Page 53 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 134
P. 53
www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #134 March 2024 53
Continued from page 27 became a hangout for the players Continued from page 52 the day: one in the morning, at
came from.” and some fans. Don was such 9 a.m. from the starting line to
a community-minded guy who competition.”
Don and Brenda even had a few the finish line, and two in the
became a big fan and cared about
players that worked at the restaurant. The Canoe Race is always held afternoon, at 3 p.m. and 4:30
the team and his family was at every
“Mike came to me asking if I could during the spring melt, when p.m. from the finish line to the
game. It was a great example of
give a particular player a job to keep water levels on the Raisin River starting line.
small-town support and how people
him busy during the day. He was are high and flows are favourable.
can get behind the team.” To participate in this year’s
there about one year and looking Contestants get a front-row seat
back on it, he really didn’t do much Misef’s café was a family owned to the beauty of the Raisin River race, pre-registration is required
work. When he came into work, and operated business. Not only and surrounding landscape, as through the RRCA’s website
at rrca.on.ca/CanoeRace. The
the first thing he would do was put did Don and Brenda run their the river’s racecourse meanders
his arm around me and say, “Hey, business, but they had help from through agricultural lands, public is encouraged to check the
we gotta talk.” and that’s what both their daughters Angela and villages, rapids, and forests. As RRCA’s social media channels,
he would do - talk to me, call his Gina. Saturdays and Sundays were in 2023, the race is taking place monthly newsletter, and website
buddies, and then they would come their busiest times of the week. on a Saturday instead of the for upcoming Race details and
in. He never seemed to do much This is when you would see the usual Sunday. announcements. Businesses and
work, but he brought people in and word “family” come into play. Don organizations looking to sponsor
was good with customers. He went would be behind the grill sweating New this year, participants this year’s Canoe Race can
on to play college hockey after the up a storm, his wife and daughters will have the opportunity to contact Lissa Deslandes at (613)
Colts and called me up once saying serving tables and washing dishes. book a free shuttle service when 938-3611 ext. 237 or Lissa.
that his team would be travelling Don’s long-time friend, Scott they register for the race to help Deslandes@rrca.on.ca.
through Cornwall on the way to a and his wife Marie and daughter them travel between the start and For more information visit
tournament and asked if he could Lindsey were regular customers. It finish lines. The shuttle will be
bring them to Misif’s. Between wouldn’t be anything to see then making three trips throughout rrca.on.ca or contact (613) 938-
the players, coaches, and training watching Scott help pour coffee, 3611 or info@rrca.on.ca.
staff, they had 35 people on the bus. Marie helping serve tables and
Many of the Colts players would Lindsey in the back doing dishes Mike’s contact Karate
bring their parents to the restaurant and prepping food knowing that
for a pre-game meal as well when the Miseferi’s were swamped with
they were in town. Misef’s was a customers. Scott was a well-known
breakfast and lunch place, opening custodian at CCVS and Lindsey
at 6am and closing usually at 2pm, was a former student. Not only were
but would remain open on game they a helping hand with service,
days if players requested.” Don also but they also brought in a lot of great
recalled one player who was from customers for the lunch rush during
New York State had a vanload of the week. “I look back at scenarios
family coming up for a Colts game like this and realize friends who are
and came to Misef’s. “There were meant to be in your life will always
13 people in that van!” gravitate back towards you no
matter how far they wander,” Don
By 2011, and with two grandsons
now in the picture, Don and Brenda stated. “This goes back to Scott and I
decided that it was time to close being high school friends and Mario
Misif’s. “I still have the posters and and I being long-time coworkers to
some of the memorabilia that was on creating new friendships with Mike
the walls,” Don stated, “but not the and the entire Colts team, including
Misif’s sign. When we took things the coaches gathering back at
down, it just disappeared.” Misef’s Café.”
Now at 66 years of age, Don is 613-932-9054
Looking back on the association
that the Colts had with the restaurant, finally thinking about hanging up or 613-577-9054
Mike Piquette commented, “Misef’s his spatula and un-sharpening his
knives.
