Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Libro Get’s Hi–5’s with the kids…and parents!

hi5

A fun morning out at the Arkona Playground!  Libro Financial offered a special outing in the community including games, prizes, gifts, snack, and…a visit with Bill The Duck!  It was a great turn out and the kids had a blast between activities and playing on the playground equipment.  Thank You Libro !

 

 

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Grandpa Gordon – “Hall Of Famer” :D

Posted in The Sarnia Observer yesterday was the announcement that Lorne Gordon – my Grandfather, was the first inductee into the Agricultural Hall of Fame.  The funny thing is, Grandpa was a very quiet and humble man, and definitely not one to seek attention for himself, so I’m sure both him and my Dad would be doing what we referred to as -“smirky lips” – a kind of lip twitch they would do when uncomfortable in anyway – if they were around to see this.  Both my Grandfather and my Dad were very quiet, and humble men, sadly, Grandpa died in 1994, and Dad, ten years later in 2004-both however where able to stay active working on the farms that they loved so much till the end.  The farm - Roxburgh Farms has been a family farm for 4 Generation, and is now owned and operated by my brother Bill and his wife Becky with their six kids who have also worked on the farm as they grew up there.

Wilhelmine Wilson, a close family friend and neighbour nominated Grandpa. Wilhelmine and  Marian Rumford (Daughter of Lorne Gordon)  worked on the submission to the association . 

The picture below was taken during my graduating year from college in photography in 1990, it took a little convincing, but Grandpa agreed to come to the studio, not dressed in a suit as would have been the norm, but I wanted to capture the real Lorne Gordon, in his Big B overalls, the type he would wear everyday.

The following is the article as posted in The Sarnia Observer:

GL90 Agricultural Hall of Fame names Lorne Gordon as first inductee

Posted 23 hours ago

AGRICULTURE: Lorne Gordon did it all

First hall of famer named

The late Lorne Telfer Gordon has been named the first inductee to the Lambton Agricultural Hall of Fame.

Gordon, who died in 1994 at age 88, lived on Gordon Line, a road named in his memory, in what was then Bosanquet Township in Lambton Shores.

"I think we have a very excellent candidate for our first nominee for the Lambton hall of fame," said chairperson Ron MacDougall.

The hall of fame association formed recently with the help of the Lambton Federation of Agriculture to honour the accomplishments of local farmers.

Gordon was a federation member who was active in Farm Forum meetings which extended education to rural areas from 1941 to 1961. He was also a member of the Lambton County Milk Committee and helped start the Bluewater Transport Company.

He took an interest in the environment and conservation, taking papers and bottles to a depot in Sarnia and metals to London long before the "blue box" was invented.

He planted trees along roadsides, around his farm buildings, along fence lines and elsewhere, including a local school yard so it’s students could enjoy the shade.

Noted for his husbandry of the land, Gordon and his son were named Ontario hay and silage kings in 1966.

He served as a local school trustee and was active at Knox Presbyterian Church in Thedford, on his local cemetery board and as a member of the Arkona Seniors.

"He hit the criteria on pretty well everything," said Ken Dunlop, a federation past-president who sits on the hall of fame committee.

Gordon is scheduled to be formally inducted into the hall during the Lambton County Plowman's Banquet Sept. 4 at the Camlachie United Church.

He was selected from a list of five nominees.

"We could have given out five awards," Dunlop said about the quality of the nominees.

MacDougall said the association is still searching for a permanent home for the hall of fame.

MacDougall said he hopes the association's profile grows as it recognizes inductees who have helped make Lambton a strong agricultural community, and also recognizes the leadership they provided in the greater community.

"It's not just what they do on their farm," he said, "it's what they do in their community that's important."

The association plans to name one inductee to the hall of fame each year.

pmorden@theobserver.ca

Copyright © 2010 The Sarnia Observer

Monday, June 28, 2010

Arkona Fireman’s Breakfast

firemen

The Fireman’s Breakfast is always a hit here in Arkona – and yesterday was no different!  From 8:30am-1pm  you could get your fill of bacon, eggs, hash browns, toast and coffee -  and get in a good visit with friends, family and neighbours too.  The firemen always do a great job with this event; each year raising money for a worthy cause as well.  Thank You Guys – you make great Chefs!

Saturday, June 26, 2010

The First Recipients

Yesterday was the day to announcement to the first two recipients to receive scholarships from the Kaeden Brown Foundation.  It was an incredible day for all in attendance.  Incredible weather for a Golf Tournament at Widder Station as it began shotgun style at 10AM with close to 200 players!  Later in the day the announcements came…Congratulations Brittnee and Celine! 

