Stories

King, Neo #17 *

Honoured by Tricia Mills, Betty Hurley and Mary Jane St. Onges.

Neo King is a special child who brings love and joy to everyone who knows him.  Neo doesn’t talk, walk or feed himself, but he communicates through the heart.  His winning smile can light up a room, his hug can turn a challenging day into a positive one.  Neo loves people and pets and responds to his favourite music.  I have learned from this little person that the will to live can defy all the odds and that even under the most difficult circumstances life can hold true meaning.

Every child deserves to be nurtured, safe, protected and loved.  My hope is that all children who have broken bodies and spirits will find the kind of home that Neo has and a village that loves them as his does.  May we as citizens of North Bay make it our mandate to cherish and protect the life of every child.

Madigan, Hariett #1996 *

Honoured by Members of Living Fit from the Inside Out Women’s Club

Hariett Madigan is truly an amazing woman of our time who cares passionately about her family, her friends, and the City of North Bay that she calls home. Born in Sudbury in 1947, she is the daughter of Bill and Marie Johnson, twin sister to Herb, and younger sister of Bonnie. At age 13, the Johnson family moved to North Bay where Hariett immediately felt at home, and her love for the city and its environment took root.

While still in high school, Hariett met the love of her life, Lee Madigan. Their relationship continued when Hariett went on to post secondary education at Laurentian University and Lee began his career with the Ontario Provincial Police. The couple was married in 1970 at the Pro Cathedral in North Bay.

Hariett chose teaching as her career, and worked in classrooms at all levels, while at the same time raising the couple’s three children, Sean, Christian and Sheri.

When Lee was posted to Gogama, a remote area in Northern Ontario, Hariett packed up the family and embraced her new community. The nearest grocery store was an hour away so, to ensure the family ate good nutritious meals, Hariett planted her own garden and lovingly tended the vegetables and fruits that grew. While there, she also found the time to start a community newspaper.

Four years later, the family moved back to North Bay and Hariett resumed her teaching career. A testament to their wonderful mother, the Madigan children recall that there was always a healthy cooked breakfast waiting before Hariett left for work and they went off to school. Despite their busy lives, both parents were always there for the children, and Hariett is described as the glue that still holds the family together.

After years of teaching grade school, Hariett chose to make a change and moved on to Adult Education where she taught for another 10 years. During that time, she felt that it was important to integrate fitness into her program, and in 1996, after making the decision to retire from formal teaching, her passion for fitness turned into a new career.

Living Fit from the Inside Out became a full time venture in the fall of 1996 with a membership of 100 women. The group met Monday through Thursday, with an optional weight training session on Fridays. During this time, members would take walks along the waterfront, and Hariett lamented the neglected state of the shrubbery. Never one to back down when something needed to be fixed, Hariett took her ideas to beautify the waterfront to City Hall, and along with Bonnie Cappadocia, Master Gardener, she co-founded The North Bay Heritage Gardeners, co-chaired Communities in Bloom with Wanda Wallace and founded the Community Waterfront Friends organization, which lead to the proposal for Community Waterfront Park on the former rail lands.

Over the years, Living Fit from the Inside Out has expanded to a membership of over two hundred. Hariett believes passionately in providing an environment where women can improve their health, not only physically, but mentally and spiritually also. The group hosts speakers from all walks of life, raises funds for charities, and travels extensively. Holding a passionate belief that everyone has a gift, Hariett has built a wonderful fellowship of women who provide companionship, strength, and support to one another.

During the summer, Hariett and Lee love nothing more than to spend time with their family at the cottage on Hemlock Island. They are now blessed with several grand-children, each one special in their own way.

Congratulations Hariett! You are a true inspiration.

Shulman, Dr. Garry #1965 *

It takes many leaves to cover a tree and many branches to come together and form the trunk.  Our community is that tree and I want to tell you about one leaf.

One leaf that I know wishes it were still bright green and full of life…. fluttering in the breeze…meeting other leaves…..talking to other leaves…helping other leaves in times of stress so they could believe in themselves and become the best leaf on the tree.

This one special leaf spent a lifetime attaining knowledge and then imparting it to any other leaf that might listen.  This leaf demonstrated to many other leaves that hard work is the overriding ingredient for success and that no project is unattainable if determined to succeed.

Even though this special leaf influenced several other leaves on the tree, it received so much energy back.  This leaf thrived on all the accomplishments of the other leaves and needed this positive feedback which kept it healthy and a brilliant green.

