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January 1st-2025

Servicing the Almaguin & Parry Sound Districts

A Family Adrift: The Lepage Legacy : Part 1

Jim Shedden / Cyndi Culbert The icy morning air bit at Sandra LePage’s cheeks as she stood on the dock, watching her husband Bernie ready their fishing boat. The harbor, once bustling with activity, was eerily quiet now. Fewer boats bobbed in the water, their owners driven away by dwindling quotas and increasing regulations.

For generations, the LePage family had built their lives around the waters of Georgian Bay. Their story began

in 1817, with ancestors casting nets from rowboats in Penetanguishene.

Bernie’s father, Henry, had carried on the tradition, even lending his name to the family’s iconic seafood restaurant, a cherished spot for locals and tourists alike. Now, the weight of that legacy rested heavily on Sandra and Bernie’s shoulders.

Sandra sighed as she glanced at the letter crumpled in her pocket, the latest in a series of blows from the Ministry

of Natural Resources and Forestry. The words echoed in her mind: “Closure of fishing areas from October to December. Protect spawning Whitefish.” The restrictions, combined with years of dwindling quotas, had made it nearly impossible to sustain their business.

It wasn’t just about the money, though the $50,000 they used to make in the fall season was sorely missed. It was about the life they had built, the pride in their craft, and the community that depended on their catch. “How did we get here?” Sandra muttered, staring out at the water.

Bernie joined her, his weathered hands brushing hers. “We’ve always found a way,” he said, though his voice wavered with uncertainty. “But this time feels...different.”

The numbers didn’t lie. In 2018, they were allowed to harvest over 34,000 pounds of Whitefish. By 2023, that had plummeted to just over 20,000 pounds.

Lake Trout quotas had been slashed in

IN THIS EDITION 1ST EDITION – JAN. 2025

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Adrift Continued on Page A4

Happy New Year. We want to thank everyone for their support in 2024. Wishing everyone a healthy,happy and prosperous 2025. Looking forward to serving all of you in 2025. Brenda, Alan and the Staff

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

The Cutest House on the Block- A Sweet Holiday Creation ALMAGUIN – (GNA STAFF) Meredith McLaren of South River showcased this amazing gingerbread house on facebook, And she couldn’t be any prouder. “Everyone loves Kate’s cakes and baked creations,” Meredith says. “Her skill and passion for baking are truly remarkable.”

Daughter Kate has turned holiday cheer into an art form. Known for her love of Christmas and all things creative, Kate created this magical masterpiece. The mother

daughter duo have a talent for making unique and festive crafts and treats—but this year, Kate’s masterpiece stole the show.

Kate, who has a passion for baking, has perfected her gingerbread recipe over the years. Her love for the holidays shines brightest when crafting these edible creations, and this season, she outdid herself with a stunning Victorian-style gingerbread house.

The intricate design took an entire day to assemble, but the

results were well worth the effort.

With every detail lovingly crafted, the house is not only a testament to Kate’s skill but also a charming centerpiece for the season.

For those who share Kate’s love of baking and holiday traditions, this sweet Victorian creation is an inspiring reminder of the joy that comes from blending creativity, family, and a sprinkle of holiday magic.

“This has to be the cutest house on the block”

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

7

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

Roofing • Junk • Reno • Construction Letter to the Editor

Pubic Notice

The Armour, Ryerson, Burks Falls Agricultural Society announces that the Annual General Meeting will be held Jan 16th at 7:00 pm at the Armour Township Office 56 Ontario Street Burks Falls.

The Agenda includes the 2024 Board of Directors and Executive Election for: President Vice President 1st Vice President 2nd Directors (Multiple) Associate Directors ( Multiple) Junior Directors (Multiple)

Dear Cyndi and James, Thank you for being so involved with us, the writers, the people, and the communities you serve.

Many more yèars of excellent reporting from your community writers, Jim's hilarious jokes and layouts, and Cyndi's beautiful stories about exceptional people.

Keep up the wonderful work everyone. You are needed and appreciated. Many more years please!

Happy 14th Birthday to the GNA Newspaper. May there always be good news stories to write, and people able to write them.

Kindest regards to you, with a most Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

See you all next year!

With thankfulness and gratitude, Catharina Bowers Losing a husband can be hard: in my case it was almost impossible.

2024

I just have to get this stuff off of my chest.

Jim Shedden

Is reading the GNA in the bathroom considered multi-tasking?

WHERE IS THE HEALTH CARE? Valerie Lamb

The year 2024 is fast approaching becoming one for the books. I want to close the year out on a positive note, but we as a family are being challenged daily as we try to have our aging mother cared for with respect and dignity so deserved.

She was taken to the North Bay Regional Health Center in early November. She is 96 years of age and was suffering abdominal pain. She has very little hearing, so one of us remains with her to make sure she is understanding and, that things go as smoothly as possible. She was assessed, and sent to triage, where she continued to sit for over 12 hours, waiting to be seen. At that point, she was completely exhausted and so uncomfortable, having had nothing to eat or drink and trying to sit in a chair, not designed for comfort, that she asked my sister-in-law to just take her home. My sister in law went to the window, shared mom's words and added that she felt that would not be wise. They found a stretcher in the back, where she was placed for the balance of the night. They had no conclusive diagnosis, so sent her home the next morning. Albert and I had come early to spell off my brother so he could grab some sleep before work. We were not comfortable with having no explanation for the abdominal pain, but took her home and settled her in. She has a hernia, so they had concluded that the pain was probably related to that. Early next morning, mom called 911 and was transported back to the hospital. We did another round of emergency and through testing it was discovered that she had a blood clot in her lung. My mother only has one lung and the tip of the other as it was removed due to disease years ago. This was a concern for us and they put her on blood thinners to help the body absorb the clot. They then decided that she could go home and we would keep a close watch over her. My sister, her caregiver at the time was able to spend the night with her, only because her terminally ill husband was in hospital recovering from a fractured hip, from a fall while he was in hospital having radiation treatment, in Sudbury. By the next morning, mom was agitated and my sister decided that she needed to go back out. She was taken by ambulance to the NBRHC, and was obviously quite unwell and definitely, something was going on.

It was discovered that she was bleeding, and blood transfusion was the answer.

The blood thinners that were to help the body absorb back the clot were causing the bleeding. Long story short, we had several days that were touch and go, before our mom began to respond and come back to

us. Now, mom is terrified of going home, well so, and she is struggling to even get up. She is shaky, weak, and needs help to dress, to navigate the bathroom and to simply walk a very short distance. I need to share, that at this time, and the hospital is well aware, our mother's cancer has returned and is active, she has congestive heart failure, has diminished eyesight and is severely hearing impaired. We have been struggling to get her an evaluation through social services to have her placed on a list for a nursing home. We have had several meetings, but their mission is only to have her return home. We have shared that as a family, having exhausted all the services that we or others can provide for her, to keep her home, and not finding a solution for her living at home safely, have now come to the conclusion that nursing home care is necessary, our mother agrees with this conclusion. We have met several times, and they keep saying that she is able to go home, and then we can get an assessment for the nursing home done at that time. She is not able to live at places such as Barkly House or the Empire Living Centre, because she can't care for herself any more, but they keep telling us that this is the way to go. They talk in circles, they threaten, they refuse to hear our voices and remain on their agenda, get her out.

How old must a person be to qualify for a nursing home, how frail and fragile must they be? To me 96 years of age tells a story. She has weathered the storms, she has been a contributing part of society, had two husbands who worked and put their hard-earned tax dollars into services to meet their needs in the aging process.

She is just a number to them, but she is a precious person to us, our caregiver, our teacher, our shinning example to follow, our moral compass, our hero, but especially our MOM. We feel that the system is letting our mom down, they are casting her aside, the compassion, the freedom from stress and anxiety that she deserves had been set aside so that they can bully her and us and wear us down. Her care was noticeably altered when we began to make waves, expressing that going home was not on the table. They want her at home, so that when the assessment is done, they will not be responsible for any follow-up, but if the assessment is done in the hospital, then she must be kept until a solution is found for her. She is beyond going home and a solution that would keep her comfortable and safe needed to be brought forth and acted upon now.

Time moves forward, we are moving into December, weeks have gone by and they promise one thing and then pull it away in favor of their agenda. At this time, we as a family feel that we need help from our political representation, that we have fought and will continue to fight, but we need reinforcements to help carry our concerns to a satisfactory conclusion and peace for our mom. The new year is just over the horizon, my prayer is that my mom can be settled and find the peace, comfort, care and support she deserves and that the time she has remaining to her can be good, quality time, stress-free and peaceful!

Somebody who knows how will always have a job.

Working for someone who knows why.

Great North Arrow

CANADA POST STRIKE

As a professional photographer and co-owner of the Great North Arrow who publishes a yearly calendar and books and relies on Canada Post to do their damn job; I am disgusted. I am disgusted with both sides. Cyndi and I both have friends that work for Canada Post. My beef is certainly not with them. Let’s face it, they are part of a very powerful union. They did not call for this. Calling for a strike just before Christmas is bullshit. Knowing that people will be sending out gifts and such. Basically, holding them ransom and using this as leverage against management. They say that they have not had a wage increase in 8 years. Guess what? I have never had a raise. I, like a vast amount of the population is self employed. We have never had a raise. As a result of this, I have had to refund thousands of dollars. I do this willingly even though t is out of my control.

I have kept my reputation intact. Now, let's move over to the Great North Arrow. Cyndi and I really want to send out subscriptions by mail. We have hundreds of people that want the hard copy delivered to their door.

A sales representative from Canada Post is constantly calling me. However, about 10 years ago we were sending out subscriptions. Two months in a row Canada Post lost our papers. At the time we were only mailing out about 200 papers once a month. The loss in total was about $6.20 per mailing which comes to $1240 x 2= $2,480. We could not recoup any of it. I did not pay the extra for a tracking number. So, I had to resend them again and absorb the cost. So, over a 2 month period it cost the Great North Arrow almost $5,000; with no recourse. Now, I get calls from Canada Post wanting us to use their service again. At today’s prices it will cost us about $17 per month to send out a subscription which extends to $204 a year for a subscription.

Really, $200 for a newspaper subscription?

Needless to say, Cyndi and I are looking at alternatives to Canada Post. Who knows,

maybe we can bring back the paper boy or paper girl in the major communities. We are working on it.

LCBO

I find the LCBO in a similar position as Canada Post. I have always been a big supporter of the LCBO and again we have numerous friends that work there. I believe that the writing is on the wall for them. I did not like the idea of alcohol being sold out of a convenience store. I thought that it would be abused. I believed the propaganda that the LCBO put out. Sorry, but I have changed my mind. The way that the province has set up the stores is acceptable to me. The fear mongering that the LCBO put out was unfounded. The bottom line is that the government is going to get their (our) money no matter what.

DONALD TRUMP

With the Big Orange Machine re-entering the White House this month you just had to know that he was going to take some pre-emptive “bow” shots at Canada, Mexico, Panama & the Ukraine. I just can’t believe that our leadership was so unprepared for the ? They were totally unprepared. Our glorious Prime Minister calls for a zoom meeting to discuss the situation and we panicked. Right after Donald won the election all our provinces and the feds should have got together and come up with a coherent plan to deal with the situation. Sadly, our provinces floundered in the ocean and panicked. It's hard to believe, but maybe not that our own Premier, Doug Ford came out as the only leader with a voice. Being a conservative myself I am wondering where Poilievre is? Ironically, if you look at the threat of a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods going into the US the balance is in our favor. We are not going to sit back and allow this. It will end up costing the US more than what they bring in. I think that the American public likes the tough talk and does not realize that there will be repercussions to their actions. They will not be netting a clear 25% profit and putting it in their pockets. The Northern States are already saying “hang on here Mr. President”.

As for Canada becoming the 51st state.

Donald is just floating this stuff on Twitter.

Our population, sorry our main stream media thinks that our government should respond to Donald. You do not respond to Donald through Twitter. That is not how it is done. That is what he wants us to do. He has already achieved a partial victory by dividing us with his “bow” shots. Let’s not give him anything else. I have a hard time saying this, but the federal government is handling that in the correct manner.

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DECEMBER 15 th CONTRIBUTORS TAMARA BAIN CATHARINA BOWERS MARY ANN BRUNELLE DEBORAH BUSSEY AB CULBERT CYNDI CULBERT RICHARD DOWSON PAMELA TREMBLAY HAYES LYNDA HOWSE KATHY KELSALL LISA LAHN VALERIE LAMB MATTHEW LAU STEPHEN LEHMAN J. EDWRD LES MERIDETH MCLAREN GWYNN MORGAN CANDY HODGE-NIESTROY TOM NORTH

…January is the perfect balance between winter’s stillness and the new year’s potential.

Unknown.

Happy New year! Happy 2025! You know, I was thinking back about all of the hype when it turned 2001…. We imagined chaos in every corner, there were the tin hat societies that believed it would be the end of the world and then those that believed that every computerised system on earth would come to a screaming halt. Remember when people rushed out and stocked up on bottled water and pantry supplies because it was like Armageddon was coming? And then it hit me, that was 24 years ago!!!

In my aging mind, I am struggling to think how long ago the seventies was… it seems to me that it was just a few years ago, a couple of decades. And then it hits me, It was half a century ago! As they say, time waits for no one, and it seems to be moving rapidly, so lets enjoy and make the most of each day this year!

I’m feeling badly for all of my snowmobile racing friends, (a sport that was glue for so many years racing every weekend) and for my friends who ride all winter long. Winter has not been kind these past few years and its even causing havoc for the fisherman. I can do without the extreme cold, but I am a snow lover and now so even more that I don’t have a commute any farther than the kitchen to my home office.

What a paper we have for you to start off the new year! When Jim and I began working on it, we honestly didn’t know how we would fill it up with good content. We even considered sizing down four pages, (because January is a slow month) and I am really glad that we didn’t. We are once again full to the seems and we have great content. We even have some new writers that have jumped on board and that’s pretty exciting. We love our writers, and we want to remind you that if you like to put the pen to the paper or the fingers to the keyboard, we want you!

We are also exploring a way that we can offer the GNA by subscription. We are asked so often, and as of yet we haven’t found a solution, we will keep trying. We are also changing our online, I will openly admit that its not user friendly and I only read us in print. We have a new company lined up to host our online and it will be ready in a couple of months for a new launch. That’s exciting news!

We have a friend in the States, who cottages here in Magnetawan. Jennifer runs a newspaper south of the border and she recently posted this. ‘hey Canadian friends, I’ve been informed by a family member that more than half y’all really want to become America, I’m really having a problem believing that. What do you think?’

We have been talking back and forth and would really like to know, how Canadians feel? What is your opinion?

Personally, I don’t know anyone… have your say, send us a note!

Happy Birthday to our writer Debbie Ireland (Coaches Corner). Debbie and her husband Brad do so much for our Special Olympians and she brings their stories to the GNA. Debbie, we wish you a wonderful year ahead, filled with all of the love that you deserve.

Happy Birthday to our Grandson Cole Theodoru who will celebrate January 5th when he turns 8.

Enjoy your January, bundle up, put on your mittens and get out and enjoy this month! …. See you around the towns! Cyndi

ROSALEE PEPPARD JAMES SHEDDEN WALLY SMITH ROD URQUHART LINDA WEST PETER WYATT JIM YOUNG

FIRST QUARTER NEWSPAPER DATES AND INTO APRIL JANUARY 2025

JANUARY 3RD- 1ST EDITION JANUARY 17TH - 2ND EDITION JANUARY 31ST - (ACTUAL 1ST FEB EDITION)

FEBRUARY 2025

FEBRUARY 14TH - 2ND EDITION FEBRUARY 28TH - (ACTUAL 1ST MARCH EDITION)

MARCH 2025

MARCH 14TH - 2ND EDITION THERE IS A BIT OF A BREAK BETWEEN MARCH 14TH AND APRIL 4TH!)

APRIL 2025

APRIL 4TH - 1ST EDITION APRIL 18TH - 2ND EDITION

WHERE TO FIND US

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.

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Adrift Continued on Page A4 half. Adding insult to injury, the government’s push for digital reporting meant expensive new equipment—a cost they could scarcely afford.

Sandra knew Bernie’s heart was breaking. He had spent his life on these waters, rising before dawn to set the nets, braving storms to bring in the day’s haul. His father and grandfather had done the same, teaching him to respect the bay and its rhythms. Now, that way of life was slipping away, replaced by bureaucratic mandates and environmental warnings that often felt detached from their reality.

“We’re not catching less fish,” Bernie often argued. “We’re catching what we’re allowed, and there’s plenty out there. They just won’t let us take it.”

But the ministry’s data told a different story: declining Whitefish populations, fewer young fish reaching maturity, invasive species disrupting the ecosystem. Sandra wanted to believe the scientists were wrong, that the bay still held enough for everyone. But deep down, she worried they might be right.

That evening, Sandra sat in their small office, running the numbers once again. Even if they could make it through the winter, what about next year? And the year after that? Who would buy a business with no guarantee of fish to catch?

She looked up at a photo on the wall: Bernie as a boy, grinning beside his father on the deck of their first motorized trawler. The pride in their eyes was unmistakable. Sandra felt a pang

Dog On A Root

GST/HST Tax Break - Blessing Or Burden?

- jim Young, LORING, ON “Why does a small tax increase cost you two hundred dollars and a substantial tax cut save you thirty cents?” anon I remember a conversation regarding taxes I once had with my father’s Aunt Dora when I was a young adult. I had complained to Aunt Dora about paying taxes. Aunt Dora quickly reminded me that I should be grateful that I was in a position to be able to pay taxes.

The message was kind of a cross between a lesson to accept what I could not change and be grateful for the things I have in life.

I took that wise lesson to heart and to this day, I do not object to my responsibility to pay my fair share of taxes; at least in principle.

What I do object to is the government’s wisdom (or lack thereof) in defining what a “fair share” of my taxes are and their ability (or lack thereof) in the management of the revenues they receive from taxation.

But just like everyone else… I will gladly accept any tax break offered to me.

So why shouldn’t I reap the benefits of the government’s GST/HST tax break that came into effect on December 14, 2024?

Now I don’t like to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I’m not sure I understand the purpose of this tax break nor the wisdom of it at any level.

More Money In Your Pocket A title on the Government of Canada’s website reads: “GST/HST break: More money in your pocket.” Typically when a politician is putting money in YOUR pocket

of anger. They had given everything to this life. Why couldn’t the world give a little back?

The next day, Bernie and Sandra attended a community meeting with other fishers. The room was charged with frustration and fear. “We need compensation,” someone shouted. “Or at least a fair hearing,” added another.

When it was Sandra’s turn to speak, she stood tall. “This isn’t just about numbers or quotas,” she said. “It’s about families, about generations of people who’ve built their lives around this bay. If we lose this, we lose more than our jobs. We lose our identity.”

The crowd erupted in applause, but Sandra knew words alone wouldn’t change the ministry’s stance. She resolved to keep fighting, not just for her family but for the community that had given them so much.

That night, as she and Bernie sat on the dock, watching the sunset cast golden light over the bay, Sandra squeezed his hand. “We’ll find a way,” she said softly.

Bernie nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The future was uncertain, but for now, they had each other—and the waters that had sustained their family for over two centuries. As long as there was hope, they would keep fighting to stay afloat.

Jim’s Note: The next issue we explore the reasons the MNRF has made the decisions that they have. I am still waiting for a response to some unanswered questions.

instead of his or her own, the intent is to encourage the public to spend more money in the hopes of stimulating the economy.

Another reason might be to win your favour in an upcoming election.

Sorry Mr. Trudeau, if either of those were your intent you failed miserably.

These past few years it has been increasingly difficult to add to my savings account, so any reduction I receive in taxation will not likely encourage me to spend more. Instead, any savings I realize from the tax break will be put into just that - “savings” to hoard away for “that proverbial rainy day.”

As for the second reason (to win a politician’s favour), well Mr. Trudeau, you’ll just have to try to figure it out for yourself why THAT’S not gonna happen. Does the expression “You can fool some of the people some of the time” ring a bell?

At What Cost?

First of all, I’d like to know something.

What are we as Canadians giving up, with the lost HST/GST revenue for these next two months? According to the Government of Canada website “Removing the GST from these qualifying goods for two months will provide an estimated $1.6 billion in federal tax relief.”

Doesn’t the government need that money? Where will you get the money to replace whatever it was earmarked for in the first place?

And if it isn’t needed, why have we been paying this tax all along? Why can’t this tax break be permanent? If it goes on for long enough, perhaps my savings account will get sufficiently topped up that I can feel confident enough to start putting this money into my pocket to spend and help boost the economy. That is unless you add ANOTHER tax to take its place.

As for the “wisdom” of the implementation of the HST/GST tax break, if you will in-

Help! My Island’s Taking on Water

By Peter Wyatt

It’s surely a sign of climate crisis when Australia and the tiny island nation of Tuvalu agree to a treaty creating a “union” between them. The treaty, signed in August of this year, will oblige Australia to protect Tuvalu’s territorial integrity and culture, whether the island remains fully habitable or not. Steadily rising waters in the Pacific threaten the very existence of Tuvalu, an island whose highest point above sea level is 15 feet. The prime ministers of both nations greed that, as called upon by Tuvalu, Australia would provide a temporary or permanent home for citizens of Tuvalu.

Such a commitment is generous on the part of Australia to be sure. It is also strategic in a region where China is continually pushing boundaries, claiming atolls and building on reefs where it has no business to be. But the main concern of the union is guaranteeing the people of Tuvalu a home in a future made dramatically uncertain by climate extremes.

Relentlessly warming air warms the seas and melts Arctic and Antarctic ice, with sea levels rising inch by inch, year by year, lessening height above sea level for seacoasts around the globe.

COP 29 took place this past November. Exactly what is COP and what do the initials stand for? I asked myself. If you search online for COP, most of the entries are about the police—the cops. What I was looking for, of course, was the annual Conference of the Parties, whose twenty-ninth gathering occurred in Baku, Azerbaijan. The parties conferring at each COP are the 197 nations that have signed the United Nations Convention on Climate Change. This Convention was established at the 1992 Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit where Canada was among the original signatories. Jean Charest, then Minister of the Environment, led a delegation that included Stan Darling, MP from Parry Sound-Muskoka. Prime Minister Brian Mulroney spoke at Rio and presented Canada’s Green Plan. Imagine that—Conservatives leading the way on Canadian climate action!

An important aspect of annual COP gatherings is that smaller, developing nations get heard by the world’s larger, developed ones.

Tuvalu and other Pacific islands took good advantage of the opportunity this time. So did Caribbean islands like Grenada and the Bahamas in the Atlantic. COP 29 was focussed on climate finance, particularly on the responsibility of developed nations to aid developing nations in their efforts to limit carbon emissions and adapt to climate changes.

While the developed nations have created the climate crisis through their industrialization, it is developing nations—like the Pacific and Caribbean islands—that are experiencing the worst effects of weather extremes and paying the heaviest price in

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GST CONTINUED ON PAGE A12

Parry Sound’s Home of the GNA If evolution is outlawed, only outlaws will evolve.

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reconstruction afterward.

After urgent pleas from the world’s islanders and others, COP 29 agreed to triple the goal of annual support from the treasuries of richer nations, from US $100 billion annually, to $300 billion annually by 2035. A commitment was also made to go further, for “all actors to work together to scale up finance to developing countries, from public and private sources, to the amount of US $1.3 trillion per year by 2035.”

The Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change celebrated the unanimous decision.