JUNE 24-5

Friday, June 25, 2010

How Not To Shoot A Wedding

Main things that really bug me about this guy:  1. The obvious – He’s making a scene of himself    2. He’s wearing jeans – totally disrespectful….no I don’t shoot like this…even remotely :D

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Now Playing

Now Playing at

the Forest Kineto Theatre

Marmaduke

June 25,26,27,29

All Seats $5  Showtime 8PM

Now Playing At The Grand Bend

Starlite Drive In

JUNE 25-31

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Jenn & Paul

IMG_5072_resize - Copy This is one incredible couple, they actually postponed their original engagement shoot so that I could help out another photographer on another couples wedding day!  Last night we got together for their shoot, along with a few thousand bugs that seemed to really like Paul :(   We were able to finish up before the bugs got too overwhelming though, take a peak!  Congratulations Jenn & Paul!!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Sunset The Butterfly

sb2 This morning I found a butterfly and the kids aptly named it Sunset for it’s beautiful colours.  As I see the carefree, beautiful colours, it reminds me of a child and their whimsical love of life.  Today I think of Kaeden and his family - a carefree spirit remembered. 

“So listen to the sunset  Enjoy its beauty true  When you see it, think of me  And I will think of you”

Listen To The Sunset by Lilli Singh

Listen to the sunset,
Hear its silent sigh
As it falls down the horizon
Warning, the moon is nigh
Listen to the sunset
Hear its silent threat
That darkness will be upon us
It makes everyone upset
Listen to the sunset
The vanity of its words
How beautiful this sunset is
With its colour, and birds
Listen to the sunset
See its pretty hue
But I cant enjoy the sunset
If I am not with you
All the pretty colours are meaningless
So are the birds, and the sounds
Because it all means nothing to me
If you are not around
Just remember this though,
Promise you wont forget,
Even if your far away,
We'll be watching the same sunset
So listen to the sunset
Enjoy its beauty true
When you see it, think of me
And I will think of you

sb1

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Sarnia Relay For Life 2010

rs53 

Last night was the annual Sarnia Relay For Life.  This was a special year for me as I got to watch our daughter take part with her Uncle Paul who has been participating in the relay for a number of years now as a member of the Legacy Lappers.  There were a ton of pictures to go through from last night, I wish I could post them all so that everyone could see more of the amazing individuals that took part and volunteered during this incredible event.

 

Friday, June 18, 2010

Warning To Josh & Julie Anne!

jj4 

I guess I should warn anyone about this, but if you take me near water with you…there is a very good possibility I am going to end up with you in it :D  Josh and Julie Anne were great to play along with though, and managed to get soaked before we were half way through.  Here is a quick recap of this mornings shoot !

Thursday, June 17, 2010

The Party Is Coming – This Saturday!

 

Party In The Park is an annual event that takes place every June at the Arkona Ball Park.  The event is free for all and includes fun for the whole family, including live entertainment, dinner and fireworks!  This year the Fidgets will be the special guest entertainment – and if you haven’t heard of them then you are in for a treat – Think of the show – Who’s Line Is It Anyway– we’re talking improv comedy at it’s best, and there is a seat waiting for You!  4-10:30PM

See you There!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Now Playing

Now Playing At

The Forest Kineto Theatre


Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

June 18,19,20,22

show Time 8PM  All Seats $5

_____________________

Now Playing At

Grand Bend’s Starlite Drive-In

SHREK FOREVER AFTER and ROBIN HOOD

Admission  Adults $9.00  Youth & Seniors $6.00  Children (6-13) $2.00   Under 6 FREE!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Canada Day Idol!

I got to watch our little girl perform a song she wrote – and composed, at her elementary school’s talent show –What a proud Mommy am I :D  Afterwards I was handed this poster regarding an upcoming event taking place in Forest – The Canada Day Idol Contest.  If you are interested in competing, or would like the opportunity to have experience, be sure to come out for the preliminaries happening this Thursday for Grades 4 through 12.

Preliminaries Are Being Held

Thursday, June 17th

At The Kiwanis Kineto Theatre !!!

Canada Idol rs

Monday, June 14, 2010

Youth Bible Hour

vbs2The past few weeks there has been a program running in Thedford at the Legion were on Tuesday nights, your kids can come out and join with their friends, sing, learn, and snack – all with a fantastic group of individuals who have volunteered their time to share the Bible with them.  I have been able to be present with our daughter for a few of the evenings and have been impressed with the caring attention the kids are shown while in attendance.  The kids especially look forward to the time of reciting their verse with the balloon pop – and the leader of this event is hilarious!  On Tuesday of this week, there is a special invitation for all parents to come and join in – This Tuesday – 6:30-7:30 – See You There!vb1

  vbs3 

vbs4

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Delta’s Dawn

I had the opportunity to shoot as second shooter today at the Delta with Dawn of Dawn Boyce Photography. It’s an interesting relationship; we have known each other for probably a year now online, but have never met. Dawn’s work is very personal with an eye for detail and she has a wonderful personality to add to it.  

I really feel it is good to second shoot with other professionals – it allows you to try some different things without feeling the pressure of recording all of the main shots of the day, as well as see how others work with couples and groups.  

Today’s couple were so sweet – the Grooms vows made everyone laugh as he stood proudly with his groomsmen in their bright orange socks; and the Bride was incredible in her easy going calm, accompanied by her hilarious Bridal Party! Here is a brief overview of their day - Congratulations T&M!

