This is Now ... That was then! ‘Tunnels’ help create Bustling Normandale micro-climate Contributed by nnTwila Cruickshank using resources at the Eva Brook Donly Museum Adapted from an article by Tiffany Mayer in the Simcoe Reformer Normandale is situated on a crescent shaped bluff overlooking a long line of sandy Lake Erie beach, with the John Cooper grows his raspberries in tunnels, but his is waves lapping the shore. But where is all its past greatness? no underground operation. Formerly it had a quay, and windjammers could be seen John grows two and a half acres of the delicate berry in loading and unloading merchandise and other wares for high tunnels - curved metal structures covered in consumption or export. greenhouse plastic. Each of the three structures covering his In 1810 Samuel Long settled in Normandale and carried crop stand 11 feet high, 24 feet wide and houses three rows on his occupation of potter, from which the name of Potter’s of berry plants. Creek at Normandale is derived. In 1818 an Englishman John got the idea to use high tunnels from a friend in named Mason, having some experience in manufacturing England who was testing the concept himself. iron from bog ores, bought out Long and began his foundry. This is the second year that John has used the seemingly The country for several miles around held the deposits of ore simple technology at his berry farm, Strawberry Tyme at the heads of streams and in the marshes nearby, and Farms, south of Simcoe He’s also one of the first people in were covered by timber, oak and chestnut, all suitable for Canada to use high tunnels in production. charcoal. Ore and charcoal constituted the raw materials for While that makes John an innovative farmer here, the making iron. concept has actually been used by Spanish raspberry and Mason started digging a raceway to bring the waters from strawberry farmers for the past 20 years and has since Potter’s Creek to the top of the hill to get the necessary fall spread across Europe. There’s no guarantee the concept will for a water wheel to drive their blast furnace. He did not work here, though. succeed in completing the work and in 1822 sold to The “Here in Canada, no one knows how successful it will be VanNorman Company which consisted of Joseph and because we have a different climate than England,” he Benjamin VanNorman (or VanOrman - the original name), explained. and partners George Tillson and Hiram Capron. Tillson and John only covered half his fallbearing crop last year to see Capron both withdrew in 1825 and Tillson moved and how those berries fared compared to ones left out in the founded the town of Tillsonburg. Capron moved and founded open, vulnerable to the elements. His experiment showed Paris]. that taking a chance on a foreign concept was worth the About 1829 Elijah Leonard joined the firm. They brought gamble. in a large number of skilled mechanics, pattern makers and “Whenever we harvested the non-covered rows, we would furnace men. They were making stoves, kettles, plows and harvest them today, they’d go to market tonight, be on the after adding a trip hammer to their works, manufactured store shelf tomorrow and be mouldy tomorrow night,” he wrought iron for wagon wheels, horse shoes, harrow teeth, explained. etc. The early settlers were employed in burning charcoal Now John’s berries last anywhere from eight to 19 days and digging ore to supply the furnace and you can picture after being picked without growing mould. That’s something the degree of prosperity that spread over the area. that is “unheard of raspberries,” he said. Senator A. McCall told that in 1834 the VanNormans That’s because once berries get wet, they have to be took a contract with the Government sitting in Toronto, to harvested or they spoil. Growing the red fruit under high cut a channel through Long Point to shorten the boat trip tunnels shields it from moisture and increases its shelf life. along the lake. The route was about 50 miles around Long The high tunnel berries also tend to be larger than those point and the traffic was sufficient to warrant cutting a grown the traditional way. That could be because the channel through the point. A large force of men proceeded to tunnels create a micro-climate up to four degrees Celsius dig the channel and built piers of timber to protect it. When warmer than the daytime high and up to six degrees Celsius about half finished a great storm from the south-west warmer at night. washed their works all out and left a passage wider and John was so sold on the results of his high tunnel deeper than the contract called for. They had taken their experiment, he decided to start selling the technology here in work at a lump sum and were paid in full. This passage Canada. He’s given quotes for high tunnel installation in remained open until 1866. provinces coast to coast and for growers across Ontario, Other public works undertaken by the VanNorman despite only making it to two trade shows last winter where company included the building of a plank road from Port he showed off the product. Dover to Hamilton. John’s business venture has resulted in the sale of nine In 1840 the enterprise had approximately 400 employees. acres of high tunnels so far - a number that will likely grow In its glory years, John Post kept a general store, his brother as he makes his rounds to farm shows this year. operated the Union Hotel, and John Shaw operated a grist mill run by water power. There was a wagon shop, a blacksmith and several mechanics, three churches where the people assembled each sabbath to listen to itinerant Divorce is painful. There’s an easy way to save yourself preachers, a schoolhouse where the 3 Rs were taught to the a lot of trouble. Just find a woman you hate tune of a hickory stick, and an axe factory. and buy her a house. There is another interesting tale of Simeon Thomas, who,