“This new finance goal is an insurance policy for humanity, amid worsening climate impacts hitting every country. But like any insurance policy—it only works—if premiums are paid in full, and on time. Promises must be kept, to protect billions of lives.”

He also highlighted the economic benefit of the decision for every nation and people: "It will keep the clean energy boom growing, helping all countries to share in its huge benefits: more jobs, stronger growth, cheaper and cleaner energy for all.” Wishful thinking? Maybe not.

Because the decisions of every COP conference must be unanimous, it usually takes a herculean effort to achieve the wording of a final agreement. So, at the end of each annual gathering, there seems to be a gigantic breakthrough at the end; the world can now heave a sigh of relief—the planet will be saved after all. But the politicians and negotiators must go home and face the political realities in their own countries, where electorates may not be prepared to sacrifice for the sake of an imperilled planet or may not have the same empathy as the COP for poorer nations. Life is hard enough for us, they may say. Why should we have to limit our choices, shouldering their burdens as well as our own? Am I my brother’s keeper?

It's true that, here in Canada, things are tougher than they were before those twin engines of recent inflation—Covid and the war in Ukraine—had their impact. (Not to forget the greed of grocery and oil corporations.) But it rarely must be ether/or.

We can attend to our challenges at home so that we help ourselves and those most in need, and we can also do our share in helping nations in dire circumstance elsewhere on the globe.

Earth is a single planet, the only one we’ve got. And, if nothing else should convince us of the need to cooperate across national boundaries, it is the climate crisis. Nature knows no nationality. The extremes we face in hurricanes, wildfires, drought, floods, and desperate human migration won’t be tamed without the kind of international collaboration exemplified in the Conference of Parties.

From Tuvalu to Grenada to Venice to the Arctic, the world is taking on water. As we face a new year, our resolve should not be for Canada first, but for Canada first among equals—in sharing global responsibility for climate justice.

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.

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How much can I get away with and still go to heaven?

REFLECTIONS 101 Catharina Bowers

It is 2025.

Wow, when I was a young girl, my confirmation sponsor gave me a lovely Catholic Missal. The book she had given me; had a set of dates at the back of the book which included holidays and Sundays, and the book went through to 2018. That would have made me 70. I couldn’t imagine being 70 as a young girl. I have passed that now and am in my 77thyear. Where have all those Sundays and holidays gone? The times I spent together with my parents, my sons, their families and grandchildren, my friends, and coworkers…where have all those times gone? Through all these years, it makes one wonder, where has it all gone?

I was present at my dad’s 75th birthday party, a casual affair at home, with his close friends, my mother-in-law Vi was included and my children. At the time, I thought 75, my goodness, he certainly is an old man now. I am ashamed for thinking that.

Now I am already past that age of 75, and I am looking older, but fortunately I still feel young in my head. I could take on the world in my head, I could even run for mayor, who knows!

Funny how that goes isn’t it?

Do you ever think to yourself, I wonder where that red dress with the black satin trim…where did it go? Or the rectangular plate with the Chinese designs where did it go too? The pink ornaments I had one year on the Christmas tree, where did they get to? We worked hard for these things, and yet over the years, things were given away, broken, or put into a box, to never be seen again by me.

Fortunately, we remember the good things. The people we have met over the years who influenced us to do this or that.

The exciting career(s) we had and the

Great North Arrow

people who helped us make a difference to others. Life may have been tough now and then, but it sure was a wonderful experience for me. And it continues, fortunately.

I find as I approach the end of another year, I tend to get melancholy. I reminisce.

I try my best to reflect on the moments that stand out in my year. But personalities, things, places and other people start to form thoughts in your mind and before you know it, you are standing in the middle of the shopping centre, and you have no idea why you are there. We shop, we see something we like, and before you know it, you are cashing out. And we buy more than we need. My trip to Costco last week on the way home from Oshawa proved that. lol The people I have met. The ones who I shared time with. The ones who I would say to myself, “I am so glad that we have met!” For me, there is a long list of exceptional people that would be included on that list.

There are of course my original friends from 70 some years ago. I will always have you right here next to my heart.

People who have made a physical difference in my life this year include my pain specialist, and if you have read my book Fibro Warriors, you would have read about this extraordinary person who makes many people including myself live a life that has ‘quality of life’ as part of the description.

My cardiologist, who is a very dedicated, clever man, who because I live so far away, has given me his email address, so that I can contact him when I have a cardiac emergency. Fortunately, when I email him, (it is never anything frivolous) I write my symptoms and what my family doctor has said, and it is guaranteed; he thankfully responds with his comments and sugges-

tions within 8 to 12 hours depending on when I write him. Another dedicated man!

So the above 2 gentlemen hold a very high place in my heart.

Then there are friends. Oh my, I have lost a few friends over the years but usually, it has been only due to them passing away, not just losing them as a friend!

Marg, Steve, Judy, Doug and another Doug, Gary, and Ria. I miss you all very much.

Friends I have lost because of bad feelings…I can count them on one hand.

These have been due to a misunderstanding or jealousy or in a couple of cases, both applied. I will apologize if I am wrong, talk it out, and make it better, but sometimes the trust is broken, and no matter what is said, it can not be repaired. I have over the years decided, that I will not grovel! Nor will I have words put into my mouth, when they are not true. I will not be manipulated. That is not friendship.

My friendships are very special to me, and they are very important to me; they are my chosen family. We are caring and loyal, trusting and supportive through thick and thin, and loving with no judgment of one another. There are other qualities, but I am not listing them all.

Before I went through the process of slowly retiring. I did it step by step, reflecting along the way. First, to go was the on-call chaplaincy. Then I had to give up doing weddings, I couldn’t climb up and down the hills in this beautiful environment without losing my breath, so I reluctantly resigned. The only regret I had with that, was that someday, I had hoped that maybe I would have been able to marry my grandchildren to their chosen partner for life, and a few of my dear friends. Then when I couldn’t stand behind a pulpit in

Magnetawan anymore, I couldn’t speak and breathe simultaneously. So, I reluctantly resigned.

During that time, I had also been seen by my cardiologist and my cardiac surgeon, the news wasn’t the best, but then COVID-19 also started, and we were forced to lock down and all try to stay healthy…I started and finished my first book, Got Your Affairs in Order? It was published in large print for those who have vision issues.

My collection of books.

Then I published an update in 2024, including a few new chapters, including a chapter on children who do not speak to their parents, and doing something special with your friends and family before it is too late. I decided to have a 75th birthday party and invite all those, I love and care about, and do the Downton Abbey thing, costumes and all, “Let’s Get Our Affairs in Order.” (slightly different title with the elderly lady on the cover the elderly lady is not me, lol). Then to top it all off, I also finished my most recent book about fibromyalgia, this is the story of my journey with fibro, and also, I have included the content from a few others with fibro. It is entitled, “Fibro Warriors.” All three books are available on Amazon.ca in Canada, and Amazon. com in the USA, Fibro Warriors is also available in Hardcover and e-book. Thank you to those who have purchased a book.

Happy New Year, Catharina

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Rain

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.

I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?' He smiled as he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.'

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, 'That is the kind of love I want in my life.'

“I “I LOVE LOVE KNOWING KNOWING II WILL WILL NEVER NEVER HAVE HAVE TO TO SHOVEL SHOVEL AGAIN.” AGAIN.”

Roger Marries at 85...

At 85 years of age, Roger married Jenny, a lovely 25 year old. Since her new husband is so old, Jenny decides that after their wedding she and Roger should have separate bedrooms, because she is concerned that her new but aged husband may overexert himself if they spend the entire night together.

After the wedding festivities Jenny prepares herself for bed and the expected knock' on the door.

Sure enough the knock comes, the door opens and there is Roger, her 85 year old groom, ready for action.

They unite as one.All goes well, Roger takes leave of his bride, and she prepares to go to sleep. After a few minutes, Jenny hears another knock on her bedroom door, and it's Roger, Again he is ready for more 'action'.

Somewhat surprised, Jenny consents for more coupling. When the newlyweds are done, Roger kisses his bride, bids her a fond good night and leaves.

She is set to go to sleep again, but, aha you guessed it - Roger Is back again, rapping on the door, and is as fresh as a 25-year-old, ready for more 'action'.And, once more they enjoy each other.

But as Roger gets set to leave again, his young bride says to him, 'I Am thoroughly impressed that at your age you can perform so well and so often. I have been with guys less than a third of your age who were only good once. You are truly a great lover, Roger.'

Roger, somewhat embarrassed, turns to Jenny and says: 'You mean I was here before?'

The moral of the story : Don't be afraid of getting old, Alzheimer's has Its advantages.

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A6

If a mute kid swears does his mother wash his hands with soap?

A 132-Year-Old Message in a Bottle Found in a Scottish Lighthouse Wall Last month, engineers repairing Corsewall Lighthouse in Scotland discovered an old glass bottle hidden in the wall. Inside was a note written in 1892 by workers who had installed a new lens and lantern at the lighthouse.

The message, dated September 4, 1892, listed the names of the engineers, millwrights, and laborers involved in the project. After completing their work, they sealed the note in a bottle and placed it in the wall.

Unnoticed for over a century, the bottle was uncovered during recent repairs.

Engineers were surprised to find the note described the same lens they were working on. “It was like a direct message from them to us,” said Barry Miller, the lighthouse keeper.

Here’s part of the note: “This lantern was erected by James Wells Engineer, John Westwood Millwright, James Brodie Engineer, David Scott Labourer … and relighted on Thursday night 15th Sept. 1892.”

Sources: Smithsonian, BBC

A VIEW ABOUT OUR NEIGHBOURS IN THE USA

RFK Jr.’s false ideas about vaccines pose huge risk to public health

Dr. J. Edward Les The incoming health secretary wants to ‘Make America Healthy Again,’ but without vaccines, his slogan might as well be, ‘Make America Infected Again’ Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as America’s new secretary of health and human services has left much of the medical community muttering: “What the heck?”

Kennedy’s stated mission is to “Make America Healthy Again.” Certainly, if one considers the astonishing rates of obesity and chronic illness that bedevil Americans, and the fact that American longevity lags well behind that of other rich countries, it’s a call to action that resonates.

But he’s got some odd ideas, such as that Wi-Fi causes cancer, that HIV isn’t the cause of AIDS and that chemicals in the water are turning kids trans. Most upsetting to doctors, though, is his stubborn adherence to the utterly debunked notion that vaccines are linked to autism.

This claim first appeared in a 1998 paper published in the Lancet, which has since been retracted as it was found to be “fatally flawed.” The author, Andrew Wakefield,

later had his licence to practice medicine revoked.

Not that autism rates haven’t increased sharply. Indeed, they have. That is in part due to increased recognition and expanded diagnostic criteria, but also in part for reasons that we don’t yet understand.

It’s also true that the incidence of autism has risen along roughly the same timeline as the expansion of childhood immunization regimens. But we all know — or should know — that correlation doesn’t equal causation: just because two things happen at the same time doesn’t mean that one of those things caused the other.

Other changes have taken place during that time span, as well. Our microbiomes, under perpetual assault from antibiotics (both prescribed and in our food), are radically different than they used to be.

Children are birthed on average by significantly older mothers than they were 30 or 40 years ago.

Microplastics have become so ubiquitous in the environment that we each ingest (and mostly poop out) the equivalent of a credit card every week. Far more children are raised in cities today than in the past. Digital signals now permeate the air all around us.

Could any of these things be contributing to increasing rates of autism? Maybe, maybe not. Again: correlation doesn’t equal causation.

But RFK’s vendetta against vaccines has had tragic consequences. Take what happened in American Samoa in 2018. As respected vaccinologist Paul Offit recounts, two children died after being injected with improperly mixed MMR vaccine (the nurses responsible ultimately went to prison).

Kennedy seized upon the tragedy as proof of the deadliness of the MMR vaccine. After months of promoting that falsehood on social media, he visited the island and influenced the Samoan government to suspend its measles vaccination program.

Measles immunization rates plummeted from 74 per cent in 2017 to around 31 per cent in late 2018.

And a massive outbreak of measles followed, in which 83 people died, most of them children under the age of four.

Shaken, the Samoan Ministry of Health launched an aggressive measles vaccination campaign in November 2019, and the outbreak soon receded.

None of us want to go back to an era of children paralyzed by polio, kids choking to death on diphtheritic membranes, people wasting away from lockjaw or babies asphyxiating from pertussis. Without vaccines, “Make America Healthy Again” might as well be “Make America Infected Again.”

Because that’s where we’re headed, now that vaccine skepticism has taken centre stage.

In the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, with trust in the medical establishment shredded, rates of immunization appear to be declining, and herd immunity is in peril.

Without a restoration of trust in vaccines, it’s only a matter of time before we get ourselves in trouble.

As far as RFK Jr. is concerned, it’s worth remembering the old biblical text from Galatians: “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” Yeast doesn’t remain isolated in a single spot within a lump of dough. It spreads and becomes part of the entire loaf — just as dangerous notions and their consequences can metastasize and infect an entire population.

RFK Jr. may have many good ideas, but his anti-science position on vaccines is not one of them.

J. Edward Les is a Calgary pediatrician, a senior fellow with the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy and co-author of “Teenagers, Children, and Gender Transition Policy: A Comparison of Transgender Medical Policy for Minors in Canada, the United States, and Europe.”

When someone asks you, "A penny for your thoughts," and you put your two cents in, what happens to the other penny? ly upended the timeline of the expected announcement. One certainly has to give her credit for not waiting around to be portrayed as the helpless victim in the story.

At first blush, and as could be predictably expected, Mr. Trudeau was immediately assumed guilty of being the evil villain in the saga. As far as an overwhelming number of political pundits and newspapers were concerned, all that was needed to complete the picture being painted of him was With Stephen Lehman a waxed black moustache and black top hat A Thankless 'Enterprise' contrasted against his lily white face.

One of the benefits of having six or seven I must say that for we GNA decades of life experience, however, is writers who like to opine that hopefully over time a person will have about politics, Cyndi and come to realize that often in life, black or Jim were pretty courteous white are not the only two colours availin not publishing for the able. More often that not, it is made up of last three weeks because depressing grays, sort of like a thick fog. there was certainly nothThat is perhaps one reason why politicians ing out of the ordinary, who present voting choices as only black or politically speaking anyways, that needed to white are so popular right now. The siren be commented on over the last month or so. song clarity of their either/or promises is so Right? seductive that only a saint could probably OMG! What is the Canadian political scene resist them and, frankly, I don't know about coming to? This ongoing drama on Parliayou but I do know that I sure ain't no saint. ment Hill has more twists and turns and Now, that being said, very rarely do I dangling participles than a Shakespearean accept things at face value, especially from melodrama. Participles like going, going, politicians promising me the moon, so as gone or being, being, been, verbs that could coverage, of what I shall call 'The Freeland apply to SO many MPs up on Parliament Affair, continued to gain momentum, well, I Hill. A lot of the suspense, of course, can be just had to look deeper into that hazy gray almost directly connected to the incoming fog and see if there was another interprePresident south of us, and from time to time tation waiting there to be revealed. It took, I will make reference to some of those conshall we say, a while for my eyes to adjust nections, but for the purpose of this opinion but slowly I began to discern a bright light piece I am going to try to stay focused specoming closer and closer and then, almost cifically on our Made in Canada situation. like the Second Coming, a smiling male I guess the best place to start this misface crowned with beautiful blond haired sive would be by pointing out something appeared in my vision. Wow. Impressive. about politics that periodically needs to be Of course, all of the preceding is strictly restated - politics is a dirty game. While I fiction. There was no hallucinogenic vision think it would be safe to say that most, if not about Mr. Trump or how he might have all, people who strive to enter higher office figured into the 'Freeland Affair.' But it did have the best of intentions when going in, give me pause for thought and as I did, I once the rubber of the behind-the-scene began to wonder if maybe there was a conmachinations hits the road, personal integrinection that had been overlooked in the ty may end up being the first victim to fall by mad rush to judgement by online influencthe wayside. If there was ever any doubt in ers and mainstream media. For instance, someone's mind about the aforementioned what if Mr. Trump had mentioned at the political truism though, I think year end recent dinner down at Mar-a-Lago with Mr. 2024 would have been the final nail in the Trudeau that the outcome of the proposed coffin that put that doubt to rest.

U.S. tariff threat against Canada could I am talking, of course, about the abrupt perhaps be more favourably resolved if Ms. resignation of Chrystia Freeland as Finance Freeland wasn't in the picture. Mr. Trump's Minister on December 16. Reportedly, no tweets on Truth Social have been pretty one saw that bombshell coming, not even clear as to his opinion of her so it wouldn't Mr. Trudeau. Rumours had been circulating be unimaginable for an ordinary person on that she was going to be replaced anyways the street to entertain such a thought. And but her hijacking of the narrative complete-

A SOUTHERN VIEW

if this idea had indeed been put out there, possibly as a part of the 'Canada as the 51st State' joke, would Mr. Trudeau have been doing his job as the representative of all Canadians by simply dismissing it with the joke? 'Let's see, reassign one member of Cabinet and protect all Canadians by possibly averting a potential trade war or stand on principal and just point out that the entire conversation was pretty insulting and disrespectful. Hmmm.'

We shall never know, of course, if such a conversation, or something similar to it, ever did occur but if it did, the resulting career destruction that possibly followed from such a hypothetical conversation wouldn't be without precedent. Early in his Prime Ministership, Mr Trudeau was caught up in a similar personnel decision when Jody Wilson-Raybould allegedly disagreed with him over how to handle the SNC-Lavalin fiasco. Worse than for Ms.Freeland, Ms. Wilson-Raybould ultimately ended up being expelled from the Liberal caucus but, kudos to her, eventually went on to win a seat as an Independent. Mr. Trudeau, in the meantime, may have ended up being instrumental in saving thousands of directly-affected jobs at SNC and many thousands more indirectly-affected jobs but he paid a pretty heavy price in public opinion as a result.

And of course, now that the proverbial 'stuff' has hit the fan over the Freeland Affair, Mr. Trudeau is being disparaged for not speaking to reporters or having any comment. Personally, in this day and age of ill considered vile invectives about people being posted on practically every possible medium available, I find his verbal restraint to be a refreshing and commendable character trait. Would voters be happier if he went on an expletive laden character assassination tirade about Ms. Freeland?

Should he have borrowed a popular phrase that is possibly trademarked and declared, while looking straight into the camera, that 'You're outta here' or words to that effect? Would those kind of melodramatic theatrics have brought his poll numbers up? Maybe within a certain segment of the voting public but I have never observed that as being Mr. Trudeau's style. I perceive him as being a little more refined, sort of like the Queen Mother who reportedly liked to use a quote often attributed to Benjamin Disraeli ; "Never complain, never explain." If this is indeed his philosophy, it can, unfortunately for his political standing, feed into the perception among many

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voters that Mr. Trudeau is aloof, detached, NOT a man of the people but, hey, everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Now, if a person wanted to be trite they could say that these executive decisions made by Mr. Trudeau in regards to Ms. Wilson-Raybould and Ms. Freeland were reminiscent of the advice given by Mr. Spock to Captain Kirk, that 'The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few' to which Kirk replied; 'Or the one.' I totally respect the integrity of both women for sticking to their personal principals (I particularly liked Ms. Freeland's comment about 'costly political gimmicks' - I assume she's referring to the now cancelled $250 vote buying cash payment that politicians of all stripes like to employ) but, despite it just being a quote from pop culture, there is a certain amount of relevance to Mr. Spock's words. Mr. Trudeau's commitment is to all Canadians and as a result, sometimes he has to make the hard choices, not just the ones that will put him ahead in the popularity polls. Politics is a dirty game because it is played on a field that is anything but level, played between dictatorships and democracies, democracies that are voting to become dictatorships, dictatorships that are protesting to become democracies, the full political spectrum.

Unfortunately, but not exclusively for Team Canada, in a democracy every voter often incorrectly assumes that they are better than the coach at envisioning the plays needed to win on the global pitch.

And, as every sports fan knows, it is easier to fire the coach than replace the whole team. So if Justin Trudeau is still Prime Minister, on a date after this opinion piece goes to print, and he chooses to continue in his thankless job of trying to coach Canadians to be more than just northern Americans, then I would have to question if, as many have suggested, his reluctance to resign really is just about self-aggrandizement and not an actual concern for ordinary Canadians. But if he decides to just say screw it, gives the reported many in his own party the resignation that they think they want and leaves politics far behind with his generous lifetime pension in hand then I would totally understand. Perhaps he will have come, belatedly, to the realization that though the needs of the many may indeed outweigh the needs of the few, sometimes, as I heard more than once while growing up, you just can't save the many from themselves.

A farmer is giving his wife last-minute instructions before heading to town to do chores.

"That fellow from Sematol will be along this afternoon to inseminate one of the cows. I've hung a nail by the right stall so you'll know which one I want him to impregnate." Satisfied that his wife could understand the instructions, the farmer left for town. That afternoon, the 'Inseminator' arrives, and the wife dutifully takes him out to the barn and directly to the stall with the nail. "This is the cow right here," she tells him. "What's the nail for?" the guy asks. She replies, "I guess it's to hang up your pants."

A7

A Look Back

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

Deborah Bussey

Doesn't expecting the unexpected make the unexpected become the expected?

Education, not racism, drives the difference in earnings between races Matthew Lau

New study fails to prove differences in earnings are due to systemic racism Significant federal program spending is premised on the idea that visible minorities in Canada are systemically disadvantaged.

Take the latest: Earlier this fall, the federal government released a 45-page anti-racism strategy for 2024-2028, which “aims to tackle systemic racism and make our communities more inclusive and prosperous.” Such a strategy is necessary, according to the government, because systemic racism exists throughout our institutions and “(perpetuates) a position of relative disadvantage for racialized persons.”

But where is the evidence for this premise? Not in the income statistics.

Directly contradicting the idea that visible minorities are systemically oppressed, a new Statistics Canada study shows many Canadians from minority backgrounds thrive and even do better on average than their white counterparts.

The StatCan study started with 1996 and 2001 census data, used T1 and T4 tax files and other data to measure cumulative earnings over 20 years among Canadian-born men and women from four racial cohorts — white, South Asian, Chinese, and Black — and found minorities outperforming the majority population.

Specifically, among Canadian-born men, cumulative earnings over 20 years were highest on average among Chinese men ($1.58 million in 2019 dollars), followed by South Asian men ($1.51 million). Only Black men ($1.06 million) earned less than white men ($1.31 million).

Clearly, if Chinese and South Asian men have higher earnings power than white men, it is difficult to conclude Canada is systemically racist against minorities.

What about the inverse? Does the data suggest Canada is systemically racist against white men? No. “The fact that Chinese and South Asian men have higher education levels than white men and are more likely to be in STEM fields is the single most important factor explaining why these two groups have higher cumulative earnings than white men,” the StatCan report found.

In other words: education, not racism, drives the difference in earnings.

So what happens when we control for education and other factors like employer size, industry, and geography? The earnings gap between white and Black men remains. As well, while Chinese and South Asian men out-earned white men, after

controlling for education and other factors, white men actually earned more.

Alas, have we found evidence of systemic racism? Is this evidence that the country is systemically racist because these employers paid minorities less than their white counterparts with similar educational backgrounds?

There’s no hard evidence of this. First, discrimination by employers against visible minorities has been illegal for decades.

Second, as the study itself even suggests, many factors affect earnings besides the ones researchers can observe and control for, including differences in social networks, job search methods, and preferences for certain working conditions, so automatically blaming racism doesn’t make much sense. Third, if Canada is systemically racist against minorities, how did Chinese and South Asian men find themselves overrepresented in the higher-paying STEM fields to begin with?

