Mayor Dave Formosa presented Powell River resident Dennis Hatch with an appreciation award for his efforts in keeping city streets clean.
At the October 15 city council meeting, Formosa said it gave him great pleasure to welcome Hatch into council chambers.
“We’ve talked about volunteerism in Powell River and we always wanted to do something to honour our volunteers, but we had such a hard time getting it off the ground,” said Formosa. “How do you pick a volunteer of the year when there are so many good volunteers?
“I saw Mr. Hatch picking up garbage the other day on the other side of city hall and I went over and talked to Dennis as he walked by and he mentioned to me it had been 10 years that he has been picking up garbage on the sides of our streets.”
Formosa said the city provides Hatch the apparatus to pick up garbage, which he said he wears out about every six months to eight months.
Formosa said regarding Hatch’s volunteerism, he would like to thank him on behalf of city council. He said until now, council has not found a way to do it, but Formosa was starting volunteer recognition at this council meeting.
The mayor read a letter he had for Hatch. He said from the City of Powell River, from the mayor’s office, that on behalf of city council and the public, it was with great pleasure he was presenting Hatch with an award of appreciation for his many years of dedication to keeping the streets of Powell River clean. He said Hatch’s voluntary work of picking up garbage over the last 10 years shows great commitment to the community and the environment.
“Thank you for your active participation in bettering this beautiful place we call home,” said Formosa. “It is exemplary citizens like you who cultivate a community of teamwork, kindness and generosity.
“On behalf of the citizens of Powell River, and on behalf of your city council, we have a plaque here for you that we’d like to give you.”
The mayor presented Hatch the plaque and a city pin for his voluntary efforts.
“We just want to say thank you very much,” said Formosa, “on behalf of the citizens of Powell River and city council.”
