Testimonial to John Baird, Secretary 2005-2015 Friends of Covehead and Brackley Bays Watershed Inc.

John is a key figure in the history of the FCBB which began in the late nineties as a local committee of residents concerned about the declining fish population, the degradation of the streams and the impact of mussel leases in the bays.

He was recruited as a member in the summer of 2001 by the dynamic David Latimer who was FCBB’s first Chair and Treasurer. Apparently, minute-taking was a hit and miss affair so John took it upon himself to do the secretarial task. His earliest computer records date back to October 19th, 2005. This is a good example of John’s great sense of duty…if he thinks something needs to be done, he doesn’t hesitate, he just does it. And, once he starts, he just carries on as he has from 2005 to 2015 when he retired from the Board.

John is committed to his community.  This is evident not only with us but also in his role as Chair of the Northshore Community Centre Committee where he spent about ten years tending to the development of the building and activities within it.  In addition, he serves the Stanhope United Church in many capacities.

With FCBB John has been the ever-conscientious Secretary recording motions and maintaining our records in detail.  That sense of duty and precision led him to insist upon yearly audits and champion a sober second look at all our policies and projects.  Reliability is another of John’s traits:  He never misses a meeting, he is always available to co-sign a cheque, he attends extra meetings with the PEI Watershed Alliance, he returns every call…he always delivers.  At the same time, John is a modest person who never seeks attention or compliments while being quick to recognize others.

John, we offer you this testimonial scroll and plaque as a token of how much we value your contributions over fifteen years and admire the generous community-minded person you are. This is a thank you, not a goodbye, as we expect to continue to benefit from your service and counsel in the Associate role.

With gratitude from the 2016 FCBB Board,

                Verner Smitheram (Chair)                           Michael Hewitt (Director)

               Jim Jenkins (Vice Chair)                          Gordon MacCallum (Director)

                Gerry Lajeunesse (Treasurer)                    Troy MacKenzie (Director)

                Barry Cudmore (Secretary)                          Ken Savage (Director)

                Justin Walsh (Coordinator)                         Wanson Hemphill (Consultant)

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