This week is Canada’s Road Safety week so you may anticipate the Ontario Provincial Police and Dryden Police to be out in full force this May Long weekend, ensuring our safety. With an accelerated patrol plan, the OPP and Dryden Police will be looking for motorists who may be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, above the posted speed limit, driving while distracted, or driving without a seatbelt of life jacket. While patrolling the highways and water ways, the police will be promoting safe driving and boating by routinely stopping vehicles and vessels, making sure everyone is behaving appropriately.

While on the highways the police will be primarily looking for those driving under the influence of alcohol and those who may be recklessly. While driving you must have no open alcohol in your vehicle and the maximum legal blood alcohol concentration for a fully licensed driver is 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 milliliters of blood (0.08).

There are serious legal consequences for drinking and driving. If you are stopped for driving while drunk you will be subjected to a breath-test and possibly arrested. If arrested, your license may be seized for 90-days and you will be summonsed to court. Receiving a simple warning for drinking and driving any vehicle may result in your license being suspended for three-days. If you are stopped for ‘racing’, or driving 50 kilometers per hour above the speed limit, your license may be seized for seven-days and you may be summonsed to court. These same rules also apply to drinking-and-boating. Additionally, the police and conservation officers will be checking boats to see if proper fishing regulations are met.

“Our biggest message” says Chuck Wesley, Staff Sergeant at the OPP, “is for people to drive and arrive safely. Do not drink and drive. We cannot make people be safe, but we can do our best job to make sure people are as safe as they can be. It is our job to keep people protected and save lives on the highways and water ways.”

The May Long Weekend is fast approaching and Dryden police are hoping that people will use their common sense to have a fun and safe long weekend.

In a news release issued this morning, the OPP want you to know that they will be patrolling road and water ways keeping their eyes open for aggressive, distracted and impaired drivers. OPP wants to remind you to wear your seat belt while in a vehicle and to wear life jackets on the boat and monitor any changes in weather while you are out on the water. They also suggest advising someone of your final boating destination in case of any unexpected events where police may have to conduct a search.

Equipment on board should include life jackets, warning devices such as flares, first aid kit and flashlights. Having a GPS unit and a communication device on board is also a good idea. A Pleasure Craft Operating Certificate is mandatory for everyone operating a vessel.

Smoke alarms are mandatory

The Dryden Fire Service wants to remind campers that it is the law to have a working smoke alarm in their campers, motor homes and other recreational vehicle. In addition these vehicles used for sleeping should also be equipped with a carbon monoxide alarm.

“Smoke alarms can alert you and give you and your family the precious time needed to safely escape a fire,” Reagan Breeze, Emergency/Education officer said in an earlier interview. “Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in any structure where people may be sleeping or living.”

Failure to comply with the applicable Fire Code smoke alarm requirements can result in a ticket for $235 or a fine of up to $100,000. For more information you can contact Dryden Fire Service at 223-1178.

Andrea Ramolo and Cindy Doire together make Scarlett Jane, a dark country pop-harmonizing duo. Photo taken from their website, scarlettjane.com.

Story by Lindsey Enns

Friends for nearly a decade and self-proclaimed road warriors, Andrea Ramolo and Cindy Doire together make Scarlett Jane, a dark country pop-harmonizing duo. Both have had successful careers as solo artists, Ramolo has two previous releases and Doire has three, two of which are in French, but have now joined forces to make Stranger, their debut album that they are taking across Canada.

“So far it’s been amazing sharing this journey and adventure together,” Doire said. “It’s more trying as a solo artist, being together has made the journey more fun and a lot less stressful.”

Tonight the girls will be making a pit stop at Pappy’s Café in Wabigoon at 8 p.m. Almost a year ago the girls stopped in Dryden but are now packing up and heading south with their music in hopes of breaking new ground in the U.S.A.

“We are really proud of this new album and we want to show it off and play for new audiences,” Ramolo said.

Being from Ontario the girls both agree that nothing beats playing for small rural Canadian communities.

“We are able to touch people more deeply because the shows are smaller and more intimate,” Ramolo said.

But the girls are looking forward to venturing into new places and they are looking forward to taking more risks on stage.

“It’s nice to play for a new audience,” Ramolo said. “There is a certain element to our show that’s a little more risky when we play in front of people that we don’t know.”

