MHADRTA Volunteer of the Year 2019--DELLE LOVIG

by Mel Deydey, President of MHADRTA

 

It is not often that a “surprise recognition” can be pulled off. Usually something goes awry and the recipient finds out. MHADRTA is proud to say it was able to pull it off this clandestine operation!

 

At its regular general meeting at noon on Wednesday, April 10, at the Medicine Hat Lodge, the Medicine Hat And District Retired Teachers Association recognized one of its long time members, Delle Lovig, with the prestigious Volunteer of the Year Award for 2019. Approximately fifty members attended the event along with Delle’s daughter, Chandel Lovig, who showed up to surprise her mother.

 

MHADRTA President, Mel Deydey, spoke to Delle’s nomination and why she was such an excellent choice to receive the award. Delle is an advocate of so many causes—kids, the arts, education, seniors and her community. She retired from Crestwood School in 2007 after a very successful teaching career in Medicine Hat. When she retired, no dust settled under her feet as she found many causes to keep herself active and busy.

 

Delle sets the bar high when it comes to volunteering. She became involved in the 4H movement while still active as a classroom teacher. Since Delle had students involved in 4H in her grade 5 class, she volunteered to help her students with their speech arts and later became a judge of 4H speech competitions. Her volunteerism led to involvement with the Medicine Hat Stampede and Exhibition Stampede Queen Competition. Commitment as a judge involved spending several days following the movements and activities from morning until night of the queen candidates. More recently, Delle’s involvement with the Exhibition and Stampede revolves around the MacKay Creek Schoolhouse where she volunteers to help with tours whether it is at Christmas, during May and June with school field trips, or during the four days of the annual Stampede in July.

 

Her advocacy for the arts stems back a few decades with her involvement with Medicine Hat Musical Theatre. Delle served on the Musical Theatre Board of Directors and was afforded life membership of the group. Her daughter, Chandel was involved with Medicine Hat Rotary Music Festival as a competitor in her younger years. Delle’s commitment to the Music Festival as a parent led to her involvement as a volunteer with the annual event once Chandel no longer competed. The Music Festival which runs daily for two weeks at the beginning of March each year is a huge commitment from which Delle did not shy away. She has been and continues to be very active with the Festival every year and this year she served as the adjudicator’s secretary.

 

As the SEATCA (South Eastern Alberta Teachers’ Convention Association) representative for MHADRTA, Delle is a valuable member of the group according to their executive, and they are grateful to have her. Organization and attention to detail are just two Delle’s many strengths.

 

Active with the ATA as a classroom teacher, she continued that activity with ARTA once she retired where she has served in many different positions. She is an MHADRTA Past president and a past ARTA Board of Director. Delle constantly volunteers within MHADRTA helping wherever and whenever she is needed which helps the organization run very smoothly.

 

Delle is active in the community advocating for the causes of seniors. A very physically active woman, she loves to golf several times a week during the summer. Her faith is very important, and as an active member of St. Barnabas Church, Delle volunteers with the Anglican Church Women. It is obvious this woman does not sit still. She is the loving mother to Chandel, mother-in-law to Mike, and very proud grandmother to little three year old, Ira.

 

In her acceptance, Delle thanked God for her good health which has made years of volunteering possible. She is a firm believer of lifelong learning; and volunteering looks after that in a BIG WAY. She holds the Retired Teachers’ Association the one most dear to her heart.

 

Congratulations, Delle! You are most deserving of this award.