April 2024

Women in North Kawartha

Rachel Conlin and Katie Bryck

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h i s i s f r e e m o n t h l y publiction. Copies re distributed by Cnd Post nd for locl pickup from Lkefield to Bncroft, Pudsh, Crdiff nd Coe Hill reion includin ll of the Apsley re.

If you don’t receive one in your mil box, you cn pick up copy t one of severl locl merchnts in nd round Apsley, lon the delivery routes or sin up for pid subscription! You cn ctch up on line t psleybckrods.com

The Publisher, Editor or ny of the contributors to this publiction shll not be lible nd ssume no responsibility for loss or dmes reltin to, or s result of ny written mteril or dvertisin in this publiction.

“The finl dte to submit ds, rticles nd stories for ech monthly issue is the fifteenth of the month prior (or sooner!)”

From The Editor’s Desk

APRIL 2024

Spring has Sprung! At least according to the calendar...

Mother Nature had wee bit of issues deciding what season it was for a while there. For being in a demographic area that typically gets a good amount of snow - this Winter will go down as the one “that wasnt”. Plus 10 degrees one day and minus 10 at night - snow, rain, sunshine and everything in between. I can’t complain - my back didn’t mind less shovelling! I’m excited to start planning my garden again and cleaning up all the things outside that were forgotten about last Fall.

This month in North Kawartha, there are so many things to do at the Library (young and old). The Lions Club is bringing back Euchre nights - see you April 17th! Best $2 spent for a night out...

In other news...drumroll please...SAYERS GROCERY is BACK!!!

Subscriptions Advertising

The rate card is available by contacting me directly at theapsleybackroads@gmail.com or check it online at apsleybackroads.com

Soft opening happened March 25th and I am so very honoured to continue to share their journey in the Backroads as it unfolds...check out some pictures down memory lane on pages 14 and 15. In the next couple of months we will feature more news on how the Grand Opening went and what “being back” feels like for the Sayers Family.

Subscriptions are available for $55.37 (HST included). 12 months, mailed right to your door.

Also, after two long years...the new and improved Apsley Backroads Website is almost done...a few more edits and additions and it will an amazing tool for our readers to access the magazine online as well as connect with local businesses and the services they offer. Thank you Lindsay from Perfect Perception Graphics for your patience with me and all my delays.

Happy Spring everyone!!

What’s Happening at the Library

Contributed by Kim Tucker and Lisa Mace

It is said that the greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate acons of its members. Special menon to some wonderful volunteers who lent a helping hand throughout our March Break Mayhem! You helped us to ensure a ton of fun was had by all. Please note further shout outs of support in this month’s update to some amazing local people and businesses. Let’s all connue to supportoneanother!

EarthBombs

BeinggivenawayduringtheweekofApril22nd

Don’t despair, despite the dramac name, earth bombs are quite lovely! They are small balls of shredded paper mash, formed into a ball, with a ny amount of soil and flower seeds inside. These balls of flower power are great for pung in a garden, plannginpots,orgiingtoafriend. Manythanksto Marci Swi and her sons from Swi Acre Apiary and Farm for volunteering their me to help us make these! HappyEarthDay!

FinancialWellnessSeminar

ThursdayApril25th–6:30pm

Are you self employed? Wondering how the heck you’ll ever rere? Curious about how money even works? Join us for an informave presentaon about the facts and truths surrounding money. Barbie Adams is a Financial Professional living right here in Apsley With over 22 years of experience, Barbie is a branch manager for Primerica Life Insurance Company of Canada and of PFSL Investments

Canada. This seminar is not intended to solicit customers, it is intended to provide educaonal informaon and, to help answer any quesons you may have. Please come out for an informave introducontofinancialwellness.

Tween/TeenRoomDécor

FridayApril12th&19th3:30–5:00pm

Calling all 11 to 19-year-olds: Join us aer schooltocreatethissupercoolwallhanging for your room. This will most likely take us two sessions to complete but, if you can only make it to one session, come anyways and we’ll send you home with what you need to complete your project. We’re looking forward to creang something cool withyouguys!

KidsClub

Thursdays3:30–4:30pm

Hey kids, come hangout with us aer school every Thursday! Somemes we cra or do art. Somemes we play games or try STEM projects.Onethingisforsure,wealwayshavefun!Aspecialthankyou to Hunters General Store for supplying the paper plates for our Easter cra!

PerfecngYourPastryWorkshop

MondayApril15th11amto1pm–attheWoodviewLibrary

Howluckyarewe!Joinaward-winningbaker,LindaPaterson,fromthe Border Town Café, for an aernoon of pastry making at the Woodview Library Linda will be sharing some of her tricks of the trade when it comes to perfecng your pastry skills. Each parcipant will go home with two – 4” chicken pot pies and, two – 4” berry pies. A $40 fee covers all of your ingredients and instrucon. If the cost is a barrier prevenng you from parcipang, please call Lisa Mace at the Library 705-656-4333. Limited number of parcipants. Please register in advancebycalling,emailing,orcomingintotheApsleyLibrary.

NaonalCanadianFilmDay

We are once again taking part in a coast-to-coast salute to Canadian cinema! Launched in 2014, CanFilmDay has brought together hundreds of thousands of Canadians, to celebrate our stories and the incredibleachievementsofourfilmmakers.Librarystaffhavecarefully selected the following two films to feature on April 17th. If you cannot aendbothshowings,pleasefeelfreetocometowhatworksforyou.

BonesofCrows–2022.Drama.124minutes

WednesdayApril17th5:30pmto7:34pm

A powerful and moving exploraon of the horrors and lasng impact of the Residenal School System. Bones of Crows follows Aline Spears (Dove), a Cree musical prodigy forcibly removed from her family as a

young girl. Finding that her story is one shared by hundreds of thousands displaced Indigenous people, she sets herself on a pursuit of jusce for herself and future generaons. This courageous generaon-spanning epic premiered at TIFF to rave reviews and received five nominaons at the Canadian Screen Awards including Best Original Screenplay. “[It] should be required viewing for all Canadians”–KimHughes

OurPeopleWillBeHealed–2017.Documentary,97minutes

WednesdayApril17th8:00pm–9:30pm By discussing the effects of intergeneraonal trauma, substance abuse, and many other issues facing indigenous communies, and by learning about their own history and culture, the featured students undergo a process of collecve healing to ensure that growing up doesn’t mean leaving one’s roots behind. This inspiring doc shows that the strength of the community comes from the people within it and provides a strong role model for prosperity and renewal. “Our People will be Healed breathes with hope for the future”. – Pat Mullen,POVMagazine

GardenClub–VisittoHorculturalSocietyPresentaon

TuesdayApril9th,10:00am–11:30am

Vercal Gardening – All about Vegetables with Ken Brown at Lakefield Bapst Church. Space can be a major concern when growing vegetables. At this meeng Ken will show you many innovave ideas to maximize the use of limited space. He calls these techniques, Vercal Vegetables. There are many vegetables that can be grown up, instead of out, such as cucumbers, zucchini etc. There are some that are as decorave as they are useful, and Ken will share some fun ways to include vegetables in your landscape. Please pre-register by etransferring $10 to the Lakefield Horcultural Society. lhstreassurer22@gmail.com

Storytelling

FridayApril12th,202410:00am–11:30am

Come and listen, learn, and share. Hear how to tell a good story, how to stay on track when telling a story, and how to keep people interested in your story. It’s a lovely gathering and we hope you will considerjoiningus!

