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Issue 23- Volume : 11

Written by Our People...For Our People....est. 20107 Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

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December 15th-2024

Servicing the Almaguin & Parry Sound Districts

Merry Christmas From the Great North Arrow and its Advertisers

A Tribute to Our High School: A Legacy Woven in Threads Photo by: Amie Souza ALMAGUIN: Cyndi Culbert - When Margaret McDonald first heard the news that her high school was being demolished, she described it as hitting her like a wave of nostalgia and sadness. “It wasn’t just a building; it was a cornerstone of our community, filled with echoes of laughter, friendships, and life lessons,” she explained.it was a school that connected communities all across Almaguin, forming life long friends and relationships. For decades, the school stood tall as a place where countless young lives were shaped, including her own. The thought of it disappearing left her feeling an overwhelming need to hold on to those memories—not just for herself, but for everyone who walked those hallways.

A crowd of former teachers and students arrived at the former AHSS on a snowy afternoon, December 1st. When Margaret came up with this idea it was just a small group, somewhere around 6 people, and it quickly escalated. The stormy weather didn’t deter the attendance and everyone arrived with smiles and full hearts. Everyone was asked to pull a AHSS commemorative sweatshirt over their clothing and it took us all back to our roots. Marilyn Devries wore an original green and gold Highlanders scarf that we all envied, and former student, Davey Meloy managed to fit into his classic Old school letter Melton and leather school jacket. Davey told us, ‘ It was way in the back of the closet, and I found it, I was actually surprised it still fit.’ I think no matter what, he would have made it fit for this tribute.

That’s why she decided to create a line of commemorative sweaters and t-shirts. “These aren’t just articles of cloth-

ing; they’re keepsakes—tangible reminders of a place that meant so much to so many,” she shared. The project holds a deeply sentimental place in her heart. “It’s a way to honor the legacy of our high school and give people something to treasure, something to keep the memories alive even as the building itself is taken down.”

Reflecting on her high school years, Margaret realized how formative they were. She graduated in 1988, a unique year in the school’s history. “That was the year grade 13 was removed, and two classes graduated together,” she recalled. “The hallways were bursting with energy, a mix of excitement and uncertainty as we navigated this unprecedented moment. It was chaotic, but it was also unforgettable.”

Margaret described her high school experience as a mix of highs and lows. “I often joke that it took me 30 years to get over it, but the truth is, those years shaped me in ways I’m only now fully appreciating,” she said. High school taught her how to navigate friendships, build connections, and work with others—even when things felt challenging or uncertain. “I was a bit of a social butterfly, moving between different groups and connecting with people from all walks of life,” she added. Margaret admitted she can’t remember exactly which clan she belonged to. “Maybe that’s because I floated between so many. Whether I was chatting with friends in the hallways, playing euchre in the cafeteria, or sweating it out in the gym during sports practices, I felt a sense of belonging everywhere I went.”

For Margaret, the gym became a second home. “My love for sports kept me there more often than not, and it’s probably why my memories aren’t tied to one specific hallAlmaguin High Continued on Page A3

We are ready for winter and the Christmas Season.

Come in and check out our stock of Shovels, Snowblowers and other items for your winter needs. Stocked with lots of Christmas trees, gifts and wrap. On your way out grab something to throw in the oven from our fully stocked M and M Express coolers!

5 Burrows St Magnetawan, ON, Canada P0A 1P0 1 705-387-3988

Jim Shedden The first issue of the GNA in 2025 will be a story and a bit of a history lesson at the same time. Its based on the commercial fishing business on the Great Lakes, in particular, Georgian Bay. B.Lepage Fishery is based out of Nobel, Ontario. I met with Birnie and his wife Sandy along with a few others at their home in Nobel a couple of weeks ago. Their plight is very real and needs to be told. Stay tuned.

PROUD AUNTY’S BRAGGING RIGHTS! CONGRATULATIONS SADIE FANCY

3 months early and weighted 1lb 14 Oz. She fought so hard to survive. They told us she would never walk or talk. I only wish I

Our Great Niece was in a hurry to be born years ago, and although she wasn’t supposed to arrive until October, she pushed her way out and arrived July 12th on her Great Grandfathers Birthday, three months early.

Sadie has been a fighter from day one, and she quickly earned the name ‘Fiesty Fancy” in NICU where she fought with all of her tiny might.

Proud Mum, Linzi Lawrence Fancy shared this with us. ‘She did it! Sadie was accepted into fire fighting College! This is something she has wanted to do since she was soooo little. I'm so happy for her.

I won't lie, this is absolutely incredible for me. As some of you know Sadie was born

David Sheepway / Realtor / Port Loring Branch Manager

Working For You! www.loringrestoulerealestate.com

705-757-1421 / team.sheepway@gmail.com / Parry Sound / Muskoka Realty Ltd. / Port Loring Branch

“When it’s time to TOSS....Call the BOSS!”

Roofing • Junk • Reno • Construction Almaguin High Continued ..... way or group,” she explained. The camaraderie, teamwork, and thrill of competition taught her lessons that went far beyond the court or the field. “They instilled resilience and a drive that still pushes me forward today.”

But high school wasn’t just about the big moments for Margaret; it was also about the little ones. “The laughter over inside jokes, the shared nerves before a big test, and the joy of simply being part of something larger than yourself—those experiences built a foundation for my resilience and perspective in life,” she reflected. She feels fortunate to have been part of a generation that experienced such a vibrant high school life.

Margaret lamented the fact that vibrancy has been dimmed for today’s students. “The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted so much of what makes high school special,” she said.

“The connections, the traditions, the memories formed in person—so many of those moments were lost. It’s heartbreaking to think of how much today’s kids have missed out on, which makes preserving our memories all the more important.”

Her line of sweaters and t-shirts is Margaret’s way of doing just that. “They’re not just about nostalgia; they’re about celebrating the legacy of our school and the impact it had on all of us,” she explained. “Each piece is a tribute to the friendships built, the lessons learned, and the community shared. It’s a way to carry a piece of the school’s spirit forward, even as the building itself becomes a memory.”

“As we prepare to say goodbye to our beloved high school, my hope is that these commemorative pieces will help people hold onto its legacy. They’re a way for us to connect, to remember, and to celebrate everything that made our high school years so special,” Margaret said. She also hopes the project inspires others to share their own stories and keep the spirit of the school alive in their hearts.

“Let’s come together, not just to mourn the loss of the building, but to honor the countless memories it holds,” she encouraged. “Whether it’s through wearing these commemorative pieces or simply sharing a story with an old friend, let’s celebrate what our high school meant to all of us—then, now, and always.”

Sweatshirts, hoodys and Tshirts are available at 89 Main in Sundridge and also online. Money from the sale of the sweaters and T-shirts will be donated back to AHSS to help with their sports program! www.89main.com

HOLIDAY EATING TIPS

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly, it's rare. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So, drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two.

It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it.

That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating.

The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's.

You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the

Jim Shedden A lot of you know my father-in-law, Ab Culbert.

Ab is getting up there now; 86 or 87. I picked up Ab in Sundridge the other morning to take him down to Huntsville for his yearly “pace make” exam.

I must admit all the way down and all the way back he had me laughing with stories that I had not heard before. After each story he would say “now, you can’t print that”.

Some of them regarding Dempters Funeral Home I can’t print. But, boy did I laugh.

However, here is one that I think would be alright to print: I will preface the story with a little bit of background. Back in the day Ab’s dad had a butcher shop in Burk’s Falls exactly where Cyndi and I had our office. Ab was a kid at the time and would help his dad butcher hogs. I suspect Ab was about 13 at the time. As Ab describe it, he had a small room out back where he would butcher hogs and other barn yard animals.

Ab goes on to say that one very cold early

winter day their local hog supplier came in and dropped off 5 hogs. It was so cold they were semi-frozen. His little room was pretty small so he had to stack a couple of the hogs “upright” so he could have some room to do his work. He took one of these hogs and leaned it up against the window looking out into the lane way. To give you some perspective, this is the old Burk’s Falls Hotel and the lane way is between the hotel and the post office. On this particularly cold day when he had a hog looking out the window, Ole Mrs. Oake came walking buy and looks in the window and just looses it.

She runs into the butcher shop an yells at Abs dad that his son had his mother locked up in the room and won’t let her out. Of coarse Ab’s dad runs back to see what his son was up and see’s the hogs leaning up against the walls and windows. After Ab provided his explanation Mr. Culbert went back into the store and calmed Mrs. Oake down. After we stopped laughing Ab said: “Oh my, they were fun days”.

By the way. the pace maker exam went off “tickety boo”. Good for another year. Ab

buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert, Labor Day? 9. Did someone mention fruitcake?

Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories but avoid it at all costs.

I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Remember this motto to live by: "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate and wine in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming " WOO HOO what a ride!" MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Graydon Smith Acclaimed as Ontario PC Party Candidate for Parry Sound–Muskoka

December 10, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PARRY SOUND–MUSKOKA – Today, the Ontario PC Party announced that Graydon Smith has been acclaimed as the party’s candidate for Parry Sound–Muskoka in the next provincial general election.

Since being elected MPP, Graydon Smith has delivered significant results for the residents of Parry Sound–Muskoka. In his two and one half years as MPP, Graydon has helped secure over $500 million in new government funding (not including the $1 billion investment for new hospitals).

Highlights of his achievements include $51 million for water and sewer infrastructure upgrades, $900,000 per year in operational funding for the new MRI machine, approximately $80 million in Municipal Partnership Funding, approximately $35 million in Ontario Community Infrastructure Funding, millions in new funding for local Family Health Teams, the restoration of Northlander passenger rail service and approximately $10 million in Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation funding.

“Graydon Smith is a tireless advocate for his community, and his commitment to improving the lives of families in Parry Sound–Muskoka is unparalleled,” said Doug Ford, Leader of the Ontario PC Party. “From cutting costs for families to expanding access to high-speed internet, fighting the Liberal carbon tax to make life more affordable, and investing in local health care, Graydon is delivering results. I’m proud to have him on our team as we continue building a brighter future for all Ontarians.”

has been writing for the Great North Arrow since its beginning. His current story is on Page B 5. Ab’s new saying is: “This getting old stuff ain’t for sissy’s “

Graydon Smith and the Ontario PC Party will continue to focus on creating jobs, expanding infrastructure, and reducing costs for families and businesses in Parry Sound–Muskoka.

“I am deeply grateful for the trust the people of Parry Sound–Muskoka have placed in me,” said Graydon Smith. “Over the past term, we have made substantial progress in improving local quality of life. Our government has committed unprecedented levels of health and infrastructure investment from the new hospitals to MRI services and expanded primary care teams to over $100 million to build better community infrastructure - and I continue to do everything I can to help make our communities stronger. But the work doesn’t stop here. We need an MPP in government to shepherd these new hospitals through to completion, ensure critical infrastructure gets built and further expand access to family doctors and nurse practitioners.”

“Graydon is the only candidate in Parry Sound-Muskoka in touch with the issues affecting the average family and capable of making people’s lives better, as he has done as an elected official over the past 18 years,” said Dan Powers, President of the Parry Sound-Muskoka PC Association.

“A vote for Graydon is a vote for greater affordability, lower taxes, more jobs, more doctors, more investment and a strong voice for our riding at Queen’s Park. A vote for the other parties is a vote for skyrocketing home energy costs, expensive schemes, higher taxes, big-city housing density and being relegated to the political wilderness at Queen’s Park. There’s too much at stake to relegate our communities to the fringes of the Legislature.”

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Gerry’s General Store Business Hours

Monday to SUNDAY 9:00AM TO 6:00 PM Gas / Propane / Groceries / Hardware LCBO Outlet

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DECEMBER 15 th CONTRIBUTORS

…..As the year draws to a close and the festive spirit fills the air, December emerges as a time of reflection, celebration, and renewed hope. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of preparations and festivities. However, it’s also an opportune moment to pause, take stock of the year gone by, and set intentions for the one to come….

TAMARA BAIN CATHARINA BOWERS

Oh, the joys of the holiday season, the excitement on the children’s faces, if we can only stop for a moment and embrace our inner child for an hour or two each day. It looks like a white Christmas for us here in Magnetawan, and I hope that all of the winter sports enthusiasts have a wonderful time. What a lead up to the holiday season we have had, the tree lightings have been amazing, and events are still ongoing.

CRYSTAL BOYD ERIC BOUTILLIER MARY ANN BRUNELLE

One of my most favourite things this month, was the AHSS goodbye moments, arranged by Margaret Moore McDonald of 89 Main in Sundridge. Quietly we gathered, some of us aged more than others, thicker, thinner, balder, grayer… but inside, we were all still the same….’Mighty Highlanders.’ There is a reunion in the works for 2025, I don’t have any details for you yet, but we will keep you up to date! In the meantime, grab one of the Commemorative sweatshirts or hoodies from 89 Main in Sundridge (online as well) and strut your stuff! The purchase donates back to the sports programs of AHSS too!

DEBORAH BUSSEY LYNN COHEN CYNDI CULBERT REBECCA DOWNS

We have lots of Christmas joy for you in this edition, and if you have some great stories of your holidays, we would love to share them!

PETER DUFFEY

GNA turns 14 years old this edition! We launched December 15th, 2010, in Dunchurch. We didn’t have a clue how to run a newspaper, my background had been strictly writing or selling advertising. We didn’t know what software to use. (Jim kept signing us up for free 30 day trials) Eventually they caught on and said, ‘Mr. Shedden, don’t you think it is time you buy it?’ and we did. Our printer, originally McLaren Press told us to be prepared to be ‘Eaten by the Sharks’ and writer Ted Currie was doubtful we could succeed because we were ‘all over the place’, he called us a “Crazy “Quilt” . We even had subscriptions for a while, and we are still fighting that battle to find a reasonable way of sending them out…. Hopefully we can come up with something in the near future. Our print copies continue to grow, and we are currently one a very few hard copy print papers still in business. We are proud of that. Our online now covers close to 40,000, it isn’t as good online in my opinion, but hey, it’s better than not reading the GNA. We have wonderful writers; some have been with us for the long haul and we think that they are amazing! We are always ready to welcome more.

SERGEANT FAITH HICKS LYNDA HOWSE VALERIE LAMB DENEA LAWS STEPHEN LEHMAN ROBERT LYMAN

And we continue to be ‘Good News’

MARGARET McDONALD

thank you for your love and support.

TOM NORTH

This will be the last edition of 2024, we will be taking a break and allowing our writers to catch their breath for the rest of December. Our next edition will be in print, January 3rd. 2025

BOB NUNN

We wish you an amazing Christmas and a very Happy New Year, may the star that shines so brightly on you this season continue through the year ahead. See you in the New Year, Cyndi

JAMES SHEDDEN

Please Note: The next issue will be in all locations on January 3rd-2025

AIME SOUZA FRANCES STORY

WHERE TO FIND US

ROD URQUHART LINDA WEST PETER WYATT JIM YOUNG

I am so old that, when I was a kid, we actually had to win to get a trophy!

DISCLAIMER NOTICE GREAT NORTH ARROW ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS OF ANY CONTRIBUTOR OR COLUMNIST FOR THIS PUBLICATION. OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY SUCH, ARE STRICLTLY THOSE, AND THEIR OWN, OF THE AUTHOR, AND DOES NOT REFELCT OPINIONS OF GREAT NORTH ARROW NEWSPAPER. GREAT NORTH ARROW DOES NOT OR WILL NOT ACCEPT LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY OR ALL SUBMITTED MATERIAL.

AHMIC HARBOUR: TRADER TED’S / BURK’S FALLS: BURK’S FALLS CAFE, CAPSTONE MARKET, COLLINS’ VALU-MART, HAYES’ SERVICE CTR; KWIK WAY / DUNCHURCH: DUCK ROCK / EMSDALE: BIZZY BZZ BOOKBIN, PERRY MART / HUNTSVILLE: CAPSTONE MARKET / KEARNEY: FETTERLEY’S, FORK ON MAIN, KEARNEY LEGION / KATRINE: KATRINE GENERAL STORE / MAGNETAWAN: BAIT AND TACKLE, GRILL AND GROCERY, HOME HARDWARE, QUIET BAY CAFE, AHMIC LAKE APIARIES /NIPISSING:FOOTES GENERAL / NOVAR: HOPES / PARRY SOUND: HILLCREST CONVENIENCE, LANES PHARMACY, NO FRILLS, PIONEER GAS, SOBEYS, NORTHERN BOOK WORMS/ POWASSAN: KRAUSES FEED / PORT LORING: BUCHANAN’S, JAKES RESTAURANT / SPRUCEDALE: KIRK’S CONVENIENCE / SUNDRIDGE: GUARDIAN DRUGS, STONEY LAKE VARIETY, THE BLUE ROOF/ SOUTH RIVER: GUARDIAN DRUG STORE, KIWK WAY / RESTOULE: GERRIES, MILL BAY MARKET / TROUT CREEK: TROUT CREEK GENERAL STORE, TROUT CREEK FEEDS

SUPPORT LOCAL BEFORE THERE ISN'T ANYTHING LOCAL TO SUPPORT. A Freudian slip is when you say one thing but mean your mother.

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Owner / Editor : Cyndi Culbert /Jim Shedden Pre-press & Copy Layout & Other BS: Jim Shedden Independently Owned and PROUD !

Written by OUR PEOPLE for OUR PEOPLE PO Box #210 Magnetawan, Ont; P0A 1P0 Cyndi-705-203-0115/ Email: greatnortharrow@gmail.com Jim-705-203-0117/ jamesb.greatnortharrow@gmail.com www.greatnortharrow.com

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GROCERY STORE – HOME MADE BAKERY GOODS – SNACKS AND TREATS! VISIT OUR NEW WOMEN’S CLOTHING ROOM!

TRENDY AND AFFORDABLE

WE EVEN SELL SOCKS AND UNDERWEAR! MENSWEAR SELECTION – DVD’S FOR SALE – COLLECTIBLES AND MORE CHRISTMAS HAS ARRIVED! TOYS, COLLECTIBLES, ORNAMENTS & DÉCOR! WATCH FOR OUR NEW

‘McGLOWY’ APPROVED PRODUCTS COMING SOON!

6618 HWY 124 - AHMIC HARBOUR OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK YEAR ROUND

The Golden Poison Dart Frog’s skin has enough toxins to kill 100 people.

Missing Jesus

By Peter Wyatt

While on a trip to Israel in 1984 we purchased a nativity or crèche set made of olive wood. We actually bought it in Bethlehem and it had the expected components—you know, the stable, the human figures, the animals, and the baby in the manger. It has since always graced our Christmas decorations and on occasion we have used it to tell the story of Jesus’ birth with children at church. Out they come from their wrappings—Joseph, Mary, the manger, the babe, the shepherds with staffs, the magi with their gifts, sheep, a lamb, a cow, and a donkey.

One year, not too long ago, when we got home, having used the set at a Christmas Eve service, we found that the baby Jesus had gone missing. We searched among the wrappings in the box, and eventually went back to the church. But, no luck, Jesus was missing.

We went online to find a replacement figure, and discovered—to our surprise— that many people seem to have had the

experience of losing their baby Jesus. One family was lucky enough to find their Jesus among a collection of fragile and forgotten Christmas decorations; they reflected that Jesus was not lost, just hanging out with his usual band of outcasts and forgotten folk.

Among the accounts we read of people missing Jesus, one was especially moving.

In 1943, a young family of four in North Dakota bought a nativity set at the local general store. When they unpacked it, there were two of baby Jesus. The Mom, whose name was Ethel, worried that someone else must be missing their baby Jesus and sent her young son and daughter back to the general store to tell the owner. The store owner put a sign in his window: “If you’re missing baby Jesus, call 7162.”

All week long, whenever the telephone rang, Ethel would say, That must be the missing Jesus call. But it never was. Finally, on the afternoon of Christmas Eve, Ethel sent her family down to the store to see if all the sets had been sold. If they all have been, then surely we’ll get a call tonight, she reasoned. Dad scoffed, “This is ridiculous. The set with the missing Jesus could have been shipped to Walla Walla in Washington. And I don’t appreciate having to go out when it’s 15 below.”

But Dad and the two children went as directed. They saw that all the sets were gone from the display counter and must have been sold. They returned home with this news only to find that Mom wasn’t there. “Well,” reasoned Dad, “she likely got the call and has gone to return the baby Jesus. We can finish wrapping presents while we wait for her.”

Indeed, Mom had got a call—from a young mother of five children who had seen the

sign in the window when she was cleaning the store. The woman had said on the phone, “I need to let you know that I’m not missing Jesus because we believe in him in this house. But we are missing heat because our oil heater has quit. I live at 205 Chestnut Street.” Mom hurried over to find the woman not only without heat, but also without much food or furniture. The woman’s husband had left, taking bedding, clothing, and almost every piece of furniture. But the woman had been managing until the oil heater broke down.

Ethel called her family to bring blankets, cookies, milk, and the extra baby Jesus to 205 Chestnut Street. They arrived, and while Ethel’s husband repaired the oil heater, she and the children served cookies and milk to the children, now wrapped in the blankets. On the cookie tray was the figure of the baby Jesus.

The woman told Ethel’s husband that she had been doing washing and ironing for neighbours and cleaning the general store.

She said: “I saw your number every day there on those boxes on the counter. When the furnace went out, that number kept going through my mind, 7162, 7162. It said on the box that if a person was missing Jesus, they should call you. I knew that you must be Christian people; so I called.”

The daughter who wrote up this story of her family’s Christmas in 1943 continued: “After seeing that the oil burner was going strong once more, our family bundled up and made our way home. My father didn't say a thing about the cold weather and had barely set foot inside the front door when he was on the phone. "'Ed! Hey, how are you, Ed?' I heard him say. 'Yeah, merry Christmas to you, too.

Say, Ed, we have kind of an unusual situation here. I know you've got that pickup truck. I wonder if we could round up some of the boys and find a Christmas tree, you know, and a couple of things for . . . ' The rest of his conversation was lost in a blur of words as my brother and I ran to our rooms and began pulling clothes out of our closets and toys off of our shelves.

"My mother checked through our belongings for sizes and games she said might do, and added some of her own sweaters and slacks to our stack.

"We were up way past our bedtime that night wrapping our gifts. The men my father had called found oil for the furnace, bedding, two chairs, three lamps, and had made two trips to 205 Chestnut Street before the night was done.

"Our gifts were piled into the truck on the second trip. Even though it must have been 30 degrees below by then, my father let us ride along in the back of the truck. No one ever did call about the missing figurine in the nativity set, but as I grow older, I realize that it wasn't a packing mistake at all.”

Years after we went on our Internet search, we found a replacement figure of the baby Jesus. We are happy to have it in our Nativity set, but we are even happier to have learned the amazing story of that North Dakota family.

Peter Wyatt is a retired United Church minister living in the Almaguin Highlands. He is an associate professor emeritus and former principal of Emmanuel College at the University of Toronto. He continues to take delight in leading worship, reading, swimming, walking, and singing. With his wife, Joan, another retired minister and professor, he also delights in the activities of six grandchildren.

Earth has traveled more than 5,000 miles in the past 5 minutes.

SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS OVER IMPLEMENTATION F GST/HST TAX HOLIDAY ALMAGUIN/PARRY SOUND:

Cyndi Culbert- The concerns raised by small businesses regarding the GST/ HST holiday starting December 14th reflect significant challenges that many are facing with this policy.

Based on the survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) and statements from Dan Kelly, these are some of the main issues: The short duration of the two-month holiday and the limited time given to small businesses to prepare have created logistical difficulties. Small business’s were only given a few weeks' notice before the tax holiday was to begin and small businesses have scrambled to adjust their systems, training, and processes.

Many small businesses are particularly concerned about the costs associated with implementing this holiday, such as reprogramming their point of sale (POS) systems.

They not only have to invest time and resources into making these changes but also will incur additional costs to reverse the changes once the holiday ends. This creates a financial burden, particularly for businesses operating on thin margins.

There is confusion about which products or services the tax holiday applies to and whether any exclusions exist. Without clear guidelines, small businesses may find themselves inadvertently violating tax rules, which could lead to fines or penalties.

Small business owners worry that large corporations and big box stores, which have more resources and more advanced systems, will be able to capitalize on the tax holiday more effectively than smaller retailers. Many fear that this could widen the gap between large and small businesses in terms of sales and customer

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traffic. Already there is the challenge of local shoppers heading out of town and those small business’s that currently ship orders are being impacted by delivery with Canada Post on strike and no agreement currently in sight.

A key concern is that customers may delay purchases, waiting for the twomonth period to take advantage of the tax savings. This could lead to a lull in sales for businesses before the holiday begins and a potential surge once it starts, making it difficult to predict and manage inventory.

Manufacturers, distributors, and producers could face indirect consequences as well. Since the holiday only affects sales at the retail level, it may disrupt the entire supply chain. The delay in purchasing could lead to fluctuations in demand, which could impact production cycles and inventory management, creating additional operational complexities.

What about the stock they just purchased? For small stores that already have inventory on hand, there is concern over the taxes they’ve already paid. If these businesses cannot apply the tax holiday retroactively, they may feel unfairly disadvantaged, as they will have paid GST/HST on stock they were expecting to sell during the tax holiday period.

Finally, there is a fear of errors occurring during the holiday period. Given the complexity of tax systems and the sudden change in processes, small businesses worry that mistakes will happen at the point of sale, leading to potential financial penalties or customer dissatisfaction.

Overall, while the GST/HST holiday aims to stimulate consumer spending, the uncertainty, costs, and operational difficulties it presents to small businesses have raised substantial concerns. It is clear that small businesses, particularly those that lack the resources to quickly implement the changes, could face significant challenges in adapting to this tax holiday. More clarity and support from the government in terms of guidelines, resources, and adjustments could help ease some of these concerns. ‘all we ask is, please shop locally and have patience with us’

With Petere Duffy Are you a snowmobiler? Have you been looking at the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) Interactive Trail Guide (ITG) and been wondering why a lot of trails seem to be missing?

Due to some outside factors, the OFSC and all its member clubs are making sure we have a signed Memorandum of Understating (MOU) on file with every landowner in the province. In addition to private

citizens, landowners include entities like MTO, Ontario Hydro and various municipalities and townships. It's all being done for insurance reasons. That's literally thousands of agreements that have to be obtained and then uploaded to the digital database.

Any section of trail that is missing even one landowner MOU can't show up on the ITG until an agreement is signed and uploaded. That means that a club can have 95% of their landowner signatures, and 0% of their trails showing if each trail is missing just one MOU. The good news, the ITG is rapidly evolving in real time and trails are returning as MOU’s get signed.

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

We at the Dun-Ahmic Snowriders have successfully obtained all our MOU’s and all out trails are listed on the ITG. That was no small feat this year and as a lot of folks know, it's something a lot of other clubs are still struggling with. We’ve also been out clearing the trails and got some work done before the recent early winter snow fell. We've still got work to do and we'll be back out as soon as we can.

We are now patiently waiting for something we have no control over, some long duration freezing temperatures. Our trail system includes a lot of water crossings, both over lakes and passing over swampy areas. All those areas need to freeze up before we can safely get into them to mark and set up trails. Realistically, even in the best years, lakes aren't ready to ride until well into January.

Some 100% land-based trails are starting to open around the province and that always starts the "when will your trails be open" questions. In most cases, the trails you see opening are rail beds that don't require freezing. It is very unlikely anything will be ready to go in our network until well into January at the very earliest and even then, we are the mercy of Mother Nature and will need perfect winter conditions if that is to happen. As you may remember from last year, mild temperatures all winter denied us the ability to open any trails.

Rest assured, we are doing everything we can to get our trail system ready and we are looking forward to a good year. We are riders too and between the constant work, we love to get out and ride as much as anyone. We appreciate your patience as we continue working towards that goal.

Although this new blanket of snow looks inviting, please stay off the trails, there are a lot of dangerous surprises lurking just beneath that ribbon of white.

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Hillcrest Grocery (705) 476-2211 108 WILLIAM ST Parry Sound, ON, Canada P2A 1V7

PARRY SOUND CHRISTMAS TRAIN ANNUAL VISIT

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Stop abortion at the source.

Vasectomies are reversible.

Make every young man have one.

When he/s deemed financially & emotionally fit to be a father it will be reversed. What's that? Did the idea of regulating a man's body make you uncomfortable?

Ski-sons greetings!

Sana Claus Charity Ski Show (use your choice of ski photo’s) Thank you so much for your involvement in the 2024 Santa Claus Charity Ski Show.

With your support, this has been our most successful year yet! We're donating $11,000 and 2,500 lbs of food to the Burks Falls Food Bank. This event would not be possible without your participation.

Thankyou on behalf of the Santa Ski Show Team.

We also wanted to share some of the footage of the event and media coverage: Official Ski Show Video: 2024 Santa Ski Show Video Muskoka 411: Santa Claus Water Ski Show In Kearney Sets Record For Donations, Raising Over $10,000 705 BlackFly: Highlights from the Santa Claus Charity Waterski Show Great North Arrow: Santa Claus Ski Show Another Huge Success (page 17) Cottage Life: Kearney’s Santa Claus charity waterski show returns for its seventh year

The Bay 88.7FM: Santa Ski Show raises $10,000 for Burk's Falls Food Bank My Muskoka Now: Santa Claus Charity Ski Show raises over $10,000 for local foodbank CTV Barrie pre-show coverage: Santa charity waterski show gets set for Saturday Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season! Thanks again for being a part of this special event.

Santa Ski Show Team

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Christmas Message

Deborah Bussey

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas, it’s the best time of the year.

I don’t know if there’ll be snow, but have a cup of cheer!

Deck your halls, jingle those bells, roast those chestnuts on an open fire. String the popcorn, hang your stocking and enjoy a little Christmas Cheer!

I’d like to wish our Great North Arrow family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

A special thank you to Cyndi and Jim who took their dream of creating a community newspaper and made it a reality. They work tirelessly to bring you a paper filled with news, unique stories about our area, community events and a few giggles. This little paper (that's a pun cuz it's not so little lol) gives us a platform to vent, be creative, and act as therapy for some of us lol. What a gift they have given to all of us.

Thank you both for your dedication, your encouragement and kind generous hearts.

We are truly grateful. Thanks Jim for giving me so much to write about. I know I poke fun at you for our Halloween issue but you do give me so much to work with! LOL! I look forward to reading all of your articles, having a little giggle or dabbing a tear.

You all make our community paper a treasure to behold with your unique blend of writing.

So get out and do some caroling, build a snowman, sip some hot chocolate, sit on Santa’s lap (Ho Ho Ho lol), or partake in a few shenanigans. Just be sure to write it all down and share with the rest of us in the new year!

Oh ho, the mistletoe, hung where you can see. Somebody waits for you, kiss her once for me. (politically, correct????maybe lol) Have a Holly Jolly Christmas and in case you didn’t hear. Oh by golly have a Holly Jolly Christmas....this year. Ya....I sang it! lol

Retire from Stress.

Enjoy Leisure for Life.

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Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 8 a.m.–7 p.m.

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According to Amazon, the most highlighted books on Kindle are the Bible, the Steve Jobs biography, and The Hunger Games.

A SOUTHERN VIEW

STEPHEN LEHMAN

Code Blue - Part 2

In the last issue of GNA, Nov. 29, I reminisced about my trip to Emergency at the end of September and how, contrary to all the horror stories you hear about wait times there, my experience really wasn't so bad. The ambulance arrived quite promptly, I received my diagnosis, first dose of antibiotic and discharge order in less than four hours and my follow-up dose the next night took less than an hour.

