Mayor Lou Maieron is looking forward to a “Celebrate Erin” event on March 2.
On Jan. 22, Maieron provided an update of the upcoming event intended to recognize local contributions to the community.
“The concept was to help bring the community together as we are a very commuting community.”
Maieron added there had been a great response to the idea from service clubs and the community. He added the subcommittees are moving forward.
“We’re hoping to have 200 guests.
“It is not only a celebration with awards, such as volunteer and citizen of the year, but is a fundraiser for the EWCS food bank at a time of year when supplies are low.”
This will hopefully generate some funds and, the mayor added, there will be a number of fundraising events happening that night as well such as silent and live auctions.
“The Air Canada flight simulator is booked,” Maieron said.
He added those taking part are also being asked to bring in a donation for the food bank. Each donation will be awarded a ticket for prizes to be drawn later on.
He noted the auctions will be placed strategically throughout the evening to be entertaining. He added the full schedule of events is still being set.
Councillor John Brennan noted there is additional information available on the town website (www.erin.ca).
Nomination forms are available as either a PDF file or Word document.
Further questions can be directed to celebrate@erin.ca.
Brennan added nomination forms will be distributed to a number of local businesses as well.
“Residents will be asked to nominate people on the basis of community service.”
He added the Shamrock Community Service awards for 2012 will be looking for contributions made to the community during that year.
Currently there are some suggested categories for nominations including: senior, youth, environmental, economic, general or possibly other reasons.
The nomination deadline is Feb. 8,
“From there the selection committee will designate the recipients on the night of March 2.”
Brennan said there would be one Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award and six based on various categories for outstanding contributions to the community.
He added people do not have to live within the town to be nominated, but the contributions for which they are recognized must have taken place within the community and be for the betterment of Erin.
Maieron added, “These awards have been given the colloquial name ‘the Shammies’, though it is unfortunate they are not in the shape of a shamrock.”
Councillor Deb Callaghan added the event begins at the Shamrock Room of Centre 2000 starting at 6:30pm with dinner starting at 7pm.
The venue will be catered by David’s Restaurant in a buffet style.
Both the silent and live auction will take place during the dinner. As for the meeting, the master of ceremonies had yet to be finalized.
“We’re trying to keep the costs as low as possible to make the event affordable to our volunteers,” said Callaghan.
Tickets are being sold for $35 per plate.
“Hopefully we will get a good response with 200 people. We hope to see everyone come out,” Callaghan added.
