Bottle Drive- Jan 5 2013 9-12
There will be a bottle drive in Embro on Jan 5, 9-12 ... all proceeds to the grade 8 Zorra Students who will be attending camp Celtic at the end of June.. Two drop off locations in Embro (Tara Olivers house Wallace Cres and Carys Wyn Hughes house on Street) Country location drop off is at Lisa Deboer's house on the corner of Hickson side road and 45th line. Feel free to chat to any of the students in grade 8..they would love to tell you about what Celtic has to offer. On that day the students will canvassing the Embro area, asking for donations. Feel free to drop off earlier if that meets your needs.
Peace be here...
Woodstock, Ont. 1848
From "The Church The Gaels Built" by W. Stewart Lavell. Excerpt from pg. 4, "Beginnings".
Our thanks to Allan J. Gillies for sending this in...
Just how many Gaelic Scots were in Woodstock at the time is difficult to know, but in 1848 a large group of them came to the community as emigrants - many of them not knowing a word of English. We are indebted to Miss Isabelle McLaren, secretary of Knox Church as this is being written, for an interesting account of the arrival of one such group. It is attributed to one D. McPherson and reads as follows:
"One fine morning in the spring of 1848 many families of emigrants from South Uist (an island off the coast of Scotland) were driven upon the Green. This spot of land was the five acres bounded on the south by Dundas Street, on the north by Hunter Street, on the east by Graham Street and on the west by Light Street. It sloped upwards toward the old Court House and was covered with thick green sod, with a dirty, stagnant pool of water at the south end.
"Eight or ten wagons were unloading human beings - old men and old women, children of all ages, with literally nothing save the clothes on their backs - nothing to eat and no money with which to buy food - faces and hands dirty and their hair a mass of tangles - their clothes smelling strongly of ship tar. Many of them men wore jackets of navy blue with breeks to match, and bonnets, either Glengarry, Balmoral or Tam O'Shanter. The women wore the regulation blue-black short fishing skirt and a blouse. Many of them were bare footed, bare headed, or perhaps a shawl thrown over their heads. Only one woman wore a mutch.
"Theses people had to put up with the poorest accommodation aboard ship - the same on land, hustled and bustled through from the sea to whatever part of the country the emigration officer thought fit to send them. No person offered them water, soap or towels, and they had not the wherewith to buy the necessities of life nor enough knowledge of English to demand them. The emigration agents did not take the trouble to inform the municipalities that emigrants were coming. Newspapers were scarce and dear.
"These people were bundled off the wagons on the cold, frosty grass with loud and eargrating oaths and curses. People of the village turned out and looked on with a sort of dazed astonishment in their eyes. The authorities took no action, but such men as Angus Campbell, John Sutherland, Peter McLeod, James Barclay, William McKay (stone cutter), Elder George Gunn and his three sons (Lauchlan, James and Hugh), John Maxwell (printer), Donald MacPherson, an Elder in the Kirk, and others just as good and true, formed themselves into an emergency committee and went up to the Green.
"At the first word of Gaelic spoken the men came forth with their bonnets in their left hand, their right hand outstretched for the friendly grasp. Most of the women were sitting with their heads in their hands, suffering from hunger and terrible loneliness, but when they heard the Gaelic salutation "Peace be Here" (in Gaelic a loose translation is "sith dhuibh"), they sprang to their feet, and fairly covered the hands of their new friends with kisses. Highland people do not deal much with kisses but when they do, their own soul is stirred up with loving thankfulness.
"Soon bread, potatoes, milk, butter, teapots of hot tea and hot soup were carried to them and the men built fires while others gleaned from others their prospects.
"......The authorities had still taken no action and the day wore on. Donald McPherson Campbell & Peter McLeod called on John Greig and asked him for the key to Auld Kirk. John gave it up and the doors were thrown wide pen and the new friends put these people there for the night. Citizens came to Angus Campbell and gave him money to buy food for the morrow."
The account concludes that some of these people were put in shanties on farms in W. Zorra, others built shanties on vacant lots on Winniet Street or wherever they could squat. But it adds that many never learned to speak English and felt themselves in a strange land.
From "The Church The Gaels Built" by W. Stewart Lavell. Excerpt from pg. 4, "Beginnings".
Our thanks to Allan J. Gillies for sending this in...