This one special leaf met another special leaf in the springtime of life on the tree.  They were just buds ready to burst into adult leaves.  At first they were just friends but soon both leaves knew that the other leaf would enhance their life so they started growing together on one little branch of the tree.  For a time they basked in the sunshine and forgot other leaves were around them. Both were carefree leaves taking advantage of their youthful exuberance and energy.  Both leaves knew that it would take hard work and compromise to stay together on that little branch and
not be blown apart by the periodic winds that would bend the bigger branch holding them high.  Both leaves enjoyed being close to each other and helping the other when necessary.  Both leaves, they knew that their time on the tree had to be well spent and they both took advantage of all the opportunities afforded them on that little branch. Both leaves knew that in order to survive on that branch they had to let each other be free yet secure.  Each of them knew that the wind may take them in different directions but each knew that they would return to their stable place on that branch.

The tree grew and the branch added three new buds to the branch.  Both leaves knew that these little leaves would add a wonderful dimension to their lives on the tree as now they could enjoy watching these little leaves grow into adulthood.  The special leaf taught the new little leaves many life lessons….life on the tree should be lived to the fullest….. life on the tree will become richer the more you give……never miss an opportunity to teach during your life on the tree….never be afraid to try new things…..never doubt your abilities if you are willing to work hard and persevere….never miss the chance to love.

Life on the tree was very pleasant for a long period.  The new leaves on that little branch matured and each one pursued dreams.  As with life anywhere, there are always bumps along the way…even for leaves.  Sometimes there aren’t enough nutrients, sometimes the sun is too hot, sometimes the wind blows too hard and it can cause damage or sickness to the leaves.  Our special leaf did get diseased.  When we knew our leaf was sick we were all saddened yet hopeful that our special leaf would be able to overcome this setback.  Our leaf tried everything to get better and wasn’t going to accept the bleak picture painted by some.  This is when our leaf started the journey to healing.  This is when our leaf opened the minds of leaves close by to the many aspects of the universe and the power within.  This is when our special leaf looked into the future as if there was no end.

Our special leaf, in the face of death, was very courageous.  That leaf knew his branch was very strong and would continue to grow and add to the fullness of the tree.  There was no lamenting about life on the tree.   Time on the tree had been well spent and filled with many experiences,
total energy and passion for life on that tree.

Our leaf, Garry Shulman, fell off that tree on July  15, 2008 but our family and those who loved him can still feel the stirring of the air as his leaf makes its way to the ground.  It is still floating….keeping aloft by the force of our love for him and his unrelenting energy and passion for
people.

How did our special leaf influence the life of the many leaves who knew and loved him?  There are so many ways.  Our leaf taught us to always make the most of our abilities, relish in the accomplishments of others, be generous with your time and energy, have passion for what you enjoy, explore unique possibilities, surround yourself with positive energy, be physical, travel to new places, don’t always have a schedule, have fun, be adventurous, enjoy life, love deeply.

Our special leaf enjoyed every challenge and new adventure so that even though life on the tree
was cut short our leaf had lived more, loved more and received more from life than most leaves in several lifetimes.

Our leaf would want you to remember his lessons, bring them into your heart and allow them to make your life richer.  This is how we can truly honor the memory of our special leaf………..Garry Shulman………………

Written with love by the family of Garry Shulman

Poeta, Tony #1954 *

Tony Poeta (March 4, 1933 – May 2, 2004)

Tony was the eldest of four children, born to Filomena (Mayme) Demarco and Frank Poeta in North Bay, ON.

Early on in life, Tony discovered his first love…hockey and for that matter all sports. He would pursue his hockey dream with great passion. While chasing his dream, Tony traveled extensively and it was while playing with the Galt Blackhawks that he met his true love, Margaret Rivers. Marg would follow Tony from city to city in their early twenties as Tony pursued his dream. He did fulfill that dream in 1951 while playing in one game with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Tony and Marg were married on April 24, 1954. The following year, Angela, was born, followed by Debbie, Lori and David. As much as Tony loved his hockey and other sports, it was his family, grandchildren and friends that provided him with the most joy. This is quite evident as Tony made friends wherever he set foot, whether it was at the local hockey arena, baseball diamond or on a beach in Florida. Tony had friends worldwide because of his magnificent flair for making others feel welcome in his presence. Family members can all attest to being away from home introducing themselves as a “Poeta”. Quite often, the first words we would hear in return were: “Hey, do you know Tony?”

These words are a true reflection of Tony’s vibrant personality; no matter where he went, he always made himself known through his friendliness, generosity, great sense of humour and caring. All our lives, there was a reflection of that in how our home was a social hub, whether it was for hosting family gatherings at holiday time, billeting young athletes who were in town for tournaments, Sunday afternoon barbeques around the pool or appreciation for the guys who played on teams he sponsored. Tony’s love of sport earned him huge respect in the sporting community.

Tony had strong moral standards and he was an amazing example of true love, honesty, loyalty, integrity and he endeavored to have those around him behave in the same manner.If you did, you would be his friend for life.

