Korbin’s CD, entitled “The Come Up”, contains six songs that he wrote and sung in the ‘Hip Hop Rap Style’ that he loves.

   “I find that Rap is all about communication and expression of feelings,” explained Korbin who first became interested in Rap music about four years ago while he was in Grade 6 or 7. “I listened to a lot of Rap when I was young and since I really can’t sing very well, it was the easiest way to get my messages out in the open.”

   Korbin hopes to bring the Rap music back to its basics when artists sung about positive topics. “Everybody hears the word Rap and thinks thug, guns and violence. I’m not rapping about violence or guns. That’s just not me. I’m the exact opposite. My rap is positive and it’s my thoughts and opinions.”

   A Grade 10 student at Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School , Korbin is now working on the production of his second CD which should be available for release some time in the fall. For now, he will simply introduce “The Come Up” to local residents who are interested in helping a young artist pursue his dream.

   Korbin will be in the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre on several occasions during the coming months to promote the sale of his first CD. He will enjoy the opportunity to meet with local residents and potential young muscians to discuss their shared passion. Be watching in The Vision Paper for information about the days when Korbin will be at the mall.

   The CD is available at a cost of only $10. If you cannot make it to the mall you can call Korbin at 969-6941 and make other arrangements to pick one up.

Val Therese Man Wins "Ticket To Ride" Contest And Takes Home $29,000 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle

   Don Dicks, shown second from the right in the above photo, had no interest in ever taking up motorcycle riding at his age, but right after he retired from a 35 1/2 year career with INCO, he felt lucky. So, when he saw the Harley-Davidson in front of the Hanmer Home Hardware store at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre, he decided that he would purchase a $20 ticket to help out the Walden Kinsmen Club in their fund-raising venture. Imagine his surprise when he received a call on June 17, 2006 informing him that he was the new owner of a brand new 2006 Harley-Davidson FLSTCI Heritage Softail Classic bike worth over $29,000?

   Others in the photo include, from the left: Eric Kanerva from The Shop; Les Mayer from the Walden Kinsmen; Don Dicks; and Harry Sheppard from the Walden Kinsmen.

   Hanmer Home Hardware has consistently been one of the most popular spots for ticket sales for the Walden Kinsmen for the past couple of years. Mike Lemieux, owner of the store was pleased to see a local winner this year.

   Dicks, who now lives in Val Therese, started working on August 28, 1970 at the Copper Refinery. He recalls that it was right around the time of the famous "tornado" that hit the Lively and Copper Cliff area. On April 1 he began a well deserved retirement. "I only bought one ticket and never imagined winning. I've never won anything in my life, so this kind of thing just doesn't happen to me."

   Don is looking forward to riding horses more than motorcycles, so he is putting the bike up for sale in order to raise some money that can be used to purchase land outside Sudbury to raise his horses. He is asking $25,000 for the bike which is now being stored at the Shop in Walden. If you are interested in purchasing the bike, call Don at 969-6255.

The four people in the photo on the right grew up in Capreol and all attended elementary and secondary school in that town. After that they all went their separate ways and didn't meet again until they were drawn to a very special celebration which was held at the North Bay Memorial Gardens on May 6, 2006.  

They were among the 350 couples who had gathered to celebrate 50 or more years of marriage. It was one of the largest gatherings of people to honour the sacrament of marriage every held in Canada. There were people from all religious denominations and from all locations.

The happy people in the photo were, from the left: Terrance O'Connor and his wife Delores (nee Lamont), and Stan Martin & his wife, Verna (nee Sawyer).

Terrance and Delores were married in 1952. They lived in Oshawa for 44 years and then have lived in North Bay for the past 10 years where Terrance is a Deacon at St. Rita's Parish. Terrance has just celebrated 30 years as a Deacon on June 5. They have ten (10) children, all married, 22 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.

Stan and Verna have been married 51 years and are currently residing in Capreol. They have 5 children, all married, and 13 grandchildren.

A total of eight (8) couples from Capreol travelled to North Bay to attend the event, along with several others from Valley East and area. According to Verna, "Everyone who attended agreed it was very worthwhile and perhaps many more will attend if another event takes place next year. It was very emotional, especially when we all renewed our wedding vows in unison. It was a special event that we will always remember."

Bob Rittenhouse, the pastor of the First Baptist Church spoke about the importance of marriage and what the lifelong commitment means.

"Nothing is easier than saying words, like I love you. The hard thing is asking yourself do you meant them?"

Bob Eubanks, host of the popular game show, the Newlywed Game, provided many moments of humour during his presentation.

Organizer Tom Salidas, who sold the truck and trailer he won last year in the Big Brother's Dream Draw to help finance the event, is hoping to attract over 500 couples next summer.

As the final notes resonated through the arena, the judges declared Angele Jameus, 2nd from the right in the front row with the black bag over her right shoulder, as the 2006 Valley East Idol. 

The Publisher apologizes for not being able to identify the individuals in the photo above, however, we were given the names of the finalists. IF ANY OF OUR READERS CAN SEND US AN EMAIL with the identity of one or more of the people in the photo above, we will revise this list accordingly. Please email us to the following link: VALLEY EAST IDOL IDENTIFICATION

The names of the twelve finalists are: Asim Mainville; Natalie Jolivet; Steve Liddard; Keith Mantysaari; Angele Jameus; Christine Cousineau; Sue Lefebvre; Jean St. Pierre; Louise Alexakis; Julie Crispin Taylor; Stephanie Dominelli; and Yves Charbonneau, shown in the photo at the side. If any of the names are misspelled, we again apologize, but these are the spellings that were given to us at the event. Hopefully, we will be able to identify the names of all of the contestants in the photo and we will also identify the winner of the contest.

