Melva and Belva are recognized

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Published on Friday, June 26, 2015

By Sheila Runions
Banner Staff

In 1958 Hamiota Co-op amalgamated with Cardale and Moline to create Hamiota/Cardale Co-op. The Cardale branch has been staffed by the same two women for nearly three decades so a surprise recognition was planned for them on Wednesday afternoon, June 17. Held at Dora’s Cafe in Cardale, approximately 30 people were on hand to witness Hamiota’s manager Bill Feschuk present “their girls” with gifts. Neither have announced plans to retire but the community and co-op board thought it high time for some recognition. Bill presented the women corsages, a leather duffle bag (Belva) and a watch (Melva).

Melva Ramsey and Belva Fortune are the only two employees and between them they keep the store open six days a week. Cardale Co-op sells not only groceries and some farm hardware, it is the postal outlet and a World of Water distributor. The business, built in 1944, is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Melva has worked there for 27 years and Belva for 20 years.

Besides the gifts and corsages, the Co-op served a decorated cake and ice cream to their customers.