The Rural Voice, 1998-08, Page 63i
RAINY RIVER
R.R. 1, Devlin, Ontario POW 1C0
414 807-486-3622
Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER ' The Rural Voice is provided to Rainy
RAINY RIVER VALLEY River Federation members by the RRFA.
Reaching out through wacky and wonderful readers
July 14, 1998
One of the greatest rewards of
writing this monthly newsletter are
the comments from people I've never
met, and I've decided to accept the
praises graciously. It's become a
wonderful way of reaching out and
touching new horizons through the
wacky and wonderful readers who
have contacted me over the years. All
comments, criticisms and suggestions
are more than welcome.
It's been terrific weather to date
for haying and the crops are already
exceeding last year's. We've been
lucky enough to get the rains at the
right time and to date we're not in the
dangerous fire zones. But then, this
is the Rainy River district.
The July 7 RRFA meeting was
held at OMAFRA with Kim
Desserre, president, Lucy Lahti,
secretary, Don McCullough,
treasurer, Wayne Flatt, Rudy
Sinninghe, James Gibson, Kristine
Carpenter and Shirley Morrish
attending.
A big reminder is going out to all
members that farm business
registration has a deadline date of
August 31. Call 1-800-469-2285 if
you have a problem with your
registration like many people we
have contacted. It seems everyone
mailed their brown envelopes and
still got on the list of "not registered"
farmers. Someone mentioned that it
probably is the fault of the mail
strike. I have my own thoughts on
such things.
The picnic and fun day at Caliper
Lake Provincial Park is open to
everyone. It will take place at 2:00
p.m. on July 26. The Hereford
Association will provide burgers and
dogs. Everyone bring potluck,
swimsuits and gregarious attitudes for
a day of enjoyment.
Wayne reported that J. R.
Richards, manager of Stratton
Salesyards, has done some repairs
with new steel and a cement pad.
More improvements will be added
before the fall sale.
Kristine reported for the pasture
committee that there is no footrot to
date, and that someone opened a gate,
causing some extended grazing area.
All is well at the moment.
Kim mentioned 27 exhibitors have
paid and registered for the Farm
Progress Building at the fair. Some
are double spaces, but there's still
plenty of room for a good choice of
spaces. It's the 20th anniversary of
this yearly event, and ideas and
memorable events are needed to perk
up displays. Call Linda at 852-3645
or Kim at 483-5412. Kim would also
like volunteers to help set up on the
Thursday of the fair. She will be busy
settling her porkers in their new barn.
The Canadian Lakehead
Exhibition takes place in Thunder
Bay August 5 to 10 this year.
Rainy River District Soil and Crop
will hold their summer tour on July
27 at 10:00 a.m. at the Emo Research
Station.
Open house at the research station
is the next day, July 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Everyone is welcome. KimJo sets out
a great snack afterwards.
Shirley reporting for the local 4-H
Association, stated that the 4-H group
were involved with Tompkin's
Hardware 100th anniversary by
serving up over 350 beef on a bun,
along with doughnuts, coffee and
iced tea, all donated by Tompkins. A
collection jar was set up for donations
which went to the local hospital fund.
At the leader's meeting on Monday
evening, Darryl and Wilma Sletmoen
were chosen as the new managers for
the 4-H food booth at fair time in
August.
Each and every member in 4-H is
asked to have a parent or guardian to
volunteer time in the food both
during member's shift time. This is to
save extra costs and allow more
money to go towards the renovations
that are so urgently needed before the
fair. Cleanup day is Monday, August
10 at 10:00 a.m. and again after the
fair on Monday, August 17 at 6:00
p.m.
The RRFA annual meeting date
has been set for Saturday, October
24. Ron Bonnett will be attending.
Ron has volunteered to check issues
with MNR and report back to the
agricultural land use and farm
practices committee. Ron is an
excellent spokesman and speaks for
farmers.
Local MP, Robert Nault, acting as
Parliamentary Secretary to the
Minister of Human Resources
Development, is off to Paris, France
for meetings with 29 of the world's
leading industrial economies. He is
hoping to learn something from other
countries on how to deal with the
integration of disabled people into the
labour market and helping older
workers whose jobs have
disappeared. He said it would be a
chance to share ideas and address the
social effects of economic
restructuring and aging population.
We hope he learns how to settle
border -crossing issues as well.
Murillo will be holding their
Annual Fall Fair from August 1 - 3,
1998. Emo Fair dates are August 13 -
15, 1998.
Congratulations to Ralph and
Jacquelyn Hunsperger who recently
celebrated their 40th wedding
anniversary. "Success is a journey,
not a destination."
Remember that the secret of
happiness is to count your blessings
while others arc adding up their
troubles.
See you all at the fair! Have a safe
and happy summer!O
Shirley Morrish
AUGUST 1998 59