A true testament to how much a person means to others is when it is time for others to pay their final respects. A week after celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary with Marg, Tony unfortunately passed on. At his funeral, we saw first-hand how many people actually “knew and respected Tony”. The line up at the funeral home extended beyond the front doors and the church was packed as hundreds of people bid their final farewell.

One of the greatest compliments we ever received was in a card we received after his passing. The message was that Tony’s kindness and love shone through his eyes – and that we also had that shining light in our eyes – we all got that from our Dad, and truly what a beautiful life gift that is!!

Marg, Angela, Debbie, Lori, David

Green, Jack #1942 *

Jack Green is being honoured by his friends.

Jack Gell Green *
Builder Sports: Football, Basketball, Track, Softball
Builder Categories: Coach, Executive, Administrator
Born: 1942 – Toronto
Elected: 30-Oct-2006
Inducted: 21-Apr-2007
Inductee No. 211 * Deceased 2011

Jack Green is a Toronto native who arrived in North Bay in 1970 after an outstanding multi-sport athletic career which saw him drafted by the CFLWinnipeg Blue Bombers in 1966.

Here he played City League basketball, Masters’ softball and touch football but he has been inducted into the NBSHF because of his work as a Builder of sport (coach, administrator, executive). Green taught atWest Ferris Secondary for almost 30 years- coaching football for 20 years, basketball for 16, and track & field. He coached the Trojan Senior football squad to three NDA titles in nine years and a rare NOSSA crown (first NDA champion in 27 years) in 1982; with the Juniors it was four NDA’s in eight years and an almost as rare NOSSA banner (first in 12 years) in 1979. He also ran the Bantam football program for three seasons. In basketball he directed the Trojan Senior boys for five years and the Midgets for 11- winning seven NDA Championships. He coached volleyball with Dr. Carruthers Public School and led the Northeastern Bantam girls to a Provincial Silver medal in 1989. He coached in the North Bay Minor Girls softball league for several years. As an administrator he convened NDA football four times, NDA basketball on six occasions and NDA track & field five times. As well, he twice convened each of these sports for NOSSA. His executive work, outside the high school milieu, included holding the Presidency of the Senior fastball loop for six years, chairing theWorld Masters tourney on a half dozen occasions and being President of the North Bay Legion track club for five years.

Jack Green – a giver of his time and energies.

IODE Manitou Chapter #1934 *

IODE MANITOU CHAPTER

The IODE, originally named the Imperial Order of Daughters of the Empire, is a Canadian women’s charitable organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children, youth and those in need, through educational, social service and citizenship programs.

Our IODE Manitou Chapter was founded in 1958, taking its name from one of the islands in Lake Nipissing. Our motto is ‘IN JOINING HANDS WE MAY ACCOMPLISH MUCH”. As women we have come together in friendship with a desire to contribute to our community. This Pergola Leaf is dedicated to the memory of all those women, now deceased, who worked so diligently on the many IODE projects over the years.

Since our inception we have raised many thousands of dollars for a wide variety of charitable projects, and at the same time forged bonds of friendship that have endured for over fifty years

In our early days the IODE Manitou Chapter successfully hosted many themed dances and the guests enjoyed attending in original costumes. Titles for these events included “Glitter Gulch”, “The Great Gatsby”, “Who’s Who in Hell”, “Mad Hatter’s Ball” and “See You in the Funny Papers”. These were wonderful opportunities for everyone to participate in decorations, food preparation, stage productions, and the multitude of activities to ensure that everyone had a memorable evening. Happy times!

Other fundraisers included stage shows such as Royal Air Farce, Spring Thaw and
Dinner Theatre presentations. Our Fashion Shows delighted everyone. At the time of the North Bay Winter Fur Carnivals, IODE Manitou organized the Carnival Queen events.

More recently, we sponsored a performance of our local Gateway Theatre Guild raising $3000 and another $5000 by taking two busloads to “War Horse” in Toronto, all for new MRI equipment.

Less spectacular, but very worthwhile, were garage sales, bake sales, and bridge afternoons. No less than three cookbooks were published. For a few years we carried on the tradition of the “Flag Ball”, an elegant affair for North Bay’s social scene. Our Medieval Feast re-creation was spectacular with its wonderful sets and magnificent costuming.

Monies raised from these events have been spent in multiple ways. Local hospitals have benefited particularly from receiving medical equipment of every variety. IODE Manitou has furnished rooms and sponsored clinics, given bursaries to students, provided care bags for the Women’s Crisis Centre, and breakfast muffins for school children. We also sent books and other supplies to Northern schools as well as overseas.

In preparing for our 50th Anniversary, we found that as with other organizations, some of our archived material had been lost, but in reconstructing our past, IODE Manitou Chapter realized the full measure of how much has been accomplished, and our Anniversary dinner was celebrated by current and former members against a backdrop of our photographic record. This slide show allowed us to remember those who have passed on, because we saw many photos of these deceased members who had contributed so happily to the work of IODE.