And if racism against Black Canadians is to blame for the earnings gap among men, what explains the fact that Black women earned more than white women? Among Canadian-born women, before controlling for education and other factors, the cohort that earned the least over two decades was white women ($0.80 million). Chinese women had the highest cumulative earnings ($1.14 million), followed by South Asian women ($1.06 million), and then Black women ($0.82 million). Is Canada full of racists who only discriminate against Black men but not Black women?

Another outcome of the StatCan analysis is that after controlling for the same factors (e.g. education), Chinese women out-earned white women — by $38,000, on average. So, do racist employers systematically favour white men over Chinese men, while also disfavouring white women relative to Chinese women?

The narrative that Canadians from visible minority backgrounds are systemically disadvantaged just doesn’t hold up to the data.

Moreover, this latest StatCan study only considered four groups (Chinese, South Asian, white, and Black) of Canadian-born individuals, but other StatCan research provides similar evidence against systemic racism. Weekly earnings data from 2016 show that in addition to Chinese and South Asian men, Canadian-born Japanese and Korean men had higher earnings than their white counterparts. Among women, seven of ten minority groups (Korean, Chinese, South Asian, Japanese, Filipino, “other visible minorities,” and Arab or West Asian) had higher average weekly earnings than the white population.

Simply, the earnings data do not provide evidence that Canada is a society that systemically disadvantages minorities.

Rather, the data show the exact opposite.

Politicians and bureaucrats might want to consider these facts before wasting large sums of taxpayer dollars drawing up lengthy “anti-racism” plans.

Matthew Lau is a senior fellow with the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy, and author of “Systemic racism claims in Canada: A fact-based analysis.”

A Scotsman moves to Canada and attends his first baseball game.

The first batter approaches the batters' box, takes a few swings and then hits a double.

Everyone is on their feet screaming "Run!!!"

The next batter hits a single. The Scotsman listens as the crowd again cheers "RUN!! RUN!!"

The Scotsman is enjoying the game and begins screaming with the fans.

The fifth batter comes up and four balls go by.

The Umpire calls: "Walk."

The batter starts his slow trot to first base.

The Scot stands up and screams, "Run ye lazy man rrrrrrrun!"

The people around him begin laughing. Embarrassed, the Scot sits back down.

A friendly fan notes the man's embarrassment, leans over and explains, "He can't run -- he has four balls."

The Scot stands up and screams: "Walk with pride, Laddie!"

Whether you are looking for a quiet weekend getaway or a family vacation, Duck Rock Resort offers peace and tranquility of a remote cabin setting and all the conveniences of a small town. A relaxing stay at Duck Rock Resort will give you wonderful memories of your wilderness escape. Relax in one of our lakefront cabins nestled on the shore of Whitestone Lake.

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Great North Arrow

Well, here we are in 2025! I hope you all had a good holiday and enjoyed some time with friends and family. Nothing like the company of good people to warm the heart and feed the soul. For the rest of you that got coal I hear they are having a get together later at a campground in Algonquin Park where you can all put your coal in a BBQ and have a little roast! LOL! Anyways.....I thought I would take a look back at what transpired in 2024, well....the issues/challenges that affected us and see if we made any positive steps forward.

There were a number of issues that our Almaguin Region communities faced from healthcare, travel, housing, an emergency shelter building’s safety issues not to mention a few political fiascos!

Healthcare has to be the most monumental issue as we in the north seem to be on the short end of the stick in this regard. Now.... that doesn’t mean we don’t have excellent doctors, nurses, EMS, PSW’s etc, on the contrary, yet they are overwhelmed by the sheer number of people who require their services. It’s not that we don’t have professionals...it’s that we don’t have enough of them to handle the need. When did our hospital emergency department go from a 6-8 hour wait time to days???? That’s outrageous!

Several communities in our Almaguin Region have been suffering with a lack of essential services. Some services were in place only to be removed and followed up with statements like “brand new, state of the art” verbiage attached to hollow promises. I have a few examples to remind you; Burk’s Falls and surrounding communities have been in dire need of an emergency walk-in clinic for a number of years and they are still waiting for this service to become a reality. Political games have been played where a representative from one area tries to joust for the service to be in their neck of the woods or dangles a “brand new” facility over utilizing a building that was originally built as a “HOSPITAL”. But hey, isn’t that what they like to do?...spend taxpayer’s money on brand new over putting in some funds for renovation work and using the balance for some updated equipment and to HIRE STAFF? How long will it take for them to pull their heads out of their nether regions and get this service up and running????

A little farther north on Highway 11 you come to a small town struggling to keep it together, reeling as one essential service after another is removed and again with promises of “brand new, state of the art” replacement verbiage/garbage and a timeline given of 2 YEARS and here we are 6 FRICKEN YEARS later and no farther ahead! Actually, the town of Trout Creek is feeling the loss of 70 JOBS not to mention the 49 DISPLACED RESIDENTS when Lady Isabelle Nursing Home was closed in 2017.

We attended a town meeting where hollow promises were made saying not to worry a brand new state of the art 96 unit nursing home would be construction within 2 YEARS!!!!! NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE! A little farther north in the town of Powassan the Dosanjh Care Residence formerly known as Edie’s Residential Home, was shut down by Ministry of Health only to be reopened less than 30 days later after removing the 37 male residents from their home, one that has existed in the community for more than 40 years and placing them in a run down motel in North Bay! Our local MPP Vic Fedeli, bragged of securing $800,000 for the motel to be retrofitted for the men rather than investing that $800,000 in the Dosanjh Care Residence in Powassan.....which by the way was originally called The Temperance House built in 1887-88 by John and Marion Robertson.

It was also known as the Powassan Hotel.

Wouldn’t that fall under a heritage building? Wouldn’t it be worth investing money into this property to protect it as the landmark it is in the community of Powassan? Or, is it just something a big city like Toronto does? Don’t forget when they do this in them thar big ole cities it’s our ding dang tax dollars that go towards it! Just saying! Hello!!!!

So to re-cap; there is still NO emergency walk-in clinic in Burk’s Falls, NO Nursing Home in Trout Creek, NO home for men with mental health issues in Powassan AND......there are NO CLEAR answers coming forth on any dates from anybody when these essential services will be up and running!!!! Hmmmmmm! Is this a sign of progress? Asking for a friend.

Boy....my Feather’s are Ruffled!

Then there is the housing situation that affects us here as well as in several parts of our country. It’s disgraceful that our government draws a salary when their actions have caused so much devastation. Our elderly and vets are suffering while these blow hards stand there flip flopping because they can’t decide what they believe, who they support or who’s coat tails they want to ride. I realize it’s the nature of the game but this gal is sick and tired of the BS.

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

Every single member of every party should hang their heads in shame. Men and women who contributed and continue to contribute to our “freedoms/rights” are forgotten. They did the dirty deeds these high priced suits (both genders included here) were too afraid to do themselves.

Maybe if they had to actually “serve” their country before they could even apply/run for a political position it might make a difference! Maybe? They sure as hell wouldn’t let their brother/sister in arms live in the condition or state they are facing today!

There are tent cities all across our country now. How sad is that? I can’t blame them as the cost of living has sky rocketed since our PM has been in power....don’t forget he doesn’t have to worry about it...he was born with a silver spoon folks. At least Paul Martin didn’t draw a salary while in office....just saying.

Most cultures honour and respect their elders. They are revered as pillars of the community, wise sages and looked up to for a source of information and teachings.

Look at how they want to treat our elders here. Stick them in a home away from their families, provide them with some services, charge extravagant prices and then pat themselves on the back for a job well done.

Well done? It’s disgraceful!

Not every family can afford to keep their aging parents at home unfortunately and many more cannot afford the type of facility that would bring them peace of mind.

Maybe some of those millions of healthcare dollars could go towards allowing our elderly to live with dignity???

Our First People of this land instinctively had this woven into the fabric of their being and would probably still be living in that way if it were not for colonialism and genocide. Hmmmmm I would just like to put it out there that I would vote for Jody Wilson-Raybould for PM in a heartbeat. Come on Jody!!!! We need you.

Before I get onto my last topic I just want to say to our overpaid politicians “WE DON’T NEED MILLION DOLLAR CUSTOM HOMES “ we need AFFORDABLE realistic housing.

Ya....like 2 – 3 bedroom homes, bungalows, or townhouses. We don’t need 4,000 sq ft homes that will end up costing us more in taxes, heating, utilities and mortgage payments!!!!!

And finally I come to “Travel”. We are still in a situation where we need to be hypervigilant when driving our highways. Not that we didn’t before it’s just that now we face a large number of drivers who are not properly trained, some who do not hold a license but drive under another's’ and because they are not trained to be skilled drivers in our conditions there are too many unfortunate accidents that devastate families and our environment. The price is way too high in my personal opinion.

At least I have seen a couple of episodes where Marketplace and Fifth Estate went after the “schools” as well as the Ministry to expose the seriousness of this. Until Department of Transport and Ministry of Transportation gets involved for the safety of those who have to travel alongside these roadway missiles we will have to be very diligent in our driving practices....a few prayers or reaching out to whatever you believe in wouldn’t be out of line. We still have the bulk of winter ahead of us and the not so nice road conditions to travel on so please, exercise caution, buckle up, stay alert (no distractions while driving) and if you don’t have to be out there especially on the nasty days, please for the love of God stay home!

Next issue I hope to find out more about the Trout Creek Community Centre’s roofing issues that suddenly cropped up and see how they are progressing with ensuring safety for all who use the facility for hockey, skating, practices and events not to mention the town’s EMERGENCY SHELTER location!!! Let’s hope nothing happens between now and then!

Just for giggles I thought I would share a little something with you that I personally found way too funny. I was having a “discussion” with my American family over the holidays and boy do they like to push political buttons (I call it stirring the pot) lol.

Well....we Canadians might be a tad on the overly polite side, but we also have a very sharp sarcasm meter that can go off when least expected....but when well deserved.

Now, they (my US nephew) was making fun of us asking how many would be willing to become part of the US.... i.e. the 51st state? Well....besides the fact that their “President” I use the term loosely, doesn’t know his own geography and he has the audacity to stand on a mountain with our Canadian Flag like he’s King of the World overlooking Canada as his 51st state. I’d say not a snowballs chance in hell! Ahem.... that mountain range is the Matterhorn in Sweden. So I shared something I found rather appropriate to put things in perspective...it was a map showing the US as our 11th province! He, Trump, is a numbers man so if he doesn’t like being the 11th province he could always be the 4th territory! Ya....that’s right.

Until next time, wishing each and every one of you a Happy, Healthy New Year!

Let’s hope that 2025 is filled with positive progress

A8

I have not yet begun to procrastinate.

BAIN LAKE CRONICLES

with Tamara Bain

Beautiful Disaster

The day began at 2am. That should’ve been a sign to go back to bed, but nope, I chose to tempt the fates and kept going.

A week ago, I adopted an eight-weekold kitten/velociraptor. Up until I took her home, she still lived with her mom and two brothers. That first night was a long one, reminding me once again why we're meant to have our children when we're young.

Despite my best efforts, the new baby was enamored with poor LSL, aka, Long Suffering Larry, my dear, patient husband.

All she wanted to do was lay on his face, driving my slightly claustrophobic hubby, batty. Fearing a divorce, I grabbed the kitten and headed out to the living room to try and sleep on the couch.

Giving up at 5 am, I made Himself some coffee, tea for me, got the wood fire going, looked after the dog and The Queen, (my diabetic senior feline who rules the house) and fed the baby-raptor.

Picture it; me sitting in my mother’s wingback chair, .25-pound kitten playing around my feet, terrified 100-pound dog, trying to figure out the tiny-new-thing-mom-won'tlet-her-eat, LSL quietly sipping his coffee in his chair next to me.

Poof-the house went black. Hummm…..I called Hydro to report the issue and checked Facebook to find the outage extended all the way up to Sturgeon Falls.

I contacted our local radio station to give them a news-bite then muddled through the very dark, very quiet house looking for the flashlights. Keep in mind that every step I took was more of a shuffle-slide move as the new kitten bounced off my feet every other step while my dog, (nervous about the new addition), was practically Velcro-ed to my leg.

My daughter, who lives in the big farmhouse up from my house, needed to be in Powassan by 10 for appointments for herself and her two kids. I volunteered to do the farm chores so she could actually get away in time.

I haven’t done the chores since my second knee replacement 2 years ago when my daughter took over. I do not miss slugging heavy buckets of feed and water, mucking through all manner of poop, glasses steaming up because I dressed too warmly, breathing through my mouth around the farm smells, critters chompingat-the-bit for their breakfast.

Task finally completed I decided to make butter tarts as the power showed no signs of coming on and I have a propane oven.

I have a wide-mouthed margarita glass which I've found is the perfect size to cut my tart pastry. The moment I went to reach for it, the damn thing flung itself off the counter breaking in one point three million pieces, scattering from one end of the kitchen to the other. The sleeping baby-raptor suddenly sprung to life, bounding over to the shattered mess to investigate all the cool little things on the floor. I’ve never swept so fast!

Hydro was restored mid morning but our main system that supplies water to the entire camp has to be manually restarted

after a prolonged outage. Back up the hill I schlepped, down into the farmhouse basement to the water system. Despite it being a totally new pressure tank and switch, I managed to figure it out, holding the pressure switch at just the right place as the tank filled with water.

Back home, LSL arrived for lunch. As I was digging out a can of tuna from my pantry shelves, a can of corn came tumbling down onto my foot, hitting my middle toe dead on. My other hand held a bag of mini chocolate chips, (cause, well you know, tuna and chocolate chips, right?). Hulk mode now, I hurled the chocolate down on floor, bag breaking open, chipettes scattered in amongst the bits of glass I’d still not vacuumed up under a cabinet, kitten happily batting the whole mess further into cracks and crevasses, (I’ve since vacuumed at least 6 times and she shuffled out a chippett from under the cabinet yesterday).

Later in the afternoon, I was unloading a furniture cart from the back of our side-by-side UTV. It came down onto the icy driveway a little more forcefully than I intended, bouncing back up hitting my cheekbone square-on. It was like a scene from Bugs Bunny; little stars and birdies flitted about my head. I was sure my cheek was broken but my good strong German/ Scottish bones are made of strong stuff.

That night my oldest grandson stopped in afterschool to help wear-out the Baby Raptor. He and the kitten were happily playing in the living room while I made red pepper soup for supper. The recipe said to transfer the soup to a blender to make it nice and smooth. I poured the hot soup in my blender, secured the lid and turned it on.

Scalding hot liquid interspersed with chunks of red pepper and onion spewed out from the top of the blender jar. Somehow, I managed to shut it off and just stood

there, surrounded by total ruin; the floor around me was covered in soup, except for a perfect Tamara-sized cutout where my body had blocked the mess.

The kitchen wall is bare drywall at the moment as we are still renovating. Do you know red pepper soup does NOT come off drywall? The soup-splattered window cleaned-up well, I slopped up some of the soup from the floor before I told my grandson I had to go change. The wise-beyondhis-years kid had been trying not to notice the chaos I’d created in the kitchen.

There are still red pepper bits in the wash tub, left from where I shook out my sweater, top, hair and glasses.

LSL arrived home just as I was mopping up the floor for the third time, ignorant of the hornets nest he was walking into. I have scald burns on my chest where the hot soup landed, a perfect outline of the bra I had on.

To the average bystander one might think I’ve been involved in a hit and run or at least fallen down an elevator shaft; I have a black bruise in the crook of my elbow where I’d had blood taken earlier in the week, my right cheekbone is swollen and red, a funky scald burn over the right side of my chest, blistered splotches scattered where the hot chunks landed, and my left pointer finger is still healing from an earlier kitchen knife incident.

I forgot to grab something when I jumped in the shower this morning. Larry to the rescue, but instead of handing me what I'd asked for, he just stood there for a minute observing the hot mess. slowly shook his head, and sadly said, “Awe, my beautiful little disaster…”.

I didn’t know whether I should hug or slug ‘em!

Tamara Bain, sending herself out of 2024 with a BANG.

What was the best thing BEFORE sliced bread?

REMEMBERING ROD

Stories from Rod Urquhart

FOND MEMORIES OF SUNDRIDGE AND MY YOUTH

I think I started going up to Sundridge -_when I was age 15- ever since I've had a passionate love of Sundridge, it's people, and Lake Bernard, as mentioned now in earlier chapters At age 67, it’s easy to look back at eventful summers in my youth at the Minor’s cottage on Lake Bernard Kevin Minor and I met the first day of grade 9 and became lifelong friends. We were practically the only long hairs entering grade 9 that year - rebels at a young age. At that time, we were both in a five year program and had to take grade 13, where our marks in that year would help us in our university selection. It's just so much different today But back to Sundridge. Kevin's cottage was next to the Johnstons’ owned by Ross and Marie and they had three children the oldest boy Gordie, helped Kevin and me out of a real jam one night Kevin and I used to walk over to his uncle's, Jim Lang, to play some billiards in his recreation room. Remember, Kevin and I were both skinny as a rake long hair down our backs basically what the locals called ‘freaks’ back in late 60s and early 70s.

Kevin and I were coming back from Jim’s after a night of pool and visiting. We no

sooner got out on the main road that runs through Sundridge than two cars, filled with local’s stopped to harass us. Now, Kevin and I were into ‘peace and love’ and that wasn't what was in the eyes of these locals they wanted the blood of two young hippies.

We were just about to be pummeled when another car stops was only two guys in it one of them is Gordie Johnston and when these short hairs (basically what was known back then as Greasers) , So Gordie, they immediately got back in their cars and drove off at high speed –Gordy never said a word - he just got out of his car and stood there, well I don't know about Kevin but I was thoroughly impressed. Now that's respect (Gordie, I heard from Kevin, has passed away as have Ross and Marie).

Kevin and I in later years rode our motorcycles up for a weekend at his cottage. We became friends with many of the locals, (excuse me but I can't remember last names). Jake was one cool dude who lived on a farm; just outside of town there were brothers Liam and Morgan, who lived just on the outskirts of the main town, whose dad was one of the finest fishermen I have ever known; and, there was a fellow named Ralph, whose parents owned a big white two-story house just on the outskirts of town with a marvelous hunting camp lodge tucked in his backyard (I heard Ralph went into radio in North Bay in later years).

Ralph would let us come over for sleepovers in his hunting camp. it had a number of bunk beds, and we'd usually stay up all night kibitzing. Kevin’s mother Phid would wonder why, when we came back to the cottage. Kevin and I would sleep all day.

Many, many summers spent at the Minor’s cottage - even when Kevin and I got jobs to pay our way through university, we would usually make the trek up north on weekends. It was just a special time in my life on which I look back fondly!

A Jewish Christmas

Jim Shedden

I had a call the other day that caught me totally off guard.

Part of my childhood was growing up in Sarnia. One of my best friends was Stephan G. (for short). His parents owned a shoe store downtown Sarnia. One day we hear a knock at the door and its Stephan’s dad. He was delivering an invitation to the family to attend Stephan’s bar mitzvah. I had no idea what that was. All I knew was that Stephan was my best friend. My dad sat me down and went over it with me. I thought “cool”.

Let's go. A couple years later at 15 the family ended up moving to Oakville. Stephan and I lost touch. The phone call that I received the other day was from Stephan.

He found my number through my James Shedden Photography website. Turns out he has been following my photography for years and never connected the dots, probably because everyone knows me as Jim. I was really taken aback. During the call Stephan brought up his bar mitzvah.

The subject moved to his grandparents whom we had met numerous times in the past. His grandparents were survivors of Treblinka death camp in Poland. After immigrating to Canada and settling in Sarnia, Ontario his grandmother co-founded the Sarnia chapter of the Women’s Jewish League. Stephan’s mother and my own mother became very close friends. My mom was a member of the Loyal Order of the Eastern Star which is the lady's version of the Mason’s whom my dad was a part of. My mom’s group would make beef and turkey pies in early December. It was a big deal for us. Keeping that in mind, Stephan’s mom and grandmother would make the Jewish version of the pies as well. Then the two groups would get together and go around to the churches in the community to deliver pies to the less fortunate. I never thought that this was strange. It was just every day stuff to us. There was no ”one upping” or “I’m better than you” attitudes.

This was just good people helping people.

I forgot about this tradition over the years until Stephan and I reconnected. I told Cyndi that I think that this old tradition is going to be reborn next year.

Thanks Stephan.

A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital. When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was a nurse said 'No change yet'.

Tobacco Smoke Enema Kit (1750s – 1810s).

The tobacco enema was used to infuse tobacco smoke into a patient’s rectum for various medical purposes, but primarily the resuscitation of drowning victims.

A rectal tube inserted into the anus was connected to a fumigator and bellows that forced the smoke into the rectum. The warmth of the smoke was thought to promote respiration. Doubts about the credibility of tobacco enemas led to the popular phrase “blowing smoke up your arse.”

As you are most likely aware, this odd tool is still heavily used by all levels of government.

The country code for Russia is “007″.

Pickled Pike – Best pickled pike recipe EVER!

4 1/2 pounds of pike fillets cut into bite-sized pieces (SKINNED) 7 cups water,1 cup coarse salt, 1 bottle white vinegar, 2 1/2 cups sugar, ¼ cup pickling spices (should have cardamom in contents),1 cup DRY white wine,1 onion , thinly sliced.

Fill gallon jar with 7 cups water and 1 cup coarse salt. Stir until dissolved. Add cut-up pike fillets to jar. Refrigerate 48 hours. Drain and empty jar and rinse well. Return fish to empty jar and cover with white vinegar.

Refrigerate 24 hours. Remove fish from jar, but save vinegar. Boil 4 cups vinegar for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add 2 1/2 cups sugar. Stir until dissolved and let cool. Add 1/4 cup pickling spices and 1 cup good quality dry white wine.. Layer fish in jar, alternating with thin slices of onion. Completely cover with liquid. Let stand in refrigerator for 3 weeks.

CLASSIFIED

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Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

A9

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

REFELTIONS 101

carrot being the prize that drove them.

Push, push, push, not protecting the people or their budgets of future councils, not listen to people who were familiar with these types of buildings. And the Pool Board Chair I add you to the list. Bullies when they are confronted, can’t handle the Catharina Bowers comments that are coming back at them.

They cower away like Donald Sanderson INSERT CATHARINA did. He may regroup, plan new strategy, stroke their pride, and come back another She’s back, the troubleday when it suits them. They often don't maker of Whitestone, want to hear the truth if it doesn't suit all because of that darn them. The topic of West Parry Sound Pool? pool. It is easier to write how I feel than to actual- I’m not so sure that our man Sanderson will ever be totally transparent and really tell ly say it out loud. What I would like you to know is us the truth about what is happening with that if I write something, the build that a lot of people are on the hook for. I’ll come back to that a little later, I mean it. And given the opportunity, I will say it to your face, not just further down. on paper. I am going to always tell you how I In the mean time, I am trying to live positively in today’s world. feel about it.

It is a new world post-COVID though, and we Canadians are not liking what is happening. a) The Carbon Tax….ohhhhhh don’t get me going. b) Vaccinate, or not? c) Then there is also inflation and the cost of living. Do you have money growing on trees in your backyard? I don’t, none of us folk do. (I can just hear my mother…) d) The millions and millions of acres of trees that we have in Canada, neutralized a lot of the exhaust fumes. We continue to pay through the nose. Where does the money collected from people with the carbon tax go? Then we get some of it back, what is this? Nice we get it back. But I would rather not pay it in the first place.

That trucker who fills up at a fuel station if he didn’t have to pay the exorbitant cost of fuel, products would cost less. Carbon Tax, it only drives our products arriving by truck to cost so much more. Immigration and what it means to the average CanadiI would publicly like to thank Deputy an.

