Sherri Solomko submitted the following in her bid to have Michael Solski honoured as Unity's Citizen of the Year.
Solski was presented the award at a banquet and program June 4 during Unity's Western Days.
"I can't imagine our community without Michael in it. In the past year this man has: been the treasurer for Western Canadian midget boys' and girls' softball championships held in Unity; was the chairperson for Unity's successful run for Riderville; was our official photographer for the CTV Hometown tour event; and took on chair, again, for Unity's hosting of a Rider Pride Hockey Event.
"These events were successful because Michael takes on a leadership role and is good at it. The Rider logo on Main Street, painted twice, would not have happened without his and Carey Baker's leadership. As well the giant "S" on the football field leading into our Riderville bid was orchestrated and photographed from a Blane Heitt's portable high tower, run by him. These events took on many meetings throughout the year, and some of them overlapping. Because I was on these committees with Michael, I know that he would run from a meeting, to a photo shoot, to another meeting or play practice without missing a step or complaining about doing so.
"The relationships our community has built with the Riders and CTV, as well as New Cap Productions out of Lloydminster are stronger with him as our public relations guru.
"In addition to these big tasks, this man has: ran a successful photography business in Unity for 29 years; been 34 years as member of provincial and national photographer's association; served on the national executive of this association for years as the Saskatchewan representative; and was presented with the Service of Photographic Arts distinction award in 2005. He is: a chamber member, serving on the executive including president; involved in St. Peter's Parish and also served two terms as chair of parish council; and a Knights of Columbus member.
"He officiates high school basketball and football and for both duties he has been nominated to referee at provincial level. He is a founding member of Unity Little Theatre, and his active role in these productions include both acting and directing. He is a strong supporter of the arts in our community. He is a Unity Credit Union board member and he has either chaired or been a large part of the annual Canada Day celebrations at the museum. He has mediated many open forums for either federal, provincial or civic elections.
"This is a long list of accomplishments and our community is certainly better for having Michael being so involved in the many aspects of it.
"I couldn't say what he does in his spare time as I am not sure he has any. I know he painted a large, fantastic Rider logo on his driveway. I know he tries to spend time with his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter whenever he can. I know him and Kathy enjoy travelling and being a part of events in the community, which there are few that he is not directly involved in. I know as a fellow committee member, you could go to him at any time with a question or concern either by phone, e-mail or in person and he would calmly hear you out and answer your queries.
"I know Michael has been involved every year in some way in different avenues in this community since we moved here in 1991. 2010, however, his involvement could not go un-noticed. When asked to help with any of these projects - I know he volunteered for several of them - but if asked he never said, 'I am too busy.' It was always, 'sure, I will help. What can I do?'
"I cannot speak for his personal achievements because as long as I have been around Michael he has never lauded his own achievements, but instead, he chooses to be the spokesman for the underdog, or the event he is working on.
"In my opinion, 2010 was a monumental year for the status of Unity and much of its success could not or would not have happened without Michael Soloski being involved. One does not realize the extent of community spirit Michael has until you write a document such as this. I trust you will consider this document as my nomination for Michael Soloski to be Unity's citizen of the year."
