Events Schedule

2010 in Review

Spring Report:
On February 12, the team held their annual Dragon Toss fundraiser at Memorial Gardens. Organized by Lise and Dave McMillan, the event raised over $500 for the team. Thanks to everyone who worked on the Dragon Toss.

The unusually warm spring resulted in the ice coming off Trout Lake early, so the team launched Jane to begin training for their first event in Peterborough (view). The water is extremely cold, so the safety boat hovered nearby as the team introduced new members to the joy of paddling. Then it snowed (view), however the new cover kept Jane warm.

The team is taking on a new fundraiser – selling pink ‘Go Fast’ racing head covers (view), a headscarf sporting the Breast Cancer symbol of a pink ribbon. The team practised their winning hat throw (view) in preparation for the racing season. The Go Fast covers will be for sale at festivals and the Farmer’s Market.

The Weed Warriors plot at the Waterfront displayed last fall’s efforts with a ‘pink’ ribbon of tulips (view) . The Warriors will replace the tulips with flowering pink petunias as soon as the tulips have had a chance to store some bulb energy for next spring.

2010 Events Schedule

Warrior Merchandise:
The popular Warriors of Hope merchandise is now available for viewing on our web in the Photo Gallery Section.

Prices (2010) are: view the merchandise gallery [ more ]

  • Tee Shirts - $
  • Bucket Hats - $20
  • Tote Bags - $20
  • Magic Cloths - $16
  • Pins - $3
  • Grip Gloves - $8
  • Coloured gloves - $6
  • Work gloves - $5
  • Pink ball caps, visors, toques - $10
  • Garbage bags - (large / small) $3
  • ‘Go-Fast’ racing head covers - $10

Watch for our sales tables at local events or call Bonnie at 472-5771.

Training:

  • Dry-land training begins January 14 at West Ferris gym at 6:30 p.m.
  • Warriors Ski Day: Cross country ski day at Nordic Trails on January 23
  • Weekly paddle practices – Tuesday and Thursday evening at 5:45 p.m., CFB dock on Trout Lake - tentative start date is May 11, 2010

Business Items:

  • The Annual General Meeting is February 18 at PHARA at 7:00 p.m. Guest speaker will be Monique Smith, MPP.
  • Safety Policy Review completed and instituted.
  • Team Recruitment drive

Fundraisers:

The Annual Yard Sale held at 1350 Fisher Street (view) was an outstanding success again this year. The Warriors appreciate the support of all the bargain hunters who contributed over $2,000 in support of the team. A special thank you to the yard sale organizers (view) and workers who made the day a success.

On February 12 ( view ), the team held their annual Dragon Toss fundraiser at Memorial Gardens ( view ). Organized by Lise and Dave McMillan, the event raised over $500 for the team. The ‘Dragons’ are actually bean bags! ( View ). Thanks to everyone who worked on the Dragon Toss ( view ).

  • Annual Golf Tournament – Clear Springs Golf Club, September 11, 2010
  • Farmer’s Market merchandise tent (dates tba)

Festivals:

IDBF Peterborough June 11-13

The Warriors were one of seventy breast cancer survivor teams attending the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission festival. Survivors Abreast of Peterborough hosted the world-wide event that is held every four years. Teams from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Italy, England, the United States and Canada joined in the opening parade ( view ) that travelled down George Street ( view ) to the park. The Warriors, carrying their super-size Bra ( view ) joined over 2,000 breast cancer survivors at the park ( view ) for an opening address and Mayor’s barbeque.

The City of Peterborough did itself proud by providing financial support and showing community spirit by going pink – even to the extent of painting a garbage truck! ( view ). All participants gathered at the Evinrude Centre for a banquet where the keynote speaker, Dr Don McKenzie, the force behind breast cancer survivors’ dragon boating, gave an inspiring talk. The highlight of the races was the carnation ceremony and the Warriors were fortunate to be selected to join the flotilla as a team ( view ). The large crowd that lined the shore ( view ) gasped in awe as a flock of white doves ( view ) flew over the rafted dragon boats not once but twice.

