Peter and Sally Lou Raymond were the winning bidders for the VIA Rail trip for two (courtesy of VIA Rail), round-trip London to Halifax, at the 2010 Conservation Dinner held Thursday, April 15, 2010 at South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter. Above, Peter Raymond holds the VIA Rail sign. The dream trip is a return trip, economy sleeper class, for two. Close to 400 people attended this year’s gala charitable Conservation Dinner and the live auction included some lively bidding on one-of-a-kind items including a dream excursion round-trip London to Halifax courtesy VIA Rail; an Exeter Hawks 50th anniversary sign crafted by Mike Brintnell; a parliamentary tour, dinner and accommodation courtesy Huron-Bruce MPP Ben Lobb; a beautiful eagle talking stick, and stand, hand-carved by Ted Jones; a chance to have your name appear in a novel by international award-winning author Susanna Kearsley, and memorabilia signed by stars of sports, cinema, popular music and literature. It is estimated that this year's dinner has raised close to $40,000 for conservation education and recreation opportunities, accessible trails, commemorative woods and other conservation efforts.
Raymonds win VIA RAil round trip for two from London to Halifax, courtesy VIA Rail
Peter and Sally Lou Raymond were the winning bidders for the VIA Rail trip for two (courtesy of VIA Rail), round-trip London to Halifax, at the 2010 Conservation Dinner held Thursday, April 15, 2010 at South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter. Above, Peter Raymond holds the VIA Rail sign. The dream trip is a return trip, economy sleeper class, for two. Close to 400 people attended this year’s gala charitable Conservation Dinner and the live auction included some lively bidding on one-of-a-kind items including a dream excursion round-trip London to Halifax courtesy VIA Rail; an Exeter Hawks 50th anniversary sign crafted by Mike Brintnell; a parliamentary tour, dinner and accommodation courtesy Huron-Bruce MPP Ben Lobb; a beautiful eagle talking stick, and stand, hand-carved by Ted Jones; a chance to have your name appear in a novel by international award-winning author Susanna Kearsley, and memorabilia signed by stars of sports, cinema, popular music and literature. It is estimated that this year's dinner has raised close to $40,000 for conservation education and recreation opportunities, accessible trails, commemorative woods and other conservation efforts.
An anniversary Exeter Hawks 50th anniversary sign crafted by Mike Brintnell was one of the most popular items at the 2010 Conservation Dinner. Above, Exeter Lions Club member Dan Turkheim displays the coveted item.
Conservation Dinner another success
thanks to donors, patrons, volunteers
Gala auction included VIA Rail dream trip London to Halifax return, Exeter Hawks anniversary plaque, autographed memorabilia from sports and entertainment stars
Generous donors, patrons and volunteers made the 2010 Conservation Dinner another success for efforts to create accessible trails, conservation education and recreation opportunities for youth, commemorative woods and other conservation efforts, the committee announced.
Preliminary figures suggest this year’s dinner is again approaching the $40,000 mark for conservation efforts. The committee expressed thanks to everyone who made the event such a success. The dinner has raised close to $590,000 over its 21-year history thanks to the watershed community, the Exeter Lions Club, the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation, and other supporters.
More than 400 people attended this year’s gala charitable dinner and auction and the live auction included some lively bidding on one-of-a-kind items including a dream excursion round-trip for two, London to Halifax, courtesy VIA Rail; an Exeter Hawks 50th anniversary sign crafted by Mike Brintnell; a parliamentary tour, dinner and accommodation courtesy Huron-Bruce MPP Ben Lobb; a beautiful eagle talking stick, and stand, hand-carved by Ted Jones; a chance to have your name appear in a novel by international award-winning author Susanna Kearsley, and memorabilia signed by stars of sports, cinema, popular music and literature.
For information on the Conservation Dinner visit conservationdinner.com or abca.on.ca Donations are still welcome to the Conservation Dinner, c/o Ausable Bayfield Conservation, 71108 Morrison Line, RR 3 Exeter, ON N0M 1S5.
Courtesy VIA Rail, one of the highlights of the evening on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at the Conservation Dinner at South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter, was the auctioning of a VIA Rail dream round trip for two, London to Halifax. Above, Exeter Lions Club member Tom Hartai displays the package.
VIA Rail round-trip for two to Halifax among great auction items at this year’s Conservation Dinner
Slapshot’s loveable Hanson Brothers sign Charlestown Chief jerseys, other auction items come from acclaimed authors, sports stars, artists and more
The 2010 Conservation Dinner of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation, Exeter Lions Club, the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) and the watershed community, promises to be one of the most exciting galas yet this Thursday, April 15, 2010 at the South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter.
Some of the amazing live auction items this year, at the 21st anniversary gala charitable dinner and auction, include a beautiful eagle talking stick, and stand, hand-carved by Ted Jones, a VIA Rail dream trip for two – return, London to Halifax – and a Charlestown Chiefs hockey jersey autographed by the famous motion picture Hanson brothers (from the famous Paul Newman movie, ‘Slapshot’).
Other special auction items available for bidding at this year’s gala charitable dinner include:
* Become a character in a novel by award-winning novelist Susanna Kearsley – plus three of her autographed books.