Kniterary

Wednesdays3:00pm–4:30pm

Where do the friendliest people hang out? At Knierary of course. It’s a lovely gathering you are welcome to join no maer what your skill level. Whether you’re wanng to knit, crochet, or do needlework, drop in and pull up a chair. This is a casual gathering, and you are more then welcome to simply stop in and learn. We have needles and yarn for b e g i n n e r s t o g e t started. Come out and giveitatry!

AdultBookClub

ThursdayApril11th,6:30pm–8:00pm

Once again we met this month to discuss books we had recently read. This is not your average “read this or die” book club. We are a relaxed group of avid readers who are enjoying the commentary and company of chang with one another. If you are looking for some casual social interacon and an opportunity to discuss new books and authors with others,pleasefeelfreetojoinus.

UkuleleGroup

ThursdaysApril4th&April25th6:30–8:00pm

This informal gathering is perfect for beginners and seasoned pros alike. There is no formal instrucon and no pressure to preform. Simply, it’s a great group of people hanging out and helping one another. If you don’t have a ukulele, feel free to borrow one at thelibraryandgiveitatry!

by Rick de Haan

A Cry in the Wilderness

Many years ago, while sing in a tree stand waing for a deer to walk by (back when I used to hunt), I heard what sounded like a baby crying. This connuedoffandonforawhile.

Whattheheck?!

My curiosity geng the beer of me, I lowered my unloaded rifle down with a rope and climbed down the tree. Every 30 seconds or so I would hear the crying, allowing me to home in on its locaon. As I searched through the woods I began to wonder what would I do if I actually found a baby out there. I didn't have a cell phone. I suppose I would have to carry the poor thing to thefarmhouseamiledowntheroadandcall911.

But much to my relief it wasn't a baby that I'd heard, but two porcupines clinging to a tree trunk apparently having an argument. The one making all the plainve cries was the higher one (the female, I surmised). The lower porcupine was grunng and seemed intent on approaching the one above it. I assumed that he was the male. But the female would have none of it. Along with her highly vocal protestaons, which sounded remarkably like a human baby, she warded off his unwanted advancements with her generously adornedtail,whichshewaggledjustinchesfromhisnose.

It became quite obvious at that point that a marital spat appeared to be thereasonforallthecommoon.

When I walked closer the crying stopped and the two rodents became like tree ornaments, trying their best to be invisible. This was probably some insnctual survival tacc, much like hiding in plain sight. The male was about sixfeetupthetrunkandwasstaringstraightahead.

I couldn't resist. I figured I'd never get a chance like that again. I slowly raised my rifle and poked him gently in the bu with the end of the barrel. He made no aempt to take a swing at me with his tail, but instead looked down out of the corner of his eye and uered a perturbed "wheh". I did it again. Same reacon..."wheh". I remember wishing that I'd had a video camera to capturethisremarkablelileinteracon.

I walked away thinking that I may not have goen a deer that day, but I did come away with a memorythatI'dneverforget.

Most of us are aware of the dangers of messing with a porcupine, just like we know that fooling with a skunk is a bad idea. Porcupines, however, have quills.Lotsofthem.Andtheyare sharp, with rear-facing barbs near the p of each three-inch quill that, aer thrust into a hapless vicm, will painfully work its way deeper and deeper into the flesh with every muscle contracon.

Dogs are parcularly

vulnerable to the porcupine's primary defence mechanism. The problem with some dogs, however, is that they keep doing it—me aerme.

So, with a snoot full of black and white quills they will come home, slavering and whining, while their concerned/cked off owners have to take them to the vet—repeatedly—to extract what can amount to hundreds of quills and hundreds of dollars! These are the "doorknobs" of the dog world that never seem to learn that it really hurtswhenyouaack,playwith,ortrytosniffaporcupine.

Thankfully, this happened to my dog only once. Zeus (an Australian Shepherd/hound mix) and I were out for a walk in a field near some woods one day, when he suddenly bolted toward the treeline. Hoping he wouldn't get into another skunk, I tried to call him back. I had just goenhimfreeof"eau-de-skunk"theweekbeforeanddidn'twantto go through that again. (Without geng too deep into a story for another me, the scene that ensued out on the lawn aer the skunk affair must've been quite entertaining for the neighbours as they watched a strange looking man dry-heaving and dancing about with ear plugs up his nostrils, trying to wash and hose down a dog that dodged and darted every which way because of an innate fear of water.)

Aer anxiously waing for Zeus in the field for what seemed like halfanhour,hefinallycameboundingbackthroughthetallgrasswith about20quillssckingoutofhismuzzle.

GREAT!!

Zeus had a "what-the-heck-just-happened" look on his face and seemedquiterelievedtobefarawayfromthatstrangebeasthe'djust tried to sniff. But upon closer examinaon, I was able to determine that it must have been young porcupine he'd tried to make friends with,sincethequillsweresmallandnotverydeep.

Aer we got home I lied him up on my workbench while the kids, with tears of concern, tried their best to hold him down. I ed a thin rope around his muzzle and started in on him with a pair of pliers. He didn't like that very much since the barbs produced some resistance when I plucked each one out. Unfortunately he also had one stuck in his nose and he really didn't like it when I yanked that one out. Aer I wasfinishedwiththequillsthatIcouldsee,Ithenexaminedtheinside of his mouth and his tongue, just in case he'd been smiling at the porcupinewhenhegotquilled.

Zeus had learned his lesson and never messed with another porcupine. I'm sure he had plenty of opportunity, since there was lots ofsignoftheminthewoodswhereweroamed.

There are only two main enemies of the porcupine that pose any real threat to it, although some predators like lynx, bobcats, coyotes, and wolves do learn to successfully prey on porcupines. The fisher (a largememberoftheweaselfamily,abitsmallerthantheriveroer)is parcularly adept at aacking the porcupine's head and wounding it enoughsothatitcanflipitover,exposingitsquill-freebelly.

The only other real threat is from humans. Cars kill a lot of them on our highways and side roads. I once swerved to avoid running over a parcularly large one while driving in the dark. I ended up barely grazingitat80kph,and whenIgot homeInoced threequillsscking out of a re. Thankfully they didn't cause the re to leak air, but I neededplierstopullthemout!

Unfortunately porcupines are oen shot as pests because the can doconsiderabledamagetowoodlotssincetheyeatalotoftreebark.

