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Retirement of our Editor
The long time editor of this newsletter, Charles Jennings, has decided to hang up his computer beside his fire helmet. I asked Charlie for a note to give a bit of history of the newsletter and he wrote the following.
“I was fortunate enough to be in the
position to start this newsletter 24 years ago
(December 1992) when our relatively new
association was getting started and feeling its
way around the landscape, so to speak’.
Communications was going to be a key
in the s
uccess of our association. It was
quickly decided that we should endeavor to
publish an eight page newsletter every two
months and this is mostly what we have done.
In all I have been privileged to edit 145 copies
of the Golden Age Communicator over those
24 years.
I believe that our retiree association is
one of the best, if not the best to be found in
fire fighter circles thanks in part to our
newsletter. But this should not be a surprise
as I always maintained that the North York Fire
Department was the best fire department
around in its day. With the fine group of
members that we have had; how can you go
wrong?
I trust that there will be a North York
Retired Fire Fighters Association, as long as
there is a handful of us to meet.”
Charles Jennings
So I have very big boots to fill and I hope I am
up to the task. Please remember this is YOUR
newsletter. I only put it together and add what
I can. Please forward notes and pictures on
your activities so we can keep our membership
informed and closer together. Please email
me at [email protected].
Thank you
Frank Lamie
MEMBERSHIP
Please check your membership card and if the date reads April 30, 2016, Ernie Thorn would be pleased to receive a cheque from you in the amount of
Twenty Five Dollars, made out to the “NYRFFA”. Send to Ernie Thorn, 234 Newton Drive, North York, Ontario, M2M 2P3. Persons in arrears as of August 31st 2016 will be removed from the Association mailing list.
***
THE GOLDEN AGE COMMUNICATOR
Published by: The North York Retired Fire Fighters Association Frank Lamie, Editor
Aug & Sept 2016 Retnew 146
Edition 25 Volume 4
Publication available online at: WWW.CITYSAVINGSCU.COM
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SARA ROSEN
Sara died suddenly at the age of 38 due to a cycling accident, when she went over a cliff in the Halton Hills area on May 12, 2016. Sara rested briefly at the Benjamin Park Memorial Funeral Home, followed by a
service in the chapel on Monday May 15th 2016. Sara Rosen was a member of the Toronto Fire Services for fifteen years and received a fire department funeral.
*** MARJORIE LATHAM
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Marjorie "Tippy" Leona (Fagan) Latham, age 76, of Port Elgin, NB. Marjorie was the wife of the late FF Jim Latham She passed away at the Sackville Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, June 15, 2016. Marjorie rested at Jones funeral home with the funeral Mass being offered at St. Clement's Roman Catholic Church, Port Elgin, NB on June 22, 2016
*** SICK LIST
By Geotge Hache Rick Jones - We received a call from Mrs. Marie Jones, Richard wife, to say that Rick was back in Richmond Hill Mackenzie Health Centre on June, 25 due to gangrene in his left foot. When this is under control Rick will be transferred to a Nursing Home as Marie is unable to help Rick at home. Rick has been on Dialysis treatment twice each week since 2014. He suffered a stroke last fall which is now affecting his memory etc. We will forward information on visits etc. as soon as available.