The Warriors placed 12th overall, a respectable standing in the seventy-team races that were as competitive as one might expect from survivors who have faced the dragon of breast cancer.

June 26 - New Liskeard
The Warriors attended the New Liskeard Dragonboat Festival for the second year ( view ) this year and although there were fewer teams than in 2009, the competition was lively. Spectators watched as the Warriors ( view ) did their warm up exercises ( see the Photo Gallery for more examples of warm-up exercises) prior to the afternoon races. There was one scary moment when a couple of members of one of the teams intentionally swamped their boat ( view ) causing the support boats to rush to the scene to ascertain if everyone was safe. Such horseplay is irresponsible and is discouraged since someone might be caught unawares and trapped under the dragon boat.

July 17 – North Bay
With only twelve teams competing this year at the North Bay Rotary Dragon Boat Festival, the Warriors were slotted against some formidable odds. Undeterred by size or brawn, ( view ), the Warriors worked hard against a headwind to win two trophies ( view ). Competition in the Breast Cancer Survivors race came from their friends from Peterborough, Survivors Abreast. The Warriors prevailed, but joined hands with the other team in the carnation ceremony ( view ). By some stroke of good fortune (for the bankers) the Warriors did not race against one of their major sponsors, ScotiaBank , but did pose for photos with the team ( view ).

After the races, Warrior Bonnie and her husband Lew hosted the two teams for a barbeque at their home on Trout Lake ( view ). All the participating teams deemed the Eleventh Annual festival a great success.

August 14, Wellington
The Dragon Boat races at Wellington provided a new experience for the Warriors. Arriving at the race site, the waves crashing into the shore made the team gasp ( view ), but the races were not on Lake Ontario, but in a channel between West Lake and the big water. The channel was only wide enough for two boats so the races, 200 metres, were in fact Drag races ( view ). There were 5 Breast Cancer teams at the festival and once again, the carnation ceremony was a novel and moving experience for the local attendees ( view ). The team struggled a little with their starts in the 200 metre sprints and it was not until the third race that the Warriors won the Drag race ( view ). Congratulations to the Wellington Lions club for an excellent festival – their medals are especially attractive.

  • Stratford – September 25
  • Other festivals tba

Community Events:

  • Weed Warriors Waterfront flower bed maintenance
  • Relay for Life
  • CIBC Run for the Cure
  • October Breast Cancer Awareness events

2009 in Review

January 20
Strength training began at West Ferris Secondary School at 6:30 p.m. and continued weekly until the first week in May. Under the very capable guidance of instructors Melody (view) and Mark (view) team members kept fit during the winter months. (See the photo gallery for additional photographs).

February 18
The Warriors of Hope held their Annual General Meeting in the PHARA Recreation Room at 7:00 p.m. Coffee and homemade cookies followed the AGM business and speaker Warrior Tish Wilson, who regaled members with some very interesting stories about her work in the Far North..

March 1
The Annual Dragon Toss fundraiser on Sunday March 1 at Memorial Gardens was a resounding success again. Our thanks to Warrior Lise and husband Dave who organized the event and to all the volunteers. A special vote of appreciation to the SkyHawks for their continued support of this fund-raiser for the Warriors.

May
Our dragonboat, 'Jane' was completely refurbished for the beginning of her tenth year on the water. The process began with an application for a Trillium Grant to refinish the boat, add decals and a new cover. Jane came out of the water in October 2008 (view) and then made her way to Geilser boat works in Powassan (view). Stored over winter, the firefighters turned Jane (view) so the new decals and cover could be applied. On May , a special media launch was held to kick off our 10'th season. The Ontario Trillium Foundation representative, Carol Ann Di Bartolomeo (view) brought greetings as did our MPP, Monique Smith (view). MP Anthony Rota, a strong Warrior supporter, (view) wished the team continued success on the water and Mayor Vic Fedeli reiterated the thanks given to volunteers (view). Peter Sirrs presented the /Kathy Sirrs/ award to Bonnie Marshall (view) as the team member who best represented Kathy’s spirit in 2008. A ceremonial paddle (view) ended the morning. Jane, with her new decals (view) will now be a visible reminder to everyone who sees her on Trout Lake that the Warriors of Hope are an active advocate in Breast Cancer awareness.

