Tollendale Tales
Publication of the tenants of Tollendale Village
A Christian Retirement Community
271 Tollendal Mill Road, Barrie, ON. L4N 7S6 (705-722-0469)
Website:www.tollendalevillage.ca E-mail: info@tollendalevillage.ca
Editing: Julie Christiaanse (728-4739) E-mail: j.christiaanse@sympatico.ca

Barrie Blooms
By the editor
On July 31, after a rare good night's rain shower, judges for Communities in Bloom International Competition visited Tollendale Village. Peter Meyer, Patrick Ezekiel, Jack Langenhuizen and Peter Vegter, all having done a share of the garden work, hovered nearby, following the judges' every step and doing their sweet-talking to the adjudicators. They made sure the visitors saw everything they wanted them to see. What appears to have impressed the judges most is the garden plot area.

The gardens have improved since last year, thanks in part to a donation of rich natural fertilizer. This year the variety of flowers and vegetables is greater and they seem to grow more vigorously. Among several vertical structures supporting crops such as tomatoes and beans, Lorne Powers' Madeira beans stand out. Kooi's courtyard and Langhout's garden fountain are just two examples of the pride residents take in the appearance of our village.

The judges commented on the balconies with their abundance of flowering plants, among which Rose Kelly's stands out.

The outcome appears to bode well for us. One of the judges was a Belgian, the other from Edmonton, Alberta, and apparently favourably disposed to the many Dutch there. But then again, we don't want a scandal such as involved the Olympic figure skating competitions to taint our beautiful community in bloom, do we?

Will we top last year? We'll have to wait till the end of September or later to hear the results. If we don't it will certainly not be for a lack of effort. Peter Vegter can be seen late in the evening taking care of the watering of plants around Bethany Gables.

A Handful
By Peter Meyer
Lately my wife Tena and I have been visiting different churches because of anniversaries to be celebrated. Several times we had the privilege of sitting behind a family with five children. Tena remarked, "Isn't that a beautiful sight!" There was the little girl in a frilly pink dress sitting on mother's lap playing with her necklace, a little boy with reddish hair and freckles leaning against his dad. The older ones are holding a hymnbook and sing along with the congregation. Five children - a handful.

I can hardly believe that some thirty-five years ago we sat the same way with our five children. Although I think that I had to point my finger more often at them than this newer version of the family. It is with some nostalgia that I remember their little hands in my hand and their sleepy heads resting against me. It is a pity that I do not remember more of those precious moments.

In the business of getting them all fed, washed, dressed and bathroomed in time to go to church, we often thought that they were a handful. Five lively children, who teased each other, made each other laugh and cry. They sometimes kicked and pulled needed a lot of refereeing. It was a challenge every time we had to pack everyone and everything in the car to go to church. We had a handful.

Dining Room report
By Rose Tjeerdsma
The dining room has now been operational for about four months and we have learned a lot. A routine is being established making the workload easier. The first few months saw an average usage of about 30 persons per meal in the dining room and about 6 daily Meals-on-Heels deliveries. I really appreciate he faithfulness of the ladies that volunteer to deliver these meals. They are there everyday that meals are served, and I know the residents who receive these meals appreciate the service. There has been somewhat of a reduction in the demand for the dining room during July and August, and I hope this is attributable to the fact that it is summertime and there are many other activities and outings available to the residents at this time. I am hopeful that many more of you will make use of the dining room when fall arrives. I would really appreciate your feedback on the meals that are served. Is there enough variety? Are the portions too big or too small? How can I improve on what we are doing? Perhaps you have not yet had an opportunity to eat in the dining room. What can I do to encourage you to try it even just once or twice a month? Please drop in and see me any Monday, Wednesday or Friday in the kitchen, with your comments. The dining room will be closed from September 9 to September 21 as I will be on vacation. It will reopen on Monday September 23.

