How I Got to Know Rodin

By Sharon Weatherall

Can a newly launched new web site help to authenticate a 130 year old treasure? It will stir up some interest and that's one thing I am sure about.
 
Working on the Villeneuve Statue project has been a highlight in my life and something I am very passionate about. It has also helped me become incredibly knowledgeable about French Sculptor Auguste Rodin – famous for his renowned works ‘The Kiss’, ‘The Thinker’, ‘The Gates of Hell’ and many more exotic pieces. 

During the late 1800’s Rodin redesigned sculpture in his era and for future generations. His work demonstrates a crucial transition between the European academic art of the 18th and 19th centuries and the more conceptual early modern movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.   

The project consists of authenticating a rare bronze-over-plaster female believed by my partners and I, to have been created in Rodin Studio somewhere around 1880. At that time the open-minded Rodin was experimenting in a process called ‘Galvano Plastique’ - also known as ‘electroplating’. Our research has proven this was the exact process and materials used to create the Villeneuve Statue.

The one-third scale nude has been in Neville Hale’s family since 1886 when she came into the hands of his great grandfather, a London goldsmith named Theodore Villeneuve. He accepted the ornate figure as ‘payment of a debt’ and it has remained in the care of his descendants ever since - his great-grandson being the fourth custodian. Sadly Neville passed away in 2010 without seeing the project to completion however he died leaving the authentication process of his rare treasure in competent hands. John Bigelow (the fifth custodian of the statue) and myself, continue working towards this end. We recently completed and launched a web site: www.exiled-rodin.com to make our extensive research public.

The Villeneuve Statue project has been an exciting journey which has taken me to the far corners of the world including trips to Paris France and London England to follow the creative history of Rodin. The research has been very motivating and we now have an impressive photo collection of the master’s works. 

I am forever indebted to Neville who became a close friend and mentor during the near decade we spent working together on this project. It involved many hours of reading, computer writing, emailing letters and seeking out possible connections that would help us. For several years Neville and I got together weekly to compare notes, share new information and strategies. During my travels, we communicated daily through email.

Neville Hale and I met by chance at an antiques road show when I was working as a reporter/photographer. The sleek, black patina statue he was holding caught my eye. When he told me it was a family heirloom, I was interested in writing a story. At the time Neville had only begun his fated journey into the past. As for me, I had never seen anything so unique – her poise and beauty left me in awe.

My story made front page of a local newspaper and generated many comments, but it was nearly two years before I heard from Neville asking permission to use my picture in a book he had written entitled ‘The Rodin Quest’. When it was published Neville contacted me again to write a review for him and I agreed, more than pleased to be involved.

During that meeting I became intrigued by the statue’s history while Neville’s enthusiasm won me over. I wanted to know more. The research he had managed to gather on his family roots and about his “Little Rodin” made so much sense. Ironically the mysterious lady had stood in silence for over 120 years remaining well protected by her guardians. Boasting solid provenance in the Villeneuve family, Neville had also discovered the heirloom was made of materials used by Rodin Studio during the 1880’s and bore strong resemblance to Rodin works of that era. We both knew there was much more to her than met the eye – but proving it would be another story.

During the next six years I became the aging senior’s helping hands and legs in the project, and his wings by travelling abroad to collect information and photographs that expanded our research file and evidence. Meeting John Bigelow and his family, has been a highlight in this adventure and since Neville’s untimely demise, John and I have become dedicated to proving the origin of the Villeneuve Statue.

In dealing with the project over the years ‘our team’ experienced rejection, disappointment and dead ends in some cases, while other leads brought amazing results, fresh inspiration and new direction in helping us connect loose threads. Remaining optimistic, John and I continue to find strength and motivation in the endless research Neville compiled. His legacy speaks for itself and his quest has become ours. In our work we have touched on the intimate love affair between Rodin and his student Camille Claudel – a talented sculptor in her own right and the sorrowful challenges she endured.  Falling prey to his influence led to her ultimate destruction in career and life itself. There is a portion of the web site dedicated to this sad story and details about why we think the young model of the Villeneuve Statue was in fact Camille herself.

Our work is still not done. The goal of www.exiled-rodin.com  is to draw the attention of others who love the work of Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudel. Web designer - Dalene Smith, has helped us to achieve this. We are revealing crucial information to try and gain support for this exclusive and believable story. In doing so, we hope to solve it. We want to hear from art experts, museum authorities and Rodin collectors, challenging them to share their views. Please enjoy the web site and share our passion to authenticate the Villeneuve Statue.  One way or another we’ll find out exactly who she is.

