DECEMBER 2024

DECEMBER 2024 FREE

Women in North Kawartha Carolyn Amyotte, Mayor

Christmas Inspired Short Stories and Reflections

Holiday Recipe Collection & Activities

MERRY CHRISTMAS HAPPY NEW YEAR

2025

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From The Editor’s Desk

DECEMBER 2024 This is free m zine th t publishes 8 times ye r. Copies re distributed by C n d Post nd for loc l pickup from L kefield to B ncroft, P ud sh, C rdiff nd Coe Hill re ion includin ll of the Apsley re .

If you don’t receive one in your m il box, you c n pick up copy t one of sever l loc l merch nts in nd round Apsley, lon the delivery routes or si n up for p id subscription!

Celebrating the Spirit of the Season with kindness, new life, tradition and joy. What does the Holiday season mean to you!? What does the New Year look like for you?

I was watching a movie the other day with my son Alex American Underdog - Kurt Warner Story - and there was a part in the movie where he was cut from one of the most life changing moments of his life - an opportunity to play professional football. He was cut on DAY ONE. Cut because he wasn’t prepared. Let go from the team because he hadn’t focused on the things he needed to be 1000% ready for this opportunity. It got me thinking : how much time do we spend focusing on the things we want, but not DOING the things that will prepare us for it. Are we putting more effort into complaining why don't have something than doing the ACTIONS that will get us where we want to be? Kurt Warner got his chance at professional football, by putting the time and commitment into making his dream You c n c tch up online t happen. My wish for you this season is when the “stinkin thinkin” takes up more head psleyb ckro ds.com space than the “kick ass and take names thinkin”, take a deep breath and write down two things you can do within a few minutes and within a few days - then DO THEM. The Publisher, Editor or ny of Refocus, be fierce with your gratitude and manifest what you want instead of giving the contributors to this public tion sh ll the “time of day to the devil”. not be li ble nd ssume no responsibility I wish you all a humble, peaceful holiday season and an abundant year ahead. for loss or d m es rel tin to, or s For right now - enjoy some fun events right here in Apsley: Holiday Hop Dec 6: a unique result of ny written m teri l or dvertisin in this public tion. shopping experience where local businesses stay open late for all your gift giving needs. Jingle and Mingle Dec 7 (a co-fundraiser with Community Care and Apsley Minor Hockey), a rocking Christmas Party at Woody’s Dec 20 (before they close until Advertising Feb), Knights Junior C Hockey games and weekly events through the ABC Seniors and The rate card is available the Legion - never a dull moment here in the Sticks. Save the date: Lions Winter by contacting me directly at Carnival is January 25th! theapsleybackroads@gmail.com You’ll start to see some changes within the magazine as well, check out our new full or check us out online at month calendar that will replace the dates and weekly listings - it's a work in progress apsleybackroads.com so please reach out via phone or email with any suggestions you may have.

Remember, with no magazine in January and February - you can always dust off some Subscriptions old Backroads Magazines or go online to have access to all of 2024! Our Social Media Subscriptions are available for pages will be more active in January and February so be sure to follow both The Apsley $55.37 (HST included).

Backroads Facebook and Instagram. See you again in March.

Mailed to your door, 8 times a year

Cover Photo Credit: Priscilla du Preez, Unsplash.com

705-761-6213 Helena McMann apsleybackroads.com Publisher, Editor, Owner 9927 Highway 28 Apsley theapsleybackroads@gmail.com Ontario K0L 1A0

PUBLIC SKATING 7 days a week!! NKCC, 11am to 1pm MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Fall Prevention Exercise Class 10-11am NKCC

Shuffle Board Cornhole, Lunch, Euchre/Canasta Starts 10:30am NKCC

Fall Prevention Exercise Class 10-11am NKCC

Playgroup 0-6yrs 10am-12pm NKCC

Duplicate Bridge 1 to 4pm NKCC

JINGLE and MINGLE

Pickle Ball ($2) 6pm to 9pm NKCC 1st, 3rd, 5th Thurs

Music Jam Session 4pm, LEGION

Fundraiser for Community Care and Apsley Minor Hockey

HOLIDAY HOP

6:00pm $85/person

Darts 6:30pm, LEGION

Table Tennis 7 to 9 pm NKCC

Pickle Ball ($2) 6 to 9pm NKCC (not Stat Holidays)

3

2 Fall Prevention Exercise Class 10-11am NKCC

Shuffle Board Cornhole, Lunch, Euchre/Canasta Starts 10:30am NKCC

Darts 6:30pm, LEGION

Table Tennis 7 to 9 pm NKCC

Pickle Ball ($2) 6 to 9pm NKCC (not Stat Holidays)

ShuffleBoard 1 pm, LEGION

Fall Prevention Exercise Class 10-11am NKCC

Pickle Ball 11:15am-2pm Craft Class 2- 4 pm. NKCC

10

Darts 6:30pm, LEGION Pickle Ball ($2) 6 to 9pm NKCC (not Stat Holidays)

Shuffle Board Cornhole, Lunch, Euchre/Canasta Starts 10:30am NKCC Table Tennis 7 to 9 pm NKCC

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16

4

Fall Prevention Exercise Class 10-11am NKCC

ShuffleBoard 1 pm, LEGION

9

Darts 6:30pm, LEGION

Pickle Ball 11:15am-2pm Craft Class 2- 4 pm. NKCC

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Fall Prevention Exercise Class 10-11am NKCC

Playgroup 0-6yrs 10am-12pm NKCC

Duplicate Bridge 1 to 4pm NKCC

Pickle Ball ($2) 6pm to 9pm NKCC 1st, 3rd, 5th Thurs

Music Jam Session 4pm, LEGION

12 Playgroup 0-6yrs 10am-12pm NKCC ABC Seniors programming is on break from Dec 18 to Jan 7

Pickle Ball 11:15am-2pm Craft Class 2- 4 pm. NKCC ShuffleBoard 1 pm, LEGION

5

4pm to 7pm A Fun Shopping Night in Apsley

7

6 KNIGHTS GAME

Junior C Hockey

NKCC 7:25pm

Last day to donate to the TOY DRIVE see NK Township Website for details

13

Music Jam Session 4pm, LEGION

14 KNIGHTS GAME Junior C Hockey

NKCC 7:25pm

CHRISTMAS PARTY @ Woodys Live Music, Specials 328 Burleigh St

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27

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Music Jam Session 4pm, LEGION

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE 6PM Apsley Community Chapel 299 McFadden Rd

Christmas 23 Eve

CHRISTMAS 24 DAY 25

Music Jam Session POT LUCK Happy New Year!

6:00pm, LEGION

New Years 30 Eve

26

Apsley Community Chapel 6:00pm Christmas Eve CANDLELIGHT SERVICE Hot Cider will be served after 705-656-1510 acchapel.org A Place Where Love is King

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North Kawartha Community Centre

KNIGHTS HOME GAMES 7:25pm

AROUND the RINK

DECEMBER 14th vs Port Hope 21st vs Lakeeld

By Helena McMann, AMHA Board Secretary

JANUARY 10th vs Lakeeld 11th vs Trent Hills

FEBRUARY 1st vs Amherstview 8th vs Napanee 15th vs Port Hope A Flames U11 home game vs Douro, Nov 2nd.

Credit: www.newtownphotography.com

U18's Ready to Play

Young Fans Snackin’ in the Stands New Display Screen at the Rink

Hockey, Ska ng and Events are in full swing at the NKCC! There is always something to watch most day/nights of the week.

The Concession stand has delicious snacks and warm drinks.

Fans, young and old bundle up to come cheer on their favourite hockey stars! Well...some wee ones, might just come for the treats :) Consider booking your next event at the NK Community Centre!

Transform Your Space - Elevate Your Life

ROB 705-930-6708 or MIKE 705-772-6965 robmillerconstruction@gmail.com

Renovations Additions Piers Interior Finishing

Apsley School Breakfast Program needs Volunteers

By Denise Dunford and Helena McMann

Special Volunteer: Denise Dunford I recently heard that the Apsley Central Public School’s Breakfast Program has been on hold since the end of the last school year (June 2024) This is due to LACK of volunteers.

It was also shared with me that a very special volunteer, should be recognized: Denise Dunford. Denise has dedicated her time religiously to not only the Breakfast Club, but many other organizations and events here in Apsley! I know Denise personally, as our sons 15 play Hockey together. She is kind, incredibly hard working, an amazing mother and the best “hug giver” ever! I asked if she wouldn’t mind, sharing her experience with the Breakfast Program - in hopes of shedding light to the fact that without volunteers - this ESSENTIAL program CAN’T run and many kids are unable to start there day with a smile and full belly! Even ONE morning a week, from a few people can get this Program back up and running.

Denise: I started doing the breakfast program in 2009. There was another main coordinator at the time. I started off 1 morning a week and slowly started going in more to do baking/prepping for the next day. I had 2 children in the school when I started and so did the other person and we both had 1 child not in school yet who enjoyed playing together. Our boys liked to help in the kitchen baking and learning!

