THE MESSENGER

Welcome to Mennonite Foundation of Canada

You may have noticed that the gift shop area on the main floor has taken on a new look and also has new occupants. Mennonite Foundation of Canada, a charitable public foundation serving some 375 churches in seven Mennonite and related conferences across Canada with stewardship education and estate and gift planning, moved into that expanded space in May.

Dave Kroeker, who has been working as a consultant for the Foundation in this area and in Alberta for nearly 15 years (his office was at Columbia Bible College from 1992 till this April), has made himself at home in our community and has been busy arranging his files and office furniture.

Dave is no stranger to the Clearbrook Golden Age Society and Garden Park Tower. He was involved in arranging for bridge financing leading to construction of the Tower before the new structure was started more than 10 years ago. While there were negotiations for the Foundation to move into the building when it was first occupied, this did not happen. He says he is extremely pleased that it has finally happened and trusts that the association will be a long and happy one for both parties.

Plans are for Dave to retire at the end of June. His replacement, Ed Wedel, a financial planner with the Bank of Montreal in Edmonton, will arrive in mid-July to take his place. So, if you wish to welcome Dave and the Foundation, drop in to the office (some of you have already done so) before the end of June. Because of the turmoil of getting settled and the anticipated staff change, the Foundation has delayed an official public opening of the office till September.

Tours coming soon include:

Leavenworth “The Sound of Music”
August 16-17, 2007
Enjoy a live performance of The Sound of Music out on a ski hill.  Stop at the Cashmere Aplets and Cotlets candy factory, and take the Cascade Loop on the way home.  En route are stops at a fruit stand, at Winthrop for lunch and other scenic stops.  Dinner is included at the Bellis Fair country buffet.

Kettle Valley & Okanagan Fruit Safari
August 23-24, 2007
Drive via the #3 Highway stopping at a fruit stand in Osoyoos before touring the S.S. Sicamous Paddlewheeler in Penticton.  Take a ride on the Kettle Valley Railway in Summerland.  Then enjoy dinner and spend the night in Kelowna.  The second day you will visit and Apple Orchard, the Honey Bee Place and a fruit stand in Vernon.

Minter Gardens Progressive Dinner
August 30, 2007
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Minter Gardens as you admire the many flowers in all their summer splendor.  Then begin your progressive dinner with soup or salad at Minters’, a hearty dinner at the Delia Restaurant, and pie at the Airport Café.