Making cancer a motherhood issue

MSS_student shares personal story with Relay for Life teams

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following speech was made by Manitoulin Secondary student Dan Frank during the opening ceremonies of the Relay For Life event at MSS.

First of all, I would like to welcome everyone to this terrific event. My name is Dan Frank and approximately five and a half weeks ago, my mother passed away due to a rough battle against cancer. My mom was someone that always stayed healthy and busy. She always watched her weight and watched what she ate. As a family, we have owned Red Lodge Resort for 11 years now, where my mom worked as a cook and waitress over the summer months. For someone like my mom, I would have never expected that I would be standing here today, talking about her battle against cancer.

It all started around Easter, when she couldn't eat. After many visits to the doctor, we were notified that she had a tumor. A few days after that we found out that it was actually ovarian cancer. They told us that she would have to get chemo treatments once every three weeks, and then have surgery afterwards. After a rough three months, my mom lost all her hair and a drastic amount of weight. Seeing her like this broke all of our hearts. It broke my heart seeing her unable to do the things she loved to do, like cook, go for walks, and quilting.

After the surgery, we thought things would get better, but we were wrong. She couldn't eat anything at all because she would only bring it all back up. We then found out that my mom was misdiagnosed, and that the chemo treatments she had before were basically pointless. She actually had colon cancer, and would need more chemo treatments. When the doctor looked at her, she was rushed for another surgery. The point of this surgery was to put a bag onto her, because if they could get a bag on, she could eat, and if she could eat, then she could have more chemo, and then have a better chance of fighting against the cancer.

After the surgery, the doctor sat with my dad, my sister and I, and said that the surgery was unsuccessful. The cancer was so large and so drastic that if they even tried to put the bag on, she would have died right there and then. He then told us something that I cringe every time I think about it. "She only has a few months left." Hearing that took away all the hope we had for her. All we wanted was for her to be better, but that never would have happened. I remember the hardest part was talking to her after her surgery. She sat my sister and I down, and started telling me things like, "You find a nice girl to marry and have lots of kids," and, "I want to be buried in my black skirt and blouse." I couldn't even believe what I was hearing. I never thought I would hear these words coming out of her voice.

Later on, she was sent to the Mindemoya hospital. Every day I would go and visit her. These were her last days, and I didn't want to miss any of them. Afterwards, she was sent home, where a nurse would come in every day to check in on her. Towards the end, her sight became blurry, she couldn't walk and she couldn't talk, only mumble. It was like she wasn't even the same person anymore. I would say, "Hi mom, it's Daniel," and she wouldn't show any emotion to it. Seeing her like this broke my heart. She was in so much pain, and was suffering too much!

Then on August 11, I was at home in the morning. I said "goodbye" and " love you" to her before I went to work. That night I was leaving work, until we got a call from my dad's friend. He told my sister and I to get home as soon as possible. I knew something had to be wrong! I quickly drove home, hoping that everything was okay. Then I walked through the door and my sister told me that it happened about five minutes ago. I was late by five minutes!!! That night we all spent our last times with her. She peacefully died in her sleep.

After my mom worked so hard over the course of her life, either cleaning at the house, or cooking and waitressing at the resort, this was the last thing she deserved. I always remember her talking about looking forward to the lodge closing and spending time as a family over the summer and winter months. After working so hard, she deserved to do the things she loved to do.

That is the end of my story. The reason I wanted to say this speech is to show you that this event today is so important. No-one should have to go through what my mom went through, and what my family also went through. Today, let's walk in memory of those that lost their lives to cancer, in honour of those who survived the battle, and to those who are still battling it today. The money that you all raised today will hopefully go to the use of stopping the battles of cancer, and saving the lives of innocent people like my mom. I would also like to mention that whenever you get a chance, say I love you to someone you love. Today, I don't have that chance to say it to my mom anymore, and I would do anything to say, "I love you" to her once more.

