Harper Government Invests in Commemoration of the War of 1812

SPENCERVILLE, On, March 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Local artists, artisans, and performers will bring history to life at the Spencerville Mill's Bicentennial Heritage Fair, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. This was announced today by Gord Brown, Member of Parliament (Leeds-Grenville), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

The Spencerville Mill Foundation, a local non-profit organization dedicated to the historic preservation and interpretation of the Spencerville Mill and the history of the local community, will present its Heritage Fair from June 1to 3, 2012. This year's fair celebrates not only the construction of the Spencerville Mill, but also the War of 1812. Audiences will go back in time through music and dance performances, historical craft demonstrations, War of 1812 historical battle re-enactments, and local history talks and workshops.

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in organizations that support local festivals, like the Spencerville Mill Foundation," said Minister Moore. "By supporting these organizations, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support arts, culture, and heritage."

"Events like the Spencerville Mill's Bicentennial Heritage Fair provide a wonderful opportunity for Canadians to come together and enjoy the festivities while learning about the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, a defining moment in our country's history," said Mr. Brown. "This investment will enable local artists, artisans, and performers to share the story of their local heritage with their community."

"The Spencerville Mill is thrilled to have this level of support for the Heritage Fair," said Alicia Wanless, Marketing Director, Spencerville Mill Foundation. "As a community, we are developing a unique heritage experience, through which we plan to support local craftspeople, community service groups, businesses and tourism, by creating a three-day-long historic flash mob that will interact with visitors and bring the past to life."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $78,100 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.

Full text and contact info can be found here http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/933669/harper-government-invests-in-commemoration-of-the-war-of-1812

We received a fair amount of media coverage over the news that the Mill might have an unseen resident. From the Brockville Recorder & Times to the EMC and JRFM, everyone wanted to know what the Prescott-based Spirit Quest Paranormal Society uncovered. There was some unusual some unusual activity - but perhaps the best way to find out is to visit the Mill yourself!

Just in case you missed it in June, here's a repeat of our foray into the world of entertainment! 

For Immediate Release.

After a hard-fought battle on Facebook this week, the Spencerville Mill has finally determined the winners of the Heritage Fair Costume Competition. With initial categories for best dressed Man, Woman, and Business, an additional category was added for one special young man.

Best Dressed Man

The winner for Best Dressed Man, despite serious competition from such illustrious personages as the township's Mayor, was Mr. Michael Berk.

Sporting a custom-made period three-piece outfit, Mr. Berk scored 22 "likes" on the Spencerville Mill's Facebook page. As winner of the Men's competition, he will be awarded a $100 gift certificate to Watt's Small Engines in Spencerville.

Best Dressed Woman

In another tight race, event volunteer Cheryl Robertson narrowly won the Best Dressed Woman category for her home made costume. Mrs. Robertson very creatively altered modern clothes to appear as period dress.

For her efforts, Mrs. Robertson earned 10 "likes" on the Spencerville Mill's Facebook page, beating her nearest competitor by just one vote. As winner of the Women's competition, she will be awarded a $100 gift certificate to Willow Wheat Spa in Spencerville.

Best Dressed Business

Businesses in the village were invited to dress up - owners as well as employees. To the business that brought history most to life mention will be made in the Spencerville Mill's July calendar, published in both the EMC and Prescott Journal. The total value of the prize is approximately $120.

Rolande Theriault, owner of Seasonal Expressions, beat her nearest competitor, Carmichael's Horse & Carriage Furniture, with nine "likes" on the Spencerville Mill's Facebook page.

Best Dressed Youth

While there had initially been no youth category, one was created largely due to the following entry. Sylas Courage, the sole representative of his Scout troupe, entertained the crowds at the Spencerville's Sedentary Militia Muster Role sponsored by Rainsoft.

For his creative costume and willingness to participate, Sylas earned five "likes" on the Spencerville Mill's Facebook page and will be awarded a $50 gift certificate to the Village Pantry in Spencerville.

The Spencerville Mill Foundation would like to thank all entrants in the competition. With 25 official entrants and many more dressed up over the weekend, it was certainly a great first year for the Heritage Fair.

Sponsors for next year's prizes are already being sought to make the competition that much stronger in celebration of the Mill's Bicentennial in 2012. Likewise, a series of workshops are being planned to encourage everyone's participation. For more information, please contact the Mill.  To see more pictures from the competition please visit the Spencerville Mill's Facebook page.

SPENCERVILLE -- Solid wood products took centre stage during an Ontario East Wood Centre event highlighted by the visit of a celebrated Finnish architect who specializes in wood construction.

Professor Antero Turrki, who won international recognition with his design of the Heinavaara School in east Finland, built in 2000 entirely of wood, ended the full-day event with a presentation about the use of wood for the construction industry in his home country. Read More

EMC News - As most non-profit organizations can attest, finding money to maintain heritage holdings can be a challenge.

