The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Organizers of the 2004 Celebrating Communities Gala, attended by some 100 people Thursday evening at the R.H. Channing Auditorium, were confronted with a difficult task. In an area rife with men and women who give so freely of their time, they had to narrow down the list to nine deserving volunteer award recipients. And what a group they chose. Honoured with certificates at the formal gala were Garth Bullock, Greg East, Wayne Fraser, Ivor Hedman, Joyce Henderson, Bud Killick, Diane Laderoute, Norm Le Clerc and Ruby Lenderbeck. Receiving a surprise special award for community leadership was Dave Kendall, who modestly accepted a framed print from the evening's guest speaker, U.S. Consul to Manitoba Todd Schwartz. Just as volunteers play a crucial role in a community, so too does the business sector. Four Flin Flon business owners and one from Snow Lake received framed prints for their commitment to their communities. Accepting these awards were the owners of Dembinsky's, Eddie's Family Foods, Ernie's Wholesale / Candy Bar, Major Midwest and Snow Lake Home Building Centre. Not overlooked was the Flin Flon Lions Club, whose members have dedicated themselves to serving area residents for more than five decades. Club member LaVerne Hinzman accepted the Community Vision Award, consisting of a framed print, on behalf of his fellow members. See 'Gala' P.# Con't from P.# Thursday's gala was organized by the three area municipal governments, the Flin Flon and District Chamber of Commerce and Greenstone Community Futures Development Corp. Volunteers Here is a brief look at some of the initiatives undertaken by the volunteers who were recognized: Garth Bullock of Denare Beach has been an active volunteer for years. His beneficiaries include the Denare Beach Community Club and the Denare Beach Fire Dept. Greg East of Birch Lake is known for using his energy to promote change. Among the groups with which he has volunteered are the Flin Flon and District Environment Council and Concerned Citizens Against Pollution. Wayne Fraser of Flin Flon has compiled a lengthy volunteer resume that features time with the Flin Flon Parks and Recreation Commission and the Rotary Club, among other groups. Ivor Hedman of Flin Flon is another resident quick to donate his time. The Lions Club and the Flin Flon Ski Club are among the groups with which he has been involved. Joyce Henderson of Flin Flon is perhaps known best for her work to preserve the community's history. She is the co-author of two Flin Flon historical books, but has also found time to help the Lord's Bounty Food Bank and the Girl Guides, among others. Dave Kendall of Flin Flon has for years been a key component of the Flin Flon and District Chamber of Commerce. Yet he has also played important roles with other community-minded organizations, including the Salvation Army Advisory Board and Greenstone Community Futures Development Corp. Bud Killick of Denare Beach has been extensively involved with the Northern Gateway Museum, a source of pride for his community, as well as the Denare Beach Ratepayers Association, among others. Diane Laderoute of Creighton was honoured with the award for the high level of community support she provides through her business, Di's Confectionary. Norm Le Clerc of Flin Flon has been in the volunteer business for decades with, among others, the Scouts, St. Ann's Roman Catholic Parish and the Knights of Columbus. Ruby Lenderbeck of Creighton has also been lending a hand for years, helping with Girl Guides and the Creighton NorthSask Seniors 55+, among others.