I love you mom, and I miss you so much!

Opinions differ on age of Spring Bay-area rock hut

Archaeologist suggests it’s 100 years old while others claim 4,000

by Chris Kivinen-Newman

SPRING BAY-An amateur historian is set to have some controversial claims about a rock structure on Manitoulin Island published in an American magazine.

Mike Busch, a resident of Sudbury, was alerted to a unique structure just north of Lake Mindemoya, which he is convinced dates back to before 1700 BCE, and was made by Europeans, whom he believes had a presence in North America dating back to at least that time.

Mr. Busch says that the rock structure on the Island is made in the tradition of the ancient village of Skara Brae, in the Orkney Islands, with the tiny archway in the front of the structure clearly being a doorway, in which occupants would have had to crawl through on all fours to enter and exit the structure.

Dr. Patrick Julig, an archaeologist and professor of anthropology at Laurentian University, is preparing an academic paper on various rock structures found on Manitoulin Island, and says that while Mr. Busch's find does have some unique characteristics, the immediate evidence suggests that the structure is probably about 100 years old, but could be as new as 50 years old.

The eight-by-five foot structure is made of limestone rocks, and is marked by a small opening in the shape of an arch, just big enough that an average-sized person may be able to crawl through it. The back of the structure is open and there is no evidence of a roof, although plant overgrowth could be hiding such evidence. The walls are about six feet high, except for in the opening in the back, which is about three feet off the ground.

It is located directly at the bottom of a steep hill, about two or three feet off of what appears to be an old wagon trail, more or less in plain sight.

Mr. Busch says that his theory that the structure is nearly 4000 years old will be published in a short article in Ancient American magazine, a publication that caters to those who believe in the diffusionist theory of history, which holds that Europeans spread throughout the world in ancient times. The magazine is edited by author Frank Joseph, who is reported to actually be Frank Collin, a former American neo-Nazi leader.

The theory that this structure is of ancient origin is based on Mr. Busch's unique interpretation of Apollonius Rhodius' epic poem Argonautica, a work of fiction written in the third century BCE, based on the mythical story of Jason and the Argonauts, who travelled to the land of Colchis prior to the Trojan War. Colchis figured prominently in Greek mythology, and was situated in the Caucasus region of Eastern Europe.

Mr. Busch believes that Argonautica is based on real events and that Rhodius' version of the mythological tale gives an accurate account of the Argonauts' journey, not to Eastern Europe, but to North America, which included a stop on Manitoulin Island.

According to Mr. Busch, the details and timeline of Argonautica fit the exact timeline it would take for a voyage by ancient seafarers travelling from Greece to North America, and up the Mississippi River towards modern-day Canada. He also claims that a reference in Argonautica to the position of a certain star backs up his theory, because he has calculated that the star would have been present over Algoma Mills during the time frame in question.

He also claims that a passage in the Argonautica detailing an encounter with a white-tusked boar is actually detailing an attack by an alligator, even though other Greek epic poems, such as Homer's Odyssey also feature white-tusked boars.

Mr. Busch cites a passage in Book II of the poem that refers to the "tribes of the Indians" as direct proof that Europeans had been in North America in ancient times. Mr. Busch claims that Christopher Columbus would have been familiar with the Argonautica, so did not refer to North America's Native people as Indians by accident, but rather because he had the same interpretation of the Argonautica as Mr. Busch.

Based on this evidence, Mr. Busch believes that the structure was created by ancient European visitors to the area.

According to Dr. Julig, trees growing on the structure appear to be no more than 100 years old, and there is very little lichen growth on the structure itself, indicating that it has not been there for a lengthy period of time. Also, Dr. Julig says that although the structure is clearly built by talented stonemasons, if it was as old as Mr. Busch is claiming, tree roots would have done significant damage to it. While the rocks in the structure are starting to be pushed apart by tree roots, it is not to a significant-enough degree to suggest an ancient origin.

