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FOCUS - MARCH 2016 29 The best way to understand the history of Vimy is to walk in the footsteps of a soldier according to Sharane Slute Dear who is organizing a tour for the 100th anni- versary of Vimy in 2017. Adults and families including elementary students are all welcome. You can teach all you want in the grade 10 history classroom Sharane pointed out but students really get it when they have the opportunity to experience Vimy rsthand. When she accompanied Port Perry High School stu- dents on a trip to mark the 90th anniversary of Vimy ten years ago It was an unbelievable experience. The kids were excited ecstatic Thousands of peo- ple were there including the Queen the Prime Minister and the Governor General. Each student chose a vet- eran whether it was a family member or the relative of a friend to remember on this important pilgrimage. They walked in their footsteps read the names on the famous wall. It brought Vimy to life. Going on a trip like this brings awareness she ob- served. Its an experience that they will never forget. The kids went away as teens and came back as young adults. Many who participated in this tour a decade ago expressed an interest in going back again for the 100th anniversary and Sharane intends to invite them. Shes providing everyone with an opportunity to be part of history on April 9 2017. While the school boards are organizing trips for 4500 secondary school students from 121 schools including Port Perry Sharanes tour lls the gap by welcoming elementary students and their families plus other adults. For 35 years Sharane was the head secretary at Port Perry High School and she accompanied the students on many international travels. She has chosen a company which she is familiar with EF Tours for the Vimy trip she is organizing. All ights meals hotels buses etc. are taken care of. Forty people can be accommodated on each bus Sharane pointed out. Her two grandchildren both aged 10 were the inspi- ration for this trip. How can I get them there Sharane asked herself and this idea was brainstormed. What a wonderful adventure it will be for families to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Vimy and Canadas 150th birthday with a trip to Vimy France which is on Canadian soil and overseen by Parks Canada. The tour includes visits to Paris and London as well as the Normandy Region but Sharane says the students felt that Vimy was the highlight of the trip. The new Facebook page entitled Port Perrys Returning to Vimy for the 100th is now launched. There are many photos posted to give you a sneak preview of what you can see and experience. Sharane is using social media to spread the word that everyone is welcome. By Lynn Campbell Focus on Scugog INFORMATION NIGHT For more information on the upcoming tour to Vimy the public is invited to attend an information night planned for 630 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday March 9 2016 at R.H. Cornish School. There will be a power point presentation about the trip and a YouTube video featuring the voice of Prince Charles. Sharane will be on hand to answer all of your questions about the 12-day trip of a lifetime. Additional information is featured on the Facebook page. HOW TO CONTACT SHARANE You may contact Sharane via Facebook or by emailing ppvimy2017gmail.com Everyone Invited to Vimys 100th Anniversary in 2017 193 North St. Port Perry 905-985-4910 www.oppers.ca A. Oppers Ltd W i n d o w s D o o r s PRIDETHAT SHOWS THROUGH FROM STARTTO FINISH Scugogs premier supplier of windows and doors since 1979