-9- Congratulations!

important. So is the placement of the eyes, the overall shape of the bird and length of the back. But determining what makes a prize winner can come down to something as seemingly minute to the average fairgoer as the angle of tail feathers, size and shade of a rooster’s wattle or how straight his leader - the fleshy, back of the comb - is. Dick stops in front of two East Indies black ducks, one first prize winner, the other in second place. They appear to be exactly the same. Then he points out the very fine, subtle differences. The satisfaction he garners from attending the fair doesn’t just stem from having poster birds for a certain breed. Dick, who has shown birds at the Royal Winter Fair, the CNE and other fairs around the province, gets as much enjoyment out of seeing the layperson take an interest in his livelihood. At the 1967 Midland fair, he recalled the excitement children felt when they saw his birds. “Little kids, they just shake to touch a bird. I was there the whole weekend and nothing touched me more. Even today, kids want to touch them. “That makes me feel good. A lot of these kids, they live in town and don’t even know what a bird is,” he said.

A rare VanNorman woodstove, fabricated in Normandale in the earlly 1800s is on display at the Eva Brook Donly Museum in Simcoe. on a wager, loaded a Polly plow into a wagon, using only his teeth in performance of his task. Such were the physical powers of the sturdy pioneers, or maybe just the mind, lubricated with the aid of a sip or two. After the first Welland Canal was built, with boats coming through from Europe, competition from world markets made it more difficult to survive and in 1852 the Normandale foundry ceased to exist. There are no traces of the old building. In fact there are only three building in the village dating back to the foundry era: the VanNorman home, built c. 1842, The Union Hotel and the Store, which was run by John Post. Something to crow about Adapted from an article by Tiffany Mayer in the Simcoe Reformer

To most people, if it looks like a duck and it walks like a duck, it is a duck. To a person that’s devoted his life to raising fowl, it’s one thing for a quacker to look like a duck, it’s quite another for it to look worthy of a first place ribbon at a fair. “We have what we call a bible that we go by - the American Standard of Perfection,” explained Richard Creek, a chicken farmer from Bill’s Corners. That bible tells breeders and judges what to look for in just about every breed of farm-raised fowl to determine whether a bird is first place material or merely worth honourable mention at the Norfolk County Fair. As he takes a reporter on a tour of the poultry barn, Dick explains why one rooster is better than the other, or why what’s a good trait for the goose, isn’t necessarily good for the gander. Richard Creek holds Charlie, his Polish rooster, which won first prize at the Colour and smoothness of feathers are certainly 2003 Norfolk County Fair. -10- Christmas in Vittoria

(Editor’s footnote - Dorene Jacobs did make it to the 2003 Christmas in Vittoria - after the Christmas in Vittoria Tour and the Art & Woodcraft show. She would like to attend the unveiling of the Memorial Cairn at the Mill 2002 tour Pond when we have it). Adapted from an article by Dorene Jacobs of Toronto in the Daytripping magazine

