Message from the Chair: Goals for the Year Ahead

As 2025 continues to unfold, I have several goals that I would like to see achieved by our Board this year. The first is the launch of a fundraising campaign to ensure that we are financially secure and can carry out our plans for restoration of the buildings as well as engaging programs and events for our community.

In light of the recent announcement from Ontario Power Generation regarding feasibility studies for potential nuclear power generation at Wesleyville, our Board will continue to advocate and plan for the preservation of the village’s historic buildings. We will meet with OPG representatives on a regular basis to be sure our input is heard and considered.

And finally, with the help of our community program coordinator, I would like to see our membership numbers grow in 2025. We will continue to improve our communications with the public to bring more eyes to our social media and website presences online, in hope that this translates into greater interest in who we are and what we do. 

I would like to welcome Kristina Mills to the Board of Directors of FOWV. Kristina is a native Port Hoper who is looking to give back to the community and has chosen us as an organization in which she is interested. We hope she enjoys her two-year appointment on the Board.

At the same time, our thanks go out to Leslie Benson, who is stepping down from her role as a Board of Directors member. Leslie has brought her considerable expertise in building restoration and financial matters to the Friends for the past three years and has always been ready and willing to offer her advice and opinions. We are pleased that Leslie has offered to continue to sit on our Finance Committee and our Properties Committee.

— Kathy Dennis, Chair

Call for Local Celebrity Bakers!

Our Celebrity Bake-Off Auction is back at the Spring Market on Sunday, June 1st, and we’re looking for this year’s star bakers!

Last year’s auction was a huge hit, with local celebrities donating their best baked goods to be auctioned off to the highest bidder — all in support of the Friends of Wesleyville Village.

Do you know someone who’s a local celebrity? Maybe it’s a well-loved politician, a popular business owner, or someone with community presence and a competitive spirit. If they’re known and admired in our community — and are willing to donate baked goods — we want to hear from you!

Submit your nominations by emailing Wendy (talktowendy@rogers.com) with the subject line “Celebrity Baker Nomination.”

Let’s make this year’s auction even more delicious!

Presenting your 2025 Board of Directors

Front row: Returning board members Robert Sculthorpe, Scott Bradley, Chair Kathy Dennis, Scott Meldrum, Beverly Caswell, Secretary Sue Stickley, and Vice-Chair Kathryn McHolm. Back row: new board member Kristina Mills, and Treasurer Bree Nixon.