The biggest challenge is trying to get and keep the volunteers!!

When she left the programme for personal reasons, I was very thankful for another dedicated mom, that stepped up and did all the behind the scenes stuff: ordering of food and getting the different grants from different organizations, etc. When her child graduated she also left and that was when COVID hit and no one was allowed in the school. When we were allowed back in, the principal was still doing the online ordering of the food and applying for the grants. I was going to Peterborough to get all the groceries from the food share and the grocery store.

My favourite times were just seeing the children's faces light up when they come in and see all the food on the table. It's really cute when the little ones want to help serve and they can't even see over the table! That and doing the special occasion meals, like pink cream cheese on bagels for Valentines day and the pancakes in heart shapes. It was nice to hear from some of the teachers that I was helping the students to focus in class for they had a full tummy!! I wish I could still be there but since it was all volunteer, my family needed this Momma to do something that would help me pay the bills! When I see some of the children in the hall of the school or out in the community they ask why there is no breakfast any more. I feel bad, but I've done it for so long that someone else needs to step up and help get it going!!

Honestly, just a few people committing to a few hours a week can get our kids the breakfasts they need to start their day off right!

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL COMMUNICATIONS HOME AUTOMATION LANDSCAPE SECURITY LIGHTS GENERATOR INSTALL & SERVICE

705-868-1684 Jason Noffke

Master Electrician

JNoffke@live.ca ECRA/ESA#7012657

eyes locked onto his, and she returned the wave along with a smile.

At this point Cerese's Mother finished her chat with a fellow passenger, just in time to observe Cerese's actions with the old man.

As we all knew as parents right after the birth of a child, we automatically inherit trigger brain. Trigger brain is the reaction to a situation or occurrence that threatens a child. Humans of course do not

by Roy Anderson have a firearm to fire off, so the mouth is the substitute.

In this instant, Cerese's Mother in a voice that was more like the noise of The people of a once proud country, thru a honest mistake of Democracy, were now suffering on all fronts. a wounded wildcat. "Cerese, what did I tell you about talking to strangers?

The belief was that taxes and high interest rates was the Do you never learn?"

Now Cerese with the well practiced look, the one with the puppy dog overseer created dirty hard times.

But was the answer to all situations not to mention. eyes, and the occasionally blink, doing nothing else, stared at her Mother, The criminal activity that seemed to go unpunished. And of course with eyes watering a bit, the effects of trigger brain, where shut down. so it began.

Cerese Mother began to continue in a subdued voice, before the first The fall usually a time of harvest, damp and cold, the only saviour being the food banks. Even then they word Cerese spoke, "You must know Mother," and with a blink of her blue operated from the generosity or better spoken the eyes, "I am in a bus, and he is on a bench. What could possibly happen?"

Cerese's Mother embarrassed and subdued a bit looked at the fellow compassion of fellow man.

The world was in dire straights, wars on two fronts, many passenger on the opposite seat and stated. "It's this time of the year, you churches empty. Pandemics rising then subsiding. know. The hustle and bustle, the stress of the holiday," then with a roll of Violence on fellow men and women, and the most her eyes and a tilt of her head, "the expense."

The fellow passenger who by the way was also female responded, vulnerable the homeless being in tent cities. Yes the "honestly Madge, I don't know how you do it, being a single mother with a whole matter seemed hopeless.

After the passing of Halloween, the excitement of the young child, suffering aliments, especially accute asthma.

On the answer of the fellow passenger, Ceresa's Mother nodded yes. The holiday season of Christmas started slow and then grew in time as television and the radio presented the bus driver growing tired of the bickering turned up the volume of the bus population with great advertisements and the Christmas radio. The entire bus was treated to a loud but very lively Christmas Carol of Jingle Bells. The bus continued to the mall. season began.

The city where Cerese and her Mother resided, started out as a village In a mid size city somewhere a Mother and young child, a girl seven years old, rode the bus going to the mall and then a town and now a city. In previous years the village had a rive on when the young child asked her Mother, just as they its outskirts, the village Fathers rather than cater to the enviroments passed a tent city. "Mom does Santa ever visit the people allowed development consisting of tourist rental cabins, boat rentals and other buildings suitable for Holidayers. living there?"

In the years as the village developed to a town and then a city the river The Mother of course was very uncomfortable with the question, as it was asked in front of the other shorline developed, well it then (gasp) a major developer revealed plans. A passengers. "Oh yes dear." The Mother answered. super mall would be build along the river, rip rap the banks, a natural area, then a two city block long of buildings and of course much of the heritage "They all go to a large centre for food and gifts."

"That is not the same, you know Mother." after a being as possible in the centre would be alive with the pavement exiting to silence "As having a Christmas tree and gifts in your own a patio, then the patio would extend to the river with steps to the water edge. The bus that Cerese, and her Mother rode would bring them to the home."

The Mother now embarrassed at the child's answer, mall. When Cerese, and her Mother arrived at the mall all previous replied, "Cerese the people in the streets and tents are discussion between Mom and child were forgotten.

The extravageant of the mall decorated for Christmas and to some well looked after."

Cerese started to speak up, but as she was about to, her devout Christians to pay money from the grasp of the wallet. On this Mother with a Mother's glare and with "no" formed on Saturday afternoon the mall was wall to wall shoppers. Christmas and Holiday decorations thro out the stores. The atmosphere was welcoming. her lips, Cerese remained silent.

"Cerese, your health problems are created by stress, Cerese and her Mother were soon drawn into the scene, pushing and think happy thoughts about everything, especially this shoving, shopping to read their list of gifts.

Lunch time soon rolled around so the pair headed to the food court and Christmas time of year."

The bus stopped and started to allow people on and off, when they arrived, the area was filled capacity. Cerese's Mother notice a then as it crawled along in heavy traffic. Our Cerese seating area next to the patio so she took Cerese and the gifts there. Cerese remained silent, deep in thought about the problem she and the gifts were settled at a table for four, with the orders "do not leave had discussed with her Mother, the bus slowed and then this table or chairs for any reason. I'll go back to the food court line up and stopped to let on passengers. Cerese sitting next to the return as quick as possible with some lunch." Cerese was left sitting at a window surveyed the surrounding area, when her gaze space with room for four. The patrons leaving the food court passed by the locked on the face of an old man sitting on the bench at area where Cerese was sitting looking for a place to sit and eat. The scowls and under breath muttering caught the attention of the mall Security the bus stop.

As Cerese and the old man's eyes locked a slight smile Guard who approached Cerese. "Miss," the guard addressed her, "You formed on the man's face and his right warm raised cannot sit in a spot for four people with your presents." Cerese replied to upwards and a great wave formed in his hand. Cerese her the guard, "My Mother is getting food and will be here shortly."

TIS THE REASON

"Then," the guard answered Cerese. "At that time you and your The old man made his way to Cerese and her Mother Mother can find another place to sit. This one will be filled by someone kneeling beside them and at the same time spreading the else." The guard reached to remove the presents from the chair and at robes, covering them, leaving only their heads and faces the same time told Cerese in a hard voice "Move." exposed. The old man spoke, "Fear me not, Mother and The area around Cerese and the guard was quite when the voice spoke, child, as I have given you birth in the womb, I shall now "you sir, will leave the child alone." give you life in death."

The guard wheeled about to confront the intruder when he looked The old man laid his hand on Cerese's head speaking "IN straight into the eyes of a old man. The guard stepped back a step or two THE POWER OF RESURRECTION THIS LIFE SHALL and was about to display his authority when he hesitated. The guard was RETURN." On those words his hand formed a cross on caught by surprise by the look on his confronters appearnce. He was Cerese's forehead, and then the old man rose , the robes dressed in a heavy brown overcoat, but the most disconcerning was the slipped away from Mother and child. Cerese gasped a old man's eyes. The eyes were deep in colour, almost a violet blue, but small breath and then looked around, and spoke asking a unusual because they shimmered and reflected the Christmas lights. question. "Did I fall asleep Mother?"

The hair inside the hood of the heavy garment was a flourescent silver, Cerese's Mother and the crowd exclaimed in disbelief. causcading down over his nect and shoulders, and spilling out the front While the happening was taking place they had failed to of his heavy overcoat. The old man's voice was heavey and penitrated as notice the waters of the river had stilled. Sitting on its he spoke. "I will sit with the child and rest, till her Mother returns." On surface was a sleigh pulsing if it was formed from cystals. those words the guard just nodded in agreement and left. The old man In front of the sleigh was a team of eight horse and the lone cleared the presents from a chair and sat down. occupant was a angel holding the reins.

The old man After a moment or two of silence Cerese spoke, "thankyou sir, but my walked thru the crowds onto the river, entering into the Mother will not be happy, seeing me sitting with a stranger." sleight.

As the old man seated himself, the night slowly turned to The old man just smiled and he replied. "we will deal with that later."