Just how many Gaelic Scots were in Woodstock at the time is difficult to know, but in 1848 a large group of them came to the community as emigrants - many of them not knowing a word of English. We are indebted to Miss Isabelle McLaren, secretary of Knox Church as this is being written, for an interesting account of the arrival of one such group. It is attributed to one D. McPherson and reads as follows:
"One fine morning in the spring of 1848 many families of emigrants from South Uist (an island off the coast of Scotland) were driven upon the Green. This spot of land was the five acres bounded on the south by Dundas Street, on the north by Hunter Street, on the east by Graham Street and on the west by Light Street. It sloped upwards toward the old Court House and was covered with thick green sod, with a dirty, stagnant pool of water at the south end.
"Eight or ten wagons were unloading human beings - old men and old women, children of all ages, with literally nothing save the clothes on their backs - nothing to eat and no money with which to buy food - faces and hands dirty and their hair a mass of tangles - their clothes smelling strongly of ship tar. Many of them men wore jackets of navy blue with breeks to match, and bonnets, either Glengarry, Balmoral or Tam O'Shanter. The women wore the regulation blue-black short fishing skirt and a blouse. Many of them were bare footed, bare headed, or perhaps a shawl thrown over their heads. Only one woman wore a mutch.
"Theses people had to put up with the poorest accommodation aboard ship - the same on land, hustled and bustled through from the sea to whatever part of the country the emigration officer thought fit to send them. No person offered them water, soap or towels, and they had not the wherewith to buy the necessities of life nor enough knowledge of English to demand them. The emigration agents did not take the trouble to inform the municipalities that emigrants were coming. Newspapers were scarce and dear.
"These people were bundled off the wagons on the cold, frosty grass with loud and eargrating oaths and curses. People of the village turned out and looked on with a sort of dazed astonishment in their eyes. The authorities took no action, but such men as Angus Campbell, John Sutherland, Peter McLeod, James Barclay, William McKay (stone cutter), Elder George Gunn and his three sons (Lauchlan, James and Hugh), John Maxwell (printer), Donald MacPherson, an Elder in the Kirk, and others just as good and true, formed themselves into an emergency committee and went up to the Green.
"At the first word of Gaelic spoken the men came forth with their bonnets in their left hand, their right hand outstretched for the friendly grasp. Most of the women were sitting with their heads in their hands, suffering from hunger and terrible loneliness, but when they heard the Gaelic salutation "Peace be Here" (in Gaelic a loose translation is "sith dhuibh"), they sprang to their feet, and fairly covered the hands of their new friends with kisses. Highland people do not deal much with kisses but when they do, their own soul is stirred up with loving thankfulness.
"Soon bread, potatoes, milk, butter, teapots of hot tea and hot soup were carried to them and the men built fires while others gleaned from others their prospects.
"......The authorities had still taken no action and the day wore on. Donald McPherson Campbell & Peter McLeod called on John Greig and asked him for the key to Auld Kirk. John gave it up and the doors were thrown wide pen and the new friends put these people there for the night. Citizens came to Angus Campbell and gave him money to buy food for the morrow."
The account concludes that some of these people were put in shanties on farms in W. Zorra, others built shanties on vacant lots on Winniet Street or wherever they could squat. But it adds that many never learned to speak English and felt themselves in a strange land.
Promoting Zorra's Women in Business
I absolutely love it when a plan comes together on the fly... Yesterday while sitting at church talking to Christine and Melissa we discussed how more and more women are business owners. Whatever the reason may be, the fact is women are delving into having their own personal home business's or choosing to be self-employed. So... this got us thinking.... Why not have a open house for Zorra's Women in Business. We are looking for women interested in joining in on this new and exciting way to promote one another's businesses. Thoughts are that we try an open house in February... just before the spring market. We are looking for 1. contact information 2. dates in February that would work for you to be able to attend 3. willingness to donate a price for a raffle 4. willingness to pay a small fee, so we can rent out a space at the Community Centre.
This is simply some preliminary questions at this time. We look forward to hearing from you and getting this underway!! This would be an amazing way to really support one another. I know from experience... you need to get your name out there. One key to a successful business is referrals. Why not use ZWB group to help your business grow..
Until next time.. looking forward to hearing from you
This is simply some preliminary questions at this time. We look forward to hearing from you and getting this underway!! This would be an amazing way to really support one another. I know from experience... you need to get your name out there. One key to a successful business is referrals. Why not use ZWB group to help your business grow..
