Megan Roth
Twitter: @MeganMCNews
mroth@maplecreeknews.com
The winners of the 2017 Community Awards have been announced.
The winners span volunteers, a business rehabilitation project and two major events in Maple Creek over the last year.
Blaine Filthaut, president of the Chamber of Commerce, says he is very happy with the recipients chosen for the awards.
“It just shows how strong and positive Maple Creek is that we can recognize the people who make our town great,” Filthaut said.
The five winners chosen by unknown judges for the Community Awards are: Darlene Hoffer, for volunteer efforts; The 2016 Saskatchewan Student
Leadership Conference; Home Hardware, for its facade rehabilitation; the Snow Angels, for their volunteer efforts in clearing sidewalks after it snows; and the 35th anniversary of Battle of the Little Big Puck.
“From a business stand point it shows what an impact they have in Maple Creek to be nominated in the Community Awards,” said Filthaut.
Filthaut says he was very impressed with the Student Leadership conference that was held by the Maple Creek Composite School last September.
The many nominations the event received did not surprise him.
“The school did an excellent job with that event. It was very well done,” said Filthaut.
Grotto Gardens Country Market received the nod for Business of the Year. The business is also nominated as Rookie of the Year for the Saskatchewan Tourism Awards.
“We are humbled, absolutely humbled,” said co-owner Dana Hassett who mentioned she found out through Facebook.
Filthaut says Grotto Gardens receiving the award is another aspect of the businesses wonderful story.
“They are doing so many wonderful things there, and have created a wonderful tourist stop,” he said.
Marcia Cole was awarded the Citizen of the Year award.
“She is just such a giving lady and really represents what Maple Creek is all about,” said Filthaut.
The Community Awards, received roughly the same number of submissions this year as last year, despite the change to electronic submissions.
Something Filthaut would like to change for next year is when submissions for the awards are open.
He would like to see them open all year, and not just the month or so before the ceremony.
“If you see something nice that someone is doing or something you particularly like, let us know. We will keep the submission for judging later in the year,” Filthaut explained.
The change in submissions is not a for sure change at the moment, but will be worked towards, according to Filthaut.
Currently all those who won an award do not know the specifics on why they won. That will be revealed at the award ceremony on March 22.
The Community Awards Gala is March 22 at the Glascock Building beginning at 7 p.m. Appetizers will be available to those in attendance as well.
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