Year: 2013

 

“I was in awe most of the time. I think I took 900 pictures.”

Those are the words of Anita Gilmour of Iroquois who this past summer traveled to the 2012 Olympic Summer Games in London, England, as one of  1,100 Kraft employees worldwide who were selected as company ambassadors.

Gilmour, who works at Kraft Canada in Ingleside, explains that Kraft purchased the British candy maker Cadbury in 2010, and Cadbury was the official Treat Provider for the Games.

In the spring of 2011, Kraft rolled out a “would you like to be a Cadbury Hero” campaign to select employees who would travel to London and act as company ambassadors.

“You applied and you wrote a story of what it would mean to you to go to the Olympics,” says Gilmour. From applications from across Canada, the top 100 stories were picked. A lottery-type draw selected the final lucky 35 Canadian employees who would travel to London for the Olympic and Paralympic games.

Gilmour explains that three of us in Ingleside made the top 100, John Lascelle, Ian Cameron and myself. “It was a once in a lifetime thing. There were over 2,000 applications, so I knew if I could just make it to the top 100, I would have a good chance. It took me a whole Sunday afternoon to write my story.”

At a live feed, noon broadcast from Toronto, only Lascelle and Gilmour heard their names announced at the Ingleside Kraft plant. “I was drawn 27th and everyone went crazy. Right after they said my name, they announced John’s.

“That was in June of 2011, so I had a lot of time to stew.”

Following the selection process, “we had to go through the accreditation and all the security screening. We were prepared to work in sales and/or assisting with VIPs, and we did our training online before we went.”

A lot of people came up to me after and said ‘why didn’t I do it’. Actually that was what I was counting on…that a lot of them wouldn’t enter.”

“My London crew included 98 people. There were 14 Canadians and the rest were from all around the world, Russia, Spain, Paris, Ireland. They had all gone through the same process in their respective countries.”

“I was in London from August 5-12.” 

Upon arrival in the city, Gilmour’s first night was at the five-star Hyatt on Liverpool Street where she got acquainted with her group. Their dorm-like accommodations were at Passfield Hall.

“I was scheduled to work for five days. I sold ice cream at a mobile and for my last two days I was at Olympic Stadium. On my very last day, I was selling ice cream in the stands. When a race was on, you sat down, so I actually got to see some of the events. I got to see Usain Bolt (three-time gold medalist for Jamaica at London 2012) run twice.”

Gilmour also saw some high jump, long jump, hurdles, 100m qualifying, and javelin heats. And of course the Olympic flame was housed at the stadium.

The 80,000 seat Olympic stadium was incredible says Gilmour. “When the roar of the crowd went up, it made the hair on the back of your neck stand up. It was amazing, all the noise and the colours. People there carrying their country’s colours. It was just unbelievable.”

While she enjoyed performing her responsibilities, Gilmour says she also enjoyed the opportunity to explore London in her off time. “I love history. Just to be somewhere that old was incredible.”

Scheduled to work only three to four hours on most of her five workdays, she recalls the beauty of Buckingham Palace, the excitement of the Horse Guard’s Parade, the majestic Admiralty Arch, a nighttime dinner cruise on the River Thames, speeding across the city on the Olympic Javelin, taking in London Live and Cadbury House at Hyde Park, the ride on a double-decker bus, seeing the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, Harrods Department Store and Canada House.

“Kraft went above and beyond to make this a lifetime experience for all of us. It was amazing. Everything was covered and organized. It wasn’t even what you would call work. I am so grateful to Kraft, for this wonderful experience.”

Gilmour says that in addition to being part of the Olympics and seeing London, it was a bonus to get to meet and develop friendships with fellow Kraft employees from around the world. “It was amazing to meet all these people. We are all different but we are all the same too.”

As for her time at the Olympics, she says, “it was the energy of it, the colour and the sounds,” that have left a lasting impression.

“Cadbury in England is huge. I had people wanting to buy my pins, my coat or to have my picture taken with them. The Cadbury brand is held in very high regard.”

Gilmour admits she has always loved chocolate and now has a special appreciation of all things Cadbury chocolate. “It’s the best chocolate in the world.”

As for another Olympics…Gilmour advises, “if you can go, go…just to be part of something so big was amazing.

“On my bucket list is Rio de Janeiro and that is where the next Olympics (2016) is!” So who knows. 

[…]

Lisa Lewis wanted to do something to help the Froats family cope with their expenses while Brody remains in CHEO, so she organized what she thought would be a small pancake breakfast fundraiser.