Weather will sometimes have its way with us. A ferocious Christmas in Vittoria, 2003 winter storm prevented my attending Vittoria’s 7th annual Adapted from an article by Mike Bauslaugh in the Simcoe Reformer Christmas tour of local shops and artisans’ studios last year (2002) on a November Sunday. Rather than cancel When your downtown stores could be a couple of completely, I went Monday, although that meant missing kilometres apart, you have to do some fancy marketing. nn some scheduled venues and activities. And so I took the Cheryl Peck and other Vittoria area retailers found the “Christmas in Vittoria” tour after it was over! right tool about eight years ago and have been building on The full tour comprised 10 venues, some 30 participating their solutions ever since. artists and artisans, and drew several hundred visitors, The eighth annual Christmas in Vittoria tour was deemed many of whom, I was told, were out-of-towners attracted by a success by its organizers. the announcement in Daytripping’s Christmas issue. “I guess it started with four of us,” Peck said as she Highlighting the trip was my overnight stay at the recounted the roots of the tour. “We had all had our own Plantation House B&B where hostess nnGinger Stanley Christmas open houses for our businesses previously. provided hard-to-match hospitality! And the l860's historic “We did it at different times but we weren’t really getting house was the venue tor seven crafts vendors. Many craft the biggest bang for our buck.” items were still in place, giving the house a festive holiday It took a few conversations before they hit on the idea of air. co-ordinating the open houses for the same time on the The decorative Cider Keg Market and Country Store, over same days. They figured out that people might not drive long which nnCheryl Peck presides, is open daily from May until distances to go to one open house. But they were bound to December 24th and is famous for its award-winning apple think about it if they could go to 10 different locations in the ciders, specialty foods, crafts and collectables and, in same area. season, pick-your-own produce. “All of a sudden, we had a bigger marketing budget,” Peck Kernal Peanuts is a “must” stop for anyone daytripping in said. “It was successful almost right away and it grew from the Vittoria area at any time. A former tobacco farm, the there.” Racz family diversified in the mid-1970's and today grows up Christmas in Vittoria has been a powerful force in to 150 acres of peanuts which are processed on site. The gift bringing people to the area. While most of the people touring shop, open year round, carries a variety of peanut (and other the 10 sites on the specialty tour are from the Norfolk, Brant nuts) products, and gorgeous chocolate, including sugar-free and Tillsonburg areas, others are making special trips just to chocolate and fudge. take in the atmosphere and the goods. At Peggy’s Pottery, Peggy Kitchen describes her work as The brochure comes out in July and many of the retailers “homemade, functional earthenware”, employing a variety of make a point of circulating the flyers at their own business eye-catching glazes and colours. Her tour colleague, Sherry or at trade shows and fairs. Dresser, is a watercolour artist who paints decoratively on “I was at a show in Kitchener,” Peck said. “I must have pottery. given out 50 of our brochures to people who wanted to At the Velvet Green Farm, nnKaren Johnstone grows four come.” acres of flowers, dries them, and creates a variety of The people involved in the tour often get calls from people attractive arrangements. asking where they can stay overnight. Royal Oak Feeds has been expanded by Mark This year’s tour ran November 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. Sommerville to emphasize wildbirds with interesting displays until 4 p.m. daily. and products, including a variety of feeders and feed, The tour has become so successful, the group often gets relevant videos and books, and bird carvings by local people wanting to become a part of it. carvers, giving his store a craft-shop air. “We try to make sure we have a variety of different things Unfortunately, by missing the weekend, I missed lunch at each year,” Peck said. “It’s never just the 10 of us. the historic Town Hall, and two crafts vendors. Splash Comfy “There are different crafters and artisans set up at many Casual Wear at village-edge produces quality cotton casuals of the locations.” for the entire family,” Country Accents in Port Ryerse All the people involved end up rolling up their sleeves and specializes in furniture, woodcrafts, and tole painting. getting to work. They gathered last weekend to put up I also missed Vittoria’s 15th “One of a Kind” Art and Christmas boughs in Vittoria. They meet four or five times a Woodcraft Show and Sale. Organizer nnRon Bezzo, a year to make preparations and discuss new ideas. wood-turner himself, kindly described the show which “It’s a good kickstart to the Christmas season for features 16 artists of recognized artistic merit, representing a customers and for us,” said Marlene Hoyt, from Country range of media. Accents, a custom-made furniture and woodcraft shop. “I’m Most of these and an addition, Walnut Grove Curio doing my baking today, there’s Christmas music playing and Shoppe with a varied selection of handicrafts, will participate the the shop is all decorated.” in this year’s 8th annual Christmas in Vittoria tour on “We’ll have eight on staff all weekend,” Peck said. “You November 15 & 16. can’t believe how busy it can get.”

