The Town of Conception Bay South has named the community room at the Conception Bay South Arena after long-time, community volunteer, Mr. Gerald Kelly.  Council unanimously agreed to proceed with this naming during the Public Council meeting of May 4, 2021.  The community space, overlooking the ice surface at the Conception Bay South Arena, will now be named the Gerald Kelly Community Room.

Mr. Gerald (Gerry) Kelly is a long-time resident of Conception Bay South, who is well known for his volunteer work, and for his active involvement in the community, and our province, which is evident through his many contributions, achievements and awards. He has been recognized for his involvement with the parish of St. Thomas of Villanova since it’s infancy, and over the years, he has served on many committees, and has held various executive positions with the parish.  Gerry has been involved with Holy Spirit Minor Hockey (which evolved into what is now the CBR Minor Hockey Association), the CBS Parks and Recreation Committee, CBS Softball associations, the Newfoundland Amateur Hockey Association Council, was the NAHA representative at various national championships, a provincial representative for Canada Games Mission Staff, and much more.  Gerry has been recognized as Coach of the Year, has been inducted into the Conception Bay South Sports Hall of Fame, as well as the Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador Hall of Fame, and has been recognized as a lifetime member of Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador.  Gerry has been awarded many distinctions, such as the Top Recruit for the 57 Platoon of the Queen’s Own Rifle of Canada, and Citizen of the Year by the Conception Bay South Lions Club.  Gerry has been involved with the Knights of Columbus, and with the Royal Canadian Legion, particularly Branch 50 in Kelligrews, for many years.  He has served as Chairman of the Poppy Campaign, and was awarded Legionnaire of the Year by Branch 50.  In 2020, he received his 50-year pin from the Royal Canadian Legion. He has also served as a member of the Conception Bay South Monument of Honour Committee, as well as the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association.

“Mr. Kelly is a consummate volunteer in the Town of Conception Bay South, and has been an outstanding contributor to local sports, including hockey and softball.  He is truly an amazing person for what he has contributed to this Town, and to our province. We are very proud to be able to recognize his accomplishments by naming this Community Room after him” said Mayor Terry French.