Jake Just missing 17 years

By Sharon Weatherall

Time moves on but yet its standing still for a Midland area mom whose son went missing 17 years ago.

Each Halloween I feel compelled to write something to help keep this story in the public eye. I didn’t know Jake Just but I have come to know his mother quite well feeling her pain and hopelessness as another year goes by and still there are no new leads as to what may have happened to her son. With three sons of my own I can’t help but glimpse just a fraction of the torture she has endured over the years…not knowing. To spend 18 years raising a boy and then all of a sudden he is gone and no one knows that happened is a nightmare that never ends.  

Jake Just disappeared without a trace on October 30, 1998 - Halloween Eve. Each Halloween Debbie Just relives that tragic night and the weeks and months that followed ….it’s a bad time of the year and one she wants to end by finding some closure.  But the case has gone cold and police don’t have any answers.  Foul play is suspected but nothing can be proven. Police say someone out there knows something.

After so many years Debbie feels certain that Jake will never come home but she still wants to know what happened so she can put him to rest. Like the police, Debbie believes that somebody out there knows something and what happened to her son remains a well-guarded secret.

“I have always felt that someone knows. When people do wrong they are always worried about the punishment – I have felt that punishment for 17 years and believe it is time to balance to books,” said Debbie.

“I just want someone to let me know - even anonymously, where my son is and let our family move on. I am not taking it lightly when I say it doesn’t matter to me if they are punished because they have lived with this for 17 years too – that’s got to be hard. We just need closure.”

Debbie says it’s hard for her family to go to the cemetery to see a tree and a plaque while knowing Jake is not there.

“I don’t know where Jake is and my main concern is to find out where my son is! Whether what happened to him was intentional or not or if it was an accident, doesn’t matter now – I just want to know,” said Debbie.

Jake Just had been at a party and was gone exactly 24 hours when Debbie called the police. Not a day gone has gone by since that she doesn’t wish she’d called sooner. Would it have made any difference? No one knows, least of all the police.

“It was 8 p.m. and I had just finished handing out tricker-treats to the kids when I decided something was not right and I was calling the police,” said Just.

“He never came home and that was not like Jake but I wasn’t sure what to do. I had called all of his friends but thought I had to wait a certain amount of time before calling the police. They told me later you can call anytime if it is unusual behaviour.”

At the time of his disappearance, Jake JUST was described as male white, 6’2, 170lbs., blonde hair and green eyes.  He was last seen wearing an olive green and beige long sleeve T-shirt, black D.V.S. size 11 running shoes, and was carrying a black “Jaguar” brand knapsack.

Immediately after and over the years searches have been done including a grid search in 2010 by OPP Criminal Investigation Branch of the swampy wooded area near where Jake disappeared west of Sunnyside Drive and north of Vinden Street in Midland. While this was 12 years after Jake went missing police hoped to find some possible remains from the back pack or shoes Jake was wearing when he went missing. The search was carried out by members of the OPP Central Region Emergency Response Team (ERT) along with members of the Midland Police Service. Unfortunately nothing was turned up during this intensive search.

Midland Police confirmed last year they speak to Debbie Just when there is something to report which doesn't mean they aren't pursuing any tips which may come in. In the past more tips have tended to come in around Halloween which is the anniversary date and when people remember that Jake went missing.

For the 9^th anniversary crime reporter Sue Sgambati was in Midland filming a segment for CourtTV Canada’s Crime Files: Cold Case Edition. The story of the missing Midland youth captured the interest of the national television network and the show aired several times around Halloween that year.

The high profile case has also attracted the attention of mediums and psychics from across the nation and farther. In recent years Debbie Just has gained some comfort through turning to psychics and trying to reach her son through communicating with them. Jackie Dennison from Rescue Mediums and her associate Steve Furlong at Feathers Academy in England have come to know Debbie over the past few years and have provided her with details of what they ‘feel’ happened to her son. In this sense she has come to believe that Jake is no longer alive.

The two gifted mediums became committed using maps, dowsing with pendulums and other forms of techniques. They, along with an assistant - Edna Dargie, have even gone to the Sunnyside woods with me to retrace the steps Jake took on the night he went missing. That experience was not only exhilarating but informative. It was as if Jake were there speaking to them and guiding them along the path he took then eventually exited from. Both Jackie and Steve felt that Jake left the woods before he went missing and made it on foot to a nearby road where he was possibly struck by a vehicle – then taken from the area. This would make sense since his body could not be found and several police searches of the wooded area have turned up no clues.

As the 17^th anniversary rolls around it is no less painful for Jake’s mom and two sisters who still live with the pain of a missing family member - a son and brother they don’t know what happened to. Debbie tells me she is thankful that I remember Jake through my blog on an annual basis.

“It gets harder every year. I think as I get older that hope of finding out about Jake gets farther away, not closer and it takes so much energy. I am at the point where I thought we would be someday. When people remember but only from the past and they have moved on with their lives,” said Debbie.

“This week I watch and listen as people talk about things and I am in my sad world – there in the space but not there. I shall visit my girls and grab some grandchild joy this week.”