Until next time.. looking forward to hearing from you
Heroes of Zorra
An amazing opportunity to read about some of the heroes that came from this community. Your support would be greatly appreciated
http://www.heroesofzorra.ca/
http://www.heroesofzorra.ca/
Policing Committee in Zorra
You may or may not be aware, but Zorra officially has a policing committee. There are a total of 11 members that sit on the board that represent the County of Zorra. The members are:
We recently had a meeting addressing terms of reference (basically what we are suppose to do). In a nut shell we want to educate people about concerns that the community has, that the OPP see as problems and help to problem solve any issues/concerns. We hope that you, the Citizens of Zorra will contact any one of these committee members with questions, concerns or ideas on how to educate on Public Safety etc.
http://www.zorra.on.ca/OurTownship/TownshipCouncil.aspx
Paul Mitchell Kimberley Vey
Michael Anderson Jennifer Webb
Doug Diplock Glen Blair
Barb O’Grady Roger Ball
Karen Graham Michael Butler
Matt Paul
http://www.zorra.on.ca/OurTownship/TownshipCouncil.aspx
This old manse
Erica and Corby are residents of Embro! They purchased a house through me and are quite happy about their new home and all the reno's!! So happy in fact that Erica decided to do a blog depicting the stages of the reno's... all the ups and downs... Enjoy what she has to say!!
http://thisoldmanse.webnode.com/#
Have fun guys!!!
http://thisoldmanse.webnode.com/#
Have fun guys!!!
RE/MAX Balloon at the Tractor Pull, Aug 3rd
Well it is official!! The RE/MAX balloon will be at the tractor pull Aug 3rd.
The Balloon will be tethered and YOU will have the opportunity to go up and down in it. The Embro Volunteer Fire Fighters will be manning this and donations will be graciously accepted. Time is from 5 pm till 9 pm ... Come on out and help support a great cause!!
Saying Goodbye to Rev. Judy at Knox United
This Sunday will be Rev. Judy Campbell's last service. I am speaking for many people either with in our congregation or people that Rev. Judy has ministered to, either through mission work, weddings, funerals or just being a support, Rev. Judy will be missed.
She has played a very large role in ensuring that missions were supported within our community. She had a significant impact in making sure that our children and youth became actively involved within the church and with mission work. Judy was instrumental in bringing in fresh ideas to a church that needed to be "freshened up."
I for one, have enjoyed her time, company and spiritual guidance over the past 6 years. Her sermons, helped me to question my own thoughts and beliefs. Which in turn created an opportunity to challenge myself to be a better person, have dialogues with other people about the messages that she presented. A personal thanks goes to Judy from my family for all the words of encouragement and enlightenment!
Enjoy your retirement...As much as you will be retiring from the vocation of being a Minister, you will never stop ministering to others. :)
Walkers Landfill proposal Update
Currently this adventure has not been approved.... right now 'Walker" is going around educating people on what it is they do... If the landfill site is approved it will take approximately 7 years before any garbage will be transported to the site. Numerous environmental assessments need to occur over the course of time.
The route of trucks will be HWY401 to County Rd 6. They are unsure if they will be taking RD 66 across to the Site. The speaker, Joe assured us that it will not be going through the small towns but around them. They are also exploring the idea of Railway, however there seems to be some issues with the mandates etc, so need to address that and see if the railway is a viable option.
The duration of the landfill site is 20 years. However since that particular area is so big they could potentially put another proposal forth and continue to have a larger landfill site.
Numerous questions were asked about odour, toxins in the air, number of trucks and garbage being dumped. Overall, Joe indicated that they needed to meet minimum standards set by the Government however they try to exceed these standards. There will 100 trucks daily dumping a total of 3500 tons of garbage. Approximately 25 jobs will be created from this new business. There will be temporary positions created while the landfill site is being prepared.
He encouraged people to come out and see what their site was like near Niagra Falls.
There’s Gold in Zorra!
Michael Heath, Zorra’s Own National Champion
- By Karen Calder
As the buzzer sounds, Michael Heath dives into the pool at
Montreal’s Olympic Park. The water surrounds him and he quickly
begins making strong rhythmic strokes. Each stroke powers him
through the water, further from his past trials and accomplishments
and on towards his ultimate dream, to represent Canada at the
2012 Paralympic Games, August 29 thru September 10 in London
England.
Michael Heath’s Paralympic dream started years earlier at a much
smaller venue; the Thamesford Area Swimming Pool (TASP).
Michael was less a year old when his mother, Kelly Heath, took
he and his sister Brooke swimming. Kelly remembers it fondly by
saying, “He hated it.”
It was during a family vacation in Florida that they found out why.
The hotel they were staying in had stairs leading in to the pool and he
knew exactly what to do with them. Michael didn’t want to be held;
he wanted to enter the water on his own terms, one step at a time.
