Alzheimer's dinner being held in memory of Linda Johnston this year

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Mark your calendars for January 19th as it is time for the Alzheimer’s annual fund raising meal in Rainy River.
“A Dinner to Remember” has been extremely popular the past few years with tickets completely selling out the last two years. This year the event will be especially special as it will be held in honour of the memory of its organizer the past four years; Linda Johnston who passed away in August. Family and friends have all helped her with this annual cause which was very dear to her heart and want it to continue as she would have wanted it.
Her husband, Chef “Uncle” Bob Johnston, has promised that his secret roast beef recipe that has earned the event a reputation of excellence the past four years, will again please everyone’s taste buds.
The 5th Annual dinner will be held January 19, 2008 at the Rainy River Legion. In addition to the roast beef dinner and all the trimmings, there will be a penny table which also sold out the last two years. Volunteer and long time event supporter Marlene McNally is busy getting all the donated items together for it. Anyone wishing to add an item can drop it off at the Rainy River Record office at 312 3rd St. during normal business hours.
The Third Annual Chairs for Charity raffle going on in town. Local artist Patti Diebel has again generously donated her talent and time to make an old chair into a work of art. She has also added a new twist to the raffle. She has done a set of kids chairs and table for the raffle. They are truly beautiful and make a great conversation piece as well as home decor. Tickets are available at the Record Office and the Legion as well as from Record Office Staff members and other Alzheimer volunteers. They cost $2 each or 3 for $5.
One chair is on display at the Record Office and features a flowery pansy theme. The draw will be held at the dinner. All proceeds from the event will go towards local Alzheimer’s Society programs.
Tickets for the dinner are $12 each and there are only 100 advanced tickets left and 20 reserved for shut ins (to go orders). The last two years people had to be turned away at the door as the event was a complete sell out. To get dinner tickets stop by the Record Office. To order a “To Go” meal call the Record at 852-3366 and put your name on the list. Long time volunteers Tom and Bonne Irvine will be delivering them that evening.
The dinner is being held in the Rainy River Legion Hall. The doors will open around 4:30 p.m. for the Penny Table. Anyone can participate in the penny table and the chairs for charity raffle. Dinner will be served at 5 p.m. and all raffle draws will be made after supper. Last year the event raised $1,800.
Kenora-RR Alzheimer Society Executive Director Margaret Schoenville, said that Linda’s efforts will be sadly missed and that plans to recognize her outstanding contributions over the past seven or eight years are in the works. “Our board is talking about the possibility of purchasing some equipment in her name for the hospital or possibly a bursary for local high school students heading into the medical field to work with Alzheimer’s patients.” In any event there will be a memorial table set up for Linda at the event and something on every table to honour her.
In addition to helping organize the dinner the first four years, Linda also helped with the annual Alzheimer Fund-raiser Walk every spring, the annual Alzheimer Coffee Break at the Record Office, picked up local coin boxes and with the Penny for your Thoughts program. Schoenville credits Linda’s efforts for getting the Alzheimer Society active in Rainy River. “She saw an ad of ours in the Fort Frances Times and asked if we were interested in advertising down here. Little did I know that her excellent salesmanship would come with hours and years of volunteering. She will be sadly missed but happily remembered at the dinner.”