Mayor Joe Lamb, for preparing this report, Same with a family who has a couple and for saving the ratepayers of Whitestone of kids, we no longer can afford the little potentially millions of dollars. The majority outing on a Sunday afternoon anymore. of people didn't want a pool and he and The Road Trip they call it. First, they must Councillor Brian Woods and former Counfill up.

It is now for the average car owncillor Beth Gorham Matthews listened. We er to fill up to the tune of about $62 on should throw them a parade, or set aside average a week.

That is without driving a day to thank them for saving our bacon. that extra little road trip to keep the family Thank you!!! sane.

So, if you go for that extra Sunday These three are responsible for working drive your fuel cost will rise exponentially. out the deal that spared us from being tied That means you could be spending to the Pool debacle. It was very clear, the $3,200 average per year on average.

Then donation of $250K would only be paid if when you are out, there is the cost of a certain stipulations were satisfied. So far meal on the road or treats…family of 4, the terms have not been satisfied. But they could run you, $13.10 – $20 per person… certainly want our money. that is McDonald's, $20 per person at BosBeing a few years older, I have also ton Pizza or if you take your Sunday drive lost my filter when it comes to a number on a Tuesday you could have Pasta Tuesday of topics, the pool in Parry Sound, probaspecial starting at $11.99. Some offer a $15 bly being near the top of my list of things lunch plus drink. By the time you get a cold that are totally unfair to the taxpayers of drink another $1.00 to 10.99, or a coffee West Parry Sound. Other things I have is $6.99 but they tell me online prices may also written about…OHIP and its decision vary and are subject to change. So your to cut the funding of treatments that work little afternoon excursion could end up for patients. Trudeau and his arrogant way costing you a small fortune, and momma of dismissing questions, and talking a blue says, I could have bought a bag of groceries streak about nothing. Mr. Ford for flip-flopfor that. But wasn’t it a fun time out with ping around and not sticking to his promisthe children??? Not always, es. And of course the Carbon Tax. Ok kids, we promised you ice cream…

I am so tired of people in places of trust, you could stop at Duck Rock in the summaking decisions which usually end up costmertime, or at any other time at an ice ing the taxpayer more money. Then being cream franchise like Baskin-Robbins $2.75 treated like crap by these people because to $5.49 a cone.

Nice treat, reasonable their ego is so big, and their need to be cost.

But, I want a waffle Cone…$4.39, fanimportant so large that their swollen head cy waffle cone goes for $5.49 and if you go barely fits through the door frame. These on your birthday they will give you a free entitled beings are often bullies. The mayors scoop on your birthday if you are signed up who were originally the ones bringing it to to their Birthday Club.

You can figure out their municipality were bullies. Not prowhat your treat will cost.

It’s not cheap, tecting the people they serve is so wrong, you are better of to buy a carton of ice but insisting that the pool was a good thing, cream take it home and binge on it. when financially it wasn't. The $23 million

Whitestone Needs to Thank Deputy Mayor Lamb

Very Important to the Guys

Jim Shedden Guys: We are being screwed. I ran out of razors so I asked my “beloved” Cyndi if I could use one of hers. Cyndi kindly gave me one. Anywho, this razor was the best ever. No more of those “manly” razors for Jim. Go pink or go home. I am not kidding it lasted at least 7 times longer than the “mans” version.

Great North Arrow

Why didn’t I think of that?! We

guarantee you’ll be uttering those words more than once at these ingenious little tips, tricks and ideas that solve everyday problems … some you never knew you had!

Now the holiday season is over and you want to put away that fancy silver, why not put it away clean with little extra effort! CLEAN YOUR BLING: 1 tbsp salt , 1 tbsp baking soda 1 tbsp dish detergent , 1 c water, 1 pc aluminum foil. Heat water in the microwave for 2 minutes.Cover a small bowl with alum foil,Pour hot water into bowl. Place

Now that I have sweetened up, and thought about ice cream…

I am disappointed and annoyed that Don Sanderson the Chair of the West Parry Sound Recreational and Cultural Centre Board would disrespect Whitestone Council the way he did by not showing up for a delegation to Council. It was he who initiated the appointment to speak to Whitestone Council on the 10th of December. If I can't make an appointment, I phone, text, or email to make sure that there is no inconvenience or problem and we reschedule. ( Please read the blog,Part 1- December 11th, 2024, Relections101.com) Sanderson does not respect Whitestone.

I think by now, the board will not be sending an updated accounting of what this pool is going to cost. It isn't the same pool that we had shoved down our throats by all the mayors in West Parry Sound including our own mayor. There are so many changes that it isn't even the same building anymore. We would be crazy to think we owe them anything. I am so glad and proud that our council made stipulations with respect to the $250,000 plus . I am pleased that Deputy Mayor Joe Lamb read his report and questions into the public record at noon Tuesday. The people of Whitestone should be proud of their council for standing up to this bully Mr. Sanderson. Thank goodness the majority of Council has our best interest at heart.

Sanderson made a quick recovery (if he was ill Jeanne), he was well enough to chair a meeting of the pool board on Dec. 11th, but I have noticed in watching the video of the meeting, the questions we want answered are all discussed in camera. And oddly enough at the end of their meeting, someone mentioned that they were getting many donations from Whitestone.

I say, that is wonderful. The handful who wanted a pool, can donate all they want. If you think we are going to feel bad that we voted against the pool...forget it, The report and the questions read into the public record after Don Sanderson didn’t show for his delegation with Whitestone Council today December 10th at 10 AM. The Report and Questions were prepared by Deputy Mayor Joe Lamb.

I would like to add, Robin Plumb’s comment: The Chair of the Pool Board had requested and received approval to present the status of the project to Whitestone Council this morning and ask for funding.

He failed to show up and provided no prior notice. Council had to go into recess to find out that he decided not to present.

So, the Council proceeded to discuss their issues in Don Sanderson's absence. Here are remarks made and shared by their Deputy Mayor. (The full report is available on Facebook and at https://reflections101. com under Blog on the menu.-cb) Seems Whitestone has figured out that the Project is facing insolvency without a minimum cash injection of $8MM if the latest project components come in on budget (which is nearly impossible). Thank you Robin.

I don’t know where the money will come from and neither does the board at this time. It’s like begging for a want instead of a need. It won’t be coming from our taxes we are protected. Now why would you buy something that you know is not going to work properly? Why would Jamie McGarvey and his posse of mayors from the surrounding area sell, and sell some more to people who didn’t even want a pool. Then there are some who still think it is a wonderful idea. Guess salt, soda, and dishwashing liquid into bowl.

Place jewelry on top of foil and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse jewelry in cool water and dry jewelry completely with soft cloth. Discard solution after use and make a new batch next time.

Simple toothpaste will take the haze from the inside of your headlight covers … you will be amazed how much better you will see at night!

Those wild and crazy nail polish colours that are so trendy right now make excellent paint for the end of keys to help you identify what they are for.

Place vanilla scented tea lights in a bowl of coffee beans. The warmth of the candles will heat up the coffee beans and make your home smell like French vanilla coffee yummy!

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

they were not stellar students in math. We knew that 2 years ago, the embarrassment is even worse now.

They put in a basketball court…guess what, it isn’t regulation size I have been told. So, you can maybe go and dribble for $5. There is also no money to buy gym equipment. A gym without equipment is used for what? Since the gym has no equipment, it can be rented out to someone who would like to have a sport's shop in this recreational and cultural setting. It would at least create revenue to help offset the cost of running the building.

It may work for a year, but like my old bread machine, if it doesn’t work, it becomes a white elephant, and you get rid of it. If there are shortages now already before it isn’t finished…it will bleed you dry. I wish they could suck in their gut and stop the torment. The begging for money is not on my hit parade, but fighting for a pool, that we do not want; for many reasons is ridiculous. We are surrounded by lakes here in the West Parry Sound area. To have to pay to swim in a chlorine-filled pool, 40 to 50 minutes away just seems sacrilegious, it doesn’t make sense.

Why didn’t they build a pool in the new school, with access doors to the outside.

I think the provincial and federal governments have wasted taxpayers money again. $23, Million shot! We contributed to that too.

Robin Plumb wrote: “ I know at least one of your council members spent a good deal of time preparing some questions that your community would like to have answered. They had to call him while Council twiddled its thumbs waiting for him. That should tell you what the Pool Board thinks of Whitestone's residents and also something about what is really going on with the project. Do you think they don't want it known that the project has a 25-30% funding deficiency? According to the new project manager/general contractor's estimates, they need $28-32MM to complete the project (with no cost overruns) but have only $17MM in funds available. That's an incredible gap.”

Thank you Robin Plumb, good work as always.

Well, pool masters I wish you luck, if you can figure it out, all the power in the world to you. What we want to know is, where & when will you make your shortages known? When will the secrecy stop? When will Mr. Sanderson and his board become transparent and accountable?

If you would like to read the report that Deputy Mayor Lamb read into the public record, please refer to my Wednesday blog No Show Don Sanderson. https://reflections101.com Be careful in the snow. Who from Whitestone will be driving to the PS pool in rough winter weather (if the pool opens)?

If the school bus can't get your kids to school; we have already had at least 8 days this year and it is only December 15th. Are we going to potentially risk life and limb for a pool in Parry Sound?

Read Part 1 in Catharina's Weekly Blog - Read about my latest involvement in the community, with my friends, with my health, politics, outings, and family. My experiences will resonate with you too I am sure. https://reflections101.com/blog/

Did you stock up on Christmas paper on sale? Do you have lots and lots left over? Save money and save it for next year with this simple little idea! Save your toilet paper rolls and cut them down the side.

Use these to make a ‘wrap’ around for your long wrapping paper tubes to keep wrapping in place! Secure with a rubber band! No more ripped paper from taping!

Be snuggly in the cold months with ‘tights’ Organize your tights Rather than bundling them in your drawer, loop tights over a coat hanger and store them in your wardrobe.

Let’s make this year a ‘simpler one!’ Let’s start January off right!

Don’t forget, send us your helpful tips… make life a little easier!

See you next month, Cyndi

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I have friends who swear they dream in color; I say it's just a pigment of their imagination.

Fun Facts, Canada: Canada’s Oldest Independent Brewery

With Dog On A Root

- jim Young, LORING, ON “Coo loo coo coo, coo coo coo coo.

Coo loo coo coo, coo coo coo coo.” - Bob & Doug McKenzie

When most people think of Canadian Breweries they tend to envision the three big ones that are the primary owners of the Beer Store - Molson, Labatt and Sleeman.

There seems to be an unwritten rule that early Canadian Breweries had to be started by guys named John as in John Molson, John Labatt and John Sleeman.

But Canada’s oldest independent brewery is an exception to the rule. It might surprise you to know that this title goes, not to any of the big three that are no longer fully Canadian owned corporations, but to Moosehead Breweries in Saint John, New Brunswick.

Like the Johns who founded the Molson, Labatt and Sleeman Breweries, the founder of Moosehead Breweries immigrated to Canada from the U.K. However unlike the big three the Moosehead founder was not named John nor was he even a “he”.

Arriving in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia with her husband, along with their family, Susannah Oland began brewing beer in her backyard.

Susannah’s “October Brown Ale” became popular in the community leading to the formation of Turtle Grove Brewery in 1867 just 90 days after Canada had become a country.

Of course, all women in 1867 were still denied the right to vote and married women were not permitted to enter into contracts. When a Canadian woman married in 1867 all her wages, real estate and personal property were then controlled by her husband. Accordingly, The Turtle Grove Brewery was incorporated under the name of her husband as “John Oland and Son” and yet one more Canadian brewery was founded by a “John” if only on paper.

Beset with tragedies such as the unexpected death of her husband and two separate fires which twice destroyed the brewery, Susannah struggled to keep her brewery operating. Upon her death in 1885, Susannah left the brewery to her youngest son and daughter.

The Oland & Son Brewery, as it was then known, struggled to survive through the Temperance Movement and prohibition, another fire and the destruction of the brewery caused by the Halifax Explosion of 1917. A brewery in Saint John, New Brunswick was purchased to keep the beer flowing and remains the current site of Moosehead Breweries today.

In 1928 “Moosehead Pale Ale” was brewed for the first time and by 1947 the brewery was renamed “Moosehead Breweries”.

157 years later Canada’s oldest independent brewery is still 100% Canadian Owned and is still owned and operated by the 6th generation of the Oland Family.

“Moosehead Breweries”, a proclaimed favourite of Canadian actor Michael J. Fox continues to churn out 1,642 bottles of beer per minute.

Or to put it another way, in the length of time it took you to read this article, 246 cases of two-four Moosehead Ale have rolled off the assembly line. (More if you read it out loud.)

So much beer - so little time.

- 30 To read more of jim’s articles, visit www. dogonaroot.com

A Holiday Staycation in Parry Sound: Exciting Activities for Youth

the many community events hosted by the Rotary Club of West Parry Sound. For instance, upcoming events like movie nights, sports events, and cultural programs can provide young people with opportunities With Linda West As the holiday season to learn, connect, and grow. These iniapproaches, the Parry tiatives help create a sense of belonging, Sound area is shaping encouraging youth to stay engaged in the community and develop a passion for up to be the perfect giving back. It's no surprise that Rotary of place for a Christmas West Parry Sound’s commitment to youth staycation, especially is a central theme for their programming, for local youth. With a mild forecast for the helping to create a generation of leaders season, it's a fantastic who will continue to impact Parry Sound opportunity for families to make the most of and beyond in meaningful ways. the winter break right here in our community. Looking Ahead to 2025 So, whether you're skating in one of the A Time to Stay Local and Stay Safe many centres in our area, bowling with With schools closed for two weeks, there's friends, hiking through the winter forest, no shortage of fun and exciting activities to or gathering around a campfire, there’s enjoy in and around Parry Sound. Whether no shortage of exciting activities to enjoy you're taking a leisurely stroll through our this Christmas vacation in Parry Sound. picturesque downtown or gathering by a With mild weather and an abundance of campfire with friends, this is the ideal time community spirit, it's shaping up to be the to embrace all that our beautiful area has perfect staycation for youth of all ages. to offer. However, it's important to rememA Safe, Fun, and Memorable Holiday Seaber that while the weather looks favorable, son safety should always come first. Stay off the lakes and rivers, as the ice may not be stable Winter in Parry Sound transforms the outdoors into a wonderland of adventure, enough for outdoor activities. But don't perfect for families and friends to explore worry—the outdoors is still yours to explore! Toasting marshmallows on an evening together. From the crunch of snow under snowshoes to the thrill of tobogganing campfire with loved ones is just one of the many cozy and memorable ways to spend the down local hills, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the season. Snow-covered holidays.

Winter Fun at the Bobby Orr Community Cen- trails invite cross-country skiing and winter hikes, while a cozy bonfire under the stars tre (BOCC) can make even the chilliest night magical.

One of the highlights for local youth this Christmas break is the Free Skates at multiple For those feeling more daring, snowmobiling or fat tire biking adds an edge of excitesites (see below). The rinks are open ment, while quieter moments like building

I want patience - AND I WANT IT NOW!!!!

If the first butterfly you see in the year is white, you will have good luck

all year. Three butterflies together mean good luck.

Seeing an ambulance is very unlucky unless you pinch your nose or hold your breath until you see a black or a brown dog.

‘Touch your toes Touch your nose Never go in one of those’ Until you see a dog.

To predict the sex of a baby: Suspend a wedding band held by a piece of thread over the palm of the pregnant girl. If the ring swings in an oval or circular motion the baby will be a girl. If the ring swings in a straight line the baby will be a boy.

If you cut an apple in half and count how many seeds are inside, you will also know how many children you will have.

A bird flying into your house for no apparent reason, is a sign of good luck and fortune for the owner- not so much for the bird! It may also be a sign of news from a distance.

Wild animal tracks in the snow, completely encircling your house are another sign of good luck.

If an eyelash falls out, put it on the back of the hand, make a wish and throw it over your shoulder. If it flies off the hand the wish will be granted.

It's bad luck to leave a project unfinished. The intended recipient will get bad luck from the unfinished item.

Stabbing your needles though your yarn balls brings bad luck to anyone who wears something made from that yarn.

Don't knit a pair of socks for your boyfriend or he'll walk away from you.

If you knit one of your own hairs into a garment, it will bind the recipient to you.

Knitting for children you may have in the future, but before you are pregnant, is bad luck (it may prevent one from getting pregnant, or bring ill health to the baby).

Two rights do not make a wrong, they make an airplane.

for public skating, giving kids and families a chance to lace up glide around, sometimes to festive tunes. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a first-timer, it's a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the fresh winter air.

For those interested in something a little different, five-pin bowling sessions are a popular option. January 4 from 2:00–4:00 PM, kids can enjoy an afternoon of bowling. This event is a perfect way to get out of the house and have some competitive fun with friends.

The Rotary Club of West Parry Sound has generously supported the bowling program, helping to make these events affordable for everyone. Just email us to tell us you are coming at wpsclubs@gmail.com Outdoor Adventures and Nature Connection The holiday season is also a great time to explore the beauty of Parry Sound's outdoors.

The "Warming Up to Winter" event will be held on January 3, 2025, from 2:00–4:00 PM. Hosted by the Rotary Club of West Parry Sound, this event invites families to bundle up and take a short hike through the forest, followed by a campfire to warm up. It’s an opportunity to connect with nature and each other in a relaxed, fun environment. Though the terrain may be uneven, it's a great way to spend some quality time outside, enjoying the winter wonderland. Once again just email us to tell us you are coming at wpsclubs@ gmail.com The Rotary Club's Focus on Youth The Rotary Club of West Parry Sound is providing local opportunities for young people.

Their support for youth-related events like drama classes, arts activities, and cultural exchange programs helps create pathways for leadership and personal growth. They hope to participate in such programs as Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) and the Rotary Youth Exchange, thus empowering youth to develop skills that will benefit them for years to come This commitment to youth is also reflected in

snow forts or stargazing remind us of winter’s simple joys. These activities don’t need special venues or timelines—just a bit of creativity, warm layers, and the desire to make memories in Parry Sound’s backyard.

So, gather your loved ones, head outdoors, and let the season inspire your own winter traditions.

So grab your skates, your friends, your family, and your holiday spirit, and dive into all the wonderful experiences waiting for you in Parry Sound this season. It's truly a great place to stay and play this Christmas vacation!

The Bobby Orr Community Centre (BOCC) in Parry Sound offers several free public skating sessions during the holiday season.

Here's the upcoming schedule: Free Holiday Skating Schedule: January 4: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Sponsored

by Kingston Electric) Please note that children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult during these sessions.

Humphrey Community Centre Free Holiday Skating: January 4: 11:00 AM – 12:50 PM January 5: 11:00 AM – 12:50 PM Note: The arena is closed on December 24–26, 31, and January 1.

McDougall Recreation Centre: Open Daily: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (weather permitting) Kinsmen Park Skating Schedule: Monday to Friday: 3:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Skating 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM: Hockey Weekends and Holidays: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Skating 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Hockey 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Skating 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Hockey from left to right are Kira Langendoen, Diana Clements, and President Rick Cain.

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

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

Monday to Saturday : 6am to 9pm Sunday : 7am to 9pm Convenience Store / Lottery Retailer / Automated Teller Machine (ATM) "I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have." - Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

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!)

The Whoopee Cushion

By Richard Dowson Did you know that imitating the sound of a fart has a history dating back to Roman times? And maybe before – like in caves?

And did you know the modern Whoopee Cushion was a Canadian invention. In the 1930s the JEM Rubber Co. of Toronto made the first modern whoopee cushion. They franchised the idea out to an American company.

The Whoopee Cushion is so iconic that Heritage Toronto erected a plaque near where the old JEM Rubber Company factory was located at Dundas Street West and Scarlett Road.

Credit The Toronto Star Credit: Heritage Toronto

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

Great North Arrow

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Clairvoyants meeting canceled due to unforeseen events.

GST CONTINUED....

Page 1

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

When four of Santa's elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce toys as fast as the regular ones, and Santa began to feel the Pre-Christmas pressure. Then Mrs. Claus told Santa her Mother was coming to visit, which stressed Santa even more.

When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence and were out, heaven knows where. Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked, the toy bag fell to the ground and all the toys were scattered. Frustrated, Santa went in the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered the elves had drunk all the cider and hidden the liquor. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider jug, and it broke into hundreds of little glass pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found the mice had eaten all the straw off the end of the broom.

Just then the doorbell rang, and an irritated Santa marched to the door, yanked it open, and there stood a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.

The angel said very cheerfully, 'Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't this a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?'

And thus began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.

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dulge me, I would like to provide you with some of my observations of the folly of it.

Credentials You should know that my opinions here are substantiated with some facts to back up the claims I make to the best of my ability.

For a few years now I have been tracking almost ALL of my personal expenditures.

(One of the perks or perils of being OCD.) Admittedly I miss a few, but not very many and I’m sure my local vendors will support this claim knowing how often I request receipts (probably to their annoyance) for even the smallest purchases of things like a bag of potato chips, a small packet of gum or even a single edition of the Great North Arrow Newspaper. (There’s a nickel to be saved there.)

Personally, I sometimes find it difficult to put a lot of credibility into statements made by others that begin with “I believe I spent about…”, “I paid in the neighbourhood of…” or “It cost me somewhere between…”

So when I tell you that I saved “x” number of dollars on something, you should know that I have facts to back up my statement. Of course even those facts are always presented with E.&O.E. If lawyers and bankers who are respected resources that we depend on to be accurate can claim E.& O.E. in their statements (particularly their invoices) then I should also be afforded the same allowance. (Editor’s note: For anyone who may not be aware, E.&.O.E. is an acronym for “errors and omissions excepted”.)

But I believe there are fewer E.&O.s in my record keeping than you might expect of many others.

Ridicule me as a “fact-checker” if you will but I have always been proud of my level of accuracy.

Savings To Date So with that in mind, with a clear conscience I can tell you that in the first 5 days of the government HST/GST rebate, I have calculated that I have saved a sum of $33.47.

That’s not too shabby. I’ll take it. Thank you Mr. Trudeau.

I voluntarily declined my very first GST rebate of 5 cents on December 14 as I saw the difficulty that processing my transaction was causing a small business employee on the first day the tax break took effect.

The cashier’s frustration and struggle did not justify the value of the savings to me.

Apparently I have a recourse to apply to have the government reimburse me for this over payment, but only if I have enough claims that add up to a total of $2.00 or more.

I will meet that minimum requirement and you can bet I will be applying for these rebates at the end of the term. (Another little OCD quirk of mine.) As I mentioned earlier I do not begrudge paying my fair share of taxes but likewise I believe I am equally entitled to my fair share of tax refunds and rebates.

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

Every individual's savings will vary according to their circumstances and lifestyles, but let’s take a look at more of my transactions since those first 5 days.

At the time of this writing and almost 2 weeks into the tax break, my savings now stand at almost $65. More if you count up the rebates I will be applying for at the end of the term, along with my initial five cent overpayment.

Opting Out One restaurant my wife and I visited has chosen to “opt-out” of the GST/HST Tax Break. So I will save that receipt and apply for another $10 tax refund. (Hint: Be sure to scan the receipts you save to apply for your tax refunds. Thermal printers are currently used for many retail receipts.

These have a tendency to fade very quickly rendering them unreadable. When it comes time to prove your overpayment of taxes, the government is NOT likely to take your word for it.)

Can retail businesses even do that?