At the age of six years, Michael began his competitive swimming
career in Thamesford. “When Mike was little, Brooke swam; so I
put him in.”, recalls Kelly Heath. Mike loved to compete; this love
was supported by the Thamesford Pool staff members who coached
him. Michael remembers the staff fondly. Little did Craig Adkins,
Suni Ball, Andrea Budden, Stephanie Betzner, Sherri Coccheto, Lori
Ryan, Cathy Sholdice, Kelly Smith and Mike Wiseman know, but
they would help ignite and fuel a young man’s dream of representing
his country at the international level.
Michael took these happy summertime memories with him as he,
Kelly and Brooke moved to Ingersoll, later that year.
At the age of eight, Michael’s happy childhood took a sharp and
disappointing turn. He was misdiagnosed as having Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); the treatment, drugs. In
March of 1999 Michael would lose his beloved father, Michael Sr. to
Lou Gehrig’s disease. Then, to make this time even harder, Michael
found himself the victim of bullies. Further challenges presented
themselves in grade six when Michael wrote the EQAO (Education
Quality and Assessment Office) Testing; Kelly Heath says, “There
was an issue there.” And, even though she pleaded for help, these
issues would not be addressed due to lack of funding. The family
would face the unknown issues on their own.
Misdiagnosed, heartbroken, victimized and now facing unknown
issues, Michael started to withdraw and became introverted. His
family enrolled him in karate lessons; the mind over matter philosophy
of karate truly helped, he remembers, “I excelled in karate”.
Brooke Heath was swimming competitively during this time.
Even though Michael wasn’t swimming, he went to the pool to
watch Brooke. Karate was great, but the pool is where Michael’s
true desire and talent were, so “We put him back in the pool.” says
Kelly. Michael now excelled at two sports, but time and money
made a decision necessary. Kelly recalls, “We just couldn’t do both; it
was time to get out of karate and concentrate on swimming.”
Swimming was Michael’s haven. When he was in the pool he
forgot all problems. He was able to apply the mind over matter
philosophy he learned in karate. It was him, the water, the clock and
the competition.
In 2004, at the age of thirteen, Michael earned his place to
compete in the Canadian Junior Nationals in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
He would compete in the Para-athletic S14 category (for athletes
with an intellectual disability).
2004 was the year of White Juan; the winter-storm that lasted eight
hours and broke snowfall and wind records. Halifax was completely
shut down. The competition’s schedule had to be completely
reworked from a four-day schedule to a three day-schedule. All
athletes have a mental process they go through to prepare before
competition and this schedule change was not easy to adapt to. A new
challenge now presented itself to Michael and the other competitors.
Mind over matter, the karate training was not only helpful, but a
necessity. Michael would not only win the 200m freestyle event, he
would shave thirty-three seconds off his personal best.
Michael would continue to work hard both in the pool and
at school. In 2008, he graduated from College Ave Secondary
School in Woodstock. No small feat given that he lived with that
misdiagnosis until he was eighteen years old; the age when he was
properly assessed. Michael did not have ADHD; Kelly states, “The
official medical term is mildly retarded.” For almost six full years,
Michael had been taking drugs for a condition he did not have and
somehow was still able to graduate from high school and successfully
compete in a demanding sport.
Competing at the national level is one thing, but Michael Heath
had his sights set on the international level. There was one major
problem; the S14 category no longer existed at the international level.
In 2000, at the Sydney Paralympics, it was discovered that a team
had used forged documents causing the International Paralympic
Committee (IPC) to discontinue the category. I asked Michael how
this affected him; he said, “It was hard to be motivated in the pool.”
For Michael Heath it was yet another setback and challenge.
Though sometimes it was hard to be motivated, Michael remained
diligent and focused on his training. His discipline was rewarded
in November 2009, when the long awaited and welcome
announcement was made that the S14 category would be reinstated
at the international level. Michael Heath and others like him could
now solidly set their sights on the 2012 Paralympics.
I asked Michael how you get to the Paralympics; his reply was
quick and easy, “You start by going to swim meets.” Sounds easy
enough, but it is a statement of hard work and sacrifice.
Michael is a member of the Wilmot Aquatic Aces. Joni Maertens
became Mike’s coach in June 2010. She has known Mike since 2005
and knows, first hand, about Mike’s work ethic and the sacrifices he
has made. “Mike has had a terrific year. He has worked very hard in
the pool and missed very few workouts; even when he wasn’t feeling
well. He has shown that if you dream big, work hard, then anything
is possible.”
Anything is possible and Michael’s attitude and philosophy is
supported by those around him. His mother Kelly has been by his
side through it all; both Kelly and Michael have been supported by
Kelly’s husband, Jim Hill and Michael’s older sister and role model,
Brooke.
