Seven volunteers with the Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village and Museum were awarded lifetime memberships during the recent threshing bee.
“This year we decided we should let the public know the amount of time and effort volunteers put in to keep this place,’’ commented President Gord Ross.
“We have a lot of volunteers here who are here sometimes four and five days a week. We have a large group of people who show up to work on some of our major projects on what we call work day Wednesdays.
“Without the volunteers, this (threshing bee) would not happen.’’
Lifetime member Vivian Wilson “is like the Energizer bunny. A lot of us wish we could keep up to her.”
“I'm very proud of this,’’ said Wilson.
Reg Skinner lives in Regina and “spends a lot of time coming here and helps us.”
Skinner said he appreciates the award. “I grew up on a farm near Wilkie and this place brings back a lot of memories.”
Ross Ramage “has put in a lot of hours out here and brought a lot of knowledge about farming and restored equipment,” said Ross.
Rev. Bob Langdon caused some apprehension when he joined “because when working on this old equipment the odd time the language gets a little colourful” but Langdon told them that is fodder for his sermons.
Al Langstaff, really knowledgeable about old tractors, “spends a lot of time out here and he is a valuable mechanic for us.”
Idis Jelinski and her husband Keith are both long time members. In making the award to Idis Ross said: “Lots of times some of our members forget how much time our wives or significant others put up with when we are away from home.”
She volunteers at Family Day and with 50/50 ticket sales and previously helped in the concession.
Four members receiving 10-year membership recognition were Matt Tolton of Manitoba, Keith Delahey, Connie Ross and John Bistritzan.
“It’s a rewarding job out here if you’re interested in this stuff, some call it junk,’’ said Ross. “If you're interested in becoming a volunteer we’re always looking for help. There’s no shortage of work.’’
Ron Walter can be reached at [email protected].