Signs from beyond may lead the way to Jake

By Sharon Weatherall

It’s been 15 years since Jake Just went missing and the ‘cold case’ investigation surrounding his disappearance remains in police files with few, if any new leads.

According to reputable psychics there are people alive today who know what happened to the 18 year old on the fateful night he did not come home. While information from psychic/medium sources cannot be used as evidence in a police investigation, after a decade and a half I do believe such details may be pieced together to help his mourning family find closure in a more ‘spiritual’ way. 

In the story that follows, I share some of the information willingly given to me by four mediums who have donated time and efforts toward solving this case and trying to make contact with Jake Just whom they believe died on the night he went missing. 

It was Devil’s Night October 30, 1998 when the Midland Ontario teen attended a party in the Sunnyside area of town which is densely wooded and marshy in some places. Leaving with his friend Steve Hayes sometime around midnight, the two separated on their way home. Steve preferred the street lights to guide him while Jake took a shortcut through the woods and was never seen again. Despite enormous efforts including police interviews of over 200 people, community searches, dredging of marsh areas, hefty rewards and ongoing police grid searches, no evidence as to what happened to the boy has surfaced to this day. 

During the past decade while working for the local newspaper I contacted family members, friends and police to do annual anniversary stories in hopes of stirring a memory or bringing forward new information from the public that might help find Jake. During that time I befriended Debbie Just – Jake’s mother, a lovely lady who lives each day with a burden of sorrow that no parent should have to experience. Her son has been missing now for 15 years and while life goes on, the pain of not knowing where he is remains.

One source of information has been constant. Initially Debbie received many calls from psychics and mediums sharing stressful accounts of what they felt had happened – in most Jake was dead and the details were too horrific for her to deal with. After a couple of years the calls began to slow down but they did not stop. Because Debbie did not want to turn down any information police continued to look into these calls and tips, going as far as to meet with some psychics in locations they thought may be related to Jake’s disappearance.

While she no longer deals directly with the calls Debbie has continued to keep an open mind and open heart when it comes to communications from beyond.

"Anything that will bring exposure to help solve the case and find out what happened to Jake I am 100 percent for it," said the anguished mother who has never given up hope that someone has information that could lead to finding her son.

Myself, I have to believe that Jake is reaching out from the other side to let us know what happened. He wants to ease his mothers’ pain and find closure for his family by trying to make contact through people with psychic gifts. Throughout my life I have always believed the spirit leaves the body upon death but does not necessarily leave this dimension – some are earthbound for whatever reason.

For Jake and his family, I keep writing anniversary stories containing new angles but mostly old information. This year is different and I hope this information points to new leads. In spring 2011, I believe Jake influenced my friendship with the ‘Rescue Mediums’ and he was foremost in my mind when I heard they were filming a segment of their show on site at the Centennial Museum & Archives in Penetanguishene. I asked the staff to arrange an interview for me with the popular television personalities and was given 15 minutes at the end of the last day of filming. I already knew my last question would not pertain to the Rescue Mediums’ museum visit but somehow I would find a way to ask about Jake Just.

On my way there I had to interview a local business man regarding an advertorial for the paper – he was to call and tell me where we’d meet. A tree cutter, he was busy overseeing a couple of crews and when the call came he asked me if I knew where a particular address was in ‘Sunnyside’ of Midland? The hair stood up on the back of my neck and I knew Jake was somehow giving me a sign. When I got to Sunnyside to meet my contact, his crew was cutting down a tree within eye-view of the house where Jake had attended the Devil’s Night party. Leaving Sunnyside a short while later, I felt strong intuition as I scanned the wooded area he had entered so many years before. I was suddenly hyped for my interview with two of televisions’ most renowned mediums.

Jackie Dennison and Alison Wynne-Ryder were as cheerful and welcoming in person as they were on TV. We had carried out the interview and taken a picture before I ventured to change the subject and ask about Jake. I told them a teen had gone missing 13 years prior – without a trace. “No one knows what happened to him,” I said.

To my surprise Jackie Dennison’s demeanor changed from smiling to serious. 

“There are two people who know what happened to him, Sharon …..a girl and a boy,” said Jackie.

As it turned out, police work was not new to Jackie Dennison who has been involved with criminal investigations in the past by sharing psychic tips and information received through meditative readings. In Northwich England she is head of ‘Feathers Academy of Clairvoyant Mediums and Holistic Therapies’ Cheshire. Jackie gave me her personal email to stay in touch.