Then looking around, then he spoke to Cerese, "this is quite a party, is it normal. As the sleigh disappeared, the song on the speaker not young lady., with the gifts and the lights and the music. Do you know system of the mall played "SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT." the reason for all this?"

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR "No" Cerese replied.

ENJOY THE SEASON WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND Then the old man asked, "would you like to know?"

SAFE TRAVELS Cerese nodded yes and the old man began.

"Many years ago a babe was born in a manger, the babe was called JESUS. Three wise men had travelled afar, following the North Star, until Roy and Linda Anderson the North Star shone on his crib. They presented him with gifts. The Christmas lights are the symbol of the north star. The gifts are the replica of the wise men's gifts to the babe. This child's father knew the sacrifice his son would make. He also knew that mankind would forget his deed so he instilled in mankind that on December 25, they would celebrate his birthday, and thus the reason for the season is the birth of

by Alex McMann JESUS CHRIST. You know Cerese," the old man knew her name and spoke it for the first time. "Mankind has turned from the Christian teaching A Gingerbread Man went to the and now bathing in the sewer water of the devil."

Doctor’s complaining of a sore knee.

Cerese now sat quiet and was about to speak when the calm that The doctor asked him, occured during the old man's speech, when a schrill voice of her Mother shattered the calm.

“Have you tried icing it?”

"Cerese, get away from that man," and without taking another breath, "and you sir, you followed us after the child waved to you."

What do you get when you combine The old man showed no emotion but just glared at the mother. a Christmas tree with an iPad? Cerese's Mother was about to continue when a shallow weak voice spoke A pineapple "Mother," before Cerese's Mother could continue, a female voice filled with alarm shouted, "the child cannot breathe."

Cerese's Mother turned looking in horror saw her child, pale and Santa saw your fighting for her breath. Then to everyone’s horror, silence from Cerese.

Instagram pictures...

The guard had called for EMS, but on arrival they could only deliver sad ...and you’re getting clothes news. Cerese had passed. The crowd that had formed, now crying in and a bible for Christmas sadness at the lost of a child.

Cerese's Mother now kneeling with her child's head in her lap, along with the crowd notice a strange light form over the area and glancing What did one skier upward saw a transformation taking place. The old man was slowly say to the other? rising from his seat. As he did the hood from that cover his head fell away “Alpine for you when you’re gone.” and while doing so turned pure white. The hair on the old man's head was silver along with a full beard matching his hair. The old garment of dark brown now at the touch of the hood turned to a flowing white robe.

Jokes of the Month

Nancy Mandley Real Estate Broker

Direct: 705-740-4912 rmandley@cbelectricrealty.ca 215 George St N Peterborough Office: 705-243-9000 ext 2107

event with approximately 30 LIONS par cipa ng each night. The last night was in November. Euchre COMMUNITY nights will not be held in the REPORT winter months and will resume in the spring. Thanks to everyone

by Jim Empringham Apsley and District Lions Club who has made this fun night such As 2024 draws to a close and 2025 a success. begins, the Lions Club is making plans for Our partnership with Apsley ac vi es and service to our community. Central PS has con nued to grow We are also reflec ng on our efforts including support for purchasing through this past year to support the resources and providing learning growth and energy of those in our area. experiences for the students. We The revitaliza on of Lions Park has taken are blessed to have outstanding big steps this year. The new so ball leadership and amazing teachers screen and dugouts were ready for at our school. Our students young and old this spring adding to the benefit from quality instruc on fun and safety of those taking part. The and up-to-date resources. The parking lot was completed and has p o s i v e e n v i r o n m e n t o u r already seen a lot of use. Signs have been children have to learn in is not added at the entrances to the parking something every community enjoys. lot.

We have con nued to support We are doing our best to update the Park Community Care and the Food to be er meet the needs of all. The ac ons taken to date are a reflec on of Bank through dona ons of the community survey done 5 years ago. money and food.

The annual Lions It is our hope that the Park will become Winter Carnival is more of a hub for a range of ac vi es including sports, family ac vi es, scheduled for Saturday, walking and more pedestrian things like January 25 from p i c n i c s . I n d i v i d u a l s , g ro u ps a n d 10:00 am to 2:00 pm businesses may wish to consider at the NKCC. dona ons or memorial contribu ons to There will be food and games for create a real sense of shared ownership.

In the spring we hope to publish a list of kids in the Community Hall. This ideas to help this concept proceed. None event is occurring in partnership of the Park revitaliza on could happen with Apsley Minor Hockey who without the support we receive for our will be running a tournament on fundraising efforts. In just a few years, that day. The Lions Club pays the much has been put in place and in a few ice me for the tournament. A more we know the Park will be a good me will be had for all. des na on for both seasonal and Come out to this family fun day. permanent residents. Thank you to Service to our community is most fulfilling. We encourage all to everyone! consider either helping as a Monthly Euchre has become a popular volunteer at any of our community ac vi es or to join us as a member. Speak to a Lion either at an ac vity or if you see one of us in town. Together we can make a difference in our community.

We h o p e a l l h ave h a d a wonderful 2024 and wish everyone all the best in 2025.

POETRY CORNER PINK SKY

ABOUT POETRY

Pink sky Pure snow Fluffy white crystals Blanket the ground Silence reigns All around During this time Of rebirth If only this peace Could cover the Earth

These days, pretty much anything goes From measured meter to freeform prose From haiku, odes, or tossed “word salads” To precisely presented ballads Like crickets chirp, wolves howl, and birds sing To express one’s self is the main thing So share your thoughts, let the words ring true We learn from each other’s points of view

~Kathy Figueroa “Pink Sky” was first published on February 3, 2011, in The Bancroft Times newspaper.

~Kathy Figueroa April 4, 2022

The Monarch & The Milkweed Breakfast Café & Inn All day breakfast, baked goods, smoothies, diner favourites and scooped ice cream NEW FALL HOURS CLOSED Monday to Wednesday OPEN Thursday/Friday 7:00am - 4:30pm OPEN Saturday/Sunday 8:00am - 4:30pm

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Sayers, etc). We don't want that to be the way we grow and change, but it happens WOMEN OF some mes, and great things can NORTH KAWARTHA come from it” Naviga ng through Covid and the

by Helena McMann Pa n d e m i c , wa s s o m e t h i n g everyone in leadership had no The driving force and inspiration behind some of the most choice but to jump right into. successful businesses’s, events and important roles, right Legisla on needed to change to here in our community. This column, launched March allow mee ngs and decisions to 2024, will feature one or more women, their stories and be made virtually. This also how they contribute to the very essence of why we m e a n t g e n g A L OT m o r e Honour and acknowledge International Women’s Day. comfortable with video pla orms for communica on. It’s a two way street and as much as Mayor of North Kawartha Township they offer a variety of ways for the community to engage, video For the final column of the Women in North Kawartha became quite effec ve. Carolyn feature, I am happy to share the conversa on I had with our also shared “while other mayors very own Mayor, Carolyn Amyo e. What a honour to spend me ge ng to know her both professionally and personally. were telling co agers to stay home, we wanted to welcome them and pull together as a community safely”. “I have to govern for everyone, Carolyn’s adventures began as a student at Fleming - she regardless of whether they voted or not, and have to make decisions in had sights on heading West, but a connec on she had with the best interests of people. What is mo va ng for me, what is best for Jim Whalen (who was Deputy Reeve at the me) and a job North Kawartha as a whole, is what I have to do with honorable inten on” opportunity as Student Sep c Inspector came across her Over the years (even before running for Mayor), there were mes she path and she jumped at it. She already had a job lined up in ques oned if she should con nue. The challenges have actually became Eco Tourism, but a summer in co age country sounded the driving force for her to be able to find new ways of bringing this more appealing. It was then, that she met her future community together and impress change. North Kawartha has husband Jeff. His Family had a Marina on Eels Lake...she experienced a great divide over the years and she is proud of always “inspected his sep c and was impressed with his “sh@*t”. having the goal in mind to bridge that gap.

We also cha ed about how things take me to change...things like Reand the rest is history...

The second summer, Carolyn didn’t do the Inspec on job, branding and the revitaliza on of Riverview Park - both projects began as but kept in touch with Jim. Talk started about her running for a vision almost 20 years ago! There are many things “on the burner” at any council, she did and her career began in 2003 as Councillor given me...some get moved to the back burner, some get moved to the for Burliegh-Anstruther Ward 2. She is now serving her 7th front...so many things to consider and priori ze. It’s mo va ng to be a part of something you can see through from start to finish - or at least lay term (2nd as Mayor) She was the only female on council for many years. It was the ground work, so the next genera on can con nue the vision. There gi and a struggle to rise in a male dominated environment will be mes that you can’t change things - requests come at her from all (while star ng her family and having a family business) and sides and they, as a whole council, try to balance honouring the bylaws she was very grateful for the mentorship and support from that are already in place with iden fying things that NEED to change. both the council’s “boys club” and the women on the Great example...the Comprehensive Zoning By Law commi ee composed of Public Appointees, Staff and Council Members, with a goal administra ve side of the township.

