Mayor Bondy provides an update that in response to Ontario Government’s new enhanced public health measures announced on April 15th, 2021, LaSalle has closed outdoor amenities to the public to help slow down the spread of COVID-19. The basketball courts, tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, volleyball courts, and the skateboard park are all closed. Mayor Bondy understands that some of the residents are frustrated with the new guidelines but asks for patience and reminds everyone to please follow the rules.
Mayor Bondy reminds the residents to continue to maintain safe physical distance at least 2 meters apart from anyone who does not live with you. When residents walk outdoors, please do so with those whom you live with and/or with one other person who lives alone. If physical distancing is difficult, please ensure you wear a mask. Please get the vaccine as soon as eligible. Information about vaccines and how to register can be found on wevax.ca.
Mayor Bondy recognized that last week was National Volunteers’ Week. National Volunteers’ Week reflects individuals’ generosity and the power we have when we work together. Mayor Bondy hopes that residents have read the Town of LaSalle posts on Facebook and Instagram. Last week and this week, the Town is sharing posts that highlighting our community members who volunteer their time to give back. Mayor Bondy gives his thanks to the community members for their volunteering efforts.
Chief Administrator Officer, Joe Milicia states that a few weeks ago, we announced that the Fire Chief Dave Sutton was retiring after over 35 years of service. Unfortunately last week, another member of our LaSalle family left us under not nearly the same joyous circumstances. Mr. Milicia states that we are saddened to announce the passing of the Director of Council Services and Town Clerk, Agatha Robertson.
Agatha was one of the most positive and determined individuals Mr. Milicia had ever met and stated that Agatha used that positivity and determination to battle cancer for over a decade. As we all know and unfortunately have all had some experience with, winning is different with cancer. It is difficult to define, but sometimes winning is battling cancer which Agatha did ferociously.
Agatha’s life could've been over when she was first diagnosed but she chose to battle, chose to fight, enjoy life, embrace new challenges and live on. Mr. Milicia states that in true Agatha fashion, it was not going to be a pity party for her, as she did not want her illness to find her and it didn't. Agatha never wanted anyone to feel sorry for her and Mr. Milicia states that shouldn't start now.
Mr. Milicia can remember vividly last March in 2020 speaking intensely with Agatha and pleading with her to begin working from home as opposed to coming into the office at one point. Mr. Milicia even considered to revoke her access card. Agatha thankfully agreed and Mr. Milicia thought he had run a marathon and won the lottery all on the same day.
Agatha had an incredible career starting at the City of Windsor within the Social Services Department, then moving onto a new challenge in the Licensing Enforcement Department and then yet another new challenge in the Clerks and Council Services Department before she decided to leave the comfort of the City of Windsor and join team LaSalle. Mr. Milicia states that she saw the light. Agatha was then promoted to the Director of Council Services and Town Clerk. A career full of learning and challenges and never afraid.
Although Agatha was with team LaSalle for too short of a time, her legacy will live on. Much like throwing a rock into a pond, her impact has had many ripples, some of which we are only now coming to realize. Even with her extremely busy life, loving husband, children, family, friends, trips, and vacations, work, professional life, and unfortunately the treatments that she went through, she was a mentor to many, including Mr. Milicia and always made time.
Mr. Milicia states that we lost the ultimate professional, giving mentor, most positive person, loving mother and wife, and a great friend. Although Agatha left us too soon, we will cherish the time we had together, remember the lessons Agatha taught us and the advice that she freely gave. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Agatha’s family members, including husband Craig, children Cameron and Cassandra and stepdaughter Faith and with her many friends.
Mr. Milicia states that Agatha is and will continue to be missed. Agatha’s memory will be eternal.
Rest in Peace Agatha.