Blog Posts

Fun Times on Norwich Dam

1/12/2015

Walking out of the woods at the Norwich Conservation Area on the east side of Norwich Dam, I was greeted to peals of laughter coming from children skating on the ice. With bonny temperatures on Sunday there was quite the crowd out on the two ice rinks. Make shift goal posts made from two sets of boots looked so cute I had to return to take pictures. Two families with their young children were skating, or being pushed around, on the large square shaped ice rink. On the other rink local youths were getting ready to play a friendly game of hockey.

Skaters on large ice rink.

Getting ready to play hockey.

Ed and Chris have been coming here for years with 5 year old Sadie but this was the first time out as a family for Janaart and Danielle with their three children Ethan 3, Madyson 9 and Connor 6. However, Janaart use to skate on the Norwich Dam as a child. To help Ethan, Janaart and Danielle brought a chair. Janaart reported that a man from the house next door came and left a skating aid. Tyler Zylstra has been coming to skate here his whole life. At 20 years old he was joined with his hockey buddies JJ Harden, Mike Reeves and others.

Danielle with her 3 year old son Ethan.

Hockey buddies Tyler Zylstra, JJ Harden, Mike Reeves and two others.

Two families out on the large ice rink.

In questioning both groups who maintained the rinks every year they reported the man who lived in the house next door did. Twelve years residing in Norwich every year the ice has always been cleared with a few rinks and I assumed the County maintained them. To get answers I went to the house next door. Marty and Jenny Hahn were kind to let me in and answer my many questions. The Hahn's have resided in their house near the Norwich Dam for 16 years. Marty has maintained the ice rinks on the dam for 13 years. That is when Marty and Jenny first became grandparents. Now they have 4 grandchildren who all skate on the ice. A few years ago Marty bought two skating aids for a dollar as no one knew what they were. However, he saw them at the Norwich Arena. But now his 4 year old granddaughter skates unaided.

For 5 or 6 years Bert and Marian VanVliet have assisted Marty in maintaining the rinks. Bert and Marian made the large ice rink this year. Marian reported that they felt the need for two rinks for there is “always kids playing hockey but some who don’t.” She enjoys every minute helping as they have a teenager at home who uses the rink.

As soon as he sees kids wanting to skate Marty shovels the snow to make a rink. He leaves out a shovel, snow scoop and a goal post or two to be used. Someone made a bench 5 or 6 years ago which Marty brings in every spring and takes out every winter so skaters and hockey players alike can use it. Marty tries to keep the ice smooth as long as he can but once it gets soft the children walk on it to see if it's okay to skate on. "Walking on the ice when it is not completely frozen prevents the ice from being smooth which makes it impossible to maintain." Every year is different for Marian to assist with the ice maintenance due to work etc. “But if the kids want to skate they can help shovel too.”

Growing up in Norwich Marty did not skate at the dam. Al Munro, local jeweller (his store is where Paul Wood's real estate office is now) magician, town clown and movie producer, had a rink at his house then located at the corner of Cook and Elgin Streets. Aside from maintaining the ice rinks, Marty also cleans up garbage around the park, in the water as well as along the 4 kilometers of trails in the woods. He also ensures the garbage bins get emptied by calling the Long Point Region Conservation Authority (L.P.R.C.A.). Last year L.P.R.C.A. came out with chain saws to clear the trails.

It appears that Marty Hahn is the Keeper of the Dam and the trails at the Norwich Conservation Area. Hail to him and to Bert and Marian VanVliet for maintaining the ice rinks on the Norwich Dam to allow residents to continue to skate and play hockey.

Gallery of photos from the ice rinks on the Norwich Dam.

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WFN 81st Annual Christmas Bird Count

12/27/2014

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The Woodstock Field Naturalists' (WFN) held their 81st Annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on Saturday December 20, 2014. Each year the Christmas Bird Count is conducted ten days before and after Christmas which runs from December 14th to January 5th. During the 19th century many North Americans participated in the traditional Christmas “side hunts” in which the person with the largest pile of birds won.

However, by the 20th century American ornithologist and an officer of the recently formed National Audubon Society, Frank M. Chapman, proposed counting birds instead of killing them. On Christmas Day in 1900, 25 bird counts were held ranging from Toronto, Ontario to Pacific Grove, California and 90 species were counted on that day. Since then this tradition carries on marking the National Audubon Society’s 115th Christmas Bird Count. Each bird count occurs in an established 15-mile wide diameter circle that is divided into six parts. A team of bird watchers takes an area and counts birds for the day then reports their findings to the count compiler.

The CBC is the longest running survey conducted by citizens in the world. Data collected by CBC is one of two of the largest sources of information to provide researchers, ornithologists and conservation biologists information on how the population of North American birds has changed over one hundred years. As such, trends can be predicted to establish measures to protect birds and their habitat. For instance, in 2009 data helped to comprise the Audubon's Birds & Climate Change analysis report, which documented 314 species that could be on the brink of extinction due to climate change. Such species are well known birds that include the Bald Eagle, the Common Loon, the Baltimore Oriole, the Burrowing Owl and the Allan Hummingbird. In Woodstock, Pittock Dam is the centre of the 15-mile wide diameter circle and long-time WFN member Jeff Skevington is the count complier. (View Woodstock CBC.)

