Sunday, May 7, 2017

Sunday May 7, 2017


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.



The Week Ahead



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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