Gander Heritage Memorial Park

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Showing posts with label Announcement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Announcement. Show all posts

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Unveiling Ceremony at The Park Sunday September 18 2016


Sunday, September 18th, 2016, will see a new monument unveiled at The Park. The new memorial wall is called the Tragedies of Flight! The wall is in memory of the three Gander crashes - Sabena 1946 (this is the 70th anniversary), the Czechoslovakia CSA crash in 1967 and the Arrow Air Disaster in 1985.

Following the "Battle of Britain" ceremony [Sunday, September 18th, 2016] that starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Anglican Church this Memorial Wall will be dedicated by Rev. Wesley Oake and unveiled by the Belgian Ambassador to Canada. Rev. Oake is the Honourary Patron of The Park and the Belgian Ambassador is in Gander for a number of ceremonies marking the 70th anniversary of the Sabena Airlines crash of September 18th 1946.

We apologize for this short notice because we weren’t sure the Wall was going to make it here on time. But the Wall did make it here on time and was installed today [Saturday] and we are very thankful for the participation of the Belgium Ambassador.



"Tragedies of Flight" Memorial Wall


This photo of the new Memorial Wall was supplied by committee member Carol Walsh and was taken today [Saturday] during its installation. The Wall is now covered awaiting the unveiling! After the unveiling we will have an update here on our website with accompanying photos!


We certainly hope you can join us for this special event!




Carol Walsh, Committee Member / September 17, 2016


Friday, May 29, 2015

Unveiling of Statues and Official Opening of the Park Announced









Gander Heritage Memorial Park

UNVEILING OF SGT. GANDER AND SOLDIER MONUMENTS
AND OFFICIAL OPENING OF
GANDER HERITAGE MEMORIAL PARK


On behalf of the Town of Gander and Gander Heritage Memorial Park, we are very excited to announce that the unveiling of the monuments of Sgt. Gander and the Royal Rifles Soldier and the Official Opening of the park will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2015, at 2 p.m.

The Lieutenant Governor, the Town Mayor, Royal Canadian Legionnaires, representatives of the Provincial and Federal Governments, military personnel, clergy as well as other dignitaries will be participating in the ceremonies. We are expecting the attendance of two Prisoner of War veterans who survived the Japanese war camps and regard Sgt. Gander as one of their comrades.

It has been a long time coming to this point but we have been relentless with our dedication to this project. This park would not have been possible without the generosity of all you donors and the gratuitous services of so many, including Dr. Colleen Mercer-Clarke, Reg Hedges of DMG Consulting, Rev. Wesley Oake, local contractors and volunteers.

We are still in need of funding to complete the next phases of the park: the granite wall recognizing Gander's air disasters, lighting, the installation of a fountain and a surveillance system. Donations are still gratefully being accepted so please consider being a part of this wonderful landmark and its commemoration to our war veterans and our town.

Mark your calendar for Thursday, July 23, 2015, 2 p.m. and keep checking back for updates as we finalize the agenda.

Maxine Smith / May 29, 2015


NOTE*** Your comments are welcomed!
However, all comments will be queued for review before being published and name=anonymous will be deleted unless your name is included at the end of your comment! This is to prevent spam, etc.
Before you click Publish your Comment please click on Name/URL and enter your full name. Don't forget the scrambled words - this is so automated spams cannot be dumped here!
Thank you. Gerard

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Gander author Jean Edwards Stacey will donate a portion of her new book sales to the Park


Voices in the Wind
A History of Gander, Newfoundland


Gander author Jean Edwards Stacey is launching her new book Voices in the Wind: A History of Gander, Newfoundland this December 2014.

Why not visit Jean at the following dates and venues for her book launch ...

  • Gander Public Library – Friday, December 12th – 3 to 5 PM
  • The Bookworm, Gander Mall – Saturday, December 13th – 1 to 4 PM

   The Gander Beacon article titled Voices in the wind published on December 9 2014 tells about Jean's book Voices in the Wind: A History of Gander, Newfoundland ... just click on the newspaper icon to read the article!

