Events & Activities
Volunteer Recognition
Friday, November 13, 2009 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Location: Mayor's Office, Meaford
The Beautiful Joe Heritage Society (BJHS) is a volunteer society that was created to keep alive the story of Meaford's own Beautiful Joe. Through the telling and re-telling of his story, and all the activities and promotions of the BJHS, it is our sincerest hope that the ethics surrounding the story of Beautiful Joe and the devotion to all animals shown by the author Margaret Marshall Saunders can be promoted and kept alive. It is also our commitment to support the Municipality of Meaford through local tourism to Beautiful Joe Park, a designated heritage site. None of the Society's success would have been possible without the major involvement of two of Meaford's residents, Michael Biggins and Linda Sugars, who have now retired from the Board. They do both, however, continue to lend their support to the Society. Michael Biggins is one of the original founders of the BJHS and for 15 years has given his talents and leadership to sustaining the Society through some very challenging times. Michael's immense respect for all animals is shown through his relentless representation of the Society at every opportunity. Michael was instrumental in securing and promoting the re-publication of the story of Beautiful Joe, the development of Beautiful Joe Park, as well as supporting the artistic and fundraising work of Gunter Neumann in the creation of the various monuments in the Park. In addition, the creation of "Paradise Islands", the memorial plaque programme offered by the BJHS, has brought much comfort to those who have lost the companionship of their beloved animals. Michael has been our main story teller in the community and no one tells Joe's story like Michael! The list of his achievements is too long and too impressive to do justice to here, so we will simply say thank you Michael for starting, standing up for and nurturing the BJHS. Your story with us lives on. Linda Sugars joined the BJHS in 2004 as a Board member and devoted representative of the Society. Through her and husband Ray's company Invisible Fence Brand by Enviro-Watch, they have lent their energy, enthusiasm and huge financial support to the Society through sponsorship for its many events, especially our Autumn Adventure held in Beautiful Joe Park each year. Linda's unrivaled organizational skills and ability to get the Beautiful Joe message across to the public through her involvement with local Radio and Television, along with her considerable abilities to communicate effectively on the Society's behalf with the Municipality, have benefited the Society in more ways than can be measured. Linda took on more responsibility than any volunteer should have to, and did it with compassion and great professional demeanor. Thank you Linda and thank you to Ray for his support as well. Linda, we will feel the positive effects of your involvement for many years to come. Although their presence at Board level is greatly missed, the Society takes pride in acknowledging the talents of Michael and Linda and comfort in the fact that volunteers of this calibre are devoted to continuing the important work of Margaret Marshall Saunders and of the Beautiful Joe Heritage Society. We would also like to thank our many other volunteers and sponsors who have assisted us with work on the Board, on our committees, at the Park or at our events such as the Autumn Adventure.
In appreciation, The Board and members of the Beautiful Joe Heritage Society
Website: http://www.beautifuljoe.org
Erika Ritter Author Visit
Tuesday, October 27, 2009 - Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Location: Collingwood Public Library & L. E. Shore Public Library
Join Erika Ritter as she leads us on a journey to the very heart of "Ark-ness" and follow the twisting trail of human-animals relationships from empathy to exploitation, from devotion to detestation, from comedy to cruelty and beyond. Erika will read to us from her new novel "The Dog by the Cradle, the Serpent Beneath" at the Collingwood Library on Tuesday, October 27th at 7:00 p.m. and at L.E. Shore Library in Thornbury on Wednesday, October 28th at 1:00 p.m. (see attached poster for event details).
Website: www.beautifuljoe.org
Beautiful Joes Autumn Adventure
Saturday, September 19, 2009 10:00am - 4:00pm
Location: Beautiful Joe Park
Beautiful Joe Heritage Society kicks off its 4th annual Autumn Adventure this September with the popular Canada's Pet Idol contest. Do you have a jumping gerbil or a flying flea? How about a dancing doggie or a prancing puppy? Come and join the lineup and show the rest of us how talented your friend is.
We will also be holding our annual Blessing of the Animals.
Dr Linda Squires will speak about alternative veterinary care and therapies to help with the care and health of your dear companions.
We are thrilled to announce that Sean Yates is back with his exciting and Amazing Animal Party. Come and listen as Sean talks about his variety of interesting reptiles, rodents and furry friends.
Hugh Dunbar will give his obedience demonstration and you can see how your pet measures up!
Pretty Horse Trails will be providing pony rides for your enjoyment.
All in all a very enjoyable day out for you and your best friends. Admission is by donation, as our Society owes it's existence to the kindness of others. Any donation is welcome! See you there!
Email: admin@beautifuljoe.org
Website: www.beautifuljoe.org
2nd Annual Beautiful Joes Autumn Adventure
Saturday, September 13, 2008 10:00am - 4:00pm
Location: Beautiful Joe Park
Well, another great Autumn Adventure took place today! The weather held up and we had many visitors. Padre Michael Allen conducted the Blessing of the Animals and even blessed two beautiful horses. The memorial plaque dedication was acknowledged and touching sentiments were given by owners of pets passed on. All in all, it was a tremedously enjoyable event. Face painting, horse rides, a scavenger hunt, clowns, an Amazing Animal Party and Obedience Demonstrations were enjoyed by all. Attendance was steady throughout the day and our vendor booths were a success. Go to the Photos section of our website to see pictures of face painting...ENJOY! Apologies if we got anyone's name wrong and a big thanks for coming!
Website: www.beautifuljoe.org
BEAUTIFUL JOE'S CANADIAN PET IDOL CONTEST
Saturday, August 9, 2008 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location: Meaford Hall small stage in Market Square
Join us at the Meaford Hall Centennial Celebration for Beautiful Joe's Canadian Pet Idol Contest on Saturday, August 9th from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m. Entry Fee: $2.00 per pet. Enter your pet in any one of the following categories:
Best Singer / Best Dancer / Best Acrobat...and / Best Dressed Pet
Cash prizes for the top 3 in each category. Celebrity Judges include Jamie Johnston from Mix 106 and Aaron Gallant "Little Elvis"! Our MC for the event is Craig Norris from CBC Radio 3 who will also be recording a live pod cast.
Check out www.beautifuljoe.org or call 519-538-5895. Entries close on August 5th. Forms are available at Stuff to Read (Sykes Street) and the Chamber of Commerce (Trowbridge Street) in Meaford, Global Pet Foods in Collingwood and Pet Valu in Owen Sound.
Contact: Annie Turner
Phone: 519-538-5895
Email: beautifuljoe@bmts.com
Website: www.beautifuljoe.org
BEAUTIFUL JOE'S AUTUMN ADVENTURE - SEPTEMBER 2007
Saturday, September 15, 2007 10:00am - 3:00pm
Location: Beautiful Joe Park
The fun begins at 10:00 a.m. and ADMISSION IS FREE!
Please come and join us for a fun-filled day in the Park with two entertaining shows presented by the world-famous SuperDogs (www.superdogs.com) starting at 11:30 and 2:00.
Bring your pets for the Commemorative Plaque Dedication Ceremony and a repeat performance of our Blessing of the Animals beginning at 12:30.
Take some time to stroll through Beautiful Joe Park and talk with vendors who have pet related businesses in the Meaford area.
Support our fund-raising ventures by entering the Beautiful Joe Colouring Contest, buying a ticket for our Toonie Draw or taking part in the exciting Beautiful Joe Treasure Hunt!
We can't wait to see you there.
Email: admin@beautifuljoe.org
Website: http://www.beautifuljoe.org
See The Project, The Park and Photos
Tuesday, July 3, 2007 - Monday, September 3, 2007 10:00am - 10:00am