WhilesnowshoeingonebrightsunnydayinMarch,Inoceda grove of Scotch pines in which almost every tree had significant amounts of bark chewed off. Aer a bit of tracking in the snow and searching the tree tops, I finally found the culprit—a half grownporcupine!Asamaeroffact,Ijustaboutwalkedstraight into him as I was going around one of the thicker pines. He was clinging to the back side of it about five feet up. We startled each other,butheappearedtobeafriendlylilechap.Wechaedfor abit,oratleastIdidwhilehelistened.

I figured he must've been feeding there all winter long for theretobethatmuchdamagetothetrees.

INTERESTINGPORCUPINEFACTS

•Agrownporcupinecanhaveasmanyas30,000quillswhichare hollow,comeouteasily,andgrowbackaerthey'redislodged.

• Porcupines cannot shoot their quills, but turn around to present their bristling backs and well armed tails which they swingsidewaysatpotenalpredatorsiftheyfeelthreatened.

• A porcupine will somemes live in a culvert under a roadway, but only if they can turn around in it to defend themselves.

• They are quite intelligent. They seem to sense if something or someone means them harm or not, and will only bristle up and swing their tails if provoked. They are very docileiftheysenseyouarefriendly

by Kathy Figueroa

A Moose In April

If, perchance, I was a moose, On a soggy April day, Would I favour a wet bog, Or on firm land would I stay?

Would I need level terrain So, from wolves, could quickly flee?

Maybe a dark, tangled swamp Is a safer place to be.

Would I lean toward the sun And soak up every ray, If through sodden clouds it broke, To make the rain go away?

...And if I heard an odd noise One day, coming from afar, Would I stroll forth to ponder The strange creature ...in a car?

“A Moose In April” was first published on May 1, 2014, in The Bancroft Times newspaper.

THINK TURTLE CONSERVATION

by Kelly Wallace

How to Help Turtles in Spring

When turtles come out of brumation (hibernation) in early spring, they are sluggish, and their bodies are often cramped up by lactic acid buildup. They are not the robust turtles we watched head off to their winter habitat to brumate. It takes time for turtles to regain their depleted energy stores and optimal metabolism. To help with this, turtles will head for basking sites to soak up the sun's warmth and increase their body temperature and metabolic rate, and with this comes more active turtles we can expect to see crossing roads and out and about.

Turtles Take To The Roads

Don't Put Your Snow Shovel Away! As funny as it sounds, many people in rural communities and cottage country have a snow shovel in their vehicle from spring to autumn to assist turtles across the road if it is safe to stop. Some use this method because they are uncomfortable with hands-on techniques to help turtles. Other people find it an easy and reliable way to help a turtle out of harm's way. A snow shovel can be used to gently scoop up a turtle and move it across the road or carefully guide a turtle across the road. Whether using a hands-on method or a snow shovel to assist a turtle across a road, "ALWAYS" move the turtle in the direction it is headed, even if it makes no sense to you. Turtles are aquatic animals, and if they are out of the water, it is for a reason; rerouting a turtle will only cause the turtle to end up back on the road, and this second time, the turtle may not be fortunate enough to get assistance.

If you stop to help a turtle, please do not be tempted to relocate it to your idea of a better place. Turtles have a small home range and should be left where they are found. Their survival depends on it. Many turtles crossing roads from April to early June will be males searching for mates. Egg-laden females will seek to nest three to six weeks after mating. This varies and sometimes doesn't involve mating. The female snapping

turtle can store viable sperm for three years to fertilize eggs even when she does not mate. Nesting typically occurs from mid-May to mid-July, with June being the peak month, and is most notable when there is a significant increase in the number of turtles crossing roads. However, turtles are known to cross roads anytime between April and October.

To help prevent vehicle strikes, we ask motorists to obey speed limits, avoid distracted and aggressive driving, keep their eyes on the road, watch for wildlife crossing the road, and take responsibility for a turtle if they hit it with their vehicle. Ontario has a turtle hospital.

Injured Turtles

The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC) is home to Ontario's turtle hospital. The OTCC admits injured turtles from anywhere in Ontario. They provide medical care at "no" charge and have Turtle taxi Volunteers to assist with transportation if the finder cannot drive the injured turtle to the OTCC or the nearest first responder. Should you find an injured turtle, please call the OTCC at 705-741-5000 when you are with the turtle.

If you are interested in finding out what is required to be a Turtle Taxi volunteer, e-mail volunteer@ontarioturtle.ca. OTCC will furnish you with the necessary information.

Should you stop to assist a turtle across the road or retrieve an injured turtle, it is imperative to ensure your safety, your passenger's safety, and other motorists' safety; please make "SAFETY YOUR #1 PRIORITY!"

Spring Hatchlings

A fascinating aspect of spring is discovering turtle hatchlings that remained in their nest last autumn, known as "overwintering," and are now emerging to experience the great outdoors for the first time. Overwintering is typical of Painted, Map, and Blanding turtle hatchlings, but other hatchling species will also resort to this survival tactic. The success rate in these cases will vary due to the harsh winter and some turtle species being less resilient under such conditions.

Remember that if you find one hatchling, there could be more. Watch out for low-to-the-ground turtle species and hatchlings when mowing lawns or doing yard work.

Help Hatchings To Water

If you find a hatchling, take it to the nearest body of water. Once there, find an area with shallow water, vegetation that will serve as a protective covering, and an entry point from which the hatchling can enter the water independently. Turtle hatchlings will spend much of their early years hiding until they have gained some size and girth and are not so vulnerable to predators.

If there are multiple hatchlings to release, spread them around the body of water in shallow water with vegetation. A general guideline is 10 feet apart. This will reduce the chances of predators locating clusters of hatchlings and increase the number of hatchlings that survive.

Thank you for helping at-risk species when they need it most.

To contact the author, e-mail thinkturtle@yahoo.com or visit the Think Turtle Conservation Initiative website at http://www.thinkturtle.ca for more information about helping turtles.

LIONS COMMUNITY REPORT

by Jim Empringham, Apsley and District Lions Club

April

It has been a crazy winter weather-wise, but spring is around the corner and Lions members and volunteers (Friends of Lions) will be back to the busy workofofferingahostofcommunityacvies. Depending on when this issue of Backroads is received in the mail, the annual Lions Easter Egg Hunt will be about to happen or has just happened. This fun family event is scheduled for Saturday, March 30 at Lions Park from 11 am to noon. Chocolate goodies will be available to children 10 and under. A special area is set aside for toddlers to make sure all of the kids have a chancetoenjoythemoment.Coffeeandhotchocolatewillbethereincaseit is cool. Come on out and connect with other parents and kids. This is a no chargeeventputontoaddtothelifeofourcommunity.

Euchre nights are returning!! Come on out Wednesday, April 17 to NKCC for the return of this fun night. Play starts at 7 pm and admission is $2. This was a well-aended acvity last summer and fall. Renew friendships and make newones.Playersmustbe19orolder.

