12
FOCUS - AUGUST 2007 11 website: www.focusonscugog.com P FEBRUARY - David Brown began duties as the new administrator of the Community Memorial Hospital. - Council decided not to restore the l00-year-old Town Hall on the corner of Lilla and Queen Streets. P APRIL - A delegation of 25 from the Cartwright area met with the Durham Board of Education and after some discussion decided to keep the Cartwright High School in operation. P MAY - Michelle Robinson was elected Queen at the annual Cartwright High School “At Home”. P JUNE - Restoration of Port Perry’s historic Post Of- fice began. - Council voted unanimously in saving Town Hall 1873. They accepted an offer from the Town Hall Committee to lease the building for 99 years at a nominal charge of $2.00 annually. P JULY - Allan Lawrence was given the honour of cut- ting the ribbon during the opening ceremonies of the new Nestleton Community Centre. P OCTOBER - Workers returned to Flamingo Pastries Limited following a 15 week strike. P NOVEMBER - Doreen Van Camp was appointed Scugog Township clerk, Victor Malcolm, deputy clerk, and A.D. Thompson, treasurer. A view of Simcoe St. looking north towards the intersection of 7A Hwy. in 1974. The street had two intersections, the left continuing on Simcoe St., and the right connected with Wilbur St. This inter- section was changed in 1975, removing the two-prongs, widening the road and installing traffic signals. THE YEAR WAS 1974 Vessels and vestments come alive with sprightly spirits - hu- man, earthly and airborne, a melding of the material and immate- rial - their ethereal movements playfully captured in clay and cloth in this unique teaming of new works by potter Rosemary Moles- worth and handweaver Pat Burns-Wendland. Opening August 11, 2007 at the Kent Farndale Gallery in Port Perry and running until August 30, Spiritscapes in Clay and Cloth is a pure flight of fancy, a shared vision and a conjuring act of all that is wild, untamed, otherworldly and imaginary. A riot of angels, goddesses, herons, horses and moose prance, dance, cavort and bob, in, out and around Pat Burns-Wendland’s richly coloured handwoven jackets and vests and Rosemar y Moles- worth’s captivating pots. “With each passing season, the colours and our surroundings change and so does my work,” says Pat Burns-Wendland. “Some- times I become fixated on a particular design and work through a progression of either colour, style or weave structure. Or maybe a particular button created by Rosemar y inspires me to create a piece of cloth to enhance it. I have to admit, the artists I work and associate with influence me. Their own work and ideas can and do determine what I create.” Simple shapes and neutral tones are the hallmark of Rosemary Molesworth’s fanciful yet always functional vessels. She finds in- spiration for the often humorous, highly stylized images that adorn them in ancient cultures, rituals and the world around her, using clay slips, stencils and line drawings to depict her interpretation of these eclectic influences. Pat is a graduate of Seneca College’s Dressmaking/Fashion Arts and Humber College’s Fine Arts programs. She received her Master Spinner designation from the Ontario Handweavers and Spinners. Her award-winning work has been exhibited most re- cently at the Wellington Country Museum and SGI Canada Cal- edon Centre for Culture and Education. The Kent Farndale Gallery focuses on exhibiting the works of emerging and established artists and craftspeople in many medi- ums. Throughout the years, the galler y has showcased the talents of local and international artists. The gallery is located inside the Scugog Memorial Public Li- brary at 231 Water St., Port Perry. An opening reception for this exhibit will be held Saturday, August 11th from 1 pm until 4 pm. For more information, please call 905-985-7686. Spiritscapes in clay and cloth, two artists, two media, one idea

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Page 1: Spiritscapes in clay and cloth, two artists, two media

FOCUS - AUGUST 2007 11 website: www.focusonscugog.com

P FEBRUARY - David Brown began duties as the new administrator of the Community Memorial Hospital. - Council decided not to restore the l00-year-old Town Hall on the corner of Lilla and Queen Streets.

P APRIL - A delegation of 25 from the Cartwright area met with the Durham Board of Education and after some discussion decided to keep the Cartwright High School in operation.

P MAY - Michelle Robinson was elected Queen at the annual Cartwright High School “At Home”.

P JUNE - Restoration of Port Perry’s historic Post Of-fice began. - Council voted unanimously in saving Town Hall 1873. They accepted an offer from the Town Hall Committee to lease the building for 99 years at a nominal charge of $2.00 annually.

