• Troy Felice Builds His Future By Joining The Army of Small Business Owners In The Greater Sudbury Area
  • Living Well Chiropractic Conducts 11th Annual Food & Toy Drive For Good Neighbours Food Bank
  • Capreol Legion Holds Bake Sale At The Mall
  • Sounds of Music Filled The Hallways
  • Valley East's Ryan Benoit Serves His Role Well as Provincial Ambassador For Easter Seal Society
  • Taking Own Photos With Santa Claus Is An Idea That Is Much Appreciated By Local Parents
  • Community Shows Strong Support For The Canadian Armed Forces Fighting In Afghanistan
  • First Annual Valley East Christmas Food Drive Scheduled for This Coming Thursday: Dec. 14
  • Memories From Monique Grenon
  • Books and Blankets and Helping Hands Initiatives Will Make Life Much Easier For Clients of The Elgin Street Mission Centre
  • PAROISSE ST-JOSEPH of Chelmsford Will Be On Hand At the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre Selling Tickets On Lawn Swing Set
  • The Real Dixie Lee Gets A Surprise Meal At Dixie Lee Restaurant
  • Supporting Our Troops by VECAN ( Valley East Community Action Network)
     
Troy Felice Builds His Future By Joining The Army of Small Business Owners In The Greater Sudbury Area
Troy Felice at age 31 is trying to build a better future for himself by joining the army of small business owners who have turned to entrepreneurship in an attempt to escape the cycle of low-paying, dead-end jobs. 

Born and raised in Valley East, Troy attended St. Anne School in Hanmer and then started out at Confederation Secondary School in Val Caron. He moved away from home at the age of 18 and dropped out of Lasalle Secondary School, three credits short of his grade 12 diploma. The past thirteen years have been filled with episodes working at call centres, on welfare, and even a stint as a financial planner.

He was considering starting his own business when his father told him about a company that he had seen on the Oprah Winfrey Show. After thorough investigation of the business, Troy now finds himself as the owner of SLEEP WELL, and is an authorized dealer for Hygienitech Mattress Cleaning Systems. 

For the complete story and more photos 


  

Living Well Chiropractic Conducts 11th Annual Food & Toy Drive For Good Neighbours Food Bank

Wayne Nepssy, 2nd from the left, gratefully accepts the donations of cash, food and toys from Dr. David Welsh and Dr. Ghislaine Landry of the Living Well Chiropractic Office in the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre. Sandra Paquette, one of the two office assistants (Nadine Dussault was absent when the photo was taken) is shown on the far left.

The donations were accepted from patients during the week of December 11 to 14. 

"Our food bank depends on annual drives such as this in order to stock up our shelves so that we can provide for the needy during the winter months," explained Nepssy. "Some of these donations will be given out during the holidays. The help and cooperation we receive from Living Well Chiropractic is very much appreciated."

Capreol Legion Holds Bake Sale At The Mall
Gabby Winter of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 179 Capreol is shown arranging the packages of cookies, pies and squares on the bake table at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre on Saturday, December 16, 2006. The baking didn't take too long to disappear as many shoppers were searching for tasty treats to put out for their Christmas parties.

Sounds of Music Filled The Hallways

Enriquez Lopez is shown above playing a song from his new album 'Gypsy New Flamenco' during one of his sessions at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre. Lopez and his partner, E. Torres, form the group, 'Inti Runa'. Together they travel to malls throughout Ontario performing and selling their CD's to patrons of their very relaxing style of music.

Many shoppers enjoyed their performances which were continuous from Friday, December 15 to Sunday, December 17, 2006.

  
Ryan Benoit's Unique Abilities Serve Him Well In His Role as Provincial Ambassador for the Easter Seal Society
Ryan Benoit is in many ways like any normal 13 year old boy. He lives in Val Caron with his parents, Mike and Joyce and he has two older brothers, Stephen, 15 and Jason, 18. 

He will be entering Grade 8 at Ecole Notre Dame de l'Esperance in the fall of 2006 and, like many boys his age, he is still not sure which high school he will be attending. His grade average is in the mid to upper 80's and his attitude towards school is very positive. His teachers refer to Ryan as one of their classroom leaders, always willing to lend a helping hand and always willing to take on new challenges. Ryan also loves public speaking and is getting along quite will on the computer. He enjoys fishing with his family in the summer and loves swimming. Ryan is also a "hockey nut" and knows just about everything there is to know about the sport. He is also eager to talk to anyone about the players and the game in general.