Ramolo has been performing on stage since she was two years old but says in social situations she can be a bit of an introvert.

“Being on stage feels like home to me, on stage I just come to life,” Ramolo said.

With albums in both French and English, Doire’s career has taken her to Europe and across Canada.

“I am definitely blessed to be able to discover our country through music,” Doire said. “Trekking through northern Ontario grounds me and the drive alone is just gorgeous.”

Scarlett Jane will also be performing at this years Dauphin Countryfest, Mariposa Folk Festival in Orillia, Ontario and the South Country Fair in Fort Macleod, Alberta.

“We are so grateful that we are both from a community that supports us and stand behind what we have accomplished,” Doire said.

For more information about Scarlett Jane and to see a full concert listing you can head to their website, scarlettjane.com. So far the tour has been going great and they are looking forward to seeing new faces in the crowd.

“We are so grateful for the nice weather, we got some great new boots and we are hoping that people will send over good vibes to our van,” Doire said.

Proud parents, pairs of Canada geese swim with their young in tow in the tranquil waters of the Wabigoon River near the Partridge Island Causeway, May 9. A riverside walk shows the water’s edge to be teeming with all manner of wildlife as warmer temperatures establish themselves from bird species as exotic as blue heron to beaver and otters.   Photo by Chris Marchand

Ruby moved to Brantford, ON from Dryden in 2003 to be closer to her daughters.

Ruby was predeceased by her husband Courtney (1997), son Orrin Matchett (2011), daughter-in-law Shirley Matchett (2002), brother Boyd McKiel (1998) and her infant daughter Joyce.

Ruby will be sadly missed by her children Edwin (Norma) Matchett of Port Alberni, BC; Faye (Elgin) Snider of Brantford, ON; Sandra

(Stew) Bernhardt of Grand Bend, ON, and Gary (Ronda) Matchett of Dryden, ON. Ruby will also be missed by several grandchildren and great grandchildren, sister Minnie Rabey of Scarborough, ON, and brother Ted McKiel of Newcastle, NB, and sister-in-law Geraldine McKiel of St. John, NB and a number of nieces and nephews.

Ruby was dedicated to her family and church and a very active member of U.C.W. Unit 5 of the United Church in Dryden, ON. She worked at Stylerite Department Store and later volunteered at the Tuck Shop in Princess Court.

Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will take place in the Dryden Cemetery at a later date.

William (Bill) Lysak – 1933 – 2012

It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of William (Bill) Lysak, age 79 of Dryden. Bill passed away on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at the Dryden Regional Health Centre.

Papa Bill will be sadly missed by his wife Madge; children, Garry, David, Cheryl and Kelly, and his very special grandsons Matthew and Dexter. He also leaves behind his two sisters, Joyce (Rufus) Rousseau and Barb Dafoe, sister-in-law Verna (Tom) Wall, many nieces and nephews, great and great-great.

He is predeceased by his parents Bill and Anne Lysak and brother Freddie.

Bill’s passions in life were hunting and fishing and after he retired from Great Lakes Paper Company, he loved to golf (Mr. 450) in the summers and winters he would become the neighbourhood snow removal man. He will also be missed by the deer at the golf course, as he would meet them every morning when he put the pins in and, of course, give them treats.

A Memorial Service was held on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Dryden Community Funeral Home’s Chapel with Reverend Art Bourre officiating.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Lung Association through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Ave., Dryden, ON P8N 2X3.

Leonard (Len) Favelle – December 6, 1938 – May 2, 2012

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Leonard Walter Favelle, age 73, at Princess Court in Dryden, ON, on May 2, 2012.

Leonard was born December 6, 1938 at Dryden Hospital to Florence and Alphonse Favelle.

Len married Rose Weiske on January 9, 1960 in Vermilion Bay, where they settled and raised their family. Len and Rose celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary this past January.

Len attended public school in Vermilion Bay and high school in Dryden. He spent much of his time watching and playing sports. This in turn led to coaching Evan and his friends hockey including the “infamous” Generals. Len especially enjoyed teaching his children to hunt and survive in the wild. Most importantly he taught his family the skilful art of fishing.

Len was employed in various sectors including forest fire fighting, timber scaling and driving truck for the wood haul, but his passion was always fishing and guiding on Eagle Lake.