Dr. Julig says that small rock structures are not uncommon on the Island, though their functions can widely vary. Some have been found to be used for caches, burial sites, hunting pits, smokehouses, or as ice houses. He says that ice houses would typically be at the bottom of hills and rock faces, which is where Mr. Busch's site is located.

While the arch is uncharacteristically small, Dr. Julig says that keystone arches like the one on the structure are not particularly uncommon. "I have seen keystones on sites all over the place," he said.

Any similarities to ancient European stonework would most likely be the result of the fact that settlers on the land 100 years ago would have been exposed to many different kinds of stonework. According to Dr. Julig, many skilled stonemasons came to Manitoulin Island as settlers, and the stonework on this particular structure is similar to barn foundations from about that time.

He also did not feel that the structure would have been difficult to erect, particularly since there is abundant building material around the site.

The positions of stars or interpretations from sources of questionable historical accuracy are not enough evidence to age a structure, according to Dr. Julig. He says that there are a number of techniques that should be used to accurately determine its age, and stressed that it's important for archaeologists and historians to be judicious with their evidence.

One way to determine the site's age would be to attempt to get a history of who owned the land the structure is on, as well as the land in the immediate vicinity, since the use of the structure might exist in the historical memory. Apart from that, Dr. Julig says archaeologists, when finding a possible site of interest, must get permission from the current landowner to conduct a dig on the site.

A proper excavation of the structure will often determine the age, since the people who built it and used it would have most likely left some evidence behind of who they were and what its purpose was. Often it is the case that artifacts can be found within the structure that can quickly unravel the mystery of its purpose and its age. Even without digging, Dr. Julig says that by clearing the overgrowth on top of the structure, an archaeologist would probably find nails that would have been used to secure the roof, which are easily dated.

As for the idea that Phoenician or Mediterranean travellers would have visited North America 4000 years ago, Dr. Julig says that it's important that scholars keep an open mind, but the evidence clearly shows a "continuity of Native people and their culture" and no credible evidence of European goods until about 500 years ago.

He says that although it was technically possible for ancient Europeans to cross the Atlantic, if they did they have left no cultural evidence.

Mr. Busch says that there is ample evidence of his theory but the academic community shuns his evidence because it is human nature to resist changing one's core beliefs. Mr. Busch says he sees himself as a modern-day Copernicus, in that he has proven that his theory is correct but academics have ignored the evidence and ridiculed him and those who believe in diffusionist theory.

"I've done my homework," said Mr. Busch. "I can walk the walk and I can talk the talk."

Dr. Julig believes that the bulk of evidence points to the structure being a farm building from around the turn of the 20th century.

"Everything about the stone chamber fits in with Euro-Canadian Manitoulin farming culture, with many known examples," he wrote in an email. "If it looks like an ice-house or root cellar, and is built like one, then it probably is one, not something a group of seafarers travels half-way around the world to build."

Great Spirit Circle Trail client claims racist remarks at info centre

LITTLE CURRENT-A First Nation group is expressing outrage over a racist comment that is alleged to have been made by a representative of the Manitoulin Tourism Association (MTA) this summer.

Officials with the Great Spirit Circle Trail (GSCT) say that complaints have been made by a southern Ontario tourist and her family regarding offensive remarks that were voiced by an individual in the Welcome Centre in Little Current.

"The visitors report that it was after their request to stay on a First Nation that the MTA representative mentioned it was 'scalp night' (on the First Nation) and her 'hair was just right so she should watch out and not go out that night,'" relates the GSCT in a press release.

Al Douglas, president of the MTA, says that he learned of the complaint several weeks ago, and "immediately wrote a letter to apologize" to the visitor for the incident. "I explained that we certainly don't tolerate or condone that kind of behaviour."

The board of the MTA also convened a special meeting to address the issue, according to Mr. Douglas. "We talked about ways to ensure that we have a good working relationship with the GSCT," he says. "We want that to stay strong, because we are partners in tourism on Manitoulin and need to foster mutual respect."

