BOYLE — Doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff have been the subject of much talk lately as local hospitals struggle with shortages and communities roll out attraction initiatives like municipally subsidized transitional housing.
This month, Boyle’s healthcare workers will be in the spotlight for a while longer as community members and elected officials celebrate their contributions to the village with a recognition breakfast scheduled for 7 a.m. March 28.
“It’s been a couple-year tradition that we would like to continue doing, and I think it’s nice for us to proverbially break bread and just chat freely,” said village mayor Colin Derko. “They’re super important to all of us, and we just want them to know that, and know they’re appreciated within the community.”
“As a municipality, our intention is to be involved with them more,” added Derko. “They’re a big part in our community that we really don’t get to engage with them enough, and when we do, it’s only on a personal level because we’re sick.”
Mayor and councillors decided to dish up the same hit menu they’ve served for previous appreciation meals during their March 6 meeting: “Let’s do what we do best,” said Derko.
Fare will include morning staples such as a breakfast casserole, muffins, fruit, and of course coffee. Like the emergency services breakfast held in December, councillors will meet in the Boyle Seniors Drop In Centre the evening before to prepare for the bright and early event after wrapping up a special council meeting.
“The first time we did it, we did them together. This time we chose to do them separate only because we didn’t have the IENs (internationally educated nurses) here yet. And with the few changes that were happening in the hospital, we wanted to wait so that we could have everybody involved,” said Derko.
“Sometimes, even in our lives, thank you means more than money,” he added.