A person would have to be pretty petty, or have a delusional attitude of entitlement, to complain about service like that. Lest there be any question around the veracity of the colloquialism that pertains to the third time though, my final appointment proved to be a curse, not a charm. Ah yes, reality bit. Hard.

I guess I've been around long enough to know, at least subconsciously, that this visit probably wasn't going to go as smoothly as the first two because after my wife got home from work I suggested to her that she stay home and relax a bit and I would just drive myself. I would text her if, for some reason, I wouldn't be home in time for dinner and she could just go ahead and eat without me. Sounded simple enough and away I went, a smile almost on my face. Just one more visit.

Well, the nearly full waiting room that greeted me as I buzzed the triage nurse quickly wiped that smile away. Far away. I told myself, as I answered her assessment questions, not to jump to conclusions because things might proceed smoothly and I might yet get home for dinner, admittedly a bit late perhaps, but maybe just fashionably so. As you have probably surmised by now, though, time went way past fashionable and three hours later I was wishing

I had more padding on my skinny butt to compensate for the unforgiving hard plastic of the hallway chair, (the waiting room itself still being quite full.)

Of course, it's not like anything wasn't happening. People who had been there when I arrived were being admitted into another area for further interaction, which was fine, but when people behind me started being asked by the nurses to queue jump, well, that started to annoy me. So even though I had read the sign that said a person wouldn't necessarily be called by order of arrival, I finally had to ask one nurse why. She was very professional and explained to me that patients were being called by the acuity of their complaint and since my issue wasn't acute, I could wait.

Well, I don't mind telling you that I really had to bite my tongue on that explanation because if they had already been sitting there like me for two hours or more, how acute could their condition actually be.

The thought crossed my mind that since I was already a few hours past the 24 hour window for my final dosing, maybe I should just go home until I became acute again in another two or three days and we could proceed from there. As the minutes kept on passing and my empty tummy kept on rumbling, the entertainment of such a stupid idea kept on growing.

I didn't leave though and about three hours after arriving they finally found a bed for me in another hallway. A half hour after that a nurse arrived to start the drip and eight minutes later I was done. (It could have been nine but what's a minute between friends.) The nurse then cleaned everything up, including my PICC connection and told me that the Dr. would be by shortly to sign off on me. Two and a half hours later, he did arrive, apologized sincerely for the delay, took a quick glance at my hand without actually touching it, gave me a prescription for antibiotic pills and sent me home. Six and a half hours for a fifteen minute procedure. The horror stories are true.

So how and when did it get this bad? I have no idea. I don't think it happened overnight. I think it is more akin to the story of the proverbial frog that is blissfully swimming around in the pot of slowly heating water when suddenly it realizes that it is about to be boiled alive. For a very long time, decades actually, Ontarioans have been like that doomed frog, happily enjoying the benefits of our universal healthcare system with nary a thought about where it was heading. I remember when I was born nearly seventy years ago that they kept my mother and I in the hospital for about a week, as all mothers were. (Actually, I don't 'remember' but that is what I was told.) Now it seems like they make you wait a week, a month, a year maybe to finally get treated for almost anything and once that is done, they kick you out as fast as legally possible. Is this the point at which our health care system finally starts to boil over?

Now, I don't profess to be a consultant, (and I have the lack of income to prove it) but It occurred to me that if the government really wanted to improve the system, the first place they could start would be by referring to hospital departments as to what they actually are. For example, the Emergency Dept. would truthfully be called a walk-in clinic. They may still handle emergencies there but at least people wouldn't be arriving with the false impression that their ailment would be treated as an emergency.

A second change that the current government could make might actually fly with them - take a page from private enterprise, (which seems like the way Doug Ford wants to go anyways), and do as businesses like grocery stores do - have an express checkout line. The triage nurses who admit a person and determine the 'acuity' of their complaint are also probably well qualified to determine the complexity of a treatment required and how long it should take to get the person the heck out of there. The nurse who explained to me the criteria for being

attended to basically suggested that my treatment procedure wasn't hardly worth their time so I think they are well qualified to make a judgement. If so, and they determine that a person doesn't require a cart full of medical interventions, give them the two Aspirins they need and ring them through. (This would be a big improvement over the current model of lousy service that basically encourages people to treat their own symptoms, almost as if they are in the self-checkout line.) In the bigger picture this would have an exponential benefit because, as many observers have commented, if people weren't loath to go for treatment way before their complaint became an emergency, then less time and money would be required to get them back on their feet. If I had been expeditiously treated and released, I wouldn't have been needlessly tying up a bed for three hours while a truly sick person and two paramedics patiently waited for me to be discharged. I don't know if that qualifies as 'The Butterfly Effect' but for every action there is a reaction.

Now, all of this optimistic fantasizing about one or two incremental ways to help improve our healthcare aside, I feel that perhaps the best way to graciously sum up the current state of medical treatment in Ontario might be by paraphrasing something that Winston Churchill, that great statesman, once quipped; "Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others." In regards to our healthcare system of today; "Universal healthcare is the worst form of healthcare, except for all the others." Hopefully it isn't too late, despite increasing evidence to the contrary, to prevent 'the others' from one day being something that our children and grandchildren are forced to accept. It would be a shame if sick Canadians get feeling so deserted by the healthcare system that they take a page from our neighbours to the south and start shooting for-profit medical corporation CEO's.

If you try to suppress a sneeze, you can rupture a blood vessel in your head or neck and die.

Will transportation woes ever be fixed in Canada and Ontario?

Recent developments are a mixed bag for travellers

Éric Boutilier

The American industrialist and business magnate Henry Ford once responded “You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do” when asked about his professional achievements. insert billboard photo by Éric Boutilier (ONR, Railyard Bypass (DEC).jpg Reconstruction of the Ontario Northland Rail yard bypass in North Bay) (December 2024) It's a fitting analogy to describe how Parliament Hill and Queen's Park continue to sputter when attempting to run, re-establish or regulate public transportation.

For decades, numerous studies were published on how to re-imagine the way people travel across the country and the province.

Whether by bus, plane, train or even highway expansion, politicians of all stripes claim they want to reduce gridlock in urban areas and improve mobility in rural and remote regions.

Yet, for all the initial hype surrounding these government-led initiatives, progress has often been sluggish. In some instances, projects have stalled or were outright abandoned.

As a result, there remains: · Unprecedented delays and congestion at Pearson International Airport · Endless debate on High-speed versus High Frequency Rail · Severely late intercity trains · Impassable roads due to collisions and weather conditions

· Many setbacks on Toronto's Eglinton Crosstown LRT, Ottawa's O-Train and the now defunct London GO Train pilot · Increased isolation in Northern Ontario due to reduced or discontinued motor coach, train and air services.

Who'd have thought getting around would be so difficult and complicated, a quarter of the way into the 21st century?

It’s been a rocky few months for the nation’s passenger rail carrier, VIA Rail Canada.

Much was written about their Montréal-Québec City customers being stranded for ten hours, and the parliamentary committee summoned to get to the bottom

though: speed restrictions imposed by Canadian National Railway on its new Siemens Venture fleet.

It's kind of an existential crisis because these units are supposed to make train travel more dependable.

I hope Metrolinx and Ontario Northland pay close attention to the lawsuit filed

by VIA, because this might impact redeployment of the Northlander.

Despite promising billboards, platform and shelter announcements between Matheson and Temagami, and ongoing reconstruction of the North Bay rail yard bypass, the Siemens train sets ordered by the province will face the same issues as VIA if they must also slow down at each railroad

of things.

It's ironic, because the Federal government doesn't bat an eye whenever The Canadian — VIA's Toronto to Vancouver service — encounters similar delays through Northern Ontario, or when the Sudbury-White River train is cancelled at a moment's notice, without alternate transportation.

The company has more pressing concerns

crossing CN owns all the way to Toronto.

Several questions remain unanswered: · When in 2026 will the Northlander return? · When does construction begin on the Timmins-Porcupine station, and the platforms and shelters between South River and Washago? · Will there be access to washroom facilities?

· Will passengers seamlessly transfer between ONR trains, busses and local transit? · How scalable is the service?

Earlier in 2024, the Township of Brock produced a report detailing the need for a stop in the community of Beaverton.

Consider there's a 110 km gap between the two nearest stations (Gormley and Washago), it seems like an odd decision to bypass the fourth largest catchment area on this route — roughly 26 000 people within a 15-minute drive of Beaverton.

Moreover, why doesn't The Canadian stop here, at one of the GO stations north of Toronto, and at other reasonably sized communities further up the line (Bala and French River)? These are missed opportunities.

Transportation in this country is at crossroads.

Highway closures are all too common.

With few, if any, alternate routes in Northern Ontario, motorists and bus passengers alike are left stranded.

New trains that don’t live up to their potential, antiquated ones that fail on a somewhat regular basis or that are late erodes confidence in VIA Rail.

Flights outside of the big cities are often limited and prohibitively expensive for most individuals on a budget.

Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Ford each have an opportunity to steer Canada and Ontario in the right direction by putting in place proper transportation policies, and providing the necessary tools and resources to VIA Rail and Ontario Northland.

Their decisions will ultimately determine whether public transit has a bright or gloomy future.

Choose wisely. ― 30 ― Éric Boutilier is a columnist for Northern Tracks, a self-published blog related to intercity transportation in Northern Ontario.

MIRACLE STORY

Catharina Bowers Loving hands of Jesse & Cara Milson as they touch Brea their daughter. Touch, to these premies are life giving.

Cara Millson, my niece (by marriage) and her husband Jesse yesterday celebrated the first 100 days since the birth of their premature daughter Brea. Brea has been a patient in the NICU at Mount Sinai Hospital during this time. The first 100 days has been a roller coaster ride for Brea and her family. She is a fighter, a survivor, this little one was less than 400 grams at birth and is now up to 4 pounds. There will be an expanded story about Brea and her family when she is home with her parents. We are sending out best wishes to the Millson family, may the joy and happiness you feel be with you always. I am so happy for you all.

Monday to Saturday : 8:30am to 6pm Sunday : 12pm to 4pm 11518 ON-522, Port Loring, ON P0H 1Y0 (705) 757-2910 Great North Arrow

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You know that voice in the back of your head that tells you not to do something? Mine bets me five dollars I can't!

BAIN LAKE CHRONICLES TAMARA BAIN

The Man In Red

Every parent dreads the year they see their child begin to doubt. My oldest son was 10 and it had been a tumultuous year in our little family, I needed some Christmas magic to light the way for us.

Simon is the oldest, Shannon four years later, Lyle 4 years after her. Simon loved his little brother and was a huge help those first few years. But trying to fill the gap stole some of his innocence, I don’t think I ever told him how much his help meant.

At around ten years of age, a kid has seen stuff, heard things from school buddies, watched shows on TV that lead them to question the reality of a little guy dressed in red, scurrying about millions of houses depositing toys and working magic.

I could see it in his eyes and my heart was doubly breaking.

We’d tried hard to keep the magic in our family. I’ll never forget one Christmas at my parents’ house; grandchildren had arrived on the scene, 5 at that time, (toddler Simon and 4 of my siblings’ kids).

We were all in the living room of the big old farmhouse, playing around the massive

tree, dressed in our Christmas finery like something out of a Hallmark movie.

Suddenly from outside the walls there came the sound of jingle bells and loud thumping. The kids’ eyes got as big as saucers, as they strained to hear. “Ho! Ho! Ho!”, came a big, bellowing laugh, sending them scrambling to the windows trying to catch a glimpse of The Man in Red. The Spirit of Christmas was alive and well, and I still to this day suspect my father was closely tied to the Big Boss who lives way up North.

But it was easy then, our children were little and social media hadn’t destroyed their imagination. Looking back, they truly were my Golden Years.

Fast forward and my little family had grown with 2 more kids to gather ‘round that big tree in my parents living room.

Christmas night drew dark early that year, big white flakes covered everything as we drove out to the farmhouse from the sideroad where we lived, just a 15-minute jaunt. As we slowed on a sharp turn, ahead, a house glowed like things do on snowy nights. Back then homes were pretty sparse back the North Road in Loring, and it was a welcoming sight.

This particular home turned out to be just what our little family needed that Christmas; through the swirling snowflakes we could see a large figure with white hair, dressed all in red, backing out the door.

My son practically jumped through the car window as we slowly drove by, in fact if you go up to our junk yard today, I bet his face print is still on the back passenger window of my little Ford Tarus. It was all he needed; he didn’t stop talking about it for the whole Christmas break.

Magic.

That little kid became a firm believer that night, making magic for his own three kids now.

Christmas means many things to many people. I’ve navigated through some very, very dark years. My father, the guy sent down South by the Big Boss Up North to spread magic, passed away at Christmas, a few weeks short of his 63rd birthday.

But the spirit is firm in my heart.

Whatever Christmas means to you, may you find a little piece of magic this season. Magic that will sustain you through, even if this is a very dark year.

Please know, the light always comes back.

Just believe.

The GNA would like to welcome Perry Mart of Emsdale as a new outlet for the paper.

Inside the Crown’s Sneaky Move against Tamara Lich

by Lynne Cohen

For Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, November 26 is the day they find out when they will find out.

The pair are facing up to 10 years in jail for their roles organizing the Freedom Convoy rucker protest that disrupted downtown Ottawa in January and February 2022, and which later prompted the Trudeau government to invoke the never-before-used federal Emergencies Act. After dragging on for 13 months, their trial finally concluded this past September. On November 26 Ontario Court Justice Heather Perkins-McVey has promised to provide an update on when she will deliver her final verdict.

It could be several more months before Lich and Barber find out their fate. But while we await that outcome, it is worth investigating one aspect of their case that has been overlooked despite the massive media spotlight – the fate of a controversial “Carter application” made by Crown prosecutors.

Named for a 1982 Supreme Court case involving a marijuana smuggling ring in the Maritimes, a Carter application consists of a series of steps and evidentiary standards required to link individuals together in a broader criminal conspiracy. Significantly, the focus of the Crown’s Carter application appears to be the one charge that does not apply to Lich.

Together, Lich and Barber are charged with committing mischief, obstructing police, blocking a highway and counselling others to do all these things. All this is an effort to make the pair the “villains” of the protest – and thus justify the use the Emergencies Act. That said, none of these crimes are particularly serious. On his own, however, Barber is also charged with counselling others to violate a court injunction.

On February 7, Ottawa residents received a court order prohibiting truckers from gratuitously honking their horns, an aspect of the protest locals found particularly annoying. On February 9, Barber foolishly went on TikTok and told other protestors to “Grab that horn switch and don’t let go. Let that f—–’ horn go no matter what.”

As well-known Toronto criminal defence lawyer Ari Goldkind said in an interview, this evidence presents a “problem” for Barber; he is explicitly calling on protesters to disobey the court order. Of all the charges faced by the pair, this one seems the most likely to stick. The issue for the Crown is that it sticks only to Barber.

Amid the mountains of social media and other evidence collated and presented by the Crown during the trial, there is nothing to show that Lich ever encouraged anyone

to break a court order. “There’s not one word emanating [from] Tamara Lich that she even said ‘honking’ or ‘horns’,” Lich’s lawyer Lawrence Greenspon pointed out during the trial. Quite the opposite. The evidence repeatedly shows Lich counselling others to remain lawful and respectful.

The Crown plans to get around this inconvenient lack of proof by using its Carter application to tie Lich and Barber together as members of a conspiracy. As Goldkind explained, a Carter application “basically uses the actions of one of the co-conspirators to obtain a conviction against the other.” If the Crown’s Carter gambit succeeds, a conviction against Barber on this single charge could then be applied to Lich as well.

Even if she never did anything of the kind.

This explains why prosecutors went to great lengths during the trial to present Lich and Barber together as co-leaders of the protest. “They’re not ordinary members of the occupation,” [emphasis added] Crown prosecutor Tim Radcliffe stated in his final submission, using an inflammatory mischaracterization of the protest favoured by the government and other Freedom Convoy opponents. “They are leaders, publicly identified as such.”

The Carter application also explains the Crown’s odd fixation with pronouns. The prosecution submitted numerous examples of Barber and Lich using terms such as “we” and “us”, including when Lich said on February 3, “We plan to be here for the long haul.”

According to Radcliffe, “that ‘we’ pronoun was endless,” and this supposedly proves their combined leadership role.

In his own summation address, Greenspon painstakingly rebutted the Crown’s efforts to link Lich to Barber’s problematic TikTok post and thus find her guilty of a crime she did not commit. “What Tamara Lich encouraged was entirely lawful,” Greenspon continued.

Greenspon noted Lich’s efforts to register the truckers and implement “a signed code of conduct.” Even more significant is the agreement she struck with Ottawa mayor Jim Watson to begin voluntarily removing trucks from Parliament Hill. The deal was signed before the invocation of the Emergencies Act. As for the Crown’s Carter gambit, Greenspon charged, “It is unprecedented for the Crown to take a democratic lawful purpose and try to juxtapose that with acts by other individuals.”

When she delivers her judgement, Perkins-McVey will also reveal her ruling on the Crown’s Carter application, and whether Lich can be punished for a crime other people committed. Canadian justice awaits.

Lynne Cohen is an author and non-practicing lawyer based in Ottawa. The original, full-length version of this story first appeared at C2CJournal.ca.

111,111,111 X 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321

Let’s Ask Santa How Many Times A Year Do You Have To Change Rudolph’s Nose? This is a very good question that comes to us from Cayden K. in Arnstein.

You all remember the story about how Rudolph first came to see Santa many years ago. It was a very foggy Christmas Eve and even though my reindeer have very good eyesight in the dark, the fog was just too thick to safely fly me around the world that year. I thought we were going to have to cancel Christmas.

We were all very disappointed and I can just imagine how disappointed the children would have been if I had been unable to deliver their presents.

That was the year that Rudolph showed up and offered to lead the way. He became a hero overnight.

Rudolph doesn’t lead my team every year. But when it’s a foggy Christmas Eve it’s very important that his nose is shining bright. If I had to rely on a flashlight I would need a whole sleigh full of batteries.

Fortunately, Rudolph’s nose doesn’t rely on batteries and it doesn’t burn out like a normal light bulb does.

You see, Rudolph’s nose isn’t like a normal light bulb or even an LED light that will shine a long time before burning out. It’s more like the light a firefly has only it doesn’t flash off and on all the time. Rudolph’s nose is also brighter than a firefly's. Its source of energy comes from within Rudolph. It doesn’t require any batteries or electric source and it never burns out.

By the end of the night on Christmas Eve, however, Rudolph’s nose does start to get dim. That’s because, like all the other reindeer, Rudolph gets tired and worn out after such a long journey. As Rudolph’s energy gets low, so does the light on his nose. But I’m happy to say that Rudoloph’s nose has always provided just enough light for me and all the other reindeer to safely find our way home.

When we get back to the North Pole the elves have a special energy drink ready for Rudolph that will help him recharge himself and get his nose bright again.

But whenever Rudolph gets a cold, his nose doesn’t shine quite as bright so Mrs. Claus always makes sure we have lots of cold medicine on hand just in case Rudolph gets the sniffles.

If you are interested in more details about Rudolph and the other reindeer, you can read all about it in Santa’s new book, “Let’s Ask Santa”. You’ll also find answers to most of the things you’ve always wondered about Santa Claus and the North Pole.

“Let’s Ask Santa as told to jim Young” is now available on Amazon in the following formats. Kindle Edition ($2.99), Paperback ($9.99) and Hardcover ($20.80) plus shipping and tax.

Or to order an autographed Paperback copy please email NorthPoleCity@outlook.com for details.

This will be the last edition the Great North Arrow prints before Christmas. I hope you have enjoyed Santa’s column, “Let’s Ask Santa” and will watch for it again next year.

Until then, Santa, Mrs. Claus, the reindeer and the elves and everyone else at the North Pole wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Be kind, Be Brave & Believe. And remember, from the North Pole to the South Pole and everywhere in between, wherever you are - Santa Loves You!

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A8

“Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until they speak.” – Steven Wright

Reflections 101 with Catharina Bowers

Tolerance, Respect, Gratitude, & Thankfulness Is what we all need.

As you read along you will understand why I chose these 4 words. Thursday, December 5th arrives, and during the night at least a foot of snow dumped down in my driveway. Lorne is up early, goes out at 7 am, and ploughs the driveway and the yard. Cleans off the car, and comes in for a hot coffee at 10 am. Something hot helps make him feel better.

Around 11 am, he goes to Don and Yvonne’s new place…Yes, the hydro is on!

That makes life easier. He does a little snow removal for them. His 4-wheeler has a plough on it to do a bit of cleaning in the Burgess property so that they can get in.

They are also waiting for fair-sized trucks to deliver things in the near future, so keeping the drive clean will help the drivers.

We welcomed you to the party. We invited you to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a dessert. This gathering has all come about because a friend and neighbour in Whitestone lost their house to a fire. All who heard about it wanted to help; donate something, or do something to help. And on behalf of Don and Yvonne Burgess, we thank you all very much. But, the weather didn’t cooperate with us. It pummelled us with snow for a few days before the 5th of December.

L to R James Shedden, Photographer and Deputy Mayor Joe Lamb ( Tom North Photo) invited the entire community. And we are so pleased that so many of the Yarn Circle women were able to find their way through the snow, to the Community Centre. Some guests brought baked goodies when they came.

We had no idea who would come. We were pleased to see Deputy Mayor Joe Lamb, and Councillor Janice Bray attend.

Considering that the weather decided to bombard us with snow, many could not dig out. Our coffee maker Sherry got stuck in her driveway. Lorne was able to pick her up and so that we could have tea and coffee for our guests. Imagine inviting the whole town, and you can’t make the coffee…. I wouldn’t have an idea how to do it.

When I was still at home earlier, the hydro was flickering. It may have turned out like that dishwater, it stayed pretty good all day, but no it was delicious, especially if you paired it up with a lovely moist piece of pumpkin loaf, or a strawberry coconut tart

baked with love for the occasion by Cath Lamb.

The Shower of Blessings...came about when...the wheels were set in motion when I heard about the Burgess fire in June. Ladies of the Yarn Circle wanted to help. So did the troublemakers they also asked to help. That doesn’t make the Yarn Circle ladies, Troublemakers unless they want to be. lol I started to make a few phone calls…yes they wanted to help.

June is one month that Don would like to forget. Don was home alone with Ozzy when fire broke out. But his sidekick and best friend that night was his Belgian Malinois, OZZY. Ozzy BARKED…FINALLY PULLING AT DON, telling him YOUR HOUSE IS ON FIRE, it was time to get out! With the help of a fire extinguisher Don and Ozzy start, fighting flames, in pain, GASPING FOR AIR, they manage to get out… rolling down the stairs they end up in the driveway between the burning house and the garage whose vinyl cladding was melting. The heat was over the top.

DON yelled for help, and fortunately, he had neighbours who were home and heard him. Rudy and Kim, ran over with blankets and their cell phone called 911. With a blanket, they dragged Don to safety.

OZZY, RUDY and KIM ARE THE HERO’S of

THIS story! Thank you for saving Don’s life.

This picture is Ozzy, YOU did a fine job that night Ozzy. I presented a good size bone to Ozzy’s mom Yvonne. Ozzy you will be treated like royalty today and from now on.

Because you are a Hero!

Insert front table L to R Catharina Bowers, Ozzy picture in the frame Yvonne and Don Burgess – (Tom North Photo) James Shedden...donated a copy of his new book “A Day in the Night” The “Cottage Companion” Edition , hot off the press. The cottage version of his coffee table book to Yvonne and Don Burgess.

Everyone who arrived was given a ticket with their name on it for the door prize .

All guests signed the guest book, a lovely memento of the occasion.

The door prize was drawn by Don Burgess with photographer James Shedden. The winner was Peggi Woehl. Peggi the lucky winner had her birthday the next day, James’ book, “A Day in the Night” The “Cottage Companion” Edition would be a great birthday gift, and was given to the lucky winner.

Yvonne the charming, nervous, sweet, but grateful recipient the Shower of Blessings spoke to her guests on behalf of her husband Don as well as she made a short ‘thank you speech’. We applauded.

There were so many deserving people in that hall at the same time, and I am going to attempt to say thank you.

Thank you to the people of Whitestone

and area... The Spirit of Community has been at work in our community. We appreciate your generosity and kindness. For me, it was a labour of love. I care what happens to my friends and our neighbours.

I can’t imagine the anxiety, and sadness one would go through with such a tragedy.

Now I am going to mention (in no particular order) the People who did special things. Thank you so much, I am truly sorry if I forgot anyone...My stories that were published by Cyndi Culbert laid out by James Shedden in the Great North Arrow. Cyndi you and James were very instrumental in making sure the word got out. I blogged and you published. I blogged some more and you ran with it, not only that but you came up with some great ideas.

OZZY the Burgess Family Hero - (Tom North Photo) 3. I sent Cyndi pictures of Ozzy and asked if one could be enlarged. The enlargement of the OZZY Photograph, Promotions, Door Prize and a special gift of glassware beautifully etched, all made by Cyndi and James!

Thank you so much.

4. The Dunchurch Community Centre was donated to us by the Municipality of Whitestone.

Thank you to Michelle, Wendy, Paula, Cassie for your assistance, at one time I spoke to each one of you about the hall.

Thank you to Mayor George Comrie for making an announcement on Saturday evening at the Volunteer and Staff Dinner for the Shower of Blessings on Thursday.

Thank you all for your involvement, your assistance and your generous support. It is appreciated very much.

5. The ladies of the Yarn Circle, and the Troublemakers. They are two different groups just to clear it up. I belong to both but, not everyone in the Yarn Circle is a Troublemaker. TheTroublemakers see a problem, turns a negative into a positive as we did today.

Thank you to Carol McLellan a proud member of the Yarn Circle offered space in your basement to store household items and smaller furniture, microwave, dishes, linen, etc. Jessica Ann Dreyer, for lining up some furniture. Thank you to all who donated items.

Many ladies in the Yarn Circle baked goodies for the tea this afternoon. Cathy Lamb, Jennifer Logue, Peggi Woehl, and Muriel Stiles, Gayle Caldwell and Jane Bottrell.

Even guests have brought dessert. They also brought gift cards, gifts and their good wishes for Don and Yvonne . Merry, Cath and Wendy ruled the kitchen, and they were shown how to run the dishwasher…a very important function. They made sure everything was looked after in the dessert department. …..for making sure everything was looked after in the hall, we had Peggi, Jennifer, Cath (she served double duty) .

Lorne King and Dale Caldwell, and friend Chris Dryer set up and took them down tables and chairs. They also looked after incidentals that popped up. They transformed an empty room into an inviting place for tea that afternoon.

The card box was constructed by Dale Caldwell. He then went over to the library and Alaina the library creative person, stencilled the box …awe home sweet home.

You did such a wonderful job and a lovely keepsake from a positive moment in time, Today! Table cloths were looked after by Peggi Woehl, I did the centre pieces. The sound system was graciously set up by Terry Whitmell, with the background music set up as well. Tea and coffee and sugar we thank Sherry Thornton, and also for making

the tea and coffee. She also showed Merry and Wendy how to run the dishwasher a most important. Gayle and Dale Caldwell also picked up milk and cream, and Gayle was such a help in putting this event together. Gayle and Dale, were also greeting everyone at the door, making sure you all had a ticket and that you signed the guest book.

Tom North was invited to take pictures.

He said there are a few nice ones there that was/or will be put on Facebook. I asked if I could use some of his pictures...

Yes, it is not often that Tom is in a picture.

Just like James, he is usually taking the picture.

This is how a community helps when one of their own is hurting, and in need of assistance. We did it today, and in the future, if there is a need, we will do it again for you.

I couldn’t have done this without any of you. So, my heartfelt thanks to each one of you. When we do it together, it always works out better. This is indeed what working together is like when there is a worthy goal. We can’t do it alone. And life is like that. We need others to survive.

You will notice, that when someone has done something nice for you, you may think…humm why did they do that?

The answer is, that when someone does something nice, they are perhaps paying something forward. I was.

Yvonne asked me one day when she knew we were going to do this shower.

“How do I ever thank everyone?” I said to her, you say, “Thank you and when you have an opportunity, you pay it forward.”

Life is so much nicer, when people are good to one another.

I asked Eva if we could have people drop in their envelopes with gift cards etc. into the Library in Dunchurch, since many were stuck in the snow and there is also a postal strike. So if you are in town, the Library will hold on to it for the Burgess'. Thank you Eva so much.

Backed goods were brought by the Yarn Circle Ladies, who were so eager to help.

This is the season we think of others, it is the Christmas Season. I still say Christmas, because the 'Holiday Season' doesn’t mean a thing to me. I love my Dutch, Sinterklaas traditions and also the traditions of my chosen country. And when I came here in 1954, it was all about Christmas, and we adapted to the new way of Christmas. So since December has arrived, enjoy the traditions you have been accustomed to. When I was young, we did both, now we do Christmas.

I must say the hall was beautifully decorated for Christmas, it sure helps one get in the spirit of Christmas. Yes, Merry Christmas.

Our Jewish friends understand our customs as we respect and understand Hanukkah. This year Hanukkah and Christmas will coincide at the same time. Hanukkah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25 and ends at sundown on Thursday, January 2. 2025. My menorah broke into 4 pieces when a bird flew into the house I was renting in Ajax many years ago. It had been a gift from my dad, and I have never found a similar one.

Tolerance, Respect, Gratitude, and Thankfulness are all words that came into my mind this week. It was a wonderful week, snow and all.

Have a great week everyone! Let me be the first one to wish you a Merry Christmas.

It’s been raining for days now and my husband seems very depressed by it. He keeps standing by the window, staring. If it continues, I’m going to have to let him in.

NOT SMALL CHANGE FOR SMALL BUSINESS / IMPACT OF THE CANADA POST STRIKE

ALMAGUIN/PARRY SOUND: Cyndi Culbert- The ongoing Canada Post strike has become a significant issue for small businesses across Canada, with severe financial consequences. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), the strike is costing small businesses an estimated $76 million per day, with the total cost expected to exceed Billions if work stoppage continues. The impact is

particularly hard on small business owners who rely on timely postal services for sales, orders, payments.

With a small businesses, resulting in a range of financial and operational challenges. Business owners are facing lost sales and orders due to delayed deliveries, as well as the added expense of seeking alternative delivery methods to ensure products reach customers. Furthermore, payments are being held up in the mail, with some businesses still relying on traditional

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cheques, adding to the financial strain.

Many small business owners are facing lost revenue, delayed payments, and the added costs of finding alternative delivery methods. This is happening at a critical time of year, with important shopping events like Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday severely impacted by the postal disruption. Some businesses still rely on sending out cheques, and these payments are also being held up in the mail.

The situation has sparked frustration, with many business owners blaming Ottawa for not intervening to resolve the strike.

Corinne Pohlmann of the CFIB expressed concern over the government's inaction, highlighting that mediation talks have been suspended, and a prolonged labor conflict may ensue. Many business owners are calling for the government to introduce back-to-work legislation to end the strike and restore normal postal services.

The frustration surrounding this strike is palpable, especially with the added strain of an already challenging economy. For some businesses, this disruption could be the tipping point that leads to closures, making this strike not just an inconvenience, but a potential disaster for those struggling to survive. The memes comparing the strike to the Grinch stealing Christmas resonate with many, symbolizing how this labor dispute is damaging small businesses at the worst possible time of year.