The book sells for $22.95 and Jean will donate $3.00 from each book sale to the Gander Heritage Memorial Park, thank you Jean from the Park committee.

Click here to buy Jean's book Voices in the Wind: A History of Gander, Newfoundland from DRC Publishing. This will make a great Christmas gift!

Jean grew up in Gander and currently lives in St. John's. She is the daughter of the late Max and Betty Edwards. She is a writer and editor and was a reporter with The Telegram newspaper.



Gerard McCarthy / December 09, 2014


PLEASE NOTE***
We now acknowledge donations made In memory of. The committee is looking at a plaque of some type to be permanently mounted at the Gander Heritage Memorial Park site acknowledging these individual donations. Both PayPal and the Town of Gander have no means of recording the donation made In memory of. If you want your name to appear as a donor In memory of on this website please email our Site Administrator Gerard at gerard.mccarthy.99@gmail.com or Committee Member Maxine at maxine@briggsaero.com and your donation will be recorded as such and will be shown as In memory of.

PLEASE NOTE***
If you don't want your name to appear as a donor on this website please email our Site Administrator Gerard at gerard.mccarthy.99@gmail.com or Committee Member Maxine at maxine@briggsaero.com and your donation will be shown as anonymous.

PLEASE NOTE***
You may purchase plaza stones by simply making your donation in the same manner as detailed on this website and then send a short email to Maxine maxine@briggsaero.com denoting that the donation is for the "purchase of paving stone(s)". Receipts for income tax purposes will be issued by the Town of Gander.


NOTE*** Your comments are welcomed!
However, all comments will be queued for review before being published and name=anonymous will be deleted unless your name is included at the end of your comment! This is to prevent spam, etc.
Before you click Publish your Comment please click on Name/URL and enter your full name. Don't forget the scrambled words - this is so automated spams cannot be dumped here!
Thank you. Gerard

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Call for Artists Revised


Gander Heritage Memorial Park, Inc.


CALL FOR ARTISTS - REVISED



Date Issued: July 31, 2014

Deadline Extended: September 30, 2014




The Gander Heritage Memorial Park and Bell Aliant are seeking proposals from artists to showcase their work on a utility box located at corner of Lindbergh Road and Airport Boulevard, Gander NL. The art should relate to the area where the utility box is located and reflect the values and intentions of the Gander Heritage Memorial Park. Additional consideration can be given to a project that showcases Gander's Aviation, Military, or historic heritage. We suggest you visit our website to familiarize yourself with the Park's concept at: http://gslproject.blogspot.ca/.

Eligibility

This Call for Artists is open to all adult and student practicing artists. The Call is also open to Art Teachers that are interested in mentoring a group of students. The artists may enlist assistants to help them complete the project. The art may include the name of the artist and the sponsor.

Quotation/Costs

Bell Aliant has generously donated $500.00 to the project. Mike Fantuz of Fantuz Artworks has donated an additional $250.00 to the winning entry and The Town of Gander has donated $250.00 making the total compensation $1000.00.

Description and Location of Utility Box

The utility box, located at the Gander Memorial Heritage Park (formerly known as The Cenotaph), is 58" wide, 53" high, and 11½" deep. It is currently brown and will require several sequential applications of paint to complete the project (1. sand, 2. prime, 3. paint, 4. finish with anti-graffiti clear coat). The box is visible to pedestrian, automobile, and other passing traffic. The proposed Utility Box Mural art must be acrylic paint and cover all four sides and the top of the box.





Artist Submission

Artists can submit more than one concept for the same location.

All entries must be an original design and artwork must be respectful and must be suitable for viewing by all ages. Entries that use a copyrighted or trademarked image will not be accepted. In addition, the art must not be plagiarized, stolen, or copied from any other source. Entries must not defame or invade the rights of any person, living or dead.

The artwork is a long-term installation and will become the property of the Town of Gander, as is the Park. The artist will be responsible to ensure the painting retains its original status. The artist will retain all copyrights.