The event, held Saturday at the Recreation Hall in Riverside Heights, raised $800 for the family. 

Thanks to Riverside Recreation donating the use of the hall and the food for the event, the entire proceeds from the sale of the breakfasts will go to the Froats family. In addition to the 86 breakfasts sold, those who attended generously donated another $370.

“I wasn’t planning on so many people coming out, but I’m glad they did,” said Lewis. She was thrilled with the support and appreciative of the efforts of those who volunteered to help out including; Ann Lewis, Linda Robinson, Alice Pemberton, Madison DeJong, Melanie, Jeremy and Tyson Whitford, Carl and Gail Robinson and Terry Hamilton.

“It’s fantastic what Lisa has done here,” said Gail Robinson, who thanked Lisa and the volunteers on behalf of the family. “The community, everyone, has been so wonderful. I know Mark, Lisa, Brody and Brett are very appreciative.”

The funds are meant to help the family with expenses so that they can focus on their time together. Brody has been in CHEO since late last year as a result of complications of Prader-Willi Syndrome. 

His father Mark remains at CHEO with him. Mark is a contractor who has been unable to work since Brody was admitted to hospital. Brody’s mother Lisa is battling cancer and finished her chemotherapy last week.  

[…]

Influenza activity is widespread throughout the province including the five counties served by the Eastern Ontario Health Unit. 

Confirmed influenza outbreaks have been identified in several institutions, including schools, retirement homes and long-term care facilities.

“The flu season started early this year with cases reported since November,” says Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health at the EOHU. 

“The circulating strain is influenza A, H3N2, and illness could be more severe,” he adds.

That being said, Dr. Roumeliotis says this year’s flu shot is a good match against influenza A, H3N2, and he reminds those who have not yet received it that it’s not too late to get immunized.

The flu shot is available through physicians, some local pharmacies or by appointment at one of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit’s offices. 

Besides protecting themselves, people who get the shot also reduce the risk of infecting their loved ones as well as vulnerable people around them.

The flu is not a simple cold, and while most people who come down with it will suffer from mild symptoms that do not require medical attention, the flu can be dangerous and even deadly. 

It is therefore important for everyone to get the flu shot. 

This is especially the case for individuals who live or work with at-risk populations such as infants under six months old who are too young to be vaccinated, the elderly, and people with chronic medical conditions.

Besides getting immunized, one of the best ways to reduce the spread of the virus and to protect vulnerable members of the public is to stay home when sick. 

Do not visit relatives in residences, long-term care facilities and hospitals if you are sick.

Help reduce the spread of flu. Wash your hands with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Cough or sneeze into your elbow.

For more information about the flu and how to prevent it from spreading, visit the EOHU’s website at www.eohu.ca or call 613-933-1375 or 1 800 267-7120 and ask for Health Line.

[…]

John Ross, Iroquois resident and Ross Video founder, has been named to the Order of Canada for his contributions as a technology innovator, developing products at the forefront of broadcast engineering.

The Governor General of Canada, David Johnston made the announcement December 30.

“I was stunned when the Governor General’s office called me about four weeks ago to inform me of the honour,” said Ross.

Ross called the honour of being named to the Order of Canada, “The big deal.” 

“It is a humbling experience. Getting that phone call certainly gives you quite a collage of different feelings. In the end, it’s nice to have friends and to be appreciated,” said Ross.

Throughout his life, and career, Ross has continuously challenged himself to do things that others were not doing. “If you are determined enough, you can accomplish a lot,” he said.

By challenging himself, Ross’ resulting innovations have time after time advanced the technology involved in broadcast engineering.

“The thing the recipients of the Order of Canada have in common is that we have done something that brings about improvements that affect people,” said Ross, who takes great pride in being recognized in that way.

In 1974, John Ross founded Ross Video, based out of Iroquois, the small town to which he chose to relocate in order that he could enjoy less stressful, country-living. He retired from the company in 2005, handing it over to his son David who now serves as President, CEO and Chairman of the Board.

Ross Video designs, manufactures and supports a wide range of innovative products for use in video production applications. 

Ross products are installed in over 100 countries around the world, where they are used daily by top broadcasters, production companies, sports stadiums, government agencies and houses of worship. 

John Ross even personally designed circuit boards for NASA in use in the International Space Station.

The Order of Canada is the highest civilian honour a Canadian citizen can receive. Established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Order of Canada is the centerpiece of Canada’s Honours System and recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. 

Over the last 45 years, more than 5,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order. 

