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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2013-05-23, Page 10PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013. Grandparent phone scam attempted around Walton Dedication service held at Walton sugar bush Sunday afternoon was the perfect afternoon to visit the bush. A very special bush that is. We were invited to attend the dedication service held by the makers of Freedom Syrup at the sugar bush on the farm of Jeff and Shannon McGavin. Bob Rowe of Freedom Syrup welcomed everyone and explained a little about the operation. The crew made 155 gallons of maple syrup this year with the help of many friends and volunteers. Neil McGavin was the go-to guy, who made sure the sap was collected and ready to roll. A normal day was 12- 14 hours of boiling. The crew figures it takes about 45 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of syrup. Wow!Bob also told of the story of the newhoney house. Back in 1945, Lloyd Wheeler built the honey house on his farm. The family was all involved with the bees and the honey production. The Wheeler farm was sold last year and the idea came to the friends of Gerry Wheeler (a partner in the Freedom Syrup), to move the honey house to the Freedom Village. The arrangements were made as a surprise for Gerry and a surprise it was, when one afternoon the house arrived. The honey house is full of original artifacts and pieces of history that the Wheeler family has collected over the years and it is wonderful. The afternoon continued with Bob explaining that all donated proceeds from the syrup go to the families of fallen soldiers. The fund was started by retired General Rick Hillier and is a special fund used to help families for special use or emergencies. The decisions governing the fund are determined by a six-panel committee and are made in a short period of time. The Freedom Syrup group has given over $10,000 to the fund to this point and anticipate a donation of over $5,000 this year. Bob introduced Colleen to continue with the dedication service. Colleen explained why the group started its venture to help the families of fallen soldiers. They have been asked many times if they have a special military connection but Colleen explained that no they didn’t, but they have a military history. They have lost relatives and have had relatives serve in World War I and World War II. They know it is important to remember all who have given their lives and their souls for the freedoms of today. The afternoon included the playing of the Highway of Heroes song, the reading of a poem written by a fallen soldier prior to his death, and the reading of the names of the 158 Canadian fallen soldiers by Colleen and Jacob McGavin. The gathering of over 80 folks heard a beautiful rendition of the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” and rose to honour those fallen when the Last Post was played. The recitation of “In Flanders Fields” and the Revielle concluded the service. Colleen thanked all for coming as did Bob. A barbecue lunch, a wagon ride and a great afternoon of visiting among friends was enjoyed by many. One special guest for the afternoon was Veteran and Comrade Frank Golding of Seaforth. Frank served in World War II in the Royal Canadian Armed Forces and I had the pleasure of enjoying a visit with him. He is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 156 Seaforth. A good week of weather has many fields planted, so many happy farmers. According to many, the bulk of the corn crop is in and most farmers have moved on to planting the soybean crop. On our travels early last week, Tuesday, May 14 we saw a field of corn that was up. This past week before the long weekend, more fields of corn have popped up. Even though our weather has been a little cool, spring has definitely sprung. Catching up with folks not quite up to par includes Dianne McCallum. She has suffered a broken foot and will be laid up for awhile. We are glad to report that Val Shortreed is back to work after being off with a few eye problems. We hope she is getting back into routine again. We understand that Maxine Houston is a patient in Stratford Hospital at time of writing. We hope she is feeling better soon. We hope that Anne Ryan is feeling better as she has been under the weather and Heather Dunbar is recovering from surgery to have wisdom teeth removed. Speaking with the grandmothers of Emmett Houston, they report he is growing and is almost six pounds and hopefully will be home in a month or so. Our best to Darryl and Jody. Mother’s Day had the Marion and Harvey Smith family gathering for more than one reason. The family gathered at the home of daughter Laurie and Keith Traves to celebrate Mother’s Day and to celebrate Harvey’s 88th birthday. They had many members of the Smith families on hand for Harv’s special day. Congrats to Harvey! The Brussels Birthday girls club gathered on Tuesday to celebrate the May birthdays. The ladies who have May birthdays include Marie McCutcheon, Rene Richmond and the special lady Isabelle Wheeler, who turned 80. Ladies enjoying the dinner at JR’s included the birthday girls and friends Marg Work, Jane Hall and daughter Deb, Dale Chesher, Merle Cousins, Bev Palmer, Betty Campbell, Cora Alcock, Audrey Cardiff, Alice Marks, Leona Armstrong and Lois McCutcheon. Happy birthday ladies. I have had conversations with two different ladies in the past week that have had the “Grandparent Scam” tried on them. They have received a phone call from a “grandson” who needs money to get him out of jail. The impersonator claims to have a broken nose, so does not sound like he should. They used the line “don’t tell mom or dad” and ask for money to be sent. The police have warned people many times before – do not fall for this ploy. Never send money and never divulge any personal information about yourself or your family members by using names. I am happy to report that neither of the ladies fell for the scam. Our condolences are expressed to the Wasson family on the passing of Marjorie Wasson. She will be missed by brother Albert and family, Barb Richmond and family and Clara Blake and family. Marjorie By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570 PEOPLE AROUND WALTON 000-0000 Blyth GUITAR SHOP The Music Store For Only $765/*wk You can reach over4,150Readers!! 1 column wide by 1” deep (actual size) * 13 week insertion 413 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114 The Citizen Home Décor 519-523-4299 414 Queen St., Blyth, Ont. NEWS FROM WALTON Sharing stories Lincoln Dinning, left, father of slain Canadian Armed Forces Corporal Matthew David James Dinning of Wingham and Carl Wilson, father of slain Canadian Armed Forces Trooper Mark Wilson of London, were in attendance at the dedication service for Freedom Syrup outside of Walton. The syrup, which is available by donation only, raises funds for the Fallen Heroes Memorial Fund, a program to support the families of fallen heroes. Dinning and Wilson are talking to World War II Veteran Frank Golding of Seaforth. (Denny Scott photo) Continued on page 11