Sid's Report
Report for Tollendale Tales by Sid Tjeerdsma, August 26, 2002
The last time I wrote an article for Tollendale Tales I mentioned that spring had just arrived. Here we are and summer is coming to a close. Time just seems to fly by and before we know it another year will be over. I trust that everyone had an enjoyable summer and that those residents who have moved into Tollendale Village in the last six months are finding themselves more comfortable in the community as time goes by.

Hurst Drive - Construction Road
One of the highlights of the summer was the official opening of Bethany Gables on June 21,2002. The event was very well attended and the weather cooperated.

You will notice that the secondary entrance along the future Hurst Drive road allowance is also open and many residents are using it. We caution everyone that this is still considered a construction road and that you are using it at your own risk. Please be careful when you exit from this roadway onto Tollendal Mill Road.

Tollendal Mill Road Improvement
It may be that by the time you read this newsletter the city will have resurfaced Tollendal Mill Road and added significantly wider shoulders. This will create a safer environment for those who like to walk and bike along the street.

Coping with Drought Conditions
This has been one of the hottest and driest summers on record and it has been a challenge to keep the lawns green. As a result, the Board has approved the installation of an irrigation system for the green areas adjacent to Eden Hall and Bethany Gables. This should be in place before next summer. Unfortunately, our budget does not allow us to include the lawns surrounding the garden homes at this time.

Tendering and Financing New Construction
On August 9, 2002 the preliminary tenders closed for the construction of Phases 3 and 4. We are now in final negotiations with the contractor for this work. Unfortunately, the whole process of tendering and arranging the financing for this major phase of the development is taking longer than we hoped. This is our largest project to date, with an estimated cost of about $23,000,000. We hope to have all the financing and other pieces in place by September and when that is accomplished we will be sending out mailings to all those who have reserved units in Phases 3 and 4 including further details about the additional deposits required and independent legal advice. This applies to equity lease applicant only. At the present time about 85% of Phase 3 is reserved as well as about 45% of the fourth phase.

Units Still Available
The summer has seen a slight slowdown in the reserving of units, but we anticipate it to pick up again after the holidays. Please continue to let your friends and relatives know that this will be the last residential component of the Village. If they wish to be part of our community, we encourage them to consider reserving a unit as soon as possible.

Private Investments Welcome
We wish to remind residents, future residents, SCCSHI members and friends of Tollendale Village, that we welcome any private investments into the Village. We have investment instruments available for 2, 3, 4 and 5 year terms with competitive interest rates set at 1.5% above those paid by the Royal Bank for similar amounts and terms. Since we started this latest campaign in July we have received over $800,000.00 in investments. We could, however, accept much more, since we are now going into the construction phase of our next project. Please contact Rob VanderMey at 705-722-0469, if you wish to inquire about investment opportunities.

Dining Room Looking For More Diners
The demand for the dining room is somewhat below expectations, but we attribute most of this to the summer time when many of you have other engagements. We anticipate that this will change when the fall season arrives. Please feel free to speak to the dining room staff with any suggestions and other comments. Unless they hear from you, it is difficult to know if any changes should be made to accommodate more of your needs.

Residents' Health Needs
Some of our tenants had to relocate to other facilities because of deteriorating health. We regret that we are unable to accommodate them at this time, and it is our objective to be able to meet more of the health needs of our residents when Phases 3 and 4 are completed. In the meantime we wish to extend our best wishes to those who have moved away and trust you enjoyed your stay with us here at Tollendale Village.

Off-duty Privacy
I also want to give a gentle reminder to all of our tenants to respect the privacy of Harvey and Marie Vander Wal, during non-working hours. Unless it is an emergency, please direct maintenance and nursing inquiries to them during the regular working hours. Your cooperation in this matter is very much appreciated.

Annual Membership Meeting
I wish to remind all of the members of SCCSHI, of the upcoming Annual Membership meeting that will be held in the Eden Hall meeting room on Wednesday, November13 2002 starting at 8:00 p.m. A detailed meeting package will be forwarded to all members prior to the meeting.

Taking a Break on the Train
From September 7th to September 22nd, Rose and I will be on a vacation as we celebrate our thirtieth wedding anniversary with a train trip to Vancouver. Please direct all inquiries during this period to Rob VanderMey.

