By Lucie Roy
Legal – The 18th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Night sold out early Friday night with a large number of staff and volunteers from a wide variety of community non-profit organizations in attendance. Special guests included the Legal Town Council and members of ACFA and Centralta Tourism Society. The program included the third Annual Volunteer Recognition nominations and a fiesta theme with a mariachi band, themed menu, Mexican attire, themed wall decoration, flowers and maracas.
The event was an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of volunteers in the community. Master of ceremonies Mayor Lisa Magera said the event was a chance to give back to all Legal’s valued volunteers for all they do all year. “Many have given countless hours,” she said. “We have many dedicated volunteers.”
Organizations had the opportunity to speak on their group during the evening. The first to speak was Ecole Citadelle Principal Michelle Baril. She said without the Parent Council and their time and dedication to the school it would not be what it is today.
Club 60 Roses President Georgette Cyr also had kind words for his volunteers. “As president of Club 60 Roses and on behalf of our executive, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our cub members, group committees and all volunteers who helped us throughout the year, whether it be for Sunday breakfasts, cribbage events, senior barbecues and for all other events,” he said. The president recognized Vice-President Michael and Secretary Florence Lamb for their efforts. “This couple moved to Legal nine years ago and got interested in helping our seniors’ club,” Cyr said. “They have been with Club 60 Roses for the last five years and serve on our board as Vice-President and Secretary. They are always there when a job comes up and volunteer many hours above and beyond their line of duties.”
Volunteers with the annual Fête au Village were also thanked for keeping the event going for the pasdt 49 years. The festival marks its 50th year this summer.
The evening concluded with the unveiling of 14 of Legal’s 16 new banners. The banner summaries were read by Mayor Lisa Magera and Centralta Tourism Society President Jules Jasmin. Magera said they will strive to have all the banners in place prior to the Big Valley Jamboree Small Town Saturday Night event to be held Apr.28.The Banners represent Legal Alfalfa, Cat Chat, Legal Motors, Centralta Tourism Society, Eco-Flex a division of Champagne Edition, Fête au Village, Fire and Ambulance Service, NoNuts Brand Peabutter from Mountain Meadows, Legal Junior Curling Team that won a bronze medal at the 1997 World Junior Curling in Japan, Legal Parish, local artist Janelle(Pat Letourneau),ACFA, Town of Legal, and Liberty Tire Recycling.
Club 60 Roses Director Norm Cyr accompanied his wife, President Georgette Cyr to congratulate Florence and Michael Lamb on being recognized by the Club as being exceptional volunteers.