Jim Hill is a proud stepfather, he says it well. “I am so very proud
of all Mike’s accomplishments. I have had the pleasure of being part
of his life since he was just five years old; through the devastating loss
of Michael and Brooke’s father from A.L.S. in 1999, to seeing what
can be accomplished with sheer determination is simply remarkable.
Michael’s sister Brooke has played a large part of his success in the
pool, and will always be one of his biggest supporters.”
Brooke certainly is, she states, “I’m glad I could be a positive role
model for him and help inspire him to follow his dream of being
an Olympian. Michael has had such a strong group of supporters
behind him from the start and we can’t wait to see him makes waves
in London. The tables have turned now; he is my role model; he
inspires me to follow through on my dreams. I’m so thankful to have
him as a brother. “
The support for Michael is heralded by his employer, Dana
Hospitality Inc., the company which runs the cafeterias in all
Canadian Toyota Plants. Michael works in the cafeteria at the
Woodstock plant. His supervisor, Coby Versteeg says, “Mike is a
really nice boy. He does a really good job here and we are glad he
is doing what he’s doing.” Dana Hospitality shows their support by
contributing financially to Michael’s swim team, the Wilmot Aquatic
Aces, and by giving him the required time-off to train and attend
meets.
Zorra Council has recognized Michael for his accomplishments.
In her July 6 blog, Zorra Mayor, Margaret Lupton, posted, “I read
in the paper about Zorra’s newest Olympian—Mike Heath. He
recently competed in the Special Olympics in Greece
and won, not one, but two,
gold medals in swimming.
Council has honoured him for
previous achievements but we
certainly want to recognize
this wonderful achievement.”
After hearing these high
accolades for Michael, I had
to ask that motivates him.
His response was quick
and sure, “The thrill of
the sport; I’m this close to
achieving the goal.”
At the Paralympic trials,
Michael would come
closer to this goal, when
he finished first in the 100
metre Breaststroke and
earned the title National
Champion. Michael placed
second in the 100 metre
Backstroke and fourth in the
200 metre Freestyle. Kelly says,”
Mike’s Olympic trial experience was a very emotional time for
many swimmers and parents too. Mike did have a good week. At the
end of each race, each swimmer who was nominated for the Olympic
team, was asked to sign the big double decker bus, as part of the
journey to England. Now we wait for the official announcement.”
The official announcement will be made June 1, 2012, when
Swimming Canada announces the 2012 Paralympic Swim Team.
We now join in the wait with Michael Heath, Zorra’s very own National Champion.
Zorra’s LED Streetlights
The Township of Zorra is a leader in converting
streetlights from High Pressure Sodium to LED
Lights. There are currently over 500 streetlights in the
Township. The LED lights use less than 50% of the
energy required for traditional lighting. The payback
for the municipality is 9-10 years. The Township is
a shareholder in ERTH Corp/Erie Thames Power and
the work is being coordinated with them. Zorra is the
first shareholder in ERTH Corp to authorize this work.
The work began during the week of April 9, 2012 and
is expected to take two months to complete.
In addition to the hydro savings, LED lights provide
better lighting. Each LED light has 40 bulbs and can
maintain functionality with a 25% reduction in bulbs.
The traditional lights had one bulb and when that bulb
burned out, there was no lighting in the area.
This is a positive environmental milestone for Zorra
and should benefit generations to come.
Landfill Proposed in Zorra Township
The Township of Zorra has been advised that Walker Environmental Group will be seeking regulatory approvals including an Environmental Assessment from the province of Ontario to locate a landfill in a mined-out portion of a quarry owned by Carmeuse Lime. The property is located in Lots 14 and 15, Concession 3 (North Oxford) north of the CN rail line and west of County Road 6. Click here for a map of the proposed location.
Mayor Margaret Lupton stated, “First and foremost the Township is concerned about the potential for serious long-term impacts on the Township and its residents. The Township will need to have the proposal carefully reviewed by independent experts and will seek public consultation on the proposal throughout the Environmental Assessment process. The Township will actively participate in the Environmental Assessment process with a team of experts that will assist Council and the residents. Once the Township has a full understanding of the proposal and its potential impacts and has fully consulted with the public, the Township will take an informed position on the proposal.”
The Township has retained Peter Pickfield as legal counsel to assist the Township throughout this process. Mr. Pickfield has considerable experience in providing advice to municipalities concerning landfill projects.
Further Information: Walker Environmental Group has established a website and an office in Ingersoll at 160 Carnegie Street to provide further information on this proposal.