Rob is Getting Married
Many of you will know by now that Rob VanderMey and his fiancée‚ Leisha Dowson, are planning a wedding for Saturday September 28, 2002. We want to wish Rob and Leisha God's blessings as they start on this life's journey. Consequently, Rob will be away from the office from September 24 to October 8, 2002.

As always, feel free to contact Rob VanderMey or myself during regular office hours with questions, suggestions or comments you may have.

Tenant Committee Business
These notes have been gleaned from the minutes of six meetings held since the previous issue of Tollendale Tales. Editor

May 24, 2002 TTC meeting
TTC Elections
Lorne Power informs the committee of the agenda and procedures pertaining to the tenant meeting slated for June 26.

Spiritual Care
In response to a letter received regarding the need for spiritual care, it is suggested that a committee be established to study this matter. In a subsequent letter to the Board, the TTC addressed that concern as it exists now and will in the future when Tollendale Village may have as many as 450 residents. SSCSH Inc. board members Hank Borgdorff, John Dupain and John Eissies met with Peter Meyer, Don French and Elaine Hardstone. Further discussions are to take place. Research will be done into how facilities similar to Tollendale Village offer spiritual care. The Board is requesting input from the TTC. In the meantime friendly visitors fill an important role.

Don French and Jan Kooi will obtain job descriptions for chaplains from other residences. Don and Peter are to meet with those tenants in Bethany Gables who have indicated an interest in making friendly visits.

Chapel Services
Elaine presents a list of speakers for the June, July and August chapel services.

Hymnbooks
Of the twenty books ordered eleven were received. The price per book has increased to $20.32 from $16.04. Tollendale Village received a $160.00 donation toward the purchase of hymnbooks.

New Treasurer
The TTC will need a new treasurer. The TTC expresses its appreciation to Marie VanderWal who has administered the committee's finances the past two years.

Tollendale Picture Book
Art Van Donkelaar, owner of a Mailboxes Etc. franchise, has proposed having residents' pictures taken and compiled in a binder. The committee will ask for information and prices. Bethany Gables resident George Snieder is willing to take the pictures.

Monday Mornings are for Socializing
Lectures and presentations will be scheduled for Thursday mornings in order that Monday mornings remain reserved for the social aspect of the coffee hour.

Miscellaneous Agenda Items
Suggestions for the purchase of a large screen in the meeting room are requested. The Stayner singers will receive a thank you note and an invitation to perform for us again.

A bulletin board for the third floor meeting room of Bethany Gables will be bought and installed.

June 26 Tenant General Meeting
Lorne Power introduces those who have agreed to stand for election to the Tollendale Tenant Committee. They are Cor Bos, John Bouius, Isobel Bridgeman, Mike Cassidy, Pauline Charters, Marguerite Ezekiel, Adriana Frouws, Elaine Hardstone, Bob Hovius, Enno Meijers, Peter Meyer, Freddy Stoof, Pim van der Toorn, Elizabeth Snieder and June Watts. Elected are Cor Bos, Adriana Frouws Elaine Hardstone, Peter Meyer, Freddy Stoof, Marguerite Ezekiel and Elizabeth Snieder.

June 28 TTC Meeting
Present are former committee members Don French and Jan Kooi and newly elected or re-elected members Marguerite Ezekiel, Adriana Frouws, Elaine Hardstone, Peter Meyer, Liz Snieder and Freddy Stoof.

Another Vote Needed
A letter was received from Cor Bos indicating that he is not able to serve on the TTC for health reasons.

A motion is adopted to ask the four who received the next highest number of votes to stand for election once more. Jan Kooi and Don French are to contact these persons and, with Lorne Power, arrange for another vote to take place on July 15 during the coffee hour. The procedure will be explained in a letter to the tenants. (After consultation with these four only a duo remains.)

Term of Office
Lot determines term of office. The result is: Adriana Frouws and Liz Snieder - one year, Marguerite Ezekiel and Peter Meyer - 2 years, Elaine Hardstone and Freddy Stoof - 3 years.