Here’s what the Government of Canada has to say about that. “You should automatically receive this tax break from the seller on the qualifying items you purchase…”

Notice the wording is “You should…” not “you shall…” or “you will…” or “you must…”.

“You should…” means something very different from those words.

I couldn't find anything on the Government of Canada’s website regarding the rules for opting out. However, according to a report on CP24.com, “Rechie Valdez, the federal minister of small business, told reporters that the government “expects” retailers to comply.”

At the same time, CP24.com also reported, “The government confirmed that, in fact, no business, whether it’s a manufacturer, wholesaler or even a retailer, is required to participate in the GST, HST holiday. If they don’t, the business or even the final end consumer can go back to the Canada Revenue Agency and request a refund.”

The small business that I spoke to claimed that it would cost them $1,000 to have their cash registers re-programmed to accommodate the tax break for a 2 month period. Large businesses and chains may be able to accommodate and absorb extra costs like that, but it’s a deal breaker for smaller operations.

What’s The Break / What’s The Deal?

If we take a look at the rest of my purchases to date, we will see that ALL of those GST savings were a result of purchases I made on alcohol, junk food and eating out.

Let’s take a look at what goods are eligible for the GST/HST tax break. According to the Government’s press release, “groceries (aren’t most groceries already tax free?), restaurant meals, drinks, snacks, children’s clothing and gifts” are some of the items that will be tax exempt. Will the diamond

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It's hard to make a comeback when you haven't been anywhere.

Why Unions Are Dividing Canada and Wrecking the Economy

potential tears from missing gifts on Christmas Day. This strike shows Canada’s unions at their worst: heartless, greedy, selfish and plain awful.

It is common to laugh or sneer when the words “Canada Post” come up. The Gwyn Morgan nation’s once-proud mail service has been In an era of constrained budgets and com- on a long downward slide; it lost $315 million in the third quarter and is headed petitive challenges, Canada’s beleaguered for its seventh straight year in the red. But economy has become beset with strikes whenever a strike hits and Canada Post called by unions demanding double-digit stops operating, it becomes instantly clear wage hikes. The cost to our economy and society is becoming unsustainable, and pow- that it remains an essential service.

But this isn’t just about one strike. erful unions are increasingly dividing Canada According to Statistics Canada, the nation into a nation of “haves” – overpaid unionis in the midst of a huge multi-year wave ized workers – and “have nots” – everyone of strikes and lockouts, with the key metric else. of “person days not worked” more than Nowhere is this divide more evident quadrupling from 1,451,556 in 2020 to than in the recent strike by Canada Post 6,584,618 last year. This year is shaping up workers – a 55,000-strong union demandto be another bad one, with over 700 work ing a 24 percent wage increase over four stoppages and over 400,000 workers off years. A stunning 10 million parcels went the job through the end of October. That undelivered in just the first week of the includes workers at the nation’s two largest strike, leaving individuals and thousands railroads, Canadian Pacific and Canadian of Canadian small businesses scrambling National, which represent the only ecoto make alternative arrangements. Service nomically viable shipping option for tens of Canada had to hold off mailing out 85,000 passports, forcing many Canadians to cancel thousands of farms, commercial enterprises and major industrial facilities. And the travel plans they had already paid for. country’s two biggest ports, Vancouver and Pension and financial assistance cheques Montreal, saw labour disputes in Novemhave been affected, and charities have felt ber that disrupted $1.2 billion in shipments the drop in incoming cheques and pledge per day. forms. Such damage is on top of the busiWhile unions claim to advocate for fairness losses that will be incurred by Canada’s ness, their wage demands and disruption already-struggling retail sector – and the

SADLY, KNITTING THREE TOGETHER IS CLOSING

HUNTSVILLE: Knitting Three Together Dear Valued Customers, It is with heavy hearts that Shelley and I announce the closure of our store. After much consideration, we’ve realized that we can’t continue under the current circumstances. The challenging economy, combined with a shift in consumer spending habits and the recent postal strike affecting our online business, has made it increasingly difficult for us to sustain our operations. We have explored various strategies to attract customers, but unfortunately, none have made a significant impact. As we prepare to close this chapter, we want to express

tactics create a stark divide between the “haves” in unionized jobs and the “havenots” who are left to shoulder the economic burden. The average unionized worker in Canada earns $10,000 more annually than their non-union counterparts, according to the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union. The disparity might be justified in competitive industries where employers can afford it. It should come as no surprise that the unionized workers wreaking the greatest havoc are employed by huge, federally regulated monopolies like railways and ports – and Canada Post, a government-owned monopoly that’s particularly important to average Canadians and small businesses.

Even when their employees are on the job, everyone else pays more for the goods and services they provide in order to enrich those workers. Such arrangements make victims out of virtually all non-union businesses and their customers – the havenots. Canada’s unionized monopolies are both dividing and slowly destroying our country.

We urgently need our elected representatives to declare Canada’s railways, ports and mail service to be essential services prohibited from striking, perhaps even from unionizing altogether. This list should also include health-care workers, police, firefighters and electricity supply workers. Unfortunately, our legislators have made union domination even worse.

our heartfelt gratitude to our loyal customers who have supported us throughout the years. In appreciation of your support, we will be putting everything in the store on sale at 30% off (excluding our samples). We hope you’ll take this opportunity to find some treasures. Thank you for being a part of our journey. We will cherish the memories and connections we’ve made. With warmest regards, Carolyn & Shelley

In June, the Justin Trudeau government passed legislation banning replacement workers in federally regulated workplaces such as Crown corporations, banks, railways, airlines and television broadcasters – collectively covering over 1 million workers or what one analyst called “the backbone of Canada’s economic infrastructure.”

Turning to replacement workers is a critical tool for strike-bound employers to avoid being completely shut down and thereby blackmailed by unions; the sight of replacement workers has an uncanny power to persuade unions to return to the bargaining table, negotiate a livable deal and get their members back on the job. It was predictable that the Liberals and the NDP would support the ban on replacement workers but, despite the pointed (almost desperate) pleas of employer and business organizations, the Conservatives – surprisingly, bizarrely and very distressingly – also voted for it. The new legislation will increase labour confrontations and make strikes more likely, not less.

With every federal party having signed onto this madness, the only action left for beleaguered “have-nots”, it seems, is waging a personal protest campaign expressing our outrage to those who are supposed to be representing our interests.

Gwyn Morgan is a retired business leader who was a director of five global corporations.

Happy Bir thday Wishes Garfie field Rober tson

Please join us in wishing Garfi fie eld a wonderful y year ahead, fi fillled with love, happiness and health as he celebrates his 91st Bir thday.

We hope that he will share his fountain of youth with us this year!

Crossword #60

tennis bracelet you got your wife or mistress for Christmas count as a gift? Don’t count on it.

The “groceries” referred to in this list are mostly things like “junk food” that the government originally decided weren’t essentials for you in the first place.

And what’s the reasoning for making beer and wine tax exempt but not liquor?

But none of these are items I am going to purchase more of just because they are costing me less which both my wife and my doctor are at least grateful for.

The exemption on things like children’s clothing and car seats is admirable but that begs the question “Why are they not tax exempt in the first place?” Is the government suggesting children’s clothing and car seats are comparable to junk food and non-essential?

What about our pets? Pets are often used for emotional support and are widely regarded as effective for decreasing stress, improving heart health and helping children with their emotional and social skills. So why aren’t pets foods eligible for the GST/HST Tax break? In fact, why aren’t they exempt from taxes on an ongoing basis since the government has $1.6 billion dollars that it doesn’t really seem to need anyway?

Why does the government seem so willing to give us tax breaks on things that are going to kill us and not on things that will heal us?

What Else?

We’re just 16 days into the HST/GST tax break and these are just some of my observations to date. It will be interesting to see what other things come to light in the next 46 days.

Has this just been another ill-planned and feeble attempt by Trudeau to help win support that he hadn’t really thought through?

Of course these are just my thoughts on it. Maybe the HST/GST tax break has really benefited you. If so, please write or email the Great North Arrow (address and email found on page 3) and let us know your thoughts on it.

- 30 To read more of jim’s articles, visit www. dogonaroot.com

Great North Arrow

Across 1. War ender 5. On high 10. Window part 14. Repeat performance?

15. Actress Dern 16. Worthy of an "Aww!" 17. "Bonanza" brother 18. They may be romantic 20. Just got (by) 22. Hatfields and McCoys, e.g.

23. Vanishing place 25. Whac-___ (arcade game) 26. Farm sound 28. A bit nervous 30. Windpipe, e.g.

32. Wine's partner 33. Domino dot 36. Smell badly 37. Speak one's mind 39. Nudge 40. Faulty firecracker 41. Gumbo veggie 42. Fleeced 44. Does housework 46. False moniker 47. Tiniest bit 50. Scathing 52. Most destitute 54. Rainy-day fund 57. Unbeatable 59. It may be bright 60. Some jeans 61. Bitter-tasting

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Down 1. Carrots' partner 2. Electrical letters 3. Like some fishing trips 4. Battle axe 5. 1979 sci-fi classic 6. "Ed Wood" Oscar winner 7. ___ and about 8. Total control 9. Alpine lake 10. Like a filthy bathtub

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11. Part of a TV feed 41. Ancient 12. Type of drum 43. Quaker ___ 13. "Steppenwolf" 44. Shade of red author 45. Like a solarium 19. Tenant's contract 47. Kitchen mishap 21. Hummus holder 48. Beehive product 24. The Hoosier State 49. Lunar vehicle 26. Poet of yore 51. Sows a field 27. In ___ of (replacing) 53. Con game 29. From the top 55. Spur or helical 31. Garment part 56. Boarding place 33. Bomb squad 58. Car protector member 34. Swedish furniture giant 35. Enclosures Solution on Pg B10 38. Law firm 39. Office-holder

Stoney Lake Variety Monday- Friday: 6 am–8 pm Saturday- 7am-8pm Sunday- 7am-7pm 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 Funny thing about getting older: Tour eyesight starts getting weaker but your ability to see through people's bullshit gets much better Husband always insisted on making love in the dark. After 20 years wife tums on the light, finds him holding a vibrator.

She goes balistic, "You impotent jerk!

How could you lie to me all these years?"

Husband looks her straight in the eyes & calmly says, "I'll explain the toy, you explain the kids.....

My wife just turned to me and said, "I was talking to you and you yawned six times, am I boring you?"

I said, "Those were not yawns, those were six unsuccessful attempts to speak."

Cyndi is great at multitasking. She can be mad at me for four or five different things at the same time.

My wife asked me "who is strong? Man or woman?" I replied, "Of course woman! It takes six men to carry a guy to his grave, but only one woman to put him there."

Mill Bay Market

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

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Burk’s Fall’s Cafe & Grill

Happy Birthday to Stephen Leacock! The famous writer who immortalized Orillia through the fictional "Mariposa" in Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town, would be 155 years old today!

The famous writer was once the most popular author in Canada, popularizing the humorist genre. Come visit us in 2025 to find out about Leacock, the women who shaped his career, and other topics in literary history! For updated hours and exhibit information, please visit LeacockMuseum. ca.

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

The University of Alberta Old Arts Building and Burks Falls

By Richard Dowson Credit: University of Alberta The ‘Old Arts’ Building at the University of Alberta opened on October 6, 1915. The gorgeous old ‘neo-classic’ building is still in use.

Stella Parker told me the ‘Old Arts’ Building had a connection to Burks Falls, Ontario.

Stella was born in Hagarman Township (Dunchurch – Whitestone). Her parents moved to Burks Falls where other children were born. While her father was away in World War One the family settled near Niagara-on-the-Lake.

After the War her father took a homestead in northern Ontario. After a few years his war injuries made it impossible for him to continue working. The family moved south into a house Wib Parker owned in Berriedale. Stan Darling’s father helped the family get a small war disability pension.

Stella told me that the main doors of the Old Arts building were manufactured at the Knight Brothers Mill in Burks Falls.

MJ Story Burks Fall and U of A 20241223 02 file Don't get married, find a woman you hate and buy her a house. It's a lot easier on you.

HORSE TAILS AND TRAILS HORSING AROUND

With Wally Smith A horses health is directly related to his or her ability to live with in a herd. if we are willing to receive it, you must be willing to give it away and the person giving it to you must ask nothing in return. if you try and buy it you will never know if the discovery was your own or was it dictated by the industry standards or so called supreme care givers. where you only get lucky but that luck has more to do with a horses ability to survive and recover from its own issues we jump too quick and observe too little, a horse should be able to resolve most if not all of their illnesses, if not there is not often much we can do. we can only treat the symptoms to help them along their way we rarely discover a horse's underlying issues when it comes to the ones that seem to struggle at every turn. we just dive in and think we are making a difference but we are only disguising some of the possible root causes and then yrs later, it's discovered or has simply resolved. the problem is it can take a very long time and huge amounts of effort, if we are to say we

Hours: Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday

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are correct, not just wishing for a miracle, that takes effort in order to achieve we are not the one who is suffering and it is unfair when we take on a horses miracle as our own because we only got to bare witness of a horse who was once in serious trouble and needed our assistance to get himself thru it and we take that as a win, we created a miracle. the truth is that we only were given the privileged to see one, its not ours to claim, its theirs and if we truly love them we become proud of the horse, not ourselves. even if it costs us our last dime. we sometimes need less deeper pockets and more open mindedness in order to grow our knowledge and not our ego. if we are to eliminate some of the abuses our money can cause. money well spent is one thing, money spent mindlessly is another. so spend more time getting to know your horse, his behavior and any changes you might see, look for the subtle changes while some are obvious like standing still or lying down too long, and increase or decrease in appetite, a nervousness from one side to the other, its when we notice a small change like when they last drank, or wandering off on their own, a sudden twitch, a horses behavior is directly related to his needs. water, movement and energy management along with a social group in order for us to see these subtle changes in horses behavior that could lead us to what ails them and can only be seen if they are in the correct environment that allows it. a sick horse in a stock yard is the most difficult to spot, the next is the one that lives alone. a lot of their daily activities are disrupted due to their environment they find themselves in and will not show you the whole spectrum of the horse.

Finding Strength on the Road The Fellow in Yellow’s Cross-Canada Journey

(The Fellow in Yellow travelling on Muskoka Road heading to Sundridge – Photo Credit: PAMELA TREMBLAY HAYES)

GNA STAFF: ALMAGUIN - Trevor Richmond, known as the “Fellow in Yellow,” has been steadily making his way across Canada, recently passing through the Almaguin region en route to North Bay. Starting his remarkable journey in Halifax on March 26, his ultimate destination is Victoria, BC—a test of endurance, resilience, and determination.

Now 53 years old, Richmond is older than many who set out to conquer Canada’s challenging and often lonely highways. However, his story is one of grit and inspiration. At the age of 15, a car accident left him with a severe leg injury, requiring 12 surgeries and grueling rehabilitation.

This life-altering experience drew him to the story of Terry Fox, who embarked on his legendary Marathon of Hope in 1980 at a similarly young age.

Fox ran 5,373 kilometers before his journey was tragically cut short. Richmond has surpassed that milestone, covering 5,519 kilometers as of December 31. “Exercise is essential for a healthy mind, body, and longevity,” Richmond emphasizes, embodying the perseverance and spirit of his heroes, Terry Fox and Rick Hansen.

INSERT YELLOW 2

(The Fellow in Yellow on the main street in Burk’s Falls on route to North Bay- Photo Credit: Kathy Kelsall) Richmond’s journey isn’t without challenges. His cart, loaded with a tent, battery packs, and camping gear, has faced breakdowns, such as one in Gravenhurst.

Rain, snow, and frigid weather have tested his resolve, but he remains steadfast. He expresses deep gratitude to the individuals and businesses who have provided him with lodging and meals during Canada’s harsh winters.

A large part of Richmond’s motivation is his desire to connect with people and inspire them to pursue their dreams. “I wish I could reach more people during my travels,” he says. “I love the interaction and hope to motivate Canadians to accomplish their own goals.”

Richmond is following in the footsteps of Canadian icons like Terry Fox and Rick Hansen. The Marathon of Hope and the Man in Motion World Tour have left indelible marks on the country, and Richmond aspires to continue their legacy of determination and advocacy for a better world.

Having spent nine months on the road, Richmond’s gratitude shines through.

“Thanks to everyone who has helped along the way,” he says.

To learn more about Trevor Richmond, the Fellow in Yellow, and his cross-Canada journey, visit www.thereandbackcanada.ca.

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

7 Days a Week / 8am-8pm

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Jim Shedden Sadly, one of my most favorite locations to photograph is a site of extreme sadness at the moment. A father and daughter are believed drowned in the area. Pete’s Dam has beautiful hiking trails but very swift water.

The following is from the CBC: A vigil was held Tuesday evening in New Liskeard, about 90 minutes north of North Bay, for family and friends of a father and daughter who are believed to have drowned on the weekend in the northern Ontario community of Temiskaming Shores.

A social media post on Sunday by Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus said, "We had a tragedy on the ice today. A dad and daughter went through. Prayers for the family."

The mayor of Temiskaming Shores, Jeff Laferriere, confirmed to CBC Radio that two people are missing.

Great North Arrow

A fundraising page set up for the family says Christian Bergeron and his daughter, Maya, are the victims. The page says the father tried to save his sixth-grade daughter and both were swept away in a fast-moving current in Pete's Dam Park, a popular hiking area.

Bergeron's fiancee, Miranda Mariott, issued a post Monday on social media.

"I have had overflowing support from family, friends, strangers and the whole community! I would like to mention that my son has been like an angel and helping out where he thinks he can!! Love him so much!! He too is grieving along with the other siblings & family members!! Big thank you goes out to the first responders and everyone who has taken the time to come visit. God bless," the post said.

OPP underwater recovery teams and drones are still searching the area.

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

A “Bad Ass” Named Andy

"Finding Andy: The Tale of a Stubborn Ass and His Great Escape" Rebecca Jarrett

Andy has a bit of an unknown history.

He came from down near Guelph where he was living in a field for months on his own prior to coming to live with me. He has been through auction, and as well, he has lost two companion mares that he really loved. The last owner he had was a man who bought him as a companion for his horse, and when things didn't work out with the man, the lady who had cared for Andy was told to just get rid of him. Her circumstances didn’t allow her to keep him so she was looking for a good home for him where he could be safe and loved.

In steps social media....In August of 2024 I had lost my mare suddenly to unknown causes. Her companion was another mare on the property who initially after the loss was doing well. Over the next few months, the mare started to deteriorate, and it was suspected that she was depressed. I made a post on one of the local Facebook groups in search of a companion for the remaining mare. That's when one random comment caught my attention: "I have a mini mule gelding looking for a home. Transport can be arranged. He would be a good fit." For all the other ads I looked through, the comment about the mini mule gelding stuck with me, so I messaged the man and asked for information and a photo. You always need a photo! He gave me the name and contact information of the woman who had him on her property and I got in touch with her to see if he was still available. He was.

As my mare's condition was deteriorating, it was urgent to get this new little guy home ASAP. Trailering was arranged and he arrived at my property on November 17, 2024. Welcome home Andy! The mare and Andy hit it off relatively quickly.

She was so excited to see a new friend, she called to him when she saw him, and he was equally as excited to meet her. It

quickly became apparent that his presence was helping her greatly. She was eating and laying down for the first time in ages. She no longer had to be her own guardian. Andy became her guardian and companion, and he did an incredible job at protecting her. However, it was short lived.

After having bloodwork done on the mare, it was clear that she was in renal failure and we had to make the difficult decision to transport her to Guelph for tests and to say goodbye.

This was only four days after Andy's arrival, and he was heartbroken that his new companion was taken away and didn't return home. I am grateful for what Andy did for the mare that was here. Not knowing how sick she was, his presence allowed her to have a companion again in her final days. And for me, coming home to a pen that wasn't empty made the loss of two horses within a three-month period less difficult to bear. Pets are family and pet loss hits in a way that nothing else does. I still had someone and something to focus on, and boy did I get attached to Andy quickly.

We were positive that when we returned home later that night that Andy would have broken through the electric fencing and be gone! However, I arrived home to discover that he was still in the paddock. I was so sure that if he stayed in the pen at his worst moment of his distress, that it would be clear sailing to contain this little mystery man. But alas, Andy's urge to be wild and free would strike him sooner than anyone anticipated.

It was early on the morning of November 25, when I woke up to the sound of a loud bang outside my front door. I looked out the window as I was getting ready for work and I saw the wheelbarrow tipped over. I thought it was just the local fox or some other animal getting into things! I finished getting ready for work, and as I do every morning, went up to the horse pen to check on Andy. Where was Andy? Oh no! Panic set in. He was gone! My worst fear is having a missing pet and now it's happened! He escaped from his new pen, come up to the front door, tipped over the wheelbarrow, scared the wits out of himself and decided to run!

I looked everywhere and called and called him, but couldn't find him anywhere.

He was gone. Andy is a lot smaller than the other horses that were here, and he had been eyeing up the fence line since he arrived. Who knows how he was able escape, since all of the fencing was still in tact! Andy may be somewhat of an elusive unicorn, but we believe at that point his escape was accidental.

Immediately I made a post on one of the Facebook groups asking for people to keep their eyes open for a mini mule named Andy who has escaped his pen and hadn't come home. I went out looking for Andy again after work and again the next morning, and I found him! Andy was on a back road not far from home. He clearly had not suffered at all in his quest for freedom that night because I found him rolling around at the edge of the local gravel pit.

Now he's the local pit pony!

Ok! I thought! this should be easy! I will call him, he will come to me, I will halter him and walk him home. I was thrilled when Andy quickly responded to me, and

he would come to me when I called his name but that was it. And then, he ran off, again! I repeated the same routine for the next five days while Andy was on the run. I continued to look for him every night after work and again in the mornings before work, leaving hay in the spots he would frequent, hoping that he would stay in the same area. I was broken hearted every time and I hated leaving him each time I found him, but at least I knew he was still safe and I kept praying he would stay in the area until I could capture him.

By the second day of his freedom quest, I was having people in the area call me and message me with tips about Andy sightings. I asked people to just let me know if they saw him and where he was and not to chase him or scare him off as he would be easily spooked. All of the time, I was creating a plan for catching him. All of my neighbors were really good about letting him hang around, offered him treats, and people seemed to get excited to know that Bad Ass Continued on Page B11

MAC LANG Cyndi and I are delighted to announce that Dutch Harmony Ranch has joined us as a new distributor and advertiser for the GNA. Nestled between the picturesque towns of Magnetawan and Burk’s Falls, this charming ranch is a vibrant hub of activity.

In the upcoming January 15th issue of the GNA, we will share a captivating story that explores the rich history of the farm and highlights the exciting plans that Jeremy and Jackie have for the future. At this working ranch, everyone plays a role in the daily operations, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We invite you to visit—it’s truly a wonderful spot to experience!

MACLANG.CA

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Whether you have poor credit, no credit, or are rebuilding your financial future, we’re here to help you drive away happy.

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Business Manager

Great North Arrow

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DUTCH HARMONY RANCH

Fresh produce and products from the farm. We are also a Masterfeeds and Purina dealer. Feed and supplies for all your animals and pets.

Jeremy & Jackie Jeffrey 2958 Highway 520 RR #3 Burk’s Falls dutchharmonyranch@gmail.com (705) 349-2927 or (705) 349-0028

Doing the Great North Arrow you get to appreciate deadlines. I love deadlines. I especially like the whooshing sound they make as they go flying by.....

