HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2012-11-08, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012.MPP Thompson salutes her riding’s veterans
Stephenson celebrates
her 90th birthday
Celebrating 90 years
Velma Ruth Ohm Stephenson celebrated her 90th birthday over the
weekend with a party at Huronlea in Brussels. She officially
celebrated becoming a nonagenarian on Nov. 6. (Vicky Bremner photo)
THE EDITOR,
Remembrance Day is a
time to commemorate the
past, as well as celebrate the
present, and hope for the
future. Canadian Veterans
have played a tremendous
role in establishing and
protecting the freedom and
security we enjoy today.
Canadian Forces continue to
work with our allies to fulfill
our obligations under various
international treaties.
Currently, Canadian soldiers
are involved in disaster relief
both at home and abroad as
well as training international
army and police officials to
contribute to security
overseas. Finally we look
towards a future where
Canadian Armed Forces
continue to ensure the safety
of our citizens and of the
global community both
in times of conflict and peace.
On Nov. 11, Canadians
across the country will pay
tribute to the sacrifices made
by our Veterans throughout
history. Canadian Armed
Forces in the past and the
present have shown their
bravery and dedication in
serving our country. Many
have made the ultimate
sacrifice in the line of duty,
and many more have
sustained injuries. Our
thoughts will especially be
with the men and women who
are currently serving our
country both at home and
abroad. In addition to saluting
our Veterans, our thoughts
will also be with families,
friends and communities who
have mourned the loss of a
loved one and who support
their loved ones during their
service.
My riding of Huron-Bruce
will host many important
events and each community
will pay tribute to our
Veterans in their own way.
This year I will be attending
the Exeter Remembrance Day
ceremony where I am
honoured to lay a wreath to
commemorate the Veterans of
this community.
In addition to the memorial
services taking place across
Huron-Bruce, many people
and organizations find their
own way to
commemorate our
country’s heritage. One
example is the Bruce County
Museum, which offers an
exciting program titled
“Remembering Our Own”.
Through this program,
participants can experience
Bruce County’s military
history by hearing stories
from local Veterans who will
be in attendance. It is
important for Canadians of all
ages to learn about and
embrace our military
history.
Earlier this year, I was
honoured to stand in the
Ontario Legislature and
recognize the Goderich
Legion and the Goderich
Ladies Auxiliary on their 85th
and 65th anniversaries,
respectively. What an
amazing history these two
organizations have. The
Goderich Legion, Branch
109, plays such a valuable
role in the community by
providing funding to
community groups such as
cadets, sports teams, cultural
groups, and seniors. The
Goderich Ladies Auxiliary
also does incredible work
supporting our Veterans and
fundraising for various
community initiatives. In fact,
the Goderich Legion
members and the Ladies
Auxiliary achieved an
amazing success when they
worked together to raise
$90,000 to help the
community after Goderich
was hit by a tornado.
I would like to recognize
the importance of Legions
and Ladies Auxiliary groups
across my riding and the
valuable role they play in
community life.
Remembrance Day is an
important time for all
Canadians to pay tribute to
our military heroes of the past
and present. Wherever you
happen to be on the eleventh
day of the eleventh month at
the eleventh hour, please take
a moment to remember our
Veterans and those currently
serving today.
Lisa Thompson, MPP
On Nov. 6, Velma Ruth Ohm
Stephenson officially celebrated her 90th
birthday.
Born in Holmesville, Velma is the
daughter of Rose Emma (neé Gorbett)
and Frederick William Ohm. She attended
Wingham Public School.
Velma was wed to George William
(Bill) Stephenson on June 8, 1940 in St.
Helens. She has two children, Bill W.
Stephenson and Robert C. Stephenson.
Bill is wed to Joan. Robert has passed
away but was married to Bonnie.
Velma has three grandchildren;
Kimberly Stephenson Planques (Bob),
Kellie Stephenson Pirch (Reinhardt) and
Courtney Sallows Mills (Richard) as well
as two great-grandchildren, Alex and
Natalie Pirch.
Velma celebrated her birthday at
Huronlea in Brussels on Sat. Nov. 3 with
a celebration from 1 to 3 p.m.
During World War II, she worked at an
aircraft factory and, when the war was
over, went to hairdressing school.
Bill owned a grocery store at which
Velma worked part time after retiring
from her salon in Brussels, which she ran
for 25 years. She eventually retired due to
deteriorating sight.
Bill and Velma owned a cottage at Point
Clark where she enjoyed spending her
summers. After selling the cottage, the
pair bought a trailer in Plant City, Florida,
where the couple wintered for many
years.
Velma had also been a member of the
UCW for many years.
Bill passed away in 1998 and, following
that, Velma lived at the Maple Villa
apartments before moving to Huronlea.
Currently she enjoys listening to audio
books and visiting with family and
friends.
Letter to the Editor