To look at Ryan in the photo above, he looks like any normal teen age boy. 

Ryan, however, has cerebral palsy, a crippling disease which causes damage to the spinal cord during prenatal developmental stages. It has left him physically disabled - unable to walk and do many of the normal things we take for granted. His wheelchair is more clearly evident in the photo below, but the boy in the picture is the same young boy you first saw in the photo above.

An Honour To Be Chosen From All Of The Candidates - A Tremendous Responsibility For A Young Boy To Shoulder

Ryan was chosen to be one of the two Provincial Ambassadors for the Easter Seal Society. He and his partner, Kaitlyn Lenchak of Aurora, were introduced at the prestigious Con Smythe Fundraising Dinner & Auction on February 9, 2006 in Toronto. He and Kaitlyn are shown in the group photo with many of the stars and celebrities in attendance at the event which raised over $400,000 for Easter Seals.

As official Ambassadors of the Easter Seal Society for the 2006 calendar year, both Ryan and Kaitlyn feel very honoured, but at the same time, they also realize the tremendous responsibility they have in representing the organization at various public functions during the year. Most of the functions are fund-raising in nature, designed to raise a lot of money which will be used to improve the quality of life for many others who are physically challenged.

Here we see Ryan and Kaitlyn with his favourite hockey coach (next to his father), the Sudbury Wolve's Mike Foligno.

Ryan's parents, standing directly behind him, Mike and Joyce Benoit, are extremely proud of the way their son has handled the responsibility of being a Provincial Ambassador. In this photo they are with Mr. Don Ferguson on the left, and Mr. Roger Abbott on the right, both members of the Canadian Airfarce.

John Ferguson and Ross Rebagliati stop by to chat with Kaitlyn and Ryan during the Con Smythe Dinner and Auction.

Ryan is well aware of up coming hockey stars, so he was very excited when he met with John Tavares of the Oshawa Generals, who many are calling the next Wayne Gretzky.

Back at home, in the familiar surroundings of his bedroom, Ryan demonstrates a down-to-earth, level-headedness that is quite astounding considering the attention he has been receiving this year. He takes everything in stride and sincerely feels good about being able to do something to make a difference for other kids and adults who are confined to a wheelchair or otherwise 'disabled'.

It is precisely because of Ryan's natural abilities and giftedness that he has become a perfect choice as Provincial Ambassador for the Easter Seal Society. He is very sociable and enjoys meeting people. Ryan never lets his physical impairments prevent him from doing just about anything that other children do, he just has to "work harder" at some things than others. And he realizes this, so it never gets him down. Ryan, however, also realizes that there are some things, such as public speaking, talking to people, going out in public and making speeches in front of stars and celebrities and simply being able to take on the challenges of being a leader, that he does with ease. These are things that many others, especially his age, have a great deal of difficulty with.

And so, as Ryan continues to fulfil his responsibilities until February 2007 when another two young people will take over, he plans on using his "abilities" to make a difference for the Easter Seals Society and all of the people they serve. He plans on continuing in his role as a ' Public Ambassador' for the Easter Seals Society for the rest of his life. He is a role model and an inspiration, not only to people with physical impairments, but also to the perfectly healthy individuals who, once they meet Ryan,  will realize how important it is to focus on your abilities and talents rather than on your inabilities and struggles.

  
Valley East's Ryan Benoit Serves His Role Well as Provincial Ambassador For Easter Seal Society

Ryan Benoit is in many ways like any normal 13 year old boy. He lives in Val Caron with his parents, Mike and Joyce and he has two older brothers, Stephen, 15 and Jason, 18. 

He attends Grade 8 at Ecole Notre Dame de l'Esperance. His grade average is in the mid to upper 80's and his attitude towards school is very positive. His teachers refer to Ryan as one of their classroom leaders, always willing to lend a helping hand and always willing to take on new challenges. Ryan also loves public speaking and is getting along quite will on the computer. He enjoys fishing with his family in the summer and loves swimming. Ryan is also a "hockey nut" and knows just about everything there is to know about the sport. He is also eager to talk to anyone about the players and the game in general.

To look at Ryan in the photo above, he looks like any normal teen age boy. 

That is until you see him in a photo with the Right Honourable Paul Martin, former Prime Minister of Canada. Or, until you notice that he gets around in a wheelchair.

