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Trying to get it right for our Volunteers

The Corporate Services Committee recently took the opportunity to meet and discuss the annual Christmas reception that the Village has hosted at the Legion the first Saturday in December for the past three years. This reception was intended as an opportunity for the Village to honour and show our gratitude to the many volunteers that serve our community. Each committee member is sent a personal invitation by Staff and each Committee chair has been encouraged to personally invite the members of their committee to the reception. To ensure no one has been missed, the Village has placed this invitation in the Review Mirror. Unfortunately, the response to these invitations has only encouraged about a 15% turnout, which has driven home the realization that perhaps this has not been the most opportune venue to honour our volunteers.

On the other hand, the Corporate Services Committee has taken note that the New Year’s Levee is a very popular event enjoyed by a great many in the community. Therefore, the Committee has recommended that this year the Village shall expand and extend the period for the New Year’s Levee to include a variety of hot and cold foods as well as entertainment. The reception at the Legion will be cancelled and replaced by this enhanced opportunity to celebrate our community and its very special volunteers.

In 2019, the Chairs of the Village Committees of Council will consult with their team members to ascertain whether there are other suggestions of something festive that would appeal to most people.

All members of Council and residents and business owners have deep gratitude and respect for the volunteers that serve the Village however, we recognize that the reception was not a popular event and enhancing the New Year’s Levee this year will provide additional resources to a setting that most of you attend and enjoy.

Thank you for your commitment to the Village of Westport and for the important work that you have been doing. I know that you do not seek recognition and I appreciate your patience as we work to devise creative options for getting together at future Christmas gatherings.

 
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A century ago, Canadian soldiers crossed a muddy ridge in Vimy, France, as they fought and died under the Red Ensign.

One hundred years ago, all four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought side-by-side for the first time as one formation at Vimy Ridge in France.  After four days of intense battle, there were nearly 3,600 of our soldiers lives lost, over 7,000 more wounded and countless displays of extraordinary courage.  The capture of Vimy Ridge was truly an incredible military victory.  We are proud and will never forget those who served in this great battle.

The Red Ensign was the flag they fought and some died under.  With many thanks to Greg Bisonette (Rusty), the Red Ensign is flying proudly at the Westport Cenotaph this week-end as we recognize the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 542 will assemble for the Remembrance Day ceremony on Sunday at 10:30.  The Westport Ecumenical Choir will also be providing the music, led by Joanne Lambert.

Weather still looks sunny and cold.  Please dress warmly.

Vimy Flag.jpg

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Moving on at Town Hall

On Monday evening, the last Council Meeting was held with the current members of Westport’s Council.   The four years has been a blur and passed by so quickly.  We accomplished many of our goals, including replacing the old Snowfluent waste water system with a more efficient and effective system.  New businesses have settled into the Village and house sales are moving much better than in past years.

I would like to recognize those members of Council who are not returning for the next term.  Councillor Gerald Schwinghamer has brought your concerns regularly to the Council Chamber.  He has been the best prepared for meetings, taking a fair bit of friendly joking by his colleagues over the number of “yellow stickies” poking out from his Council agenda.  Your efforts – and your sense of humour – will be missed Gerald.

Councillor Frank Huth has worked tirelessly these past four years as Chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee, which also included Friends of the Arena (FOTA).  You only need to look at photos of the arena and Lockwood Park then (2015) and now to recognize just what an impact Frank has made, leading two different teams of volunteers to accomplish so much.  The work will continue on the foundation that you have begun Frank.

Councillor Mark Parliament has set a new course in his life.  Congratulations on your recent marriage, Mark, and best wishes for your baby daughter who is expected to arrive in the next month.

The new Council of Jacky Brady, Barry Card, Rob Roberts and Melissa Sullivan will be sworn in on Tuesday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m.  Please consider joining us at Town Hall for the inaugural meeting.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 9195 or email at rjones@villageofwestport.ca.