The Interlake Municipal Recreation Association held their annual awards banquet in Stonewall at the Quarry Park Heritage Arts Centre on Oct. 21.
In every community, there are individuals whose dedication goes above and beyond the call of duty. They pour their hearts into initiatives that not only enrich lives but also create a lasting impact.
These awards recognize the unsung community heroes of recreation that all too often are taken for granted but without them communities would not be the same.
Ian Goodall-George Regional Consultant – Indigenous and Municipal Relations at the Government of Manitoba and Debbie Fiebelkorn, IMRA Vice Chair and Mayor of the RM of St. Clements had the honour of presenting the awards.
The heart of Grosse Isle beats with a vibrant rhythm, thanks to the unwavering dedication of one extraordinary individual — Donna Ridgeway.
She is the president of the Grosse Isle Heritage Site, is described as a visionary leader and has been the driving force behind the site’s remarkable transformation from a modest community project to a vibrant regional attraction. Her leadership and commitment have guided the development of the site’s key features, including the donation and meticulous restoration of several historic buildings such as the Ridgeway Heritage House, East Rosser School, and the Grosse Isle United Church. Most recently, Ridgeway spearheaded the construction of modern washroom facilities and expanded the canteen, significantly improving the visitor experience and supporting the site’s growth as an independent tourism destination.
But her dedication doesn’t stop there; Donna often engages directly in maintenance tasks—whether it’s weeding or watering plants. She connects with everyone involved, fostering collaboration within an active organization.
Ridgeway’s exceptional contributions extend beyond infrastructure; she has championed the preservation of one of Manitoba’s last tall-grass prairie habitats, integrating environmental stewardship with cultural heritage.
Ridgeway was nominated by Lee Garfinkel of the RM of Rosser.
When it comes to community spirit and unwavering dedication, few shine as brightly as Monica Baldwin. A familiar face at the Grosse Isle Recreation Club, she embodies what it means to be committed and caring. As a teacher at Grosse Isle School and an active board member of the club, her contributions have left a lasting mark on our local landscape.
During the COVID pandemic, while many paused, Baldwin pushed forward. She secured grants to revitalize the Grosse Isle Hall dance floor and modernize indoor spaces. These updates brought life back when it was most needed.
Her vision extended beyond interiors; she transformed the basement into a welcoming haven for seniors at the Coffee Club. Not stopping there, Baldwin spearheaded upgrades for our outdoor facilities too.
Baldwin applied for grants for to be used to spruce up the exterior. She also took on a big project to upgrade the ball diamonds at Grosse Isle Memorial Park. From grant writing, fundraising, and project management and coordination, the diamond has never looked better. She was a key factor in this.
Recently, the Club identified a need to upgrade the outdoor rink located adjacent to Grosse Isle School. This project included replacing the rink boards and fencing (Phase 1) and replacing the warm-up shack (Phase 2). Hundreds of thousands of dollars were needed to complete this project. Again, through grants, an ambitious Legacy Donation Campaign, and fundraisers at the hall, Baldwin secured the funding. She is currently organizing and managing the second phase of this plan and the shack is scheduled to be built this fall.
When Baldwin isn’t working on a major project for the Club, she can be found helping keep up the ball diamonds, volunteering to coach in the school where she teaches, and rallying our youth to get involved in the community at a volunteer level.
Baldwin was nominated by Fallon Campbell.
The 2024 Stonewall Viterra Host Committee was recognized for their tireless work in hosting the Provincial Curling Championships earlier this year.
In February 2024, Stonewall held the 2024 Viterra Provincial Curling Championship. This required an incredible amount of planning and organization. As well as this it required an incredible number of volunteers to ensure success of such a big tournament.
The event was a huge success and hosted teams from all over Manitoba. This 4-day event showcased the best curlers in the Province, but nothing would have been able to happen on the curling ice if it wasn’t for all the hard work that happened to plan and execute this event.
The planning committee was chaired by Stuart Brown. The entire committee was recognized last Monday for showcasing the Town of Stonewall to the rest of the Province.
Viterra Curling Championship Volunteer Committee was nominated by the Town of Stonewall.
Archie Delorme was born in 1951 and raised in the village of Grosse Isle. From an early age, Delorme showed an aptitude for math, science and all things mechanical and electrical. He also worked on the farm, and as he grew into a young man, his strength became legendary. He was known for being able to accurately toss hay bales up into the loft without help until the job was done. In 1976, he earned his Red Seal papers as an electrician and, eventually, started his own business. But, as everyone in the community knows, Delorme is truly a Master of many trades.
Since childhood, he has been known as a kind and giving person. Always willing to help anyone who asks, Delorme was ready to assist both community organizations and individuals in need of support. In particular, he has devoted countless hours to the Grosse Isle Heritage Site, the South Interlake Rockwood Agricultural Society and the Grosse Isle Community Centre. Whether it is drawing up plans for new structures, working with inspectors and contractors, personally fixing and installing indoor and outdoor lighting, planning and installing sound and security systems, building, landscaping or any other of the endless jobs community organizations need done, he is always on call with a smile on his face and a tool in his hand.
Delorme prioritizes the needs of his community and his lifelong commitment to helping others is a reflection of who he is as a person.
Archie Delorme was nominated by Lee Garfinkel of the RM of Rosser.