George has also sent get well cards to: Elaine DeBore, her mother is in Hamilton hospital, Ron Nichol, Ron is recovering well, Elaine Farrow, wife of Ernie, Hugh Pearce, Hugh had a gale bladder problem and is recovering, and Frank Timleck,
***
Note from Dave
I had the pleasure of paying Jack Beeston a visit and a great visit it was. Al lot of the younger members might not remember Jack but a lot of us will. Jack finalized his career when he retired from the Training Division with the rank of Captain. During the past few years Jack has had serious medical problems but his spirits are high. I continue to regard Jack as a good friend, a gentleman and a brother. Anyone wishing more information please call me at 705-456-4242 Yours truly David Gazey
***
Note from Jack and Diane Henderson
Just a short note to thank everyone for phone calls and get well cards.Jack and I really appreciate your concern. We were sorry to hear Charlie was resigning he has always done such a great job. I would like to thank Uncle Bud who is always just a phone call away to help with any problem we may have. I will be having my 5th chemotherapy on Tuesday June 21st. I may be out of commission for a few days. Once again, thanks to all of our well wishers. We really appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Jack & Diane Henderson
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Stan Wrote
`
Hearts Delight, Newfoundland
I made the trip to the Rock on Friday thanks to Westjet and their cramped seats. When I left North York it was thirty degree temps and when I arrived here at the cabin we are sporting five degree night time temps. This is to my liking as it sure makes for better sleeping when you just add another log to the stove. Today we are seeing warmer weather arriving with a high so far of fifteen. Hope you all have a real good Summer and hope to see you all in the Fall at the luncheon. Stan Boyd
Address Changes
Jim Reynolds, 68 Shore Cres. Willow Beach, Ont. L0E 1S0. (No PO box) Jim's phone number remains the same. J.D.Henry, 593 Simcoe Rd., Bradford, West Gwillimbary,Ont., L3Z 2A6,Cell 416-524-0116 Tom Davies, 1293 Leslie Drive, Innisfil, Ont. L9S 2B1 Phone 705-431-4987 Mike and Betty Snell, 108 Waterbury Cres Port Perry, Ont, L9L 1S2 Phone # 905-985-7780.
New Member - Jack Beeston , 2473 Warminster Rd., Warminster , Ont., L0K 2G0, phone705-796-3671
***
SPRING ANNUAL MEETING
The meeting was held at the Rioyal Canadian Legion Branch 527, on Tuesday May 10th past. Forty eight members turned out and all of them appeared to enjoy themselves as at any re-union. There was a nice lunch and followed by the meeting. We are pleased to say that our Association voted to send Five Hundred Dollars to the Canadian Red Cross for the Fort McMurray Relief fund. Not to be outdone, the members left nearly One Thousand Dollars at the door in a basket left for that purpose. Additionally Ernie Thorn received a number of cheuqes from members who were unable to attend the meeting. The Treasurer has sent off a cheque to the Canadian Red Cross in the amount of Seventeen Hundred and Seventy Dollars.
***
BARBECUE
The annual barbecue will be held at Wes Rowe’s cottage on Balsam Lake on Saturday
4
September 10th 2016. We will be using the same caterer and there will be beef, chicken and pork with all of the trimmings, not to forget the great comradery. To have this great caterer we must have at least 50 people attend. The cost is Thirty Dollars per person and sorry to say it must be pre-paid. If you wish to attend, send a cheque to Ernie Thorn, 234 Newton Drive, North York, Ontario, M2M 2P3 prior to August 10th 2016. Make cheque payable to ‘NYRFFA’ NOTE- The meal will be served at 4 PM so please plan to arrive early. Directions - Coming from the west, take Highway 48 past Kirkfield and Balsam Lake Provincial Park to North Bay Drive (store on corner) and turn right. From Coboconk take Highway 48 west about 4 kms and turn left at North Bay Drive and follow it to Horseshoe Crescent. Go to number six.
***
FALL MEETING
The Fall Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 4, 2016. It will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 527
CHRISTMAS GET_TOGETHER
The annual Christmas get together and lunch will be held at the Mandarin Restaurant (Woodbine Avenue) on Wednesday December 14th 2016. Hold the date and watch for more information in the next newsletter.