The art cannot restrict any vents or airflow through the box. Bell Aliant Maintenance crews must be able to fully access the components inside the box at all times.

Artists are responsible for prepping and painting the utility box. An anti-graffiti clear coat must be applied to protect the art upon completion.

How to Apply for this Call

To apply for this project, please email a digital copy of your proposal(s) to maxine@briggsaero.com or by mail to: Maxine Smith, P.O. Box 574, Gander, NL. A1V 2E1. If you have any question, please contact maxine@briggsaero.com or telephone 709-256-2770.

With your submission, please include the following:
  • Name, address, phone and email.
  • A concept drawing that shows the front, sides, and top of the utility box. Submissions may be hand drawn or computer generated.
  • All visuals including utility box designs must meet the online format specifications required for uploading: File type: JPG.

As work is ongoing at the Park currently and as weather and conditions will certainly play a role in completion of the mural, we ask that you include with your proposal, a date you expect to commence and complete the painting. Only an artist can determine if painting the mural is possible with the current conditions of the park. In any case, the deadline for completion of the mural is June 30th, 2015.

Artist Selection Process

The Selection Committee will consist of members of the Gander Heritage Memorial Park and one visual art professional that is not a current member of the Park and who has not submitted a proposal. The Selection Committee will recommend which mural will be completed and it must meet the approval of Bell Aliant.

Selection Criteria

The Selection Committee will consider the following when making the selection for the project:
  • Artistic excellence, innovation, and originality.
  • Does the art meet the goals of the project? or
  • Does the art relate to the area where the utility box is located? or
  • Does the art show Gander's cultural diversity, historic heritage, or a key activity?

If you are selected to complete a Utility Box Mural

The selected artist and all assistants must attend a meeting on a convenient date to discuss the commission and address any other relevant information.

All artists must sign a liability release before beginning work on the selected utility box.

The artist is responsible for obtaining the necessary art supplies and we suggest a safety vest be worn for clear visibility at the site.

The painting of murals on utility boxes is common around the world, however, this will be a first for the Town of Gander and I am sure, will set a precedent and you will see a lot more calls to paint these boxes around town.

The artist cannot begin the installation on the selected utility box until all liability and contract forms are completed and submitted to the committee representing the Gander Heritage Memorial Park. If you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian is required to sign all forms.

Questions?

Please contact Maxine Smith, maxine@briggsaero.com or tel. 709-256-2770.

END OF CALL FOR ARTISTS - REVISED




Maxine Smith, Committee Member / August 21, 2014


NOTE*** Your comments are welcomed!
However, all comments will be queued for review before being published and name=anonymous will be deleted unless your name is included at the end of your comment! This is to prevent spam, etc.
Before you click Publish your Comment please click on Name/URL and enter your full name. Don't forget the scrambled words - this is so automated spams cannot be dumped here!
Thank you. Gerard

Friday, August 1, 2014

Call for Artists


Gander Heritage Memorial Park, Inc.


CALL FOR ARTISTS



Date Issued: July 31, 2014

Application Deadline: August 15, 2014




The Gander Heritage Memorial Park and Bell Aliant are seeking proposals from artists to showcase their work on a utility box located at corner of Lindbergh Road and Airport Boulevard, Gander NL. The art should relate to the area where the utility box is located and reflect the values and intentions of the Gander Heritage Memorial Park. Additional consideration can be given to a project that showcases Gander's Aviation, Military, or historic heritage. We suggest you visit our website to familiarize yourself with the Park's concept at: http://gslproject.blogspot.ca/.

Eligibility

This Call for Artists is open to all adult and student practicing artists. The Call is also open to Art Teachers that are interested in mentoring a group of students. The artists may enlist assistants to help them complete the project. The art may include the name of the artist and the sponsor.