* Enjoy a private wine and cheese reception at Hessenland Country Inn in St. Joseph with author Rick Hundey and playwrights Paul Ciufo and David Scott
* Framed BTO album signed by two members of Bachman-Turner Overdrive
* Original painting, ‘Winter at Hullett,’ by artist Tim Clark
* 2010 Olympic Package - Team Canada Hockey Jersey, Jacket
* Exeter Hawks 50th Anniversary Sign crafted by Mike Brintnell
* Ottawa Parliamentary Tour: two-night stay at Radisson Hotel, lunch, tickets to Question Period with tour and dinner at Hy’s Steak House courtesy of Ben Lobb, MP Huron-Bruce
* Pendant with 28 brilliant cut Diamonds, Cubic Zirconium Stone, 18 karat Rose Gold Chain and Cushion.)
* Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks signed photo
These are just some of the items for bidding at this year’s live and silent auctions.
To donate money to support the dinner and its work, or to inquire if tickets are still available, please phone 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 or visit online at abca.on.ca or conservationdinner.com.
The gala Conservation Dinner includes a live auction of art and other unique items, a silent auction, special raffles and general raffles. Tickets for the gala dinner are $50 per person and patrons received a charitable gift receipt for half that amount. To find out if you can still get a ticket, phone 519-235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610.
Thanks to donors, patrons and volunteers the Conservation Dinner has raised more than $550,000 over its 20-year history for conservation initiatives such as accessible trails, commemorative woods, fish stocking of the reservoir for young anglers, conservation education for young people and more. The gala evening includes the meal, live auction, silent auction, general raffles, special raffles.
The Conservation Dinner committee is made up of community volunteers including members of the Exeter Lions Club, the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) and the watershed community.
For information on the Conservation Dinner visit conservationdinner.com or abca.on.ca
Shown at the 2010 Conservation Dinner are Jim Ginn, Chair of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA); Ernie Miatello, Chair of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation; Kristylee Varley, South Huron native and local broadcaster who was the evening’s special guest and emcee; Fran Roelands, feature artist, of Ailsa Craig; Conservation Dinner 2010 Chair Teresa Ondrejicka; Paul Anstett, President, Exeter Lions Club.
Local broadcaster named Conservation Dinner emcee
The Conservation Dinner committee announced this week that Exeter native and radio broadcaster Kristylee Varley is the 2010 special guest and emcee.
She has worked in radio since her graduation in 2006 from Fanshawe College’s broadcast journalism program. Her voice has been heard across communities in Ontario and even Edmonton, Alberta – but she made the decision to return to South Huron where she is news director and morning news anchor at 90.5 myFM Radio Exeter/Grand Bend.
Conservation Dinner Committee Chair Teresa Ondrejicka said Varley’s local roots and success in her field make her a great choice to be the special guest at the 21st anniversary dinner. “We are very happy to announce that this year’s special guest and emcee is a local woman who has accomplished a great deal in a short time as a broadcaster and who has also participated in two international trips to bring a safe water and environmental message to the world,” she said. “Kristylee has worked in the broadcasting field at different locations in Canada but she chose to return to work in her home watershed.”
Varley’s grandparents are Alice and Jerry MacLean and her parents are Julianne (née MacLean) and Ken Varley. Growing up in this part of Ontario has been a real asset, the 23-year-old journalist said in an interview at the studio. She said young people growing up here are exposed to the best of rural life while also being close enough to cities to know about what urban life has to offer. Although she has lived most of her life in the area, she is always learning more about the people and how supportive this community can be.
How did Kristylee Varley decide on a career in broadcasting? She jokes that her teachers at South Huron District High School “told me I talked a lot,” but she also benefitted by job-shadowing former A-Channel meteorologist (now retired) Jay Campell. Ironically, Campbell is also a former emcee of the Conservation Dinner (serving in 1994 and 1996).
As a broadcast journalist, Varley has witnessed first-hand many of the stories that affect a community, some very sad and others very uplifting. “My favourite thing about this job is it’s different every day I come into work,” she said.
Although busy with her duties at the radio station, she also makes time to enjoy other pursuits. She has taught figure skating and she has been a hockey player and fan.
Kristylee has covered issues in Southern Sudan as a journalist, creating a five-part radio documentary on the work of Canadian Aid for Southern Sudan, a London, Ontario based charity. During her time in Southern Sudan, she became so acutely aware of the need for clean water programs there she has volunteered her time with that organization, visiting Africa twice. “I had trouble being a bystander,” she said. During her trips to Africa she helped the people there learn about a system to clean water and with education about how to keep water clean. “It’s very overwhelming,” she said. “When you come back, it makes you very appreciative of what we have in Canada.”
As emcee, Kristylee will keep the dinner evening moving along at a quick pace and recognize some of the donors, patrons and prize winners during the charitable gala, which features live and silent auctions, special and general raffles, and door prizes.
“We know Kristylee will help create a wonderful evening for patrons of the dinner,” Ondrejicka said. “Kristylee is a regular user of the MacNaughton Morrison Section of the South Huron Trail and she’s an appropriate supporter of an event creating accessible trails, commemorative woods, fish stocking, conservation education and more.”
This watershed is lucky to have a trail like the MacNaughton-Morrison Section of the South Huron Trail, according to Varley. She and her dog are avid walkers of the trail and she said many of her friends from cities come and are amazed at what is here.
