a semi-annual newsletter for alumni, staff, students ... · province, the university of guelph and...
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Groundbreaking Celebrated for Rudy H. Brown Rural Development Centre
With bulldozers in the background, dignitaries from theprovince, the University of Guelph and the RidgetownCollege Agri-Food Foundation officially turned thesod for the new Rudy H. Brown Rural DevelopmentCentre. Preliminary construction has already begunon the new education, training and extension facility,scheduled for completion in the fall of 2006.
The Rural Development Centre, with classrooms, anauditorium and office space, is needed to accommodatethe increased enrollment that the Ridgetown Collegecampus has experienced in recent years. Currently,over 500 full-time students are enrolled at Ridgetown.“Having more room for students is especiallyimportant now because the Ridgetown campus hasbeen selected as the delivery location for the firstfour semesters of study of the University’s newBachelor of Bio-Resource Management degree,beginning in September, 2006,” says Dr. RonPitblado, Acting College Director.
Leona Dombrowsky, Ontario Minister of Agricultureof Food and Rural Affairs, was a welcome guest at the groundbreaking ceremony as she announced anadditional $1 million in funding from the province,bringing their total commitment to $4.1 million.
“This is another excellent example of the value of thepartnership between OMAFRA and the University ofGuelph,” notes President Alastair Summerlee. “We are striving to find new and innovative ways to meet the needs of rural Ontario, and the RuralDevelopment Centre will offer leading-edge educationand outreach programs. Government commitment hasbeen vital to the project.”
Fall 2006 opening expected for new building at Ridgetown College, University of Guelph.
Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairsannounced an additional $1 million in funding from the province. Dr.
Alastair Summerlee, President of the University of Guelph, was also on hand for the celebration.Continued on page 2
YOUR RIDGETOWN COLLEGE CONNECTIONA SEMI-ANNUAL NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI, STAFF, STUDENTS,
FRIENDS AND CLIENTS OF RIDGETOWN COLLEGE
FALL 2005
Director’s Message
Many staff professionals are engaged in teachingactivities at this College. Some staff teach full-timeand some teach on a very part-time basis. Theexpertise this group of individuals shares with ourstudents is tremendous. This fall we are pleased tohave several new faces on our instruction teamincluding: Gabrielle Ferguson, Natalie Jackson, RobReid, Melissa Greene, Jana Green, Mike Nuttall andKatherine Bryant.
As you read in our cover story, construction hasbegun on the Rudy H. Brown Rural DevelopmentCentre and is scheduled for completion in fall 2006.Thank you to everyone who has held the vision andoffered support on this important project.
Today Ridgetown College is moving forward in manyprogram areas and we are pleased to keep youupdated on our activities and achievements throughthe ROOTS Newsletter. We hope you enjoy the newcolour format, and we encourage your comments andstory ideas at [email protected].
Kindest Regards,
Dr. Ron PitbladoActing Director, Ridgetown College
Fall 2005 has been an exciting time at Ridgetown College, University of Guelph as wewelcomed many diploma and certificate students to campus. Student numbers at theCollege remain strong and are expected to grow even higher as we work to market andrecruit for the University of Guelph’s new Bachelor of Bio-Resource Management (BBRM)degrees. Beginning in September 2006, students in the two BBRM degree majors,Horticulture and Environmental Management, will complete semesters 1-4 at the Ridgetowncampus, and semesters 4-8 at the Guelph campus.
This celebration was madepossible because of the vision ofthe late Rudy H. Brown and thefirm commitment of thevolunteers on the RidgetownCollege Agri-Food Foundation.Rudy was still teaching atRidgetown when he took on thetask of ensuring that the Collegehad new facilities to meet theneeds of rural Ontario youth,and he created the Foundationto help him reach his goal.
“The Foundation has played anintegral role in securing supportfrom government, corporations,alumni, students, staff and thecommunity, and I want to congratulate and thank these volunteers for theirforesight.” says Dr. Pitblado. “This building project has received support from all our stakeholders. Every gift is greatly appreciated and has helped us reach this milestone event.”
The contract for construction of the Rural Development Centre has been awarded to Dresden-based Agri-Urban Buildings Inc.
Continued from page 1
Shovels ready and waiting for the official groundbreaking ceremony.
With the construction site in thebackground, Mrs. Liz Brown,
widow of Rudy Brown, preparesfor the groundbreaking.
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As the College and Agri-Food Foundation continue to work towards the completion ofthe Rudy H. Brown Rural Development Centre, here are a few facts about the project.
All donors will receive charitable receipts for their gifts.
10 Quick Facts on the Rudy H. Brown Rural Development Centre Project
Capital Campaign Fund Raising• $6.5 million is committed to date
from alumni, corporations, theprovincial and municipalgovernments, staff, students andfriends of Ridgetown College.
Capital Project Budget• This project will cost $7.2 million
including architectural designs,construction and furniture.
Provincial Support• The province of Ontario has
committed $4.1 million.
