to read the July 2011 issue of the Horticultural Herald

H
ORTICULTURAL
ERALD
The Newsletter of the Alumni Association of the
Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture
July 2011 Vol. 39 Issue 3
In This Issue:
2 President's
Message
3 75th
Anniversary
Update
6 News from the
School
9 Klose
Connections:
Alf Savage NPD 52
Coming Events
School of
Horticulture
75th Anniversary
Celebrations
August 19, 20, 21.
To register go to the
opa website
Above Sharon and Tom
Laviolette; right: the group
toasting Tom and the health
of the newly planted tree;
below: the name plate for
the tree dedication.
www.
ontarioparksassociation.ca
toll free: 1 (866) 560-7783
press 0
Reduced rate till July 15
Registration Closes July 29
ABM Sunday August 21
Congratulations Tom Laviolette NPD 81!
"The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender".¬ Especially when your work involves
passion, purpose, and so many wonderful people, all wrapped up in a beautiful¬package - the
Niagara Parks Botanical Garden and School of Horticulture!¬ Staff, students, friends and family
gathered behind Residence, next to the Rock Garden, where a splendid Picea omorika 'Pendula
Bruns' has just been planted in honour of Tom Laviolette's retirement, to pay tribute and
hopefully help ease the transition into a new life.¬ After many kind¬speeches and happy
recollections of¬his time at the School, Tom put the final finishing touches on the planting of his
commemorative tree.¬ Cake and bubbly beverages and many hugs and photos topped off the day.¬
Every best wish Tom from the Hort Herald on behalf of all Alumni. See you at the 75th!
Note: Quote by Vince Lombardi read by Melissa Spearing, 2nd year student and vice-president of Student
Council¬, during her speech at Tom's tree planting ceremony.
¬
Alumni Association of the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture Founded 1947
Officers for 2010/11
Honourary President Bill Snowden '58
President - Charles Hunter '95
Past President - David Hunt '03
Vice President - Zenia Buzanko '03
Secretary - Becky Murphy '05
Treasurer - Karen Michaud '84
Board Members
Publicity, Promotions -Trevor
Swance'04, Matt Busato '04,
Liz Pelt '97
Special Events - Charles Hunter
'95, Becky Murphy '05,
David Olmstead '10
Associates - Ian Tapper '04, David
Olmstead'10, Trevor Swance '04
Blue Book Manager Karen Michaud '84
Historian - Zenia Buzanko '03
Horticultural Herald - Zenia
Buzanko'03, Michelle Goff '89
Membership - Becky Murphy '05
Web Site, Facebook - Liz Pelt '97,
Jon Peter '04
Student Liaison - Teles Marie '12
Executive Secretary
Karen Michaud '84
8 Hahn Avenue,
Cambridge, ON N3C 2X9
Ph: 519-249-0381
[email protected]
Material for the Horticultural
Herald should be submitted to the
Editor: C. Michelle Goff
7748 Wellington Road 22, RR #5
Guelph, ON N1H 6J2
[email protected]
Deadline Date Sept. 15
The Horticultural Herald is published
5 times per year and is the newsletter of
the Niagara Parks Commission School of
Horticulture Alumni Association. It is
published for the benefit of Association
members. Views expressed are those of
the writers and do not necessarily reflect
the opinion of its Directors or Board
members. We welcome letters on any
horticultural or Alumni issues.
Submissions may be edited for length
and readability.
Foundation Board
President, John Dick '85, Russ Boles '68,
Charles Hunter '95, James Smith '98,
Aaron Fox '98, Justin Leack '99, John
Lococo '97.
Alumni Association of the Niagara
Parks Commission School of
Horticulture Foundation, P.O. Box
263, Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2E 6T3
THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF THE NIAGARA PARKS
COMMISSION SCHOOL OF HORTICULTURE
MISSION STATEMENT
The Alumni Association is a diverse team of graduates and friends who celebrate their affiliation with
the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture through a variety of programs and services
designed to support its members, the School and the highest professional standards of horticulture.
President's Message
Happy Summer fellow alumni! I hope this
message reaches you all in the midst of
participating in summer fun, after what could only
be described as a confused spring.
As you know the 75th anniversary celebration
preparations are in full swing; more than 200 have
already registered! We will be having a very
memorable and special time. I have been
progressively becoming more nostalgic about this
year…we are seeing so much change! Last week I
assisted the Archive Committee with the assembly
of displays in the New Lecture Hall and had the
chance to briefly view the hundreds of images
spanning our past and present. If you know me,
my tears can come rather quickly - but I have to
say this time it was due to being proud. Proud to
see what our school has accomplished and proud
to share in its colourful history. The School and
its students have experienced diversity, adversity
and challenges that are down right hard- hard
work. But what a vision…each of us has played a
role and should be congratulated, we are to be
counted as members in the field with relevance,
place and distinction.
Mr. Tom Laviolette '81 is someone that has made
an impact on many of us through his nurturing,
guidance, sense of style and of course his
conviction to be the best at what he does. Tom's
time with the school spans over 30 years - from
student to instructor and finally to director - a
presence which has touched the lives of more
than 300 graduates and countless others. On
behalf of the Alumni I wish Tom and his wife
Sharon continued success as they embark on the
next leg of the journey upon the eve of his
retirement June 30th, 2011. It will not be the last
that you will see or hear of Tom, he will continue
in his role as Chair for the 75th anniversary
celebrations.
