book signing

Dylan Adams Lemaçon, LJI Reporter

On Thursday, November 7, members of the Rosemère community gathered at the Municipal Library’s atrium for a special evening celebrating local accomplishments, both in athletics and community service. At the center of the evening was the Golden Book signing ceremony, a tradition that serves as a living record of Rosemère’s distinguished residents. With friends, family, and members of the municipal council in attendance, the honorees signed their names alongside other notable figures, joining a legacy of Rosemere pride.

The ceremony, which began at 6:30 p.m., was previously held at Town Hall but has found a more vibrant home at the library. Municipal Councillor René Villeneuve noted the venue change has allowed the event to flourish, remarking that the library setting creates “a more vibrant environment” for an evening dedicated to celebrating local achievements.

Honoring Those Who Serve the Community

The event kicked off with remarks from the night’s Deputy Mayor Roseanna Cirino, who was present in place of Mayor Eric Westram. “We are here to celebrate your accomplishments as well as your passion,” Cirino began, emphasizing the evening’s purpose of recognizing the dedication of both athletes and community volunteers. “We are proud of your exploits,” she added, applauding the accomplishments of each honoree while also extending gratitude to the parents and coaches who supported them.

The first honoree to sign the Golden Book was Carole Gingras, a volunteer who has worked tirelessly to support Rosemere’s senior citizens. Described by Cirino as “this woman with a heart of gold,” Gingras has played a pivotal role in organizing activities for a community organization with hundreds of members, many of whom are over 65. Through her volunteer work, Gingras has provided opportunities for Rosemère’s seniors to stay active and maintain good mental health. Though she has received previous recognition, Gingras remains humble, dedicating countless hours without expectation of praise or reward. Gingras’s signing was met with warm applause as she took photos with council members, who commended her ongoing dedication to the community.

Celebrating Youth Athletes

Following Gingras’s signing, the ceremony turned to three outstanding young athletes, each of whom had achieved notable success in their respective sports. The first of these was 13-year-old fencer Arielle Bonin. A talented student at Polyvalente St-Thérèse, Bonin’s achievements include a silver medal at the Jeux du Québec and team gold medals in women’s sabre. Alongside her athletic talents, Bonin is an academic standout who aspires to pursue a career in law.

Next to be honored was 13-year-old karate champion Amadou Traoré, who recently competed in the Championnat canadien de Koshiki in Sherbrooke, where he claimed an impressive array of medals: two golds, one silver, and a bronze in various events. Traoré’s dedication is evident both in his sport and in his academic goals—he dreams of becoming a doctor one day. In addition to karate, Traoré also plays soccer, showcasing his versatility and commitment to both team and individual sports.

Amadou’s older brother, Ahmed Traoré, also signed the Golden Book in recognition of his achievements. At 15, Ahmed has competed in multiple international karate competitions, claiming a remarkable five gold medals in combat, along with additional gold and silver medals in kata. He studies in Laval and has aspirations of becoming a civil engineer, a goal he approaches with the same dedication he brings to his training. Known for his teamwork and collaborative spirit, Ahmed balances his athletic and academic pursuits with a love for basketball and video games.

A Tradition of Civic Pride and Collective Memory

As the honorees gathered for a group photo with council members, Deputy Mayor Cirino spoke about the importance of the Golden Book, explaining how represents a record of the personalities who have come to Rosemère as well as the outstanding commitment of residents who have distinguished themselves in a particular field of activity through a significant achievement. The Golden Book not only celebrates past accomplishments but also serves as an inspiration for future generations, marking these milestones as symbols of pride for the town.

This event marks the second volume of the Golden Book, with the first now filled with signatures and preserved as a historical record. The new volume carries on the legacy, and each signing represents another chapter in Rosemere’s story.