May 30
The second annual Yard Sale (view) was held at 1350 Fisher Street. A large quantity of goods changed hands (view ) and the Warriors wish to thank everyone who attended for the success of sale. The annual yard sale is an important fundraiser for the team.

June 14
The Warriors attended a Paddling Clinic with Mike and Andrea from Alkame Dragon Boat Service from Picton (view ). The weather was cool however, paddlers had an excellent workout (view) and refreshed their techniques.

June Relays
The Warriors of Hope attended two Relays for Life this year. Sherry young was event captain for the Trout Creek Relay while Mary Willard captained the North Bay event. Warriors placed luminaries at the events in memory of past members.

June 27
The Warriors of Hope travelled to New Liskeard this year to attend the 3rd Annual Lions Club Dragon Boat Festival (view). The Carnation Ceremony (view) was an impressive event for the many spectators who lined the waterfront. MCTV covered the event and the Warriors were delighted to give interviews and demonstrations (view), promoting breast cancer awareness and the value of dragon boating after cancer.

July 2
Weed Warriors
The North Bay waterfront has a new flowerbed in the shape of a Pink Ribbon (view). The Ribbon, the symbol of the fight against Breast Cancer, will have pink petunias in the summer and pink tulips in the spring. The wet, cool weather this year has not been to the petunias’ liking but the gardening committee of Weed Warriors are looking forward to getting a jump on the season next year.

July 18
North Bay Dragon Boat Festival
The 10th annual Dragon Boat Festival was a great success for the Warriors. Six out-of-town breast cancer survivor teams joined the Warriors in celebration of ten years of paddling (view). Each team received a hamper of goodies and special Warriors’ wine (view) as they were welcomed to the city. Race day was cloudy but the rain skirted around the race site on Trout Lake. The dragon was awakened and the boats blessed (view). Pink Sensations from Pickering were the big winners (view) of the day. All the survivors joined in the arch parade (view) after the race. The festivities concluded that evening with a barbeque party at the Kelusky’s home on Trout lake.

September 12
The Warriors of Hope Annual Golf Tournament held at Clear Springs Golf Course was a resounding success this year. A full registration of 36 teams attended on a perfect day for golf. The day began with team photos taken by Rod and Shirley (view) with Jane’s Dragon regalia. The souvenir photos were also shown on the video screen inside during dinner. The winning team, by retrogression with a 59, were presented with plaques and the trophy (view). Marg again was our MC and worked right through a delicious dinner (view) selling draw tickets (view). The winner of the 50-50 draw was only too happy to give Marg Moody a big hug! (view).There was a special surprise presentation by Ray Sabourin, a local archer, (view) who has initiated a ‘Pink Arrow’ program for archers. Archer may purchase a pink arrow (view) to carry in their quiver to show support for Breast Cancer Research and the Warriors. (The arrows are never used in contests.) Warrior Tania was a draw winner (view) but the biggest round of applause went to Warrior Betty who attended and worked despite currently undergoing chemo (view).

October
The Warriors of Hope participated in a huge way again in the CIBC Run for the Cure this October. The Warriors collected the largest amount of pledges for any women’s team and this year, Warrior Sylvia Gray collected the most money of any North Bay and area participant. Way to go, Sylvia! Run for the Cure captain, Liz Chirico, ‘won’ again by having her son cross the finish line first.