I would also like to congratulate James Smith '98
as he assumes the role of Director, Botanical
Gardens, School of Horticulture and Butterfly
Conservatory. James is another individual with
integrity and gumption, who will strongly continue
to lead our school.
Even though I've been speaking of the past, we as
an organization must continue to work towards
the future and be prepared for the constantly
evolving field of horticulture. One such goal for
this year was to reinstate the past presidents
meeting. Well it finally happened on May 14th
with great success, excellent discussions and a
promise to do it again next year. I was honoured
to hold such a meeting and convene with my
fellow wizards. Of the sixteen participants I
would like to express my gratitude for your
wisdom, experience and sharing your visions of
what can be. I've briefly summarized the results
of the meeting below.
Continue to preserve our uniqueness in the
industry by:
1. Committing to support the school and the
education of her students with speaker days,
webinars, and improved alumni interaction with
our future members.
2. Improving our integration with global
awareness by a stronger presence: over-hauling the
website, improving links and information sharing,
and supporting our partners.
3. Doing what we do well…socialize. There was a
strong agreement to explore the Chapters scenario
further providing our graduates in other parts of
the world with a chance to commune and share
their experiences. Additionally to prepare a
“larger gathering” every couple of years instead of
an annual conference. The gathering could have
educational components.
4. Continue to promote our resilience and team
work by further, more effective and consistent
communication.
On the Sunday of the celebration weekend we will
be having our Annual Business Meeting. We are
looking for election of new members to the
Executive Committees. We have a committed, yet
small number of individuals keeping the
operations running. If you should like to
nominate or participate on the executive, please
notify me no later than Monday, August 15th. As
an executive we look forward to receiving your
suggestions and will continue to work hard for
you!
August 19th is quickly approaching…remember
that the deadline for registration is July 29th, 2011!
To all of you I wish a safe and prosperous
summer! Don't forget to register!
Thank You.
Charles Hunter NPD '95
PS. Check out Alumni items for sale information can be found on the website. Order
now and pick them up with your registration
packet at the 75th event. Colours restricted to
blue and tan.
Jay Kivell, William Snowden, Tom Laviolette, John Dick,
James Smith, Charles Hunter, David Hunter, Bob
Murch, Al Higgs, Tom Clancy, Melissa McKerlie, Jay
Thatcher, George Dalby.
Colour e-version of the Horticultural Herald now available contact [email protected]
2 • Horticultural Herald July 2011
75th Anniversary Celebration
Join us in Celebrating 75 Years of
Excellence!
It 's time to celebrate 75 years of graduating excellence
in our industry and 75 years of professioal leadership in horticulture.
We hope you'll join us for three days of camaraderie, fun and reliving great memories.
Celebrate success
Meet and Re-acquaint with others
Enjoy garden tours
Fun activities for kids
The “Jukebox Junkies” will provide musical entertainment
Celebration Dates - August 19, 20, and 21, 2011
Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture,
Queenston Heights Park
Whirlpool Golf Course
For On line Registration go to the OPA website
www.ontarioparksassociation.ca
or call 1 (866) 570 -7783 to have a form mailed to you
Registration closes July 29 - reduce rate applies till July 15
Horticultural Herald July 2011 • 3
75th Anniversary Update
This publication of the Horticultural Herald will be the
last issue before we come together as the School of
Horticulture family to celebrate the success of over 75
years of Horticultural Excellence at our Alma Mater. Since
our planning began in November 2009 much has been
accomplished by many committees. To all those who have
assisted to date and continue to do so I extend my
heartfelt thanks on behalf of all those who will benefit
from your generosity.
¬
I am pleased to share at this time that over 250 individuals
have registered including guests and families for the event
and that many people are travelling long distances from
their homes such as Australia, Texas, North Dakota,
Michigan, New York City, Nova Scotia, Quebec,
Winnipeg, Alberta and last but not least seven from British
Columbia. Over 90% of current registrations are School
of Horticulture related/graduates.
¬
The primary goal of the Steering Committee from day one
has always been about participation in the 75th Event with
many SOH graduates, Ontario Parks Association members
and affiliate supporters both past and present. To this end
the Steering Committee has decided to extend the
early/lower rate registration deadline to July 15th.
Additionally the final cut off date for the 75th event
registration will be extended to July 29th.
If you have not taken the time to register to date we urge
you to act now through the ontarioparksassociation.ca
web site.
¬
In the last issue of the Horticultural Herald May 2011 our
Fund Raising Committee Chair Tom Clancy NPD ‘61’
reported on the Fund Raising Campaign approach that
was about to begin to realize the building of our future
Legacy Tribute Garden. I am encouraged and very happy
to share at this time that we have reached the 25% mark of
our fund raising goal of $100,000. To all who have
donated to date THANKYOU! Your generosity speaks
volumes in supporting our special 75th Anniversary
Legacy Garden and your Alma Mater.
