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24 -- PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, June 20, 1989 Emotional moments abound as Wind Reach Farm Project officially opens doors With much fanfare and unre- strained emotion, Wind Reach Farm was officially opened June 15. About 100 people, some in wheelchairs, some on their feet, attended the event, which cele- brated the realization of one man's dream. Sandy Mitchell has dreamed of owning his own farm ever since he visited a farm in Scot- land when he was just a boy. He has spent a lifetime overcomin obstacles created by cerebra palsy and he wanted a farm that could be enjoyed by every- one--including the disabled. Last Thursday, after years of lanning and hard work, Wind ach Farm, which is accessi- ble to anyone and everyone, made Mr. Mitchell's dream a re- ality. The farm, located on the Townline southwest of Port Perry, features a century old barn, a brand new visitors/ interpretive centre, walkways, a boardwalk through swamp, beautiful views, gardens, sheep, a pregant donkey and a new chicken coop filled with chickens. Future plans include over- night accomodations and a pond. Visits to the farm are free--_ visitors are asked simply to call ahead and make reservations. Paul Sullivan met Sandy Mitchell when the two were bothin agricultural college. Mr. Sullivan has worked with Sandy since 1981 and the two have become close friends. In his introduction to the 'farm's founder, Mr. Sullivan said, "I think what the farm is about, what this project is about, and what Sandy is about is determination. It's as simple and as complex as that. Sandy has always been determined to make a better life for himself and the people around him. "He doesn't dream about it-- he may dream about it for a short time but then he goes out and doesit." Mr. Mitchell said, "Many peo- ple have asked me why I started this project. I usually reply I want to help people who are less fortunate than myself. Being outdoors, the fresh air, recrea- tion or just relaxing in the sun or cloudy weather--it's good for everyone. "for the disabled in a wheel- chair it is even more important » Swimming Pool Construction & Service ¢ Concrete & Vinyl Liner ¢ Residential & Commercial * Vinyl Welding ¢ Concrete Repairs and Restoration ¢ Custom Whirlpools & Swimspas Marbelliting 434-6581 -- OSHAWA -- REAR his rin tr ASR NEE or CRs ha YI SE Pou vy Ape EE Sa ph hi n TT A + fog z 2 WTI Ay In Bermuda, where Sandy and hy iy A Maria Mitchell live, the roof of every new building is splashed with dark rum, a tradition that is supposed to bring good luck. In Scugog Town- ship, at the opening of Wind Reach Farm Project, the Mitchells (with a little help from their triends) wetted the roof of the new chicken coo has it the chickens slept soundly that night! for them to have the chance to enjoy the great outdoors. There are so few facilities and oppor- tunities for them todoso." He said he was surprised when he learned Wind Reach Farm was one of the few accessi- ble outdoor facilities in the To- ronto area. "There is a great need for places like Wind Reach. Wheth- erit's in the country or jnanur- ban setting," he added. "The second reason I did this, and probably more important to me, is to promote more integration between the disabled and the abled. "Every disabled person knows too well the looks and the belittlement we get from other people. I personally know the urt, and it does hurt, no mat- ter how hard you laugh, when Children's Summer Theatre Workshop PORT PERRY UNITED CHURCH AUDITORIUM JULY 3rd to 14th -- 10 AM to 3 PM JULY 17th to 28th -- 10 AM to 3 PM AUGUST 7th to 18th -- 10 AM to 3 PM Ages 8 to 13 Family Rates Available For more information contact: Zakeana Reid 985-2123 p with genuine dark Bermuda rum. Rumour someone doesn't understand you on the phone--or some damn fool laughing at you on the street because he thinks I'm drunk." His speech came down hard on the way disabled people are treated. "Although. life is getting bet- ter for the average disabled per- son, we have much further to go before we are accepted fully into the mainstream of society. "I believe that equal rights between the disabled and abled persons will never be realized. But I will not be contented until I see total integration and ac- cessability for everyone outside of Wind Reach Farm." Mr. Mitchell, a resident of Bermuda, bought the farm and paid for the entire project by imself, without a scrap of gov- ernment funding. His wife Marie is one of his big, est fans. 'l am so proud of my hus- band. I wonder how many of you know how hard he has worked, physically, here for so many years. 8andy, I am so proud of you and I think everyone in this roomis," she said. Other guest speakers at the opening ceremonies included architect Lori Burns, Father Pat Mackin (who blessed the fa- cility) and Stephen Little, man- ager, Community Initiatives, Ontario Office for Disabled Per- sons. A plaque was dedicated to Sandra Franklin, a friend of the Mitchells who died from Multi- ple Sclerosis two years ago. She was the first wheelchair bound person to visit the farm and her ideas and suggestions helped the Mitchells make Wind Reach more accessible. The finale to the day was the wetting of the new chicken coop roof. The Mitchells say in Ber- muda, the roof of every new building, whether it's a sky- scraper or a cottage, is annoint- ed with dark rum. The cererho- ny is supposed to bring good luck. So in that tradition, the roof of the chicken coop was wetted, much to the delight of all who watched. Woman injured A 28 year old Caesarea wom- an suffered a severe cut to her palm as a result of a boat acci- dent on Lake Scugog June 18. Durham Regional Police say Hazel Speirs was a passenger in a boat that made a sudden sharp turn, which caused her to fall overboard. Police say she had a glass in her hand, which broke, and slashed her hand. The accident happened near the 8th Concession at 7 p.m. r ASK THE EXPERTS! Linda and Marylou Decorate with confidence at - sikkens - CENTRAL PAINT eeriamin Moore & WALLPAPER 295 Ritson Road South -- OSHAWA -- 434-3939 (© Para Paints available