A n in front of a person’s name indicates that he orshe is a member of The Vittoria & District Foundation

nMarie-Jose Maenhaut, æ 92, on July 29nRuth Chadwick, æ 90, on July 31Stephen Gordon Kerry, æ 34, on August 20Paul William Burke, æ 78, on September 10Herbert Georg Friedrich, æ 76, on September 13Robert Daniel “Bob” Woolley, æ 73, on September 17Margaret (Reski) Bergmannshoff, æ 91, on September 29M. Jean (Burk) May, æ 83, on October 11Stephen Mark Shaw, æ 63, on October 14Mary Gloria (Cornell) Sundstrom, æ 71, on October 16Theresa Anne (Scott) Gallagher, æ 53, on October 31Leona Margaret Oakes, æ 82, on November 9Christina Rose Lott, æ 61, on November 10nIrene (Irish) McKiee, æ 85, on November 11Garnet Marshall Wilson, æ 73, on November 16Julia Florence (Currie) Sakatch, æ 92, on November 22nArnold Vincent Haskett, æ 86, on November 26nRuth (Gundry) Martin, æ 84, on December 12Eleanor Gertrude (Cruise) Smith, æ 94, on December 14Roger Lee Carpenter, æ 54, on December 24Madeleine Masschaele, æ 85, on December 25

nLinda and nJohn Hofgraff 50th on July 11nFrances and nStan Voigt 65th on July 16nTwila and nRoger Cruickshank 60th on July 17nRosemarie and nMonte Smith 50th on August 1Rhonda and Jack Smith 45th on August 16nMarie and Irwin Wippel 55th on September 4Faye and Harold Jarvis 65th on September 10nSandra and nHerman Kunkel 50th on September 19Sandra and Nick Van Groningen 55th on October 3nJackie and nDoug Chadwick 55th on October 10nCecilia and nLawrence DePoorter 60th on October 23

Gary Cooper honoured by Jamaica 6Hay Creek a Multi-purpose site 22Huggable Bears 23Locks of Love from Walsh Sisters 12Mayor Charlie Luke 8Mike Fletcher-Tales from the Deep 26-27Norfolk’s Migrant Workforce 18-19OMAFRA Grant for Cider Keg R&D 23-24Phyllis Buchner heads up NUCW 4Plaque Honours 1812 Captain 24-25

60 Plus ClubnJoanne and nKen Smith 62nd on August 9nLenore and nRoss Broughton 64th on October 10nShirley and nJohn Luke 63rd on November 10nMyrtle and nDoug Smith 68th on December 27

nCliff Whitehead 85 on July 5nDonna Schram 80 on July 16nRoger Cruickshank 80 on July 18nFred Ludwig 75 on July 18nEleanor Bahula 75 on July 28nRodney Smith 85 on September 24nJean Karges 75 on October 5nJoanne Smith 80 on November 5Geraldine Shaw 85 on November 24nFrances Smith 85 on November 25Richard Assel 75 on November 25Lois Cronmiller 85 on December 1nWalter Cole 75 on December 1nJoan Stewart 85 on December 8Frances Woolley 95 on December 16nMarion Sherman 85 on December 20nNadine Ferris 80 on December 26nJohn Clayton 80 on December 27nFrances Voigt 85 on December 29

90 Plus ClubnNorah Moore 94 on August 2nMarion Lockhart 102 August 4Irene Hayward 92 on August 27nGladys Howe 93 on September 9nViolet Monroe 92 on November 17nTillie Wright 92 on December 6

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The

Vittoria BoosterThe Vittoria Booster Newsletter is published twice a year by The Vittoria & District Foundation for its Members and Supporters.

e-mail: godfather@kwic.comwebsite: http://www.vittoria.on.ca webmaster’s e-mail: vittoriafoundation@rogers.com

SOME OF THE STUFF INSIDE2014 Scholarship - Erika Aelterman 22015 Auction in the Works 29-30Annaleise the Superhero 12-18Break out the Bikes 28-29Burning Kiln Winery Honours 7Calendar of Events 32Christ Church 27-28Dennis Travale Leaves Politics 9Donnybrook Fair #157 21Erika’s Essay 3

NO. 36 – WINTER 2014-15 • PUBLISHED AT VITTORIA, ONTARIO (519) 426-0234

Milestone Birthdays Celebrated

In Memoriam

Potpourri 30Red Kelly Stamp 5Rob Blake in Hall of Fame 9-12Smile, You’re on Candid Camera 31Species at Risk 19-21Terrorist Attack on Parliament Hill 25-26Turkey Point Recognizes Tom Millar 4Vittoria W.I. Donates to NGH 28Wrapping it up 32

Milestone Anniversaries Celebrated

Milestone Anniversaries Celebrated

V&DF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING THURSDAY FEBRUARY 5, 2015

AT 7:00 PM AT THE VDCC

charging stations for electric cars, thus promoting theeco-friendly switch from gasoline-powered vehicles toelectric. As I observed the city, I began to wonder ifOntario could even fathom the level of eco-transit thatcurrently exists in the Netherlands.”

Erika remarks, “before my trip to the Netherlands, Ihad been planning on saving up for a used car, but Ihave since decided that cycling is really the way to go.My enlightened outlook on eco-friendly travel has notonly helped me save a few bucks while simultaneouslycutting down my carbon footprint, it has also helpedme think of ways to use my future university degree inthe real world.”

Erika credits her extensive travel experiences withmaking her more social, confident, adventurous,adaptable, less materialistic and ultimately happier.She notes that she travels to learn and discover thatthis has ignited a passion in her that she never sawcoming. Erika quotes Mark Twain, “Twenty years fromnow you will be more disappointed by the things thatyou didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw offthe bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catchthe trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.Discover.”

The Vittoria and District Foundation Inc. is proudto be able to recognize Erika’s achievements andcontributions to her school and community thus far.We wish her every success in her future endeavours.

Congratulations Erika!

Erika Aelterman receives theV&DF’s 2014 scholarship

Erika Aelterman, a resident of the Vittoria Districtand a graduate of Holy Trinity Catholic High School isthis year’s recipient of the Vittoria & DistrictFoundation’s annual scholarship for $2,500.

This scholarship was initiated in 1997 by theHeritage Committee of The Vittoria & DistrictFoundation Inc. to recognize scholastic andextra-curricular achievement and to provide financialassistance to students of Vittoria and district in theirpursuit of post-secondary education. The selectioncommittee, consisting of nRaymond Danley, nDonFort and nLinda Vancso, evaluated the applicationssubmitted.

Chairman of the scholarship committee, Don Fortnoted of the several submissions received for theaward this year, based on the students’ writtenapplication, essay, transcripts, references andinterview, all applicants in the competition wereindividually outstanding. These students are to becommended for having accomplished remarkable goalsand are a credit to their families, schools andcommunity.

Erika is enrolled in the Honours Environment &Resource Studies program at the University ofWaterloo this September.

Erika’s Principal, Kathleen Evans of Holy TrinityCatholic High School notes that Erika is an excellentstudent, achieving Academic awards throughout herfour years and an Ontario Scholar Award atgraduation. Ms. Evans stated, “Erika has beeninvolved in numerous volunteer activities both in ourschool and in the community. Her involvement in thecommunity includes over 100 hours of volunteering forRelay for Life, RE/MAX Yard Sale for the Cure andvarious Service Clubs in the area. She has been atremendous assistance on various school committeesand an active member of the Girls Rugby Team”.

In her essay entitled “A Voyage That Never Ends”,Erika notes that: “I have always been extremelypassionate about the environment and it is my goal tomake a positive difference in the world with my degree.I would have to say that my strong environmentalinclination ultimately stems from my love of travel.With each country I visit, I learn about culture, pickup on the language, and always try to live as the localsdo.

“Observing the world around me has helped mechoose my future goals, put my degree intoperspective, and made an influence on many of mydecisions”. She goes on to say “On a recent trip toEurope I spent a few days in Rotterdam and waspleasantly surprised with the prevailing ‘green’ lifestylein the city. Electric trams and bicycles are the mostcommon forms of transport with cyclists accountingfor about 75% of the voyageurs. All streets are linedwith bike paths and many of them are also lined with

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2014 Scholarship Winner - Erika Aelterman

Linda Vancso, left, and Don Fort, right, presentErika Aelterman with a certificate of achievement

as well as $2500 for being the 2014 winner ofThe Vittoria & District Foundation Inc. Scholarship.

John gingerly walked up to the sales ladyin the clothing store.

“I would like to buy my wife a prettypink scarf,” he said.

“How cute” exclaimed the sales lady, “soundslike it’s going to be a great surprise.” “It sure is” said John “she’s expecting

a new car!”

A Voyage That Never EndsAn Essay submitted by Erika Aelterman

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new wayof seeing things” – Henry Miller.

Starting this September, I will be attending theUniversity of Waterloo for Environment and ResourceStudies. I have always been extremely passionateabout the environment and it is my goal to make apositive difference in the world with my degree. I wouldhave to say that my strong environmental inclinationultimately stems from my love of travel. By the age of17, I have travelled to France, the Netherlands,Germany, Haiti, Mexico, all over the U.S and Canada.

With each country I visit, I learn about culture, pickup on language, and I always try to live as the localsdo. Observing the world around me has helped mechoose my future goals, put my degree intoperspective, and made an influence on many of mydecisions.

I was bitten by the travel bug during the eighthgrade and it has been an integral part of my life eversince. It’s interesting to learn about far off places inthe media but it’s a whole different thing when I seethese countries with my own eyes. Everything seemsmore beautiful and intense when you’re experiencing ityourself. Travelling has helped me gain freedom frombigotry, prejudice, and superstition. Coming from asmall town, it’s easy to get caught up in stereotypesand prejudice. Travelling has helped me realize thatalthough cultural identities may separate people, weare all fundamentally the same. While in Germany, Ihad the chance to visit Dachau Concentration Campand I found it to be a very humbling experience. Irealized all the things that I take for granted backhome and found a new appreciation for everything inmy life. I once came across a quote that wentsomething like “I’ve travelled the world just to realizethe beauty of home”. This quote definitely rings true inmy experience. No matter where I go, there is really noplace like home.

On a recent trip to Europe I spent a few days inRotterdam and was pleasantly surprised with theprevailing ‘green’ lifestyle in the city. Electric tramsand bicycles are the most common forms of transportwith cyclists counting for about 75% of city voyageurs.All streets are lined with bike paths and many of themare also lined with charging stations for electric cars,thus promoting the eco-friendly switch fromgasoline-powered vehicles to electric. As I observed thecity, I began to wonder if Ontario could even fathomthe level of eco-transit that currently exists in theNetherlands. If I were to find a job in city planning, Iwould model city transit plans after Rotterdam andAmsterdam. Before my trip to the Netherlands, I hadbeen planning on saving up for a used car but I havesince decided that cycling is really the way to go. Myenlightened outlook on eco-friendly travel has not onlyhelped me save a few bucks while simultaneously,cutting down my carbon footprint, it has also helped

me think of ways to use my future university degree inthe real world.

While travel has helped me put my future goals inperspective, it has also helped me grow immensely asa person. Wherever I go, I expect to learn aboutcultural attitudes, food, history, art, and language, butI am always surprised at how much I end up learningabout myself. Coming from a small rural county, Isometimes felt like I would never amount to anythinggreat. Travel helped me realize that the world is full ofendless possibilities and that I can do anything I putmy mind to. I never believed I could handle staying ina hostel, but I did just that in the city of Munich,Germany. Travelling solo used to intimidate me butnow I prefer it because I can spend my time the way Idesire. I was extremely nervous about going throughthe Amsterdam airport on my own but it really wasn’tthat bad! As I continue to push the limits of myself, Ifind that I am stronger than I previously believed. Thishas made me more confident, bold, and independent.Now I actually enjoy stepping out of my comfort zoneand navigating through foreign lands on my own! If Ihad never stepped out of Ontario, I wouldn’t haveknown that I was capable of such great things.

My travelling experiences have made me moresocial, confident, adventurous, adaptable, lessmaterialistic, and ultimately, happier. Travel is a bigpart of who I am and I hope to continue on suchadventures all throughout my life. The experiences Ihave gained while travelling have helped me thinkabout my education in new ways, aided in deciding onmy future goals, and have influenced many of mydecisions. Some people see travel as a gimmickyvacation meant for laying out on the beach and stayingin a five star resort with an open bar. While this can befun, I prefer to see the world through the eyes of thelocals. I have learned to avoid tourist attractions andgift shops all together. The lessons I’ve learned and thememories I’ve made can’t be bought in a gift shop. Iam extremely grateful for these experiences at such ayoung age because they have opened my eyes to theworld. Before I consider myself a tourist, I am astudent. I travel to learn and discover and it hasignited a passion in me that I never saw coming. In thewords of Mark Twain, “Twenty years from now you willbe more disappointed by the things that you didn’t dothan by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines.Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the tradewinds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

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Erika’s Essay

BATHROOM SUPPLIESA man has six items in his bathroom:

toothbrush and toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, a bar of soap, and a towel The average

number of items in the typical woman’s bathroom is 337. A man would not be able to

identify more than 20 of these items.

Crime Stoppers dedicate Parkbench honouring Tom Millar- adapted from an article by Monte Sonnenberg in the SimcoeReformer

Friends and family gathered for a photo at a newpark bench in Turkey Point.

Two people sat on either end while three stood inback. In the middle was a space for the late nTomMillar, the “Mayor of Turkey Point” who died last yearat age 86.

In his place was a brass plaque that says “Inmemory of Tom Millar for his support of CrimeStoppers and his commitment to community safety.”The inscription is signed “Crime Stoppers ofHaldimand, Norfolk & Tillsonburg.”

The bench is located behind the community policingtrailer on Tom Millar Lane. It is the latest accolade fora man who was arguably the ultimate civilian “crimestopper” in Norfolk County.

Tom and a handful of like-minded neighboursintroduced the concept of community policing toNorfolk in the 1980s following a rash of winter-timebreak-ins in Turkey Point. They solved the problemwith civilian patrols. In so doing, they laid thegroundwork for the Charlotteville Community PolicingCommittee.

“We had a bunch of break-ins and that was when itstarted,” Tom’s widow nMuriel said at the recentdedication. “That’s when they got the night patrolsgoing. Then the OPP got involved. It made a greatdifference.”

As the long-time president of the Turkey Point

Property Owners Association, Tom was a bulwark inhis community on a host of issues. He also broughthis crime-busting expertise to bear as a long-timedirector of the local Crime Stoppers program.

“We wanted to acknowledge his service to CrimeStoppers and to the community in general,” NeilUnwin, chair of the local Crime Stoppers chapter, saidat Monday’s event.

During their many years of service in Turkey Point,Tom and Muriel Millar worked together as a team.

Accompanying Muriel at the dedication was herdaughter Gwen and her husband Alan MacMillan, ofBrantford. Rounding out the event was Crime Stopperstreasurer Barbara Howden.

After Tom’s passing, Muriel moved to Brantford tobe closer to her family. The Millar property on OldClub House Road remains for sale.

Muriel stays in shape with exercise classes. Shewas surprised and pleased that these classesre-connected her with a friend from grade school thatshe had lost contact with. Marie Gloyn (nee Mitchell)and Muriel attended S.S. No. 6 in Onondaga Townshipand Brantford Collegiate Institute at the same time.Today, they enjoy many pleasant hours keeping eachother company.

 

Phyllis Buchner President ofNational UCW- adapted from an article by Monte Sonnenberg in the SimcoeReformer

A Norfolk woman will lead a dialogue on childpoverty now that she has been installed as president ofthe National United Church Women.