When asking Carolyn about some of her career of “re-wri ng the book”...to grow with the mes and needs of the “Bread and Bu er” of our community...Trades and Building. accomplishments - a few things resonated with me...

Her gra tude for the longstanding members that have given What’s next?! Despite being approached by other par es to run federally her the opportunity to grow and have led the way with grant - her heart and passion is with North Kawartha and Municipal poli cs. Less funding and abili es to rebuild and replace the conflict and a be er opportunity to connect with community members. infrastructure of this incredible town: eg the Arena, Library, She feels very fortunate to be able to work where they live. Eels Lake Co age and Marina, has seen many changes over the years and they have School. It takes a village!

Second, her humility and mindfullness in seeing the bigger since diversified and added the Dock business. We live in a seasonal community and she is always inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of picture of her responsibility as Mayor.

Se ng an example for other communi es, being a leader everyone that lives and works here: “why do you think we do the and knowing when to listen and learn from both other Kawartha Directory every year? Businesses and people keep changing!”

I love when she shared “it takes both opportunity and diversity to grow townships and the community they serve.

“Change happens within a community, some mes by and learn from. It takes great things and hard things to define who you design/beau fica on, some mes by tragedy (Kemps, are”

CAROLYN AMYOTTE

Carolyn, her husband Jeff Ball and their two daughters.

In addi on to being Mayor, they run Eels Lake Co ages & Marina and Kawartha Docks.

POEMS

By WINSTON

By Winston E Ralph, Bancroft, ON

December

She also men oned that she’s raising her girls to “have a voice”. When reflec ng on Women in Poli cs, “despite making magnificent strides on every level of government, women are s ll very much taking the brunt of conflict, abuse and challenges” “When I think about my role as Mayor - I’m not a woman on a power trip, I am part of a community and this is a way I can serve my community. I have a vested interest in seeing it thrive and I would encourage anyone with passion to make change to get involved ” Its the last month yes December is here

And in a few days we will celebrate a new year

Thank you Carolyn for your me and I could think of no be er way to wrap up This month will go by like all the rest a year of celebra ng Women in North Kawartha than to have you featured Yes all the ones before that were the best as an influen al part of that.

Snowmobiles will be out this winter once again May no accidents happen and no one suffer pain (as listed on township website)...Carolyn’s long and dis nguished resume of The wild geese are gone and will be back in May both municipal and community service includes: And boats and summer things are now put away County Council Those who got a deer may they enjoy the meat Accessibility Advisory Commi ee I hope they give thanks as they sit down to eat Lang Pioneer Village Advisory Board A team was harnessed and hooked up to the sleigh County Governance and Communica on Commi ee So folks got on for a ride on the winters day Highway 28 Community Safety Zones All the trees were bare with snow all all around North Kawartha Police Services Board While the house was cozy as the moon shone down North Kawartha Library Board Ride program is in effect to catch impaired drivers Community Planning Commi ee I say change it to side and we’ll have more survivors CSW Environment Council Christmas is coming and children are full of joy North Kawartha Library Board Hoping they will get some more new toys Community Planning Commi ee There were many presents there under the tree CSW Environment Council But if times get hard not one there will be Upper Trent Water Management Partnership Children will skate and play in the snow Upper Trent Water Management Partnership As we done the same back many years ago Municipal Lake Tours There isn’t much sun in December it will be back First Impressions Community Exchange soon North Kawartha Visitor Informa on Map North Kawartha Community Development Corp.

Yes there will be more of it before we hit June Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park Others will ice fish if there is enough on the lake Rainbow Igloo Project and Fundraiser And as they go home may the limit is all they take North Kawartha Ska ng Carnival Since its cooler out we’ll all spend more time Eels Lake Yoga indoors Apsley School Council So isn’t it a good time to do those put off chores The Fes ve Feast Christmas is the time we have a big celebration Save Our Bank (SOB) Commi ee But isn’t it Christ’s birthday were to celebrate in our Eels Lake BBQ Dances nation Apsley School Parent Volunteer Accomplished and published author/writer

THOUGHTS From GAYLE Gayle Davis, Freelance

Christmas in Canada, marking the birth of Jesus for Chris ans, is celebrated today in a variety of ways. The earliest contribu ons were taken from Bri sh, HO HO HO! French, and American tradi ons. The actual date of Christ’s birth con nues It’s Christmas! to be hotly disputed; however, when the Christmas season rolls around in Traditions Rooted in the December, everyone is ready to celebrate.

Past Still Bring Joy Today One of the most iconic tradi ons is the Christmas tree, a firmly established symbol of the fes ve season. With its origins in paganism, it became and remains the centrepiece for Christmas in homes around the world.

The Christmas tree tradi on began in Europe. The trees were decorated with candles, fruits, and berries. The candles represented the light that Christ brought into the world with his arrival.

Today all manner of decora ons are used on both real and ar ficial trees as families put their unique stamp on the fes vi es. Another Canadian and worldwide tradi on and one that thrills the li le ones is Santa Claus.

Santa’s predecessor was Saint Nicholas, an early Chris an bishop who lived in the fourth century Turkiye and was known for his acts of charity. In the 1700s, when the Dutch brought their tradi ons to America, Saint Nicholas came to be known as Sante Klass or Sinterklaas, which then evolved into Santa Claus, an anglicized version of the Dutch name. Santa was the jolly elfin figure with “a li le round belly that shook when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.” With a permanent smile on his face and laughter on his lips along with his legendary generosity, Santa Claus soon became a favourite of children everywhere.

Decora ons play a huge role in making things ‘merry and bright’. Many Christmas tables would not be complete without a Christmas cracker at each place se ng. Origina ng in England in the 1840s, the first Christmas crackers were inspired by the French bonbon, which was a sugared almond wrapped in ssue paper twisted at both ends. Thomas Smith, an English confec oner, had seen the bonbons on a trip to France and came up with the idea of the Christmas cracker. Smith perfected his crea on by replacing the almond with ny trinkets to which he added a riddle or joke. Today’s Christmas crackers mirror the originals but also contain a hat which can be worn at the Christmas meal. In 1860, the cracker was redesigned, and a device was added which would make it pop when both ends of the cracker were pulled. This made the cracker hugely popular. Today’s Christmas crackers follow this tradi on.

Not specifically a Canadian tradi on, the giving of gi s at Christmas me is a highlight of celebra ons around the world. Gi giving is thought to have originated at the winter sols ce in ancient Rome at the fes val of Saturnalia which honoured the Roman god, Saturn. Later, Chris ans adopted the prac ce, linking gi giving to the three Wise Men who visited Jesus and brought him precious gi s of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honour Him. Today, it is also a way of showing love, as well as saying thank you to family, friends, and colleagues. What could be be er than watching a loved one open a special gi - one of the most precious facets of Christmas celebra ons each year.

There is a familiarity and a comfort that comes with tradi ons in our lives. I am sure that each one of you has a special tradi on that makes your Christmas unique and special. As you celebrate with loved ones at this wondrous me of the year, I wish you and yours hear elt joy and happiness.

May the peace of Christmas con nue with you throughout the New Year.

Merry Christmas to all!

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Best of Sweet & Savoury This Holiday This month’s recipe contributions come from Friends and Family, sharing their trusted Holiday favourites

Glazed Carrots

Ingredients

Gingerbread The Library Gingerbread House recipe!

Ingredients 1 1/2 C Crisco 2 C White Sugar 2 eggs 1/2 C Molasses 4 C Si ed Flour 2 tsp each: Baking Soda, Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger to flour Direc ons Cream Crisco, add sugar, then beat in eggs. Mix well, then add Molasses. Add Flour/Spice mixture. S r just un l combined. Divide into 2 balls. Chill overnight.

Roll out into whatever cookie shapes 350 degrees.

8-10min large cookies - less for smaller cookies

2 lb carrots , peeled 1/4 cup (40g) brown sugar, loosely packed 2 garlic cloves , minced 2 tbsp butter (30g) , melted (or olive oil) 1 tbsp olive oil 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper Parsley , for garnish (optional) Instructions Preheat oven to 425F .

Cut carrot on the diagonal into 4cm / 1.75” lengths. Halve thicker end so they are all roughly same width.

Toss in a bowl with sugar, butter, garlic, oil, salt and pepper. Pour onto tray, spread out.

Roast 15 minutes. Toss, then roast a further 10 minutes until soft and caramelised on the edges with plenty of glaze left on the tray. Toss carrots in the glaze, sprinkle with parsley if using. Serve warm.