Planning is underway for another special, July 1, Canada Day celebraon. The parade begins at 4 pm at the school followed by great food at the Lions Park,gamesforthekidsandmusicfortheadults. Fireworkswillcapthedayoffatdusk.Comeonoutandenjoyafundayforall. Any community member, organizaon or business that would like to add to the scope of the parade is invited to add a float or something creave. If you wanttobepartofthecelebraon,contactBrendaLensenat705-656-9254

The Lions Annual Giant Flea Market is on the horizon. It is always on the third Saturday of July This year that will be Saturday, July 20 from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. For the second year, Sunday, July 21 from 9:00 to noon will be a bargain hunters dream as remaining items go on sale. There will be no pick ups but will again be accepng drop offs of gently used items each Saturday at Lions Park beginning the Victoria Day weekend from 9:00 to noon. If you can bring some help to assist with the drop off our Lions members would appreciate it.

The Flea Market is our biggest community event and requires the assistance of many volunteers. Each year we have many from our community who help withdrop offs,set up and on thedayof theevent.The FleaMarket would not be the success it has become without that help. You do not have to be a Lions member to support your community. This is a great opportunity for students to work toward the community hours requirement for high school graduaon. If you want to volunteer for any part of this fun acvity, please callLionBrendaLensenat705-656-9254.

The Lions Park re-vitalizaon project will connue through the spring/summer/fall as various components are completed. We are hoping that the new parking lot and the installaon of players benches at the ball diamond will be completed soon. The play structure is scheduled to move in thelatesummerandthesoccerfieldcreatedinthefall.Noneofthiswouldbe possible without community support of our fundraising efforts. Thank you all.Togetherwemakeourcommunitybeer.

Keep reading the Lions report in future Backroads and follow us online to learnmoreabouthowyourLionsClubisworkingtobenefitourcommunity.

THOUGHTS From GAYLE

Gayle Davis, Freelance

Total Solar Eclipse

Got

fiveminutesonApril8th?Aspectacularandsomewhatrareeventwill occur on that day which we will be able to observe in parts of Canada, if thecloudsdon’tgetintheway–atotalsolareclipse.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the earth and the sun, casng a shadow on the earth. The earth spins on its axis once every 24 hours and orbits the sun once every 365 days while the moon revolves around the earth once every 29.53 days. The locus of darkness occurs for just a brief period, blocking sunlight to the earth. In those ephemeral minutes, the earth grows noceably darker and colder as temperatures drop.

Thisyear,onApril8th,centralandeasternCanadawillexperienceasolar eclipse.Thepathoftotalitywillbe between 100-115 km wide and, if your locaon happens to fall within thattrajectory,youwillbeabletowitnessa total solar eclipse, an event that last occurred in Canada in 1979. In other areas,NorthAmericawillexperiencea paralsolareclipse,sllquiteastellareventbutnotnearlyasdramacas afulleclipse.

Solareclipsesoccurevery 18monthstotwoyearsinvariousplacesacross theearth;however,foraspecific locaon,itcanbeaonceinseveralcenturiesevent,makingtheupcoming celesal spectacle a must-see. The eclipse will enter the North American connent over Mexico’s Pacific coast, travel diagonally southwest to northeast across North America, and eventually exit over the Atlanc in Eastern Canada. Total darkness will last up to four minutes and 28 seconds in specific areas from Ontario through to the East Coast and into NewfoundlandandLabrador Queen’s University associate professor, Robert Knobel, who lectures in physics and astronomy remarked that just by walking outside we will be able to experience a unique astronomical phenomenon. It is esmated thatthiseventwilloccurbetween3:00-3:30pmonApril8.

Looking up to view this magnificent display is a given. However, solar eclipsescomewithsomeveryimportant caveats. Looking directly at the sun at any me can be very dangerous. The sun can cause permanent damage to eyes, resulng in paral or complete loss of eyesight. Excessive amounts of ultraviolet radiaon can

cause

photo keras which is a sunburn to the eyes. Solar renopathy, a condion that can decrease your central fine vision, can also occur. Some school boards in Ontario and Quebec will be closed that day in order to protect students. Tosafelyenjoythephenomenon,precauonsmustbetaken. According to the Canadian Space Agency, the best and safest way to watch the eclipse is by wearing a pair of eclipse glasses’ made of aluminized polyester. Aluminized polyester filtersoutultravioletlightandisamaterial that is used in space exploraon to protect astronauts from theharmfulraysofthesun.

Failing that, a more rudimentary and less expensive mode of protecon can be had by poking a small hole in a piece of cardboard. But it must be used with cauon. When totality is reached,itissafetoremoveyourglassesor apparatus for a moment and view the eclipse. The moon will appear as a circle or black hole surrounded by a golden corona – a heavenly sight. But the length of viewing me is crucial. Lingering unl the sun starts to emerge on the other side can cause the aforemenoned damage. Mindful cauon mustbetaken.

For the best places to view the eclipse, Google ‘solar eclipse in Canada’ and check out its path. You may have to travel a bit, but it will be worth it for a once in a lifeme chance to viewtheawesomedisplay

We can all agree that the world right now is fraught with many challenges and much destrucon; however, viewing something as spectacular as a solar eclipse reminds us that ourhome,theearth,isawondrousandfascinangplanet.

OnApril8,watchsafelyandmarvelatthespectacle!

POEMS By WINSTON

By Winston E Ralph

The Old Hermon School

Many folks went to the Hermon school years ago

And where they all are now I don’t know

Some are in Canada and others in the states

So I hope its not because for our area they hate

Times were tough around there in the past

Did the folks wonder will they always last

Many of her folks and some younger have passed on

And most of the teachers are also long gone

The teachers taught with little but students were good

So most haven’t harmed anyone even if they could

The well in the basement gave us water to drink

While the children upstairs had to learn and think

The toilets were tanks in the basement that did smell

And needed to be pumped out that we could tell

The well was put in the last year we were there

Flush toilets and a septic tank which a man had to care

Some folks went there and never got the strap

But I got it five times how do you like that

Others weren’t strapped but shakings they had

Teachers can’t discipline today making children bad

The buses brought children then went for others

Even though it was miles they still had to bother

I always watched the clock waiting until four

Then it was a mad dash out the classroom door

Others never done homework and the teacher said why

They said I don’t know but why didn’t they try

Some had little at home and their clothes were poor

But now they get help with things isn’t that for sure

Some children walked many miles morning and night

So in school they were tired and didn’t bother to fight

Our lunches were little or maybe nothing at all.

by Alex McMann

But unless you were sick at school you had to call

Sure times were tough they were the good old days

As you done right and none of your foolish ways

by Mayor Carolyn Amyotte, Township of North Kawartha

COUNCIL’S CORNER

Please visit for all things www northkawartha ca municipal in North Kawartha If you would like to receive regular municipal updates you may also subscribe to North Kawartha's email alerts via the website as well. For those of you that are active on social media please follow me @MayorAmyotte on Facebook andTwitter It is my intent to share positive, factual and timely information about issues, events and happenings that impact our community and residents. To contact me directly, myphonenumberis(705)931-1342andmyemailismayor@northkawartha.ca

Here’safewthingsthathappenedinApril:

• Council received a presentaon from the MNRF about wildlife management in our region specifically regarding coyotes and how to minimizeandhandlecoyote/humaninteracons

• We passed resoluons asking the province to increase funding for libraries and museums, and provide greater support for cemetery management

• Council has struck a Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw Commiee and is looking for 3 community members to serve on this commiee. The applicaon deadline is April 30th, 2024. Please see the ad in this Backroadsissueandcheckoutthewebsiteformoreinformaon

• We are also looking to fill the posion of Planner and Economic DevelopmentOfficer

• Council received an Upper Trent Water Management Update and heard about the potenal concerns and risks of low water levels due to lack of snowmelt

• WelaunchedtheFoodCyclerPilotProjecttosupportouron-goingwaste diversion efforts. 200 units were made available to residents on a first come, first served basis

• We received a delegaon from the County of Peterborough regarding proposalstouploadWasteandOrganicsCollecon Here’swhat’scomingupinApril…

April2,2024-RegularMeengofCouncil

April16,2024-RegularMeengofCouncil

April23,2024-RegularLibraryBoardMeeng

EndofApril-JointMeengwithHavelock-Belmont-MethuenCouncil

What’s Happening at the Rink

By Helena McMann, AMHA Board Secretary

U18's David Andrews Memorial Tournament Champs!

March 3rd U13's Bradford Blue & Gold Tournament Champions

March 17th

North Kawartha Knights Turn the Page after another Memorable Season

The 2023-24 season has come to a close. Your Knights want to thank all their sponsors and their fans for all their connued support. Since 2014 your Knights have played in the PJHL Orr Division, but this season was our last. Starng next season (2024-25) your Knights will compete inthePJHLTodDivision,wherewelookforwardtostarng some new rivalries with the likes of Napanee, Amherstview, Picton, Frankford, Port Hope, and Campbellford, while connuing our fierce rivalry with Lakefield!SeeyouallattheNKCCin2024-25!

APRIL 2024

UKULELE GROUP 6:30pm to 8:00pm NK Library

GARDEN CLUB - Vercal Gardening with Ken Brown. Visit to the Lakefield Horcultural Society Fee $10

ADULT BOOK CLUB, 6:30pm to 8:00pm, NK Library

STORYTELLING, 10:00am to 11:30am

TWEEN/TEEN ROOM DECOR, 3:30PM TO 5:00PM, NK Library

Every THURSDAY 3:30pm to 4:30pm at the NK LIBRARY

PERFECTING YOUR PASTRY w/ Linda Paterson 11am-1pm $40 register in advance, WOODVIEW Library

NATIONAL CANADIAN FILM DAY, North Kawartha Library 5:30pm - Bones of Crowes, 8:00pm - Our People Will be Healed

EARTH DAY - “Earth Bombs” (paper, seeds and soil) given away FREE all week at the Library

FINANCIAL WELLNESS SEMINAR - Barbie Adams. 6:30pm NK Library

Looking Ahead

May 12th MOTHERS DAY

May 26th LIONS 50th Anniversary Celebraon NKCC 2-4 pm

June 16th FATHERS DAY

June 20th First Day of SUMMER

July 1st CANADA DAY

July 20th and 21st LIONS ANNUAL FLEA MARKET

What’s up WEEKLY...

FALLPREVENTION

EXERCISE CLASS

10:00-11:00AM NKCC

DARTS 7:00pm Apsley LEGION

Adult Community PICKLE BALL($2) 6pm to 9pm NKCC

(not on Stat Holidays)

SHUFFLE BOARD CORNHOLE 10:30AM Then Lunch and EUCHRE/CANASTA (Hand & Foot) NKCC (ABC Seniors)

TABLE TENNIS 7pm to 9 pm NKCC

EUCHRE 7pm to 9pm WILSON PARK Community Centre

FALLPREVENTION

EXERCISE CLASS

10:00-11:00AM PICKLE BALL

11:15am-2:00pm CRAFT CLASS

2:00 pm-4:00 pm Seniors Club, NKCC

SHUFFLEBOARD

1:00 pm Apsley LEGION

KNITERARY LIBRARY

3:00pm to 4:30pm

PLAYGROUP 0-6yrs

10:00am-12:00pm NKCC

UKULELE 1st & 3rd THURS

LIBRARY, 6:30pm

CANASTAHAND & FOOT OR DARTS 12:30 to 4pm WILSON PARK Community Centre

Adult Community PICKLE BALL($2) 6pm to 9pm NKCC 1st, 3rd, 5th Thurs

DUPLICATE BRIDGE 1:00pm to 4:00pm NKCC MUSIC JAM Sessions 4pm Apsley LEGION

We can finally say “Welcome Back Sayers!”

Soft opening happened on March 25th 2024 and Grand Opening will happen sometime in AprilFollow the Sayers Facebook page for details!

Here are a few photographs to remind us of the journey.

More will be shared of their story in The Backroads these next couple of months, but for now...a little trip down memory lane...

Dec 5th 2020 - The Fire

Dec 5th 2020 - The Fire

ABOVE:

1907 - THE ORIGINAL STORE (before it was Sayers)

This is looking south from the verandah of Brown’s Store - No telephone poles yet, as they were installed in 1908.

Photo Courtesy of Marilyn Hinds

BELOW: Sayers Family, Friends & CoWorkers: always a huge part of any community event - like the Christmas Parades!

Photo credit Sayers Facebook Page

ABOVE (2023) LEFT (2024) Framed and then Bricked Home Stretch

Photo Courtesy of Jeff Sayers

Far LEFT and BELOW: You can see the different signs over the years.

BELOW: Rick and Jenn Sayers doing deliveries during Covid (March 2020)

WOMEN OF NORTH KAWARTHA

by Helena McMann

The driving force and inspiration behind some of the most successful businesses’s, events and important roles, right here in our community. This column, launched March 2024, will feature one or more women, their stories and how they contribute to the very essence of why we Honourandacknowledge InternationalWomen’sDay.

RACHELCONLIN

Irish Hills Farm

I was humbled and honoured to be invited to write a story for this column. Helena McMann of Apsley Backroads wrote “I'm so proud of the posive impact you're making in this community” My response; this community has hadaposiveimpactonme.

I am Rachel Conlin, owner of Irish Hills Farm – Arsan Wool Creaons. What began in 2005 with my husband and me purchasing one of the last remaining, original farmsteads in North Kawartha, has transformed over me into my absolute passion: making handmade, enchanted creaons from nature's naturally renewable resource: WOOL. We originally began with raising sheep. It wasn't long unl I opened a farm stand in Apsley selling our organic lamb, other produce from our farm and the wool I processed from our flock. From hand dyed, hand spun, felted and knied items to my Wooly Soaps & wool dryer balls, I handmade these items from our own sheep. We were awarded with the Peterborough County Agricultural Leadership Award along with being honoured Homesteaders of the Year, 1st runner up across North America from Mother Earth News publicaons. Now, nineteen years later and far too many lambing's and shearing'storemember,Iamsolelyfocusingonthewoolly side of my venture. I connue to dye, spin, knit & felt wool; creang unique clothing and hand dyed luxury yarns,aswellasarsanwooltapestriesforpurchase.