Ninety-one new appointments were announced on December 30. There are three levels of the Order of Canada; Companions, Officers and Members. 

Two Companions were among the latest appointees, 33 Officers, including Ross, and 56 Members.

 

A lifetime fascination with electronics, broadcasting

Through a little bit of good fortune, a lot of good timing, but mostly through hard work and determination, Iroquois resident and Ross Video founder John Ross has been able to accomplish much.

“My fascination with engineering began with an electronics book I discovered at the age eight,” said Ross. “By the time I was 12 years old, I was designing small transmitters. This led to my first job at age fourteen at CKY-FM in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where I became the transmitter operator for the summer.”

In January 1954, the CBC hired Ross to be part of the initial staff of CBWT. At where he was the youngest member of the pioneering “start-up” crew of the first TV Station between Toronto and Vancouver.

“I was intrigued by the visual electronic effects used on the Jackie Gleason Show play on Kinescope Film recordings,” continued Ross. “Because there was a lot of waiting time at the CBC, I sketched waveforms and circuits that might be used to created wipe patterns. Eventually I thought it was time to test my theories, so at home in my bedroom workshop, I built a crude Special Effect Amplifier and took it to work. One of the production staff saw it, and it was connected up in Studio 41 and used on the suppertime program “Spotlight” that evening. Later on I was allowed to design and build a better special effects system – provided it was on my own time. After all, I was paid to operate the equipment – not invent it!”

During his employment at the CBC, Ross designed a transistorized wireless microphone adapter to be worn on a belt, and the first colour TV in Canada to receive colour pictures from Canadian Transmitter (CBWT in 1956). 

After completing his university education in Engineering, John went on to design what is described as the first solid-state TV production switcher and he was awarded a chroma key patent that led to the use of the green screen. 

“All subsequent chroma keying patents have been built on my fundamental patent,” explained Ross. “Of my many patents, this is a favourite as you only have one chance to be a pioneer of something new. If you don’t think of it first and actually do it, eventually someone else will.”

Ross also obtained a contract for the development of the first automated solid-state Master Control Switcher, which was the first broadcast equipment to show text on a screen, plus co-designed and built the first successful all-electronic tape editing system in the world. 

In spite of many “first-time ever” technical successes, stress was taking its toll on Ross’ health. That’s when he discovered his passion of flying and took some good advice to start his own company – Ross Video.

“Working every waking hour without an other staff had paid off. I had launched a company, was sole owner and had recovered my health,” said Ross. The new, revolutionary switcher he had built sold well. With the future looking bright, Ross realized he could live anywhere provided there was good transportation available.

“In September 1974 I moved the company from my home in Montreal to Iroquois, Ontario. This was a strategic business decision as well as a chance for me to enjoy less stressful country living,” explained Ross. In his experience, Ross had learned that American customers hate dealing with trans-border paperwork but do require a rapid response on repairs and shipping. 

“Ogdensburg, NY is only 15 minutes away and this allows us to serve the Americans as if there was no border.  This has turned out to be a key advantage for Ross Video,” he explained.

“Iroquois also fit my financial capability. I just did not have enough money to locate in Toronto or any other larger location. The move was accelerated by a pilot friend, George Jackson,  who lived In Iroquois and was very determined to help his community by creating employment. However, there was no industrial park and no suitable home for my family. He solved both – a small vacant shopping center store could be rented for $100 per month (not the $1,100 as in Ottawa for industrial space) and he would sell me his dream home that he had designed and personally built. Any down payment was OK, he’d hold the mortgage. Then he moved his family into a small mobile home in a field so we could come.  Such unbelievable generosity! Thus, we were able to make a humble start in Iroquois with three employees. We still have 4,500 square feet of space in the shopping center and now do robotic camera assembly there.” 

Now, Ross Video has about 450 employees world-wide. “Iroquois turned out to have been an excellent choice,” said Ross. “We have access to wonderful assembly people who are proud to work in high-tech but can bring up their families in the country.  Our new manufacturing plant has a capacity of $260 million in shipments per year, most of which is exported. If you ask anyone in rural areas what they need, it is jobs – clean, well-paid jobs. We are that rare employer in a type of industry that is usually located in a city, but which we have found is actually more efficient if located in the country.”

