Cathay Wagantall, Member of Parliament for Yorkton-Melville honoured 17 individuals in from throughout the area in two separate ceremonies at the second annual Yorkton-Melville Volunteer Recognition ceremony.
To better accommodate recipients, two ceremonies were held this year. The first ceremony was held April 25 in Preeceville for those from Yorkton-Melville’s northern communities, and the second was held in Yorkton on April 27 for recipients of the south area.
The Yorkton-Melville Volunteer Recognition award was created by MP Wagantall as part of the Canada 150 celebrations, with certificates and medallions presented at the first ceremony in October 2017. The ceremonies last week were for 2018 nominees.
“In 2017, I was honoured to recognize more than 30 very special people at the first Yorkton-Melville Volunteer Recognition Ceremony,” said Wagantall. “The recipients of the commemorative medals and certificates were nominated by their communities, peers, friends and families, for their time and talents dedicated to fundraising projects, service organizations and special causes. Knowing how vital our volunteers are, I’m so pleased to again be able to recognize those that remain committed to bettering our communities.”
During the Preeceville ceremony, individuals acknowledged were: Brad Cameron of Sturgis; Jake Hort and Jack Jaques, both of Endeavour; Florence Clark of Kelvington; Karen and Rick Dolezsar and Betty Lou Palko, all of Hudson Bay; and Marcella Shewchuk of Rama.
Cameron was nominated by the Town of Sturgis. He has been instrumental in the development of lacrosse in the area, serving as president and head coach for Sturgis Lacrosse and coaching on the provincial level. He has held executive positions with the Sturgis Curling Club and Sturgis Kinsmen Club. Cameron has also been part of the fire department, East Central Flyway committee, co-founder of the Sturgis Archery club and outdoor 3D Shoot, and started the National Archery in the Schools Program. In addition, he has been the principal at the Sturgis Composite School and has coached numerous sports teams.
"Brad is the anchor for a lot of volunteer projects with organizations and within the community. He has amazing coaching skills and is a great mentor and has a commitment to the students, athletes, groups, families and the community,” stated the Town of Sturgis in its nomination.
Jake Hort of Endeavour was nominated by the Village of Endeavour. Jake has served on the village council as mayor; Endeavour Recreation Board; a member of the Endeavour Lions Club as president and other positions for 29 years. He has taken on a leadership role that has benefited the community. Hort has also been involved on the Endeavour Community Cemetery board and has worked tirelessly to upgrade the village water system and clean up vacant and nuisance properties.
"Jake has been the inspiration to completely redevelop the grounds at the cemetery, putting in a road and a fence to make it a dignified place to have our community members laid to rest," stated the Village of Endeavour nomination.
Jack Jaques of Endeavour was also acknowledged by the Village of Endeavour.
Jaques was born and raised in Endeavour. He is a charter member of the Endeavour Lions Club, having been a member for 30 plus years. He has helped to organize and put on many functions including ball tournaments, community suppers and has served on the Endeavour Rec Board for 40 years.
Brad Romanchuk, Mayor of the Village of Endeavour spoke briefly, also acknowledging both individuals from Endeavour.
Florence Clark of Kelvington has been an active volunteer in Kelvington from the time she moved to the Town as a young teacher in 1966. Throughout the years she has been involved with many groups and the church. "Florence's generosity and kindness have always been felt by many within the community. She has devoted 52 years to teaching and 27 of those as a volunteer. She always puts her heart into helping everyone,” stated Tracey Sauer, Town of Kelvington mayor.
Karen and Rick Dolezsar of Hudson Bay were nominated by family members. They both have been pillars of the community involved in the recreation of Hudson Bay. They have been instrumental in volunteering in the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association and the Hudson Bay Snowmobile Club. The couple were charter members of the Hudson Bay Club when it was first formed.
Betty Lou Palko, also of Hudson Bay was acknowledged for her volunteer record and nominated by family members. Her dedication to Hudson Bay has showcased through her many organizations including Victim Services, Saskatchewan Health; the Hudson Bay Hospital Trust Advisory and Meals on Wheels, stated the nomination.
Marcella Shewchuk of Rama was nominated by the village of Rama. She has worked tirelessly for many years to give back to her community. She has been a member of the senior citizens’ centre, assists in the Remembrance Day Service; served on the Ukrainian Dance club; the Rama ladies community club and has volunteered at the Parkland College, stated her nomination.