The Conservation Dinner is a local success story, thanks to the donors, patrons, and volunteers from the watershed community, the Exeter Lions Club, the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. Over its 20-year history, supporters have raised more than $550,000 for conservation through the charitable event.
There have been many notable special-guest emcees, over the dinner’s history, ranging from Order of Canada recipient John A. MacNaughton, to Canadian hero John Davidson (of Jesse’s Journey), to CTV sportscaster Randy Tieman to Canadian statesman Jack Riddell and more. Varley says she’s honoured to be chosen as this year’s special guest. “I’m very honoured,” she said. “A lot of prestigious people have served in the past – it’s a great honour to be part of this dinner.”
This year’s Conservation Dinner takes place Thursday, April 15, 2010.
To donate to the dinner or inquire if tickets are still available phone 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610. For information on the Conservation Dinner visit conservationdinner.com or abca.on.ca
Local auctioneers join together for a good cause at the Conservation Dinner which supports accessible trails, recreation and conservation education opportunities for youth, commemorative woods and more. Above, working together for a common cause, were guest auctioneers Jack Riddell and Ben Lobb.
Conservation Dinner committee names feature artist
Painter Fran Roelands captures feelings, colours of local nature scenes
The Conservation Dinner committee has announced that popular painter Fran Roelands is the feature artist for the 2010 gala dinner and art auction.
The North Middlesex area artist has painted an original water colour, called Along the Banks of Mud Creek, for this year’s auction. The painting depicts a colourful late winter scene at the back of her family’s farm. The work shows that vibrant colours and the promise of spring can be captured even in a winter scene.
“I wanted to show the warmth of that February sun,” she said of the painting, which depicts the rich blue of the water and the bold yellows, oranges and reds of the sun streaming through the trees. Her painting captures intricate detail and uses vivid, contrasting colours – and it also captures positive emotion. “I was drawn to that scene by the warmth of the sun and I wanted to portray and emphasize that feeling I had at that time and in that place,” she recalled.
Fran Roelands is owner of Creamery Road Studio and Gallery near West McGillivray. She has been painting for close to twenty years. An interest in art has always been in her family, she said, and early in her life she benefitted from a good arts program at North Lambton Secondary School in Forest where she attended high school. Since that time, she has been a “lifelong learner,” taking art classes over many years, including lessons at the St. Lawrence College Summer School of the Arts and from artists such as Frank Webb and Arne Westerman.
“They’ve been a real asset for me, to have learned from them and to have influenced the contemporary style of painting that I do,” she said. “I have a passion for design.”
Fran, and her husband Matt, have five children, all married. The Roelands have run Creamery Road Farms, located not far from Ailsa Craig, for the past 30 years. Fran Roelands keeps very busy farming full-time and creating art that is in demand. “My art started off as a hobby and it has turned into an exciting business,” she said.
Her artistic inspiration is often drawn from rustic scenes of old buildings and from the natural, and sometimes underappreciated, features of rural communities, often reflecting memories of simpler times. Her paintings don’t just draw on the details of that local landscape – they capture the emotion that is attached to a view, locale or heritage feature. She loves to use colour, and to portray light, and create a positive feeling in the viewer.
“I feel really honoured to be chosen as this year’s feature artist,” the artist said, in an interview at her home. “On our farm we try to be good stewards of the land and the water and I really appreciate the beauty of our own countryside and I try to show that beauty of nature in my paintings.”
Many fans of her art say they are drawn to the fact her paintings capture the sentiment of rural scenes that have a sense of familiarity.
“People seem to be able to relate to what they see in my paintings,” she said. “They tell me, ‘that reminds me of when I was a kid and we used to have a barn like that, or a farm like that.’ ”
The local artist’s work may have been conceived and completed in Middlesex County, but her original works have travelled to different corners of the globe – from the United States to the Netherlands. The people who have those paintings consider them family heirlooms to be treasured.
More information on her art can be found by visiting franroelands.com. Viewings at the gallery are by appointment. Giclée prints by Fran Roelands are also available at Baillie’s Picture Framing, in Grand Bend, and at Beside Mom’s café, in Parkhill.
The Conservation Dinner committee is very honoured to have such a talented painter as this year’s feature artist, according to dinner committee chairperson Teresa Ondrejicka.
“Fran’s work is much loved across the entire watershed, and beyond, and her involvement in this year’s dinner makes it very special indeed,” she said.
The Conservation Dinner is a local success story with donors, patrons and volunteers working together to support environmental health through accessible trails, commemorative woods, fish stocking for youth, conservation education and other conservation initiatives. This year’s 21st anniversary gala charitable dinner and art auction takes place on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at the South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter.
Tickets are $50 per person and patrons received a charitable gift receipt for half that amount. For tickets, talk to a Conservation Dinner committee member or phone 519-235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610.
The Conservation Dinner committee is made up of community volunteers including members of the Exeter Lions Club, the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA).
The gala Conservation Dinner includes a live auction of art and other unique items, a silent auction, special raffles and general raffles. Individuals and businesses wishing to sponsor auction items or contribute donations to the event are encouraged to contact Ausable Bayfield Conservation.
