Wishing you and yours a holiday season filled with peace, love ...

Wishing you and yours a holiday season filled with peace, love, happiness and hope. Important Change – The Bequia Mission Has a New Mailing Address! We have received word from Canada Post that they are in the process of phasing out RR (Rural Route) addresses, in favour of municipal “911” civic addresses. As a result, effective immediately, our new mailing address will be: The Bequia Mission 1598 Stenner Road, Lakefield, Ontario, Canada, K0L 2H0 Hats, Help, Hope and Heroes by Gerry Bird Fall is normally a time of quiet anticipation for our Bequia Mission team of volunteers. After the October board meeting come a few light packing sessions and the delivery of charitable supplies to KLC Eastern Caribbean Freight Lines in Scarborough, Ontario. This year’s fall shipment, which with any luck will arrive in St. Vincent And The Grenadines in time for Christmas, consisted of about one hundred cardboard boxes containing nonperishable food items for Sister Zita and the children (whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS) of the Bread of Life

Home in Georgetown, St. Vincent, as well as used summer clothing for sale at the House of Hope AIDS Hospice’s thrift shop. We extend our sincere thanks to the local donor of the food items, and to the many dedicated volunteers who donate, sort, and pack the used clothing. We are also once again indebted to Michael Eatson of Peterborough Volkswagen, for the loan of the covered trailer which makes delivering the fall shipment possible without having to rent a larger cube van. (continued on page 2)

The Bequia Mission was founded in 1970 under the leadership of The Reverend Ron Armstrong and his wife, June. It is a voluntary, non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to the support of educational, medical, and social concerns in the Caribbean nation of St. Vincent And The Grenadines. The Mission was incorporated as a registered Canadian charitable organization in 1981. Tax receipts may also be issued for American donors through the U.S. based Friends of the Bequia Mission. How to reach us: The Bequia Mission, 1598 Stenner Rd., Lakefield, Ontario K0L 2H0 Gerry Bird, President: [email protected] or Jean Holding, Sec-Treasurer: [email protected] U.S. Address: U.S. Friends of the Bequia Mission, 3969 Colonial Way, Sacramento CA, USA 95817

Thankfully, the fact that all of these supplies are donated makes it possible for our Treasurer, Jean Holding, to find the funds to cover the steep freight charges, as does a slight rate reduction which KLC grants us, due the charitable nature of the goods. Nonetheless, at $4.50 per cubic foot, shipping accounts for a significant portion – typically between $4,000 and $5,000 - of the Bequia Mission’s annual budget of about $40,000 CAD. Like many of us on the front lines of Mission service, Jean wears many hats. As our newsletter editor, early December finds her issuing email reminders and phone calls to encourage me to submit the copy for the newsletter in time to beat the Christmas rush. Depending on how hectic things are at work, this objective is normally met well after our target date, and I dream of the day (perhaps in retirement!) when the newsletter will arrive in readers’ homes a great deal earlier than the busy week before Christmas. In early January, members of the Mission’s volunteer shipping team meet at our home near Lakefield to finish packing the main annual shipment. This undertaking is a little more ambitious, as the winter shipment consists of medical and school supplies, used clothing, and personal care items for ten Bequia schools and pre-schools, the Bequia Hospital and Paget Farm Clinics, and for a variety of charitable organizations in St. Vincent. These include the Bread of Life Home, House of Hope Hospice, St. Benedict’s Children’s Home, and the government-run Lewis Punnett Home, which an SVG Ministry of Health

publication describes as serving “the destitute, aged, and poor”. The latter two organizations are serviced by Loxi Street, who seeks donations and shops for bargains throughout the year to find the items listed on the “wish list” submitted by the Lewis Punnett Home nurses and Sr. Nyra of St. Benedict’s. She is helped greatly in this regard by members of the Outreach Committee at St. David’s Anglican Church in Orillia, Ontario, who for many years have sewn cloth gift bags for residents at the Lewis Punnett Home, and stocked them with toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, and the like, along with a few coveted candies and tea bags. Also included in the shipment are dried foodstuffs and other supplies for the Bequia Mission Local Committee’s food hamper distribution program, and boxes of used books and toys for the BMLC’s annual fund-raising sale. The size of the main winter shipment necessitates the rental of a cube van, and for the past few years Bequia Mission Vice-President, Mark Zippel, and two of his co-workers from Ontario Power Generation, Roy Perdue and Paul Murphy, have joined me for the trip down to KLC. As yet, the Mission has been unable to find an affordable, heated storage space in the Lakefield/Peterborough area, so there are always a few stops to make along the way. Invariably, one of these is at Jean’s home, where she has graciously donated a substantial portion of her basement for the cause. Jean also packs a great many boxes of donated clothing herself in the months leading up to the shipment, as do a number of other local volunteers. Another stop is at Grace United Church in