They claim they appear unable to reach a deal.

“It’s not Grinch who is about to steal Christmas. It’s Ottawa sitting idly on the sidelines while small businesses are losing crucial revenue and sales due to circumstances outside of their control. The Labour Minister recently said mediation talks have been suspended because the two parties remain too far apart to reach a deal and that a long labour conflict is a possibility, but he is the one who has the power to put an end to this mess,” said Corinne Pohlmann, Executive Vice-President of Advocacy at CFIB. The majority of small business owners are calling for the government to introduce back-to-work legislation to mitigate the ongoing disruptions and provide some relief during this critical period.

It’s a sad state of affairs, with an economy in turmoil, this could be the final straw for some that are holding on by a thread. ………yes, Canada Post, of all times of the year to pull this…. I agree that YOU are the Grinch. . And I won’t even mention missing the ‘rare Christmas Card’ that used to be a part of the magic of the Holidays.

Please remember to be kind, and remember that this strike isn’t caused by our Postal Workers, who work hard everyday to bring us our mail… they are all in the same position as you and me, and perhaps even worse.

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

A9

Male dogs lift their legs when they are urinating for a reason. They are trying to leave their mark higher so that it gives off the message that they are tall and intimidating.

Captures in Time

TAMARA BAIN

Every December 31st we all wonder what our year ahead will look like. We hope for special moments that will help restock our memory-bank.

But what about the 'old' year? Just think about it; look at all we've learned in just 365 days. Look at the lessons, good and bad. Think of our personal growth. All those adventures we've had, people we've met and those we've had to say goodbye to. Even if all you have managed to do is survive the year, you made it through when so many have not.

I've spent the year getting to the bottom of my personal health and what a journey it's been! The turning point came when I decided to work with a Naturopath doctor.

I felt I was falling between the cracks with my current health care provider.

Suffering over 15 years with 'symptoms of IBS', (which is what you are labeled with when they can't find any other cause), I paid to have a Food Sensitivity Test, the results with which were startling. For 6 months I completely avoided the very long list of foods that trigger my inflammation.

It was not an easy task, especially in the summer when my schedule is jam-packed, but I did it. I still avoid certain foods that trigger a flare-up.

I began HRT, (hormone replacement therapy), which has made an enormous difference in my health. I sleep, I don't go into 'Meno-Rage', (yes, it is a real thing), and my focus has returned.

Perhaps the biggest change; I quit drinking every day. Don't get me wrong, I was not an alcoholic, I could take it or leave it, but since the pandemic we started drinking a beverage every night while we caught-up before supper and a few more on the weekend. One of many blood tests the Naturopath ordered discovered I was beginning to show early signs of fatty liver disease of which alcohol is a huge factor.

It was a wake-up call. Since leaving my miserable marriage ten years ago, for the first time I felt like I was no longer just surviving, but actually thriving. I wish to live a very healthy, long life. Changes needed to be made to facilitate that. LSL, aka, Long

Suffering Larry, decided to join me on my quest and now we enjoy one beverage a week. And you know what? We don't miss it all. We still toast to our day and tell each other our stories, but with water instead.

Physically I was making great progress, mentally, not so much. I was struggling, no longer interested in the things I normally loved to do like canoeing, taking pictures and writing for this very paper, I was on autopilot.

At the end of August, we finally went on our long overdue honeymoon; a threeweek driving tour of Canada, 10 000 kilometers driving from little ole Loring all the way to Vancouver Island and back again.

By the second week I noticed my aching jaw relaxed, the knot between my shoulder blades let up, my stomach un-clenched and I felt I could breathe. Evidently it was what was desperately needed as I spent the rest of September and October in my little red canoe taking pictures and even began writing again. It was like a veil had lifted.

We both needed a break and for the first time in my life, I took one.

Our bodies will tell us when something is wrong, and if we don't listen, it will shut us down, one function after the other.

It has not been an easy journey, these changes are a lifelong commitment with so much more to work on, but I feel like there's a glimmer at the end of the tunnel, and I'll be spending 2025 striving to reach it.

Perhaps it's me being an annoyingly persistent optimist, but real change can happen if you are willing to put the effort in and not reach for the quickest way out.

You absolutely need to be ready though, and boy was I ready. It takes dedication and maybe a large dose of stubbornness, but I am fighting back from the cut-it, drug-it, or ignore-it attitudes of which most doctors adhere it seems.

I understand not everyone can afford to work with a Naturopath, (I barely could but I was at wits-end), and all the tests required let alone taking three weeks off to go adventuring, but small, consistent changes can and will add up to big change if you really want it.

We live in an instant gratification society, (Ozempic anyone?), but our bodies and our minds need more.

What will 2025 hold in store? Who knows, but think of all we'll learn! How many people will enter our lives, the surprises along the way.

2024 might've been one year you'd rather forget, but every day of the New Year is a chance at a new beginning. Every morning is the first day of the rest of our lives. There will be bad days. There will be dark days. There will be set-backs.

But your best day yet could be tomorrow.

May your New Year be filled with more ups than downs, more brightness than dark, much happiness and good health and most of all, peace.

Cheers!

Men are 6 times more likely to be struck by lightning than women. tute, the federal government’s 2030 EmisNet Gain: A sions Reduction Plan could add $55,000 the average cost of a new home. This Common-Sense Climate tocomes as federal spending on climate measures reaches $20 billion annually, with the Policy for Canada

By Robert Lyman “Axe the Tax!” has become a rallying cry in Canadian politics, and while the slogan is a potent partisan tool for federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, it does not constitute a comprehensive climate-change platform or functional environmental policy.

As the Conservatives prepare to take on the responsibility of governing, they must articulate a climate strategy—and it should be one that balances economic growth with practical environmental measures. Canada cannot afford to continue along the Justin Trudeau government’s path, prioritizing unrealistic, ideologically driven net-zero targets. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act binds the country to drive down greenhouse gas emissions, requiring an overhaul of the economy’s energy system, including the role of fossil fuels.

Hydrocarbons currently supply 73 percent of Canada’s energy needs, underpinning essential services like heating, transportation and manufacturing. Eliminating these barely 25 years from now is not just ambitious—it is effectively impossible.

The costs of these policies are already apparent. Carbon taxes and emissions regulations have driven up energy prices and housing costs, exacerbating Canada’s affordability crisis. According to the Fraser Insti-

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broader economic cost of net-zero estimated at $60 billion per year. These sacrifices are pointless; Canada contributes only 1.5 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions and international progress remains elusive as developing nations, especially China and India, continue to increase their fossil fuel use.

Canadians are increasingly aware of the resulting financial and social burdens.

Young people, seniors and working families feel the squeeze as energy and housing become less affordable.

Adding to the frustration is Canada’s consistent failure to meet its international climate commitments. Unrealistic targets breed cynicism, especially when paired with negligible global impact.

A newly elected Poilievre government might be tempted to take a reactionary approach that cancelled all climate measures.

But this would be neither politically viable nor responsible.

While such a U-turn would appeal to some, it would alienate moderates and reinforce perceptions that the Conservatives lack credible solutions. Instead, Canada should follow a pragmatic middle path, one inspired by the Copenhagen Consensus—a cost-benefit-driven approach that prioritizes technological innovation and adaptation over punitive measures.

Jim Young

In 1970 my mother (42 at the time) wrote a letter to the editor to the Toronto Telegram to tell about her Personal Santa Claus.

My personal Santa Claus Letter of the Day To the age old question, "Is there a Santa Claus?" I answer a definite yes. I had a real live one up until last year. He was buried on Christmas Eve, 1969.

He came into my life when I was very young because I don't ever remember not knowing him. I'm being selfish - he was not mine alone - he was ours. Ours being mom, dad. we four children and another family of four.

Every year he took us (the six child- ren) not only to the Santa Claus parade but fought the crowds of toyland as well. He worked on a shift and every second year he had to work Christmas Day. On these days he would come in at mid- night Christmas Eve and get us out of bed to watch us open our gifts because he was our Santa. He had bought us the things we had asked for and, believe me, they were many. I don't ever remember being disappointed as a child sometimes is when the gift she really want is not under the tree.

We have all-year memories of him, also.

One summer he built a big cottage. He assigned one bedroom to each family and one for himself, which was fine while we were little but as we grew, we needed more room. He eventually ended up with the couch in the living room, which must have been miserable for him much of the time because, like all child- ren, we were early risers and, also, very noisy so he hadn't the chance to sleep late.

I'm sure we must have been unbeara- ble many times. We used to tease him and pull jokes on him and he went through our nightmares and illnesses just as though we

A reimagined Canadian climate policy would shift away from utopian targets and timelines. The net-zero goal, according to scientists aligned with the Copenhagen Consensus model, should be postponed to 2070 or even 2100, recognizing the long timelines required for energy transitions.

Rather than subordinating everything to emissions reduction, the Conservatives should pursue a combined policy that aims to optimize economic growth, energy security, environmental quality and social cohesion.

Technological realism is key. Governments should abandon attempts to “pick winners” through subsidies or mandates, focusing instead on funding basic research and development. This aligns with the Copenhagen Consensus’ findings that investments in science yield far greater benefits than imposing carbon taxes or accelerating transitions prematurely. Developing and commercializing new technologies at an organic pace is the most effective path toward meaningful emissions reductions.

Equally important is the emphasis on adaptation and resilience. Climate policies should focus on protecting communities and infrastructure from immediate risks like flooding and extreme weather. Adaptation measures such as land-use regulations that discourage construction in flood-prone areas deliver tangible benefits regardless of whether climate projections materialize.

Building resilience enhances Canada’s ability to withstand not only long-term climate changes but also short-term variability.

A common-sense climate policy would also recognize Canada’s vast oil and natural gas reserves as assets rather than liabilities. Current regulations like the 2035 Clean Electricity mandate and the recently announced “cap” on oil and gas emissions (actually, a draconian 35-percent reduction) undermine Canada’s energy security

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

were his own.

By this time, you probably think I be- lieve this man to be a saint and not for real. No. he was human and, at times, he could be grouchier than anyone I knew as well as being hard to get to know and undemonstrative when it came to showing his feelings. He would come to visit and sit for the longest time without speaking. At first, we would feel he had a mad on but now I believe he just enjoyed being with us, watching us at play, listening and grinning occasion- ally.

When we kissed him, he would be terribly embarrassed but he had a shy little lopsided grin that told us he was pleased, too. To hear him laugh out loud was a rare treat, indeed. We all have many, many memories of him, both good and bad.

He wasn't only our Santa but a true friend as well. If you have or had a friend like him don't make the same mistake I made.

As my family grew and I moved away. I became too busy for visits. We still kept in touch two or three times a year and exchanged gifts, but a person never knows when death will take our loved ones away, and by then it is too late.

My children asked why God took him at Christmas. I don't know unless He. too, knew he was a real St. Nicholas and to remind me each year what a very lucky person I was to have known him.

The bright star on my tree has gone out and there is a corner of my heart maked "reserved", for no one can ever replace him.

Oh, yes, I'm going to tell you his name, otherwise this letter would be pointless and I can't help feeling that many of his friends and acquaintances didn't know his true and loving nature as two families knew and loved him. Perhaps, there were others after we were grown up. I like to believe there were. because his life would have been so empty without families that he could be close to.

He was a bachelor, but I hope not a lonely one. He was the fire chief of the Borough of York at the time of his death His name? Clifford Rigby Claus. our Santa Dear Cliff, I pray that you know how much you were loved and how very much we all miss you.

Painswick, Ont. MARGARET YOUNG

and economic stability. Revising or repealing these measures would ensure that the country’s resources contribute to both domestic needs and export markets.

Reforms are urgently needed at the regulatory level to streamline environmental assessments and reduce delays in major projects, housing construction and capital investment, including the following: 1.) Federal environmental reviews currently take years, sometimes over a decade, deterring investment and eroding public confidence. Simplifying these processes while maintaining rigorous environmental standards would promote job creation and economic growth.

2.) To address Canada’s housing crisis, federal climate-driven building mandates that inflate construction costs must be reconsidered. Housing policy should remain the responsibility of provincial and municipal governments, where solutions can be tailored to local needs.

3.) Harmonizing Canada’s regulatory frameworks with those of the United States would facilitate cross-border trade and reduce compliance costs for industries. This is particularly important as the incoming Trump Administration moves to deregulate business and ditch measures like EV mandates. While Canada should not blindly follow its neighbour’s lead, close alignment on key standards is the pragmatic choice.

Finally, fostering federal-provincial harmony is essential. The Trudeau era has been marked by discord, with provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan bearing disproportionate burdens from federal policies. A collaborative approach that respects regional differences would not only improve governance but rebuild trust in the federation.

This proposed path is not a denial of climate change—it is a rejection of ideological extremism.

By prioritizing innovation, resilience and economic stability, Canada can achieve measurable progress while remaining competitive on the global stage. The time for compromise and common sense is now.

Robert Lyman is a retired energy economist who served for 25 years as a policy advisor and manager on energy, environment and transportation policy in the Government of Canada. The original, fulllength version of this article was recently published in C2C Journal.

A10

There is a snake, called the boomslang, whose venom causes you to bleed out from every orifice on your body.

You may even turn blue from internal bleeding, and it can take up to 5 days to die from the bleeding.

Winter Travel

Deborah Bussey

As November ended and December began many who live north of Barrie experienced a winter wallop!

Now there are a few who claim more accurate information should have been made public in order to minimize those caught/ stranded in the storm of 2024. Well, here’s my take. There’s no way to accurately predict what Mother Nature is going to do. As someone said to me, Meteorology is the only profession where you get paid even when you’re wrong....over 75% of the time! Hmmmm I need that job lol!

It’s not like they didn’t tell us there was a storm brewing. Anyone who lives up here in God’s Country knows how unpredictable weather can be. Well..... some like to take chances cuz they’re dumbasses but most of us realize it’s just not worth it.

I also realize that those who had to work didn’t have a choice and had to be

out in that mess, yet no one could have predicted the amount of snow that fell in that short length of time. Well....there is someone who could but hey He might have been busy helping with some other issues in the world. Just saying. Over 400 tractor trailers and numerous motorists were stuck on Highway 11 between Gravenhurst and Huntsville.

It may surprise some but not all of us that good Samaritans came to the rescue.

Whether it was by snow machine, atv or other means many rallied together to bring gas, food or just check on people who were stranded. This speaks volumes as to the character of the individuals in our northern communities.

Minister of Natural Resources, Graydon Smith MPP for Parry Sound/Muskoka spoke in the House of Commons about the State of Emergency and hailed the local heroes who went out in a time of need to assist others. He applauded the first responders and utility workers for the amazing job they did and rightfully so. There is a great deal of risk involved in their jobs and I personally think they deserve recognition.

They are a perfect example of how human beings should act and react in a time of need. Thank you Thank you Thank you. Chi Miigwetch.

Yes, there were complaints regarding the closure of the highway, the length of the closure etc. In reality it was a monumental amount of snow that fell and when highways are clogged with motorist who

ventured out, it makes cleaning the highway a much harder task not to mention how dangerous it can become or the risks involved.

We have to remember they were dealing with accidents, blockages and that dreadful white stuff kept coming down. It made it very difficult if not impossible for emergency services to get to their destinations because of the closure. If that wasn’t enough there were power outages to deal with too. Many lost power for days!

This only added to the burden on the first responders and Hydro One repair teams.

Remember, while a good many were snug in their houses these men and women were out there. I can’t praise them enough for all their efforts.

Whether you like it or not, this is not Toronto with well lit routes and accessibility to a multitude of services so keep this in mind for the future.

Check the weather radar, 511.on.ca, your local weather station, Facebooks’ Almaguin Road Conditions/Ontario Road Conditions or whatever source you find credible before you decide to get in your vehicle to travel. Just remember Murphy’s Law...anything that can go wrong will go wrong.

Dress for the conditions, carry and emergency kit in your vehicle, gas up before you head out, let someone know where you’re going and for the love of God make sure your vehicle is “winter ready”!

I.e. snow tires!!!!

Some things an emergency kit should contain; survival blanket, change of clothes especially socks and boots, flash light and extra batteries, candle, matches in a waterproof container or lighter, deep can, some food like power bars/granola bars, nuts etc, WATER, phone charger, tissues, pen and paper, FIRST AID KIT, cash, snow shovel and brush and maybe a jerry can with gas....just in case. Reflective triangles come in handy too!

We still have a lot of winter weather ahead of us. The most important thing is to arrive alive at your destination. We are given one life to live so please think of yourself and others before you head out.

If there was one thing that I think may have helped during this crisis I believe it would be a message broadcast out on the Emergency Bulletin station that comes to all our phones. Everyone would have received the warning of the road closure and maybe....just maybe they may not have tried to head out and get caught up in the chaos. Maybe.

And for all those who travel north to spend time with their families for the holidays, please check the road conditions, give yourself plenty of time to travel, drive cautiously and courteously and remember everyone wants to spend precious time with their family and friends.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy Happy New Year!

Safe travels to you all.

On average, 12 newborns will be given to the wrong parents daily.

Oh-Natur-Al-Eh 3!

Deborah Bussey I’m back with more information on experiments I have tried, the results and a few tips and recipes you may wish to incorporate into your life.

When it comes to home remedies, I would ask you please to note that what works for one may not provide the same results for another. There are a vast array of differences between symptoms one person may have over another based on a number of factors like lifestyle, nutrition, activities of daily living, age etc etc. In other words, a young, healthy, active person may respond quicker/better to a natural remedy than let’s say a more “mature” person who has lived a full life, partook in many activities (some good some not so much), worked a physically demanding job or a mentally challenging one or both, may have an impaired immune system etc. So, although the remedy may work, it may take longer for some than others or you may require additional remedies in order to get to the ultimate result. Always consult with a doctor, whether it is a western medicine doctor, Naturopath or Homeopath, Medicineman/woman/person (just being politically correct for all you sensitive peoplekind lol), if it is beyond your understanding consult with a professional. After all it is their area of expertise and in a scary situation you don’t want to fool around trying to figure out what you should or shouldn’t take. Just saying!

With cold and flu season upon us I have a couple of suggestions, now whether they work or whether you think they work lol the idea is to try and give your body a healthy boost to fight whatever comes your way. Increase your vitamin C! Yes with fresh fruits but a really good vitamin wouldn’t hurt either. Get some vitamin D along with Zinc into ya! Don't forget Elderberry Syrup!

Have a few healing teas on hand to take the sting out of what ails ya. There are Algonquin Teas or specialty teas for sore throats, respiratory etc. I personally enjoy a variety of healing teas like; Chaga, Cedar, Dandelion, Red Clover, Camomile, Hibiscus, Roobis, Mint etc....to name a few.

Nobody likes to be sick so try and have a few things on hand just in case.

Elderberry syrup taken daily in the winter months or make them into gummies is an awesome first defense! Good ole fashioned VICKS!!!! It’s absolutely amazing how many uses it has! Put some on your feet and go to bed, helps with congestion, coughs and nail fungus!!!!! Ya that’s right it’s multi-purpose. Just remember to turn a light on so you don't mistake it for Vaseline.....just saying! LOL! The best advice I can offer is if you are feeling unwell stay home! Don’t go out and spread your germs. Do you know the old saying; Misery loves Company? Have

you ever watched the movie Misery? LOL All kidding aside....get your butt in your jammies, curl up in bed with a hot bowl of chicken soup, rub some Vicks on, have your warm tea on the nightstand and stay the heck home!!!! If you have to go out....put on a friggen mask!

So in my last article I promised to provide some recipes; Low Carb High Protein Bagels, Spinach Dip, Coconut Bars, Lemon Chicken and Rosemary water & tinctures.

Low Carb High Protein Bagels: 3 cups Greek Yogurt 3 cups Flour 4 1/2 TBSP Baking Powder Combine all ingredients. Divide into 9 balls and form into bagels Place on parchment lined or non stick pan Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes NOTE: Use up quickly as they will not last.

I would suggest you make 6 larger bagels.

Although they are lovely when they first come out of the oven they will harden quickly. Use up within a couple of days.

Spinach Dip:

2 tsp Olive Oil 1 onion diced 4 cloves of garlic 2 lbs of spinach (coarsely chopped) (steam for 8 minutes) Place above ingredients in a saucepan Add: 1/3 cup milk Whisk together the following ingredients then add to above mixture.

6 oz. cream cheese 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes 1/4 cup shredded Mozzerrella Cheese Salt & Pepper to taste.

NOTE: I think I need to find a new Spinach Dip recipe....this one didn't hit the mark.

Coconut Bars:

logs and freeze for couple hours.

Remove from freezer and dip in melted chocolate and re-freeze.

To melt chocolate; pour approximately 1 cup chocolate baking chips, 1 TBSP coconut oil. Place in microwave for 30-50 seconds.

Remove and stir with a fork.

These are yummy!

Lemon Chicken:

Sauce; 8 TBSP butter 4 - 6 cloves garlic (more if you're anything like me lol) 1/4 cup lemon juice zest from one lemon 1/4 cup chicken broth 2 TBSP honey 2 tsp cornstarch Marinate your chicken; place chicken into a 9x13 pan Mix the following and then cover the chicken with; 2 TBSP Soya Sauce 2 TBSP Vinegar 1 egg Let it marinate for the day....at the very least 2 hours Place chicken in a large hot cast iron or stainless steel fry pan. Cook on Medium until both sides are seared (8 minutes

each side) then turn your burner down to Medium Low and add your sauce mixture.

Cover the pan and let cook for 15 minutes, turn the chicken over, cover and cook for another 10 minutes.

Serve over rice I like the dark meat from chicken as I find it more tender and moister but to each his own. Use whatever you have on hand you will not be disappointed.

over, refrigerate for another application.

You can also add mint or cloves to the infusion!

This concoction will strengthen your hair, great stimulant for the scalp against flakes or eczema. Calms the skin as well.

Rosemary Tea: You can either make a hot beverage or do the Cold Fusion method. Many prefer the cold fusion but it is totally up to you.

Use approx 1 TBSP Rosemary leaves for 3-4 cups water You may want to add a bit of honey or maple syrup to your tea.

Note: if boiling your water let it steep for at least 10-15 minutes, if using cold fusion method prepare it the night before and let it sit out on your counter. It needs at least 12 - 16 hours to extract the healing properties from the Rosemary leaves. You can warm it up if you prefer but maybe put it on the stove rather than use a microwave.

Some of the health benefits from Rosemary Tea are; Supports Brain Health, Supports Immune System, Antioxidant, Regulates Blood Sugars, Improves Digestion, Anti Inflammatory, Improves Mood and Memory, Promotes hair growth.

You can make a topical with oil for massag-

ing into tired achy muscles too. Just stuff a jar with clean sprigs of Rosemary and add enough oil (Olive Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Castor Oil) to cover the sprigs. Seal the jar, place in a cool dry spot for 4 weeks. After that time you can strain the leaves and either transfer the oil into another container or resuse the same jar. Store in a dark place and use when needed.

I will bring you more helpful remedies, recipes and tips in 2025! Until then have a Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy New Year!

SOLUTION TO FILL-IN PUZZLE #4

Rosemary:

1 cup coconut 2 TBSP Coconut Oil 31/2 TBSP Maple Syrup 1/2 tsp Vanilla 1/8 tsp salt Mix ingredients together, form into little

Rosemary Water: 2 cups Rosemary leaves 2 cups of water leave on countertop for at least 24 hours then strain. If you have a cold press I would suggest you use it.

Once strained put in either a jar or spray bottle.

After you shampoo and rinse your hair use the Rosemary Water as the final rinse. You don't use the whole batch. Whatever is left

68% of the universe is dark energy, and 27% is dark matter; both are invisible, even with our powerful telescopes.

This means we have only seen 5% of the universe from earth.

OPEN

MON-SAT 8AM-7PM SUNDAY 8-6PM

LCBO

In-Store Fresh Bakery, Deli, Meat Dept, LCBO Outlet Super TV Bingo tickets NOW Available in Store!

18 PETER STREET, NOVAR 705-789-1777 Great North Arrow

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

SATELLITE STORE

BOTTLE RETURN

OPEN SAT & SUN ONLY 10AM-4PM

A11

1 Montreal Ave., South River, Ontario 705-386-0606

HOURS: Monday-Friday: 8:30 am-6 pm Saturday: 8:30am-5pm Sunday- Closed

Monday to Saturday : 6am to 9pm Sunday : 7am to 9pm Convenience Store / Lottery Retailer / Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

LANE FAMILY PHARMACY 4 Pine Drive Parry Sound ON P2A 3B8 Phone: (705) 746-2187

Every year more than 2500 left-handed people are killed from using right-handed products.

Corner Wines You’ll

Your Wine!

GUARANTEED Are you a fan of Bodacious? Announcing 2 new wines from Vineco, the world leader in craft winemaking! The Red wine has flavours of juicy ripe, blackberries and blueberries. The White wine has flavours and aromas of aromatic sweet pear and herbal notes. That’s all fine, but the real news is… Half the price of the liquour store!!

(Because there is no tax) (And that’s good for you!)

Corner Wines is at the (only) Traffic Light, Downtown South River.

Call us at 705-386-9463 or, e-mail funwine@cornerwines.ca or, Facebook, 'cornerwinesinsouthriver'

of great winemakers

Part of the

705-FUN-WINE Of all the words in the English language, the word “set” has the most definitions. The word “run” comes in close second.

NON PROFIT THRIFT STORES-

“thrifting for the greater good” Be sure to check out these hidden gems in our area, not only are there some amazing ‘one of a kind’ finds but the money donated from these shops that are run by volunteers from the community, help the community! When you are considering donating your gently used goods, please think of these wonderful shops!

Insert logo BURK’S FALLS - ALMAGUIN DONATION AND THRIFT STORE – 205 ONTARIO STREET, 705-382-3553 , located on the lower level of the Emporium and actually located on Yonge Street, featuring donations from gently used clothing to small appliances and some furniture. Donations go back to the community. OPEN YEAR ROUND KATRINE – 350 DOE LAKE ROAD- KATRINE UNITED CHURCH THRIFT SHOP is located in the lower level of The United Church.

This amazingly clean and organized thrift shoppe is fully stocked with everything that you need for this cooler fall season!!

Lots of clothing, small appliances and treasures! Proceeds to the Katrine United Church! Thankyou everyone for your ongoing support! OPEN WED 10AM-2PM, AND SATURDAY 9AM-1PM OPEN YEAR ROUND PARRY SOUND – “MARY STREET BOUTIQUE” 24 MARY STREET - Located downstairs in the basement of St James United Church... It's not new it has been in existence for more than 50 year.. It was started by the ladies from the local church-

es trying to help struggling families.. The goal remains the same today and continues to be run by volunteers from 5 local churches and the money raised goes back into the local community.. The boutique carry's gently used clothing for the whole family.... Baby item .25cents, Children 4 and up $1.00 and most adult clothing starts at $1.50. A winter coats will run you $3 ,, Haberdashery meaning shoes, purses, belts, gloves and hats are the best bargain in town,,, OPEN MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY 11AM-1PM We welcome donations that can be dropped off in our bins located in the parking lots side door at 24 Mary St. Between the hours of 9am and 8pm.. Please Haberdashery and clothing items only. PLEASE Do not leave household items as we have no place to keep them.

OPEN MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY 11AM-1PM PARRY SOUND - SALVATION ARMY STORE – 82 Joseph St, – OPEN – Monday-Friday 10am-3:30pm, Saturday 10am- 4 pm= CLOSED SUNDAY. POWASSAN- GRACE HOUSE- 250 CLARK - 705-728-2813 - Did you know we have a used clothing store at 250 Clark? It is a wonderful day to shop local and buy some recycled goods! Stop in today at Grace House Powassan from 9-1pm. Please use the west door to access the store. OPEN TUESDAY, THURSDAY AND SATURDAY 9AM1PM. OPEN YEAR ROUND POWASSAN – RESCUED TREASURES 510 MAIN STREET, 705-724-2059 or allheartpetrescue@gmail.com - A beautiful little shop in downtown Powassan. All items are donated and benefit All Heart Pet Rescue. OPEN YEAR ROUND

Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing.

CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA IN AHMIC HARBOUR

3-year-old Adhara, Grandaughter of Pam Stiles enjoying her visit with Santa

WELCOME TO THE PARRY SOUND SENIORS CLUB

With Mary Ann Brunelle

We are conveniently located downtown Parry Sound and we are inviting new members to join. We welcome those 50 years young and older, and our Club membership is only $30 per year.

Club Membership for ages 50 + is $30 per year, due 1 st January Country Jam Session 3rd Saturday of each month from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm - All musicians, singers and dancers are welcome to participate. $5.00 admission buffet lunch is included.

Great North Arrow Small towns & proud ... connecting communities Page 1 All activities are held at the Club with the exception of Aqua Fitness Pool (billiards) Downstairs Monday, Thursday and Friday- 9:00 am – 11:45 am and 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Darts Wednesday at 1:30 pm (Sept to June only) and community spirit truly shone through.

Bid Euchre Cards Monday at 1:00 pm and Santa brought joy to kids of all ages, while Friday at 7:00 pm the Grinch, the Elves and the other charRegular Euchre Cards Friday at 1:00 pm acters brought smiles to everyone. Well Cribbage Cards Thursday at 1:00 pm done!

Jam Session (Music & Singing; Dancing) Tuesday from 10:00 am to 11:45 am No admission fee for members in good standing.

Tai Chi Practice Tuesdays from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm ($3 for paid members) Aqua Fitness The Grand Tappattoo Resort Monday (low impact) from 10:00 am to 11:30 am- Must be a member to participate. Fees: $6.00 Hope to have you join us!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

AHMIC HARBOUR: The annual Ahmic Harbour Christmas Extravaganza was a wonderful success this year, the hard work

185 Ontario Street Burk’s Falls, ON P0A 1C0

Book Signing with Santa Claus : Author of “Let’s Ask Santa”

Where: South Shore Centre General Store, 2536 Highway 654 West , Callander, ON (Between Muskeg Road and the Nipissing Fire Station 1) When: Saturday, December 21, 2024 Time: Noon to 3:00 pm South Shore Centre General Store is hosting a book signing event on Saturday, December 21st for Santa Claus to present his new book, “Let’s Ask Santa”.

“Let’s Ask Santa” is Santa’s book that answers all the questions that all the boys and girls (and their parents) want to know about Santa.

Come on out to meet Santa, purchase a copy and get him to sign your copy.

No purchase necessary. Bring your children to visit Santa, enjoy a hot chocolate and some cookies and bring your phones and cameras to take your own photos.

And while you’re there, you can take the opportunity to get in some last minute Christmas Shopping at South Shore Centre General Store, your One Stop Shop which offers Christmas Giftware including Nipissing Hoodies and locally made items. Choose from a wide variety of Mill Bay Meat frozen items plus numerous other household items and sundries..

South Shore Centre General Store is an LCBO Convenience Outlet & Beer Store where you can pick up your favourite Christmas Spirits to help celebrate the holidays. You can even purchase regular, premium and diesel gas to fuel your vehicle for Christmas travelling, your snowmobiles and ATVs for Christmas fun or snow blowers to clear the driveway and make room for visiting family and friends..

See you there!

Great North Arrow

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

A12

If a pregnant woman has organ damage, the baby in her womb sends stem cells to help repair the organ.

