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.

We are the Villagers on top of Truffle Mountain

By Sharon Weatherall 

From January to October ‘We are the Villagers’ (WATV) will receive support through the sales of truffles made by ‘The Elegant Gourmet’ on King Street in Midland.  

Mountain Truffles have been a big hit at the store since they were created nearly a decade ago by Susan and Glen Canning’s four year old son.  Now 12, Matthew Canning has been making mountain truffles for eight years and raising money for the Midland Toy Drive at Christmas time. The proceeds go towards buying toys which stay in Midland and are distributed by the Children’s Aid Society.

This Christmas Matthew decided to share the wealth with registered children’s charity WATV. Starting January 1^st he will make mountain truffles in January to the end of October each year and proceeds will be donated to the children of the village.

“They seem like good people – I personally like what they do so we decided to support them,” said Matthew.

“They help kids that don’t have enough money to do extra-curricular activities. I think I know what it feels like to feel bored and not belong to some activities and I know how happy you can be when someone is trying to help you enjoy your childhood.”

When he was just four years old Matthew made his first truffle for a little friend, followed by a whole tray full to sell. When someone said ‘hey you should make those and sell them all the time’ the charity idea blossomed. At the time Susan Canning talked to her son and they came up with an incentive and formula to split the proceeds in half.

“The first lady that bought a truffle off that tray Matthew gave a hug to. He was so happy to see them selling. I talked to him about donating half the money to the toy drive and he asked me if he could think about it. Then he came back and said ‘I would love to do that’ so that’s how it all started,” said Canning.

When he was just six years old young Matthew Canning was a guest on Breakfast Television making his truffles and sharing his story. Three years ago when they had their moist generous year yet the donation box was stolen and the community rallied to raise the money back and then some. Susan Canning notified the media about what had happened and thanks to public support four extra carloads of toys were purchased that year for Midland children.  

Due to the rising cost of chocolate over the past two years the price of the truffles has gone up for the first time in ten years. The delicious treats will now sell for $2.50 each with one dollar of the proceeds going towards Matthew and the other dollar and half going towards charity. Glen Canning - Matthew’s dad actually makes the truffles, while Matthew decorates them. He’s a pro at dressing up the tasty chocolate mounds by using seasonal themes throughout the year.

At Christmas as many as 25 – 30 truffles weekly are covered with coloured sprinkles and go out the door with proceeds going to the toy drive. So far it’s the busiest time of the year for truffles but the Canning’s are hoping that will change. Once the word gets out that they are being sold for charity on a year round basis they will hope truffle sales will become more popular.

“Matthew decorates them for the different seasons with little hearts at Valentines and flowers in the springtime. We are hoping with the proper publicity people will come to know they are being sold for charity, and we will get more sales on a regular basis,” said Canning who greatly appreciates the work of WATV cofounders Julianna Matyas and Geoff Crompton.

“I have known Julianna for years and think the work she is doing is wonderful…I love what she does. I spoke to her about this charity when they first got it started and it is amazing to watch how it has grown. Initially she asked me to become involved but with our business I was just too busy so the truffle sales are a way that we can help support the Villagers. Matthew loved the idea.”

Canning says through WATV they can help kids every day of the year with all proceeds from January through October going directly towards the cause.

“The toy drive is a wonderful cause but it’s only for one day where the Villagers help kids every day. This way we can support both charities raising money for the toy drive during November and December and for the Villagers the rest of the year,” said Canning.

“This year we were raffling a huge teddy bear to help raise money for the toy drive and the when it came time for the draw Julianna Matyas won it. She says the teddy is going to be a mascot for the Villagers. Matthew thought that was wonderful.”

WATV is a registered charity which supports over 350 kids in recreational programs throughout the area and farther. WATV has a mission to help families and their children participate in extra-curricular activities of interest to them. Whether sports, music, art or other interests, WATV sponsor children in need so that they may take part in these activities without being restricted by registration fees and equipment costs. WATV hosts community supported fundraising events on a year round basis to raise the money and cover the costs to help reach goals. Now the sale of chocolate truffles will assist.

“I thought this was an amazing Christmas story and just an amazing all-around story of giving and caring and sharing” said Matyas.

Midland Welcomes ``We are the Villagers`` and Mollie Doodle

By Sharon Weatherall and Julianna Matyas

Saturday November 15th from 10 am – 2 pm at the Midland Library 230 King Street Midland is going to be a big day in town for children`s charity `We are the Villagers` (WATV)  - a growing movement in Simcoe County.