Peterborough. Not only have the Reverend Lyle Horn, Debbie March, and other church members committed themselves to making badly needed repairs to homes in Bequia’s poor, southside neighbourhoods each spring for the past four years, but they generously donate tinned food items, used clothing, and a wide variety of other supplies for inclusion with the shipment as well. Orchestrating the pick-up of donated items, packing the truck, separating the 300+ cardboard boxes onto wooden pallets, each bound for a different charitable partner organization in SVG is no small job, but Mark and his team tackle it cheerfully. Their approach is one of good-natured camaraderie and ribbing, combined with the precision of a wellorchestrated military maneuver. The arrival of the winter shipment in St. Vincent and Bequia is timed to coincide with our own visit to the islands in March. It’s always a happy time when the Mission team assembles on the island, including Linda Sagan Harrier and family, Dick and Jane Tully, Donna Mossman and Ron Ramsay, Debbie March and her crew from Grace United Church, along with Jean, my wife Sandra, and me. Each year, as the ferry rounds the point into Bequia’s picturesque Admiralty Bay, our hearts soar at the thought of being reunited with our many dear friends on the island, including BMLC members Sylvester Tannis, Carmette Gooding, Morrie Hercules, Catherine Phillips, Patsy Chambers, and Myrtle James. You will be able to read about this group’s accomplishments during our March 2014

“Island Outreach” project in the Spring/Summer newsletter. One of the most significant of these is sure to be the second annual Bequia Mission Benefit evening, which Linda, Sandra, and others are already busy planning (see page 5). Linda also heads up the Mission’s Medical Projects Committee - although at this point, it’s still mainly a “committee of one”. A brief update on their (i.e. Linda’s!) very effective work on the medical front is contained in this newsletter. Although it’s an initiative that will involve a steep learning curve for most of us, a priority which the board has identified for the New Year will be to upgrade our website (www.bequiamission.org) to more effectively serve the changing needs of the Mission. Maintaining the website is one of the many hats Mark wears, so we will definitely be counting on his guidance during the much-needed facelift. Web design is also one of the many areas of expertise shared by Mark’s wife, and fellow BM board member, Kim Zippel. In addition to helping with the website and overseeing the Mission’s Think Recycle (print cartridge and cell phone recycling) program, Kim is looking into a variety of new initiatives to help increase both our fund-raising and “friend-raising” capacity. Already, a step in the right direction is the updated Bequia Mission logo (see page 13) designed by Francine Gagnon, in part to recognize the increasing contribution of our many American supporters. On a sad note, we were sorry to learn recently of the passing of long-time Mission friend, volunteer and supporter, Jock Marsh in August of this year. It is

with sincere affection, appreciation and respect that we honour Jock and his wife, Lenore, as this issue’s Bequia Mission Champions. Their story, which I hope you’ll enjoy reading, is a compelling one. In the meantime, the story of the Bequia Mission carries on and we are now well into our fifth decade of providing help and hope to those individuals and families in

the tiny Caribbean nation of St. Vincent And the Grenadines, who are badly in need of both. To the Mission’s small, but dedicated team of volunteers, donors, and friends, we express our sincere thanks for another year of encouragement and support. To you and yours, a very Merry Christmas, Season’s Greetings, and best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2014.

Medical Projects Committee Report by Linda Sagan Harrier The Medical Projects Committee of the Bequia Mission continues to send medical supplies down to Bequia throughout the year. Consumable items, such as splints, bandages, gowns, and antibiotics are always in short supply, and are shipped to the island by the Mission. Supplies and equipment such as forceps, syringes, surgical blades and scalpels, blood pressure monitors, and catheters are sorely needed as well. This fall, Sister Adorna Peters and Nurse Reanna Olivierre sent me a list of what was needed at the hospital and clinics, and we are doing our best to ensure that they get all of those things. My daughter and I took a short trip to Bequia from our home in Chicago this November, and carried with us two large containers of requested medical supplies. A great deal more are being shipped down this winter.