Building Location• The centre will be located east of
the Willson Hall parking lot.
Size of the Building• The building is approximately
30,000 square feet.
Building Content• The building will include three
classrooms, one lecture theatre, a computer lab, boardroom, large foyer and auditorium. Theauditorium will seat 1200 people.
Building Timeframe• It is our best estimate that the
building will open to students andthe rural community in fall 2006.
Current Capital Campaign• The current campaign has a goal
of $1.0 million and is approaching$700,000 in committed gifts.
Gift RecognitionOpportunities• Several recognition opportunities
exist for donors. A permanentrecognition wall will be located inthe main foyer of the new facility.
Gifts to the Campaign• All gifts are welcome and we invite
you to contact Janet Nauta,Alumni Services, or Ken Monteith,Campaign Chairperson, if youwould like to discuss a gift to the campaign.
Spring Sign Unveiling Celebration As a prelude to the recent groundbreaking, a ceremony was held on May 18th to unveil a sign at the location of thenew Rural Development Centre. This project was conceived over seven years ago, and the Agri-Food Foundation,along with many staff, donors and friends of Ridgetown College were present to celebrate this milestone. “The unveiling
of this sign allows us torecognize our supportersand achievements,” saidDr. Ron Pitblado. “It is a symbolic first stepsignaling the imminentconstruction.”
Left to Right: Ken Monteith,Dennis Jack, Liz Brown andRon Pitblado were thrilled tohave the opportunity touncover the sign.
At graduation ceremonies on May 19th,several special guests had theopportunity to admire the new sign.
Back Row (left to right) :Ken Monteith, Campaign Chairperson; BruceMagee, Corporate Campaign Chair; Don Taylor,Assistant Deputy Minister, OMAFRA; RonPitblado, Acting College Director; Craig Pearson,Dean, OAC; Gary Ablett, Acting department Chair,Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph; RobMcLaughlin, Associate Vice-President, Agrifood& Partnerships, University of Guelph; ClareRennie, former Assistant Deputy Minister, OMAFRAFront Row:Diane Gagner, Mayor, Chatham-Kent; Pat Hoy,MPP, Chatham-Kent Essex; Liz Brown, widow of Rudy Brown.
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Planned GivingSomething to Think AboutRidgetown College is recognized forexcellence in education and a strongcommitment to research leadership.There are many ways to help ensurea thriving future for RidgetownCollege. Alumni and friends supportthe College through awards andscholarships, guest lectures, farm andbusiness tours, College committeework, and employment opportunities.We appreciate everyone’s contributionto our success.
You may wonder how you can makea positive difference to RidgetownCollege, and we invite you to considerplanned giving, as one of your manyoptions to support Ridgetown College.
One area producer’s goal ofcreating a legacy was realized recently.
$150,000 Farm Estate GiftSupports New Centre andNew ScholarshipsThis spring Ridgetown Collegereceived a very generous gift fromthe farm estate of Stewart Parsonsof Elgin County. “This tremendousgift will help build new facilities atthe College as well as help supportfuture students through a newScholarship Fund,” notes Dr. RonPitblado, Acting College Director.Stewart Parsons wanted his gift tofurther Ontario agriculture througheducation and that is exactly whatthis gift will do!
The gift will provide $100,000towards the capital campaign forthe Rudy H Brown RuralDevelopment Centre.
In addition, $50,000 will furthersupport the College’s Awards andScholarship Program. “The moneywill be used to enhance the academicproficiency awards in the fourdiploma programs offered at theCollege. The Parsons’ money is veryimportant to the College because ithelps to provide the necessaryeconomic incentive for students towork hard and strive for academicexcellence. An enhancement to ourAwards and Scholarships Programis also attractive to new recruits,reinforcing that Ridgetown Collegeis a good place to study because ofthe sizable awards program,” notesKen McEwan, Chairperson, Awardsand Scholarship Committee.
The Ridgetown College Agri-FoodFoundation and staff want to thankthe Parsons’ estate for this specialgift. It will be remembered fordecades to come.
Creating aLegacy GiftGifts for TomorrowRidgetown College welcomes gifts thatwill support the future of the College.As an intensive research and teachingfacility, our vision is to help lead theagri-food and bio-based sectors ofthe province for decades to come.
Legacy gifts can fund educationprograms and scholarships, researchinitiatives and/or capital needs. Inaddition, legacy gifts can createpermanent endowments namedaccording to your wishes andprovide permanent, lastingrecognition of a remarkable life ofgenerous leadership.
A legacy gift enables you to make a gift from your estate, rather thanfrom present income, and can providea significant benefit to the College.Legacy gifts can be directed to anarea of particular interest to you, orto the highest priorities of the College.
Legacy gifts can be made in anumber of ways:• Bequests • Annuities• Insurance • Gifts in Kind
We would be pleased to work withyou and your advisors to help youfind the gift that best reflects yourphilanthropic goals.