Jim

Many years ago an Old fellow

named ‘Bud’ resided not far from town, fairly short trip by car as long as you weren’t in a hurry to catch the Liquor Store. Those days, it was right in the heart of town, down Main Street where apartment buildings sit now. Back then, purchasing libations was different, we filled out a ticket, passed it across the counter and your purchase was retrieved from the warehouse back room of the store. Some of

you will recall that, years ago it seemed to be the devil in a bottle that shouldn’t be seen by the naked eye. Funny thing is, today they are doing just about the same things with those things they call cancer sticks!. Anyway, back to Bud. Bud was always in a hurry to hit the Liquor Store, most often on a daily basis, and generally last minute as he ran out. Why he never just stocked up baffled people, but maybe he just liked the companionship and social adventures that followed him. Old Bud was rarely without the smell of stale booze on his breath, or without a belly full , in fact most people wouldn’t see much of a difference as it was uncommon for Bud to have a sober day. Ironically, Bud was a truck driver, usually did his haul and then on his return home, you guessed it, found his true love in a bottle. He always showed up for work, some mornings a little rougher than others, but all in all he was a pretty dependable employee during his working hours.

One time, Ole Bud got into quite an accident and smashed his leg up pretty badly. They took his truck driving license away from him, and gave him a desk job for a bit. That didn’t seem to work out so well, between the truck and the bottle Bud had lost one of his loves. Soon the desk job wore thin on Bud, wasn’t much of his thing and he basically got fired. or let go in some fancy term with a bit of a cheque on the side. Even

with his broken leg Bud wouldn’t be stopped. On an adventure to Toronto one day to fill out more insurance forms from the accident, his return was taking longer than planned as he was stuck in city traffic. Being a truck driver, Ole Bud had his timing perfectly plotted, but this day he was running behind. With the Liquor Store soon to be closing he was nearing town when he realized he had best get a move on to get there on time.

He had picked up a hitchhiker in his travels to keep him company and do a good deed, and I am uncertain whether it was Bud or the Hitcher that decided that speed was of the essence. Bud put the pedal to the metal, and within minutes sirens were blaring in his review mirror his old car. And ironically, just outside of town.

Now, even though Ole Bud pushed his limits, he did respect the law and somehow he answered all of the right questions and was polite to the Copper. He sat real quiet as did his hitching friend while the Cop wrote out a good sized ticket, mind you for speeding only. (If it was today he would have been locked down!) Finally the Cop left, Ole Bud was feeling a bit blue and started to tell the young hitchhiking fella that this was going to really cut into his spending funds, after all he was on some kind of disabled accident payment plan.

The hitcher began to chuckle, Ole Bud started to get a little ticked and didn’t think it very funny. The young lad continued to say, ‘I wouldn’t be worried too much about that there ticket.’ And Bud looking glum , said, ‘well I have had more than one and it aint good news.’ Without hesitation the hitcher reached into his jacket and pulled out the ticket book that the Copper had been writing Bud up on, and without a word tossed it as far into the hay fields as he could reach. He smiled at Bud, and says, ‘there ya go, no more ticket!’

This left Ole Bud in a bit of shock and he says, ‘how the heck did you get that ticket book?’ The hitcher smiled and with an evil grin said,’ I picked it out of his pocket when he leaned over the car to tell you to slow it down.’ Bud , still not believing him said, ‘Just who the hell are ya?’ The kid replied, ‘I am a professional pick pocket, just making my way back from the CNE and on my way to the Calgary Stampede.’ With that, he looked at Old Bud, thanked him for the ride from the city and said, ‘If ya hurry, you just might make that Liquor store yet’ and with a smile on his face he tossed Old Bud a wad of bills, and said, ‘Thanks for the lift , Old Boy!’ Yes, somewhere there is always a story ……..

We would like to take a moment to thank all the amazing businesses and people who have supported our car club throughout our season of events in 2024. You have all helped us raise thousands of dollars to be able to donate right back into our communities And a huge shout out to our members who have volunteered countless hours whether it was at our big Classics in the park car show or at our weekly events. We couldn’t have done any of t his without everyone’s support. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to each and everyone of you We can’t wait to see what 2025 brings. shockrodzcarclub

The average person’s left hand does 56% of the typing.

EAGLE LAKE GUN CLUB DONATES GENEROUS GIFT TO HOSPICE HUNTSVILLE

Pizza by the Slice

Whats New @ Kwik-Way BURK’S FALLS (705) 382-2887 Sunday - Monday Tuesday : 7am-9pm Wednesday - Thursday Friday - Saturday : 7am - 10pm

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Large

4

Toppings $18.99

(IN THIS PHOTO: Hospice Huntsville RN Bryan happily displaying the cheque from the Eagle Lake Gun Club.) Hospice Photo credit A very special thank you to our friends from the Eagle Lake Gun Club for their generous gift to Hospice Huntsville. The club held their annual Layne Leonard Memorial Match in honour of their dear friend Layne. Proceeds from the event were directed to his favourite charities. We greatly appreciate all of the continued support that we have received over the years from the Eagle Lake Gun Club.

kawartha Scooped Icecream

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Burk’s Falls Ryerson & Armour News

ARBF LANDFILL HOURS WINTER (September 1st - April 30th): Thursday - Monday Open 11am - 5pm / Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays SUMMER (May 1st - August 31st): Thursday - Monday Open 10am - 5pm / Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays CLOSED ON HOLIDAYS: New Years Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day -705-382-3332 Ext. 112 landfil@armourtownship.ca 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.

FUN IN DANCE! The Space Upstairs- Wed. Thurs. and Saturday in 2025- For kids who love to move, dance, sing and pretend, Dance Basics is a great gift idea! With creativity and physicality, a high priority, students will gain body awareness, fine and gross motor skills, turn taking and sharing, and some basic musical knowledge while having fun. NEW! Low-Ratio Class for 3-6 year old's "Pre-school Dance Basics" Wednesdays - 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. or regular class size on Saturdays - 10:30 a.m. 11:15 a.m. "Junior" Dance Basics (4-7 years old) Wednesdays - 4:30 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Town of Kearney, Ontario is also hosting our classes on Thursdays! Check out their website! This class will focus on creativity, physicality, body awareness, working with others in small groups, and developing some basic dance skills. Students will gain confidence and see the benefits of working towards a goal. While encouraging listening skills, students will also be encouraged to share their own ideas when appropriate, to make their own dance ideas come to life. https://www.jillianpeever.com/classes JANUARY 4TH – 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 JANUARY 7TH- Burk 's Falls Legion - SENIOR'S LUNCHEON -HAM, SCALLOPED POTATOES, VEGGIES & DESSERT - Please call the Legion directly after 2pm to reserve before Jan. 3 -(705) 382-3137 Almaguin Adult Learning invites you to explore our programs! Happy New Year! Do you have a New Year's resolution? Finish up high school ? Upgrade your skills for a new career? We can help! We are open late every Tuesday until 7:00 PM in our South River location.

JANUARY 17th- making sense of multiplication! 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in Burk’s Falls JANUARY 20th- our centres will be closed at noon> JANUARY 23rd- soft skills 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM JANUARY 31st- food and finance 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM We always have computer training available call today! Sign up for our free programs, soft skills, food and finance making sense of multiplication and more! digital skills, high school prep, employment prep, college prep life skills.

Burk’s falls 705-499-7773 -108 Ontario St. Powassan 705-499-7217- 250 Clark St. South River 705-386-0764 - 324 highway 124 almaguinhighlandslearning.org .

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 will be reopening January 15th 2025is fully re-stocked with everything that you need for the new year and winter season!!

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

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

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

Great North Arrow

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. Come drop in Tuesdays at 7pm at the Katrine Community Centre.

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. ByLaw 17-2020 Care and Control of Animals 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 10am4pm. 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 – will reopen January 9th and be back to regular hours! 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 4PM- Chess 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 3:30PM- Zines Join Anne-Marie every Thursday from 3:30pm5pm 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-out-loud 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 twentynine-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”- 705-382-3327 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 -705-3806628 - 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 705-3823137 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 - (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

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

it! RESERVE YOUR LUNCH Please call the Legion directly to reserve (705) 382-3137 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 Public Skating at Armour, Ryerson & Burk’s Falls Memorial Arena! Lace up your skates for public skating sessions at the Armour, Ryerson & Burk’s Falls Memorial Arena!

Whether you’re looking to glide across the ice with family, practice your hockey moves, or just enjoy some fun exercise, there’s something for everyone. Check out our schedule and come make some memories on the ice this season. We look forward to seeing you there.

FRIDAY JANUARY 3RD TO SUNDAY APRIL 6th SUNDAYS - Family and Public Skate: Ipm3pm (last day April 6th) FRIDAYS - Public Skate - all ages: 7pm-9pm (last day March 21st) CANCELLED DATE: FRIDAY JANUARY 10TH SATURDAY NIGHTS - Public Skate: 6pm-8pm January 4th, February 1st, & March 1st ADULTS $3.50 CHILDREN $2.50 FAMILY (4+) $10.00 PARENTS AND TOTS - Tuesdays: 2pm-3pm Thursdays: - ADULTS $3.00 CHILDREN $2.00 ADULT SKATING - Mondays: 10am-11:30am - Fridays: Ipm-2:30pm - ADULTS $3.50 FACILITY RENTALS 705-382-3811 - arena@ burksfalls.ca Snowmobiling Reminders for Winter Fun in Burk’s Falls Snowmobiling is a popular winter activity in Ontario, and if you’re hitting the trails, it’s important to follow safety and legal guidelines. Under by-law 18-2006, snowmobiles are prohibited from being driven on sidewalks or pedestrian footbridges within the Village of Burk’s Falls. Before you head out, make sure you have a valid driver’s license or Motorized Snow Vehicle Operator’s License (MSVOL), proof of snowmobile ownership and insurance, and a valid Snowmobile Trail Permit. Always wear an approved helmet, check trail conditions, and ride on the right side of the trail. Respect private property—never ride without the landowner’s permission—and adjust your speed according to weather and trail conditions. Remember, on roadways with speed limits of 50 km/h or less, snowmobiles are limited to 20 km/h; on roads with speed limits over 50 km/h, the limit is 50 km/h. For trail maps and more information, visit the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (www.ofsc.on.ca) and the Almaguin District Snowmobile Club (https://www.nnta.ca/almaguin-district-snowmobile-club).

Did you know? The top three causes of fatal snowmobile collisions are speeding, impaired driving, and carelessness. Stay safe and enjoy the trails!

SENIOR OF THE YEAR NOMINATION! NOMINATE A SENIOR WHO: -SHOWS LEADERSHIP-CONTRIBUTES TO THE COMMUNITY -EXHIBITS KINDNESS, INTEGRITY, AND RESPECT FOR OTHERS -IS A ROLE MODEL TO THEIR PEERS. SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS: -SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION IN PERSON AT THE VILLAGE OFFICE OR BY EMAIL TO RECREATION@BURKSFALLS.CA -DEADLINE FEBRUARY 28TH, 2025 -NOMINATION FORMS AVAILABLE IN PERSON AT THE VILLAGE OFFICE, LEGION, FELL HOLMES, SENIOR CENTRE, AND THE MANOR OR ONLINE ON THE VILLAGE OF BURK’S FALLS FACEBOOK PAGE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON MARCH 7TH AND CELEBRATED AT THE MAYOR’S SENIOR TEA .

JANUARY DATES FOR SERVICE ON THE GO ONTARIO: Join us on the following dates for in-person services at The Armour, Ryerson, and Burk’s Falls Memorial Arena: Thursday, January 9th | 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM, Thursday, January 16th | 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM, Thursday, January 23rd | 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM, Thursday, January 30th | 9:30 AM 3:30 PM Winter Snow Clearing in Burk’s Falls The Village of Burk’s Falls is committed to keeping roads and sidewalks safe during winter weather, following the standards set out in the Winter Operations Plan and Municipal Minimum Standards for Municipal Highways. Snow clearing will prioritize major roads, ensuring a minimum width of 5.0 meters for through lanes. Primary roads will be cleared within 24 hours of snow accumulation reaching 10 cm, while secondary roads and sidewalks will be addressed based on severity and timeframes outlined in the service standards. Snow will be removed from business areas where space is limited, and regular winter patrolling will monitor conditions to identify areas needing attention. In cases of ice formation, de-icing materials will be promptly applied to restore safe conditions. The Village aims to ensure clear, passable roads and sidewalks throughout the winter season, with the goal of reducing snow depths to 8 cm or less on sidewalks within 48 hours.

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Kearney FORK ON MAIN IN KEARNEY – IT’S DART SEASON 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 8AM7PM , 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 705-571-0533 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 WIN WIN WIN! Kearney Legion Branch 276 TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Chance to win a choice a 2025 Sportsman Ranger Premium 1000 or 2025 RZR Trail S 900 Side by Side Raffle . Tickets are $20 each or 3 for $40 on sale at the Kearney Legion, Rickwards Polaris, Fetterleys Garage, Fork on Main 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!

JANUARY 4TH – 2-4:30PM - - Kearney Legion Branch 276 MEAT DRAW 5 draws $1 a ticket come out and try and win a pieceof quality meat Sprucedale Meats.

ROASTED VEGETABLE TURKEY STEW ....

Printed by popular request (Jim loved this!) (you could use any meat or poultry) From Cyndi’s kitchen I am winging this one! just got tired of mush that goes along with turkey soup and turkey stew cause we cook the life out of it!

After the turkey has been roasted, of course you retain the bones. Roast them in the oven with the leftover bits , dusted with olive oil, sage, rosemary and oregano.. (lightly) Also lots of fresh ground pepper!)

Roast at about 250 for about an hour. Then drop all of it into a pot, fat, bones, etc etc.. a few bay leaves and tons of water. Let simmer for as long as you usually do with stock and then add some liquid Bovril bouillon. Simmer another hour or two. Remove from stove, separate all edible parts and drain broth. Reserve the edible parts into a dish and refrigerate.

Gather up baby potatoes, (or any kind) slice them into roasting size and coat with olive oil and your choice of seasonings…. Toss well… add carrots if you have them …. Etc etc… Roast until tender.

While you are doing that , roast red and green pepper pieces, frozen corn, peas.. etc.. or whatever lies in your fridge…. Coat once again with olive oil and herbs of your choice.

When veggie roasting is done, bring your broth to a boil, Create a faux rue from cornstarch and water and lots of pepper salt and any veggie juice (imagination) as a thickener.

Add the thickening liquid to your desired level.

When you have luscious thick gravy, (if it lacks taste, always add black pepper! …My Mums words of advice) Add all roasted veggies, and stir.

Do not heat to boil.. All should be very hot and dish out!

Bon Appetite! Cyndi Gabriel, Michael, and Lucifer are the only angels named in the Bible.

IT’S BINGO TIME!!!

INSERT BINGO 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 4TH – 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 EMSDALE –,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

Great North Arrow

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 -JANUARY 5TH - 2PMMagnetawan Friendship Club - Bingo Everyone 18+ Welcome - $10 for 3 cards – 10 games - 'Share the Wealth' - Snacks and pop for sale. LAST BINGO OF 2024!

MAGNETAWAN -JANUARY 19TH - 2PMMagnetawan Friendship Club - Bingo Everyone 18+ Welcome - $10 for 3 cards – 10 games - 'Share the Wealth' - Snacks and pop for sale. LAST BINGO OF 2024!

PARRY SOUND – MONDAY NIGHT BINGO AT 7PM- KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PARRY SOUND – MONDAY NIGHT BINGO 7PM AT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HALL – ITS BEST TO ARRIVE BEFORE 6PM TO GE A SEAT! PORT LORING LEGION BRANCH 415 ROAYL CANADIAN LEGION - 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!!!

Loring & Restoule District PORT LORING ROYAL CANADIAN LEGIONLEGION BRANCH 415 JANUARY 2025 ACTIVITIES Join us for some fun with family and friends!

Every Thursday - Bid Euchre 7pm Every Friday - Darts 7pm Every Saturday — Cribbage 1 pm Monday Jan 13 — "member meeting @ 7:00pm Tuesday Jan 14 — Senior Lunch @ 11:30am (Sheppards pie dinner with all the fixings) Every Wed — Empty Bottle Return 11 am2pm (Legion parking lot, say hi to Roxie, Gilles & Allan!)

PORT LORING LEGION BRANCH 415 ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION -BINGO - 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, SUNDAY- 7:30AM-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 Dropin... 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 111, 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

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

-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 & 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.

GOLDEN VALLEY- 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 2-4pmMusic 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 HAMILTON 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 Dropin... No need to register Classes! Join us for a one-hour 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 TRINITY CHURCH’S SENIORS CHRISTMAS DINNER Catharina Bowers MAGNETAWAN: On Sunday, December 22, Lorne and I attended Trinity Church’s Seniors Christmas Dinner at the Magnetawan Community Centre.

The kitchen was busy with the usual hustle and bustle. The aroma was tops! With the head chef wearing a beautiful Santa Claus apron brought back for grandma by

enjoyed their company in previous years. I used to be their minister the year before COVID. It was so nice to see so many of the familiar faces.

We dined on ham, scalloped potatoes, mixed veggies, cranberries, and coleslaw.

A delicious ice cream that was so tasty, and fabulous. A hint of mint, and chocolate drizzle, is mixed into a vanilla ice cream.

We had to find out where this ice cream originated from. Presidents Choice. Yum, Santa may want this instead of cookies for a change.

There were not as many guests this

Barb Johnston’s granddaughter when she visited Abbey Road, the same Abbey Road the Beatles made so famous.

The dinner started with seasonal music, there was quite a collection of fabulous musicians including a young gentleman who played bass guitar and clarinet lol (not at the same time of course.) That mellow clarinet set off some of the carols like I had never heard in Magnetawan before. There was a variety of voices, and they all took a turn singing their hearts out.

There was a 25 year anniversary, and the leader of the band sang Happy Anniversary.

The guests were invited to sit with their friends, and we as in other years sat with people we were familiar with, we had

year, since the organizers couldn’t mail out the invitations due to the postal strike, they couldn’t be sure how many seniors would show up. All things considered; the turnout was pretty good.

People were encouraged to take home a package of food for another senior who wasn’t able to be there. There was plenty of food.

It was lovely to see our old church friends. We wished each other a Merry Christmas and like Santa Claus, we each receded to our respective vehicles and headed home for the holidays. Barb Johnston did a wonderful job organizing and supervising the kitchen. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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 JANUARY 5TH - 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!

-JANUARY 19TH - 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!

JANUARY 17th-18th- SOS DRAG RACES

FEBRUARY 14TH-16TH – SOS DRAG RACES 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 DUNCHURCH 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 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 @ 705-3491264 for more details.

Quiet Bay Café, 5333 Hwy 124, Magnetawan is 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 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 LAW STUDENT..... A young Law student, having failed his Law exam, goes up to his crusty old professor, who is renowned for his razor-sharp legal mind . Student: "Sir, do you really understand everything about this subject?" Professor: "Actually, I probably do. Otherwise I wouldn't be a professor, would I?" Student: "OK. So I’d like to ask you a question. If you can give me the correct answer, I will accept my marks as it is. If you can't give me the correct answer, however, you'll have to give me an "A". Professor: "Hmmmm, alright. So what’s the question?"

Student: "What is legal but not logical, logical but not legal, and neither logical nor legal?” The professor wracks his famous brain, but just can't crack the answer. Finally he gives up and changes the student's failing mark into an "A" as agreed, and the student goes away, very pleased. The professor continues to wrack his brain over the question all afternoon, but still can’t get the answer. So finally he calls in a group of his brightest students and tells them he has a really, really tough question to answer: "What is legal but not logical, logical but not legal, and neither logical nor legal?” To the professor's surprise (and embarrassment), all the students immediately raise their hands. "All right" says the professor and asks his favourite student to answer "It's quite easy, sir" says the student "You see, you are 75 years old and married to a 30 year old woman , which is legal, but not logical .. Your wife has a 22 year old lover, which is logical, but not legal. And your wife's lover failed his exam but you've just given him an "A", which is neither legal, nor logical ."

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Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

McKellar 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. taxGet 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!

NEWS ABOUT THE BLUEBOX PROGRAM IN MAGNETWAN

MUNICIPALITY OF MAGNETAWAN: January 2025, the Croft and Chapman Landfill sites will have new blue box collection bins.

These bins will be conveniently located and are clearly labeled for recyclable material. Residents will continue to sort blue box material with no changes. For any questions or concerns please speak with a Landfill Attendant or contact the office at (705) 387-3947 This change is part of Ontario’s Blue Box Program transition to a new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model which is in line with the new provincial Blue Box Regulation. This means producers of blue box materials will now be responsible for the collection, processing, and recycling of these materials in Magnetawan.

With Blue Box Transition taking place across Ontario Municipalities, the reduction of ‘contamination’ within our Blue Boxes, at both curbside and our Landfills, is vital. The largest contributing factor to contamination is jars/containers not being rinsed out before being placed in the Blue Box. Please, take a moment to rinse out your jars/containers before placing them in the Blue Bin, this extra step has a direct financial impact on all residents.

MAGNETAWAN FRIENSHIP CLUB

JANUARY 3RD Friday - Euchre at 7 pm JANUARY 5TH - Sunday - Bingo 2 pm JANUARY 6TH- Monday - Friendship Monday at 1 pm JANUARY 8TH- 13TH CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS JANUARY 15TH- 9:30AM -CREATIVE CRAFTERS JANUARY 15TH- MONTHLY MEMBERS MEETING 1PM JANUARY 17TH- Friday - Euchre at 7 pm JANUARY 19TH- Sunday-BINGO 2PM JANUARY 20th- Monday -friendship Monday 1 pm JANUARY22nd – Wednesday – Creative Crafters at 9:30am JANUARY24th- Friday- Euchre at 7pm JANUARY 28TH- Tuesday- Wheels to Meals at noon JANUARY 29TH- Wednesday - Creative Crafters at 9:30 am JANUARY 31ST - Friday - Euchre at 7 pm

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Parry Sound WEST PARRY SOUND RECREATION AND CULTERAL CENTRE FACES FINANCIAL CHALLENGES BUT CONTINUES TO MOVE AHEAD WITH CONFIDENCE PARRY SOUND; (GNA STAFF) The West Parry Sound Recreation and Cultural Centre (WPSRCC) is tackling rising costs and tight schedules as it progresses toward completion, but officials remain optimistic about its financial health.

The project, initially budgeted at $32 million, has seen costs climb to over $36.3 million due to post-pandemic construction inflation and the decision to expand the pool from four to six lanes. Despite these hurdles, Seguin Mayor and WPSRCC fundraising chair Ann MacDiarmid emphasizes that the situation is under control.

Contingency funding hasn’t been touched even though the project is already over budget at these early stages. Issues such as these are more than common.

At a September board meeting, financial reports revealed a cash flow gap, with $2.2 million in invoices submitted against a cash balance of $1.4 million. In response, the board called on municipal partners for urgent funding to bridge the gap.

Municipalities including Seguin, McDougall, Parry Sound, and Archipelago have already contributed enough funds to meet immediate needs, with Carling’s contribution expected shortly.

The WPSRCC aims to raise an additional $5 million to cover cost overruns and another $5 million for an endowment to support operating costs. Fundraising efforts include T-shirt sales, community events, and corporate sponsorship opportunities.

Naming rights for the facility are also for sale, with prices ranging from $1 million for the gym or pool to $2 million for the building itself.

The committee has raised over $131,000, including a $50,000 donation from Sarjeant Company. It is hopeful that upcoming corporate sponsorship contracts will push the total significantly higher.

Despite the challenges, the WPSRCC remains dedicated and on track to deliver a state-of-the-art facility for the community. With its foundation firmly in place and walls soon to rise, the project symbolizes resilience and collaboration.

