This annual event, which had to be called off last year due to the pandemic, brought together many guests that came to recognize and celebrate Mr. Sarrazin’s significant achievements and contributions during his year as Warden. Distinguished guests included Mr. Francis Drouin, Member of Parliament for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell, Ms. Amanda Simard, Member of Provincial Parliament for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell, members of the UCPR Council, other elected officials from the Eastern Ontario region, and various community and business leaders from Prescott and Russell.
During the evening, a powerful tribute was paid to Mr. Guy Desjardins, former Mayor of the City of Clarence-Rockland, who passed away last July while still in office. The unusual year of the previous Warden, Mr. Pierre Leroux, has also been acknowledged since no events could be held during his mandate.
For the seventh consecutive year, the outstanding contributions of an individual from UCPR were recognized with the JP St. Pierre Award. This year, the award was conferred upon Mrs. Cindy Anthony in recognition of her involvement with the Kin Club of Russell’s Catch the Ace Lottery which raised $2.2 million for the community. Mrs. Jocelyn St. Pierre, widow of former Mayor St. Pierre, who passed away prematurely in 2014, was present to bestow this prestigious municipal award.
In the tradition of the Banquet, the Warden’s Award is presented to a municipal employee in recognition of his or her hard work, outstanding contribution, and professionalism towards the community of Prescott and Russell and his or her colleagues. This year, Warden Sarrazin presented this high recognition to Ms. Mary Ann C. Tisdall, Executive Assistant at the UCPR.
The funds raised at the Warden’s Banquet and the Warden’s Golf Tournament held earlier in August will be given to non-profit organizations in the region. The outgoing Warden will present the donations to the organizations of his choice at the swearing-in ceremony for the next Warden, which will be held in L’Orignal on Wednesday, December 15, 2021.
