2012 Mayor's New Year's Levee Speech

COLLINGWOOD, ON

 

Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen.  Welcome to the Mayor’s New Year’s Levee for 2012.

 

I wish each of you and your families a happy, healthy and successful New Year.

 

Last year at this time, we were up to our necks in snow.  I was riding a snow plow while Deputy Mayor Lloyd was pondering the budget for snow removal.

 

It has been a great year as Members of Council have worked cohesively and hard on your behalf.

 

This is an exciting day for our Council and I am sure for all of you in attendance.

 

A New Year’s Levee provides each of us the opportunity to recall all the wonderful times we have experienced in the past year, while looking forward to exciting times and opportunities that lay ahead.

 

When we reflect on the exciting accomplishments which have occurred in 2011, I can confidently say that some of those events are a direct result of the people we are here to honour today.

 

It is a privilege for me to be part of this annual event recognizing those receiving the Order of Collingwood and the Companion to the Order.

 

The recipients in 2012 are joining a group of community builders who have contributed to our Town of Collingwood. 

 

I am especially proud to note my own father is a recipient of the Order.  Other recipients are Former Mayor’s, Ron Emo, Doug Garbutt and Ray Barker.  Thanks to Ron for introducing the Order of Collingwood to our community in 1983.

 

There are five people today being recognized for their volunteerism in our community and three people who are being recognized for continued volunteerism as well.

 

Each of you demonstrates your outstanding commitment of time and passion and not to be overlooked by your peers.  You are the ideal role model for all of us to celebrate.

 

A friend of mine provided me with a quote which reminded me or our recipients.

 

“Eagles have strong vision.  They have the ability to focus on something up to 5 kilometres away.  When an eagle sites his prey, he narrows his focus on it and sets out to get it.  No matter the obstacle, the eagle will not move his focus from his prey until he grabs it.  Have a vision and remain focused no matter what the obstacle and you will succeed.”

 

I am honoured to recognize the continued contributions to the residents of Collingwood in building a community in which we can be proud.

 

We see these people volunteering tirelessly with Hospice Georgian Triangle, the General and Marine Hospital, or coaching our youth in sports.  There are many service clubs and church groups who are there for our community.

 

These people make a difference.

 

On behalf of our entire Council and our residents – THANK YOU!

 

In closing, I want to thank you for attending today including our Town staff.  Thank you to our Town Crier, Mr. Ken Templeman, Duty Piper, Ms. Emily Bennett, Reverend Heather, Commanding Officer Karen Kristy and the 1909 Collingwood OPP RC (Army) Cadet Corp., and my assistant, Shelley Fuhré.