Quotation/Costs

Bell Aliant has generously donated $500.00 to the project. Mike Fantuz of Fantuz Artworks has donated an additional $250.00 to the winning entry. However, as the Park is being constructed from monies collected entirely through donations, gratuitous services, and Federal, Provincial and Municipal assistance, other costs may not be covered so we ask that you submit a quotation with your proposal.

Description and Location of Utility Box

The utility box, located at the Gander Memorial Heritage Park (formerly known as The Cenotaph), is 58" wide, 53" high, and 11½" deep. It is currently brown and will require several sequential applications of paint to complete the project (1. sand, 2. prime, 3. paint, 4. finish with anti-graffiti clear coat). The box is visible to pedestrian, automobile, and other passing traffic. The proposed Utility Box Mural art must be acrylic paint and cover all four sides and the top of the box.





Artist Submission

Artists can submit more than one concept for the same location.

Artists are responsible for prepping and painting the utility box. An anti-graffiti clear coat must be applied to protect the art upon completion.

All entries must be an original design and artwork must be respectful and must be suitable for viewing by all ages. Entries that use a copyrighted or trademarked image will not be accepted. In addition, the art must not be plagiarized, stolen, or copied from any other source. Entries must not defame or invade the rights of any person, living or dead.

The artwork is a long-term installation and will become the property of the Town of Gander, as is the Park. The artist will be responsible to ensure the painting retains its original status. The artist will retain all copyrights.

The art cannot restrict any vents or airflow through the box. Bell Aliant Maintenance crews must be able to fully access the components inside the box at all times.

How to Apply for this Call

To apply for this project, please email a digital copy of your proposal(s) to maxine@briggsaero.com or by mail to: Maxine Smith, P.O. Box 574, Gander, NL. A1V 2E1. If you have any question, please contact maxine@briggsaero.com or telephone 709-256-2770.

With your submission, please include the following:
  • Name, address, phone and email. Artist website link or samples of past artistry.
  • A concept drawing that shows the front, sides, and top of the utility box. Submissions may be hand drawn or computer generated.
  • All visuals including utility box designs must meet the online format specifications required for uploading: File type: JPG.

As work is ongoing at the Park currently and as weather and conditions will certainly play a role in completion of the mural, we ask that you include with your proposal, a date you expect to commence and complete the painting. Only an artist can determine if painting the mural is possible with the current conditions of the park.

Artist Selection Process

The Selection Committee will consist of members of the Gander Heritage Memorial Park and one visual art professional that is not a current member of the Park and who has not submitted a proposal. The Selection Committee will recommend which mural will be completed and it must meet the approval of Bell Aliant.

Selection Criteria

The Selection Committee will consider the following when making the selection for the project:
  • Artistic excellence, innovation, and originality.
  • Does the art meet the goals of the project?
  • Does the art relate to the area where the utility box is located?
  • Does the art show Gander's cultural diversity, historic heritage, or a key activity?

If you are selected to complete a Utility Box Mural

The selected artist and all assistants must attend a meeting on a convenient date to discuss the commission and address any other relevant information.

All artists must sign a liability release before beginning work on the selected utility box.

The artist is responsible for obtaining the necessary art supplies and we suggest a safety vest be worn for clear visibility at the site.

The painting of murals on utility boxes is common around the world, however, this will be a first for the Town of Gander and I am sure, will set a precedent and you will see a lot more calls to paint these boxes around town.

The artist cannot begin the installation on the selected utility box until all liability and contract forms are completed and submitted to the committee representing the Gander Heritage Memorial Park. If you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian is required to sign all forms.

Questions?

Please contact Maxine Smith, maxine@briggsaero.com or tel. 709-256-2770.

END OF CALL FOR ARTISTS




Maxine Smith, Committee Member / July 31, 2014


NOTE*** Your comments are welcomed!
However, all comments will be queued for review before being published and name=anonymous will be deleted unless your name is included at the end of your comment! This is to prevent spam, etc.
Before you click Publish your Comment please click on Name/URL and enter your full name. Don't forget the scrambled words - this is so automated spams cannot be dumped here!
Thank you. Gerard

Monday, June 16, 2014

Rev. Oake Press Release


Gander Heritage Memorial Park, Inc.


