Sunday was a beautiful day at Confederation Park in Morden. Where people gathered together, sitting on lawn chairs and park benches to celebrate Morden Area Foundation's (MAF) Citizen of Distinction, Marilyn Skubovius.
Born and raised in Morden, she shared her gratitude to her many nominators, and to Doug Reichert and Anna Marinelli who made the main submission on their behalf. The list of the work Marilyn has done above and beyond her contributions as a local business owner of Stephen Street Wear, was lengthy with many accomplishments.
Skubovius shed some light on why she was so involved in so many ways over the years.
"I like being involved and I guess maybe when I was in high school it was John Kennedy's, 'Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.' Then I followed through, being on Town Council, being on the hospital board when Boundary Trails was built, helping the Morden Foundation get situated and organized Western School Division, doing building projects etc. It was all good."
Part of the requirements to be named Citizen of the Year is showing leadership in the community and Marilyn shared why she invested so much into her community.
"I enjoyed being on committees, sitting down, talking things out, getting all the information, and setting a goal and who's going to do it, and when's it going to be done. People would always follow through. That's what I've always said when we were involved in building our church. Come up with a plan, let people know what we're doing, they'll come through."
MAF Chair Allison Braun explained why Skubovius was recognized for her many contributions.
"Marilyn is just such a well-rounded, community-minded person that she was just such a perfect selection this year for our award. I know that Marilyn is really excited, she thought it would just be the three of us here today, but of course, all of her friends are going to be out and celebrating her accomplishments over the years, and all the things that she has been able to help our community in becoming the community that it is today. Which is, I think, an amazing community."
Pat Gibson spoke at length about the many contributions she and others in the community have been involved in alongside Marilyn. Gibson, when quoting nominator Doug Reichert, described Skubovius as someone who never hesitated to volunteer and her support for others was done with an iron will and dog-on-a-bone determination.
Gibson described a couple of her accomplishments and an example of her leadership.
"She identified a need for seniors with assisted living, called a few people, we all came, we all worked. Each one of us has a different talent to share, but I think when you start questioning one another and debating with one another, you tend to lose something that could be precious to the community. Marilyn always encourages that."
Skubovius was awarded $1000 to the charity of her choice. She designated it back to the Morden Area Foundation.
Gibson's full speech, highlighting Marilyn's work can be heard below.
