Mayor's Report for November 21, 2023
November 7th
I presided over the regular meeting of Council.
November 8th
I attended the office to sign documents and proceeded to the Information Centre to present new business certificates to three new businesses. Two of the new businesses provide cleaning services: Maid in Marmora and Kristal Clean. The third business is a pet food supplier located in Deloro, called Pawz.
November 10th
I visited many of the locations on the Heart of Hastings Christmas Tour including the Christmas Market in the upstairs of the Town Hall. I was amazed at the beautifully decorated stores and the variety of gift options. Angela was my chauffeur and photographer. She posted some comments and pictures on the Visit Marmora and Lake Facebook page. A huge thankyou to all the businesses, organizations, and volunteers who promoted our town, and to all the shoppers, visitors, and everyone who supported the businesses by participating in the Tour. As Mayor, and on behalf of Council, I felt very proud to be the Mayor of Marmora and Lake and see the collaborative efforts put forth in our business community.
In the evening, I attended the candlelight ceremony organized by the Marmora Legion. Legion members, cadets, the public gathered at the Common Cemetery to recognize veterans and placed candles on the graves. The attendees then proceeded to the Sacred Heart Cemetery and conducted a short service and placed candles on those graves. Father Justin led the attendees in prayer.
November 11th
I attended the Remembrance Day service starting at the Legion and paraded to the Cenotaph in the park. Deputy Mayor Stevens, Councillor Lakatos and I placed the wreath for the Municipality of Marmora and Lake. Councillor Daoust was also in attendance. Father Justin said prayers as part of the ceremonies. I think it was the biggest crowd I have ever seen at the Remembrance Day ceremonies. I want to extend a special thankyou to the Marmora Legion, especially to Annette Gosling, who facilitated the candlelight ceremony and the Remembrance Day ceremonies. Following the ceremony the ladies' axillary provided a lovely lunch at the Legion, including some delicious warm chili and other snacks, which was much appreciated because it was a really cool day.
The Legion also presented a $1000 donation to Cyndy Reid toward the Angel Tree, and Stu Laidman, a resident and Legion member, donated $1000 to the Angel Tree as well. (*During the Council meeting, I named the wrong resident, but this report is accurate, as are the Minutes of the meeting.) Again, on behalf of myself and Council, a huge thankyou to our Legion and its members for the work they do in support of our community.
November 15th
I attended the office to sign documents.
November 16th
I participated in the regular meeting of Crowe Valley Conservation Authority, and two advisory board hearings. The board approved the 2024 budget. The number of applications is down slightly from 2022.
November 17th
I attended an open-house event put on by MPP Ric Bresee in Madoc. He was supporting the cookie program put on by Tim Horton’s with proceeds going to Hospice. Refreshments included the smile cookies, coffee and cold drinks. Thank you to Ric for supporting a very important community service.
I then attended the first annual Lions Club Festival of Trees at the Community Centre. The trees were sponsored by local businesses and organizations and families. A tremendous amount of work was completed by our local volunteers. I understand that Cyndy Reid was the lead, but it was obvious the organizers and volunteers worked extremely hard to make this event a success. The trees were decorated with much imagination and skill. Handmade crafts, decorations, bows resulted in some very unique trees, baskets and wreaths. The cider and cookies were good, too. Again, a very sincere thankyou to the Lions Club for hosting another successful event in Marmora.
November 20th
I attended the office to meet with Tonia and a consultant with HR Live to review a leadership training session planned for December. I then visited the Works yard to meet Melissa and talk to the Transportation Committee.
November 21st
I attended the Planning Committee, and Finance, Property and Personnel Committee meetings at Hastings County.