Wraps taken off Fleming Centre

Games have been won and lost already, books have been signed out and returned.

Now all that can be done in the officially named Fleming Centre.

Town of Lincoln officials hosted a naming and unveiling of the donor recognition gallery on Saturday afternoon.

Scores of onlookers filled mezzanine seats while Margaret Andrewes – chair of the Our Town, Our Time fundraising campaign – emceed the proceedings. The afternoon was filled with a great many thank-yous:

• Niagara West Glanbrook MP Dean Allison for securing a one-third $5 million federal grant;

• Lincoln Council for support and direction;

• The entire fundraising team for both the arena and library components, and;

• Last but not least, Val and the late Art Fleming who donated $1.2 million to the centre.

Mayor Sandra Easton made a special presentation to Val as a thank-you from the community.

As part of the proceedings, campaign deputy chair Tony Brunet introduced Barbara Temple, Beamsville Women’s Institute; Virginia Blackman, Knit and Chat Club, and; Steve Arsenault of Lincoln Minor Hockey Association, who all spoke to how the new facility will lead to decades of use and enjoyment by their groups.

The Beamsville District Secondary School jazz band entertained the crowd during the reception.

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Lori Laird and Chuck Judson of Lincoln’s Community Services Department unveil the donor recognition gallery.