***
METRO PENSION UPDATE NEWS
At a recent meeting of the Metro Pension Plan board the trustees asked to have the 0% increase for 2012 revisited as there is now a
surplus. We asked that a retroactive increase of 1.91% be applied for 2012 and an increase of 1.13% be applied for 2015, for a total of 3.04%, to be applied effective January 1, 2016. The City Treasurer agreed to present the proposal to City of Toronto Council at it’s meeting of July 12, 2016. If approved the retroactive pay should be sent out by late August with the new rate applied to pension payments in September 2016 Wes Rowe
*** From Bill Sullivan
My wife has these days when she wants us to talk about things. We were discussing aspects of our future, so when it was my turn I asked, "What will you do if I die before you do?" After some thought, she said that she'd probably look for a house-sharing situation with three other single or widowed women who might be a little younger than herself, since she is so active for her age. Then she asked, "What will you do if I die first?" I replied, "Probably the same thing.”
***
Swing into Summer
On June 14, 2016 the TFFWVA colour guard participated in the annual launch of the Swing into Summer fire safety program. The program is a partnership between the Blue Jays and the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council. Over 40 Fire Prevention staff were on hand at the gates to hand out packs of player’s cards that incorporate a fire safety message. The Rogers Centre was packed with Children as the Blue Jays host many school groups for this event.
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Mon Day 08 01 Bud Thorn 08 02 Ced Frudd 08 03 Bob Manion 08 03 Jim Smith 08 05 Allan Dowdall 08 05 George Hutchinson 08 05 Barry Sharp 08 06 Frank Purves 08 06 Wayne Hutchinson 08 07 David Branson 08 07 Tim McConkey 08 08 Ron Pleasance 08 10 Ron Cousineau 08 11 Donald Forsey 08 12 Bill Struthers 08 13 Jack Henderson 08 13 Ross Lindsay 08 14 William(Buck) Jones 08 14 Claire Norwood 08 14 Larry Burns 08 15 Ken Bray 08 17 James Allen 08 20 John McIntosh 08 21 Steve Cyr 08 22 Bernie Houston 08 24 Gord Sawyer 08 24 Joe Donofrio 08 24 Don Leslie 08 25 Al Herron 08 26 Brian Sherwood 08 27 Mike Dougan 08 28 John Adams 08 30 Michael Ellis 08 31 George Taylor Mon Day 09 01 Carl Boddy 09 03 Gordon Hazlett 09 05 Larry Taylor 09 09 William Beattie 09 09 Paul Rosati 09 09 Allan Thompson 09 14 Allan Proctor 09 15 Lance Birch
09 18 Ross Noble 09 23 Al Scott 09 24 Rick Strong 09 24 Al Vuyk 09 25 Trevor Joyce 09 27 Irving Stone 09 28 Bob Diack 09 28 Gord Dowell 09 29 Ted Oakley 09 30 Charles Dixon
***
ANCIENT CEREMONY
The City of Toronto to held a ceremony on Sunday May 15th past, on Nathan Philips Square, affirming The Royal Regiment of Canada's Freedom of the City. Mayor John Tory officiated at this ancient ceremony which date back to
Roman times. The Freedom of the City is an ancient honour that is granted to military units allowing them the privilege to march into a city with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed. The Royal Regiment of Canada, an Army Reserve Regiment based at Fort York Armoury, was granted the Freedom of the City on its 100th anniversary in 1962. Today, this ceremonial honour is granted to a military unit with historic ties to the area in appreciation of its dedicated service.
*** “Some days you are the windshield,
some days you are the bug” (Elizabeth MacDowell)
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WARRIORS’ DAY PARADE
The annual Warriors’ Day Parade will take place on
Saturday August 20nd 2016. The parade will marshal at
Gore Park and march off at 10.30 A.M. It will enter the Canadian National Exhibition grounds by way of the Princes’ Gate. The Toronto Fire Services Pipes and Drums and the Toronto Fire Fighters War Veterans’ Colour Guard will participate.
