Fundraising - Spring 2010
Wow!! The older I get the faster time moves. I am just starting to write this newsletter
and it is November 18.
This has been a very busy year for me personally. I buried my Best Friend in September
after he spent 8 weeks in the hospital, my oldest three children have gone to College,
Jessica is second year in Brampton, Jeff and Ethan first year at Ridgetown. Daniel is the
only one left at home with his Mother.
So at this point, my professional life and my personal life have crashed head on – I talk to
people about the need of facilitating grieving and never being prepared for death when it
happens no matter how much time you have to prepare. And I am walking the walk and
talking the talk. So I am facing what many of you go through – I am an almost empty
nester ( ¾ of the way there and 1/4 being teenager) and bereft of the significant other
as we approach the Christmas Season. I have been truly blessed with many wonderful
friends and family members. They have called, sent emails and cards. They worry about
me and offer to help but they don't know how to offer comfort without direction from
me. I am learning that when someone asks "Are you okay, do you need anything?" That
person truly wants to offer some comfort and/or support. They need to "do something" I
now say " I could always use a hug." Having people care about you is truly an amazing
gift in itself.
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Our Summer Students and Staff
For anyone who stopped in this past summer – you saw two new faces and two old faces.
Mallory Austin was back for her third summer at the cemetery and Acasia Preston her
second. Our little office was full of staff. Acasia worked on the new Stone Orchard
Software imputing information for the old records. Mallory worked on "the book" and
our Doors Open piece as well as the history of St. Thomas Baseball and several other
history project pieces.
Kodi Bogart and Jacob Teather worked on the grounds cutting grass and digging graves
and raising and leveling markers and monuments. The grass did not slow down this year.
Dexter was off on a sick leave and Brad Paul acted as the foreman for the summer. With
the amount of time that I had off this summer these 5 young people did an amazing job
and I am very proud of them for their professionalism and hard work.
Ontario Heritage Trust
Premier's Gravesite Recognition Program
At St. Thomas Cemetery in Section B, Plot 301-304, we have Ontario's eleventh premier.
He was elected to Federal Parliament in 1926. In 1930, he accepted the leadership of
the Ontario Liberals. He was elected Premier from 1934 to 1942. Mitchell Frederick
Hepburn was in power for the latter part of the Depression and the beginning of the
Second World War.
The Premier's Gravesite Program was created to mark and commemorate the gravesites
of Ontario's premiers, in acknowledgement of their service and contributions to the P
rovince. A Provincial Flag and Plaque have been placed at the site.
Our Roadways
Last year we paved South Park. This year tar and chip has been completed on the roads at
West Ave. This will alleviate a lot of muck and potholes that are hard on the vehicles in
the spring.
Christmas Wreaths and Flower Packages
Included is the information for Wreath and Flower Packages for 2011
Donor Recognition
Due to the time constraints of getting you some information for Christmas and reporting
how the year went I will publish 2010 updated Donor List in the Spring. As with all
Charities facing the current Economic situation our donations are down about $7000.00.
Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year to All