¬
Respectfully,
¬
Tom Laviolette NPD '81
75th Anniversary
Steering Committee Chair
Ontario's Niagara Parks --- PRESERVING a rich heritage,
CONSERVING natural wonders, INSPIRING people,
worldwide!
75th Anniversary Celebrations
Legacy Tribute Garden
By Tom Clancy '61
The Legacy Tribute Garden is a plan to leave a large
professionally designed garden in tribute to all the people
who attended the 75th Anniversary Celebrations and the
hundreds of members of OPA and NPC who have
contributed so much to parks and horticulture across
Canada. This will be built outside of the butterfly
conservatory at the Niagara Parks Botanical Garden for all
to enjoy! A pdf file of the garden concept plan can be
viewed on the OPA website.
The Legacy Tribute Garden Committee is in the process
of raising funds to construct this special garden, and we
have a committee planning to make contact with those
who may wish to contribute to this legacy in order for the
construction to begin just prior to the celebrations and
following the event.
The various levels of contributions and
acknowledgements have been established as the parts of a
tree; representing how the parts tie together to form
strength in the green world.
They include:
Leaves
$99 - $249
Branches
$250 - $499
Main Branches/Limbs $500 - $999
Trunk
$1,000 - $2,999
Roots
$3,000 - $5,999
Specimen Plant
$6,000 to $9,999
Legacy
$10,000 & Above
All donations of $100 and more will receive an income tax
receipt from the OPA.
I am pleased to report that we have met 25% of our
$100,000 target by voluntary contributions on the
information sent out to date. One $10,000 cash donation,
another $10,000 cash/contributions and a $1,000 from a
former staff with a company offer of an irrigation system
installation.
Donations can be made in the form of cash, a cheque;
payable to The Ontario Parks Association, or an “in kind”
donation of products and services required to build the
the project. Some constructors and supplier sponsors
have already considered this option to get their name in as
part of this legacy!
A public acknowledgement will be designed at the entrance
to the Garden outlining the purpose of the garden and the
names of those contributing to it. This would also make
an excellent in memorium tribute for anyone.
continued next page
The School of Horticulture 75th Anniversary Celebrations August 19, 20, 21, 2011
4
• Horticultural Herald July 2011
75th Anniversary Update
Legacy Tribute Garden Campaign
Additional sources of funds for this include grants, event
registrations, auctions, sponsorships, the golf tournament,
and the various organizations connected with the event.
However, our main source of funding will be your
contributions, so please help!
A member of our Fund Raising Committee will be
contacting you in the next weeks and months to gain your
support for this exciting legacy project.
If you have an interest in being a part of the Legacy
Garden project in any way please contact me, Tom Clancy
or any of the fundraising committee members below:
Tom Clancy Chair [email protected]
Al Higgs
[email protected]
Bob Kennedy
[email protected]
Paul Ronan
[email protected]
Jay Todd
[email protected]
James Smith
[email protected]
Ryan Smith
[email protected]
Charles Hunter
[email protected]
Andrew Neider
[email protected]
Aaron Fox
[email protected]
Darren Schmahl
[email protected]
Hans Loewig
[email protected]
Stan Kochanoff:
[email protected]
Trevor Swance
[email protected]
Chris Ziemski
[email protected]
TOP 10 REASONS TO ATTEND THE
OPA/NPC 75th CELEBRATONS IN
AUGUST!
By Tom Clancy with no apologies to David Letterman
1. Meet, mingle and renew acquaintances with friends
from past years or meet new friends who have spent years
in pursuit of parks, open space preservation and/or
horticultural excellence in their careers.
2. Celebrate 75 years of success with the unique
anniversaries of two impressive organizations, The
Ontario Parks Association and The Niagara Parks
Commission School of Horticulture which both had their
beginnings in 1936.
3. Enjoy outstanding food and beverage with great music
in an impressive park setting in the shadow of one of
Canada's most recognizable monuments.
4. Golf on one of Canada's premier most charming
courses, Whirlpool Golf Course with a group of people
who really know their turf.
5. Hear our Keynote speaker Alf Savage '52 discuss the
OPA and NPC School of Horticulture's beginnings and
importance of horticulture, parks and open spaces
management in Canada.
6. Visit and experience nature in one of Canada's best
parks systems and open spaces through casual and/or
guided tours at the peak of the horticultural season and
see [again] one of the 10 Wonders of the World.
7. Visit the famous Niagara Falls Casino to see if your
luck is with you if you are so inclined or take a peek at the
world-renowned Butterfly Conservatory at the NPC
Botanical Gardens.
8. Receive an NPC Complimentary Pass valued at almost
$120 for a one-time visit to 12 of Niagara Park's facilities
that can be used until the end of the year.
9. Taste or visit some of the best wines and wineries in the
world or ride over the falls in a helicopter
10. Visit and experience Niagara-on-the-Lake, a National
Communities in Bloom Winner with outstanding old
world charm and fabulous floral displays. Attend the
Shaw Festival for excellent presentations as outlined on the
OPA website and enjoy some of the top culinary sites in
Ontario if not Canada and or maybe even visit Toronto.
www.alumninpcsoh.com
Horticultural Herald July 2011 • 5
News from the School
News from the School and Botanical
Gardens - To the Point and Just the
Facts!