Despite the electricity being out early on Saturday morning, I headed to Area D’s meeting place at Nikki’s Roadhouse in Princeton, Ontario to meet our three-person team. It was a beautiful bright and sunny day, you would think perfect for bird watching. However, our first stop at Blenheim Swamp or Benwell Swamp (famously known for the murder and trial in Canadian history when Frederick Benwell - Plaque #22 - was murdered in February 1890 by Reginald Birchall who was later hanged) found neither sightings nor sounds of our feathered friends. WFN President Roger Boyd cited that inclement weather and snow on the ground attracts more bird sightings. Blenheim Swamp is comprised of free-standing trees like Red Maple, Yellow Birch, White Ash, and Swamp Ash. The soil is peat moss in which vegetation has shallow roots. Various vegetation grown in peat moss include Skunk Cabbage, numerous ferns, Dogwood, Button Bush and Lady’s Slipper to name but a few.

Looking down the lane way at Blenheim or Benwell Swamp

The next stop was at Horner Creek - named after Oxford County’s Quaker settler Thomas Horner - in Blandford-Blenheim Township fared much better. There we spotted Red-Bellied Woodpeckers, Juncos and Red-Tailed Hawks. It was at this site that a new discovery was made. Markings were found on the trees resembling claw markings. If seen in Algonquin Park, one would surmise that the markings were made by bear claws. But in Oxford County bears do not exist. Our little group was perplexed for none of us could recall having seen such a sight before. Was it a disease or a new trait for a bird? Roger noticed that the majority of trees supporting the markings were all Ash trees and occurred on the south side of the trees.

Claw like markings on the south side of Ash Trees at Horner Creek

Rabbits or deer eating the bark of a Beech Tree.

Further east of Horner Creek we stopped at Whiteman’s Creek near Burford. Whiteman’s Creek has two main tributaries, Kenny Creek in Norwich Township and Horner Creek. Whiteman’s Creek flows through the sandy soils of the Norfolk Sand Plain before meeting up with the Grand River between Brantford and Paris. A good sighting of Song Sparrows, Goldfinch, Pileated Woodpeckers, Rock Pigeons and Chickadees was seen along with more marking on the trees. Also at Whiteman’s Creek we found numerous trees that were chopped down by beavers. The beginning structure of a dam was found. Another person in the group reported that once authorities from the Grand River Conservation Authority find the dam, it will be dismantled and the beavers could be relocated elsewhere.

Trees cut down by beavers.

Stripped pieces of wood to be used to build the beaver dam.

Beaver dam at Whiteman's Creek.

Trail where beavers carry branches to the creek to build their dam.

A drey an empty squirrel's nest.

At Kenny Creek our bird watching group found the source of the markings on the Ash trees. A female Hairy Woodpecker was seen stripping off the bark right in front us. Doing a quick research writing this blog, the markings our group saw matched the markings Woodpeckers make on Ash trees infected with the Emerald Ash Borer. So our problem was solved by observation. Bluebirds were seen at this location. Aside from our feathered friends, other animals were spotted, two skittish deer ran out onto the road then ran back on the other side of the woods, a muskrat was seen in the creek, various horses and of course cattle being Oxford County.

Markings on trees caused by Hairy Woodpeckers searching for Emerald Ash Borer.

After seven hours counting birds, Area D team counted 20 species of birds. The total species for WFN’s CBC was 67 species with a total of 23,486 birds recorded. (Refer to the WFN’s website to download the data for 2014. ) Next year’s WFN’s Christmas Bird Count will be held on Saturday December 19, 2015. Everyone is welcome to participate in the field or by counting the birds at your feeder if you reside within the 15 kilometre radius of the bridge over Pittock on Innerkip Road. Contact information is also provided on the website. Following a long day tramping around in the bush, birders were invited to the home of John and Thora Harvey for a pot-luck dinner. John has been a member of WFN for 62 years. Both John and his wife Thora are honorary members. The Harveys have hosted these gatherings for thirty years. John has participated in the WFN’s Christmas Bird County since 1953. He is a wealth of information in identifying not only birds but plants, flowers and trees.

I always thoroughly enjoy my day birding at the Christmas Bird Counts every year. I first joined WFN almost twenty-four years ago attending their monthly meetings which occur the first Monday each month at Huron Park Secondary School library. I find the meetings both educational and interesting. The monthly outings to surrounding locations to view birds were fun like Hawk Cliff, Long Point or Rondeau Provincial Park. These days though I attend the annual Harvest Dinner and participate in CBC. The next meeting for the Woodstock Field Naturalists’ Club will take place on Monday January 5, 2015. It will be a members’ participation night. The next outing will occur on Saturday January 10, 2015 meeting at 10:00 at the parking lot of W.C.I. to go to Fisherville to see owls. Bring your lunch and chairs. For further information contact Rich Skevington at 519-462-2862. Always a good time to be had and fun for the whole family.

Gallery of photos taken on WFN's 81st Annual Christmas Bird Count in Area D.