Len proudly supported and volunteered with The Machin Fire Department for many years.

Len is survived by his wife Rose, his daughter Kim (Forrester), daughter-in-law Terry, grandchildren Jason (Tanya), Jaime, McGill and Adam, two great-grandchildren, Jessica and Jorden, sister Mildred, in-laws, numerous cousins, and friends who will dearly miss Len’s company.

Len was predeceased by his parents, his brother Robert and recently by his son Evan.

A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Leonard Favelle was held on May 7, 2012 at 1:00 pm at the United Church in Vermilion Bay with Pastor Wayne Toews and Joy Frenette officiating.

Donations may be made to the Machin Volunteer Fire Department or Machin Clinic through Stevens Funeral Homes, P.O. Box 412, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted at stevensfuneralhomes.ca

“See you at my favourite fishing spot”

Frances Ethel Booi – September 20, 1916 – May 7, 2012

In loving memory of Frances Ethel Booi (Lamb), age 95 years 7 months, who passed away peacefully early Monday morning May 7, 2012 in the Dryden Regional Health Care Centre.

Frances is survived by her daughter, Norma Ewen (Elden) and son, Dan Booi (Elena); grandchildren, Criss (Angela), Erin (Eric), Morgan (Melanie), MacLean (Deanna), Lance (Heather), Tricia (Tyler) and Logan; great grandchildren, Grace, Olivia, William, Mikka, Aleksi and Jacob.

Frances was predeceased by her great granddaughter Kaydence Frances; her husband, Criss; her sister, Evelyn and her brothers Lawrence and Albert Lamb and her parents, Albert and Ethel.

FRANCES ETHEL BOOI (LAMB)’s story

Frances was born September 20, 1916 in Windthorst Saskatchewan.  In May 1924, the Lambs moved to Richan via train. They loaded a car of settler’s effects and arrived at midnight. Molly and Dave Paradis provided them with a place to live until they built a log house on the homestead two miles west of Richan.

Eventually, Frances and her siblings walked the railroad to school because it was the only open thoroughfare. The farm was four miles from Amesdale and the roads were not plowed in the winter. Many times the family walked to Amesdale or Richan to attend, parties, church services and dances.

With Dryden being almost inaccessible to them at that time, Sioux Lookout became their town for dental, medical and school purposes, also for recreation.

A large forest fire or two before their arrival at Richan left barren strips of rocky hillside for miles. This became the best blueberry picking country Frances had ever seen. They were like grapes on the branches. Albert Sr. and two or three of the family would camp for several days at a time, pick blueberries and stack the baskets beside the railroad until they had a minimum of 25 baskets. At times, they would have 50 or more for shipping and the locals would stop and pick up their berries destined to markets such as Eaton’s in Winnipeg.

Frances and her siblings helped homestead by picking up the roots and stacking them in piles to dry and burn. They had to clear 15 acres to acquire the patent to the homestead and pre-emption.  They were also assigned the task of herding the cows and horse to have them pasture along the right-of-way of the railroad without going on the track.

Frances graduated from Success Business College in Winnipeg and worked for Archie and Helena McDonald in Quibell until her marriage to Criss William Booi in May 1942. They honeymooned at the West Coast until July when the ice went off Great Bear Lake, allowing Criss to return to work, but the manager did not think Frances should go in until a house was assured. Frances returned to McDonalds in Quibell until the beginning of September when she joined Criss at Great Bear Lake.

Life at Port Radium, NWT, was quite different with its long, dark and cold winters and short, bright, long hours of daylight but not too warm summers. The half dozen women, young marrieds, formed a branch of the Red Cross and knit socks and mitts for the War. Frances worked half days in the office since during the war one could not be idle. Criss became ill and in July 1944 they flew out to Edmonton and then home to Richan.

Criss partnered with his brother Walter Booi in North Star Camp on Clay Lake. After a year Criss and Frances sold out to Walter and Myrtle and moved to Richan where they built and operated a country general store, (Booi’s Store) gasoline pumps and later the post office for 20 years. Frances said that if anyone thinks the country is dull, she begs to differ! A baby was born on their store floor one peaceful Sunday evening when Criss’s van wouldn’t start to transport the lady to the Dryden hospital. And Frances was pregnant with Norma at the time.