P JULY - Allan Lawrence was given the honour of cut-ting the ribbon during the opening ceremonies of the new Nestleton Community Centre.

P OCTOBER - Workers returned to Flamingo Pastries Limited following a 15 week strike.

P NOVEMBER - Doreen Van Camp was appointed Scugog Township clerk, Victor Malcolm, deputy clerk, and A.D. Thompson, treasurer.

A view of Simcoe St. looking north towards the intersection of 7A Hwy. in 1974. The street had two intersections, the left continuing on Simcoe St., and the right connected with Wilbur St. This inter-section was changed in 1975, removing the two-prongs, widening the road and installing traffic signals.

THE YEAR WAS 1974

Vessels and vestments come alive with sprightly spirits - hu-man,earthlyandairborne,ameldingofthematerialandimmate-rial-theiretherealmovementsplayfullycapturedinclayandclothinthisuniqueteamingofnewworksbypotterRosemaryMoles-worthandhandweaverPatBurns-Wendland. OpeningAugust11,2007attheKentFarndaleGalleryinPortPerryandrunninguntilAugust30,SpiritscapesinClayandClothisapureflightoffancy,asharedvisionandaconjuringactofallthatiswild,untamed,otherworldlyandimaginary. Ariotofangels,goddesses,herons,horsesandmooseprance,dance,cavortandbob,in,outandaroundPatBurns-Wendland’srichlycolouredhandwovenjacketsandvestsandRosemaryMoles-worth’scaptivatingpots. “Witheachpassingseason,thecoloursandoursurroundingschangeandsodoesmywork,”saysPatBurns-Wendland.“Some-timesIbecomefixatedonaparticulardesignandworkthroughaprogressionofeithercolour,styleorweavestructure. OrmaybeaparticularbuttoncreatedbyRosemaryinspiresmetocreateapieceofclothtoenhanceit.Ihavetoadmit,theartistsIworkandassociatewithinfluenceme.TheirownworkandideascananddodeterminewhatIcreate.” SimpleshapesandneutraltonesarethehallmarkofRosemaryMolesworth’sfancifulyetalwaysfunctionalvessels.Shefindsin-spirationfortheoftenhumorous,highlystylizedimagesthatadorntheminancientcultures,ritualsandtheworldaroundher,usingclayslips,stencilsandlinedrawingstodepictherinterpretationoftheseeclecticinfluences. Pat is a graduate of Seneca College’s Dressmaking/FashionArtsandHumberCollege’sFineArtsprograms.ShereceivedherMaster Spinner designation from the Ontario Handweavers andSpinners. Her award-winning work has been exhibited most re-centlyat theWellingtonCountryMuseumandSGICanadaCal-edonCentreforCultureandEducation. TheKentFarndaleGalleryfocusesonexhibitingtheworksofemergingandestablishedartistsandcraftspeopleinmanymedi-ums.Throughouttheyears,thegalleryhasshowcasedthetalentsoflocalandinternationalartists. Thegallery is located inside theScugogMemorialPublicLi-braryat231WaterSt.,PortPerry.AnopeningreceptionforthisexhibitwillbeheldSaturday,August11thfrom1pmuntil4pm.Formoreinformation,pleasecall905-985-7686.

Spiritscapesinclayandcloth,twoartists,twomedia,oneidea

Page 2: Spiritscapes in clay and cloth, two artists, two media

12 FOCUS - AUGUST 2007 [email protected]

Thisisarefreshingoutlook,especiallyatatimewhentherearesomanyoptionsforstudentstoexcelintheirareaofchoice.Therereallyisnolongeronlyonewaytogo.Whatworksforonestudent-whetheritinvolveslivinginresidence,commutingtoschool,head-ingofftouniversityorchoosingcollege-reallyispersonal. Therealtaskathandistryingtograpplewiththeideaofknow-ingexactlywhatitiseachindividualpersonismeanttodo.ButasIlookaroundatthisgroupoffriends,theideaof“uncertainty”doesn’tseemtobeasetback.Theirlaidbackpersonashowstheyareateaseandmatureenoughtohandle theobstacles thatcomealongwithdiscoveringtheirpath. Amongthegradsthathavegatheredtoday,CourtneyRistowistheonlyonewithplanstoattenduniversityinthefall.Likeevery-one else, her reasons stem from the fact that she feels it fits thewholepackageforher,despiteherindecisivenesstowardsacareer

choice. “I still don’t know ex-actly what I want to do.I’llbestudyingcommerceandmanagementeconom-

