“Joyful Noise” Gala accolades for former Mayor

January 28, 2015 · 0 Comments

The accolades for outgoing Mayor of Shelburne Ed Crewson were stacked high last Friday at the gala held in his honour. The former Mayor had given 26 years to municipal politics for his Town and County, and the appreciation for his feisty dedication and honest style, that earned the love and respect of his citizens, was very evident. Ed Crewson once told a friend that even if they were not good singers, at least they could make a “joyful noise;” that phrase was a fitting description of the evening and a symbolic depiction of Ed Crewson as a politician – a passionate force for the people, who is not easily silenced. He is a politician everyone wants on their team – unless, apparently, it’s a game of hockey.
The Shelburne Legion, elegantly decorated by Four Season Party Rentals of Markdale for the 300 guest event, was virtually unrecognizable. A silky soft, silver canopy billowed from the ceiling, hung with multiple crystal chandeliers that sparkled in co-ordination with the lovely formal dresses of the female guests. Black cloth covered chairs and white table settings, splashed with red highlights, were graced with a tall candle in a glass centre piece. The highlight of the delicious meal, catered by Absolute Catering out of Mono, was perfectly roasted prime rib.
Comedians Marc Hallwarth and Sammy Burns from the Humber College Comedy program entertained the guests by roasting the former mayor, as did friends and colleges at the podium and on pre-taped interviews. Guest speakers on and off screen included Tom Reed, Reverend David Howes, Pastor Gordon Horsley, Len Mikulich and Chief Kent Moore who present a plaque and watch on behalf of the Police Services and Board; Greg Holmes, Rev. Don Hume and Linda Moore among others. Political speakers included Town CAO John Telfer and new Councillor Wade Mills, Sue Snider and Lori Haddock, as well as the Provincial and Federal Progressive Conservatives leaders for Dufferin-Caledon Sylvia Jones and David Tilson.
After gently jabbing at Mr. Crewson for his well known passion for the Liberal Party, both MPP Jones and MP Tilson praised the former Mayor for his character and accomplishments. Mr. Tilson presented Crewson with a letter of congratulations for his exemplary years as Mayor of Shelburne from the Honourable Conservative Leader and Prime Minister, Stephen Harper. But, the highlight of the evening was, as always, Ed Crewson himself, on video and in person, speaking from his heart about his affection for Shelburne and his famous penchant for bowties.
Crewson said he began his career in Shelburne at 19, digging graves and cleaning sewers, “My parents taught me to do what I say and say what I do,” advice by which he lives his life and rules his politics. His own advice to the new mayor included: “staying positive; keeping Council a team; serving the people and their best interests – not just one, but all; working with developers, but not to be run by them.”
John Telfer CAO commented the day after the event, “The evening was exactly what we wanted. Good food, good variety of lively entertainment and a great look to the gala dinner setting. The WOW factor was there last night. I have never received so many emails, sent to extend their pleasure in attending an event like last night.” He also wanted a night that the Crewson family would remember forever. Ed Crewson had given 26 years of his life serving his Town 100 percent, Telfer said:
“We wanted one evening that (Ed) could remember and consider it all worthwhile,” said Telfer, as Ed said, “he had the time of his life, serving the Town he loves.” Last night, he had the time of his life allowing the community to say thank you,” remarked Telfer, “I know Ed loved the evening, as he was thanking everyone all evening. He also sent me a text at 3:35 am this morning thanking us again. I know he was still reflecting in the earlier hours and very humbled by the best wishes from the community that gathered to honour him and his family. As I stated last night to the audience, it was a true privilege to work with Ed Crewson and I will miss him at Town Hall.”
On behalf of the Town, John Telfer sends out thanks to: Town Council; CDDHS audio/visual students and a big thank you to their teacher Mr. Len Guchardi for audio and video productions; Shawnette Crouse and the staff at Town of Shelburne; Sue Telfer and all the people who gave time to do the prerecorded videos; all the co-hosts of the event; the Shelburne Legion; the Shelburne Free Press for all the coverage on this event; all the sponsors that provided gifts at the Silent Auction – a big thank you; the caterer – Absolute Catering and Four Season Rentals; and a ‘personal thank you’ to all the guests that supported the event.”

By Marni Walsh

Progressive Conservative MP for Dufferin-Caledon David Tilson presented a congratulatory letter from Prime Minister Harper to Ed Crewson, well known for his dedication to the Liberal party, for his years of exemplary service to the Town of Shelburne.

Photo by Marni Walsh
Bow ties were everywhere at Thursday night’s gala for the Crewson family at the Shelburne Legion. The highly anticipated event was an elegant, but relaxed evening of speeches, entertainment and excellent food to honour Ed Crewson’s 26 years of political service to the Town of Shelburne. Both men and women wore neckties in honour of the former Mayor who was known across the County and further for his love of bowtie fashion. Like his political career, his bowties always stood out in the crowd making a statement of character and good old fashioned honesty. Jamie McAlpine and his wife Ann were two of 300 friends and admirers of the Crewsons enjoying the evening. Had there been bowtie prizes Jamie would have taken “biggest and best!”