FOREVER ROD

Rod Urquhart Ode to Christmas!

‘Twas the night before Christmas When all through the house, Not a creature was stirring, Not even a mouse.

Christmas Eve is a night of celebration, loving those with us still, like our kids, and remembering those who have passed, ….in an effort to save our great nation.

My wife celebrates this special Eve, And, I must admit, to me, this does please, As we open presents, and enjoy a feast I think of my dear old Dad, now at peace.

He served in the 2nd Great War and had three kids, Was a school principal, and was much loved, My mother was” beauty’ - he called his ’dove’.

I was the oldest with much life to live.

But, Christmastime with such a special time, lots of good food and presents galore!

We ate and eight until we could no more, We were so spoiled it was almost a crime.

I give thanks to the Lord, for all we had, For as the memories fade so does my Dad, My two younger sisters will agree, Our youth was almost a pedigree!

As Christ’s birth is on the horizon, I want to give thanks for my upbringing, For the fan memories and many liaisons.

With the New Year coming I hear ringing!

Don't celebrate too hard, You’ll tick off the police guard, But, to you all, a big God Bless and make sure after, You get your rest PS: (from one of Rod’s last book, ‘More Tales From the Outhouse’) On a side note: NOTE: as submitted to GNA for December 2021 and not used. You can’t win ‘em all ) Rod originally sent this or submitted it to GNA December 2021 and, well….. Now you know why! LOL Merry Christmas Rod and Aase, I'm finally printing this in your honor.

Remembering Christmas Traditions

With Valerie Lamb

Christmas comes with all it's beauty, it's wonderful message of hope and its traditions.

We are people long held by family tradition.

We remember our parents and our grandparents doing things a certain way, and that is just how we should do things too. We were no different, blending his and mine to make our own traditions. For four years, there was just the two of us and we began to create our own Christmas venue. We put our tree up two weeks before Christmas, where our parents usually only had theirs’s up a couple of days before. I introduced the concept of stockings to Albert, who had never had a Christmas stocking before, and we even made the trek to the bush at his dad's farm to chop down our tree.

This was easily carried over when our children came along. We would load the kids on a sleigh, head into the bush and hunt for the perfect tree. Both of our children loved being outside and this was a precious family time. I always was able to spot the perfect shaped tree, but alas,

it was always about two feet too tall for our home. I had to endure the inevitable teasing from all three of them as daddy cut off the extra footage. Getting the tree and putting it up was always a family time, lots of fun and laughter. When we discovered that our son was allergic to the living tree, we had to change things up and stretch our tradition in a different direction. We shopped for and put up our first artificial tree. We'll, the fun of getting the tree was lost, but our son was more important, and we could spend lots of quality time with them outside doing many other activities. When we lost Andrew, we needed to change things up a bit. We were not ready to resurrect the woods and tree chopping activity, so we opted to, instead purchase a tree from a tree vendor who donated part of the monies to the Santa fund. We always had a perfectly shaped tree, which suited my OCD very well. This was our tradition until we lost Kim. Kim left us during the Christmas season of 1988. To say our hearts were broken was an understatement, but our traditions had taken a severe beating, and we were broken, lost and empty. How do you do Christmas when you have lost so much.

We are creatures of habit, and that is what our traditions are. What do you so when every way you see, only causes pain and the emptiness causes a chasm that can't be breached? How do you fix something that is so broken.

The first Christmas after Kim left us was a time of only pain, loss and loneliness. The real tree was out, it held so many memories of such happy times. The thought of an artificial tree was heartbreaking as the face of our wee son haunted us. We were out of options. It came down to the real tree, but I didn't go to help pick it out. It went up, but my heart just didn't engage with it or this beloved season. The next year, we made the decision to go back to artificial as we couldn’t bear the thought of the tree finding adventure.

Over the years, we have grown, changed up things often and made our way through grief back to the true joy of Christmas. I believe that it is good to change up and shake things up from time to time. Then, if the unthinkable should happen, you will move more naturally into change, that will help you find your way to new normals. Traditions are wonderful, beautiful, and define us as family, culture and even nationality.

Be proud of who you are, embrace all that your parents and grandparents have given you, but also add your own touches to pass on to your children, that they will one day share with their children. But also remember that it is also OK to shake things up, make some noise and let the future generations know that you were here!

Let’s all have a very Merry Christmas, and remember the reason for the season!

WHOEVER CAME UP WITH THE WORD "DENTURES" REALLY MISSED THE OPPORTUNITY TO CALL THEM "SUBSTITOOTHS."

Crossword #48 Across 1. Part of NASA 6. Camera diaphragm 10. Utah ski resort 14. Traffic director 15. Yard entrance 16. Card game start 17. String instrument 18. MSRP 20. Michael J. Fox birthplace 22. Give comfort to 23. Blacken 24. Rail rider 26. ___ and vigor 27. More than cool 30. Legal wrongdoing 33. Support beam 36. Sag in the sun 38. Far-many link 39. Freeze up 41. Golfer's booking 43. Be a couch potato 44. Online craft store 46. Boxer's gear 47. Trim to fit, maybe 49. For the most part 51. Bashful 53. Map out 54. For fear that 58. Double-cross 61. Able to read and write 63. Parthenon site 65. Theater boxes 66. Take out of the freezer 67. ___ and dine

1

2

3

4

5

6

14

15

17

18

20

21

23

24 27

33

34

9

25

59

30 37

41 45

49 52

56

57

38

50 54 61

60 64

65 68

69

70

71

11. Recurring musical theme 12. RPM indicator 13. Direction at sea 19. Personal angle: Abbr.

21. Legalese adverb 25. Leave out 28. "___ Only Just Begun" 29. Like evening gowns 31. City in "Eat Pray Love" 32. Kids' little piggies 33. Fundraiser's plea 34. Type of tea 35. College official 37. Archer of legend

55

62

67

Down 1. Stashes away 2. Lion group 3. Bakery lure 4. Grand Canyon river 5. He played a young Obi-Wan 6. Block houses 7. Sherbet variety 8. Computer pros 9. Adjusts, as a clock 10. Highly skilled

32

46

66

68. Evergreen shrub 69. Saddle feature 70. Tripod trio 71. Fluid build-up

31

42

53

63

13

26 29

44

51

12

19

40

48

11

16

36

43

10

22

35

47

8

28

39

58

7

40. Host's request 42. Way that makes you pay 45. Fan activity 48. Bucked off 50. Pay increases 52. Go on and on 55. Bird of prey 56. Geyser output 57. Edison contemporary 58. Soaking site 59. Canyon call 60. Canine cry 62. Threat ender 64. Taradiddle

Solution on Pg B10

Elias Charles Disney, born in Bluevale, Ontario(Province of Canada) in 1859. The professional fiddler and railway worker would have 5 children over his 50 year marriage with fellow Canadian citizen, Flora Call. Elias’ 4th son, Walter, would be born on December 5th, 1901 in Chicago, Illinois and would later become a successful animator. He would go by the name, Walt Disney.

Stoney Lake Variety Monday- Friday: 6 am–8 pm Saturday- 7am-8pm Sunday- 7am-7pm Great North Arrow

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

82 Ontario St, Sundridge, ON P0A 1Z0 (705) 384-5253 A13

He Said / She Said...but Jim is always Wrong

Husbands are the best people to share secrets with. They'll never tell anyone, Because they aren't even Listening.

Just found out that smh stands for shake my head, not sex might help. Who knew.

Marriage Counselor: Your wife says you never buy her flowers.

Is that true?

Him: To be honest, I never knew she sold flowers.

What does one boob say to the other boob? If we don’t get support, people will think we’re nuts.

I know of no one who is happily married.

Except my husband.

I received an invitation for a wedding. I answered: Maybe next time. Thanks.

Cyndi: I am not talking to you.

Jim: OK Cyndi: Don't you want to know the reason?

Jim: No, I respect and trust your decision!

Cyndi: "l should have married the devil, he would make a better husband than you."

Jim: "They would have arrested you!

Marriage between relatives is illegal in this country."

Waffles are just pancakes that are ribbed for your pleasure.

Cyndi: Do you want dinner?

Jim: I don’t know. What are my choices?

Cyndi: Yes or no.

So, I am sitting with my brother John and we were discussing our married lives.

Although happily married to their wives, they admitted that there were arguments sometimes. John said, "I've made one great discovery. I know how to always have the last word." "Wow! Said Jim, "how did you manage that?" "It's easy," replied John, "my last word is always 'Yes”, Dear.

A husband and wife were golfing when suddenly the wife asked, "Honey, if I died would you get married again?"

The husband said, "No sweetie."

The woman said, "I'm sure you would."

So the man said, "Okay, I would" Then the woman asked, "Would you let her sleep in our bed?"

And the man replied, "Ya, I guess so."

Then the wife asked, "Would you let her use my golf clubs?"

And the husband replied, "No, she's left handed."

OK...Cyndi is really screwing with me now. She thinks its really funny to hide my stuff where I can't find it. Like putting my boots in the closet, my coat on a hanger and my keys on the key hook. Its not funny any more.

I hate when Doctors asks questions like. Are you sexually active? Depends on what you mean by "active". There are plenty of "active" volcanoes that haven't gone off in over 50 years.

Acetaminophen : All drugs have two names; a trade name and generic name. Example, the trade name is Tylenol and its generic name is Acetaminophen.. Aleve is also called Naproxen, Amoxil is also called Amoxicillin and Advil is also called Ibuprofen. The FDA has been looking for a generic name for Viagra, After careful consideration by a team of government experts, it recently announced that it has settled on the generic name of Mycoxafloppin. Also considered were Mycoxafailin, Mydixadrupin, Mydixarizin, Dixafix, and of course, Ibepokin. Pfizer Corp. announced today that Viagra will soon be available in liquid form, and will be marketed by Pepsi Cola as a power beverage suitable for use as a mixer.. It will now be possible for a man to literally pour himself a stiff one. Obviously we can no longer call this a soft drink, and it gives new meaning to the names of 'cocktails', 'highballs' and just a good old- fashioned 'stiff drink'.

Pepsi will market the new concoction by the name of: MOUNT & DO.

Mill Bay Market

7113 HWY 534 / (705) 358-1796 Fresh meat produce deli and frozen food Restoule, Ontario Matt & Lori Great North Arrow

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

A14

Burk’s Fall’s Cafe & Grill

Why do we drive on parkways & park on driveways?

AHMIC HARBOUR CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA

AHMIC HARBOUR: The Hall was filled with characters, some in costume and some as themselves! Everyone was filled with the spirit of Christmas, not to mention that amazing array of delicious treats! What a wonderful night!

Thank you Glowy, Ted and Chantel for all that you do to make this annual event bigger and better each year!

Monday-Tuesday-Thursday Friday /9-3pm Wednesday- Closed Saturday- Sunday-9-3pm

Why do British people never sound British when they sing?

Christmas Blessing

THANK YOU! From the Lions Children’s Christmas 2014 Telethon INSERT NORTH BAY LIONS LOGO THE LIONS CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS 2024TELETHON COMMITTEE WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS, SUPPORTERS AND ALL THE STAFF AND STUDENTS INVOLVED IN THE BROADCASTING TELEVISION AND VIDEO PRODUCTIONAT CANADORE COLLEGE OF APPLIED ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY A&W, ALAN & MICHELLE NO FRILLS, LL LOCAL LIBRARIES, ALEXANDER CARTER, BAY AND AREA ADVERTISER, BETWEEN THE BUN, BURGER WORLD ALGONQUIN, CAISSE ALLIANCE BONFIELD, CANADORE COLLEGE, CANADORE STUDENTS OF BROADCASTING, CASCADES CASINO NORH BAY c/o GATEWAY GIVES, CASEY’S, CEMENTATION, CLARK HEIPEL, DEAN BELANGER ,FOOD BASICS ,FOX/KISS/ CKAT, FRESHCO, GOOD2GO, GREAT NORTH ARROW, HARVEY’S, HILLSIDE FUNERAL SERVICES, JAKE FORSYTH, JEFF & TANIS NO FRILLS, JENNIFER TOCHERI, JET FM, JOEY ROUSSY, KADEN KING GASARETTO, KENNEDY INSURANCE ,KFM LEWIS MOTOR SALES, LIONS ZONES 17N, 17C, 12N,WARREN & DISTRICT, LITTLE CAESARS NIPISSING READER, NORTHERN HIMALAYAN CAFE, NORTHERN OCCASIONS, REBUILT RESOURCES, RUGAROO, RIK SOLOLOWICZ, ROLLY'S PITSTOP, SAM HARVEY, SAM MCKINLEY, SCHOOL OF ARTS & DESIGN, SCOTIA BANK MATTAWA, SUBWAY ON SHIRREFF, THE BAY TODAY, THE SUB PLACE, TIM HORTONS DRURY LANE, TOPPER’S PIZZA, WENDY’S, YOUR TV/COGECO

When does it stop being partly cloudy & start being partly sunny?

Deborah Bussey December is a month of reflection and counting our blessings. We look back at what transpired, the hurdles we overcame, the challenges we faced, the health issues we dealt with whether ours or a loved ones, or the heart felt moments when we gathered with family or friends we have not seen in a while.

There are moments we can laugh about...at least now and others that we shake our heads wondering how the heck we made it through that one. Maybe we reconnected with someone or met some new people who became our friends.

Maybe we lost faith in something but then our faith was revived by an unlikely situation.

Some may have suffered with physical or mental health issues while others found mechanisms to deal with their situation.

Then there are those who were enlightened whether it be spiritually or metaphorically. As we “mature” (my favourite word by the way cuz we’re not old) we come to appreciate the simpler things in life. We need less material things and more connection with like-minded people. We appreciate time. Quality time with family and friends, sharing a meal, having deep discussions, being present for a loved one, getting into a few situations

or partaking in shenanigans. There’s got to be shenanigans! Lol Then there are moments of clarity, or pure joy that overwhelm us with so much emotion that we can’t help but release them with words, actions or tears. Our family was blessed this year with the most amazing gift, a true blessing.

My beautiful daughter in-law, Sam and my amazing son, Dan, brought a baby girl, Heidi Rose, into this world on December 7th. I cannot begin to explain all the emotions we felt. There was worry because we all wanted a safe delivery for mom and baby. There was anxiousness because we all wanted to know when she would arrive.

There was elation at hearing the news of her arrival. Then there was a flood of emotion that was so overwhelming it brought me to tears.

To be honest nothing prepares you for the moment you first hold that precious gift in your arms. Be still my heart. You look into that beautiful face and see her mom and dad. You can’t believe a little package like this could melt your heart. You realize at that moment what a miracle she is and how blessed you are that this day has come and that you are a part of it. Your child now has a child of his own and you know that both he and his wife are going to shower this child with love and be the most amazing parents ever.

A million thoughts flood through your mind as you envision this little angel taking her first steps, spitting food out or wearing more than she consumes, the smiles, the laughter, her first words. How sassy she’ll be lol, her first fish, riding her pony, kicking the boys butts lol, yes I can see it all and I am looking forward to every minute of it.

She is blessed with a large family consisting of Oma, Opa, Grandmas, Grandpas, Nanas, Papas, Aunties, Uncles, Cousins and friends who are family, all here to watch over her, guide her, protect her and love her to bits. She is a lucky girl yet we are the ones blessed with the gift of Heidi....our Christmas Blessing.

After retiring, I went to the Social Security office to apply for Social Security. The woman behind the counter asked me for my driver's License to verify my age. I looked in my pockets and realized I had left my wallet at home. I told the woman that I was very sorry, but I would have to go home and come back later. The woman said, 'Unbutton your shirt'. So I opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair. She said, 'That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me' and she processed my Social Security application. When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the Social Security office. She said, 'You should have dropped your pants. You might have gotten disability too.' And then the fight started...

Hours: Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday

8 a.m.–9 p.m.

8 a.m.–9 p.m.

8 a.m.–9 p.m.

8 a.m.–8 p.m.

8 a.m.–8 p.m.

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60 Joseph St, Parry Sound, ON P2A 2G5 1 866-987-6453 Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

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25 Pine Dr Parry Sound ON P2A 3B7 705-746-7511

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BIG NEWS! BURK’S FALLS KWIK WAY IS NOW STOCKING WINE AND BEER

Whitman Jewellers is your trusted jewellery store in North Bay. Whitman Jewellers handles repairs and custom-created pieces on-site at their Shirreff Avenue location, so you never have to worry about where your valuables are being sent. They are a third-generation family business deeply rooted in the community. Paul Forbes, a Certified Gemologist, is the owner of Whitman Jewellers and specializes in examining and grading precious stones. With a certified Gemologist in-house, Whitman Jewellers provides appraisals for insurance purposes or to ascertain the value of your treasured family heirloom.

Servicing the Nipissing and Almaguin Regions for over 70 years.

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Ron Portugaise Master Goldsmith

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Paul Forbes Certified Gemologist

We Buy Gold, Siver & Coins 180 Shirreff Ave, North Bay, On; P1B 7K9 705-472-2190

tcfeedtack@hotmail.ca / (705) 723-5912 / Trout Creek, Ontario Great North Arrow

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Life Styles

FRESH CHRISTMAS TREES FOR SALE AHMIC HARBOUR FRESH LOCALLY GROWN TREES AVAILABLE SOON AT TRADER TED’S THIS YEAR! 6618 HWY 124.

BURK’S FALLS ROYSTON ROAD TREES - Looking for the perfect Christmas tree? We got you covered - our fresh cut trees are for sale now! $40 for under 10ft $60 for 10ft+ (Tax in-

cluded) Come see us at 288 Royston Road, Burks Falls! We also have maple syrup for sale and birch poles for your holiday planters ($2 each or $10 for 6).

SUNDRIDGE 'Copeman Tree Farms', Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree event dates: Saturdays & Sundays Dec, 14, 15, 21. Open 9:30am to 4:00pm (last admission is 3:30pm. Gates lock at 4:00pm). Visit us at 66 Bloomfield Rd, Sundridge. Kids receive a soft, delicious, homemade gingerbread cookie TROUT CREEK PAW’S CHRISTMAS TREE FARM - Cut-yourOwn! (saws provided) OPEN SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS 9AM 4PM , UNTIL DEC 22, 2024 (OR BY APPOINTMENT) $50 per tree - Visit us at 124 Old Ferguson Rd, Trout Creek 705-978-2696

Municipality would like to put out ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING The a special thank you to the Parks Department, Fire Department and Rachel for all IN MAGNETAWAN their help! Thank you to the Magnetawan MAGNETAWAN: Even though the weather outside was frightful….. it was an amazing evening at the Annual Tree Lighting December 6th. With amazing community spirit , donations were collected into two overflowing boxes full of donations for the Community Pantry and Lions' Club Christ-

Home Hardware for the donation of our new 12-foot Santa! A HUGE SHOUT out to Dave Kaye and his back up singer Barb for coming in last minute to lead our caroling.

THANK YOU to Laura for all your planning and hard work to make tonight a success!

mas Basket!!

(In this photo Mayor Sam Dunnett and his First Lady Maria)

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS! Roger Restaurant & Bar—don’t miss out!

Only $25 for Adults & $15 for kids.

BURK’S FALLS DECEMBER 14TH – 8AM-NOON- ANNUAL LION’S BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT THE BURK’S FALLS LEGION- ADULTS $10, KIDS UNDER 12- $5 EMSDALE DECEMBER 14th- 9am-11am- Emsdale, Breakfast with Santa!! The Children of Perry Township at the Ernsdale Community Centre _RVSP. BY DEC 7TH 705-783-9163 emsdalelions@gmail.com Name and Age of child for a goody from Santa (12 and under) KATRINE DECEMBER 15TH- 9AM-11AM- BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT THE KATRINE COMMUNITY CENTRE - PANCAKES I ADULTS $10, KIDS UNDER 10 $5 | TAKE A PHOTO WITH SANTA Katrine Community Centre - www.armourtownship.ca - 6 Browns Drive, Katrine ON

CHRISTMAS DINNER

DECEMBER 25TH- Don’t Eat Alone! Come Share Christmas Dinner, December 25th at Noon at the Sundridge Royal Canadian Legion - Branch 467. RSVP before December 21st Takeout meals available for pick up at 11:00 a.m. Mike and Dawn Basso 705-3840754 DECEMBER 21ST – 5PM-7PM- Blessed Christmas Dinner at the South River Legion 95 Ottawa Ave. This holiday season. we would be honored to have you join us for a Free Blessed Christmas dinner. It’s a time to share warmth. good food. and joyful company. If you’re looking for place to celebrate and enjoy the spirit of the season please know that you are warmly welcomed at our table. Please RSVP by December I to Randy at 705-492-5660 by Friends of your Community

CHRISTMAS FUN!

BURK’S FALLS DECEMBER 21ST- 10:30AM- COOKIES WITH MRS. CLAUS -Enjoy a cozy morning as Mrs. Claus reads a festive story, then get creative decorating your own delicious cookie.

This fun, family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the season, enjoy a treat, and make holiday memories. We can't wait to see you there!

DECEMBER 24TH- Free Holiday Skate- Lace up your skates and celebrate the season with the Free Holiday Skate at the Armour, Ryerson, & Burk’s Falls Memorial Arena!

Enjoy a fun, family-friendly time on the ice—perfect for skaters of all ages. Check the schedule for available times, and be sure to join us on December 24th when Santa himself will be making a special appearance! Whether you’re gliding across the rink or just soaking in the holiday cheer, it’s the perfect way to kick off your Christmas Eve celebrations!

DECEMBER 15TH - MUNICIPALITY OF Whitestone - CHRISTMAS COOKIES WITH MRS.. CLAUS - Kids of all ages are welcome to come and decorate cookies to take home with Mrs. Claus! This is a free drop—in event, no registration required.

Event by the Whitestone Rec Committee.

KEARNEY DECEMBER 14TH- 10AM-11:30AM JOIN US FOR A GINGERBREAD DECORATING PARTY! At the Kearney Library! Open to all ages. Hot chocolate, tea, coffee and cookies will be provided. -RSVP 705 636 5849 OR library@townofkeamey.ca DECEMBER 17TH- 4PM-5:30PM - JOIN US FOR A GINGERBREAD DECORATING PARTY! At the Kearney Library! Open to all ages. Hot chocolate, tea, coffee and cookies will be provided. -RSVP 705 636 5849 OR library@townofkeamey.ca McKELLAR DECEMBER 13TH –5:30pm - KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY McKellar Recreation Committee, is on Friday, is being held at the McKellar Community Centre. There will be cookie decorating and crafts, and Santa will be visiting at 6pm. Wrapping up the event is a 30 minute movie, Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas.

PARRY SOUND DECEMBER 15TH – 7pm- Caroling Through the Downtown Core- Downtown Parry Sound. Join friends and neighbors for a community caroling event that brings the streets alive with song. A perfect opportunity to spread cheer while supporting downtown businesses.

SOUTH RIVER DECEMBER 14TH- CHRISTMAS AT THE COUGHLINS- 129 Riding Ranch Road. South River - December 14th, 2024 5pm-9pm —Horse drawn sleigh rides provided by

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SENIORS CHRISTMAS DINNER

KEARNEY DECEMBER 17TH-KEARNEY SENIORS TURKEY DINNER - ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION 276 TURKEY & ALL THE TRIMMINGS $10.00 PER PERSON, CALL THE CSS OFFICE TO RESERVE (ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE) 705724-6028 EMSDALE THE EMSDALE LIONS CLUB presents the Christmas continued on B4 Thunder Ridge, Farms -Raffle -Home made baked goods and hot beverages -Farm animals -Light display -Music -Visit with Santa -This is a FREE EVENT, Donations Welcome DECEMBER 21ST - I just got off the phone with the North Pole (no big deal, right?). We called a bit ago to ask if Santa would have time to swing by The Dragonfly Cafe. Snowbud, the elf secretary, said Santa's schedule was pretty packed, but she'd pass on our story and tell him about our awesome communities, kids, and all that jazz. Well, guess what?! SANTA himself called back today and said, “Of course I can come to Sprucedale” he said he had heard good things!!

So mark your calendars!!! Tell the kids, SANTA will be here on SUN DEC 21. We will be celebrating his arrival with goodies and refreshment, A Christmas story . Some singing, and lots more. Please come early, as we don’t know exactly when SANTA will arrive, from 10:00am to 2 pm - 2415 Hwy 518 at The Unites Church. Remember to bring your cameras!!!

SUNDRIDGE 5th ANNUAL WINTER’S RIVER MINIATURE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE-Masonic Lodge, 43 Union Street, Sundridge (back door) - Entry fee is a donation to our local food banks Opening Day — Dec. 5th -The village will be open Thurs. to Sun. — noon to 6 pm

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

BURK’S FALLS DECEMBER 14TH - BURK’S FALLS LIONS CLUB PRESENTS: BREAKFAST WITH SANTA ! ADULTS $10- KIDS UNDER 12- $5- 8AM TO NOON- AT THE BURK’S FALLS LEGION, 8 MARY STREET. PARRY SOUND DECEMBER 22ND- Ho! Ho! Ho! Jolly BRUNCH with SANTA! Save the date- Sunday, Dec 22nd. Get ready for a festive treat at the Jolly Roger Restaurant! Join us for our Brunch Buffet with Santa, where the holiday magic comes alive... Enjoy a delicious buffet, meet Santa himself, and let the little ones join in on all the holiday fun!

It’s happening Sunday, Dec 22nd at Jolly

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Festive Feast: A Celebration of Community, Cuisine, and Christmas Spirit

The Festive Feast, held on November 23rd, was an unforgettable evening of community, cuisine, and connection that truly embodied the holiday spirit. The Bobby Orr Community Centre was transformed into a celebratory haven, adorned with cheerful decorations, holiday lights, and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree surrounded by a charming miniature village.

A Night to Remember Master of Ceremonies Rick Cain guided the night with energy and charisma, engaging the audience with his signature humor and lively trivia games. Rick’s warmth and wit created a welcoming atmosphere, sparking laughter and camaraderie throughout the hall.

The audience turnout was exceptional, with tables filled with friends, families, and neighbors eager to share the joy of the season. The evening showcased the best of Parry Sound’s community spirit—a town coming together to celebrate and give

and charm as she led the audience through a repertoire of contemporary favorites.

From heartfelt ballads to uplifting tunes, their performances captivated the room, setting the perfect tone for the festive evening.

Leila’s poised accompaniment and angelic voice complemented Dianna’s energy, creating a harmonious blend that resonated deeply with the crowd. Their contemporary selections added a modern twist to the night’s festivities, making the evening not just memorable but truly magical.

The Festive Feast was a shining example of what makes Parry Sound so extraordinary—a place where talent, generosity, and togetherness come together to create something truly special. It was a night that will be cherished by all who attended, setting the perfect stage for a joyful holiday season.

The Menu: A Culinary Masterpiece The Festive Feast menu featured a selection of dishes that highlighted the talents of Parry Sound’s chefs and restaurateurs.

Each course celebrated the diversity of flavors our town has to offer: First Course: A cozy bowl of Butternut Squash Soup from Glen Burney’s Provisions, paired with a refreshing Squash Salad from Trestle and cheesy Cheese Sticks from Domino's Pizza.

Second Course: A taste of Italy with Penny Tetrazzini by Di Salvo’s and savory Meat-

back.

Flawless Dinner Service Dinner was a triumph of coordination and effort. The hardworking kitchen staff of Ukrainian volunteers who are now cherished members of the community, worked tirelessly to ensure every plate was presented with care and precision. Their contributions brought a deeper meaning to the evening, reflecting the power of unity and shared purpose.

Contemporary Musical Elegance The highlight of the night was the mesmerizing musical performance by Dianna of Duo Cohigh and her talented student, Leila Svechka. Dianna, elegantly dressed in a striking pink ensemble, exuded confidence

balls from Boston Pizza.

Third Course: An array of Assorted Finger Foods, including delightful Trout Rolls courtesy of Daisy Menu by Romana.

Fourth Course: Zesty Jalapeño & Feta Chicken Patties with a vibrant Spinach Salad from Jolly Rogers, complemented by Fried Vegetables from Trappers.

Desserts: Sobeys provided an array of indulgent sweets that added the perfect touch to conclude the meal. The Ukrainians also added an apple cake The Trivia game featured prize giveaways, generously sponsored by Perfectly Pampered, Maurizio's Pizzeria Inc., and The Zone Bowling Alley.

What’s Happening This Holiday Season in

with Linda West

MAGICAL EVENING AT BURK’S FALLS TREE LIGHTING (in this photo;L to R- Ryan Baptiste, Ashley Brandt, Mayor Chris Hope, Sean Cotton) Photo credit: Village of Burk’s Falls BURK’S FALLS: What a magical night at the Burk's Falls Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 30th! Despite the snowy, blowy weather and limited visibility, our community came together to kick off the Christmas season in the most beautiful way.

A huge thank you to everyone who braved the elements to join us — the kids had so much fun, and the tree and park decorations looked absolutely stunning! The ornaments made by our community were especially beautiful and added such a personal touch to the tree. Special thanks to: • Valu-Mart and Tim Hortons for the delicious hot chocolate and apple cider that kept everyone warm and cozy! • Whimsical Encounters for the gorgeous archway that added such a magical touch. • Krista Trulsen, for leading us in the beautiful carol of "Oh Christmas Tree." • Fowler Construction for generously supplying materials that helped bring everything together. It was truly an amazing evening of community spirit and holiday cheer.

Here's to a wonderful start to the Christmas season in Burk's Falls!

Parry Sound?

The Festive Feast set the stage for a season filled with events that capture the heart and soul of the holidays in Parry Sound.

Here are just a few of the events that I plan to attend: Christmas Craft Market When: December 9th, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Where: Bobby Orr Community Centre Why: Support local artisans and find unique gifts for loved ones. From handmade ornaments to gourmet treats, this market is a treasure trove of holiday cheer.

Caroling Through the Downtown Core When: December 15th, 7:00 PM Where: Downtown Parry Sound Why: Join friends and neighbors for a community caroling event that brings the streets alive with song. A perfect opportunity to spread cheer while supporting downtown businesses.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks by the Bay When: December 31st, 9:00 PM Where: Waterfront at Waubuno Beach Why: Ring in the New Year with a dazzling fireworks display over Georgian Bay. A magical end to the holiday season and a celebration of new beginnings.

The Spirit of Parry Sound Parry Sound, especially during the holiday season, transforms into a magical hub of community spirit and festivities. From the twinkling lights along our streets to the local events that bring us together, there’s something truly unique about celebrating the holidays here.

This year, our town has an array of seasonal activities to look forward to. From the Stockey Centre’s performances to the charm of downtown carolers, the season is brimming with opportunities to connect and celebrate.

Gratitude and Community The success of the Festive Feast was a testament to the strength and generosity of the Parry Sound community. From the sponsors and volunteers to the attendees who made the night unforgettable, this event showcased what can be achieved when we come together for a common purpose.

As we step into the holiday season, the Festive Feast serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, generosity, and the shared joy that defines Parry Sound.

Whether it’s through events like this or the simple act of lending a helping hand to a neighbor, our community spirit shines brightest during the holidays.

To everyone who contributed to making the Festive Feast an extraordinary evening, thank you for proving, once again, that Parry Sound is more than just a place—it’s a family.