 Phyllis Buchner has served in recent years as a layworship leader at St. Andrew’s United Church inVittoria and St. James United Church in Simcoe.

The 35,000-member NUCW chose Phyllis as its

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Turkey Point remembers Tom Millar; and Phyllis Buchner

Crime Stoppers of Haldimand, Norfolk & Tillsonburgdedicated a park bench Monday in memory of Tom Millar,the “Mayor of Turkey Point” who died last year. On handfor the event, in back, were Neil Unwin, chair of the local

Crime Stoppers chapter, Crime Stoppers treasurerBarbara Howden and Millar’s son-in-law Alan MacMillan.

Seated in front are Millar’s daughter Gwen MacMillan, left,and Millar’s widow and wife of 67 years Muriel.

Phyllis Buchner will serve the next two years as president ofthe 35,000-member United Church Women of Canada.

president-elect at its annual general meeting inMississauga in 2013. She took over from pastpresident Beverly Green at the 2014 annualconference in September, also held in Mississauga. Atthe time of her election, Phyllis was president ofNUCW’s Hamilton Conference.

Phyllis takes over at a critical time in NUCWhistory. The group has taken on a five-year project toalleviate child poverty in Canada. The first step is toraise awareness of the problem. The second is todevise and implement a concrete plan for addressingit.

“Canadians need to know that child poverty exists,”Phyllis said Monday. “It exists within our owncommunities, towns and counties. It isn’t just a cityconcern. We’d like to raise the fact that it’s a humanrights issue. The issues of affordable housing and foodbanks need to be uplifted as well.

“Once the awareness is there, we can put a plan inplace. This is huge, and it takes us out of our comfortzone.”

The former Phyllis Ball was born in Tillsonburg andgrew up on a farm in Clear Creek. She is a graduate ofGlendale High School in Tillsonburg.

Phyllis worked in insurance and performed clericalwork for industrial companies before taking athree-year course at the Five Oaks Retreat Centre inBrantford. This qualified her as a lay worship leaderwithin the United Church.

Phyllis didn’t set out to assume a leadership rolewithin the church. Rather, it was a gradual processthat revealed itself over time.

“It was something I was drawn to,” she said. “It wassomething I thought I would try. It was a kind ofevolution. One thing led to another. I actuallyshouldn’t be doing this. I’m actually a bit of anintrovert.”

Phyllis will discharge most of her responsibilitiesthrough email and video-conferencing. In her role aspresident, she plans to attend annual meetings of the13 conferences across Canada that comprise theNUCW. In September, she was a guest at the annualgeneral meeting of the Toronto Conference.

Hazel Andrews of Simcoe, president of the St.James United Church Women, says it is a feather inNorfolk’s cap to have a local woman serve as presidentof such an important organization. Hazel wishes herwell with her new responsibilities.

“It’s an honour to have one of our localrepresentatives in that role,” Hazel said. “All acrossCanada there are UCW groups and she has beenselected to be the leader of them all for the next twoyears. We’re very proud of her.”

Red Kelly Postage Stamp- adapted from an article by Daniel R. Pearce in the SimcoeReformer

Norfolk County native and hockey legend Red Kellyhas yet another feather in his cap: his image is on aCanadian postage stamp.

Unveiled at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Torontorecently, the stamp shows Red in a Detroit Red Winguniform wearing his Number 4 with stick in handhockey card style.

Kelly is part of the Original Six Defencemen seriescollectors stamps that was announced at a mediaconference at the hall.

Simcoe is immortalized in the series, whichincludes something called an Official First Day Cover.It is an envelope with an image of the old Detroit’sOlympia Stadium on the front with the Red Kellystamp in the corner. The stamp is “cancelled” with a“Simcoe” post office marking.

“This is a great honour,” Red, 87, told the Reformerin a telephone interview from his Toronto home beforeheading out to the ceremony. “You dream growing upas a boy of playing in the NHL. You get in the NHL,you play in the NHL, you end up winning the StanleyCup. Fortunately, I had that dream.

“But never in my wildest dreams did I think theywould put me on a postage stamp.”

Actually, it’s not the first time Red has been on aCanadian postage stamp. In 2002, he was part of anNHL all-star stamp series and was featured in aToronto Maple Leafs jersey.

Red, who played in the NHL in the 1950s and 1960swith Detroit and then Toronto, is in rarefied company.The Thursday includes a defenceman from each of theOriginal Six NHL teams: Bobby Orr of the BostonBruins; Doug Harvey of the Montreal Canadiens; TimHorton of the Toronto Maple Leafs; Harry Howell of theNew York Rangers, and Pierre Pilote of the ChicagoBlackhawks.

The stamp is another high water mark on a longcareer of achievements for Red that continued longafter he retired from playing hockey.

He is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and isconsidered to be one ofthe best players to haveever laced up skates.

Red Kelly excelledfirst as a defenceman(winning the first NorrisTrophy in 1952) andthen as a centre withthe Maple Leafs. He wonfour Lady Byng trophiesfor the league’s mostgentlemanly player andeight Stanley Cups —four in Detroit, four inToronto.

After retiring as a-5-

Red Kelly Stamp

Have you noticed? Anyone driving faster than youis an idiot, and anyone driving slower than you is

a moron – George Carlin

player, he coached the Los Angeles Kings, PittsburghPenguins, and the Maple Leafs.

He was a Member of Parliament in the 1960s, had acareer as a successful businessman, and was awardedthe Order of Canada.

Through all this, Red has never forgotten his roots.He grew up on a farm between Simcoe and Port Doverand still farms in the area with his brother Joe.

“I worked on the farm in summers the first 10 yearsI played” in the NHL, Red noted, adding that ginseng isnow growing where tobacco used to be planted.

Today, his life remains active. “I’m busy taking careof my affairs,” he said.

At the unveiling, Red took in another honoursurrounded by family and media.

Gary Cooper receives highhonour in Jamaica- adapted from an article by Monte Sonnenberg in the SimcoeReformer

nGary Cooper is possibly the most celebratedstrawberry farmer in the entire Caribbean.

Gary – owner of the Strawberry Tyme berryoperation near Walsh – received the Badge of Honourfor Meritorious Service at a ceremony in Jamaica onOctober 20.

The Badge of Honour is the Jamaican equivalent ofthe Order of Canada. Jamaican Prime Minister PortiaSimpson Miller nominated Gary for the award for his“sterling contribution to Jamaica through theemployment of thousands of Jamaicans in the FarmWork Program in Canada for over three decades.”

“Please accept my warm personal congratulationson your well-deserved honour,” Prime Minister Millersaid in a letter to Gary in August.

Gary has been a key player in Ontario’s offshorelabourer program from its inception until the present.An employer of offshore workers since 1974, Garyserved many years on the executive of ForeignAgricultural Resource Management Services (FARMS).He was president of FARMS from 1995 to 2006.

During his years on the FARMS executive, Garycame to know Ms. Miller personally when she wasJamaica’s minister of labour. He was pleasantlysurprised when word of the honour arrived in the mail.

“This was unexpected,” Gary said. “I’d been retiredfrom the FARMS board for some time. I’ve been out ofthe loop for nine years.”

As president of FARMS, Gary negotiated labouragreements with the governments of Caribbeannations and Mexico. He continues to employ a largecontingent of offshore workers on his farm. StrawberryTyme Farms produces strawberries, raspberries andstrawberry cultivars on 900 acres. Gary’s workforcethis year came to nearly 150, mostly from Jamaica.

With so many Jamaicans on the payroll, Gary isnow a bit of a celebrity in his own backyard. Long-timeemployee Joel Wright, of Trelanny, Jamaica, says it’s

good to know he’s working for one of the best.“It’s a big deal,” Wright said. “The Badge shows a lot

of respect and honour for the person. This farm hasbeen in business since 1972 when the program began.It’s a great place to work and he is a good boss.”

Jamaica was once an English colony. Like Canada,it follows British protocols when it comes to statehonours.

October 20 was Hero’s Day in Jamaica. Thecountry’s Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen presidedover Monday’s event, which lasted three hours. Therewas an honour guard, a parade of soldiers and amilitary band.

Nearly 100 individuals were recognized. Amongthem were doctors, artists, and business leaders. GaryCooper was one of two non-Jamaicans in the spotlight.

Canada’s offshore labour program is vital to theeconomies of participating countries. Many workershave put their children through college and universitywith money earned in southern Ontario. Manyparticipants learn how to farm in Ontario and theninvest their earnings in small acreages back home.

FARMS is equally important to the economy of thelocal communities it serves. Not only do offshoreworkers fuel local commerce, they make theagricultural diversity of places like Norfolk possible.

“If we didn’t have the type of labour we get from thisprogram – reliable, willing to work and with a positiveattitude – the majority of our fruits and vegetableswould come from somewhere else, namely Mexico,”Gary said. “If it wasn’t for this program, Norfolk wouldbe nothing but corn and soybeans. It only takes oneman to run a combine.”

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Jamaica Honours Gary Cooper

Walsh-area berry grower Gary Cooper traveled to Jamaicarecently to receive a civilian honour from that country’s

Governor-General. Gary, centre, displays the letter fromJamaican Prime Minister Portia Miller notifying him of the

award. At left is employee Joel Wright while at right isemployee Raphael McGibbon, both of Jamaica.

Burning Kiln Winery wins 2014Lieutenant Governor’s Award!- adapted from a Burning Kiln press release

Burning Kiln Winery is proud to announce that weare the recipient of the 2014 Lieutenant Governor’sAward for Excellence in Ontario Wines for our 2012Cab Frank wine! Cab Frank (which is 100% CabernetFranc) was named after our partner and vineyardmanager, Frank Deleebeeck, whose tireless devotion tohealth and quality has been a big part of our success.

This win represents a first for Ontario’s South CoastWineries and Growers Association of which BurningKiln Winery is a proud member.

The Association is striving to become Ontario andCanada’s next DVA.

The Hon. David C. Onley established the LieutenantGovernor’s Award for Excellence in Ontario Wines in2011 which program promotes VQA Ontario wines – allmade from 100% Ontario-grown and processed grapes.In this unique competition, all wines compete againsteach other regardless of vintage or varietal. Theawards are administered by the Office of theLieutenant Governor of Ontario in partnership with theCanadian Food and Wine Institute at Niagara College,with the support of the Grape Growers of Ontario, theWine Council of Ontario, and the Winery and GrowerAlliance of Ontario.

The wines are judged by some of Ontario’s bestadjudicators, sommeliers, and wine experts.

Burning Kiln Winery is thankful for thecommitment of our entire ownership team, staff,management and particularly our winemaker, AndrzejLipinski, and assistant winemaker, Patti Fixter. Thisaward gives the winery team a great sense ofsatisfaction for our ongoing and collective efforts andcommitment to quality wine for our customers nearand far. We are looking forward to sharing ourrecognition and successes throughout our summerwith our great collection of wines and hospitality.

Burning Kiln Winery was formally recognized by theLieutenant Governor in a ceremony at Queen’s Park onJuly 9th. Cab Frank has been granted the privilege ofcarrying the official heraldic badge of the award.

Burning Kiln Winery is located at 1709 Front Road,St. Williams and is open daily at 11 am seven days aweek. All wines, including Cab Frank, can also bepurchased online at www.burningkilnwinery.ca.

Burning Kiln Winery’s StripRoom 2013 chosen as officialred wine at Queen’s Park- adapted from an article by Daniel R. Pearce in the SimcoeReformer, with files from Monte Sonnenberg

SIMCOE - The Burning Kiln Winery has once againbeen named as the official red wine for Queen’s Park.

That means its Strip Room 2013 will be served inthe legislature’s dining room and will be offered at

official functions, including functions hosted by thepremier.

“It’s a very prestigious award,” said DebbieZimmerman, CEO of the Grape Growers of Ontario,which organized the contest.

Winners usually see a significant bump in sales,said Zimmerman. Orders for the label will come to thewinery to stock up the dining room. MPPs will buy thewine as gifts or use at their own functions. And aspecial label now goes on the Strip Room bottles,giving it added attraction on store shelves.

Burning Kiln, which is just north of Turkey Point,opened in 2010. This is the second time in three yearsit has won the award.

The Grape Growers of Ontario organize a tastingsession with all MPPs and give them samples from sixwineries offering both red and white labels.

The MPPs then vote by ballot on their favourite redand white.

“This win is important to us as a boutique wineryand an emerging wine area,” said Karen Matthews,director of winery operations for Burning Kiln.

“It helps raise the profile of the area. It’s anothertalking point to talk about Norfolk County.”

Karen said winery officials went to Queen’s Park forthe tasting session armed with Norfolk Countycookbooks and talked up the richness of Norfolk’sagricultural sector to MPPs.

The win will increase business for Burning Kiln,said Karen. “Every time we win an award you can seethe direct impact. People are coming in to buy thatwine. This will hopefully have some impact.”

Wineries in the South Coast region have applied tothe government for a designated viticulture area title,something that will help boost both wine sales andtourism.

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Burning Kiln wins Award; and Strip Room 2013

Burning Kiln Winery's Strip Room 2013 has been chosenas the official red wine at Queen's Park for the second year

running. On hand for the announcement were, from left,Mike McArthur, president of Burning Kiln Winery, winemaker

Patti Fixter; Bill George, chair of the Grape Growers ofOntario; Debbie Zimmerman, CEO of Grape Growers of

Ontario; and Karen Matthews, director of winery operationsfor Burning Kiln.

Following high school, Charlie spent twelve yearsworking in industry, starting with Hagersville’sLivingston Industries, then 18 months in theAccounting Office at Nanticoke’s Texaco (now ImperialOil) and eight years in an Accounting position at Stelco(Lake Erie Works).

While working full-time, he spent five years hittingthe books to earn his Bachelor of Arts degreepart-time, culminating in his enrollment in BrockUniversity’s Teacher Education program in 1984. Hisfirst teaching position, as a 31-year-old, was a class of36 grade six students at Port Rowan Public. He thenwent to Doverwood Public in Port Dover for nine years.He became a Principal in 1999 and worked at anumber of schools, including Doverwood, until hisretirement after 30 years with the Grand Erie SchoolBoard and its local predecessor, the Norfolk Board ofEducation. He finished at Waterford Public School. “Igot paid to have fun with kids,” he said. “It was a greatjob. I was very fortunate to have the opportunity topursue and do what I wanted to do”.

In 1973, four Luke brothers, including Charlie,opened a sports store in Port Dover. “We did okay, butwe could do better at the (Nanticoke) Industrial Park,”

Having a winery that is named twice as the officialred wine at Queen’s Park will help all wineries in thearea, said Karen.

Burning Kiln was also surprised and pleased tolearn this week that one of its brands – Harvest PartyRed – will be featured at a high-profile cookingcompetition Nov. 17 in Ottawa.

The Gold Medal Plates is one of 10 qualifying eventsacross Canada in the run-up to the National CulinaryChampionships in Kelowna, B.C., in February. One ofthe competing chefs – Pierre Lortie of La Baccara atthe Casino de Lac-Lemay in Quebec – has specificallyasked to have his cooking paired with Harvest PartyRed.

“We were surprised to receive a call from the wineco-ordinator for the event informing us that ChefLortie had requested our wines to pair with hisculinary creations,” Karen said in a news release. “Wewere thrilled that he loved the way the wine pairedbeautifully with his trial runs for the event. The entireteam at Burning Kiln Winery wishes Chef Lortie thebest of luck in this prestigious competition.”

