It’s time to celebrate the Kormans
TTaylor Mcclure Special to Brome County News
his past weekend, the Korman Recognition Party took place in Mansonville at Place Manson, the park in the center of the village, and what a success it was.
With over 500 registrations for the event, the impact the Korman family has had on the Potton community is undeniable. As they made their grand entrance, no one could help but notice the hundreds of smiles that were suddenly wiped across people’s faces. Emotions were high and it was a very important day for the people of Potton; it was their day to celebrate.
Former employees, friends, family, and collaborators filled the park. There was much laughter, reminiscing, and storytelling that made the day intimate and very special.
Different speakers took to the stage to bring recognition to the hard work, generosity, and compassion the Kormans have invested in Mansonville.
Among the things that were emphasized included the Adaptive Sports Program, this year celebrating its 25th anniversary thanks in part to the support the Korman family provided them to carry out their mission. Peter Treacy, who founded the program, didn’t forget to mention how they were so easily welcomed to Owl’s Head Mountain by Fred, Lillian, and Caroll.
Their work with the Optimist Club did not go unnoticed, which provides local children the opportunity to learn how the ski. They opened up their mountain, at a low cost, so that the children of Potton could have a chance at developing skills and a love for the sport. The program is now going on 35 years.
Ross Forbes also took the stage on behalf of the Canadian Ski Patrol, which provides first aide services on the mountain, as well as a former employee of Owl’s Head, to share some memories.
With the tears that formed in many people’s eyes, there is no doubt that the Korman family holds a very special place in the memory of the people of Potton.
Sharon Wing and Ted Girvan, who both worked at Owl’s Head, only had fond memories of their time working for the Korman Family.
“It was the best 12 years I’ve ever had,” stated Girvan.
After selling his own restaurant called Buds, Girvan went and worked in the kitchen at Owl’s Head. “Fred knew everything, but he knew nothing about the kitchen.”
He mostly worked with Lilian, but Fred came in every morning to ask Ted if everything was okay. “I’d say yup everything is good and that’s all he needed to know.”
He only had kind words for the Kormans. “They treated me with respect.”
His wife, Sharon Wing, also worked at Owl’s Head on the weekends from Friday to Sunday waitressing at the restaurant. She recalled a touching memory of the Korman’s the day that the Twin Towers were struck on 9/11. “There was a bunch of firemen from New York up for a tournament and they were in for breakfast and afterwards I remember I saw it on the tv by the bar of the footage and all the firemen came in because they had to head back. Since they had what they called the meal plan with their room
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