Their daughter, Norma Aileen was the first baby born in 1950 in the old Dryden Hospital.

Their son, Daniel Albert was born at the old Dryden Hospital on April 6, 1954.

Frances sold the store and moved into Dryden in September 1966. Criss had been in the hospital continuously since March of that year and passed away January 3, 1967. Albert and Ethel, were finding it more difficult to carry in water and wood during the winter, so for the next 7 years, Lawrence and Abbie moved them into Dryden to stay with Frances from about the end of October to the end of April.

Frances took up employment with the New Dryden Jobbing until it was sold to Scott National 7 ½ years later. During her year of unemployment she took a night course in speed typing and to complete her 6 years until retirement age she was employed as a waitress for Rosemary and Peter at Kupper’s Bakery and Coffee shop until her retirement at age 65. The Cream slice was one of Frances’ favourites.

Frances sold her house in Dryden and moved to an apartment in 10 Victoria in 1983. She then enjoyed herself by travelling in Canada, US and beyond– she went to the east coast visiting all the eastern provinces, to Nashville to Opryland, and California. She went to Hawaii twice. One of her trips included a month long trek to Fiji, New Zealand and Australia – Frances loved travelling – she went to BC with Elden and I and Dan, and to Florida and BC with Dan, Elena and family.

Frances spent Christmas in Balmertown with Norma’s family for many years.  Dan would drive her to Vermilion Bay and she would catch the bus to visit us – ‘those were very special Christmases’. The grandchildren missed her when she decided to start staying home in Dryden and spending Christmas with Uncle Lawrence and Uncle Abbie and Dan and Elena and family.

Frances was very proud of her grandchildren! Criss, Erin, Morgan and MacLean, Ewen and Lance, Tricia and Logan Booi. She has a large photo of each hanging on the wall in her dining room and later her great grandchildren.

She was a member of the Tenants Association of 10 Victoria; the Independent Order of Foresters; the United Senior Citizens of Ontario, Dryden Go-Getters and was a life member of the Women’s Institute Richan Branch – now disbanded.

Frances loved her vegetables and gardening. Her presence at Lamb’s Country Haven will be sorely missed this summer.

If friends desire, donations may be made to Princess Court DECO or St. Luke’s Anglican Church through Stevens Funeral Homes, P.O. Box 412, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted at stevensfuneralhomes.ca

A young girl from the Watoto choir sings and dances for the crowd at Full Gospel Church last night.

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Story and Photos by Lindsey Enns 

Imagine loosing both of your parents to disease, being forced to go to war or being abandoned and left with nothing. These stories are all too familiar for the women and children of the Watoto African Choir.

Accompanied by team leaders, the choir travels around the world sharing their painful stories through song, dance and video. Watoto is a holistic care program that was initiated to help deal with the overwhelming number of orphaned children and vulnerable women in Uganda. The program helps build potential African leaders through education and religion.

Sam Kimera is one of the choir’s team leaders and has been traveling with Watoto for four years.

“My favorite part is working with the children,” he said. “Seeing them transform from shy individuals to singing with joy and confidence is a great thing to see.”

Children in the choir range from 6 to 14 years of age and train for five months before going on the road.

“The children develop a real sense of confidence being in the choir and seeing the world,” Kimera said.

After spending the weekend in Winnipeg, the choir made a stop in Dryden last night to perform for a packed house at the Full Gospel Church.

“So far we have all been enjoying the weather here,” Kimera told the crowd.

The choir had the crowd on their feet dancing and singing along for most of the show. It was easy to see that people were touched by the stories told by several children in the choir. After the show the audience had a chance to meet and take photographs with the children.

This choir consists of 21 children and will perform 200 shows while on they are on road for 6 months. The performance raises awareness about the plight of orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa while highlighting issues such as poverty, HIV/AIDS, the effects of war and the child solider crisis in northern Uganda. Right now Watoto cares for 2,400 women and children and they hoping to raise that number to 10,000 by 2023. To find out where the choir is headed to next and how you can help you can visit Watoto.com. 

Students from local elementary schools and regional high school gathered at Dryden High School for the 2nd annual DHS Track and Field Invitational. Results to be posted at a later time.  Photos by Chris Marchand

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