Charlie Luke elected Mayor ofNorfolk County- adapted from an article by Donna McMillan in the Port DoverMaple Leaf

Mayor-elect nCharlie Luke began his new role atthe helm of Norfolk County on December 2, the date ofthe inaugural meeting of the recently elected Council.

And, he is looking forward to spending his first sixmonths visiting with all area businesses, makinghimself available to the public and working withCouncil and staff as a team on the many challengesthat face them in 2015, including everything fromSilver Lake to Port Dover Main Street renewal toHastings Drive at Long Point.

After graduating from Walsh Public School, hestarted high school at Port Dover Composite School in1967, attending for five years to the end of grade 13.

“It was a great school with great staff. They werevery welcoming to the Luke brothers as we wereknown,” Charlie told the Maple Leaf.

He was one of six boys, growing up on a small farmwhere there were lots of outside and inside chores. “MyMom ensured we could bake, do dishes, set the tableand knit,” he said, noting that he was better atcrocheting because you “could have a loose stitch andget away with it.”

As soon as Charlie started at PDCS, he was invitedto try out for the Port Dover Junior Sailors, which heplayed with for five years. “It was a great organizationand I was very lucky to be a 15-year-old, starting toplay with 20-year-olds,” he said. He then went on toplay five years of Intermediate hockey with the PortDover Lakers, which was sponsored by the Erie BeachHotel. “We won the All Ontario Championship in1975,” he added.

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Mayor Charlie Luke

Dennis and his wife nBarbara want to relax a bitbefore checking out new and exciting opportunities.

The V&DF thanks you for your years of service,Dennis, and the respectful and gentlemanly way youtoo conducted your campaign!

Hockey Hall of Fame welcomesRob Blake-adapted from an article in the Official Site of the Hockey Hall ofFame

Pat Quinn, Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fameand John Davidson, Chairman of the Hockey Hall ofFame’s Selection Committee, announced in June thatfour individuals have been elected to the Hockey Hallof Fame in the Player Category. In addition oneindividual was elected in the Builder Category and onein the Referee or Linesman category. The vote tookplace at the annual meeting of the SelectionCommittee in Toronto.

“The Hockey Hall of Fame is proud to welcome thesesix hockey legends as Honoured Members,” said JohnDavidson. “Their contributions to the game of hockeyare well documented and their election to the HockeyHall of Fame is richly deserved.”

Born December 10, 1969 in Simcoe, Ontario, RobBlake was starring in his freshman year at BowlingGreen State University in the Central CollegiateHockey Association (CCHA) when he was drafted 70thoverall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 1988 NHL

he said. “The big money lured us.” They closed thestore in 1977.

Charlie, who has been married to nDiane for 42years, is the father of three daughters and thegrandfather of five grandchildren ranging in age from12 down to 6 months. One grandson tragically died atthe age of three. “We love having grandkids,” Charliesaid. “They are good, healthy kids.” He and Dianespend time with them walking parts of the Lynn ValleyTrail, enjoying the family cottage at Normandale,watching the kids play hockey, ball and basketball (thethree oldest) and jamming on the guitar.

Charlie took piano to grade 8, but hockeyeventually took precedence. “I like music. I sang in thechurch choir. I like to play keyboard and sing. I canplay guitar too,” he said, noting he and two brothersused to enjoy sitting around the kitchen table to singand play Beatles and Mamas and Papas songs.

Nowadays, Charlie likes to play golf a couple oftimes a week during the season. “I’m not a good golfer,but I enjoy the exercise and the social. I’m a 6 a.m.golfer. You won’t see me out there at two in theafternoon,” he added.

Charlie has served as a Simcoe and Norfolk CountyCouncillor for 34 years.

Thank you from the V&DF for your years of service,Charlie, and the respectful and gentlemanly way youconducted your campaign!

Dennis Travale consideringnew opportunities

nDennis Travale served as Mayor of Norfolk Countyfor 8 years, from 2006 to 2014. He feels his legacy asmayor will be one of responsible leadership.

A former member of the RCAF, Dennis wasdecorated three times by Canada for military andcommunity service. He has been a member of theRoyal Canadian Legion for more than 25 years.

After leaving the military, he was employed by theFederal government, as an executive in numerous keydepartments. He co-authored the first comprehensivegovernment security policy.

He is a successful, private local business owner andmanagement/security consultant.

As a Community volunteer, he served on the Townof Simcoe’s Economic Development AdvisoryCommittee, the Simcoe & District Chamber ofCommerce; the Haldimand-Norfolk HousingCorporation and Kinvilla Housing Corporation.

He has also served on the Norfolk General HospitalBoard of Directors; Norfolk Police Services Board; LongPoint Region Conservation Authority; Norfolk Power;the Sand Plains Community Development Fund; andthe South Central Ontario Region (SCOR).

As a member of the Simcoe Kinsmen Club, Denniswas instrumental in the building of the Dave RussellMemorial Play Park and the accessible KinsmenSplash Pad.

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Dennis Travale Leaves Politics; Rob Blake in Hall of Fame

spend his final two seasons with the Sharks and wenton to wear the ‘C’ there, too. Rob Blake alsoparticipated in significant international action. He wasa member of Team Canada in three consecutive WinterOlympics (1998, 2002 and 2006), winning Olympicgold in 2002 and earning top defenceman honours in1998. He represented Canada at the WorldChampionship on five occasions, taking home the goldmedal in 1994 and 1997, and silver in 1991. He alsoadded a silver medal at the World Cup tournament of1996.

By virtue of winning the Stanley Cup championshipand gold medals at the World Championship andOlympic Winter Games, Rob Blake became theeleventh member of the prestigious Triple Gold Club.

On June 18, 2010, Rob Blake announced hisretirement. Through nineteen NHL seasons, Robplayed 1,270 regular season contests, scoring 240goals and 537 assists for 777 points, adding 1,679penalty minutes. In 146 playoff games, he added 26goals and 47 assists for 73 points. He also served 166minutes in penalties.

Kings To Retire Rob Blake’sNo. 4 Jersey-adapted from an article in the Official Site of the Los Angeles Kings

Former Los Angeles Kings captain/defenceman andcurrent club executive Rob Blake will have his No. 4jersey retired by the Kings as part of a special pregameceremony at STAPLES Center on Saturday, January17, prior to the Kings-Ducks game, the clubannounced.

Rob – who was also inducted into the Hockey Hallof Fame in November – will become the sixth Kingsplayer to be so honoured by the organization, joiningLuc Robitaille (#20 in 2007), Wayne Gretzky (#99 in2002), Dave Taylor (#18 in 1995), Marcel Dionne (#16in 1990) and Rogie Vachon (#30 in 1985).

Rob’s white jersey from the “silver and black era”will hang from the STAPLES Center rafters.

“It is an honor to be included with the former greatLA King players who have their Jersey’s retired.  I havealways felt LA was a special place to play and it wasand is a tremendous privilege to put on an LA Kingsjersey,” said Rob.

Rob is the all-time leader in games played, goals,assists and points by a Kings defenceman.  He played14 of his 20 NHL seasons with the Kings (1990-01 and2006-08).  He served as the Kings captain from1996-01 and again from 2007-08 (six total seasons). He helped lead the Kings to the Stanley Cup Final in1993; won the franchise’s first Norris Trophy in 1998;captured a gold medal at the 2002 Olympics; andmade seven trips to the NHL All-Star Game, includingfour representing the Kings.

Rob was originally selected by the Kings in thefourth round (70th overall) of the 1988 NHL EntryDraft.  A native of Simcoe, Ontario, Blake played

Entry Draft. Rob playedthree seasons withBowling Green, earningCCHA and NCAA WestFirst All-Star Teamhonours in 1990 as wellas the award for BestOffensive Defencemanin the CCHA.

Rob played in threeOlympic Winter Gamesfor Canada, where hewas named BestDefenceman in 1998and won gold in 2002.

He turnedprofessional with theKings late in the1989-90 season, joiningan L.A. team thatfeatured WayneGretzky. An offensive

defenceman who was equally adept in his own end,Rob cherished the opportunity to join the rush whenGretzky had the puck, and in his first year he had 12goals and 46 points from the back end. In his rookieseason in 1990-91, Rob was named to the NHL’sAll-Rookie Team.

In his third season (1992-93), Rob played a key rolein helping lead Los Angeles to the Stanley Cup final,although they were defeated by the MontrealCanadiens. The following season, he enjoyed acareer-best 48 assists and 68 points. In 1995-96, Robsuffered an injury that restricted him to but six games.That same season, team captain Wayne Gretzky wastraded to the St. Louis Blues, and Rob Blake wasnamed captain; the Kings’ eleventh in franchisehistory. Rob served as captain from 1996-97 to2000-01. In 1997-98, he was awarded the NorrisTrophy as the NHL’s top defenceman. After elevenseasons in L.A., the Kings traded Rob to the ColoradoAvalanche in February 2001.

Rob was a member of Stanley Cup championshipteam with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001. In his firstseason in Colorado, Rob helped lead the Avalanche tothe Stanley Cup championship; the first in teamhistory. In 23 post-season games, Rob recorded animpressive 19 points, while providing a stable andphysical defensive presence.

Rob appeared in the NHL All-Star game on sevenoccasions: 1994, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and2004.

His stay in Colorado lasted four seasons. Duringthe summer of 2006, he re-joined the Los AngelesKings as a free agent. He was once again namedcaptain prior to the start of the 2007-08 season. Hissecond tenure in Los Angeles would be short-lived,however. In summer of 2008, once again a free agent,Rob signed on to join the San Jose Sharks. Rob would

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Rob Blake’s Jersey to be Retired by L.A. Kings

Defenceman Award (1990-91, 1991-92, 1992-93,1993-94, 1997-98 and 1999-00)

• Winner of the Most Popular Player Award(1997-98)

• Winner of the Most Inspirational “Ace BaileyMemorial Award” (1997-98)

• Three-time winner of the Kings CommunityService Award (1995-96, 1998-99 and 1900-00)

• Named to NHL All-Rookie Team in 1991 • Norris Trophy Winner in 1998 • Named to NHL First All-Star Team in 1998 • Named to NHL Second All-Star Team in 2000 and

2001 (2002 with Colorado) • Four-time NHL All-Star with the Kings (seven

total)KINGS PLAYOFFS ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• 6th all-time in games played among defencemen(57)

• 4th all-time among defencemen in goals (8) • T-4th all-time among defencemen in assists (16) • 4th all-time among defencemen in points (24) • 3rd all-time among defencemen in penalty

minutes (98) • T-3rd all-time among defencemen in power play

goals (3) • One of only two Kings defencemen to score a

short-handed goal • Member of the 1993 Kings team that reached the

Stanley Cup FinalADDITIONAL NHL REGULAR SEASONACCOMPLISHMENTS

• 21st all-time among defencemen in games played(1,270)

• 11th all-time among defencemen in goals (240) • 24th all-time among defencemen in assists (537) • 19th all-time among defencemen in points (777) • 3rd all-time among defencemen in power play

goals (136) • 6th all-time among defencemen in game-winning

goals (41) • 4th all-time among defencemen in shots (3,896)

college hockey at Bowling Green State University.  Hemade his NHL debut with the Kings during the1989-90 season, and his final game came in the 2010postseason with the San Jose Sharks.

Rob Blake’s NHL career included stints with theSharks (2008-10) and the Colorado Avalanche(2001-06), where he won a Stanley Cup in 2001.  Herecorded 777 points (240-537=777) in 1,270 regularseason games while in 146 playoff games, heregistered 73 points (26-47=73). 

Rob, currently serving as Vice President/AssistantGeneral Manager for the 2014 Stanley Cup ChampionKings, will join players Peter Forsberg, Dominik Hasekand Mike Modano as part of the 2014 Hockey Hall ofFame selection class with induction ceremonies set forNovember 17 in Toronto.  Also selected as newmembers of the Hall of Fame were Pat Burns in theBuilder Category; and Bill McCreary in the Referee andLinesman Category. 

Below is a comprehensive look at Blake’s playingcareer.KINGS REGULAR SEASON ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• 1st all-time among defencemen in games played(805), 4th overall

• 1st all-time among defencemen in goals (161),13th overall

• 1st all-time among defencemen in assists (333),8th overall

• 1st all-time among defencemen in points (494),8th overall

• 1st all-time among defencemen in power playgoals (92), 5th overall

• 1st all-time among defencemen in game-winninggoals (29), 4th overall

• 1st all-time among defencemen in shots (2,468),3rd overall

• 3rd all-time among defencemen in penaltyminutes (1,231), 4th overall

• Led all defencemen in scoring six times (1992-93,1993-94, 1996-97, 1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-00)

• Recorded 12 power-play goals in 1999-00, themost-ever scored in one season by a defenceman

• Recorded six game-winning goals in 1993-94, themost-ever scored in one season by a defenceman

• Attempted 327 shots on goal in 1999-00, themost-ever attempted in one season by a defenceman

• His 23 goals in 1997-98 rank 2nd all-time amongdefencemen

• His 68 points (20-48=68) in 1993-94 rank 3rdall-time among defencemen

• Scored a career-high five points (3-2=5) andnotched his only career hat trick vs. the New YorkRangers on December 14, 2000

• Served as the Kings captain from 1996-01 andagain from 2007-08 (six seasons)

• Two-time winner of the Kings Most ValuablePlayer “Bill Libby Memorial Award” (1997-98 and1999-00)

• Six-time winner of the Kings Outstanding-11-

Rob Blake’s NHL Legacy

have lost their hair because of a medical condition.The organization says that receiving a wig helps

young cancer patients restore their self-esteem andconfidence, which helps them to face the world andtheir peers.

That makes the whole experience worth it to Keely,a 12-year-old Grade 8 student.

“I was already going to cut my hair, and whenTierney said she’d cut hers, I thought it would be a funthing to do with her,” Keely said.

“It’s great to be able to help out.”Keely, who had her last haircut three years ago,

donated 10 inches, while her younger sister donated16.

Though Melanie was almost as nervous as heryoungest child about Tierney chopping her long locks,the tears in her eyes also beamed with pride.

“She’s so attached to her hair,” Melanie said. “Wecouldn’t be happier that they’re doing it.”

With the Walsh sisters giving their hair to Locks ofLove, their school also got involved, making themonumental haircuts part of Walsh Public’s Terry FoxDay, which also included teachers taking the ALS icebucket challenge and another teacher joining thesisters in getting her hair cut.

Bill Walsh is happy that the community has jumpedon board in support of his daughters.

“So far we’ve got donations from the Vittoria firedepartment, as well as some people from work and thecommunity,” he said.

The family hoped to raise $400 or $500, but at lastcount some $800 in donations had come in.

“It’s great be able to send along that money with thehair,” Bill said.

“We’re really proud of them. It’s great that ourcommunity has really stepped up and helped donate.”

16-year-old Superhero Annaleise CarrWhy Annaleise swims for Camp Trillium

By Annaleise Carr / www.annaleisecarr.comIn 2011, I visited Camp Trillium’s Rainbow Lake

with  the North Shore Runners and Swimmers.It was a day that changed my life.Camp Trillium is a camp near Waterford for

children with cancer and their families.Within the first few minutes of my tour I knew I

wanted to help out at this special camp but at13-years-old I was told I was too young to volunteer. Ineeded to be 18.

Later that summer I participated in a 10km swimwith the North Shore Runners and Swimmers thatraised $15,000 for the camp but my mind was onsomething bigger.

In August 2012, I became the youngest person toswim across Lake Ontario, following the traditionalMarilyn Bell Route from Niagara-on-the-Lake toToronto.

