The ribbon was finally cut to officially open the Wilno Rink on July 12. The Wilno Recreation Committee (WRC), along with municipal representatives from both Madawaska Valley and Killaloe Hagarty Richards, celebrated the occasion with special guests Jeff Burchat of J. Burchat Construction, Ontario Trillium East Region grant reviewer Ray Westgarth and Renfrew-Nipissing- Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski. The event marked the significant achievements of Wilno and area residents who have provided the community with a new building for the facility. Above photo shows Trillium ribbon held by youth volunteers Casey Bersan (left) and Adrian Cuddy. Behind ribbon from left: Ray Westgarth, Joanne Plebon, John Jeffrey, Janice Visneskie-Moore, Rob Bersan, Constance Leahy, Jeff Burchat, Carl Bromwich, Dave Shulist
In her welcome, WRC member Constance Leahy said, “Anyone who ever attended a moccasin dance in February at minus 30 degrees, stood here warming up by our wood stove and watching kids play hockey until midnight knows the spirit of this community.” She thanked the Trillium Foundation for recognizing the importance of what they do. Leahy thanked both municipalities for their ongoing support over the past years. She said the WRC had worked hard since 2013, was incredibly proud of being part of this venture and said the opening event celebrated a dream come true.
Jeff Burchat (left), Stephanie Plebon, Dave Shulist, Carl Bromwich, Joanne Plebon, Constance Leahy and Ray Westgarth (holding Trillium plaque), Rob Bersan, Janice Visneskie-Moore, John Jeffrey
Ray Westgarth brought greetings and congratulations from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and presented a commemorative plaque. KHR Mayor Janice Visneskie-Moore offered her congratulations and was thanked for the financial contribution from the Township. Councillor Carl Bromwich gave Leahy a Certificate of Achievement from MV Township. Acting for Mayor Kim Love, Councillor Dave Shulist presented Leahy with MV Township’s cheque for $5,000. Arriving shortly after the ribbon-cutting, MPP John Yakabuski congratulated WRC members as he admired the features of the newly-built structure and reminisced about life in Wilno and various family members playing on the rink.
From left: Constance Leahy and Carl Bromwich; Constance Leahy and Dave Shulist; Outdoors: Carl Bromwich, Constance Leahy, Joanne Plebon, John Yakabuski, Rob Bersan, Jeff Burchat, John Jeffrey
WRC member Joanne Plebon told The Current that despite receiving the Trillium award for the construction project, there remains a shortfall and the Committee’s fund-raising efforts will continue. She said that while sports events are not scheduled at the rink during the summer, the building is available for hire and has already been used for some baby showers. Anyone who forgot to buy their rink membership or wants to inquire about renting the facility is welcome to do so at any time during the year by contacting WRC members. Click HERE to visit their Facebook page.