PRESS RELEASE



92 YEAR OLD VETERAN TO PARACHUTE

IN AID OF GANDER, NL PARK




Reverend Wesley Oake, honorary Patron of the Gander Heritage Memorial Park, will travel to Nova Scotia on Friday, June 20th to perform a parachute jump from an aircraft over the Nova Scotia Annapolis Valley area. He will be accompanied to Nova Scotia by our President, Wilson Hoffe. This will be the Reverend's first ever parachute jump.

Rev. Oake, who celebrated his 92nd birthday on May 31st, 2014, is a veteran of WWII, having served with the 166th Royal Newfoundland Field Artillery Regiment overseas in England, Africa and Italy. He was ordained a minister with the United Church of Canada in 1965 and has had ministries in Newfoundland and Ontario before semi-retiring in 1987.

Rev. Oake is proceeding with this venture to help raise funds for the completion of the Gander Heritage Memorial Park. The Park, which was formerly known as "The Cenotaph", is undergoing a complete reconstruction and is not only the site of the recently restored War Memorial "Winged Victory", but will include the Newfoundland Airmens' Memorial wall of honor to the 125th Newfoundland Squadron of the Royal Air Force, as well as memorials and tributes reflecting Gander's unique aviation history together with walkways, lighting, water fountains, benches, etc.

A statue of our local hero, the Newfoundland dog, "Sergeant Gander", Regimental Mascot of the Royal Rifles of Canada, along with his soldier handler, will be erected at the entrance to the park. Sgt. Gander died while saving the lives of seven Canadian soldiers during the defence of Hong Kong Island in 1941. The history of Sgt. Gander, the complete conception of the park, its memorials, etc. can be found on our website: http://gslproject.blogspot.ca/.

This endeavour was planned to occur over the summer of 2013 in Gander, but, unfortunately, coordination and readiness of appropriate aircraft and certified personnel could not be realized in time for the undertaking. But Rev. Oake, who would not be deterred, continued his quest to complete this courageous feat and to date has been recognized with pledges in excess of $13,000.00. When asked why he was so determined to do this Rev. Oake replied: "I am doing this, not only for Gander and the Park, but for the glory of all the Veterans who gave the supreme sacrifice so that we may live the wonderful lives we have."

Now to become a reality, Rev. Oake will parachute from an aircraft at 10,000 ft. coordinated with the Atlantic School of Skydiving located in the beautiful Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. It is anticipated that the jump will occur on June 21st between 10:30 am and 12 noon, depending on weather conditions. If there has to be a change the skydiving school will post an update on their Facebook page and their Twitter. For more information on location please visit: http://atlanticschoolofskydiving.com/.

Rev. Oake would greatly appreciate your support and we encourage you to be a sponsor for this courageous gentleman. To find out how to donate visit our site at: http://gslproject.blogspot.ca/.

We are so excited for Rev. Oake and cannot emphasize enough how grateful we are to have this distinguished gentlemen represent us. When asked if he was nervous about the jump, he replied "NO, BECAUSE I WILL BE JUMPING INTO THE ARMS OF GOD."

GOD SPEED, REV. OAKE!

For more information contact maxine@briggsaero.com Tel. 709-256-2770 or carol.walsh@nf.sympatico.ca Tel. 709-256-8407.

END OF PRESS RELEASE




Maxine Smith, Committee Member / June 15, 2014





Rev. Wesley Oake, Honourary Patron for the Gander Memorial Heritage Park



[Gerard] In searching for something on Rev. Oake I came across this Gander Beacon newspaper atricle published on November 10th, 2011 titled Coffee With...Wesley Oake.