For information on the Conservation Dinner visit conservationdinner.com or abca.on.ca
Date of issue: April 17, 2009
20th Anniversary Conservation Dinner big success thanks to donors, patrons, volunteers
Watershed community shows generosity in difficult times; raising an estimated $45,000 for conservation; second highest total in dinner’s two-decade history
 The donors, patrons and volunteers supporting the Conservation Dinner made the 20th Anniversary charitable event one of the most successful ever.
The dinner raised an estimated $45,000 for natural health and conservation efforts that benefit children and other residents of Ausable Bayfield watersheds. The amount raised was the second-highest total in the 20-year history of the dinner, according to organizers.
One of the highlights of the evening was the live-auction bidding on the round-trip, Silver-and-Blue Class dream getaway luxury trip for two from Toronto to Vancouver, courtesy of VIA Rail Canada.
Special guests at the evening were John A. MacNaughton and his wife Gail.
John A. MacNaughton is a noted Canadian business leader, native of South Huron and Order of Canada recipient. He said being invited back to his home town was a chance “… “to reflect on good times growing up in Exeter, and especially times spent in the park, in Dow’s Bush, at the Morrison Dam, and along the banks of the Ausable River.”
MacNaughton Park was named after John’s late father, Charlie, a noted Ontario cabinet minister. The MacNaughton name is also honoured in the name of the MacNaughton-Morrison Section of the South Huron Trail.
John MacNaughton recreated, for the patrons of the gala dinner, images of his youth growing up in the natural surroundings of the southern part of Huron County.
“ . . . What a wonderful community this is,” MacNaughton told the crowd. “I feel so blessed to have been born and spent my formative years in Exeter – where first friendships were made, education began, ambitions were formed, values were established and a sense of community was instilled. Wherever I have lived, or worked or travelled in the ensuing years I have always been proud to say that Exeter is my home town.”
The speaker congratulated people in the watershed community for their generous part in building and sustaining the natural infrastructure.
“In many ways the park and the trail you have created, indeed the conservation authority as well, speak volumes about the community,” he said. “These treasures have been passed from one generation of caring stewards to the next – each enhancing what was given to them. They have been built and sustained with broad-based financial support and generosity. They are open to all and accessible to all. They provide spaces for enjoying the company of others and for being alone, for physical exercise and for repose, for exploring nature and for inward journeys. They provide places where experiences germinate and grow into memories that can be harvested and stored away in one’s memory bank, to be recalled and savoured and shared for the rest of one’s life. Congratulations to each of you for your role in making it so.”
Bob Gehan, Chair of the Dinner Committee, thanked the donors, patrons and volunteers for their generosity in making this year’s dinner such a success.
The Conservation Dinner Committee consists of volunteers from the watershed community, the Exeter Lions Club, the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. The dinner supports accessible trails, commemorative woods, fish stocking and conservation education for children in the Ausable Bayfield watersheds among other initiatives supporting the natural health of the watershed.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date of issue: April 6, 2009
Two Conservation Dinner patrons to travel to Canada’s west coast on scenic, luxury VIA Rail Silver-and-Blue Class return trip for two
Dream Ontario-B.C. train voyage promises to be one of most coveted
live auction items at 20th Anniversary Conservation Dinner
 Many Canadians dream of one day traveling from Ontario to British Columbia by train, enjoying wonderful meals and viewing the majesty of this expansive and pristine country. A pair of patrons at the 20th Anniversary Conservation Dinner could see that dream come true if they are the winning bidders at the live auction on Thursday, April 16.
The round-trip, Silver-and-Blue Class trip for two from Toronto to Vancouver is courtesy of VIA Rail Canada and has a retail value of up to $8,388.
“This is one of the most exciting packages we have ever had in the 20-year history of the Conservation Dinner,” said Bob Gehan, Chair of the volunteer Dinner Committee. “Bidders at the live auction can support a great cause and experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a journey many of us talk about taking but few of us actually get a chance to enjoy.”
The VIA Rail trip is a luxury trip on The Canadian, viewing breathtaking scenery, sleeping in luxury and dining on fine food. The trip is valid up to and including April 30, 2010 and is valid for the winning bidder only. The trip cannot be taken Dec. 15 – January 5 or from Easter Thursday to Monday.
This special anniversary year is a special one, indeed. In addition to the VIA Rail getaway, there are multiple works of art available in the live and silent auctions, including feature artist Bill Nieuwland’s original painting, ‘My Back Yard,’ other original paintings and prints, and unique craftsmanship ranging from a stained glass panel by Ann Thornton to a hand-carved ‘Golden Eagle’ walking staff wood sculpture by Ted Jones honouring the dinner’s 20th anniversary to a wood sculpture of an Eastern Bluebird by Fred Negrijn, as well as sports memorabilia signed by the legends, and future legends, of sport.
The Conservation Dinner Committee consists of volunteers from the watershed community, the Exeter Lions Club, the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. The dinner supports accessible trails, commemorative woods, fish stocking and conservation education for children in the Ausable Bayfield watersheds.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date of issue: April 6, 2009
Some of sports’ biggest names are attached
to items at this year’s Conservation Dinner
From Gretzky to Tavares, Montreal Canadiens greats to Paul Henderson, 20th Anniversary Dinner offers auction items for sports enthusiasts as well as art lovers
There are lots of famous names associated with items at the live and silent auctions of this year’s Conservation Dinner.
