Dear Santa opening at Upper Canada Playhouse

It was an absolutely wonderful experience says 13 year old Tayler Pilon of Morrisburg who participated in the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Man in Motion Relay at Smiths Falls on Saturday, October 29. 

“It was awesome,” says Tayler who was accompanied by her mom Laury, her grandmother Inez Bilmer and a large number of family members to Smiths Falls where she ran in memory of her beloved ‘poppy’ Les Bilmer, who was left a quadriplegic from a spinal cord injury suffered in 2000.

Les passed away in May of 2004.

Tayler was one of seven participants in the Smiths Falls segment of the relay, “three wheelers and four runners”. It was a great experience. I met a lot of nice people.”

When Tayler learned she was one of 2,000 Ontarians selected for the relay, she and her mom Laury set a goal to raise $1,000. As of last week, they raised $2,020. 

“That is way more than I ever expected. I want to thank all the people who donated. It is going to a great cause.” 

Both Tayler and her mom were impressed with the day, the organization, the coordination and the wonderful spirit of all those working in the relay.

“They made it so much fun,” said Laury. 

“You clapped people off the bus, and they played music all the way along the route,” says Tayler. “Everything was laid out and ready to go. Everyone was so willing to help and there was always a person around if you had a question.”

Tayler says it was an honour to carry the commemorative Rick Hansen Difference Maker Medal (produced by the Royal Canadian Mint) which was passed to her by Amanda Lawson of Brockville. She then  carried it to a waiting Marshal Hogan of Smiths Falls who was the community ‘medal bearer of the day’.

As a participant Tayler received a replica of the medal and will keep her “Man in Motion’ Nike track suit.

Major sponsors for the 25th anniversary relay are Nike and McDonald’s Restaurants.

Twenty-five years ago, Rick Hansen wheeled through 34 countries in 26 months to complete his now-famous Man in Motion World Tour. He raised millions of dollars and invaluable awareness for people with spinal cord injuries and related disabilities.

The 25th anniversary relay started in Newfoundland in August and will end May 22, 2012 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Pictured: Above Taylor is passed the Relay Medal by Amanda Lawson of Brockville. Below she is pictured with Marshal Hogan of Smiths Falls who was that community’s ‘medal bearer of the day’.  In the background of the bottom photo (far right) is her grandmother Inez Bilmer.

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This summer, the Prime Minister took his sixth tour of the North. These visits have not been sightseeing tours. The Prime Minister is making a statement with these visits. They have been carried out to demonstrate to Canadians, and to the world, that Canada’s North is a priority for our administration. The Arctic is at the heart of our Canadian identity – from ancient Aboriginal cultures to famous explorers, to iconic Canadian artwork, literature, and landmarks.  

Our government under the leadership of Prime Minister Harper has made a commitment to the residents of Northern Canada that we will do everything possible to ensure the “land of the mid-night sun” realizes its full potential. Our Government is committed to promoting tourism and economic development in Canada`s North and invest in arctic infrastructure.

Since elected in January 2006, our government has realized the three Territories play a significant part in Canada’s future. If we are to maintain our position as a leading country on the world scene, we must develop and protect our north. The northern part of this great country has the potential to make Canada a leader in the world economy. Because of advances in technology and science, it is now possible to explore and develop the vast resources contained in our northern hemisphere to their full potential.

I am pleased the Prime Minister is taking a leadership role by actively demonstrating to the world that Canada’s north belongs to Canada and we are prepared to protect what is rightfully ours.  The North has not been a priority for previous governments. Other nations have made attempts to encroach on our sovereignty by making outlandish and false claims of ownership in the area. Countries like Russia and China have been trying to lay claim to parts of this vast area. We must be diligent in the defense of our assets.

I believe the words “True North Strong and Free” contained in our national anthem will mean more than they ever have as our country continues to grow and prosper in the years to come.

Guy Lauzon
Member of Parliament
Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry

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Another stirring Remembrance Day at Branch #48. Fraser Hall was filled with wreaths, crosses and people. Morrisburg and area does remember. The walls were decorated with many entries in the poster campaign. Thank you to our Ladies Auxiliary for the delicious lunch.

Business arising from the meetings on the 7th and 9th involved donations to the Santa Claus Parade in the amount of $500, a $200 donation to Camp Sheldrick, $100 to the War Museum and $500 for a new memorial being build at R.C.A.F. base Trenton. This memorial will honour the veterans from the Afghanistan conflict. There were several other business items which will be covered at a later date. 

On November 16, the Ladies Auxiliary will cater the Canadian Club dinner. Bingo resumes on November 17 and from November 18-20, Fraser Hall will be filled with the crafts from the Morrisburg and District Show. 

November 25 will once again be barbecue night and on November 26, Zone cribbage will take place with 160 guests expected. There is one Saturday left open in Fraser Hall before Christmas.

There will be a New Year’s party at Branch #48. More details on that later. 

On a sadder note, Branch #48 offers our sympathy to the family of Ladies Auxiliary member Elva Baker. Yes, we do remember.

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