***
“D” DAY PARADE
The picture above is of the TFFWV colour party marching in during the “D” Day Ceremony at Toronto City Hall, June 6th 2016. The Toronto Fire Fighters War Veterans’ Colour Guard participated in the ceremony. on Nathan Philips Square. Also taking part were the Toronto Fire Services Pipes and Drums, EMS Colour Guard, The Toronto Civic Honour Guard, The TTC Honour Guard, Legionnaires and Veterans. The service commemorates the start of the end of World War II in Europe. It was June 6th 1944 when the Allied Forces
(American, Canadian and British) stormed the Normandy Beaches of France, leading to the freedom of Europe and the ultimate defeat of the enemy forces. Casualties were very heavy on what has been referred to as the “longest day”. Canadians alone suffered one thousand casualties on Juno Beach that day. More than three hundred of them made the supreme sacrifice.
***
Toronto Fallen Firefighters Memorial
On June 12, 2016 the annual Toronto Fallen Firefighters Memorial service was held at Stn. 334, 339 Queens Quay West. Nine names were added to the monument including Retired North York Captain Lawrence Berenz who passed
on Oct. 25, 2015. Lorne’s son and grandson are pictured in font of monument. Both are now members of TFS.
I am sure Lorne would be very proud they are keeping the tradition. Several honour guards and ceremonial units including the Toronto Fire Fighters War
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Veterans’ Colour Guard, that includes several of our members, participated in the ceremony. NYRFFA President Wes Rowe represented this association and laid a wreath.
***
CANADIAN FALLEN FIRE FIGHTERS MEMORIAL
The annual remembrance service will take place at the Fallen Fire Fighters Monument in Ottawa, Ontario on Sunday September 11th 2016.
***
TFS Recruit Class
May 25, 2016 - Mayor John Tory and Fire Chief Jim Sales welcomed the latest group of 45 firefighters to graduate from the Toronto
. Fire Services recruit training program.
***
A Piece of History
Pictured here is a section of a wooden water main, aka a hollowed out log, found under the streets of Portland. Firefighters would have to dig a hole to reach the pipe, then drill through the wooden pipe to intentionally create a leak. The hole would fill with water so the fire engines could draft from that ‘pit’. This brings an all new meaning to the term "Shoveling hydrants"! After the incident the firefighters would seal the hole with a wooden plug, hence the term fire plug".
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Safety Awareness Week
The week of June 9, 2016 was the 10th annual Safety Awareness Week in Toronto. The launch was held in the Regent Park community on June 5. This year the campaign focused on high rise fire safety with a particular emphases on senior citizen fire safety. At the launch Deputy Chief Jim Jessop stressed the importance of fire doors in reducing the spread of smoke and fire and reminded everyone these doors should never be propped open. The campaign included safety visits by TFS staff to 63 Toronto Community Housing buildings.
***
SERVICE
“I don't know what your destiny will be, but one
thing I know: the only ones among you who will
be really happy are those who have sought and
found how to serve.”
Albert Schweitzer
***
CANADA DAY QUOTE
“Canada was built around a very simple premise. A promise that you can work hard and succeed and build a future for yourselves and your kids, and that future for your kids would be better than the one you had.” Justin Trudeau
YOUR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President –Wes Rowe - 905-477-6336 Secretary – James Parton – 416-741-9610 Treasurer – Jack Walford - 905-830-2766 Membership Chair – Ernie Thorn - 416-221-8696
Executive Board Members Charles Jennings (Editor) - 416-221-4253 John Lemieux – 416-225-3323 George Hache-705-878-9410
Immediate Past President
John Campbell– 905-804-8875
Honourary Member – Chaplain The Reverend Dr. Ron Nickle 416-590-9390
***
EDITOR’S COMMENTS I would like to thank all the members of the executive committee who assisted with information and guidance for my first attempt at editing and publishing this newsletter. I particularly want to thank Charles Jennings for his years of service to the association and for the information he forwarded and production he assisted with.
Forward information for next newsletter
before September 1, 2016 to
Frank Lamie 30 Waggoners Wells Lane, Thornhill, On.
L3T 4K3 [email protected]
