tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87425399428466880312024-02-18T21:11:22.521-08:00What's Up Zorra?I love where I live! I want to support our community by bragging about events, fundraisers, community gatherings, unique people. I will also be show casing businesses. I hope that this site will be visited by you, the people of Zorra as well as people who are not familiar with the area but wanting to know what our wonderful community has to offer.Jennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-17127713068346177442013-04-30T09:47:00.001-07:002013-04-30T09:47:42.979-07:00Help support the grade 8 GRADS at ZorraMexican night at the EMBRO Legion is fast approaching!! This SATURDAY 6-9 pm.. All proceeds to Grade 8 Celtic trip.. should be a fun filled evening of drinking margaritas and eating taco's, nacho's, fried rice and loads of fresh veggies!! 12 bucks for adults and cheaper for kids.. but can't remember right now.. (silly me)Jennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-20408187602463476612013-04-03T07:19:00.002-07:002013-04-03T07:20:05.366-07:00Woodstock and Ingersoll Food DriveOn May 8th, 6-8 pm I will be collecting canned food items in Embro. This event is being organized by the local Real Estate Board. All donations will be delivered directly to the Salvation Army. Questions?? Feel free to contact me at 519-709-6635.
Jennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-89965119351139096032013-04-01T07:01:00.000-07:002013-04-01T07:01:36.219-07:00Supporting Zorra's Women in BusinessIt has been finalized we have approximately 15 vendors participating in the Zorra Women in Business Group. Come on out and "Shop and Meet" what each business woman is promoting. A great opportunity to talk, eat some treats and just enjoy yourself. The event is happening at the Legion from 10 am till 1 pm. We look forward to seeing you there!!Jennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-88114070178340490392013-03-08T07:41:00.001-08:002013-03-08T07:41:54.266-08:00Zorra's Women in Business Event... Don't miss outSaturday, April 6th
10am – 1pm
Embro Legion
You are invited to shop and meet many of the local business women who are working to provide a range of services in your community.
Help keep your community strong,
buy and shop local.
Everyone who attends has a chance to win a PRIZE.
REFRESHMENTS WILL BE OFFERED. ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO SUPPORT THE W.C.I. PROM FUND FOR THE GRADUATING CLASS.
No charge for admission.
If you offer a service or operate a small business and wish to be a part of this day or to learn more about this committee please contact
Jennifer Webb 519-475-6635.Jennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-21329872334359509932012-12-20T13:01:00.001-08:002012-12-20T13:01:53.402-08:00Bottle Drive- Jan 5 2013 9-12There 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.
Jennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-49706944096771598312012-12-10T07:54:00.003-08:002012-12-10T07:54:53.169-08:00Thistle theatrehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLTycm59eME&feature=youtu.beJennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-63976198409999022912012-12-10T07:07:00.001-08:002012-12-10T07:07:05.574-08:00Zorra Sings http://youtu.be/haH0njzywQ0 Jennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-48245692521103667752012-11-28T07:22:00.002-08:002012-11-28T07:26:37.015-08:00Wizard of OZ- Another Successful Play in Embro<a href="http://www.thebeatmagazine.ca/index.php/theatre-reviews/1402-embro-s-wizard-of-oz-a-yellow-brick-road-paved-with-gold">http://www.thebeatmagazine.ca/index.php/theatre-reviews/1402-embro-s-wizard-of-oz-a-yellow-brick-road-paved-with-gold</a>Jennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-50693278663198815122012-11-13T06:58:00.001-08:002012-11-13T06:58:05.462-08:00Peace be here... Woodstock, Ont. 1848<br /> From "The Church The Gaels Built" by W. Stewart Lavell. Excerpt from pg. 4, "Beginnings".<br /> <br /> Our thanks to Allan J. Gillies for sending this in...<br /> <br />