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Geoff Dale’s new book The Fine Art of Boxing - No Stooge in the Ring

11/6/2014

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Local journalist and author Geoff Dale read from his new book The Fine Art of Boxing - No Stooge in the Ring to an intimate crowd at the Ingersoll Public Library on September 18, 2014. The book is a fictional biography of Larry Fine. “Larry,” from the vaudeville and comedy act the Three Stooges known as “Moe, Larry and Curly” or “Shemp.” Geoff explained his reason for wanting to write the book: “I’ve wanted to write about pop culture with the mindset to the end of the vaudeville era and the beginning of the film era that’s when they come into play. The interesting part about all that is at that particular time the entertainment world was literally made up largely of Jewish performers even though their names like Jack Carter, Jesse Green don't sound very Jewish they all changed their names.” Due to Geoff’s own Jewish background he had an interest in the Jewish culture especially in entertainment. “What fascinated me about this character this is the guy that no one really looks at, its Larry Fine, the bald headed, curly hair middle guy who didn’t do much, he was more of a reactor then an actor whose real name was Louis Feinberg.“

Local Author Geoff Dale with his book The Fine Art of Boxing - No Stooge in the Ring

The Back Cover of Geoff Dale's Book

Geoff goes on to explain how Louis got into amateur boxing. When he was three years old Louis was in his father’s jewellery store, he reached over to get what he thought was a bottle of soda pop. His father saw him and threw a tool knocking the bottle of acid away but it spilled all over Louis' arm. The doctor’s first recommendation was to cut the arm off but his father wanted a second opinion. Another doctor suggested Louis to take up an instrument and do skin grafting. As a result, Louis learned to play the violin and became so proficient that when he was eight years old he played soloist in a symphony. His arm got better but not good enough. The doctor then suggested Louis needed to have a really active sport. The three choices then was golf, only played by rich people, baseball or boxing. Louis wanted to box. His parents were horrified for they didn’t approve their son fighting in public. The irony was his father watched boxing every Saturday night.

Due to Louis’ insistence though, his father finally relented. However, the deal was Louis could go to the gym to spur, train and punch the heavy bag but he was not allowed to fight in public. Louis got extremely good at boxing that the manager asked him to fight. Louis reported his parents would not allow it but the manager encouraged him that he could change his name like every Jewish boxer. The Champion at that time was Benny Leonard, not his real name. Louis was called Kid Roth. He trained and fought and moved up from amateur to professional fighting. A best friend of Louis’ father mentioned how well Louis was dong in the ring. When his father learned his son was fighting that night he closed his store and watched his son fight his first and last professional boxing match. Louis won the fight. However, his father went to the ringside, grabbed his son by the ear and pulled him out of the ring ending Louis’ boxing career.

This is where the facts end and fiction begins. Geoff Dale’s book The Fine Art of Boxing - No Stooge in the Ring begins with Louis Feinberg, Larry Fine, winning his first professional fight. The rest of his book is “a what if Larry fought as a professional boxer? I took his life and changed it with different places, with different people and doing things he got to do as a youth but never got a change to do in his early twenties. I put it in context of time; the champion win comes exactly a month before the Great Depression." A monumental event, Larry has to make a decision. What does he do? You have to read the book to find out.

Geoff’s interest into the Three Stooges goes beyond just about “these guys, it’s about the cultural impact, the vaudeville era, the Jewish influence and the boxing. That’s why I wrote the book, it’s about the underdog; it’s about the little guy that really shouldn’t have made it and hopefully to educate people who really didn’t know these guys. It’s a futile attempt to someone in their sixties trying to say the Three Stooges aren’t so stupid as you think. There is more to them then smacking or poking each other in the eye it’s quite bit more to it than that.” The book is more fiction then fact. “The reality is I basically wrote a fiction based on an awfully lot of non-fiction.” Geoff does not want his readers to know what is real or not. He would rather his readers go out and find out for themselves or they could sponsor him to write another book.

Geoff’s next move is writing a non-fiction on another Stooge, Shemp Howard the Forgotten Stooge.

Click on the words to view my videos on Geoff Dale’s presentation and reading on my Google+ account.

Check out Geoff Dale’s campaign to write a biography on Shemp Howard

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Second Annual Community Health & Wellness Fair in Norwich

11/3/2014

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Norwich Fire Service Volunteers Derek Van Pagee & Joe Panton speak to a group of students from Rehoboth Christian School

Tuesday October 28, 2014 the Norwich Community Centre was filled with people participating in and checking out the various vendors at the Second Annual Community Health and Wellness Fair. Coordinator of the event AJ Wells reported that similar to last year there were 38 exhibitors who were present. Last year the event was held a week later on Monday November 4th. AJ Wells is the Manager of The Dr. Russell M. Hall Family Health Centre located in Norwich, Ontario and he also sits on the Health and Wellness Advisory Committee which hosted the fair.

Twenty minute information sessions were also available upstairs at the Community Centre which started at 3:00 p.m. and ended at 6:40 p.m. The various topics included the following: Alternative Health Care Options – The Basics of Naturopathic Medicine; Exploring Options and Questions with Senior’s Housing; Falls Preventions and the Use of Assistance Devices; Dealing with Alzheimer’s Early Warning Signs and Symptoms and Using Mindfulness for Pain Management and Depression. Wells speculated that this year the crowd could be anywhere from 300 to 350 similar to that a year ago.

