The life of the mayor is a busy one, with many functions to support

Our local papers do a great job of covering local events and as a resident I truly appreciate their efforts.

They work hard to keep our community informed and provide recognition of community volunteers who run the many events you read about. As your Mayor, I attend as many events as possible because I feel it is important and my duty to support local organizations in their initiatives to make our community a better place to live, work and raise a family.

Often these volunteers become involved because in some way they or a loved one have been touched by an organization. Some get involved because they want to meet new people in their community and help. No matter what the reason, we should all be grateful for their contributions.

Over the next few months and into the fall, Caledon will be home to some spectacular events. Some of these events will be celebrating some significant milestones. I implore you to attend these events with your friends, family and neighbours.

The following events will be taking place this month: the Perfect Pairing- A new world wine and dinner experience in support of Caledon Community Services May 23, the Bolton Lions Steak and Lobster Fest May 24, the Feast for the Palate (a celebration of food and wine) May 26 in support of the Family Transition Place, the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation annual fundraising gala May 28, and the Peace Ranch Annual Gourmet Dinner May 30. Not to mention the numerous golf tournaments that are planned for this month and throughout the summer. The month of June is kicked off by the Palgrave Rotary's 11th annual Wines of the World event June 6.

One can see that my calendar is often full of community events, but to be honest, my husband John and I look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones at each of these events. Each of these functions offer something back to the residents of our community. After being mayor for the last four years, I thoroughly enjoy the company at these gatherings. The host organizations are filled with caring, passionate staff and volunteers. It is an opportunity to learn the needs of our community in an intimate setting, allowing me to fully explore possibilities with these residents and celebrate their accomplishment.

Caledon is home to many wonderful residents. Take Brock Picken as an example. This young gentlemen is a long-time community resident and I coached him in baseball years ago. He was a really good player. In an effort to raise awareness for childhood obesity and to raise funds in support of Sick Kids Hospital, Brock will be biking from Toronto to Victoria, B.C. This is a total of 120 miles a day in an effort to raise $40,000. For more information on this event, please visit www.biketobeatobesity.com

At this time I would like to also pay tribute to a very special individual who is no longer with us. This resident is the type of caring and passionate volunteer that I mentioned earlier. Mr. Doug Proctor of Caledon East passed away in April of this year, leaving behind a devoted wife, children and grandchildren. Doug celebrated his 80th birthday last July with his twin brother Gerald. In 1957, long before the Town of Caledon was incorporated or a member of the Region of Peel, Doug was a councillor for the Village of Caledon East. He has always remained active within our community through the Caledon East United Church, where he taught Sunday school and served as an Elder, through to his many volunteer duties in the community. Doug was a well known volunteer with the Vera Davis Centre in Bolton and Caledon Meals on Wheels. His community spirit was unsurpassable. He deeply cared about the Village of Caledon East and the Town of Caledon. A memorial service was held in Doug's honour a couple of weeks ago. A bench along the Caledon Trailway will be placed in his memory. I will miss his friendship, advice and spirit. Please accept my deepest condolences to the Proctor family and the Village of Caledon East on this loss.