In 2019 I began the Apsley Holiday Extravaganza, 'An Explosion of Sophiscated, Locally Created Items'. It is holiday marketplace held each year on the 3rd weekend of November at the North Kawartha Community Centre. I iniated this event for everyone. I wanted a place where every single person would feel welcome and delight in a fesve atmosphere, where local arsts, as well as myself, could showcase their wonderful makings, where we can all support our community together I iniated the Apsley Holiday Extravaganza because I grew up in Apsley, at a me before there was a food bank or a breakfast club. Somemes we had to add water to the stew to make it 'stretch', as my mother would say. But I figured out early, if that same stew is served with kindness and gratude, those gestures would stay with you long aer the stew was gone. Hosng the ApsleyHolidayExtravaganzaismythankyoutothiswonderfulcommunity IprefertooffermyartinpersonandthatisoneofthereasonsIenjoybeinga part of the Apsley Studio Tour, held each September as well as having my creaons available during the Apsley Holiday Extravaganza and the Fibre Arts Fesval & Sale which takes place on Sat. April 13 at the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre. As me permits, and I'm not so busy 'making', I alsomakemyworkisavailableonlineinmyshop.

Youcanfindmeat hps://irishhillsfarm.etsy.com hps://www.facebook.com/apsleyholidayextravaganza/

hps://apsleystudiotour.com/porolio-item/studio-o-rachel-conlin/ hps://www.instagram.com/rachel.conlin_irishhillsfarm/

KATIEBRYCK Community Care Apsley Office

HelloNorthKawartha!

If you don't already know me, my name is Kae Bryck, I am the C o m m u n i t y D e v e l o p m e n t Coordinator at Community Care Peterborough, Apsley Office. I have been working in the Apsley office for 2 years and have enjoyed becoming a p a r t o f t h i s co m m u n i t y M y background is in Gerontology, and I have been working with seniors for

over 6 years. I am passionate about the work that I do, which includes supporngseniorsandadultswithdisabilies,workingwithvolunteers,and providingsupporttofamilies/caregivers.

April is Naonal Volunteer Month. This month we recognize our volunteers andtheircommitmenttoservingourclientsandourcommunity.Thetheme ofthisyearisEveryMomentMaers.

At Community Care, we are powered by our volunteers. Our volunteers provide a variety of essenal services to support seniors and adults with disabilies, empowering them to live at home. In Apsley, we have a strong volunteer team and an inspiring group of women who connue to give their me to support others in need. Whether it is a volunteer drive to a medical appointment, supporng our clients in booking appointments in our office, volunteering within our thri store or assisng with fundraising events. Each volunteer role is important and has an impact on the health and

wellbeing of our community. This month, I would like to express my gratude for all the wonderful volunteers that I work with. You make a difference, and you are appreciated. Thank you for your dedicaon and yourmebecauseEveryMomentMaers.

Contributed by Lori Brock

APSLEY LEGION BRANCH #381

Although a smaller turn out than Halloween our Mardi Gras dance was a ball. We crowned our king and queen Rebecca & Andy! Everyone's outfits were great. We also wanted to congratulate all the speech winners of Branch 381 JUNIORS 1st Katielynn Caya 2nd Meadow Cook 3rd Avery Tucker INTERMEDIATE 1st Brooklyn Nicholson 2nd Lilybeth Caya 3rd Molly Cotnam. We will be cheering on our first place winners as they continue on in the speech competition.

Did you know that the legion rents out the hall for private events? Think of us next time you host a family reunion, birthday party, wedding reception, baby shower etc. The legion capacity is 113. A full day rental starts at $250 +hst + $50 cleaning fee. (price will increase if a bartender is required). We are also happy to accommodate half day rentals. We offer a 25% discount to all members of Branch 381 in good standing. We also offer a 50% discount for celebration of life events. Support your local legion by hosting your next event with us (your rental fees go directly back to Branch 381). Please stop by during our open hours or reach out to us at apsleylegion381@gmail.com if you have any questions or for next steps to book our space.

Contributed by Maaike Berg-Nonnekes

ABC SENIORS

April is the beginning of the membership year and new members (50 yrs.+) are welcome! The annual fee is $7.00 and gives you opportunies to parcipate in various acvies and events throughout the year. If you are interested,youareinvitedtojoinonTuesdaysattheNKCC.

Coffee and social starts at 10:00 a.m. The Seniors are a wonderful mix of folks! The group is enriched by those who have been born and raised in Apsley and others who have moved to the area later in their years. One is encouraged to become involved and be part of this caring community Perhaps, briefly introducing an ABC member and hearing a lile bit of their story,onecanappreciatetheSeniorscommunity

Daisy Whitmore warmly welcomed me into her home aer approaching her at theTrappersCarnival,interestedinwhy she was there. Over a cup of coffee and home-baked cookies, she willingly shared some of her life, interests, and challenges and I also became more awareofthelocalhistory.

Daisy was born in the former Apsley Hospital and grew up in the area. She always enjoyed the outdoors and hunng with her grandfather. Later, her dadwouldtakeheroutwiththe.22and accompany her on hunts, encouraging her outdoor interests. She had many adventures while raising a busy family of five children: helped build their house, worked on the farm ll dark during haying season, worked in several stores, leased and managed McCarthy’s, owned and drove her own school bus, and finally, completed the Trapping and Fur Management Course that had always interested her She wonders how she had managed it all! Having her licence, she was now able to do the trapping she loved. Beaver and muskrat were the targets. Hazel, her daughter, shared these mes. Daisy also has had several deer over the years, which she somemes had to skin herself Each year, she connues to aend and contribute to the Trapping Carnival! Her love of the outdoors was shared with her family. She sll loves to be outside and stack her own firewood. A strong, kind woman with great resilience! “Just get out thereanddoit!”shesays.

Thankyou,Daisy!

A DAY in the LIFE of a SMALL TOWN

Photos by Amber Dragisic and Helena McMann

MARCH 2 2024

Trappers Carnival

LEO U8 Hockey Wrap Up Day

Paper Bag Princess Day

Apsley was buzzing with fun things to do around town. North Kawartha

C o m m u n i t y C e n t r e

h o s t e d b o t h t h e

Trappers Carnival and the Leo Hockey U8 Wrap up day.

Then one (meaning me...) meandered over to the Library for Paper Bag Princess Day to enjoy a reading of the beloved book by Robert Munsch (via YouTube) and some fun activities.

I’m a 47 year old woman and I just loved spending time doing the things that brought out the kid in me, in the town I am blessed to call home, Helena.

LEFT:

U8 Flames after a fun dayofhockey

BELOWMIDDLE: An arena full of Fans c h e e r i n g o n t h e i r favouriteplayers BELOWBOTTOM: Enjoying the genuine excitement of Robert Munsch reading Paper BagPrincess.

