Long-time volunteers were recognized at the Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village Museum threshing bee.
“Without the volunteers we could not keep the museum open and grow,” said museum chairman Gord Ross. “We are one of the few museums in Saskatchewan that is growing.”
He thanked the community for supporting the museum and events.
Except for summer staff at the gate, the museum is run by volunteers.
While the museum is closed now until May, volunteers come out on Wednesdays to work until it gets too cold.
“Many of them come out four or five days a week,” said Ross.
Hedi Olson received a lifetime membership.
Olson has been a volunteer for decades, doing everything from weeding and painting to working in the concession. She was on the board for several terms and was treasurer.
Dale Jelinski received a 25-year membership plaque. Receiving 10-year membership plaques were Memory Lloyd, Darnelle Mitchell, Tim Chamberlin and Don Okerstrom.
The museum also recognized past volunteers and members who have died.
Among them were Ed Willis, Dave Moats, Ken Easton, Lawrence Ganzhorn, Kevin Reid, Bob Jones and Bill Young.
Jones was one of the six museum founders and was the longest serving president of the organization.
Young was a long-term member/volunteer and funded three exhibit buildings on the museum grounds.
“Our members are getting older,” said Ross. “We appreciate volunteers and would like more volunteers.”
He suggested anyone interested in volunteering come out on “work day” Wednesdays and have coffee with the members.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
