|
The Clippers “Stick” it to Alzheimer’s! |
PDF |
| Print | |
E-mail |
|
Written by Mark Trozzo
|
|
Friday, 28 May 2010 14:05 |
|
The first weekend in May was a very special time for a Streetsville family, who has learned that their support network is far greater than they ever imagined. Jon Clipperton, one of Streetsville's greatest citizens, passed away last summer after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Honouring his spirit through service, several members of the community joined Don Clipperton (Jon's son) in the formation of the Streetsville Clippers, a hockey team who competed in a tournament in support of Alzheimer's research.
The Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer's (formerly known as the Baycrest International Pro-Am Tournament) is Canada's largest annual fundraiser for Alzheimer's, having raised more than $7.5 million over four years. After this year's Pro-Am, that total has surpassed the $10 million mark. Gordie Howe joined on this year with the institution of the Gordie & Colleen Howe Fund for Alzheimer's. Proceeds from both events were directed to the Howe Fund with Baycrest receiving significant contributions from the Edmonton and Toronto tournaments.
The unique tournament structure shifted the emphasis from scoring goals to fundraising. The Clippers were one of 50 teams to compete in the Toronto tournament, and did Jon proud with a total contribution of $32,404. Good enough for 32nd on the list, the Streetsville Clippers were led by Don Clipperton, who raised an impressive $16 641.
This tremendous achievement placed Don among the top 20 individuals, thus making him a fundraising all-star, and earned him the opportunity to play in a hockey game with retired NHL players.
According to Clippers teammate Toby Gardiner, Don and former Toronto Maple Leaf Gary Roberts had some serious chemistry and put on a great show.
The inclusion of retired NHL'ers added extra incentive for players to try and raise as much money as possible. Every team drafted a former professional, based on their total funds raised. Players like Gary Roberts, Troy Crowder, and Rick Middleton took to the ice to show the amateurs just how much they cared about putting an end to Alzheimer's disease, and to the notion any amateur may have had that they could have been a pro.
The Streetsville Clippers welcomed Chris O'Sullivan to their club. Drafted early in the second round of the 1992 NHL draft, O'Sullivan enjoyed seven pro seasons with stops in Calgary, Vancouver and Anaheim. The first overall pick was awarded to The Geri-Hat-Tricks, whose financial contribution (unlike their name) was no joke. The first overall pick garnered $186,866. This was one of four six-figure contributions by teams in the Toronto division.
The Streetsville Clippers were largely comprised of local residents/workers. Every player and sponsor was made aware of why the Clippers were formed, and the support was truly inspiring. Jon Clipperton loved so many things – and hockey was definitely one of them. The Streetsville Clippers, through the annual Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer's, will honour the life of Jon Clipperton while raising valuable funds for Alzheimer's research for many years to come. |
|
Lions Club of Streetsville Honours Those Who Serve |
PDF |
| Print | |
E-mail |
|
Written by Mark Trozzo
|
|
Friday, 28 May 2010 13:59 |
|
Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization. With over 1.3 million members and more than 45,000 clubs worldwide, the Lions are everywhere. "Helping where help is needed" is a motto that defines the objective of each local club.
The Lions Club of Streetsville has been servicing the needs of the community since 1952. It is known as one of the most dedicated and committed clubs within Mississauga. This distinction is a direct result of the hard work and dedication put forth by numerous members through the years. It is only fitting that once a year, those within the Streetsville Lions Club who have and continue to demonstrate an exemplary commitment to volunteerism and community service are honoured during Sam McCallion Night. Sam McCallion, who passed away in 1997, may have been best known as the husband of Mayor Hazel McCallion, but his legacy of community service is what truly carries his name. His legacy lives on through those in the Streetsville area who make helping others a part of their daily life.
On April 23, the Lions Club of Streetsville hosted their annual awards night, highlighted by the recognition of three selfless citizens. The winner of this year's Sam McCallion Award for Volunteer of the Year was Lucie Muldoon. Lucie plays a significant role organizing several events around Streetsville, such as the Santa Claus Parade and Bread & Honey Festival. Her persistence, compassion, dedication and humility are the same virtues that Sam McCallion embodied so well.
Since 1917, Lions Club International has been best known for fighting blindness, thus having many claim the Lions as the "Knights of the Blind." The Helen Keller Fellowship Award was given to James Hammond. A second generation Lion and past president, James was a worthy winner of the award dedicated to those who make a tremendous impact through volunteer work in the local community, while supporting the club though diligent efforts.
The Melvin Jones Award is the highest award a Lions Club can give out. Melvin was the creator of Lions Club International. This year's recipient was Todd Smith. Todd was honoured for his service and commitment to the club, while taking into account volunteer work within the community.
The winner of this award must play an active role within the club. As past president (2006), Todd has gained the respect of all members. His tireless commitment to fundraising has produced funds that are then directed into the community – exactly what the Lions are all about. Todd has been hosting one of the major fundraisers for the last three years. The organization's annual dinner/dance, with an elimination draw and silent auction, results in an average profit of $20,000 for the Lions.
Todd was extremely humbled to win such a prestigious award. "With so many members worthy of this award, I am deeply honoured to receive it," he said. Todd laughed as he describes his decision to join the Lions as a method in gaining the approval of his late father-in-law, then member, Jon Clipperton. "I can't wait for one of my future son-in-laws to join for the same reason," laughed Smith.