FARLEFT:

Slate Dragisic (age 3) guessing weight of the Muskrat

MIDDLEFARLEFT: Kim Dunford doing an Interview with Global News

MIDDLEBOTTOM: Phil Tamlin stretching an Otter

BOTTOM LEFT: Busy Crowd enjoying the TrappersCarnival

Anstruther-Burleigh-Chandos (ABC) SENIORS

“An inclusive place for friendship, fitness and learning”

Join us for Pickle ball and other Fitness programs, Lunches, Euchre, Canasta Hand & Foot, Floor Shufeboard and relevant Senior’s Learning Programs. New members are welcome!

apsleyabcseniors@gmail.com at the North Kawartha Community Centre 340 McFadden Road in Apsley

Contributed by Joyce Corner

The Berry Pickers

BOOK NOOK

Written by Amanda Peters

The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters is a moving story of a Mi'kmaw family from Nova Scotia who every year travels to Maine for the summer to pick blueberries. The youngest daughter, 4 year old Ruthie, mysteriously disappears. No trace of her can be found. The family frantically searches everywhere but no Ruthie. Joe, her six year old brother, was the last to see her..

This guilt affects Joe for the rest of his life - anger, guilt - heavy drinking. Mae, her older sister and Mother firmly believe that she is alive. Some years after Ruthies disappearance Ben the oldest brother claims to have seen her.Hope lingers on.

Norma is brought up by a well-to-do family in Maine. At first, Norma has memories of her former family but these gradually fade. Her mother is overprotective and won't let Norma out of her sight.

Once Norma starts college she is on her own. She meets and marries Mark. They are very happy until Norma's pregnancy ends badly. They travel to Nova Scotia to find their former happiness but Norma can't forget the loss of the baby.

After her father dies Norma moves back with her mother. When her mother passes Norma is going over the estate with her Aunt June She said I've figured out that I was adopted and that's why no family photos. No you were not adopted your mother saw you sitting on the rock and just put you in the car. She swore me to secrecy.

It doesn't seem possible but after 50 years June is able to help Norma find her real family. The reunion is overwhelming. Lots of tears, happiness, Iove, and so many stories.

MEMORIES SHARED by MARJORIE

By Marjorie Wilson, Freelance

A Museum Visit!

Now that April has arrived the Bancro North Hasngs Heritage Museum is looking forward to another great year and evenmorevisitors.

When you visit a museum what do you expect to see? It might surprise you to find that it is a hive of acvity. The Bancro museum is no excepon. On a recent visit I watched a group working on quilt making. Chrisne was sharing her experse with the group. Note the photos. The completed quilt top was pieced together with hand sewing. Note the small pieces! A labour of love, indeed! I overheard them discussing whether they would do the quilng with hand stches or by machine. Todaymanyquiltsaremadeenrelybymachine.

The other photo is of Cynthia, an expert in fine bead work who also shares her talent by teaching classes. You may find Cynthia working, this summer, out on the porch of the museum.Thesetwowomenarepartof a much larger group of people who have been giving their me to make this museum a “must visit”. Memories ofolderpeoplehavebeenrecordedandpublished.Thosebooks are in the gi shop. The building has eleven rooms - a Veterans room, Mineral room, Algonquin room, Medical and Dental room, Parlour, Dining room, Bedrooms, Sports, Foyer and Gi Shop What is in store for us this year? The displays are constantly improved. Children are especially welcomed. They are invited to take part in a treasure hunt designed for various ages and abilies. They might even win a pizza! In the foyer you willfind not only displays but a gishop and a tourism centre for visitorslookingforlocalinformaon.Hopetoseeyousoon! PS The Bancro North Hasngs Heritage Museum has a Facebookpagewhichyoucancheckhoursandspecialacvies.

PERFECTLY

PINEAPPLE RECIPES

By Denise Dunford and Helena McMann

Hawaiian Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kebabs

INGREDIENTS

SAUCE:

1/2cupbarbecuesauce

1/2cupsoysauce

1/4cuppineapplejuice

1tbspbrownsugar

1tbspricewinevinegar

11/2tbspmincedgarlic

1tablespoonoliveoil

1teaspoonsesameoil

SKEWERS:

1 pound (500 g) chicken

breastscut1-inchcubes

1 6 b a c o n r a s h e r s trimmed of excess fat andhalvedlengthways(21/2inchx1-inch).

3cupsfreshcubedpineapple

1lgredpepper(capsicum)dicedinto1-inchpieces

1lggreenpepper(capsicum)dicedinto1-inchpieces

1largeredoniondicedinto1-inchpieces

Saltandcrackedpeppertotaste

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix the bbq sauce together with the soy sauce, pineapplejuice,ricevinegar,garlicandsesameoilina largejugorbowl.

Preheat a grill pan (or grill plates on the bbq) over medium-highheat.

Thread the red onion, red pepper (capsicum) piece), pineapple, green pepper, bacon and chicken onto skewers, wrapping the bacon around the chicken as pictured above. Repeat unl all of the chicken has been used. Coat skewers evenly with HALF of the marinade(reserveotherHALFforbasng).

Brush grill pan or grates over with olive oil. Grill the skewersfor5minutes;brushover1/4cupofreserved marinade.Turnskewersoverandcoatwithremaining 1/4 cup of marinade. Grill for a further 4 minutes, or unl the chicken is cooked through and to your liking. Serveimmediately.

Ina Garten Carrot and Pineapple Cake

INGREDIENTS

Forthecake:

2cupsgranulatedsugar

11/3cupsvegetableoil

3extra-largeeggs,atroomtemperature

1teaspoonpurevanillaextract

21/2cupsplus1tablespoonall-purposeflour,divided

2teaspoonsgroundcinnamon

2teaspoonsbakingsoda

11/2teaspoonskoshersalt

1cupraisins

1cupchoppedwalnuts

1poundcarrots,grated

1/2cupdicedfreshpineapple

FORTHEFROSTING:

3/4poundcreamcheese,atroomtemperature

1/2poundunsaltedbuer,atroomtemperature

1teaspoonpurevanillaextract

1poundconfeconers'sugar,sied

FORTHEDECORATION:

1/2cupdicedfreshpineapple Direcons

Preheattheovento350degreesF.

Buer 2 (8-inch) round cake pans. Line with parchment paper, then buerandflourthepans.

For the cake: Beat the sugar, oil, and eggs together in the bowl of an electric mixer fied with the paddle aachment unl light yellow.

Add the vanilla. In another bowl, si together 2 1/2 cups flour, the cinnamon,bakingsoda,andsalt.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Toss the raisins and walnutswith1tablespoonflour.Foldinthecarrotsandpineapple.Add tothebaerandmixwell. Divide the baer equally between the 2 pans. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or unl a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completelyinthepanssetoverawirerack. For the frosng: Mix the cream cheese, buer and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fied with the paddle aachment unl just combined.Addthesugarandmixunlsmooth. Place 1 layer, flat-side up, on a flat plate or cake pedestal. With a knife or offset spatula, spread the top with frosng. Place the second layer on top, rounded side up, and spread the frosng evenly on the top and sidesofthecake.Decoratewithdicedpineapple.