At this point the MTA still isn't entirely sure which representative of their organization is being blamed for the remark. "Given the description of the person given by the tourist, we've tried to figure out who it was, but we still don't know 100 percent who the comments came from," says Mr. Douglas.

Bob Hughson, a seasonal resident who volunteered at the Welcome Centre this summer, admits to being present when the visitor was in the facility, but is adamant that he didn't utter the offensive phrase.

"Nothing like that ever happened," he insists. "Somebody else could have made those comments in the building, but it wasn't me, and it wasn't an employee."

Mr. Hughson is pretty sure which visitor made the complaint, as he recalls "only two people all season who were upset," and of these, only the one party was looking for a place to stay on a First Nation.

He recalls this individual being frustrated by attempts to find a suitable campsite, and says he arranged for a different place for the woman and her family to stay, but at no time, he maintains, did he slight First Nations people or their communities.

"I'm not skating around anything I might have done," he says. "I have no idea what comments might have been made by others (in the Welcome Centre at the time), but I know damn well it didn't come from me."

The incident has not been substantiated by bystanders, so at this point it remains a case of one person's word against another's, but First Nation representatives say it wouldn't be the first time that questionable comments have been made by Welcome Centre personnel.

"Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident," says Dawn Madahbee, general manager of the Waubetek Business Development Corporation, and a former GSCT manager, in a letter to Mr. Douglas. "Over the years, our visitors have advised us of similar comments emanating from the tourism information centre."

In her view, the board of the MTA "needs to take immediate action on this matter and a simple apology is not sufficient." Ms. Madahbee is calling for "a concerted effort to ensure that the mindset is changed within the whole information service;" assurances that "any individuals who hold, or who have tolerated, these racist beliefs are no longer associated with that service;" and additionally that the MTA develop a plan "to provide public awareness of the value of Aboriginal participation in the local tourism industry."

Jose Garcia, a tourist operator in South Baymouth and member of the MTA, tends to agree with that assessment. "This has to be stamped out," he says. "It's a very sensitive issue, and as a black man, I get it."

Mr. Garcia, who has roots in the Dominican Republic, doesn't want to see an over-punitive or polarizing approach applied to the problem, but a proactive strategy to build bridges between Native and non-Native people working within the same tourism industry. "We don't have to be drastic about this, but it needs to be addressed," he says. "We have to recognize that, hey, there is a problem, and approach it with a solution. We have to challenge it within our own organization."

In his view, a respectful alliance between the two populations is critical. "For 30 years now I've been advocating establishing a partnership," he says. "We have to recognize that the growth of the tourism industry here is largely due to our Native presence-their history and strong culture."

Mr. Douglas is hopeful that, as regrettable as this incident may be, "we can use this as an opportunity to have a better relationship" between the MTA and its First Nation equivalent. "We certainly don't want to drive a wedge between the two organizations," he says. "We need to put measures into place to make every attempt to make sure this doesn't happen again."

And while he's already apologized privately to members of the GSCT, Mr. Douglas says a more formal apology will be forthcoming. "If the visitor is saying (the remark) came from the MTA, then we have to deal with it," he says. "This kind of thing is not tolerated by me personally or by our organization."

As for reprimanding or dismissing the person who made the inappropriate remarks, Mr. Douglas says it's premature to do so, particularly since it's not entirely clear which person the visitor is referring to. "If we can identify who made the comments, then we're certainly not going to have that person back, but until I know for sure, I'm not going to shoot from the hip and take action."

Derogatory language was not the only complaint cited by the tourist who contacted the Great Spirit Circle Trail. This same person charges that tourist bureaus in both Little Current and Manitowaning have "little or no knowledge of First Nation lodgings, events or restaurants," according to the GSCT.

