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Bradford West Gwillimbury Times editorial

Description : "All those who were living in the Holland Marsh and other low-lying areas during the Hurricane Hazel flood on October 15, 1954, wish to express their deepest thanks for the help they received from the surrounding communities, such as Bradford and Schomberg. With unselfish effort, they went out of their way to help those who lost homes, crops and personal belongings on that terrible night. Many organizations and individuals put in great efforts to rescue people from their second storeys or attics, ferried them to "dry" land, supplied food and clothing, and opened their homes to those who had no place to go. They assisted in the rebuilding and repairing of the damage. They supplied the facilities to repair damage done to submerged tractors and other farm equipment. The session of the Presbyterian Church in Bradford and Schomberg offered the use of their church buildings, and the council of the Springdale Christian Reformed Church wishes to again express its sincere thanks. A tremendous effort was put forth to set up a trailer park with washroom and laundry facilities. All this, in spite of the damage they suffered themselves from Hurricane Hazel's fury. Last but not least, we should think the Mennonite Relief organization, whose members showed up every day by busloads to help repair our homes."

Two articles relating to the memories of those who lived through the Holland marsh flooding due to Hurricane Hazel. The first is a continuation of Edo Knibbe's recollection, and the second is by Addy Ellens.

"On September 14th, Simcoe South District Women's Institute celebrated its 100th Anniversary, at an Open House and Tea held in Cookstown.
The district received its charter on May 5th, 1902, in Thornton. At one time, the District had 11 branches, including Beeton, Gilford and Bradford, Now, there are only 6 remaining - Bond Head, Churchill, Cookstown, Fishers Corners, Tec-We-Gwill (Newton Robinson) and Tottenham.
At the Anniversary Open House, there was a focus on past achievements, which have included the establishment of a library in Alliston, installation of traffic lights in Bond Head, and work on health and safety issues - but there was also a focus on the future, and the continuing relevance of W.I.
Member of Parliament Aileen Carroll noted that Women's Institutes were founded in the early years of this century, "to work against the isolation (in rural Ontario), to countermand that isolation by bringing together the women... to build cohesion in the community."
Carroll pointed out that the areas of interest of Women's Institute - education and culture, citizenship, international affairs, industry - coincide with the interests of parliamentary committees, and urged W.I. members to stay involved, and to provide their views and input, to "seize the day, continue with these very important initiatives." "

"Bradford United Church celebrated its 168th anniversary on Sunday, September 15th. The pews were filled for the special service, which included guest speaker, Rev. Dr. William Fritz and the music ministry of Mark Holmes. Dr. fritz was the pastor of Collier St. United Church in Barrie for 20 years, president of the Toronto Conference, and most recently, Associate Pastor at St. Paul United Methodist church in Largo, Florida.
The United Church holds its annual Auction Sale on Saturday, Oct. 19th, 7:30 p.m. at the Church. Donations of goods and services are welcomed."

"BWG Council passed a Bylaw appointing the members of the new Sesquicentennial Executive Steering Committee - a committee of Council set up to oversee decisions on the celebrations for the 150th Anniversary of Bradford.
Councillor Del Crake was appointed Chair of the Committee; members are Councillors Jeanny Salmon, James Leduc, and Mark Contois.
The Committee will work with the Recreation Department, and with residents, organizations and groups interested in hosting events or getting involved in the Municipal celebration, which will take place from Oct. '07 to Sept. '08.
Among the suggestions: a Celebration Logo Contest, a re-enactment of the inaugural meeting of Council, a Winterfest, Super Picnic, Fireworks, sports tournaments and Civics awards. A New Year's Gala on December 31st, 2007, will be a major fundraiser for an "artifact of object" to be unveiled on July 1, 2008.
The next meeting of the Committee is on February 12th. Any community group or organization interested in getting involved in the Sesquicentennial should contact Manager of Recreation Nick Warman,....
"This is going to be a very exciting time for our town," said Mayor Doug White. "It's going to be one great, great year." "

"When the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury announced that it would mark Bradford's 150th Anniversary with a series of special events starting Dec. 31st, 2007 and culminating with the Canada Day celebration on July 1, 2008, there were protests: The incorporation of the village of Bradford took place on May 27, 1857 - and although the inaugural meeting of the Council was held January 1st, 1858, the sesquicentennial year is clearly 2007..."

"Bradford's Sesquicentennial celebration has received the endorsement of Committee of the Whole, and a recommendation that Council pre-approve up to $15 000 in advance of the 2007 budget for its promotion..."

"Plans for Bradford's 150th Anniversary are well underway.
The deadline for groups and organizations to register their special Sesquicentennial events for inclusion in the Official calendar is April 1st, and the launch of over a year of celebration takes place May 27th at 3 p.m., with greetings from the Province, a declaration by the Mayor, Birthday cake, raising of the Sesquicentennial Flag, and a tongue-in-cheek skit bu the BDHS Drama Club, re-enacting the incorporation of the Town.
And organizers are already looking for participants for a Sesquicentennial parade, to take place on the afternoon of August 19th, following the same route as the Santa Claus Parade. The theme: 'Bradford Through the Ages.'
Anyone with antique farm equipment, classic or antique cars; representatives of Minor League sports, and hockey alumni of Bradford's historic teams (The Blues, Vasey Jrs., etc); choirs and bands - in fact, any community group, business or organization is invited to participate in this historic event.
The Town is looking for nominations for Parade Marshal. Residents nominate anyone - a local celebrity, sports volunteer, Minister, educator, or former Mayor - for the honorary position. There will also be a contest for Junior Marshal, details to be announced.
Parade application forms are now in the works, and should be available shortly. For more information, to get involved as a Sesquicentennial volunteer or committee member, or to register an official event, contact Joe Lotto at the Recreation Dept."

"Plans for Bradford's 150th Anniversary are well underway. On Tuesday night, in a meeting of Bradford West Gwillimbury Council, Manager of Recreation Nick Warman announced the winner of the Sesquicentennial Logo Contest. Local resident Chris Muncey was presented with a certificate of congratulations, a $100 Gift Certificate for recreation programs, and a copy of the logo..."