It was like somebody pinched me. Not only was I hearing some potential new information but I was getting an open invitation for help. Filled with compassion for the Just family, Jackie and Alison said they would be "willing to help" in any way they could - they understood my need to do something positive for Jake's upcoming 13th anniversary story.

Later that summer using only two police pictures of Jake (one aged 18 and one age enhanced) mediums Jackie Dennison, Alison Wynne-Ryder and Anne Jones meditated on Jake. Their premonitions included rusty oil drums, water and trees, a wooden pier, a long wooden structure near the water, a missing chain, a significant badge or button, concrete and stone rubble – many items that could certainly be in the area or at any waterfront community in Southern Georgian Bay. Sketches of landmarks accompanied the meditation reports. Descriptions and sketches of specific females and males were given by Jackie and Alison, while the same names of several girls and boys were noted by all three women. Likewise all three felt a problem in the throat with choking, and confusion caused by a head injury when focusing on Jake. Two out of three felt that “vagrants” had taken the shoes off his feet.

The generous offer of psychic help has extended over the past two years with Jackie and fellow medium Steve Furlong, continuing the work together to find out what happened to Jake. 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 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 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 in the head 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). When we were walking along the road after leaving the woods a red logo’ed truck passed slowly by which Jackie took as a sign from Jake. She felt a red truck may have had some significance in what happened.

In 2012 on the same weekend as Jackie Dennison and Steve Furlong walked through the Sunnyside woods, a meeting was arranged with Jake’s mother Debbie Just and she was asked to bring along some of Jake’s personal belongings. Using the objects as a connection to the spiritual world Jackie and Steve felt Jake in the room and said he was happy his mother was trying to make contact.

“Jake is excited and pleased. He doesn’t know where he is and he doesn’t care. He is in a place where he is helping others and has total connection with animals, people and children,” said Jackie.

“Jake is not bothered (about what happened to him) and loves to help people. He is working as a helper now guiding children from tragic circumstances and helping them to cross over - Jake has no fear of anything.” 

Debbie told the psychics “you are describing my son” - and related in conversation that Jake had always had "too much trust".

“I talk to Jake all the time and feel him with me,” said Debbie.

Jackie told her to continue talking to Jake as he was always close by.

Later Debbie Just said the experience while difficult, had given her a small feeling of closure to think that Jake was passed over but still near her. She says the information that has come forth through psychic meditations from the Rescue Mediums and Steve Furlong has stimulated “raw emotion” taking her back “physically and mentally” to the day Jake went missing and a 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 15 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 15 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 but 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 me and I think this is the year to make it loud and clear. 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 then maybe they’ll come forward and maybe we will find Jake.”

Jackie Dennison and Steve Furlong are committed to working on the case and meeting with Debbie again at some point in the future. Now that contact has been made with Jake, 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.

Over 100 ‘Villagers’ mark milestone celebration

By Sharon Weatherall

The South Georgian Bay community is embracing ‘We are the Villagers’ - a children’s charity which has sponsored over 100 children since becoming registered in June 2012.  

 Co-founders Julianna Matyas and Geoff Crompton cannot believe how quickly the movement has spread and how well the community has accepted the concept that “it takes a village to raise a child”.

 “Word is getting out there. The community is embracing the Village concept in bringing its children into the program in order to make their dreams possible. This is a priority of the village and the fact that it is happening is amazing,” said Matyas.

“It is wonderful meeting the children and following them as they move on to enjoy an activity they might have only dreamed of doing – that’s my favourite part. Also, the fact that quite a few of our parents and guardians want to come out and volunteer really shows community spirit.”

Children in the Village enjoy being able to join in recreational, sports and art activities thanks to the ongoing sponsorship of this caring organization. Initially We are the Villagers focused on identifying and supporting children being raised by their grandparents who were on fixed incomes but the program has since been expanded to cover any home that a child is living in and struggling to support that child in activities. Currently a strategy is being developed to support children who are being bullied that does not expose them to further bullying, but benefits both the bullied and the bullies.  New as well, a parenting guide book is being published that will cover parenting tips, nutrition, social skills along with putting together a series of books that will help children learn core values.  The one requirement from Villager children is they must promise to do the best they can in school.

We are the Villagers includes everyone in a community from those who are benefitting from the program to those supporting it. Astounding growth over the past year proves there is a need for this charitable cause. Matyas and Crompton believe that all of us have a duty to ensure that children in the community have a caring, supportive environment to help them obtain a rich and fulfilling childhood. As this concept becomes accepted and blossoms, there is of course, a need for more people to step forward and support the program.