As from the Zorra Twp website
Walter and I will be hosting another drop off for YSFC on May 19th from 10-12 pm at Embro Knox United Church, parking lot. Please help to support a great cause... breast cancer research.
The actual garage sale will be at at the Home Hardware Centre on Dundas Street just east of Springbank... May 26th, Sale starts at 8 am till noon.
Free Workshop by the Homecraft
Wednesday, May 30
Exhibitor’s Workshop presented by the Homecraft Section of the Embro Fair
Have you ever wondered why your best ever brownies/canning or crafting project didn’t take first prize at the fair? Come out to get a behind the scenes look at the judging process on Wednesday May 30th at 7:00 at the Embro West-Zorra Community Centre (small room). Two judges will be present to demonstrate the judging process and to answer questions. The Fair Treasurer and several Homecraft Directors will be on hand to review the general Exhibitor Guidelines, entry process, forms, 2012 Prize List and distribute Exhibitor numbers.
There is no charge (FREE) for this Workshop. It is open to all Junior and Senior Exhibitors, past and future. There will be light refreshments and door prizes. All pre-registered participants will be entered into a draw for a special door prize. To register, contact Karen at 519-475-4684 or karenwalton@xplornet.ca. If you haven’t pre-registered and find you are not busy that evening, just drop in. See you there!
Exhibitor’s Workshop presented by the Homecraft Section of the Embro Fair
Have you ever wondered why your best ever brownies/canning or crafting project didn’t take first prize at the fair? Come out to get a behind the scenes look at the judging process on Wednesday May 30th at 7:00 at the Embro West-Zorra Community Centre (small room). Two judges will be present to demonstrate the judging process and to answer questions. The Fair Treasurer and several Homecraft Directors will be on hand to review the general Exhibitor Guidelines, entry process, forms, 2012 Prize List and distribute Exhibitor numbers.
There is no charge (FREE) for this Workshop. It is open to all Junior and Senior Exhibitors, past and future. There will be light refreshments and door prizes. All pre-registered participants will be entered into a draw for a special door prize. To register, contact Karen at 519-475-4684 or karenwalton@xplornet.ca. If you haven’t pre-registered and find you are not busy that evening, just drop in. See you there!
Hey ZORRA!! Support our Mission Trippers!!
Embro has a number of youth that will be attending a mission trip this summer. They are working very hard to fundraise money to help off set the cost of this trip. Laurel has asked that if we could PLEASE mark our calanders for:
Saturday May 12 - Garage/Plant/Bake Sale., Knox United Youth mission team will be holding their annual garage sale fundraiser on Saturday May 12 instead of July 1st. We are now accepting donations of garage sale items and potted plants (such as divided perennials). Thank you very much for supporting our youth and their mission trip. Call Laurel 475 0605 for more info.
Saturday May 12 - Garage/Plant/Bake Sale., Knox United Youth mission team will be holding their annual garage sale fundraiser on Saturday May 12 instead of July 1st. We are now accepting donations of garage sale items and potted plants (such as divided perennials). Thank you very much for supporting our youth and their mission trip. Call Laurel 475 0605 for more info.
The Magic Lamp Of Aladdin- a production from grade 6-8 students at Zorra
Students at Zorra Highland are working hard to perfect the performance of The Magic Lamp of Aladdin. Grades 6 7 and 8 students are excited to have parents, friends, guardians, grandparents etc.. to come and explore this mysterious Arabian story on WEDNESDAY MAY 2nd and THURSDAY MAY 3rd... Donations will be greatly appreciated at the door... SO mark your calendars!!
So very much to offer! Our Community Centre and Arena
A special thanks go out to Scott Eaton for agreeing to this impromptu raw taping!
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
Hey all of you Zorra Folks... just got FB from Jackie that this meeting is happening... wanted to pass along.. I know it is late notice,,,,TONIGHT
Please be advised that the Township of Zorra Council will be holding a Public Meeting
with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), regarding the Embro
Dam and the Harrington Dam, scheduled at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February
16, 2012, at the Embro West Zorra Community Centre in the Small Meeting Room.
Zorra Council has scheduled this public meeting so that a public presentation can be
made by the UTRCA. Council intends to initiate public input at the meeting so that a
decision can be made jointly between the Township and the Authority as to the best
process to follow to determine the future of the Embro Dam and the Harrington Dam.
On February 23, 2011 a delegation from the UTRCA made a presentation at a Special
Council Meeting on Dam Safety and the state of Harrington Dam. Detailed geotechnical
work followed from a Dam Safety Review completed in 2007. The geotechnical
stability review recommended either replacement or removal of the Harrington Dam as
the dam is below standard and may be more vulnerable to failure than it should be. The
presentation provided preliminary cost estimates for removal or replacement. Safety
standards for dams are administered by the Ministry of Natural Resources through
enacting legislation of the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act.