The new medical clinic behind the hospital in Bequia is now up and running and a new hospital is in the process of being built, with an estimated completion date of March/April, 2014. The SVG government helps with the construction of these new buildings, but once they are completed, little or no assistance is given for supplies and equipment. That’s where individuals and volunteer organizations, such as ours, play an important role. Recently, we were pleased to accept large donations of assorted medical supplies that are being sent to the Bequia Hospital and clinics. A special thank you to Rick and Adele Scull, to Dr. Millicent Knight of North Shore Eye Center, and to Lynette Sefcik of Hygia Health Services for their generous donations. We are always on the lookout for donated medical supplies, medical equipment, and monetary donations! I can be reached at [email protected].

Also From Linda: Save the Date! 2nd Annual Bequia Mission Benefit Following on the heels of last year’s successful benefit, planning for the 2nd annual Bequia Mission Benefit dinner is in the works. The benefit will be held in Bequia on Sunday March 16, 2014. In addition to a raffle, this year there will be a silent auction. For those who cannot be in Bequia in March, raffle tickets will be able for purchase, both on our website (www.bequiamission.org) or from any Bequia Mission board member. Raffle prizes include a two night stay at the world renowned Cotton House in

Mustique (the playground escape for royals and celebrities!), a 7 day sailing trip with Grenada Barefoot Yacht charter, and a four night stay at the Sugarapple Inn in Bequia. Silent auction prizes include a snorkeling day trip for two with Dive Bequia, jewelry, local baking, and hopefully several more, yet to be received, auction items. We are very grateful to our sponsors for these generous donations! Also, if any of our newsletter readers would like to donate an item or experience for the silent auction, please contact Sandra Bird at 705-652-3166 or [email protected].

Benefit details: When: Sunday March 16, 2014 at 5pm Where: The Fig Tree, Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. What: Dinner, live music, program, silent auction, raffle drawing Both raffle and dinner tickets will be available early in the New Year on our website, from any Bequia Mission board member, in the harbor in Bequia, and at Solana’s Boutique in Bequia.

We guarantee that a good time will be had by all. And what’s more, 100% of the funds raised will go to help the people of Bequia and St Vincent. We hope to see you on March 16th in Bequia!

Bequia Mission Champions: A Tribute to Lenore and the Late John (Jock) Marsh By Gerry Bird It was with real sadness that we learned of the passing of long-time Bequia Mission friend, supporter, and volunteer, Jock Marsh on August 29, 2013 at the age of 91. Although Jock died peacefully at the home he shared with his loving wife,

Lenore, in Sidney, British Columbia, his journey in life actually began on the other side of the country, in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, where he was born in 1922. While he was still a child, Jock’s family moved to Guelph, Ontario where he

completed his schooling, enjoyed playing hockey, and developed his life’s passion of fly fishing. Reading the above information in his obituary from Victoria’s Times Colonist newspaper, Jock’s story resonated with me. Like my own parents, who met in the Air Force and were married in England during the Second World War, he was a member of the RCAF for 4 years. He graduated as a Wireless Air Gunner and left the Air Force as a Flight Officer. Returning from England, Jock’s last posting brought him to the Patricia Bay Airport in British Columbia where he quickly met and fell in love with Lenore, who was also an RCAF Officer. They were married ten weeks later.

Lenore & Jock Marsh

After leaving the Air Force, Jock spent 30 years as an employee of Suncor Company Ltd. While working and raising a family, he and Lenore were also devoted in their service to the Anglican Church, where Jock was Warden to three different Priests, and also taught a number of courses. In addition to Lenore, he is survived by their children, Chris (Gary) and John (Pat), 4 grandchildren, 3 great

grandchildren, and by his sister, Peg, of Kelowna B.C. When I asked Lenore in a recent email how they had originally come to know Bequia Mission founders, Ron and June Armstrong, she replied: “I don’t know if I can do justice to our involvement with the Armstrongs, as it goes back to 1963, when Jock and I were seeking to know JESUS CHRIST, and our then minister in Etobicoke suggested we go to his Friday night “prayer & praise” meetings. We did that and soon after - we gave ourselves to Jesus. This was during the time that the Holy Spirit came into many churches through Ron and a United Church minister named Bernard Warren--Bernie, and his wife Dorla.” As Lenore recalls, “Back in the 60’s we went to Ron’s church in Richmond Hill and became close friends. After Ron retired, he established the Mission, and in 1982 or 1983, June began the Work/Play Tours to Bequia. Jock and I went on the first one. It was on these trips that we met Dr. Eric and Brenda Rogers and became fast friends with them as well. We went on the Work/Play Tours for 5 years. Jock helped wire the Bequia High School and plumbed a section of buildings that housed an apartment, some stores, and a small children’s school. By this time we had built a cottage in Muskoka, and the Armstrongs were ministering in the little Anglican Church in Windermere. We often went up either to church or just for a visit. We moved to Edmonton from 1974 until 1980, when Jock retired, returning for holidays to our cottage. In 1980, we moved permanently to Muskoka, and continued to enjoy our visits to Windermere. The Rogers were not far from us, so we saw them often as well. Then came the terrible tragedy of Ron’s death, and Brenda and I flew to Bequia for the funeral. Jock stayed home