We are the Villagers financially supports Villager children through ongoing fundraising, public and business/corporate donations. Last year the group raised $72,000. to get the program underway. It costs approximately $1000 to sponsor a child in an activity, which includes sending them to summer camp for one week each year. The support is ongoing but there is a yearly requirement for Village families to update with budget and tax returns.

Crompton says the organization is growing at such a fast rate there is a need for more community support.  

“If it keeps growing at this rate we will need a lot more volunteers and funding. It is obvious that what we are doing so far is not enough. We need much more funding from grants, fundraising and commitment from the public by way of donations through the web site to meet the needs,” said Crompton who is active in the organization through assisting with children’s activities and hosting fundraising events at his business establishment  -  ‘The Library Restaurant’ in Midland.

Some businesses have realized what it takes for this charity to succeed and stepped up to the plate.

“Phil’s Casual Dining in Penetanguishene has made a commitment to The Villagers through hosting an upcoming pancake breakfast. He is supporting the whole event with 100 percent of the proceeds going back to We are the Villagers. We are hoping at least 1000 people will attend.”

The 1^st Annual ‘We are the Villagers Charity Pancake Breakfast’ is on Saturday September 21^st from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brian Orser Hall in Penetang Arena. The meal includes pancakes, bacon or sausage and a beverage at a cost of $10 adults and $5 for children under five.

Some fundraisers in the past year were so popular they are taking place again such as the 2^nd Annual ‘Putting on the Glitz’ on Sunday October 6^th at 2p.m. at The Library Restaurant. Last year’s fashion show was a huge success the upcoming event is much anticipated. Tickets are $35 each for this fall and winter fashion extravaganza being presented by Cashmere Blue, Kim’s Boutique and Shoes to Boot. There will be door prizes and a silent auction. For ticket information call 1-855-528-5252 or drop by The Library Restaurant or Matyas Consulting.

Throughout the year there are regular activities hosted which involve Villager children. Upcoming Sunday September 29^th Geoff Crompton and his helpers will be hosting a Scarecrow Building Day in the parking lot at The Library Restaurant inviting kids from the Village to take part. Scarecrows resulting from the workshop will be used to decorate Midland’s main street and around the town. A majority of the kids are expected to take part in this fun day. As well, We are the Villagers are once again participating in the annual Santa Claus Parade on Saturday December 7 including a special event scheduled afterwards for Village kids.  

Currently with over 100 registered in Village programs there are participants in everything from hockey, gymnastics, skating and martial arts to tutoring, bowling, music (drums, piano, string instruments), art and more. Some weeks there are as many as ten applications for assistance submitted from Southern Georgian Bay and surrounding area families but also from Barrie and beyond. This includes registered Village children from Alliston, Angus and Stayner.

Matyas would like to see more supporting partnerships to help meet the growing number of recipients.

“We are currently partnered with Canadian Tire ‘Jump Start’ - they have been very good in helping with funds and will continue to do so. This was set in place after we became a registered charity,” said Matyas whose role has become a fulltime commitment.

“We are busy meeting people, running programs and making sure we feel good about where we are sending the kids, which is very important. The concept of nurturing children is on the rise again. There is a great need to take care of children and give them the best chance at life they can get. We want them to know we are here for them.”

For more information about We are the Villagers call 1-855-528-5252; email:info@wearethevillagers.com or visit the web site:www.wearethevillagers.com  

 

 

 

"Just" another missing teen

By Sharon Weatherall

The story of Jake Just – a missing Midland teen has haunted me for many years now.

It was while working for the Midland Free Press over a decade ago that I first learned of this sad event and got together with Jake’s mother for the first time. After meeting Debbie Just, I made a vow to do whatever I could to help this quiet, soft spoken lady who after over 14 years still holds hope in her heart for the son she has lost.

Each year in the past I worked with the local Midland Police and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) – who are handling the case now, to provide an anniversary story in the paper reminding people that Jake is gone but public help is still needed to try and find out what happened to him on the fateful night he went missing.

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 called the police. Not a day 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.”

Every Halloween Just deals with the fact that another year has passed with no word and the crack in her heart gets deeper. In the years that he 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 someone's child and 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 pictures (http://www.opp.ca/ecms/index.php?id=182), 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.

Sadly although police confirm that the show, anniversary stories and other exercises to help stimulate information have resulted in endless tips each year, none has led to anything solid in the case. After so long, Debbie Just has moved forward with her life as much as she can, however there remains a painful sense of loss when she thinks of her son Jake  - a loss that will only be rectified when she gets some sort of closure.

