Town staff and others who shared their fond memories of Neufeld and the impact she has had on their lives. Mayor Deb Dueck expressed her gratitude towards Neufeld and for what brought her to Tofield. “I think I speak on behalf of everyone here that we are grateful and thankful to whatever it was that enticed you to come to Tofield, be it the man sitting beside you, the job, or an acquaintance, either way, the town of Tofield residents, staff, regional partners and organizations were the beneficiaries. “You arrived in a municipality, embracing it wholeheartedly, making Tofield your home, with
pride, dedication, and a strong commitment to the community, friends and family. You earned the respect of councils, staff, residents, and regional partners with your knowledge, expertise, and compassion, I know you will continue on with the community in multiple ways, as you always do. You like to work quietly behind the scenes without recognition. Believe me, you deserve more recognition and thank yous than any one of us can pass on. “Thank you for the 44 years of service to the town, community, and residents. Your successor has big shoes to fill, but I'm confident that he has worked alongside and has been mentored by the best,” Dueck said. Jeff Edwards, the Town’s Assistant CAO since 2012, will be stepping into Neufeld’s role as CAO, and spoke on the significant impact Neufeld has had. “Today we gather not to say goodbye, but to honour and step up to celebrate the remarkable journey of someone who has truly made a lasting impact. Cindy, you've been more than just the
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Many community members gathered to celebrate Cindy Neufeld in recognition of her 44 years of service to the Town of Tofield during her retirement open house at the Tofield Community Hall on Friday, May 30. KARI JANZEN PHOTOS Mayor Deb Dueck
Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Tofield. You've been a mentor, a leader, a team
player, and most and above all, a friend. Continued to page 10