If you would like to initially discussand/or explore the possibility of aPlanned Gift to Ridgetown College,please contact Dr. Ron Pitblado at519-674-1505, or RidgetownCollege Agri-Food Foundationmember, Ken Monteith at 519-631-7073.
L-R: Ken Monteith, Campaign Chairperson andDr. Ron Pitblado, Acting College Director
Record Number of Students GraduateOn May 19th, 2005, 188students graduated fromRidgetown College, making itthe largest convocationceremony in the College’s 53-year history.
“The record number ofgraduates this year is atestament to the excellentprograms offered at RidgetownCollege,” says Acting CollegeDirector Dr. Ron Pitblado.
“Employment surveys consistently show that most of our graduates are already working in their chosencareers soon after school ends.”
In addition to receiving a diploma or certificate,deserving students also received special awards foracademic proficiency and outstanding leadership. “Weare fortunate to have the continued financial supportfrom our local community and businesses towards ourawards program,” says Dr. Pitblado. This year, over$16,000 in cash and gifts were awarded.
The guest speaker for this year’s ceremony was Mr. BruceMagee. Magee, a 1979 Ridgetown College graduate, ispresident and C.E.O. of Global Business Builders, acompany that specializes in training and developmentfor agricultural corporations. Tina Green, an AgricultureDiploma graduate from Monkton, Ontario, gave thevaledictory address.
Included in this year’s class were students graduatingfrom the Agriculture, Horticulture and VeterinaryTechnology diploma programs, as well as the VeterinaryMedical Office Administration and Landscape Managementone-year certificate programs. This year also markedthe first graduating class of the new EnvironmentalManagement diploma.
Ridgetown Graduate Wins Governer General’s Bronze Medal Nicholas Bennett, a 2005 Ridgetown College agriculturediploma graduate, has been awarded the University of Guelph’s Governor General’s Bronze Medal.
Each year, the Governor General’s Bronze Medal isawarded to the graduating student with the highestcumulative average in any University of Guelph diplomaprogram. With over 250 graduates at 3 campuses
(Ridgetown, Kemptville and Alfred), this award is a greataccomplishment. Nicholas is the first Ridgetown Collegestudent to be awarded this medal.
“This is a remarkable achievement,” says Dr. AlastairSummerlee, President of the University of Guelph. “It is even more incredible when you take into accountthe contribution Nicholas made outside the classroom.”While maintaining a 96% average, Nicholas was also theclass representative for the Senior Agriculture program,was involved in the Peer Helper program, and was anavid volleyball player.
Nicholas grew up in Toronto, so studying agriculture in college may seem like an odd choice, but Nicholasknew from an early age that he wanted to farm. “Mygrandfather owned a farm near Toronto and I spent alot of time there,” says Nicholas. “I was on tractorsbefore I could walk, and as soon as I was old enough I worked there whenever I could.” Nicholas also hadthe opportunity to work on farms in Europe andAustralia before starting his diploma in Ridgetown.
When it came time to pick a college, Nicholas had theoption of coming to Ridgetown or going to a school in theUnited Kingdom. “I chose Ridgetown because I liked thesmall campus and the attitude of the staff and professorsthat I met when taking a campus tour,” he says.
Although Nicholas’ goal is to own and operate his ownfarm, he says that is obviously a difficult objective becauseof the required debt load. For now, he will attend theUniversity of Guelph’s main campus to complete a degreein Agricultural Economics, and then find a position in the ag industry.
Congratulations, Nick!
Graduation Highlights 2005
Bruce Magee, Graduation Guest Speaker with Bronze Medal Winner Nick Bennett.
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Ridgetown’s Dry Bean Research Team Handed BigJob to Combat Super Disease
“Anthracnose infected 70% of lastyear’s seed crop, so no wonder it is a concern,” says Chris Gillard,Professor and Dry Bean Researcherat Ridgetown.
The team working on a three-prongedapproach with this disease is headedup by Gillard. Joining him at theHuron Research Station in Exeter,where Ridgetown College does itsdry bean work, are technicians DonDepuydt and Steve Willis. “Thesefellows are my right and left hands…two awesome technicians who getthe job done,” he says. Roundingout the team are Greg Boland, apathologist from the Guelph campus,and Dr. Robert Conner, a researcherat Agriculture and Agri-FoodCanada’s site in Morden, Manitoba.
The three areas of attack on thisdisease will be the development of arapid test to identify anthracnose, therefinement of existing chemical andcultural control measures, and thedevelopment of genetic pyramiding ofresistance genes. The Huron ResearchStation staff is doing the tests andobservations on using both seedtreatments and two new foliarsprays in various combinations.“We need to see the reactionbetween seed treatments and foliarproducts. This is the grass rootsquestion that needs to beanswered,” explained Gillard.
In crop rotation experiments beingdone in Manitoba, Dr. Conner isgrowing the beans under no-till
conditions, which is the worst-casescenario for encouraging the diseaseto grow and spread. The Mordenresearcher buries the diseasedresidue and brings up the materialonce a month through the year tosee how the disease has survived thewinter. Each of these studies will berepeated under Ontario conditionsat the Huron Research Station.