“I think the cold case and missing person shows on television now are a good idea because someone might know something important and they don’t even know it. The bad thing is the criminals might get smarter about hiding evidence by watching such shows. I hope the awareness factor may outweigh the negative factors because a lot of criminals have been caught and given families the closure they need,” said Just.

Debbie Just says since Jake has been gone time moves in two ways for her – fast and slow. All around she sees people moving on with their lives, Jake’s friends are growing up, getting married and having families of their own and she is happy they have been able to the do that. She says they stay in contact and every once in while she finds something at the cemetery - a bottle of beer or some flowers that tell her they are still thinking about him too. 

As a mother of three boys, I have been able to identify with this lovely lady, her patience and hope, but in all honesty I cannot separate from her pain. The tears in her heart cause my own to ache and I will continue to work in whatever way I can to help find out what happened to Jake Just.  As a writer I will use my blog as a tool to continue working towards this end and post reminders of Jake from time to time to keep him his story alive in everyone’s mind.

Can I please remind anyone with information regarding Jake Just – even the tiniest seemingly unimportant fact, to call police at 1-888-310-1122 or contact Crime stoppers? Visit the OPP Missing person site: http://www.opp.ca/ecms/index.php?id=182 and look at the age enhancement photos to see what Jake would look like now.

Rudisha Foundation - Schooling children in Tanzania

By Sharon Weatherall

My good friend Martha Msuya spends half her year in an woodsy trailer camp near Durham and the other half in Moshi, Tanzania – a third world country where she is witness to great poverty among the local people of her area.

One day while her enjoying a visit from her son Moses Msuya, and his girlfriend Amanda Strowbridge, they noticed a young girl walking by in the middle of the day and wondered why she was not at school? Her name was Eliza and she was following her mother with a basket of dirty clothes.

"Her mom washes dirty clothes for people and gives them back the next day clean and ironed using a charcoal iron to get the wrinkles out - she charges per clothing item and makes 3,000 Tanzanian (TZ) shillings for each basket which is equal to $1.50 in Canadian money. She also cleans bar room toilets for 3,000 TZ shillings per week, “said Martha, who had often noticed the girl trailing along behind her mother.

Eliza who could not afford to go to school, became the first child sponsored by the Rudisha Foundation. Rudisha means to 'return' or 'give back' and that is exactly what the trio are doing. Founded in 2012 by Moses and Amanda the foundation was created to provide a life changing experience for children living in Moshi, Tanzania. Moshi is 300 miles inland Tanzania and the people there speak Swahili. To date there are nine sponsored children attending school that otherwise would not have the opportunity to learn reading and writing.

During her winters in Tanzania, Martha helps Amanda by visiting schools the sponsored children attend, to collect reports and ensure they doing well in school, attending classes and thriving.

"Tanzania being a third world country is very poor. You can rent a room for 20,000 TZ for a month and for 1,000 TZ  - equal to seventy five cents, you could buy a beer or pack of smokes," explained Martha.

"School fees are different at each school and we are only sponsoring public school ages - not high school kids. The most expensive fee we are paying now is $199 per year and that is only the school fees not including the uniforms and shoes which must be provided by the parents."

 Elizabeth John Mamuya whose mother Catherine washes clothes, was born in November 2007. The six year old must ride a bus to kindergarten which costs 15,000 TZ or about $10 per month extra. She attends a Catholic Day Care Centre at a cost of 300,000 TZ and is so happy to be attending school and learning. Because she is a sponsored child, the Rudisha Foundation will continue to see her right through public school.

Another lucky family of boys from the community has been sponsored and are all attending different schools thanks to the Rudisha Foundation. Ally Ramathani Rashidi born April, 2007 is the youngest child sponsored, along with his older siblings, Hassani Ramadhani Rashidi born in October, 2003 and Rashidi Ramadhani Rashidi born January, 1998. The school fees for Ally who wants to be an airplane pilot when he grows up, are 25,000 TZ per year.  For Hassani who wants to be a teacher someday, it costs 25,000 TZ to attend school. The cost is 185,000 TZ per year (including full uniform) to educate the oldest brother - Rashidi, who enjoys geography, math and wants to become a soldier.

Mother of the boys Wahida Ramadhani and their father Ramadhani, both work very hard to earn a living and support their children but it is not enough to send them to school without help from the Rudisha Foundation.