The very capable judges, shown below, certainly had their hands full during the competition. From left to right, the judges were: Moe Leblanc, Norm McIntosh and Mike Lehay.

With their assets frozen in Lebanon, Monique and her two teenaged boys were only able to bring one suitcase each out of the country. The Laderoute's were able to secure space with 200 others on a luxury casino yacht and eventually made it back to Valley East. "I didn't even have enough money to make a phone call from the bus station," recalls Monique. "But even though I have nothing and I have to start out all over again on welfare with an empty apartment, I am so grateful to have escaped with my sons. I'm back home now, and I will never leave again."

Monique, who was born and raised in Valley East, is the daughter of Ron and Susan Laderoute. Ron is on the far left in the photo and Susan is on the far right. Her aunt Jean Somers, second from the left, was described by Monique as "my lifeline".

Monique's husband remained back in Lebanon to protect their property. If all goes well, he should be joining his family in Valley East within a couple of months. In the meantime, the Laderoute's are in dire straights and are turning to the kind people of Valley East for help.

Monique is looking for a job as an administrative assistant, executive secretary, human resources officer, or other similar positions. Thanks to Val and Violet Mazzuca, they now have a rental home in Hanmer, close to family and friends, but they have absolutely nothing to put in the house and are looking for a helping hand. This is where the true Valley Spirit is expected to come forward and help put them back on their feet.

An open house is planned for Sunday, October 15, 2006 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the St. Jacques Parish Hall. If you have donations of new household items such as bedding, utensils, kitchen and bathroom items, etc. they would be greatly appreciated. 

All are welcome to the open house, including family, friends and caring individuals. Please join the Laderoute's for coffee and a bite to eat as Monique shares her experiences with you. There will be a door prize. Any support would be greatly appreciated. If you require more information please contact Jean Somers at 969-2304.

A steady flow of traffic was the order of the day on Sunday, October 15, 2006 at the St. Jacques Parish Hall in Hanmer as hundreds of family, friends and acquaintances showed their love and support for Monique Laderoute and her sons. The Laderoutes are hoping to get themselves back on their feet and start life all over again now that they are back home in Canada. 

Joanne Kinney, on the far left, Jean Somers, sitting beside Joanne, and Sabrina Kinney, standing with the red top, spent most of the afternoon greeting guests at the entrance. Joanne and Sabrina are cousins, while "Aunt Jean" has been referred to as Monique's "lifeline" as she was attempting to escape from the ravages of war-torn Lebanon just a couple of months ago.

After spending the past 14 years living in Lebanon with her husband, Sam Zoghbi, Monique Laderoute, second from the right in the above photo, seemed to have it made. She and Sam had a great life. He was doing very well in the restaurant business and she was developing a solid reputation as a professional interior designer. And then around the middle of July 2006, their world was turned upside down when Israel invaded Lebanon and Monique was forced to flee from her home near Beirut and seek evacuation back to Canada. 

With their assets frozen in Lebanon, Monique and her two teenaged boys were only able to bring one suitcase each out of the country. The Laderoute's were able to secure space with 200 others on a luxury casino yacht and eventually made it back to Valley East. "I didn't even have enough money to make a phone call from the bus station," recalls Monique. "But even though I have nothing and I have to start out all over again on welfare with an empty apartment, I am so grateful to have escaped with my sons. I'm back home now, and I will never leave again."

Monique, who was born and raised in Valley East, is the daughter of Ron and Susan Laderoute. Ron is on the far left in the photo and Susan is on the far right. Her aunt Jean Somers, second from the left, was described by Monique as "my lifeline".

Monique's husband remained back in Lebanon to protect their property. If all goes well, he should be joining his family in Valley East within a couple of months. In the meantime, the Laderoute's are in dire straights and are turning to the kind people of Valley East for help.

Monique is looking for a job as an administrative assistant, executive secretary, human resources officer, or other similar positions. Thanks to Val and Violet Mazzuca, they now have a rental home in Hanmer, close to family and friends, but they have absolutely nothing to put in the house and are looking for a helping hand. This is where the true Valley Spirit is expected to come forward and help put them back on their feet.

Several merchants donated items that were given out as door prizes as a show of appreciation by the Laderoute family.

Monique Laderoute, on the left, showed her appreciation to Bea Menard who helped Monique paint the house she is renting from Val Mazzuca beside the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre.

Another close friend, Carol Hughes, dropping to wish Monique well. Carol is the Northeastern Ontario Representative for the Canadian Labour Congress.

Any additional support would be greatly appreciated. If you require more information, or if you would like to donate any household items to Monique, please contact Jean Somers at 969-2304.

With their assets frozen in Lebanon, Monique and her two teenaged boys were only able to bring one suitcase each out of the country. "I didn't even have enough money to make a phone call from the bus station," recalls Monique. "But even though I have nothing and I have to start out all over again on welfare with an empty apartment, I am so grateful to have escaped with my sons. I'm back home now, and I will never leave again."

On October 1, 2006, Monique, 3rd from the left in the photo above, stood with her parents, Ron and Susan Laderoute, and her aunt Jean Somers, in the kitchen of the home that was rented from Val Mazzuca. 

"At the beginning of October, I had nothing," Monique explained. "Then I discovered that this whole community is my family and it has been non-stop. People have been so kind to us and have been unbelievable in their support."

As Monique goes through the house, she points out many of the items that were donated and has a story to go with them. "What is really touching is that so many of the donated items meant something special to the people who donated them. These are not just furnishings and wall hangings, they tell a story about how wonderful it is to be back home again in Valley East."