While it was reported Dec. 11 that Oshawa resident J.C. (Cal) Muckle, formerly of Fort Frances, was interested in sponsoring a “big chair” to be built at Pither’s Point, a second sponsor has since come forward for a mermaid statue along the riverfront here.
“We offered the sponsorship of the mermaid to North American Lumber, which they accepted,” Town CAO and centennial committee member Bill Naturkach said yesterday.
“We were one of the parties interested in doing the big chair. But then the town told us they already had a sponsor [for it], so we decided to do this,” said Mike Busch, owner of North American Lumber.
“We like to get involved in the community,” he added.
The west-end business, along with museum curator Pam Hawley, will design the base for the mermaid statue and install it, which will be located near the Sorting Gap Marina.
“Pam has some good ideas about the base. We’re going to put our heads together and come up with something good,” said Busch.
The mermaid—which was sculpted by Hawley and Mark Faragher—was created for the 70th anniversary of the Rainy Lake Mermaid last summer, noted Naturkach.
It’s made from materials salvaged from a boat found at the bottom of Rainy River by Mark Kowalchuk.
“Both Mark and I are happy we’re donating it. And happy it will be out in the community,” enthused Hawley, who also chairs the centennial committee.
While Muckle will be contacted again to confirm his $3,000 sponsorship of the big chair, North American Lumber has been commissioned to build it.
“North American Lumber is designing the chair as we speak. Apparently, it’s going to be built to outlast most of us,” said Naturkach. “It will be made of recycled products, from materials currently used for decks.”
“The original was made out of logs, I believe,” said Busch. “This will be built out of a new composite material. It will never rot.”
“We’re quite pleased we were able to work out these sponsorships,” noted Naturkach. “Both the projects should be up for the centennial events in July.”
Naturkach added North American Lumber and town staff will be working together to determine the optimal placement for the big chair and mermaid, taking into consideration both aesthetic appeal as well as safety and security.
Meanwhile, the effort to attract sponsors for 15 trees to be planted along Phase I of the La Verendrye Parkway (from the overpass to the Sorting Gap Marina) in time for the centennial has been less successful, with only one person stepping forward so far.
“I would like to make another pitch to the public right now,” said Coun. Sharon Tibbs. “I know trees aren’t something people are thinking about planting now in the middle of winter, but. . . .”
“If we don’t get sponsors for 15 tress, then what?” asked Coun. Struchan Gilson.
“I don’t know,” answered Naturkach.
Mayor Glenn Witherspoon suggested Green Funeral Home be notified to tell families whose loved ones have passed away that they are welcome to purchase a tree as a memorial.
Naturkach noted the prices of such trees still is being reviewed. They were previously priced at about $400 each.
These trees are to replace ones that have become damaged over the years through vandalism.
Anyone interested in sponsoring a tree can contact Naturkach at 274-5323 ext.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