Inspired by Maryn McMann Contributed by Kim Tucker, from her Mother in Law, Elaine Welch

Apple Breakfast Cake

Winter Salad

Ingredients Ingredients (For the Salad) 2 packages Cinnamon rolls with icing 6 oz. shredded kale 1/2 small lemon, juiced 4 Eggs 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, 6 oz. shredded vegetables, 1/2 C Milk like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots 1 tbsp cinnamon 2 medium apples, cored and diced 1 1/2 C candied pecans 1 tsp vanilla 4 oz. crumbled goat cheese 1/2 C pomegranate arils 2 tbsp bu er 1 1/2 c. roasted butternut squash (For the Dressing) 2 Granny Smith apples peeled and chopped 1/2 c. red wine vinegar 4 tsp. dijon mustard 1 Cup packed brown sugar 4 tsp. pure maple syrup 1 tsp. kosher salt Direc ons 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper 1/2 C olive oil Separate cinnamon rolls and cut each into 9 pieces and set Directions aside Place the shredded kale in a very large salad bowl. Add the lemon In a bowl mix eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla un l smooth juice and oil. Use your hands to massage the lemon juice and oil In a pan melt bu er add sugar and chopped apple cook ll into the greens, about a minute or so. The greens should wilt slightly and take on a deep green color. Add the other shredded caramelized about 10 minutes remove from heat vegetables to the bowl as well as the chopped apple.

Spread the cinnamon rolls in a 9x9 or 8x8 pan Make the dressing by combining all of the dressing ingredients in Pour the egg mixture on top followed by the apples bake 20a mason jar. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds and then pour it 25 minutes un l golden brown. Top with the icing enjoy

over the salad. Toss well to combine.

Add pecans, goat cheese, squash, pomegranate arils on top.

I assemble this the night before and bake it Christmas Tip: To make roasted butternut squash, dice the squash into 1/2morning inch pieces and place on a small baking sheet. Toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch or two of kosher salt. Roast at 425ºF until browned and soft, about 15 to 20 minutes Contributed by Denise Dunford

Inspired by JJ Wyllie and Kara Koteles

Turkey Gravy

Creamiest Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients Turkey Giblets and Drippings Chicken/Turkey Stock (3 c, depending on amount of Drippings) 1/2 finely chopped onion 1/2 C Bu er 1/2 C Flour 1 tsp each of Sage, Thyme, salt/pepper to taste White wine (splash) Direc ons Make a stock with the neck and giblets from the Turkey - cover in water and simmer an hour with salt/pepper/onion. Set aside.

Make your Turkey as directed (add enough water 4 cups approx) in the pan for bas ng and to get A LOT of drippings.

In large pan or pot, melt Bu er, add Sage and Thyme, s r for 1 min, then add 1/2 c Flour - we’re making a roux. Cook for a min, then start adding drippings and stock - add a cup at a me s rring and cooking un l thickened. If it’s too thin......s r 3 tbsp flour into 1/2 c Stock and add to gravy, cook un l thickened up.

Don't forget all the good stuff from the bo om of the Turkey Pan, you can even add the turkey neck meat, onions, etc.

Salt and pepper to taste.

Alterna vely, you can add a package or two of gravy mix to thicken it up.

Ingredients 4 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed 1½ cups whole milk , ½ cup heavy cream 1 head of garlic, halved crosswise, 3 sprigs rosemary 1 cup (2 s cks) unsalted bu er, room temp, cut into pieces Freshly ground black pepper, 4 tsp salt, plus more A potato ricer or food mill fi ed with fine disk Prepara on Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water. Add a large handful of kosher salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer un l potatoes are very tender but not crumbly, 30–35 minutes.

Drain, briefly rinse with cool water to remove any excess starch, and return potatoes to warm pot (off heat) to dry while you heat the milk mixture.

Warm milk and cream, garlic, rosemary in a small saucepan un l fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat Pass hot potatoes through ricer or food mill into a large bowl (cold potatoes will become gummy). Add bu er, salt and s r un l bu er is completely incorporated. Strain warm milk mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring glass. Pour into potatoes ½-cupful at a me, s rring a er each addi on un l liquid is fully incorporated and mixture is smooth before adding more.Serve mashed potatoes topped with a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper.

Contributed by Helena McMann inspired by her Aunt Terri & Babchi

Stuffing with Sausage

Millionaire’s Ham

Ingredients 1 (1 1/2-lb.) loaf white sandwich bread 1 (12-oz.) loaf French bread 1 lb. breakfast sausage, cooked, crumbled, 1/2 c. salted bu er 1 yellow onion, chopped, 5 stalks celery, diced 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped, 2 1/2 tsp salt, plus more 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 c. white wine 4 c. chicken or turkey broth, 1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh sage, 1 tsp. ground thyme, Cooking spray Direc ons Preheat the oven to 300°F. Cut all the bread into 3/4-inch cubes.

Divide the bread between two baking sheets. Toast the bread in the oven un l evenly dry, 35 to 40 minutes, s rring every 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely. Place the dry bread cubes in a very large bowl. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F. Melt the bu er over medium heat un l foaming. Add the onion, celery, garlic, salt, and pepper and cook un l translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the wine and cook un l it is reduced by about half, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the broth, parsley, sage, and thyme, and s r.

Slowly ladle the broth mixture onto the bread cubes, tossing the mixture frequently for even coverage. Taste for salt.

Spray a large casserole pan with cooking spray. Spoon the dressing into the prepared casserole pan and/or the turkey cavity. Bake the casserole for 20 to 30 minutes un l golden and crisp on top.

Ingredients One 8-to-10-pound bone-in fully-cooked ham 3 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar 1 3/4 cups orange juice, 1 tsp cayenne pepper Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Direc ons Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line the bo om and the rack of a roas ng pan with foil. Place the rack inside the roas ng pan.

With the fa y side facing down, use a sharp knife to cut 3/4-inch long diagonal lines about 1-inch deep all over the surface of the ham. Working in the opposite direc on, cut more 3/4-inch long and 1-inch deep diagonal lines to create diamond shapes. Turn the ham over so the fa y side is facing up. Create the same diamond shape placing any pieces of ham that fall off back onto the ham. Place the ham, fa y-side up, on the rack and cook, rota ng the pan halfway through, un l warm in the center and the fat starts to crisp up, about 2 hours.

Meanwhile, mix 3 cups sugar, 3/4 cup orange juice, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 tbsp salt and 1 tsp pepper in a bowl. Remove the ham from oven, brush one-third of the glaze over ham. Bake for 20 minutes.

Brush with another third of the glaze and bake for 20 minutes more.

Brush the remaining third of the glaze over the ham and cook un l the glaze is shiny and the skin is dark golden brown and crispy, about 30 minutes more. Mix the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, 1 cup orange juice, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper and a generous amount of pepper in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook, s rring frequently, un l the sugar is dissolved and the sauce has reduced by about half, 7 to 8 mins. Remove ham from oven and let rest for 15 mins.

Transfer to a cu ng board. Slice and serve with the sauce on the side.

MEMORIES SHARED by MARJORIE

By Marjorie Wilson, Freelance

Time of the Great Too Much “Time of the great too much” was a comment my mother made about Christmas. Why? I am not 100% sure. Was she complaining about the extra work? The extra expenses?

Preparing for Christmas started early in the fall. Any homemade gifts would need to be made early. Mother did a lot of knitting - socks, mitts, scarves, sweaters. By November some baking took place such as fruitcake, mincemeat and Christmas pudding.

Christmas also meant concerts at school as well at our church. Mother played the organ or the piano so she participated in those events. My brother, Arthur, and I also participated in those concerts. Art would be asked to sing a solo as he was a soprano, then later on - a tenor. My part in these events included piano solos and various recitations and parts in plays. No doubt mother helped out by listening to us, offering helpful critiques.

I am trying to remember what part my father played in all this. He was working six and one half days a week in an ammunition factory. Since this was essential war work he also worked the night shift. That was two weeks day shift and two weeks night shift. I think he found our Christmas tree but I honestly don’t remember him doing anything else for Christmas. Perhaps mother felt that the whole celebration of Christmas was on her shoulders. I remember it as a very happy and exciting time.

Marjorie has shared one of her Mother’s recipes:

Cranberry Salad Ingredients 1 tbsp gelatine 1/3 cup sugar 1 tbsp cold water 1cup hot, strained, cooked cranberries (canned may be used) 2 tbsp lemon juice 1cup ginger ale 1cup crushed pineapple 1cup diced celery 1/2cup chopped nuts Directions Soak gelatine and sugar in cold water. Dissolve in hot cranberry juice. Cool. Add lemon juice and ginger ale. Cool until it begins to thicken. Add remaining ingredients. Pour into individual moulds.

VIEW FROM THE CABIN

by Rick de Haan

A Season of Wonder

Candles were lit and highlighted a display in the window of the general store. A li le boy stood outside with his nose pressed to the glass, eagerly taking in the wondrous sights. Amongst the pies, almond rings, nutcrackers and snow-white co on ba ng was the most amazing thing of all – a li le village with a train track running through it. On the track closest to the window stood a locomo ve with what seemed like countless cars in tow.

Willem's eyes were big as saucers, but he knew he must make his way home so he wouldn't be late for supper. He pried himself from the store-front window and walked slowly through the village. He couldn't stop thinking about that wonderful train.

This was the last me he'd have to walk the long way home from school un l a er New Year's day.