Pina Colada

INGREDIENTS

11/2cupsice

1/2cupdicedpineapple,frozen 2ouncespineapplejuice

2ouncescannedcreamofcoconut

11/2ounceswhiterum

1ouncedarkrum

2pineapplewedges,forgarnish

DIRECTIONS

1. Pineapple Is a Fruit Rich in Vitamin C

2. Eating Pineapple May Enhance Your Weight Loss

3. Eating Pineapple May Aid Your Digestion

4. The Manganese in Pineapple Promotes Healthy Bones

5. Pineapple Is Packed With Disease-Fighting Antioxidants

6. Thanks to Its Antioxidants, Pineapple Has CancerFighting Properties

7. Pineapple Fits in an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

8. Pineapple’s Nutrient Profile Means the Fruit Can Help Boost Immunity

Full article here:

https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/8reasons-eat-pineapple/

Combine the ice with the frozen pineapple, pineapple juice, coconut cream and both rums in a blender. Blend unl smooth and frosty. Pour into 2 glasses. Cut a slit in the p of each pineapple wedge, then perch ontherimofeachglass.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/pina-colada-

SelectionwillbebasedontheTownshipofNorthKawarthaAppointmenttoBoardsandCommitteesBy -law Forfurtherinformationpleaseview wwwnorthkawarthaca/CommitteesofCouncil WrittenApplications,includingaresumeofrelatedexperience,maybesubmittedbyemailto cparent@northkawarthaca orinasealed envelopemarked“ComprehensiveZoningBy -LawCommitteeMember ”nolaterthan4:00pmon April30,2024 to: ConnieParent,Clerk,TownshipofNorthKawarthaPO Box550,280BurleighStreet,Apsley,OntarioK0L1A0 Iffurtherinformationisrequired,pleasecontact:ConnieParent,Clerk,at:705 -656-5187,1-800-755-6931(ext 234)or cparent@northkawarthaca

SPRING COLOURING CONTEST

KIDS! Get your Mom, Dad or another awesome Adult in your life to send a pic of you, holding your completed masterpiece (by April 15th ‘24) to for your chance to win a COOL PRIZE PACK. theapsleybackroads@gmail.com

Earth Day - Monday April 22 2024

arth Day is an annual celebraon that honors the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect Earth’s natural resources for future generaons.

Environmental acvism during the 1960s inspired Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson to create a naonal celebraon uning the environmental movement. With the help of Denis Hayes, a graduate student at Harvard University, Nelson organized the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, educang parcipants in the importance of environmental conservaon.

arth Day Core Issues: Advocacy, Climate Change, Conservaon & Biology, Educaon, Energy, Food & Agriculture, Green Economy, Green Schools, Recycling & Waste Reducon, Sustainable Development

In only 40 years, Earth Day has evolved from a single day celebrang the environmental movement in the United States to a global network that empowers more than a billion people to beer understand, protect, and improve the environment. Check out full arcle here: hps://educaon.naonalgeographic.org/resource/earth-day/

WINTER CONTEST WINNER: CHLOE BOOTH, Age 5!

Down the Road and Over the Fence

AROUND TOWN

Irene Harriet McFadden 19272024

Lifelong resident of Apsley, sadly passed away March 4th 2024. After a long illness in her 97th year.

Predeceased by her husband John, parents Bert and Rose McIlmoyl (nee McKay), brother Weldon and Sister-inlaw Doreen (Hales), as well as Son-in-law William Tucker.

Irene is survived by and lovingly remembered by her daughters Andrea Tucker and Yvonne Hamlin (Kenneth), Grandchildren: Mathew Tucker (Dawn) Valerie Bancroft (Benjamin), and Kayla Tucker. GIGI will also be sadly missed by her great Grandchildren Reagan, Mason, Quinnlyn and Addalyn Bancroft and Jack Roland Tucker. Fondly remembered by her many nieces, nephews and their families.

Irene was a lifelong member of St. George the Martyr Anglican church and of the Anglican Women’s Guild. She lived all her life on the McIlmoyl family property and will be remembered for her love of baking, sewing, knitting and her dedication to her many cats over the years. Sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. Paul Hasson and staff of North Kawartha Health Centre, and to family, friends, neighbors and Care Partner Staff for their help and support during the months of her declining health. Thanks also to Dr. Mallory and Palliative Care staff for their medical support and care that ensured her peaceful final hours. Cremation has taken place with no further funeral arrangements at this time.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Kidney Foundation of Canada or the charity of your choice by contacting THE HENDREN FUNERAL HOMES, LAKEFIELD CHAPEL, 66 Queen Street, Lakefield at www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705652-3355.

ANNUAL CLEAN UP AT THE UNION CEMETERY will be held last Saturday of April. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED April 27th at 10 o'clock (rain date May 4th). Bring rakes, gloves etc. Please come and join us. We would like to thank the community for the generous donaons received. All donaons greatly appreciated, please send to Apsley Union Cemetery Box 276, Apsley ON K0L1A0. Any quesons please call Peggy Downey at 705-656-2188.

Colin Larabee

WearesaddenedtosharethatColinpassed away on March 9, 2024, at the age of 44 at Peterborough Regional Health Centre with his family by his side. Colin had been fighng a courageous bale with liver disease.

Colin will be missed tremendously by his parentsBobandPatsy(neeMilligan),hisbrotherChuck,sister-in-lawOlivia, nephew Aaron, his numerous loving and supporve aunts, uncles and cousinsandmanycloseandloyalfriends.

Colin was born on April 14, 1979, in Mississauga, Ontario. He grew up both in Mississauga and Apsley, Ontario. He has enjoyed living his last 15 years in Peterborough,Ontario.

Colin made everyone that he met smile. He had an infecous sense of humour and made people feel comfortable. He was also very caring, which is why he had a large extended circle of family, friends, and coworkers who cared for him. Wherever Colin went he met someone that he knew Colin was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge and informaon, which made him a trivia master He was a hard worker and enjoyed his work at TVM Group very much. He loved to cook and create art with his 3D printers. ColinwasanavidStarWarsandMarvelfanandlovedmusic.

Colin loved spending me with his family, especially at Rice Lake. He enjoyed fishing and kayaking there. Colin was always excited to visit Prince Edward Island and his family there. He was a loving and caring son, brother, and brother-in-law. He was an amazing uncle who always had me for fishing, swimming, going to the movies and discussing comic books. Colin hadabusysociallifeandenjoyedspendingmewithhismanyfriends.

Colin’s absence will leave an empness in the hearts of his family, but we willtrytofillitwiththewonderfulmemorieswesharedwithhim.Wewould like to express our appreciaon to the many people who supported us in his lasthours.

Colin wished to be cremated and we would like to celebrate his life with everyone on Saturday April27,2024,from 1:00pmto 4:00pmat the Knights ofColumbuslocatedat317HunterStW,Peterborough