The rapid test on Gillard’s three-pronged list is the really ‘cool’ partof the project. The Manitoba team,with assistance from Boland inGuelph, will spearhead the creationof a DNA-type of test that will giveresults in 48 hours. “The neat partof this challenge is that, if successful,any lab with DNA equipment cando this test. This will be a real boonto growers to have a yes or no
answer in such a short period oftime,” says the enthused Gillard.
Pyramiding genes involves puttingtwo or more desirable genetic traitsinto one crop variety. The goal is toproduce a variety with not one butseveral improved characteristics.Ultimately, Gillard wants to seepyramided genes developed in beanvarieties to provide resistance to a number of anthracnose races.“Long term, genetic resistance todisease is the cheapest and mosteffective control measure.Pyramiding resistance genes willhelp to keep the genetic resistance
going longer,”notes Gillard.
The three year,$500,000 projectmarks the firsttime in dry beanresearch therehas been a collaborativeeffort betweenprovincialinstitutions suchas Ridgetownand the federallevel. In recentyears, the drybean industryhas moved west,with Ontario now
growing only about 1/3 of Canada’sproduction and Manitoba taking thelion’s share.
“It shows that both Eastern Canadaand Western Canada can worktogether for a mutual benefit of the dry bean industry. That’s whycompleting this project is importantto me and good for RidgetownCollege,” concluded Gillard.
Without the efforts of some team players from Ridgetown College, Universityof Guelph who are connecting with their federal government counterpartsat the research farm at Morden, Manitoba, Canada’s dry bean industrywould be in peril. The threat is anthracnose, a seed borne disease that candiscolour the seed, reduce yield, and in some cases decimate entire fields.
Chris Gillard (centre) relies on his technicians, Steve Willis (left) and Don Depuydt, to conduct
his dry bean research in Exeter.
Alumni CornerDo you want to read more about other Ridgetown College grads? Visit the Alumni Contact section ofwww.ridgetownc.on.ca. You can post your own information and get the latest news from your classmates.
To have your alumni news printed in ROOTS, send an e-mail to [email protected].
Westag Alumni Association NewsWestag Alumni Association President’s Message
It’s been a hot summer, but the temperature didn’t stop Ridgetown College graduates from coming to the Westaggolf tournament and BBQ in August. And I’m sure the cold weather won’t be a factor as alumni begin registering forNovember’s Alumni Banquet and the Curling Bonspiel in January. There are now several opportunities each year forgraduates to get together, and I encourage everyone to get involved in at least one of these events.
Our ROOTS mailing list is constantly changing as graduates get married, move, or have 911 data added to theiraddresses. Thanks to everyone who notifies Alumni Services of any change in their contact information. We arealso finding many alumni who we’ve lost touch with over the years, thanks to the help of people who look at theLost Alumni list on the Ridgetown College website and say “Hey, I know where that person lives!”
Keep up the good work!
Maureen HaganPresident, Westag Alumni Association
Cesar Ardila (’69) is living in his home country of Colombiaafter retiring as a Canadian Immigration Officer. He wouldlove to hear from his former classmates, and invites themto contact him at: [email protected].
Rev. Thomas Beecroft (’70) recently moved to Stratford to become the new minister at Parkview United Church. In July, Tom and his wife Maureen celebrated 35 years ofmarriage; they have three children and two grandchildren.
Todd Cowan (’85) is working in Queen’s Park as the ExecutiveAssistant to Liz Sandals, MPP for Guelph Wellington.
Leigh (’98) and Becki (Baker) Irwin (’97) wish to announcethe arrival of their third child Halle on September 23, 2004.Leigh, Becki and their family live on a farm outside Brigden.
Kevin Harvey (’99) and Mary-Ellen (Kruis) Harvey (’01)were married in May of 2001. They have a daughter namedAudrey May, born on December 24, 2004.
Ben Arnold (’99) is the Grain Manager for Hiram Walker & Sons Ltd. in Windsor. He and his wife Heather have aone-year old son named Ethan.
Jeremy Segeren (’01) married Emily Doidge on August 13,2005. Jeremy works at Thompsons in Blenheim.
In Memoriam
Henry “Hank” Zawadzki (’74) died onSeptember 20, 2002.
Glen Clarkson (’01) passed away February 1,2004 as a result of a snowmobile accident.
Stuart Liddle (’68) passed away inFebruary, 2005.
Rick VanWaes (’89) died suddenly on July16, 2005 in a farm accident. He is survivedby his wife Noreen and three children.
Gord Illes (’74) passed away on July 24, 2005.
Brian Reid (’79) died on September 3, 2005.
Our sympathies go out to the families andfriends of these alumni.
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Whether you are an avid curler, or have never thrown a rock before,you will have a great time participating in the annual Westag AlumniCurling Bonspiel.
