To all the fathers in Orléans, I hope you had a lovely Father’s Day on Sunday, surrounded by your loved ones.  

On June 6th, I had the great pleasure to welcome and tour the brand-new Plasma Donation Centre in Orléans! This state-of-the-art facility is located at Place d’Orléans besides the Marks. Please visit blood.ca to learn how you can donate. 

This week marks the beginning of graduation and I want to take a moment to congratulate the 1,745 graduates from Orléans’ 10 high schools; It is also the end of a chapter for our grade 12 students. Graduations and Proms are being held in person for most. I am extremely proud of their achievements. They have accomplished so much already, and I know their future will be filled with success and fulfillment. I had the privilege of sharing my best wishes on this milestone with them through personally signed congratulatory certificates. Congratulations Class of 2022!  

Another great initiative to help Ukrainian families who arrived in Orléans thanks to the generosity of host families took place on June 13th. Thank you to The Knights of Columbus and Soul Stone Sushi for your leadership once again. 

In Orléans, we are fortunate to have amazing markets. Locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables are available at the Orléans Farmers Market on Thursdays at the Ray Friel Recreation Complex, at the Orléans Fruit Farm, where you can pick up your own strawberries this time of the year, at the Just Food Community Farm, open on Sundays in July, and at the Navan Little Market, on Navan Road. All throughout the summer, don’t forget to buy local and encourage our precious small businesses.  

Just a reminder to join me for my annual Senior Strawberry Social on Saturday June 25th at the Roy Hobbs Community Centre. We will have Bingo games from 11am to noon followed by the social event to enjoy some fresh strawberries and desserts, while getting to know our neighbours.  

This is my last column before Canada Day, and I am taking this opportunity to wish you all safe and festive celebrations. This year, we will be gathering at Petrie Island to celebrate our country. Please join our community from 11 a.m on July 1st, I cannot wait to see you there.  

Happy Canada Day, Orléans! 

**La version française est maintenant disponible sur ma page Facebook**  

EN