RECOGNIZING LORNE MAIN AND BETTY CALDWELL AND BRUCE CAMPBELL AS HONOURARY MEMBERS

Sunday - Monday Tuesday : 7am-9pm Wednesday - Thursday Friday - Saturday : 7am - 10pm

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ARMOUR/KATRINE Bid Euchre on Tuesdays at 1:30 downstairs in the seniors room. join in at 1:30 start until about 4-ish.

BURK’S FALLS –JANUARY 14TH- - BURK’S FALLS LIONS B – I – N – G – O at The Burk’s Falls Legion! are back every 2nd and 4th Tuesday in a month Doors open at 6:30pm, Bingo starts at 7pm Drinks and snacks available at the bar. Bring your spouse who can enjoy Free Snooker or Shuffleboard on our bar side if they don’t want to play Bingo. Bar will be open * Please NO outside food or drinks* We hope we will see you, come out and have lots of fun! Maybe even win a few cards!

BURK’S FALLS- DECEMBER 14TH – ARBF MONTHLY BINGO - Mark your calendars!

DOORS OPEN AT 5:30pm - MINI GAMES START AT 6:30pm - REGULAR GAMES TO FOLLOW Minimum 2 strip purchase to play , Monthly Special Game worth $100.00 ,All proceeds are going to support the fair, other events and activities hosted by the ARBF.BREAK OPEN , BALLS TICKETS ARE BACK! YOUR CHANCE TO WIN $200.00 CASH MONEY -NO OUTSIDE - FOOD OR DRINKS - KITCHEN IS OPEN -HOT DOGS , CHIPS, POP, WATER, , COFFEE AND TEA - ARBF- MONTHLY BINGO BURK'S FALLS ARENA KARL CROZIER ROOM DECEMBER 14TH - ARMOUR, RYERSON & BURK'S FALLS AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY PRESENTS TOY DRIVE BINGO! -BRING AN UNWRAPPED TOY WORTH $10 OR MORE AND RECEIVE A FREE 2 STRIP CARD -BURK'S FALLS ARENA - CARL KROZIER ROOM -ELEVATOR AVAILABLE -DOORS OPEN 5:30 -GAMES START 6:30 EMSDALE – DECEMBER 18TH,JANUARY 8TH - BINGO!!! EMSDALE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY- EVERY WEDNESDAY - Over 40 years of fun - A little bingo with BIG prizes.

DOORS OPEN AT 530PM - GAMES STARTS AT 6:45 PM - NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINK PLEASE – The Canteen will be OPEN! 25 JOSEPH STREET www.emsdaleagriculturabociety.com GOLDEN VALLEY- Monday Night Bid Euchre will be held at St. Paul’s United Church in Golden Valley.

MAGNETAWAN -DECEMBER 15TH - 2PM- Magnetawan Friendship Club - Bingo Everyone 18+ Welcome - $10 for 3 cards – 10 games - 'Share the Wealth' - Snacks and pop for sale. LAST BINGO OF 2024!

PORT LORING LEGION BRANCH 415 - EVERY TUESDAY EVENING STARTS AT 7:30 SPRUCEDALE - Sprucedale Senior’s Friendship Club Monday NIGHTS AT 7pm Dabber Bingo doors open at 6 pm. Come and join our players for a fun time of Bingo!!!

Armour Recreation and Katrine

(In this picture Lorne Main and Betty Caldwell) BURK’S FALLS HISTORICAL SOCEITY: It's been a long time since we gathered with our founding members, Lorne Main and Betty Caldwell. To recognize their dedication to preserving local history, we passed resolutions to recognize both Lorne and Betty as Honourary Members to the Burk's Falls & District Historical Society. In addition, we recognized Bruce Campbell for his commitment too. Bruce was also recognized as an Honourary Member. We are so very appreciative of their outstanding contributions! Congratulations, Betty, Lorne and Bruce!

Toppings $18.99

Community Centre Kids Painting Fun

In this photo: Charlotte Leggett shares her Grinch/Santa Christmas painting with us.

KATRINE: It was a full house at the Christmas Paint Party held at the Community Centre. Laughter, fun and a painted treasure to take home made for smiles and friendships.

Who knew that we have so many budding Picasso’s in our area! Please watch for information on upcoming Paint events for both children and adults in the New Year.

Pizza by the Slice

Whats New @ Kwik-Way BURK’S FALLS (705) 382-2887

IT’S BINGO TIME!!!

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Armour Township BURK’S FALLS AND DISTRICT FOOD BANK DONATIONS NEEDED WE ARE ACCEPTING CLEAN, GENTLY USED BAGS AND SMALL CARDBOARD BOXES. DROP OFF TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS IOAM-12PM, MAIN DOOR THANK YOU KATRINE UNITED CHURCH THRIFT SHOP is fully stocked with everything that you need for this fall and winter season!!

Lots of clothing, small appliances and treasures! Proceeds to the Katrine United Church! Thankyou everyone for your ongoing support!

7PM-9PM. STRINGING PURLS – KNITTING WORKSHOP at the Katrine Community Centre. Come and start a group project or bring in a current project you are working on. Bring 5.5mm needles and a worsted weight yarn if doing the project.

Beginners are welcome! ENTRY BY DONATION, INSTRUCTOR : CASIE GODFREY Square dancing and line dancing every Tuesday. Come drop in Tuesdays at 7pm at the Katrine Community Centre.

Leisure Club has Bid Euchre every Tuesday afternoons from 1:30 - 4ish followed by a light snack. Tuesday evening at 7pm- square dancing.

MONDAYS! SEW MUCH FUN - DROP INS Entry by donation Come work on your own project or help work on quilts for charitable donations - Every Mondays until December 16 - from 5pm - 8pm (you can come and go as you please) All welcome. This is a time to bring that sewing machine that has been shoved in the closet for years or bring out that project you said you would finish!

Mary is here to help guide you with any of your sewing needs! Instructor : Mary Joy 3 rental machines - $5 each Monday Bid Euchre on Tuesday at 1:30 downstairs in the seniors room. join in at 1:30 start until about 4-ish.

Square dancing is held on Tuesday evenings at 7pm downstairs. Couples dancing will follow at 9pm.

PLEASE VISIT www.armourtownship. ca Fundraiser for Armour Rec 2025 kids programs and our Dolly Pardon Reading Program.

Village of Burk’s Falls DECEMBER 14TH - BURK’S FALLS LIONS CLUB PRESENTS: BREAKFAST WITH SANTA ! ADULTS $10- KIDS UNDER 12- $5- 8AM TO NOON- AT THE BURK’S FALLS LEGION, 8 MARY STREET. DECEMBER 14TH - ARMOUR, RYERSON & BURK'S FALLS AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY PRESENTS TOY DRIVE BINGO! -BRING AN UNWRAPPED TOY WORTH $10 OR MORE AND RECEIVE A FREE 2 STRIP CARD -BURK'S FALLS ARENA - CARL KROZIER ROOM -ELEVATOR AVAILABLE -DOORS OPEN 5:30 -GAMES START 6:30 DECEMBER 14TH- 1-3PM- ZINESTERS FOR SENIORS - Get crafty and give back this holiday season! Join us on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 1-3 PM at the library for a special workshop where we’ll be making Christmas Zines for seniors in our community. Register at the library to save your spot! All supplies will be provided! Bring your holiday spirit and let’s make some joy!

DECEMBER 14TH – 8AM-NOONANNUAL LION’S BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT THE BURK’S FALLS LEGION- ADULTS $10, KIDS UNDER 12- $5 DECEMBER 21ST – 10:30AM- COOKIES WITH MRS. CLAUS! PLEASE CALL THE LIBRARY TO REGISTER IN ADVANCE - DECEMBER 14TH – ARBF MONTHLY BINGO - Mark your calendars! DOORS OPEN AT 5:30pm - MINI GAMES START AT 6:30pm - REGULAR GAMES TO FOLLOW Minimum 2 strip purchase to play , Monthly Special Game worth $100.00 ,All proceeds are going to support the fair, other events and activities hosted by the ARBF.BREAK OPEN , BALLS TICKETS ARE BACK! YOUR CHANCE TO WIN $200.00 CASH MONEY -NO OUTSIDE - FOOD OR DRINKS KITCHEN IS OPEN -HOT DOGS , CHIPS, POP, WATER, , COFFEE AND TEA - ARBF- MONTHLY BINGO BURK'S FALLS ARENA KARL CROZIER ROOM DECEMBER 15TH- Christmas Sewing Workshop- 1 - 4: PM AT THE ARBF LIBRARY! Join us to make a Christmas Tree Skirt, Stocking or Table Runner! Get into the holiday spirit with a fun afternoon of sewing! Join us on at the Young at Heart Seniors Centre for a festive workshop where you can create your very own holiday masterpiece. This event is open to all ages, however children must be accompanied by an adult. The event is FREE, but donations to help cover materials are most welcome.

Space is limited. Register in advance at the library to save your spot! Please register in advance at the library. Burk's Falls Armour & Ryerson Union Public Library -705-382-3327 www.burksfallslibrary.com DECEMBER 16TH- 6-7PM- Christmas Concert With special guests„. The Muskoka Concert Band! Land of Lakes Public School Theatre - ADMISSION BY DONATION FREE Hot Chocolate (Thanks LLPS PAC) COOKIES FOR SALE! DECEMBER 18th - SAVE THE DATE! 6-7pm- Celebrate the spirit of Christmas with your loved ones in the theatre at Land of Lakes. Come Sing! More details closer to December!

DECEMBER 21ST- 10:30AM- COOKIES WITH MRS. CLAUS -Enjoy a cozy morning as Mrs. Claus reads a festive story, then get cre-

Great North Arrow

ative decorating your own delicious cookie.

This fun, family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the season, enjoy a treat, and make holiday memories. We can't wait to see you there!

DECEMBER 24TH- Free Holiday Skate- Lace up your skates and celebrate the season with the Free Holiday Skate at the Armour, Ryerson, & Burk’s Falls Memorial Arena! Enjoy a fun, family-friendly time on the ice—perfect for skaters of all ages. Check the schedule for available times, and be sure to join us on December 24th when Santa himself will be making a special appearance! Whether you’re gliding across the rink or just soaking in the holiday cheer, it’s the perfect way to kick off your Christmas Eve celebrations!

BURK’S FALLS ARMY CADETS ARE RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS! Do you have a child that is 12-18 that is looking to join in?

This program is 100 % free and a great opportunity to learn new skills.

BURK’S FALLS DONATION CENTRE WINTER HOURS -CLOSED Tuesday and OPEN Wednesday to Saturday 10:00 to 4:00. Donations times are 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Wednesday to Friday and Saturday by appointment only.

BURK’S FALLS AND DISTRICT FOOD BANK - DONATIONS NEEDED WE ARE ACCEPTING CLEAN, GENTLY USED BAGS AND SMALL CARDBOARD BOXES. DROP OFF TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS IOAM-12PM, MAIN DOOR THANK YOU FROZEN MEAL DELIVERY! MEALS ARE $7.00 & CONSIST OF MAIN COURSE & DESSERT "DELIVERED EVERY MONDAY - ELIGIBLE PERSONS INCLUDE: - SENIORS 65+ -THOSE WHO ARE TERMINALLY/CHRONICALLY ILL - THOSE WITH A DEVELOPMENT DISABILITY - THOSE RECENTLY DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL (I.E. POST SURGERY) - EAST PARRY SOUND Support Services - FOR MORE INFO & TO ORDER - CONTACT CSS @ 705-724-6028 Almaguin Donation store is now taking donations Tuesday to Saturday 10am-4pm.

WE prefer not to accept donations on Saturdays, as they are super busy and it is hard to help our lovey customers while sorting through a lot of things. We do understand some can only donate on a Saturday - so just call or message us and we can make arrangements for you to drop off your items THE BURK’S FALLS CAFÉ - Hours 9-3pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday.

9-3pm Saturday & Sunday 9am-2pm. CLOSED WEDNESDAYS ALWAYS UNIQUE FINDS! Check out Green’s Liquidators! Monday, Thursday, Friday. 11am - 5pm and Saturday 11am -3pm SEWING CLUBS @ YOUR LIBRARY! Wednesdays 5-7pm and 1st Saturday of the month. Please call the library to register!

Let's Get Active! Catch up with friends and make new acquaintances ! FREE Dropin... No need to register Classes! Join us for a one-hour class focusing on balance and strength. - Burk's Falls Arena - Wednesdays at 9:30 am FALL PREVENTION CLASSES FOR SENIORS! FREE! Classes are offered every Wednesday at 9:30 am at the ARBF arena upstairs. No registration required , Just show up and have some laughter and fun friendship!

The Village of Burk’s Falls -NOW HAS EV chargers in the Village, with installation scheduled for completion by the end of November! This fantastic new development will make it easier than ever to power up your electric vehicles right here in our community.

By-Law Comments/Complaints - To file a comment or complaint with the Village By-Law department, please complete a comment/ complaint form and submit it to the office. A written copy is essential for us to address and rectify any issues. Without it, we won't be able to take action. - By-Law Complaint Form ARBF PUBLIC LIBRARY DECEMBER 14TH- 1-3PM- ZINESTERS FOR SENIORS - Get crafty and give back this holiday season! Join us on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 1-3 PM at the library for a special workshop where we’ll be making Christmas Zines for seniors in our community. Register at the library to save your spot! All supplies will be provided! Bring your holiday spirit and let’s make some joy!

DECEMBER 15TH- Christmas Sewing Workshop- 1 - 4: PM AT THE ARBF LIBRARY! Join us to make a Christmas Tree Skirt, Stocking or Table Runner! Get into the holiday spirit with a fun afternoon of sewing! Join us on at the Young at Heart Seniors burksfallslibrary.com DECEMBER 21ST- 10:30AM- COOKIES WITH MRS. CLAUS -Enjoy a cozy morning as Mrs. Claus reads a festive story, then get creative decorating your own delicious cookie.

This fun, family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the season, enjoy a treat, and make holiday memories. We can't wait to see you there!

TUESDAY MORNINGS AT 10:30AM- Alphabet StoryTime-Babies, toddlers and families!

Join us every week for a new story paired with a themed craft/activity, with a healthy snack included! Recommended ages 0-5!

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS AT 4PMChess Club- All experience levels welcome!

Join us for weekly chess matches, to share resources and tips, enjoy some snacks and have fun playing chess while meeting new friends!

- Open to all ages! (Recommended 10+) THURSDAY AFTERNOONS AT 3:30PMZines - Join Anne-Marie every Thursday from 3:30pm-5pm as we learn how to create different types of Zines, what they are, why they are important and how to tap into your creativity! This program is targeted towards all ages and abilities!

BOOK CLUB! COMMON MISBELIEFSA BOOK CLUB IS FOR ACADEMICS - The only prerequisite is that you enjoy reading!

IS A BIG COMMITTMENT — Don't get the current book read? NO problem, come anyway and hear what others have to say about it.

Maybe you might want to read it later.

YOU HAVE TO COME EVERY MONTH — Come whenever you can!

YOU HAVE TO BE FEMALE - Everyone is welcome!

YOU HAVE TO BE RETIRED - It would be great to hear from people of different generations.

YOU WILL LOVE EVERY BOOK WE READ - Does not ever happen! Person might absolutely love the current book and person B cannot stomach finishing it... this makes for great discussions!

Come out and give the Burk's Falls Library Book Club a try!!

Q :WHAT WE ARE READING : Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus A delight for readers of Where'd You Go, Bernadette, this blockbuster debut set in 1960s California features the singular voice of Elizabeth Zott, a scientist whose career takes a detour when she becomes the star of a beloved TV cooking show.Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman.

But it's the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans, the lonely, brilliant, Nobel Prize– nominated grudge holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results. Like science, though, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Eizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother but also the reluctant star of America's most beloved cooking show, Supper at Six. Elizabeth's unusual approach to cooking ("combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride") proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because, as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn't just teaching women how to cook. She's daring them to change the status quo. Laugh-outloud funny, shrewdly observant and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, Lessons in Chemistry is as original and vibrant as its protagonist.

OUR NEXT BOOK: The Hanging of Angelique

by Afua Cooper During the night of April 10, 1734, Montréal burned. Marie-Joseph Angélique, a twenty-nine-year-old slave, was arrested, tried, and found guilty of starting the blaze that consumed forty-six buildings. Suspecting that she had not acted alone and angered that she had maintained her innocence, Angélique's condemners tortured her after the trial. She confessed but named no accomplices. Before Angélique was hanged, she was paraded through the city. Afterward, her corpse was burned. Angélique, who had been born in Portugal, faded into the shadows of Canadian history, vaguely remembered as the alleged arsonist behind an early catastrophic fire.

The result of fifteen years of research, The Hanging of Angélique vividly tells the story of this strong-willed woman. Afua Cooper draws on extensive trial records that offer, in Angélique's own words, a detailed portrait of her life and a sense of what slavery was like in Canada at the time. Predating other first-person accounts by more than forty years, these records constitute what is arguably the oldest slave narrative in the New World.

Cooper sheds new light on the largely misunderstood or ignored history of slavery in Canada. She refutes the myth that Canada was a haven at the end of the Underground Railroad. Cooper also provides a context for Canada in the larger picture of transatlantic slavery while re-creating the tragic life of one woman who refused to accept bondage.

“A Visit Will Get You Thinking”- 705-3823327 burksfallslibrary@gmail.com www. burksfallslibrary.com BURK’S FALLS LEGION BRANCH # 405 The Burk’s Falls Legion needs volunteers to help us continue to bring all the great events and more to our community. You don’t have to be a member to be part of a nonprofit like the Legion to support and give back to our past and current Veterans, seniors and community.

Our Dart League is so much fun! Burk's Falls Legion SUNDAY DARTS -2 pm -$5/week-7 game. Please call Dawn -705-380-6628 - End of season cash tor high scores • door prizes • pot luck - FRIDAY NIGHT FISH AND CHIPS! Don’t enjoy fish? We also have chicken fingers and chips!. Every Friday from 4-7pm. Large portions, great prices! $15, including tax! Please call ahead to pre-order at 705-382-3137 after 2:00pm ,Eat in or take out . This has become such a wonderful event that we ask that you please make a reservation or call ahead so that we don’t run out!

JANUARY 7TH - - Burk 's Falls Legion SENIOR'S LUNCHEON -Nov. 5, 2024 - (705) 382-3137 Seniors Luncheon will be held at the Legion Branch 405, first Tuesday of each month, Lunch begins at noon. Open to all residents of East Parry Sound District age 65+.

Please call the legion directly to reserve. If you reserve, please try your best to make it!

RESERVE YOUR LUNCH Please call the Legion directly to reserve (705) 382-3137 DECEMBER 14TH – 8AM-NOONANNUAL LION’S BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT THE BURK’S FALLS LEGION- ADULTS $10, KIDS UNDER 12- $5 DECEMBER 21ST – 10:30AM- COOKIES WITH MRS. CLAUS! PLEASE CALL THE LIBRARY TO REGISTER IN ADVANCE Did you know that you DON’T have to be a member to enjoy all the Legion has to offer? Come on out and enjoy FREE Snooker and our 2 Shuffleboard tables while sipping on your favourite drink and watching the game on tv.

Why wouldn’t you?

DECEMBER 20TH - 3rd. Friday COFFEE HOUSE! It’s ALWAYS a GREAT night out. at the Burk’s Falls Royal Canadian Legion Br 405 for this month’s famous 3rd Friday Coffee House, sponsored by Hunters Bay Radio, CKAR, The Bay 88.7FM, & presented by Jamie

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

BURK’S FALLS – the windows at the ARBF Public Library are beautifully adorned this year with paintings by talented Librarian Karen Hoffman. They are so beautiful that it is a shame they aren’t year-round.

Nicely done, Karen.

WAITING FOR THE CHRISTMAS PARADE – GRINCH IS ALREADY HERE! In this picture: Olivia Stuart age 10 from Bracebridge and Olivia Chant age 11 from Burk’s Falls meet up with the Grinch who made early appearances before the evening of the big parade December 7th.

BURK’S FALLS SANTA CLAUS PARADE IS FAMILY

(In this photo: Hap and Faith pink, Fern York, Palm Fowler and Tracy Hayes.

BURK’S FALLS: It’s always our family tradition to watch the parade together and the December 7th Santa Claus Parade didn’t disappoint. Family, friends and fun at Christmas time, you can’t beat it!

Oppenheimer (Jamie Oppenheimer, Songwriter) BURK’S FALLS LEGION IN A NUT SHELL! Fish N Chips AND Chicken Fingers ONLY $15! Every Friday 4-7pm Call (705) 382-3137 after 2 pm to reserve - Meat Draw 2 pm Every 2nd and 4th Saturday $2 regular draw (5 draws) $3 bonus draw (box of meat, must be entered in every regular draw) BINGO - Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday - Doors Open at 6:30 pm Games start at 7 pm FREE SNOOKER & SHUFFLEBOARD Every day Reminder to Cat Owners – By-Law 17-2020 We would like to remind all residents of the Village about the provisions of By-law 17-2020, Section 4, regarding the care and management of cats.

As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and harmonious environment for all, the following rules apply to cat owners within the Village: Cats Must Not Run at Large: All cat owners are required to keep their cats under control at all times. Cats should not be allowed to roam freely or run at large within the Village.

Respect Private Property: Whether on a leash or not, cats should not trespass on private property. Please be mindful of your neighbors and ensure your cat does not wander onto other people’s land.

These measures are in place to protect both pets and wildlife, as well as to maintain positive relationships within our community.

We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our Village a safe and enjoyable place for all residents.

By-Law 17-2020 Care and Control of Animals Please be advised that due to the observance of Boxing Day, the regular garbage pick-up schedule will be adjusted this year.

New Pick-Up Date: Friday, December 27th Please ensure that all garbage is placed at the curb by 8:00 AM for collection.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a clean and orderly community during the holiday season.

New Garbage Tags Coming Soon – Important Information The Village of Burk’s Falls would like to inform all residents that new garbage tags will be mailed out within the month of December. Please be advised that as of January 1st, 2025, the current garbage tags will no longer be accepted for curbside pick-up.

Key Reminders:The new garbage tags will be valid starting January 1st, 2025 to December 31st, 2025.Garbage tags are only for curbside pick-up and will not be accepted at the Landfill.

Ensure that you use the new tags for all curbside garbage collection beginning in January.

UPDATE: Due to the Canada Post strike, 2025 garbage tags are available for pick-up at the Village Office.

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Kearney DECEMBER 14TH- 10AM-11:30AM JOIN US FOR A GINGERBREAD DECORATING PARTY! At the Kearney Library! Open to all ages.

Hot chocolate, tea, coffee and cookies will be provided. -RSVP 705 636 5849 OR library@townofkeamey.ca DECEMBER 17TH- 4PM-5:30PM - JOIN US FOR A GINGERBREAD DECORATING PARTY! At the Kearney Library! Open to all ages. Hot chocolate, tea, coffee and cookies will be provided. -RSVP 705 636 5849 OR library@townofkeamey.ca FORK ON MAIN IN KEARNEY – DART SEASON STARTS AGAIN! THURS, OCTOBER 17TH- SIGN UP 7-7:30PM GAME STARTS AT 7:30. COME OUT AND ENJOY THE FUN! KEARNEY SENIORS CLUB - Who are we?

"Kearney Seniors Club is located in Kearney at the Kearney Community Centre. We have a new Facebook page The Kearney Seniors Club that you can join for info.

Our mandate is to provide social activities and information to any one over the age of 50 in our area which includes Kearney, Emsdale, Novar and the surrounding areas such as Perry Township, Burks Falls and Armour Township. We meet on the last Thursday of the month at 1:30 pm in the Kearney Seniors Room. Guests are always welcome but if you wish to be a member there is a $10. fee. Our activities in the past have including participating in Kearney fairs and regattas but also bus trips to different events, card games and Christmas dinners. This year we plan on adding quilting, cornball and more.

Fetterley's OPEN MONDAY TO THURSDAY 7:30AM-6PM FRIDAY 7:30AM-6PM. SATURDAY 8AM-7PM , SUNDAY 8AM-6PM EMPTIES CLOSE AT 4PM FOR YOUR DIESEL, REGULAR AND PREMIUM ETHANOL FREE FUEL and so much more. Don’t see it? Just ask!

IN A FUEL EMERGENCY CALL HEATHER 705571-0533 Town of Kearney - Fitness classes!

JOIN US FOR FITNESS CLASSES - All Levels Fitness Tuesdays & Thursdays - 8:45a.m - 9:30a.m - Active Stretching Tuesdays & Thursdays - 9:45a.m - 10:30a.m - $10

drop in fee/class -$40/calendar month For membership information please - visit the Town of Kearney’s website: www.townofkearney.ca Kearney Community Centre - 8 Main St Let's Get Active! Catch up with friends and make new acquaintances ! FREE Dropin... No need to register Classes! Join us for a one-hour class focusing on balance and strength. Kearney Community Centre Wednesdays at 11:30 am Kearney & Area Public Library Library Membership- A library membership is free to residents and taxpayers of the Town of Kearney and, effective January 1, 2008, Perry Township. Children under 16 are required to have their memberships signed by a parent or guardian. If you don’t live in Kearney or Perry Township, you can join for an annual fee of $10.00.

Email: kearneylibrary@hotmail.ca Phone: 705-636-5849 - https://kearney. olsn.ca/- 8 Main Street, P.O. Box 38 Kearney, ON (705) 636-7752 - Fax: (705) 636-0527- admin@townofkearney.ca Hours of operation - Monday to Friday8:30 AM – 4:30 PM KEARNEY LEGION BRANCH # 276 with Lisa Lahn & Dorothy Reynard Hopson Kearney Legion Branch '276 would like to give a warm welcome WENDY'S KITCHEN to the Legion Dec 5, 2024 -Hours of operation will be Thursday 4pm-9pm - Friday 4pm- 9pm Sat 9am till ? -Sunday 9am-2pm - Specials will be Thursday $1 Wings , Friday Fish and Chips DECEMBER 14TH- $1000 CASH DRAW! - Tickets $5; each or 3 for $10 - Tickets on sale at Kearney Legion, Fetterley's, Rickward’s Polaris.

EUCHRE EVERY TUESDAY 10am-Noon Everyone welcome to join in the fun!

Every Thursday - Join in on a fun morning of conversation and meeting new friends.

Beginning 10am – noon TUESDAY'S REGULAR EUCHRE I0am THURSDAY'S BID EUCHRE - New players always welcome!

Maybe oxygen is slowly killing you and It just takes 75-100 years to fully work.

The reason why Gene Simmons never drank or did drugs

Simmons has always been firmly against alcohol and drugs because of his mother, a Holocaust survivor who endured the horrors of a concentration camp, where many members of her family perished. “I’m her only child,” the musician shared. “I knew I had no right to hurt my mother. Life had already done enough to her.”

Gene Simmons recounted a memorable and humbling moment during his first major interview with Rolling Stone when his mother interrupted: “When I met the Rolling Stone writer, I was very careful to cultivate the mystique of the demon. I wore all my spider and silver jewelry and my leather pants. I puffed my hair as big as it could go. With my seven-inch platform boots with silver dollar signs on them and black nail polish, I thought I was ready to project the perfect rock-and-roll image.

Then, at one point, the doorbell rang. I answered it, and there was my mother at the door with enough food to feed the world: fresh soups, veal chops, pancakes, jams, and cakes.

She insisted that the writer and I—whom she referred to as "hungry boys"—stop what we were doing and eat. She kept calling me by my Hebrew name, Chaim, and told the writer that I was a good boy. The big, bad demon was just a mama’s boy."

Credits: Generación X Christmas continued .....

Annual Christmas Dinner for Seniors of Perry Township – December 14th at 5pm at the Emsdale community Center. Limited seating 75. RSVP by December 7th, 705-783-9163 MAGNETAWAN DECEMBER 22ND- If you, or your spouse, live in the Municipality of Magnetawan and are 65 years of age or older, you are cordially invited to the Trinity United Church Annual Senior's Christmas Dinner on Sunday, December 22nd from 4:00 7:00 p.m. at the Magnetawan Community Centre. There will be live music, a carol sign along and a full course meal complete with coffee, tea and desert! This is a free dinner sponsored by Trinity United Church. There is no need to RSVP. PARRY SOUND DECEMBER 25TH-MARY STREET CENTRE CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER - at noon. This dinner is not just about feeding our bodies but is also about feeding each others hearts. Please don’t be alone, come and joy us!

CHURCH SERVICES

SPRUCEDALE DECEMBER 24TH - Join us for a heartwarming candlelight service on Dec 24th at 7pm at The United Church in Sprucedale. This special gathering is a wonderful opportunity to connect with one another and celebrate the spirit of the season.

Everyone is welcome to attend!

MUSIC

BURK’S FALLS DECEMBER 16TH- 6-7PM- Christmas Concert With special guests„. The Muskoka

Concert Band! Land of Lakes Public School Theatre - ADMISSION BY DONATION FREE Hot Chocolate (Thanks LLPS PAC) COOKIES FOR SALE!

NEW YEARS EVE

MAGNETAWAN NEW YEAR'S EVE GALA -TUESDAY DECEMBER 31ST - ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO THE MAGNETWAN COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT FUND Magnetawan Community Centre Doors Open at 8:30pm - LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

BY FILTHY RICH AND THE EMPTY POCKETS! - ONLY 150 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD IN ADVANCE - Tickets are $40 per person.

Tickets include admission to the Gala, Midnight Buffet Table, Midnight Champagne, and Entry into Door Prizes!

CASH BAR WILL BE AVAILABLE - For more information and to purchase tickets please contact the Municipal Office at (705) 3873947 or by email recreation@magnetawan. com PARRY SOUND DECEMBER 31ST- New Year’s Eve at Jolly Roger! Celebrate in style with a 3-course dinner, champagne toast, live DJ, and a midnight countdown! $45/person for dinner & party | $10 after 9 PM for DJ & party only (+tax). Limited spots—CALL 705241-8658 to book now! Let’s ring in 2024 together!

DECEMBER 31ST 9PM- New Year’s Eve Fireworks by the Bay: Waterfront at Waubuno Beach Ring in the New Year with a dazzling fireworks display over Georgian Bay. A magical end to the holiday season and a celebration of new beginnings.

Honey, do you think I gained weight? - No, I think the living room got smaller.

Great North Arrow

Loring & Restoule District PORT LORING LEGION BRANCH 415 - EVERY TUESDAY EVENING STARTS AT 7:30 FROZEN MEAL DELIVERY! MEALS ARE $7.00 & CONSIST OF MAIN COURSE & DESSERT - MEALS ARE $7.00 & CONSIST OF MAIN COURSE & DESSERT - MINIMUM OF 5 MEALS IS REQUIRED FOR DELIVERY (DELIVERED EVERY OTHER WEEK) - PAYMENT IS DUE UPON DELIVERY (CASH/CHEQUE) OR IN ADVANCE BY E-TRANSFER (PLEASE GIVE EXACT AMOUNT AS VOLUNTEER DOES NOT CARRY CASH) "DELIVERED EVERY MONDAY - ELIGIBLE PERSONS INCLUDE: - SENIORS 65+ -THOSE WHO ARE TERMINALLY/CHRONICALLY ILL - THOSE WITH A DEVELOPMENT DISABILITY - THOSE RECENTLY DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL (I.E. POST SURGERY) - EAST PARRY SOUND Support Services - FOR MORE INFO & TO ORDER CONTACT CSS @ 705-724-6028 DUMP HOURS – GOLDEN VALLEY, TUESDAY 11AM-3PM, THURSDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY7:30AM-11::30AM NORTH ROAD- TUESDAY 5-9PM – THURSDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY, 1-6PM – Line dancing ( Monday ) at the Argyle Community Centre ...6:30 All are welcome !!! Bring indoor shoes and water.

