Covering stories of a local person reaching the pinnacle of success in their chosen field have always been a favourite of this reporter.
So it was particularly great to see Napanee’s own Jack Magilton recognized by the Canadian Legion as they bestowed upon him the Palm Leaf Award.
As this isn’t something that happens very often, this reporter had to do a bit of digging to find out what merits receiving a Palm Leaf Award. Before one can even be considered for the Palm Leaf, they must first earn the Meritorious Service Medal for a life time of service to the Legion. Even then, only their service to the Legion ‘after’ earning the MSM is taken into consideration.
Having covered various Legion events over the years, there have been more than a few interactions with Magilton and the Napanee Beaver. Legion Branch 137 is active in the community year round and Magilton is always there to help hand out a cheque or make a formal presentation. He always plays a major role in the annual Remembrance Day ceremony, helping to pay tribute to those who served our great country.
Easily the most memorable of those encounters came in mid-November of 2020.
With Nov. 11 fast approaching but the pandemic lockdown in full swing, finding a Remembrance Day photo was going to be a challenge. In an effort to carry on tradition, a call was placed to the local Legion with an unusual request. Would anyone from the Legion be inclined to meet at the L&A County cenotaph to go through the action of laying a wreath for the sake of a photo?
Magilton was willing to step in and fill that role. And so on an eerily quiet November morning Magilton showed up in full Legion attire and from a social distance (remember those days?), a photo was staged. It wasn’t quite the same as a regular Remembrance Day ceremony, but in a time when every thing was turned upside down, that sense of normalcy and tradition was a very welcome one.
That’s just but one small example of all Magilton has done for the local Legion. His recognition from Dominion command is very well deserved and certainly a great source of pride for our community.
-Speaking of community, the notion of this one getting an indoor pool anytime soon sprung another leak during the latest round of budget talks.
With the 2024 budget all but approved, it’s evident that no money will be set aside for an aquatics centre. While disappointing for those who want to see the idea move forward, it would be hard to justify spending that kind of money when the municipality is crying poor in so many other departments. The concept of a 6.68 per cent tax hike has gone over like a lead balloon-as would be expected with any increase during these trying times. With so many other hands in residents’ pockets, luxury items such as a pool are either going to have to be kicked down the road or looked at as being financed under a completely different model.
-Adam Prudhomme