Richard Froese
South Peace News
Two women noted for their dedicated community service in Big Lakes County were honoured last week as the newest inductees on the Big Lakes Wall of Fame.
Holly Malanowich and Marilyn Stevens were recognized July 24 at council’s regular meeting.
Malanowich and Stevens were scheduled to be recognized June 20 during a brief ceremony at the county barbecue in High Prairie; however, both were unable to attend.
Both are delighted to be honoured by the County.
“I’m grateful to receive the award,” Malanowich says.
“I help in the community, but I don’t expect to be recognized this way.”
Stevens also appreciated the honour bestowed upon her.
“I’m very humbled to receive the award,” Stevens says.
“I try to do small acts of kindness to bring joy to peoples’ lives.”
Malanowich was nominated by Kinuso Councillor Roberta Hunt and Stevens was nominated by Janelle Olansky.
Malanowich has been a Big Lakes resident since 1970. She has been a member of the Central Slave Lake Agricultural Society for 15 years, the Kinosayo Museum for 10 years and the Kinuso School travel club for five years.
“She volunteers for our local school and is a big asset to our community,” the nomination states.
Malanowich has organized the Canada Day Parade, volunteers at many bingo events and curling bonspiels, rodeos and generally volunteers where needed.
She helps organize the annual Grain Elevator Open House, Museum Days, work bees, and serves as secretary.
Malanowich also volunteers for the Kinuso graduation and cooks supper for the Italian Night Supper fundraiser for the school athletic club.
Stevens has been a resident of Big Lakes since 1956.
“Marilyn is an exceptional advocate for our community and we are lucky to have someone as dedicated as her to support our residents both in the town and our county,” the nomination states.
“She continues to make our county feel like home to anyone she crosses paths with.
“To Marilyn, these acts of kindness are not an additional task that she takes on to fill her days – they are all part of who she is.”
Stevens has been active as a member or volunteer with the High Prairie Health Care Auxiliary, High Prairie Palliative Care, High Prairie and District Victim Assistance Society and Pleasantview Lodge.
She has volunteered for casino fundraisers for local community groups and the High Prairie Legion for more than 15 years.
When part owners of POPS Home Hardware in High Prairie and the full owners of the IGA in the past, the Stevens family always participated in community events and any sponsorships when asked, as well as provide a fresh start for some of the work industry, the nomination states.
She participates in the annual Pleasantview Lodge pie-making event to help raise money and spends many hours visiting palliative care patients who do not have family who visit them to comfort them during the most difficult time in their lives.
Stevens also provides those individuals with human connection, a sense of belonging and being loved.
Stevens has also gone through the gruelling process to become a victim services advocate. The application process takes months to achieve this dedication.
“She values supporting our community members at their highs, but most importantly at their lows when they need it the most,” the nominations states.
Additionally, Stevens continually takes clients to medical appointments, provides home-cooked meals and checks in daily for a visit to ensure their well-being is maintained