February 3, 2023

The Creemore ECHO

Queens, king come to Creemore for second drag show

by Trina Berlo

February’s “Winter is a Drag” show will feature top notch performers with big personalities, voluminous hair and glitzy costumes as they wow the crowd with their skillful blend of dance, lipsynching and stand-up comedy.

Host Enya Dreams is promising an extremely fun, high-energy sequel to the first Creemore show held in the fall when spectators became enthusiastic participants in a full-on dance party, the energy escalating throughout the night as the crowd and the queens egged each other on in turn.

“As a performer that was probably one of the best shows I have ever done,” said Enya, the host and curator of the Creemore shows. “The crowd was just incredible.”

Enya Dreams will have with her some of the best drag performers in Ontario – Wynonna Juggs (who performed at the fall show under the name Vylette), Toronto legend Katinka Kature, and drag king TroyBoy Parks

Enya started doing drag in Toronto and performed there for most of her twenties, until moving to Collingwood a year and a half ago. Since then, Enya has been part of a blossoming drag scene, making appearances from Innisfil to Meaford. Enya Dreams has since launched a production company and is hosting area events.

Enya said the need and the desire is there and she is happy to help smaller rural communities get representation and grow.

“The more they see the more they know and I think drag, and drag shows,

have such a beautiful way of showcasing all walks of life,” said Enya, adding that these areas have not been saturated with drag performances so the reception has been great.

Enya said the success, and the ability

to support other drag kings and queens, has reignited a spark in her.

It has helped her grow as a person, doing things to bring people together, both entertainers and audiences.

“It has really allowed me to have a lot of fun with it, and showcase love,” said Enya. “This show is really great, and diverse. People are going to have so much fun with it.”

For newbies, the performers do a great job of explaining the etiquette of drag. One of the important things to know in advance is that tipping is a big part of the performance so bring bills to wave in order to catch the performers’ attention.

The show is on Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Creemore Legion. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.

All money raised will be used to provide arts and history programming in the community through Purple Hills Arts and Heritage Society.

Tickets cost $25 each and are available online to anyone 19 and older at www. ticketscene.ca/events/43210.

Istealya Heart, another one of the drag queens that performed in Creemore in the fall, is hosting a Steal’n Hearts Drag Show at the Legion in New Lowell on Saturday, Feb. 11, joined by Angell Morana and Twinklet. Showtime is 8 p.m. and tickets cost $20, available at www.eventbrite.ca.

OLG playtime casino opens in Wasaga Beach

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has issued the first quarterly gaming revenue payment to the Town of Wasaga Beach, for its role in hosting the new Playtime Casino Wasaga Beach.

This first payment of $152,138 is based on casino revenue generated from Nov. 23 to Dec. 31, the first 39 days the casino operated during OLG’s third quarter.

During a grand opening event at the new Playtime Casino Wasaga

Beach on Friday, OLG’s President and CEO Duncan Hannay , along with Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson , presented Wasaga Beach Mayor Brian Smith with the initial cheque.

“I would like to congratulate Gateway Casinos on the opening of this exciting new casino in Wasaga Beach” said Saunderson. “This entertainment destination is a $34 million investment that will have a significant impact on the regional

economy, will add to the robust tourism sector, and provide hundreds of new, local jobs.”

Clearview council unanimously voted against hosting an OLG gaming facility in the municipality in 2012. The Town of Wasaga Beach was the only one of the four municipalities to vote in favour of hosting a casino.

“We are very happy to host Playtime Casino Wasaga Beach, which offers a new entertainment destination for the region and is creating new jobs

in our community,” said Smith. “And, we are pleased to work with OLG and Gateway Casinos to use this new revenue stream to improve the quality of life of the residents of Wasaga Beach.”

According to the OLG, 140 new jobs have been created at the casino.

The new Playtime Casino Wasaga Beach was built by Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Limited, the service provider for the Central

(See “Payouts” on page 7)

Staff photo: Trina Berlo Enya Dreams accepts tips from enthusiastic spectators at Creemore's first drag show in the fall. The second show is coming up on Feb. 18

Calendar COMMUNITY

February

• Join The Creemore Sanctuary's February Challenge. Commit to yourself and enjoy unlimited yoga. Take part in as many as six classes each week, available at various times and levels. Email, call or visit the website for discount and details. www.thecreemoresanctuary.com, thecreemoresanctuary@gmail.com, 705 8887729.

Friday, Feb. 3 to Sunday, Feb. 5

• Sunnidale Winterama "the greatest little show on snow," multi-day event filled with great family fun! All "in-person activities" have returned plus snow sculpture photo contest, best beard growing and mustache contest and the poster/colouring sheet contest. Burning of the green, comedy night, parade, bed races an adult dance and more. For a full schedule visit discoverclearview.ca.

Saturday, Feb. 4

• Creemore Farmers' and Craft Market, Station on the Green 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fresh, local and unique items from our bakers, makers and growers! Plus breakfast by La Cucina.

• Creemore Coyotes vs Suageen Shores Winterhawks 7:30 p.m. at the Creemore Arena. First playoff game.

Tuesday, Feb. 7

• Public Skating at the Creemore Arena. Parent and Tot Skating. Free. 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Adult Skating 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. $2 admission fee.

