HomeMy WebLinkAboutLucknow Sentinel, 2009-10-14, Page 8Page 8 - Lucknow Sentinel, Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Lucknow native involved in production of "Amelia" film
Jennifer MacKinnon grew up in the
Lucknow area where her parents, Dave and
Cathy MacKinnon, and brother, Jonathan,
still live. MacKinnon moved to Simcoe
(Norfolk County) in 1999 when she became
an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer.
'Ivo years ago MacKinnon moved to the
Toronto area . where she is a Detective
Constable with the . Drug Enforcement
Section, and is currently seconded to
Pearson International Airport. She was also
selected to attend the 2010 Winter Olympics
in January in British Columbia to work for
30 - 40 days, and is looking forward to the
experience.
"Although I have moved away from
Lucknow; I retum often and always consid-
er it to be home," said MacKinnon; "
tfickinnon became involvedin flying
about seven seven years ago when a co-
worker took her up in a small airplane
(citabna). She obtained her private pilot
licence and night rating, and later her com-
mercial pilot licence. MacKinnon is a mem-
ber of the Canadian Harvard Aircraft
Association (CHAA), which is where she
• learned how to fly.
It was at an airshow in Welland in 2006
where MacKinnon met, Cam Harrod, who
would later be tasked with selecting pilots to
fly in a movie called "Amelia", featuring
Hilary Swank and Richard Gere.
MacKinnon was at work last April, when
she received a call from Harrod, askingher
if she would like to be in
a movie. Harrod
had tracked her down and told her he was.
tasked to coordinateairplanes and pilots for
part of a movie called "Amelia". The movie
would feature Swank, cast as Amelia
Earhart, and Richard Gere, cast as her hus-
band, George Putnam. He was looldng for
female pilots who had an appreciation for
vintage aircraft and, of course, who could
fly them.
"I thought at first he was playing a joke on
me, especiallywhen he' told me who was. in
iVINGHAM & DISTRICT HOSPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
No Parkin "Excellence in Rural Health Care"
9
Please note that the munidpaflty has changed Carling Terrace to a 'No Parking Zone for the entire length of
P property.
the hos italg
.Diabetes Education
The next lass will be held on Nov. 17 from 8:45am.-3:00 in the Terrace
P� Room. A doctor's referral is
required. For more information or to register call Karen Cook, RN/CDE at ext. 5362
Bring Your Medications
When you are coming to the Emergency Department or are being admitted to the hospital, please brin all your
medications withg-
you, both prescrIpflon and over the counter remedies. This will help us to know exactly what
medications you are taking and Hill improve our ability to provide the best possible safe canis
Infection Prevention
Visitors - Influenza season is approaching again! Help protect our patients by:
• Washing your hands when you enter and leave the hospital • NotY
u" vaccine •Season flu vaccine � P I visiting if you are ill • Getting the influenza
("fl)cane for those over 65 years of age • H I N 1 vaccine for others (watch for details)
Phone:• 357-3210 Fax: 357-2931 Website: wwwiwha.ca
.r,
44,
Submitted photo
Jennifer MacKinnon who grew up in Lucknow took part inthe movie Amelia, that was
shot last year, starring Hilary Swank and Richard Gere. MacKinnon was cast as a spe-
cial skills expert, who would be required to fly in the movie. She's seen here (second to
the left and four down from Swank)with` tail Swank.
?ury and the other female pilots,who
took part in the movie.The movie is to be released on Oct. 23.
the movie," said Macon. ` : then real
ized he v,ras serious. The movie shoot woul
three three days at Dunnville airport
and would feature a segment of the "Powde
Puff Derby
The Powder Puff Derby began in 1929
and was a transcontinental race as partart of the
National Air Races at Cleveland and was
entered by 20 female: flyers. It was also this
year that the Ninety -Nine's women's avia-
tion organization was : born; this organiza-
tion still exists today.
MacKinnon was cast as a special skills
expert, who would be required to fly in the
movie, if required (there were three female
pilots cast). Basically, she was a "Powder filmed Puff Girl". She two part days, plus a
full day with Hilary Swank "Amelia" and
the other "Powder Puff Girls" as part: of the
derby.
"Swank was a real personable individual,
interacting with : all .of the girls and joking
around when we had a bit of downtime,"
said MacKinnon. "When it came to filming;
she took her role very seriously and it was
amazing to see her transform into Emhart.
- Unfortunately, the Director, Mira Nair,
uld opted that we didn't fly for liability
, but I experienced in three days what it was
r like to be a movie star."
Macon and her fellow pilots were all
dressed in full, 1929 period costumes. "The
movie props were unreal; it really felt Tike I
was living in that time period for those few
days," said MacKinnon. "It was anabsolute
once in a lifetime thrill to be a part of."
On June 1, 1937, Earhart and,her naviga-
tor set off for her next most challenging
flight - to be the first woman to fly around
the world. Her twin engine Lockheed
Electra disappeared somewhere across the
Pacific Ocean, near lowland Island, on July
2, 1937. She was declared dead on Jan.: 5,
1939. Her body wasnever found.
The life of this remarkable woman is cap-
tured in the upcoming movie "Amelia". It is
due out on Oct. 23.
"Ihope I at least make a couple of sec-
onds in the movie, after all the editing," said
MacKinnon. "I know rd do it all over again,
in a heartbeat!"
Challengers lead Monday night league
Monday .- HS & HT: Anita Elliott
229, 559; Ron Elliott, 246, 599. Othe
over 200 scores: Ron Elliott, 246; Aaron
Seip, 204; Patrick Ritchie, 216.
Standings: Challengers, 10; Old
Klankers, 8; Beetles, 8, Vipers, 6.
Tuesday HS & HT: Wilma Elliott,
242; Ron Elliott, 238; Loma Guay, 576;
Scott Huffman, 597. Other over 240
scores: Scott Huffman, 230; Bill Fisher,
224; Eric Haldenby, 215; Lorna Guay,
, 226; Gerald Rhody, 202, 206; Brad
r Engel, 203. Standings: The Execs, 9;
Team #5, 8; Scottie's Hotties, 7; Bad
Boys, 6; . WWMRJ, 4; Fab Four, 2.
lbwn k Country . HS & HD: Noel
Murray, 212, 347; Lois Taylor, 218, 338.
Other over 175 scores: Lillian Irwin, 182;
Don Ross, 180; Gord Dale, 177; Marie
Scott, 178. Standings: Snowdrops, 9;
Tulips, 75; Hyacinths, 5; Daisies, 5;
Pansies; 5; Daffodils, 4.5.
ONTARIO
JUNIOR
CITIZEN OF
ThE YEAR AWARDS
, .
7114: If you knowa young person, aged 6 to 17, who is involved in worthwhile comP munity service; a s etlal person who i
contributing while living with a limitation; a youth who has performed an act of heroism; or a ` s
commitment to making life better for others, doing more than is normally
expectede of so gOth kid'who shows a
RECOGNIZE THEIR CONTRIBUTION - NOMINATE THEM TODAYI ymeone their age HELP US
. Contact this newspaper or the Ontario Community Newspapers Nominations will be accepted
AssOciatiou Alt WWW.601a.orgOT 905.639.8720until November 30, wog
Sponsored by:
NOMINATE' SOMEONE ,TObAlh B "4ft-1 w...a u°14:
•
Coordinated by: .
1
•
•