Loading...
Lakeshore Advance, 2012-02-08, Page 10Wid 9, 2011 • Lakeshore Advance 15 Bleck History Month: A key dart of Ontarlo's rich history Lakeshom Advance As Ontarians, we are blessed to live in a province with a rich his- tory and great diversity. It is one of our greatest strengths. A critical element of that history is the experience of the black commu- nity in Ontario, which is an inte- gral part of the social, cultural and economic fabric of our society. Lambton-Kent-Middlesex has a rich history of diverse settlement as well. As a result of a Bill I co- sponsored with MPP Ted Arnott in 2008, Ontario now proclaims August 1st as Emancipation Day, under the Emancipation Act, 2008. February is Black History Month, an important opportunity for all Ontarians to pay tribute to the valuable contributions black Canadians have made to our province and country, and to celebrate the history, culture and heritage of the black community. It is a time to celebrate the peo- ple who, despite many historical barriers, helped build, develop, and defend this country. People like Anderson R. Abbott, the first Canadian -born black doctor; or Leonard A. Braithwaite, the first Black Canadian to be elected to the Ontario Legislature; or Reverend Addle Aylestock, who was the first black female minister in Canada. People like Mary Ann Shadd, who started the first integrated school in Canada, and was both the first female newspaper editor and the first female black lawyer in North America. And people like Mathieu Da Costa, the first recorded person of African heritage to set foot on Canadian soil. HP was an inter- preter who worked with Samuel de Champlain in the 1600s, and with Pierre Dugua de Monts, a leader in the establishment of French settlements in Eastern Canada. Da Costa's interpreting skills were vital in bridging the language barrier and cultural gap between early French explorers and the Mi'kmaq people. And while history records the accomplishments of these individuals and many more, it also tells the story of Ontario communities with strong African -Canadian historical ties like Dresden, Buxton, Owen Sound and'Ibronto. The history of Ontario is deeply entwined with black history in Canada, and serves to highlight our greatest strengths as a province. Black History Month presents us with an ideal opportunity to learn more about who we are and what we can be when we learn from each other and work together. I urge everyone to get out and take part in the festivities that take place across the prov- ince, recognizing the important legacy of the great black pioneers who have gone before us. For more information on the history of the black community in Ontario, visit the Archives of Ontario website at http://www. archives.gov.on.ca/english/ on-line-exhibits/index-black- history.aspx. Semester two at St. Anne's M{kenna Late Lakeshore Advance Welcome Semester Two! The doors have opened and students are starting a fresh new semester. It was great to have a few days off after exams. Now that we've had a chance to catch up on some much needed rest, we are right back at it. We are so excited to be starting four new classes and to glbe starting up our winter sports, io ur clubs and our teams again. Our Habitat for Humanity group had a Winter Family Day and student cabinet is planning a 'Winterfest' afternoon on Wednesday, February 16th. These are great opportunities to get outside, to be active and have fun. Speaking of getting active and having fun, we are so pumped to have a brand new Fitness Centre at St. Anne's. With multi-purpose strength training equipment and brand new cardio machines, the room is looking very inviting. Our Grand Opening will be on Wednesday, February 23rd at 7:30 p.m. If you are interested in joining our commitment to healthy youth, please plan on joining us for this exciting event. Many of our students, parents, community partners and local businesses will be on hand to help us celebrate. Have a terrific week! Library committee asks for support CarmelSweeney Lakeshore Advance A nice meeting was had by the Ladies Auxilliary at the Blue Water Rest Horne on Nov. 1. It began with a musical program by 'Tom and Rose Merrigan from Hensall singing and playing the guitar for the residents. Delicious refreshments followed. Nine members and two honourary tnembers attended the business portion of the evening with Carmel Sweeney presiding. Stacey Pfaff handed out the February calendar and went over the variety of activities offered this month at the home to keep everyone busy during all these snow days. She also gave an update on the tuck shop cart saying that it was doing very well. If anyone wants to help with this twice a month for a couple hours on Tuesday morning please call Marlene Gingerich for more information at 519-236-4788. Hilda Lansbergen gave the treasurer's report and announced that we can afford to buy a few more needed items for the beauty shop at the home. A letter from friends of the library was read asking for our support as they are looking for a new building. The World Day of Prayer is on March 4 at St, Boniface