Kids can join the Adventure Quest at the Midland Library and meet the Villagers to learn what they do and while there meet Mollie Doodle the star doggie in the Villagers very first book written in the Adventures of Mollie Doodle.

There will be Clowns, face painting, self-portraits, refreshments and a book signing and reading of the new book by author darci-que at 11:30 am. The event is free admission for all.

We are the Villagers have 358 kids and counting in recreational programs throughout the area extending well past Midland where it was based; it became a registered charity in summer of 2012. WATV has a mission to help families and their children participate in extracurricular activities of interest to them. Whether sports, music, art or other interests, WATV sponsor children in need so that they may take part in these activities without being restricted by registrational fees and equipment costs. WATV hosts community supported fundraising events on a year round basis to raise the money and cover the costs to help reach goals.

``I think `A WELCOMING OF WE ARE THE VILLAGERS to the Town of Midland` is unprecedented. To welcome a Charity to Town is a significant accomplishment,`` said Julianna Matyas cofounder of the organization.

``This is not just a book launch this is the Town, authorized by its Mayor, Gord McKay - A WELCOMING OF WE ARE THE VILLAGERS to Midland and thanking us for all we do here.``

A book launch has been placed inside the Welcome to Midland event as a time to thank all the villagers to date for their part in making it such a success. Especially those who commit time and time again to contribute to silent auctions and all the patrons of the events and those such as Driven Athletics, Tiny Lions Club, Tiny Hunters and Anglers, Mayor Gerry Marshall, Cedar Ridge Pops, Yoga House in Penetanguishene, The Midland Mirror that sponsored all of the event posters and so many others that raise money to keep the kids dreams alive.

``At the Welcome we are going to have 20 people representing a cross section of the community as villagers and have created an Adventure Quest at the Midland Public Library whereby the kids will come and obtain a passport, and meet the various villagers, collecting stamps along the way and it will all lead to them meeting Mollie Doodle the loveable dog and Emily from the book. They will be hearing the story read by its author, illustrator, the amazing, darci-que and of course, the book will be on sale and is set in Midland, the Town that we started the villagers movement in,`` said Matyas

``These are my favourite events when the kids get to come out and be part of the village and understand how many wonderful people it takes to make their dreams come true,`` said Matyas who works alongside local business man Geoff Crompton in this endeavor.

Of course, people can also come and donate and contribute by purchasing books to be given to WATV to put under the Christmas Tree at our Christmas Event so that each child in the village will have their story book complete with a colouring page and a dream page.

darci-que  - author and illustrator of the Adventures of Mollie Doodle series about her Golden Doodle and several other children`s books, is thrilled to be working with WATV and was excited to do the book. She is looking forward to the launch on November 15<sup>th</sup> and to be taking Mollie to the Midland Library to meet the kids. darci – que`s daughter Emily is thrilled to be part of the book too.

``The kids will go through stations where the big reveal is to get to Mollie. Mollie will be so excited`` said the Creemore author.

``The book involves a story where Mollie and Emily get notice about a new children`s charity and go to Midland to see what it`s all about. The book is actually a rundown of what WATV is all about and what they do for the kids. Molly and Emily act as the hosts of the book. There are plans for more books in the future where Emily and Mollie will go back to Midland and attend other WATV events. It`s a great concept and one that will help people know just what the charity is all about.``

And in the meantime WATV continues to grow.

``Geoff and I recently added 18 young boys and girls into the village program. He has set up guitar lessons for them as a group and to see the joy on their faces was heartwarming. There is never a dull moment here in the village and the work has just begun,`` said Matyas

Recently Matyas and Crompton have been nominated for the Peace Medallion  -  part of YMCA Canada's efforts to promote Peace in communities, which takes place between Nov 15 and 30. The cofounders are thrilled and say it is an honour just to be nominated.

Matyas says WATV has become a symbol of Peace as it goes about its work doing what it is meant to do and is bringing JOY every step of the way.

``Geoff and I had a dream. To remind society that we are indeed a village and how much each and every one of us has to offer. In so doing our part, we bring joy to the kids’ lives, a bit more happiness within the family structure and stimulate everything in between,`` said Matyas.

``We have kids in programs from Violin lessons to bowlers and everything in between. What a journey Geoff and I have started and it is wonderful yet humbling at least for me, when people rally to do whatever they can to help us, build our dream. I say over and over again. We had the vision. We created it but without the parent and guardians coming forward to have their children part of something so positive and worthwhile, we wouldn't exist.``

For more information visit the web site: www.wearethevillagers.com  or call toll free to 1-855-528-5252.