 You keep up the fight and so will I, she tells me and I agree that someone has to.

There is currently a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of the person responsible for the disappearance or death of Jake Just. Call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-310-1122.

‘The Sunset Dreamer’ – BFN photographer on display

By Sharon Weatherall

Beautiful scenes from Christian Island will be on display in Penetanguishene Ontario later this month. Landscape photographer Sharon Lisa Monague is hosting a show at ‘Le Matre D’ Restaurant at 106 Main Street between 4 – 6:30 p.m. on Sunday August 23. It will be a first for the talented photographer and she is looking forward to a positive response.

“People have been pushing me to do a show and I am excited now that it is in the works,” said Monague whose work has become well known to Beausoleil First Nation members that also appreciate the beauty of their island home.

“I have had some die-hard fans since I started posting my pictures on Facebook – their enthusiasm has inspired me.”

Monague picked up photography as a hobby after her children left home and she became bored wanting something more to do with her time. Walking her dogs along the trails and beaches of Christian Island she began to appreciate the beauty and landscape she once took for granted – especially the fantastic sunrises and sunsets. Now the 52 year old shutterbug never leaves home without her Canon Rebel and has captured some truly remarkable images around the island.

Monague says she believes in herself when she is taking pictures and believes that each shot she takes will be a good one. Through personal experience, trial and error and taking lessons at ‘Henry’s School of Imaging’ she has developed an eye and the skills it takes to become a great photographer.   

“I couldn’t believe how I took to photography – I love it. I believe in myself that I will get a good picture and I do. I take my camera everywhere with me now and hate to miss a sunrise or sunset – they are all so different. I am always racing to catch a sunset,” said Monague.

“A tip I would like to share is it’s not always about catching the sun as it is rising or setting, but the colours before and after that are gorgeous – especially if there are lots of clouds.”

Over the past three years Monague has managed to gather quite a collection of beautiful images but when she looks back at the some of the first ones she took she notices that some are over exposed. Shooting on the auto setting did not allow her to be creative like using the manual setting which is what she uses nearly all the time now. At first Monague says she was confused by all the settings on the camera but since taking classes and reading tips at Digital School Photography ( DSP) online she has learned a great deal about composition, how to hold a camera, shutter speed and more.

“I prefer learning in class and hands-on with an instructor instead of using manuals. Some people are a bit nervous about all the things the new cameras will do – I was like that at first too but now I am using the dials and buttons to see what I can do,” said Monague.

“I recommend people go to the online site to learn a bit more about their camera. It worked for me and I love to share tips to help people.”

Some tips Monague has for photographers who are just starting out include ‘focusing’ on how to hold a camera properly so that blurry images can be avoided. A steady hand works wonders. Also do not always expect the subject of a picture to be right in the middle – have it off to the side a little, because you get too much exposure if you shoot directly at them.

Monague started out giving her pictures away as gifts and raffled them off at community events but people began expressing interest in buying them. Lately she has bigger plans in the works for her photography. She is currently working on a business plan for ‘The Sunset Dreamer’ - her business, and has a web site which she hopes will be up and running by the end of August.

The upcoming photography show will feature about ten landscape images of Christian Island and a portfolio filled with other pictures for people to view or purchase.  

In the future Monague aspires to travel the world and take pictures of her adventures. Iceland is first on her wish list. She has gotten a lot of experience shooting beautiful wintery images on the frozen waters surrounding her home. In the meantime she has visited Toronto and Montreal where she has shot some interesting pictures and she continues to explore Christian Island during her morning and evening walks with her dogs – which have become attractive models for some of her work. Currently Monague is working on improving her night time photography since she sees plenty of opportunity for this around the island.

“Christian Island has so many opportunities for good photography. The beaches, skies and waters here always look so fresh and beautiful. I never get tired of taking pictures on the island and consider myself very lucky to live here now that I recognize its beauty and uniqueness,” said Monague.

To inquire about an image, the new website or get in touch with Sharon Monague about her business ‘The Sunset Dreamer’ email her at: shar_monague@hotmail.com

Mollie Doodle visits Christian Island

Mollie Doodle visits Christian Island

By Sharon Weatherall 

‘Mollie Doodle’ the loveable Golden Doodle of a popular children’s book series is coming to Christian Island.

A colourful and informative book about the Beausoleil First Nation (BFN) community and its way of life is now in the works.

Author/Illustrator darci-que from Creemore Ontario, has published 13 books so far in ‘The Adventures of Mollie Doodle’ series which often involve lessons for kids about sharing and caring, friendship, bullying and more. Mollie is an inspiration to children and adults alike but not really a fictional character. She is actually darci-que’s family dog and has many loveable traits which come across in her books. The upcoming book about Christian Island will be number 14 in the series and promises to be an interesting story.

Darci-que says this book will be a bit different in content and she is very excited about getting started.

“There will be no lesson in this book as I see it as an awareness book about a very special community separated from the mainstream but only by a ferry ride,” said darci-que.