July 15 Tenant General Meeting
Bob Hovius is elected to the tenant committee.

July 19 TTC Meeting
All members are present. The committee functions are divided as follows: Chair: Peter Meyer, Vice-chair: Bob Hovius, Secretary: Adriana Frouws, Treasurer: Liz Snieder.

Elaine Hardstone will continue to coordinate the chapel services with speakers and special music contributions. Elaine also finds leaders for singalongs.

Miscellaneous Decisions
The TTC treasurer will pay for the use of the large screen used in a recent chapel meeting.

Freddy Stoof will coordinate special entertainment evenings.

Adriana will speak with Roelof Bouwmeester regarding the request for more volunteer drivers for residents' appointments.

The committee is grateful for Rennie de Boer's contributions to the greening of Tollendale Village. To show appreciation the committee approves of Peter and Tena Meyer taking Rennie and his wife out for dinner in the dining hall.

Enlarging Roster of Chapel Speakers
In order to include a representative of the Roman Catholic Church in the roster of speakers for chapel services Elaine Hardstone will contact a deacon from Saint Mary's Parish.

Ongoing Activities in Tollendale Village
The committee reviews various activities in Tollendale Village life. These are listed on the monthly calendar.

August 9 TTC meeting
Disbursements
The TTC treasurer will have permission to pay without prior committee approval amounts not exceeding $50.00.

Funds
The tenant committee (TTC) administers a fund for certain expenses, i.e. for the Monday Coffee Hour and related costs in the meeting room. Rob VanderMey administers the Tollendale Village Fund. A tax receipt is provided for contributions to this fund. There is still some confusion concerning the designation of the two funds.

The Picture Book
Producing a Tollendale Village photo book is more difficult than one may think. Cost and logistics are just two of the aspects. More information is needed.

Market Day
A Market Day (Garage Sale) will take place as soon as possible. (See elsewhere in this newsletter.)

Miscellaneous Agenda Items
An ad hoc committee consisting of Peter Meyer, Don French, Elaine Hardstone and Adriana Frouws will write proposals and a job description for a future Tollendale Village chaplain, as requested by the Tollendale Village Board of Directors.

Peter wrote letters to retired members Mike Cassidy, Don French, Jan Kooi and Helen Thompson, thanking them for their work on behalf of the tenants in the past two years.

Concern about the inability of some residents to leave their apartments quickly in the event of a fire alarm and incidents of crime around the buildings prompts the committee to discuss these matters with the executive director in the near future.

The St. Nicholas evening will be held on December 5.

Residents who personally wish to bring a matter to the attention of the committee must send their request in writing to the committee in order that the particular topic can be put on the agenda. If the resident needs to speak to the committee in person he or she will be invited for that part of the meeting only.

The next meeting will take place on Friday, September 6, 2002.

Treasurer's Report
Bank of Montreal $1654.35
Tenant fund $1492.62

Chapel Schedule
September 8 Rev. Peter Meyer
September 15 Leader: Peter Meyer
Speaker: Dr. Vic Adrian
October 13 Mike Cassidy
October 27 Leader: Mike Cassidy Speaker: Rev. Vern Black
Soloist: Jane Black

Singalongs
September 14: Hymn favourites from the Red Hymnal, led by Phil Seabrook.
October 19: Program by the Mudde family - Dennis, Nancy and their six children. Program includes audience singing.

Another Milestone
Bethany Gables' Opening
By Peter Meyer
It was a hot day and the forecast mentioned a chance of thunderstorms. Around four o'clock on June 21 the sky was threatening and a distant rumbling could be heard. Clouds kept the sun from burning us. Many people gathered under the canopy and on the lawn in front of Bethany Gables for the official opening Phase Two of Tollendale Village.

Around five o'clock John Kassies, vice-chair of Simcoe County Christian Senior Home Inc., welcomed all. He introduced board members and the special guests Barrie mayor Jim Perri, former mayor Janice Laking, alderman Alison Eadie, and MPP Joe Tascona. Part of the official activities was the cutting of the ribbon, an honour that fell to Ken Mitchell, the oldest resident of Bethany Gables.