Enjoy these few images of our 2011 spring tulip display in
the main Rose Garden where we have managed to keep deer
damage to a minimum. Also of interest and to my
enjoyment was watching two small children catching the
magnolia tepals as they began to fall this spring.
In the last addition of the Hort. Herald I suggested that you
keep your eyes open for a special sculpture feature on loan
from Mosaiculture International Montreal. Well, the
sculpture (see image below) has finally arrived and is
installed in our main front entrance gardens as part of our
75th Anniversary Celebrations.
We have used this special sculpture of two large hands
cupped around a native Acer rubrum (Red Maple) to
celebrate in symbolism the nurturing of plants and our
Botanical Gardens by students and graduates. Interpretive
signage around the base will provide insight to visitors
about this symbolism and some history of our School of
Horticulture. Additionally visitors will be invited to enjoy
the free 75th Public Archive Display in the Administration
Building which showcases various themes over time of our
School of Horticulture history. This special 75th Public
Archive Display has been created though the generous
assistance of many volunteers who have work diligently for
months on end under the leadership of Zenia Buzanko '03.
Without doubt this display will showcase many images
publicly for the first time in Niagara Parks history and will
be open for viewing during the months of July and August
2011. This special exhibit is reason enough not to miss our
75th Celebration weekend where we will reminisce together.
On June 17th local contractors officially completed the new
installation of an accessibility ramp onto the Administration
building (see image on next page). Additionally a new
accessible washroom was added to the main floor of the
building.
continued next page
The School of Horticulture 75th Anniversary Celebrations August 19, 20, 21, 2011
6 • Horticultural Herald July 2011
News from the School
Botanical Gardens
Both of
these
additions are
part of a
Niagara
Parks
Commission
commitment
towards the
75th
Celebrations.
It is no
coincidence that the completion of these projects coincide
with the soon to be opened 75th Anniversary Public
Archive Exhibit.
As you might have guessed this cool spring season
brought about some unique challenges and one that no
doubt affected many was delayed bedding out activities.
None the less we have pushed hard to complete this task
as efficiently as possible. Our students under the guidance
of Sue Clark, Curator of Plant Health Care and Bedding
Displays have created some special bedding displays within
the Botanical Gardens to celebrate our 75th Anniversary.
Special Themed areas include the following -
Residence - “What's Old is New Again” We can be
sustainable by recycling past designs yet updating them
with newer plant material. Here is a design from the past
that is using a combination of fountain grass (Little Red
Riding Hood) with cutting type 'Patriot' pelargonium.
Rose Garden - 'Ornamental Natives' Traditional design
can be brought to life with the use of native plants and
native cultivars. The grandeur of cup plant is seen
throughout the displays and is softened by native Gaura
and Rudbeckia. Embellishments of recycled natural
products add a sense of whimsy and play to our Victorian
rose garden and its rigid geometric beds.
We recently received news that our Greenhouse Instructor
Judy Colley has decided to leave Niagara Parks and our
School of Horticulture family to pursue an exciting
opportunity with Plant Products. Judy has been with
Niagara Parks for 20 years in various capacities and her
departure will be our loss. We wish Judy all the best in her
new position and no doubt we will continue to see her often
in her capacity of promoting biological pest controls in
greenhouse production facilities across Ontario. Judy many
thanks for your significant contributions over the years!
Regards,
Tom Laviolette
Administration Building (NLH) - “A celebration”
Champagne bubbles and bottles - A Piet Oudolf inspired
design. Sustainability in combination with traditional
bedding through the use of exotic bananas and palms
combined with perennial globe thistle and moonshine
Achillea. Colour is played up with annual African
marigolds and lion's paws.
Old Lecture Hall (Railway Station)- “An Edible Garden” A
sustainable garden can also be ornamental. Combinations
of vegetables and edible flowers add a textural component
to the landscape. Here are combined edible nasturtiums
with Savoy cabbage and the textural structure of onions
and leeks. Radicchio and ornamental peppers add a colour
variation.
Parterre Garden - “Past, Present and Future” A three
phase transition of time. From our roots in traditional
annual bedding material which adds colour from the
Pelargonium and Ageratum but has little sustainability we
move into our present where there is an addition of
sustainable perennials and tropicals. Rozanne Geranium,
tropical Canna lilies are augmented with Tagetes and
Hibiscus. Where will our future lead us? Sustainability
can be ornamental. In our future we are depicting a
contrived prairie that uses native cultivars like Rudbeckia
'Indian summer' and Gaura lindheimeri 'Whirling
Butterflies' to augment the prairie savanna. Grasses
comprise 80% of a natural prairie which is represented by
Eragrostis elliottii 'Wind Dancer '.
Alumni Association of the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture Founded 1947
Horticultural Herald July 2011 • 7
News from the School
Greetings all, by the time you receive this issue of the
Hort Herald I will have formally retired from my position
at Niagara Parks (June 30th). Where twenty seven years
plus have gone is still a matter of much contemplation.
When I take the time to reflect back over this period I
become self absorbed with a plethora of thoughts and
images of so many former students, staff and mentors.
