Library event a treat

The following letter, to Sheila Robertson and Friends of the Library, was submitted to the Citizen.

I attended the Volunteer Appreciation Monday evening, Oct. 29, as a contestant for the adult poetry contest, and as a recipient of an award. What a beautiful evening!

Mary Maw and the staff of the Albion- Bolton Library had transformed the library - bouquets of festive balloons sprung up everywhere, tables with wine-coloured tablecloths offered lavish dishes of fruit, cheese and baked goods, and a small table laden with gifts all created an atmosphere of anticipation that set the stage for the evening's events.

Bill Manson's warm welcome was followed by Robert McAlpine's reading of two stories from his latest publication, after which Sheila Robertson announced the five poetry winners. The music of Synergy and the Oakley family interspersed the laughter and applause from volunteers receiving lovely gifts and participants selecting fun door prizes.

Erica Pratt, chairman of the Caledon Public Library Board, expressed appreciation for the important contribution volunteers made. Along with Allan Thompson a number of councillors were also present. When Ena Badger's name plaque was unveiled and the upstairs room dedicated, the lovely voices of Synergy, Tina Daalderop and Freda Wrench, drifted up, making the moment magical. It was a fitting ending to a very special evening.

Thank you for sponsoring the second adult poetry contest, for furthering the talents of the poets in our midst, and for allowing residents of Caledon the opportunity to receive public acknowledgement for their creative writing. Please thank the three judges, Mark Pavilons, Win Mellor-Hay, and Robert McAlpine for their participation on my behalf. What a gift to those who love poetry. I was delighted to have been present to experience a very memorable event, and a beautiful evening.

Zinta Meyer