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What makes Mel’s achievements all the more remarkable is the fact he's 98 with a 99th birthday coming up in September. - Bom'in Gamesville, N.Y., Mel’s family, including a brother Gordon, moved to Montreal when he was only five. In 1920, they took up residence in Toronto. A self- Thischerrywoodcreation, completed only recently. has won the compliments of everyone who's seen it, including fellow artisans Harold Heise, lohn Reesor and Bud Sanderson. But my tour of inspection didn't end there. Elsewhere, the splendour of his handi- work is also evident includ- ing the aforementioned a cradle. “Drop over to Parkview Village some day and take a look at a cradle a friend of mine constructed," the caller Fortunately for him, he’s not a relative. For he builds things; beautiful things. His immaculate apartments dis- plays countless items. “A who has constructed what?" I enquired. “It's a cradle, a cradle,” the gentleman replied, “one of the nicest pieces of work I've ever seen.” I asked. I jotted down the particu- lars then gave Mr. Thomas a call. Yes, his name is Thomas alright, Mel Thomas. My dad, too, was an expert improviser using baling wire and binder twine. But me, I couldn’t Whittle a stick for an all-day sucker. Ackmwiedging this, you can appreciate my satisfac- tion in receiving a phone message Friday. But I wouldn’t dare. For I know before I begin each would be adisaster. So were several nephews Even our youngest son took up the trade. “Thomas,” he answered. “He's on the third floor." 1 I’m n6t talking about culinary skills â€"apumpkln.anappleora cherry pie Been there; done that. I’m referring to‘the art of handcraft, in particular, the ability to create posséssions out of wood. What makes this inept situation all the more embar- rassing is the fact my father- in-law was an excellent car- penter. If so inclined, I’d build dozens of feeders and bird- houses and spread them aboqt our back yard. I’d also make lots of toy trains, trucks and tractors for the grandkids at Christmas. I might even attempt a solar- heated sun porch where I could laze away my remain- mg years stanng up at the clouds and stars. Masterpiece maker not slowing at 98 “What’s the man’s name?” f only 1 could make 50mm As for the cradle, he’s not sure where it'll eventually end up. lim Thomas is a Stoujfuille resident who has written fur area newspapers for more than 50years. “I'd like to frame it first and then decide." he said. One son. Charles, (Bud) livesinAjaxAdaughter Doris Ross resides at Vivian. He has five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Hardly a day goes by Mel isn't busying himself in the village workshop. 'IWo beau- tiful checkerboard tables enhance the recreation area. “Norman Lehman and I had some great times down here," he said, “Norman Was always good for a few jokes; we had a lot of laughs." It was Walt Hope who introduced Mel to Stouffville's celebrated barnâ€"builder, Morley Symes. In recent years, Mel’s undergone two major opera- tions including open-heart surgery. Following a move to Stoufl'ville, he worked for sev- eral area farmers including Albert Elson, Ioe Wmterstein, Bruce Morton and Richard William; In 1935, he married Muriel Williams, Richard's daughter. Prior to her death in 1997, they celebrated their Several completed proj- ect have gone to the. Salva- tion Army. A unique step stool occupies a place of prominence at Union Vllla in Unionville. “lust for the fun of it," Mel says, pointing to a lamp stand .made from a stump. “I learned a lot from Mor- ley," he claims. He keeps his mind sharp playing solitaire. made success, Mel never advanced past the fourth grade. He honed his skills as a toolmaker with the firm of Acme Screw and Gear, then located on Weston Road. “I saw the whole works,” he says, admitting even today, he feels fortunate to have escaped unscathed. With the adventof the Sec- ond World War, Mel joined the army, serving overseas with the 5th division, Royal Canadian Electrical Mechan- ical Engineers. He saw action in Italy, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. When discharged in 1946, he held the rank of corporal. Roaming Around . with Iim Thomas CORNED EF and our Rosemary ' with lamb. Just like “Christmas, you'll be able to mrkcycutsawdkthcwholeoncswfllbezg the 14-181bduul'wmtedduwhaqand don't forget thch . miswecxwulbcour Idea lemint â€"bo‘grcafly£dÂ¥ have our usual, Plus a few bonds: and seasoned lamb loms. It's an over-dic-mp roastwhichwillscrveabutahmbsa wiflbcavailableinqnanti ~kecpin thatthcdousesomc whcnwcmakc‘ thagifdutislmportm‘ tmyou. 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Whatever the reason, they don’tlastlonghnourfi-eczaâ€"espedafly mmmonsalcfioeomceaflyandgct them theylasd A .101 chon'thaveanadnatweckbehm thetimingisn'thoogomthtmcnllyou now that we'll be cloud MGood What that means is that you'll need mphnaheadabitmdhavcmoctof your shopping arranged by Thursday. Saturdaywillbcahusydaybeauscwe'fl beddngtomeofthcl’ridaybusiness,all oftheSaturdaybuxinusandallofthc ASuqday-businessonthttday. themwhilcthcylast! Rag. $10.95 Pkgof4 . % THIS" FfldaymdButchunday Wc'flb; dwenkdy-woncd S IRISH CHBDDAR AUSAGES Wc'flhavcmofomlnnhgmkcyxfor Bum'l‘hc'duwillbcM-l Ibo. 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