City New Year's Levee brings out the crowd

Posted Jan 5, 2012 By Kate Everson

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The new Quinte West detachment OPP Inspector Mike Reynolds was one of the guests at the New Year's Levee.

Kate Everson, Stirling EMC

The new Quinte West detachment OPP Inspector Mike Reynolds was one of the guests at the New Year's Levee.

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Councillors backed up the mayor as he offered New Year's greetings to the guests. (l-r) Leslie Roseblade, Fred Kuypers, Jim Alyea, Ron Hamilton, Bob Wannamaker, Don Kuntze, Sally Freeman and Jim Harrison.

Kate Everson, Stirling EMC

Councillors backed up the mayor as he offered New Year's greetings to the guests. (l-r) Leslie Roseblade, Fred Kuypers, Jim Alyea, Ron Hamilton, Bob Wannamaker, Don Kuntze, Sally Freeman and Jim Harrison.

EMC News - Quinte West - The food was fantastic (thanks to Mary Cooper and friends) and the company was great as the New Year's Levee brought out the finest in Quinte West to celebrate 2012.

The council chamber was packed as people poured in, greeted on the way with handshakes and hugs by the mayor and council and their spouses.

Quinte West firefighters also greeted people as they came in, with Station #2 represented by Keith Locklin, Gary Lambert and Cordell Dick, Station #6 by Mike Boyd and Station #4 by Grant Reid, along with Fire Chief John Whelan.

Mayor John Williams introduced council as well as visiting dignitaries including several from the base with Wing Commander Colonel Sean Friday, Prince Edward County and Belleville mayors, several honourary colonels, representatives from Legion Branch 110 and the new OPP Inspector Mike Reynolds along with local residents. He also introduced former MPP Lou Rinaldi, as well as former MLA Hugh O'Neil with Donna. Wilf Wilkinson was there representing Rotary and there were several from Kente Kiwanis.

Williams also noted that today was his wife Heather's birthday but would not elaborate on what milestone this was for her.

Bob and Betty Quin from Frankford received a certificate from the mayor for their 50th anniversary.

Former CAO Ken Rose also showed up in his finest suit and accompanied by his wife. Staff from city hall were there enjoying a day off, with no snow to clean up.

The mayor gave a small speech and showed a video on the Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial. He commented on the trees being cut in the Bain Park area but noted that Colonel Friday probably did not want to hear any complaints today. "It's all for safety," he explained.

The mayor offered a toast with the councillors for all the best in the new year.

A big military bus picked up the base personnel and the main part of the event was over after not more than an hour.

Happy New Year Quinte West!