ADDITIONAL NHL PLAYOFF ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Stanley Cup Champion with Colorado in 2001 • T-13th all-time among defencemen in goals (26) • 25th all-time among defencemen in points (73)

INTERNATIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Represented Canada at three Winter Olympic

Games: 1998 (named top defenceman of tournament),2002 (gold medal) and 2006

• Represented Canada at the World Championshipsfive times: 1991 (silver medal), 1994 (gold medal),1997 (gold medal, named best defencemen oftournament), 1998 and 1999

• Represented Canada at the World Cup of Hockeyin 1996 and 2004 (DNP due to injury)

 Rob, as of January 17, will also officially become amember of the Kings Hall of Fame.

Walsh sisters donate their hairto Locks of Love- adapted from an article by Darryl Smart in the Norfolk News

You can’t blame Tierney Walsh for having somemixed emotions about getting her long blonde hair cutlast fall.

“I’m a little nervous,” the five-year-old Grade 1Walsh Public School student said. “I thought it wouldbe nice to help someone. I think a girl sitting besideme without hair would look good with my hair.”

When asked about her hair, Tierney’s bright eyessuddenly filled with tears, because she’s doingsomething she’s never done before.

“This is her first haircut,” said mother Melanie.“We’re really proud of her.”

And for good reason.On September 25 at Walsh Public school, Tierney

and her older sister Keely donated a total of 26 inchesof their hair to Locks of Love, a non-profit organizationthat uses donated hair to make wigs for children who

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Locks of Love; and Superhero at Sweet Sixteen

Sisters Tierney and Keely Walsh donated a combined 26inches of hair to Locks of Love, which makes wigs

for young cancer patients.

record to be the youngest swimmer to swimcontinuously in open water for more than 24 hours (24Hour Club). Annaleise’s swim fromNiagara-On-The-Lake to Toronto’s Marilyn Bell Parkwhen calculated through GPS showed she swam closeto 70 km due to being pushed off course due tocurrents and waves of approximately 6 feet highpushing back toward Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Swim across Lake Erie, Part One – 2014Annaleise further challenged herself along with her

admiration and love of the kids at Camp Trillium; shedecided once again to raise funds for Camp Trillium(Cancer Camp for Children and their families). Shealong with her Team and supportive parents andsiblings prepared the logistics for the first person tocross central Lake Erie, departing from Erie, PA to PortDover, Ontario a swimming distance of approximately75 km. Annaleise tirelessly dedicated her spare time inthe months leading up to her swim promoting herswim and her book (see below) at various venues shewas invited to as a guest.

On July 25, 2014 Annaleise departed Erie, PA withher water crew swimming towards her destination,Port Dover, Ontario. At approximately 5:30 am due tohigh winds, waves and strong Lake Erie currentscoming off Long Point, Annaleise touched ground onthe tip of Long Point making it her second successfullake crossing. She had swam 221/2 hours and adistance of 42.2 km.

Annaleise was determined to complete her initialgoal to swim to Port, Dover Ontario and sticking to hermotto “NEVER GIVE UP” she continued her remainingswim on September 1, 2014 from where she left off atLong Point to Port Dover, a distance of 30 km and atime of 12 hour 12 minutes. She was welcomed andcheered by the thousands that attended along with themedia that was covering her story.

During her swims across Lake Erie, Annaleiseraised approximately $230,000 for Camp Trillium; hercombined total of her two swims is just under half amillion dollars and growing; as she voluntarily attendsmany functions, engagements and requests to attendvarious venues as a special guest.

Annaleise Carr’s Traverse Across Lake Erie,Part Two – 2014- adapted from an article Courtesy of WOWSA (World Open WaterSwimming Association), Huntington Beach, California.

Annaleise Carr started July 25th on her attempted75 km Lake Erie swim from the American shores atErie’s Presquile Point in the state of Pennsylvania.

Eventually, she cut her unprecedented swim short,finishing the first 42.2 km around midnight at LongPoint in Ontario, Canada 22 hours 20 minutes later.But her swim was not over. The audacious Canadianteenager wanted to swim across Lake Erie as shealways intended. So on August 31st, she set off on thesecond half of her swim.

I was 14-years-old. My goal was to raise $30,000 forCamp Trillium but we ended up raising more than$250,000. I was blown away by the support. I didn’teven think I would reach my original goal. I’m16-years-old now but still too young to volunteer atCamp Trillium. That is why I am swimming acrossLake Erie, from Erie, Pennsylvania to the beach in PortDover – right here in my home county of Norfolk.

The children at Camp Trillium go through so muchduring their battle with cancer – they are myinspiration in the water. They are what keep my legskicking even through painful cramps and push me totake the next stroke.

When they are sick they struggle every day – all Ihave to do is get to the other side.

I’ve been working really hard to prepare for myswim with my crew. They are awesome. We have somereally experienced Lake Erie boaters and some greatpacers. We’ve been training everyday, sometimes twicea day. There are also a ton of people helping toorganize everything else.

I hope I can raise a lot of money for Camp Trilliumagain to help make a difference in those children’slives.

I want to thank everyone who has supported mealong the way. There are too many people to list butyou’ve all made a difference and I am extremelygrateful.

Swim across Lake Ontario – 2012- this and the following four short articles are adapted frominformation on the Wikipedia website

Annaleise Carr of Walsh became the youngestperson to swim across Lake Ontario on Sunday,August 19 2012 at the age of 14. Marilyn Bell hadbeen the first swimmer to do it in 1954, when she was16.

Annaleise had to qualify for this swim which wasoverseen by the regulated body and supervision of SoloSwims of Ontario. After qualifying and filing the 70pages of paperwork a date was set for August 18,2012. With her coach Lisa Anderson, her parents,grandparents, great-grandparents and crew she setout with a huge flurry of media watching her leave aswell as being on the water with her.

Annaleise began her swim fromNiagara-on-the-Lake at 6:17:10 pm. She arrived atMarilyn Bell Park in Toronto after swimming for almost27 hours, touching land at 8:58 pm on August 19.During her attempt, spectators received updates vialive blogs, Twitter, and GPS live tracking.

One of Annaleise’s goals was to raise $30,000 for asummer camp for children with cancer. During herswim Annaleise’s fundraising increased to $60,000,$80,000 and after the swim to over $100,000. To dateAnnaleise has raised over $250,000 for the Childrenand families at Camp Trillium. At the time of her swimAnnaleise was the youngest person to cross LakeOntario at 14 years 158 days and set an international

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Superhero at Sweet Sixteen – Annaleise Carr

Over that second half of the crossing, her coachPaula Jongerden followed her closely as Great LakesCrossing Organization Swim Masters Rob Kent andMiguel Vadillo documented what happened in anObserver’s log.

As midnight approached, the ambiance on LongPoint was excited. Carr had a 30 km traverse tocomplete her Radical Crossing 2.0 as the swim wasdubbed.

Like the previous first section of her swim, thewater temperature held steady at a comfortable 23ºC(73ºF). Annaleise was geared and greased up to goafter a pre-race dinner of pasta and chicken. She shotoff from the shore at 70 strokes per minute andincreased her stroke rate to 73 over the first 90minutes.

At 1:30 am, she briefly stopped for water, 200 mlwater, 2 bites of pancakes, and green yogurt mix in the1-foot swells at night. At her next few feeding stops,she had grape juice, some greek yogurt, strawberriesand a pancake. At 2:30 am, she tried a chocolateprotein mix that she said “tasted gross” with 2watermelon slices. By 3 am, the water temperaturedropped slightly to 21.6ºC as she munched on a halfmuffin, 2 ounces of iced tea, and a peanut butter andNutella sandwich. “She looked good and was goodspirit, swimming along at 67 strokes per minute,”recalls Rob Kent.

Nearly 4 hours into the swim, Annaleise drank 210ml of iced tea and was back up to her starting pace of70 strokes per minute. On the next stop, she downed apeanut butter and Nutella sandwich, 2 strawberriesand 150 ml of iced tea. She only briefly stopped for adrink of Boost, a small drink of ice tea withstrawberries, and 180 ml of fruit punch on the next 3stops as she was feeling good.

At 6:30 am, she asked for strawberries and went onher way after completing 18 km in 7 hours. Her paceover the 18th kilometer was 25:50 as she chuggedalong at 64 strokes per minute. When she felt an upsetstomach coming along, she had an urge to vomit. But

it was not terrible as one of her pace swimmersjumped in to swim alongside her.

She swam through the sunrise as her stomachimproved and was able to consume 40 ml of iced tea,yogurt and a strawberry as her pace swimmersrotated. By 7:30 am, she drank 70 ml of iced tea andjoked, “Maybe I should slow down so my mom will letme miss the first day of school?”

At 8:00 am, things were back to normal asAnnaleise was laughing and joking with her supportcrew and was able to down 100 ml of iced tea, Greekyogurt, a strawberry, a blueberry, and a Skor bar.Over the next 3 scheduled feedings, she stopped for 50ml of iced tea, 200 ml of Boost, and 150 ml of iced teaas her spirits remained positive.

She reverted to a taste of fruit - a raspberry - on hernext stop along with 100 ml of iced tea. With 2kilometers left, she saw the shoreline and wasconfident that the swim would be seen to completion.She celebrated a bit with some cherry candy withchocolate.

“After Annaleise’s first Lake Erie swim and herprevious Lake Ontario Crossing, she has become avery strong marathon swimmer,” commented Kent.“Her physical endurance is exceptional, as is hermental stamina and attitude. She is able to staypositive for extended periods of time and she finishedin Port Dover in Ontario after 12 hours 12 minutes.”

Annaleise Carr completes Radical Crossing 2.0- adapted from an article by Katie Starr in the Norfolk News

Norfolk’s own hometown hero Annaleise Carrfinished her 30-kilometer swim from Long Point to PortDover in 12 hours, 12 minutes. She landed on thebeach around noon September 1, completing the finalleg of her second Great Lake crossing and raising over$193,000 for Camp Trillium.

The sun peeked out from behind the clouds just asAnnaleise Carr stepped out of the water and onto theWalker Street beach after a 30 kilometre swim fromLong Point to Port Dover September 1.

Carr successfully completed the crossing in 12hours and 12 minutes, finishing around noon onMonday, swim master and Lake Ontario CrossingOrganization official Rob Kent announced as the16-year-old made land to cheers and applause for ahometown hero from the gathered crowd of supporters.

“This means more than you can ever know,”Annaleise said after being wrapped in blankets by EMSpersonnel and escorted to a podium on the beach. “I’dlike to thank everyone for all your support the lastcouple of years. I’m feeling really good right now, Iguess.”

The swim marks the final leg of Carr’s RadicalCrossing 2.0, her second Great Lake crossing to raisemoney for Camp Trillium, a Waterford-area camp forchildren with cancer.

In July, Annaleise swam 42 kilometers across LakeErie from Erie, Pennsylvania to Long Point. Rough

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Superhero at Sweet Sixteen – Annaleise Carr

Photo by Mark Ghesquiere.

Tower in Ottawa Monday would be sent to Annaleise.To date, Annaleise has raised over $193,000 for

Camp Trillium with this summer’s two marathonswims.

 Annaleise the Author

Leading up to her Lake Erie swim Annaleise waspromoting her book she jointly authored with famedCanadian author Deborah Ellis “Annaleise Carr: How IConquered Lake Ontario to Help Kids Battling Cancer”.The book was written to reflect on her growing up as aswimmer and her swim across Lake Ontario; thestruggles and challenges she faced crossing LakeOntario compared to the struggles and challenges ayoung Cancer patient faces but on a longer term. Itreflects Annaleise’s love for the kids at Camp Trilliumand knowing the daily long term challenges they andtheir families face.

Awards and Accolades• World Open Water Swimming Association

(WOWSA) Woman of the year in 2012.• Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal,

presented by Canadian Prime Minister StephenHarper

• Ontario Lieutenant Governor’s CommunityVolunteer Pin

• 2012 Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year• 2012 Canadian Sport Awards Spirit of Sport Story

of the Year• 2012 Inductee into the Norfolk County Sports Hall

of Recognition• 2012 TVO Kids “Super Citizen” Award• #10 on CTV Kitchener Top 10 Stories of 2012• In the 20 of 2012 on CHCH TV• Finalist for Global Marathon Swimming Awards

2012 Solo Swim of the Year (Female)• Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce

Community Service Award• Rotary International Paul Harris Fellowship• Lions International Melvin Jones Fellowship• 2013 Independent Order of Foresters International

Fraternal President’s Award• 2013 Honourary Commissioner of the Inaugural

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Team UpChallenge

• 2014 Haldimand/Norfolk Soroptimist “VioletRichardson Award” winner

• Named a member of Ripley’s Aquarium Canada“Marine Teen” Youth Advisory Council

• 2014 Dr. Brian Luke Spirit of Trillium Award• Presented the Peace Tower Canadian Flag from

September 1, 2014 by Minister Diane Finley MP onbehalf of PM Stephen Harper

water conditions and inadequate nutrition forced theWalsh native to end the swim at Long Point, 33kilometers short of her goal to finish in Port Dover.

This time around, the swim couldn’t have gonebetter, said Kent. As governing body LOCO’s official, itwould be Kent’s call to end the swim if weatherconditions or Annaleise’s health took a turn for theworse.

“It was the best case scenario – it was entirelyuneventful, which is the best you could hope for,” hesaid. “She’s finishing with big smiles.”

That still doesn’t mean the swim was easy, Kentadded.

“It’s still ugly hard work going all night and thatwas her low point,” he said. “When dawn came and wecould put a pacer in there with her, her mood pickedup and there were lots of giggles and smiles.”

Annaleise struggled with some stomach issues but“just kept plugging along,” Kent said.

Dr. Mark Ghesquiere is a Simcoe physician and avolunteer on the water crew. He said the conditionsout on the lake were markedly different fromAnnaleise’s previous crossing.

“There were south-westerly winds about 10 knots,the water was warm, it was just ideal all around,” hesaid.

With a water temperature of 75 degrees, there wasno need to do an internal body temperature check onAnnaleise, Ghesquiere added.

“If anything, she’ll be complaining the water was toowarm,” he said.

Along with Annaleise’s family physician, Ghesquieremonitored the teen’s progress throughout the night,watching for warning signs including a slowing strokerate and loss of cerebral function.

“There was nothing to be concerned about,” he said.“Annaleise put her nose down and kept a positiveattitude. When she found out she was actuallytwo-thirds of the way done instead of halfway like shethought, that really gave her an added boost.”

Another boost came from hearing about the crowdof volunteers and supporters waiting for Annaleise onthe beach. Norfolk musician Duane Rutter continuedhis guitar-a-thon throughout the night, taking a breakto tell listeners that Annaleise had changed his life.

“Take her message with you this weekend andbeyond – never give up. It’s a hell of a way to live,” hesaid.

That message of perseverance was echoed byHaldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett in a shortspeech to Annaleise after she arrived on the beach.

“To quote Winston Churchill, never, never, nevergive up,” Toby said. “Annaleise, you never cease toamaze.”

Also on hand to offer congratulations to Annaleisewere Mayor Dennis Travale and MP Diane Finley, whobrought a message from Prime Minister StephenHarper calling the teen an inspiration to Canadians.

Finley added that the flag flying from the Peace-15-

Superhero at Sweet Sixteen – Annaleise Carr

If you want your wife to listen and to payundivided attention to every word you say, all you

need to do is talk in your sleep.