BINGO NIGHTS! - MONDAY NIGHT BINGO AT 7PM- KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO NIGHTS! - MONDAY NIGHT BINGO 7PM AT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HALL – ITS BEST TO ARRIVE BEFORE 6PM TO GE A SEAT! The Bobby Orr Community Centre (BOCC) in Parry Sound offers several free public skating sessions during the holiday season.

Here's the upcoming schedule: January 4: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM - Free Holiday Skating Schedule: (Sponsored by Kingston Electric) Please note that children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult during these sessions.

January 4: 11:00 AM – 12:50 PM - Humphrey Community Centre Free Holiday Skating January 5: 11:00 AM – 12:50 PM - Humphrey Community Centre Free Holiday Skating: McDougall Recreation Centre: -Open Daily: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (weather permitting) Kinsmen Park Skating Schedule: Monday to Friday: - 3:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Skating, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM: Hockey Weekends and Holidays: - 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Skating, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Hockey - 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Skating , 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Hockey JANUARY 4TH- Five-pin bowling sessions are a popular option. January 4 from 2:00–4:00 PM, kids can enjoy an afternoon of bowling. This event is a perfect way to get out of the house and have some competitive fun with friends. The Rotary Club of West Parry Sound has generously supported the bowling program, helping to make these events affordable for everyone.

Just email us to tell us you are coming at wpsclubs@gmail.com JANUARY 7TH- Duplicate Bridge- 1:00pm4:00pm - $6- Bobby Orr Community Centre - 7 Mary Street JANUARY 14TH- , 1:00pm-4:00pm - $6Bobby Orr Community Centre - 7 Mary Street JANUARY 8TH- 7PM- Mark your calendars. - everyone welcome! Happy to be part of the Parry Sound Photography Club.

7:00 pm, the club is hosting Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary Location: The Sound Community Hub, 86 Gibson Street, Parry The Sound in the Night Thom Morrissey photography, Jo Rogge, Cathy Novak, Eric Fullerton, John McAllister.

JANUARY 15TH - 7:00pm - PSHS Drama performs Alice's Adventures In Wonderland - AT the Stockey Centre - This event is free 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

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Connoisseur Club performances, begins at 7pm at the Festival Station Office, followed by a post-concert reception. “The Connoisseur Club is a rare and intimate experience aimed at providing our dedicated patrons with exceptional music outside of our summer season,” said Artistic Director James Campbell. “We hope that this special 4 concert series may also introduce new people into the Festival family.” “Come in out of the cold is not something we often say at Festival of the Sound. . Festival of the Sound Box Office - info@festivalofthesound.ca - 705 746 2410 or 1 866 364 0061 FEBRUARY 25TH- 1:00pm-4:00pm – DUPLICATE BRIDGE -$6- Bobby Orr Community Centre - 7 Mary Street SHAWANAGA FIRST NATION FIRE DEPARTMENT- 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 UNTIL 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 - 705-746-2033 ext 305 WEDNESDAY nights at the Trestle Brewing Company – Trivia at the Trestle 6:30 PM - 9PM 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 andHealthy Portion of 357 Clark St Powassan, FEELING GOOD! Mary Street Centre, 24 ON, Canada P0H 1Z0, Mary Street, Parry Sound.

(705) 724-2500 FREE COMMUNITY LUNCH! Mary Street Centre, 11am-1pm. Goodwill donations Welcome! Thursday Community Lunch

admission with general seating. Seats are first come, first served. Free admission to this programming was made possible by the generous support of the Rotary Club of West Parry Sound.

January 11th – 11am-2pm- A New Event at the Parry Sound Seniors Club! - our first active games event which will be every second Saturday of each month, the activities will include rotation of golf putting, corn hole, darts and knock the block. Parry Sound Seniors Club - 705-746-7186 - 80 James St. JANUARY 16TH- 7:00pm – AT the Stockey Centre - PSHS Drama performs Alice's Adventures In Wonderland - AT the Stockey Centre - This event is free admission with general seating. Seats are first come, first served. Free admission to this programming was made possible by the generous support of the Rotary Club of West Parry Sound.

JANUARY 19TH- 10AM-12PM - Storytelling Snowshoe FREE – GEORGIAN BAY BIOSPHERE EVENT- Celebrate the Anishinaabek storytelling season on a guided snowshoe hike. Enjoy the snow, drink some hot chocolate, and look for signs of wildlife!

This event is FREE and fun for the family!

Recommended for children 6+ Meeting at the Burrow at Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre. Dress for the weather and wear snow pants, a hat, mitts, a jacket, and a scarf. Wear appropriate footwear and bring a filled water bottle.

Free snowshoe rentals will be provided!

We will be snowshoeing on groomed trails, but please be advised that we may go over hills, inclines, and uneven surfaces.

Don’t forget to bring your mugs for some hot chocolate!

Event Location: Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre, 4 Nine Mile Lake Road, Parry Sound JANUARY 21ST- 1:00pm-4:00pm -DUPLICATE BRIDGE $6- Bobby Orr Community Centre - 7 Mary Street January 18th - 11 am to 3:30 pm- the popular Country Jam every third Saturday of each month, playing a musical instrument, singing and dancing or just enjoying the performers will be held at the Parry Sound Seniors Club, why not come out for the fun! Parry Sound Seniors Club - 705-7467186 - 80 James St. January 25th – 11am-2pm - New - Indoor vendors market, a wide assortment of products and services available to the community - this event will be every third Saturday of each month at the Parry Sound Seniors Club - 705-746-7186 - 80 James St. JANUARY 28TH- 1:00pm-4:00pm – DUPLICATE BRIDGE $6- Bobby Orr Community Centre - 7 Mary Street FEBRUARY 4TH1:00pm-4:00pm – DUPLICATE BRIDGE -$6- Bobby Orr Community Centre - 7 Mary Street FEBRUARY 8TH- Frozen In Time-11:00am2:00pm - Stockey Centre - Join your two favourite princesses for an afternoon of storytelling and sing along! A perfect family outing that kids of all ages will enjoy.

Little ones are encouraged to dress as the favourite character .There are two performances of this event, the first at 11am and the second at 2pm. - VIP Tickets (Orchestra Rows AA to J, but not including rows FF and A in the Orchestra): $37.95 + HST - Regular Tickets (Orchestra Rows FF and A, Mezzanine, and Balcony): $27.95 + HST All VIP seats include front of the theatre seating (Orchestra Rows AA to J, but not including rows FF and A in the Orchestra), and a photo opportunity with the cast on stage after the show during an exclusive meet and greet.

Tickets can also be purchased AT THE Box Office at 705-746-4466 extension 405 or visiting us at 2 Bay Street, Parry Sound. OR ONLINE FEBRUARY 18TH-, 1:00pm-4:00pm – DUPLICATE BRIDGE -$6- Bobby Orr Community Centre - 7 Mary Street FEBRUARY 20TH- Festival of the Sound Connoisseur Club Russell Braun & Carolyn Maule - 7:00pm-8:30pm - Festival Station Office - 1 Avenue Road 705 746 2410 or 1 866 364 0061 - C$240.00 —The Connoisseur Club concert series passes are $240 plus tax JANUARY 16TH -7PM- 3 rd. Festival of the Sound Connoisseur Club - Live performance - Anagnoson and Kinton Club performances, begins at 7pm at the Festival Station Office, followed by a post-concert reception. “The Connoisseur Club is a rare and intimate experience aimed at providing our dedicated patrons with exceptional music outside of our summer season,” said Artistic Director James Campbell. “We hope that this special 4 concert series may also introduce new people into the Festival family.” “Come in out of the cold is not something we often say at Festival of the Sound. Festival of the Sound Box Office info@festivalofthesound.ca - 705 746 2410 or 1 866 364 0061 February 20th- 7PM- 4th - Festival of the Sound Connoisseur Club - Live performance Russell Braun & Carolyn Maule -

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

- 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 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!

Wishing a wonderful year ahead to a lovely lady, Reta Lynch, who celebrated her birthday December 27th.. We hope that you have a wonderful year, filled with health and happiness and the joys your family brings you Angel Falls in Venezuela is the world’s highest waterfall, at 3,212 feet (979 m).

Perry Township GNA IS NOW AVAILABLE AT PERRY MART! Why not stop in and see everything new in store! One stop shopping! ,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 JANUARY 9TH, JOIN US FOR A SOUP LUNCH! At the Church of the Good Shepperd in Emsdale, at noon. This is a ‘ Soup Lunch’ running from Dec to April on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Great folks, wonderful soup lunch! Everyone Welcome.

Emsdale, 2190 Hwy 592.

Another NEW PROGRAM!! Brought to you by the Perry Township Recreation and Cultural Committee Presents Adult Dodgeball League Begins on January 16th! REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! Runs for 8 Weeks - Games Start at 7pm - Build a Team or Come Solo!

Visit our website for more information https://townshipofperry.ca/recreation-leisure/ Ages 13+ - Hosted at Evergreen Heights Elementary Exciting New Program! The Recreation and Culture Committee Perry Township Kids' Dodgeball - Ages 8-12 – 8 weeks of Dodgeball! Begins January 13th- watch for registration details. (Not a school or board sponsored event) JOIN US FOR A SOCIAL GATHERING! 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.

VISIT YETI’S PIZZA , THEY EVEN OFFER DELIVERY! open 3 till 7 for the winter! OPEN Wednesday till Sunday We are also launching our new ghost pepper ranch pizza, STAY WARM! 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 THERE IS PIZZA IN TOWN! Hummingbird Pizza is open for business! and Patricia Kunkel is ready to serve you an amazing pizza! Homemade dough, and great pizza made in an Italian pizza oven. They are open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from noon -2pm and 4-9pm. Call 705-724-5464 to order.

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 TAG6PM ROBOTICS CLUB- 9am- Line Dancing – 7PM BOOT CAMP WEDNESDAYS EVENTS AT 250 CLARK – 1PM YOGA- 1PM SENIORS CARDS- 4PM- KARATE5PM-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- 4:30pmLASER TAG- 6pm- ROBOTICS CLUB- 7PM- POWER CLASS. Almaguin Adult Learning invites you to explore our programs! Happy New Year! Do you have a New Year’s resolution? Finish up high school ? Upgrade your skills for a new career? We can help! We are open late every Tuesday until 7:00 PM in our South River location.

JANUARY 17th- making sense of multiplication!

10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in Burk’s Falls JANUARY 19TH – 10AM- HOMEMADE PASTA WORKSHOP 250 Clark- Sunday January 19 10am $45. . Learn the simple secrets of making homemade pasta! Leave with one pound of delicious pasta Text to register 705-495-9865 JANUARY 20th- our centres will be closed at noon JANUARY 23rd- soft skills 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM JANUARY 31st- food and finance 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM We always have computer training available call today! Sign up for our free programs, soft skills, food and finance making sense of multiplication and more! digital skills, high school prep, employment prep, college prep life skills.

Burk’s falls 705-499-7773 -108 Ontario St. Powassan 705-499-7217- 250 Clark St. South River 705-386-0764 - 324 highway 124 almaguinhighlandslearning.org . 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 Drop-in... 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 onehour 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 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

Great North Arrow

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

Wow! What happened to 2024? Ready or not, we’re diving into 2025 with gusto! We’re so excited to be starting another year of great programming here at the library! Lunch and Learn returns, as does our Senior’s Cafe, Raising Readers, French and so many more! Plus, we’re going to be hosting a VR and Gaming Drop-In for teens and tweens starting in January! Our baby trout are back too, so be sure to schedule a fun and educational tour of our little fish hatchery.

Our little guys are also available for adoption, help support your library, call us for details! Be sure to make us one of your resolutions: I will visit the library at least once a month, if not more! Happy New Year everyone!

Library Hours: -Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 10am -6pm- Thursday,8am -7pm – Friday-10 am - 5:00 pm. We are Open Last Saturday Monthly-From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm- · Closed all other weekends. · Newsworthy: We are excited to announce that our volunteer of the year for 2024 was Jodi Roadknight-Amer.

Jodi spear heads the wildly successful Free Kids’ Holiday Shopping every December as well as supporting many of our other children’s and teen’s programs. Jodi, congratulations, it is a delight and an honour to work with you!

Boy oh boy, what a month December was!

Thank you to all of our patrons who came out to celebrate the holiday season with us, your attendance at our events makes us determined to keep offering exceptional programming and service. Thank you also to all of our special holiday guests, Santa, the Voodoos, Mary Stokes, our Open House musicians and to all of the volunteers who helped during this busy season.

We couldn’t do it without you!

January is shaping up to be a very exciting month too! Marty resumes his lunch and learn sessions on January 8th with a presentation by Gerry and Pat Giesler on the history of Giesler Boats. Lindsay has a great line up of library cafe topics in the running too, January’s topic: reading online, sign up for Libby and enjoy all it has to offer.

We’re also planning a teen and tween VR and gaming drop-in event with the Voodoos and we’re looking forward to presenting our 2025 budgets to the municipalities of Nipissing, Chisholm and Powassan. These meetings are open to the public, we encourage everyone to attend in support of our library, in Nipissing and Powassan on January 7th and in Chisholm on January 14th JANUARY 8TH - Lunch & Learn -Gerry & Pat Giesler on The History of Giesler Boats at 11:30 am -Join Gerry and Pat to learn about the long and rich history of handcrafted, handmade Giesler -Marine cedar strip boats. Free!

JANUARY 9TH- 3PM-6PM- Teen VR and Gaming Drop-In with the Voodoos- January 9th 3 :00 pm - 6:00 pm Teens and tweens, join us this January for the first of three VR and gaming nights with the Powassan Voodoos! Come test your gaming skills against the Voodoos, snacks and drinks provided!

JANUARY 11TH- 9AM-1PM - WINTER MARKET! Dozens of vendors! 250 CLARK JANUARY 20TH- 3PM-8PM- Teen VR & Gaming - Drop-In with the Voodoos - Teens and tweens, join us this January for the first of three VR and gaming night with the Powassan Voodoos!

Come test your gaming skills against the Voodoos, snacks and drinks provided!

JANUARY 29TH -11:30 am- Join our tech expert to learn more about online reading! Get set up on Libby so you have access to the latest books, magazines, and newspapers from your tablet or phone free of charge.

Julia Breckenridge - January 2024 - We are pleased to inform everyone that we’ve extended Julia Breckenridge’s stay in our gallery until the end of February! 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. This year, our special collection of Winter Scenes is on display on the main floor of the library for the months of January and February, you won’t want to miss viewing this impressive collection of paintings by local artists.

Our Regular Events: Checkout our Events Calendar for a schedule of all of our programming.

FOR ADULTS: Book Club - Tuesday January 28th at 5:30 - A banned or challenged book!

Scrabble - Mondays at 3:45 pm French Conversation Group - Tuesdays at 11:00 am Friends of The Library - First Monday Monthly at 4:00 pm Genealogy with Mary Heasman - Thursdays at 10:00 am - Discover Your Past Library Board Meeting - 3rd Monday Monthly at 6:00 pmMotivational Writing Group - Wednesdays biweekly at 1:00 pm starting Jan. 8thTunes with Paul The Straw Hat Man - 3rd Wednesday Monthly at 10:30 am Powassan Purls Knitters - Fridays at 10:00 am Rug Hookers - Thursday January 9th at 1:00 pm For Teens & Tweens Teen Computers/Hangout - Weekdays from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm FOR THE KIDS: Music with Bernie - January 8th at 10:30 am Kids’ Computer Hour - Weekdays 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm LaLeche League Meet-Up - 3rd Tuesday Monthly at 11:00 am Tales & Tunes with Paul The Straw Hat Man - 3rd Wednesday Monthly at 10:30 am Raising Readers - Thursdays at 6:15 pm Toddler Time - Daily from Monday to Friday at 10:30 am SERVICES: Library Services:Room Rentals:We have room rentals available at very reasonable rates. If you need a meeting room or a Certified Kitchen or even a space for your kid’s birthday party, we’ve got you covered! Click here for Rental Info.

Tech Help:Tech appointments are available on a weekly basis — appointment required. Please call the library at 705-724-3618 or send us an

email at powlib@gmail.com to book your half hour appointment.

Life Labs Bloodwork: Mondays and Thursdays - 8:00 am to 10:45 am. Remember to bring your health card and requisition. Questions and concerns can be directed to Life Labs at 1-877849-3637.

Thank you for taking the time to read our monthly newsletter! We have so much to

offer, it’s always worth finding out what’s happening here at the library -- we have something for everyone! Check out our webpage www.powassanlibrary.com where your library card allows you to access our catalogue, browse new additions, download audio books & eBooks, and even put books on hold!

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 :) JANUARY 14TH- 8:30AM-3PM- MAPLE SYRUP PRODUCERS INFO DAY, TRADE SHOW & AGM – EARLY REGISTRATION – PLEASE REGISTER BY JANUARY 8TH- omspa.ca/algonquindistrict . members $20, non members $40 - INFO DAY & TRADE SHOW Public Event by Algonquin Maple Syrup Producers. SOUTH RIVER ARENA JANUARY 18TH/19TH- 2ND ANNUAL SOUTH RIVER DOG SLED RACES – 60 TEAMS REGISTERED WITH INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIORS ON THE ALMAGUIN COMMUNITY TRAILS AT ALMAGUIN HIGHLANDS SECONDARY SCHOOL. THE SCHOOL WILL BE OPEN FOR WARMING AND FOOD. Almaguin Adult Learning invites you to explore our programs! Happy New Year! Do you have a New Year's resolution? Finish up high school ? Upgrade your skills for a new career? We can help! We are open late every Tuesday until 7:00 PM in our South River location.

JANUARY 17th- making sense of multiplication! 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in Burk’s Falls JANUARY 20th- our centres will be closed at noon> JANUARY 23rd- soft skills 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM JANUARY 31st- food and finance 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM We always have computer training available call today! Sign up for our free programs, soft skills, food and finance making sense of multiplication and more! digital skills, high school prep, employment prep, college prep life skills.

Burk’s falls 705-499-7773 -108 Ontario St. Powassan 705-499-7217- 250 Clark St. South River 705-386-0764 - 324 highway 124 almaguinhighlandslearning.org . 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 STILL 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 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

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 EVEN MORE to offer! TRY OUR AMAZING NEW PIZZA! 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 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.

Council Meeting’s Time and Date are now held every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month (except August and December 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 Adventures 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 PEG-

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 GY PARENT AT 705-492-3981 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 5PM7PM 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.

Sprucedale SPRUCEDALE AND AREA NEWS WITH LYNDA HOWSE Reminder: Sprucedale Senior’s Friendship Club Events will start back up on Monday, January 6 Ladies Euchre 1 pm & Dabber Bingo 7 pm and Thursday January 9 Mixed Euchre 7 pm. These events are at the Community Centre, 31 William Street.

Sprucedale.

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 705724-6028/1-888-521-0000 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.

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.

“Christmas Dinner Basket Raffle, Winner was Kendra Kellas, Emsdale. Thank you to everyone who sold tickets, bought tickets and supplied the items for the Dinner Basket. Special Thank You to Sprucedale Quality Meats for supplying the turkey for the basket.

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 United Church, 2415 ON-518, Sprucedale , Service Sunday 9:30 am.

Thursday Dominoes at 1:30 pm SPRUCEDALE LAWN MOWER RACES - WINTER 2025 FEBRUARY 15th, 2025 Wow!! What a great addition to the WinterFest ( Annual Event previously known at the Winter Carnival) 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.

Another addition to the Winterfest, will be two events sponsored by the Sprucedale

Great North Arrow

Seniors Friendship Club. DABBER BINGO 3:30pm to 5:30 pm. & PENNY SALE 9 am to 1 pm.

More information will be posted as we find out all the exciting events happening.

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 705-6857938, 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 FEBRUARY 15th, 2025 SPRUCEDALE WINTERFEST! - NEW THIS YEAR, SPRUCEDALE WINTER LAWN MOWER RACES! So many fun things going on this year including the regular fun favourites and so much more!

Adding to the fun, the Sprucedale Seniors Friendship Club. DABBER BINGO 3:30pm to 5:30 pm. & PENNY SALE 9 am to 1 pm.

Many more exciting events to be announced.

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.

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!!

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! Thursday January 2nd , Friday January 3rd. and Saturday January 4th. We are changing our hour slightly, at least until the snowmobile trails open. Thursday and Friday we will be open 10 to 2, Saturday we will still be 9 am til 3 pm. It was a little slow the few weeks before Christmas. If it picks up again we will extend our hours again.

Hope to see you all2415 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.

Sundridge EARLY ON Child and Family Centre Sundridge -Satellite program at Bethel Pentecostal Church has returned! Fridays, 10:00 to 12:00. What to expect ? Play-based 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.

JANUARY 31ST - FEBRUARY 1ST 8TH ANNUAL COPPERHEAD TOURNAMENT The Spartans organization is hosting it’s annual adult tournament. This is always a great event with 16-20 teams participating. Contact us, or email us for any additional information.

SUNDRIDGE ARENA & BURKS FALLS ARENA $825 PER TEAM - MENS DIVISION + WOMENS DIVISION 3-GAME GUARANTEE I CASH BAR & DANCE REGISTER NOW ! CONTACT DAVID FORDE AT SPARTANS@GMAIL.COM’ OR BY PHONE AT 1-705-494-0024

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

Parry Sound Seniors Club

with Mary Ann Brunelle

This has been such a fast year, wow!

Happy New Year!

All of our regular programs will be continuing in the New Year, with a couple new additions for Saturday activities. All of our events are open to all members of the community, The new scheduling will be as follows: January 11 - New - our first active games event which will be every second Saturday of each month, the activities will include rotation of golf putting, corn hole, darts and knock the block.

Hours : 11 am to 2 pm January 18 - 11 am to 3:30 pmthe popular Country Jam every third Saturday of each month, playing a musical instrument, singing and dancing or just enjoying the performers will be held at the Parry Sound Seniors Club, why not come out for the fun!

January 25 – 11am-2pm - New - Indoor vendors market, a wide assortment of products and services available to the community - this event will be every third Saturday of each month at the Parry Sound Seniors Club.

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.

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) Bid Euchre Cards Monday at 1:00 pm and Friday at 7:00 pm Regular Euchre Cards Friday at 1:00 pm Cribbage Cards Thursday at 1:00 pm 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 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 1st. January Hope to have you join us!

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Whitestone ARDBEG 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 for business and we are happy to have them back!

Take out and dining room table service.

Hours will be the limited to start until it get busier. They have a Facebook page with hours and menu.

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: 705-7732091 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 519-362-6169 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 Happy Holidays from the Municipality of Whitestone. We wish you and your family a safe and happy new year.

Whitestone New: Skating Rink at the Dun Dome The rink at the Dun Dome, 20 Church St, Dunchurch, is officially open for the season! Check the schedule at tinyurl.com/ dunchurchskating ⛸ See you on the ice!

Dunchurch Agricultural Society News: Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Dunchurch Agricultural Society will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at the Dunchurch United Church, beginning at 5:00 p.m with a potluck dinner and meeting to follow. The purpose of this meeting is to review the past year’s activities and financial statements, and to elect the 2025 slate of Directors.

Call for Nominations: Nominations for Directors for 2025 are now being accepted. Individuals may nominate themselves. Nominations are not seconded. All Director positions are for a one (1) year term. Nominations may be sent in advance to the Secretary, Dunchurch Agricultural Society, via email to dasfallfair@ gmail.com.

FROM THE MAYOR OF WHITESTONE, GEORGE COMRIE Whitestone CAO / Clerk Transition: As previously announced, this month marks a transition in the office of Whitestone’s CAO / Clerk, with Nigel Black taking over from Michelle Hendry, who retires effective December 31st, 2024.