and handled phone calls, and Brenda and I carried the ashes of Ron’s friend and minister, Reverend David Busby, home to his family who lived in Barrie. We were all heartbroken. Sadly, June lived for only a couple of more years, but we have continued to support Bequia.”

most generous of men, with a brilliant mind, which he used both in business and for helping others”

Jock with the Bequia Diamonds singing group at the Marsh’s church in Bala, Ontario (1980's; exact year unknown). The Marsh’s arrive in Bequia by ferry in January 1988

In speaking with early Bequia Mission pioneers like Lenore, I’m continually moved by the passion, depth of commitment, and loyalty that volunteer service - however many years ago inspires in them. Reading between the lines, I think it comes in large part from the close friendships that are formed, both with fellow volunteers, and with those who are the intended beneficiaries of the charitable work. I say “intended” because my own experience is that anyone who commits themselves to meaningful volunteer work in the service of others, or indeed charitable giving of any kind, will find that the so-called “givers” receive just much, and often more in return, than those who are the intended recipients. No doubt, the Marshes and other lifelong “givers” like them, learned this lesson long ago, and I suspect that their lives have been immensely enriched as a result. Jock’s obituary concludes with the observation that he “was the kindest and

While I’ve never had the privilege of meeting Jock and Lenore, I can certainly testify to this last quality, by witnessing their interest, encouragement, and generous financial support for the Mission over the years. My first written correspondence with them came in 2008 when an article which I’d written for the Bequia Mission newsletter that spring, evidently struck a chord with Jock. It was an account of our efforts that March to repair and make safer the home occupied by a woman we’d met during the previous year’s food hamper distribution program, with members of the Bequia Mission Local Committee. Gayle, who is cognitively challenged herself, is the mother of three children, the oldest of whom, Scott, is severely disabled. Sandra and I had first met Scott in 2001 when he was a student at the Sunshine School for Children With Special Needs. When we reconnected with Gayle and the children in 2007, they were sharing a dilapidated, one bedroom frame house with an obviously ill woman who we guessed to be in her sixties, and the owner of the home - a quiet, dignified

man named Ainsley. We later learned that he had been the partner of Gayle’s late mother, and was now doing his best to look after her daughter and her family, although Ainsley himself was nearly ninety at the time. Of the eighty-five food hampers we’d helped the BMLC members deliver to elderly shut-ins, persons with disabilities, and others who were chronically ill, it was the condition of this shack and its inhabitants that haunted us in the months that followed. In March of 2008, five of our friends from Canada (including two who now serve on the Bequia Mission Board of Directors) accompanied Jean, Sandra and me to

Bequia to repair the badly deteriorating home. The ten day project involved long hours and challenging conditions, but the perpetual smiles of Gayle and the children, Ainsley’s obvious appreciation, and his efforts to tidy up the worksite and help out wherever he could, made the job easier. Although presumably it had been many years since he and Lenore had last visited Bequia, the newsletter article and photos prompted the following letter from Jock although he himself, was not much younger than Ainsley and was experiencing physical challenges of his own at the time.

The “Carmette” Jock refers to, is Carmette Gooding, Treasuer of the Bequia Mission Local Committee, and owner of Solanna’s Boutique in Bequia. Since this initial inquiry, he and Lenore have continued their generous support for the Mission and for Gayle’s family in particular. Ainsley passed away a couple of years ago, but Gayle and her children still live in the modest little house. She stops by Carmette’s shop on occasion for a few extra dollars to purchase food or medicine for the children, whenever the meagre allowance she receives for sweeping the streets and gutters in “the harbour” (Bequia’s Port Elizabeth) runs out. Carmette tells us that when she encounters Gayle on the street, and asks if she is in need of extra money, she is just as likely to politely decline, assuring her that she and the children are OK at the moment, but that she will stop by for

additional funds if needed. I think Jock would be proud. Obviously missing him greatly, Lenore writes, “Jock was a wonderful man and helped many people in his lifetime. I am now in my 90th year, and Jock & I celebrated our 68th Anniversary in August 16, days before he died on Aug.29th. God bless all of you who are keeping the Mission going, and also, you have my permission to write as you feel led. My blessings to you. Lenore.” I do indeed feel blessed, for coming to know the Marshes - even at a distance these past few years. On behalf of the entire Bequia Mission family, and the countless residents of Bequia and St. Vincent whose lives have been improved by their generous spirit, we are pleased to honour Jock and Lenore as this issue’s most deserving Bequia Mission Champions.