Friday, Feb. 10

• Join speakers from St. Luke's Community Food Bank, The Orillia Sharing Place Food Center, The New Farm and Hogwild Farming Company at Station on the Green in Creemore from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for a discussion on Food Insecurity: The intersection of sustainable, equitable local food systems and the role of our food banks. Local wine and snacks will be served from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Contact vsmith@sothebysrealty.ca for more info or to RSVP for this free event.

Saturday, Feb. 11

• Valentine fundraiser for NDACT and Food and Water First at the Dufferin Public House, 214 Main St. E., Shelburne. The venue will be romantically decorated for Valentine’s. Food, DJ and dancing as well as silent auction items. Tickets cost $75 each, available via Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3Zx3ywK. Cocktails and silent auction: 5 p.m. Welcome and food service: 6 p.m. Close of silent auction: 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 14

• Creemore Legion Ladies Auxiliary annual Lasagna Take-out Dinner. $20 includes lasagna, Caesar salad, bun/butter and dessert. Call Laura at 705-466-2462 before Feb. 5.

Wednesday, Feb. 15

• Creemore Horticultural Society Meeting with speaker Paul Zammitt, “The Soul of the Garden.” Zoom meeting at 7:30 p.m.; March 15, speaker is Dugald Cameron “Lilacs.” Meeting at Station on the Green at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 18

• Soup for the Soul. A new healthy eating initiative by St. Luke’s Anglican Church. From 10 a.m. to noon. Space is limited. Contact Rev. Lorna May at 705-352-2759 to reserve a spot. Children 10 and older are welcome if accompanied by a guardian. We will be making a delicious soup so please bring your own slow cooker or one can be provided if need be.

• Winter is a Drag but the Queens are back to warm it up! Enjoy music and fun with some of Simcoe County's finest drag performers while raising money for Purple Hills Arts and Heritage Society and the Creemore Legion. Tickets $25 on sale now at www.phahs.ca.

Saturday, Feb. 25

• The All Peaceful St. Luke’s team will once again be walking in Creemore in support of The Coldest Night of the Year, leaving from St. Luke’s at 2 p.m. This walk supports Home Horizon in Collingwood. Please contact Rev. Lorna May at 705-352-2759 for details on how to participate and donate. Donations may be made payable to The Coldest Night of the Year, and brought to the church.

Wednesday, March 8 & Thursday, March 9

• Theatre Collingwood Fundraiser - Girl's Nite Out. Enjoy an all-female, all funny troupe of improv and stand-up comedy performers that will have you in stitches with their side-splitting sketches. Tickets are $40 and selling fast. For more information contact Theatre Collingwood 705-445-2200, www.theatrecollingwood.ca.

Friday, March 17

• Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Station on the Green, featuring Shipyard Kitchen Party and Strange Potatoes. 6 p.m. to midnight, doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets cost $40. Available at ticketscene.ca/events/43490. Come get your green on and support your community hall.

Mulmur investigates snow-making noise complaints

by Trina Berlo

Mulmur council invited Mansfield Ski Club to make a deputation at its Feb. 1 meeting in response to complaints alleging that the new snow-making equipment at the club is causing a disturbance.

Mountainview Road resident Leah Pressey began corresponding with the former general manager in November 2021 when the new snow-making equipment was installed and she and her husband Peter Yan noticed the new noise. They say they can hear the noise inside with the windows closed, making it challenging to sleep. Discussions as to how to remediate the problem went on for one year until ceasing in September 2022.

They have filed a complaint, along with other neighbours, who say they have measured the noise at almost 70 decibels outside the house and 51 decibels inside the homes, which is high for snow-making equipment that is supposed to be rated at a maximum of 60 decibels.

Mansfield Ski Club general manager Jason MacArthur said in the last two years the facility is using new air compressors, and other new equipment, and said it should be half as loud as it was when they

were using the old equipment, which was prone to failure.

“We’re working through millions of dollars in upgrades every year to our snow-making plant and our snow-making facility to be able to make snow quicker and to be able to make snow more efficiently,” said MacArthur.

The goal is to have one metre of snow on each run, which usually happens by the end of January but with the unseasonably high temperatures in December, the club is still making snow.

Temperatures between -8˚C and -20˚C are ideal for making snow, said MacArthur, so it is usually done at night.

“If we did not have snow-making there would be zero ski resorts open right now in Ontario. We just do not get natural snow and we haven’t been getting great temperature to make snow. So snow-making is key to our business,” said MacArthur, adding that the club is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

He said Mansfield Ski Club employs more than 250 people peak season and makes real estate appealing to members.

“We need to be able to make snow when it’s cold, at

a moment’s notice and that is the only way ski resorts will survive in Ontario,”said MacArthur.

“I just want to make it pretty clear that if there are any restrictions put on the club to not be able to make snow the club wouldn’t exist, it would close.”

“That’s a pretty firm position,” said Mayor Janet Horner. “I think when we have people who are concerned about noise you should probably listen and see if there’s something we both can do.”

Council is asking Mansfield Ski Club to report back with data and documentation, including their operations and sound levels.

“We can’t make decisions here just based on emotion, speculation and rumour,” said Horner. “As a council, we don’t know your industry well enough but we appreciate the fact that you do employ so many folks and that you are operating something that is a recreational facility within our township but are you within the limits of ski resorts?”

Deputy Mayor Earl Hawkins said noise comes with the territory when it comes to ski hills.

“In my time on council I think this is the first time we have ever had complaints about noise so I think it would be good to compare with other skiways,” said Hawkins.