On behalf of Council, I would like to express our deep appreciation to Michelle for her more than 6 years of exemplary leadership and service to the Whitestone community. We have enjoyed working with her, and wish her the all the best in the next stage of her life and career.

I also want to take this opportunity to welcome Nigel Black to Whitestone. Nigel started with us on December 9th, and was appointed CAO / Clerk at the December 10th Council meeting. Nigel and his wife Nicole come to us from Bay Roberts, Newfoundland, where he served as CAO for the past fifteen years. Council looks forward to working with Nigel in the months and years ahead as, together, we continue to build a strong future for our Municipality.

Please join us in welcoming Nigel to Whitestone, and in extending thanks and best wishes to Michelle, at a New Years Levee from 2:00 - 4:00 pm on January 1st, 2025 at the Dunchurch Community Centre.

Mayor George Comrie

NEWS – GRAYDON SMITH ANNOUNCES $ 6.6 MILLION IN NEW FUNDING FOR LOCAL HOSPITALS

(Parry Sound-Muskoka) – DEC. 19, 2024- Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP, Graydon Smith, announced another $6.6 million in new funding for local hospitals across the riding.

“Our government continues to put Parry Sound-Muskoka at the top of the priority list,” said MPP Graydon Smith. “This new funding is a testament to our steadfast commitment to ensure that rural and small town hospitals - like those in Parry Sound, Bracebridge and Huntsville - have the funding required to deliver excellent accessibility and quality of care.”

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) will be receiving a base funding increase of $2,561,122, while the West Parry Sound Health Centre (WPSHC) will receive a $1,813,567 increase in base funding along with one-time funding of $2,186,433 to address in-year pressures.

“We’re now at over $527 million in funding for Parry Sound-Muskoka since June of 2022,” said MPP Smith. “No government has demonstrated itself as committed to the needs of our communities as the current provincial government. This new funding will make real, on-the-ground improvements to patient care and overall quality of life in Parry Sound-Muskoka.”

Great North Arrow

Corduroy comes from the French, cord du roi or cloth of the king.

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!

BURK’S FALLS - ALMAGUIN DONATION AND THRIFT STORE – 205 ONTARIO STREET, 705382-3553 , 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. RE-OPENING WEDENSDAY, JANUARY 15TH. 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 churches 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 10am3:30pm, 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 9AM-1PM. 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 SOUTH RIVER – SOUTH RIVER FREE STORE – 131 OTTAWA AVENUE SOUTH -The ACS (Free Store) is currently accepting clothing at this time. Please drop off on Wednesday and Thursdays between 12-4pm. Drop off address is 131 Ottawa Ave South River ON P0A 1X0 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 in case anyone needs anything but most specifically if you have clothing to donate, the pickings are slim at the moment. They’re only accepting clothing right now, no household goods.

SOUTH RIVER WOMENS OWN RESOURCE CENTRE -105 OTTAWA AVENUE- 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! The Women’s Own Resource Centre encourages you to “SHARE THE WARMTH THIS WINTER” WORC is STILL 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 DO YOU KNOW OF ANY NON-PROFIT THRIFT STORES? WE WOULD LOVE TO INCLUDE THEM IN OUR LISTING!

Happy Anniversary to Alan and Goldie Ladd of Dunchurch celebrating 59 years of marriage on December 18th. Wishing you many wonderful years ahead filled with health and happiness.

FILL-IN PUZZLE #1 3 LETTER WORDS KIA TEE 4 LETTER WORDS ACTS ALGA ARTS ATOM BOAR EAST ECHO ECON ELLE FEED FINE GURU HICK IDEA ITCH LOON MEN'S METS NINE NOEL NUKE OGRE OMIT ONES POTS RACE RIBS SEED SOUR TARN TRIG URGE 5 LETTER WORDS ADOBE

ALOHA ALONE CLASS DESKS EERIE EGRET EMBER ERECT HIDES INTER PIANO RAMIE REBID RIDGE SCRIP SHOAL SKEIN SLEET

TAKEN THETA TONIC 6 LETTER WORDS GALORE IN SITU NORRIS SET OFF SOLIDS STARTS 7 LETTER WORDS DESERTS TREATED

8 LETTER WORDS AUTOBAHN EMERGENT SPLUTTER TERMINUS 9 LETTER WORDS ANTIPODES ASSISTANT MENAGERIE PERMITTED 10 LETTER WORDS LAST RESORT TRADE ROUTE

Solution on Page A11

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

B9 Free printable courtesy of PrintitFree.net

Politically In-Correct ......If you don’t have a sense of humor...turn the page....Its that easy. No-One is safe.....by: Jim

Solution for Crossword #60 P A C T A L O F T S A S H L A U R A C U T E E C H O I N T E R L U D E S A D A M E N E M I E S S C R A P E D T H I N A I R A M O L E U N E A S Y B L E A T A I R W A Y D I N E P I P O P I N E P O K E R E E K O K R A W O O L E N D U D C L E A N S A L I A S C A U S T I C S H R E D P O O R E S T N E S T E G G I D E A I N V I N C I B L E A C R I D C O A T L E E S M E A T S O G R E L Y R E

Great North Arrow

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

B10

Bad Ass Continued ......

Andy actually graced them with his presence! But, he still would not let anyone capture him!

I had people letting me know that they were going out to look for Andy and to make sure he was safe. At one point I got an excited call from a lady who said Andy was ‘high tailing it’ into Sprucedale. "No! Andy! You have to turn around and go home! That is the wrong way!" I thought.

On his third or fourth day of freedom, he picked up a husky along the way. My video surveillance at home actually captured an image of the husky taking Andy down my driveway mid day, but clearly Andy was enjoying his freedom too much, along with his new friend, and decided to follow the husky home. Now I had two loose animals to worry about and one of them wasn't even mine!

At this point, everyone who had heard of Andy's great escape was worried about him and whether he had made it home. I had a few people offer to come out and try to help catch him. And finally, a couple of girls offered to bring their horses to try and draw him out of hiding, so that we could

POWASSAN AND DISTRICT UNION LIBRARY 2024 HIGHLIGHTS Wow! Yet again, we are ready to present our end-of-year highlights.

Where did the time go? We are super excited to do this year’s annual wrap up reel of your Library’s best moments! Read on for photos and stats that made 2024 shine!

Pictured Above: Mary Stokes, local musician and presenter, leads a group of seniors and others in an inclusive and inspiring drumming circle! This program was subsidized by the Seniors Community Grant from the Government of Ontario.

GRANTS! This year, we were fortunate to receive several grants which have helped us to better serve your communities.

First, the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Resilience grant provided us with the funds to purchase five new all-in-one computers for our computer lab, as well as five new laptops, and six new iPads. These items were a much needed upgrade to our outdated equipment!

Furthermore, this grant allowed us to hire Lindsay Berg as a much needed Technology Instructor. Lindsay provided support to everyone, assisting patrons in setting up email accounts, doing computer searches, learning to be wary of common scams as well as a myriad of other technology concerns.

Another worthy update: this grant enabled us to purchase a Virtual Reality Headset. This headset truly "broadens horizons” offering experiences such as immersive museum tours, historical journeys, brain challenging games and many other out of this world experiences! In the new year, make sure to make an appointment with Lindsay to learn how to use this incredible piece of technology!

Then the OTF Capital grant was received in late 2024. We started the process of upgrading our lighting system, and installed a heat pump to improve the efficiency of our heating and cooling systems. These improvements will help us save on energy and save money on our overall operating costs.

As par of the grant, we also plan to upgrade some of our accessibility features making it easier for the public to navigate.

We were also successful in obtaining the Provincial Seniors Community Grant.

With it we continued offering our Community Conversations as Lunch and Learns.

We covered topics such as how to write your own legal will, the health benefit of drumming, a Q&A session with our local pharmacist Tim Wong, and an information session on MAiD, to name a few. We also added monthly Powassan Library Café, which covered top tech topics such as online shopping, connecting with loved one via Zoom, playing trivial games online, and creating social media accounts.

capture him once and for all, and get him home. I accepted their offer.

I wanted to make sure I had a sighting of him before the girls brought their horses.

As Andy had stayed within the same area, early on the morning of Saturday November 30, I found him in his usual spot on the back road and stayed with him until help had arrived. As soon as Andy heard horses nearby he started nodding his head and stomping his foot. You could tell he was excited to hear them. And when he saw the horses, he ran to them. My heart almost exploded at the sight of him seeing them and running to them. They were here for him! And nobody was leaving until Andy was captured.

Out came the lasso, to which he enjoyed a few rounds of "catch me if you PARTNERSHIPS There is nothing we love more than a good collab! This year might be a record breaker for the Library and its community partnerships!

Starting with Owen Desrosiers, our Junior Clerk and TD Summer Reading Club Intern, who first reached out to the Voodoos and then to the Blue Jay’s Care Foundation.

Then there is Breya Market-Matthews, our Media Coordinator, and go-to person who keeps these partnership alive and thriving.

The Voodoos and their coach Peter Goulet have now become amazing library supporters! The players regularly attend some of our kids’ events, especially the Raising Readers Program. In December, they were here with Santa at the Christmas themed celebration. They have even offered to assist with some teen programming in the new year.

Due to this partnership and the generosity of their Coach, Peter Goulet, we hosted three free skating events where the players were on the ice helping kids improve their skating ability and interacting with fans young and old. It’s not every day you get to skate with your local hockey team! Stay tuned for more exciting events coming soon, involving the Voodoos on the ice and here at the library.

The Blue Jays ‘Jays Care Foundation’ was incredible to us this summer. Owen successfully applied to the Foundation and received a grant, which included free coaching lessons, and a complete set of gear needed to run a free once weekly baseball camp for local kids. The ‘Gear’ included high quality bats,mitts, caps, t-shirts, T-balls and even bases!

Thanks to a generous donor we were also able to rent the baseball field - the key component for us to play ball! Additionally, volunteers of all ages and skills showed up weekly to help us run great practices. Generous sponsors such as The Original Bug Shirt Company chipped in for our snack breaks.

Local partnerships were also an integral part of this year’s TD Summer Program.

Many members of the community agreed to participate in a ‘Get to Know your Community Program’ series. The guest list included Jennifer Blender (Fun in the Forest), Rhythmicity Drumming, Adele Lamothe, a local author, a Fire Station Tour, and a visit with Mayor Peter McIsaac.

As mentioned previously in our grants section, several informative speakers volunteered many hours of their time, including but not limited to Catherine Brinnell from the Lake County Legal Clinic, Jerry Dupuis, owner of Maple Hill Health & Fitness, Pharmacist Tim Wong, owner of Powassan Drug Mart, and Dr. Renée Gauthier, MD speaking about MAiD. Melissa Nigrini presented a series on Mindfulness free of charge, Jerry Giesler co-parented 3,000 fish eggs with us as an educational community resource, Mapleridge School took quite a few field trips to the library including an amazing carnival day organized by Jodi Roadknight, our awesome volunteer.

Last but not least, the Municipality of Powassan sponsored one free pool day for the TD Summer Reading Club!

A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR PARTNERS! ARTISTS:

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

Great North Arrow

can", but after a few good lasso attempts, the rope was around his neck! One of the girls grabbed the rope and off Andy went knowing he could not let his days of freedom come to an end! The scene that unfolded was such a comedic relief after the stress of his escape. Needless to say, Andy was finally captured, and we walked him home.

Andy is now "behind bars" in his new set of coral panels where there is no way he should be able to escape again! But this is Andy we are talking about - the elusive unicorn.

Although I am not ok with Andy's escape, I am grateful to my neighbors and the community for understanding that these things happen, and they respected my requests to not chase him or try to capture him and scare him off. For the first time in years, after escaping a domestic violence situation where I haven't been able to trust anyone, Andy brought the community together, and he introduced me to neighbors that I have never spoken to or met, neighbors who offered their assistance and went out of their way to help in a time of need, however they could. Andy's escape somehow helped me to start to rebuild my trust of people. I have learned a lot about

Pictured Above: Art by Kim Rainville, Julia Pedersen, Mieke Markus & Carol Griese We were incredibly grateful to have the honor to exhibit artwork from Nipissing Museum, Kimberly Rainville, Carol Griese, Mieke Markus, Krista Pedersen, Julia Breckenridge, Mike Raymond, Carol Dobbs, Terry Kunkel, Joyce Effinger, and Arlene Brandes this past year. These artists brought their work to the library and put on exceptional exhibits, sharing their talent and skill with the community. Carol Griese has also been generous enough to leave one of her paintings titled “Sway” in our new Valery Houghtling Quiet Room.

PROGRAMS & EVENTS! Collaborations and events were at an all time high in 2024! We hosted our TD Summer Reading Club, Community Lunch & Learns, Nature Photo Contest, and a Silent Dance Party for Tweens & Teens.

Life Labs Blood Work continues to be a community resource that we are happy to be hosting. In 2024 there were 95 clinics at the library and over 4,550 people took advantage of this service locally. Our summer programming included over 100 hours of free engaging programming for kids and teens! We are so grateful to our sponsors for helping us make so many things happen this past year. Speaking of sponsors…

SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS

Pictured Above: Our incredible business sponsors and Friends of the Library that helped us deliver resources, programs, and supports to our communities. Thank you for supporting your library!

Pictured Below: Many individuals also gave generously in support of the library.

Their donations went to children’s programming, senior programming, buying books, expanding our resources and so much more. We appreciate all of our supporters.

To all of our sponsors we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude. Every one of your generous donations made a huge impact on the library and our communities.

When we asked for support, so many individuals and business rose to the challenge.

We feel inspired to hear that you see the library as a valuable resource and thank everyone for all of their efforts.

VOLUNTEERS: We can’t say enough about our volunteers! They are incredibly generous with their time, skills and knowledge. We are

mules since acquiring Andy. Mules are independent and don't need us humans to survive. That's why Andy wouldn't let me catch him. He didn't need me. But I needed him! I needed him more than I ever knew, because like Andy, trust takes time and doesn't come automatically.

Andy is going to take a lot of time and patience before he fully trusts me and other people, but I won't give up on him and he is with me for keeps.

Andy's story doesn't stop there! He is no longer on his own. Soon after he came home, he gained a new companion... a molly mule named Bella. They have their moments with each other but overall, they have both settled in nicely. They now have a safe home and a lifetime companion in each other, something neither has had for a long time. For that, my heart is happy.

There is really no moral to this story, however, should anybody see a random little dirty white mule walking up the road in Emsdale, his name is Andy, and he is at it again. I will have no advice on catching him, because to this day he will not be caught, but for now, I am quite confident that my ‘elusive unicorn’ is safely enclosed and enjoying his new surroundings with his friend Bella the molly mule. so grateful to have a wonderful Friends of the Library committee! They are always creating new fundraising initiatives to support the library’s growth. Then there is Mike Raymond who keeps our downstairs bookstore in impeccable order by author and genre. Our friend, Jodi Roadknight drops in weekly to help organize and strategize, coming up with amazing programming ideas. Janet Sparks and Sandra Kilroy are often here shelving the books and organizing the items on the shelves, an incredibly appreciated job. Ben Fryer has been a volunteer photographer for many of our skating events, as well as helping with the cleanup after the events. Our youngest volunteer, Liam, has been a big help to Jen at the Raising Readers Program! Let’s not forget Shannel who regularly helps with the Raising Readers Program, does odd painting jobs, and assist Jen with so many other tasks. Our staff member Teresa Emmerson went above and beyond volunteering for our TD Summer Reading Program daily. The Voodoos hockey team volunteered to take down our Parade of Lights float, attend many events, and skate with the kids at our free skating events. Mary Heasman has offered genealogy classes for many years and now enjoys a full computer room every Thursday! Both Bernie Kerr and Paul (aka The Straw Hat Man) played music every month for all ages to enjoy.

The chairs in our children’s section, as well as the bench, have been beautifully recovered by Alexis Swajnowski, owner of Rip & Stitch. Our wildflower gardens was maintained with care by Becky Krebb while our front gardens were weeded and watered by Ann Oshell. Last but certainly not least, our Library Board is very committed to supporting the library with wisdom and foresight.

Thank you to all of our volunteers, past and present, for all their hard work and dedication.

With gratitude…

Pictured Above: Marie, Jen & Breya snap a pic with Santa at our annual Raising Readers Event! We are so grateful to everyone who was able to attend and to help promote literacy to the next generations.

We are all so grateful for this past year.

From volunteers to sponsors and community partners there is so much we couldn’t do without you. We wish everyone an enjoyable holiday season with those you love.

From all of us: Marie, Jennifer, Teresa, Jodi, Lindsay, Owen, Marty and Breya…

Special Invitation to the South River Machar Agricultural Society Annual General Meeting (AGM) Location: South River Village Council Chambers- 63 Marie St, South River Date: Thursday Januar y 16th, 2025 Time: 6:30 pm Board Meeting and 7:00 pm AGM

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

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

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hatched healthy snakes who were released back to their birthplace.

We hosted a Climate Action Forum and Sustainable Transportation event with over 500 participants! The Integrated Community Energy and Climate Action Plans (ICECAP) partnership celebrated 5 years of working toward GHG mitigation!

20 YEARS IN REVIEW WITH THE GEORGIAN BAY BIOSPHERE

CHRISTMAS CHEER

SUNDRIDGE: Candy Hodge-Niestroy-This is what small town Christmas is all about……..

We would like to thank Colleen Anderson for all her dedicated years with the Christmas Cheer program. Also, we would like to thank every single community member that helped with all the organization that goes into this blessed event. With everyone’s help, Colleen and her crew are able to bring joy too almost 80 families this Christmas in our community. Let it be Christmas Everyday!

Georgian Bay Anishinaabek Youth led their 3rd annual canoe trip with a dozen Indigenous youth, continued the “Mowin Monday” language series available on our

Our Journey

a research study with Laurentian University evaluating whether road fencing effectively reduces reptile road mortality. Watch for results of the study in 2025!

Our Climate Action program included 3 Repair Cafés in Parry Sound and Honey

The eastern Georgian Bay region became a UNESCO biosphere starting with a passionate group of community members who were seeking better ways to work together for a more sustainable future. Cottagers, First Nations, boaters, and residents came together to champion this vision, seek community support, and prepare a formal

Harbour. Over 120 lbs of clothing, appliances, electronics, and furniture were repaired and diverted from the landfill!

GBB volunteers since 2002, and the executive management team since 2009, Greg and Becky paddled 120 km along eastern Georgian Bay! They met hundreds of people who shared their connection to the Bay, their concerns, and how we can build a

nomination for UNESCO that was approved in 2004.

Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere (GBB) has grown through the tireless efforts of a diverse group of volunteers, Indigenous advisors, community partners, youth, and staff. Our 20th Anniversary is a major better future! milestone to celebrate!

In partnership with Moose Deer Point First 20 years of species at risk work has creat- Nation, we incubated & hatched hognose ed exciting new partnerships! For example, snake eggs for the first time! All 24 eggs

Jim Shedden

Life Styles Cyndi and I are excited to announce that we have partnered with a company to develop a new website. The new site is geared to “newspapers” and has a lot of new perks for the advertisers as well

as the readers.

A common complaint I receive is that the current site is not very user friendly and that it is very hard to follow a story. The new site remedies that issue.

We will also be able to archive all issues from 14 years ago and what is really cool is that if you are looking for an article from years past but do not know where to look, you just type in the key words and it will pull up all information.

Being a “pro-Canadian” I always try to keep the business local. I check for Almaguin and Parry Sound suppliers first. Then Northern Ontario. Then Ontario and finally Canada. However, it turns out that we do not have a service like this. Therefore, the company we have partnered with is as US firm currently providing the service to 261 US “independent” newspapers. The Great North Arrow is the first Canadian company to be incorporated into their service.

One of the “perks” is that all social media

Great North Arrow

YouTube, and hosted a hide tanning camp in November!

It was our 5th year collecting at-risk turtle eggs, and our biologists collected our 10,000th egg! This year 1,329 eggs were collected from four species of turtles: Snapping, Map, Midland painted, & Blanding's.

We hosted an incredible 75 events, attended 30 others, and spoke with thousands of people! From guided Biosphere Walks, to Eat Around The Sound (EATS) workshops, Bioblitzes and more, it was wonderful to be with people who care about this special place!

Your Donation Will Make a Difference!

- Your donation directly supports our education, science, research, and community programs. We rely on donations of all sizes to be a catalyst for this work. Please consider a donation this season. Thank you! Miigwech!

E-mail: info@georgianbaybiosphere.com - Telephone: (705) 774-0978

Be kind to your dentist. He has fillings, too.

& websites will be live. For example: I have discussed numerous times with Jeff Collins of Collins Valu Mart in Burk’s Fall trying to link his flyers to the online site. Sadly, it has not happened. When the switch is made our advertisers such as Collins, No Frills, Hopes, Sobeys and Home Hardware will have their “flyers” available on the site.

This will happen as well for all advertisers if they have that ability.

Let me give you another example of how the new service will help advertisers. The Burk’s Falls Café has been a long time supporter of the GNA. Every day Tracey posts the specials that the café is offering on Facebook. The new service monitors social media and see’s Traceys post and ads it to a rotating bar at the top of the page. It will be up there for about 10 seconds and then the next one will appear and then repeat.

Obviously, this is something that I will have be involved with the individual advertiser.

The reach of the Great North Arrow is rather insane. Our last numbers (Nov 15th issue) had us at 46,219. Give or take a couple of thousand. Out of that, we know that 6215 accessed the paper within the Almaguin Region. This does not include the other major markets that we service such as Huntsville and Parry Sound. As a heads up, North Bay is in our business plan for 2025. Unfortunately, the way we are set up right now I cannot access those numbers.

However, in the future we will be able to provide that data.

THE NOTE

shared by Ted McEwen / Trader Ted's A father passing by his son's bedroom was astonished to see the bed was nicely made and everything was picked up. Then, he saw an envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow. It was addressed, 'Dad'. With the worst premonition, he opened the envelope and read the letter, with trembling hands.

Dear, Dad. It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend, because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mum and you.

I've been finding real passion with Stacy. She is so nice, but I knew you would not approve of her because of all her piercing's, tattoos, her tight Motorcycle clothes, and because she is so much older than I am.

But it's not only the passion, Dad. She's pregnant. Stacy said that we will be very happy. She owns a trailer in the woods, and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children.

Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn't really hurt anyone. We'll be growing it for ourselves and trading it with the other people in the commune for all the cocaine and ecstasy we want.

In the meantime, we'll pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so that Stacy can get better. She sure deserves it!

Don't worry Dad, I'm 15, and I know how to take care of myself. Someday, I'm sure we'll be back to visit so you can get to know your many grandchildren.

Love, your son, Joshua.

P.S . Dad, none of the above is true. I'm over at Jason's house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than the school report that's on the kitchen table. Call when it is safe for me to come home!

An elderly couple were driving in their beloved Studebaker, the wife driving. They are pulled over by the traffic police. The Officer says "Did you realize that you were speeding back there?" The woman being slightly deaf , turns to her husband and asks,"What did he say?" The husband shouts, “He says you were speeding." The officer says ,"May I see your license?"

The elderly woman turns to her husband and asks, “What did he say."

Her husband shouts, “He wants to see your license." The woman gives him her license. The officer says, "I see you are from Powassan, I spent some time there once, had the worst sex with a woman I have ever had!" The woman turns to her husband and asks ,"What did he say." The husband say: “ IHe says he knows you”.

Small towns & proud ... connecting communities

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