Gayle and her friend, Rosina, pose for a photo while taking a break from sweeping up under the almond trees in the harbour in 2010. Rosina has 4 children, most of whom, like her, have serious eye problems. Both families receive financial assistance from the Bequia Mission, thanks to the generosity of donors like Jock and Lenore.

From the Mission Mailbag We always enjoy receiving news from Bequia Mission friends and supporters, as well as new inquiries. Here are just a few of the notes we’ve received since the last newsletter. July 5, 2013 Good Morning Gerry & Sandra: I am forwarding to you an e-mail message received yesterday from Keverna Williams of Union Island. She is the young lady whom we have been assisting as she studies in Cuba to become a doctor. Thought you might be interested in her progress. Her older brother Kenyatta, now a nurse at the hospital on St. Vincent, was the first student we sponsored through the Bequia Mission. We met Kenny, Keverna and their parents briefly on our first visit to Bequia, a brief flight to Union at June Armstrong’s prodding. Their father Kenneth was vice-principal of the high school on Union, and their mother was principal, I believe of the junior school. Both parents have since retired, but Kenneth is still working in some capacity, not connected with the school. Keverna attended Girls High School on St. Vincent, and we spent an afternoon with her, Kenny and Jasmine Haynes of Glen, Calliqua, on a later visit to St. Vincent. Keverna worked for several years in a bank following graduation, until she was awarded a full government scholarship for seven years study of medicine in Cuba. Her first time away from home, a new language and a new culture, it was a difficult year, but she is a bright young lady, and it is wonderful to see her have this opportunity. When we first met her, she was pudgy, probably eight years old,

but she has matured into a slim, attractive young lady. We gave her an initial scholarship when she first started university, and have continued to sponsor her in each year since. We consider it a privilege to be able to assist in some small way, such a bright young lady! Look forward to seeing you both tomorrow at the picnic. God Bless. Betty Fulton, Huntsville Ont. July 4, 2013 Dear Mr and Mrs. Fulton, I am still in Cuba. I am still having exams until the 12th of July. I had my practical exam today for Internal Medicine and I did well. I have two more exams next week. I am really anxious to go home. I have until the 20th of July here. This year has been the hardest year so far, besides my second year in Cuba. Resources are very limited where I am but the people here are much nicer than the ones in Havana City. The town is also very, very clean. I am now at a place where the tourists go for internet because internet is restricted here for Cubans. I am not too sure why. I hope you all are in good health. I might not email you until I am in St. Vincent because internet access is limited here. Take care. Thank you for your email and everything. I love you and God Bless. Keverna Williams of Bequia (from Cuba)

October 23, 2013 Dear Bequia Mission: I want to first thank you for all you are doing for the people of the Island of Bequia, the land of my mother’s birth. I know that perhaps some of you were first introduced to the island as vacationers. I want to commend you for seeing beyond the blue, blue waters, the sandy beaches and tourist amenities to actually see the people of the island, become aware of their needs and try to help meet them. I happened upon the Mission after my mother, Leah K. Pollard Williams, passed away on Feb. 12, 2013, at a nursing home in DeLand, Florida. Mom was born on Bequia in 1929. Though she migrated to the U.S. at the age of 19, I can tell you that the island never left her. I have to believe that she returned home when she drew her last breath. Mom evoked her island home in everything she did. Her lilting voice was the most obvious feature that distinguished her from other Americans. But she was also a painter, and the sea was a favorite subject. Naturally creative, Mom also wrote poetry and prose, and “compiled” them in hand-penned pieces in blank books. I wanted to do something for Bequia in my mother’s name after she died. I thought a fitting tribute would be to arrange for some kind of donation to the library on the island. Mom and I had talked briefly about this in the past, and I thought she would have liked to leave that tangible symbol of her love of her home. It wasn’t easy to find the vehicle for that donation. I discovered what I thought was