"Their father is a sewer on the street with a sewing machine. He sews dresses, shirts and pants, etc. He takes the measurements of a customer one day and has the order done for pick-up the next. He might charge 1,000 TZ shillings for one dress. People in Tanzania love to dress up in brilliant colours and Ramadhani does quality work. His clothing looks like it has been tailored," said Martha.               

Lucas Gift Costatin born February, 2007 lives with his guardian Stephanie Denis Ritte and attends school with fees totalling 77,000 TZ which are covered by the Rudisha Foundation.

Lucas' sister Julieth Costatin born October 2002 is being educated at a cost of 101,000 TZ per year and 47,800 TZ for uniform, books etc. She is cared for by two guardians - her aunt Deograsia Denice Ritte and a retired school teacher named Christina B. Ritte. Julieth who had never attended school before, spent her time babysitting and helping her aunt.
"Both of their parents died from AIDS and that is why they now live with guardians. Lucas loves to come and show me his work. It is so impressive to see when he would not otherwise have had a chance to learn. I take him out for a Coca-Cola for a treat," said Martha.

Siblings Joel Elisante Mmari born July, 2000 and his sister Nancy Elisante Mmari born March,1999 are both sponsored by the Rudisha Foundation to attend school at a cost of 42,000 TZ per year and 115,000 TZ per year, respectively. Before school they were selling mangoes and whatever fruit is in season.

 "Whatever is ripe they go out with a bucket on their heads selling at the market. This past Christmas the two of them came to my house and helped me to decorate my tree - they were so amazed at the tinsel. I shut the lights out to show them how it sparkles. They had never seen such a thing before," said Martha.

Little Noel Albert Leonard Lema born May, 2008 is now attending school in Moshi with fees of 300,000 TZ per year covered by the Rudisha Foundation. He is the middle boy from the family of  a woman who does house cleaning for Martha.
It is important to Martha, Moses and Amanda that the sponsorship commitment of children is long term so they can complete public school able to read and write.

"Amanda and Moses first got the idea when they saw little Eliza following her mother with a big plastic basin of clothes and wanted to give her a chance. They left me with the work to find an English speaking school and what it would cost before carrying through with the sponsorship and since then that one sponsorship has grown to nine," said Martha who is called 'bee-bee' meaning grandmother by many children.

"We are looking for help with sponsorships and donations. People can commit to any amount - even $20 a year would help to send a child to school. There are two kinds of schools including government schools which are not as upper class but English schools are more expensive. They go from $20 - $200 to pay for a child for a year."

Martha Msuya who is of Mennonite background, has lived in Tanzania as a winter resident since 2004 and come to love the country that her husband El Msuya (now deceased) came from. Each year when she goes home to Africa she takes clothing, notebooks, school supplies, jigsaw puzzles and other items to give for the people, seeking sponsors here at home to help cover the cost of extra luggage.

Amanda Strowbridge, originally from Nova Scotia lives with Moses Msuya, in Tanzania where Moses flies hot air balloons. The couple is very passionate about the country and its people. Living in a third world country with its dirt roads and lack of infrastructure, is a big change from Canada. Most people have to walk five miles for water and carry it back home in a pail on their head. The Rudisha Foundation believes education is an asset that will help Tanzanian children move ahead in life. It is a good start.

Please visit the www.tembotours.com  sponsorship page to learn more about each child and how you can help. You will see photos of the children and the schools they attend and read stories of Martha's and Amanda's visits from March 2013.
 
Visit www.sea2travel.blogspot.com  to read more details or email:astrowbridge@tpi.ca or martha_msuya@yahoo.com  to make inquiries.         

Molly Doodle joins the Villagers

By Sharon Weatherall

‘Molly Doodle’ - a lovable golden-doodle with a series of popular children’s books will be sharing her fame with 'We are the Villagers' – a children’s charity based from Midland.

Molly’s talented mom is artist darci-que - an illustrator and author of many children’s books, with the ‘The Adventures of Molly Doodle' being her most popular. Each exciting lesson based story has won the heart of the kids and adults alike. There are currently eight Molly Doodle adventures with books available through Chapters.

 Last week darci-que and Villagers co-founder Julianna Matyas, met in Midland to discuss an potential partnership involving a series of children's books for We are the Villagers which will not only help promote the non-profit kid’s charity but could also be sold as a fundraiser for the cause.

 “I am hoping the initial book will show what we do as Villagers and what the Villagers can do for children. It will highlight activities the kids are in and also be sold at our events to raise money that will help us become more self-supportive,” said Matyas.

