Ripley Reunion committee grants Twolan a permit to shave

It was a close shave for Huron-Kinloss mayor Mitch Twolan.

At the general committee meeting Monday night (April 6), the Ripley Reunion committee brought an update about the event, slated for July 30 to Aug. 3 this year.

Sean Johnson, of the committee, pointed out that, aside from deputy mayor Wilfred Gamble who is sporting a magnificent beard for the beard-growing contest, none of the male members of council had any facial hair, and none had paid for a permit to shave - at a cost $5 each.

"You have three options," intoned Johnson. "You can purchase a permit to shave; you can start growing a beard; or on the advice of your peers, we will come up with an appropriate fine."

"I knew this day was coming," said Twolan, with a laugh. "I will pay the fee for a permit. But there are some others on council who are also pretty clean-shaven."

During a break in the meeting, Johnson was seen collecting the permit fee from those other members of council.

Meanwhile, reunion chairperson Amanda Farrell told council that it's just over 100 days until the main event.

"Ticket sales are going very well," she said. "They are available at Stockyards and the Ripley Variety in Ripley. So, be sure and get your tickets." The golf tournament, July 31 at Ainsdale Golf Course, is almost sold out, she added.

Farrell said site set-up is also going well. The majority of activities will be taking place in the parking lot in front of the Ripley Complex. HAWK Theatre is planning to perform an original play, "Railroad to Ripley," at the reunion. And people are encouraged to submit nominations for the reunion's citizen award.

Check the reunion website at ripleyreunion.ca for more information and a slate of events.

In a related item, the committee has been offered space at 46 Queen Street, Ripley, for Reunion Headquarters. The owner, David Brown, has offered the space, free of charge, but utilities and garbage removal will be the responsibility of the committee.

Council agreed with this proposal, and a bylaw will come forward at the next council meeting.



Sean Johnson (L) of the Ripley Reunion committee, notices Huron-Kinloss mayor Mitch Twolan is clean-shaven, and presents him with a permit to shave, at a cost of $5, for 2015