The well-known author/illustrator has visited the island in the past to read her books to children at Christian Island Elementary School (CIES).

“The first time I went to the island I wanted to do a Mollie Doodle book about the people and the island. I love the people and the kiddies who each have a special purity to them. Although they live a modern life I love the elements of their culture that continues in their everyday life,” said darci-que.

darci-que and her daughter Emilie traveled to the island earlier this week to meet with CIES principal Angela Johnson who will be the connection between the community and the author as far as content for the new book. However, the school itself will be a pig part as well as aspects of island life, culture and tradition.

“This is very exciting. The book will be an opportunity to educate other people about life on the island and what it is like at school here and the up-to-date elements of learning we use such as iPods, etc. It will show the differences and similarities of life and education on Christian Island,” said Johnson.

The book will include how CIES students study Ojibway tradition, culture and the Anishinabek language as part of their regular studies.   

Communications to collect research for the book will be ongoing over the next few weeks. During the recent meeting author and principal discussed the importance of such things as school and community logos – both of which will be included in the book, island services (fire, police, EMS, medical, dental, senior’s centre, recreation centre, BFN band office, etc.,), modes of transportation including skoot, snowmobile and hovercraft in winter, as well as boats and ferry during the rest of the year. Travel from island to mainland on one of two ferries is crucial for islanders to bring supplies and sustain a comfortable and normal life. Included in the book will be input from the Elders of the community. darci-que also hopes to touch on such things as island wildlife and land features including Christian Island’s two inland lakes, numerous beautiful beaches, and its lighthouse.  The reservation includes two other islands - Hope and Beckwith, plus property at Cedar Point where the mainland ferry launch is located.

darci-que and Johnson talked about the importance of the Eagle Staff and what it means to a native community.

“The Eagle Staff represents the heart of the community,” said Johnson explaining it is carried by the community leader at events such as pow wows.    

darci-que and Emilie will be attending CIES’s annual Pow Wow which takes place on Wednesday May 20^th 2015. At this event each year other area schools are invited to attend Christian Island to experience and learn about native cultures and traditions including food, singing, dancing, crafts and much more.

As a character in her books, Mollie Doodle often dresses for the occasion so it will be totally appropriate for her to be wearing a traditional jingle dress in the new book – after all she will want to do some dancing at the pow wow.    

Plans are in the works to have the loveable Golden Doodle actually come to the island for a visit. Mollie who suffers a bit from motion sickness wants an opportunity to meet the people and the island dogs which are plentiful in the community.

“The principal has asked for me to come if I can handle a car and the ferry! woof!,” says Mollie.

Learn more about this fluffy white canine and her friends by visiting the Face Book Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheAdventuresOfMollieDoodle

Christmas came early to Christian Island

Christmas came early to Christian Island

By Sharon Weatherall

Chief Roland Monague shared a story of goodwill which has positively impacted the people of Christian Island this holiday season.

On Thursday December 18^th Beausoleil First Nation people were graciously gifted with a large donation of clothes from a neighbouring community. All clothes were brand new and brand name in boxes.

“We are presently conducting a mass distribution today at the community Rec Centre. Members were lined up at the door at 8:30 a.m. this morning and the crowds have been on going all day to partake in receiving this kind gesture of clothing,” said Chief Monague.  

“I was approached by a fellow from Collingwood whom wished to remain anonymous on donating these to our members who could certainly use these clothes as a form of Christmas offering. We received a cube van full of clothes that represents many children’s clothing, clothing for youth and some adult clothing as well. All indication is this has been well received by our members.”

Monague said the distribution of the clothing was handled by Family Services on the Island and the Chief and Council paid to rent a cube van for the cause.

Hank Monague - family support worker with Family Services confirmed there was a good response from the community to the quality name brand items mainly for children under one year of age - including sleepers etc. and for children10 and under including fleece jackets and pants. For adults there were women’s skirts and sweater jackets with name brands such as Columbia and Roots. There were over 60 boxes of clothing in total.

The band was notified of the donation last Sunday and transportation and pick-up were arranged for Wednesday. Notification was sent out to members on Monday through email and word of mouth inviting them to come over to the Recreation Center on Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.  

“Four people went to make the pick-up in Collingwood  and bring it back to the island. When the cube truck arrived there were eight of us from Family Services here on Wednesday unpacking the clothing and setting it out on tables for members to come in and go through,” said Monague.

“It was a very generous donation - one of the biggest ones we have had and much appreciated. We have had donations in the past through churches and charities but nothing on this scale. The donor wishes to remain anonymous but just wanted the community to have a good Christmas.”

A portion of the gift will be paid forward. Monague says after BFN community members were done going through the donation at the end of the day the remaining clothes items were packed back up to be re-donated to other communities including Midland and Penetanguishene through the Salvation Army, Friendship Center and Value Village etc.

“Once the clothing has been repacked we hope to redistribute it to other areas before Christmas or within the New Year,” said Monague.

It was a wonderful gesture for the BFN community at Christmas time and no doubt helped a lot of people during one of the most financially trying times of the year.