AJ will be scouring both the venders and the spectator’s feedback to gleam how the fair can be run next year or if an annual event should even occur. It takes a lot of volunteers to organize such an event. For instance, students from the Rehoboth Christian School were Ambassadors for the day, manning the front tables, handing out goodie bags and a home economics class baked cookies and cakes. The students also served tea and coffee.

Barbara Wright is a Representative from DASO (Domestic Abuse Services Oxford Formerly the Women's Emergency Centre). Despite their recent name change, this year DASO celebrated 40 years providing domestic abuse services and programs in Oxford County. Barbara Wright reported that “all events have had an anniversary spin; [SoupStock] will be one of the last events for the anniversary which is a fun and fantastic event.” SoupStock consist of four local restaurants and catering servers in Oxford County who will all make their signature soup that will be judged. Tickets are only $10.00 to support this great cause.

SoupStock Tuesday Nov. 4th 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Quality Inn in Woodstock

Barbara Wright stands beside two signs from the DASO display

New to the town of Norwich is the health food store Inside U that has another store located in Woodstock. This new establishment opened their doors on September 3, 2014 and had a Grand Opening on October 24, 2014. Dr. Jaclyn Perchaluk is the Naturopathic Doctor onsite whose office is downstairs. Dr. Perchaluk reported that the store is run by Lillian who “has twenty years’ experience running health food stores and she is lovely.” A Nutritionist is also available onsite.

Dr. Jaclyn Perchaluk is the Naturopathic Doctor from the health food store Inside U

Norwich now has two Naturopathic Doctors in town. In June 2014 Dr. Andrea Hornyak opened her practice, Vital Force Naturopathic two days a week on Mondays and Thursdays at The Dr. Russell M. Hall Family Health Centre. A native from Otterville, Dr. Hornyak has returned home after practicing in Burlington, Ontario for eight years. Both Dr. Perchaluk and Dr. Hornyak welcome new patients.

John and Jeanette Kuipers are distributors and certified pole walking instructors who had their Nordixx booth displaying walking poles. Nordic Pole Walking is regular walking using specifically designed hand-held Nordic Walking Poles. The benefits of Nordic Pole Walking strengthen upper body, reduce stress on joints and burns more calories.

Joyce Henkell learns how to use walking poles from John & Jeanette Kuipers

Wally Walker aka Lefty

John told the story behind their mascot Lefty. Two years ago while attending a diabetic conference the Kuipers each received a plastic left foot. They decided to get their friend, A. J.'s Creations the Doll Lady to make them a doll. The creation became Wally Walker aka Lefty, a hobbit with two left feet who uses walking poles.

Walking poles could prove to be useful at the Walking Club held at the Norwich Community Centre. For an annual membership of $6.00 the facility is open all year round from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to walk. You no longer have to worry that inclement weather will keep you indoors.

Walking Club at the Norwich Community Centre

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Scary House in Norwich

11/1/2014

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In every community there is always one house that is favoured by every ghost and goblin, or these days by a super hero or a pop star, at Halloween. Whether known for giving out great treats or wearing amazing and freighting costumes. This holds true in the town of Norwich. For the last six years, Peter Luciani Senior and Peter Luciani Junior have set up their home at 39 Stover Street in Norwich with elaborate Halloween decorations. It usually takes them about two weeks to set up before the big day. Peter Luciani Senior explained that while living in Brantford, Ontario he owned a business, Luciani Fruit Market, where he had a haunted barn. So when he and his family moved to Norwich elven years ago, he used the same decorations. Over the years both Peters kept adding bigger and more elaborate decorations like a ferris wheel and a smoke making machine.

Peter Luciani Jr. (in front) and Peter Luciani Sr. set up Halloween decorations a week early

Halloween decorations in front of the Luciani house

Peter Luciani Jr. making final preparations on Halloween

The Luciani duo go all out for all seasons; they have lights set up in their backyard at Christmas and they set off fireworks during May 24 weekend.

Check out the Gallery of photos for the freighting pictures on Halloween night. Last year the family saw about 400 children. “Cars were lined up; kids were coming in [to get their treats] then going back in the cars and driving off.” Peter Luciani Senior explained. The idea is not to scare the children too much but “figuring out ways to scare the adults” Peter Luciani Junior stated; “it’s all in fun.”

On Halloween night, the finishing touches were made and the extraordinary show was displayed. Sounds effects were also part of the celebrations with the theme song of "Ghostbusters" playing in the background along with spooky sounds of groans, screams and and cackles. They even had shadows of what look like four people slowing crawling at the window. According to Peter Senior, the effect was done using a projector. Peter Junior stood beside a witch's cauldron were Halloween treats were stored, probably to ensure that Trick or Treaters knew it was safe to stick their hands in to retrieve their goodies.

The Luciani duo go all out for all seasons; they have lights set up in their backyard at Christmas and they set off fireworks during May 24 weekend.