Fundraising at Eising’s Garden Centre for Camp Trillium aspart of Annaleise’s Radical Crossing 2.0 campaign

May 10, 2014 – WoodstockAppearing at Steele Health & Wellness Open House

May 10, 2014 – SimcoeGuest of the United Alumni Senior Drum & Bugle Corps &Fundraising at “And the Bands Played On 10”

May 13, 2014 – VittoriaKeynote speaker for Ontario Provincial Volunteer ServiceAward Ceremony

May 14, 2014 – EtobicokeSpeaking to the Weston Lions Club

May 17, 2014 – TorontoBook Signing at Indigo Chapters, Bay & Bloor (noon-4pm)

May 23, 2014 – BloomsburgSpeaking to the Grade 3 class at Bloomsburg Public School

May 24, 2014 – SimcoePartnering with SWKKF to fundraise for Camp Trillium duringthe National Master Shintani Memorial Clinic andTournament!

May 24, 2014 – WaterfordFundraising for Camp Trillium with Halnor Equipment at theirOpen House & BBQ 9am-4pm

May 31, 2014 – TorontoBook Signing at Indigo/Chapters in the Eaton Centre (1:00-5:00pm)

June 5, 2014 – BurfordGuest Speaker at 16th Annual McKeough Supply CharityGolf Tournament in support of Camp Trillium

June 8, 2014 – ParisSpeaking at Bethel Stone Church

June 13, 2014 – Port DoverFundraising at Port Dover’s Friday the 13th

June 14, 2014 – AncasterBook Signing at Ancaster Chapters (11am-3pm)

June 18-23, 2014 – Grand Forks, NDGuest Speaker & Participant in the Extreme North DakotaWatersport Endurance Test (END-WET)

June 23, 2014 – Port DoverMeeting with the Port Dover businesses for breakfast

June 25, 2014 – WaterlooSpeaking at Cedarbrae Public School

June 25, 2014 – HamiltonGuest Speaker at the Youth Grad Dinner for City Kidz

July 1, 2014 – Port DoverPart of Canada Day Boat Parade and Street ParadeCelebrations

July 3, 2014 – WaterfordSwimming across Camp Trillium’s Rainbow Lake with thekids and families of the camp

July 9, 2014 – BurlingtonGuest on 100 Huntley St. TV show

July 19, 2014 – BostonCleaning “Cars for Carr” fundraiser with Boston Car Cleaning

July 25-26, 2014 – Erie Pa to Port DoverAttempting 75KM distance record swim crossing of Lake Eriein support of Camp Trillium

Some commitments in one year in the life ofthis 16-year-old - adapted from the website www.annaleisecarr.com

March 18, 2014 – SimcoeRelease of Annaleise’s first book along with award winningauthor Deborah Ellis

March 29, 2014 – SimcoeLaunch & book signing of Annaleise’s book at Norfolk PublicLibrary, as well as launching “Teen’s Write for Fun!”(1:00-3:00pm)

April 4, 2014 – HamiltonGuest on CHCH Morning Live at 8:20am

April 5, 2014 – Port DoverSigning Books at the Norfolk Author’s Book Fair ~ NorfolkCounty Public Library Port Dover Branch ~ 1-3pm

April 8, 2014 – SimcoeGuest speaker at the ProBus Club

April 6, 2014 – SimcoePresenting at United Alumni Seniors Drum & Bugle Corpsmeeting

April 12, 2014 – SimcoeBook signing at the Gospel Lighthouse Book Store (1-3pm)

April 17, 2014Guest of Wei Chen on CBC Radio One Morning Show 7:20am

April 17, 2014 – LondonGuest of Chris, Kim, & Dave on the 103.1 FreshFM MorningShow 8:40am

April 18, 2014 – TorontoGuest of the Toronto Rock Lacrosse Team’s final regularseason game to promote Annaleise’s Radical Crossing 2.0 &Camp Trillium

April 19, 2014 – LondonBook signing at Chapters South London (noon – 3:00 PM)

April 23, 2014 – Port DoverBook signing & Guest speaker at Port Dover Sail & PowerSquadron AGM

April 26, 2014 – OakvilleKeynote speaker for Halton Youth In Action Conference

April 26, 2014 – AncasterKeynote Speaker at Rotary SLAPSHOT Youth LeadershipConference 2014

April 26, 2014 – VittoriaAppearing at the Vittoria Firefighter Assoc. Annual SteakBBQ Dinner & Dance

April 27, 2014 – WaterfordPancake Breakfast with Annaleise Carr as part ofher “Radical Crossing” campaign in support of CampTrillium, Rainbow Lake

April 29, 2014 – TorontoVIP Guest at “Count Me In Canada”

April 30, 2014 – Port DoverSpeaking at HNDCSB Camino

May 1, 2014 – Port DoverSpeaking at the Mellow Yellow Port Dover Lioness luncheon

May 5, 2014 – BrantfordSpeaking & doing a book reading at Jean Vanier School

May 10, 2014 – Renton-16-

The Busy Life of a Teen-aged Superhero

August 2, 2014 – Norfolk County“Annaleise Carr Day” in Norfolk County, Meet & Greet atLynn River Music & Arts Festival

August 8, 2014 – South CayugaSpeaking at South Cayuga Community Church VacationBible School

August 10, 2014 – DunnvilleSpeaking at Camp Stella Puella

August 13, 2014 – TillsonburgSpeaking at Harvest Retirement Suites

August 15, 2014 – CourtlandSpeaking at Grace Family Bible Fellowship Vacation BibleSchool

August 16, 2014 – BrantfordGuest Speaker at the Midwestern Ontario District OptimistInternational Fellowship Breakfast

August 16, 2014 – GuelphBook signing as a part of the “Inspirational Kids” event at theGuelph Chapters

August 17, 2014 – TorontoVIP guest swimmer at Toronto Island Lake Swim

August 23, 2014 – SimcoeGuest at the Reunion of Champions

August 24, 2014 – St. WilliamsGuest at St. Williams Ladies Jamboree

August 29, 2014 – Port RowanGuest at the opening ceremonies of Bayfest

August 30, 2014 – Port RowanBook signing at the Lighthouse on Bay St. during Bayfest

August 31, 2014 – Long Point to Port DoverRadical Crossing 2.5 “…and NEVER give up!” from LongPoint to Port Dover

September 3, 2014 – WalsinghamSpeaking at the Walsingham Women’s Institute

September 6, 2014 – Buttermilk FallsHeadlining & participating in the Second Annual VarietyVillage Open Water Swim

September 12, 2014 – Norfolk CountyFirst Annual “Annaleise Carr Camp Trillium Charity GolfClassic” @ Woodside Greens Golf Club

September 14, 2014 – Norfolk CountySwimming 25 KM with Josh Reid from Pottahawk Point toPort Dover in Support of Keira

September 20, 2014 – CaledonCompeting in the KLEAN ATHLETE CALEDON QUARRYYEAR END OPEN WATER SWIM & BBQ 4 km race (finalCanadian Open Water Swim Series race of the year)

September 21, 2014 – TorontoBook signing at “Word on the Street 2014? at 3:30pm

September 24, 2014 – Norfolk CountySpeaking at the National Conference for Municipal ServiceDelivery Officials (MSDO)

September 25, 2014 – SimcoeSpeaking to Emmanuel Bible Church Seniors Group

September 28-29, 2014 – WalshRaising funds at Donnybrook Fair

October 4, 2014 – SimcoeAttending book signing of local authors at The Book Factory

October 6, 2014 – TorontoAppearing on French language TV show “Flip” on channelTFO

October 9, 2014 – HagersvilleMeet & Greet & Book Signing at West Haldimand Hospital

October 10, 2014 – BurlingtonSpeaking at Fall Fit Mighty Girls Camp

October 11, 2014 – SimcoeBook signing & meet & greet at the Simcoe Reformer boothat the Norfolk County Fair 2-4pm

October 11, 2014 – SimcoeBeing presented with the Peace Tower Canadian Flag fromPM Stephen Harper by the Hon. Diane Finley MP at theNorfolk County Fair

October 12, 2014 – SimcoeBook signing & meet & greet at the RE7 booth at the NorfolkCounty Fair

October 18, 2014 – Norfolk CountyCycling 60km from Long Point to Camp Trillium RainbowLake with members of the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride

October 18, 2014 – WaterfordRiding on the Camp Trillium float at Pumpkinfest

October 18, 2014 – TillsonburgSpeaking at Youth For Christ Banquet

October 19, 2014 – EdenSpeaking at Eden Baptist Church

October 20, 2014 – LangtonSpeaking at Langton Lions Club

October 22, 2014 – MississaugaTeacher-Librarian/Authors’ Booking Service meet and greet

November 2, 2014 – VittoriaThe Bickle Brunch for the Lady of the Lakes in support ofCamp Trillium

November 5, 2014 – HamiltonSpeaking at the Global Action & Development Conference atHillfield Strathallan College

November 6, 2014 – BrantfordSpeaking at Woodview Mental Health & Autism Centre

November 13, 2014 – WatfordSpeaking at Watford Optimists Camp Trillium Banquet

November 14, 2014 – TorontoBook signing at the Toronto International Book Fair at theToronto Convention Centre

November 18, 2014 – RentonSpeaking at Ontario Mutual Insurance Association GeneralMeeting

November 26, 2014 – WaterfordSpeaking at the Lions Zone Advisory Meeting

December 7, 2014 – VittoriaSpeaking at Woodhouse United Church

December 7, 2014 – Port DoverSpeaking at Grace United Church

February 11, 2015 – GoshenSpeaking at Goshen Baptist Church Seniors meeting

WOW!-17-

Superhero at Sweet Sixteen – Annaleise Carr

Hundreds of thousands of Canadians havecelebrated the accomplishments of Walsh-areateenager Annaleise Carr over the past two years. Herstrength, determination, endurance, dedication andsacrifice have indeed made her a superhero. Manystories and articles have been written and broadcastabout her accomplishments and exploits. In thepreceding summary, we have tried to report some ofthe less-heralded background stories.

Along with her successes conquering Lakes Ontarioand Erie, and co-authoring a book, it must besomewhat overwhelming to fit in numerous publicappearances, while maintaining her swim trainingsessions and her status as a grade 11 student. Onewould hope that her handlers and managers would tryto minimize the external pressures, to allow Annaleisethe opportunity to enjoy some of the benefits of being anormal teenaged girl.

The Vittoria & District Foundation extends oursincere congratulations to Annaleise for all she hasattained.

Norfolk’s migrant workersforge bonds with their bosses,and each other-adapted from an article by J.P. Antonacci in the Norfolk News

There are moments when at home in Jamaica thatPryier Watson finds himself missing Carl and RondaAtkinson, at whose St. Williams farm the 42-year-oldspends seven months of the year working in theginseng fields.

It’s safe to say most of Haldimand-Norfolk’s 4,600migrant workers don’t wonder how their Canadianbosses are doing once they’ve flown home for thewinter. But the Atkinsons and their four longtimeemployees have forged a special bond.

“We’ve probably gotten to know them more than alot of farmers do,” Carl Atkinson says. “When westarted, I was out there every day working with them.So you develop a relationship.”

Watson and his co-workers are sitting on their bedsinside the simple yet comfortably adorned bunkhouse,the smell of Jamaican spices wafting over from thekitchen. It’s a day of rest at the farm, the tractorssitting idle as the men take a break from spraying andweeding crops.

The group begins to reminisce, recalling familybarbecues and birthday parties the workers havejoined in with the Atkinsons, and the time Carl, Rondaand their two sons went to Jamaica to meet theworkers’ families.

“It helps us to feel accepted, and know that ourboss is not a person who tries to separate himself fromus,” Watson says of sharing life with his Canadianemployers. “We feel good about that.”

Ronda is known to send over soups and othermeals straight from her kitchen, prompting Watson tojokingly ask Carl when he finds the time to cook. Tothis day, it’s not unusual to find the two Atkinson boysinside the bunkhouse, catching up with theirJamaican uncles.

Carl smiles. “The one thing these guys have taughtmy sons, and myself too, is the art of patience,” hesays. “They’re probably the most patient people in theworld.”

Watson says he knows someone even moreunderstanding. “I have a really patient wife,” he sayswith a laugh.

He started as a farm worker the year he gotmarried, and some of his children were born while hewas away in Canada. “It was hard for her at first, butshe learned to accept, because here is where we makeour bread,” he says.

Though he’s been here 14 years, Watson isn’t thesenior worker on the farm. Devon Taylor and DerrickGaynor have worked side by side for 26 years, helpingthe Atkinsons move from tobacco to ginseng andexpand from three acres to 15. They are used to thelife of a migrant farm worker, which involves working

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Migrant Workers from Jamaica

10-hour shifts, six days a week, with Sundays off.“But there are some guys in Jamaica who could not

do this work,” says Gaynor, 52.His fellow workers nod. The men all have jobs in

Jamaica – Taylor and Gaynor are farmers, Watson is abricklayer, and Michael Simpson is a tile setter – andwere ready to work when they enrolled in the SeasonalAgricultural Worker Program (SAWP), which bringsmore than 15,000 migrant workers to Ontario everyyear to fill seasonal vacancies.

What they had a tough time accepting was spendingthe majority of the year away from their friends andfamily.

“I’ve heard of guys coming here for the first time,and they actually cry,” says Simpson, 38.

With five seasons under his belt, he is a relativenewcomer to the Atkinson farm. “She handles it well,”he says of his wife of 10 years. “Communication is key– you’re not at home, but when you’re on the phone,it’s like you’re at home.”

Staying in touch is made easier by phone cards andlong distance plans that are vastly cheaper than theyused to be. “They’ll be working in the fields and theircell phone will ring and it’ll be their wife,” Atkinsonsays. “Twenty-five years ago, that would havehappened once a week.”

Though he misses the members of his homechurch, Simpson attends a Pentecostal church inSimcoe and has made friends with his fellow migrantworkers. “The good thing is when I come here, I’mseeing my own Jamaicans,” he says. “You meet guysfrom other parishes, and you feel much morecomfortable.”

The friends look forward to Friday night, when theyhead to downtown Simcoe to socialize.

“You meet other people, talk about their culture,

and hear what they think about my country and abouttheir country,” Watson says. “We party, too,” he addswith a grin. “They play Jamaican music and bringback the memories of being home.”

Canadian streets may be cleaner, but Gaynormisses the Jamaican attitude, where everyone stopsand chats. “We can just go to a bar and buy a beerand drink it (outside),” he says. “Not here.”

Cultural differences aside, the workers say afavourable exchange rate and high unemployment inJamaica means joining SAWP is a good movefinancially for those who can hack it.

Firstly, Watson explains, the money he wires homelets his children go to a good school. “This job alsoallows you to have a better house. You can drive acar,” he says. “It’s very important for us to come here,so you can make a better life of it.”

Atkinson says having workers he can trust toperform their duties without supervision means heisn’t tied to the farm, and can devote his energy toboosting the provincial ginseng industry as chair of theOntario Ginseng Growers Association.

His approach to farm management is built onrespect. “What I’ve tried to do over the years is givethem responsibility – make them part of the businessoperation, give them a stake in it,” he says. “I thinkthat might be lost on some growers.”

When the season draws to a close next month, Carland Ronda will continue a tradition by taking theirworkers out for dinner – a small way to thank them fortheir dedication year after year.

Atkinson knows some people are critical of themigrant worker program, but in his view the workers’presence in the community is “pretty seamless.”

“If you took the Mexican Mennonites and the foreignworkers program out of the equation, I think NorfolkCounty would look like it did back in the ‘30s, when itwas a dust bowl,” he says. “The foreign workers andNorfolk County are inseparable.”

