Nemeth retiring as Elkwater Community Association Treasurer

Posted on August 15, 2024 by Ryan Dahlman

By Heather Cameron
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

After 22 years of serving as Treasurer of the Elkwater Community Association, Elkwater local Leslie Nemeth has decided to retire from the position.
“I have put my property in Elkwater up for sale, and although it hasn’t sold yet, that is the reason I decided not to let my name stand for another term as Elkwater Community Association Treasurer,” said Nemeth. 

As treasurer, Nemeth says she would pick up the mail, pay the bills, post to the accounting program and balance to the bank and of course do a month end balance and prepare a treasurer’s report to present at the monthly meeting. 

In addition to the treasurer duties, Nemeth says, she was the bingo chairperson off and on, whenever they could not find a volunteer to take the position and was also the social club contact to set up new members with their entrance code and keys after an orientation meeting. On top of that, Nemeth says, she helped with the planning of events including New Year’s Eve, and summer barbecues and attended the events to look after the money.  

Nemeth says that she was also one of the original members of the park watch committee that set up the society and she held the secretary/treasurer position for the first three years of its existence and was also a member of the Elkwater Park Golf Club and organized the ladies golf tournament for three years.  

Nemeth also served on the committee that worked on the new community hall in Elkwater, specifically overseeing sourcing such components as the cabinetry, light fixtures, window coverings, kitchen supplies, etc., and she volunteered hundreds of hours during construction alongside many of the members.

“It has been an honour to be the treasurer for such a great organization as the Elkwater Community Association,” said Nemeth. “I am very proud of the services we offer to the community, both residents and visitors to the park.  I have made wonderful friends through my volunteering at the Community Association. Volunteering for groups that you believe in is very satisfying.  The experiences help with self-confidence, communication and negotiation skills and making wonderful lifelong friends.”

Her family, Nemeth says, has always been supportive and understanding of her time commitments to the Elkwater Community Association.

“My husband and I moved to Elkwater in 2000 and immediately got involved at the hall,” said Nemeth. “We were greenhouse operators and grain farmers, and my work history was in banking and bookkeeping.  Roger (a carpenter by trade) and I, as well as our son, Richard, all volunteered throughout the construction of the new community hall.  Roger passed away in 2011 and I continued to be the treasurer and help wherever I could.   I believe my mother, daughter, son and the rest of the family are proud of my accomplishments and also looking forward to me not having the time commitments in Elkwater. I have very mixed feelings about leaving Elkwater and the community of people here. As long as I still own my property in Elkwater, I will continue to attend meetings and participate and volunteer for the ECA events. I am excited to take on some new volunteering positions in Medicine Hat.”

Nemeth says she has also been appreciated for her work, having been given the honour of Cypress County Citizen of the Year in 2012 and advises people to help when they can, as it will be a great experience to be part of a team working for the betterment of the community.   

“My father always said, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” said Nemeth. “I like to think that I have lived by that code.”