-11- Potpourri and Stuff

There are chances at prizes for people who go to the branched out and lured woodcrafter Bezzo — he does various stops along the way. A grand prize includes items beautiful wood turnings — and Max Chute, known for his from each participant. bird carvings, to the show. “Our goal with the tour is exposure to people,” said Hoyt. Today, people come from Norfolk, Haldimand and Brant “We’re a little off the beaten path and the tour helps people counties and further afield. Bezzo has done research and find us.” finds people are willing to drive from Niagara, Hamilton, Ingersoll and London to get what they want. Christmas in Vittoria Tour Participants There were works of pottery, quilts and antique Velvet Green Farm - dried flowers photographs as well as different wood goods. Splash Comfy Casual Wear - casual clothing “I’ve never been here before,” said artist Helen Ness, who The Cider Keg - market and country store does etchings and Cascin painting. “I had no idea what to Peggy’s Pottery - pottery expect but it has all been wonderful. Kernal Peanuts - peanuts, specialty foods “I’ve enjoyed talking with people. They are all so Plantation House B&B - crafters and artisans on-site knowledgeable about art and crafts.” Royal Oak Feeds - nature-related foods and supplies Ness couldn’t believe the number of people who came Country Accents - custom-made furniture through the doors. While Saturday was busier and steadier, Walnut Grove Curio Shoppe - decor and gift items Sunday’s crowd was nearly as exuberant in checking out the Old Town Hall - lunch and refreshments crafts. Dave Wilson, from Custom Stained Glass in Jarvis, was also happy with the sale. “I’m pretty well committed to coming back next year,” he Vittoria Art and Woodcraft said. Wilf Pond, who collects driftwood pieces and burns into show shows off local talent them intricate designs to be used as either wall hangings or Adapted from an article by Mike Bauslaugh in the Simcoe Reformer clocks, finds the annual show is a good place to get his name People know quality. That’s why they end up in Vittoria at out. the annual Woodcraft and Art Show and Sale. “We will sell as much after as we do at the show,” said the “People seem to find us every year,” said organizer nnRon operator of Birchwood Clocks and Canes. “I often get people Bezzo. “We try to emphasize quality and people seem to calling up and saying that they saw me in Vittoria and they appreciate it.” would like something they saw there.” Hundreds went through the doors at the Vittoria “We try not to be too crowded with crafters,” Bezzo said. Community Centre on the November 15 and 16 weekend as “We try to cover as much as we can.” 16 vendors displayed their talents. There was everything People generally set aside the weekend for the show well from paintings to puppetry, ornate clocks in carvings to in advance. It’s always been the third weekend in November. stained glass masterpieces. “People can’t get over all the talent there is in this area,” Bezzo said. “All of the crafters, except one, are from within 138th Donnybrook Fair 20 miles of here.” Adapted from an article by Tiffany Mayer in the Simcoe Reformer People have caught on to the show, which was started 19 years ago by artist Don Harris. It wasn’t long before Harris Dressed in his overalls and navy blue work shirt with red kerchief in hand, Pat Casselton looked like he could be riding a caboose on the Canadian National Railway. Instead, he was a driving force behind the 138th Donnybrook Fair. Pat, 77, with the help of fair director Dave Matthews, was busy preparing for the event set to take place the weekend of September 27 and 28, in Walsh. Floors had to be washed, rides had to be assembled, and bleachers had to be lined up for the hundreds of people expected to descend on the hamlet’s agricultural fair, which each year boasts a midway, demolition derby, baby derby, craft and art show, and parade among many other attractions. “Everyone goes through the fruit building,” Pat said about the building housing this area’s agricultural wonders. “There’s always a lot of fruit and vegetables. The building’s usually full.” Not bad for a town that one could miss if they blinked. But the fact that the fair is 138 years old attests to its importance to the community and to Norfolk County’s agrarian heritage. Artist Wilf Pond sketches design which he will etch by wood-burning and transform a piece of barnboard into an attractive clock. Pat has been manager of the fair for the last 32 years. -12- More Potpourri and Stuff