The Weed Warriors were busy at the popular waterfront walking area (view) in October as they took out the bed of pink petunias and planted dozens of pink tulip bulbs (view), carefully placing them pointy side up. The floral pink ribbon flowerbed drew many favourable comments this past season as people paused to reflect on family and friends who have been touched by breast cancer.

December
December was a month of giving and receiving for the Warriors of Hope. On December 18, the Warriors, represented by Chris, Gloria and Shelley, were at Twiggs coffee shop to join the EZ Rock hosts to present a cheque to the North Bay Santa Fund (view). Chris made the on-air announcement (view) that the Warriors had raised $708.00 at their Christmas party this year (passing last year’s record). Even the ‘Elf’ was happily surprised at the amount (view).

On December 16, Bruce Monroe, representing Scotiabank, handed the Board of Director’s a cheque for $10,000 ( view). Board President and Paddling member of the Warriors, Diana Walton thanked Bruce for Scotiabank’s continuing support (view) that is so important in helping the Warriors of Hope meet their mandate of breast cancer awareness and promoting an active lifestyle after breast cancer.

2008 in Review

January 17 - Strength Training
Strength and weight training sessions with physical fitness coach Larry Sheppard begin at West Ferris Secondary school. The emphasis is on flexibility, strength and endurance as team members prepare for the paddling season.

February 10 - Dragon Toss
The Skyhawks hockey team have chosen the Warriors of Hope Breast Cancer Survivor Dragonboat Racing team as their charity of choice for the game on Sunday, February 10, 2008 against the Manitoulin Islanders. Game time is 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Gardens. There will be five targets on the ice so come out and show your support and throwing skills at the Warriors' DRAGON TOSS during the second intermission. "Dragons" are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00. There are great prizes to be won! See you there!

February 20- AGM
The Annual General Meeting will be held at the PHARA recreation room.

May 1, 2008
Warriors met with Joyce Bosselle of Joyce's Lingerie Shoppe to accept a $400 donation (view photo). Joyce, and her supplier of French Dressing Jeans, set aside a portion of the sales of the ribbon brooch and jeans for the past year in support of the Warriors of Hope. Joyce's is a local supplier of breast prosthesis and is a well-known store for breast cancer survivors. Thanks again, Joyce.

May 6,2008
It takes a 'village' to launch the dragonboat. The Warriors of Hope put Jane in the water last month at Olmstead beach on Trout Lake. What seems like a simple task is more complicated than you might expect. The boat is stored over winter at Warren Equipment where the boat is upside down and under wraps. The first call was to the North Bay Firefighters (view photo) who help us turn the boat over on the trailer, (view photo) a task for a crew of strong men since the boat weighs 350 kilograms and is 13 metres long. Then A&S Towing (view photo) pulls the boat to the launch site where we temporarily tie Jane at the Canoe Club dock until the CFB docks are ready. These events are all attended my any number of Warriors who take the wrapping off the boat, cheer on the Firefighters, guide the tow truck driver (who needs no assistance) and paddle the boat to the dock. The boat then has its cover attached (view photo) using the new Velcro strips supplied by Arctic Canvas over the winter. Before the first paddle by the Warriors of Hope, contact is made with Bob Esch at the Green Store to have a safety boat ready for the first practices when the cold water requires that we have a 'safety' boat nearby in case of a tip-over. The wonderful thing about the spring launch and the fall storage is the community support the Warriors receive. Thank you - to the 'village'! Give us a wave when you see us on the lake this summer. Finally, in 2008, (view photo) Paddles up!

May 24 - Yard Sale
The yard sale was a great success (view photo) raising over $980 that will help cover some of the travel expenses this summer. Thank you to the many people who dropped by on the cool morning and found some little item that they needed! Our thanks also to all the work by the Warriors and supporters who made the day such a success

June - Relay for Life
The Warriors of Hope attended the Trout Creek Relay for Life again this year. Despite the rain, there was a good turnout of Survivors and supporters for the event. The following week, Warriors attended the North Bay Relay and showed their support for the cause. A number of luminaries carry the names of our friends and it is always an emotional walk around the track.