There is a Los Angeles Kings jersey autographed by hockey superstar Wayne Gretzky and a London Knights jersey autographed by the members of that junior hockey team, including future superstar John Tavares.
Other sports memorabilia signed by stars of the game include items from the O’Reilly Brothers, the pride of Seaforth and area. The auction items include a Milwaukee Admirals photo signed by Cal O’Reilly, now of the Nashville Predators, and a hockey stick and Team Canada photo signed by his brother, Ryan O’Reilly.
Ryan O’Reilly was captain of the Erie Otters and captain of Team Ontario when it won the gold medal at the 2008 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in London, Ontario. He was also one of the goal scorers for Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team in a 6-3 gold-medal game victory against Russia in August of 2008 at the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament held in Slovakia.
Cal O’Reilly was called up by the Nashville Predators on Feb. 28 and earned an assist on the opening goal of Nashville’s shut-out win against the Detroit Red Wings. He was recalled in March and notched his first NHL goal on March 28, 2009 against Los Angeles, followed up by another goal later in the month as he pieced together a point streak.
Gretzky, Tavares, Ryan and Cal O’Reilly . . . those aren’t the only big-time hockey names you’ll find at the special 20th Anniversary Conservation Dinnner. The Hockey Hall of Fame has donated a large Montreal Canadiens Centennial framed print, valued at $500 and autographed by Frank Mahovlich, Yvan Cournoyer, Serge Savard and Larry Robinson.
Another hockey item at this year’s dinner is a framed set of newspaper covers recognizing the famous Summit Series goal in which Canada beat the Soviet Union in 1972 – they are signed by the scorer of that famous winning goal, Paul Henderson.
The Conservation Dinner also features a once-in-a-lifetime chance to golf at one of Canada's top golf courses - Beacon Hall - enjoying lunch and a round of golf at one of the world's great private clubs.
The Conservation Dinner takes place Thursday, April 16, 2009 at the South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter. This special anniversary edition of the gala dinner promises to be a particularly exciting one. The volunteer dinner committee has, through the support of donors and patrons, raised more than half a million dollars over its history for human and natural health through watershed conservation, accessible trails, boardwalks, docks, fish stocking for youth, conservation education, and commemorative woods. Three years ago the dinner raised $40,000 fundraising mark for the first time and last year it raised $50,000 for the first time.
The gala Conservation Dinner includes a live auction of art and other items, a silent auction, special raffles and general raffles. It appears this year’s dinner is a sell-out once again, with a waiting list being compiled at the offices of Ausable Bayfield Conservation.
The autographed sports items are in addition to fine pieces of visual arts and crafts as well as one of the live auction’s most exciting items, a VIA Rail Silver-and-Blue Class luxury round-trip for two from Toronto to Vancouver, worth up to $8,388.
For information on the Conservation Dinner visit conservationdinner.com or abca.on.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date of issue: February 18, 2009
20th Anniversary Conservation Dinner homecoming for
business leader and watershed native John MacNaughton
The historic 20th Anniversary Conservation Dinner will feature an equally historic homecoming – the return of Exeter native and business leader John A. MacNaughton as special guest at the gala charitable event.
The Order of Canada recipient is the son of the late Charles S. MacNaughton, whose legacy is remembered in the name of The MacNaughton-Morrison Section of the South Huron Trail.
John MacNaughton, who was born and raised in Exeter, has served at the highest levels of business, public service and volunteer leadership in Canada. He is currently Chairman of the Business Development Bank of Canada, Vice Chairman of the University Health Network and Vice Chairman of the Canadian International Council. He is also a Director of Nortel Networks Corporation and TransCanada Corporation.
He served as founding President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, a Crown Corporation created by an Act of Parliament to manage the assets of the Canada Pension Plan, from 1999 to 2005. Previously he was President of Nesbitt Burns, the investment banking arm of the Bank of Montreal.
“This year is a very special one for the dinner. It’s exciting to have someone who has achieved so much on a national scale return to his home watershed to support the community,” said Bob Gehan, Chair for the 20th Anniversary Conservation Dinner.
This year’s guest follows a long line of special guests at the Conservation Dinner, including figures from the world of journalism, entertainment, business and politics. MacNaughton was born and raised in Exeter, Ontario where he received his elementary and secondary education. He graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a B.A. (Economics) in 1967.
“I am looking forward to returning to Huron County to celebrate the success of the community and the trail. So is my wife, Gail, who wasn’t lucky enough to grow up in Exeter but who knows the town well from many, many visits over the years,” said MacNaughton. “I have so many positive memories of growing up in Exeter and always speak with pride and affection about the community where I was born and raised.”
His father, Charles MacNaughton (1911-1987), was a prominent Ontario cabinet minister who served under Premiers John Robarts and William Davis. He represented the Huron Riding as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario between 1958 and 1973. He twice served as Ontario’s Treasurer and also held other important cabinet posts including as Minister of Highways, Minister of Transportation and Communications, Chairman of Treasury Board and Minister of Economics and Intergovernmental Affairs.
The special guest’s father, and mother, Addie, and sister, Heather, moved to Exeter in 1944 shortly before John was born. Charles joined with Hubert Jones in building a successful seed distribution business. He became very involved with his community where he served as a founding member of the South Huron Hospital board and the local high school board.
