The Canadian Champion, Tuesday, July 4, 2006 -All Champofr1nr Memorial garden in honour of Nassagaweya's West By Robin Downton-Poirier SPECIAL TO THE CHAMPION A memorial is in the final planning stages to commemorate the memory of Nassagaweyas Mike West, a long- time volunteer who passed away in November 2004. The memonal, initiated by the Nassagaweya Community Consultation Committee (NCCC) of which West was chair for il years, wiIl be located in front of the Nassagaweya Community Centre on Guelph LUne in Brookville. The site was seen as fitting since it's a central location and the meeting place of the NCCC, said Tim Kingsbury, a member ol the commit- tee. ,,The Nassagaweya Community Centre is the location where the NCCC has met for years, where you will see awards and recognition of the committee and, in a small part, Mike's accomplishments. ht is also a centre point and gathering place for the rural community," said Kingsbury. West accomplished a great deal in Nassagaweya such as building a very strong relationship wîth Hahton Regional Police, initiating progxams and working for the bettermient of the rural community, said Kingsbury The memorial is a way to recog- nize and honour 'West's efforts, hie added. "Mike was always working on community projects, regardless of what it was. Whether it was Iooking at speed limits on roads, getting a radar message board, doing roadside dlean-up, or doing studies of traffic in the rural community, Mike was quick to jump on and support it," said Kingsbury "From the moment Mike left us, the community and the NCCC have wanted 10 do something to recognize this great man, his accomplishments and bis legacy. I will be a permanent recognition of Mike and it will also be a reminder to the commumîty that great things can happen if people are willing to give of themselves for pub- lic service as Mike so willingly did." The design for the memorial was prepared in co-operation with the Town of Milton and approved by the NCCC, said Cindy Lunau, the NCCC organizer for the memorial. She said the garden memorial con- cept will include several sbrubs, a bench and a plaque. "The concept plan for the memo- rial landscape garden includes a Nassagaweya stone with a plaque, a bench, interlocking brick and sbrub plantings," said Lunau. "ht will be a wonderful addition to the landscaping of this community hall, and a fitting tribute to Mike who, was s0 devoted to Nassagaweya." Although details have yet to be finalized, the NCCC will accept responsibility for funding the memo- rial and the public is welcomne to, con- tribute through the committee, said Lunau. She added that NCCC members are looking forward to being involved in the construction process, sched- uled to begin this summer. "The committee members have committed to raising the necessary funds and look forward to hands-on participation in the construction," said Lunau. "It will be a loving tribute to, a chairman, volunteer, neighbour, friend and mentor." ioy Haynes, longtime partner of the late Mike West, shows a photo of West receiving a police award for his work in Nassagaweya. The shot was taken at the Nassagaweya Community Centre where West will be honoured with a memorial. M--. F ' t'40- -al' - ffu s~-ummer Hours >XhF1 e.- S11010# Su,11 "goC$/u. JuIy 1 to July 9 ONLY 30% OFF ALL PLANT MATERIALS including... BASKETS & CONTAINERS -- in full bloomn for instant, lasting colour PERENNIALS -- traditional favourites and unusual peren niais SHRUBS & TREES -- Evergreen or deciduous; dwarf to full size +50% OFF EMERALD & PYRAMIDAL CEDARS +50% OFF ALL ROSES FREE SA T (Five 801b, bags) FREE INSTLLAiN When you buy a Culligan Water Softener (a $213 Value) 623 MAIN ST. EAST, MILTON 4(905) 878.2474