Robin McCormick
It’s likely everyone’s worse fear that their child, grandchild, or any child goes missing.
At the Emo Fair this year, the Masons’ Manitou Lodge (Emo), Ionic Lodge (Rainy River), and Granite Lodge (Fort Frances) are offering a free child identification program that can aid in the finding of a missing child.
It will be set up in the Farm Progress Building (arena) on Friday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and again on Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
This is the second time the Masons have offered the program in the district. Last year, about 130 youngsters were registered in conjunction with the Emo Walleye Classic.
It takes about 15 minutes, during which your child will have their fingerprints taken, a still photo will be produced, as well as a video.
All the information will be burned to a CD-Rom and all files are deleted after each child goes through.
I met with Ken McDonald, who has worked diligently to make people aware of this important program available in our area.
He is very pleased that a team of workers involved with this program will make the trip from Thunder Bay to set up and run the booth here.
This saves time and cost of local Masons driving to Thunder Bay, and then having to go back there to return the equipment afterwards.
As well, the team of volunteers are experts should any computer problems arise.
All information is wiped off the computers once the DVD is made and a copy is given to the child’s care-givers. Parents are asked to sign a permission slip before the DVD is made.
McDonald spoke highly of Christina Carlson, from the Emo Dental Centre, and Sharon Birnie form Fort Frances who have eagerly volunteered to assist with the dental part of the program.
More than 8,000 youngsters are now registered on this program, and that is some comfort considering nearly 55 children are reported missing to police in Ontario every day.
Every year, more than 60,000 kids are reported missing in Canada, with Ontario having the highest proportion per capita at almost 20,000 per year.
For more information on the Masonic Ch.I.P. program, call Ken McDonald (483-5460), Dan Johnson (852-3695), or Allan Tibbetts (274-6689).
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Congratulations to Brody and Natalia MacDonald on the birth of their first child, William Clinton Brody, on Sunday (Aug. 15), weighing in at six pounds, 12 oz.
Proud grandparents are Mel and Lucille MacDonald and Peter and Kathy Spuzak.
Natalia was honoured at a baby shower last Tuesday (Aug. 10) at the Devlin Hall, which was well-attended by family and friends.
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Not only was Lucille excited about the birth of another grandson, she also is happy to be the winner of the Fort Frances Legion’s 50/50 draw, in which she pocketed $1,495.
Her aunt, Gwen Westover, had sold her the winning ticket.
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Congratulations, as well, to Christina and Taylor DeGagne on the birth of Landon Gabriel on Wednesday, Aug. 11.
Proud grandparents are Ken and Kelly Badiuk and Martin and Heather DeGagne.
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Tanner Ward and Cathy Caul had something to celebrate Saturday evening.
They recently purchased their first home in Alberton and were honoured with a house-warming party.
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Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Dave Woodgate, who will be sadly missed by many.
I still have memories of the large Woodgate family and our large family visiting together in our youth.
Many enjoyable visits were shared, and good times that I’m sure both families will remember for many years!
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Hats off to the cast, organizers, and volunteers for the successful staging of “Mamma Mia 2” by the True Up North troupe.
The show was an absolute delight for all to see.
I’m sure many folks already are looking forward to another show next year.
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A reminder that the Salamander Theatre Company of Ottawa will be performing “Romeo and Juliet” this coming Monday (Aug. 23) at 7:30 p.m. at Cornell Farms in La Vallee.
Six actors will perform a 70-minute condensed version of Shakespeare’s famous play.
Tickets cost $15 in advance—available at the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre, Greensides Store in Devlin, the Clover Valley Farmers’ Market, and Cornell Farms (486-3477)—and $18 at the door.
As well, thanks to funding from Theatre Ontario and the Ontario Arts Council, Salamander Theatre also is offering a drama workshop for kids aged 10-16.
It will be held earlier Monday (Aug. 23) from 3-5 p.m. at Cornell Farms.
Cost is $10 each. Register by calling 486-3477.
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A benefit supper for Shawna Pynten, who is struggling with cancer, will be held Friday, Aug. 27 at the Morley Park.
A delicious meal of pork on a spit, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, dessert, and a beverage will be served.
Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children six-12 (those five and under are free), which are available at Greensides Store and the La Vallee municipal office.
Shawna is the daughter of Willy and Linda Pruys.
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The last 50/50 draw held at the Emo Legion was won by Ann Guba, who took home $753.50.
Her mom, Adelia, sold her the winning ticket.
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Cards played at the Emo Legion last Wednesday were won by Gerald Bullied and Donna Sheppard, with the low going to Elaine Altbauer and Joan Buttazoni.
Jean Steele won the draw.
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A belated happy 60th birthday to Helen Allan, who was honoured with a surprise party on Aug. 8.
The district wishes you many more happy years!
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As mentioned in my column last week, the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society’s annual fall fair runs Aug. 19-21 in Emo.
Livestock exhibits, the 4-H cattle show, midway, parade, queen pageant, and loggers’ competition are just some of the many events people look forward to every year.
Be sure to make the fair part of your weekend, and you will know why they say, “Come as a stranger, leave as a friend.”
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Robin’s 2¢:
Ever wonder what happens when Hallmark writers are having a bad day?
My tire was thumping
I thought it was flat
When I looked at the tire
I noticed your cat.
Sorry.