When: Saturday, January 14, 2006• Early draw starts at 9:00 a.m.• Late draw starts at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Ridgetown Golf and Curling ClubGolf Course Line, Ridgetown ON
Cost: $30.00 per person – includes 3 games and dinner(Payable the day of the bonspiel)
This is a fun event where alumni, their guests, and RidgetownCollege staff can enjoy some friendly competition. Prizes will beawarded to the winning teams.
For more information or to register (individually or in a four-personteam), please contact one of the bonspiel committee members:
Les Hogg: 519-692-3226Duane Morden: 519-678-3006Bill Buchanan: 519-436-0487Bill McBrien: 519-674-2146 Fax: 519-674-0746Ken Nesbitt: 519-866-3401Maureen Hagan: 519-355-1335
Westag Alumni BanquetAll Graduates from years ending in a 0 or 5 – thisis your REUNION YEAR!
The Annual Westag Alumni Banquet & Dance isbeing held on Saturday, November 19, 2005 atClub Lentina in Chatham.
Call for NominationsWestag Humanitarian AwardDeadline for Nominations: November 10, 2005Each year at the Alumni Banquet, the Westag AlumniAssociation presents a graduate from one of theanniversary years with an award for outstandinghumanitarian efforts.
If you wish to nominate someone who hasdemonstrated distinguished service to agriculture or the local/global community, please submit theirname, along with a one-page summary of theirachievements to:
Janet Nauta, Alumni ServicesRidgetown College120 Main Street EastRidgetown ON N0P 2C0
Or, you can e-mail your nomination to Janet [email protected]. Deadline fornominations is November 10, 2005.
Register Now for the Annual Westag Alumni Curling Bonspiel
Ticket prices:
Dinner & Dance$50 per couple; $25 per person
Dance Only$15 per couple; $8 per person
If you have anyquestions regardingticket orders, pleasecontact Janet Nautaat 519-674-1504.
GOING, GOING, GONERidgetown College Graduates Sold on Auctioneering
After several years of helping a Strathroy-areaauctioneer, George Earley was the first to get formaltraining in auctioneering. “You really need a mentorto get started,” says George. “Someone that says‘Come with me’ to help you break into the business.”
When he completed his courses at Iowa’s ReischAuctioneering School in 1964, George returned homeready to start his new career. He soon realized that itwould be hard to get into traditional farm auctions.“The established auctioneers had all the farm sales. I decided to specialize to get more business,” saysGeorge. There was a need for livestock auctioneers, soGeorge focused his efforts on cattle, horses, and sheepsales, along with large construction equipment.
A country song first enticed Jake Kikkert to explorean auctioneering career. “I sang Leroy Van Dyke’s‘Auctioneer’ while I cleaned milk cans in the barn,”remembers Jake. “I listened to it line by line to figureout what he was saying.” His Dad said he was too shyto be an auctioneer, but Jake knew that the publicspeaking training he had received from ‘Ma’ Willson at Ridgetown College would help him out.
Jake attended Repert’s Auction School in Indiana in 1974, and then bought an established auctioncompany in Aylmer. “The previous owner helped meget started, but mostly I was on my own,” says Jake.
Clark Merritt credits a Junior Farmer public speakingcontest for leading him to auctioneering. “During myspeech, former Ag Minister Bill Stewart came into the
room. I stopped for a moment, introduced him, andthen continued my presentation,” says Clark.Unfortunately, he didn’t win the contest because hehad deviated from his prepared speech, but a judgetold Clark to consider auctioneering because he couldthink on his feet.
Clark went to auctioneering school in 1973 and begandoing farm sales in partnership with well-respectedauctioneer John Brown, from Brantford. Clark wasalso influenced by Sandy Shantz, a St. George-areaauctioneer. “John and Sandy were great mentors andfriends. I learned a lot from them,” says Clark.
Murray McLean from Parkhill farmed for sixteen years before going to auctioneering school in 1983. “I always liked working with people,” says Murray,“and auctioneering was a good way to use my peopleskills without a huge capital investment.”
Murray started in business for himself, but says it was difficult. “It’s hard to get established without thesupport of a respected auctioneer behind you,” saysMurray. “Thankfully my family was well-known in thearea so that helped me to get some sales.”
It was with the encouragement of Clark Merritt thatBarry Baxter entered the auctioneering field. Clarkwas still working with John Brown, but Brown’sdeclining health necessitated finding someone else tojoin their operation. “I had helped Clark at some ofhis sales,” remembers Barry, “and he kept saying‘Why don’t you get in the auction business?’”
Auctions have been used for the buying and selling of goods for thousands of years. Artwork, antiques, realestate, farm machinery and vehicles are all commonly sold by auctions -- you name it, and an auctioneersomewhere has sold it! Five Ridgetown College graduates, Barry Baxter and George Earley, both from the classof 1960, Murray McLean from 1967, along with Clark Merritt and Jake Kikkert from 1968, are now continuing theancient business of auctioneering.
