Olympic Celebration!

The Brigadoon Restaurant in the village of Oxford Mills was the site of the Olympic celebration in honor of Jill Henselwood, who captured a silver medal in the Olympic Team Jumping. Jill and her horse Special Ed were outstanding in helping to bring the silver medal back to Canada.

Joy Jarjour and Cheryl Mackie spearheaded the reception that saw over two hundred people come to congratulate and hear the tales of the Olympics from Jill as well as Bob Henselwood. It was standing room only with people waiting patiently to share this special moment with Jill.

Gary Harper started the festivities by piping the honored guests into the Brigadoon. There was more than one teary eye as the music and the site of a beaming Jill with her medal hanging about her neck entered the room.

For many it was a reunion of a tightly knit equestrian community from the Ottawa Valley that have witnessed the growth, determination and ultimate success that Bob and Jill Henselwood have worked at tirelessly at Juniper Farm. Theirs was a goal that was not achieved without great sacrifice and persistence over the years and the support of some very special people that believed in them.

For others it was an opportunity for many of the residents of the community to come out and say - Way To Go! We are so proud of what you have achieved. The laughter, warmth and good feelings flowed as freely as the wine. On the topic of wine, the Green Gables Vineyard of Oxford Station, not only produced the red and white wine but also a beautiful wine label in honor of Jill's silver medal.

Jill's advice was to go after your dreams - love what you do - and never give up. For everyone present the success of Jill and Special Ed at the 2008 Olympics gave everyone a reason to smile and an evening to be cherished.

There is nothing like living in a small community and Joy and Cheryl gave us the opportunity to remember how special the community of Oxford Mills and the Ottawa Valley are.

To Jill and everyone at Juniper Farms. your work and dedication has made all of us step a little lighter and with more pride than we did before.

To view images of the festivities click on Celebration.