News
Potato Trivia
Sunday December 1, 2002
Boiled, mashed, fried, grilled or roasted, Yukon Gold or Chieftain Red, Russet, Kenebec or Sebago. Endless in variety and uses, potatoes have earned their sacred spot in the history, hearts and homes of Canadians coast-to-coast. While no one knows its exact origin, a form of potato was believed to have been cultivated as far back as 500 B.C. It arrived in North America, via Bermuda, as early as the 1620's and has played a vital role in our agriculture profile ever since. Both Prince Edward Island and Washington, D.C. have potato museums, honouring the tireless tuber and there's even an International Potato Centre - a multi-national, non-profit scientific research facility - in Luma, Peru. A common misconception about potatoes is that they're a pound-packin', fattening food. In actual fact, a medium potato cooked with its skin (baked or boiled) contains a mere 90 calories, about the same as an apple or pear. Nutritionally, it's a tuberous treasure with the following percentages of a recommended daily nutrient intake: Vitamin C, 30%; Iron, 8 to 10%; Thiamin (B1), 10%; Riboflavin (B2), 3%; Niacin, 11%; Protein, 3%; Calcium, 3%. Think you know everything there is to know about the tasty 'tater? We hope the following provides some surprises and some fun. (source: One Potato, Two Potato by Jane Reeves, Ragweed press, 1987.) United States President Thomas Jefferson is credited with first introducing French fries to the White House in 1851. To date, the largest potato grown in Britain weighed in at 7 pounds, 1 ounce. The year was 1963. Nutritionists claim that the typical per person daily diet of nineteenth century Ireland - five pounds of potatoes and one quart of milk - provided all the essential nutrients. The first toy ever advertised on North American television was, in fact, Mr. Potato Head. Infamous gangster John Dillinger supposedly escaped from prison thanks to a pistol he carved from a potato and dyed with iodine. Worldwide, potatoes occupy approximately 50 billion acres of land. Potatoes have been grown on Ellesmere Island, north of the Arctic Circle. The Dutch potato industry is now more valuable than its tulip trade. In England, potatoes were once thought to "increase seed and produce lust". There's an old Irish advising "Be eating one potato, peeling a second, have a third in your fist and your eye on a fourth." The term "boycott" comes from an 1873 uprising when British Captain Boycott's tenants refused to dig potatoes and other crops for him. Almost any part of the potato can produce more potatoes - from seed pieces to true potato seeds or plant cuttings. Inca Indians measured time by how long it took for potatoes to cook. Throughout the ages, potatoes have been thought to cure a variety of ailments, including gout, lumbago, sunburn, rickets, warts, temper tantrums and drunkenness. In 1613, Sir Thomas Overbury wrote, of the potato, "The man who has not anything to boast of but his illustrious ancestors is like the potato - the only good thing belonging to him is underground."
Marie Griffin Donates to Hospital
Saturday June 1, 2002
Marie Griffin presents a $10,000 pledge to the Bring Good Health to Life campaign, received by Wilbert and Theresa Doucette. The Doucette's are volunteer canvassers working on the campaign to equip the Island's newest hospital. The Bring Good Health to Life campaign received a generous gift recently from Mrs. Marie Griffin, made in memory of her late husband Wilfred. The campaign, with a goal of $12.5 million, will raise funds to equip the new hospital scheduled to open in Summerside in the year 2003. So far, the generosity of Island businesses, organizations and individuals such as Mrs. Griffin, has brought the campaign to the $11 Million mark Prince County Hospital Foundation's managing director Mark Hierlihy said the hospital has a very strong memorial giving program and gifts such as the large one made by Mrs. Griffin is a wonderful example. He remarked that many people find comfort in making a gift dedicated to a loved one, adding a special touch to charitable giving. Wilbert and Theresa Doucette, volunteer canvassers for the campaign in the Alberton area, met with Mrs. Griffin recently to receive her generous pledge.
Certificates of Appreciation handed out
Saturday December 8, 2001
Certificates of Appreciation were handed out at our 2001 Christmas party. Recognized were Eloise O'Halloran for her 15 years of service with the company and Wayne Gallant for his 20 years of service. Congratulations folks!
Long-Time Workers Are Recognized
Saturday December 1, 2001
Peter Griffin and John Griffin owners of WP Griffin Inc., congratulate Mirlam and Jackie Gallant of Elmsdale for collectively logging over 50 years of service with the Elmsdale potato growing and packing company. Jackie has been a warehouse worker with Griffins since 1967 and his wife started out working on the harvesters in the 1970's and later shifted to warehouse worker. The couple was presented with a 50-year service plaque during the company's recent Christmas party.
Bud The Spud in Alberton Parade
Wednesday August 1, 2001
ALBERTON - Tossing buckets of water onto their "fire" and onto the occasional spectator, Alberton volunteer fire fighters rode along the Prince County Exhibition's parade route Saturday morning in Alberton taking some of the heat out of summer. Their float celebrated 125 years of fire fighting service in Alberton and observed the parade's theme, 75 Years of Volunteers. For their efforts, the fire fighters picked up awards for most amusing and most best depicting the theme. The parade attracted around 85 entries and judges Vaunda Richard, Mary Bernard and Const. M.J. Homsey had their work cut out for them selecting winners. Held a little earlier in the day than normal, the parade was greeted with slightly overcast sky, which made the event quite comfortable for the spectators. EARLIER START TIME The earlier-than-normal start, however, probably helps explain why attendance at the parade appeared to be lighter than normal. If attendance at the parade was down, it wasn't reflected at exhibition grounds later in the day. Indeed weather conditions were wonderful for the exhibition all weekend and people flooded through the admission gates all three days. Joining Alberton Fire Department as parade winners were W.P. Griffin Inc. for best agricultural float, Milligan's Fisheries and Northport Towing for best business float and runner-up business float respectively, Red Oak Shrine Club for best volunteer float, the Young Environmentalists for best youth float, Elmsdale Church of the Nazarene for best community float and the Phillips Residence for best institutional float. The Tignish Air Cadets had the best marching unit. Walter Adams' 1952 Ford truck was judged to be the best antique vehicle. Going hand-in-hand with the parade and the exhibition was a store decorating contest. Saunders' Variety was judged to have the best display.
ATV News clip - Bud the Spud Restaurant Style Baking Potato
Thursday March 1, 2001
This is the first retail product to offer perfect baking potatoes. They are available at all Sobeys' locations. Please see the ATV News video clip.