icsbut I alsohavemysightsonmedschool,”explainsCourtney.“Myplansarereallyupintheair.” Andthat’sokay.Asmanystudentsrepeatedlylearn,lifeisfullofsecondchancesandnewbeginnings.Inthegrandschemeofthings,life’s about making decisions according to one’s own preferenceratherthanwhatsoundsidealisticaccordingtoothers. As the evening comes to anendandthestudentsmaketheirway off to enjoy the rest of thesummer, one thing’s for sure,regardless of all the upcomingchange, they will always remaingrounded in their friendshipswithoneanother. And they will always remem-ber the wonderful communitythat supported and encouragedthemtogrowindividually. Congratulationsgrads!

By Christina Coughlin

“I still don’t know exactly what I want to do”... Courtney

Continued from page 2

Grads ponder life after high school

Page 3: Spiritscapes in clay and cloth, two artists, two media

FOCUS - AUGUST 2007 13 website: www.focusonscugog.com

Inspired to get in shape and promotea great cause, Scugog longtime friendsKelly Olsen and Heather Hart are pre-paring to take part in Toronto’s Week-end to End Breast Cancer. Thewalk,whichbenefitsthePrincessMargaretHospital,willbeheldSept.7to9inToronto.

ForHeather,themotivationtoparticipatestems fromper-sonal experience. “My sister-in-law,althoughshewasdiag-nosedwithadifferentformofcancer, went through this ata young age,” she explains.“Aftertakingcareofher,Ire-alizedhowseriousthethreatofcancerisandhowIneverwanttowalkdownthatpathmyself.” Both Heather and Kellycannot stress enough howimportant it is for individu-als to take their health intotheirownhands. “Early detection is key,whichiswhyitissoimpor-tanttonotignorethesigns,”saysKelly.“Womenshouldspeaktotheirdoctorabouttakingtheproperhealthpre-cautions,suchasensuringtheygettheiryearlymammograms.”

As Kelly and Heather prepare fortheir 60 km walk, which spreads overthelengthofthreedays,theyhavecomeup with creative and inspiring ways to

raise the $2,000 each participant is ex-pected to accumulate before the event. At Brock’s Department Store in PortPerry, they have been selling their own

handcrafted beaded bracelets for $10each. The proceeds from these sales godirectlytotheirfundsforthewalk. Thetwowomenhavealsobeentaking

orders for their delicious homemadehot-pepper jelly at five dollars a jar,andasuccessfulyardsaleearlierthisyear helped Kelly and Heather raisejustover$1,100. In addition to their efforts thusfar, they are both looking forward toan upcoming summer barbeque withneighboursandfriends,inwhichticketsaleswillbenefittheirwalk. While Kelly and Heather both admitit has been a challenging task tryingto raise enough money to participatein the event, they genuinely agreethe cause is well worth the effort. “Just setting a goal and working to-wards it is more rewarding than any-

thing.Webothfeeltheneedtoadvocatemoreawarenessoftheeventtothearea,aswellasmoreinvolvement,”saysKelly,who has lived within the Scugog regionformostofherlife. Their dedication and hard workover the past months are plenty of indi-cation that both Kelly and Heather aresincerelycommittedtogeneratingabet-terawarenessoftheissueandtheevent. Theyareencouragingpeopletocomeforwardandmakeadonationbycalling

Kelly Olsen Heather Hart

“We both feel the need to advocate more awareness”... Kelly Olsen

“My sister-in-law was diagnosed with cancer at a young age”

... Heather Hart

Please turn to page 18

Kelly, Heather lace up for cancer walk

Page 4: Spiritscapes in clay and cloth, two artists, two media

14 FOCUS - AUGUST 2007 [email protected]

ThisuniquehomeisoneofthemostvisibleindowntownPortPerry.FacingontoQueenSt,atthecornerofSimcoeSt.,thiswasthehomeofDr.RobertArcher,oneofPortPerry’smostlovedandrespecteddoctorsduringtheearly1900s.Dr.Archer,wasanaccomplishedsurgeonwhomovedtoPortPerrytojoinhisbrotherDavidattheArcherMedicalClinicin1897.Hespentthenext30yearscaringforthepeopleofPortPerryandneighbouringcommunities. Butthehistoryofthisproperty,locatedat291QueenStreet,datesbacktothe1850swhenitwasfirstowned