Arnstein Gospel Hall Youth Night Ball Hockey is Back!!*** Tuesdays 6:30-7:30pm @ Arnstein Rink Bring your stick, energy and water bottles! See you there!

Let's Get Active! Catch up with friends and make new acquaintances ! FREE Drop-in... No need to register Classes! Join us for a one-hour class focusing on balance and strength. Port Loring Royal Canadian Legion Branch 415 Wednesdays at 11 am line dancing....Monday nights at 6:30 at the Argyle Community Centre. Don't forget your indoor shoes and your water bottle Bingo is back at the Legion, 7:30 Tuesday nights, Euchre is Thursday night at 7, Darts Friday at 7 and Cribbage Saturdays at 1pm. Seniors Luncheon is the second Tuesday of every month. The Empties Return Depot is located in the C-Can in the parking lot of the Legion and is open Wednesday and Saturday 11-2. Why not donate those empties back to the Legion?

St. Andrew’s United Church Tuesday morning ‘Coffee and Tunes’ hour at 10:00am.... accessible to everyone... and for anyone who wants to come out for a coffee, a chat, hear some tunes, or have a game of crib... Everyone is welcome and if you play an instrument and or sing... please feel welcome to do so.

If you are a baker and want to bring some cookies or squares...yes!!! please bring some, Just another way we are hoping to meet our new residents, and reconnect with others....

Admission is free with a good will jar to help pay for coffee, cream etc.

The Food Bank is open the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 11-1, located across from Buchanan’s Castle Building Centre in Port Loring.

ARNSTEIN- Come on out to Tots and Toddlers Wednesday 10-11:30am Arnstein Gospel Hall We would love to make a coffee/tea for you moms, dads and carers and let the kids play! Come have fun with us! All welcome.

COMMANDA – JANUARY 4TH -On the first Saturday of the month enjoy a years-long tradition at the Commanda Community Centre! pm to 11 pm Doors open at 7:30 Note the later start time for this month! Bring your instruments and join us for our Monthly Dance & Jam night! Country, blues, oldies and more! Not a musician? Why not dust off your dancing shoes & get your dancing partner off the couch? Never been to our monthly social before? Picture a good old fashioned kitchen party, but with a dance floor! Be prepared for dancing, smiling, laughing, singing along and otherwise having a ton of fun! Bring your family & friends! There are soft drinks, water, coffee, & tea available for purchase! You are welcome to bring potluck snacks/desserts. This is an alcohol free event.

Admission is free however donations are always appreciated! Your participation & donations keep our community centre operating. . *there is a piano and PA set up on site BINGO TOO! - Come explore the only historically designated building in the area and check out our internet café! Gift shop with local artisan goods. Try our (almost world famous) milkshakes and new indigenous and genealogy exhibits! - HWY 522 -4077 & 4009.

COMMANDA FREE ENTRY CRAFTERNOON SESSIONS at the Commanda Community Centre! Join us Sundays, 2-4pm!

Come out and enjoy a coffee or tea and conversation. At our last event we had a fantastic turn-out and so much fun! Bring your craft and meet some new neighbours! Refreshments are available for a small donation.

Let's Get Active! Catch up with friends and make new acquaintances !

FREE Drop-in... No need to register Classes!

Join us for a one-hour class focusing on balance and strength. Commanda - Commanda Community - Fridays at 10:00 am Stay On Your Feet Classes - Commanda Community Centre Fridays at l0 am – ll am. All levels of ability welcome! Modifications can be made for everyone FREE: stay on Your Feet Classes - Fall prevention fitness No need to register - Just show up and nave fun!

East Parry Sound Community Support Services For inquires about the classes can CSS office 705-724-6028 Call for makers, artists & vendors!! Thank you! Over the past several weeks we asked for your feedback through a survey about winter markets at the CCC and you responded! We still need more information to plan this initiative. We’re asking local makers to let us know if you’re interested in participating in indoor winter markets. In order to hold these events, we need volunteers for set up, kitchen duty &

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

ARGYLE SANTA CLAUS PARADE – SPRINKLED WITH SNOW ARGYLE- Tamara Bain- The spirt of the season is alive and well in the Argyle area!

On Saturday December 7th, our little town held the Annual Santa Parade. Mother Nature sprinkled everything with snow as we meandered along from Loring to the Port Loring Legion Hall Branch 415.

The festivities continued inside where the Legion welcome all with hot chocolate, hot dogs and cookie decorating while Santa and Mrs. Claus visited excited children of all ages!

It was a truly beautiful kickoff to the holi-

day season right here in our hometown!

Thank you to everyone who participated with special thanks to the Port Loring Legion and the Claus's, well done everyone!

volunteer bakers. Our volunteer coordinator is asking; if you are a vendor, would you be willing to bring along someone to volunteer?

YOGA THURSDAYS @ 6:30PM – 7:30PM – ALL SKILL LEVELS WELCOME - $10 PER PERSON - Skill Levels Welcome Commanda Community Centre 4009 Hwy 522 Commanda GOLDEN VALLEY – Winter Dump Hours GOLDEN VALLEY – Wednesday 7:30AM-11;30AM, Saturday 7:30AM-11;30AM NORTH ROAD -Wednesday 1-5pm, Saturday 1-5pm St. Andrew’s United Church Sunday Worship services at 10:30 am for the month of May. Everyone welcome. Experience a sense of community and belonging .

Monday Night Bid Euchre will be held at St. Paul’s United Church in Golden Valley.

RESTOULE DECEMBER 14TH-Christmas Lunch & Food Drive For Powassan Food Bank, Sat. Dec. 14th - Cocktails at 1pm Lunch from 2-4pm- Music starts at 2:30pm- Full Turkey Lunch with all the Fixings- Music By Sawdust Lounge Adults $18, Seniors $15, RESTOULE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS ! NEEDED CONTACT US ! Hal (705) 840-6239 Olav (705) 493-3769 It's Pool and Euchre Night! Come on out! 7 pm to close! EVERY TUESDAY AT THE RESTOULE LEGION. DECEMBER 8TH- RESTOULE- THE CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY WILL BE HAPPENING ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 8TH!! CHRISTMAS LIGHTS PARADE STARTS AT 6:30PM AT MILL BAY MARKET FOLLOWED BY SANTA AND GIFTS AT 7:00PM FOR AREA CHILDREN 12 YEARS OLD AND UNDER AT THE RESTOULE COMMUNITY CENTRE - REFRESHMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE PLEASE SIGN YOUR CHILD UP ON THE SIGN-UP SHEET AT GERRY'S GENERAL STORE BEFORE NOVEMBER 29"' TO ENSURE THEY RECEIVE A SPECIAL GIFT FROM SANTA - PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND THE EVENT TO RECEIVE YOUR GIFT RIGHT FROM SANTA! ANYONE WISHING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PARADE ARE ENCOURAGED TO BE AT MILL BAY MARKET FOR 6:00PM TO BE LINED UP...THE MORE LIGHTS ON YOUR FLOAT THE MERRIER!! FOR MORE INFO YOU CAN MESSAGE CHERYL HAMLTON ON FACEBOOK KARATE AND JUJITSU - RESTOULE COMMUNITY CENTRE – FOR ALL AGES – BUILDS FOCUS, SELF CONFIDENCE – PHYSICAL FITNESS SELF DISCIPLINE, Regular classes Thursdays: Ages 7 to 12 - 5:30pm to 6:20pm - Ages 12 and up 6:30 to 8:00pm -$40 monthly fee Let's Get Active! Catch up with friends and make new acquaintances ! FREE Drop-in... No need to register Classes! Join us for a onehour class focusing on balance and strength.

Restoule Community Centre - Tuesdays at 10:00 am RESTOULE LEGION BRANCH 390 It's Pool and Euchre Night! Come on out! 7 pm to close! EVERY TUESDAY AT THE RESTOULE LEGION.Royal Canadian Legion Branch 639 Restoule SUNDAY DARTS AND HORSESHOES! WEATHER PERMITTING! 1 PM TO 5 PM. JOIN US!

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Magnetawan Municipality of Magnetawan- Attention Curbside Collection Residents Due to Canada Post strike, the Municipality cannot mail the 2025 Recycling Calendars and Curbside Collection Stickers to residents who pay a special area tax rate within the Village of Magnetawan for Curbside Collection. Residents who wish to pick up their 2025 curbside collection stickers can do so during the Municipal Office hours of 8:00am – 5:00pm. Should the strike end prior to the Christmas holiday, the remaining curbside collection stickers will be mailed out. Please contact the Municipal Office at (705) 387-3947 or at info@magnetawan.com for more information.

On behalf of Council and Staff MERRY CHRISTMAS AND BEST WISHES FOR A SAFE AND JOYOUS HOLIDAY SEASON -JUST A REMINDER The Municipal Office will be CLOSED from Tuesday December 24, 2024 at Noo. Re-opening Monday January 6, 2025 Both Municipal Landfills will be CLOSED Tuesday December 24, 2024 at 12 noon, Wednesday December 25, 2024 , Thursday December 26, 2024 as well as Wednesday January 1, 2025 The Municipality of Magnetawan has been working over the last few months to bring the new Service Ontario mobile service centre to Magnetawan to provide in-person access to government services to our community members. The mobile service centre will offer a wide range of services, such as driver and vehicle, health card, Ontario Photo Card and accessible parking permit services, among others. The Mobile Unit is currently here located in the Upper Lions' Pavilion Parking Lot till 3pm.

The Mobile Service Unit will be here every 2nd Monday of the Month and its next scheduled visit is Monday January 13th from 10am until 3pm! #magswhereitsat #magnetawan DECEMBER 13TH-AHMIC LAKE RESORT Get ready for an unforgettable Friday night at Swiss Country House on December 13th!

We're thrilled to announce that the incredibly talented Dave Kaye will be gracing our stage with his soulful tunes. Join us at your favorite neighbourhood restaurant for a cozy evening filled with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and an abundance of fun.

Book your table now! Call 1-705-387-9292 DECEMBER 15TH -2PM – LAST BINGO OF 2024-MAGNETAWAN FRIENDSHIP CLUB - Everyone 18+ Welcome - $10 for 3 cards/ 10 Games - Share the Wealth - Snacks for sale DECEMBER 15TH - - 2PM- Magnetawan Friendship Club - Bingo Everyone 18+ Welcome - $10 for 3 cards – 10 games - 'Share the Wealth' - Snacks and pop for sale.

DECEMBER 31ST -NEW YEAR'S EVE GALA -TUESDAY DECEMBER 31ST ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO THE MAGNETWAN COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT FUND Magnetawan Community Centre Doors Open at 8:30pm - LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

BY FILTHY RICH AND THE EMPTY POCKETS! - ONLY 150 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD IN ADVANCE - Tickets are $40 per person.

Tickets include admission to the Gala, Midnight Buffet Table, Midnight Champagne, and Entry into Door Prizes!

CASH BAR WILL BE AVAILABLE - For more information and to purchase tickets please contact the Municipal Office at (705) 3873947 or by email recreation@magnetawan. com JANUARY 17th-18th- SOS DRAG RACES FEBRUARY 14TH-16TH – SOS DRAG RACES MAGNETAWAN BAIT AND TACKLE INVITES YOU TO STOP IN AND LOOK AT OUR WIDE VARIETY OF CHRISTMAS IDEAS….

YOU CAN NEVER BE TOO EARLY! NEW WINTER HOURS - Our winter hours are now in effect! Sunday - Thursday 8:00am7:00pm Friday & Saturday 8:00am - 8:00pm SATURDAYS! MAGNETAWAN LIBRARY BOOK SALE EVERY SATURDAY! 10AM-1PM - HARDCOVER $1 - PAPERBÅCK $0.50 STOP BY! WE HAVE A WONDERFUL SELECTION! BRING A BAG! WE HAVE LOTS TO CHOSE FROM! LANDFILL WINTER HOURS 8AM TO 4PM -CHAPMAN LANDFILL OPEN: SUNDAY, MONDAY CROFT LANDFILL OPEN: TUESDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY A LANDFILL SCHEDULED TO BE OPEN DURING THE WINTER MONTHS WILL NOT BE OPEN ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY SUMMER HOURS WILL RESUME SATURDAY MAY 17, 2025 FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MUNICIPAL LANDFILLS AND RECYCLING - PLEASE VISIT OUR LANDFILL AND RECYCLING PAGE ON OUR WEBSITE AT - WWW.MAGNETAWAN.COM EUCHRE EVERY TUESDAY AT THE LEGION - 10am-Noon - Everyone welcome to join in the fun!

DROP IN PICKLE BALL - TUESDAYS 10:00 AM TO 12:30 PM & 6:00 PM TO 7:30 PM. NOW INSIDE AT THE MAGNETAWAN COMMUNITY CENTRE! EQUIPMENT CAN BE PROVIDED OR BRING YOUR OWN PADDLES. Come join us indoors. Paddles and wiffle balls provided. All you need are indoor shoes

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MAGNETAWAN FIRE DEPARTMENT NEEDS YOU! Volunteers Needed There’s A Job for Everyone! Firefighter, Medical Responder ,Driver/Operator, Accountability Person ,Safety Officer, Radio Operators, For an application or more information: -visit the Municipalities website www.magnetawan.com -call or text 705-349-8477 -email fire@magnetawan.com -visit Station One at 81 Albert St. TRINITY UNITED CHURCH INVITES YOU TO HELP - Please help keep our community pantry full! We have many people using this and we are having a lot of difficulty keeping up with the needs. Please consider donating non-perishable foods and unopened toiletries to our pantry, located in the “mural” corner of the community center parking lot. There will also be donation boxes at the Market (near the coffee counter) and on the porch at Trinity United Church (kitty-corner from the Grill).

As always, if you need something please take and use it, remembering that there are many in need. Have a wonderful time of giving thanks!

Magnetawan Friendship Club - Monthly members meeting - 2nd Tuesday 1 p.m. Bingo every 2 weeks - Sunday - 2 pm $10 - 50/50 - Euchre, Crib, and so much more Are you, or is someone you know, a senior over 65? someone recovering from surgery or illness?; someone with a chronic or terminal illness?; or someone with a developmental disability? Magnetawan Meals On Wheels provides meal delivery to the Municipality of Magnetawan to those who are eligible Meals on Wheels We deliver !

Contact Volunteer Coordinators Bill & Mary Bishop @ 705-349-1264 for more details.

Quiet Bay Café, 5333 Hwy 124, Magnetawan is now open for breakfast and lunch! New hours going forward will be 6am to 2 pm TUESDAY .-Friday, & 8am to 2pm Sat-Sun. WE ARE CLOSED MONDAYS. MAGNETAWAN PUBLIC LIBRARY NOVEMBER 30TH- 11M-2PM- "Magnetawan Public Library Sketching Workshop with Nomi Drory-cost: $10 - This will be the next installment in our Sketching Workshops.

Please bring your notepad if you attended the last workshop. Sign Up at the Library DECEMBER 13TH- 12 NOON-3PMMAGNETAWAN PUBLIC LIBRARY CRAFTERNOONS -Bring your craft project, have a cup of tea, enjoy some social time!

Calling All Young Book Lovers! Do you have a favourite series of books? Or a favourite topic you love to read about?

Why not share that, and spark the joy Of reading in Others! Come to the library and fill Out an application, when picked you will be responsible for creating: Your own book display, Of your chosen books. A poster for your display. and creatively decorating it your way. Your display will be up in the library for 1 week! Sign up at the Magnetawan Public Library -Ages 10 + OUR DECEMBER BOOK CLUB READTHE LOST GIRLS BY HEATHER YOUNG- A stunning novel that examines the price of loyalty, the burden of regret, the meaning of salvation, and the sacrifices we make for those we love, told in the voices of two unforgettable women linked by a decades-old family mystery at a picturesque lake house.

In 1935, six-year-old Emily Evans vanishes from her family’s vacation home on a remote Minnesota lake. Her disappearance destroys the family—her father commits suicide, and her mother and two older sisters spend the rest of their lives at the lake house, keeping a decades-long vigil for the lost child.

Sixty years later, Lucy, the quiet and watchful middle sister, lives in the lake house alone. Before her death, she writes the story of that devastating summer in a notebook that she leaves, along with the house, to the only person who might care: her grandniece, Justine. For Justine, the lake house offers freedom and stability—a way to escape her manipulative boyfriend and give her daughters the home she never had. But the long Minnesota winter is just beginning. The house is cold and dilapidated. The dark, silent lake is isolated and eerie. Her only neighbor is a strange old man who seems to know more about the summer of 1935 than he’s telling.

Soon Justine’s troubled oldest daughter becomes obsessed with Emily’s disappearance, her mother arrives to steal her inheritance, and the man she left launches a dangerous plan to get her back. In a house haunted by the sorrows of the women who came before her, Justine must overcome their tragic legacy if she hopes to save herself and her children COMING LION’S EVENTS (watch on Facebook or Municipal web page to confirm dates) Wild Game Dinner ( Feb/25) – Pending confirmation by December. Shrove Tuesday – Tuesday March 04, 2025. Pickeral Fry – July /25 Swim Classes –start July 14 to August 01, 2025 Golf Tournament – Sept. 25 Dock/ Picnic tables available upon request The Municipality of Magnetawan has been working over the last few months to bring the new Service Ontario mobile service centre to Magnetawan to provide in-person access to government services to your community members.

The mobile service centre will offer a wide range of services, such as driver and

McKellar DECEMBER 13TH –5:30pm - KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY McKellar Recreation Committee, is on Friday, is being held at the McKellar Community Centre. There will be cookie decorating and crafts, and Santa will be visiting at 6pm. Wrapping up the event is a 30 minute movie, Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas.

BRIGHTEN SOMEONE'S HOLIDAY! Whitestone McKellar Lions Club Christrnas Basket Collection November 16th - December 16th THANK YOU FOR YOUR NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS AND TOY DONATIONS! Drop off locations are: Duck Rock General Store, McKellar Library, McKellar Fire Station, Whitestone Library, Whitestone Fire Station, "KINDNESS MATTERS!" SUNDAYS – AT 1PM - Euchre at McKellar Community Centre, bid euchre games begin at 1 p.m. Cost is $5 coffee and snacks included. Everyone welcome.

Beginners welcome! Come out and learn how to play and join in the fun! 12:15pm.

HURDVILLE - Euchre at the Hurdville Community Club Friday nights – 7pm.

McKellar Seniors euchre Thursdays 1pm at the McKellar Community Centre.

All welcome. 10games/8hands. Lots of fun and friendship to be had!

Yoga with Helen is back at the McKeIIar Community Hall every Thursday from 7pm-8pm Burnett's Road Corner Library Is located at Burnett's and Hurdville Rd. Free books, magazines, dvds.

McKellar Public Library McKELLAR PUBLIC LIBRARY Have you visited the library and checked out the new Makerspace area? sewing and circuit classes will be held.

McKrafters - 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month from 6:00 to 9:00 pm Bring your current craft/project and enjoy the social time!

Knitting Club-1st and 3rd Tuesday of Every Month at 1:00 pm Book Club- 4th Tuesday of Every Month at 1:00 pm SEWING WITH LORRIE - The McKellar Public Library is launching an Open Studio for Beginners or Refreshers in Machine Sewing- Sewing with Lorrie• Interested in Learning to Sew on a Machine?• Wanting to revisit your sewing past after a long break? • Just wish you could hem your pants or repair a seam in your blouse? Sewing Machines will be available, as well as basic supplies but space is limited. It is important to register with the McKellar Library staff with your chosen date(s) and time(s). You can bring your own equipment if you wish.

McKellar Memories and Celebrating McKellar-Books for Sale at the Library!

McKellar Memories-$28.00 incl. tax-Get yours today, and help support our library!

It’s here! The long awaited and much anticipated book, Celebrating McKellar! Stories contributed by all those who love McKellar, in honour of its 150th anniversary. On sale now in your library for $28.00 incl. tax each. Hope to see you soon!

Nature Backpack available with library card - EXPLORE NATURE IN MCKELLAR- USE YOUR MCKELLAR LIBRARY CARD TO BORROW A COMPREHENSIVE HIKING PACK FOR KIDS COURTESY OF THE GEORGIAN BAY BIOSPHERE -KIT INCLUDES BINOCULARS EQUIPMENT TO STUDY FAUNA AND FLORA GUIDE BOOKS -MAGNIFYING EQUIPMENT TOOLS FIRSTAID KIT AND SO MUCH MORE!

vehicle, health card, Ontario Photo Card and accessible parking permit services, among others. Service Ontario is on the go. The Service Ontario mobile service centre is providing in-person access to government services in The Municipality of Magnetawan The mobile service centre will be located at the Upper Lions Pavilion Parking Lot from IO am to 3pm Monthly (Every 2nd Monday). Go to Ontario.ca/ServiceOntarioOnTheGo to find out more. Don’t wait in Line, book an appointment online at Ontario.ca/ Appointments

Rickets and Tapeworms Y

ears ago, when I was a boy of the wise age of about five, everyone around me thought I was a sickly pale skinned lad. Often the family would say to my Mother Pearl, ‘why don’t you make the boy eat.’ Well, Mother did try to make me eat, Father Gerry did too, but I just wasn’t much into it. Gramma and Grampa A.G. Culbert, and Gramma Emma Northcote did their best convincing as well. I was just too darned busy doing boy things to bother being concerned about eatin’.

Because I was pretty pale and scrawny, my knee bones stuck, so did my shoulder bones and I looked like I had something nasty known as Rickets. Or, that is what they kept telling me. The young Culbert lad couldn’t possibly have rickets, malnourishment! What Shame and disgrace, the embarrassment that the son of a Grocer and Butcher. This could not be!

Before I knew it, I was marched up the street to the Old Medical Hall, (the Former Bishop’s Pharmacy) to see Ole Doc Partridge. The thing was, I knew I wasn’t sick! I was just as stubborn as I am today,

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

and there was no way some Old Doctor was going to make me eat.

Didn’t scare me none.

Being short for my age and rather scrawny, I needed a boost to get up onto the high wooden stool that Doc wanted me to sit on. He grabbed me under the arms and tossed me up, where I remained while he poked and prodded, looked in my ears (which were likely dirty from the muck piles I was playing in) I stuck out my tongue, quite happily. Then I got the news, I was going to make it, but the remedy to my self-imposed hunger strike was rather intimidating and extreme. It wasn’t one of today’s prescriptions.

Ole Doc, turned his back to me, climbed a rickety wooden ladder and reached up on the top shelf of all of his ‘remedies’ and tonics.

Then, he pulled down the big dusty old jar. Wrenching open the lid of the jar, this horrible smell wafted out. He fished in, pulled out this ten foot creature that resembled a flattened pink snake and held it at my face. ‘You see this boy?’

‘Tapeworms and this is a small one.’ I sat there, almost paralyzed with fear, and Ole Doc said, ‘you best starting eatin’ up boy, or I am going to start feeding you these.’ I gulped, and promised Doc, I would listen to Mother and start eating.

A couple of months ago, just before Audrey Bishop retired from her many years of service in her store, Bishops Pharmacy, I shared the story with her. Again. Audrey well, she just laughed and said, ‘I still got them, downstairs in the basement ‘…… and she said, ‘do you want to see them?’ That big intimidating jar of tapeworms was still there, taken up residence. I went home and ate ALL of my dinner!

See you in July, because somewhere there is always a story.

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Parry Sound Do you have what it takes to join this ever growing, always learning team of likeminded individuals? Jr firefighters: 15-17 Probationary firefighters: 18+ with a valid driver’s license, clean criminal records check and a willingness to learn Apply today to Firedept@shawanagafirstnation.ca WEDNESDAY MORNINGS, 10AM-11AM - GRIEF RECOVERY -SUPPORT GROUP - 6 WEEK PR0GRAM. FACILITATED WITH A REGISTERED COUNSELLOR - OPEN TO ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS! DROP-IN - NO REGISTRATION NEEDED! 25 Church Street, Parry Sound. Contact: ripley@psfc.ca (705)746-1799 -FRIENDSHIP CENTRE In parthership with PSFC.ca PARRY SOUND FOOD BANK IS IN NEED! Food Bank use is up 40% in the Parry Sound area and the shelves are becoming very empty. Cash donations are welcomed and need as well as non perishable food.

A drop off slot is located at the top of the ramp after hours, or drop inside of the Parry Sound Harvest Share. 93 James St. Parry Sound. Monday - Friday. 9 till 3 .

Everything is so appreciated, please help if you can.

Did you know that Pioneer Gas station in Parry Sound that sells the GNA has many fabulous things in their store? Next time in, take a good look around! They even do passport photos!

CANADORE COLLEGE WEST - Want to join the fun? Every Thursday, we host exciting activities as part of our seniors programming. From exploring your creative side, enjoying outdoor walks, exciting game days, and more. Come make some memories with us!

DO YOU HAVE A STATUS CARD? Health Department CARA Program Presents SWIMMING AT THE GRAND TAPPATTOO Available November to May 1st 2025 .

Members must sign in at front desk with Status Card Access cards can be provided to those with children who have not received their status cards. Contact Liz Tabobondung for more information or for access cards cra@wasauksing.ca - 705746-2033 ext 305 WEDNESDAY nights at the Trestle Brewing Company – Trivia at the Trestle 6:30 PM - 9PM If you have an event, or know of an event, please send it to us at Greatnortharrownewspaper@gmail.com. We love ‘GOOD NEWS!’ We also welcome celebrations!

DECEMBER 7TH- 9AM-12PM-- INTRO TO HENS - Hen keeping offers children and adults valuable educational opportunities to learn about the food system and about responsible animal care. The keeping of hens has been compared to the keeping of other pets in terms of beneficial psychological and social effects. Hens are people-friendly, social, intelligent, affectionate, small, and quiet. We’re joined by Rachael from Heart of Yolk to learn about breeds, eggs, incubation, roosters, health of chickens, coops, feed, and more.

Part of the Eat Around the Sound (EATS) Series, with support from the Town of Parry Sound & the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit. Raising chickens is a great way to connect . Space is limited, buy your ticket today – GBB Office, 125 William St. Parry Sound -Buy tickets online: $40 00 georgianbaybiosphere.com/events DECEMBER 14 -FROM 10 AM TO 2 PM - CHRISTMAS BAZAAR - Come get some shopping done this Saturday! Over 20 vendors! Get some baked goods, handmade crafts, organic honey products and so much more! Crafts, baked goods, organic produce and more! FREE ENTRY - 70 Isabella Streetin the gym!

DECEMBER 15TH – 1PM-4PM - Winter Sound Waves 2 AT Stockey Centre. An afternoon of Festive Family fun in Support of the West Parry Sound Recreation and Cultural Centre. Live music, Santa, crafts, refreshments and Silent Auction/penny table. TICKETS: C$5.00 to C$40.00—$40/ single ticket, $60 /family of 4, $5 for more DECEMBER 15TH – 7pm- Caroling Through the Downtown Core- Downtown Parry Sound. Join friends and neighbors for a community caroling event that brings the streets alive with song. A perfect opportunity to spread cheer while supporting downtown businesses.

DECEMBER 18TH- 7PM- The Fitzgeralds - A Canadian Christmas- Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts - The Fitzgeralds are Canadian Champion fiddling and step dancing siblings – Tom, Kerry & Julie Fitzgerald, along with award winning guest artists.

Each holiday season, the group performs an engaging, live version of its “Ontario Folk Music Award” nominated album, The Fitzgeralds – A Canadian Christmas!

Live performances feature the group’s signature triple fiddle arrangements of holiday favourites, songs by great Canadian composers, original compositions, and the

Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Sunday: CLOSED

Great North Arrow

crowd favourite…Ottawa Valley step dancing! Dust off your ugly Christmas sweater, and join The Fitzgeralds as they provide a heart-warming, cheerful, and truly Canadian soundtrack to your holiday season! Tickets are $39.95 + HST each.

DECEMBER 20TH- 7:30PM- ZED - Celebrating the music of Led Zeppelin - Stockey Centre Led Zeppelin redefined rock in the Seventies and for all time. Then and now, Led Zeppelin looms larger than life on the rock landscape as a band for the ages with an almost mystical power to evoke primal passions. Now, imagine being transported back forty years to that golden age. For ZED, it’s much more than simply being a tribute.

It’s faithfully recreating the sound of Led Zeppelin’s studio albums to an astonishing level of accuracy while also capturing the magical aura of the Led Zeppelin live experience.- Tickets are $56.69 each.

DECEMBER 21ST - 7:30pm-9:30pm Whispering River Music's Performance of Handel's Messiah - Stockey Centre TICKETS - C$53.05. Join Whispering River Music in singing the Hallelujah Chorus on December 21st at 7:30pm as Whispering River Music performs the Christmas story from the longest running musical of all time: Handel’s Messiah with Selected Arias & Choruses.

Featuring local and professional musicians and renowned Canadian soloists, this joyous music will bring the spirit of the season to you and your family.

DECEMBER 27TH- 1:30-6:30PM - Parry Sound Blood Donation Event- St. Peter's - Knights of Columbus Hall - Main Hall, 52 Church Street, Parry Sound, ON - Donors are needed every week, even during the holidays to ensure hospitals have the vital products that are needed for everyday care and for emergencies. Please book your appointment now at blood.ca, on the Give Blood app or by calling 1-888-236-6283.

DECEMBER 21ST- 7:30PM- HANDEL’S MESSIAH - WHISPERING RIVER ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS WITH HUNTSVILLE COMMUNITY CHOIR PERFORM HANDEL'S MESSIAH SELECTED ARIAS & HALLELUJAH CHORUS PRESENTED BY THE STOCKEY CENTRE. TICKETS AARE 46.95 + HST DECEMBER 22ND- Ho! Ho! Ho! Jolly BRUNCH with SANTA! Save the date- Sunday, Dec 22nd. Get ready for a festive treat at the Jolly Roger Restaurant! Join us for our Brunch Buffet with Santa, where the holiday magic comes alive... Enjoy a delicious buffet, meet Santa himself, and let the little ones join in on all the holiday fun!

It’s happening Sunday, Dec 22nd at Jolly Roger Restaurant & Bar—don’t miss out!

Only $25 for Adults & $15 for kids.

DECEMBER 25TH-MARY STREET CENTRE CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER - at noon. This dinner is not just about feeding our bodies but is also about feeding each others hearts. Please don’t be alone, come and joy us!

DECEMBER 31ST 9PM- New Year’s Eve Fireworks by the Bay: Waterfront at Waubuno Beach Ring in the New Year with a dazzling fireworks display over Georgian Bay. A magical end to the holiday season and a celebration of new beginnings.

DECEMBER 31ST- New Year’s Eve at Jolly Roger! Celebrate in style with a 3-course dinner, champagne toast, live DJ, and a midnight countdown! $45/person for dinner & party | $10 after 9 PM for DJ & party only (+tax). Limited spots—CALL 705-241-8658 to book now! Let’s ring in 2024 together!

DECEMBER 31ST- -New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner-, JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka -1050 Paignton House Road, Minett, ON Ring in the New Year in style at JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka with a luxurious Gala Dinner—an unforgettable night of celebration!

