Each year Rotary Clubs worldwide honour individuals in the community who have taken the opportunity provided by their vocation, to serve in an exemplary fashion, the community at large.
In the past the Rotary Club of Selkirk has honoured various vocations; nursing, education, people working in the media and business owners. This year the Marine Museum of Manitoba Manager, Shaylene Nordal, was nominated to receive the award. Shaylene has had a hand in ‘steering’ the Marine Museum Ship for about 25 years, helping to achieve its status as a major tourist attraction for Selkirk and Manitoba.
During her service to the Museum and the Selkirk and district community she has not only dedicated herself to the interpretation the Manitoba’s Maritime history but has played a vital role in the cultural development of our community.
She is an excellent organizer and has developed many active community programs. The renowned Halloween Haunt at the boats is a perfect example. This annual event attracts over 3,000 people to our community over 4 days and this year, raised $28,000 to be used in the development of Museum activities.
She is an excellent facilitator in the community involving the business sector in many projects. She has increased the visitor participation to the museum and has been very active in the development of new interactive exhibits which will increase the learning opportunities for visitors.
Her service to the museum knows no bounds as she is often on alarm calls in the middle of the night to prevent vandalism of the facility. During the flood season, more than once, she has had to organize the shifting of exhibits to higher ground to prevent their destruction from flooding.
She has developed a solid core of volunteers for museum projects particularly for the Halloween Haunt. Throughout the years her family has also been a great support in fund raising and volunteering for some of the work projects such as painting or repairing the various exhibits.
Shaylene is an excellent individual to receive this award from the Selkirk Rotary and we offer her our congratulations for a job well done!
The Vocational award was presented to Shaylene at the Selkirk Rotary Club’s regular meeting on November 25.