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Wednesday, August 9, 2006 · Page 9 Woodslee celebrates Doc Millen Day BY DANIEL SCHWAB Woodslee residents celebrated the life of a local icon Aug. 6 ­ a man who brought more than 5,000 new lives into the world during the first half of the last century. The memory of Stephen "Doc" Millen was honoured with a full day of events, including a downtown parade, talent show and a special award ceremony for local residents over 85 years old. A number of individuals who were birthed by the late Doc Millen are still residing in Woodslee and came out to honour the good doctor. Millen began delivering babies in 1910, and brought his last baby into the world more than 50 years later in 1961. Woodslee resident Earl Knight was delivered by Millen in 1926. In the early days, Millen would travel by horse-drawn coach to visit each of his patients. By the late 1950s, Knight had grown up and become Millen's driver. "I think having (Doc Millen Day) is a great thing for Woodslee," Knight said. "The man has had a lot of children named after him." Stephen F. Millen was born in 1885 on a Belle River Road farm between Woodslee and Cottam. He graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in medicine at age 19. In 1908 he married Mary Ella Wilcox and the pair settled into the community where they would faithfully serve its residents for more than half a century. Connie Bruner, president of The Friends of Woodslee which organized the event, said Millen helped create a strong sense of community among residents ­ a quality her group is trying to restore within the town. The Friends of Woodslee started last September and is currently in the process of becoming a not-for-profit organization. Saving the town's Millen Centre is at the top of the group's priorities. Bruner said that although the building is not immediately threatened by closure, it's not being used as much as it should be. "It's not a viable location and we're looking to make it viable again and keep our libraries and places for our children to play," she said. The centre was at one time an elementary school, built with funds provided by Doc Millen himself. Friends of Woodslee member Rob Summerlin said the group is trying to bring the community together to host more events in the building. "It's a great place for anything from craft shows to sports games," Summerlin said. "We just don't want to lose this community building ... we've got to maintain it and keep it as our own." Other events featured during Doc Millen Day included the first annual bed race. During the event, three full-sized beds, outfitted with four wheels and hospital-style decorations, raced down Main Street toward a finish line. CLOWNING AROUND ­ Nicole Beeby, 16, left, face-paints a clown on sixyear-old Jacob Rose, during the second annual Doc Millen Day at the Millen Centre in Woodslee Aug. 6. Some of the activities included a bed race, awards for seniors and a parade down Main Street. Murder mystery campfire series goes on the road Point Pelee National Park of Canada staff are taking the popular "Murder Mystery Campfire" program on the road! Join Point Pelee staff for an entertaining night of family fun, songs and "who dunnit" tales around the campfire! Designed as entertainment for the entire family, parents and children will love the costumes, story and suspense! Enjoy the drama, songs and laughs and be a witness at our "Trouble in Scary Waters" Murder Mystery Campfires that will take place Aug. 9 at Sturgeon Woods Campground, Aug. 16 at Point Pelee, Aug. 23 at Wheatley Provincial Park, and Aug. 30 at Wheatley Provincial Park. The program is open to NOW OPEN everyone (even if you're not camping) and a small admission fee will apply. Pre-registration is not required. For more information and details please contact the park at 519-3222365 ext. 0. at our new location! COMING SOON! ON-PREMISES WINE-MAKING & SUPPLIES · Improved wine-making facilities · Spacious and warm ambiance · Same friendly faces! 22 CENTRE STREET, ESSEX New line of international wine-making products. FAMILY, COSMETIC & ORTHODONTIC DENTISTRY Dr. Rudy Heiser, Dr. Bob Pohlman & Nick Cohen (Denturist) From equipment to ingredients to books to packaged kits, we carry everything you'll need to get started in homemade wine production. Onsite Denturist New Patients Always Welcome 113 Talbot St. S., Suite 2 Phone: (519) 776-5215 WE'RE ALSO ONLINE www.wineowillies.com VISIT US TODAY TO DISCOVER WINE MAKING! 519-776-4995