For many years to come, I will ponder on the
accomplishments realized with those I worked with both
students and NPC staff who contributed and worked hard
with me. Additionally, I will never forget those who I have
laughed with and at times cried with and especially because
sometimes we cried because we laughed so hard!.
Without doubt “the one constant in life is change itself ”
and with this truism in mind it gives me the utmost
pleasure to share that James Smith NPD 98 our
Superintendent of the School of Horticulture has been
promoted to Superintendent of the Botanical Gardens,
School of Horticulture, Butterfly Conservatory where he
will oversee administrative responsibilities which include
onsite plant production facilities. Further to this, Scott
Priest NPD 86 who is Superintendent of Horticulture
within the greater Niagara Parks will take over the
responsibilities of the Floral Showhouses, Greenhouse
Production, and Park Floriculture and Landscape Design.
Congratulations James and Scott!!! My parting wish for
both of you is much success and personal fulfillment in
your new responsibilities as you continue to build on the
good work that so many others before you have
intentionally sought since our early beginnings.
Importantly I would also like to share that not far down
the road further announcements will realize the goal of
ensuring the Botanical Gardens and School of
Horticulture's continued success.
To the students both present and past, you have been my
biggest mentors and imparted knowledge and experience
that can only be gained in a place as special as the School
of Horticulture. Thank you for the privilege of the last
twenty seven years!
Our 75th Anniversary Celebration is approaching quickly
and after June 30th I will focus much of my free time to
Chairing this effort. I along with the many others who
continue to volunteer are looking forward to this
wonderful three day event where we as graduates and our
supporters will celebrate our Alma Mater's success.
This chapter would not be complete without thanking my
beloved. Sharon over many years has welcomed students
and staff into our life and home. Never did I hear a
complaint in all the times I was away on NPC business,
even when away for weeks on end in Japan leaving her
with four young children, for this she deserves an NPC
Gold Medal!
Sharon's Chocolate Kahlua Cheese Cake and Carrot Cake
is a living memory to those who indulged and will remain
a part of the SOH history.
Sharon thanks for 27 years of unconditional support.
I look forward to gardening next to you - finally!!! Love,
Tom.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Tom Laviolette NPD '81.
Special Note from the Executive
Director of Parks
After more than 27 years of service with The Niagara
Parks Commission (NPC), Tom Laviolette, Director of
the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Conservatory, School of
Horticulture and Parks Floriculture announced his
retirement, effective June 30th.
¬
Tom’s link with NPC began as a student at the School
where he graduated in 1981.¬ In 1984, Tom returned to
NPC to work as an Instructor.¬ Over the years, he has held
a number of progressively responsible positions leading
up to his current role.
¬
A preliminary review has taken place regarding the
Director’s role and the needs of Parks operations moving
forward.¬ While this position will not be replaced in its
current form, some of the key duties and responsibilities
will be reassigned to NPC personnel.
¬
James Smith, will now assume the role of Superintendent
of Botanical Gardens, School of Horticulture and
Butterfly Conservatory (horticulture/entomology).¬ In
addition to current duties, James will take on the
supervision and administrative oversight in these three
functional areas.
¬
Scott Priest, in his role as Superintendent of Horticulture
will assume the additional responsibility for the oversight
of Greenhouse production operations, Floral Showhouse,
as well as Park floriculture and design.
¬
In adjusting to their new roles, James and Scott will work
together to ensure a smooth transition. We are pleased to
continue to have these alumni at the helm of key
horticulture operations in our parks and for the School.
¬
¬
Finally, please join me in saying thank you to Tom
Laviolette for a job well done and we wish him all the best
in his retirement.
¬¬
Debbie Whitehouse, Executive Director of Parks
The Niagara Parks Commission
The School of Horticulture 75th Anniversary Celebrations August 19, 20, 21, 2011
8 • Horticultural Herald July 2011
Klose Connections
by Liz Klose
BSc.(Agr),CLP
Name: Alfred H. Savage, NPD 52
Address: 2046 Haddow Drive
Edmonton AB T6R 2X6
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1 (780) 435-5230
This profile features Alf Savage NPD 52, an extraordinary
man whom you will hear more from as the keynote speaker
during the 75th Anniversary celebrations. An excerpt of his
life accomplishments was published in the previous Hort
Herald. Here is the rest of the story…
Born in Sarnia, Ontario where he attended public and
secondary school and worked on the family farm in
Lambton County, Alf graduated from The Niagara Parks
School of Horticulture (then called The Niagara Parks
Commission Training School for Apprentice Gardeners) in
1952. He later graduated from the Boston's Urban
Executive Program MIT, in addition to successfully
completing numerous professional management and
educational programs. Alf was also a Class Three Stationary
Engineer.
As senior executive of some of the most progressive
organizations in Canada and the United States, managing
projects in the seven million dollar range, he also lead
international consultant activities and international trade
missions in countries such as Ecuador, Poland, Peru, China
and Bolivia. A guest lecturer across the world, Alf spoke on
transportation and project management at conventions and
educational institutions including: University of Tokyo,
University of Alberta, and the Alumni Association of the
NPC School of Horticulture.
