Honouring Bev Matthews in Buckhorn
She spent 24 years in municipal politics in Trent Lakes
In an atmosphere of friendship and respect the outgoing mayor of Trent Lakes, Bev Matthews, was honoured Nov. 30. Matthews has been a teacher as well as the Trail’s End Lodge and Last Resort bed and breakfast owner/ operator. Also, she is a lifetime member of the Canadian Kennel Club having raised Labrador Retrievers and Lhasa Apsos. Bringing a dog to the municipal office for a visit was a welcome interruption by staff, who hope that these visits continue.
Bev dedicated 24 years to municipal government. For 20 years she was councillor for Harvey Ward and she spent the last four years as mayor. She was the first elected official for the municipality to write a news column for the Promoter and the Lakefield Herald.
Kari Stevenson, municipal clerk, started the acknowledgements. She said that she was “very fortunate to have started as a clerk with Bev as my mayor. I learned a lot from a very bright woman . Bev, I will truly miss you and your wonderful sense of humour. On behalf of all members of staff, I am presenting you with 24 red roses for your 24 years of dedication.”
Other speakers included Peterborough County Warden Joe Taylor, Douro-Dummer Mayor J. Murray Jones, MPP Dave Smith, Dick Persson, Peter Raymond, Ron Windover, Audrey Von Bogen, municipal staff members and personal friends. Many humorously mentioned Bev’s penchant for proper grammar and spelling and sincerely referred to her incredible commitment and great sense of humour. It was told that Matthews would remind the council before they entered the council chambers for a meeting that they do the right thing and put politics aside.
Matthews said that the highlight of her mayoralty was the campaign to raise funds to save Boyd Island. When asked what she would do now she said she would enjoy her property on Pigeon Lake and spend more time with family and friends. As residents of the municipality, I think that it is safe to say we were all her friends and thankful for the time she spent being part of the municipal government.
Food Bank
As part of its community outreach, the Firefighters' Association of Trent Lakes made a $250 donation to the newly formed Kinmount and Area Food Bank. Kinmount and Area Food Bank has been established to serve the needs of individuals and families in the communities of Trent Lakes, Minden Hills and Kawartha Lakes and. This food bank run entirely by volunteers is located in the Kinmount Baptist Church, 4397 Monck Road. It is scheduled to be open Thursdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Financial donations can be made via check, cash or email transfer. Food donations can be dropped off on a food bank day or in donation boxes located in Kinmount. Contact information is 705-455-3060 or kinmountfoodbank@gmail.com. If large quantities are needed contact the food bank or visit www.kinmountfoodbank.ca.
John Earle Chase Memorial Park
The Buckhorn Trails Association continues their involvement at the Chase park in cooperation with the Kawartha Land Trust. A recent shoreline cleanup day filled a trailer full of garbage from the roads, trails and shorelines of the park. The parking lot is anticipated in the near future.