County accepting applications for 2023 Community Grant Program

Dufferin

Applications for Dufferin County’s 2023 Community Grant Program are now open.

“Our local not-for-profit organizations work hard every day to benefit our community, and through their ongoing dedication, they make Dufferin County a better place for all who live and work here,” said Dufferin County Warden Wade Mills “We are pleased to again offer our Community Grant Program to support the not-for-profit sector in the important work they do.”

The program aims to support not-for-profit or charitable organizations who complete projects or provide programming benefiting Dufferin County residents and that serve one or more of the County’s strategic priorities for the 2023 grant:

• Climate Action

• Cultural Enhancement

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

• Economic Development

• Youth and Seniors Services

• Food

New this year, the Food for Thought grant now falls under the general Community Grant streams, and Food has been added as a benefit category. There is still an allocation of funds to support organizations who provide direct food services to Dufferin residents. The previous maximum of $3,000 for Food grant applications no longer applies.

Dufferin County partners with Headwaters

Communities in Action (HCIA) to administer the Community Grant Program. HCIA establishes a grant team who reviews the applications and evaluates them against the established criteria to ensure they meet the strategic priorities.

Completed application packages can be submitted to info@dufferincounty.ca, or dropped off at or mailed to Dufferin County, 30 Centre Street, Orangeville, L9W 2X1 with attention to Community Grant Program.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 27. Notifications will be sent from the county clerk’s office following approval by county council. Eligibility requirements and additional information can be found at www.dufferincounty.ca.

THE WAY WE WERE

Residents applaud The Blue Mountains council's intention to work with regional partners and the province to enhance local land conservation through a formal collaboration process

Local residents and environmental advocates were thrilled to witness a 5-0 vote by The Blue Mountains Council to move forward with a proposal to increase the collaboration between stakeholders in order to protect the green spaces along the Niagara Escarpment.

The motion, put forward by Councillor Alex Maxwell, goes beyond The Blue Mountains and requests that staff collaborate with neighbouring municipal and regional councils and other stakeholders to create planning processes that incorporate natural environment protection and sustainability as guiding principles. The motion acknowledges the importance of our natural environment to all aspects of our regional economy, combatting climate change, and maintaining healthy ecosystems for generations to come.

The Motion for the Protection of Green Space received strong community support from residents who wrote letters and spoke at the Jan. 23 council meeting.

Local resident and Escarpment Corridor Alliance (ECA) Director George Knowles informed council members at the meeting that, “we can’t solve all the problems around the world, but it’s up to us to do what we can, where we are, right here, right now, in the Town of The Blue Mountains. And we know that nature doesn’t pay attention to political boundaries, so we need to work in concert with Grey Highlands, Collingwood, and Clearview. As the saying goes, we need to think globally and act locally. This motion offers a chance to act big locally, right here, at home.”

The ECA is a coalition of local residents, businesses, and organizations who are alarmed plans to turn key parts of the brow and prominent slopes of the Niagara Escarpment into mega-developments. The ECA is encouraged by The Blue Mountains council’s strong leadership and support of the motion and hopes that it will help municipalities to reconsider inappropriate developments such as the proposal for Castle Glen that would replace over 1,500 acres of forest and ecologically-sensitive wetlands with 1,600 homes, hotels, three golf courses and 54,000 square feet of retail space.

“Kudos to Town of The Blue Mountains Council for making the right decision and voting to pass this motion recognizing the true value of our natural heritage,” said ECA President Bruce Harbinson. “Land conservation principles don’t necessarily align with political boundaries which is why this motion and having collaboration across all of our region’s municipalities is so important and timely.”

Doc sets up office at Sovereign hotel

With prayers for the residents displaced from the warmth and dignity of their homes, the business lost and owners of the historic building due to the recent tragedy of fire, I write about a small segment of time connecting life-changing events in the village.

by John R.

Graham

Dr. J.R.H. Graham, and his wife, Marjorie Winnifred Graham, arrived in Creemore on October 30, 1926. My brother, Robert, was born in 1927. I am John Graham, born in 1934. I am the last family connection with Creemore. Since my retirement in 2019, I have been living with my family in Huntington Beach, California. I have a heart filled with gratitude for my life.

Rolly Graham and Marjorie Graham purchased the Sovereign Hotel building at Mill and Caroline Streets in 1944. They drew up plans for a medical office and four apartments on the two upper floors. The initial project was the medical space for two doctors, including a large treatment room with one hospital bed and emergency equipment, a large dispensary with three walls of medicines (liquid, pill, and ointments), a bathroom, and an extra workspace to double as a lunchroom.

The Creemore Star, dated Feb. 15, 1945, reported, “Dr. Graham now located in front rooms of the former Sovereign Hotel.”

Entering from Mill Street, there was a small rectangular room for shaking off snow and mud, then pushing through a second door that buffered the weather, a space with four doors for the four directions. On the right was a half door by the front

desk receptionist in the dispensary; straight ahead, a door to the private office spaces; and on the left, a framed opening into a large waiting room. Matching wooden armchairs against four walls, under pleasing paintings, with a table in the middle, gave 24 people space to discuss the weather, springtime ruts in Nottawasaga Township, current events, and family. “And will your daughter Evelyn be coming home for the holiday?” Gossip seemed out of place in the quiet haven of the Doctor’s Waiting Room because it was sacred ground for the distressed.

