Takeaways from the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Avon Trail held on November 18:
Bruce Graham, presiding as President for the final time, welcomed more than 46 Avon Trail members and guests to the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday evening, November 18. Board member and Recording Secretary Renee Lehnen outlined the evening’s agenda later displayed on the overhead screen.
Linda Weitzel, a new member of the 2026 Board, then introduced keynote speaker Diane Weiler, a Canadian wildlife and nature photographer. Diane presented “My Feathered Friends in Ontario,” sharing captivating photos of Ontario birds while explaining how she developed her passion for nature photography. Her extensive travels across the province in search of birds have revealed remarkable biodiversity: seven different species of wrens, twenty-five species of ducks, and hundreds of songbird species—more than any other type of bird in Ontario. These songbirds range from sparrows and warblers to wrens and flycatchers.
Following the presentation, Bruce thanked Diane with a gift and a donation to Make-A-Wish Canada Foundation. Diane prepares and sells calendars, with all proceeds benefiting the foundation, which works with communities across the country to grant wishes to children with critical illnesses.
Bruce then led the audience in honouring the memories of Ross McTaggert, Maxine Taylor, Bill Gerber, and Dick Pullin—members who passed away in the past year.
As outgoing president, Bruce introduced Christine Lee, who is assuming the role of Avon Trail President. Christine thanked the many Avon Trail volunteers who serve as trail monitors and maintenance team members, keeping the trails open and safe for hikers. Trail monitor certificates were presented to Gerry Heyen and Bill Mayberry, recognized as “Trail Monitors of 2025.”
Past President Bernard Goward then presented an honorary lifetime membership to Jane Foster in recognition of her wide-ranging contributions to the Avon Trail. Renee thanked departing board members Tracy Halliwell, Jane Foster, David Paratt, and Martha Manning, presenting each with a small gift. Although no longer on the board, David will continue to serve as the ONDAGO and Printable maps co-ordinator. And Tracy will continue as Avon Trail Hike co-ordinator and monitor of the contact page (info@avontrail.ca).
A refreshment break followed before the business portion of the evening’s agenda began.
[Click here to view The Avon Trail Annual Report 2025, presented at the AGM]
Two long-term member volunteers completed an epic road trip in 2023. Terry used this occasion to present Ken with a commemorative T-shirt.
A Call for Volunteers
We need more members to step up and become trail monitors to help share the workload. Trail sections are generally one to two kilometres in length and can be made shorter if you’d like to try the trail monitor role. Reach out to me at: Newsletter@avontrail.ca.
This story, Pulling Back the Curtains, from 2022 (recently updated), explains more about what a trail monitor does.
We also have board positions to fill: Trail Monitor Liaison and Vice-President.
[To view the DRAFT minutes from this 2025 AGM, click here.]
The minutes will be approved at the 2026 AGM, to be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2026.
Tom Kimber – News