Jake missing 16 years

By Sharon Weatherall 

Jake Just’s mom says her boy has now been missing nearly as many years as she had him. Her son was 18 when he disappeared and was not heard from again. That’s a life time for a mom who has never given up hope of finding out what happened.

The Midland teen disappeared on October 30, 1998 - Halloween Eve, without a trace. He’d been at a party and was gone exactly 24 hours when his mother Debbie Just 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.”

In the early years after Jake went missing Police issued a press release around the anniversary date asking for tips and information leading to the disappearance of the teen, giving details about him and what he was wearing. Each year tips came in and police followed up to no avail. Midland Staff Sargent Jim Rettinger has been involved in the case since the beginning and continues to the hold the Jake Just missing person case as a priority on his desk. He understands how difficult it is for Debbie Just as each year passes with no leads or information come forward. Rettinger works together with an OPP case manager in dealing with the file and Jake Just is listed on the OPP Missing Person web site: http://www.opp.ca/ecms/index.php?id=188.

“We speak to Debbie when we have something to report. We respect that it is very hard on her to hear ‘nothing new’, or contact her just for the sake of doing so….she wants us to get hold of her if something comes up,” said Rettinger.

That doesn’t mean Police aren’t actively pursuing tips, they are says Rettinger.

“That’s what we’ve been doing since day one. The anniversary time and media coverage always precipitates tips,” he said.

“It’s out there and it’s live, it’s not like people don’t know about it. It’s a prominent case.”

In the years that Jake Just has been missing many programs had been set in place to create interesting new ways of bringing attention back to this story. Jake Just is not just another missing kid – he’s one of hundreds that go missing across the continent each year. Programs like pictures on milk cartons, a $50,000 OPP reward posting and age enhanced photos, extended media coverage and assistance from psychics are among the many methods being used to try and find out what happened to Jake Just – a 6’2”, 170 pound, blonde haired, green eyed Caucasian boy.

Jake was last seen separating from a friend to take a short cut home through the woods. Extensive searches involving police and community, as well as interviews with almost 200 people turned up nothing. Since he went missing, OPP have continued to carry out grid searches of the Midland Sunnyside wooded area he entered trying to locate even a sole from his running shoes or a scrap from the Jaguar knapsack he was carrying – the only things that might remain after so many years.  There has even been a television show on the case.

On the morning of October 31, 2007 at 7 a.m. hundreds of thousands of people across the country saw Jake Just on TV and heard his story in hopes that maybe just one of them would remember something, even the smallest detail of information that could lead to finding Jake who would have turned 27 that year. He was featured on the national digital channel Court TV Canada a show produced and hosted by Sue Sgambati - former crime reporter for the Toronto Star.  In fact the Crime Files Cold Case Edition program on the ‘Disappearance of Jake Just’ was broadcast six times in less than one week.

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 three 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 have become 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. 

It is common knowledge Jake Just received a head injury at the party when kids were playing a game that involved hitting themselves with beer bottles. Bleeding, Jake had asked for a ride and been turned down because the car had “no room”. Witnesses later said they did not think the injury was severe. Jake had also been drinking alcohol. Jackie Dennison and Steve Furlong both felt Jake was drunk and nauseated. When he was walking along the wood path – which was steep and rocky, they believe Jake may have fallen and injured his head a second time making him disoriented and unbalanced. Both mediums experienced a choking sensation as if Jake may have been drowning on his own vomit, blood or water. While in the woods Jackie and Steve felt strongly that Jake had definitely been there, and then left. There were premonitions of a low back truck (possibly red). Jackie felt a red truck may have had some significance in what happened.

Debbie Just has said while the experience was difficult, this information has given her a small feeling of closure to think that Jake was gone but still near her. She says the details that came forth through psychic meditations of Dennison and Furlong has stimulated “raw emotion” taking her back “physically and mentally” to the day Jake went missing and the feeling she had that someone knew where her son was.

“I have always felt that someone knows. When people do wrong they are always worried about the punishment – I have felt that punishment for 16 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 16 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.

“It has to come out sometime, somehow. It has been quite a few years since there has been a wakeup call like reading this blog brought to light. People need to be taken back like I was when I read this and maybe someone will come forward. People need to know that Jake has not gone away - we are still actively working on his case – they need a wakeup call to take them back to that day and then maybe we will find Jake.”

Jackie Dennison and Steve Furlong are committed to working on the case and meeting with Debbie to continue creating communication. They met with her in spring 2014 and made further contact with Jake but no new information resulted as to where he is. Now that contact has been made, everyone wants to move forward and find out exactly what happened to him. I hope to be a part of that discovery and that hopefully the knowledge will help Debbie Just and her family find peace.