Atlantic School of Skydiving    (MAP)    (WEB)    (Facebook)    (Twitter)
5876 Hwy. 1
Cambridge, NS.
1 877-423-5867
1 902-423-5867

If travelling from Halifax on the 101 Highway
  • Take exit 14 toward Coldbrook/Cambridge
  • Turn left onto Evangeline Trail/NS-1 W
  • Look for the school on the left


NOTE*** Your comments are welcomed!
However, all comments will be queued for review before being published and name=anonymous will be deleted unless your name is included at the end of your comment! This is to prevent spam, etc.
Before you click Publish your Comment please click on Name/URL and enter your full name. Don't forget the scrambled words - this is so automated spams cannot be dumped here!
Thank you. Gerard

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Fundraising - Plaza Paving Stones


As this is my first post for 2014, I wish to extend a Happy New Year to everyone and best wishes for health and prosperity!

2014 will be an exciting and busy one for the Gander Heritage Memorial Park as we complete Phases 1-3 in anticipation of the official opening and re-dedication ceremonies scheduled for mid-September.

As Maxine alluded to in her report to the website in December I'm announcing our new fundraising initiative which has already had tremendous success in a very short time! It has been determined by the Engineers that the most appropriate and durable material for the plaza around the base of "Winged Victory" is Newfoundland granite paving stones. These stones, however, are costly and will exceed the estimated budget for materials and it has been determined that approximately 900 are required to cover the area.

I announced at the November 11th Remembrance Day Ceremonies that we would be selling these paving stones at $100.00 each and within 15 minutes 18 stones were already sold. To date $9800.00 has been raised for this part of the project in less than 3 months. Several other commitments have not yet been collected. Consider purchasing a stone in remembrance of each loved one or purchasing a stone for each immediate family members as well as each grandchild. Support so far has been great! We hope to sell all of the 900 stones and your support would be deeply appreciated.

I wish to also acknowledge all donations including the second donation from the Co-op 50/50 Draw (Gander SC Community Charities) of $10,000.00 and another $5000.00 donation from the Gander Shrine Club.

We have added a new section [Plaza Stones Purchases] to our website [Donations page] recognizing those who have already purchased stones and you may purchase stones by simply making your donation in the same manner as detailed on the website and then send a short email to Maxine maxine@briggsaero.com denoting that the donation is for the "purchase of paving stone(s)". Receipts for income tax purposes will be issued by the Town of Gander.

If purchasing a paving stone at $100.00 is beyond your means, every 5, 10, 15 dollar donation helps us reach our budgeted goal, so please contribute what you are able.

Thank you!


Wilson J. Hoffe Chairman / February 11, 2014


NOTE*** Your comments are welcomed!
However, all comments will be queued for review before being published and name=anonymous will be deleted unless your name is included at the end of your comment! This is to prevent spam, etc.
Before you click Publish your Comment please click on Name/URL and enter your full name. Don't forget the scrambled words - this is so automated spams cannot be dumped here!
Thank you. Gerard

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Thanks Maxx and Paul!


We would like to send a big thank you out to Paul Lannon and his Newfoundland dog Maxx. Paul is a former Ganderite whose career included E.P.A. and later Air Nova. He and his family presently reside in Kelligrews along with Maxx.

Maxx was born in 2006 at Seagirt Kennels just outside Twillingate. Paul says Maxx is very easy going and quick to learn. He enjoys swimming in the ocean and loves to haul firewood while harnessed to his small cart and pulling nieces and nephews through the snow on toboggans. In 2013 Maxx appeared briefly on the Great Canadian Race and played an injured dog in Animal Planet's story of "Picaso".

When the call went out to find a model to stand in for the sculpturing of a statue of Sgt. Gander, Paul and Maxx stepped up and here are some photos of Maxx's first sitting with sculptor Morgan MacDonald.

Now Paul tells us that Maxx's full name is Hairyman Maxx. He is named after the Newfoundland dog owned by Ann Harvey who was also known as "Grace Darling of Newfoundland". Ann is famed for her bravery at the young age of seventeen who, along with her father, younger brother and their Newfoundland Dog Hairyman, rescued 163 shipwrecked souls from the brig Despatch between 12–15 July 1828. On July 17, 1987, the Canadian Coast Guard Ship CCGS Ann Harvey was commissioned in memory of Ann's heroic deeds.