Residents who don’t work in agriculture might notfully understand how crucial migrant workers are tofarm operations, nor acknowledge the contributionthey make to the county’s economic well-beingthrough farm labour and shopping at local stores,Atkinson says.

“But they can certainly appreciate the sacrifice.”

“Species at Risk”- adapted from an article by David Judd in the Port Dover MapleLeaf

Carmella the Barn Owl and Rocco the Bald Eaglestarred before a standing-room-only crowd at PortRyerse’s historic Memorial Church.

“Oohs” and “ahs” erupted from the younger folksamong the audience of close to 90 people.

Conservationists James Cowan, of the CanadianRaptors Conservancy, and Bernie Solymar, ofEarth-Tramper Consulting, Inc., presented informationabout species at risk - birds, animals and plants that

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Species at Risk

Ginseng farmer Carl Atkinson, second from right, hasformed a special bond with his longtime migrant workers(from left) Pryier Watson, Devon Taylor, Derrick Gaynor

and Michael Simpson.

grassland where they used to hunt mice.At the same time they’ve lost many of the wooden

barns that sheltered their nests.Modern metal barns are airtight. They keep out

owls and mice.Meanwhile, raccoons and other predators feast on

owl eggs.There’s no point breeding and releasing barn owls

until there’s enough grassland for them to hunt, Mr.Cowan said.

Eagles have made a comeback in southern Ontario.In the early 1980s, our part of the province had no

nesting pairs.Today southern Ontario has 70 eagle nests.Eagles are a symbol of the wilderness, Mr. Cowan

said.They have recovered thanks to changes in

pesticides and the removal of lead shot, which poisonseagles.

Still, today’s population is a far cry from the 19thcentury, when nests one mile apart dotted the northshore of Lake Erie.

Eagles love water to hunt fish, turtles, snakes andother creatures.

Males like Rocco, who was on display Thursday,weigh seven pounds. Their wingspans are six and halffeet wide.

Females are even bigger.Bald eagles are not endangered in Ontario. They are

considered species of concern.The Boralex company, which is developing the Port

Ryerse Wind Farm, has promised to take steps toreduce risks to eagles, especially at times when youngbirds are learning to fly.

No one knows how industrial wind turbines affectbarn owls, Mr. Cowan said. He said the issue shouldbe studied before approving wind turbines in barn owlareas.

“I am not anti wind turbine,” Mr. Cowan said. “I amanti placement of wind turbines in certain places.”

The Ministry of Natural Resources has askedBoralex to apply for a permit showing that the PortRyerse Wind Farm would make things better for barnowls.

It might be an advantage if the company commits tocreate several hundred acres of grassland andpromises to put up nesting boxes, Mr. Solymar said.

About 140 plants, animals and birds are at risk inthe Carolinian area of southern Ontario where we live.

Ontario’s Endangered Species Act classifies speciesas endangered, threatened or of special concern.

Endangered species are at imminent risk ofdisappearing from Ontario.

Threatened species are not endangered but maybecome so if steps aren’t taken to address factorsthreatening them.

Species of special concern are not endangered orthreatened but need protection and encouragement.

Endangered – American chestnut trees; Flowering

need help if they are to keep calling Ontario home.Barn owls recently made headlines after two of

them were sighted in Port Ryerse this summer, thefirst sighting in the province in about five years.

The Port Ryerse Wind Farm project to build fourindustrial wind turbines east of the village has beendelayed while the Ministry of Natural Resources triesto determine if barn owls have nested locally.

Talking about barn owls is one thing. Seeing one upclose and personal is quite another thing.

Carmella, a captive bird, was named for hercaramel colouring.

She calmly perched with needle-sharp talons on Mr.Cowan’s gloved hand.

Carmella weighs less than you might think – justone pound, three ounces.

Barn owls have extremely sensitive directionalhearing to locate the mice and other rodents they feedon.

The owls are gluttons. One family can eat up to 40or 50 mice a day.

They’re somewhat mysterious, Mr. Cowan said.They’re nocturnal and fly on silent wings.

Although barn owls are plentiful in Ohio,Pennsylvania and New York State, they are anendangered species in Ontario.

The last breeding pair was seen north of Cayuga in2007.

Barn owls in Ontario have lost nearly all of the

Barn Owls and other Endangered Species

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dogwood; Barn owls.Threatened – Eastern foxsnake; Eastern

meadowlarks; Eastern whip-poor-wills; Barn swallows.Of special concern – Monarch butterflies; Snapping

turtles; Milk snakes; Red-headed woodpeckers; Baldeagles.

Donnybrook Fair No. 157- adapted from an article by Sarah Doktor in the Simcoe Reformer

The Walsh Donnybrook Fair is a tradition that datesback 157 years.

The two-day event held this weekend has a heavyfocus on community spirit. There are arts and craftsby local residents and students. It also involves otherrural fair standards like a petting zoo, baked goods,baby contest and demolition derby.

Things get kicked off by a parade Saturday morningstarting from Walsh Public School and ending at thefairgrounds.

Justin Geiser’s two-year-old daughter, Nevaeh, rodeher mini four wheeler in this year’s parade. She wore aMinnie Mouse costume and her four wheeler wasdecked out with pink streamers and bows.

“It’s great. This is two years in a row we’ve done it.Last year we decorated a wagon for her,” he said. “It’sa lot of fun.”

The fair and the parade bring back fond memoriesfor Justin from his time at school in the small village.

“I think it’s gotten better over the years. They’veadded some more cars and trucks to the derby andthere’s some entertainment at night,” he said. “I likethe atmosphere. It’s nice running into people youhaven’t seen in a long time and seeing their kids. Itbrings back some old memories. We keep coming backevery year because we’d like to see it keep going. Themore kids that get involved the better.”

Stephanie Erdelac brought her toddler, Ryden, to

watch the parade for the first time. Her family recentlymoved to Walsh and thought they would check outwhat activities were available.

“Tomorrow (Sunday) we hope to come down too andsee the petting zoo and maybe some of the rides,” shesaid.

Marlene LaPointe of Silver Hill brought hergrandson Sam Baker, 8, of London to the fair onSaturday. The first thing the pair did was enjoy a turnon the swings midway ride.

“It was freaky but fun,” said sam, who said heenjoys the games and rides most about the fair.

Marlene has brought her grandchildren to the fairsince they were babies. In fact, Sam won the babycontest when he was a youngster.

“They have a good fair here for the area. Theartwork in (the buildings) is fantastic,” she said.

Marlene also noted it was a perfect day for the fair.“The weather’s beautiful,” she said.Fairgoers were blessed with clear, sunny skies and

temperatures around 25 degrees C.-21-

157th Donnybrook Fair

Art McCall and his granddaughter Ronin Hayward, 8, relaxedat a picnic table at the Donnybrook Fair in Walsh.

Makenna DiSabato, 18-months, and her sister AveryDiSabato, 6, of Vittoria played a game at the Donnybrook

Fair on September 27, 2014.

Llamas packing along HayCreek Trails- adapted from an article by Heather Walters in the Port DoverMaple Leaf

Members of the local 4H Packing Club met at HayCreek recently along with a dozen or so of their “furry

friends”. The club meets, with permission, atvarious conservation parks periodically to ‘school’ theirllamas and alpacas.

The youngsters generally care for and work withtheir own llama for about a year, seeing to its overallcare, grooming, diet, and training routines. Thesellamas and alpacas, which are owned by Monica Veit,of Sonny’s Llama Farm near Delhi, are trained to carrypacks and not to be ridden.

In their native Peru, they have been used forcenturies to traverse mountainous terrain, carryingheavy loads. “They can carry about 1/3 of their bodyweight” said 4H Club member Jessica Hall “and canalso pull heavily laden carts.”

Members of the Club recently attended the NorfolkCounty Fair in Simcoe entering them in competitionsthat included showmanship, obstacle and costume.

The group was in Hay Creek “packing” theiranimals along the many walking trails there. Thishelps the llamas and alpacas become accustomed tonew surroundings, and provide practice for the younghandlers.

Hay Creek a cyclist’sdestination- adapted from an article by Daniel R. Pearce in the SimcoeReformer

Once a campground, Hay Creek Conservation Areais slowly becoming a destination for mountain bikers,especially families.

The site, a wooded area north of Port Ryerse, isideal for cycling because it offer two types of trails:wide two-track pathways meant for vehicles (these areeasier to ride and are great for people starting out) andmore difficult bumpy, winding, single trails runningdeeper into the bush for cyclists looking for achallenge.

“It’s a great place to start riding,” said Matt Palermoof Port Dover, a member of the Turkey Point MountainBike Club. “It’s wide, it’s scenic, it gets you out in thewoods.”

Hay Creek also has a covered pavilion, whichprovides cover for cyclists when it rains, Matt addedduring the recent Take A Kid Mountain Biking Dayevent held at the site.

Although it was cold and raining hard, the dayattracted a handful of riders, including a mother whodrove in from Ingersoll with her two sons.

“Last year, we went to a mountain biking day inGuelph,” explained Liz Brown, who was there with hersons Calum, 11, and Lachlan, nine.

“We checked out the map, and this was the closestone to us.”

There is a growing cycling community in Ontariothat communicates online and promotes each other’strails.

Norfolk is on their radar because of its abundanceof trails. It’s common on a summer weekend to seecars driving through Simcoe with bicycle racks ontheir trunks.

The county has the Lynn Valley trail, a new

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Hay Creek a Multi-purpose Site

Grace Van Every, along with her alpaca M&M andJessica Hall with her llama Fruit Loop, were taking part

in a practice "packing trek" through Hay CreekConservation area recently. The girls are both

members of the 4H Packing Club that works year longtraining, grooming, feeding and bonding with their

'adopted' llamas or alpacas. Jessica's Suri llama has auniquely soft and silky coat that requires vigilant grooming.

Matt Palermo of Port Dover leads a group of children inmountain biking lessons at Hay Creek during a recent

Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day.

I’ve reached an age when I look just as goodstanding on my head as I do right side up.

east-west trail between Simcoe and Delhi, theelaborate and challenging trails that run throughwoods north of Turkey Point, and now Hay Creek.

Hay Creek also has a flat open green area, whichPalermo used on a recent Saturday to teach a handfulof children the basics of mountain biking — how toride slowly, how to ride around trees, how to ride as agroup — before taking them out on the trails.

“They’re really good for a five-year-old,” said EricWilliams of Port Dover, who brought his son, Miles,five, to the event. “They’re not too bumpy. Some trailsare a little more complicated. As he progresses, there’sroom for him to progress.”

Huggable Bears at NGH - adapted from an article by Jean Mottashed in the Norfolk Hub

A little boy with a broken leg. A teenager hurt andtraumatized by a car accident. An elderly lady, alreadysuffering from dementia, confused and alarmed bymedics working to stabilize her condition.

These are some of the most vulnerable patients whoarrive at Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) in need oftreatment and comfort, and they are the focus of adelightful new initiative by NGH’s VolunteerAssociation which aims to lessen the shock andanxiety associated with a trip to the EmergencyDepartment.

It’s called “The Share Bear Program” and it providesthe employees and volunteers of NGH a cheerful wayto soothe the pain and calm the nerves by giving thesepatients a soft and cuddly stuffed animal to keep.

Program Co-ordinator and Volunteer, MarilynYardley is busy soliciting donations and planningfundraising activities to meet the demand for the bearsand is asking for individuals and groups to considereither making a monetary contribution or donatingbears and other stuffed animals to the program.

Donated bears must be new from the store andmust not have lived previously in a home.

Donations will be accepted at the Information Deskfrom Monday to Friday between 9:30 am and 6 pm atthe hospital’s main entrance. Cheques made payableto Norfolk General Hospital and clearly marked “ShareBear Program” can be mailed directly to the hospital at365 West Street, Simcoe, Ontario, N3Y 1T7.

Marilyn says that no donation is too small and allfunds will go toward the purchase of beautiful, plushanimal friends that can provide a world of comfort. Forexample, a 15-inch super soft shaggy brown bear –called a Witherspoon Bear – with foot pads and acolourful plaid ribbon is among the choices beingconsidered. Its squeezability factor is undeniable andits floppy long legs and gentle eyes make this bear ajoy to hold.

So come on, Norfolk, let’s get behind this programand spread a little love around NGH this year withShare Bears!

OMAFRA grant intended tohelp The Cider Keg expand itsResearch and Development- adapted from an article by Daniel R. Pearce in the SimcoeReformer

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & RuralAffairs is backing a plan to find a wider market forNorfolk products.

Last week, the ministry announced it will provide$78,850 to Uncle Tom’s Farm Inc. – owner of the CiderKeg south of Vittoria – to expand its retail presence inOntario and beyond. The funding has been providedunder OMAFRA’s Local Food Fund.

“This will allow us to expand our retail presence,our wholesale presence and our Internet presence,”says Cider Keg spokesperson Cheryl Peck. “It’s excitingand there is a lot of potential here. We had great ideasfor expansion but we didn’t have the capital or theconfidence in ourselves. This will allow us to moveforward.”

The Local Food Fund is a matching-fund programwhere recipients are required to put up a comparableamount of money of their own. If the ministry issatisfied that recipients have executed the planoutlined in the grant application, they are eligible to be

Huggable Bears; and OMAFRA Grant for the Cider Keg

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Volunteer Marilyn Yardley is co-ordinating the new‘Share Bear Program’ at NGH.

reimbursed for a portion of their contribution.Uncle Tom’s Farm Inc. recent expanded its retail

operation from the landmark Cider Keg operation onHighway 24 to a special occasion “holiday market”inside the Simcoe Town Centre. Norfolk products are aprominent presence in both. Local producers thatstand to benefit from the wider exposure includeKernal Peanuts, Hunt’s Honey, Chamber’s MapleSyrup, Purple Daze lavender, and Blair and Livia’spopcorn products among others.

As a condition of the grant, Uncle Tom’s Farm hasagreed to share its experiences and free advice withnon-competing marketers and retailers elsewhere inOntario who are trying to accomplish somethingsimilar.

 

Plaque honours British Captainof 1814 war- adapted from an article by Stan Morris in the Port Dover MapleLeaf

A local ‘terrorist’ attack here nearly 200 years agoresulted in stern judgment.

Helen Bingleman of Vittoria is a descendant ofAdam Chrysler of Rainham Township (then in NorfolkCounty) who was executed for High Treason on July20,1814. It seems Helen and Barbara Roadhouse havebeen researching the story for about 20 years and nowhave tied together the events of the Burning ofNanticoke, the Bloody Assize (Court) and the Murder ofCaptain William Francis, all connected locally to theWar of 1812-14.

There were people living in this part of the countrythat were American sympathizers. Helen’s ancestor,Adam Chrysler was one of them. This group of menhad been plundering the countryside betweenSugarloaf (Port Colborne) and Port Dover. The Yankeesympathizers captured Captain William Francis, aLoyalist, taking him to Buffalo with six of his cattle.Helen’s research reveals the Norfolk Militia met at PortDover to retaliate the capture, deciding to march toNanticoke where the marauders were rendezvousing atthe cabin of John Dunham. They did so early in themorning of October 13, 1813 capturing some of therebels then, and the others later.

The trial took place, called the Bloody Assize, inAncaster where they were found guilty of spying on theBritish, for armed rebel attacks and imprisoningloyalists. Initially, 19 men were charged and 15 werefound guilty but seven ended up being exempted fromexecution and were instead banished for life to theUnited States. Of those seven, three died of typhoidbefore their release (including Helen’s ancestor GarrettNull). The other four men banished to the US escapedwhile being transported to a jail in Kingston (includingIone Morris of Port Dover’s great-great-great-greatuncle Cornelius Howey). The other eight men werehanged in the public square at Burlington Heights onJuly 20, 1814, one being Adam Chrysler (thegreat-great-great-great-grandfather of BarbaraRoadhouse). Afterwards, Justice Thomas Scott wrote(in part), “I hope and think these trials will have a deepimpression on the public mind ... the very novelty andhorror of the punishment of that crime will have amost powerful effect”.