The MacNaughton-Morrison Section of the South Huron Trail is named after the late Charles MacNaughton and the late John Morrison, who served as Chair of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) between 1952 and 1958.
Charles MacNaughton “ . . . had already demonstrated his flair for modern methods when he organized the GO transit system, the first of its kind in North America,” said Edward Jolliffe, President of The Empire Club of Canada in 1969. “He has been a business man not only from the word ‘GO’ but much earlier, when he had a successful career in the Seed Industry and the Canadian Seed Trade Association. He sits in the Legislature for Huron County, but what's more important, his position as Treasurer of the largest province makes him, like his Prime Minister, a big figure in the future of Confederation, where so much depends on the prosperity and strength of Ontario, and on the wisdom of its leaders.”
For information on the people who have been special guests at the Conservation Dinner visit conservationdinner.com and click on ‘Emcees.’
The gala charitable fundraiser of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and the Exeter Lions Club is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. Tickets are now available and are expected to sell out quickly. The 20th Conservation Dinner takes place on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at the South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter. This special anniversary edition of the gala dinner promises to be particularly exciting. Patrons who purchase their tickets prior to February 27 are eligible for the ‘Early Bird Prize’ draw. The draw winner will win ‘Side By Side,’ a beautiful open-edition print signed by the artist, John Harrington. One becomes relaxed just viewing this piece.
The volunteer dinner committee has, with the help of donors and patrons, raised more than half a million dollars for human and natural health through watershed conservation, accessible trails, boardwalks, docks, fish stocking for youth, conservation education, and commemorative woods. Three years ago the dinner raised $40,000 fundraising mark for the first time and last year it raised $50,000 for the first time.
For tickets talk to a Conservation Dinner Committee member or phone 519-235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610. Buying tickets early allows purchasers to be eligible for the early-bird draw for a limited-edition print. The gala Conservation Dinner includes a live auction of art and other items, a silent auction, special raffles and general raffles. Local individuals and businesses wishing to sponsor auction items or contribute donations to the event are encouraged to contact Ausable Bayfield Conservation. For information on the Conservation Dinner visit conservationdinner.com or abca.on.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date of issue: February 6, 2009
Feature artist chosen for 20th Anniversary Dinner
“We are deeply honoured that someone with Bill’s talent is taking part this special year,” said Bob Gehan, Dinner Committee Chair.
Nieuwland’s work combines realism and meticulous attention to detail with a love of nature and the artist’s eye for perspective, storytelling and use of rich colour. The artist has a rare gift for vividly and accurately capturing memorable views of landscapes from this and other watersheds. He is never far from nature. In fact, his Huron Woods studio overlooks the Old Ausable River Channel.
 “I’m very honoured to be chosen as Conservation Dinner feature artist,” Nieuwland said. “I’ve always admired those who have been selected as feature artists before.”
The local man, who was born in 1944, remembers creating art as a child in a small, rural, island community in the Netherlands, where he grew up in a family devoted to creating fine art. “I remember drawing clouds reflected in shimmering waters when I was just seven,” he said.
Nieuwland immigrated to Canada in 1959. He has had a busy and successful career in business and in health care administration but it is obvious that art is one of his strongest passions. The respected local artist usually spends between 40 and 50 hours on a piece of art but, he says, “I do it because I love it.” He is preparing and donating a new, original piece for this year’s auction and giclée prints of two of his paintings: Blue Point Sunset and a painting of Diamond Lake in Temagami.
He painted for many years for friends and family but he began selling his art to a wide market in 1998. That grew out of the great public response to a strikingly realistic owl painting he created. Since then his work has become in great demand and his paintings have traveled to local, national and international locales. (A print of the owl painting, called ‘Night Stalker,’ was the Early Bird Draw prize for the Conservation Dinner in 2005).
Although not formally trained as an artist, he has been a student of the visual arts for many years. “Every time I go to a museum I look very closely to see what the painter is doing,” he said.
The local landscape, including local wildlife, has fascinated him. He has captured the animals and scenes around him with striking realism. In addition to his paintings, he has taken his love of indigenous culture and created detailed and authentic replicas of aboriginal artifacts and crafts, from hunting tools to ceremonial dress.
Nieuwland has been inspired by painters including Carl Brenders and Ken Danby. He is inspired by the creations of great artists and continually works at improving his craft. He doesn’t worry about the verdict of art critics but aims to please his sternest critic – himself – and consistently earns the praise of some of the most important evaluators of his work: those who buy his paintings.
Bill and his wife Trudy operate Country Manor, located in Thedford and the largest retirement facility in North Lambton County. They live in Huron Woods and have three adult children: Natalie, Mitchell and Jonathan.
The Conservation Dinner takes place on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at the South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter. The volunteer dinner committee has, with the help of donors and patrons, improved human and natural health by raising more than half a million dollars over the past two decades in support of watershed conservation, accessible trails, boardwalks, docks, fish stocking for youth, conservation education, and commemorative woods. For tickets talk to a Conservation Dinner Committee member or phone 519-235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610. (Buying tickets before February 27 allows purchasers to be eligible for the early-bird draw for the open-edition prize print ‘Side By Side,’ signed by the artist, John Harrington.)
The feature artist is presented this year by Ellison Travel and Tours – Carlson Wagonlit.