Russell F. Boettger, MD, a young medical doctor who returned from medical service with the Royal Canadian Army Corps, joined my father in medical practice in February 1946 and established his family in Creemore. It was an understandable loss but a sadness to the village when the family moved back to their home community of Waterloo, close to their grandparents, in the summer of 1951.

The most interesting person arriving at the old Sovereign Hotel was a former Colonel in the White Russian Army, a Georgian from Tbilisi. Marjorie and Rolly Graham, in 1944, hired Mr. Kirill Paholkin. With his wife, Claire, a nurse and former officer in the White Russian Army, the couple escaped the Red Army takeover of Russia in 1917. However, their beloved home country of Georgia was to become the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia. So Kirill and Claire walked out of their native Georgia to Armenia and Turkey. Years later, after many midway points, including Toronto, they settled on a small farm near Randwick. Kirill walked to Creemore Sunday evening

(Continues on next page)

PUBLISHER Sara Hershoff sara@creemore.com

EDITOR

Trina Berlo trina@creemore.com

Bonnie MacPherson bonnie@creemore.com

In 1980, Jennifer Lawson (centre) won the snowqueen title at Sunnidale Winterama, pictured with Ellen Wines (left) and Sherry Lloyd. The annual event takes place this weekend in New Lowell.

Graham, instrumental in bringing Guiding to Creemore

(Continued from page 4)

or early Monday morning and walked home on Friday late afternoon/evening to be a husband, father, and farmer. Kirill and Claire had one son, Bob. Claire ran the weekday farm and looked after their son as Bob grew into a man and took over tasks through the years.

One day during the threshing of their small wheat crop, the threshing machine stopped. The owner tried to get it restarted. Nothing worked. On a Friday afternoon, Kirill walked off the road and asked if he could help. Bob, speaking unaccented English, explained his father was a genius. Kirill took about one hour to fix the machine so the man could finish their grain. When talking about the threshing machine, Rolly asked, “How can you do such a thing? In your life, you’ve never worked on a machine like that before.”

Kirill described his life secret.

“You take off the cover and put the screws on the cover. Then the next screws you see, you take them out and place them on the ground beside the cover. You keep going inside the machine until you find what is broken, fix that piece, and then work backward, just putting things back the way before, together, in reverse order. Then put the cover on last. Then Kirill smiled and watched Rolly: “Is that like work you do at your hospital?” Rolly respected him fully and laughed every time he told the story. He was delighted with Kirill. Marjorie could not have done without him, completing task after task in the Sovereign renovation.

Kirill did amazing things with his hands, using tools, strength, graphic skills, drawing plans, and a creative mind: repairing things, plumbing,

tin work, electricity, carpentry was a particular skill, and painting while humming opera melodies mindlessly. Marjorie wanted to write him up for the popular Reader’s Digest series as “The Most Interesting Person I Ever Met.” He was not lighthearted and could descend into tearful sadness. Yet he could dance, the male athletic counterpart of the most graceful Georgian female dancers gliding ‘round the room, a wild spirit, on his haunches, foreleg kicking out right and left, as he moved around with a broad honest smile.

The renovation of the Sovereign offices would not have been done without Kirill Paholkin. Nor would the former Barroom, with the original bar with foot rail, mirrors, and bottle shelves, have been transformed into a recreation room. Rolly loved the newly decorated space for entertaining and relaxing. Yet every Tuesday at 4:15 p.m., for three years, 1945-1948, a former Barroom was transformed into a magical world of toadstools and elves sprinkled with fairy dust. Marjorie Graham was instrumental in establishing the Canadian Girl Guide movement in Creemore, later becoming a District Director, and started a Brownie pack for girls aged

7-11 aspiring to become Girl Guides.

Marjorie and Kirill took on renovating and remodeling the second and third floors after opening the medical office at the Sovereign and finishing the ground floor spaces. The north side door on the ground floor invited entry to the “Brownies place,” walking straight ahead and with access to the downstairs bathroom. The stairway to the midpoint of the second floor ended in a foyer, with three apartments carved out of the former hotel spaces on that level. Arthur May and his wife, Jeanne, made their home there in 1945. Mrs. Ovens and her son Bill started living there in 1946 when she sold her home on King Street. The Graham family lived in the rear apartment. When Mrs. Claire Paholkin came to Creemore, the couple had the guestroom for long periods in the apartment. When Kirill was alone, he created a living space in the work area in the back part of the ground floor.

From the second-floor foyer at the midpoint, a central staircase climbed to one cozy apartment on the top floor overlooking Mill Street.

The garage and unheated sunporch room on the second floor, off the east side of the building, were erected in the summer of 1945.

One of my father’s significant decisions took effect on September 10, 1942, when he employed Winnifred Joy White, a registered nurse. Joy followed her older sister, “Louie,” also a nurse, and both graduated from the prestigious Royal Victoria Hospital

program in London, Ontario. These young professional women were the daughters of Fred and Cora White, who farmed north of Cashtown Corners as you turn up toward Stayner.

Joy White became the face of kindness and compassion in assisting and initiating care for distressed patients. Louie connected back to Creemore when Mr. Victor and Mrs. Louie Beacom established a small hospital in Creemore at 221 Mill Street, adjacent to the former medical office of Doctor Graham on Nelson Street. The hospital was housed on the home’s second floor, later owned by Jack and Winona Heslip.