Pyro display at 39 Stover Street

Display of pumpkins that lit up in sync with music

Check out the Gallery of photos for the freighting pictures on Halloween night.

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Great weather, fast trails & good times at the 15 Annual Dairy Capital Stampede

9/17/2014

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Despite all the rain that fell throughout Oxford County this week, great weather and good times were had at the 15 Annual Dairy Capital Stampede, 6-Hour Solo and Team Mountain Bike Relay hosted by the Woodstock Cycling Club (WCC) on Sunday September 14, 2014 at the Pines.

WCC Members: Ryan Ludington, Race Coordinator & Jody Mitchell, Treasurer

Long-time WCC member, Treasurer and first place winner in the Four Person Relay, Jody Mitchell reported that the course was in fantastic shape as the rain helped to pack everything down. He praised the many volunteers who helped with trail maintenance and the race. Jody stated there were 45 solo riders, 12 mixed teams in the Four Person Relay and 15 participants in the Two Person Relay. This year membership for WCC is 240 strong an increase from last year. This year the Club brought in an out of county membership. In order to ride in the Pines, 20 km of rugged cross country trails that WCC leases from Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, one has to be a member of the Club. Pedal Power Bikes & Boards, located on Dundas Street in Woodstock, Ontario, is the headquarters for the Woodstock Cycling Club.

Many racers praised the excellent condition of the course like John who participated in the Two Person Relay with his friend also named John calling themselves Double J. With just one minute left on the clock, the second John made it in just before Ryan Ludington WCC’s Race Coordinator sounded the buzzer to end the six hour relay race.

The Double J's: John & John

John cited it was a great course as he has ridden in many different places. From London, John has participated in this race about four to five times. A common theme among the racers interviewed. John wanted to ensure that the volunteers were mentioned especially the time keepers, sisters Jessica and Gabi Grimes who sat for the full six hours of the race.

Keeping score, Timers Jessica & Gabi Grimes

WCC Members volunteering at race & showing their bike colours

Even novice riders participated and had an enjoyable time like the Jones family who were in the Three Person Team. Eleven year old Drew, father Dan and thirteen year old Bryce Jones from Fergus, Ontario all completed the race. Although it was the boys’ first time riding in a mountain bike race, father Dan has been mountain biking for eighteen years. This is a family sport. Lisa Jones, Drew and Bryce’s mother, provided meals and emotional support to her team during the race.

Drew, Dan & Bryce Jones

The Jones Family with mom Lisa

Vice President Chris Ferrell

Vice President of the Woodstock Cycling Club Chris Ferrell thanked the volunteers who were marshals on the course and the members of the London Camera Club who took pictures of the racers. Chris also thanked the sponsor DC Mechanical before announcing the winners. Chris stated all were winners.

Sponsor: DC Mechanical

Aerial view of the crowd at the 15th Annual Dairy Capital Stampede

Solo Women Winners: Juliette Prouse 3rd, Tanya Hanham 2nd & Kate Kaikkonen 1st Place

Race Results:
Solo Men
First Place – Jamie Wagler
Second Place - Jeff Landry
Third Place – Phil Kaikkonen

Solo Women
First Place – Kate Kaikkonen
Second Place – Tanya Hanham
Third Place – Juliette Prouse

Tag Teams
First Place -Kelly Koffmas & Shawn Thibodeau
Third Place - Kerry Gale & Jeff Barker

3rd Place Kerry Gale & Jeff Barker with 1st Place Winners Kelly Koffmas & Shawn Thibodeau

Tag Team 3rd Place Winners: Kelly Koffmas & Shawn Thibodeau

2-Person Men Team Winners: 3rd Passive Aggressive, 2nd - Outspokin 1st Place – London Team Type 1 Cycling

Two-Person Men Teams
First Place – Denny Saundes & Carlo Capaldi -Team – London Team Type 1 Cycling (both Denny and Carlo are Type I diabetics)
Second Place – Paul Dowsell & Scott Konecy – Team - Outspokin
Third Place – Ray Cunnir & Mike Strahl – Team - Passive Aggressive

Team Relay
First Place – Judy Mitchell, Rod Naylor, Dave Feick & John Klassen (from Turkey Point)
– Team - 3 Locals & 1 Turkey
Second Place – Blaine Betzold, Adrian Saywell, Hank Redman & Chris Blacklock - Team R &R to O.C.
Third Place – Marc Sherman, Brian Warkentin, Ryan Daiber –Team – Unruly Racing

1st Place Team Relay Winners: 3 Locals & 1 Turkey

2nd Place Team: R & R to O.C.

3rd Place Team: Passive Aggressive

As a past member of Woodstock Cycling Club it was nostalgic returning to the Pines, reconnecting and meeting new people. I missed the comradeship that existed among the members, riders and racers. I also miss biking in the Pines. I still sport numerous war wounds from many falls. Echoing another long-time WCC member, Larry Dubecki who rode in the Solo, it was nice seeing young members getting involved on the Executive. Twenty years ago when I was a member, young Thomas Clark was a bike mechanic at Pedal Power. Now he is the Club’s President. Way to go Thomas! Congratulations to WCC in yet another stellar race. Then again WCC and the Pines hosted and was the home to the Mountain Bike Ontario Cup Racing during the 1990’s. But that’s for another story.