In 2009/10, the Streetsville Lions Club lived up to the motto, "We Serve", by donating over $41,000 to worthy causes.On a night when individuals were recognized, the club stayed true to its roots by making donations to The Vic Johnston Community Centre, Cheshire House, Dorset, Camp Trillium, Camp Kirk and Lake Joseph Camp. |
|
Last Updated on Thursday, 10 June 2010 12:13 |
|
|
Streetsville Hockey League Adopts a New Vision... |
PDF |
| Print | |
E-mail |
|
Written by Mark Trozzo
|
|
Friday, 28 May 2010 13:46 |
|
The village ice hockey house-league formerly known as the Streetsville Amateur Minor Hockey Association (SAMHA) is moving into the new decade with a vision that will provide its participants with an even higher quality of coaching, competition and fun.
The Streetsville Hockey League (SHL) will grace The Vic Johnston Community Centre and the Streetsville Arena this winter with ten different divisions (ages 4 to 18).
Darcy Walsh, Executive Director of Operations for the SHL, is very excited about the upcoming season as he and his fellow committee members have been working extremely hard to implement new policies. "We want to keep the league affordable while providing increased levels of competition and enthusiasm," stated Walsh.
The interest in the younger divisions has reached an all-time high, as the SHL will welcome the "Little NHL" to The Vic. Participants in the Tadpole group (ages 4-6) through to the Atom age group (age 10) will feel like they are in the big-leagues, as each team dawns the jerseys of a popular NHL team. Saturday mornings in Streetsville will see little Penguins, Habs and Leafs (just to name a few) tearing up the ice in the pursuit of glory. The Tadpole program has long been the benchmark of a successful house-league program in Mississauga. The SHL is aiming to take a leading role in the Tadpole program, as this age of initiation into the game can make life-long hockey players out of the participants.
According to Walsh, the SHL is adopting the Hockey Canada Initiation Program for the Tadpole division. "Stressing proper teaching techniques and skills through the guidelines set out by Hockey Canada will only serve to better the league and the players," he said.
With one game and one practice per week, the Tadpoles will have several opportunities to amaze their loved ones throughout the winter. At only $400, the Tadpole program offers terrific value in a fun-first environment.
Every age group offers unmatched value, as the league will continue to have no gate fees and low registration costs. Gate fees alone can run a family of four over $600 in a 30-game season, not to mention the financial burden of a long playoff run. The SHL keeps costs down and will once again offer affordable rates. The registration fee for the Minor Novice division (2003 birth year) through to the Minor Bantam division (97/98 birth year) will be $495. The Minor Midget division (95/96 birth year) and the Midget division (92/93/94 birth years) registration fees are only $450 and $360 respectively.
Registration night is set for June 9 at The Vic Johnston Community Centre. There, parents and players from Mississauga are welcomed to meet management and coaches while having an opportunity to learn about some of the new initiatives like the Select/All-Star Tournament Teams. The SHL is looking to offer some extra hockey for some of its players this winter. Select players from each division will have an opportunity to represent the SHL in competitive tournaments and exhibition games.
Another welcomed change is the new website, www.streetsvillehockey.com, and the addition of SHL on Facebook. League standings, news and schedules have never been easier to access. |
|
Until we find the cure, we have to live with it…. |
PDF |
| Print | |
E-mail |
|
Written by Helen Reilly, The Healing Cycle Foundation
|
|
Monday, 12 April 2010 09:12 |
|
The quest to find a cure for disease is a noble one. Sadly, there are diseases we need to learn more about; coloured ribbons to remind us of their importance and dollars needed to find their cures.
Still, until we find cures, people are living with disease. When there are no longer curative measures to be had, the patient is considered to be palliative. Palliative care offers emotional, spiritual, medical and practical support to those patients with life-limiting illness over a period of days, weeks, months and even years. It is care that allows one to come to acceptance of their disease and to live within it.
Until a cure is found, thousands of people will continue to be diagnosed with and succumb to their disease. So, while many organizations support the quest for a cure, The Healing Cycle Foundation is dedicated to providing the best care available for those who will not benefit from a cure – those who can instead benefit from the care available to improve their quality of life until that time.
Judy Tobin is a registered nurse at The Credit Valley Hospital. She has worked in the hospital’s eight bed palliative patient care unit for ten years. “Prior to joining Credit Valley, I knew I was meant to dedicate my career to supporting these patients and their families,” she says. “We meet our patients when the battle, the struggle or the fight against disease begins to transition to acceptance – when they are ready to embrace their disease. We support them through that process through medical and non-medical approaches to care.”
The palliative patient care unit at The Credit Valley Hospital is noted for it’s quiet, peaceful environment. “We have the best doctors on the planet! Our team provides the best care. I couldn’t do my job every day if I wasn’t convinced of that. We provide what our patients and their loved ones need in the moment. We recognize the anger, pain, sadness and helplessness but also the transition to acceptance and peace. In some cases, we see people become ‘who they are’ for the first time in their lives because they were always trying to be someone else for everyone else – it’s truly amazing,” says Judy.
Through their annual bike ride, The Healing Cycle Foundation has raised $630,000 toward a $1 million commitment to support palliative care at The Credit Valley Hospital. This year’s ride is Sunday June 27, 2010. There is a ride for every rider – from the very young and inexperienced to the most experienced in life and cycling, there are rides ranging from 10 KM to the 160 Gran Fondo. Early bird prizes are available. Visit www.thehealingcycle.ca to register.
Judy Tobin will be there as riders cross the finish line. She’s promising to bring sunshine too! |
|
Last Updated on Friday, 16 April 2010 16:44 |
|