We founded our website www.manitouiode.ca where you can read about IODE Manitou in more detail. The IODE Manitou Chapter will continue their efforts to contribute to the North Bay community.

“IN JOINING HANDS WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED MUCH”

IODE: Dr. Herbert A. Bruce Chapter #1933 *

In honour of all members, past and present.

In February 1921 North Bay’s first IODE chapter, Samuel de Champlain Chapter, received its charter. Unfortunately it has since disbanded. In 1925 they erected a Cairn at Nipissing Junction commemorating the journey of Samuel de Champlain who camped near the site in July 1615. After reconstruction in 1989, the Cairn remains to this day.

IODE Dr. Herbert A. Bruce Chapter was established on January 16, 1933 to fulfill a need for assistance in the community during the Depression years. The chapter was named after the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario at that time, the Honorable Herbert Alexander Bruce MD (1868-1963), former MP and accomplished surgeon.

The Mission of IODE: A national women’s charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals, through education support, community service and citizenship programs to improve the quality of life for children, youth and those in need, through education, social service and citizenship programs.

In 1943 the Victory Shop, our main source of fundraising to this day, was initiated by Beth Butler. Items are donated to the shop, cleaned and then sold as ‘gently used’. For over 65 years the members have volunteered their time to run the Victory Shop and a special committee in the chapter ensure the items are in good condition, maintain the constant upkeep and care of the shop and restock items daily. The Victory Shop has been described by some customers as the “best shop in town” and they never know what treasure they are going to find in the shop from day to day. The Victory Shop is located at 358 Algonquin Avenue and is open for business from Monday to Saturday each week from noon until 3:30 p.m. All proceeds from the sales in the shop are donated to various National, Provincial and local projects and organizations.

In addition to the Victory Shop, many members use their talents to knit, quilt and sew items that are donated to various organizations in the community. For example mitts and hats are knit for the Children’s Aid Society and newborn baby toques are provided for the hospital. In 2008 the Chapter took on a daring fundraiser; a “Calendar Girls” 18 month Calendar. The result: a $26,000 Educational Bursary for the North Bay Transition House. Since then we have added a Card Party Luncheon to our repertoire of fundraising events (Spring Garage Sale) that has resulted in donations to One Kid’s Place, the 416 Lakeshore CMH Housing Project and the North Bay Literacy Council. A good portion of the Chapter’s funds goes toward annual scholarships and bursaries for the six local high schools, Canadore College and Nipissing University.

There are 3500 IODE members in Canada and 191 primary chapters across Canada. Funds raised by each chapter are reinvested in Canadian children, families and communities. The Dr. Herbert A. Bruce Chapter has over 40 members at this time, with over 1000 volunteer hours recorded each month.

Teamwork, strong leadership, energy and dedication demonstrated by the members have been essential attributes needed to fulfill the goals and commitments this chapter takes on each year.

Women dedicated to a better Canada

Rainer, Ida #1931 *

Ida Rainer 1931-2002

Ida Rainer “Oma” packed a lot into her 71 years. Her husband of 52 years, Leo, was the love of her life, while her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joy of her life. Her legacy was her sense of family, sense of community and work ethic.

The oldest of eight children and a mother figure at an early age, she left her birthplace of Vienna, Austria, at the young age of 23 to build a better life with her husband in Canada. Starting with nothing, Ida and Leo worked diligently to provide a good home for their growing family.

After settling in North Bay, Ida and Leo were among the founding members of the Germania Club.

From cleaning other people’s homes to working at the deli at Dominion to running her own store (Dalesview Delicatessen), she taught her children that it didn’t matter the job, it mattered that it was done well. Education was crucial for her family.
Ida had a zest for life – fun came in so many forms, whether dancing with her husband, travelling with her friends, or playing games with her children and grandchildren. Hugs and laughs were plentiful when Oma was around. A willing babysitter for all her grandchildren, she and Leo purchased a cottage so that her treasured grandchildren could visit every summer.

She was always smiling. People were drawn to her. It was her honest interest in people that made her business such a success, although she was also a very shrewd businesswoman and no one would out-negotiate Ida.

Food and Ida were synonymous – she was an amazing cook. She took requests for everyone’s favourite birthday cake. All troubles could be fixed by a good meal “Lots of vitamins, no additives”.

Loyal to a fault, she could be fierce in defense of her family and friends.
As much as she loved travelling, she loved coming home to North Bay. Her house was her pride and joy. She helped build it – mixing mortar, hauling bricks, planting trees. Ida was meticulously clean – you could eat off her floors.
Oma was Oma. She loved to laugh, she loved to talk.
“If you don’t believe in angels you haven’t met my Oma”

… Ida’s grandchildren.