Horticulture always was close to his heart and he always
made time to take in the beauty of the landscape in every
country he visited. While there was no place like home, and
he appreciated all the horticultural diversity that each
country offered. Alf recounted that southern Poland was
incredibly beautiful, and Ecuador was “as nice of a place as I
have ever been”.
Alf chair, director and/or president of a wide range of
activities including: the Canadian Parks and Recreation
Association; Canadian Public Transportation Association;
American Transportation Association; Buffalo New York
Columbus Hospital; Urban Development Training Centre
(UDTC) International in Brussels, Belgium; Life Member of
the Landscape Alberta Nursery Trades Association,
receiving an award of recognition for his contributions, and
a member and Chair of Olds College Board of Governors.
Alf was also a member of the bid team for the 1987
Commonwealth Games, and oversaw the construction,
including the stadium, and operation of the games facilities
and was also Chair of the 1993 World University Games.
During his career Alf was a recipient of a long list of
distinguished awards for his achievements. Here are just a
few: 2002 Honourary Life Member, Alumni Association of
the NPC School of Horticulture; 2005 Alberta Centennial
Medal; 2007 Honorary Bachelor Degree in Science from
Olds College, and 2008 Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow.
Now officially retired from over thirty years in the private
and public sector, Alf still remains active on the board of
directors of several organizations. Upon retirement, Alf
moved with his wife Georgia to the foothills in Calgary to be
closer to their two sons and two daughters and their families.
Another son and family live in Toronto. Following
Georgia's passing on May 1, 2009, Alf moved to Edmonton
where his two daughters' now reside.
Career Experience:
1949-1952: Student, Niagara Parks Commission Training
School for Apprentice Gardener's.
Alf and his brother Bruce Savage NPD 63 were the first
brothers to attend the school. Since graduating, Alf
continues to be a big promoter of the NPC School of
Horticulture and many alumni today can attribute enrolling
at the school was due to Alf's persuasion.
1952-1965: Managing Partner, Savage Wholesale
Greenhouses, Garden Center and Shop, Sarnia Ontario and
Member of the City Planning Board
1965-1972: Commissioner of Parks and Recreation,
Borough of York (Metro Toronto)
1972 - 1974:Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, City of
Edmonton. Another alumnus, John Helder, NPD 70,
Principal of Horticulture, River Valley, Forestry and
Environmental Services, currently holds this position. From
1972-73, Alf was also the President of the Canadian Parks
and Recreation Association.
1974- 1981: Commissioner of Public Affairs, City of
Edmonton and Chairman of the Municipal Planning Board
As commissioner he managed ten major city departments
(police, fire, planning, transportation, health, parks and
recreation). During his tenure, Muttart Conservatory was
established. Alf attributes this development as one of the
highlights of his horticulture career to be involved in this
development. The pyramid at Niagara Parks Floral
Showhouse parallels that of the Muttart's pyramidal
conservatory. As chair of Olds College Board of Directors,
he was very actively involved in overseeing the evolution of
their campus landscape.
1981-1987: Chief General Manager, Toronto Transit
Commission (TTC); Member of Metro Chairman's Regional
Authority; Operating Director, Grey Coach Canada;
President, TTC Consultants; President and CEO, TTC
Travel and Terminals Companies. During this time he also
travelled extensively for the Ontario Provincial Government
and its Crown Corporation, the Urban Transit Development
Corporation (UTDC) as Canada's representative in transit
expertise. He was a consultant to the Docklands Projects in
London, England and lead trade missions to at least seven
South American countries as well as China and other Asian
countries. As the Director of the World Congress of
Support your Alumni Association send in your membership forms today
Horticultural Herald July 2011 • 9
Transportation in Brussels, he also provided consultation
services in Yugoslavia and spent considerable time in
Hungary as a consultant to Icorus, (the world's largest bus
manufacturer at the time).
1987-1990: Chief Executive Officer and Operating Director,
Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA);
President, Buffalo N.Y. Port Authority; Managing Director,
Niagara Falls and Buffalo International Airports, NY
During his tenure at NFTA, Alf was responsible for airports,
harbours and transportation.
1990-1994: Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director,
Chicago Transit Authority and member of Chicago's
Environmental Green Survival Program Committee;
Chairman of 1993 World University Games, Buffalo
1997-2003: Executive Director (Part-Time), Alberta School
Bus Contractors Association
1997- present: Presiding Officer, Alberta Municipal
Government Board.
This position involved chairing annexations, assessment of
pipeline and well depth appeals in the province. Alf was
Chair of the Olds College Board of Directors and was very
active in building their gardens on campus.
2004- present: Chair, Alberta Automobile Insurance Rate
Board
Career Highlights:
• While there were many career highlights, Alf indicated that
being so involved with the Commonwealth and World
University Games, had to be among the biggest highlights.
“In your career you don't often have the opportunity to start
and finish something of that magnitude and have it come to
a successful fruition while you are still at the helm of the
project.”
