LOOKING BACK AT 2011 by SHANNON BURROWS - Listowel Banner

Looking back at 2011
December 28, 2011

For a small municipality, North Perth saw its share of news over this last year.From the tragic passing of two local volunteer firefighters, to encouraging word of new businesses and developments coming to the area, from the feel-good and human interest photo spreads of local events, to the controversial topic of the day concerning wind energy, The Listowel Banner has brought it all to you.In this edition of The Banner, readers will find part one of our annual year in review — the stories, good and bad — that made local headlines in 2011.To coincide with this annual reflection, we’ve compiled a list of the Top Ten Most Memorable North Perth Quotes.
10. "We come here for many reasons, whether we are here to cheer on survivors as they walk the victory lap, or to remember loves ones we have lost."Kathleen Mack, 2011 Relay for Life chairperson.
9. "As Christians first and farmers second, we believe we should do something to share our abundance with those who are hungry."Farmer John Tollenaar on the local Harvest for Hunger initiative and record-breaking attempt.
8. "I wanted to return the respect and pride in Canadian troops that disappeared in the 1960s and ‘70s, after the Vietnam War. My goal was to take the mural across Canada."Artist Dave Sopha on the Portraits of Honour.
7. "That’s the first time in Silver Stick history two teams from the same centre have won the same year, that’s phenomenal."-Minto Atom Rep head coach Dale Litt on his club and the Minto Midget Reps both winning regional Silver Sticks in late 2011.
6. "I could see the red bolt so I knew. I had seen the flash of red in the window; it was very strange. I knew we were hit with lightning, but still I was thinking, ‘was that lightning?’"Listowel resident Tracey Robson, after her home was struck by lightning in September.
5. "Not wearing seat belts is the biggest killer for teens (in Perth County). Not cancer, not your heart, not West Nile."RN Jim LeSouder at the Listowel District Secondary School IMPACT assembly.
4. "I see no signs of any desire to reduce the deficit, like it was supposed to be happening . . . we’re certainly not reducing the deficit, we’re adding to it."Elma ward councillor Ken Buchanan, reflecting on his first year on council.
3. "How about that?"Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece, on winning the local riding in October’s provincial election.
2. "It was absolutely amazing. What a great testament to these two men. This is a great community and we pull together in good times and in bad. We celebrated and we grieved together. We’re a family and that’s what gets us through."Tami Chauvin, president of the Listowel Kinette Club, on the community’s tribute to fallen firefighters Kenneth Rea and Ray Walter.
And the Most Memorable North Perth Quote of 2011:1. "God bless you, Kenny and Raymond, you’re our heroes."North Perth Fire Chief Ed Smith, speaking at the funeral of Rea and Walter.- S.B.