For information on the Conservation Dinner visit conservationdinner.com or abca.on.ca For information on the work of artist W. J. ‘Bill’ Nieuwland visit www.theartistbill.com
Patrons who purchase their tickets prior to February 27, 2009 are eligible for the ‘Early Bird Prize’ draw. The draw winner will win ‘Side By Side,’ a beautiful open-edition print (above) signed by the artist, John Harrington.
One becomes relaxed just viewing this piece.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date of issue: January 30, 2009
Tickets now available to 20th Anniversary Dinner
The gala charitable fundraiser of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and the Exeter Lions Club is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. Tickets are now available and are expected to sell out quickly.
The 20th Conservation Dinner takes place on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at the South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter. This special anniversary edition of the gala dinner promises to be particularly exciting.
Patrons who purchase their tickets prior to February 27 are eligible for the ‘Early Bird Prize’ draw. The draw winner will win ‘Side By Side,’ a beautiful open-edition print signed by the artist, John Harrington. One becomes relaxed just viewing this piece.
The volunteer dinner committee has, with the help of donors and patrons, raised more than half a million dollars for human and natural health through watershed conservation, accessible trails, boardwalks, docks, fish stocking for youth, conservation education, and commemorative woods. Three years ago the dinner broke the $40,000 fundraising mark for the first time and last year it broke the $50,000 mark for the first time. “This dinner is really an amazing community success story and it shows what is possible when everyone rallies together for a cause,” said Bob Gehan, who is returning as Chair for the 20th Anniversary Conservation Dinner.
For tickets talk to a Conservation Dinner Committee member or phone 519-235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610. Buying tickets early allows purchasers to be eligible for the early-bird draw for a limited-edition print.
The gala Conservation Dinner includes a live auction of art and other items, a silent auction, special raffles and general raffles. Local individuals and businesses wishing to sponsor auction items or contribute donations to the event are encouraged to contact Ausable Bayfield Conservation.
For information on the Conservation Dinner visit conservationdinner.com or abca.on.ca
CONTACT: Tim Cumming, Publicity Committee, Conservation Dinner, at 519-235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610 or e-mail tcumming@abca.on.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date of issue: January 27, 2009
Tickets now available to 20th Anniversary Dinner
The gala charitable fundraiser of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and the Exeter Lions Club is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. Tickets are now available and are expected to sell out quickly.
The 20th Conservation Dinner takes place on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at the South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter. This special anniversary edition of the gala dinner promises to be particularly exciting.
The volunteer dinner committee has, with the help of donors and patrons, raised more than half a million dollars for human and natural health through watershed conservation, accessible trails, boardwalks, docks, fish stocking for youth, conservation education, and commemorative woods. Three years ago the dinner broke the $40,000 fundraising mark for the first time and last year it broke the $50,000 mark for the first time.
“This dinner is really an amazing community success story and it shows what is possible when everyone rallies together for a cause,” said Bob Gehan, who is returning as Chair for the 20th Anniversary Conservation Dinner.
For tickets talk to a Conservation Dinner Committee member or phone 519-235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610. Buying tickets early allows purchasers to be eligible for the early-bird draw for a limited-edition print.
The gala Conservation Dinner includes a live auction of art and other items, a silent auction, special raffles and general raffles. Local individuals and businesses wishing to sponsor auction items or contribute donations to the event are encouraged to contact Ausable Bayfield Conservation.
For information on the Conservation Dinner visit conservationdinner.com or abca.on.ca
Date of issue: April 25, 2008
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Dinner
sets fundraising record in 2008
The patrons, donors and volunteers behind the 19th Annual Conservation Dinner have surpassed themselves yet again – having raised a new record with an estimated $50,000 for conservation opportunities in the Ausable Bayfield watershed.
The dinner, which was held on April 17 in Exeter, is organized by a volunteer committee of the Exeter Lions Club, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority and other volunteers. The last two years set records when the $40,000 fundraising mark was surpassed for the first time – but the gala charitable event has never before raised as much as this year. The event supports accessible trails, fish stocking and docking, commemorative woods, conservation education and other benefits for human and natural health.
This year’s success was only possible with the generous support of a watershed community that is committed to the betterment of the natural environment and the next generations, according to the dinner committee.
The live auction items included a special Round Trip for Two getaway from London to Halifax, courtesy VIA Rail; a Trip for Four to Dover (Delaware) International Speedway, courtesy Cathy and Tom Seip; autographed sports jerseys; beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces of art include feature artist David Bannister’s ‘Morning, Ausable’; and many more items.
Prominent area television journalist Scott Miller, of A Channel, was emcee.
The event had a live auction, silent auction, special raffles, general raffles and a wonderful sit-down dinner.
The Conservation Dinner has raised more than half a million dollars over the past 19 years for projects which have included funding of $1 for each student attending a conservation education program, accessible trails, support for the MacNaughton Morrison Section of the South Huron Trail, accessible fishing docks, boardwalks, and commemorative woods. Next year will be the 20th Anniversary of the Dinner.
Date of issue: March 14, 2008
TV journalist to emcee Conservation Dinner
 A prominent area television journalist, Scott Miller, has been announced as emcee of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Dinner.
Miller is an on-air reporter with TV’s A Channel.
