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Hunt Club man recognized for 30 years of service to community Eddie Rwema eddie.rwema@metroland.com
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From left, John Sankey, president of Hunt Club Community Association; Alan Asselstine and David McGuinty, Ottawa South MP honour Asselstine for his 30 years of service as a volunteer at the Hunt Club Community Association. dren.” With the increase of people in the neighbourhood and surrounding communities, Assel-
stine said traffic congestion on Hunt Club Road continues to be the number one issue. “We have a serious issue
with respect to Hunt Club Road,” he said. David McGuinty, Ottawa South MP, thanked Assel-
stine and the board for their continued hard work and dedication to the Hunt Club community.
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EMC news - Thirty years ago, Alan Asselstine stepped up to volunteer with the Hunt Club Community Association to help with organizing children activities. He hasnʼt looked back since. On Nov. 5, the association recognized him for his volunteer service to the community as director and treasurer as well as his contributions to the naturalization of Sawmill Creek and the soon-to-be completed pedestrian bridge linking the Hunt Club community to the east side of the Airport Parkway. “He is just pure gold for our community. He is one of those people who give reliable advice and you can count on them,” said John Sankey, president of the Hunt Club Community Association. The association presented Asselstine with a certificate and granted him lifetime membership in the association. “He is steady, trustworthy, and always willing to take on the unglamorous but important tasks that make our community a better place to live. I have greatly respected his advice over the years, and I hope I can call him now and then when weʼve a difficult decision to make in the future,” said Sankey.
After 30 years, Asselstine said he hopes he can continue contributing to the association but wants new people to take over from where he has left off. Seventy-year-old Asselstine said it is the love of his community and the desire to make his community a better place to live that kept him going for all those years. “I felt it is important to contribute to the community you call home,” said Asselstine. “We like the community. It is our home and I hope everybody can contribute to make our community a better place.” While on the association board, Asselstine dealt with different issues that mattered to the community. “When we first moved in the area, Hunt Club Road didnʼt go anywhere; this neighbourhood was quiet and at the edge of the city; but now the road has expanded, and you feel more like you are in the city,” he said. In the early 1980s, recreation issues were on everybodyʼs mind; but things have changed now, he said. “With fewer children, recreation issues have changed to more servicing seniors,” said Asselstine. “Houses around have matured and children have moved on. There are now more old people than chil-
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Food, folks, crafts and fun Chef Peter Evanchuck, right, and Helene Lacelle get ready for One & Only, a free community arts and crafts festival at the Sandy Hill Community Centre on Sunday, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event, now in its sixth year, will feature 60 artists and crafters and is supported by Action Sandy Hill. Evanchuck, along with assistants Dallas Fletcher, Francois Bregha and Mark Lacelle, will also prepare a free all-you-caneat buffet featuring dishes such as perogies, roast chicken couscous, Thai noodles, burritos, tacos, German pickle potato salad and more. Ottawa South EMC - Thursday, November 15, 2012
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