He’s been involved at other levels for well over 40. He’s Carl Stanley, his sister Josie (Stanley) Caswell and watched the fair grow and shrink and despite a long list of Claude Stanley remained in the area, while his younger physical ailments that would slow down most others, sister Bonnie returned to the US. Over the ensuing 70 plus Casselton’s commitment to the fair has been unyielding. years, strong ties have remained between the “Canadians” “It means my life,” he said. and the Southern cousins. Now into the fifth generation, It also meant a lot to Norm Card, who was a member of regular correspondence and visiting occurs, even though the fair board for over 70 years. Norm passed away in 2002. those four siblings are deceased. This year’s fair served as a memorial to him. This past summer, the largest contingent of southern Another change Casselton will experience in the years to cousins ever, 13 children and grandchildren of Bonnie come is helping to organize the fair voluntarily. Until this (Stanley) Hobson, visited Canada. They toured the Vittoria year, he has been paid for his efforts, but since the Baptist Cemetery and Woodhouse Cemetery, and went to a disbanding of the local bingo, which generated over Blue Jays vs. Yankees game at the Skydome. A huge $200,000 for the fair, the event and its organizers will have barbecue was held at “Eagleview”, hosted by Bob Kowtaluk to make do on limited funds. and Cheryl (Rogers) Black, where over 50 descendants This year was the last for the crowd-pleasing demolition attended, reminisced and “trooped and hollered”. Following derby. that, nnLarry and nnGinger Stanley hosted 22 family “It takes a lot to put on a fair,” Casselton said. “We’re members and 3 dogs, at their cottage in the Bancroft area, going to have to tighten up.” for more “bonding”. But the crowds were still able to enjoy the bangup action It was a moving and memorable time for all of us, and we on Saturday and Sunday. There was also a miniature tractor are indebted to our parents who sustained the family ties, pull following the derby. despite the geographical separation. We are all inspired and Even with as many events, attractions and prizes at the committed to keep this tradition alive. fair, Casselton said the demolition derby is a favourite for fair-goers. “Everybody wants to see blood. Everybody wants to see Reflections of the Nutcracker someone get hurt,” he laughed. Contributed by Cindy Gekiere Admission to the fair this year was $5 for adults, $4 for seniors. Children under 12 were free. Seven dollars got Cousins Caiti Gekiere and Stephanie Varey were the two fair-goers a weekend pass. fortunate young ladies who played the parts of the Cannon Dolls just before Christmas. Parents Cindy and Ken Gekiere and Kathy and Norm Varey bought the tickets at the Vittoria The Southern Connection Auction last March. Contributed by nnLinda Vancso These cousins are both enrolled in ballet classes locally, and feel the experience was beyond words. As many readers are aware, the Vittoria district has Highlights and comments from them include: benefited from the large contingent of “southerners” who “We were able to see the rehearsal hall and the company settled in the area in the early 1930's to grow the golden leaf. practicing. We met Peter Otterman, assistant to the artistic Tobacco workers came from mostly from the states of director. He showed us a tape of the previous year when Virginia and North Carolina, were drawn to the sandy loam someone did our part.” of Norfolk, with similar characteristics as in their home Caiti and Stephanie recalled that “Our dressing room was states, and thus perfectly suited to grow flue cured tobacco. the First Aid Room and it said Cannon Dolls on the door. “We met Sonya Rodrigues, wife of Kurt Browning, and she

Stephanie Varey and Caiti Gekiere display their ballet slippers, autographed by Karen Kain and Sonia Rodrigues as well as other souvenirs from their performance as Cannon Dolls in The Nutcracker last December. -13- Still more Potpourri and Stuff gave us each a pair of slippers she had signed.” “Caiti took her own ballet slippers and Karen Kane signed Raising Funds for Farmer’s them for her. This was the best part for her because she has Market and Education program studied ballet herself for 2 years. Caiti subsequently Adapted from an article by Vicki Hartlen in the Delhi News-Record explained to her Dad that this was “like getting Wayne Gretzky to sign your hockey stick!” The scene is picturesque. The girls were able to talk with Krista Dowson who Caiti Engine #6701 rolls towards the Delhi train station on a already knew from Suzanne Burt’s School of Ballet. cold winter day. The smoke from the engine creates a giant Caiti and Stephanie were able to get their programs cloud above. People bundled in jackets wait to board the train, as it comes to a halt. autographed by Principal Dancers, Geon Van Der Wyst, It's the scene the Delhi Farmer's Market, at William and Nutcracker Prince and Xiao Nan Yu, the Snow Queen. Main streets would like to see painted as a mural on its wall. The excitement and memories will surely be a thrill of a "It's gorgeous," said Chris Wolfer, owner of the building lifetime for these young ladies. which houses the market. "This is a piece of Delhi's history which needs to be restored." Wolfer hopes to make that possible with help from from local artist nnRose Pettit. New Walking Tour Brochure "I got this picture," he said as he held up a 8x10, black and white photograph, "from one of the vendors here who Heritage Committee used to work at the train station." co-Chairs nnDon Fort and The small photograph was reproduced to the 8x10 nnJim Wies have designed photograph. and produced a very But this wasn't enough for Wolfer. Still wanting to see the attractive new Walking Tour mural become reality, he called on Pettit. brochure which was tweaked "I approached Mrs. Pettit and asked her if she would be and fine-tuned by our able to replicate the picture into a print," he said. printer, Don Forde of Image Pettit agreed. Printing Services. I didn’t realize it was going to take this much work in the The 11" x 17" brochure beginning, but I think the finished product is worth it," she features photographs and said. brief historical and/or Using a stippling pen with ink and pencils, Pettit worked architectural descriptions of throughout the summer on the print. 32 historic sites in and "I could only work on it for about an hour and then my around Vittoria. eyes would go all buggy," she said. "I started on the big print The brochures were in June and finished in August, which isn't too bad.” produced as a substitute for The finished result is a beautiful, accurate black and the easels and kiosks which white print, which both Pettit and Wolfer hope residents will Don Fort had built, and purchase. which were erected each "This is a great piece of history that I think every spring around the village. professional Delhi office should have in it," said Wolfer. They served us really well "Everyone should have one." until a number of them were destroyed by vandals a few years ago. In the spring, the cairn at the mill pond will be erected. The stones have been collected and washed. Theplaque has been cast and is ready to be installed. The contractor has been engaged, and the project should be completed before summer arrives.