Apparently, it did not. One of the last acts of thewar in Norfolk County was the murder of CaptainWilliam Francis in retaliation for his part inapprehending, and testifying against, some of the menthat were hanged as a result of the Bloody Assize.

On October 19 this year a plaque in honour ofCaptain William Francis was placed at the entrance toSelkirk Provincial Park, which was the location of hishome and land.

During the plaque dedication program on October

British Captain of War of 1812 honoured with Plaque

-24-

Uncle Tom’s Farms Inc. of Vittoria was thrilled to learn thatOMAFRA has extended a $78,850 grant under the ministry’sLocal Food Fund. Manager Cheryl Peck said the funds will

be used to expand the Cider Keg’s retail presence in Norfolkand beyond. Part of that mandate includes the promotion of

local, value-added agricultural products.

While driving up near St. Jacobs, our familycaught up to a Mennonite carriage.

The owner of the carriage obviously had a senseof humor, because attached to the back of the

carriage was a hand printed sign ... "Energy efficient vehicle: Runs on oats and grass.

Caution: Do not step in exhaust."

Emotional times for MP DianeFinley- adapted from an article by Daniel R. Pearce in the SimcoeReformer

When the first “bangs” rang out in the halls ofParliament in Ottawa last fall, everybody thought itwas blasting from restoration work going on in thewest block.

 “Then there was the rat-a-tat-tat sound. It was veryquickly coming closer to us. Everybody tried to takecover,” local MPP Diane Finley recalled in anend-of-year interview with the Reformer.

Diane, who is also minister for public works andgovernment services in the Harper cabinet, was in acaucus room meeting with her Conservative colleagueswhen a gunman stormed Parliament Hill on Oct. 22.

She said she can’t reveal details of what happenedduring that historic attack because what goes incaucus rooms remains private.

But, Diane added, “people obviously were concerned... gunshots outside your door are pretty disturbing.By the end of the day, everyone was pretty muchemotionally drained.”

Diane was witness to a piece of Canadian historythat was scary and potentially tragic.

The gunman, Michael Sehaf-Bibeau, was shot and

19, Helen Bingleman of Vittoria enlightened thegathering of who William Francis was. He was amember of the King’s American Dragoons and aveteran of the American Revolution. He came with agroup of disbanded soldiers to Annapolis County, NovaScotia in 1784, then to the Long Point District by1793. He received 2000 acres of land, mostly inWoodhouse Township, as payment for his loyalty to theBritish. He was a member of the Norfolk Militia, as washis son Thomas. By 1810 he had sold his Woodhouseland and was living on Lot 20, Concession 1, WalpoleTownship. The Hoover mill books show him buyinglumber twice in April of 1810.

“We are standing on land where some of the eventsof the War of 1812 took place, certainly the Americansympathizers who were plundering the countrysidecame through here if they kidnapped William Francisand six of his cattle and took them off to Buffalo.Several of the men tried at the Bloody Assize camefrom the townships of Woodhouse, Walpole andRainham, and some of those who hung were farmersfrom this area,” Helen said. The next event in thisremarkable historical event would be the Bloody Assizeand then the hangings at Burlington.

Helen Bingleman wound up her description ofevents, saying, “as a result of the convictions andhangings the murder of Captain William Francisoccurred in his home, a reaction from friends andrelatives displeased because their fellow men had beenhanged at Burlington or died in prison of the ague orjail fever”.

Our Parliament Under Terrorist Attack

-25-

THE IRISH WEDDINGAt the wedding reception, the photographer yelled,

“Would all the married men, please standnext to the one person who has made

life worth living.” The bartender was almost crushed to death.

killed by the sergeant-at-arms before he could get tothe caucus room, which included Prime MinisterStephen Harper.

The next day proved to be just as moving, Dianenoted.

By 10 a.m., the House of Commons was filled withmembers from all parties ready to resume thebusiness of the nation.

Someone behind her, Diane said, “spontaneouslystarted to sing O Canada,” everyone joined in, and“there was hardly a dry eye” in the house.

The past year was marked by emotion for Diane,who has represented the riding for more than 10years.

She was still living in the shadow of the passing ofher husband, Senator Doug Finley, who died in May2013 and was a powerful figure in Ottawa.

“The last few years have been challenging,” shesaid. “Doug was so ill. I had to look after him and behome every weekend.

“We were so close. Obviously, I feel his loss everyday.”

Next year will bring new challenges for Diane andthe Conservatives: an election must be held in Canadaby October 2015.

“I expect it to be October,” Diane said.Official campaigning won’t start until the

Governor-General drops the “writ” to start the race.The past year has been “busy,” said Diane, who

holds a second cabinet post as minister forsouthwestern Ontario.

She maintains an office in Kitchener that is staffedby four people. When she goes there, she meets witharea mayors and businesses to seek out “theirpriorities,” especially for “pre-budget consultations.”

Diver Mike Fletcher sharestales from the deep- adapted from an article by Katie Starr in the Norfolk News

Mike Fletcher likes facts.“I don’t feel the need to embellish my story,” the

deep-sea diver from Port Ryerse said to a sold-outcrowd at the beginning of a talk at the Port DoverHarbour Museum earlier this month.

“I’m fine with just sticking to the facts,” he said.“There’s no greater story than one that’s supportedand backed up by facts.”

So here are a few facts about Mike Fletcher. One,he’s a local boy through and through, born on a dairyfarm on the shores of Lake Erie in 1955.

Two, the self-described “farm boy from Canada witha passion for shipwrecks” spent his childhooddreaming about becoming a diver, pouring overstorybook illustrations of Robinson Crusoe and savingup money from a summer picking cucumbers so hecould buy his first piece of dive equipment.

And the third fact is simply this – Mike Fletcher hasled an extraordinary life so far, a life that has taken

twists and turns he never could have predictedgrowing up as that kid on the dairy farm with theweird shipwreck obsession.

“It’s been a crazy ride,” he said. “It’s eclipsedanything I’ve ever imagined.”

Mike was back by popular demand at the HarbourMuseum to discuss his upbringing and the uniqueexperiences his career has given him. As a certifiedscuba diver, licensed dive medic and underwatercinematographer, director and writer, Fletcher hasstarred in two documentary TV shows, Sea Hunters(2002-2006) and Dive Detectives (2008-2009)alongside his son Warren.

Describing Sea Hunters as a “wonderful,never-ending school field trip” that took the father-sonduo to dive wrecks from the Bosporus to the Baltic,Fletcher also discussed his friendship with show hostand famed adventure novelist Clive Cussler.

“Clive really appreciates maritime history,” Mikesaid, calling Cussler’s main protagonist, Dirk Pitt, a“superhero underwater James Bond.”

Mike and Clive Cussler’s collaboration on SeaHunters resulted in nearly 40 separate expeditions tofind shipwrecks around the world, and the show hasbeen broadcast in 174 countries and in 16 languages.

“The type of TV I want to make, that’s factual andresearched, is not fashionable. So much TV now isfrivolous and not based on research and real history. Ithink it’s time to say goodbye to Honey Boo Boo,” Mikesaid.

“If I never get the chance to do TV again, I’m OKwith that. I’m really proud of what we were able to do.”

Mike started out his diving career in marineconstruction in 1977. Over the next 20 years heworked as a commercial diver in Lake Erie, but his bigbreak came in 1983 when he found the elusive wreckAtlantic, a passenger ship that was one of the worstmarine disasters on the lake after she collided withanother vessel a few miles off Long Point in 1852.Nearly 200 passengers lost their lives and $36,000worth of gold in the ship’s safe was lost.

Mike Fletcher’s Tales from the Deep

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Mike was happy to talk about Atlantic and thebitter, years-long court case he was involved in overwho owned the legal rights to the wreck, but focusedmore on the lessons he learned from that experience.

Looking back on his life so far, the biggest takeawayfor Mike has been the power of having someone believein him.

“So much of the things in my life happened becausesomeone believed in me, saw value in me,” he said.

“That’s what gave me the courage to pursue mypassion, to make my dreams happen. And that’s whatI want to impress on people, especially young people.”

Christ Church-adapted from an article by J.P. Antonacci in the Norfolk News

It stands as a reminder of a bygone era, and a livingsymbol of an enduring community of faith.

Weekly services haven’t been held at Christ Churchfor almost 40 years, but one Sunday every spring andfall, Anglicans from around the county come to Vittoriato worship inside a chapel that is truly one of a kind.

“We all recognize the historical importance of thebuilding. Even though there are two services a year,it’s still quite meaningful in the sense that Vittoria hassuch a historical presence within Norfolk’s overallhistory,” says nJames Christison, one of a handful oftrustees that serve as the guardians of Christ Church.

Construction of the church was completed in 1844,and it still looks almost exactly like it did when it firstopened its doors 170 years ago.

“It is architecturally of importance because of itsstyle and the period that it’s in,” said James,explaining that Christ Church is the last survivingchurch in the province built based on Regency design,and of note nationwide as the only well-preservedexample of that style dating from the 1840s.

“It survived the Victorian craze of making thingsgothic,” he said.

The church boasts original glazed windows,cabinetry, doors and pews, along with exterior wallsthat are not what they seem.

Using a style popular at the time, the church’s

exterior is clad with flush-boarding, which is wooddesigned to imitate stone. To further the illusion,builders dashed sand on the wet paint, giving thewooden boards a gritty texture.

James said the church founders wanted to createan imposing and aesthetically impressive structurethat didn’t put a financial strain on the youngcongregation. Flush-boarding, he said, “was a goodway of building something impressive when you didn’thave the funds to pay for things like actual stone.”

Victorian congregations were less taken with thisarchitectural trickery and modified many Regency-erachurches, which makes it even more remarkable thataside from a new paint job, Christ Church remainsunchanged inside and out.

“It’s amazing the amount of people that you talk totoday that drive by or have been in the village for awhile and think that it is a stone church,” James said.“But it isn’t until you get up to it or walk inside thatyou realize that it’s all cut wood.”

That wood was cut on the property of parishionerJoseph Tisdale, who owned land in Spooky Hollow,near Normandale, and would load his large family ontohis lumber wagon each weekend and go to church.

Christ Church closed in 1976 because of dwindlingnumbers that reflected the village’s overall populationdecline. But a small group of trustees took it uponthemselves to ensure that even without a regularcongregation, the church would remain a functioningsacred space. The semiannual services, like the oneheld this fall on September 28, are needed to maintainChrist Church’s status as a “chapel at ease” in theeyes of the Anglican diocese of Huron.

It is important to remain associated with thediocese rather than have the church become ahistorically significant secular structure so that thereis still a minister attached to the parish and thechurch can host sacraments throughout the year,James said.

There are also endowments left by former

Christ Church

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It was discovering the doomed passenger ship Atlanticthat shot Mike Fletcher to diving fame.

parishioners and donations to the building’s upkeepthat hinge on the church retaining its spiritualfunction, he added.

This year’s fall service, which was attended byabout 30 people and included a performance by aquartet from the Gentlemen of Harmony, was also afundraiser.

“Given the wood structure, weather is the enemy,”James said. “The church is currently in desperateneed of exterior painting, which all funds are goingtowards.”

Spectators making their first visit are usually awedby the space, he said. “Everybody’s amazed at howbeautiful it is. It’s very simple and plain, but itcertainly does the job of projecting its history.”

Sitting on the site of Vittoria’s original courthouseand near the “lovingly restored” town hall, theeven-older Baptist church and several private homesdating from the 19th-century, James said ChristChurch forms an integral part of the village’s treasuredheritage core.

“It fits within a wider perspective of Vittoria’shistory,” he said.

To arrange a tour of Christ Church, contact JamesChristison at christisonl939@hotmail.com.

Vittoria Women’s Institutedonates $1000 to the NGH

The Vittoria Women’s Institute continues to showtheir support for the Norfolk General Hospital.

Recently they presented the NGH with a cheque for$1,000.

The money will be used for the hospital’sAutomated Drug Dispensing Cabinet campaign.

Heather Lawrence of the Institute says sheunderstands these units will help eliminate errors andhelp the nursing staff with their job.

The Vittoria Women’s Institute raises funds forseveral causes in our community with things likecatering for the Lions/Lioness Clubs, birthdays,funerals and an annual Bake, Book and Plant sale.

Foundation Director of Development Julie Powellexpressed gratitude to the Institute: “NGH would notbe able to go forward with the high level of technologyand services for better care if it were not for thegenerous support of groups like the Vittoria Women’sInstitute. Thank you for your continued giving.”

   

Break out the Bikes-adapted from an article by Dave Scott in the Norfolk Hub Magazine

The Fall Ripper Mountain Bike Event hosted by theTurkey Point Mountain Bike Club (TPMBC) out at LongPoint Eco-Adventures cranked it up this year! Theyadded a second day of trail riding along with anassortment of vendors and food provided by theSimcoe Lions. This was the fourth year for the eventand each day provided bikers with guided rides ontrails matching the skill level of the rider. There was abeginner group, intermediate and advanced ...something for every one of all ages and capabilities.

Having attended the event in the past, I have to tellyou it is amazing to see the strong growth of the club.The group’s dedication to trail maintenance and traildevelopment along with educating the public on ridingand safety is exciting.

Well, here is what it says on the club’s website,www.tpmbc.com: ‘Mountain bikers dedicated to the

W.I. Donation; and Mountain Bike Event

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Vittoria Women’s Institute members (from left) HeatherLawrence, Maureen Clements, Rosemary Stickl, and Marilyn

Davis presented a cheque to Norfolk General HospitalFoundation Director of Development Julie Powell.

trails at Turkey Point. With access to over 50 km ofsingle track TPMBC is committed to the preservation,maintenance and development of mountain biking inthe Turkey Point area. TPMBC was formed in 2011 bya group of local enthusiasts that have been riding inthis area for 20 years. Through a partnership with thelocal land managers, and following the knowledge basedeveloped by IMBA (International Mountain BicyclingAssociation) we are working towards making TurkeyPoint a destination mountain bike area.’

That says it all!I chatted with club president Matt Palermo who

explained that with the Jazz Festival at the BurningKiln Winery going on, and the Mushroom Foray aswell, the whole weekend had something for everyone todo. Matt commented on how folks are always amazedwhen they see the countless great trails, the LongPoint Eco-Adventures facilities, plus the winery! Ithelps make riding in Norfolk a destination they wantto return to.

I mentioned to Matt how great the new signs/mapson the trails were. He agreed saying they help thebikers find the trails they want and see the manyconnections to other trails as well.

All in all, another great event! If you would likemore information on the club, check out the website atwww.tpmbc.com

V&DF Spaghetti Dinner &Auction 2015

The Boosters Committee of The Vittoria & DistrictFoundation is raring to go! On Saturday, March 21, wewill present our 19th Annual World-Famous SpaghettiDinner & Auction at the Vittoria & District CommunityCentre. This Dinner and Auction has earned awell-deserved reputation as a “fun” and entertainingsocial event as well as a most successful fundraiser forthis registered charity.