• “As a small group of alumni back then, we always kept in
touch whether it was through the alumni conventions or by
phone and letters. We were a great resource for each other
during our careers: Jack Kimmel 42, Gordon McNare 46,
Roland Duffy 47, Ron Hambly 47, Bill Browne 48, George
Riley 50, Leonard Parker 53, Ian Hamilton 54, Doug Fluhrer
55, and Bill Snowden 58, all great long-time friendships with
these guys and many more.” Alf commented that both Bill
Snowden and Bill Browne were a great support to him after
Georgia passed away.
Recollections as a Student:
The following are excerpts of the many student recollections
Alf shared with me - there are more that I am sure he will
recount or elaborate on at the reunion! Of all of his
memorable moments, the highlights of Alf's student life was
meeting Miss Georgia Bullock and graduating from the
school. Meeting Georgia, who became his wife of 57 years,
was quite by chance. She was with a group of girls driving a
coup from Niagara on the Lake to Niagara Falls who picked
up Alf and 5 of his friends, who were hitchhiking back from
swimming one Sunday afternoon back in the early 50's.
Which came in handy, as they were finished by eight, then all
dressed up to go out on a date with their girlfriends for a
night out on the town. Back then, there were also classes on
Saturday mornings until noon!
• The graduation thesis was a lot of work but it was a
valuable discipline to learn. Alf's topic was commercial
floriculture and still has a copy of his thesis.
• Where the New Lecture Hall now stands was a shrub
nursery, and perennial borders flanked the driveway. Grapes,
orchards, raspberries and big vegetable garden were where
the Butterfly Conservatory was built. The quince tree is still
there. Weathervane bed and tower was where the grounds
ended at that time.
• Duty student was 'duty boy', with one of the tasks in the
winter being shoveling coal into the furnace to heat the
residence, “and you dare not let it go out”, Alf exclaimed!
“One of our other duties was getting the mail, using the
wood paneled station wagon, aka 'the wood wagon'”. (Note:
this is where 'wagon duty' got its roots, with it being changed to 'student
courier' in more recent years.)
• The annual summer picnic was a highlight, where the
cooks would pack a picnic lunch for all for the excursion to
the Amusement Park at Crystal Beach.
• There were lots of dances at the school, always decorated
to theme, especially the Valentine's Day and Harvest Dance.
“One of the boys who had a car (there were only two
students with cars at that time) would go around and pick up
all the girlfriends. Once a year we would have Farmerette
Dance for the girls (called farmerettes) who came from
Montreal to work in the local orchards for the summer. The
Christmas Dance was a formal event, held at the King
Edward Hotel. For this special occasion, the senior students
would use the 'secret recipe' for the punch that had been
passed down from year to year. “It will be interesting to see if
any of us remember what it was”, laughed Alf. “One
Christmas Dance had not-so-fond memories, with all 25
students coming down with food poisoning. With only 4
lavatories in residence and one outhouse, it was an
unforgettable occasion and one we never wanted to repeat”.
• “We had a large butterfly collection at the time, in addition
to an arrowhead collection. In the early days we found lots
of arrowhead, as the school grounds was a former Indian
campsite, as they had to trek around the falls. Alf Pain and
George Riley seemed to be the lucky ones in finding most of
them. The collection was displayed in Fort Erie. Not sure
where it is now”.
• Residence: “Every morning, we had to make our beds.
Many of us with military experience did it with precision.
First year initiation involved having to make the beds for the
second and third year students, in addition to shining their
shoes, among other initiation escapades. In first year, we were
• The first recollection was his interview at the school, having
followed through on the recommendation of his guidance
counselor. He travelled from Sarnia to the school with this
father for the interview. The Superintendent at that time was
Jock Liddell. Mr. Liddell and his father talked about the
industry for most of the interview, with a mere 5 minutes of
questions for Alf! Needless to say he was very excited to get
the notice that he was accepted!
• Seminars were Friday nights. “You always had your buddy
in the front row with cue cards 'speed up' 'slow down' and
with a list of questions you knew the answers to at the end”.
Students had to dress in their Sunday best shirt, and tie.
www.alumninpcsoh.com
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Horticultural Herald July 2011
8 to a room and 2 to a room in second year. Bill Snowden
was working at the school, but also stayed in residence”.
• Sports: “We often got Friday afternoons off to play sports.
Most of us were involved in school and community teams. I
played football for the Niagara Falls Dynamo's. George Riley
pitched for the Niagara Falls baseball team, and we would
spend our spare time in the summer, playing baseball at
Queenston Heights. We had hockey team and a floor hockey
team (junior vs. senior students), playing the latter at the
Morrison Street gym on Friday afternoons in the winter. We
had great basketball team called the 'woodchoppers',
representing St. Johns Church in Stamford that went on to
the Ontario championships”.
How Did the School Impact Your Life?
“The School of Horticulture, instructors and classmates were
all driving forces in my life. If it wasn't for the school, I
would have never left the family business and not been able
to enjoy the many opportunities I have had to accomplish
what I have done in my career. I owe a great deal to the NPC
and have always felt that way. Graduates of the school should
be more active ambassadors. We all need to be responsible
to promote and recruit students to the school”.
Sage Advice:
“Practical and theoretical skills are very important, but even
more important is how you apply yourself and develop the
confidence to do so. Living together in the residence really
teaches you how to get along with others and understand
people”.