“The Township contributes financial resources towards the maintenance of the
Harrington Dam. Zorra Council and the Conservation Authority discussed the next steps
at the
Please be advised that the Township of Zorra Council will be holding a Public Meeting
with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), regarding the Embro
Dam and the Harrington Dam, scheduled at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February
16, 2012, at the Embro West Zorra Community Centre in the Small Meeting Room.
Zorra Council has scheduled this public meeting so that a public presentation can be
made by the UTRCA. Council intends to initiate public input at the meeting so that a
decision can be made jointly between the Township and the Authority as to the best
process to follow to determine the future of the Embro Dam and the Harrington Dam.
On February 23, 2011 a delegation from the UTRCA made a presentation at a Special
Council Meeting on Dam Safety and the state of Harrington Dam. Detailed geotechnical
work followed from a Dam Safety Review completed in 2007. The geotechnical
stability review recommended either replacement or removal of the Harrington Dam as
the dam is below standard and may be more vulnerable to failure than it should be. The
presentation provided preliminary cost estimates for removal or replacement. Safety
standards for dams are administered by the Ministry of Natural Resources through
enacting legislation of the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act.
“The Township contributes financial resources towards the maintenance of the
Harrington Dam. Zorra Council and the Conservation Authority discussed the next steps
at the
Moving Towards Savings
Zorra OKs bright idea
By TARA BOWIE Sentinel-Review
Posted 14 hours ago
ZORRA— The bulbs lit up above the heads of Zorra councillors when an opportunity to convert street lighting into savings was presented.
During a January meeting, Zorra council gave the go ahead to CRU Solutions, a division of ERTH Holdings Inc., to change existing street light fixtures to LED street lights. Zorra Township is the first of ERTH Holdings’ stakeholders to approve the conversion. “I think philosophically it was a good thing to do. It’s going to use less hydro and it’s going to save us money,” Mayor Margaret Lupton said during a phone interview Monday.
All of the township’s approximately 500 streetlights will be changed as soon as the weather gets warmer.
The municipality chose to debenture the $490,000 cost of the new streetlights, but Lupton thinks, in the end, the switchover will pay off.
“We’ll start to see savings right away because we won’t be using as much energy. There also won’t be any repairs for a while because they are new,” she said.
The project is expected to cut the township’s street lighting bill in half, providing energy cost savings of about $45,000 a year.
Estimates suggest enough energy will be saved in 10 years to pay for the cost of the lights.
In addition to the electricity savings, LED street lights provide brighter street light illumination and reduce pollution caused by traditional street lights. The lights come with a 10-year maintenance guarantee, competitive municipal financing rates, project management, a 20-year warranty on the photocell and a 10-year manufacturer's warranty on the LED street light fixture.
In the future, Lupton said she would like to add additional lights in rural areas at main intersections to make it easier for people from out of the area to find their way.
“Of course not this year because we don’t have the budget, but it’s something I’d like to see someday,” she said.
Local Residents... Thanks
Last call for two longtime firefighters
Deputy Chief Matheson and Capt. Shewan retire from Embro Fire Service
By John Tapley For the Sentinel-Review
Posted 17 hours ago
EMBRO – With more than a century of experience between them, Deputy Chief Al Matheson and Capt. Ron Shewan – two of the longest serving members of the Embro Fire Service – have headed into retirement.
Fellow firefighters, friends and family, the Township of Zorra and the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office honoured the men during an open house at the Embro West Zorra Community Centre Sunday.A life-long resident of Embro, Shewan joined the fire department in 1948 – just six years after it was established – because he lived close to the firehall.
At the time, the department had only one truck, a 1942 Chevrolet that had a soda acid system to pressurize the water it carried.
Back then, firefighters had “fire phones” in their homes. When someone dialed the fire department for help, a firefighter or their wife would answer. Taking down the information, they flipped a switch on the side of the phone to set off the fire siren on top of the town hall, alerting other firefighters to respond to the fire hall.
There was no bunker gear in those days. Firefighters wore rubber boots that could be pulled up to their hips, heavy black coats and helmets made of fibre.
Shewan said helping people is what he enjoyed most about being a volunteer firefighter and why he stuck with it for the better part of seven decades.
“Being able to help somebody who is in trouble and knowing that you could help (was the best part of it),” said Shewan, whose twin brother, Don, followed in his footsteps and became a firefighter in 1952 and worked his way up to serve as chief.