So here's to our noble Maxx for his patience during his first modelling session and to Paul for giving his time and effort to get this done.

We would also like to thank Charlene Walsh for her generosity by offering "Chad" as a potential model and, also, Jennifer Woo and "Levi" who has been a stand-in for Sgt. Gander in the past.

It's anticipated that the statue of Sgt. Gander and also the statue of his soldier handler will be completed and mounted at the Park by September 15th of this year 2014.


Maxx posing!
Courtesy of Newfoundland Bronze Foundry



Maxx posing!
Courtesy of Newfoundland Bronze Foundry



Maxx hauling firewood!
Courtesy of Paul Lannon


Related Links ...


Carol Walsh / January 30, 2014


NOTE*** Your comments are welcomed!
However, all comments will be queued for review before being published and name=anonymous will be deleted unless your name is included at the end of your comment! This is to prevent spam, etc.
Before you click Publish your Comment please click on Name/URL and enter your full name. Don't forget the scrambled words - this is so automated spams cannot be dumped here!
Thank you. Gerard

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Attention: Proud Newfoundland Dog Owners


We are looking for a mature Newfoundland Dog residing in the St. John’s area, similar to the size/structure of Sgt. Gander, to pose for the sculptor to make a maquette (French word for scale model) for Sgt. Gander’s statue. Anyone who is willing to bring his/her dog to the studio for a modeling session, please private message me Maxine with a photo @ maxine@briggsaero.com. This is a rare opportunity to pose as a famous hero for a renowned sculptor!




Levi has been used for a stand-in for Sgt. Gander at events at the Park.




This is actually Sgt. Gander so this is the size/stature we are looking for.


Maxine Smith / January 08, 2014


NOTE*** Your comments are welcomed!
However, all comments will be queued for review before being published and name=anonymous will be deleted unless your name is included at the end of your comment! This is to prevent spam, etc.
Before you click Publish your Comment please click on Name/URL and enter your full name. Don't forget the scrambled words - this is so automated spams cannot be dumped here!
Thank you. Gerard

Monday, May 6, 2013

Announcing Honourary Patron Reverend Wesley Oake


It’s our pleasure to announce that Rev. Wesley Oake has kindly consented to be Honourary Patron for the Gander Memorial Heritage Park.

Rev. Wesley Oake, Honourary Patron for the Gander Memorial Heritage Park

Rev. Oake is a veteran of WWII having served with the 166th Royal Newfoundland Field Artillery Regiment overseas in England, Africa and Italy. He was ordained a minister with the United Church of Canada in 1965 and had ministries in Newfoundland and Ontario before semi-retiring in 1987.

Born in Beaumont, Newfoundland, he now resides in Gander with his wife, Myrtle where he is very active in the community.

Rev. Oake is celebrating his 91st birthday on May 31st and to assist us with fundraising and in commemoration of his birthday, he is planning to parachute from an aircraft over Gander at 9100 feet and is hoping to raise at least $100.00 for each 100 feet.

Rev. Oake would greatly appreciate your support and we encourage you to be a sponsor for this courageous gentlemen.

[Gerard] In searching for something on Rev. Oake I came across this Gander Beacon newspaper atricle published on November 10 2011 titled Coffee With...Wesley Oake.


Carol Walsh, Committee Member / May 06, 2013

Let's all support Rev. Oake in this very brave feat. Contact any member of the Gander Heritage Memorial Park to be added to the pledge sheet. All members names and contact information are on the Contacts page.


NOTE*** Your comments are welcomed!
However, all comments will be queued for review before being published and name=anonymous will be deleted unless your name is included at the end of your comment! This is to prevent spam, etc.
Before you click Publish your Comment please click on Name/URL and enter your full name. Don't forget the scrambled words - this is so automated spams cannot be dumped here!
Thank you. Gerard