Interests:
Alf's hobby's are hunting, fishing, woodworking, and hiking
and is regarded by his family as a football fanatic. He has a
recognized interest in military history and has published and
prepared papers on the subject. He never lost his passion for
horticulture and has had greenhouses, and large perennial
borders and tree collections at all his residences.
He was a firm believer in the apprenticeship format for
teaching horticulture, coupled with a cutting-edge academic
education and promoted the learning of new methods,
materials and systems.
He, along with staff, created a new statement of aims and
objectives for the School.
During his tenure:
• The interlocking pathway in the Rose Garden was installed
and other new pathways were initiated throughout the
grounds.
• The disbanded Gardeners and Florists' Association of
Toronto donated 450 books to the School of Horticulture
Library.
• The Province of Ontario won the First Grand Prize of
Honour in the National Category of the Outdoor Floralies
exhibition in Montreal with a garden designed and executed
by School of Horticulture students under his direction.
• The first international field trip by third year students to
England in 1980 paved the way for annual study tours.
• A survey and mapping of woody plants on the grounds was
completed.
• A weather recording service was established on the
grounds.
• A visitor reception centre was completed (now the Butterfly
Café).
• The first and only Canadian showing of the Smithsonian
Institute display of Captain Cook's voyage, “The Flowering
of Science”, was held at the School (May-June 1985).
• Discussions were initiated on the collection and
computerization of arboretum records.
His personal philosophy was to truly understand nature
before tampering with it.
Submitted by Ruth Stoner
NPC School of Horticulture Librarian
From the Archives
Superintendent Profiles:
Roland H. Barnsley NPD 40, BA,
OALA, 1919-1999
Superintendent at the School of
Horticulture 1979 - 1986.
As a student and a graduate, Roland Barnsley worked on the
installation and establishment of the Herb Garden at the
School of Horticulture.
In 1979, after further post secondary education and various
work experiences culminating in his own business, R.H.
Barnsley, Ltd. Landscape Contractors and Sod Nursery,
which he ran successfully for 28 years, he became
Superintendent of the School of Horticulture. His main goal
during his tenure was to raise the profile of the School.
Roland Barnsley in the Cactus beds (Parterre Garden)1982.
Photo John Kudla.
Alumni Association of the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture Founded 1947
Horticultural Herald July 2011 • 11
Support our Associate Members
Associate member Maple Hill Tree Services is
an Arboriculture and Tree Maintenance company
that has been dedicated to the preservation of the
urban forest for 30 years. With their team of
Certified Arborists and Certified Tree Workers
they provide the highest quality service and
perform their work guided by the principles laid
out by the International Society of Arboriculture,
as well as Conservation and Safety. Highlighted
here is a division of Maple Hill Tree Services their Renewable Resources.
This division at Maple Hill is dedicated to salvaging wood from " last resort
" urban tree removals. Our urban trees need to be removed periodically due
to old age, environmental reasons or urban development. The wood from
these trees often ends up consuming precious space in our landfill sites or in
the fireplace, contributing carbon to our atmosphere.
As an effort to give these trees renewed life and the respect that they
deserve our carpenters create unique and hand crafted wood products,
highlighting the natural qualities and unusual characteristics of each tree.
Associate Members
of the Alumni Association
* All Treat Farms
Rod Kidnie, Arthur
www.alltreat.com
* Connon Nurseries
( Neil Vanderkruk Holdings Inc)
Rick Vanderkruk, Waterdown
www.connonnurseries.com
* G. C. Duke Equipment Limited
Jason Brooker, Burlington
www.gcduke.com
* Fast Forest Incorporated
Phil Dickie, Kitchener
www.fastforest.ca
* Gro Bark (Ontario) Ltd
Bill McKague, Waterloo
www.gro-bark.com
*Grower's ChoiceTM
Jody Leis, Kitchener
www.growerschoice.ca
* Jack Van Klaveren Limited
Robert Murch, St. Catharines
www.jvk.net
* Landscape Ontario
Tony DiGiovanni, Milton
www.landscapeontario.com
* Maple Hill Tree Services
Mississauga, ON
www.maplehill.com
* Master's Turf Supply Ltd.
Everett Nieuwkoop, Langton
www.masterturfsupply.com
The Black Walnut dining room table featured here was made from a tree,
which succumbed to extensive root injury caused during the construction of
a new house in Oakville, Ont. Each piece is custom designed and unique.
Please visit Maple Hill Tree Services web site at www.maplehilltree.com to
view many of their creative pieces. Also while at their site view and listen to
The Tree Listener Alex Metcalf a British artist who created a tree listening
exhibit that has been showcased in Britain, Europe and Canada.
Information gathered and used with permission from the Maple Hill web site.
* M.K. Rittenhouse & Sons Ltd.
St. Catharines, ON
www.rittenhouse.ca
* Niagara Saw Ltd.
Greg Beu, Lorraine Beu, Niagara Falls
* Turf Care Products Canada Limited
Ronald M. Craig, Newmarket
www.turfcare.ca
Next Herald
Deadline Sept 15
For a Colour e-version of the Herald contact [email protected] to get on the list
12 •
Horticultural Herald July 2011