The
Valley East Heritage Committee has commissioned well-known Northern Ontario
historian, Wayne F. LeBelle of Field to help the group write the bilingual
pictorial history book of the area. In the photo, Deputy Mayor, Joe Niceforo, in
the centre, congratulates Wayne LeBelle on the signing of the publishing
contract to officially launch the historic project.
Claudette Lahti-Ouwens, Chair of the committee, was also present at the
signing. "The project is now in full gear thanks to some financial support
from the City of Valley East and a great group of volunteers." She said the
search for histories and photographs is headed by Ron Mrochek, "who has
been doing a lot of great work for Valley East."
A former resident of Sudbury and Garson, LeBelle has over 35 years experience
in the area as a journalist, writer and historian. He has worked for the Sudbury
Star, CKSO Radio and Television, and published several books including Sturgeon
Falls 1895-1995 and West Nipissing Ouest.
"I am excited about this project and encouraged by the enthusiasm and
expertise of the Heritage Committee. It is going to be a lot of fun gathering
and finding the photographs and stories that represent the people and the
communities of Valley East," said LeBelle. The book will be on sale for
Christmas of 2001.
Anyone with photographs and histories can drop them off at the Valley East
Library or contact Claudette at 897-2113 or Ron at 969-5431.