After watching the hard work of the ceremony we could go on to enjoy a meal of hamburgers, sausages, salads and rich desserts.

This was another milestone in the history of Tollendale Village. We are looking forward to the construction of the next phase scheduled to begin soon.

Monday Morning Coffee Hour
Please note: Coffee is being served in the fellowship hall every Monday morning at a cost of 50 cents. On the last Monday of the month cake is also being served. Those who had a birthday that month pay $4.00 each for a cake to be served.

Market Day, September 21
By Freddy Stoof - Entertainment and Activities Coordinator.
On Saturday, September 21 we will open our Canadian-Dutch Market Day and Garage Sale at 9.00 o'clock sharp. If you have articles to sell it will cost you $10.00 for one table to display your things. If you do not need a table but can put your articles on the ground, the same rule applies. That money will go to the Tollendale Tenant Committee fund. Whatever you make from the sale is yours. We want to make this a great success so that next year it will be a bigger sale yet. We need:

Bakers - for pies, cookies, bread
Carpenters - for toys and other wood products
Crafters - for knitted and crocheted goods and other crafts
We also need volunteers for all kinds of jobs.
We will have poffertjes (small pancakes, a Dutch treat) and more delicious things. Marg and Dick will be there in their Dutch costumes.

I will distribute a flyer in which you find more details a little later.

If you have questions, want to volunteer, bake or do other things, please phone me: Freddy Stoof (Tel.734-0403) or Bob Hovius (Tel. 792-0983).

Bible Study
Now for Men Also
By Julie Christiaanse - "Coffee Break" Bible study coordinator
For the past two years many Tollendale women have met for fellowship and Bible study on alternate Tuesday mornings from September to April. They gather in the large meeting room of Eden Hall at nine-thirty. After a social time, the singing of a few hymns and prayer by one of the group leaders they continue in different areas of the building for small group Bible study till eleven o'clock.

This year we are inviting men to join also. If men are showing an interest we will in addition to the women-only groups also have a men's group or a mixed (men and women) group meeting at the same time.

You will be asked to indicate your preference at the time you sign up and pay for the study booklet on Tuesday, September 10 at 9:30 a.m.

If you are unable to come to the September 10 meeting but intend to participate let Tena Meyer know as soon as possible.

We have chosen the Old Testament this year and will study Genesis: Abraham and Sarah. The cost of the study booklet is $10.00. This course is intended take us to April; no other books will be needed. We hope to see you on Tuesday, September 10.

Those who want more information may get in touch with Irene Cassidy, Julie Christiaanse, Tena Meyer or Peter Meyer.

Care Committee - A Capable Team
By Marilyn Warren
As Tollendale Village grows and our residents age we see an increased need to monitor and care for those with chronic health problems and age related concerns. Along with the physical ailments there are the emotional components of those concerns such as fear, loneliness, anxiety and depression.

We are blessed at Tollendale that "carrying each others burdens" is not just a phrase but is put into practice by caring and compassionate friends and neighbors who reach out to those in need. We thank God for all that you do for each other.

As a Care Committee we strive to assist those residents who need increased support and supervision. Each one of us has her own area of expertise: Marie VanderWal in the Nursing Home sector, Dale Rutherford in Community Nursing and my area is the hospital (Surgical Nursing). Collectively we feel that we are a good team.

When Marie is on holidays Dale and I share the nursing jobs and visits that need to be made. We enjoy our involvement in your lives and admire your sense of humour, and your faith and courage in the face of difficulties. Please know that the health information and any other problems you share with us is kept strictly confidential.

We look forward to the completion of a medical center in our 4th Phase and with that the services of a physician for Tollendale. We are thankful that Dr. Steffens has been able to accept a large number of residents as patients and that Dr. Dawson has also been able to add some residents to his practice.

We encourage you to let us know if we can be of assistance and thank you for your confidence and trust. May God keep you in his care.

