Marley Martyn named 2015 Ripley Reunion ambassador

Marley Martyn has been named the 2015 Ripley Reunion ambassador.

Thursday night's ambassador competition and variety show officially kicked off the reunion, at the Ripley Arena as the village gears up for a weekend of events and activities to celebrate 140 years of community.

Reunion committee chairperson Amanda Farrell Walsh welcomed everyone to the reunion.

"I can tell you that every member of our amazing organizing committee has spent countless hours over the past three years preparing for this weekend," she said. "There is so much to do that you may not be able to fit it all in, but here's hoping you find the time to reunite with many old friends and family over the coming days.

"It was our mission to make this an unforgettable weekend, and I'm sure you'll leave with a smile on your face. The reunion committee has poured its heart into bringing you the best homecoming yet, and we hope you enjoy every minute of it!

"Welcome home!"

Joining Martyn on stage, were fellow contestants Kirsten Walden and Gregory Reid. All three gave their impromptu presentations, followed by prepared speeches.

While the judges retired to make their decision, the audience listened to the Ripley Reunion Anthem, composed by Jeff Burrows, Darrin MacDonald, Lennie MacLeod and Ryan "The Buzzman" Berry.

The variety show continued as Ava Stoneman, 9, of Danceology presented her solo; followed by a duet performed by Ty Pollard, 11, and Jayden Maki, 9, also of Danceology.

Then, Reunion Feud host Dwight Irwin took centre stage as he welcomed four teams for this lively competition, based loosely on the television game show, "Family Feud."

In round one, the Ripley Wolves took on the Ripley-Huron Firefighters, with the Wolves taking the win.

In round two, the Retired Teachers took on the Beards, with the Bearded Wonders taking the win.

In the championship round, the Wolves faced off against the Beards, and, with a bit of help from the game show host, the Beards ended up as the champions.

Gabrielle (Finnie) Smith, 2005 Ripley Reunion ambassador, welcomed to the stage the sponsors of the citizenship awards. These awards recognize the outstanding efforts of individuals contributing to the community through a single significant initiative or over an extended period of time, having a positive impact on the community.

There are many deserving individuals in this community, said Smith, and the committee received a number of nominations. From those, the committee chose six winners: Emily Lotton, Paul Stewart, Gail Colling, Murray Yungblut, Gail Vander Hoek and Keith Vander Hoek.

EMILY LOTTON has been recognized as an active member in the community as a regular exhibitor at the Ripley Fall Fair and participating in the infamous Cripple Creek Cloggers. She is also serving the community with a smiling face despite health challenges, and most recently, acted as the spokesperson and honourary chairperson of the Gutsy Walk in Grey-Bruce.

PAUL STEWART has been recognized as a leader both on and off the ice for the Ripley Wolves. He has acted regularly as a positive role model for the next generation of hockey players, in addition to his patient, enthusiastic and knowledgeable coaching of the Ripley Rookie Ball team which could be called more than an energetic bunch.

GAIL COLLING is being recognized for her long-standing involvement in the organizing of the Ripley Reunion, as well as being very active in numerous community events. She is involved with St. Andrew's United Church, and is a past board member of the Ripley Agricultural Society. She is also active on the executive of the Ripley Wolves, often ensuring behind the scenes that all the important details are taken care of.

MURRAY YUNGBLUT is being recognized as an active participant in many organizations in the community, including HAWK Theatre, the Ripley Lions Club, curling club, a past coach, and past deputy fire chief. On top of all this, he is regularly the one making sure that others have the ride they need to an event.

GAIL VANDER HOEK is being recognized as a valuable volunteer who has been a director of the Ripley Agricultural Society and the Ripley Horticultural Society for 30-plus years, and is a Ripley Legion Auxiliary member. She has had many roles in HAWK Theatre, and in the past, has been involved in figure skating, minor hockey and 4-H as her children were growing up.

KEITH VANDER HOEK is being recognized for his active involvement in the Ripley Legion and youth education, as well as having been involved as a director of the Ripley Agricultural Society for 30-plus years. He volunteers in many ways, including facilitating the Smart Serve program, and volunteering with HAWK Theatre, as well as with minor hockey, baseball and ringette as his children grew up.

In addition, nominations were received for the Ripley Reunion friendship awards. All children who nominated or were nominated, were entered in a draw, with the winners receiving a reunion water bottle.

The friendship award winners are:
 

• Ava Stoneman
• Sofia Piel
• Parker Armstrong
• Dean White
• Colin Durfy
• Reed Helm
• Rhys Thompson
• Joslynn Curran
• Wyatt Arnold
• Zach Boyd
• Parker Nicholson
• Curtis Lotton
• Hannah MacDonald
• Maddox Burgess
• Cuyler Liddle
• Keaton Vander Hoek
• Keaton Shaw
• Kale Liddle
• Emma MacDonald
• Kevin Scott
• Reid Pollock
• Lauren White
• Halle Armstrong
• Layne Irwin
• Tanner Smith

The reunion continues Friday through Monday with Back to School Saturday morning, followed by the Mammoth Parade, opening ceremonies, Craz-E-Crew Stunt Team, Tug of War, and more. Sunday, features Ripley's Amazing Race, Elvis Impersonator, Beer Garden Olympics and the Shirt Tail Dance. And Monday events include the Bed Races, Ventriloquist Randy and Friends, and the Beard-Growing Contest. The reunion ends with fireworks at dusk.

For more information, check the website at www.ripleyreunion.ca