We already have several nice auction itemscommitted, including a nVic Gibbons original paintingand a number of Vic Gibbons prints. We anticipate

receiving many more remarkable items, in a widespectrum of price ranges. There are no reserve bids onthe auction items, and everything is sold to the highestbidder. The items donated traditionally includeAntiques; Art; Carvings; new Clothing; Collectables;Food; Gift Certificates; Handicrafts; HistoricalMemorabilia; Household items; Metalworks; Services;Special Interest; Sports; Woodcrafts; the notorious“MAFIA Mystery Box” donated by the Vittoria MAFIA;and other miscellaneous items of interest.

There are usually at least 75 Live Auction items,100 Silent Auction items, and 100 Draw or Door prizesavailable.

Thanks to the remarkable ongoing generosity of ourcontributors, our dedicated volunteers and our loyaland enthusiastic bidders, the event has, over the yearsraised more than half a million dollars which has beenspent locally on health, education, heritage,community service, youth and seniors projects andprograms, and other charitable activities.

The schedule for Auction Day is as follows: Minglingand viewing of auction, raffle and door prize itemsfrom 4:00 pm; Spaghetti Dinner at 5:30 pm; AuctionAction at 6:45 pm (Live Auction, Silent Auction, Rafflesand Door Prizes).

All profits will be distributed to worthy anddeserving charitable activities within our community.Your generous bids and cheerful support of our drawsand raffles allows us to continue to deliver these veryimportant services and programs where they are mostneeded.

Since its creation in 1997, The Vittoria & DistrictFoundation (V&DF), often assisted by its Vittoriaservice club partners in “The Magnificent Seven” (theThompson Memorial Park Committee, the VittoriaFirefighters Association, the Vittoria Lamport Club, theVittoria Lioness, the Vittoria Lions Club, and theVittoria Women’s Institute) has raised and contributedmore than $600,000 to assist with a variety ofcharitable projects which would enhance the quality oflife for residents of Vittoria and the surroundingdistrict. Our beneficiaries have included the following:Norfolk County Facilities and programs (Vittoria TownHall; Vittoria & District Community Centre; Port DoverHarbour Museum; Delhi Spray Park; Simcoe SoccerPark, etc.); Norfolk General Hospital (Emergency Roomand Diagnostic Imaging Expansion, CT Scanner,Digital Mammography Equipment, Critical CareUltrasound, etc.); Youth, Women’s and Seniorsprojects; Scholarships and School Projects; andmiscellaneous other Charitable Activities (includingHeritage, Social, Cultural, Health and Environmentalprojects, etc.). Please remember – anyone can donate –even you!

Lyle Smith, our Auctioneer is efficient, effective andentertaining. He has cheerfully donated his services for17 previous auctions. Caterer Linda Ball and her teamprovide and prepare the spaghetti, meatballs, salads,and garlic bread for the dinner, not to mention the

Another Auction in the Works

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This Vic Gibbons original will be sold to the highest bidder.It has been appraised at $4,500.

‘to-die-for’ desserts. Wine and Sparkling Cider areplaced on the tables. Our 60-70 volunteers will dotheir best to ensure you have an unforgettable,enjoyable, fun experience. Incidentally, our executivemembers and volunteers also purchase their owntickets for this outstanding event.

You must have a ticket to attend, eat and bid at thisAuction. Tickets are not available at the door. Everyyear so far, we have sold out. At this writing, there area very limited number of tickets available. Tickets are$25 each. Your ticket stub provides your AuctionBidder Registration information, so all bidders arepre-registered. Therefore, tickets are not transferable.

For the first time ever, we will probably advertiseour Auction this year. To avoid disappointment, pleasecontact your usual ticket supplier early. If you don’thave a ticket supplier, or to inquire about tickets, orfor more information, please call nGinger at519-426-0849.

If you have an item you wish to donate to theAuction or Raffle, please use the enclosed form, orcontact nTom at 519-420-9620 or nRoger at519-426-0234.

IF YOU BUY A TICKET TO THE SPAGHETTIDINNER & AUCTION, AND FIND YOU CANNOT USEIT, PLEASE DO NOT TRANSFER IT TO SOMEONE

ELSE. CONTACT THE FOUNDATION MEMBER YOUPURCHASED THE TICKET FROM. IF YOU DO ITSOON ENOUGH, YOU MAY RECEIVE A REFUND.

SOME DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN• Women have more imagination than men. They

need it to tell men how wonderful they are. • Women have a number of faults. Men have only two

– everything they say and everything they do. • A successful man is one who makes more money

than his wife can spend. A successful woman is onewho can find such a man.

• Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.Women somehow deteriorate during the night.

• A man is a person who will pay $2 for a $1 item hewants. A woman, however, will pay $1 for a $2 item thatshe doesn’t want.

• Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Dogs are a man’sbest friend. Now you know which sex is smarter.

• A woman marries a man expecting he will change,but he doesn’t. A man marries a woman expecting thatshe won’t change and she does.

• A woman worries about the future until she gets ahusband, while a man never worries about the futureuntil he gets a wife.

• There are two times when a man doesn’t understanda woman – before marriage and after marriage.

• Only two things are necessary for a man to do tokeep his wife happy. One is to let her think she is havingher own way, and the other is to let her have it.

• Married men live longer than single men, butmarried men are a lot more willing to die.

• Any married man should forget his mistakes – it’sno use two people remembering the same thing.

• A woman has the last word in any argument.Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a newargument.

NO ONE BUT A SCOTSMAN - A SCOTTISH LOVE STORY Many years ago, a young Scottish lad named nJohn

Donaldson and his lassie nCharlotte were sitting on alow stone wall, holding hands, gazing out over the loch.

For several minutes they sat silently. Then finallyCharlotte looked at John and said, “A penny for yourthoughts, John.”

“Well, uh, I was thinkin’ ... perhaps it’s aboot time fora wee kiss.”

Charlotte blushed, then leaned over and kissed himlightly on the cheek.

Then he blushed. The two turned once again to gazeout over the loch.

Minutes passed and Charlotte spoke again. “Anotherpenny for your thoughts, John?”

“Well, uh, I was thinkin’ perhaps it’s noo aboot timefor a wee cuddle.” Charlotte blushed, then leaned overand cuddled John for a few seconds. Then he blushed.

And the two turned once again to gaze out over theloch. After a while, she again said, “Another penny foryour thoughts, John.”

“Well, uh, I was thinkin’ perhaps it’s aboot time youlet me put my hand on your leg.” Charlotte blushed,then took his hand and put it on her knee. Then heblushed.

Then the two turned once again to gaze out over theloch before Charlotte spoke again. “Another penny foryour thoughts, John.”

John glanced down with a furled brow. “Well, noo,”he said, ‘my thoughts are a wee bit more serious thistime.’

“Really?” said Charlotte in a whisper, filled withanticipation.

“Aye,” said John, nodding.Charlotte looked away in shyness, began to blush,

and bit her lip in anticipation of the ultimate request.Then he said, “Dae ye nae think it’s aboot time ye

paid me the first three pennies?”

PLEASE STAND UP!One Sunday about 55 years ago, the minister at

Woodhouse United Church was preoccupied withthoughts of how he was going to ask the congregationto come up with more money than they were expectingfor repairs to the church building.

Therefore, he was annoyed to find that the regularorganist was sick and young nPat Tiller, a substitutehad been brought in at the last minute. Pat wanted toknow what hymns to play.

“Here’s a copy of the service,” the minister saidimpatiently. “But, you’ll have to think of something toplay after I make the announcement about the finances.”

During the service, the minister paused and said,“Brothers and Sisters, we are in great difficulty; the roofrepairs cost twice as much as we expected and we need$4,000 more. Any of you who can pledge $100 or more,please stand up.”

At that moment, Pat began to play “O Canada”.And that is how Pat the substitute, became Pat the

regular organist at Woodhouse United!

Potpourri

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V&DF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING THURSDAY FEBRUARY 5, 2015

AT 7:00 PM AT THE VDCC

Smile, You’re on Candid Camera!

-31-

John Smith began his tenure as president of the Hugh AllanBranch of the Royal Canadian Legion in June of this year,

having joined five years ago. He grew up in Vittoria andattended Port Dover Composite School. He enlisted in the

Canadian armed forces directly after high school and servedfor 32 years, being promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He has

served in Cypress, Germany, Yugoslavia and was onsecurity for the 1976 Olympic Games in the Kingston area.

(photo from Port Dover Maple Leaf)

Among the exhibitors and vendors at the Norfolk HospitalNursing Home’s annual Christmas Bazaar and bake salewas Art McCall of Vittoria, who works primarily in acrylicpaint. Aside from being a talented painter, Art shares his

skill on a regular basis with NHNH residentsin the home’s activity room.

(photo by Monte Sonnenberg in the Simcoe Reformer)

Proceeds from the Bickle Brunch held at the Vittoria &District Community Centre were donated to Camp Trillium.Station 2 District Chief Gary Spragg, Vittoria Firefrighters

Association President Josh Lightheart and Station 10 DistrictChief Brian Stackhouse presented the $4,500 donation atthe Vittoria fire hall to Annaleise Carr and Carrie Arnold,

manager of special events with Camp Trillium. (photo by Sarah Doktor in the Simcoe Reformer)

Robert M. Simon Construction Ltd. was awarded thecontract to convert the sand hill to the south of the Vittoria &District Community Centre into a stone-covered parking lot,

creating about 90 new parking spaces for the VDCC andThompson Memorial Park.

PARENTS AND CHILDRENA woman knows all about her children.

She knows about dentist appointments andhockey or soccer games, best friends, favorite

foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams. A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house.

-32-

Wrapping it up!We have been known to occasionally make mistakes. As

time goes by, we seem to do that more and more often. Weapologize for all errors and omissions.

Items in this newsletter are often excerpted or adapted fromthe local newspapers (Simcoe Reformer, Norfolk Hub, PortDover Maple Leaf, Times-Reformer) and other publications,and we thank them and their writers.

Thank you to all contributors of photos, articles and othermaterials, as well as proofreading services – Erika Aelterman,J.P. Antonacci, Burning Kiln Winery, Annaleise Carr’swebsite, Eddie Chau, nnnnTwila Cruickshank, Sarah Doktor,nnnnJohn Donaldson, nnnnDon Fort, Mark Ghesquiere, DavidJudd, Donna MacMillan, Stan Morris, Jean Mottashed,Daniel R. Pearce, Dave Scott, Darryl Smart, MonteSonnenberg, Katie Starr, nnnnLinda Vancso, Heather Walters,nnnnFrances Winter; The Hockey Hall of Fame website, LosAngeles Kings website, The Norfolk Hub Magazine, TheNorfolk News, The Port Dover Maple Leaf, The SimcoeReformer, The Times-Reformer, the Wikipedia website, andthe worldwide web.

Thank you to nJohn and nCharlotte Donaldson forstuffing and labelling the envelopes containing the newsletters,and for distributing a number of them. Thanks also toSheelagh McFarlane for stamping and mailing the VittoriaBooster envelopes.

Anyone who wishes to contribute an article for the nextVittoria Booster, please contact Roger. All contributeditems welcome, including Letters to the Editor!

The Vittoria & District FoundationP.O. Box 45 Vittoria, Ontario N0E 1W0519-426-0234godfather@kwic.com

Important Message FromThe V&DF Executive

The Executive members of The Vittoria & District Foundation areall unpaid volunteers, including

Chairman – nGary Cooper Treasurer – nBrenda CooperSecretary – nRoger Cruickshank Assistant Secretary – nTracy HaskettChair of the Boosters Committee – nTom Haskett Chair of the Heritage Committee – nDon Fort Chair of the Membership Committee – nJohn DonaldsonWebsite Co-ordinator – nMelynda Norman Lee

Conveners and helpers at the Spaghetti Dinner & Auction are alsounpaid volunteers, as are those who assist at the Ontario VolunteerService Awards ceremonies.

Their workloads vary, but some work hundreds of hours each yearto keep the Foundation moving forward.

We have three simple requests that all members can help with, tosimplify the work for these volunteers.

1. One way is to fill out and return your own membership applicationforms, including whether or not an Income Tax receipt is needed.This has to be done for the ‘paper trail’ required. Thankfully,almost all members already do this. Receipts for membership willbe provided only if requested.

2. The Auditors have also suggested that we ask all members torenew by cheque, or by credit or debit card, rather than cash, ifpossible. This too, will provide that easy-to-follow ‘paper trail’ theAuditors need.

3. When contributing one or more items to our Auction, pleasecomplete the Auction Contribution form giving a realisticestimated value for each item and tell us whether or not you needa receipt, and whose name and address goes on it. Nearly allcontributors did that this year and it was really very helpful.

Wrapping it up, and Coming Events

TENTATIVE SCHEDULEALL EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL EVENTS ARE AT THEVDCC (VITTORIA & DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE)

35 OAKES BLVD.Thurs. Feb. 5 VITTORIA & DISTRICT FOUNDATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ~ 7:00 pm.Contact Roger at 519-426-0234.

Sat. Mar. 21 VITTORIA & DISTRICT FOUNDATIONANNUAL Spaghetti Dinner & Auction. $25per person. Advance Tickets only. ContactGinger at 519-426-0849.

Sat. March 28 VITTORIA LAMPORT SENIORS CLUB BAKESALE at the Town Hall ~ Tea Room. 11 am –1:30 pm. Contact John at 519-426-8583.

Sat. Apr. 18 VITTORIA LIONS CLUB WING DING (ChickenWing Dinner & Dance) ~ Contact Jim at519-428-0783.

Sat. Apr. 25 VITTORIA FIREFIGHTERS STEAK BBQ ~Contact Josh at 519-426-9104.

Sun. June 7 CHRIST CHURCH ANGLICAN SPRINGSERVICE ~ 3:00 PM. Lamport Street, Vittoria,Ontario. Refreshments to follow at the TownHall. Contact James at 519-429-9511.

Sun. June 14 VITTORIA BAPTIST CHURCH CEMETERYDECORATION DAY ~ 3:00 PM. Old Brock St.,Vittoria. Contact Marian at 519-426-0505.

Sat. June 20 GREAT VITTORIA-WIDE YARD SALE ~ AllAround The Village, Starts at 8:00 am. BakeSales, Book & Plant Sales, Refreshmentsavailable, Oldtimers Ball Tournament, etc.

Wed. June 17 VITTORIA LIONS CHICKEN BBQ ~ DoorsOpen At 5:00 pm. Dinner 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm.Contact Jim at 519-428-0783.REGULAR MONTHLY ACTIVITIES

(Some organizations cancel summer and December meetings.Please check with the Organization)

LAMPORT CLUB EXECUTIVE 2ND THURSDAY – 2 pm (in Town Hall)

LAMPORT CLUB POTLUCK4TH THURSDAY – 6:30 pm (in Town Hall)

LIONESS CLUB2ND WEDNESDAY – 7 pm (in VDCC)

LIONS CLUB1ST and 3RD WEDNESDAYS – 7 pm (in VDCC)

UNITED CHURCH WOMEN1ST TUESDAY – 7:30 pm (in Sunday School room)

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE2ND WEDNESDAY – 1 pm (in Town Hall)––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The Vittoria & District Foundation always welcomes newmembers. Membership dues are $20 per person per year.

Members do not have to attend any meetings, but they may,if they wish, volunteer to help out at our fundraising events

(one or two a year). The V&DF is a registered charitycreated to provide facilities and programs to improve the

quality of life for residents in and around Vittoria.Since it’s inception in 1997, the V&DF and its partners in

the “Magnificent Seven” have raised and contributedmore than $600,000 to a variety of worthwhile

community projects within a 5-mile radius of the village. To become a member, please contact

nJohn Donaldson at 519-426-8583.

COMING EVENTS