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32 -- PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, Janvary 30, 1990 Joyce Kelly honored for When Joyce Kelly first agreed to take on the job of sec- retary for the Blackstock Agri- cultural Society (Fair Board) she had no idea just how long her tenure might last. That was a quarter century ago. And anyone who has had anything to do with the popular Blackstock Fair knows what kind of contribution Mrs. Kelly has given over those 25 years. Her dedication and efforts were acknowledged and recog- nized last Thursday evening as members of the Society held their annual meeting in Black- stock. Current Fair Board presi- dent Dave Petrie told the Star later that Mrs. Kelly's knowl- edge and work have been inval- uable to thessuccess of the Fair. "I'm sure all the past presi- dents would say the same thing," he added. The single day Blackstock Fair which is always held the fi- nal Saturday in August, has a solid reputation and is often re- ferred to as the "best one-day Fairin the province." Staging an agricultural fair is abig job, and requires the efforts of countless dedicated volunteers. But co-ordinating these ef- forts, handling the mountains of paper-work long before Fair Day, falls on the shoulders of Mrs. Kelly. "I really don't consider this a job. I do it because I thorough- ly enjoy it," Mrs. Kelly told the Star. When asked how she got the job 26 years ago, she replied simply, "they (the Fair Board) needed a secre and they asked me. I guess I was in the right place at the right time." And she , even though she and her husband Gerald had one small child and were expecting another. Actually, her second child was born a bit early a week or so before her first fair as secretary. It must have been quite a feat juggling the responsibilities of fair secretary with the demands of anew-born and a toddler. But anyone who knows Mrs. Kelly, knows she has a penchant for community work. These days, along with her year-round duties as secretary, she also works as secretary to the Association of Ontario Fair Boards, is a trustee for Scugog with the Durham Board of Edu- cation, and among other things, finds the time to write an infor- mative, lively and well-read col- umn each week for this newspa- I. pe When asked what she en- joys most about her work with the Fair, she says without hesi- tation, "the people." "Fair people are so very down-to-earth. They are all spe- cial tome." Even after 26 years, she has no thoughts of giving up the job, though she admits with a chuckle, that every year, once the Fair is over, she thinks to herself "that's the last one." Fair Day itself is exhaust- ing, virtually a 24-hour day for Mrs. Kelly. When all the visi- tors and exhibitors are enjoying the Fair, her mind is on any number of details (large and small) that must be handled that day. "I really don't know how many more years I'll do this, I just take it one year at a time," she said. The Blackstock Fair this year will be Mrs. Kelly's 25th, and it will also mark the 126th anniversary of this Fair. When the Fair rolls around this August, Ont. Lt. Governor Lincoln Alexander will be on hand to officially open the event and mark the 126th anniver- sary. At last Thursday's annual meeting, Agricultural Service diplomas were presented to Murray and Aileen Byers for their contribution to the Fair kat ; wh pad Joyce Kelly has been over the years. Guest speaker for the eve- ning was CKQT Oshawa radio announcer Eddie Luther. He took part in the media milking contest at last year's Radlo broacaster Eddie Luther and his wife Loretta were special guests as the Black- stock Agricultural Society held its annual meeting last comed by Fair Board president Dave Petrie (centre) Mr. the secret 25 years, and her dedication and ha meeting last Thursday evening. With Joy After 25 years, does Joyce have any thoug Fair and thoroughly enjoyed himself. Mr. Luther, who initiated radio traffic reports by helicop- ter with CFRB in Toronto in 1961, told the meeting he hopes Thursday evening. They were wel- Luther who now works for CKQT in Oshawa, was one of the pioneers in broadcasting tratfic reports via helicopter back In the early 60's when he was at CFRB In Toronto. (see story for detalis) RONALD D. BRIDGEWATER, BA. Lis. LAW OFFICES 18 WATER STREET, PORT PERRY 985-8491 -- providing 14 years experience in -- REAL ESTATE -- INCORPORATIONS FAMILY LAW -- WILLS -- ESTATES Fon FORAN DISPOSAL CORPORATION ROLL OFF CONTAINER SERVICE 14, 20, 30, 40, YD. Containers Tilt & Load Service Heavy & Specialized Equipment Licence to or from all points in Ontario. FAST, EFFICIENT, RADIO DISPATCHED SERVICE CALL: 430-7575 For Competitive Rates ary-treasurer for the Blackstock Fal rd work was recognized as the Board held its annual ce In this photo is Board president Dave Petrie. hts of retiring? Not a chance. (see story) by r Board for the last that rural fall fairs never "get too big or citified." "I was impressed with the involvement of the community, especially the young people, in the Fair." he said. "There's really nothing that I can tell you about how to run a Fair. You should be giving lessons to other people," he told the meeting. And he also talked about some of the helicopter experi- ences he had doing traffic re- ports for CFRB, and his friend- ship with the late Gordon Sinclair. "He (Sinclair) was never a y to talk behind your back. He'd tell you right to your face. He was argumentative (on air) said what was on his mind, but when you got to know him, he was a pussy-cat," he stated. In other business, the treasurer's report tabled that evening shows the Society to be healthy financially for this year's Fair. And in elections, Dave Pe- trie was named to a second term as president. Dale Van Camp is first VP, Leah Frew second VP, Roly Coy, immediate past presi- dent, and Joyce Kelly was ap- pointed secretary-treasurer for the 26th time. Whitby Fire Department needs more volunteers The Whitby Fire Depart- ment is anxiously looking for volunteer recruits to work out of its two northern stations in Myrtle and Brooklin. Deputy Chief Tony Van Doleweerd told the Star last. week, the department needs to hire 16 new volunteers for the northern area of Whitby. He said staff levels at the two stations are as low as they have been for several years, and despite an advertising cam- paign, the department has not received new applications. Positions are open to male and female applicants over 18 years of age. To be accepted, a volunteer must pass a department medi- cal and vision test and an aca- demic exam. The department provides extensive and on-going training for its volunteers, and covers the cost of all uniforms and equipment. Applicants must live with- in the corporation boundaries of Whitby, and preferably in the area of the community north of Taunton Road. "There are a lot of rewards in serving the community as a volunteer firefighter. Some of the volunteers have been with the de ent 15 to 20 years," he said. But the word "volunteer" is a bit mis-leading, They receive remuneration from the depart- ment, based on a point system, and they continue to hold down their regular jobs. He said that for people who may be thinking of a full time career in firefighting, serving as a volunteers is a great way to get started. And when job opportuni- ties come up with the depar- ment for full time positions, those who are working as volun- teers have a good chance at be- ing hired. For those who may be inter- ested in filling one of the 16 openings, applications are available from the personnel de- partment of the municipality at the Town Hall, 676 Rossland Road Eastin Whitby. EC A eee a oak ------------------