Ryan has cerebral palsy, a crippling disease which causes damage to the spinal cord during prenatal developmental stages. It has left him physically disabled - unable to walk and do many of the normal things we take for granted. 

Ryan was chosen to be one of the two Provincial Ambassadors for the Easter Seal Society. He and his partner, Kaitlyn Lenchak of Aurora, were introduced at the prestigious Con Smythe Fundraising Dinner & Auction on February 9, 2006 in Toronto. 

As official Ambassadors of the Easter Seal Society for the 2006 calendar year, both Ryan and Kaitlyn feel very honoured, but at the same time, they also realize the tremendous responsibility they have in representing the organization at various public functions during the year. Most of the functions are fund-raising in nature, designed to raise a lot of money which will be used to improve the quality of life for many others who are physically challenged.

In the photo to the left, he and Kaitlyn are shown with the Hon. Brian Tobin, former premier of the Province of Newfoundland and Belinda Stronack, M.P, Aurora, Newmarket District. They were all attending the recent Toronto Tribute.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here, Ryan is shown with The Honourable Bob Rae, a former Premier of the Province of Ontario and one of the front-runners at the Federal Liberal leadership convention held recently.

 

 

 

Ryan and Kaitlyn are shown here with the Mayor of Toronto, David Miller.

 

 

 

Here Ryan is shown with singer Jack Soul. 

And so, as Ryan continues to fulfill his responsibilities until February 2007 when another two young people will take over, he plans on using his "abilities" to make a difference for the Easter Seals Society and all of the people they serve. He plans on continuing in his role as a ' Public Ambassador' for the Easter Seals Society for the rest of his life. He is a role model and an inspiration, not only to people with physical impairments, but also to the perfectly healthy individuals who, once they meet Ryan,  will realize how important it is to focus on your abilities and talents rather than on your inabilities and struggles.

If you wish to read a previous story about Ryan that we featured earlier this year in Valley East Today, click here>>>>

Taking Own Photos With Santa Claus Is An Idea That Is Much Appreciated By Local Parents
An unidentified young boy enjoying his candy cane sits patiently with Santa Claus while his parents take several photos in an effort to get the perfect picture to save forever. This is the second year that the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre has instituted a policy which allows parents and grandparents to take their own photos with Santa. It was done in an effort to save money for parents who normally must purchase expensive packages from professional photographers in most malls. Judging by the positive feedback, this is a policy which is likely to remain in place at the mall for some time to come.
Community Shows Strong Support For The Canadian Armed Forces Fighting In Afghanistan

Sandra Amyot and Wayne Fox were extremely pleased with the way the community demonstrated support for members of the Canadian Armed Forces who have been drawn into the war in Afghanistan. Sandra and Wayne took part in a special "Support The Troops" weekend at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre on December 9 and 10, 2006. Their two sons, Kyle and Glenn Fox, have both served in Afghanistan. The boys' grandmother, Bridget Amyot, on the left in the photo, also took part in the event.

For the complete story and more photos 


  

First Annual Valley East Christmas Food Drive Scheduled for This Coming Thursday: Dec. 14
   The staff of Neil’s Your Independent Grocers and The Vision Paper are ready to launch the First Annual Valley East Christmas Food Drive on Thursday night – December 14, 2006 . Beginning at 6:00 p.m. all available staff will hop on board a specially decorated “float” and make their way through the streets of Valley East , singing Christmas Carols and knocking on doors looking for donations of non-perishable food.
  
   In order to thank people for their generousity, Neil’s YIG will be giving each donor a ballot for every item of food donated. That ballot can then be filled out and deposited in the Food Bank Depot which is located inside Neil’s YIG. One lucky person will win $250 worth of groceries when the draw is made on Saturday, December 23.
  
   Anyone who wishes to donate food between now and December 14, may do so by dropping the food off in the Food Bank Depot at the entrance to Neil’s Your Independent Grocer. There, you can pick up a ballot and enter the draw for the free groceries. Neil’s YIG also has some prepared bags of food with high nutrients on sale for $3 if you wish to simply pick up one of those bags of food as your donation.
  
   All food collected will be delivered to the Good Neighbours Food Bank in Hanmer for distribution to needy families.
  
   The Vision Paper and Neil’s Your Independent Grocer wish to thank the people of
Valley East for their support of this very worthy cause.  

Memories From Monique Grenon

We thank Monique Grenon of Hanmer for sharing some of these old photos that she uncovered from one of her albums. See if you can spot some of your old friends (or ancestors). Click on the link below for more photos.