Following the divorce of Marjorie and Rolly Graham in 1949, my father later married his dedicated nurse, Winnifred Joy White. Dr. J.R.H. Graham died in 1955. Robert J. Graham drowned in a 1952 accident. Marjorie Graham died in Kingston, in 1985. Joy White Graham died in Parry Sound, in 2003.

May these memories be for a blessing to keep goodness alive.

A film/video on CD in the Creemore Library titled Only Thirty Years Behind the Times presented to the village in 2004, may interest you.

John R. Graham is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada and a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, recently retired from academic life. He now lives in Los Angeles.

John R. Graham

Contributed photo

In attendance at Wednesday's Pan African flag raising at Museum of Dufferin (MoD) to mark the beginning of Black History Month was Dufferin County Warden Wade Mills, MoD manager Jasmine Proteau, Dufferin County Canadian Black Association president Alethia O’Hara Stephenson and other members of the community.

Mosaic of Black Culture events in region

During Black History Month, several communities across Simcoe County will welcome the Mosaic of Black Culture, a family event.

Created by Making Change, this interactive event features live steel pan music, a make your own steel pan craft, and an overview of Black History from a local Canadian perspective.

“With so much rich Black History right in our own backyard, our interactive event will get the whole family engaged,” said Michèle Newton , co-founder and chair of Making Change. “Making Change’s mission is to spark conversations around diversity and inclusion. Through our Mosaic of Black Culture event we want to create opportunities to build allyship. As we learn about Black History together we can move forward in community togetherness.”

Attendees will hear traditional Caribbean music provided by awardwinning steel pan performer, Pan Fyah . Youth can try the steel pan themselves and also create their own drum to take home in this fun-filled family event.

The event will also share an engaging overview of Black History presented by Making Change speaker

Debbie Opoku-Mulder

Making Change program director Laura LaChapelle , a former Creemore resident, said OpokuMulder will be giving an overview of

During Black History Month, in February, the organization Making Change is hosting a series of events entitled the Mosaic of Black Culture, including performances and steel pan crafts with Pan Fyah.

Black history in Canada, sharing local sites that have rich history, and talking about how we can all become allies in our community.

Participants are also invited to add to a diversity tapestry, which is travelling throughout Simcoe County.

“We’re inspired by what it will end up looking like and how this could be turned into a beautiful art piece that showcases the natural beauty of Simcoe County,” said LaChapelle.

The closest event will be held

Payouts based on graduated scale

(Continued from page 1)

Gaming Bundle, as part of OLG’s land-based gaming modernization. Over the past seven years, service providers have invested an estimated $1.8 billion in private sector capital investment across the province.

Since 2017, these investments have led to the development and opening of seven new casinos, including Playtime Casino Wasaga Beach.

Payments are based on Municipality Contribution Agreements, using a graduated scale of gaming revenue applied across Ontario.

Under the agreement, municipalities receive:

• 5.25% on the first $65 million of slot revenue;

• 3% on the next $135 million of slot revenue;

• 2.5% on the next $300 million of slot revenue;

in partnership with Wasaga Beach Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Wasaga Beach Recplex Oakview Room, 1724 Mosley St.

Admission is free but preregistration is required. Visit www. MakingChangeSC.com for preregistration links to events happening in Wasaga Beach and Barrie on Feb. 25, Innisfil on Feb. 11, Orillia, Angus and Thornton on Feb. 18, and Bradford on Feb. 19. Spaces are limited.

• 0.5% on the slot revenue above $500 million;

• 4% of table game revenue; and

• 4% of sportsbook revenue (if applicable).

Since 1994, host communities have received more than $1.93 billion in non-tax gaming revenue.

As in all of the province’s casinos, Playtime Casino Wasaga Beach has a PlaySmart Centre staffed by employees of the Responsible Gambling Council.

Contributed photo

Creemore Curling Club standings

Ladies Team win-loss

Verstegen 3-1

McKay 3-1

Crawford 2-2

Walker 2-2

Baylis 0-4

From the Hack: The Quebec gang returned with many tales of shenanigans, camaraderie and of course good curling!

A close game on Sheet 1. Tied after seven ends, Team McKay stole the game from Team Walker with a rock strategically placed in the house.

On Sheet 2, Team Baylis had an early lead, but Jaz rallied her team to win the last four ends to start their next winning streak.

Daytime

Team win-loss-tie

Loranger 5-2-2

Coulter 5-2-2

Martens 4-4-1

Walker 1-7-1

From the Hack: On Monday, Bill was back from his sojourn in sunny Jamaica, and led his team to a victory over Team Walker. Ron, skip of Team Coulter, managed to take out Team Loranger’s counter with his last stone in the eighth to secure the win. On Wednesday, Bill was overheard saying he wished he was still in Jamaica, after

suffering a big loss to Team Coulter. On the other sheet, the players of Teams Walker and Loranger were impressed with their game, managing to keep twelve or more stones in play, each end! Team Loranger racked up the win in that match. Thanks to Joan for the chocolate chip cookies. Good curling everyone!

From the Hack: Winning teams this week were teams: Verstegan, Walker, Crevier and Cober. Team Cober has taken over the lead defeating team Fuller this week.

Creemore well represented at bonspiel

The 108th edition of the Quebec International Bonspiel took place in Quebec City from Jan. 21-25 after a two-year absence due to the pandemic.