Cocktail Reception: Start the evening with a refreshing cocktail and breathtaking views of the Muskoka lakes. Let the stunning scenery set the tone for a night of celebration! A cash bar will be available throughout the...

Gala Dinner: Indulge in a decadent gourmet dinner, expertly crafted by our talented culinary team. Each exquisite dish is a celebration of Muskoka's finest local flavors and the freshest seasonal ingredients, ens...

Live Entertainment: Dance the night away to the electrifying sounds of the Jeff Eager Band, as they bring you the perfect blend of timeless classics and today's hottest hits. Get ready to hit the dance floor and make un...

Late Night: Savor the finest late-night bites, perfectly crafted to satisfy those midnight cravings and keep the celebration going! Midnight Prosecco Toast :Raise your glass and join us in a sparkling toast to welcome in the New Year 2025 with joy, cheers, and unforgettable memories!

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM EVERBRITE MONDAY, THURSDAY AND FRIDAYS Pool (billiards) Downstairs Monday, Thursday and Friday- 9:00 am – 11:45 am and

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm at the PARRY SOUND SENIORS CLUB Bid Euchre Cards Monday at 1:00 pm and Friday at 7:00 pm at the PARRY SOUND SENIORS CLUB Darts Wednesday at 1:30 pm (Sept to June only) at the PARRY SOUND SENIORS CLUB Regular Euchre Cards Friday at 1:00 pm at the PARRY SOUND SENIORS CLUB Cribbage Cards Thursday at 1:00 pm at the PARRY SOUND SENIORS CLUB Jam Session (Music & Singing; Dancing) Tuesday from 10:00 am to 11:45 am at the PARRY SOUND SENIORS CLUB No admission fee for members in good standing.

Tai Chi Practice Tuesdays from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm ($3 for paid members) at the PARRY SOUND SENIORS CLUB Aqua Fitness The Grand Tappattoo Resort - Monday (low impact) from 10:00 am to 11:30 am- Must be a member to participate. Fees: $6.00 Activity Fees: To play cards member fees are $5.00 and non-member fees $6.00.

Visitors are welcome to join us for any or all of these activities. Coffee and Tea are available FREE ADULT WEEKLY EVENT! ADHD & AUTISM MEETUP! HOSTED BY MICHELLE AINSWORTH - PARRY SOUND COUNSELLING DROP IN WEDNESDAYS 6-8 PM , GIBSON GALLERY ART AND MERCANTILE: 47 Gibson Street Parry Sound - Questions?

Call or Text: (705) 380-3450 Run by an autistic person, this is a safe, pressure- free space to meet, unmask, be authentically themselves and be creative.

No art experience necessary! Each week we will be creating a different form of art including painting, music and more! WE WELCOME ALL ADULTS WHO ARE AUTISTIC AND OR THOSE WHO HAVE ADHD, INCLUDING THOSE WHO SELF- IDENTIFY SOUPer MONDAYS! Now through the winter 11am- 1 pm - ‘Come In From The Cold !’ a selection of soups, breads, or rolls. Hot Drinks and a Healthy Portion of FEELING GOOD! Mary Street Centre, 24 Mary Street, Parry Sound.

FREE COMMUNITY LUNCH! Mary Street Centre, 11am-1pm. Goodwill donations Welcome! Thursday Community Lunch - Mary Street Centre , 24 Mary St., Parry Sound 11 AM to 1 PM Parry Sound Public Library French Group - Are you learning to speak French? Would like to practice your language skills with other French speakers in Parry Sound?

Join us at the library for a weekly casual French Group. (not formal lessons) Drop-in • All skill levels welcome - Located in the auditorium. (not wheelchair accessible) Wednesdays 4:30 to 6 pm -29 Mary Street Parry Sound - askus@pspt.ca • 705-7469601

THE CHIPMUNKS CAME TO TOWN! HEY ALVIN! PARRY SOUND: Rheanna and Toni from Above Expectations were visited

by Alvin, Simon and Theodore, ‘ the Chipmunks’, who were out strolling Downtown Parry Sound enjoying the Santa Claus Parade. If you are looking for a special last-minute present, the shops on Downtown Parry Sound have you covered! Be sure to stop in for a visit with the ladies from ‘Above and Beyond your Expectations’ they’ll have you covered!

357 Clark St Powassan, ON, Canada P0H 1Z0, (705) 724-2500

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

GOING TO THE DOGS! PARRY SOUND: CYNDI CULBERT- Coming soon! Three Point Dog Grooming is set to open in downtown Parry Sound at 57 James on January 13th. This groomer will be offering full-service grooming by appointment only.

Christine Cornish, the owner, brings 10 years of experience in the dog grooming industry and has relocated her business from the Niagara to Parry Sound. She is looking forward to taking care of your furry family member! To book an appointment, customers can choose from the following hours: Monday 3PM-8PM, Tues, Wed, Thurs: 10AM – 4PM and Friday:8AM-12PM. Grooming will be by appointment only.

A dozen Parry Sound-Muskoka Greens marched in the Sundridge Santa Claus parade under the theme of the Grinch That Stole Christmas. Matt Richter, nominated Green candidate in the next provincial election, joined them and is seen relaxing with the "green" Grinch, Christine Lauffer.

Perry Township GNA IS NOW AVAILABLE AT PERRY MART! Why not stop in and see everything new in store! One stop shopping!

DECEMBER 14th- 9am-11am- Emsdale, Breakfast with Santa!! The Children of Perry Township at the Ernsdale Community Centre _RVSP. BY DEC 7TH 705-7839163 emsdalelions@gmail.com Name and Age of child for a goody from Santa (12 and under) Every Thursday, from 9:30 to 11:30 am there is great weekly social gathering in Emsdale open to everyone at The Parish of the Good Shepherd, Emsdale Ontario of the Good Shepherd. Serving Tea, Coffee, Desserts, and healthy snacks, and great company. There is a basket for an offering.

There is also a Soup Lunch that runs at noon running from Dec to April on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Great folks. Everyone Welcome. Emsdale, 2190 Hwy 592.

EXCITING NEWS! YETI’S PIZZA – EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1ST, we are open 3 till 7 for the winter! OPEN Wednesday till Sunday We are also launching our new ghost pepper ranch pizza, STAY WARM! DECEMBER 15TH - NOVAR CHURCH SERVICES - Join us for Special Church Event at the - Novar Community Centre - If you haven’t been to church lately, please join us! Refreshments at 1 :30pm -Services at 2:00pm - December 15 -Hosted by: Riverside Baptist Church in Huntsville 705-7897249 Contact: Pastor Josh josh@riversidebaptist.ca or Wanda Hunt wandahunt100@ gmail.com DECEMBER 14th- 9am-11am- Emsdale, Breakfast with Santa!! The Children of Perry Township at the Ernsdale Community Centre _RVSP. BY DEC 7TH 705-783-9163 emsdalelions@gmail.com Name and Age of child for a goody from Santa (12 and under) EVERGREEN HEIGHTS BREAKFAST CLUB NEEDS YOUR HELP - We are seeking donations from local businesses, community groups or families who would be willing to sponsor a week, month, or any form of monetary donation to our breakfast club program! Do you know that all of our students have access to the breakfast club? It is a great way for students to be able to try new foods with their peers that they might not try at home! We do get Some grant funding from local organizations it can cost upwards of $4,000 a month to run our program! We have specific dietary requirements following the Canadian Food guide with impeccable book keeping on a menu & financial paperwork! Breakfast Club is inclusive, meaning we Source to our school that tailor to our school allergens!

Breakfast club isn’t just for breakfast. We help fill hungry tummies all day! If you can help please reach out to Ms. Rennie in the school office at 705-636-5955 ext. 1 Perry Township Public Library -CALL FOR A BOARD MEMBERS Join the Library Board and help shape local programs and services! Deadline to apply is 4pm Wednesday November 20 (one position available) Application Forms available at www. townshipofperry.ca under Municipal Services • Employment Opportunities CALL FOR ARTISTS – NO DISPLAY FEE! With numerous visitors each day, your artwork will help spruce up the Information Centre while increasing exposure to your artwork. All sales from Municipal Office/ go directly to the artist.

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Powassan U15 POWASSAN HAWKS FOOD DRIVE IS A GREAT SUCCESS

POWASSAN: U15 Powassan Hawks did a food/toy drive in support of the Powassan district food bank. They would like to thank everyone for the very kind and generous donations for our community needs.

Frances Story, shared that her son and his teammates with u15 Powassan Hawks did a food/toy drive in support of the Powassan district food bank. A comment on Facebook later in the evening later posted; ‘ A very polite young man came to my door this evening collecting for the Food Bank.

I didn’t catch which Hawks team he was with, but he did them proud!’ We agree!

The U15’s are a wonderful group to be proud of! ‘GO HAWKS GO’ Together, we are a much better place.

MONDAYS ARE FOR PICKLEBALL! AT 250 CLARK! Three Monday sessions -9AM, 10AM, 11AM. Sign up at recreation@ powassan.net TUESDAY EVENTS AT 250 CLARK – 9AM LINE DANCING – 10AM UKELE CLUB, 11AM SENIORS FITNESS- 1PM ART CLASS- 4:30PM LASER TAG- 6PM ROBOTICS CLUB- 9amLine Dancing – 7PM BOOT CAMP WEDNESDAYS EVENTS AT 250 CLARK – 1PM YOGA- 1PM SENIORS CARDS- 4PM- KARATE- 5PM-KARATE-6PM BEAVERSA AND CUBS TUESDAYS 10-11:30AM- UKULELE CLUB AT 250 CLARK , UKULELES PROVIDED, NO MUSICAL TALENT REQUIRED! Ukuleles provided. No musical talent required All welcome! $2. drop in rate Come have fun!

THURSDAY Events at 250 Clark -9AM – LINE DANCING -11AM – SENIOR’S FITNESS 12NOON – AL-ANON - 2PM – STEP DANCE CLUB- 4:30pm- LASER TAG- 6pm- ROBOTICS CLUB- 7PM- POWER CLASS. We Need Volunteer Drivers!! We are looking to recruit more volunteer drivers to deliver hot/frozen meals and drive clients to and from appointments. Volunteers are reimbursed per km for the use of their own vehicle. Make a difference in your community Contact us to find out how! 705-724-6028 or 1-888-521-0000 - Community Support Services.

250 Clark - Did you know we have a used clothing store at 250 Clark? It is a wonderful day to shop local and buy some recycled goods! Stop in today at Grace House Powassan from 9-1pm. Please use the west door to access the store.

7pm- Storytime in the Woods (on Facebook- "Events at 250 Clark" Join us on Thursdays at 2 pm for some fun! Groovin’ with Grandma is exclusive to the CCC! It’s a freestyle movement class based on dancing and letting loose! It’s gentle exercise and good for you whatever your fitness level! Come for the exercise and stay for a coffee! Admission fee is optional and the suggested donation is $2 - $5 Coffee, tea and soft drinks are available for purchase.

Let's Get Active! Catch up with friends and make new acquaintances ! FREE Dropin... No need to register Classes! Join us for a one-hour class focusing on balance and strength. Held at the Powassan Royal Canadian Legion - Branch 453 - Tuesdays at 9:30 am On Thursdays, Jeannine Welton is offering weekly Yoga with Fascial Maneuvers from 6-7pm. Cost is $10 per class, and you pay at the class. This type of yoga involves simple movements incorporating gentle twists and breathwork that anyone can do!

It is designed to increase your mobility and reduce pain. ALL welcome! Save the date!

Seniors’ Fitness classes with Joyce! Join in on this dynamic class for decades, and always puts some “FUN” into her classes.

The classes are on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10:30 to 11:30am. Come out for the fun!

Let’s Get Active! Free Classes! Join us for a one-hour class focusing on balance and strength. This is drop in- no registration required. Powassan Legion Branch 453, Tuesdays at 9:30 am Please shop at Rescued Treasures ALL PROCEEDS ARE TO SUPPORT. ALL HEART PET RESCUE? OUR THRIFT STORE IS RUN

Great North Arrow

COMPLETLEY BY OUR INCREDIBLE VOLUNTEERS AND DONATIONS! THANK YOU! Please drop off donations at All Heart pet Rescue, 430 Oakwood Rd, Powassan. Our store front location is located at 510B Main Street, Powassan 705-724-2059 Powassan Meals On Wheels has been around for many, many years and continues to provide access to nutrition as well as a wellness check. We are looking for someone to volunteer for every other Wednesday at 11 am. Interested? Please contact our office at 705-724-6028 for more details.

Karate classes at 250 Clark are ongoing!

They happen twice weekly- Wednesday and Sunday afternoons. Spaces available now. Email recreation@powassan.net to register.

250 Clark - Tuesday is- 9am- Seniors' Line Dancing 11am- Seniors' Fitness 4:30pm- Nerf Wars 6:30pm- Adult Volleyball 8pm- Body Fit- the final class!

Volleyball at 250 Clark, Adult Players only, Tuesdays 6:30-9pm. $5 drop-in fee.

POWASSAN FOOD BANK - Every Monday 10am to 12pm (donation drop off only) *no client services. Wednesday’s for client’s food pick up. Evening foodbank 5:30 to 8pm (for working clients only) Any questions please contact Diane (705) 492-3958 BATTERIES - Want to recycle your used batteries? Head to @Powassan Home Hardware! There’s a recycle box on the second counter that is for used batteries.

Home Hardware has a battery recycling program that is Canada-wide.

POWASSAN LIBRARY Library Hours: Monday · 8:00 am - 6:00 pm, Tuesday · 10:00 am - 6:00 pm,Wednesday · 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Thursday · 8:00 am - 7:00 pm, Friday · 10:00 am - 5:00 pm· Closed Saturdays & Sundays · Powassan and District Union Public Library WE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS – CHRISTMAS EVE, DECEMBER 24TH TO BOXING DAY, DECEMBER 26TH, AS WELL AS NEW YEARS DAY, JANUARY 1ST 2025.

Newsworthy: Many of you will recall how incredibly successful and delightful our first Kids’ Free Holiday Shopping Day was last year. We’re happy to announce that we’re doing it again this year! Starting on December 13th and running until December 20th, or until we run out of merchandise (wink! wink!) children can come to the library and select a present for the special people on their Christmas shopping list!

This wonderful day is possible thanks to the many thoughtful and generous people in our community who have donated items and to our especially kind and giving volunteer, Jodi Roadknight. Here at the library, we embrace that ‘tis is the season to give, give, give! Also, for the kiddos this December, we have our Annual Christmas Storywalk, One Wild Christmas by Nicholas Oldland, running along MainStreet. Be sure to read the story so that when you see our float in the Parade of Lights on December 7th, you’ll know what it’s all about! We’re hoping that everyone has one wild time at the parade!

Lace up and hit the ice with Santa and the Voodoos on December 13th at 4:00 PM. Our Halloween Skate with the Voodoos was such a resounding success that we couldn’t resist having a Christmas skate too! Follow Santa and the team back to the library for some cookies and hot chocolate!

One other important newsworthy item that we’d like to share, especially with the young families in our community, is that we are going to be open on the last Saturday of every month so that busy families with young children have one special day a month to share in the joy of stories and books here at the library. Be sure to mark your calendars folks, the last Saturday of every month is ‘Library Day’!

Julia Breckenridge - December 2024 -Due to the lighting renovation we were undergoing in November, many of you didn’t get to see the spectacular work of artist Julia Breckenridge. We’ve extended her stay in our gallery for the month of December!

Be sure to have a look at her unique and impressive collection of photographs, you won’t be disappointed. Last December our gallery curator Breya Market-Matthews launched an annual Holiday Art Collective.

The showing was such a success that we’ve decided to do it annually! This year, winter and holiday themed artwork will be on display throughout the library for the month of December, our local artists welcome your support and are always eager for you to see their creative renderings.

December 2024 Winter and holiday themed artwork on display at the library.

All local artists. Some pieces for sale.

DECEMBER 17TH- at 5:30 pm - This Month's Theme: Holiday Baking. Make and bake an item to share from the cook book of your choice. Merry Christmas and the happiest of holidays.

DECEMBER 18th at 11:30 am - Get digitally connected to your family and friends this holiday season! Treats and coffee from Carriage House Market.

DECEMBER 20TH- from 1:00 to 4:00 pm! Everyone is invited to our open house.

Music, refreshments and multiple draws.

Free tickets available at the library. Shop early. Shop local.

For Adults: Bloodwork Clinic Mondays & Thursday 8:00

am to 10:45 am Board Meeting Third Monday each Month at 6:15 pm Book Club Every 4th Wednesday at 5:30 pm - monthly French Conversation Tuesdays at 11:00 am - weekly Friends of the Library Meeting First Tuesday Monthly at 1:00 pm Genealogy with Mary Heasman Thursdays at 10:00 am Music with The Straw Hat Man Third Wednesday Monthly at 10:30 am Powassan Purls Knitting Fridays at 10:00 am - weekly Rug Hookers First Thursday Monthly at 1:00 pm Motivational Writing Group Wednesdays at 10:00 am - biweekly Families and Kids Kids’ Computer Hour Monday to Friday at 3:00 pm Laleche League Third Tuesday at 10 am ---weekly Music with Bernie Second Wednesday Monthly at 10:30 am Music with The Straw Hat Man Third Wednesday Monthly at 10:30 am Raising Readers Thursdays at 6:15 pm ---weekly Rose Alma -French Story Time Fourth Wednesday monthly at 10:30 am Teen Hangout Monday to Friday from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm Toddler Time Monday - Friday at 10:00 pm ---- weekly November’s Artist is Julia Breckenridge with her exhibit of exclusive materials from Crystal Caves Music with The Straw Hat Man Third Wednesday Monthly at 10:30 am Powassan Purls Knitting Fridays at 10:00 am - weekly Rug Hookers First Thursday Monthly at 1:00 pm Motivational Writing Group Wednesdays at 10:00 am - biweekly November 21st at 6:15 pm: Voodoos Players at Raising Readers!

November 27th at 11:30 am Library Cafe: Organize Your Photos Tech Help by Appointment! Tuesdays and Wednesdays Call us for more details and to book your appointment.

Follow us on socials to find out more about what’s coming up at your library!

Library of Things Feature: Our library of things is constantly expanding to better serve our community! One of the items we have available at no cost to library card holders is a blood pressure cuff. This cuff can be checked out much like a book along with many other items in our library of things!

South River There is a New Thrift Store in the town!

Located at 93 Ottawa Ave! That Fits You! OPEN 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Fridays Closed on Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sundays Drop by and see what treasures you can find this week - our inventory is always changing and we look forward to welcoming you into our store!

Discover stylish apparel, home goods, and accessories ! Give us a like on Facebook to see exciting updates about new items dropping! Happy Thrifting :) FREE PUBLIC SKATING Every Wednesday and Sunday Wednesday 1-3 ,Sunday 1-2:30 -Limited Skates , Snack Bar IS OPEN! Helmets Available ,Skate Sharpening $8 South River-Machar Community Centre , IA Lincoln Street, South River. Interested in Sponsoring Public Skating? Contact the Village of South River 705-386-2573 admin@ southriver.ca Supporting curling in our community for over 70 years! Try CURLING! CURLING CLINIC- Learn the basics of how to curl ,Try throwing / delivering curling rocks two ways: l) Crouched I Sliding method 2) Standing Stick rnethod , Curling equipment provided for participants. Please bring clean running shoes to change into (no outdoor footwear on ice)', and a helmet if you have one. "Try if, you’ll like it!”

WOMEN’S ONLY RESOURCE CENTRE INVITES YOU TO DROP BY! Our Free Donation Centre is overflowing with household wares, winter coats and clothing! Stop in if you’re looking for something or to browse through!

NOVEMBER 5TH- 5:30PM- Almaguin Adult Learning INTERNET SAFETY BASICS - FREE 6 week class, begins Tuesday, LEARN ABOUT: Common online scams , Protecting your privacy, Shopping Securely, Social Media Safety, Email best practices, And more...

Sign up is required The Women's Own Resource Centre encourages you to “SHARE THE WARMTH THIS WINTER” WORC is now collecting warm winter outerwear for our Annual Warm Winter Clothing Exchange KEEP OUR COMMUNITY WARM THIS WINTER DONATE Monday:CLOSED Tuesday:7:30 AM - 3:00 PM Wednesday:7:30 AM - 3:00 PM Thursday:7:30 AM - 3:00 PM Friday:7:30 AM - 3:00 PM Saturday:7:30 AM - 2:00 PM Sunday: CLOSED

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

WINTER CLOTHING! We are accepting new or gently used winter clothing for children, men and women. The following items are needed: boots, snow pants, winter coats, hats, scarves, mitts and any warm winter clothing. Donations will provide assistance to local individuals or families in need.

Donations can be dropped off at our office Monday-Thursday from 105 Ottawa Avenue in South River The Women's Own Resource Centre encourages you to SHARE THE WARMTH THIS WINTER - WORC is now collecting warm winter outerwear for our Annual Warm Winter Clothing Exchange - KEEP OUR COMMUNITY WARM THIS WINTER DONATE WINTER CLOTHING! We are accepting new or gently used winter clothing for children, men and women.

The following items are needed: boots, snow pants, winter coats, hats, scarves, mitts and any warm winter clothing.

Donations will provide assistance to local individuals or families in need. Donations can be dropped off at our office. Monday-Thursday from 105 Ottawa Avenue in South River FROZEN MEAL DELIVERY! MEALS ARE $7.00 & CONSIST OF MAIN COURSE & DESSERT "DELIVERED EVERY TUESDAY - ELIGIBLE PERSONS INCLUDE: - SENIORS 65+ -THOSE WHO ARE TERMINALLY/CHRONICALLY ILL - THOSE WITH A DEVELOPMENT DISABILITY - THOSE RECENTLY DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL (I.E. POST SURGERY) EAST PARRY SOUND Support Services FOR MORE INFO & TO ORDER - CONTACT CSS @ 705-724-6028 WE’RE OPEN! Early Child and Family Centre EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY FROM 9:30 AM-12PM. - SOUTH RIVER -DSSAB - 16 Toronto Ave -705-3862552 -ext. 5452 To register please go to the following link. All participants must register prior to attending; For more information regarding our programs you can visit our Facebook page EarlyON Child and Family Centres in the District of Parry Sound or visit our website @ wvvwloreverychild.ca South River Scoops 'N' More has so much to offer! Come on out and enjoy your favourite desserts and treats featuring Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream, fresh subway sandwiches, AND ICE CREAM cakes made to order! 281 Hwy 124, South River.

The ACS (Free Store) is currently accepting clothing at this time. Please drop off on Wednesday and Thursdays between 124pm. Drop off address is 131 Ottawa Ave South River ON P0A 1X0 Council Meeting’s Time and Date are now held every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month (except August and December PLEASE SUPPORT THE SOUTH RIVER FREE STORE! The (free) clothing closet in South River has reopened at the old Chalmers United Church beside the public school. Hours are Wednesdays & Thursdays 12pm-4pm incase anyone needs anything but most specifically if you have clothing to donate, the pickings are slim at the moment. They’re only excepting clothing right now, no household goods.

Why not meet at the Legion for some fun! Euchre and Darts! Euchre. Thursday 2-4 pm - Darts. Tues 6:30-9 pm Let’s Get Active! Free Classes! Join us for a one-hour class focusing on balance and strength. This is drop in- no registration required. Friendly Circle Srs. Centre Fridays at 11am.

Stand Up! A twice per week for FREE ! 12 weeks FALLS PREVENTION program for older adults Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 10 am at Algonquin Fitness - South River - Register with Instructor Heidi Scott 705-386-7127 (LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE) Algonquin Fitness & Wellness Centre community SOUTH RIVER FRIENDLY CIRCLE CLUB: SOUTH RIVER FRIENDLY CIRCLE WEEKLY ACTIVITIES MONDAYS: • YOGA 10:00AM. CONTACT Peggy parent 705-386-0093.

• BRIDGE GROUP 1:00 PM, CONTACT Hazel Horr-,ibrook 705-334-0590 • CRIBBAGE 6:30 PM CONTACT Andy Parent 705-386-0093 WEDNESDAYS: • SEWING,'CRAFT GROUP AM INTO AFTERNOON, CONTACT Pearl Ivens 705-3867434, first to third Wednesday • SOUTH RIVER FOOT CARE CLINIC 9:00AM4:00PM, SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH. call Sarah at 705-471-1707 for an appointment.

• ALMAGUIN QUILTING GROUP 10:00 AM, 4th 'Wednesday only, CONTACT Sandra Train, 705-386-0275 • CHAIR YOGA IO:OOAM. CONTACT Susan Arnold 705492-8505 • SHUFFLEBOARD tOOPM, CONTACT Harry smith 705-383-9745 • WELLNESS CLINICS 3:00 PM First Wednesday of the month, Drop In • SOUTH RIVER STORY TELLING PROJECT 6:30 PM. Being launched by New Adven-

The Blue Roof Restaurant

10419 Hwy 124, Sundridge, ON, Canada (705) 384-7300

A great family restaurant to enjoy birthdays, party’s and a lot more! The Blue Roof has home style cooked meals and lots of homemade goods! Also with a new delicious lunch special each day! So what are you waiting for? Stop by the Blue Roof in Sundridge for a great meal!

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South River

tures in Sound Art (NASA), who are providing an opportunity to aged 55+ SENIORS from the region to share their stories with friends and supporters, Supported by funds from the Government of Canada New Horizons for Seniors program.

THURSDAYS • DAISY CHAIN (DROP IN GROUP FOR WOMEN - September to June) 10:00AM, CONTACT Linda Clarke 705-386-2333 • BRIDGE 1:00PM. CONTACT Hazel Hornibrook 705-384-0590 FRIDAYS: • STAY ON YOUR FEET DROP IN EXERCISE GROUP FOR SENIORS, 11AM-, FACILITATOR: Debbie Drumm (SPONSORED BY THE EAST PARRY SOUND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES) - FREE TO SENIORS • EUCHRE pm, Drop In, casual, fun card games.

AND IF ARE INTERESTED IN STARTING A GROUP FOR OTHER ACTIVITIES such as POOL OR SNOOKER, DARTS. CARDS, OR ANY OTHER IDEAS. PLEASE CONTACT PEGGY PARENT AT 705492-3981 SOUTH RIVER LEGION BRANCH # 390 ‘Why not meet at the Legion for some good times and fun!’

We'd like to ask for anyone who can spare a couple of hours a month, to help us out by volunteering. We need people to help with bingo, in the kitchen, to help with our meat draw and more. Members, we count on you, but you don't have to be a member to help out.

Students are welcome as well. Please pm your name and phone # or drop in to the bar and let us know you can help. Thank you so very much to the current volunteers. We couldn’t do it without you!

HOURS AND SCHEDULE - SUNDAYS AND MONDAYS CLOSED - TUESDAYS, OPEN – 4PM – 9PM (OR LATER) DARTS 6PM-9PM - WEDNESDAYS , OPEN - 2PM-8PM THURSDAYS, OPEN – 2PM – 8PM (OR LATER) WEDNESDAYS, EUCHRE - 2PM-4PM, WEDNESDAYS, BINGO 6:30PM - 10PM, 1ST AND 3RD. THURSDAY OF THE MONTH FRIDAYS, OPEN 2PM-9PM (OR LATER) MEAT DRAW – 3PM-6PM - BURGERS 5PM-7PM SATURDAYS, OPEN 2PM to WHENEVER DANCES OR EVENTS AS BOOKED . Alcoholics Anonymous group meetings in our basement every Monday at 7:30. Please spread the word.

DECEMBER 21ST – 5PM-7PM- Blessed Christmas Dinner at the South River Legion 95 Ottawa Ave. This holiday season. we would be honored to have you join us for a Free Blessed Christmas dinner. It’s a time to share warmth. good food. and joyful company. If you’re looking for place to celebrate and enjoy the spirit of the season please know that you are warmly welcomed at our table. Please RSVP by December I to Randy at 705-492-5660 by Friends of your Community

Sprucedale Sprucedale Seniors Friendship Club will be holding a “Christmas Dinner Basket Raffle, Draw Monday, December 16 at 7 pm at the Sprucedale Community Centre, Tickets $1.00; Tickets available at Kirk’s General Store, Sprucedale Quality Meats, Sprucedale Post Office and Club Members.

DECEMBER 21ST - I just got off the phone with the North Pole (no big deal, right?). We called a bit ago to ask if Santa would have time to swing by The Dragonfly Cafe. Snowbud, the elf secretary, said Santa's schedule was pretty packed, but she'd pass on our story and tell him about our awesome communities, kids, and all that jazz. Well, guess what?! SANTA himself called back today and said, “Of course I can come to Sprucedale” he said he had heard good things!!

So mark your calendars!!! Tell the kids, SANTA will be here on SUN DEC 21. We will be celebrating his arrival with goodies and refreshment, A Christmas story . Some singing, and lots more. Please come early, as we don’t know exactly when SANTA will arrive, from 10:00am to 2 pm - 2415 Hwy 518 at The Unites Church. Remember to bring your cameras!!!

DECEMBER 24TH - Join us for a heartwarming candlelight service on Dec 24th at 7pm at The United Church in Sprucedale.

This special gathering is a wonderful opportunity to connect with one another and celebrate the spirit of the season. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Sprucedale Senior’s Friendship Club events Mondays at 1 pm Ladies Euchre, men welcome; 7pm Dabber Bingo doors open at 6 pm.

Mixed Euchre Thursday at 7:00 pm these events take place at the Community Centre, 31 William Street.

SPRUCEDALE LAWN MOWER RACES _ WINTER 2025 Wow!! What a great addition to the Annual Winter Carnival!!

In order for the event to take place they are looking for registrations by Tuesday, December 17th. Sign up form available on line, please register as soon as possible. As

Great North Arrow

I need at least 5 entries per class to run. I need confirmation before December 17, but the form will remain open until closer to the event if it’s a go.

Updated rules will be in the comment section, full winter gear, steel toe boots, gloves and a full face helmet will be necessary for riding.

SPRUCEDALE DRAGONFLY CAFÉ IS OPEN! - Thurs - Sat 9 am - 3 pm – 2415 Hwy 518. Downtown Sprucedale - Coffee & Baked Goods - Artisan Breads - "Nurturing community through coffee, conversation and meaningful collaboration" FREE WIFI! Breakfast & Lunch items Artisan Breads, TO pre-order artisan bread products, email your order by Monday at noon for pick up on Thursday. EMAIL: cheers-dragonfly@ gmail.com the Dragonfly Cafe IS HOSTING a marketplace for local artisans and collectors on Fridays and Saturdays, 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM. Interested vendors may rent tables for $20 per table per day ( if available, first come first serve) by emailing cheers.dragonfly@ gmail.com. Everyone is welcome to visit, enjoy food and beverages, and explore the art and treasures on display. Hope to see you there!!

- “Tables for Artisans” Dear Friends, We invite you to rent tables to showcase and sell your handmade items, art, collectibles, and more in the Sprucedale United Church sanctuary on Fridays and Saturdays from 9am to 2:30 pm. (Limited tables so first come first serve weekly) The rental fee of $20 per table per day will support the United Church. During these hours, our cafe will be open, providing a convenient spot for attendees to take a break and enjoy the diverse offerings. For additional information, please message us or come on in — Sprucedale United Church on Sundays, 9:30 am Everyone Is Welcome Here!