July 19 - North Bay Dragonboat Festival
This was the first year that Bell Canada and Rotary ran the festival and although the number of teams was down, the spirits of the paddlers and crowd were high. The dragon was awakened by Denis Mong (view photo) and then the boats prepared for the races with a smudging ceremony ( view photo). The competition was friendly but some fierce characters (view photo) were spotted on Olmstead Beach. The Warriors (view photo) posted a respectable time of 2:40.94 in taking the B division championship (against mixed teams!).

For registration and information please see: www.northbaydragons.com

July 25-27 -Dartmouth, NS
Dartmouth Nova Scotia was the gathering place for 24 Breast Cancer Survivor teams from across Canada as they met to race and share their stories in the fight to raise Breast Cancer Awareness and the successes they have found in paddling. The ceremonies began with the Halifax Town Crier (view photo) calling all to the competition. The Crier looked a lot like Alexander Keith - whose brewery a number of Warriors attended to ascertain the true quality of India Pale Ale. The opening ceremony included the usual eye-painting but this was accompanied by a demonstration of Tai Chi (view photo) with a sword! A photo of the team rookie and the President (view photo) shows all smiles, but fire a gun or sound a siren and the teams get downright serious! The Warriors made it to the finals on both days, however RowBust from London proved to be Canadian champions on this weekend. Saturday night the home team, Bosom Buddies, hosted a banquet (view photo) which was enjoyed by all.

Visitors - August 26
The regular Tuesday evening practice had some special guests on August 26. In 2005, the Warriors paddled at Port Dover and were treated like royalty by friends of paddler Sylvia Gray. This year 10 classmates from the Port Dover High School 1949 Grade 9 class met at Sylvia's for their annual reunion. The nine women joined the Warriors for a paddle on Trout Lake and although it took a few metres to get into stroke, they were soon paddling like veterans (view photo). It was a pleasure to share the evening with our friends from Port Dover.

September 7 - Annual Golf Tournament
This major fund-raiser for the team will once again be held at Clear Springs golf course. The tournament has become a favourite with a great meal, prizes for everyone and a challenging game of golf. The number of teams is limited so sign up early to reserve your place for this event.

October - Run for the Cure & Breast Cancer Awareness Month
23 Warriors participated in the October 4 CIBC Run for the Cure event at the North Bay waterfront. Some of the team posed for a media photo ( view ) while the participants warmed up for the 'run'. Most of the Warriors elected to walk ( view ) but two of the team elected run, as did Board Director David Minden. Warrior Tish Wilson thanked the organizers of the run and noted that a run was being held in Nunavit this year where the Warriors have a connection through the Status of Women.

November 5 - Jane's Road Trip
Jane left town on November 5 ( view ). Our favourite dragonboat headed south for a littler R&R (restoration and refurbishment) before the winter snows covered her in her winter retreat. The trip was short - to Powassan ( view ) - where Giesler Boats will refinish and paint Jane. Just wait until you see her next spring!

December - Team Party
The year-end party will again raise money for the local Santa Fund as they wrap up the season with an evening of camaraderie and dining.

December EventsThere was much good news in December this year. Our application for a Trillium Grant was successful and the refurbishing of 'Jane' is now underway. Gielser Boats are working on the refurbishing; Arctic Canvas will make a new weather cover; and Signs by Hibbard will be making new decals for 'Jane'. ScotiaBank, our main corporate sponsor gave us a substantial donation that will help fund the teams' activities in 2009 ( view ). ScotiaBank is a sponsor for a number of Breast Cancer Survivor teams across Canada and you will see their logo at almost every dragonboat festival. Finally, the Warriors gave back to the community by way of their annual auction at their Christmas party ( view ), raising $656 for the local Santa Fund!