Fastest Lap in 26 minutes & 3 seconds, Denny Saunders from London Team Type 1 Cycling

WCC Upcoming Events - Dates to be announced later:
Fall Colours Ride
Halloween Ride
Tour De Pizza Ride
New Year’s Day Ride – January 1, 2015

Check out WCC on Facebook & Twitter, new website to be launched soon.

Photo Gallery of the 15 Annual Dairy Capital Stampede, 6-Hour Solo and Team Mountain Bike Relay

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Emancipation Day Celebrations at Queen's Park August 1, 2014

8/10/2014

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Rosemary Sadlier & Jojo Chintoh

August 1st 2014 marked the 180 anniversary of the abolishment of slavery throughout the British Empire, including Canada, when the British Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act that took effect on August 1, 1834. On that date Emancipation Day celebrations occurred which continue today throughout the Caribbean, South Africa and parts of Canada. One of the earliest recorded Emancipation Day celebrations held in Upper Canada (Ontario) was the Emancipation Day Parade in Amherstburg, Ontario on August 1, 1894. This famous photo taken by John Lasruck, appears on the cover of the book “An Enduring Heritage Black Contributions to Early Ontario.” (A picture of the AME Cemetery in Otterville is on page 42.)

By Roger Riendeau, Dundurn Press Limited

The Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) hosted an Emancipation Day Celebrations at Queen’s Park with Freedom Words. Former Citytv Television Journalist Jojo Chintoh hosted the event which featured local up and coming performers and authors like: singers Diana Braithwaite and Annastacia Smith-Richards, authors Mutendei Akhaya Nabutete and Fiona Clarke and poet Nadine Williams. Radio Announcer Neil Armstrong played a short interview with the late Dr. Maya Angelou from 2003 as a tribute to her passing.

Throughout the two-hour event, Jojo Chintoh illustrated his knowledge of Black history with his many tidbits of information and personal stories. He cited that some people have forgotten our history. When we celebrate Emancipation Day we celebrate history and freedom. Emancipation Day was like Christmas Day for black folks but today many don’t know about it. We have made contributions to this country rather than complain we should write our history. He empathized about securing funds to build a Black Museum in Toronto.

Mr. Chintoh is a stanch supporter of OBHS and informed the crowd of their upcoming events like the Freedom Ride Bus Tour to St. Catharines on August 23, 2014 that will retrace the history of Harriet Tubman and visit the “Big Picnic” tour museums in St. Catharines and Niagara Falls. From March 2 to 7, 2015 along with Integrity Tours, OBHS will be presenting the Long Walk to Freedom Tour.

An once-in-a-lifetime tour focusing on the role Nelson Mandela had in South Africa as well as the history, heritage and culture. The Emancipation Day Celebrations were followed by a reception where cake was served. The President of OBHS Rosemary Sadiler talked to the invited participants and took pictures with the guests.

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The Canterbury Folk Festival July 11 – 13, 2014

7/13/2014

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The Canterbury Folk Festival in Ingersoll, Ontario is a three day long music and craft show held this year from July 11 to 13, 2014. The annual pig roast Swine and Dine, only $12.00, served about 550 people who dined in the Beer Tent over the course of Friday night. The festivities are free; spectators’ bringing their lawn chairs to camp out in front of the Yvonne Hunt Memorial Stage.

Artistic Director who wears many hats on the Committee, Mayor Ted Comiskey reported that this event has grown over the years. While singing at the Home County Folk Festival in London in 1999, Ted Comiskey thought Ingersoll could host such a festival. Along with four others, Carolyn French, Mark and Roberta Nith and Cathy Canon, the Canterbury Folk Festival was created fifteen years ago. What started out as a small one day venue grew to two days then eventually to three days. The intent was to run it for five years. However, Mayor Ted Comiskey stated that “we are in a 15 year of a 5 year plan.”

The first year had ten artistes who performed to close to 800 people on a Saturday. Over the last few years the Canterbury Folk Festival brings in big names like Ashley MacIsaac in 2012 and Natalie McMaster who was the closing act last year. Records from the police, crowds were from 3500 to 4500. Mayor Comiskey stated that the festival has been free and as far as he is concern will always remain free. He went on to report that there are great companies, industries, and the community and Ingersoll residents are very supportive.

Helen Webb & daughter Sherry Comiskey

Even Ted’s own family stepped up to the plate to help out. His wife Sherry and mother-in-law Helen Webb volunteered at the food tent and three of his sisters worked in the Beer Tent.

Always thinking of the environment, food from the pig roast was served on reusable plastic plates that were washed on-site. A dedicated volunteer, who did not want to be mentioned, stated that Transition provided plates to prevent trash from going into the landfill. President of Transition to Less Waste Emily Cude explained festivals generate a lot of waste. As a result, for twelve years Transition to Less Waste, founded by Emma and her father Mike Farlow, have attended the festival to help with a recycling program.

