Waldemar Yochim

Recently, I received the sad news that Walt Yochim had passed away in Welland at the age of ninety. He spent 22 years living in Marten River full time, and before that, many years part time as a cottager. He was colourful and his way of speaking was gruff and low and many a time it was hard to understand what he said. If Vera, his wife was around, she would interpret for him. He was always willing to help out whenever anything needed doing and did a lot of work for the Walleye Association of Marten River.
When they left Marten River about 7 years ago, because they wanted to be closer to family and were getting up in age, we were sad to see them go and they were missed very much. Walt loved to pick up the mail and I think he would have picked up everybody's mail on Marten Lake road if he had his way. I loved their little cozy house on Marten Lake Road with it's steps down to the bathroom, and the one bedroom ( they would not have to have anybody overnight as guests that way, they always said laughing). They had a property right next store with a cottage or trailer on it, I can't remember which, where they would accomodate their family and guests. Walt always said laughing, that they were camp owners along with all the rest of the camp owners and should belong to the tourist association. He and Vera had been married for 60 years. I remember the celebration and open house here when they had been married 50 years. People were spilling out everywhere that evening. I think everybody in Marten River came at the time.
I have many fond memories of Walt and Vera and their time here in Marten River, and have missed them since their departure. Many of us will mourn with Vera at his passing.

Temagami Legion Hall 

Last week some of us drove up to Temagami to attend a ham and scalloped potato dinner at the legion there. The "Friendly Group" did an outstanding job putting it on. Very tasty fixings and all you could eat.
Temagami's official song was playing in the background. I talked to Ollie Page and Joan Frappier about their experience recording the song to a CD.
Ollie who is a cancer surviviour herself, had first written the song 3 years ago for Bunny Miller's variety show in aid of cancer. It sounded so good that Marcelle Berube thought that it should be recorded. She single handedly put into motion the wheels to get it done. It was recorded at "Gone to the Dogs" productions in Haileybury who generously donated their facilities for the project. All funds, less expenses, generated by the sale of the CD will be given to the Temiscaming Hospital Community Cancer Support Fund.
Vocals and musicians are Ollie Page, David Laronde, Joan Frappier, Carolyn Higo, Mike Phillips, Eva Graves and Ron Whiteway. The scenic photos and graphics on the CD were designed by Mike Drenth.
The CD is going to be sold at a number of venues in Temagami and at the Trapper Trading Post in Marten River. They are being sold for $10. Please support this wonderful cause and go out and buy one, you'll be tapping your toes to it.

A week after the finale dinner, some of us met at Joanne Myer's house and Bonnie Renaud distributed blocks for the new quilt we are going to work on for next year's fundraiser. Rose McDonald, who worked as a recreational director at a nursing home for many years had quilt blocks given to her by a patient. They had been beautifully appliqued and she had never gotten around to finishing them, so she donated these quilt squares to our "Sisters by Choice" group. All twelve were given out to do over the course of the summer. They will be made into a quilt in the fall. Everyone is gearing up for a busy summer ahead and I wish everybody well.