Earlier, when he'd le the one-room school house, several boys had pelted him with snowballs and teased him about his old patched coat and secondhand boots. The boots that were at least two sizes too big for him. Miss Thompson, his teacher, had come to his aid by telling them to stop and go home, but he s ll felt sad and dejected. Most of the other children had nice coats – at least ones that weren't patched like his was. Deep in his heart he knew that Papa could never afford to buy a new coat or new boots. He certainly couldn't buy that train set, so all Willem could do was imagine playing with it. He could do that.

A er walking through the village, Willem turned onto an old horse trail that wound its way through towering pines trees. It was almost dark now as he trudged with his head down along the winding path toward the small cabin. Mama would be busy

making supper. The snowflakes became thicker as he looked up to gaze at the blurry moon above the trees. He could feel their cold plops as they landed on his face. He stuck out his tongue to taste as many as he could. The silence of the forest was suddenly broken as an owl hooted in a tall pine tree above him, causing Willem to quicken his pace.

Finally, around a bend in the trail, the dim outline of the cabin came into view.

The lights within the stout log walls cast a warm glow on the snow outside. Willem instantly felt a warmth rising within him. He knew that Mama was busy inside, and a hot meal would soon be ready.

"Well, there you are! I was beginning to wonder." Mama said as she was se ng the table.

Willem looked down as he took off his snowy clothes. "Sorry Mama."

"Day dreaming again?" Mama came over and cupped his face in her warm hands, smiled, and then walked back to the table. "By the way, your father has a nice li le surprise for you and your brother when he gets home!"

“Really?"

"Yes, so wash up for supper ... there's warm water in the basin next to the stove."

"Ok Mama." Willem hung his wet clothes on a wooden peg by the door.

Later, a er a bowl of hot stew and freshly baked biscuits, Papa cleared his throat and pushed back his chair. "So Willem, how would you and Timothy like to go with me in the morning to find a Christmas tree?"

"Oh boy, could we?"

"As long as you're ready bright and early!" Papa's eyes twinkled in the light of the coal-oil lamp on the table.

Willem awoke early the next morning and looked out his bedroom window. It was s ll dark but a faint glow in the east held the promise of a good day. He rubbed his eyes and remembered going to bed with warm thoughts of playing with his li le brother by the fire and his parents talking quietly. He had lain awake for a long me before falling asleep. His stomach had been all aflu er with the excitement of cu ng down and dragging home a great big Christmas tree.

A er a hearty breakfast of porridge and fried apples, Papa, Timothy, and Willem set out from the cabin into the woods. The snow was too deep for li le Timothy to walk through, so Papa carried him on his shoulders. Willem trailed behind looking all around him. The morning sun cast a rosy glow on the wintry landscape. A cold breeze whipped flakes of fresh snow from the thickly laden pine boughs.

Papa must have briefly forgo en about Timothy on his shoulders, for a pine branch caught the top of the li le boy's hat, dumping a cold load of snow squarely into his face. Timothy gasped, spu ered, and started to whimper, more out of shock and surprise than from icy discomfort. Papa cleaned him off and hugged him.

Willem no ced that Papa felt bad, but with that twinkle in his eye, it revealed that he thought it was a li le bit funny too.

A while later, a small grove of spruces came into view. Papa smiled as he forged on with his axe by his side.

"You think we can find a nice tree in there boys?"

Timothy raised his head to look at the trees, but his hat had slid down over his eyes so he couldn't see. All they heard was a muffled squeal of excitement from under a thickly frosted scarf and hat that completely covered his face.

"They're nice trees Papa!" Willem breathed heavily, sending a plume of vapour into the icy cold air.

"I think there may be one in there that's just the right size!" Papa puffed, li ing Timothy off his shoulders. The li le tyke sunk into the snow up to his waist.

Willem waded through the deep snow to size up each tree and pointed excitedly. "How about this one ... it looks good to me!"

"Looks good to me too son, and just the right size," Papa said as he lowered the axe from his shoulder.

The spruce tree was quickly chopped down and ed securely to a length of rope that Papa dug out of his coat pocket.

That evening, with lamps burning and a few candles lit, the regal tree stood in a corner of the li le cabin. Papa was adjus ng the wooden stand he'd made so the tree would be straight. Thick snowflakes fell lazily from a dark sky outside the window as Willem and Timothy sat pa ently at the table. They each had a n cup of hot apple cider and a cookie. Willem felt a cozy warmth and excitement as he gazed at that wonderful tree. He couldn't wait to help hang the decora ons, but knew he must sit quietly un l Mama finished organizing all the ornaments. But ... there s ll seemed to be something that bothered him. Something that had niggled inside him since yesterday.

"Papa, are we poor?" Willem asked as he con nued to nibble on his cookie.

Mama looked up from her decora ons and Papa turned from the tree to look at the boy. A puzzled look hung on his face as he glanced at Mama and then back at Willem. "Who told you we were poor?", Papa asked, a string dangling from his fingers.

"Oh, I dunno ... some boys at school were teasin' me sayin' I had an old hand-me-down coat, and they laughed at my boots, too. They said you couldn't even buy a turkey for Christmas!" Willem sipped his drink without looking up.

Papa tossed the string aside and stuck his hands deep in his pockets.

Again he looked at Mama, then back at Willem. "Well, I was gonna go out hun n' next week to see about ge n' us a turkey. And about your coat ... uh ... well, your Mama patched it up real good, didn't she?"

"Well ... yeah, sure Papa, but it ain't new. Some other boy wore it before I got it."

As Papa stood there looking concerned, Mama walked to the table, li ed the boy's chin, looked into his eyes and spoke so ly, "God provides all we need. Some mes its new, and some mes its old – some mes with a hole or two – but He knows exactly what we need. We are very happy.

We are blessed to live in a nice warm cabin too. We have plenty to eat ... so, all-in-all I'd say we're pre y rich."

"That's right son, we are rich. God doesn't always give us what we want, but He always blesses us with what we need." Papa's deep, gentle voice resonated through Willem's troubled spirit and seemed to dispel some of his inner turmoil.

As the evening wore on, the tree was slowly transformed from plain green to a colourful, sparkling Christmas tree. Mama's decora ons, along with the popcorn they'd all helped string, adorned the freshsmelling tree beau fully. Papa had even bought a small paper sack full of li le white candles to set in the special holders that he had fastened onto some of the branches. Mama said they were only to be lit on Christmas Eve – the most holy night of the year. The night Baby Jesus was born.

The flames in the stone fireplace flickered warmly on the log walls as Mama sat darning socks in her favourite chair. Papa was reading the Farmer's Almanac by lamplight in his chair, and Timothy sat on the floor playing with a wooden horse and wagon that Papa had carved for him.

Willem was drawn to the sparkling wonder of that beau ful tree in the corner. As he stood before it, he tried to imagine how it would look all lit up. And with his hands in his pockets, he understood for the very first

me what being rich, or being poor, really meant. He had never thought about it before. But poor or not, he and Mama and Papa and li le Timothy were all healthy and happy ... and that meant they were truly rich. It had nothing to do with how much money they had, or didn't have. It had nothing to do with new or old clothes. It had nothing to do with toy trains. Willem suddenly didn't care that all he had to wear was an old patched coat, and scuffed boots that were just a bit too big.

Merry Christmas!

Rick

LET’S GO TO THE LIBRARY...

KNITERARY Every Wed 3:00pm

2nd

CHRISTMAS PASTRY & PIE WORKSHOP 10am $45 with Linda Pa erson, of Bordertown Café. Cost $45 LOCATION Glen Alda Community Centre

5th, 12th

KIDS CLUB 3:15pm 6-10yrs

5th, 19th UKULELE GROUP 5 to 6:30pm

6th

TEENS & TWEENS 3:15pm Garland Making and Chips!

7th

Pain ng a GNOME - Adults 10am to Noon

12th

BOOK CLUB 6:30pm NK Library

19th 3:15 (kids up to gr 6) 20th 3:15 (kids gr 7 and up) CHRISTMAS COOKIE DECORATING

2025

Jan 3rd 2:00pm

KIWI Tinkering Crate Building

Feb 8th 2:15pm $20 WEN-DO Womens Self Defense For Girls 10-18 yrs

What’s Happening at the Library

Ukulele Group Thursday, Dec 5th & Thursday, Dec 19th 5:00PM – 6:30PM This drop-in musical event is open to beginners and pros alike. Join us for this fun, social gathering!

Kids Club! (Kids up to grade 6) Thursday, Dec 5th, Thursday, Dec 12th Thanks So Much!!!!