Last year a grant from TD Friends and the Ingersoll Council helped to purchase 1000 plates and volunteers build a homemade sink for dish washing. In keeping to safety standards set out from the Oxford County Board of Health, water needed to be heated to a certain temperature to wash the dishes. As a result, Transition to Less Waste has a portable solar-powered dish-washing station that was used to wash the many dirty dishes used for the pig roast at the Canterbury Folk Festival. The Ingersoll Paper Box donated bicycles so volunteers could ride around to collect the plates for washing. They even provided free drinking water from cups to prevent the use of bottled water.

President of Transition to Less Waste Emily Cude

Portable solar-power for dish-washing station

Bernie Gilmore was the host Friday night who introduced the following acts that night: 5:00 p.m. The Mandates; 5:40 p.m. Danal Soares; 6:20 p.m. The Schotts; 7:00 p.m. Brown Ale; 7:40 p.m. Valdy and Gary Fjellgaard; 8:20 p.m. Sarah Smith; 9:10 p.m. Wendall Ferguson and at 10:10 p.m. Poor Angus. The Headliner for Friday was Canadian icon Valdy who in 2011 was bestowed the Order of Canada for his contribution to Canadian History. Valdy shared the stage with singer and songwriter Gary Fjellgarrd.

Canadian icon Valdy performing with Gary Fjellgarrd

New London residents, Michael and Rose Kulmatycki planned on spending the weekend in Ingersoll to attend the festival. While driving home from work in Woodstock, Rose heard an advertisement for the Canterbury Folk Festival and told her husband when she got home. Rose was interested in hearing the other Headliners over the weekend like Murray McLauchlan and Ian Thomas. She was also interested in the workshops on Saturday. The artists will be grouped together to come up with and play a song with a theme. The themes included the following: “Oldest Song I know-Maybe,” “Going Home If Only In My Mine,” “Keep The Dream Alive,” ”The Song Just Came To Me” and “On the Water Or By The Shore.”

Then there were spectators who have attended all 15 years of the Canterbury Folk Festival like Ingersoll residents and friends Lesley, Karen and Lia.

Spectators enjoying the Canterbury Folk Festival

Michael and Rose Kulmatycki from London

Ingersoll residents & friends Lesley, Karen & Lia

There were various fundraising booths and vendors.

Volunteers Paul Maguire & Vicki Edwards with Dave Butler

Vender Don Spence with Anne, Sydney the dog, Rod & Pat

As darkness fell and the full moon emerged, the crowd continued to come in to attend the festival while many participants snuggled under blankets in their lawn chairs listening to the remaining acts for the night.

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Norwich Fishing Derby, Sat. July 5, 2014

7/11/2014

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Norwich was a happening village this past weekend with a lot of events and activities that took place on Friday and Saturday July 4th and 5th. Numerous venders lined both sides of Main Street to showcase and sell their wares at the annual Norwich Nostalgia Days. Other events included the Youth Fishing Derby, Morning Brunch at the Norwich Legion, the Optimist Splash Pad, the Classic Car Show, Shoot for the Cure Ball Hockey Tourney & Vendor Sale and Rock in the Park.

7 year old Carrissa Joosse biggest Bass @ 14 inches

The Youth Fishing Derby sponsored by the Norwich Optimist Club and the OPP saw a large crowd of youths with their families. Early that morning seven year old Carissa Joosse caught the biggest Bass of the day at 14 inches weighing in at 1½ pounds.

Participants and spectators alike lined both sides of the east and west banks of the Norwich Conservation Area at the Long Point Conservation Authority. According to OPP Constable Stacy Culbert who has helped run this annual event for five years, that weekend is “free fishing where adults do not need to purchase a fishing licence. Licence-Free Fishing Days occur twice a year from February 15th to 17th and from July 5th to 13th.” Anyone from eighteen years to sixty-four needs a licence to fish in Ontario. As a result, many parents and friends accompanied the children to take advantage of the free fishing.

Constable Stacy Culbert with Lydia Koppert

Optimist Chair Person for this event Rick Baxter reported that about 150 children registered for the event from the ages of one up to sixteen years old. The age categories were from junior zero to nine and seniors from ten to sixteen years old. The entry fee was $5.00 per child which included a baseball cap, a hot dog, drink and a Freezee. Many community sponsors helped to provide prizes for the event. Owner of Liquidation City John Klyn generous donated a canoe as the big ticket draw. Rick and Scott Whitehead of Whitehead Soils Ltd. donated worms for participants to purchase. All proceeds went back to help fund for prizes for this event. The goal was to catch a fish from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., have it weight and measured then return the fish back into the lake. It was catch and release.

The Joosse & Ruitenbeek families

On the west bank of the dam two families joined in on the fun the Joosse, winner Carrissa’s family and the Ruitenbeek. These families had ten people fishing altogether.

The Biddle Family & Little Rock Bass

Also on the west side, ten year old Brook Biddle caught a Little Rock Bass. She was there with her 2½ year old cousin Logan Biddle, her father and grandparents.

The Norwich Fishing Derby has been an annual event in Norwich for about eighteen years. Constable Culbert reported that Sargent Mike Ellue from the then Oxford Community Police, now the Woodstock Police Service, was the first Officer to get involved with Norwich Optimist Club. Over the years the Derby now occurs on the same weekend as Nostalgia Days. Other community partners present were Crime Stoppers and the Norwich Fire Department who had fire helmets for children to try on.