by Robert Perry. Mr. Perry sold the corner location to James W.Gamblein1860.Mr.Gamble,anearlysettlerofScugogIslandwasvotedastheScugogTownship’s(Island)firstreevein1855. The property changed hands again in 1871, this time beingpurchased by Charles W. Rose, and over the next few years ownersincludedEdwardMajorandSamuelGraham,whopurchaseditin1885.TheGraham’sownedthepropertyforalmost30years,duringwhichtimeit’sbelievedtheybuilt thepresenthouse.Itwassoldin1913toArthurProfit,andagainin1919toJohnLeaskatwhichtimethepropertywasseparated. Dr.Archermovedintothishomein1920,butafteronlysevenyearsthebelovedandrespecteddoctordiedanditwassoldthefollowingyeartoMargueriteL.Baker.Since1928thehousehasbeen owned by Elsie Pyatt, Richard Wallace, and Donald andGraceMilnewhoboughtitin1954andownedituntilafewyearsago when it was purchased by James P. Murphy and Sandra C.Woolsey.ThecurrentownersofthisattractiveQueenSt.homeareJ.ScottandAnneDuBoiswhopurchasedthehomeinAug.2006. Thehouseisuniqueinthatitfeaturesalargeslopingroofandopenendedraftersalongtheroofanddormers.AfterbeingpurchasedbytheMurphyandWoolseyinabout2004theownerscompletelyre-paintedandrestoredtheexteriorofthehome.

Scugog Township Homes

This picture taken from a postcard dated about 1930 shows the Archer house with an open porch. It was closed-in sometime later. In background, is the home which is now the location of Jester’s Court restaurant.

Dr. Robt. Archer

This OldHouse

Samuel Graham

Home of Port Perry’s ‘favourite’ doctor

Page 5: Spiritscapes in clay and cloth, two artists, two media

FOCUS - AUGUST 2007 15 website: www.focusonscugog.com

Dog Days of Scugog

They ran... they jumped... they swam... they barked. Hundreds of dogs of all shapes and sizes converged at Scugog Shores Museum on July 21,22 for the annual Dog Days of Scugog. Competitions ranged from dog-gie fashion shows, dock dogs, pole weaving, Super Dog Idol, as well as demonstrations during the weekend. Pictured here are just a few of the amazing dogs taking part. At left, one of the competitors in the SuperDog Central Show catches a frisbee in the air; above, this amazing mutt jumped more than 18’ into the water during the Dock Dogs Wave competition. Below from left: Kiera Kuebec, 6, of Greenbank with her dog Niko; Raymond a long eared Basset Hound won a third place ribbon in the “longest ear class,” and “Blitz” winds his way through the poles in the Pole Weaving Competition.

For more pictures of the Dog Days of Scugog - visit the “Focus website” at www.focusonscugog.comPhotos by J.P. Hvidsten

Page 6: Spiritscapes in clay and cloth, two artists, two media

16 FOCUS - AUGUST 2007 [email protected]

EMILY-ROSE GIBBONSon your recent graduation from

Grade 8 atR.H. Cornish Public School

We are very proud of you!

Love Momand Dad

We’re Proud of You

As you celebrate your graduation, take a moment to reflect back on all the challenges you’ve overcome through the years. Your hard work and dedication have really paid off and now you proceed to the next

challenges of your life. We congratulate you on this fine achievement.

TYLER STEPHENon your recent

graduation from Grade 8

atS.A. CawkerPublic School

We are so proud of you!Love

Grandma & Grandpa

Congratulations

NATHAN SCOTT

We are very

proud of you!Love

Mom, Dad& Hannah

Congratulations! Congratulations!

JAMIEHVIDSTENCongratulationson successfully

graduatingfrom

Port Perry High School

Your future looks bright!Love

Mom and Dad

We’re Proud of You!

KATIE HVIDSTEN Congratulations on

the successful completion of

your courses at Port Perry

High School.

Best wishes forfuture successes!

Love Mom and Dad

Would you like to congratulate your graduate - call Focus on Scugog - 905-985-8585

Way to go Josh!JOSH

PERNACongratulations

on your graduation

from Port Perry High School

We are so proud of you!Love

Mom, Dad, Jordan, Aaron and Sean

HONOURING OURGRADUATESHONOURING OURGRADUATES

In the June “This Old House” feature some informationwasmissedregardingthe“KentEstate”propertyowners. The property was purchased in 1973 by a local develop-mentgroupcalled“VanedwardInvestmentsLimited”andcom-prised of three local businessmen - Glen Van Camp, of VanCampContracting;TedGriffenofLakeScugogLumberandPortPerryHighSchoolprincipalGrantMacDonald. Weappreciatetheoversight,ofMr.VanCamp,beingpoint-edoutsothiscouldbecorrected.