Saturday, June 12, 2010

The Forest Relay For Life 2010

An amazing group of individuals got together last night to walk the night through.  The annual relay for life took place at the Forest Fair Grounds were the walkers pledged to walk and walk and walk.  Walking for the fight, walking for the future.  Thank you to all who participated, here is a quick recap of your amazing efforts of the night!  Also -  Videography by AnneMarie was present during the evening, you can catch her video Here.

066-relay

Forest Relay For Life

Friday June 11 – The Annual Forest Relay For Life – Slideshow Coming Soon!

blog relay

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Now Playing

Now Playing At The Forest Kineto Theatre

Robin Hood

Jun 11,12,13,15

Show Time 8 P.M.   All Tickets $5

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Piano Recital

piano recital rs

 

 

This past Saturday our little girl had the opportunity to participate in her first ever piano recital.  I can’t really say a lot about the recital as I wasn’t there since I had a wedding this day.  What I can say is that we have been More Than Impressed with Amy’s piano teacher.   I don’t remember piano lessons ever being so fun!

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

iphone 4

You knew it was coming  - and it looks like today is the day!  Apple has sent out their email announcing the new iphone4, and this thing is stacked!  Video calling, HD video recording ++.  With the new Droid by Motorola, Apple has some real competition – and it looks like they’ve stepped it up once again :Diphone

iphone

Monday, June 07, 2010

Wedding at the Lamplighter

This past weekend I shot another wonderful wedding at the Lamplighter in London - I love shooting here because really – you Never have to worry about weather, and yet, it feels like you are on a tropical island.  The ceremony was beautiful, and the Lamplighter staff were as usual right on top of things with the details surrounding the event . It was a wonderful wedding and the couple were so cute together. Roy, the groom was one of London’s finest, and wore his officer’s uniform for the day displaying his dress code royal red; and the bride Jannette, was simply stunning in her champagne dress and bouquet of beautiful red roses.
9The couple were just perfect together.... it's really a beautiful thing to witness.
The wedding was coordinated by the
Lamplighter, and the DJ was Rob Aitken from Music Central who gave a complete class act for everyone.  To top things off there was even a jazz quartet (Sandy MacKay) was amongst the specialties of the day for the guests.

Friday, June 04, 2010

Bootcamp!

720970442 I found out about this this morning on Melissa Jill’s blog – and then after a little further investigation, found out it is going to be in Canada as well!

“If you are a wedding photographer, vendor, coordinator or work for a wedding publication of any kind, you should definitely look into the unique service that is Two Bright Lights. This new online image-sharing and networking service will transform the way you market your wedding business. Two Bright Lights connects photographers with vendors who work weddings together making image-sharing a seamless, hassle-free process. And it connects photographers and vendors with editorial partners to make the publication submission process a breeze as well.” ~MJ
The bootcamp is completely free to attend but space is limited!
For more information regarding the Canadian Bootcamp Tour click Here !

Montreal Bootcamp

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Now Playing

Now Playing At The Forest Kineto Theatre


Shrek Forever After

June 4,5,6,8

All Tickets $5  Show Time 8PM

Lightroom Tutorial

Lightroom is an amazing piece of software, but there really isn’t that much out there ask far a really good tutorials.  This is one I found some time ago though, so thought I’d take this chance to share :D Enjoy

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Hydro Bill ???

For those of you who picked up your notice regarding your upcoming hydro bills yesterday you are very likely frustrated, and wondering how you can possibly add this into your budget.  All in all, there is an increase by approximately 21%.  The implementers of this are counting on us  acting like Canadians and simply accepting it – but do you realize there is still time to stop it?  Less than 30 seconds of your day, and you can make a difference.  Please take a moment, take a stand!  Click Here

pic_1 Harmonized Sales Tax will mean a significant increase in cost for Ontario Consumers.
Some examples:
Alarm Monitoring Services – the effective cost to a consumer will increase by 8% -  Yes commercial and industrial customers will see the same increase but they are able to claim the increase back as an input tax credit.
When you get your hair cut – price goes up by 8% as this is a “service” that was previously subject only to the GST.
I bought gas at my favourite PetroCanada Station – City Centre Car Wash.  The wash and wax and Armour-all – extras - cost me $1.00 GST.  After July 1 that same $20.00 worth of extras will cost $ 2.60.
Remember that Dalton promised no tax increases.  He lied.  He has increased taxes.  But the Harmonized Sales Tax is so much more of a tax increase compared to all his other taxes.
Most people do not realize just how much HST is going to cost.  HST = Harmful Significant Tax
It is not too late!
As you are aware, the HST is coming into effect July 1, 2010, and will apply to services that usually only charge GST.  If you would like to oppose this new tax, then please sign the Petition in the website listed below.  We need signatures of 10 percent of Ontario's population to call a referendum.  Perhaps you may know of someone you could forward it to.

http://www.hstpetition.com/petition/sign.php