I asked artist Don Harris if he could paint a good portrait of my wife. He said, “Roger, I can make it so lifelike you’ll jump every time you see it!”

-14- The Chief Has Retired

Wolfer, through some investigation, said he's learned that Minor Sports Association; 30-year member of the Thompson the picture was taken in 1954. Memorial Park Committee, and a Past Chairman and Special To help bring the mural to life. Pettit and Wolfer are Events Co-Chairman; encouraging people to buy prints of the photograph. 20-year member of the Vittoria & District Community Fifty-four artists proofs - which is the first 54 copies off Centre Steering, Building, Management & Finance the press with better quality paper will be available for Committees: 18-year member of the Vittoria Lions Club, and $195.40 per print and each comes complete with a signature a Past President, Past Secretary and Treasurer; 3-year and artist profile. Another 141 prints will also be available member of the Vittoria Bicentennial Committee, and Finance for $95.40 per print, which will be on quality paper and have Chairman; 6-year member of The Vittoria & District a signature. Foundation, and a Founding Trustee and Charter Chairman; All profits from sales of prints will go to the Delhi 5-year member of the Vittoria Oldtimers Fastball League, Farmer's Market and the Delhi Ontario Tobacco Museum's and a Founding Member and former Coach; 3-year Township Grade 5 educational program, as well as the Delhi Farmer's of Delhi Council Member, serving on the Museum Board and Market. the Community Policing Committee; and 30-year Eraser for "This is something everyone should get," said Wolfer. "It the Vittoria Mafia. That’s Awesome! Thank you, Jim! not only allows you to have a piece of Delhi's history, but it also helps the community.' And Last, But not Least ...

Thank you, Jim! It is membership renewal time again. We appreciate every member’s confidence and support, and respectfully request nnJim Melville’s remarkable record of exemplary that each of you continue to renew your membership annually. community serviced was recognized upon his retiremen as Please send in your $20 per person annual dues for 2004 Fire Chief and Firefighter. Here is a list of some of Jim’s and use the enclosed form as it makes it easier for the volunteer service. Treasurer to track and reconcile the membership accounts. 36 years as a Vittoria Volunteer Firefighter; 27 years as If you know anyone else who is thinking of becoming a District Fire Chief; 36-year member of the Vittoria member of this wonderfully worthwhile benevolent Firefighters Association, and a Past President; 36-year organization, please encourage them to join this year. member of the Haldimand-Norfolk Mutual Aid Association, and a Past President; 25-year member of the Ontario Fire Chiefs Association; 15-year member of the Charlotteville PLEASE DO IT NOW! THANK YOU!

Retiring Fire Chief Jim Melville displays one of the many souvenirs of Beside every good man, there’s a great woman. Wives of men who make appreciation and recognition presented to him at his retirement party. significant contributions of community volunteering, also deserve special recognition. Barb and Jim shared in the accolades upon Jim’s retirement. -15- Community Candids

Vittoria Lioness members Wanda Rupert, Elizabeth Fitch and Irene Quibell received Ontario Volunteer Service Awards for dedicated service to the Lioness. Unavailable for the photo were Volunteer Award recipients Rhonda Jarvis, Sonja Oslach and Joan Peach.

Donna Raytrowsky shows the cheque for $10,000 that she has just accepted on behalf of the Norfolk General Hospital Family Fund from The Vittoria & District Foundation treasurer, nnTwila Cruickshank.

Vittoria & District Foundation members nnRoger Cruickshank, nnVirginia Drayson, nnBrenda Assel, nnTwila Cruickshank, nnMarion Sherman and nnLinda Vancso received Ontario Volunteer Service Awards for more than 5 years of service to the Foundation at a ceremony at Bingeman Park in Waterloo. V&DF member nnGail Marr received a Volunteer Award for service to the Retired Teachers of Ontario.

The Thompson Memorial Park Committee commissioned Chad’s Welding to build several pieces of skateboard equipment which was installed on the Dragon Boat on Silver Lake, Port Dover multi-purpose pad at the park

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