After many years – 13, I believe – Lionel Guay is stepping down as chairman of the Festival de Joie board of directors.

As a volunteer for the festival, I would like to say – and I’m sure that I speak for the rest of the volunteers, as well – that he will be greatly missed.

Mr. Guay has been a driving force behind the festival. He has had many sleepless nights and done a lot of sweating over it. He has been at the festival from early morning until late at night making sure all went well. He always gives 120 percent, as do all the rest of the volunteers.

Lionel assures us that he will still be there in the background to offer advice as needed, but it won’t be quite the same.

On behalf of the rest of the volunteers, I offer my deepest thanks for his efforts.

Russ Hudon, Lewiston