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Vol. 9, No. 33, Tuesday, June 10, 2014
MICHELLE PINON PHOTO
Pictured from left to right are society members Nellie Komarnisky, Leonard Babin, Peter Budinski, Virginia Budinski, Robert McCullen, (from Direct Energy), Cathie Chomiak, John Chomiak, Emily Zuk.
Volunteer Citizens of the Year named Michelle Pinon Editor
Cathie Chomiak was the first person Virginia Budinski told after she was officially notified about being named volunteer citizen of the year along with her husband Peter. “We won,” were the two words she texted Cathie upon hearing the news. The Mundare area residents, were two of six Albertans honoured for their outstanding volunteer work with the M. Drahomanow (Moscow Hall) Literary Society and Recreation Area. The award, co-sponsored by Direct Energy, (DE), and the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association, (AWNA); received a $1,000 cash award from DE as well as a $5,000 cheque from the company to go towards their charity of choice. Of course, the Budinski’s chose the M. Drahomanow (Moscow Hall) Literary Society and Recreation Area, as they have invested countless hours and many years to improving the facility and grounds located 16 kilometres southeast of Mundare. Virginia said she couldn’t believe it when she heard the news, and admitted to still being in a bit of a state of shock when she and Peter received the $5,000 cheque on behalf of the society on May 30th. Robert McMullen, the representative from Direct Energy, was very impressed with the longstanding
commitment of Peter and Virginia, as well as the facility and grounds he toured that afternoon. He learned that part of the proceeds from the donation will go towards a commercial dishwasher for the hall and ongoing maintenance costs. McMullen was also impressed with the hospitality and refreshments that was extended and shared following the official presentation. The hall is chalk a block full of photos from some of the special occasions celebrated there. One of the society members points to a large scoreboard on one of the walls used for the very popular card party tournament that is held every other week throughout the winter months. Tanis Kozak, vice-president and general manager for Direct Energy Canada, also commended volunteer couple saying, “Peter and Virginia should be an inspiration to all of us. Their commitment to volunteering and bringing people together at the community hall for the past 35 years is what makes communities like Mundare such an important part of Alberta. Their ongoing dedication to the community hall and passion for volunteering should be celebrated and Direct Energy is proud to honour them with this award.” Fred Gorman, President of the AWNA, offered his praise and good wishes to the duo. “The AWNA congratulates Peter and Virginia Budinski as volunteer citizens of the year. The community hall in Mundare
is integral in connecting local families and neighbours for celebration and recreation. The hall is enjoyed because of a 35 year commitment and the inspirational efforts and talents of Peter and Virginia. I am sure Mundare would agree with our 2014 choice of award recipients.” Peter has volunteered at many functions at the community hall including: ball tournaments, family reunions, camping and card parties. He also spends many hours a week cutting trees and grass, fixing fences, shoveling and plowing snow, and performing any other maintenance and upkeep that the facility needs, and he was also involved in the major renovation that the facility underwent in recent years. Virginia has served as treasurer of the society since 1981 and played an instrumental role in organizing the centennial celebration in the community in 2005. At the community hall she is looked upon for her expertise in booking events and organizing food services. As vice-president, her volunteering extends to the administrative duties that keep the hall successful and running smoothly. In fact, Virginia and Peter will be treating fellow society members John and Cathie Chomiak and Leonard and Emily Babin to a trip to the awards ceremony in Calgary on June 14. That will surely be another memorable trip and milestone to salute in the society’s illustrious and important history.