Sixty-two teams from Canada, United States, Switzerland, Scotland and France were present. This historic curling event invited ladies to participate for the first time.

Twenty-three curlers from Creemore and area (13 of them being rookies) made the trip to the majestic

Chateau Frontenac, host hotel for the event.

This year marked the 52nd time Creemore has been represented at the bonspiel. It was also the first time a Creemore member was president. Those shoes were filled by none other than Gord Fuller.

Four days of intense curling and social events were enjoyed by all. Curlers thank Creemore Springs Brewery for sponsoring the team.

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Finding time in your busy schedule for automotive maintenance and repair can be a hassle. At the same time, missing regular oil changes can take their toll on your car and lead to a much bigger problem if left unattended. For that reason, I'm proud to offer a pick and drop-off service that lets you do what you need to do while I take care of your car and truck issues. By simply calling up and scheduling a time, I'll come to pick up your vehicle at your home or work and bring it back to you once the maintenance or repair has been completed. You no longer have to try to schedule rides with friends or drop -off your car during your lunch break, with my free vehicle pickup and delivery service, auto maintenance always fits into your schedule.

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Twenty-three curlers from Creemore and area posed for a picture on the grand staircase of the Hotel Chateau Frontenac lead by president of the bonspiel Gord Fuller (far right).

Yotes end regular season with back to back wins at home

Jan 27

Creemore 5 vs Shallow Lake Crushers 4

Third meeting of the year between these two teams due to the Clinton Radars taking one year off.

A chippy contest with the Crushers holding a 3-1 lead at one point. Creemore battled back for a 5-4 final.

Scorers were Owen King, Adam Logozzo with one also, Ben Hughes with a single – and scoring his 8th and 9th of the year, including the game winner, was Jordan Taylor.

Brendan Macham with the win between the pipes.

Attendance: 65

Flag bearer - Evan Fulton

50/50 winner Lisa Wiggins - $88

Shoot the puck winner: Evan Fulton, $50 Home Hardware gift card

Howie’s hockey bag - Hayden Oster

Coyotes Corner

Jan 28

Creemore 7 vs Tavistock Royals 6 (SO)

Creemore goal scorers: Nick Sammons, Jacob VanderZaag with his 5th of the year, Jake Logan, Kevin Boyd, and scoring his 15th and 16th of the year was former Siskin Ben Hughes.

JD Falconer with three assists and Adam Logozzo with two helpers as well. And scoring the winning goal in the shootout was Phelpston’s Derick (farmer) Robertson.

Getting the win tending the twine was Ty Brindle who made an outstanding save in the second period

to hold the score close.

An entertaining game to say the least with 172 fans in attendance.

Flag bearers - Jacob Sammons and Tyler Hekman

50/50 winner Val Brady: $263

Shoot the puck winner: Nate Patterson, $50 Home Hardware gift card

Howie’s hockey bag - Jon Sammons

DQ gift cards - Jayden Morby, Jacob Sammons and Zoey Gracey

A vast improvement over last year’s Covid interrupted season sees the Creemore team move from 12th to 6th in the league standings garnering 25 out of a possible 40 points.

First round playoff opponents will be the Saugeen Shore Winterhawks. Game 2 in Creemore is on Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m. GO YOTES GO!

Artwork sought for Collingwood aquatic centre project

The Town of Collingwood is seeking artists to design artwork that will be converted into a temporary/ short-term mural installation in the entryways of Collingwood’s Centennial Aquatic Centre at 451 Third St., and Central Park Arena at 85 Paterson St.

“The goal for the Recreational Facility Public Art Project is to install artwork that captures attention

Games& FUN

by Barbara Simpson

and inspires and engages the public at two very active community venues,” notes Amanda Henry, the Town of Collingwood’s Coordinator of Arts and Culture.

Artists are invited to submit high resolution images of new or existing original artworks for consideration by Feb. 13 at 4 p.m. via an online application form available at www.collingwood.ca/public-art.

Canadian Criss Cross

ACROSS

1. Bird with front-facing eyes

4. Out of ___

9. Short strong pull

12. Seven on some clocks

13. Police officer’s need

14. Canada’s neighbour, for short

15. Filmmaker Lee

16. Went overboard with a role

18. Part of NHL

20. They float in the sky

21. Two-year-old sheep 22. ___ d’Orsay 23. Long word that is difficult to say 26. Imperfection 30. Make a mistake

31. Court hearing

A selection committee comprised of one town staff member and three members of the community will then select one or more images to be printed on material capable of being installed to fit the specific dimensions of the two entryways.

Full details and project criteria can be found at www.collingwood.ca/public-art.

Answers on page 11

FRED’S FUNNIES

Why did the turkey cross the road twice?

To show he wasn't chicken

1. Racetrack shape

2. Alcoholic drink made from grapes

3. Thread for tying around a blood vessel

4. Kind of iron

5. Be ill with

6. Fruit drink

7. Round

8. Australian animal

9. Skirt Karen Kain once wore

11. Chisels for loosening ore

17. Close-fitting cap

19. Go and bring

22. Odd personal habit

23. Became acquainted

24. Canadian author of

“Nim’s Island”

25. Crack in a bone

27. Children’s game

28. Barley beard

29. Not yet dry, as paint

32. Migratory grasshoppers

35. Dog pest

37. Fish with a beaklike snout

39. Cast member

41. New Testament book

42. German wife

43. Flowerless plant

44. Small unit of money

45. Modern-day money

46. Plant that grows in places where you don’t want it to

48. Tried to be elected

Annual Tree of Life campaign raises $1.5 million for new G&M hospital CT scanner

Collingwood Hospital Foundation has raised over $1.5 million in their annual Tree of Life fundraiser for a new CT scanner for the Collingwood G&M Hospital. With focus on CGMH frontline staff, the Foundation inspired the community to support the campaign in reaching its $1million goal, half of the total cost needed to bring the new CT Scanner to the current hospital.

