On September 21st we held our annual Volunteer Recognition evening held at the Municipal Complex. Congratulations is extended to the following recipients: Citizen of the year - John Sobhi, Young citizen of the year - Lina Chaker, Outstanding Service Club Volunteer - Dr. Nick Krayacich, Outstanding Board Volunteer - Ivan Petric. The following celebrations are acknowledged: Bill Armstrong for 15 years 95th Scouts, Kathe Campeau for 15 years 46th Girl Guides, Sheri Koscielski for 15 years 95th Scouts, Maureen Taylor for 25 years 46th Girl Guides, Brian and Nicole Hicks for 30 years 95th Scouts.
Thank you to Councilor Meloche, for heading up the event, and finalizing the recipients. Thank you to staff, most notably Rosa Miceli, Council Co-ordinator, for assuring everything went just right. Thank you to the rest of the staff that attended that evening to make sure the event was a success. Another terrific evening celebrating those who make LaSalle a great place to live.
On September 22nd, Councilor Akpata and I were present for the Unfurling Ceremony of the 128 Flags of Remembrance at Ambassador Park. Our Town sponsored a flag. It was a very touching, and emotional event. The ceremony itself was very well done, and a large gathering was especially respectful. If you ever have the chance in the years to come, please attend. It is well worth the awareness this event brings to the real sacrifices families endure. It was a Beautiful ceremony.
On September 23rd St. Andrew’s Anglican Church held its first annual Civic Service. The Service was intended to honor our community and its partners. I would like to thank Members of Council, and representatives from our Police, namely Staff Sergeant Beaudoin and Constable Seguin as well as Fire Chief Sutton, all who attended this respectful event, celebrating the community that we serve and live in. It was a wonderful day, well attended, and an opportunity to mingle with some of the residents of our community. I understand the Church plans on making it an annual event. Thank you goes out to Reverend Sue Paulson, and Church Warden Nancy Skinner, for the organization of this beautiful occasion.
On September 6th, we lost someone that can only be described as an icon in our Town…Bob Hayes, our Town Engineer. Bob Hayes retired a very few years ago and was one of the wittiest, ingenious, brilliant, creative, individuals to ever grace municipal services anywhere. Bob passed away at the age of 70.
Bob had a gift. He was entertaining, engaging, and incredibly clever. He was a longtime member of a team that established blueprints on the manner this Town developed. Beside Bob, that team included our outgoing CAO Kevin Miller, our outgoing Town Solicitor Christine Riley, with assistance from our outside consultant, County of Essex Planner, and our current Director of Development & Strategic Initiatives, Larry Silani. This gives you an idea how much these employees safeguarded the Town, during a very hectic almost frantic development pace during the 1990’s. They were a group of very talented individuals, who together made for a dynamic team. It was during my tenure as CAO, and this group made our Staff and Council look pretty good. They never left a stone unturned in assuring the Town consistently obtained the maximum benefit in negotiating Developer’s agreements with potential Developers.
We all owe them a deep debt of gratitude. Their job of assuring the Town developed in a responsible way was often taken for granted, and gravely undervalued. They have played a major role with what you see today - a well-planned, and vibrant Town. It seemed like this group was always locked away in the Public Works conference room. You could drop by, for a quick chat that often lasted well beyond “quick”, because Bob would provide a much needed break from the sometimes monotonous procedure of preparing these agreements. He was always at the ready to entertain.
Bob could spin a tale that at times seemed far-fetched, but always had a shred of truth - truth that was stretched to the limit. Bob’s talent included his incredible recollection of details regarding the smallest issue. His creativity solved countless problems, always in the best interests of our Town. He was a dependable resource, a loyal employee, a breath of fresh air and a friend.
He will be missed. Rest in Peace Bob.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Anne, his son Colin and stepchildren Michael, the late Jennifer and Kristina.