“Then we will follow through with other books about the success stories of our kids. It fits in perfect with The Villager concept - it takes a whole village to raise a child.”

 Matyas says she has been looking for just the right person to work on this project and enhance her dream to develop a program to assist families and their children participate in extracurricular activities of interest to them. Whether it be sports, music, art or other interests The Villagers sponsor children in need so they can take part in these activities without being restricted by registration and equipment costs.  In just one year of operation The Villagers has already raised $72,000. and there are 47 children who will be continued to be supported in various programs.

darci-que – who has worked closely with children of all ages for the past 20 years, was thrilled to learn about a charity that helps all children participate regardless of cost. At home in Creemore she has operated a kids summer art camp for over a decade, done clowning at community events for many years along with her daughter Emily Fischl, hosted children’s parties and published not only children's books but award winning greeting cards and wrapping paper. darci-que has several other books on the market aside from the popular Molly Doodle series, including the Bumble Bee with too many Bathing Suits, and several commissioned works for other fundraising groups and organizations. Visit: www.theadventuresofmolliedoodle.com

 “I am excited about working together with the Villagers to come up with a book that will promote the group and create awareness for the good work it does,” said darci-que.

 “I think it is wonderful that Molly will be part of this and recognized as a character in The Villagers books. I believe it is the job of parents to help their child realize their dreams and that is what The Villagers are trying to help parents achieve."

During the recent meeting both women realized they beleive the same concept of the teaching and training kids in a community. The whole idea of The Villagers is to motivate kids to try something new. If the kids really like something and want to do it great, and if it doesn't work then they should try something else.

"I see this as mentoring kids to get a path and getting kids to the right path is what we want to do," said Matyas.
"If a parent doesn’t train a child to do what they want to do, how does that child know what direction to take?”

Matyas co-founded The Villagers one year ago along with Geoff Crompton from The Library Restaurant in Midland. Both parties have worked extremely hard to make The Villagers what it is today – a movement that's already growing past its North Simcoe boundaries into neighbouring communities. Matyas and Crompton hope to the see major expansion as the program becomes better known.

Matyas says the new children's books featuring lovable Molly Doodle will help to immortalize The Villagers in print and become part of children's lives as they are growing up.

As mentioned above, the first book will be about The Villagers in general while others will depict characterized stories about Villager children who have achieved self-confidence and success through participation in the program. Of course, with Molly Doodle as part of the books, she will be viewed as a role model for life lessons such as sharing and caring, stopping bullying, learning that everyone can’t be a winner all the time, and so much more.

"My idea is to have the books focus on not only success stories of the kids, but also the trial and tribulations of single parents and grandparents who are raising little ones – all of the things about life in general," said Matyas.

"As we move forward with this project I believe that all the right people will fall into place for the right reasons. I can see it happening already. We have had so much support already it is amazing.”

We are the Villagers operates through dedicated volunteers with all monies raised going back into sponsoring children's programs.  Visit: www.wearethevillagers.com to find out more about how you can become involved as a volunteer or get your child sponsored.

‘We are the Villagers’ celebrating a year of success

By Sharon Weatherall

‘We are the Villagers’ of North Simcoe can give themselves a huge pat on the back.

Since incorporating nearly a year ago, the innovative children’s charity can boast close to 50 children already registered in Villager programs and 22 active volunteers now working with kids. The organization has raised $72,000 through community supported events and has 18 more volunteers eagerly waiting for kids in programs. We are the Villagers has brought smiles to families across the area through establishing equal opportunity  - the program covers costly fees allowing more children to participate in  sports, music, art and other recreational programs supported by the organization.

We are the Villagers is the brainchild of Julianna Matyas and Geoff Crompton  - two Midland business people who believe it takes a village to raise a child. Through their passion to help others the pair developed a program that puts the responsibility on ‘Villagers’ to nurture, support, inspire,  motivate, validate and bring joy to the children that need it.

“It’s all about children and it’s for all children. We have had 44 children registered in programs since January and more applications are on the way. We should have 50 kids by the end of this month,” said Matyas proudly.

“We raised enough money to get the program up and running prior to starting and have had generous continuing support from the community with each event we have.”

Crompton says the goal of The Villagers in its first year was to encourage the local business community to participate through hosting fundraiser events themselves or contributing to Silent Auctions and to enlist the help of senior citizens whom would benefit as much from the interaction with children and volunteers. So far many of those goals have come to fruition and a reputation is growing for the good work of the organization.