Ron said he also enjoyed working alongside his brother and helping bring about the purchase of up-to-date trucks and equipment over the years.
Shewan said he is going to miss being a firefighter.
“It's a tough day,” he said. “I had a good time.”
Matheson said he became a firefighter in 1971 after he bought the village grocery store and the chief invited him to join.
“Every kid wanted to be a firefighter when I was growing up,” he said. “I didn't know what I was getting into.”Being a volunteer firefighter turned out to be a good fit, he said.
“You make a lot of friends, and I was always around since I owned a business in town,” Matheson said.
Fire phones were still in use when he joined.
“All the wives got to be the dispatchers back then,” he said, pointing out that, with 10 fire phones in the village, firefighters had to take turns staying home on weekends to ensure calls would be answered.
“If you were going away, you had to make sure one of the other firefighters was going to be home,” Matheson said.
From there, pagers and a central dispatching system were implemented.
Both Matheson and Shewan said they have seen huge changes in equipment, technology and methods during their careers.
“It's changing all the time,” Matheson said.
One of the biggest changes, he said, has been the increase in training for and response to medical emergencies.
Born and raised in Embro, Matheson said helping the community is what he enjoyed most about being a firefighter.
Both Matheson and Shewan said one of the highlights of their careers occurred within the last decade, with the successful rescue of a worker trapped inside a silo at the Federal White Cement plant.
Both men also gave a lot of credit to their families for the sacrifices they made along the way.
“There wasn't a call go by that my wife, Anne, didn't come to the door with my coat, hat and boots ready to go,” Matheson said. “She was used to running to the phone when I was getting dressed.”
Even without the responsibility of handling incoming fire calls, firefighters' wives still turn out with food and coffee whenever there is a major incident, Matheson said.
He said he wouldn't change anything about his experiences as a firefighter.
“Council has always been good to support us,” he said. “If there was a need for better equipment, there was better equipment. We always had the best.”
Being a volunteer firefighter in a community like Embro has been about more than responding to emergencies. Shewan and Matheson and their fellow firefighters have done a lot to support the community in other ways, including helping out with local events and raising money for various causes.
“The fire department is there to help out the community any way it can,” Matheson said.
Soup and Sandwich lunch
Well it is official!! The soup and sandwich lunch at Knox United Church in Embro is now going to be FEBRUARY 19th. This event is being lead by the Senior Youth Group and all proceeds go to the Mission Trip for this year. Looking forward to some good eats and treats!
Thistle Theatre Presents "Salt Water Moon
Hi Gang. Dave is directing this years second production for Thistle Theatre "Salt Water Moon" by David French, February 2nd thru 11th. Check out the website www.thistletheatre.ca. The play is about two 17 year olds in Newfoundland. Jacob has been away for a year but while he was away in Toronto, Mary has found a new love. Jacob returns to Coleys Point; will he win her heart again? Throw off those winter chills and find warmth in a story that you will never forget. Jess Warein, 17 and Geordie Pollock, 18 are two amazing young people. Dave had a dialect coach in second practice, Jocelyn is amazing. She came back last week and was astounded with the perfection of Newfoundland lilt these two have achieved. Dave asked a very good friend, mentor and highly respected director Terry, to play polish for him this past Sunday. He told the kids, "you had me fooled, I thought you were from Newfoundland!" Terry doesn't go to many plays these days(he has seen them all so many times) but said "David, I will be here to see this, it is going to be a wonderful show." If you can get here, we have two beds available for a sleep over! Tickets at McKays Embro Foodtown and ticketscene.ca or call us. $18.00 or $10.00 for students.
Submittted by Anne Parker
Submittted by Anne Parker
Youth In Our Community
Just a reminder, Senior Youth Group are fundraising for their trip this summer. Your support is much appreciated. As well, our Junior Youth Group are providing their help today with babysitting at the church. A young bunch of kids that are willing to donate time to other children younger than them and help support the parents in this Community. These children are the future. Lets embrace what they do and help to support their dreams and goals.
Camp Tanner Dinner Auction
Small Camp Big Spirit- That is what Camp Tanner's Mission Statement is.
Many children and youth have enjoyed a Christian Camp experience here at Camp Tanner. Annually a dinner auction is hosted to help generate funds to help offset the costs to run the camp. Numerous volunteers work relentlessly to make the camping experience a memorable one.
On Saturday January 28th the Camp Tanner Dinner Auction will held at Embro West Zorra Community Centre. To donate and / or purchase tickets please contact Sandra Schurman at 519-475-4833.
To check out what Camp Tanner is all about visit their website at www.camptanner.ca
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