Aylmer Heritage Association elects new Board of Directors
Sophie Demers
During their Annual General Meeting on March 26, approximately 30 members of the Aylmer Heritage Association (AHA) elected a new Board of Directors. Enid Paige and Richard M. Bégin was appointed co-Presidents, replacing the outgoing president Réjeanne Gagnon. Both co-presidents have worked in the community and with the AHA for many years. Other members include Ian Barrett, Mary Duggan, Stephanie Read-Sukhareva, Lynne Rodier, Gabriela Sanchez and Jayne Simms-Dalmotas. The board includes four previous presidents of the organization.
The board members will serve a two-year term from 2023 to 2025. Before the election, a small board of three to four members along with an office coordinator kept the organization afloat throughout the pandemic and the death of their previous president Micheline Lemieux in March 2021. According to the association, both events had a significant impact on the restricted activities.
Reports presented at the General Meeting highlight that the organization is financially stable. Paige and Bégin highlight that their goal is to engage as many members as possible and invite the larger public to participate. The new larger Board members want to restabilize the organization over their two-year term and pass it along for the organization to continue its valued community work.
“We welcome new members of all ages, both francophone and anglophone,” said Paige. “For me it’s like unfinished business, I want to work to pass on my enthusiasm for local heritage. Now that we’re out of the Pandemic we are hoping to regain some of the interest and enthusiasm for heritage.”
Reports presented at the General Meeting highlight that the organization is financially stable. They are currently developing a plan for the organization's 50th anniversary for 2024-2025.
“The people of Aylmer have never failed to support Aylmer Heritage Association in its work to protect the community’s heritage buildings and green spaces, which are the envy of all who live in the Ville de Gatineau and the Outaouais region,” said Bégin.
They are also working on finding the best way to make their archives available. AHA is hoping to have at least one day a week where someone can welcome people interested in looking through the archives.
Residents can also look forward to the Annual Plant sale that will take place on June 3rd.
The AHA is a non-profit organization established in 1975, run by volunteers. It is located at 495 chemin d'Aylmer in the Old Methodist Chapel (1827) also known as Farley House. Their goal is to preserve and protect Aylmer’s built and natural heritage.
Those interested in getting involved in the local organization can do so by contacting them by associationpatrimoineaylmer@gmail.com or by phone at 819-684-6809
Photo Caption: The new Board for the Aylmer Heritage Association. From left to right: Ian Barrett, Jayne Simms-Dalmotas, Gabriela Sanchez, Enid Page, Mary Duggan, Lynne Rodier, Richard M. Bégin, and Stephanie Read-Sukhareva.
Photo Credit: Aylmer Heritage Association
