Members of Strathmore town council seemed to be easing into their new early work hours, and relaxed this morning as they jokingly conducted their first Committee of the Whole meeting dressed in their bathrobes.

Council will be having a trial run holding the meetings at 8:45 a.m. for the next six months, rather than the regular time for the meetings at 7 p.m.

At the start of the meeting, Deputy Mayor Melanie Corbiell was recognized by the town for her efforts in the planning process for Rogers Hometown Hockey and attending events on behalf of the town.

Mayor Pat Fule explained that the town was gifted with a jacket after Rogers Hometown Hockey.

“We understand the importance of hockey and ringette in our community,” said the mayor.

Corbiell said, “I think it was a huge success. It was about the kids. The whole thing was uplifting for the community.”

“We just recently hosted an incredible event in our town, with Rogers Hometown Hockey. We think it was a great thing to showcase our town and areas as far as hockey goes,” Fule said.

The mayor was impressed with the national media coverage and the program hosts Ron MacLean and Tara Slone.

The mayor also explained that the NHL hockey festival was a huge boost for the local economy.