François St-Amour, Warden of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR), was honoured by his colleagues, his family and friends during the annual Warden’s Banquet, held this past Saturday, November 17 at the St-Isidore Recreation Centre in the Municipality of The Nation.
Two hundred people were present to celebrate the past year of St-Amour, who represented the UCPR as Warden throughout 2018 (as well as previously, in 2012). Among the dignitaries present were Federal MP Francis Drouin, Provincial MPP Amanda Simard, the eight regional Council members, as well as many other elected officials, entrepreneurs and representatives from the community of Prescott and Russell.
The JP St. Pierre Award – a high municipal distinction that aims to celebrate the exceptional contributions of an individual within the UCPR – was awarded this year to Mrs. Shirley Racine, president of the Limoges Health Hub Volunteer Committee. Through her leadership, this project not only became a volunteer engagement model for the community, but also is today recognized by the Province of Ontario as a true “community hub”.
As is also tradition, the Warden’s Award is presented during the Banquet to recognize the dedicated work, outstanding contribution and professionalism of a municipal employee toward the community and their colleagues. This year, Warden St-Amour chose to recognize Mrs. Julie Ménard-Brault, Treasurer for the UCPR since January 2016 and a devoted employee of the Finance department since 2007.
For their generous sponsorships, the UCPR would equally like to recognize the important contributions from the following sponsors: the National Bank of Canada, Enbridge Gas Distribution, Emond Harnden SRL LLP, Vice & Hunter LLP, Deloitte Hawkesbury, LRL Associates Ltd., Robert Excavating, and Cornwall Gravel Co. Ltd.
The funds raised at this event, in addition to the Warden’s Golf Tournament held earlier this year, will be distributed to regional non-profit organizations, including the Prescott and Russell Community Services and the six Golden Age Clubs located in The Nation. The cheques will be presented as part of the swearing-in ceremony of the incoming Warden, to be held in L’Orignal on Wednesday, December 19.