“We are extraordinarily grateful to this community for helping us raise more than $1.5 million during the Tree of Life campaign,” said Alison Smith, director of operations and communications. “We are pleased to announce that due to the incredible generosity of our donors, we have now met our total goal of $2.1 million needed to purchase a new CT scanner for CGMH.”

Every year, the Tree of Life campaign brings together the caring and compassionate communities of South Georgian Bay to fund vital equipment for CGMH. “The kindness of this community never ceases to amaze our team,” said Maria Borges, Tree of Life campaign

lead, “there is such a spirit of generosity here in South Georgian Bay and we are fortunate enough to witness this magic unfold.”

To bring the best possible diagnostic imaging technology to South Georgian Bay, the Foundation was tasked with raising $2.15 million to cover the capital costs for the CT scanner replacement and installation. The current CT scanner is failing and desperately needs to be replaced so that CGMH can meet the 1,000 requests for CT diagnosis that they get every single month. Since 2017, CGMH has seen wait times grow by 30 per cent due to the increased demand as well as an increase in maintenance and repairs to try to keep up. After a brief moment to reflect and celebrate, the team at the Foundation are heads down again and working to launch a $5 million campaign to bring an MRI to CGMH. This will not only cover the cost of the machine but the installation and housing. The Ministry of Health and Ontario Health recently announced

funding for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner for the Collingwood G&M Hospital, one of 27 licenses across the province.

“We once again salute the hospital leadership at all levels for its diligence and ongoing commitment to the improvement of patient care where we live and work,” said CGMH Foundation president and CEO Jory Pritchard-Kerr, “I can say confidently that there will be overwhelming support from the community to get behind this CGMH priority.”

MRI service will help CGMH to advance safety, quality of care, and efficiency while improving access to care closer to home. This will be a tremendous benefit to inpatients and ED patients as well as those with significant cancer, stroke, orthopaedic, and emergency medical conditions.

A significant portion of the hospital’s outpatients will experience far shorter wait times and will reduce the need to travel for essential imaging care.

Health unit enforcement blitz aims to reduce youth access to illegal tobacco, vapour products

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is undertaking an eight-week Tobacco and Vapour Product Retailer education and enforcement campaign next week. This blitz is happening in collaboration with public health units across central eastern Ontario to ensure compliance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA).

In Ontario, public health tobacco enforcement officers are given authority by the province to enforce the SFOA and ensure that local businesses, public places, schools and workplaces are following the law. This includes inspecting premises to ensure that tobacco and vapour product retailers are following advertising regulations, proper signage is posted, and youth are not able to purchase tobacco or vapour products.

“Non-compliance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act among some tobacco and vapour product retailers is an ongoing concern,” says Tony Makrostergios, manager of enforcement with SMDHU. “In the second half of 2022, our enforcement officers were involved with 250 investigations related to the illegal sale of tobacco and vapor products by retailers in Simcoe Muskoka and an additional 90 investigations in response to the illegal use of vapour products by youth at area secondary schools during the fall school term. Our goal is to protect youth and achieve retailer compliance by eliminating the sale of vapour and commercial tobacco products to youth, including the sale of illegal products and flavoured vape e-juices at locations in Simcoe Muskoka.”

As part of the Tobacco and Vapour Product

Retailer campaign, SMDHU tobacco enforcement officers are conducting compliance inspections at tobacco and vapour product retailers to ensure SFOA requirements are being met, including: Staff are trained on the legal age for sale of vapour and tobacco products; Retailers are not selling illegally flavoured or improperly packaged products; and Retailers are compliant with indoor and outdoor advertising restrictions. If during an inspection a retailer is found to be non-compliant the health unit may proceed with enforcement measures. For more information or to file a complaint related to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act please contact Health Connection weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 to speak with a tobacco enforcement officer.

Swept

FOR SALE

CREEMORE HILLS WINERYWine for sale. Pet-Nat Picnics and/or Wine tastings. By appointment only. Pick up or delivery. Call/Text 647588-8931, cmorrissey0708@icloud. com.

SERVICES

CONTRACTOR REPAIRS, restores, dismantles and jacks up farm buildings, homes, and cottages. Also roofing, siding, doors, windows, beams, posts, foundations, piers, cement work, fencing, eaves troughing, decks, docks installed, repaired, replaced. Contact Brian McCurdy, at 519-986-1781 or 519375-0958.

ELLIOTT PAINTING AND DECORATING, over 30 years experience with excellent references. Interior and exterior painting and wallpapering. Call for free estimate at 705-466-2356.

CREEMORE BAKERY IS BACK from our Seasonal Break! Re-opening for the 2023 season on Friday, Feb. 17. Can't wait to see you!

HELP WANTED

St. John's United Church is looking for a PIANIST to play hymns and preludes for weekly services. Text Brenda Wilson at 705-443-7084.

