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: { : : "A Family Tradition for 130 Years" - * Local organization in-need of many Bi i Brothers bec ome be By Damian Bessie eres Special to the Star : quarter of a century ago, two young men met fo the first time. Little did they Ro would e best friends. : i % at makes this story unique is that all of those years ago when Rich Henry, a 24-year-old banker, went to meet his new seven-year-old "little brother," he was embarking on a learning experience that would be shared with his entire family. "Mr. Henry had decided to join Big Brothers in Hamilton. In doing so, he would be a father figure toa young, naive boy who, along with his mother and three brothers and sisters, were left in Canada by their father after moving from Ireland. ; Now, almost 26 years later, Rob Kellett and his family sit on Mr. Henrysfront porch in Port Perry, reminiscing. Still keep in - touch after 25 years "It was a rough time for my family so my mom got me involved with Big Brothers," said Mr. Kellett. "Rich was the best thing in my life at the time. Now we are the best of friends and our families share a bond." He had to wait almost a year before he was assigned a Brother. The two men, now 32 and 49, "hung out together" until Mr. Kellett was 16. At this time, Mn. Henry, wife Mary and their two children, moyéd from the Steel 'City to Oakville. Shortly after, Jr. Kellett moved in with them, went to school in Oakville and helped look after the kids. Mr. Henry lived in Montreal from 1982 to 86, but the two always kept in touch. Both men say their case seems to be an anomaly; they say they have not heard of many situations that worked out like theirs. Mr. Henry is on the Big Brothers board in Scugog,' which was established in 1973, and said "this kind of outcome doesn't happen very often." According to Patti Goreski, executive director of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of North Durham, there are 21 brotherless boys in the program right now bet- ween the ages of five and 17. ; "We don't have a shortage for girls, but we are Annual fundraiser for Heart and Stroke Musical corn roast is Aug. 18 Paul and Charlene Wasson's annual corn roast has gone bigger and better this year, with more recording artists and local musicians, and more business- es asking to donate prizes! The corn roast will take place on Sun- day, Aug. 18 from noon until 8 p.m. at the Wassons' McKee Road home. The event is held annually in memory of Lar- ry Dee, a fellow musician who prema- turely lost his life to heart disease. This year's event promises to be one of the best ever. Musicians appearing will include recording artists The Burnt Riv- er Band, Dottie Randall, Sherry Black, Holly Thompson Band, Shiloh, Gina Ma- rie Band, Stetsan and many more; along with. Canada's funny man Lorne®Ha- chey. by killer. Also planned is an auction, with auc- tioneers Gary Powell and Warren Sut- cliff. Admission is $5, with proceeds.ge- ing to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. Bring your own lawn chair, beverage and kids. There will be lots for the kids and adults alike: all kinds of kids' games and prizes -- face painting, balloons, Crown and Anchor, raffles, a golf game, spot dances. Food -- hot dogs, hamburgexs, corn and pop -- will be available for all. All the money raised will go into con- tinuing the fight against Canada's No. 1 The corn roast will be held at 4790 McKee Road, off Highway 57, Black- stock. Follow the Signs. : looking for a small number of volunteers for the boys who are 18 and older," she said. Ms. Goreski said if anyone is interested, they should drop by the Big Brothersoffice, on North St., on the second floor of the township office. Mr. Kellett believes the greatest lesson he learned from his Big Brother was to'have respect @g other people i and to discipline himself, "You have to have a father image there," stated fl and Mary's Port Perry home. Kellett. "I went through stages when I just needed that kick in the pants, like all kids. I think everyone needs that at one time or another and you have to have someone there to set you straight." He also said his brother calls him up now for advice when dealing with his own children. Mr. Kellett plans to become a Big Brother in the future, when his children are a few years older, but emphasizes that more people should get involved in th program now. . "If you are going to do it, then do it. All it takes is a officer Rae Robson. STILL BEST FRIENDS: Rob Kellett (right) with one-time Big Brother Rich Hel Shelley and Mary Henry have shared many special moments together. In front Lazeo, Tori Kellett and Brittany Kellett. The kids camped out during a recent REUNION FUNDS: Proceeds from a recent reunion of '86 at Port Perry High School were donated to the N Community Memorial Hospital in Port. Here, reunion Org present a cheque to nurse manager Sheila Armour (left) ' ta interest in bar/restaurant : family restaurant in Stoney years. It is literally a family re his whole family work there. "I enjoy the work and I love attitude and people like to do Rich and Mary, I don't know pened," he said. If you would like more infor Brothers of have ideas to help the 'Henry at 985-1622 or Patti G ~