The Rural Voice, 2000-05, Page 63RAINY rIr/rr} R.R. 1. Devlin. Ontario POW 100
�' 807-486-3622
' The Rural Voice is provided to Rainy of Agriculture NEWSLETTER RIVER VALLEY
River Federation members by the RRFA.
April 5, 2000
It hasn't stopped raining since
Saturday evening. Jacqueline
Hunsperger was asked to give the
blessing at our annual RRFA spring
dinner and dance. She prayed for rain,
but because she originates from Eastern
Ontario, she doesn't realize that the
good Lord has never let us down in that
department. That's why the pioneers
named it the Rainy River District. Oh
the power of prayer!
Attending the RRFA meeting in
April 4 at Emo were Linda Armstrong,
Betty Salchert, Dianne Vandenbrand,
Bernie Zimmerman, KimJo Calder,
Jason Teeple, Reg Kaus, Kim Desserre,
Kristine Carpenter, Shirley Morrish, Ken
Fisher and Angela Halvorsen.
Betty, reporting for member serviccs,
said that during Ag Days, she met a
number of members. It makes a big
difference when you see a face that once
was just a voice on the phone or a name
in a list. She mentioned that her duties
are covered in three days during each
month, but give her a call and she'll fit
you into that schedule if you have a
problem.
Provincial Director, Linda, reported
that at the last meeting, Bill C-17,
animal cruelty, highway traffic act and
animal rights issues were on the table.
Linda always has a lot of information
and mailings, that she can pass on to
members who are interested. Just give
Linda a call at 807-852-3645. She's a
walking resource of information.
Our Port of Entry was used this
week. Fifty head from one owner, went
through from Thunder Bay in one big
truck. It's actually a shorter route for
them as well.
Angela Halvorsen, from Rainy River
Future Development Corporation, would
like to let all Agricultural people know
that there is funding available, as well as
economic data, sectoral impact analysis
and market information. They can
provide industrial and commercial site
inventory, project planning and technical
advisory services. They support projects
which enhance employment
opportunities in the district. Angela
would also like anyone who has ideas
for a future bus trip to give her a call at
807-274-3276. Anything is possible.
There are 173 members in the Rainy
River District RRFA. The annual
meeting tentative date is November 14,
2000 at Stratton Recreation Facility.
Elections will happen at that time and if
you want to see changes or new faces,
please speak out. Nothing great is ever
achieved without enthusiasm.
Fort Frances Clover Valley Farmers'
Market had their workcrew out painting
the floor last Thursday to be ready in
time for the spring opening dates. Easter
market begins Thursday, April 20 did
again on Saturday, April 22. Then
regular sales each Saturday until
October. They will close for the July 1
weekend only. The Fort Frances High
School Reunion happens the weekend of
the seventh, so July is a busy month with
haying underway.
Earth Day is April 22, 2000.
The first cattle sale of the year at
Stratton Salesyard is Saturday, April 15.
The Fall Yearling Sale is Saturday,
August 26 and Fall Calf Sale is
Saturday, September 30. The faithful
workcrew have been busy remodelling
and cutting and nailing since the scale
have been set in place. They've toiled
through rain, sleet and snow and in cold
surroundings with only home -packed
lunches and Bob Woolsey's humorous
stories to keep them going. But, they did
it! The sale on Saturday will feature the
new ring scales and as soon as warm
weather hits, the painting and final
touches will be completed. For any
information on the Stratton Salesyards,
call manager Russ Richards, president,
Peter Spuzak or vice-president Tom
Morrish before 8:00 a.m. if you want to
catch them on the phone.
Feeder Finance will hold their annual
meeting at Morley Municipal -office, on
Monday, April 24, 2000. Memberships
can be purchased from secretary Val
Vogan at 807-852-3766 or by contacting
any one of the directors.
Vet services had a meeting and are
concerned about losing our large animal
services in the Rainy River District. The
high costs of travel is making their
practice impractical. The number of
dairy farms is also a factor, as they
decrease each year.
Farm Safety set up a display at Ag
Days and it went over very well.
Information was available and a number
of questions were answered. The Farm
Emergency Information booklet on
"what to say", "who to call" and "what
to do" was in demand and can be
obtained at OMAFRA as well as our
local Farm Safety Association. We are
reminding everyone with summer on its
way (it will come) to please inspect all
power tools and lawn mowers before
using them. Check for frayed cords,
broken plugs and cracked and broken
housings. Do not use until repairs are
made. Don't use electric mowers and
power tools on wet grass. Teach children
to NOT fly kites or play near power
lines. Remember to check your BBQs
for leaks and broken parts. Be sate this
summer and for all time.
As of April 1, 2000. the 441 Council
will be responsible for 100 per cent of
the delivery of the 4-11 program. The
role of OMAFRA will be as a funding
partner. Ellen Chojko-Bolec is now one
of the 10 directors of the Ontario 4-H
council and meet four times a year.
Their office is now located in the
Gencor Building at Guelph. 4-H
appreciates the generosity of the
GENCOR corporation and sends thanks
from the Rainy River District.
The Bill Gibson Memorial Award for
outstanding Voluntary Service to
Agriculture in the Rainy River District
for 1999 was awarded to a very busy
young lady, KimJo Bliss -Calder. Kimco
has contributed to almost every
organization in the district. jhe has been
in 4-H since the age of 12 and went on
to become a leader as well as holding
positions on the executive. KiinJo has
worked at the Research Station for all
her working years and contributed much
to the Rainy River District Soil and Crop
Association. She organizes the annual
seed fair, spending countless hours
planning the two-day event.
Last year KimJo began the Top of the
Line Beef Show and Sale which will
become an annual event. The list is
endless and her life is very busy with her
farm to run as well. For a person who is
only 30, KimJo has donated more time
to helping others than some people ever
accomplish in a lifetime. We're mighty
proud of KimJo Bliss -Calder. When you
make a success of something, it's not
work, it's a way of life. You enjoy
yourself because you are making a
contribution to the world.
"He who sows the ground with care
and diligence acquires a greater stock of
religious merit than he could by the
repetition of ten thousand prayers".0 —
Zoroaster (c.500 B.C.)
— Submitted by Shirley Morrish
MAY 2000 59