The path to auctioneering wasn’t a direct route for any of these Ridgetown alumni. After graduating, all begancareers in the agriculture industry. George, Murray and Jake started farming, Clark became a livestock inspectorfor the Ministry of Agriculture and Barry went into the farm equipment business.
Barry Baxter 1960 George Earley 1960 Murray McLean 1967 Clark Merritt 1968 Jake Kikkert 1968
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Barry finally took Clark up on hisoffer and went to auctioneeringschool in 1988.
With a combined 145 years ofexperience, these five Ridgetownalumni have certainly auctioned off some interesting items, somewith a surprising value. Georgeconsiders the horses from the oldcarousel at Wasaga Beach as one of his most unique auction items;he also remembers selling 45-gallondrums full of checkers from afactory. Several years ago, Jake hada small vase that he hoped wouldsell for about $200. When the gaveldropped, the final price was $1700.And Clark recalls a jar of marblesthat once sold for $1150. “I talkedto the buyer after the sale,” saysClark “and there was a rare,collectible marble in the bunch.”Who knew there was such a hotmarket for marbles?
Over the years, many changeshave affected the auctioneeringbusiness. The auctioneers agreethat the popularity of garage saleshas taken away some of theirbusiness. Also, shows such as‘Antiques Roadshow’ give somesellers false expectations of thevalue of their goods. “Where olditems used to be junk,” says Jake,“they are now family heirlooms
and often are passeddown to grandchildreninstead of being sold in an estate sale.”
Technology is havinga dual effect on
auctions. Withthe wideuse of theinternet,somepeople
are opting to sell their items via on-line auction services like E-Bay. Onthe flip side, other people go tolocal auctions hoping to find dealson things they can re-sell for aprofit on E-Bay. “The odd, theunusual, and the collectible arevery popular at most sales,” says Murray.
While there have been changes inthe business, there are still manyrewards to being an auctioneer. Onegood part is seeing the joy on aseller’s face when a sale has beensuccessful, or conversely, seeingthe satisfied look of a buyer who is pleased with their purchase. “Ireally enjoy the social part of doingappraisals and running sales,” saysBarry. “You get to meet a lot ofpeople in the rural community.”
“I like this job because of theopportunity to travel,” says Clark.In the 1980’s he and Georgetraveled across Canada doingconstruction equipment sales.
All the auctioneers enjoyusing their skills to help inthe community. “Charityauctions are fun,” says
Barry. Murray agrees. “They’re ourway of giving back to thecommunity,” he says.
It is no co-incidence that all ofthese auctioneers graduated fromRidgetown over 35 years ago; manyauctioneers are in the over-50 agegroup. “There are not a lot of new,young auctioneers,” notes Barry. “It seems that the secret to being asuccessful auctioneer is having grayhair and a stomach,” quips Murray.
“When people are disposing of alifetime of possessions, they wantsomeone with experience.”
Both Jake and George have sonswho went to auctioneering school,but neither is pursuing theprofession. George’s six-year oldgrandson may prove to be the nextauctioneer in the family – he’salready helping Grandpa at sales.In 2004, Jake Kikkert was crowned the
Ontario Grand Champion Auctioneer.Jake and Murray McLean werejudges for the 2005 contest.
“Charity auctions are our way of giving back to the community.”
Murray McLean
Continued on page 12
These four Ridgetown graduates recently got together to share their auctioneering stories with ROOTS.From left: Murray McLean, Barry Baxter, George Earley, Clark Merritt.
One young auctioneer who hopesto have a successful career is DavidJacob, a 2005 Ridgetown Collegegraduate from Stratford. David hasbeen helping in his family auction
business since he was a child, andhis first opportunity to actually sellitems came when he was only 13years old. “The auctioneer scheduledto work was late,” says David. “MyDad was busy selling the otherring, and our crowd was quickly
growing impatient, so I just went in andstarted auctioneering!”
David has not been toa formal auctionschool, but he has hadyears of lessons fromhis Dad, Doug. “Davehas been following mearound since he wasbig enough to crawl up into the truckhimself,” chucklesDoug. “I love thisbusiness. I’ve met a lotof great people throughit and have had somereally neat experiences,”says David. “Not toomany people thinkabout auctioneering as
a career, but for me it has alwaysbeen a part of life, and I wouldnever change that,” he notes.
Although David hopes to continueauctioneering, he understands thateconomically, it probably won’t bea full-time job. Very few auctioneersmake their main income fromauctioneering, and the Ridgetowngrads are no exception. Murray is an insurance agent, Barry doesappraisals and has a cleaningbusiness, Clark and George bothfarm, and Jake owns the WinghamSales Arena. David is currentlycontinuing his agriculture educationat Olds College in Alberta, hopingto attain his Bachelor of Sciencedegree in agri-business.
From a common start as agriculturestudents at Ridgetown College, fivegrads have found the path to afulfilling career in auctioneering,and one other grad is just beginninghis journey. In honour of their pastand future success, there’s onlyone thing to say -- SOLD!