"This is incredible!" remarks Ms. Madahbee in the organization's press release. "MTA staff and volunteers should be well educated on First Nation activities, especially as the GSCT has been a paying member of the MTA for the past nine years and has many brochures and displays, as well as an information kiosk, at the Little Current location."

Mr. Hughson, for his part, finds the suggestion of ignorance regarding First Nation attractions quite hurtful. "I promoted Native tourism all summer long!" he says. "One of the standard conversations I would have with people would be to mention if there was a powwow going on, and encourage them to see how professional, friendly and serious (First Nation people) are about their heritage."

Kevin Eshkawkogan, manager of the GSCT, said that "there isn't a bad relationship between the GSCT and MTA, and we want to further that relationship and work together in the future, but unfortunately something like this happened and it has be addressed."

Mr. Eshkawkogan said that "we're working on a more unified voice promoting Manitoulin Island," and that, among the steps that could be taken to that end would be "helping out with staffing issues" at the Welcome Centre by providing more First Nations personnel.

Fledgling Weengushk Film Institute

given $35,000 grant by CTV network

by Chris Kivinen-Newman

SUDBURY-Shirley Cheechoo's dream of establishing a film school on Manitoulin Island is finally beginning to become a reality.

This past Friday, in Sudbury, Ms. Cheechoo's fledgling Weengushk Film Institute received a grant of $35,000 from CTVglobemedia towards administrative and marketing costs.

"It's really overwhelming just knowing that there's people out there that actually believe in the same dream that I have," said Ms. Cheechoo. "I'm hoping that this will create some kind of a chain where other people will learn about our film institute and be able to support it in the same kind of way. That's what's really needed right now to be able to start the program in 2009."

Ms. Cheechoo was on hand for the announcement of the grant, which took place in Sudbury's Silver City movie theatre during Cinefest, the city's film festival. She demonstrated her preference to be behind the camera, though, choosing to stand back to film the ceremony and have a representative read a statement on her behalf.

The event was emceed by Eden Beaudin, an eight-year-old girl from M'Chigeeng who attended Ms. Cheechoo's Weengushk Film Institute Summer Scenes Film Camp. While attending the camp, she was able to create three short films and learn about filmmaking.

Ms. Beaudin said her experience during the summer was fun and that she looked forward to seeing what Weengushk will offer to youth in the future.

The grant was accepted by Taylor Sayers, marketing and resource development manager and acting director of development for Weengushk Film Institute, who said that the program will not only give young Aboriginal filmmakers the skills to make good films, but would also work towards instilling them with confidence.

Other speakers included Liberal MP for Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing, Brent St. Denis, Cinefest managing director Patrick O'Hearn, CTV representatives Scott Lund and Suzanne Shawbonquit, and Weengushk board member and Expositor publisher Rick McCutcheon.

Mr. Lund said that it was important for CTV to support the film institute because 10 percent of their audience is Aboriginal, and that should be reflected in their content.

"We can interact with the school in terms of teaching, but as they graduate we can be a tutorial site for them," Mr. Lund said. "We have openings that would fit perfectly with their graduates. I think it's a sort of partnership."

Ms. Cheechoo sees Weengushk as an opportunity for Aboriginal youth to learn how to tell the stories of their people to a wide audience.

"It's time for us to be able to tell our own stories," she said. "Those are learned from our elders, and our language, and our culture, and to be able to show people that this is coming from us, this is our voice, we need to do that. Once we develop that voice, I think the film industry in Northern Ontario will increase."

Both Ms. Cheechoo and Mr. O'Hearn expressed their hopes that graduates of the film institute will play a large role in Sudbury's film festival in the future.

"Our hopes are that they'll make some fantastic films that we'll screen at Cinefest to captive, adoring audiences," said Mr. O'Hearn. "They're going to play a big role at Cinefest down the road."

Ms. Cheechoo hopes the first class will start in September 2009.

"They can always depend on Weengushk if they run into problems, so we would keep the mentorship going for them," said Ms. Cheechoo. "I don't want them to learn something and just be thrown out there."

