The Town of Fort Frances recognized its retirees and employees who have reached 25 years of service, as well as 2003 “Citizen of the Year” John Dutton, at its annual appreciation dinner Friday night at La Place Rendez-Vous.
Dutton told the crowd of 144 on hand about when he and his wife, Marnie, a fellow teacher, first came here from London, Ont. in the late 1970s.
He said the allure of this area became evident to them after they’d only planned to stay for “a few years,” but that their stay turned into a “24-year love affair with Fort Frances.”
He remarked it’s the spirit of volunteerism among Fort Frances residents that makes the town so special. “I’ve seen people come out in hugh numbers and help others in need, donating countless volunteers hours and raising money,” said Dutton.
He added that “as teachers and adults, we should all work to provide opportunities and challenges for children in the community,” noting that helping youth strive for—and achieve—their goals has been a large part of his involvement over the past 24 years.
Dutton concluded by saying he’s “rubbing elbows with some great people,” citing past “Citizens of the Year,” and thanked the community for recognizing him.
Bill Gushulak, the 2000 “Citizen of the Year” and a member of the selection committee, introduced Dutton with a list of accolades, including work as president of the Fort Frances Aquanauts Swim Team, director of high school musicals and concerts, a high school teacher, band leader, and tireless fundraiser for all of the aforementioned causes.
Dutton also received a “Citizen of the Year” plaque, and his photo will hang in the Civic Centre along with all the previous honourees.
Mayor Glenn Witherspoon, whose 12-year stint as mayor expires Dec. 1, noted the citizens of Fort Frances “should be truly, truly proud” of their town, and in particular, all the effort that went into the centennial celebrations this past year.
He added that while his 18 years as both mayor and councillor have been worthwhile, and he’ll miss being an elected municipal leader, he’s confident his successor, Dan Onichuk, and the new council will lead the community well for the next three years.
Mayor Witherspoon mentioned local residents have a lot to look forward to in the next couple of years, including Wal-Mart opening its doors in late January, a new Canadian Tire later in 2004, the development of the abandoned Fort Frances High School building on First Street East, economic development for Couchiching First Nation, and more possible business interest from outside developers in the west end.
“As we leave here this evening, we are closing a book. And a new chapter will start a week from Monday [when the new council is sworn in],” he remarked.
The new council will be made up for incumbents Roy Avis, Struchan Gilson, and Neil Kabel along with newcomers Tannis Drysdale, Todd Hamilton, and Rick Wiedenhoeft.
Departing Coun. Deane Cunningham said he’s had the “good fortune” to work with many “good people” on council and in the community over his 26 years in municipal politics, but added he’ll be keeping busy.
Coun. Dave Bourgeault, who chose not to seek a third term after suffering a heart attack in April, said he’ll “miss the involvement” after being a councillor for six years.
He added all the people at the appreciation dinner, which included some members of various town committees, “make the community a great place to live.”
Coun. Sharon Tibbs, who lost in her election bid for mayor to Onichuk back on Nov. 10, was not on hand for the dinner.
Coun. Cunningham, who served as mayor from 1981-85, had a special surprise for Mayor Witherspoon—an official membership in the exclusive club, the “Distinguished Order of Old Mayors” (or “D.O.O.M.” for short).
Coun. Cunningham, along with former mayor Dick Lyons, now will enjoy the benefits of having a new member after far too long, he noted, adding Mayor Witherspoon now has to pay when the trio goes for coffee.
Coun. Cunningham also read an e-mail from Lyons, congratulating the mayor as a new D.O.O.M. member.
Also Friday night, two town retirees were recognized—Don Banks of Public Works and former Fort Frances CAO Bill Naturkach.
“Now I know why people like Nancy Lockman and Dave Craven are always smiling. It’s my turn now,” enthused Naturkach as he took to the stage to accept a plaque from Mayor Witherspoon.
The four employees who attained 25 years of service with the town included Phyllis Kellar, Darryl Allan, Bill Caul, and Paul Radbourne.
Mayor Witherspoon also named off previous employees who have reached 25 years of service to the town, as well as past retirees.
He and Couns. Avis, Bourgeault, Gilson, and Cunningham also recognized fellow councillors, management staff, members of the various town boards and committees, deceased employees in the past year (George Allan and Hubert Searle), and spouses of deceased employees.
And this being Fort Frances’ 100th year, sponsors of the centennial celebrations were given plaques. These recipients included Abitibi-Consolidated, Union Gas, Rainy River District Logging Association, West End Motors, Bear Pass Graphics, and TD Canada Trust.
Darryl Allan, the town’s manager of information technology, emceed the evening.
The dinner was organized by administrative assistant Loreen Holt, who said the evening went without a hitch. “I’ve had lots of compliments on how well things went,” she said Monday.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
