The reason we collect Tractors
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HAHClub Christmas Party 2010 |
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| A chronicle of the fundraising draw, club meeting and Xmas Party for 2010
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| Pictures are here... |
Finally! The long waited day of the year for many, December 13th, THE HOPE AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY! Santa Claus arrived and exchanged presents with all; the draw for the 2010 fundraising tractor [a restored Massey Harris model 22], or $2500 in cash; along with 2nd and 3rd. prizes drawn. Also, there was other Club business during the evening.
The evening got off on the wrong foot, or should I say no foot. Barry Adamson was unloading his van at 7 p.m. to get ready for the night when he slipped on the ice that was around the door area into the Canton Municipal offices. Thankfully he was okay and salt was put down so it would not happen again. We made Santa aware of the problem and told him to be careful.
At 7.30 p.m. Earl Ashby, as the MC for the evening, opened with welcoming everyone to the Christmas party. He directed those who participated in the food bank contributions to leave the items brought in the box in the hall; that the 2011 memberships were now available [see Barry Adamson]; and, everyone who brought a gift to please leave it with Rolland Bowman to give to Santa when he arrives.
Earl introduced Jeff Gilmer [Councillor for the Municipality of Port Hope, Ward 2] who helped with the tractor draw. Jake Greydanus had all the tickets in a barrel and had them well rolled. Jeff pulled the 1st, 2nd and 3rd tickets.
The 1st ticket was the winner of the restored M.H. tractor and was called immediately. That was Pat Gallager of Port Hope and he quickly decided to take the money, $2,500, instead of the tractor. Pat arrived at the party in a few minutes to get his cheque and was very appreciative. Second prize was a children's pedal tractor won by Colin Petherick of Campellford. Third prize was a 1/16th scale toy tractor won by Cortney Ponting. Thanks to all participants.
Hank Jansen made a presentation and a gift to Gerry Zealand and Jake Greydanus thanking them for their commitment in selling tickets and taking the raffle tractor to all the shows and fall fairs throughout the year. Very deserving!
Barry Adamson thanked Paul Burnham and family and the Burnham Family Farm Market for all their help with the HAHClub, hosting the August Antique Show and selling tractor tickets at their store. Barry also talked about the upcoming 2011 Antique Show in August and that it will be our 20th anniversary. One addition to the show we hope to have is a "Kids Korral" where adults can bring the little ones to a designated area to play on some farm toys. We are looking for any donations for this [i.e. pedal tractors, wagons, farm toy tractors and equipment]. Barry also thanked John and Muriel Bell for their work setting up and operating the audio at the Antique Show every year, along with many other jobs for the Club.
Gerry Zealand acknowledged some of the wives. Denise Tufford, Louise Schmidt, Suzanne Ashby, and Brenda Adamson were recognized for their work at registration and feeding of the volunteers at the antique shows, assistance at the bar-b-ques, and preparing the Christmas party food.
Jack Malfait thanked some of the members. Ted Schmidt, John Tufford, Mike Walsh, Josh Bowman and, Dan Lovshin were acknowledged for dedicated work for the Club in every respect. The Club would not run without these boys!
Earl Ashby thanked Barry Adamson for all his work organizing the Show and Christmas Party. He comes equipped with the U-Haul [affectionately called the "Bare Haul"] truck so if anything is needed it is available.
John Bell and Earl Ashby displayed some wooden oak boards to mount cut out tractors on. In case the readers of this are wondering what we are talking about I will briefly bring you up to date. In the fall of 2009 the HAHClub gained permission to build at 5077 County Rd. 10 in Canton. The Club had some money but not enough to start a building. Ben and Jacqui Currelly and family made a generous donation and agreed to match all fundraising money towards this new building. Throughout the spring of 2010 we campaigned for financial donations and came up with a total of $17,000 plus. During this process we wanted to recognize the donors in a way that would not only look good but would last for generations. We had 3 different size tractors with wagons cut with laser from sheet steel [silhouettes]. The small one, painted black, recognizes the minimum $100 donation. The medium one, painted in the donor's choice of one basic colour, recognizes the minimum donation of $500. And, for the minimum donation of $1,000, the tractor can be painted by the donator any colours they would like. Plaques with the donors name will be placed on the wagons. John Bell will place the tractor/wagon on oak boards he had brought back from the cottage cut, planed, and sanded to fit each tractor. They came out beautiful! Earl and John were explaining everything to the group when Ben and Jacquie Currelly arrived at the Christmas party. Perfect timing! We presented Ben and Jacquie with their tractor for the 1st time. Ben spoke about his commitment to the Club and told the attendees he wanted to see the Antique Machinery Centre complete and prosperous in the future for the benefit of the community.
Ben then gave a cheque to the HAHClub, to match the building donations and above, for $20,000. The members and all in attendees gave a standing ovation thanking Ben and Jacqui.
Mike Walsh surprised Earl with a gift certificate recognizing and thanking him for all his efforts in making the Antique Machinery Centre become a reality. Earl single-handed initiated a campaign and collected the donations for the Antique Machinery Centre [which Ben matched]. What a great salesman! Thanks Earl.
Earl thanked Jon Bevan for all his work on Club newsletters and posters. Earl also thanked Glen Gibbons for his work on the HAHClub website. Earl then unveiled the draw tractor for 2011. It is a restored Case, Model VAC. It is ready and tickets will be available at the next meeting in February. Please help Gerry and Jake sell tickets in 2011!
Earl mentioned there will be a Heritage Day at the Northumberland Mall in Cobourg this Feb. 25th and 26th. Please call 905 753 2387 if you would like to help with the HAHClub display. We will have the 2011 raffle tractor there and other antique items. Please stop in and say hi.
Walter Stapleton is planning another trip to Tackaberrys in the spring, possibly in April. Please call Walter at 905 983 5244 and book yourself for an unforgettable trip.
Earl reminded everyone of the next Club meeting; Monday, February 14th, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. It will be held at the Canton Municipal building as usual.
Finally, Santa arrived looking a little travel worn. He came into the room on some worn out water skis. He must have been down south and was working his way back to the North Pole. Santa was great fun. He had some elves with antlers [?] to help. He gave everyone a wise crack as they came up to get their present. He likes doing that! Most liked sitting on his knee and saying they were good but some were shy and kept their distance. Soon Santa was away with bells ringing and skis on.
That was the end of the formalities and meeting, so out with the food and drink. Sandwiches, shrimp, veggie and fruit trays, sweets, pop, tea and coffee were enjoyed by all. Everyone at the party had a great time and no one went home hungry.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
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