Councillor McCann Meeting Report (June 2, 2015)
Representing the Town of Parry Sound, it was my honour to attend the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame 12th Annual Induction Ceremony, on Saturday, May 23rd. Congratulations to this year's inductees; Ernie Eves as Honoured Member, Les Tabobondung as Athlete, Wilfred 'Bucko' McDonald as Builder, and the 1956-57 Junior 'C' Shamrocks as Team. Also a special note of congratulations to Jared Orr, selected as 2015 Top Defenceman. Over the years I have had the wonderful opportunity of attending some of the Annual Induction Ceremonies and I am always amazed at the biographies and stories presented on each Inductee. Each has had such a positive impact in several ways on our community. Each has made a difference in so many lives. Each has quietly and humbly given back in countless ways and times. Personally, I always leave these ceremonies very inspired. Thank you goes out to the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Induction Committee, the Stockey Centre management and staff and countless volunteers for making this such an annual success!
In the photo above, Ernie Watthey, 92 years old, leads the students of Victory School in the School Cheer. The School Cheer dates back to the days when Ernie was a young boy in attendance at Victory School
On Saturday, May 30th, I attended the Victory School "Open House" from 1:00 until 4:00. This was an overwhelming success!! At times you could barely move in the hall ways! People attending took advantage of this last opportunity to walk through the school one final time. There were photographs, registrars, old Home and School minutes, video presentations and even some memorabilia all on display. Past and former staff and students explored classrooms and the gymnasium each filled with historical records and artifacts. Construction began on the building in 1917 with its doors opening in September of 1918. The doors will close for the final time at the end of this school term, later this month.
Official ceremonies were held in the gym at 2:30 with speeches from dignitaries including Jackie Young, Director of Education, Near North School Board, Parry Sound Mayor Jamie McGarvey, and Near North School Board Trustee Representative, Jim Beatty. Victory School Principal Ursula Stilson, M.C.'d the half hour. The ceremonies were opened with Donald Sanderson piping in the honoured guests.
One of the highlights of the ceremonies was the emotional presentation of the Victory School Honour Roll, names of our veterans who attended Victory School, some of whom never returned from battle. In a very heartfelt and emotional presentation by Thom Morrissey, this special, huge plaque was received by Ernie Watthey, 92 years of age, a Veteran, and well known in Parry Sound for his extensive involvement with the Legion, the Schools and the Community. He very graciously excepted the Honour Roll on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 117, Parry Sound. Vern Kennedy, Local Branch President, also spoke. John McGown played "The Last Post" as a tribute to those who did not return and Donald Sanderson piping once again concluded the tribute.
It is also worth mentioning that Mayor McGarvey, former Victory School Principal, Thom Morrissey and present Principal Ursula Stilson all paid tribute to Sheena Calibani, Special Education Resource Teacher, for her remarkable job of organizing this event. They complimented Sheena on her organizational skills, dedication and relentless effort to make this all happen. Sheena will be retiring at the end of this school year, and so this event was no doubt very special to her. Over the years Sheena has garnered respect and admiration from her peers, and love and affection from her students and their parents! Over the last 14 years one of the special projects she continued to manage was the Breakfast Club, originally started by The Lions Club, at the school. Sheena Calibani has found a place in the hearts of countless generations of students and fellow staff members, and she will be missed, but certainly is wished only the very best in her retirement.
On Tuesday, May 27th, I had the opportunity to attend the Strategic Planning Focus Groups Session for the Town of Parry Sound, held at the Bobby Orr Community Centre. Town Staff, Council and interested and concerned participants representing various groups of the Town's population took part with active discussion and with very practical suggestions and ideas put forth from an earlier Open House at the Stockey Centre. Roger Alexander, again, facilitated this workshop. Many favourable comments on the day's event were received. From this meeting, the ideas and suggestions will all be collected, reviewed and worked into a plan to be presented in the fall of this year.
