This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Weyburn Credit Union and Quota International of Weyburn Women of the Year Awards.

The nominees tea, where residents get their first look at the nominees, was scheduled for March but was cancelled due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The Awards Luncheon, scheduled for early April, quickly followed. 

However, Quota continued looking for a way to celebrate the women nominated in the four categories. 

DiscoverWeyburn.com and Quota International have teamed up to give you a special look at the nominees and the sponsors who make the awards possible.

First, Tana Torkelson of Weyburn Credit Union introduces the nominees for the Weyburn Credit Union Workplace Excellence Award, Joanne Fraser and Dawn Gutzke.

The second category is the Access Communications Exceptional Entrepreneur Award.

Nominated in this category are Holly Adamache and Tanya Kwochka, Tammy Lawrence-Bhimji, Patty Skjerdal, and Bonnitta Whitrow.

Holly Adamache and Tanya Kwochka were nominated by Lynn Kot, who had this to say.

What possessed Holly Adamache and Tanya Kwochka, who had an accumulation of thirty-six years educating children, to becomes senior caregivers? These two ladies had a mutual friend diagnosed with terminal cancer. Her wish to remain at home and live independently, was the catalyst to create their new business . They would grant her wish.

W

hen their friend passed, they collaborated, taking on the daunting task of providing support for the city's growing senior population. A need was identified. "Our senior citizens want, need and deserve to be as independent as possible as they age."(Quote by a daughter: Pat Flaten)

Aided by Sunrise Community Futures and palliative care personnel, a, plan was developed. Tanya and Holly chose" Comforts of Home Senior Care" as the name of their new business. Their business cornerstone includes care, compassion and companionship. A key to their success would be frequent and necessary communication with family.

To blaze a trail in uncharted territory takes vision, creativity and detailed planning. Their job is ever changing in order to meet the diversified needs of their clients. This past year, the ladies had thirty-six clients, with the hopes of program expansion.

“Tanya and Holly provide a kind, confident, common sense and a flexible approach to assisting their clients.”( Quote: Pat Flaten) They set business visions, goals and guidelines. With their love, care and expertise they have become an extension of family.

Holly and Tanya continue their second year of business as" Comforts of Home Senior Care."

 

Tammy Lawrence-Bhimji was nominated by Paris Lyon. 

Tammy Lawrence- Bhimji is celebrating her 15th anniversary as sole proprietor of The Dance Zone. Born and raised in Weyburn, Tammy began

dancing at the age of 4 and continues to upgrade her accreditation yearly. The Dance Zone presently offers 3 locations and teaches over 560 children per week. Tammy has been an accredited dance teacher for 20 years under the Canadian Dance Teachers association as well as being ADAPT certified, an Acrobatic Junior coach and most recently completed her Adjudication Certification course through ADA. Tammy was recently elected on the C.D.T.A provincial executive for a 2-year term as Assistant Treasurer.

When not at the studio, Tammy takes pride in helping in her community. An active volunteer with the 2019 Weyburn Communithon, Tammy volunteered on the Entertainment Committee, as well as acting producer. Many of her dancers have entertained for local events such as Culture Days and the Weyburn parade. Tammy is a member of the Chamber of Commerce as well, and is the founding chairman for Dance Nation, a local dance festival, celebrating its 11th anniversary in 2020. Tammy also founded Sole Performance Wear, a local clothing store that successfully operated for 5 years, in downtown Weyburn before closing to allow growth of her dance studios.

Tammy is presently the chairman on the parent committee for the WCS 2020 Graduation Class—evening events and loves spending time watching her own children dance and participate in school activities. It takes a village to raise children and she is proud to call Weyburn her village.



Patty Skjerdal was nominated by Scott Paxman.

Patty Skjerdal , owner of Vortex Plumbing and Heating is nominated for the Access Communications Exceptional Entrepreneur Award because of her dedication and care for others. With her entrepreneurial spirit and a strong business plan, she has turned it into an award winning business.  Vortex Plumbing is now a household name with an amazing reputation and Patty has helped expand the business beyond Weyburn and covers an area including all of southern Saskatchewan.   Her technicians are well trained to ensure customers' peace of mind; she sets high  customer service expectations for her team  and Vortex has a very low staff turnover rate and high morale.   She consistently encourages her staff and peers to volunteer and be involved in the community. 

In addition to her full time job as a Financial Advisor, and managing the Weyburn Curling Club, Patty had a key role in starting a new business,  Megadry Disaster Restoration, which is the only disaster restoration currently in Weyburn area to help people in emergency situations.   She has managed to take care of all this while raising a family. Well deserving of the Access Communications Exceptional Entrepreneur Award.

 

Bonnitta Whitrow was nominated by Karli Loos.

Bonnitta Whitrow's accomplishments in the community are inspiring and deserving of recognition. She has created and established a successful healthy snack food business, Bee Raw Real and Raw Foods, with the focus of providing wholesome alternatives for people who are looking for healthier snack food options. 

After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 22, Bonnitta was determined to fight her best battle which included significant changes to her diet and focusing on a positive mindset. Part of her journey to a healthier body and mind included making treats using wholesome, whole, unprocessed ingredients. Her personal journey evolved into something more and that led to the creation of Bee Raw. Her healthy sweet treats are currently sold at 26 locations throughout the province and she continues to expand further into the market.

Bonnitta is also a leader of laughter classes. She is a positive person who enjoys sharing her laughter classes with those in the community. She strongly believes in the connection between mind and body and strives to help people shift to a more positive mindset by guiding them through laughter exercises. Bonnitta's passion for helping others improve their health and well being is demonstrated through almost everything she does, including Bee Raw and her laughter classes.

The third category is the M. Isabelle Butters Quota International of Weyburn Community Service Award.

Nominees in this category, as explained by current Quota President Kelly Hansen, are Linda Aitken, Lianne Cretin, Sandra LaRose, Jackie Wilson and Bonnitta Whitrow.

The fourth and final category is the Harbourfront Wealth Management Young Woman of Distinction Award.

Nominated in this category is Kaylee Vanbeselaere, nominated by Colleen Morrice.

Kaylee uses her outgoing personality, communication skills and technical knowledge when operating Vanbee Environmental Consulting Ltd with her co-owner and husband, Kirk. She is highly professional and methodical in her workplace, adhering to industry standards or better and staying informed with industry changes and requirements. Kaylee utilizes her Diploma in Environmental Conservation and Reclamation daily and is continuing her education as an Agricultural Technologist with the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists.

Kaylee recently joined the of the Weyburn Humane Society and volunteers with Bright Eyes Dog rescue as a dedicated and passionate advocate on behalf of the furry-er members of our community. She is the first to step up to volunteer to fundraiser or work an event. Kaylee doesn't hesitate to get to know each new anima

l, learning it's quirks, fears and dislikes and is able to portray them to the potential adopter to ensure a proper fit for both, additionally taking time to teach them proper care of their new family member.

Kaylee started recreational soccer at a young age and continued until high school where she played competitive high school soccer in grade 11 and 12 and recreational soccer after graduating college. She also volunteered her time coaching kids/ recreational soccer for roughly 4 years.

When not taking care of business or pets, Kaylee enjoys travel, experiencing the inspirations of Thailand, Costa Rica, Las Vegas , Hawaii, Cuba, British Columbia, Alberta, Newfoundland and North Dakota.

 

A huge congratulations to all of this year's nominees. 

*Note-All photos used in the preceding story were submitted on behalf of Quota International or were file photos.