Correction - New Feature -

CELEBRATIONSFocus on Scugog introduces “Celebrations”

Honour your loved ones Graduations, Birthdays & Anniversaries in full colour.

For more information call 905-985-8585

Page 7: Spiritscapes in clay and cloth, two artists, two media

FOCUS - AUGUST 2007 17 website: www.focusonscugog.com

AdamConnolly’s latestmas-terpiecewasunveiledatScugogShoresMuseumonJuly25withasmall,butappreciativecrowdinattendance. His latest undertaking,called “Gaasknazo Gete Mitg”(Whispering Old Tree), is thesecond piece in Scugog Town-ship for his “Second life ForTreesProject”.Thefirst,whichhecalled“TheScout”islocatedatthecornerofQueenandCo-chraneSt.,PortPerry. During a brief ceremony,before the unveiling of thesculpture,nativedrummersFayKossandJamieKozlinskysang“Serenity” in the First Nation‘vocables’dialect. Also on hand representingthe Mississaugas of Scugog Is-land was Allan Mountford whoofferedaprayerandsmudgingandplaced tobaccoat thebaseofthetreeasanoffering. Artist Adam Connollythankedeveryonewhoattendedandexplainedthesculptureandfigurescarvedintothetree. The large majestic SugarMaple,stillfirmlyrootedintheground at the local museum,beginsitsSecondLifeasaneco-sculpture. This creationwas inspiredbytheHeritageandLoreoftheMississaugas of Scugog Island

FirstNation. Gaasknazo Gete Mitg illus-trates the story of Sky womanand includes many symbolscentral to the natural heritageandceremonyof the localMis-sissaugasofScugogIslandFirstNation. “My intention is to releasethespiritualandecologicalmes-sage this venerable tree has totellofourbeautifulbio-region,”Mr.Connollysaid. Over 200 hours spent withthismagnificenttreehasresult-edinasculpturethatcelebrates,spirit, resilience, joy and theinter-connectivityofcreation. Mr. Connolly worked withthe Mississaugas of ScugogIsland First Nation who spon-soredtheproject. Mr.Connollyhasavisionofproviding more historical treeswith a second life as they be-comeavailable. “SecondLifeForTreesholdsthe promise of creating ratherthan destroying,” the artist ex-plains. “Still firmly rooted inthe past, the tree will be trans-formed into a sculpture, whichwill represent the natural cul-turalandethnicheritageofthecommunity, or the spirit of thecharitable organization whichwillbenefitfromtheartpiece.

By J. Peter Hvidsten

Whispering Old TreeWhispering Old Tree

“GaasknazoGeteMitg”

Fay Koss, Adam Connolly and Jamie Kozlinsky at the official unveiling.

Page 8: Spiritscapes in clay and cloth, two artists, two media

18 FOCUS - AUGUST 2007 [email protected]

Inspired to get in shape and promote a great cause, Scu-gog longtime friends Kelly Olsen and Heather Hart are prepar-ing to take part in Toronto’s Weekend to End Breast Cancer. Thewalk,whichbenefitsthePrincessMargaretHospital,willbeheldSept.7to9inToronto. ForHeather,themotivationtoparticipatestemsfrompersonalexperience.“Mysister-in-law,althoughshewasdiagnosedwithadifferent form of cancer, went through this at a young age,” sheexplains.“Aftertakingcareofher,IrealizedhowseriousthethreatofcancerisandhowIneverwanttowalkdownthatpathmyself.” BothHeatherandKellycannotstressenoughhowimportantitisforindividualstotaketheirhealthintotheirownhands. “Early detection is key, which is why it is so important to notignorethesigns,”saysKelly.“Womenshouldspeaktotheirdoctorabouttakingtheproperhealthprecautions,suchasensuringtheygettheiryearlymammograms.” As Kelly and Heather prepare for their 60 km walk, whichspreads over the length of three days, they have come upwith creative and inspiring ways to raise the $2,000 eachparticipant is expected to accumulate before the event. At Brock’s Department Store in Port Per-ry, they have been selling their ownhandcrafted beaded bracelets for $10 each. The proceeds fromthesesalesgodirectlytotheirfundsforthewalk.