an existing charity, “Friends of the Bequia Library,” while searching the Internet, but later found that it no longer existed. Further inquiries led me to the Director of Libraries on St. Vincent, but that also proved to be futile, as I discovered there is much less “synergy” between the islands than meets the eye, even though the Bequia library is supposedly a “branch.” I had some correspondence also with a representative of “Action Bequia,” an organization that is doing excellent work on the isle, but which I found to be more focused on infrastructure. After that, I stumbled upon the Bequia Mission, via its Internet site. I was immediately impressed by the longevity of its commitment, and the tangible work. I had wonderful e-mail chats with Gerry Bird, who put me in contact with Linda Sagan Harrier, who happens to live in Illinois, which is not far from where I live in Indiana. My family is not of great means. Our contribution was a small one, but I forwarded a book list, and Linda was able to make a purchase of many of the titles with the donation. I put together some bookplates for them, with some “quotes” from Mom’s poetry. Mom would be so pleased to know that people from Bequia will be reading books sent to them in her memory! I hope to be able to travel to Bequia sometime in the future to see my mother’s legacy on the shelves. My family and I will be forever grateful. Thank you again. Celeste Williams Indianapolis, Indiana

(An aside: My mother’s brother, Innis Kydd, from Hamilton, Ontario, fell ill the week after my mother died, and was unable to attend the funeral. He passed

away in August. While his immediate family is in Canada, he was also born on Bequia. I know my mom would share to honor her little brother’s memory, too.)

BMLC member, Myrtle James, and BM board member, Linda Sagan Harrier, deliver Celeste's donation of books in memory of her mother to the Paget Farm Community Library in Bequia.

A late addition to the Mailbag (December 12, 2013) Hi Gerry I just realized that I am remiss in not telling you of the death of Flo Wingfelder a few weeks ago. It is her husband Joe who narrated the video you played of Ron and June Armstrong at the Bequia picnic a few years ago. They were great supporters of the Bequia Mission and were Amos’ [Hanson’s] sponsors. Amos and Alice visited Joe on the weekend; he is naturally despondent. I also had a Christmas note from Marg Foster today, in which she mentions breaking an arm eight weeks ago, had it in a cast, but says it is healing well. She thanked us for

giving her contact information for Brenda Rogers, the thanks of which goes to you! She mentions Dr. Yow having a stroke and heart problems, recuperating at home. He did Ches’ quad by-pass heart surgery at St. Mike’s in 1996. He and Marg’s niece have been together for 25 years. When he interviewed us prior to the surgery, we somehow brought up the Bequia Mission. His ears perked right up and he told us his companion’s aunt and uncle were very involved in that! What a small world! Enjoy the holidays. Christmas Blessings, Ches and Betty Fulton, Huntsville, Ont.

Editor’s Note: We thank the Fultons for passing on the sad news of Flo Wingfelder’s death. We will aim to include a proper tribute to Mrs. Wingfelder in the next newsletter.

A New Look for the Bequia Mission – Announcing Our New Logo To the best of our knowledge, the Bequia Mission has never had an official “logo”, but that is no longer the case thanks to the creative design efforts of Francine Gagnon. Francine, who also designed the Mission’s updated brochure a few years ago, is (BM Treasurer) Jean Holding’s daughter in law. She attended college for media design and has published numerous publications for businesses and non-profit organizations. The original logo design included three crossed flags, but Francine rightly decided to make the flag of St. Vincent And The Grenadines the

central element, since as she points out, “it’s the Mission’s main focus”. The addition of the American flag recognizes our charitable trust, the U.S. Friends of the Bequia Mission, which has allowed us to issue tax receipts to our American donors (under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code) since its formation in 2009. We extend our sincere thanks to Francine for once again donating her time and talents to give the Mission such an attractive, professional, and meaningful new look.

Scenes from the Bequia Mission Picnic at the Birds’ Home Near Lakefield, July 6, 2013

Visiting on the porch, Betty LaBranche and Linda Sagan Harrier

Rhelda Stockall and Jean Holding

Enjoying the picnic lunch and a visit

Roy and Rosemary McConnell

We appreciate your letters, photos, and support. Please address correspondence to: The Bequia Mission 1598 Stenner Rd., Lakefield, Ontario Canada, K0L 2H0 Or by email, to Gerry Bird ([email protected]) or Jean Holding ([email protected]). The Bequia Mission brochure and a digital version of this Newsletter, as well as past issues, are available from our website: www.bequiamission.org.