church at p.ni. Shrove 'Tuesday will be March 8 with a pancake supper at St. Peter's Lutheran Church from 5 to 7 p.m. We welcomed two former auxilliary members, Della Gascho and Viola Ranier who are now living at the rest home. This gave us a total of 15 members including 2 honourary members. Our next meeting is May 3 at 6:30 p.m. The annual meeting of the rest home will be held on March 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the chapel this year. Carmel will give a report from the auxilliary. The Zurich Lions Club held their monthly dinner meeting at Smiley'z Pizza and Pub on Ian. 26 with 14 members and three guests attending. President lion Henry Drzewiecki opened the proceedings with the singing of O Canada, a toast to the Queen and the Lion's grace. After a delicious meal, Lion Bruce Hodge of Exeter introduced Zone Chair lion Paul Anstett who brought greetings from the Zone. A video on Lions Club members being a beacon of light was viewed. Preparations are underway for the annual Zurich Lions Club fish fry and silent auction to be held April 15 at the Bluewater Recreation Complex. 'To register a team for the co-ed Knights of Columbus hockey tournament at the Zurich complex on Feb. 18 and 19 call Dwayne LaPorte at 519-236-7277. If you are interested in registering for the volleyball tourna- ment please contact Peter Mathonia at 519-236-4388 or Dave Regier at 519-236-7120 soon as possible. Anyone interested in doing a day of scrap hooking will have the opportunity at the Zurich Mennonite church on Sat., Feb. 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for $30 or from 12 to 5 p.m, for $20. Lunch will he provided by Zurich Public School Parent Council with a pot -luck dessert. Contact Chris McAdams for more information at 519-236-4439. A night of worship with Chris Bray was enjoyed by nutny on Ian. 29 at St. Boniface church. A 'Comforter Tying Blitz' is being held 'I'hurs., Feb. 10 at the Zurich Mennonite church at 9 a.m. ladies are welcome to come for a whole or half day. If you're staying for the whole day, please bring a hag lunch. Indoor winter walking is still taking place at the Zurich and Hensall arenas Tues., Wed, and Thurs. mornings from 8 to 10 a.m. 'There is no charge for this exercise. Several youth members of St. Peter's Lutheran Church along with their leaders had a sleep over at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church parish in Kitchener on Feb. 4 and 5. While there, they enjoyed various activities. They will also be having a special Valentine's event here on Feb. 13. Be sure and get your pledge sheets for the Big Brothers Big Sisters 'Bowl for Kid's Sake.' It is an annual fund- raising event for the organization that will take place on Feb. 25 at Town and Country Lanes in Zurich from 5 to 9 p.m. or on Feb. 26 from 1 to 7 p.m. For more information call 519-237-3554. Congratulations go out to Katrina and Brad Robinson of Zurich on the arrival of their baby girl, Isabelle Antirah, born on Ian. 31. Donna O'Brien along with family members from the Zurich area and daughter Pam Bedour recently spent ten days in Florida enjoying themselves at Disney World. Donna's son Brent and friend Natalie from !long Kong also joined the family for the vacation. (rade 2 and 3 classes at the Zurich Public School will be traveling to Vanastra every Wed. at 12:30 to go swimming during the month of Feb. The older students will be having a Valentine's dance Feb. 11 in the gym. Report cards will he going home Feb. 14. Storytelling and speeches will take place at the Legion in Mensal! on Tues., Feb. 15 at 6:30 p.m. The snow date is Feb. 22. Shuffleboard scores 4 wins - Grace Martin 268; 3 wins - Judy Voogel 249; Helen Gingerich 274; 2 wins - Elaine Weido 285; Doris I iamilton 282; 1 win - Cecelia Farwell 245; No wins - Lucille Masse 212. Anyone interesting in playing shuffleboard at the Zurich arena on Monday mornings at 9 p.m. can Join the group anytime. Everyone is wel- come to take part in this fun exercise. Valenhinos dance and winter cemNal at Stephen Central and Emily Hello again! It's Baylee and Emily. Our students loved the big snow fall and enjoyed their PA day. This week is going to be exciting. We have our annual Winter Carnival on Friday the 1 lth. Our grade 8 students will be running the events like making the biggest snow pile, three-legged race, parachute, snow soccer, obstacle courses and of course we have a visit from your friend Bonhornme de Neige. This is a very fun day with our students learning teamwork skills and leadership. We also get a tasty treat of hot chocolate and timbits. Lut week, many classes got the opportunity to go snow - shoeing and boy, oh boy is that ever Aunt I remember last year I could barely stand, Next week our kids will be celebrating Val- entines Day with their classes by handing out cards and our students council is holding a Valentines dance on Friday the 18th. Our students always have fun and enjoy dressing up in spirit. If you or your child attend Stephen Central remember to get them all dressed up funky in red, white and pink! (: Talk to you next week!