We are working to create a community hub for everyone. If you have an idea on how to bring people together like a Book Club, Game Night, Music Class, Cooking Group, Local Artists, Musician and Farmers, just to name a few. Sprucedale United Church, 2415 ON-518, Service Sunday 9:30 am.

Thursday Dominoes at 1:30 pm Sprucedale Faith Chapel, 63 Henry Street, Sprucedale. - Sunday services at 10:30 am. Ladies Bible Study, Tuesday’s at 9:45 am to 12 pm. General Bible Study weekly on Thursday’s at 7:00 pm. First and last Friday of each month is game night 7- 9pm. Kids Club weekly from 1-5 pm Starting in November. Sprucedale Faith Chapel, 63 Henry Street, Sprucedale.

Sunday services at 10:30 am. Ladies Bible Study, every 2 nd Tuesday’s for Summer at 9:45 am to 12 pm. General Bible Study weekly on Thursday’s at 7:00 pm. For more information email Pastor Dallas; sprucedalefaithchapel@gmail.com WEDNESDAYS - Stay On Your Feet Class – FREE Every Wednesday at 1:30 pm. No need to register – just show up and have fun. At the Sprucedale Community Centre.

The Sprucedale Seniors are asking for Food Bank donations to help with families at Thanksgiving and the upcoming Christmas season. Donations are being asked from the people attending Ladies Euchre, Mixed Euchre and our Dabber Bingo they are also asking the community for help to keep our Food Bank supplied.

Items can be dropped off Monday’s 12-1 pm; 5-6pm; Thursday 6-7 pm. & “;It takes a Village” shared responsibility, together we can, unity is strength, community support.

SPRUCEDALE AND AREA NEWS with LYNDA HOWSE What is Happening in the Community Centre: SPRUCEDALE !!!! Stay On Your Feet Class – FREE Every Wednesday at 1:30 pm. No need to register – just show up and have fun. At the Sprucedale Community Centre.

Seniors Luncheon program, every 2nd Tuesday of the month.

Please call 705-724-6028/1-888-521-0000 to reserve your spot. $10.00/person.

Sprucedale Senior’s Friendship Club events.

It is worth the drive to Sprucedale!!! Monday at 1 pm Ladies Euchre, men welcome; 7pm Dabber Bingo doors open at 6 pm.

Mixed Euchre Thursday at 7:00 pm these events take place at the Community Centre, 31 William Street. Come and join our players for a fun time of Bingo and Euchre.

Sprucedale Senior’s Friendship Club Events will be closed from December 23 until January 2 nd . All events will start back up on Monday, January 6 and Thursday January 9.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Be safe on travels and enjoy your time with family and friends. I

know our member, helpers and volunteers will be doing that.

The Sprucedale Seniors would like to thank everyone for the generous donations for the Food Bank Drive. "It takes a village", shared responsibility, together we can, unity is strength, community support. We will still be gathering food donations even after the holiday season.

These donations are need by our Burks Falls Food Bank all year round.

Sprucedale Seniors Holiday Toy Drive was a huge success with toys and gift cards and donations to purchase toys and more gift cards. Thank You Sprucedale Seniors Friendship Club will be holding a “Christmas Dinner Basket Raffle, Draw Monday, December 16 at 7 pm at the Sprucedale Community Centre, Tickets $1.00; Tickets available at Kirk’s General Store, Sprucedale Quality eats, Sprucedale Post Office and Club Members.

Sprucedale Faith Chapel, 63 Henry Street, Sprucedale.

Sunday services at 10:30 am. Ladies Bible Study, every Tuesday 10:00 am. General Bible Study weekly on Thursday’s at 7:00 pm. For more information email Pastor Dallas; sprucedalefaithchapel@gmail.com Sprucedale Faith Chapel Christmas Eve Service, Tuesday December 24 at 5:30 pm.

63 Henry Street, Sprucedale.

Sprucedale United Church, 2415 ON-518, Sprucedale ,Service Sunday 9:30 am. Thursday Dominoes at 1:30 pm McMurrich/ Monteith Township Christmas Holiday Closures/Municipal Office: Open December 23, 2024 Closed, December 24, 2024 to January 01, 2025 Open January 02, 2025 Municipal Landfill: Closed December 24-27, 2024 Open 9 am-5 pm December 28-29 Open 1pm-5pm December 30-31 Closed January 01-03, 2025 Open 9am-5pm January 4-5, 2025 First Council Meeting of 2025 will be held Tuesday, January 21, 2025 SPRUCEDALE LAWN MOWER RACES _ WINTER 2025 Wow!! What a great addition to the Annual Winter Carnival!! In order for the event to take place they are looking for registrations

by Tuesday, December 17th. Sign up form available on line, please register as soon as possible. As I need at least 5 entries per class to run. I need confirmation before December 17, but the form will remain open until closer to the event if it’s a go.

Updated rules will be in the comment section, full winter gear, steel toe boots, gloves and a full face helmet will be necessary for riding. Thank you to everyone who keeps letting us know of the events happening in our community, we try our best to submitted the events on time.

Holding a community event or celebrating a special occasion in Sprucedale, please contact me by email or phone at 705685-7938, cell: 705-571-4797 and leave the details of the event and a contact number.

Photos are also accepted. Lynda Howse is a columnist with the Great North Arrow News. She can be reached at lyndahowse@ xplornet.com

Sundridge COPEMAN TREE FARMS GIVES THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS TREES TO SUNDRIDGE FOOD BANK CLIENTS

In this photo: Bill Copeman, Jocelyn Modl, Ian Eastmure, Co-chair for the Food Bank, Linda Hutchinson, Brittany St. Louis SUNDRIDGE: A huge thank you goes out to Copeman Tree Farms Ltd And Family. This is truly what Christmas is, it’s all about people coming together, and we truly appreciate you.

This is the second year donating trees to the clients of the Sundridge Food Bank, giving and sharing, the true meaning of Christmas.

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

DECEMBER 15TH-MERRY CHRISTMAS! FROM THE SUNDRIDGE LIONS Join us on December 15th from 4-6pm at the SSJ Arena for a free skate with Santa.

Our gift to our wonderful Sundridge community and for all your support! Hot chocolate and cookies served. Donations to the food bank are welcomed and will be collected at the arena. Public skating rules in place DECEMBER 25TH- Don't Eat Alone!

Come Share Christmas Dinner, December 25th at Noon at the Sundridge Royal Canadian Legion - Branch 467. RSVP before December 21st Takeout meals available for pick up at 11:00 a.m. Mike and Dawn Basso 705384-0754 At Gratitude Day Spa we’re spreading holiday cheer! This Christmas, I am thrilled to have partnered up with Colleen Anderson that supports 75 local families through the Christmas Cheer Program! Together we can support families in need in Sundridge / Strong / Joly townships. Your generosity and support will make a real difference in the lives of those in need.

I'm collecting new donations for her seniors that include NEW warm hats, mitts, warm socks, scarves. For the parents of these families, I'm also looking for daily essentials like tooth brushes, tooth paste, deodorant, body wash, soap etc. She has advised she has shampoo / conditioner Together, we can bring warmth, joy, and love to families in our community during this special season. Your kindness truly embodies the spirit of the holidays. Let’s continue to make a positive impact and bring hope to even more families in the future. I have a donation bin outside at my house located 84 Cheryl Crescent Sundridge or call me 7057908874 to arrange pick up / drop off. ALL DONATIONS NEED TO BE TO ME BY DECEMBER 15th. Thank you all!

EARLY ON Child and Family Centre Sundridge -Satellite program at Bethel Pentecostal Church has returned! Fridays, 10:00 to 12:00. What to expect ? Playbased learning experiences that are fun and engaging presented by a Registered Early Childhood Educator.

Opportunities to meet and make connections with families with young children. parenting and Children's Resources.

Workshops, and connections to community programs and services. Questions?

Please call 705 386 2552 ext 5451 District of Pany Sound FROZEN MEAL DELIVERY! MEALS ARE $7.00 & CONSIST OF MAIN COURSE & DESSERT "DELIVERED EVERY TUESDAY - ELIGIBLE PERSONS INCLUDE: - SENIORS 65+ -THOSE WHO ARE TERMINALLY/ CHRONICALLY ILL - THOSE WITH A DEVELOPMENT DISABILITY - THOSE RECENTLY DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL (I.E. POST SURGERY) - EAST PARRY SOUND Support Services - FOR MORE INFO & TO ORDER CONTACT CSS @ 705-724-6028 Let’s Get Active! Free Classes! Join us for a one-hour class focusing on balance and strength. This is drop in- no registration required. Bethel Pentecostal Church, Tuesdays at 11am.

We are in need of volunteers. If you know of any high school students that need their community service hours, they are welcome to come help us out with BINGO or dinners or many other things. We also would love anyone else to help out if they can. Please drop in during business hours and give us your name and number or call 705-386-2906 to leave them. Getting our community together one step at a time.

SUNDRIDGE LEGION BRANCH #467 Let’s Get Active! Free Classes! Join us for a one-hour class focusing on balance and strength. This is drop in- no registration required. Bethel Pentecostal Church, Tuesdays at 11am.

We are in need of volunteers. If you know of any high school students that need their community service hours, they are welcome to come help us out with BINGO or dinners or many other things. We also would love anyone else to help out if they can. Please drop in during business hours and give us your name and number or call 705-386-2906 to leave them. Getting our community together one step at a time.

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Whitestone

ARDBEG GREAT NEWS! Gearing up for hopefully a great sled season, LOGGERS STATION Is OPEN! at this time we would like to announce a new addition to our kitchen staff PATRICIA VODOVEC XERRI,,she is known throughout Dunchurch, Magnetawan, Whitestone and I'm sure other areas for her great cooking skills and greatly appreciated volunteering with meals throughout the neighborhood, looking forward to serving and satisfying the community as we strive to build a great staff from bottom to top, please continue to call in fish orders on Friday to reserve your HALIBUT, 705 389 1966 DUNCHURCH The Rock n Duck Resto is open this coming week, Dec.12-15 they will opening up for dining room table service. Hours will be the same to start until it get busier.

They have a Facebook page with hours and menu.

DECEMBER 15TH - MUNICIPALITY OF Whitestone - CHRISTMAS COOKIES WITH MRS.. CLAUS - Kids of all ages are welcome to come and decorate cookies to take home with Mrs. Claus! This is a free drop— in event, no registration required.

Event by the Whitestone Rec Committee.

BRIGHTEN SOMEONE'S HOLIDAY! Whitestone McKellar Lions Club Christrnas Basket Collection November 16th - December 16th THANK YOU FOR YOUR NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS AND TOY DONATIONS! Drop off locations are: Duck Rock General Store, McKellar Library, McKellar Fire Station, Whitestone Library, Whitestone Fire Station, "KINDNESS MATTERS!" WHITESTONE: As a Fire Department, we are always looking for volunteers to join the ranks. To learn more and apply, contact Fire Chief Whitman at fire.department@ whitestone.ca.

Winter Landfill Hours - Landfills have moved to winter hours. Please note that the landfills are closed all statutory holidays in the winter.

York Street - Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Auld’s Road Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: - 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Walk Fit with Rebecca - Monday & Friday 10:00am to 11:00am - Information call or text Rebecca at 705-773-2091.

Dunchurch Community Centre. Join us for a gentle exercise class! Try Walk Fit with West Parry Sound Community Support Services at the Dunchurch Community Centre.

For more information: Rebecca Green: 705773-2091 Linda Taylor: 705-746-5602 LANDFILL SITE HOURS, CLOSED for all statutory holidays in the Winter. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday – 9.am – 5pm.

SUNDAY AND HOLIDAY MONDAY’S – 12pm.

– 5pm. BOTH SITES ARE CLOSED STATUTARY HOLIDAYS DURING WINTER HOURS. Fire Permit Registration- Planning to have a bonfire? Don't forget to register for your fire permit online. Be sure to check the fire rating before lighting a fire or launching fireworks.

SENIOR CONNECT - Help is available to seniors 65+ in the West Parry Sound District. West Parry Sound District - Community Support Services Do you have anything preventing you from feeling safe in your home? Is your refrigerator empty?

Have you had something traumatic happen to you? Are you feeling well enough to cook a healthy meal? Do you have suitable transportation to and from social, shopping and medical appointments?

Would it be wise to have someone call to check on your well-being? Would you like someone to talk with? - Connect with us by calling 705-746-5602 FREE SERVICES INCLUDE: One-on-one service navigation and connection - A Senior Connect Van can transport you - Our volunteer will ensure that you can get into your home safely

Home Help for fall prevention and accessibility - Nutritious meals can be delivered - We can arrange for a friendly visitor/ peer support person to check on you - Our volunteers will monitor your safety Some restrictions may apply PLEASE CALL: 705746-5602 Sports & Recreation Walk Fit: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays - Location: Dunchurch Community Centre - Contact: Rebecca Green, 705-773-2091; - Linda Taylor at 705-746-5602 Pickleball: *Most Tuesdays and Thursdays - Location: Dunchurch Community Centre - Contact: Contact: Terry Finch 519362-6169 or municipal office 705-389-2466 INFORMATION FROM THE MUNICIPALITY OF WHITESTONE - North East Virtual Care Clinic. The North East Virtual Care Clinic is a Nurse Practitioner virtual care clinic that works with local health care providers to ensure patients can access more timely care. It serves patients within the Ontario Health North East region, which region includes Whitestone and area.

The Clinic accepts patients whether or not they have a family doctor. The Clinic was established to serve patients who are experiencing an urgent medical condition, which includes imminent concerns that are not life or limb threatening. If you require emergency care, they will work with the local hospital to refer you to an ER. To register for a virtual appointment with a nurse practitioner: Visit the website anytime: www.nevirtualcare.ca/ Call 1-888-684-1999 between 1 pm and 9 pm 7 days a week DUNCHURCH MAGNETAWAN LEGION BRANCH #394 With Comrade Kelvin Hill As always – Please Promote – Please Attend .Come out and support your Branch……Take part in ceremonies…..

Volunteer to help out with functions…..

Offer suggestions For information contact: Branch 389-3130 Karen 389-3839 Jan 389-1091 Joan 3873393 Our hours & events: Tuesday 7:00 - 11 PM euchre; Friday 1 PM cribbage & 7 - 11 PM darts; Saturday 1 - 6 PM euchre. cost of cards and darts is $5.00 & $2 for a 50/50 draw Weekly Events Open To The Public - Monday & Wednesday, Thursday: CLOSED - Tuesday: 7:00 pm - 10:30 pm ~ Euchre 7:30 pm Friday: 1:00 pm -10:30 pm .

Cribbage 1:00pm and Darts 7:30pm Other Activities Dart Boards & Shuffleboard available year round Other Special Events announced on a regular basis Open To The Public ~ Everyone Welcome!

Come out and join in the fun and comradeship Air-conditioned Hall Having a Party, Wedding, Anniversary, or Birthday? We can provide a Bar Licensed under LCBO - Call for details.

Meetings: Executive Meeting on first Wednesday at 7:00 pm - All meetings held at the Branch Hall

NEWS FROM 3133 ROYAL CANADIAN ARMY CADET CORPS – BURK’S FALLS

With Sergeant Faith Hicks, Cadet Correspondent, Merry Christmas from 3133 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Burk’s Falls!

Our corps has been celebrating well this holiday season!

We participated in the Burks Falls Santa Claus Parade on December 7, and all cadets had a wonderful time. A majority of the cadets marched with the float, displaying their skills, while others handed out candy to the citizens of the town. One of our officers was an excellent sport and dressed up in a Grinch costume, as per the parade’s theme.

Photo Credit: Captain Coles from 295 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Parry Sound.

Our local headquarters across from the Burks Falls Home Hardware has also been decorated for the holidays; we invite you to check out our window displays as they will change every month. We will wrap up the year with an annual mess dinner hosted by the Burks Falls Legion.

This fall we participated in several activities including a biathlon competition, range day, leadership training and more. This year we have had eight (8) new additions to our 3133 family and encourage more to join in the new year. The Cadet Program is an amazing experience, open to youth ages twelve (12) to eighteen (18), that focuses on building discipline, leadership, and other critical life skills. Once you are in cadets, you’ll never be the same.

For more information or to join the family, e-mail us at 3133army@cadets.gc.ca Or go to canada.ca/join-cadets

Volunteer and Staff Appreciation Dinner

DUNCHURCH: Catharina Bowers - A fun time tonight at the Dunchurch Community Centre. We saw many of our friends who we volunteer with throughout the year. We sat at a lovely table, with Dale and Gayle Caldwell, Simon and the other Gayle Harris, Deputy Mayor Joe Lamb and his lovely wife Cath, Peggi Woelh , and Lorne and myself.

The first order of business was to hand out the Senior of the Year award to Lynn McEwen's husband Joe. Joe had written out a beautiful response which Mayor George Comrie read out for all to hear.

The next order of business was to declare the Order of Whitestone. A most deserving Bill Church. Bill made a very short thank you speech.

Many people including Lorne, Simon, Cathy won door prizes The dinner was awesome, with a number of dishes being available without gluten, and cheese allergies were taken into consideration. My dinner was excellent as were the salads and the desserts. We had a wonderful time at our table.

Mayor Comrie also read out an invitation for all to attend the Shower of Blessings for Don and Yvonne on December 5th.

All volunteers were given lovely lanterns that can be used in the house or outside on a patio table. Thank you to Whitestone for making such a lovely evening for us.

A man takes his wife to the stock show. They start heading down the alley that had the bulls. They come up to the first bull and his sign stated: "This bull mated 50 times last year." The wife turns to her husband and says, "He mated 50 times in a year, you could learn from him." They proceed to the next bull and his sign stated: "This bull mated 65 times last year."

The wife turns to her husband and says, "This one mated 65 times last year. That is over 5 times a month. You can learn from this one, also."

They proceeded to the last bull and his sign said: "This bull mated 365 times last year."

The wife's mouth drops open and says, "WOW! He mated 365 times last year. That is ONCE A DAY!!! You could really learn from this one."

The man turns to his wife and says, "Go up and ask if it was 365 times with the same cow."

FILL-IN PUZZLE #4

3 LETTER WORDS BAT END ERR ESE GMO LEA MEL MET PAN 4 LETTER WORDS AGES AGUE AMEN AMOK ANNE A-ONE BRAD DON'T DUMB ELAN ELBA ENGL EPIC GREG ICES IDEA IRIS ISLE LEGS LONE MARK MARS NOEL NOON PACT ROAR ROSA

SNUG STIR TAXI TENT TONG 5 LETTER WORDS ANSON CARET CLOSE ERODE EXIST GMAIL GODLY HELLO KNEEL LEGIT

MURAL PETTY SHUTS SISSY SKIER STEED TENET TULSA URBAN

8 LETTER WORDS LATENESS TERRAPIN

6 LETTER WORDS ASTUTE ÉMIGRÉ POMMEL SLEEPY SLICES TALENT

10 LETTER WORDS ASSEMBLAGE DETERRENCE IMPLACABLE ROSE GARDEN

9 LETTER WORDS BOOMERANG ITINERANT REENTRANT RESISTANT

Solution on Page A11

Great North Arrow

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities Free printable courtesy of PrintitFree.net

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Politically In-Correct ......If you don’t have a sense of humor...turn the page....Its that easy. No-One is safe.....by: Jim

If the shots were given away for free because they're life— saving, Why isn't insulin free?

Chemotherapy? Epipens?

OK FOLKS, LET'S GET THIS OUT...

Santa is a man "Baby it's cold outside" is not offensive Candy canes are "canes" not the letter "J" for Jesus.

We say "Merry Christmas!" Not happy holidays.

Children should get to decorate their classrooms for Christmas O There were 3 wise MEN, not wise PEOPLE Baby Jesus was a boy...not a "theybie" O Mommy wasn't really kissing Santa Claus, she was kissing her husband .

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer actually teaches kids NOT to be bullies.

'Stop turning Christmas into a political agenda!! Let kids be kids! Let them believe in Santa! It's the one time of the year we should all be a little nicer and forget everything that makes us mean or offended.

Merry Christmas!

YOU ELECTED A BILLIONAIRE THAT IS APPOINTING OTHER BILLIONAIRES TO FIX THE SYSTEM THAT MADE THEM BILLIONAIRES? YOU'RE A SPECIAL KIND OF STUPID AREN'T YOU?

Solution for Crossword #48 S P A C E I R I S A L T A G A T E D E A L A R R O W L I S T P R I C E V I O L A S O O T H E E D M O N T O N H O B O V I M S E A R A W E S O M E T O R T W I L T T O O G I R D E R T E E T I M E I C E O V E R E T S Y G L O V E S V E G O V E R A L L E D I T S H Y P L A N L E S T L I T E R A T E B E T R A Y L O G E S A C R O P O L I S W I N E S A L A L T H A W L E G S E D E M A H O R N

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Did you hear about the crook who stole a calendar? He got twelve months.

Fun Facts, Canada: Be Careful What You Wish For With Dog On A Root - jim Young, LORING, ON

& RECIPES Please send us your favourites! greatnortharrow@gmail.com

Recipes with Dog On A Root

coffee and you’re all set. Maybe you’ll have some left over for tomorrow morning!

Egg Pizza - It’s Not Just Wink! Wink!

Another Breakfast Dish TIP: This Egg Pizza recipe isn’t just for jim Young, breakfast. It makes a good snack for any LORING, ON time throughout the day.

Egg Pizza There’s nothing Prep Time: 10 min. better to settle Cook Time: 25 min. my upset stomach in the morn- Total Time: 35 min.

Serves: 2 ing after a night Stuff You’ll Need: of drinking than a 1 10” Flour Tortilla Shell slice of cold, 4 eggs leftover pizza.

Unless it’s a cold ½ small onion, chopped leftover, half-eat- ¼ Sweet Pepper, chopped Salt en hamburger Pepper that sat in the fridge overnight congealing the grease and transforming the consistency Smoke Paprika Garlic Powder of the meat into something like a soft rock. ½ dozen slices pepperoni While the burger has hardened, at least it 1 large sausage (or 2 or 3 breakfast sausagwon’t break your teeth when you bite into es), cooked and chopped it.

3 or 4 bacon slices, cooked and chopped.

Fortunately those days of waking up with 2 or 3 tomato slices, quartered a hangover are mostly gone for me. Pretty 1 - 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded Do This: Preheat oven to 350° F. Place the tortilla shell in a round baking pan or pie plate.

Break eggs and place on the shell.

Lightly beat eggs with a fork until the yolks are broken Add onions and peppers.

Sprinkle spices to taste on top.

Mix all the ingredients together Place pepperoni slices, sausage and bacon on top, followed by tomato pieces. much, anyway.

Cover with cheese.

I don’t miss them. The hangovers, that is.

Bake in oven for 25 minutes or until eggs But pizza for breakfast is still one of my favourites that I enjoy even without a hang- have set.

HINT: Place a spoonful of salsa on top of over, whenever we have left over pizza. your slice or serve it in a small container on But why should I have to wait for leftover the side for dipping. pizza? Why not a fresh, hot pizza for breakIf you have any questions or comments fast? Well, for one, where can you get pizza about this recipe, you can email me at Recidelivery that early in the morning? pes@DogOnARoot.com So, if I’m going to make it myself, why not Don’t forget to cut this recipe out of the customize my pizza specifically for breakGreat North Arrow to save with your fafast? vourites for future use. Caution: Be sure to With a coffee and a glass of cold orange juice, this recipe makes a perfect full break- read what’s on the other side of this page before you cut it out. fast.

Look for this recipe and more in the Recipe Add some sparkling wine to the orange section at DogOnARoot.com juice and a splash of Irish Cream to your

Insert Trudeau and Trump “If you can’t beat them, join them.” - Senator James E. Watson President-elect Donald Trump recently suggested to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that perhaps Canada should become the 51st state of the United States of America. Of course he was joking. Sort of. With Trump you never really know for sure.

Senator Bernie Sanders for one, is not opposed to the idea, provided that the U.S. inherit some Canadian perks such as free health care and less expensive prescription drugs - costly expenditures which plague many U.S. citizens.

Of course Trump wouldn’t really want to bring Canada into his fold.

For starters, if Canada had been part of the U.S. prior to the election, it’s highly unlikely that President-elect Trump would currently be President-elect. Would Trump really want that many more liberals that are in favour of gun control and abortion to deal with?

There’s an old proverb that suggests, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” So what “if” Canada decided to take Trump up on his offer?

What IF Trudeau had simply extended his arm to shake Donald’s hand saying, “Deal!”?

How quickly would Trump have changed his tune then?

And just for added fun, Trudeau could have reminded Trump about Article XI of the original U.S. Constitution (The Articles of Confederation) which states: “Canada acceding to this confederation, and adjoining in the measures of the United States, shall be admitted into, and entitled to all the advantages of this Union; but no other colony shall be admitted into the same, unless such admission be agreed to by nine States,” The United States would be required under that article to accept Canada’s request to become the 51st state with no recourse for Trump to change his mind which he is often wont to do.

Trump, who once claimed that “in June of 1775 the Continental Congress created a unified army,” that the following year “took over the airports…” is probably not aware that the Constitution of the United States that became law in 1789 replaced the original constitution and this Article is no longer valid. But it would've been fun to see him squirm in the meantime.

- 30 To read more of jim’s articles, visit www.dogonaroot.com

Why do people say "heads up" when you should duck?

A LUMP OF COAL…HO HO HO !

Bob Nunn-Kearney

Justin Trudeau laughs & dances with Taylor Swift as working Canadians struggle with housing costs, cope with expensive gas and feel the pain at the grocery store check out counter or worse line up at the food bank. Well don’t fret cause Justin Trudeau is coming to our rescue, with a Christmas Gift for all … sort of.

On his right hand Justin is giving Canadians a big tax break, Yup you’re going to save a nickel on a bag of hostess potato chips ! But Hurry as it’s a very limited time only offer. Yet all the while with his left hand he’s raising taxes on just about every-

ment fiefdom and boundless ego.

What do l speak of…The Carbon Tax Scam. Justins brilliant plan for Canada to save the world through higher taxes. Now, l, like everyone wants clean air but we can’t pivot as fast as Justin images. After all we started the fossil fuel “journey” over 300 years ago with the first commercial industrial coal fired steam-powered device, Thomas Savery developed it in 1698 It was

Why do "fat chance" & "slim chance" mean the same thing?

The Argyle Santa Claus Parade

- jim Young, LORING, ON “Alas! How dreary would be the world if there was no Santa Claus.”

- Francis P. Church Billed as “The Best Little Santa Claus Parade In Northern Ontario” the Argyle Santa Claus Parade was a huge success this year. With 17 entries ranging from walkers to horseback riders to creative floats all festively decorated, the parade featured participants that seemed at times to almost equal the number of people that turned out to cheer

with Santa Claus himself, the floats in between all deserve a big round of applause and thanks for their creative efforts that thoroughly entertained the crowd.

Elf Lisa was on hand to collect letters from the children to Santa to ensure that Santa Claus gets all their Christmas lists in spite of the Canada Post strike.

Young and old alike packed the Port Loring Region Branch 415 following the parade. The legion continued in their generous tradition of hosting this event to give the parade on.

A light snowfall set the mood to help make the parade a true winter wonderland spectacle.

Proceeded by banner carriers Javin & Randy to announce the parade and ending In 1913, a 10-year-old girl named Sarah Rector was granted a 160-acre plot of land in Oklahoma as part of a land allotment program. However, since the best land was reserved for white settlers, she was given what was considered barren and unproductive land.

What no one could have predicted was that oil would later be discovered on that very land. This unexpected turn of events made Sarah one of the first African American millionaires in the country, proving that even in a world stacked against her, fate had other plans.

From barren land to boundless fortune, Sarah story is a testament to resilience and the power of unexpected luck.

Credits; T Lo Juro

thing …. Permanently !!

Justin’s Christmas gift to Canadians is a stocking full of LUMPS of COAL, which he’s poorly trying to disguise as a stocking full of Christmas Candy Canes.

His recently announced Temporary tax reductions on some limited consumer items is nothing but smoke and mirrors.

A feint to distract hard working struggling Canadian families from the realities of his on going relentless spending and resultant march towards taxing us into submission…. tax slaves, to support his bloated govern-

first used as a water pump to drain mines then ironically soon used for transporting coal, thus increasing coal production, thus enabling more fossil fuelling burning engines, thus need for more coal … and so on So it took us 300+ years to create this situation and even with our rapidly developing clean energy innovations we can’t pivot in just a few short years. And if Justin thinks we can then it’s my opinion he’s delusional.

Let’s continue our journey towards Clean Energy but at a more measured and fiscally responsible pace If Justin feels it’s fair to put us and our country into dire financial distress to support his ill conceived time line, then He’s out of touch and YOUR OUT OF MONEY …. Well except for that nickel you saved on your bag of potato chips.

Gathering round the bonfire provided by the Perry Fire Department (PHOTO BY DENAE LAWS)

the children the opportunity to decorate cookies, colour pictures of Santa and the reindeer, enjoy some treats and of course meet and have their pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

So to one and all, “Have yourself a merry little Christmas!” insert emsdale RCC The Crew that made it happen, EMSDALE RCC (PHOTO BY DENAE LAWS)

This morning I saw a neighbor talking to her cat, it was obvious that she thought her cat understood her... I came to my house, I told my dog ... we laughed a lot.

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PERRY CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHT UP BRINGS FUN AND SPIRIT

PERRY TOWNSHIP: What is more fun that a bunch of happy children decorating Christmas ornaments to hang from a tree that will be lit for the town?

Congratulations to the Emsdale RCC group that spearheaded this wonderful family event that will surely become something to looking forward to annually.

The ‘perfect tree’, was adorned with over 100 handmade ornaments, painted and glittered by the children and created from the heart. Crystal Boyd, one of the RCC team members said, ‘Yes, I cut all the birch pucks myself so the kids could decorate them. We set up workstation tables and let the kids creativity shine.

‘Some people brought their own and put them on the tree as well,’ she said.

‘I cut about 100 pieces, and everyone of them brought joy and fun, they were all used!’ The children had the option of leaving their creations or taking them home with them to adorn the tree.

Wonderful memories were made, and this event brought the community together, the Fire Department set up a bonfire that everyone could get warm, sip their hot chocolate and feel the ambiance of the season. There was a BBQ with hot dogs and Christmas music playing. ‘it was pretty amazing how many people showed up’, said Crystal, ‘we started with 75 cups of hot chocolate and we had to make more, and we ran out of hot dogs and had to get more as well! We can’t wait to do it again next year, bigger and better!’

Everyone loved it and it really felt like Christmas.

The Seasons of the Moon

18” x 12” -open

Over the years I have had a “lovehate” relationship with the moon. I have taken so many “moon” shots I thought it time I put them all together in their own calendar. $22 hst & shipping included

To Order:

Etransfer to: sheddenphotography@gmail.com Check or Money Order: Please mail to: Shedden Photography, c/o: Jim Shedden, PO Box 201, Magnetawan, Ont; P0A1P0 For Credit Card Orders: Please send to: sheddenphotography@gmail.com. Please include the following: Card Number, Name on Card, Expiry Date, Postal or Zip Code, CVV # You can also pick up a book at the following locations: Guardian Pharmacy in South River & Sundridge / Lanes Pharmacy in Parry Sound / Magnetawan Grill & Grocery / Mill Bay Market in Restoule.

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Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

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