"I Couldn't Care Less"
By Don French
Recently, I witnessed an altercation outside a local business. I have no idea what prompted the differences between the two individuals, but the parting comment from one opponent was, "I couldn't care less."

I thought how difficult it would be to bring conciliation about in that situation.

Then, in direct contrast, I thought of life in Tollendale Village and the "caring" that is continually evident here. There are so many unpretentious ways in which our residents reach out and care for one another. Without the thought of recognition they simply engage in caring for others. However, I believe we should do all we can to encourage and equip each other to meet needs as they arise. With this in mind, several sessions have been held for those who will be involved in visiting our residents.

Planning is also under way to provide for special needs as they arise. The importance of confidentiality, recognition of individuality and personal dignity is stressed. We attempt to deepen our understanding of how we are affected by anxiety, stress, fear, depression, loneliness, bereavement and other circumstances that can disrupt our daily lives.

We should also consider what contributes to spiritual and physical wellness as we care for one another.

I have been asked to continue this series and make the sessions open to all. Before doing so, it would be helpful to know how many would be interested in order that planning for location and time can be done. Notices will be posted where you can indicate your interest. Specific information can then follow. Each session will conclude with time for questions and sharing. Jesus set us an example of love and caring. I believe his example is integrated in the Board's vision statement for Tollendale Village. I shall look forward to hearing from you.

Birthdays
September 4 Patrick Ezekiel
September 8 Hilda McKay
September 8 George Thompson
September 9 Zelma Zdanovskis
September 13 Francine Visser
September 14 Elizabeth Strootman
September 15 Charlotte Pratt
September 15 Gerda van Strien
September 15 Cor Bos
September 17 Wilhelmina Schep
September 18 Fran McKenna
September 18 Sylvia Small
September 26 June McCutcheon
October 1 Dan Mobach
October 5 Edith French
October 6 Gord Tawton
October 7 Mary Ruddick
October 7 Johanna Kroesen
October 12 Dorothy Hunter
October 14 Ron Menary
October 14 Donald Reid
October 15 Alberdina Munro
October 15 Dorothy Jackson
October 16 Margaret Jerry
October 20 Pauline Charters
October 23 Donald Wood
October 24 Ninka Hovius
October 24 Theo Rekman
October 25 James Sefton
October 26 Lucille Wesson
October 27 Rita Jay
October 28 Rose Kelly
October 28 Rika de Hoog
October 29 Irene Cassidy
October 29 Engelina Van Hamburg
October 30 Francine Siderius
Check your calendar for special and regular events.

Here at Tollendale Village
After only a few months in Bethany Gables (110) Jan VanderWal died on July 11, 2002.

Mrs. Anje Vriezema, Eden Hall (201), moved to Vista Nursing Home in Elmvale.

In Eden Hall we welcome, Audrey Robinson (110) (Tel.726-8850) and Violet O'Connor (209) (Tel.726-8912)

Correction
Please change in your tenant list:
Evelyn Hannah (Bethany Gables):
Tel. 735-3190
We congratulate Rob VanderMey, who will marry Leisha Dowson on September 28, at 2 o'clock in the Gravenhurst Opera House.
We also congratulate Jake and Lenie Eigenhuis who celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary recently.

Freddy Stoof Writes:
I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all who showed their love and friendship when I was under the weather. Let nobody doubt that God's love is all around us in this village. From my heart: Thank you all.

Support for the Alzheimer Society
This year again we will host a Coffee Hour in support of the Alzheimer Society. Join us on Thursday, September 19 at 10 o'clock in the meeting room. Details will be posted on bulletin boards throughout the building.

Fall Fashion Show
Ready for a new look? On Friday, October 4, at 10 o'clock, we'll have another fashion show. Freda Kiers from Country Boutique in Wellandport will present her fall and winter collection. Marie spoke to Freda about her selection for Tollendale Village. So, come have a look. As before, it would be appreciated if some of us would bring baked goods to be served with the coffee.