EDITORIAL

Harper wrong to make youth crime a campaign issue

As part of his re-election campaign, Tory leader and Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced this week that his government, if elected, will impose stiffer penalties on young offenders convicted of serious crimes, like murder. His announcement also stated that youths as young as 14, should they be convicted of first or second-degree murder, could face life sentences in prison and their names would be made public following the trial process.

In effect, the policy not to name young offenders, which came into effect over 30 years ago, would be turned on its head.

While some Canadians will doubtless welcome the notion that youthful murderers will not be treated any differently than their adult counterparts, Mr. Harper's announcement on Monday of this week is clearly an extension of his "get tough on crime" message promulgated last week. If the Conservatives want to make crime in this country an important aspect of their platform, we can expect a series of rollouts, similar to this one concerning young offenders, during the span of this pre-election campaign.

But, in the scheme of things, just how significant a factor is serious crime in Canada? Is it serious enough to be a conspicuous part of a particular political party's platform?

There is no question that "getting tough on crime" plays well to a certain cadre of voters.

But in the absence of a serious and ongoing crime wave in this country, is such a campaign plank any more than a tactic designed to scare some voters into voting Conservative? These could well be older, urban citizens who hear about the urban shootings in some communities in Canada's largest city and are, naturally enough, concerned that it could spread to their own neighbourhoods.

The chances of the nasty people who shoot up each other's gangs becoming a national contagion is nonexistent and it does not look well on Mr. Harper that he may be trying to create an election issue where there is no need for one.

Precisely because of the gangs in Toronto's rougher areas shooting each other's members, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty has appealed to the federal government to consider a national ban on handguns, similar to a position voiced Sunday by NDP leader Jack Layton that provinces should be empowered to ban handguns completely in their jurisdictions.

Mr. McGuinty recognizes that this is a Toronto issue and has not asked for a "war on crime" but rather for legislation that might make it somewhat more difficult for gang members to obtain firearms.

From Premier McGuinty's viewpoint, this is a reasoned approach, but for Mr. Harper, a ban on handguns would almost surely alienate a part of the electorate whose inclinations are to vote Conservative in any case.

Hence, perhaps, the generic "war on crime" because, after all, who can really object to that, at least as a concept?

Additionally, taking time up to talk about crime in this country (whether the issue seriously exists or not) means that the prime minister won't have to dedicate as much time talking about other issues-like the environment and the economy.

Letters to the Editor

Writer bemoans report of racial comments from MTA

Association must make assurances that racism will not be tolerated

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following letter was sent to Manitoulin Tourism Association (MTA) president Al Douglas and is reprinted at the author's request.

Dear Mr. Douglas:

RE: racial comments from MTA staff/volunteers.

There is no other way to address the subject of this letter than to state exactly what the issue is-racial comments from MTA staff/volunteers. As you are aware, the Great Spirit Circle Trail received written comments from a visitor to Manitoulin about their experience here this summer. The visitor shared their experience, stating that a representative of the Little Current information centre referred to "scalp night," advising that the visitor and her family should not go to the First Nation accommodation business when inquiring about possible accommodation there. This MTA representative also complained that "First Nations get lots of government money for tourism and not us."

The visitor goes on to say that the Little Current tourist bureau and the Manitowaning bureau have little or no knowledge of First Nation lodgings, events or restaurants. This is incredible, especially as the Great Spirit Circle Trail has been a paying member of the MTA for the past nine years and has many brochures, displays as well as an information kiosk at the Little Current location which highlight the great variety of tourism offerings available to visitors.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Over the years, our visitors have advised us of similar comments emanating from the tourism information centre-a centre which was established to promote the tourism businesses and industry on Manitoulin, not dissuade people from experiencing all the unique products this Island has to offer.