“We are planning to do at least ten fundraisers per year to raise money engaging the community on all levels. We will actively involve schools, Salvation Army, Children’s Aid program and other community groups to assist us in identifying families who could benefit by our program,” said Crompton.  

Matyas says while local businesses have been extremely supportive, assistance comes through the community as a whole - everyone from residents to politicians are embracing the concept. She and Crompton recently met with Garfield Dunlop for lunch to tell him about the organization and won the Simcoe North MP over.  

“We look forward to MP Garfield Dunlop’s enthusiasm for our ‘children’s movement’ and anticipate a long lived association with him. He was very enthusiastic and says he wants to put together an event to support us,” said Matyas.

MP Dunlop inquired what The Villagers plans were to move forward and Matyas answered, "non-stop as far as it can go". She wanted to wait until the Villagers was up and running for a year before approaching Dunlop so he could actually see the success – it was a move that paid off by gaining his support for the idea.

Matyas says the success Villagers are experiencing comes through a lot of work for volunteers, with all monies going back into the organization except the actual cost to cover events. The Villagers premier function took place last June at the Library Restaurant in Midland with a five course dinner - the ‘Simply Splendiferous Soiree’ sold out. Since then the organization has hosted several more events including two fashion shows, a Valentine’s Day Dance, a surf and turf Murder Mystery Dinner, and various involvement with community celebrations.

The Villagers are really getting out there and have plenty more events on the schedule for this year. On July 1^st there will be face painting and children’s activities in the park, participation in the August 16/17 Art Walk, a third Fashion Show on October 6^th, a scarecrow making event this fall and another Murder Mystery Dinner on September 15^th  - just to name a few.

“We just enjoyed a very successful Murder Mystery Dinner and tickets sales were really good. The event was a lot of fun and sponsored by TD Bank, Union Taxi, Matyas Consulting, Library Restaurant, Jones Aluminum, The Mirror, BC Roofing and the Water Stop. It was the first time we had gone to the community so the response was excellent,” said Matyas.

“Something else very exciting is that Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program plans to partner with us – this is big news and details are in the works now.”

Local service clubs are coming on board to support The Villagers as Matyas spreads the word. Tiny Lions Club presented Matyas with a cheque for $500 after she recently spoke for them and Rotary Club of Penetanguishene did a donation in support of the Georgian Bay Cancer Centre in her name.  When she talks about the program, Matyas shares stories about the kids involved and their achievements. The Villagers has already had program sponsored award winners resulting from one sport and looks forward to many more. She says knowing that people care helps inspire self-esteem and confidence in kids.
   

The Villagers now have active programs in jujitsu, cross fit, art, dance and music programs, singing lessons, ball hockey, soccer, various summer camps and are currently dealing with hockey registration for this fall.

“Since beginning, we have now started a tutoring leg with kids from grade seven that only read at a grade two level. This will help to give them a fighting chance at high school. We have teachers as volunteer tutors who are qualified to help if there is a need and music teachers are volunteering their service to tutor piano, guitar, trumpet and other lessons which are all ongoing,” said Matyas.

“Assistance depends on the income of the parents and the length of the program. We put up the cost for the program and uniforms.  The hitch is that the kids have to promise to stay focused on their school work and do the best they can at school.”

Another personal touch of The Villagers is all children who become involved are met with on a one-to-one basis before entering a program.

“We like to impress upon the kids the importance of school and life in general by helping to build their self-esteem and bring joy into their lives.  We inspire them by letting them know that to do well in school will help them do well in life,” said Matyas.

We are the Villagers is wide spread supporting children not only in Midland and Penetanguishene but other North Simcoe communities including Honey Harbour, Waubaushene, Port McNicoll, Elmvale, Wyevale and surrounding area, and reaching as far away as Port Severn, Barrie and Vaughan.  In time, Matyas hopes The Villagers will continue to grow into the neighbouring areas of Wasaga Beach, Clearview Township and further.  The charity has both an executive and operating board which makes it different from other organizations and distinguishes it as being unique.

We are the Villagers is a charity Matyas has dreamed of starting her whole life and to watch it developing so quickly is a real thrill. To see so many community members embrace the concept and come on board in just one year has been elating for both Matyas and Crompton. However, they realize success comes one step at a time through hard work and public awareness.

“The Villagers are growing in momentum and we are trying to put on quality events to give back to the people who support us. We are trying to make the events into ‘date nights’ and something that people look forward to going to,” said Matyas.

For more information on We are the Villagers or to find out about upcoming events contact the Library Restaurant toll free at 1-855-528-5252 or visit the web site: www.wearethevillagers.com