Alexander Leach, Editor
COBDEN – The Cobden Band Shell in Veterans Memorial Park in Cobden is named that no longer.
The Cobden Civitan club held a ceremony on Monday, August 23rd, unveiling a plaque and name-plate to name the structure after late Township employee Patsy Moore.
“I did have it covered, but the heat did away with it.” Said Ted Barron of the Cobden Civitan, who’d hoped to have done a proper ‘unveiling’ despite heat degrading the cover placed over it.
Barron said they wanted to name it for Moore, a Township employee who maintained the park and roads for 25 years.
“This park really was her baby.” Barron said, choking back tears.
Moore died of cancer on March 1, 2017, at the age of 50.
Musician Dennis Neiman played original locally-themed songs with his grandchildren on the stage, and Moore’s friend Erica Rice gave a speech inaugurating the shell’s new name.
“This could not be a more fitting tribute, since she loved this park.” Rice said, praising Moore’s love of the Cobden community as well as the park itself.
“She loved to talk to people, and loved to welcome them.” she said.
She said she felt Moore would “have loved” the band shell.
“She would be dancing on the stage, and maybe on the roof.”
Mayor Mike Moore also spoke about Patsy Moore (of no relation)
“She was quite the lady, and we will miss her.” he said.
“If there was a party, Patsy was at it.” Cobden Civitan president John Felix Cull said.
“She had a great impact on everyone she met.” Councillor Chris Olmstead said.
The Township of Whitewater Region approved the naming proposal.
“When the time came for the Council to name the band shell, we took al of five seconds.” Olmstead said.
Councillor Daryl McLaughlin, who put forward the original proposal to build the shell, also attended.
The Civitan originally proposed the band shell’s construction four years ago, which Cull said was “a slow pitch”, but even in order to have a place for local outdoor music.
“You can’t really get a better view than this.” Barron said.
The Township of Whitewater Region originally put forward $5000 to construct the band shell, and local contractors volunteered time and effort to build it.
It was completed and opened last year, and hosted Music in the Park events all summer, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This year, we’re doing well, but not as well.” Barron said, citing lockdown easements as the reason fewer people are attending the events.
Cobden Music in the Park events will continue this fall in the Patsy Moore Band Shell.
“Whenever I say where it’ll be, I’ll say the Patsy Moore.” Barron said.
In addition to the nameplate, a plaque will be displayed at a location to be decided later, reading:
“Patricia (Patsy) Moore was a dedicated employee of the Village of Cobden and the Township of Whitewater Region from 1991 until her passing in 2017. As a driver/operator with the roads department, she took great care in the maintenance of Veterans Memorial Park to ensure it was a welcoming and beautiful place for residents and visitors. Patsy succumbed to cancer after a valiant fight. Her courage was supported by family, friends and the community with campaigns to raise funds for cancer research and Hospice Renfrew.
Approved by council of the Township of Whitewater Region on this 9th day of September, 2020. Unveiled on the 23rd. day of August, 2021”