3:15PM to 4:15PM They say it takes a village, and we proved that Apsley! We are preparing a Christmas cra Thank you to everyone who contributed cra materials bonanza, and we hope you will join in the and supplies for our local kid’s art show. This show would fun! Small snack and story provided. not have been possible without the generous financial dona ons made by both Mayor Carolyn Amyo e and Real Teens and Tweens! (kids grade 7 and up) Estate agent, Caroline Elder. To both of you, thank you so Friday December 6th - 3:15 to 5:00PM much, we are beyond grateful for your support. Thank you Let’s create something fes ve for your as well, to our local teachers and school staff, daycare room! Come in and learn how to make staff, and home -schooling moms, for suppor ng the kid’s this Christmas garland. Choose from our par cipa on in this collabora ve show. yarn selec on or if you prefer certain colours, feel free to bring in your own.

SEAS THE DAY Come hangout, we’ll eat some chips, and Underwater, Blacklight, Local Kids, Art Show! get in the holiday spirit together.

Nov 23rd to Nov 30th, 2024 Opening / Ribbon Cu ng: Saturday, Nov 23d @ 2:00PM Regular hours: Nov 26th, 27th, 29th @ 10AM to 5:00PM, Nov 28th @ 10AM to 7PM, and Nov 30th @ 10AM to 2PM. Come and be amazed by what our local kids have put together. Over 200 children have par cipated in crea ng underwater themed art that will be on display at the library for 8 days. The work was all created from neon materials and will be lit using black lights. This has been a fun, enriching experience for all involved. We invite the Kniterary community to come see what the kids have created.

Every Wednesday @ 3:00PM This is a lovely group that meets every Christmas Pastry Workshop December 2nd @ 10AM – Glen Alda Community Centre week so, grab your yarn and join in!

Get in the holiday spirit by joining award-winning baker, Beginners are welcome, there are many Linda Pa erson from the Border Town Cafe, for this long-standing kni ers to help show you Christmas Pastry Workshop. We will be gathering at the the ropes and answer any ques ons you Glen Alda Community Centre to learn how to make pastry may have. from scratch. Each par cipant goes home with 2 - 4" beef pies and 2 - 4" bumbleberry pies. The cost is $45. Limited Not Your Average spaces. To register contact Lisa at 705-656-4333 or “Read This or Die” Book Club l.mace@northkawarthalibrary.com. If cost is a barrier to Thursday December 12th @ 6:30PM It’s been an en re year since we started your par cipa on, please contact the library. our Book Club and, has proved to be a favourite gathering for members. As this is our last meet-up before the holidays, feel free to bring along a small treat, or appe zer to contribute to the evenings chat. And of course, the last book that you read! It’s a great way to socialize and learn about people through the books they read. You may even find out about a new author or genre that piques your interest.

Contributed by Kim Tucker and Lisa Mace

designed for children ages 9 – 12. Ages can vary but, parents will need to a end as well, to assist with reading instruc ons, and assembling the project. Once completed, it’s yours to take home! If you have ques ons, please check out the Kiwi website: kiwico.com We only have 9 kits, so please pre-register by calling Lisa @ 705-656-4333 or emailing l.mace@northkawarthalibrary.com Upon registering, please let Lisa know which kit you and your child are interested in construc ng. Available kits include: 1.

“Walking Robot” 2. “Air Cannon” 3. A second “Air Cannon” 4. “Bubble Lamp” 5. “Wooden Crane” 6. “Light Up Planetarium” 7. “Paper Circuits” 8. “Magne c Light-Up Pendulum 9. Buzzing Circuits

Pain ng a Christmas Gnome - Adults Saturday December 7th 10AM to Noon Try your hand at some fes ve pain ng. In this two-hour workshop you’ll learn the steps to pain ng this decora ve Christmas gnome on a 11x14 canvas.

Don’t stress if you’re a beginner, the steps are simple, and we’ll work through them together. Come for a coffee and a laugh, and hopefully go home with a pain ng you adore. Limited spaces, no cost. Call L i s a a t 7 0 5 - 6 5 6 - 4 3 3 3 o r e m a i l Wen-Do Women’s Self Defense Workshop l.mace@northkawarthalibary.com to For Girls ages 10 to 18 Saturday February 8th, 2025: 2:15pm to 4:30pm register.

In November we hosted Heather Howe, a cer fied WenDo instructor, with 25 years of experience. It was an Christmas Cookie Decora ng! amazing workshop that proved to be very empowering Thurs Dec 19th 3:15PM: kids up to gr 6 for local women. At that me, we had a lot of enquiries NOTE Fri Dec 20th @ 3:15PM: kids gr 7 and up Woodview Branch of the This is an annual library event, and a kid regarding a class for young women and, as a result we’re library will close for the favourite! Hand-made gingerbread happy to report that this class is for you! This class will cookies, icing, and decora ons provided. teach young women how to use their voices, their holidays on Saturday Pre-registra on appreciated so that bodies, and their surroundings to defend themselves. If December 21st 2:00PM Santa’s helpers do enough baking! there are any moms who would like to a end alongside Apsley Branch will close your daughter, moms are welcome to sign up as well! If Tuesday December 24th at Please email Lisa at you would like addi onal informa on, please feel free Noon. l.mace@northkawarthalibrary.com or call 705-656-4333 before December 15th to contact Heather at www.wendo.ca. Registra on is Both branches will re-open to let her know your child would like to limited, the cost is $20 per par cipant and is due upon on January 2nd 2025 registra on to hold your spot. Please email Lisa at par cipate. l.mace@northkawarthalibray.com or call 705-656- To stay connected in January 4333. If cost is a barrier to your par cipa on, please let and February, please follow us on social media or stop Lisa know.

2025

Kiwi Tinker Crate Building!

Friday January 3rd, 2025: 2:00PM If you’re looking for something fun to do with your kids before they go back to school, join us in assembling these handson, engineering kits. These projects are

into the library to grab a “What’s Happening at the Library” sheet. We promise to have lots of fun and interes ng ac vi es for everyone in the community to enjoy. Happy Holidays!

COUNCIL’S CORNER

by Mayor Carolyn Amyotte, Township of North Kawartha Please visit www.northkawartha.ca for all things 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. If

you would like to watch the Council mee ngs, please subscribe to the Township’s YouTube Channel. For those of you that are ac ve on social media please follow me @MayorAmyo e. It is my intent to share posi ve, factual and mely informa on about issues, events and happenings that impact our community and residents. To contact me directly, my phone number is (705) 931-1342 and my email is mayor@northkawartha.ca.

Here’s a few things that happened in October and November: •

• • •

• •

•

Council held our Capital Forecast mee ng and our first Budget mee ng.

A second Budget mee ng is likely in December with the hope to approve it at our last regular Council mee ng on December 17 th We passed a bylaw to adopt a customer conduct policy Council presented our Treasurer Judy Evere with her 25 year long standing service award and whole bunch of new red pens!

We received an update from our animal control officer Deb Haigh and as a result will be looking at bylaw updates for animal control and exo c animals Council is considering a peer review of the recently completed flood mapping of Chandos Lake by the Crowe Valley Conserva on Authority We approved the expansion of our Community Improvement Plan (CIP) boundaries to include all of North Kawartha with priority s ll focused on our se lement areas Council supported circula ng my Mayors of Highway 28 Coali on dra le er to all the involved Mayors and Councils for their endorsement so we can send to the Minister of Transporta on. Next steps will include a request to meet with the Minister at the Rural Ontario Municipal Associa on conference in January 2025

Here’s the mee ng schedule for the next few months…

The 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month are Regular Mee ngs of Council The 2nd Tuesday is Short Te r m R e n t a l A d v i s o r y Commi ee Mee ngs The 4th Tuesday of the month is the Regular Mee ng of the Library Board Please check out the To w n s h i p w e b s i t e f o r f u r t h e r i nfo r m a o n a s mee ng dates and mes can be subject to change.

ABC SENIORS Contributed by Maaike Berg-Nonnekes

The month of December may, at first, suggest cold and darkness. The full moon which appears on the 15th is called ‘Cold Moon’ Also, the Winter Solstice or Blue Christmas on the 21st is the longest night. However, the focus of the month is really on the promise of the lengthening days and the light of Christmas hope!

The Seniors embrace the giving spirit in many ways throughout the year.

Thank you to Lois and the team of volunteers for organizing a successful Bazaar in November.

Congratulations to the Raffle winners: L. Tucker, J. McGinn, and P. Beck

Thank you, Gail, for planning, organizing and taking care of all the details for the many interesting outings this fall. These include: a TIFF movie at the Bancroft Village Playhouse, a Casino trip, Christmas Lunch at the Burleigh Falls Inn (Dec. 11) and ‘Christmas in Space’- a Holiday Cirque Spectacular (Dec. 15) in Peterborough.

Regular activities and lunches are cancelled for December 24 and 31. The group will meet again in the new year on Tuesday, January 7.

Take the chill out of winter and join the Seniors community at NKCC! Enjoy the weekly Tuesday Corn Hole games and lunch, followed by Euchre or Canasta. Wednesdays begin at 10:00 a.m. with the Exercise & Falls Prevention class (Community Care), then Pickleball and Crafts in the afternoon!

Annual ABC Seniors Bazaar

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

SHAVER: Shirley (nee Agnew)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley Ann Shaver on October 16, 2024 in her 86th year, at Georgian Manor in Penetanguishene, Ontario.