Giving and Getting Rides
Ralph Bouwmeester writes: Sorry about the confusion caused by my notice on the bulletin board concerning raising money for the tenant fund.

Gasoline expenses are yours to keep, of course. However, about the money paid to you for the time involved when you drive someone to an appointment, I suggested that you donate that part to the tenant fund if you wish to do so. We are used to saying, "Time is money", but now the time has come for us to say, "Time is free". That is what it was all about.

Parade on September 8
The Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers, along with churches in this area are organizing a parade on September 8 to remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 in the United States. O.P.P. pipes and drums and mounted units, members of the RCMP and many others, representing fire departments and ambulance services will take part. Through this event appreciation will be shown to those men and women who lay their lives on the lien every time they go on duty.

More information about this event that will culminate in a one hour service in Hi-Way Pentecostal Church at 3 o' clock can be found on the bulletin board on the basement level of Eden Hall or from Mike Cassidy (726-5429).

Volunteer opportunity
We received a letter from Janie Harris (725-9767), a resident of the Royal Oak community, who is active in various areas of volunteer work. She is asking for help with breakfast clubs in local schools. The particular need is for someone to pick up donations at one of the schools and making drop offs in approximately five schools weekly or every second week. To find out more about it please look at Janie's letter posted on the bulletin board on the Eden hall meeting room level opposite the elevator.

Contribution Deadline
The deadline for contributions to the November-December issue (No.15) of Tollendale Tales is Wednesday, October 30, 2002.

Important Dates
Tuesday, September 10 - Bible study get-together at 9:30 a.m. (for men also)
Thursday, September 19 - Coffee Hour in support of Alzheimer Society at 10 o' clock.
Saturday, September 21 - Market Day at 9 o' clock
Friday, October 4 - Fashion show

Conversation Above the Clouds
Editor's Essay
I knew the return trip Amsterdam-Toronto would be somewhat different from others when I found the waiting area where passengers gather before boarding almost empty. Then I remembered having seen a large gathering of peaceful, earnest, backpacked young people huddled around what appeared to be their leaders submitting to a roll call just a short distance away. They must be people on their way to the Roman Catholic World Youth Day.

So I was not surprised when my seat companion turned out to be a bright-eyed Dutch pilgrim on his way to be billeted in the St. Catharines' diocese. He was eager to talk, excited about what lay ahead. I soon knew that this would be his first plane ride although he had traveled extensively in Europe and had just returned from Copenhagen, Denmark, where, as a member of the European Youth Parliament, according to him he had helped put together a constitution for the European Union. If their ideas were accepted - he took it for granted that they would be - Western Europe would lose all national identities that still exist. I tried to get into a friendly debate with him, but he dismissed my objections.

Then the excitement of the flight took over. The 20-year old became a kid again, excitedly pointing out to whoever would listen what he saw from his window seat. This plane ride was not dull. Over the Atlantic Ocean he fired one question after another at me and hardly waited for answers. He had obviously taken a crash course in Canadian geography. When he asked about the long Canadian-American border I told him that there is fairly strict control as to who may enter and that one must have identity papers. No, it wouldn't be advisable to try and enter undetected. Used to the ease with which people travel from one country to another in Western Europe he could hardly believe that. He also looked incredulous when I told him that Canada has as many as six time zones.

Next, he made a move to leave his seat and ask to be allowed in the cockpit. He was disappointed when I told him that the time that passengers were allowed to visit cockpits had long passed, well before September 11.

He then tried to have stewardesses share in his excitement and engage them in conversation. He was a little "too much" for them and I believe that from then on they tried to avoid his gaze.

This young man who said that he was active in his church also spent some quiet time reading the Bible and the booklet Salt and Light that all had to study and would serve as a guide for group discussions. I glanced at it, as he was reading and thought it looked good and dealt with practical ethical questions from a biblical perspective.

We have heard many positive reports about the young people attending World Youth Day from all over the world. My fellow traveler was a good representative of the Dutch delegation even though I don't agree with his idea of a fully integrated Europe. After all, one of my brothers is a farmer in the Netherlands. JC