Continued from page 13

Local women take part in cancer walk

Page 9: Spiritscapes in clay and cloth, two artists, two media

Aloha! Attheageofseven,CamMuirdecidedthathewantedtobecomeadoc-torofBiology.“Ihavenoideawhythathappened,”hesaid. CamwasanextremelypopularstudentatPortPerryHighSchool,asuccessfulathleteintrackandbasketball.InhislastyearatPPHShewasthestartingcentrefortheschoolteam. Inthelate1970sCamalsoentertainedinthePPHSdramaproductionsandwiththeBorelians.Hewasevenpartofashort livedtheatregroupwhonamedthemselvesthePremierPerformanceTheatreCompany.Andinhissparetime,thisbusyteenagerworkedatEmile’sRestaurant. Duringthesummerof1981heheadedouttoVancouverforthesum-mer,fullyintendingtoreturninthefall.Hedecidedtostayafterhefoundajobheenjoyed-sellingcamerasattheJapanCameraCentre. “Later,followingfiveyearsofretailmanagement,”hesaid,“Idecidedtoresuscitatemygoalofgettingauniversityeducation.”HeenrolledasamaturestudentinaB.ScprogramatSimonFraserUniversity. Itwasherethathegaineda loveofgenetics,particularlyastheyap-pliedtoendangeredspecies.AftercompletinghisBachelor’sdegree,heenrolledintheDoctoralprogram. Alsoduringhisuniversityyears,hemet iswifeEliahandthecoupleweremarriedinVancouver. “Graduateschoolwasanawesomeexperienceforme,”hestates.Hisadvisorat this timewasBiruteGoldikas,oneofLouisLeakey’sAngels.Goldikasisrecognizedastheworld’sforemostauthorityonorangutans.Her colleagues, Jane Goodall studied chimpanzees and Dian Fosseybecameamartyrstudyingmountaingorillas. Cam’sstudiestookhimtothejunglesofBorneotoworkwithGoldikas.“WhileinBorneowecaughtorangutanswhohadbeentrappedinpalmoilplantations.Wethenrelocatedtheminwildlifereserves.” Camrecalledoneincidentwhereanorangutanbecameannoyedattheeffortstocapturehiminanet.“Hestartedtothrowbranchesatusandwhenwedidn’tdisappear,hetriedtopeeonme.Imanagedtoavoidthisbuthethenreachedbehindhimself,poopedinhishandandthrewitatme.”Camlaughed. “Wemanagedtogethimlaterandputhiminacagetotransferhimtothewildliferefuge,”hesaid.Please turn page 24

Where Now?are they

Cam enjoys the land of milk and honey

Cam and his wife Eliah with three of their many pets, from left, Libbie, Hila, Kaleo.

FOCUS - AUGUST 2007 19 website: www.focusonscugog.com

Page 10: Spiritscapes in clay and cloth, two artists, two media

20 FOCUS - AUGUST 2007 [email protected]

Canada Day celebrations in Port Perry took place on July 1, 2007 featuring a Tribute to Canadian Troops and a parade through town. In Palmer Park there were dozens of kids activities throughout the day along with contests, shows and evening fireworks. Pictured at top left is Sydney Runions, 5, on her colourful bike. Above: May Smitherman and Willa Holtby, dressed in bright red, sit waiting for the veterans parade, and right, Mayor Marilyn Pearce escorts veteran Vern Asselstine to the service in the park. See more Canada Day coverage and photos at: www.focusonscugog.com.

Photos by J. Peter Hvidsten

CANADA DAY

PORT PERRY 2007

Pictured above: Claire Wallery, 6, of Green-bank got painted up with Canadian flags. At left, Councillor Bob-bie Drew cuts the “Sup-port Your Troops” cake for visitors.