The efforts and work of the Great Spirit Circle Trail in marketing the Manitoulin region benefits everyone Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal alike-all the businesses, workers and communities who cater to this primary industry in our region. Many visitors from around the globe are here because of the work that the Great Spirit Circle Trail has done to nurture partnerships with inbound tour operators and agencies from other countries to entice them to visit us. Every time you see a foreign visitor, an RV or motor coach traveling within the area, it is likely a result of the effective international marketing efforts of the Great Spirit Circle Trail. The Great Spirit Circle Trail has also worked hard to develop Aboriginal businesses, which makes our region unique from other regions and helps to attract visitors who are looking for one-of-a-kind educational tourism experiences.

The MTA Board of Directors needs to take immediate action on this matter and a simple apology is not sufficient. There needs to be a concerted effort to ensure that the mindset is changed within the whole information service; assurances that any individuals who hold, or who have tolerated, these racist beliefs are no longer associated with the service; and that the MTA develops a plan in which to provide public awareness of the value of Aboriginal participation in the local tourism industry. Nothing less will suffice nor will this undo the damage or impressions left with some visitors during what should have been a pleasant experience on this historic island that is home to a beautiful First Nation culture.

Dawn Madahbee

general manager

Waubetek Business Development Corporation

Results of trail survey are illogical and self-serving

Idea that more trails would increase revenue is laughable

To the Expositor:

Taking my cue from the Expositor's motto, "Who dares not offend, cannot be honest," I would remark that although neither the Expositor nor the Recorder are publications noted for their humour, with the exception of the columns by our MP and MPP-especially the latter with its fundamentally irrelevant pap-the recent article "Survey shows hiking trails bring tourists" (September 17) comes pretty close to providing that element.

Lindsay Kelly did her usual good job of reporting, so she is not to blame, but what Bob Barnett has to say seems so illogical and self-serving that coming from anyone else I would not believe it is seriously meant. Even a junior high student learning about logic would be able to discern that the results of a four-day "survey" of one particular venue cannot possibly be construed as supporting evidence for imposing Mr. Barnett's vision of riddling Manitoulin Island with unneeded hiking trails for tourists. I can bet that most of the people interviewed on that long weekend were here first and foremost for the big powwow weekend and not necessarily to hike on trails.

Granted, the Cup and Saucer and Bridal Veil Falls are wonderful attractions. So are the many already existing trails and hiking areas on the Island, though whenever I go to them I rarely see more than a couple of other visitors enjoying them (if any at all!).

The suggestion that more promotion of existing trails might lead to their improvement is probably a good one. The inference that more trails would necessarily increase revenue for Island businesses is laughable and is clearly an attempted dig at the landowners who question this logic. I, for one, am tired of reading about Toronto architect-turned-eco-guru Barnett exhorting those of us who live and work on Manitoulin on how we are to enjoy and profit from the place we call home. The question that remains for me is why the Expositor and Recorder continually beat this dead horse? Maybe it is to provide some humour for their readers.

Vincente Belenson

Gore Bay

Area man remembered for spreading joy, good humour

Buddy Case lived life with dignity and integrity

To the Expositor:

I would like to pay tribute to a great man who passed away recently. I know I speak for a lot of people when I say that he will be missed a lot. Buddy Case was great because of how he made people feel, and the dignity and integrity with which he lived his life. Most people are remembered for their accomplishments in one field or another, or by works of charity. But if degrees were bestowed for spreading joy, Buddy would have earned a PhD. And if charity were defined in terms of spirit, he's have all of us beat.

Buddy could have seen you a thousand times and still greet you like you were the very person he wanted to see most in the world. He smiles more than anyone I've ever met. I doubt there was a day in his life when he didn't make someone feel good about themselves. A man of few words, when he spoke it was often to say something funny and as with any good humorist, his timing was impeccable. On hearing the news of his passing, one of his friends commented that Buddy is in heaven now, making God laugh. From those of us who knew you and loved you, goodbye to a good friend and a great man.

Beth Coultis

Tehkummah