Can we have the envelope, please?
Ukee Days attendees are invited to cast their ballot for the Citizen, Business and Volunteer of the Year awards. Ballots will be located on the Ukee Days grounds (by front entrance).
“It will be a hard choice to vote for ONE only in each category, as each nominee is certainly deserving in their own right. Thank you to those who nominated – and THANK YOU to all of the nominees,†said Susan Payne, executive director of the Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce.
The Citizen of the Year Award nominees are:
Barbara Schramm – “Barbara and Schramm designs have for many years contributed immensely to the
general well-being of the community of Ucluelet. She has done much to help make Ucluelet known as a stellar tourism destination. Her work with the Wild Pacific Trail has been a crucial element in its ongoing healthy growth. Her graphic designs enrich our environment immensely. And her annual telephone directories are probably the most used resource on the West Coast,†her nomination says.
Heidi Shaw – “Heidi and her family have provided Christmas Dinner for the community each year for as long as we can remember. She is instrumental in getting donation in order to put on this important community event and spends countless hours in preparation. This year was no exception, even though Heidi was missing family members and did not think she could pull it off. Visitors and locals alike come together on Christmas day and have a wonder feast beacuse of the dedication of Heidi and her family. While we are all busy with our own dinners, Heidi is thinking of those less fortunate and those visiting and missing that family Christmas spirit,†her nomination says.
Marcie Dewitt – “Marcie typically stays in the background of projects but has been involved with so many things over the past year I think it would be wonderful for her to be recognized. She’s often bridging groups. Her work with Eat West Coast raises awareness about food security and advocates for the west coast on a Van- couver Island wide platform. She started the community lunch program and manages the literacy program raising literacy amongst our youth. With the Coastal Family Resource Coalition, she helps to bring together service providers from our communities to bridge resource gaps. She is also vice-president of the Long Beach Fly Fishing association, which she helped to start, offeing fly fishing courses and also finds time to pour beer at not for profit events, helps aquarium fundraisers, volunteers with the Pacific Rim Music Festival Society, and brings out speakers throughout the year that raise community awareness and education,†her nomination says.
The Business of the Year award and the nominees are...
Creative Salmon – “Celebrating 25 years of business on the West Coast! Proudly raising organic Pacific Chi- nook Salmon, CS is a new member of the Chamber, but has supported chamber events continuously over the past many years. They play an integral roll in many of our community events like Ukee Days, the Edge to Edge and the Van Isle 360, as well as less visible contributions like donating to the USS Global Ed program, the CWFS, Ucluelet Fire Brigade, PRAS, our local hospital and the WCMS to name just a few. They are one of the highest employers with a workforce of 50 year-round full time positions, with close to half living in Ucluelet,†their nomination says.
The Ucluelet Lodge – “The Ucluelet Lodge underwent extensive renovations this year and made a huge difference in the downtown village centre. With the addition of retail space and the improvements to the exterior, Ucluelet Village square shines brightly again. This area has now become increasingly popular with locals and visitors alike, showcasing our character and small town flavor,†their nomination says.
Reflecting Spirit Gallery – “The concept of the gallery is unique. The gallery represents over 200 artists, and is a consignment gallery. Without a gallery such as this a lot of artists would not have a showcase for their amaz-ing art, so it helps artists make a living, also employs summer staff. It is often a struggle to keep the gallery going, especially in the slow winter months, without any help from grants etc. So it is sometimes very difficult to keep the concept alive. “Reflecting Spirit†means the gallery Reflects the Spirit of the Artist,†their nomination says.
Nominees for Volunteer of the Year Award:
Lucia Lyons: “Lucia has worked and volunteered all of her life in Ucluelet. From Little League and soccer with the kids, to adult baseball and over 20 years with adult volleyball. She coaches high schoold volleyball and basketball. She gives countless hours on the USS Year book, and helps with the Grad Auction as well. Lucia just cannot say no,†her nomination says.
Sandy Rantz: “Sandy gets involved in everything and anything. She is such a willing volunteer who will do just about do anything asked for. This year she has volunteered much of her time with many local events but most notable as volunteer coordinator for the Pacific Rim Whale Festival and volunteer coordinator for the Edge to Edge Marathon. Coordinating over 300 volunteers and ensuring they have all the information needed and equipment to do their part is can be a daunting task, and Sandy has been extremely valuable and competent in every instance. In addition she offers time to many other smaller local events, our community bbq’s, and sits on various boards for non-profit organizations. Sandy’s participation on these boards is very committed and hard working and she never just shows up, but always offers for additional tasks, and always with a happy smile on her face,†her nomination says.
Wild Pacific Trail Society: “Their vision has built a world class attraction for Ucluelet and area. This is a wonderful addition to our community, and we are fiercely proud of its place in our community! They are responsible for bringing grant monies to build the trail infrastucture and more recently all of the interpretive signage and walks which have become immensely popular,†their nomination says.
Announcements will be made at 4:30pm, Sunday, July 27th at Ukee Days.