Down the Road and Over the Fence Shirley was born to Herb and Ruby Agnew and grew up in Dundalk, Ontario, on a rural farm with her 12 siblings. Shirley moved to Brampton, Submitted by Suzanne Quartermain & Family Ontario and worked as a machine operator for Christie Biscuits and moved to Apsley, Ontario in 1972 when On September 22, 2024 a 5 km walk was held to raise she became an owner of Anstruther funds for the Peterborough Hospice. With the recent Marina. Shirley retired after 30 years on Anstruther Lake and worked part passing of my husband, I experienced a Hospice for time at the IGA in Apsley and volunteered at the local food bank. the first me.

Shirley was an animal lover and had many wonderful pets over the years, Our three children, eight grandchildren and myself whether she chose them or they chose her. There was never a time that a were so grateful with the care and comfort from staff pet was not in her home. and volunteers during my husband's eight day stay. Shirley is predeceased by her husband of 61 years William “Bill” Shaver.

With the assistance of MAID, he was treated Shirley is survived by her children Neil (Rena) and Karen (Dan). She is fondly remembered by her surviving siblings, Beverley Agnew, Islay professionally and compassionately.

Livingston, Donald Agnew (Mary Ellen) and Doris Jarvis and many nieces Our daughter-in-law named our team "Al's Angels". and nephews.

Our daughter, a busy Family Physician, raised over The family would like to thank the compassionate staff at Georgian Manor $5,000.00 in honour of her dad. for making Shirley’s time living there enriching and rewarding. She Family, friends from near and afar, people from enjoyed the social interactions, music, gardening and activities which Apsley and Anstruther Lake, helped her surpass her allowed her to stay active and independent. A special thank you to the wonderful staff on the Silver Birch unit for the compassion and care intended goal. shown to Shirley and her family during her last days in her home.

Thank you to everyone who was part of our most Many thanks to the staff at both the Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital difficult journey. dialysis unit and satellite Georgian Bay General Hospital dialysis clinic for their wonderful care during Shirley’s treatments.

Cremation has taken place, arrangements entrusted to THE HENDREN FUNERAL HOMES - LAKEFIELD CHAPEL. A celebration of Shirley’s life will take place at later date. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada or your local animal rescue or OSPCA. Friends may send condolences or make donations by visiting www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705 652-3355.

AROUND TOWN

HIKE for HOSPICE

Remembering JACK LOWN “Oh how I miss Jack’s Cartoons...

December 14th 1946 to December 12th 2023

WHAT IS A BEAU? Contributed by Author, Deborah Grey

www.wha sabeau.com

Need a UNIQUE Christmas Gi giving idea!?

Why not support local authors and chari es!?

“What is a Beau” would make a lovely gi !

A dona on to either Roters Reach or Run for the Cure is a gi that keeps on giving. Merry Christmas everyone, never stop believing!

It was almost 40 years ago when I first put pen to paper to Remembering write my children’s book “What is a Beau?” At the me, Fred Penner, a Canadian icon in children’s music and Eric Roter literature was performing in Lindsay, Ontario. I took my 2 Eric Roter, 32, of Apsley passed on youngest children, who were big fans of his music, to the September 25th 2023 a er a courageous theatre for Fred Penner’s concert. I also brought along my ba le with Bipolar Disorder. children’s story of a young basset hound’s journey of self Back in September Creekside Music Fes val discovery and acceptance. A er the concert, I approached donated a por on of proceeds to Roters Reach and here is what Fred and asked him if he would be so kind as to read my story Eric’s Family had to say: and advise me on next steps toward publishing my book. He “We just wanted to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you to graciously agreed and I handed him 4 pages of handwri en our incredible community for your unwavering support and to copy and hoped for the best. A few weeks later, I received a everyone who helped bring this fes val to life. We would like to personal le er from Mr. Penner with his cri que and extend a special thank you to the Del Mastros, who have been encouragement to pursue publica on. A er a number of incredible family friends and a constant support for Eric throughout his ba le with mental health.While a empts at reaching out to publishers, without illustra ons there is so much to share about our and as an unknown author, “What is a Beau?” Was not going mission with Roter’s Reach, we want to see the light of day. I needed to rethink my approach and to emphasize that this I then life carried on with my children’s storybook always in s not just about what happened to us the back of my mind. Finally as a 72 year old grandmother of or to Eric. It’s about all of you—those 5 grandchildren, I had the opportunity to revisit my lifelong who are suffering or suppor ng goal of becoming a published author. Once again I reached someone who suffers. Our goal is to out to Fred Penner and he gave me permission to use his ensure that no other family has to face endorsement and I found the perfect publisher and the challenges we’ve endured. We are illustrator through Friesen Press. My whole vision for Beau c o m m i e d t o l e a r n i n g , had been simmering in my mind for years and now it was understanding, and driving change.” me. “What is a Beau?” is a humorous and heartwarming h ps://rotersreach.ca/home story wri en in rhyme, illustrated in vintage, beau ful CIBC Run For the Cure watercolour pain ngs accompanying each verse.

Contributed by Alice Liberty Throughout the story, Beau realizes, by trying on different dress up items found in a child’s room, that we all share The CIBC Run For the Cure in Peterborough on October 6th, had over more common characteris cs to others than differences.

400 par cipants and raised a total of My hope is to share these feelings with young readers $91,583!!

Our Team Liberty was again everywhere so awarded the highest total dona ons with they too will over $12,000 and we thank our family and understand that friends for their con nued and generous no ma er how support through dona ons, scrap metal, many “hats” they beer and lcbo emp es and the yard sale. try on, they are Over the years, mom’s team has accepted as who raised over $250,000 towards they are and are breast cancer research. We loved. wa l k fo r t h o s e w h o h ave

Never stop believing!

ba led, are currently ba ling or will someday ba le. Thank you for helping us take one step closer to a future without breast cancer!!

slow down on snowy or icy roads, and PETERBOROUGH allow for extra stopping me. Before COUNTY OPP se ng out, ensure your vehicle is winterready, with proper res, a full tank of gas,

By Provincial Constable Dan Gay, and an emergency kit that includes warm Community Safety/Media Officer blankets, food, and water.

2.

Responsible Celebra ons Holiday Holiday Safety Tips gatherings o en include celebra ons with As the holiday season approaches, the alcohol, so let’s look out for one another. If Peterborough County OPP would like you’re hos ng, be mindful of your guests’ to wish everyone a safe, joyful, and safety and encourage alterna ves for peaceful me with loved ones. This is a ge ng home if they need it. For those wonderful me to gather, celebrate, planning to a end holiday events, we urge and enjoy the tradi ons that make this everyone to avoid impaired driving. Have season special. Whether you’re a plan for ge ng home safely if you’ll be celebra ng with family, friends, or drinking. Arrange for a designated driver, unfamiliar sites. Simple precau ons n e i g h b o u rs , w e h o p e yo u fi n d take public transit, or call a taxi or ride can go a long way in keeping you and moments of joy and connec on that share service. Let’s all work together to your purchases safe. last well into the New Year. ensure that everyone arrives safely at Spreading Goodwill and Community W i t h f e s v i e s c o m e a d d e d their des na on. Let’s make responsible Spirit While the holiday season is a responsibili es, and we’d like to share choices that protect everyone’s well- me of joy for many, it can also be challenging for those facing hardship. some ps to help keep your holiday being. s e a s o n s afe a n d e n j oya b l e fo r 3. Protec ng Your Property The holiday Small acts of kindness can make a big everyone. season can unfortunately bring an difference. Consider lending a helping 1. Safety on the Roads The winter increase in property crimes, including hand, dona ng to a local food bank, or season brings challenging driving break-ins and the . To help protect your suppor ng a charity that assists those condi ons, and with more people property, keep your doors and windows in need. Together, we can make this travelling to visit family, road safety is locked and secure any valuables out of season brighter for everyone in our our top priority. Please remember to plain sight. If you’re travelling, consider community. drive according to weather condi ons, asking a neighbour to keep an eye on your As we enter 2025, let’s con nue home, and avoid pos ng travel plans on w o r k i n g t o g e t h e r t o m a k e social media. Ligh ng mers and security Peterborough County a safe and cameras can also be helpful deterrents to welcoming place for all. From all of us at the Peterborough County OPP, we would-be thieves.

4. Holiday Shopping Safety As you shop for wish you and your family a holiday gi s, be mindful of your surroundings in season filled with warmth, happiness, busy stores and parking lots. Keep your and good health. Let’s keep the spirit personal belongings secure, avoid leaving of safety and community alive as we valuables in your vehicle, and stay aware celebrate together and look forward of your surroundings. When shopping to a bright New Year. online, use trusted websites, and watch Stay safe, take care of each other, and for poten al scams, especially on have a wonderful holiday season!

Wishing You the Spirit of the Season! Thank for your Continued Support of our Community Magazine .

Merry Christmas from Helena, Jackson, Maryn, Alex

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