Continued on from 11
David Jacob put his fast-talking skills to good use at RidgetownCollege as the auctioneer at the 2005 Review.
From the Western Ontario Agricultural School, to theRidgetown College of Agricultural Technology, to theRidgetown College Campus of the University of Guelph,this school has seen significant changes since it startedoffering diploma education over 50 years ago. Startingwith a single diploma in Agriculture in 1951, Ridgetownnow offers several Diploma and Certificate programs,along with being the location for the first foursemesters of study for the new University of GuelphBachelor of Bio-Resource Management degree. The firstof its kind in Canada, the new degree is designed forstudents committed to stewardship and resourcemanagement in urban, regional or rural sectors.
Here is a list of education options now available at Ridgetown.
Degree Programs• Bachelor of Bio-Resource Management (BBRM)
• Environmental Management Major• Horticulture Management Major
Diploma Programs• Agriculture• Environmental Management• Horticulture• Veterinary Technology
Certificate Programs• Landscape Management (Co-op)• Veterinary Medical Office Administration
For more information on any of the programs, visitwww.ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca.
Education Programs at Ridgetown Expand
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The Guelph Creative Recycling Initiative (GCRI) is anannual competition sponsored by Rothsay and theUniversity of Guelph. The contest is open to allstudents of the University and its affiliate campuses.
For GCRI, students draw inspiration from byproducts ofthe rendering industry – such as fish meal, tallow andchicken fat – for the creation of new products. Theprogram aims to raise awareness of the renderingindustry while introducing new production andmarketing possibilities.
In the 2005 Guelph Creative Recycling Initiative, aRidgetown College student received top honours in thediploma category. Darryl Ayris, a junior EnvironmentalManagement student, won $2500 for his comparativestudy on using meat and bone meal as a fertilizersource for corn.
“This was a great experience,” says Darryl. “Even if Ihadn’t won, the knowledge I gained working on thisproject made doing it worthwhile.”
Although not all projects will culminate in a finished ormarketable product, the research is valuable not only tothe students’ education, but also to the industry. “Toremain viable, the rendering industry needs to developnew markets and non-traditional products,” says ScottHenry, product development specialist at Rothsay.“GCRI is part of the solution.”
College Professor Chris Gillard, who mentored theRidgetown entrant, was very impressed with Darryl’seffort. “Darryl did an awesome job on his project, and agreat job representing Ridgetown College at thecompetition,” says Gillard.
Now a senior student at Ridgetown, Darryl plans toinvestigate another new use for rendering products in the 2006 GCRI competition.
Ridgetown Student Places First in Creative Recycling Competition
Darryl Ayris displayed his winning project at the Ridgetown College library.
Retired staff had a ‘homecoming’ in April at a Retiree Luncheon hosted by Ridgetown College. There was anexcellent response for this event, and everyone was happy to have an opportunity to re-connect with their formerco-workers. The College plans to make this an annual event.
Retirees Return to Campus for a Spring Luncheon
Left to right: Ken Monteith, Anita McLaren, Archie McLaren, Ron Pitblado, Kay Lee, Fred Lee
Ralph Clayton and Jack Underwood Jim Morris
Do you recognize anyone?
What can you make from the byproducts of the rendering industry? That is the question students are asked eachyear for the Guelph Creative Recycling Initiative.
In 1979, Gerald decided to look into Clydesdales as away to diversify his farm operation. “Dad always toldus that Clydesdales were prone to foot and leg problemsand not a good horse,” Gerald says. But despite hisDad’s warnings, he was still intrigued by the breed.Gerald did some research to see if all the negativestories he had heard were true, which led him to BillTaylor, a Clydesdale breeder from Grand Valley. Notonly did Bill assure Gerald that Clydes were a goodbreed, he also sold Gerald his first mare and become a mentor as he started his herd.
Thanks to early Irish and Scottish immigrants whosettled in southwestern Ontario, this area has a historyof being home to excellent horses. “When the settlerswere coming to Canada, they brought their best drafthorses with them to work the land,” says Gerald. “Now
if you go in a 200 mile circle around Listowel, you willfind the largest concentration of good horses in NorthAmerica,” adds Ron.
When Gerald started his Clydesdale herd, Ron was only 10 years old and wasn’t allowed to go in the stalls. “The first mare was a bit skittish,” says Ron, “and Dadwas nervous that I might get hurt.” With the averageClydesdale being 16 to 18 hands high (64-72") at theshoulder, and weighing close to 2000 pounds, that iscertainly an understandable fear. Ron has now becomean expert horseman and is the showman at most of theshows they attend.
There are two facets to the Wismer Clydesdale operation,the first being horse shows. Each year, the Wismerfamily takes the best of their herd to several horse shows
A love of draft horses has turned into a family business for Gerald Wismer (’61) and his son Ron (’89). GeraldWismer first developed an interest in horses when he was a child growing up in Amherstburg. “My father was anauctioneer,” says Gerald, “and he would buy cheap horses for us to ride.” Gerald’s grandfather also used drafthorses on the farm and their size and power impressed him. After graduation, Gerald began farming inpartnership with his brother Darwin (’56), and the practicality of using modern equipment forced him totemporarily forego his dream of owning horses.