FOR MORE PHOTOS >>>>

Books and Blankets and Helping Hands Initiatives Will Make Life Much Easier For Clients of The Elgin Street Mission Centre

Tammy, from the Elgin Street Mission graciously accepts a donation from Clair and Ron of the Greater Sudbury Public Library. 

Library patrons donated over 1400 knitted squares which were made into 50 blankets sewn together by volunteers. 

The library also collected over 300 hygiene items (soaps, toothbrushes etc) and over 120 mitts, toques, scarves which were given to the Elgin Street Mission. 

As well the library gave 100 paperbacks.  These items will be given to the clients of the Elgin Street Mission.  

Library patrons and staff are caring people who care about their community.  These donations were possible through the library's Books and Blankets and Helping Hands initiatives.

PAROISSE ST-JOSEPH of Chelmsford Will Be On Hand At the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre Selling Tickets On Lawn Swing Set

Monique Martel is shown at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre taking her turn selling tickets on the beautiful lawn swing set which will be won by a lucky person on June 17, 2007. The set was built by Marcel Rodrique and donated by Ronald and Murielle Bradley. Tickets are selling at a cost of $2 each, or 3 for $5 and 7 for $10. An early bird draw with a prize of $200 will be drawn on December 23, 2006, with a second early bird draw for $300 made on February 11, 2007. Tickets will be available at the mall until December 21.
The Real Dixie Lee Gets A Surprise Meal At Dixie Lee Restaurant

Capreol's Joyce Sweezy, shown on the right, is well-known for her love of life and for playing practical jokes on her friends. So one day she made a proposition to the Joanne Lafond, the owner of Dixie Lee Restaurant. Joyce told her that she would bring in the "Real Dixie Lee" in return for a free dinner. And so, one day Joyce enticed her good friend, "Dixie Lee" (McKenny) to come to her for a ride to the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre for dinner. The "Real Dixie Lee" was not only treated to dinner, but she was even given a hat to take home with her "name" on the front.

For "Dixie Lee", the surprise dinner was a great way to spend time with her "Aunt Joyce", and for Joanne Lafond, it is a great story to tell her future customers.

Supporting Our Troops

by VECAN ( Valley East Community Action Network)

               The war in Afghanistan may seem a long distance away, but not for Canadians who wait for news of their friends or relatives who fight this faceless war.  Wayne and Sandy, the parents of Kyle and Glenn Fox, understand how difficult it is to wait.  Graduates of Confederation Secondary School , both brothers joined the Canadian Military as Peacekeepers. The younger Kyle who joined in 2001 and Glenn, later in 2004, shared a two month tour.  Both gunners, Glenn is doing more extensive training in Edmonton , while Kyle is presently stationed in Petawawa, awaiting surgery that, hopefully, will repair the hearing lost during a rocket launch attack.

            Not all of their news reaches home.  Daily missions are unpredictable and many of the men who began active duty with Kyle have been lost in action.  Kyle speaks of Mark Anthony Graham as “the best friend I ever had or ever will have”.

Although serving in Afghanistan is very dangerous for our soldiers, Sandy understands that, without it, terrorism would reach as far as our own homes here in the Valley; no one would be safe.  So, while she waits anxiously for news, Sandy has been promoting what she can to support not only her sons, but the rest of Canadian Troops. 

For like-minded Canadians, the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency website, www.cfpsa.com, has several recommendations:

  • The proceeds from the sale of Support Our Troops merchandise (ball caps, t-shirts, car and fridge magnets, cling vinyl window decals, bracelets, lapel pins, and more) are reinvested directly into morale and welfare programs for CF members and their families.  They would make good Christmas gifts at this time of year. 
  • Messages of appreciation can be posted on the online message board at www.forces.gc.ca/site/community?messageboard/index_e.asp. 
  • Place an ad in Canadian Forces Newspapers that reach 15 military bases in seven provinces. 
  • Wear something red on Fridays.           

            The Valley East Community Action Network invites you to wear red on Saturday, December 9th when you visit the Support Our Troops display across from the Royal Bank in the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre, from 10 till 3.  Sandy and Wayne are hoping that Kyle will be able to join them there from 11 until 2. 

            If you are aware of other local families whose relatives have been deployed, please share that information by e-mailing vecan@mysudbury.ca, or by telephoning Claudette @ 897-2113.

 

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