By Carol Martin
SooToday.com
Monday, December 21, 2009

Sault MP Tony Martin doesn't usually call a news conference to launch his yearly calendar but this year is different.

"I really had a lot of fun working with Bob Diotte, Raimo Viitala and a number of other people to do the research on this one," he said at his office late this morning.

In front of him, on the table, was a stack of calendars and a very interesting mug.

The mug was blue and white with the words 'Finn Grand Fest 2010, Canada - USA, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.' but the most interesting thing about the mug was the little spoon stuck through the handle.

"It's for stirring your hot chocolate," Martin explained.

When ever the chocolate settles you just pop out the spoon, give it a stir and put it back in the handle for safe keeping, he said.

Diotte and Martin made several visits to the communities of Waboose and Blind River and other areas in the course of researching area Finnish history and culture.

Martin said he especially enjoyed his trips to Waboose and hearing the stories of how the community thrived in the early 1900s with fun Finnish activities like rubber boot tossing and wife carrying.

"I hear they're going to have some of these at the festival but I don't think I'll be able to convince my wife to try it with me," he said.

He did say he was looking forward to the festival's attempt to break a world record by building the biggest sauna ever.

Among many other things we learned from Martin today is that Finn's really know how to have fun in a rubber boot tossing, wife carrying, giant sauna building sort of way.

They also design a very sensible and good-looking hot chocolate mug.

Martin says the calendars were mailed out from Ottawa yesterday so they should be arriving at constituents' homes soon.

The full text of a release from Martin's office follows.

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MP Tony Martin’s 2010 calendar showcases Finn community, Grand Festival

SAULT STE. MARIE - It’s that time of year again, and in the tradition he established in 2005, Tony Martin is sending out his MP calendar featuring the work of a local community group.

Martin’s 2010 calendar now in the mail to constituents showcases the area Finn community and its 2010 Grand Festival next summer.

“Our calendars always focus on some aspect of our community and highlight extraordinary contributions by ordinary folk,” Martin said. “Community doesn't just happen. It is built by the efforts of many people giving of themselves.

“Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma are fortunate to have wonderful people who believe in this place. They give our area its character and personality. They build the space for all of us to belong. This year we remember the "Finn story".”

Martin and staff worked on the calendar with some help from Raimo Viitala, chair of next year’s Finnish Grand Festival from July 28 to August 1, and some members of the Finnish community.

Previous calendars from Martin’s office have highlighted World War II veterans, local musicians, small business entrepreneurs, local history and women from the riding.

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