“As someone who grew up on a family farm in Oxford County I greatly value the natural environment of this part of Ontario,” Miller said. “I am excited to be part of an event that is so greatly supported by the community to support conservation, education and recreation opportunities in the Ausable Bayfield watershed.”
The graduate of Fanshawe College’s Broadcast Journalism program joined the A Channel (then The New NX) in 2002. He has covered a wide range of important stories, including environmental themes, during his tenure there.
The Conservation Dinner has been lucky to have numerous celebrities serve as masters of ceremonies at the gala charitable event over the past 18 years. They range from Jesse’s Journey founder John Davidson last year to CTV sportscaster Randy Tieman the year before to statesman Jack Riddell to TV meteorologist Jay Campbell and others. Miller follows a long line of distinguished masters of ceremonies who have supported this fundraising event.
The Conservation Dinner is organized by a volunteer Dinner Committee that includes the Exeter Lions Club, the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation, the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority and community volunteers. The dinner has a live auction, silent auction, special raffle, general raffle and sit-down dinner. The event has, with the support of donors, patrons and volunteers, set back-to-back fundraising records, surpassing $40,000 in each of the last two years.
The Conservation Dinner has raised more than half a million dollars over the past 18 years for projects which have included funding of $1 for each student attending a conservation education program, accessible trails, support for the MacNaughton Morrison Section of the South Huron Trail, accessible fishing docks, boardwalks, and commemorative woods.
This year’s dinner is Thursday, April 17 and it is the 19th Annual Event. It takes place at the South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter. To find out if tickets are still available phone 519-235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610. Tickets are $50 and an income tax receipt is available for half of that cost. Visit conservationdinner.com or abca.on.ca for more information.
Date of Release: January 21, 2008
 Respected Grand Bend artist David Bannister has been selected as feature artist for the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Dinner. Bannister will be completing an oil painting as the feature piece at the 19th Annual gala art auction and dinner. He said the medium of oil painting allows for great depth and thoughtful use of colour. “The use of colour is of great interest to me,” according to the artist, who said he has been influenced by the Group of Seven and impressionist painters.
The Nairn-area native not only paints in oil and water colours – he is also an artist in the photography medium. The longtime Southcott Pines resident, who is a charter member of the River Road Gallery, has recently self-published a well-received coffee-table book of his photography, called The Other Side of Grand Bend.
Bannister has had a successful career in the advertising field, having worked as a Senior Creative Director with Agripress and served as President and Creative Director of a London-based advertising agency, Bridge Communications.
Bannister, who started painting seriously in 1985, was trained in fine arts and begin his advertising career as an illustrator. As he became more immersed in the writing and management side of the advertising business he found he was less involved in the visual arts side of the industry. “I got into painting because I didn’t have much time to do commercial illustration at work,” he recalled.
This year’s feature artist said he has been pleased to see his paintings enjoyed by commercial and individual collectors in different parts of the world including Asia and Europe. “One of the most enjoyable things for me is seeing a painting I have worked hard on go to a good home where it is appreciated,” he said.
Bannister sold his advertising agency in 2000 but retirement isn’t a word that could describe his activity since that time. He continues consulting internationally with advertising clients. He has also been active in local community organizations. He served as Chair of the Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre Board from 2005-2007 and now serves as Chair of the Grand Bend Community Foundation.
The active local artist and sailing enthusiast said he is pleased to take part in an environmental cause like the Conservation Dinner. “I am certainly very pleased to be asked to participate in such a commendable event,” he said. “I enjoy the natural environment. Water is dear to my heart – especially as a sailor.”
Tickets to the gala event usually sell out early so to find out availability phone 519-235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610 or talk to a Conservation Dinner committee member. Tickets are $50 each and there is an income tax receipt for a portion of that. The deadline for the early-bird draw for early purchasers is before Monday, February 25.
The Conservation Dinner Committee includes representation from the Exeter Lions Club and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and supports environmental causes such as conservation education, fish stocking, accessible trails and commemorative woods.
Date of issue: January 11, 2008
Tickets are now available for the gala charitable event of the season, the Conservation Dinner of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and the Exeter Lions Club.
The 19th Annual Dinner has set back-to-back fundraising records for watershed conservation efforts which include conservation education, accessible trails, boardwalks, docks, fish stocking and commemorative woods.
 This year’s dinner takes place on Thursday, April 17 at the South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter. For tickets talk to a Conservation Dinner Committee member or phone 519-235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610. Tickets are $50 and there is a charitable income tax receipt for a portion of that money. Tickets usually sell out early, according to organizers, and buying tickets now allows purchasers to be eligible for the early-bird draw for a limited-edition print.
For information on the Conservation Dinner visit the new website in development at conservationdinner.com
The Conservation Dinner has raised funds over the past 18 years for projects which have included the MacNaughton Morrison Section of the South Huron Trail, an accessible fishing dock, funding of $1 for each student attending a conservation education program and more.
The gala Conservation Dinner includes a live auction of art and other items, a silent auction, special raffles and general raffles. Local individuals and businesses wishing to sponsor auction items or contribute donations to the event are encouraged to contact the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA).
Watch this site for more news about the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Dinner - including celebrity emcees, prize opportunities, and more - at conservationdinner.com.
For information on the Conservation Dinner visit the new website in development at conservationdinner.com or phone 519-235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610 or e-mail info@abca.on.ca
  
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