Sometimes the best way to raise funds is to be creative. This is especially the case in today's market. While most people in Eastern Ontario are generous, many just simply don't have the disposable income to be able to donate to charities.

That's why the Spencerville Mill was eager to accept the support of HomeStars.com when it offered help through a unique fundraising program.

HomeStars, a Canadian-owned online community of homeowners and home renovators, will donate $10 for every review published to its site through the Mill campaign.

It's simple and it's free.

To support the Spencerville Mill visit www.homestars.com/spencervillemill and write about any contractor you might recently have hired to do some work. It could be a plumber, roofer, mover, or even a furniture store.

While writing a review doesn't cost you anything, it will raise money for the Spencerville Mill - and help with the ongoing restoration of the second floor of this lovely heritage building.

The goal for this campaign is to add 100 reviews - and raise $1,000! The campaign will run until June 7, 2011.

HomeStars staff will be on hand at the Spencerville Mill's Heritage Fair Weekend on June 4, helping take reviews at the Antiques Appraisal Fair.

For more information on that event visit http://www.spencervillemill.ca/heritage-fair.html.

EMC Events - Do you find poker a little too mundane? Then we have three words for you: Canoe. Poker. Run.

As an annual fundraiser, the Spencerville Mill Foundation challenges poker players to collect the best hand - while traversing down the South Nation River.

Beginning from O'Hagens Bridge on County Road 18, approximately 3 km south of Roebuck and 8 km north of Prescott, participants are given a card from a deck at five checkpoints along the river. The player who manages the best hand upon arrival at the Spencerville Mill will win first selection of the many great prizes donated by regional sponsors, with the remaining prizes being awarded in order of winning poker hands.

The event takes approximately two hours to complete and will be held Saturday, May 14. Registration is at 9 a.m. and departure is at 10 a.m. from O'Hagens Bridge.

Participants who do not have their own canoe or kayak may book one in advance on a first come, first serve basis courtesy of the Grenville Fish and Game Club.

This year will mark the ninth anniversary of the popular sportsman-meetscardshark competition.

The cost of registration per player is $15 per adult and $5 per child for door prize eligibility.

For more information, visit online at www.spencervillemill.ca.

Submitted by the Spencerville Mill Foundation.

Spencerville - As most non-profit organisations can attest, finding money to maintain heritage holdings can be a challenge. Sometimes the best way to raise funds is to be creative.

This is especially the case in today’s market. While most people in Eastern Ontario are generous, many just simply don’t have the disposable income to be able to donate to charities. That’s why the Spencerville Mill was eager to accept the support of HomeStars.com when it offered help through a unique fundraising program.

HomeStars, a Canadian-owned online community of homeowners and home renovators, will donate $10 for every review published to its site through the Mill campaign. It’s simple and it’s free.

To support the Spencerville Mill visit www.homestars.com/spencervillemill and write about any contractor you might recently have hired to do some work. It could be a plumber, roofer, mover, or even a furniture store.

While writing a review doesn’t cost you anything, it will raise money for the Spencerville Mill – and help with the ongoing restoration of the second floor of this lovely heritage building. The goal for this campaign is to add 100 reviews – and raise $1000! The campaign will run until June 7, 2011.

HomeStars staff will be on hand at the Spencerville Mill’s Heritage Fair Weekend on June 4, helping take reviews at the Antiques Appraisal Fair. For more information on that event visit http://www.spencervillemill.ca/heritage-fair.html.

EMC Events - Have you ever wondered what the value was of an old item you picked up somewhere? Maybe you own a family heirloom, but have no idea what it actually is?

Come to the Spencerville Mill for the Antiques Appraisal Fair on June 4, 2011 and have an expert take a look!

As a fundraiser for the Mill, several well-known antiques appraisers will be in Spencerville helping owners understand the value and origin of a variety of possessions. Antiques Road Show veteran, Ross Wilson will be on hand to assess militaria and Thomas Grossman will offer his insights on coins, stamps and paper money. The proprietors of Help Downsizing, Kim Murray and Mike Cleary, will also be available to appraise furniture, china, Georgian glass and cameras.

Fundraiser organizers are still welcoming more appraisers. Contact alicia@crowderhouse.ca if interested in supporting the event.

The cost to have an item appraised is $10. All proceeds raised will go to the Spencerville Mill Foundation.

The Antiques Appraisal Fair is part of a wider Heritage Fair held June 4-5, 2011 in Spencerville. The fair will celebrate the early Victorian era and include a Historic Market, Militia Muster Roll Reenactment, performances by Sage Brush Country and Riverthieves and so much more.

Visit our Heritage Fair Page for more information.

For those that haven't yet heard the news, one of our very own has won an award in Ottawa. Spencerville's Stan Bernard recently won the Best of Ottawa Award for Carpentry, as reported by the EMC St. Lawrence.

The Awards were given by an online community of homeowners and home renovators, HomeStars.com. The new service entered the Eastern Ontario market last summer.