Councillor McCann Meeting Report (June 16, 2015)
I attended the Parry Sound Area Industrial Park Board Meeting on Thursday, June 4th, along with Councillors Paul Borneman and Bonnie Keith. It was a very short meeting with some housekeeping matters on the agenda.
On Saturday, June 13th, I participated in the 14th Dragon Boat Races in Parry Sound. Mayor McGarvey was also involved as a competitor, but also as the Master of Ceremonies in handing out the awards at the end of the day's racing. My job was assisting in the set-up and tear-down of the sound equipment, and I would like to give a big shout-out to James King who took over the Announce Booth this year, keeping everyone informed and organized. Jim did a fantastic job and has been drafted for the next ten years!! Bob Bowland, who was out of town, has been on the mic since the first year of the racing in 2002. Of course a great deal of thanks and appreciation goes to all those involved, everyone from the organizers, sponsors, participants, pledgers, volunteers and everyone who comes out to cheer on the teams. This kind of spirit, commitment and dedication results in success, year after year! Congratulations to everyone. Well done!
On Sunday, I attended the 71st Annual Ceremonial Review and Inspection of the 295 MacPherson Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron, at the Bobby Orr Community Centre, Parry Sound. This unit was founded by J. C. “Mac” MacPherson in the early 1940s. MacPherson was a manager at the CIBC and he had served as a Major in the First World War. For more on the history of this squadron, check out https://parrysoundsideroads.wordpress.com/2011/09/23/flying-through-adversity/
This was a particularly special event for Reviewing Officer Major Barry Lachance of North Bay. This was his last official duty after 43 years of service to the Canadian Cadet Movement. He is retiring this month. He spoke of the honour of being in Parry Sound for this special occasion. The cadets were inspected by the Reviewing Party, consisting of representatives from the Squadron, the Air Cadet League, the Town of Parry Sound and the Squadron Sponsoring Committee.
Cadets demonstrated skills they had learned over the year, including effective speaking and drill. I had been sitting next to Carling Mayor Mike Konoval, who as you may know is a retired police officer. He told me this was the kind of drill training he took and he said it isn't easy.
The awards presented included, Most Improved Marksman to Cpl Dakota Francis. The Lord Strathcona Medal was presented to WO2 Andrew Gill for commitment to the squadron and WO2 Justin Denman received the Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence for his continued efforts in Community Service. Captain Richard McMurray was awarded the Al Poolton Memorial Award for his work with the Squadron. If you didn't know, Richard or Rick was the Rick of Donric Marine some years ago.
Although the 295 MacPherson Squadron is always looking for members and volunteers, it will initiate a major push this August. Youth between 12 to 18 are welcome and eligible. The younger the youth, the more he or she will gain from the program.
There is no membership fee for joining youth. All costs are covered including uniforms, travel and accommodation! Cadets may and do attend summer training at venues such as CFB Trenton. Cadets even receive honourary pay for their time at such functions. Some go on to make this their career.
The squadron's official Headquarters is in the lower level oat the Canada Post Building in Parry Sound. Marching has been held at Wm. Beatty School is is expected to continue at the new Parry Sound Public School. The older cadets often help and guide the younger members.
They also need volunteers to help with many tasks including training, instruction, supply, office and clerical and more. For more on our local cadets please visit their web site at http://www.aircadetsparrysound.ca.
I would be remiss, as a member of the 'Park to Park Trail Association' board not to mention the "Do It for Dads" weekend event this weekend. On Friday, June 19th, there is a "Wear Plaid for Dad" event at Boston Pizza at 7:00PM in Parry Sound. The big attraction is the "2015 Do It For Dads ATV Ride of Hope" in support of Prostate Cancer research. This is in association with the Prostate Extreme Team and is sponsored by the CFMoto, this Saturday, June 20th. The day starts out with an 8:00 AM registration at the Parry Sound Quality Inn and hitting the trail at 9:00 AM.
Then on Sunday the CF Moto's FORCE tour will be at Rosseau Road Powersports and Marine Ltd from 10:00AM to 3:00PM with guided trail tours. There will also be a charity BBQ with all the proceeds going to Prostate Cancer.
Please get more details at their web site at http://www.parktoparktrail.org/rideofhope.
