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Year in Review in photos – December 2018
Natalee, age five-and-a-half, and three-and-a-half year old Camrynn, from Wellington, met Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Town Hall.
A cool frosty morning transformed into a mild and sunny Saturday just in time for Wellington’s Santa Claus parade. Put together by the Wellington and District Business Association, the Who-themed parade made its way along Main Street. Santa and Mrs. Claus met children in the Town Hall following the parade. – Sharon Harrison photo
The Hastings Prince Edward District School Board trustees include, from left, back row: Mike Brant, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte; Michael Rush, Belleville/Thurlow; Lucille Kyle, North Hastings; and Spencer Hutchison, Trenton/CFB Trenton. (from left, middle row): Bonnie Danes, Centre Hastings; Jennifer Cobb, North Prince Edward County; Kristen Parks, Sidney/Frankford; and Alison Kelly, South Prince Edward. (from left, front row): Mandy Savery-Whiteway, Director of Education; Shannon Binder, Southeast Hastings and Chair of the Board; and Lisa Anne Chatten, Belleville/Thurlow and Vice-chair of the Board.
A new chair and vice-chair of the Board have been elected for the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board. The new board of trustees elected Shannon Binder as chair and Lisa Anne Chatten as vice-chair.
Hosting the inaugural meeting of council at Picton’s Regent Theatre instead of the traditional Shire Hall setting was worth the effort, says Prince Edward County’s new mayor Steve Ferguson. “It’s a reflection of the enthusiasm and the optimism the public has for this council,” said Ferguson. “And there’s a lot of enthusiasm from council to serve the constituents.” At orientation sessions last week, and with three more days this week, “they’re like thoroughbreds at the gates waiting for that bell to go off so they can charge. It is really great to witness that.” – Sue Capon photo
A five-year contract extension for the continued maintenance of the Royal Canadian Air Forces’ fleet of five CC-150 Polaris aircraft was announced at 8 Wing, CFB Trenton. Bay of Quinte MP Neil Ellis welcomed Marco Mendicino, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities for the announcement to provide up to $230 million in support of Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged. First-level maintenance continues at 8 Wing where the fleet is based and operated by 437 Transport Squadron.
A local recreational hockey player was remembered by his teammates as they played the game he loved. The Wellington Over 50 Hockey Group presented the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation with a $1,200 donation in memory of teammate Dennis McMaster at the Wellington Arena. Dennis, 61, died suddenly on Oct. 14. He was a long-time good friend and team player with the hockey group.
Organizers of the County’s unofficial kick-off to the Christmas season delivered a $50,000 gift for equipment needs at the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital. The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary members were in the festive spirit as they presented proceeds from the 25th annual Festival of Trees event (11th for the auxiliary), held Nov. 23-25 at Isaiah Tubbs Resort at West Lake. The auxiliary’s signature event featured a silent auction of nearly 200 trees and contributions from individuals, businesses and organizations, along with the auxiliary’s Christmas boutique, bake sale and bucket draws. – Sue Capon photo
Under the leadership of Entrepreneurship class elves, Prince Edward Collegiate Institute staff and students showed their community spirit donating Christmas gifts for 38 Christmas Angel Campaign angels. Students delivered the bags and boxes of gifts to Chief Angel Susan Rose at the campaign office in the Kin Building at Benson Park.
Members of the Prince Edward District Women’s Institute brought the spirit of the season to council presenting another $5,000 donation toward the operation of accessible transit service in the County. During the presentation, Mayor Steve Ferguson expressed gratitude and noted their contribution raises the total amount they have donated to the County since 2008 to $115,000.
Some people choose to be alone, but those who would prefer some fun and fellowship are invited to attend one of three meals being hosted on Christmas day. Local organizations, community and service groups and plenty of volunteers set to work with preparations and planning months ahead to meet their mission to ensure no one in Prince Edward County is forgotten on Christmas day. – Ann Sherwood photo
Sarah Doiron, Picton BIA Manager, Maribeth deSnoo, Executive Director, Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation, Vicky Struthers, Community Development Coordinator, Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation and Mayor Steve Ferguson help kick off the 10th annual Feed the Meter campaign in Picton.
Food for Learning’s Feed the Meter campaign returns for its 10th holiday season to raise funds for student nutrition programs in Hastings and Prince Edward counties. Donations made in parking meters during the month of December in downtown Picton, Belleville and Trenton will help support local programs to help all students to have daily access to breakfast, lunch or snacks while at school.