FOR RENT

Commercial rental available in CREEMORE MEAT MARKET Building. Approx $400/sq ft. Suitable for office of dry retail. Contact 705730-2635.

DEATH NOTICE

BOAKE, John Wilfrid, passed away peacefully on Monday January 31, 2023, at the General & Marine Hospital in Collingwood surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 86. John, son of Victor Erysll Boake and Ivadell Mills Boake (nee Donald) is the youngest of four siblings, survived by Donald and predeceased by sisters Barbara and Nancy. Deeply loved and missed by his wife of 62 years, Mae (nee Bagley), his two children Jennifer Anne and John Gregory, his daughter-in-law Diane, grandchildren Jacob (and Sarah), Sam, Rachel and Matthew, his great grandchildren Breylin, Reiley, Atlynn and Cayden. A service of remembrance will be held at Fawcett Funeral Home – Creemore Chapel at 2 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023 with visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cardiac Care Unit at Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) in Barrie, Ontario would be greatly appreciated. Friends may visit John’s online Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com.

Everyone at Water First Education & Training is very grateful for our time working with Ted Stableforth. He showed incredible dedication and passion for our work and always came to the office with a grin and a friendly word.

Our hearts go out to his loving wife, Bev, and their children and grandchildren on his passing. Ted was a true inspiration, and we are thankful his journey crossed with that of Water First.

Gail Little to lead NVCA board of directors in 2023

The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) held elections for chair and vice chair at its 2023 Annual General Meeting.

Gail Little, deputy mayor for the Township of Amaranth was acclaimed as chair, and the board elected Jonathan Scott , councillor for the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, as vice chair.

“I am pleased to join NVCA for another term on the board and look forward to serving as chair for the current year,” said Little. “It will be another challenging year, but overall, I applaud the passion and dedication of NVCA staff who continue to take on projects and work for the betterment of the environment in this watershed.”

Little served as vice chair of the NVCA board along with outgoing

Chair Mariane McLeod

Together, they were strong advocates for NVCA through the changes to the Conservation Authorities Act as well as Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act.

“I look forward to working with Chair Little, NVCA staff and other members of the board,” said Scott. “Together we will continue to maintain and enhance a watershed that is resilient to climate change, and find a balance between development, the economy and environmental protection.”

Fifteen new members appointed by their municipalities joined NVCA’s board of directors at the meeting. Clearview Township will be represented by Deputy Mayor Paul Van Staveren, and Mulmur will be represented by Mayor Janet Horner

“Thank you to everyone who served on the NVCA Board for the last four years,” said Little. “Especially Councillor Walter Benotto of the Town of Shelburne, who has been on the board for the last 22 years. I can’t wait to share ideas and have discussions with all members, both new and returning. Only by working collaboratively as a group can we address the many challenges facing the watershed throughout the next term of council”

A total of 18 member municipalities from Simcoe, Dufferin and Grey counties sit on the NVCA board. The board governs NVCA, a public agency dedicated to the preservation of a healthy environment through the protection of our water, land and future.

Creemore BIA nomination period extended after only three applications received

The Township of Clearview is extending the nomination period for the Creemore BIA in the hopes of getting more applicants.

Clerk Barbara Kane reported to council on Jan. 30 that three nominations were received from the Creemore business community, meeting the minimum required number.

The nominees are Heather Harding, of Creemore Springs Brewery, Nancy Johnston, of Bank Café, and Linda deWinter , of Creemore 100 Mile Store.

The BIA board of management is to be composed of five to eight directors including the past president and one council representative.

217 Gideon Street, Stayner, ON L0M 1S0

Telephone: 705 428-6230 | www.clearview.ca

Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm Communications are available in alternative formats upon request.

Summer Student Opportunities

2023 summer student job opportunities are available with Clearview Township. Details of all jobs and hiring criteria can be viewed at: wwww.clearview.ca under the employment opportunities section.

Job #2023–002 Pool Instructors / Lifeguards (6 positions)

Job #2023–003 Pool Lifeguard – Supervisor

Job #2023–004 Pool Customer Service Student

Job #2023–005 Student Water / Sewer Operator (Co-Op position)

Job #2023–006 Student Roads Workers (4 positions)

Job #2023–007 Student Tourism/ Culture Assistants (5 positions)

Job #2023–008 Student Parks & Recreation

All positions are 35-40 hours per week (early May to early September 2023)

All resumes must be received electronically through the Human Resources department, by Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at: hr@clearview.ca

Please indicate job # in subject line. If applying for more than one position, please indicate order of preference.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please note: In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, please contact Human Resources for accommodation inquiries or requirements at 705-428-6230 x. 255

The deadline will be extended until Feb. 6 and if no other candidates come forward, it will be further extended until Feb. 9.

Unless the number of nominees exceeds the maximum board composition, the nominees will be acclaimed as of the Feb. 13 council meeting.

Amaranth Deputy Mayor Gail Little has been acclaimed as NVCA chair, and Bradford West Gwillimbury councillor Jonathan Scott has been elected vice chair.

The Coldest Night of the Year

The All Peaceful St. Luke’s team will be once again be walking in Creemore in support of The Coldest Night of the Year, leaving from St. Luke’s at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25. This walk supports Home Horizon Youth Transitional Support Program in Collingwood. Please contact Rev. Lorna May at 705-352-2759 for details on how to participate and donate. Donations may be made payable to The Coldest Night of the Year, and brought to the church.