Father and Son Graduates Become Successful Clydesdales Breeders
Gerald Wismer drives a cart at the 2005 Michigan State Fair.
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in Canada and the United States.They have been very successful atthese events and often return toAmherstburg with numerousawards. This year, at the U.S.National Show in Milwaukee, theWismer’s Clydes came home witheight 1st place ribbons, includingone for champion foal. TheWismer’s can also take some creditfor another winner in Milwaukee –the champion stallion is the son ofSBH Phoenix, the Wismer’s stud.
The show circuit from August toNovember leads naturally into theother part of the Wismer’s business,the breeding and sale of Clydesdales.“Performing well in shows is essentialto our success as breeders,” saysRon. “Winning a U.S. or Canadianchampionship gives our horsesproven credentials, which increasesthe demand for our services.”
SBH Phoenix is a good example of the lasting value of a championhorse. Althoughnow retired fromthe show circuit,7-year oldPhoenix won 25Champion andReserve honoursin his career, andis a 3-time All-American andAll-Canadianstallion. Becauseof his illustriousshow career,Phoenix’s servicesas a stud are ingreat demand, andhis semen hasbeen shippedacross NorthAmerica.
Gerald notes thatthe key to initiallydeveloping a herd
is to buy the best you can afford.“All the horses cost the same to feedand require the same veterinarycare, so you might as well have agood quality animal,” he says. Heattributes their continuing success tomaking breeding choices based onproven pedigree. In the winter,Gerald spends a lot of time examiningthe results from the fall show circuitand studying the pedigree of potentialadditions to their herd. “Studyingpedigree is my job because Rondoesn’t like to do anything thatinvolves studying!” laughs Gerald.When looking at the familybackground, Gerald especially takes note of the quality of thedam. “Mothers are very important,”Gerald says. “It’s just like children –horses seem to be better if theyhave a good mother.”
Like Bill Taylor did for him, GeraldWismer is now happy to be a mentorto others. Many of his horse sales areto established breeders, but he is also
willing to give advice to beginningbreeders to help them get a successfulstart. There is also a growing numberof people who choose to own aClydesdale for personal enjoymentand riding. “I am happy that peoplerecognize the beauty andtemperament of Clydesdales, so I try to help out new owners as much as I can,” says Gerald.
What started as one mare overtwenty-five years ago has nowgrown into a well-known andrespected Clydesdale business. But what does the future hold?Gerald and Ron have no plans togive up the business, but a newgeneration of horse breeders maybe already waiting in the wings.Ron has two young sons, Matthewand Nicholas, who enjoy working inthe barn and attending horseshows. Who knows, maybe they willbe Ridgetown College grads too – class of 2019.
Ron Wismer shows off Cedarlane Ouray Warrior, a home bred stud that was Champion Foal at the USA Nationals in 2005
Alumni Golf Tournament A Great SuccessOn Friday, August 19th, 42 Ridgetown Collegegraduates, staff and friends gathered at theRidgetown Golf Club for the 1st Westag AlumniGolf Tournament. Participants enjoyed 18 holesof golf, followed by a delicious steak dinner andthe award presentations.
When all the bogeys, pars and birdies were tallied,the winning team was from the Class of 1995:Henry Peters, Steve Vandenberk, Andre Denys andJerry Veens. The top individual golfer was KrisVanEerd, another 1995 graduate. If there had beenan award for best team uniform, it would have goneto the Class of ’58 for their matching team hats!
Many thanks go to John Hanak (’61) for all hisefforts in organizing the tournament andarranging the prize donations.
Tournament coordinatorJohn Hanak announces the
winners (and losers) of the golf tournament.
Ron Pearson (second from right) had personalized hats made for his teammates: From left: Bob Curtis, Ken Stevenson and
Larry Anderson.
The winners: The Class of ’95.
Westags Return to Ridgetown for Two Summer Events
Dr. Charlie Baldwin, centre, with his wifeMarlene and Bud Kelly, an alumnus
and former staff member.
Brad Sharp, a 1977 grad, brought his 1977 VWWestfalia van. His license plate is a tribute to
the vehicle and his class – “Westy 77”.
Dave Millard (’53) and his wife Janet admire a 1930 Ford Model A, owned
by Valere (Casey) Casier (’63)
120 Main Street EastRidgetown, ON N0P 2C0
Baldwin Takes Gueses Around the World at Alumni BBQDespite rain earlier in the day, the skies cleared in time for the 2nd Annual Westag Alumni BBQ on Saturday,August 20th. The day featured a presentation by Dr. Charlie Baldwin, followed by a BBQ in the picnic shelter. Therewere also some alumni-owned classic cars on display, ranging from a 1930 Model T to a 1977 VW Westfalia van.
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