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:<br /> <br /> "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.<br /> <br /> "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.<br /> <br /> "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.<br /> <br />
"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.<br /> <br /> "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.<br /> <br /> "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.<br /> <br /> "......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."<br /> <br /> 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.Jennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-44523033198550636512012-11-12T05:16:00.002-08:002012-11-12T05:16:20.948-08:00Promoting Zorra's Women in BusinessI 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. <br />
<br />
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.. <br />
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Until next time.. looking forward to hearing from you Jennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-26737527888460129422012-11-08T11:53:00.002-08:002012-11-08T11:54:57.482-08:00Heroes of Zorra An amazing opportunity to read about some of the heroes that came from this community. Your support would be greatly appreciated <br />
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<a href="http://www.heroesofzorra.ca/">http://www.heroesofzorra.ca/</a>Jennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-44318195096614967462012-10-11T12:35:00.001-07:002012-10-11T12:35:43.890-07:00Policing Committee in ZorraYou 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:<br />
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Paul Mitchell Kimberley Vey</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Michael Anderson Jennifer Webb</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Doug Diplock Glen Blair</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Barb O’Grady Roger Ball</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Karen Graham Michael Butler</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Matt Paul </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
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.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.zorra.on.ca/OurTownship/TownshipCouncil.aspx">http://www.zorra.on.ca/OurTownship/TownshipCouncil.aspx</a>Jennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-5265907003188823072012-09-24T12:19:00.003-07:002012-09-24T12:19:24.465-07:00This old manseErica 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!! <br />
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<a href="http://thisoldmanse.webnode.com/#">http://thisoldmanse.webnode.com/#</a><br />
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Have fun guys!!!Jennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-3632994418994054502012-09-12T09:51:00.000-07:002012-09-12T09:51:05.657-07:00EMBRO FAIR!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUKFj_Vji7vfpJ6LGV3CzGTVkjmeQ0AblOKzHeSgis3YQRUTMA16JF1AslQC3egPoPtJPkYtq0R4JNLSmi6s6lxSxUSBso7smZP9Y1HLiWCKI7nTtIYkOvWXE7rUfwlustmU8J8CLIFc/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUKFj_Vji7vfpJ6LGV3CzGTVkjmeQ0AblOKzHeSgis3YQRUTMA16JF1AslQC3egPoPtJPkYtq0R4JNLSmi6s6lxSxUSBso7smZP9Y1HLiWCKI7nTtIYkOvWXE7rUfwlustmU8J8CLIFc/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
Come out and see all the exhibits plus have a load of FUN!!<br /><br />Jennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-40579153201414262752012-08-09T13:42:00.002-07:002012-08-09T13:47:29.772-07:00Our neighbour pulling at the TRACTOR PULL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqmoI_3uIShrShuXiGdjaECi7w4qDkLYs0ZAdJmNut3g8lK9mRbXZeWhwivWc0R58qQ2_vzWKX3udF78oP6r6GHr2LrQ7C9blGlZlFXuiUOiJCTOx9XFm0F4Drg-ZM_TKtLyp01LHaBI/s1600/tractor+pull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="248" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqmoI_3uIShrShuXiGdjaECi7w4qDkLYs0ZAdJmNut3g8lK9mRbXZeWhwivWc0R58qQ2_vzWKX3udF78oP6r6GHr2LrQ7C9blGlZlFXuiUOiJCTOx9XFm0F4Drg-ZM_TKtLyp01LHaBI/s320/tractor+pull.jpg" /></a></div>
