It was a night to shine for Drumheller as the efforts of its residents were spotlighted at the Drumheller Rotary Club’s annual Celebration of Excellence.
The Celebration of Excellence took place at the Badlands Community Facility on Saturday, May 12. Maxine Popovich was named Citizen of the Year.
“It wasn’t necessary,” said the modest Popovich, “because I don’t think I deserve it.”
There were many in attendance who may disagree. Popovich’s community service spans decades. She has been a member of Beta Sigma Phi for more than 40 years and for the last two decades has been volunteering at the Drumheller Health Centre, often visiting residents of the Continuing Care Unit.”
“Most of the time I am with older people, I am older than most of the people half the time,” she chuckles. “They really appreciate any attention they get. I get such satisfaction from that.”
“You don’t do it for recognition, you do it to be satisfied,” said Popovich.
Also nominated in the Citizen of the Year category was Trevor Gough.
This year’s Most Courteous Employee went to Town of Drumheller employee Keith Russell.
“It is an honour I share with all of the Town staff,” said Russell. “Without the support of the marvelous people I am surrounded with in the family of the Town of Drumheller, I would never be able to accomplish anything.”
Russell has been with the Town of Drumheller since 1995, and is the operations manager in the Department of Infrastructure Services.
“We try to help out wherever we can, certainly we are always strapped for time and manpower, but the staff has been very supportive,” said Russell.
Myrna Doktorchik, Drumheller Co-op Home Centre manager was the other finalist in Most Courteous Employee of the Year category.
Celebration of Excellence is held annually and the Citizen of The Year is presented to an individual who has demonstrated years of community involvement. The Most Courteous Employee of the Year award goes to a person who displays a helpful and enthusiastic attitude when working with customers and the initiative to go above and beyond what is expected as an employee.
