For one week, we celebrate one very special Saultite

NEWS RELEASE

THE CITY  OF
SAULT STE. MARIE

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Sault Ste. Marie celebrates Dr. Roberta Bondar Days

SAULT STE. MARIE - January 22, 2012 will mark the 20th Anniversary of the historic flight of Canada’s first woman in Space, astronaut and Sault native, Dr. Roberta Bondar.

In recognition of this special anniversary, Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Debbie Amaroso will read a proclamation at the January 23 City Council meeting declaring January 23 - 30, 2012 Dr. Roberta Bondar Days in Sault Ste. Marie.

Dr. Bondar will arrive in Sault Ste. Marie this coming Monday to take part in a three-day itinerary as follows:

Tuesday, January 24 - 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Dr. Roberta Bondar education event, a  partnership with the Algoma District Public School Board, the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board, the CSCNO Notre-Dame des-Grands-Lacs and City Council’s Celebrate 100!  Committee.

Dr. Bondar will be at the Kiwanis Community Theater located in White Pines Secondary School joined by 800 students representing the three local school boards. 

The remaining thousands of students will be listening via real time video streaming into their schools. 

Her message will challenge the students to look more closely at the environment around them.

Wednesday, January 25 - 9:30 to 10 a.m.  

Natural Resources Canada will commemorate the 20th anniversary of Dr. Bondar’s historic space flight at a special presentation at the Great Lakes Forestry Centre.

Wednesday, January 25 - 2 to 4 p.m.

Dr. Roberta Bondar 20th anniversary tribute reception at the Art Gallery of Algoma. 

A selection of her Canadian photographic work will be on display during Dr. Roberta Bondar Days until early February.

Dr. Bondar will make a special presentation to the AGA in memory of archivist Linda Burtch, by donating a spectacular panorama photograph, Common Horsechestnut.

Linda’s husband Michael Burtch, former Art Gallery director, will be present.

On Thursday January 26, a special tribute dinner in honour of Dr. Bondar is planned.

This private ticketed event sold out within three weeks and is a fundraising event for the educational programs of The Roberta Bondar Foundation. 

About 260 people are expected to attend.

“I am especially pleased to welcome Dr. Roberta Bondar as our City’s Celebrate 100! Community Ambassador,” says Mayor Debbie Amaroso. “On behalf of the community I extend congratulations to her on the occasion of this 20th Anniversary. We are very proud of her many accomplishments and her ongoing commitment to our City.”

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