picture provided by local resident, Darcy AlyeaJennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-91269039551085837772012-07-13T09:34:00.001-07:002012-07-13T09:34:22.415-07:00RE/MAX Balloon at the Tractor Pull, Aug 3rdWell it is official!! <b>The RE/MAX balloon will be at the tractor pull Aug 3rd.</b>
The Balloon will be tethered and YOU will have the opportunity to go up and down in it. The<b> Embro Volunteer Fire Fighters</b> 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!!Jennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-61240695179607705962012-07-13T09:25:00.000-07:002012-07-13T09:26:19.393-07:00Saying Goodbye to Rev. Judy at Knox UnitedThis 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. :)Jennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-78148192077505037802012-06-27T12:35:00.000-07:002012-06-27T12:35:18.871-07:00July 1st- Festivities in Embro<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8DhlVbWewPtJgYZSQ84fuRETCIaNi93t-ve4mw8WYuDuD7HPKzBdT6DrVfNWDnoufGN1du5_YrImWBgkUq6I-5PZStcW1NgHQlv4upuX3sD34pC9YHtcujPiZvcVrz6-vvURY03r6sI/s1600/2012+embro+highland+games-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8DhlVbWewPtJgYZSQ84fuRETCIaNi93t-ve4mw8WYuDuD7HPKzBdT6DrVfNWDnoufGN1du5_YrImWBgkUq6I-5PZStcW1NgHQlv4upuX3sD34pC9YHtcujPiZvcVrz6-vvURY03r6sI/s320/2012+embro+highland+games-001.jpg" /></a></div>Jennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-63744892435879913042012-06-23T08:16:00.001-07:002012-06-23T08:18:16.811-07:00Walkers Landfill proposal UpdateCurrently 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.Jennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-4038601084039982302012-06-01T05:08:00.000-07:002012-06-01T05:08:24.901-07:00<b>43rd Line, Zorra
The Things you see!</b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWxcDRah4k1X70sUpRFAg6McRP4PEiGDz2FYhLDNonYX2DiXH51x3UwkB3D1iwgfLnUtKmwTrBKFJQMu-XMc7ceMV_RI9HqHsffoPAsdQ0EJYV-QMWxYsc-2zgR_CVMKmxnHVmCAqVzc/s1600/photo1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWxcDRah4k1X70sUpRFAg6McRP4PEiGDz2FYhLDNonYX2DiXH51x3UwkB3D1iwgfLnUtKmwTrBKFJQMu-XMc7ceMV_RI9HqHsffoPAsdQ0EJYV-QMWxYsc-2zgR_CVMKmxnHVmCAqVzc/s320/photo1.JPG" /></a></div>
How cool is this?? So very creative!!Jennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-15741081470187936602012-06-01T04:38:00.000-07:002012-06-01T04:41:32.403-07:00<b>There’s Gold in Zorra!</b>
<b>Michael Heath, Zorra’s Own National Champion</b>
- 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.Jennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-90824176139578960532012-06-01T04:31:00.001-07:002012-06-01T04:31:14.372-07:00Zorra’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.Jennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-5923952354067755432012-06-01T04:25:00.002-07:002012-06-01T04:25:31.059-07:00Landfill 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 websiteJennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-84496512276864314922012-05-02T12:42:00.000-07:002012-05-02T12:42:39.664-07:00Walter 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.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRR7unfgRoZ9xV0UFzdHXZDrIBhQEY05SD4lQY4pGGjZlmiPtuDVXnOK787Q9VcZ9U4G1K4Hrx4oonAQ7r1jSDOuaEJo9foUi4DD6AAOM2xU85PWReE8YYrFaKQ3KHSqFjXLtffIVRYgg/s1600/date+for+ysfc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="174" width="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRR7unfgRoZ9xV0UFzdHXZDrIBhQEY05SD4lQY4pGGjZlmiPtuDVXnOK787Q9VcZ9U4G1K4Hrx4oonAQ7r1jSDOuaEJo9foUi4DD6AAOM2xU85PWReE8YYrFaKQ3KHSqFjXLtffIVRYgg/s320/date+for+ysfc.jpg" /></a></div>Jennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742539942846688031.post-91669454664116517822012-04-24T12:55:00.001-07:002012-04-24T12:55:44.408-07:00Young Local Talent<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Cesmsgsroh4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Jennifer Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438136621282818080noreply@blogger.com