EVANSVILLE—On a night to recognize staff members who make Burpee-Mills township operations flow smoothly, an extra special recognition was given to a recently retired employee.
Pentti Palonen, a councillor who looks after the waste management department in the township, told the gathering at GG’s Diner in Evansville last Friday evening, “I don’t think I have to introduce everyone who works at the transfer station, Fred Arniel, Eve Borzaga and Gerry (Levac). Unfortunately, we are losing one of our long-term employees there.”
Reeve Ken Noland presented a couple of gifts on behalf of the municipality to retiring employee Gerry Levac. “Gerry is leaving us. He has provided maintenance at the community hall, the old school and the transfer station over the years. He has been a valuable member of our township employee staff and will be missed.”
“I thank you all,” stated Mr. Levac.
Mr. Palonen pointed out, “a lot of people may not fully appreciate what we have at our transfer station. One of the best compliments that one could ever receive about our transfer station came from an inspector with the Ministry of the Environment. He said this is the first transfer station that doesn’t smell like a garbage dump. It is because of the people that work at the transfer station that keep it so clean and functional.”
“Tonight everyone here is looking at the people of Burpee-Mills who get the job done,” said Councillor Wayne Bailey. “Council wanted to show our appreciation for all those people-employees who get the job done.” He pointed out two new staff members have been added this year, including Patsy Gilchrist in the township office and Mike Argue, who joined township roads superintendent Shane Chatwell this year.
“On our council the reeve assigns each member with a certain responsibility,” said Mr. Bailey. “One of mine is overseeing the fire department, which is running smoothly. And we have a new fire chief, Colleen Bruder, who has been doing a great job.”
One member of the firefighting crew, Cliff McKinley, is retiring, said Councillor Bailey. “Cliff has been our repair man, who makes sure our fire truck and equipment are running properly.” He pointed out, “our volunteer firefighters are all doing a great job and I would like to thank them on behalf of the municipality.”
It is councillors Art Hayden and Lyle Honess responsibility to oversee the roads in the township, continued Mr. Bailey.
“The roads crew really does a good job of keeping our roads plowed, smooth and in good shape,” said Councillor Hayden. “The work that Shane and Mike crew are doing is amazing. Very early in the morning the roads are already plowed and sanded. Your work is appreciated by everyone.” He pointed out Brian Deeg had been an assistant on the roads crew last year.
Praise was also bade for Morley Runnalls and Shane Chatwell for their work on the cemetery. Mr. Chatwell is continuing gain experience and training from Mr. Runnalls.
Reeve Noland praised the municipal office staff, saying, “everything that gets done through for the municipality goes through the municipal office, Bonnie Bailey, Patsy Gilchrist and Leanne Bailey before that.”
It was added by Councillor Bailey that “when we were looking for a venue to hold this dinner, we heard Joyce Benoit was reopening this restaurant, (GG’s Diner). Joyce went out of her way to put this dinner on for us this evening, and is officially opening tomorrow (December 10). We appreciate that you went out of your way to put this dinner on tonight.”