Over the years, Ross Video has produced several generations of switchers and many types of supporting products. Current products are acknowledged as being world leaders for capability, quality and especially good value. The switchers are everywhere. The 2010 Vancouver Olympics switchers were all Ross, as were the CTV facilities at the 2012 London Olympics, the ABC news with Diane Sawyer, and many others. Eighty per cent of all North American stadiums with large screens use Ross Video production products.  “Our graphics systems are used for the Grammy’s, Oscars, etcetera,” said Ross. 

“I’ve had a nice long run in our industry and a lot of fun designing equipment, working with wonderful people and building a company owned only by the Ross family and employees. Why, I have even designed equipment for NASA.  43 circuit boards, personally designed in my Florida bedroom, are in use in the International Space Station.”

“I retired from everyday work at Ross Video after I turned 71, six years ago. However, I continue to be a Director on the Board of Ross and I own John Ross Technologies Inc. in Ottawa.  

“My son, David, is the current President of Ross Video and is even more passionate about inventing and promoting new products than I was. Under David’s leadership – and the fantastic team he has assembled – Ross has grown considerably in the last six years. That I should have so capable a son is perhaps my greatest legacy.  I am immensely proud of David,” said Ross.

“Occasionally, I still shake my head in some disbelief and find it awesome that all of this has arisen from my early chance employment at CKY, the humble beginnings at CBWT and especially the help from a host of very kind people.”

[…]

Last week the local Meals on Wheels service expanded, making it available five days a week in Iroquois.

“This expansion will help meet the need,” explained Meals on Wheels chairperson Glenn Becksted. 

Bob Ruddock, treasurer with Meals on Wheels, said that demand for the service is up about 30 percent in 2012.

Although the increased demand may be mostly due to an aging population, those who work with the program speculate that the reliable service, the extra effort to meet the dietary needs of the clients and the excellent value for money, could also be factors in the programs increasing popularity.

According to Becksted, the reliability is thanks to the efforts of the well over 60 volunteers who deliver the meals. 

“Especially this time of year, they go through all kinds of weather to ensure that the meals get to our clients,” he said.  “They are a wonderful, faithful and dedicated group.”

“Our cooks work hard to prepare great meals and to ensure that the special needs of our clients are being met, everyday,” said Becksted.

The Local Health Integration Network partially funds Meals on Wheels. They provide operational funding which covers the costs of the kitchen and its staff. 

The cost of food is covered by the clients fees, which are less than $5 per meal. 

Other costs, like the cost of new food trays and delivery bags, are covered by donations from area service clubs.

In order to expand the local Meals on Wheels service to Iroquois to five days a week from the previous three days a week, more food trays and delivery bags needed to be purchased.

The purchase of the additional equipment was about $1,400. So, on the kickoff day to the expanded service, Meals on Wheels officials were pleased to accept a $500 donation from the Iroquois Legion to help offset those costs.

“We appreciate the service that Meals on Wheels offers this community,” said Ralph Martin, acting president of the Iroquois Legion Branch 370, who was pleased that the Iroquois Legion Poppy Fund could help expand the service for Iroquois. 

Meals on Wheels provides 150 meals a week to area residents.

[…]

 More than twice as many students participated in the 2012 Iroquois Legion Remembrance Day poster and literary contest than the previous year, and the winners received their awards at a small ceremony January 6 in the Iroquois Legion’s museum.

Dave Weedmark, youth and education chair with Iroquois Legion Branch 370 hosted the event, where the awards were handed out by Ralph Martin, acting president.

Twenty branch awards were handed out to the best entries among the 89 received from the schools in Iroquois, and those winners were forwarded on to the zone level.

At the zone level, three students were awarded prizes. At the zone level, Dani Shae Barkley’s black and white poster placed third in the senior division, Kitana Millward’s colour poster placed third in the intermediate division and Darci Dodge’s poem placed third in the junior division.

At the branch level, Maeryn Gilmour won the primary colour poster contest, Leo Vezina was second and Keaton Urquhart was third.

Harley Heustis won the junior black and white poster contest. Nicholas Howard was second and Bryce St. Pierre was third.

The junior colour poster contest was won by Jamie Wilson, with Aria Whisselle placing second and Bryanna Whitford third.

Darci Dodge won the junior poem contest. Kurtis Markell was second and Catie Piquette was third.

The intermediate poster contest winners were Grace Barkley (first in black and white), Kitana Millward (first in colour), Abby MacMillan (second in colour) and Matt Backes (third in colour). Dani Shae Barkley won the senior black and white poster contest.

Prize winning intermediate poems were submitted by Kaitlyn Stewart, who won first prize, Jane van Moorsel, who won second prize, and Nathanial Collard, who won third prize.

[…]