Page 11: Spiritscapes in clay and cloth, two artists, two media

FOCUS - AUGUST 2007 21 website: www.focusonscugog.com

Birdseye Centre

EddieandHildaMichellmovedtoPortPerryduring1939,andshortlyafterarriving,theypurchasedaroughpieceofpropertyatthenorthendofWaterSt.The followingyear theyworkedhardclearingandlevellingtheland,withplanstobuildatouristparkonthelandoverlookingLakeScugog. Workbeganona30’x80’swimmingpoolonthepropertyinAu-gust 1939. The following summer the pool was opened and con-

struction began on the first ofnine efficiency cabins along thelakeshore. In May 1940, following nego-tiationwiththeTorontoStar,Mr.Michell received exclusive per-missiontocallthepark,BirdseyeCentreCabinPark,afterthepopu-lar cartoon series. The cartoonserieswascreatedbyformerlocalresident JimmyFrise, alongwithhis friend Greg Clarke, and wasfeaturedweeklyintheStar.Overthenext30years,theparkbecame a popular spot for tour-ists, many making long treks tostayinthebeautifulparkwithpic-

turesquecabinsoverlookingLakeScugog. After operating Birdseye Centre Cabin Parks for more thanthreedecades,theparkwassoldtoScugogTownshipin1969.Afewyearslaterthecabinswereremovedandthelandwasreturnedtoitspresentcondition. Althoughitunderwentanumberofrepairsovertheyears,theoutdoor pool built by the Michells in Birdseye Park served thecommunityfor60years.In1999,facingcostlyrepairsthepoolwasremoved.Themunicipalityconstructedanewoutdoorpoolatthesitetwoyearslater.

Birdseye Centre became popular tourist park

A view of the busy swimming pool at Birdseye Centre, Port Perry, during a hot summer day about 1955. Above: The entrance to Birdseye Centre Park, was at the north end of Water Street, beside the Michell’s house and refreshment booth.

Photos of some of the nine Birdseye Centre Park cabins as they looked from the lake and within the park.

Hilda and Eddie Michell

Scugog Exposed

Page 12: Spiritscapes in clay and cloth, two artists, two media

22 FOCUS - AUGUST 2007 [email protected]

ElizabethMcArthursometimeswonderedifshe“signedupforlife”whensheofferedtoco-ordinateaTerryFoxRunforPortPer-ry15yearsago. Butwithplansunderwayforthe2007event,tobeheldonSun-day,Sept.16,startinginPalmerPark,shehasn’tsloweddown. It’seasy to tell theexuberantorganizerof the localrun isstillcommittedandenthusedabouttheannualevent.Inarecentinter-viewwithFocus on Scugog,shereminiscedaboutthefirstrunsheco-ordinatedin1993. Unsure of what to expect aftermonths of planning and promotingshewasexcited,butunsureofwhattoexpect.“About300peoplecameouttosupporttherunanditblewusaway,”shesaid. Since it began, the local Terry FoxRace has attracted anywhere between400-500participantseachyear,butEliza-bethwouldlovetoseeitgrow.“Weneedtofindawaytoreachoutintothecom-munitytogetmoreinvolved,”shesaid. Elizabethpointstothreemainingre-dientsthathelptokeephermotivatedand involved.Shehashighpraise forthestaffattheTerryFoxFoundation.“Theyaresosupportiveandhelpmaketheeffortafunthingtodo.” She also points to the organizersandvolunteerswhohelpkeephermo-tivated.Many,includingfivemembersof the Terry’s Team have been therefromthebeginningandallhave theirimportant roles to play to make suretheeventrunsmoothly. In particular she points out JaniceBeechey,KenCrawford,KelvinTodd,DonWilsonandMaryHoltandCathyPernawhohavebeensuchabigpartofthesuccessoftheevent. Andofcourse,ifitwerenotforthewalkparticipants,whichin-cludeboththosewhotakepartintheeventandthosewhosupportit throughpledges, itwouldnotbethesuccessithasbeenforsomanyyears. Elizabeth says the local walk traditionally raises more than$20,000each year andemphasises that all funds go to theTerryFoxFoundation.“Notonecentisusedfororganizingorpromotion,andnobodyispaid,”shesaid. Thisyear’sregistrationgetsunderwayat8amonSept.16,fol-lowed by a welcome and then a warm-up lead by Kim McCann.Therearethreeroutes,1km,5kmand10kmandeveryoneis in-vitedtotakepart.“Wewantpeopletousewhateverabilitytheyhavetogetoutandparticipate,”shesays. Elizabethalsopointsoutthatanyonecanmakeapledgeanditisnoweasierthanever.SimplyaccesstheTerryFoxwebsiteat-www.terryfoxrun.org,thenselecton-linepledging,identifyyourcommu-nityandmakeapledge.

By J.Peter Hvidsten

Elizabeth McArthur of Port Perry has been the co-ordinator the local Terry Fox Run since its inception in 1993 and is now making plans for September.

Elizabeth McArthur plans for Scugog’s 15th Terry Fox Run