By Steve Hubrecht
Edgewater resident Roxanne Wowdzia has been named Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Area G volunteer of the year.
Wowdzia, originally from Edmonton, visited the Columbia Valley for decades before moving permanently to Edgewater more than 20 years ago.
It was a move that worked out wonderfully, both for Wowdzia and for Edgewater, as she’s woven herself into the fabric of the community ever since, always willing to lend a hand or volunteer her time for any number of causes.
In particular, during a small ceremony to recognize Wowdzia at a recent Brisco town hall meeting, her efforts with the Edgewater Recreation Society and community hall were cited.
“Roxanne has made invaluable contributions to the spirit and sense of community in our area,” said RDEK Area G director Roberta Schnider. “Her dedication … is unparalleled and we are lucky to receive her energy, attention to detail and enthusiasm throughout countless tasks, events, and projects.”
Wowdzia has been on the recreation society board and acted as the community hall booking person for years, and spends untold numbers of hours organizing the annual Christmas market.
“She is not only a great organizer and advocate for our area, but an amazing friend and asset to our community,” added Schnider.
Wowdzia told the Pioneer the honour came as a surprise.
“I had to ask them ‘me? Are you sure’?” she said with a laugh. “In some ways I feel I shouldn’t get the award because I’m just a part of a team (of volunteers). I’m just doing my part. Everyone works together, and that’s how we get things done.”
Edgewater is a small, rural community with many young families, she outlined. In a place such as that, improvement to the ball diamond makes a big difference to local kids.
“We’re trying to revamp our town, to get it back to what it once was. I enjoy helping out with that. It brings the community together … if you volunteer, you get to meet so many people. You get to know the community, and I really like that too,” she said.
Wowdzia lives in Edgewater with one of her daughters (the other daughter lives in Edmonton). She has retired from a career at Canada Post, but hasn’t slowed down one bit. When she’s not busy with the recreation society, Christmas market, or community hall, you’ll find Wowdzia involved with local farmers’ markets or getting outside to enjoy time in nature.
One of her favourite outdoor activities is the evening walks she does with a group of friends along Sinclair Creek in Radium Hot Springs.
