Mercury
Proud to be an Independent CANADIAN Publication Wednesday, July 1, 2020, Volume 1
The Tofield
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Wednesday July 1, 2020 Vol. 102 Issue 44
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John Sharrow Awards
Ron Robinson tourney
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Beaver County selling its campgrounds?
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Lions uphold Flag Day tradition Left: Grade 1 student Camryn Appleby receives a flag from Lions Club member Kevin Smook on Flag Day. Above: Lions Club members pose for a picture in front of CW Sears School on Thursday afternoon, June 25. From left are Kevin Smook, Jim Warren, and Curtis Zinger under cover of protective masks. Below: More of the Grade 1 students receiving flags from the disMOUSH JOHN PHOtancing of their parents’ vehicle.
Tofield continues Project Pride, celebrating Canada and Lions Clubs MOUSH JOHN Tofield Mercury Despite the COVID-19 pandemic playing spoiler in many of the school events, which were modified to be permissible during this time, the annual Flag Day tradition hosted by Tofield Lions Club was celebrated at CW Sears School on Thursday, June 25. This was the 24th consecutive year that the Tofield Lions have been involved in Lions Project Pride designed for members to express to their community the pride the club has in Canada and in being a Lion.
Speaking to the occasion, Lions Club member Kevin Smook said, “It’s a way to partner with CW Sears School and show the pride we have in being Canadian. Each year, members of the Lions Club provide a Canadian Flag and Project Pride certificate, which describes the diversity we have in our country. We try to do this late in the school year, as close to Canada Day as possible.” Smook, who has been involved since the beginning, added that despite the COVID-19 situation, the Tofield Lions Club felt it was important to keep the tradition going.
“We appreciate being invited by C W Sears staff and administration to participate again this year,” he said. “Many of our members have helped out over the years. This year, Lions Curtis Zinger and Jim Warren joined me.” The earliest memory Smook has of their Canadian Flag presentation goes back to year one in 1997, when he was able to provide his son Michael with his own Canadian Flag. “It was great handing them out to all four of our kids over the years, but also to the many kids of friends and neighbours that we know from the area,” he
stated. “It’s a special feeling to see the smile on each student’s face when they are presented with their own Canadian Flag.” He also explained how the Lions largest event, the Heritage Show N Shine Car Show might not be held this year. The event, which has been a mainstay of the community on the August long weekend has been cancelled. “Unfortunately, it looks like the event will be cancelled this year. COVID-19 has had a big impact on our Club as we have been unable to hold meetings.”