Speaker Schedule

"An Adventure on the high Seas and the Journey Within"

While in their early 50s, Sue, without an adventure-seeking bone in her body, and her husband David, without any real blue water experience, left their three sons, cast off in their 37-foot sailboat from Hamilton Ontario, and headed east; destination the North Atlantic Ocean. 

Sue has written a compelling memoir, Ready to Come About (Dundurn Press), of their improbable, often perilous, ocean adventure. 

She will read from her book and, with David, will present a slide show of their life-altering journey.

A Q&A will follow. 

"Quilts of Valour"

Naomi and Mike have lived in the town of Aurora for the past 28 years. Mike is a former Police Officer with the city of Toronto having served for 35 years.  Naomi is a retired teacher having worked for 30 years for the York Region District School Board.  They have been married for 52 years. Naomi is an area Representative for Quilts of Valour and Mike is a presenter.  Their  first involvement with Quilts of Valour was in 2017 when Quilts of Valour spoke at a meeting at The Region of York Quilters Guild.  Naomi then nominated Mike’s father who was a WWII veteran to receive one.  It was such a moving experience, Naomi decided to get involved and joined the organization in late 2018 with Mike officially joining a short time later.  They haven’t looked back!  Since becoming an area Rep and presenter, they have presented over 237 Quilts to deserving veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces.

They are very proud of the Quilts of Valour national organization, which is run by volunteers dedicated to recognizing the service to Canada of veterans from every generation. They continue to strive to honour as many Veterans, past and present as possible.