Hear ye, hear ye, Kincardine athletes honoured at council meeting

With a booming voice, Bracebridge Town Crier Bruce Kruger started off the Kincardine council meeting Wednesday night (May 18) with a bang.

His job was to announce the athletes being honoured at the start of the meeting, including the Special Olympians who brought back gold from the national winter games in Corner Brook, Newfoundland.

Kincardine mayor Anne Eadie presented plaques to curling team coach Jim McDonald, and team members Ryan Brodhagen, Tylier Jilek, Jackie McDonald and Chris Weese. She also presented a plaque to figure skater Rosie Laidler who has been chosen as part of Team Canada for the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria next March.

Eadie then presented plaques to the coaches and players of the Kincardine Atom Kinucks hockey team who won the All-Ontario "B" championship this season.

Following the pomp and circumstance, Kruger and his escort, Lynn, spoke to council about the position of Town Crier and its importance to the community.

Kruger was selected as Bracebridge's Town Crier in 2000 during the city's 125th anniversary. At that time, Kincardine's chief administrative officer Murray Clarke was working for the city; hence, the connection for bringing Kruger to Kincardine Wednesday night.

Offering some history about Town Criers, Kruger said that in Roman and Greek times, their primary job was to provide the news of the day and declare proclamations.

The Town Crier wears a distinct uniform which reflects the area he/she is representing - the job can be held by men and women. Kruger was an OPP officer for 30 years; other Town Criers were teachers, dental surgeons, etc.

As a Town Crier, he has travelled to nine different countries, and attends 60-80 events per year. His son, Shaun, is also a Town Crier and president of the Ontario Guild of Town Criers. And his grandson wants to be a Town Crier.

Kruger encouraged Kincardine to consider a competition for a Town Crier. "You have to find somebody who is outgoing, well-respected in the community and who isn't camera-shy."

Clarke agreed that it would be a good idea for Kincardine to hold such a competition. "It adds colour and excitement to the events in the community. The Town Crier is also a great ambassador. However, it's a financial commitment on the part of the municipality."

He will bring a report back to council for consideration.

"I'd be pleased to help out if I can," said Kruger.