It was a fun filled packed day with beautiful weather and lots of good memories for many families who participated.

(Parents' consent and approval was obtained to photograph their children.)

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A Gathering of Harvards & Heroes

6/24/2014

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For three days, June 20th to 22, 2014, the usually quite skies of Tillsonburg was broken with the thundering roar of North American Harvards flying over the Tillsonburg Regional Airport with A Gathering of Harvards and Heroes. To mark the 75th anniversary of the introduction of the Harvards into Canada, the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (CHAA) hosted this three day event to honour both veterans and this vintage aircraft.

In 1939, the North American Aviation Harvard was imported from the United States into Canada. These single-engine aircrafts were built by North American Aviation and were used during the Second World War to train 130,000 aircrew under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan in Canada. According to André Brisson, a member of CHAA, the Harvard is “specifically designed not to work well to trick and test the pilot.” The Harvard is a single most advanced trainer. Once one mastered flying this plane they then could become bomber pilots on the Spitfire or the Avro Lancaster.

de Havilland Tiger Moth

Despite its 75th anniversary, Tillsonburg will be the only place that A Gathering of Harvards and Heroes will occur. President of CHAA Pat Hanna reported that Tillsonburg has the largest Harvard Association and operation of Harvards in North America with eight Harvards, a Tiger Moth and a Yale. Invitations for this event went out to 144 Harvard owners throughout North America. Pilots came from the surrounding area and one from Montreal. Pat stated that two Harvard owners from British Colombia intended to fly down. However, bad weather and not being able to pass the mountains, they reluctantly had to turn around and fly back. Close to ten private Harvard owners came with their vintage aircrafts. One plane, a blue Beachcraft, came all the way from Wichita, Kansas.

North American Yale

Public Relations Chair for CHAA, Terry Scott, proudly reported how a 93 year old WWII veteran Leonard Wilson took a ride in a Harvard on Friday. After the Opening Ceremony on Saturday, 97 year old Parkwood resident Walter Erwin took to the skies again. For all anyone knows, these men and other veterans who had backseat rides could have flown in the same plans they once piloted 75 years earlier. “There was a lot of history” Terry stated and explained how Walter trained on a Harvard in Moncton, Nova Scotia then went overseas on two tours of duty, which equals sixty missions, on board Halifax bombers.

About 500 to 600 people milled around the Tillsonburg Airport on Saturday getting glimpses of the various vintage plans on the grounds and the booths of souvenirs and information. Some participants had the opportunity to take to the skies by purchasing time to fly with Harvard pilots. The weather on Saturday was beautiful. But Terry reported that the winds suddenly would pick up from zero to 50 knots. Warm weather could create more "thermal which is great for gliders and Turkey Vultures but can be a rough ride in a Harvard." Veterans attended workshops and networked. A banquet on Saturday night capped the evening off. About 200 quests were expected to fill a hanger donated by Danny Richer. The guest speaker for the evening was the Lieutenant-General (Retired) Allan DeQuetteville, Commander, Air Command in Canada from 1995 to 1997. The finally occurred at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday; a mass formation of more than a dozen Harvards thundering over the Tillsonburg Regional Airport.

North American T-28B Trojan Trainer plan used by the U.S. Navy

Behind the hanger sat an impressive all black plane. Upon closer inspection it was identified as a Trojan T-28B by model airplane enthusiast, Bill Richards who had a model of one. Bill explained that the T-28’s were trainers for the American Navy after the Second World War. A trailer hook at the back of the plane was used to land on air crafter carriers that had three hooks on the ship. “The idea is to hit the middle one if you can.” The plane owned by Danny Richer sat near a blue T-28C, a new model, owned by Fort Erie resident Al Beam. Both planes have rotary engines with nine cylinders as Bill pointed out.

North American T-28CB Trojan

Aside from the three day historic event in Tillsonburg, Roger Cross is working on a documentary on both the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association and on A Gathering of Harvards and Heroes. Pat Hanna stated that both the National and CBC would be present to interview him and take pictures which would no doubt be breathtaking.

nine cylinders rotary engine on the T-28B

To find out more about the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association visit their website and my blog in the future.

CHAA Events:

Monthly Open House/Fly Days occur on Saturdays on these dates: July 12th and August 2, 2014

From their website: “for the sixth consecutive year CHAA and its Formation Team will be demonstrating at and supporting the Waterloo Air Show.”

They will also host their 7th Annually Wings & Wheels Family Day on Saturday September 13, 2014

A2A Photography Clinic: This would be extraordinary; for the first time in Ontario CHAA and photojournalist Eric Dumigan will be hosting an Air-to-Air photo clinic on Saturday September 20, 2014, rain date September 21, 2014. Participants will have a 2 hour classroom instruction on planning photo shoots, safety then to familiarize with the backseat of a Harvard before going up to take pictures. This all day event, lunch is provided, is limited to 8 people and cost $950 (plus $50 CHAA membership)

Tillsonburg Regional Airport Event:
The Tillsonburg Regional Airport will be hosting the South Coast International Air Show on Saturday August 23, 2014

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