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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2016-05-26, Page 19THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016. PAGE 19. Freedom Syrup holds annual dedication service Sharing a story Freedom Syrup near Walton held its annual dedication service on Sunday where it recognizes the people the maple syrup -producing company hopes to help: soldiers. Shown above is Laurie Dinning, mother of slain soldier Corporal Matthew Dinning, taking part in the ceremony. (Denny Scott photo) PEOPLE AROUND WALTON By Jo -Ann McDonald Call 887-6570 It was a wonderful long weekend for all to enjoy. Maybe a little hotter would have been nice, but no rain, no snow, no gale -force winds; we will say it was good! Our sympathies are extended to the Thompson family on the passing of Sandra Thompson. She will be missed by her mother Dorothy Thompson, brother Ken and her companion Jay and families. She will be missed by her many extended Shaw family members and all who knew her. She was admired for her courage and strength and faced every challenge with a positive attitude. Our condolences to all. The Walton Women's Institute celebrated 60 years of community involvement on Wednesday evening at the Walton Hall. They had close to 50 attending including members, former members and members of the community . Special guest was Margaret Byl, the President of the Federated Women's Institute of Ontario. The Institute started in 1956 and there were three original members able to attend including Marjory Humphries, Paulene Bennett and Marie Blake and all were presented with a beautiful hat. Marjory is still a member today! Three other original members were unable to attend and they were Lois McCall, Marjory Fraser and Helen Williamson. The ladies enjoyed an evening of reminiscing, song and light lunch. Margaret Mclnroy was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening and congratulations to the ladies of the Walton Women's Institute! It was a beautiful day for the opening of the Brussels Farmers' Market. Rene Richmond and her crew do a marvellous job of organizing and the Brussels Pipe Band played for the opening! Hopefully we have good weather every Friday this summer. Murray and Sherry McCall have returned from a four-day trip to Logan, West Virginia. They met with Bob and Linda Ahrens (formerly of the Monkton area) and went trail riding. They have side -by -sides and made the comment that it is a great way to really see the country. No fear of falling off or driving so fast you can't see well. They were riding the Hatfield and McCoy Trail and report it was great fun! We were lucky enough to run into Murray and Sherry McCall at the Walton Inn on Saturday morning after breakfast. While having a visit, Murray asked if we wanted to go for a plane ride. We didn't pass up the opportunity, as we told Murray, it has been 22 years since the last ride! It doesn't even feel like you're moving while up there and it was such a beautiful day, you could see the lake almost on take off. We flew over Brussels and the Walton area and then flew up to Goderich and what a wonderful view of the harbour and area. I took lots of pictures and hopefully they turn out and I recognize whose place is whose. Around the Walton area, there were not many farmers working in the fields, really not many in the biggest part of the area we flew over. A nice way to spend a half hour in the sky! Thanks Murray! We send our get -well wishes to Fred Smith who has had knee surgery. We hope he is doing well. We send our get -well wishes to Jack Knight who is in hospital at this time. He started in Stratford Hospital and has been sent to a London Hospital. We hope he is coming along. Brad and Christine Knight have returned from a quick trip to New Brunswick. They went to attend the graduation convocation for Andrew Black, sister Joanne and Weldon's son. He graduated from engineering and has already landed a job in St. John's. Congrats to Andrew! The closing of the Freedom Syrup Sugar Shack was held on Sunday afternoon. It was the sixth annual event hosted by the many involved in the venture. Bob Rowe welcomed everyone and imparted some facts about the operation. They put in 712 taps and finished 150 gallons of syrup, down from the 195 of 2015. They had a school group from Hullett Central as well as a London Fire Fighters group in to learn about syrup making Bob said that when syrup crystallizes in the bottom of a jar, or sugars out, it is the best syrup. He said it is best to keep syrup in the freezer and bring it out when needed and keep in fridge after opening. Bob reported that all monies raised from the sale of Freedom Syrup is donated to the Fallen Soldier Fund for families. Since its inception, the Freedom Syrup group will have donated close to $50,000. Incredible! Bob turned the program over to partner Colleen Elliott and she welcomed the nearly 150 folks attending. They started with the singing of "Ole Lang Syne". She then opened with a quote from Dwight D. Eisenhower "Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed —else like a flower, cut from its life giving roots, it will wither and die". The group, many dressed in red and holding Canadian flags, sang "0 Canada". Major Frank Golding then said a few words. Major Golding was the Clinton Airbase Commander and had a 42 -year military career and celebrated his 93rd birthday last week. He spoke and thanked all for coming to this quiet place to mark the occasion of remembering all who served. He commended the work and the dedication of the Freedom Syrup group and with God willing, will return again next year. The group sang Happy Birthday to Frank. The Last Post was then played and then the poem Why We Fight written by Corp. Andrew Paul Grenon, before he was killed in his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, was read. The song "Highway of Heroes" was then played. Colleen then introduced and thanked two families for attending this year's service in memory of their sons. Carl and Carolyn Wilson, parents of Master Corporal Timothy Wilson and Lincoln and Laurie Dinning, parents of Corporal Matthew Dinning. Laurie Dinning then thanked all for coming and supporting the Fallen Soldiers Fund and the families. Colleen then continued with her thoughts about freedom and read the quote of Eisenhower's again. The poem "In Flanders Field" was read and the Reveille played. Colleen then read the 158 names of the Canadian soldiers who have fallen in Afghanistan. A song produced by a group of Canadian singers "Standing Strong and True for Tomorrow" was then played. All proceeds from the song are donated to the Military Family Fund. It was a touching and moving service and very well done and we thank Bob, Colleen and all the Freedom Syrup group for their efforts in supporting the Fallen Soldiers Fund. Information about purchasing Freedom Syrup can be obtained from Bob, Neil or Jeff McGavin. Walton was certainly a busy place on the weekend with the MudBog Bonanza held at the Walton Raceway. It was an incredible day with an incredible turnout of both vehicles and spectators. Over 300 vehicles of all shapes and sizes braved the mud holes and bush runs during the day. Mud, mud everywhere! Celebrating birthdays this past week included Gerald Ryan, Valerie Shortreed, Hailey Bachert, Alexandra Humphries, Abby McGavin, Jessica Pennington, Megan Bowles, Emma Dalton, Darrell Dalton, Mary Pennington, Owen Jarosz, Teegan McGavin, Kaleb Wilts, Sharon Dalton, Scott McDonald, David Perrie, Rachel Grosvenor, Deanna Searle, Miles Linton, Jolene McNichol, Rod Fritz. Happy birthday to all. FROM WALTON Giving kids a sporting chance. Canadian Tire Jumpstart Kids' Bike Safety Rodeo Organized by the Optimist Club of Seaforth & Stratford -Festival City Saturday, May 28 10am- 2pm Front of Canadian Tire Store - Goderich Prizes and a Kids' Bike Raffle in support of Jumpstart Contact Mark or Shaun for details at 519-524-2121