Ladies and Gentlemen
I am just back from a 13 day visit to the Netherlands with
the Frank Graham Cycle Liberation Tour. Frank, as many of you know, is a
Midland resident and veteran of WWII. In particular he was wounded in the
battle for Nijmegen, which forced him out of active combat. To this day the people of the Netherlands
have never forgotten the sacrifice of our Canadian soldiers and
of Frank.
In 1985 the Dutch government was in contact with the Mayor
of Tay to start an exchange program called Operation Friendship. On a rotating basis, citizens and veterans
from one country would be welcomed by host families from the other. It started
slowly but over the years there have been over 10 such exchanges. And a strong
bond of friendship has been established.
Unfortunately time is catching up with the participants
and there are fewer and fewer veterans each year. So in 2010 it was decided to actively
engage the youth and the Frank Graham Cycle Liberation Tour was born. Some 50-60
youth from both Canada (Midland-Chatham) and the Netherlands have cycled
through Europe following the trail of the liberators. This year was the third cycling
tour and will likely be the last. The good news is that maintaining that bond of
friendship has now been turned over to the youth from both countries. We along
with Frank look forward to seeing what our young people will come up with to
uphold our commitment never to forget.
With air travel I have been up now for over 18 hours. I will
keep this week’s edition very short.
On Monday May 8th is the General
Committee meeting at 7:00 pm at Town Hall.
A very light agenda including decisions on administrative support for
our many summer events such as the Butter Tart Festival and ZuchinniMania.
Tuesday at 9:00 it’s a full day with County
Council. The main item is a public meeting
on the proposed County waste processing facility.
Wednesday the10th at 7:00 pm is our Candlelight
Tribute to our soldiers and veterans at the Cenotaph. Please arrive early.
On Thursday the OPP Costing Committee will be
meeting to further discuss the costing analysis for the policing of Midland.
Friday gives you two options for a fine meal. At
5:30 pm the Huronia Museum Heritage Dinner takes place at the NSSRC. And from
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm the Township of Tay hosts a fundraising lasagna dinner at
the Oakwood Community Center in support of the Wye Marsh.
Week -
End
Saturday May 13
-
Treasure Days in Midland. Have your gently
used items at the curb by 8:00 am and back in by 5:00 pm
-
The Model Train Show is at the NSSRC from 10:00
am to 4:00 pm
-
8:45 pm - Enjoy a moonlight paddle series at
Wye Marsh
Sunday May 14
-
Treasure Days in Midland. Have your gently
used items at the curb by 8:00 am and back in by 5:00 pm
-
The Model Train Show is at the NSSRC from 10:00
am to 4:00 pm
Gord McKay
The
Year for Getting It Done - 2017
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