March 3, 2023

The Creemore ECHO

Snow removal Friday

Clearview public works crews will be removing the large snowbanks from downtown Creemore beginning at midnight until about 7 a.m. on Friday, March 3.

To help facilitate the removal, vehicles must not be parked downtown on Mill Street, Caroline Street or the intersections of Mill and Caroline, and Elizabeth and Edward Street during this time.

Vehicles remaining on the street during snow removal may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.

As a reminder, winter parking restrictions remain in effect until April 14. No vehicle shall be parked on any street, road allowance, sidewalk or municipal parking lot within the Township of Clearview between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m.

March take-out dinner

Corned beef and cabbage is on the menu for the Creemore Legion’s March 16 take-out dinner.

Maestro Fresh Wes performs a song from his 2023 Juno nominated children’s album, Maestro Fresh Wes Presents: Julia the Great, with the help of some local youth at a Feb. 25 event in Shelburne, hosted by Dufferin County Canadian Black Association and Museum of Dufferin to celebrate Black Perseverance and Resilience for Black History Month. More coverage on page 6. See related links on Creemore.com, and The Creemore Echo’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.

County marks green bin milestone

The County of Simcoe has collected more than 200,000 tonnes of organic material from households and businesses since 2008, saving the equivalent of four years of local landfill capacity and offering countless environmental benefits.

The county held a celebration on Feb. 28 to mark the important milestone for its green bin program.

During the past 15 years, the program has seen steady growth in participation rates, with the highest increases year over year being seen since the move to bi-weekly recycling/garbage collection in 2020, and further growth of nearly 10

per cent since introducing automated cart collection in 2021, which increased organics capacity. Removing organic materials from the regular garbage stream has many environmental benefits, including conserving valuable landfill capacity, turning waste material into useable compost or soil amendments, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“It’s the small things we do each day that often have the largest impact, and we truly thank our residents and businesses for doing your part to help us reach this milestone,” said Warden Basil Clarke . “Working with our residents and businesses, we’ve made

huge progress towards a greener, more sustainable future, reducing the emissions to the equivalent of 4,000 vehicles off our roads each year, which is no small achievement. Thank you for your efforts, but don’t stop here as there is still room to grow your green cart.”

Staff also brought forward a report that further demonstrated a regional commitment to diversion. Recent municipal Datacall figures placed the county second out of all participating municipalities, with an overall residential waste diversion rate of more than 63 per cent.

The dinner includes corned beef, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, coleslaw, bun with butter, and pie for $20 per person.

Call 705-466-2330 before March 9 to order and schedule a pick-up time between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Bring exact change.

My Friends' House food for shelter

My Friend’s House is hosting the Ultimate East Coast Kitchen Party, with East Coast inspired food and entertainment, featuring Strange Potatoes at Harbour Street Fish Bar in Collingwood on May 10.

Because My Friend’s House only receives $200 in funding per week for groceries for the shelter, it is raising much needed funds for food security –connecting the link between the kitchen and a need to supplement food costs.

Tickets cost $75 and include one drink ticket and Maritime-inspired light food stations. Tickets are available via myfriendshouse.ca/ eastcoastkitchenparty.

Bill Hewitt photo

Ongoing

• VON SMART free fitness classes. Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesdays at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s Anglican Church Hall, Creemore. For community members looking to improve strength, balance and mobility. Ages 55+. Call for more information or to register: 705-355-2200.

• The Station Café is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon at Station on the Green, 10 Caroline St. E., Creemore. $2 fee for a bottomless cup of coffee or tea. Everyone welcome.

• St. Luke's Community Food Bank is accepting donations of soup and crackers for the month of March. Donations can be dropped off at Station on the Green during Station Café hours on Tuesday mornings (see above).

• Pickleball? Anyone interested in playing Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Creemore Arena, call Doug Mills at 705-466-3339 or email doug@dasmills.ca.

Saturday, March 4

• Don’t miss the 14th Annual Clearview Health & Leisure Expo 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Stayner Community Centre, 269 Regina St. Browse the displays of over 30 vendors featuring community sports, recreational programs and local health providers. Free admission. Win prizes!

• Body 'n Balance Physio and Wellness Centre is celebrating six years serving the community! Join us at the Creemore Arena from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. for a free family skate. Snacks, hot chocolate and coffee available for everyone.

Saturday, March 4 & Sunday, March 5

• Psychic and Wellness Fair at the Creemore Legion from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 4 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 5. Entry fee: $5 or $8 for the weekend. Free lectures, demonstrations, and door prizes. Healing treatments, Thai massage, psychic readings, lectures and demos going on all weekend. For more information or exhibit inquiries, contact 705-773-9112. Visit www. facebook.com/northernpsychicandwellness.

Saturday, March 4 to Saturday, March 11

• Celebrating International Women's Day, and all the women in our lives, through yoga at the Creemore Sanctuary. Email, call or visit our website for details. www.thecreemoresanctuary.com, thecreemoresanctuary@gmail.com, 705 888-7729.

Saturday, March 11

• The Duntroon Hall presents its annual Green Beer Day. 4 p.m. to midnight. $10 at the door. Music by DJ Stu as well as performances by the Beinn Gorm Highlanders at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Food and drinks available for purchase. Age of Majority.

Sunday, March 12 & 26

• Gospel Services at Stayner Community Centre, 269 Regina St. March 12 and 26, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesdays March 8, 15, 22, 29, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. The purpose of these services is to better acquaint ourselves with the simple truths that were lived and taught by Jesus. There will be no request for participation or contribution. All welcome. Contact: larry.oregan@gmail.com, 613697-0871. Gerald Lonsway, Wayne McKee, Larry O’Regan.

Wednesday, March 15

• Creemore Horticultural Society meeting. Speaker Dugald Cameron “Lilacs.” Station on the Green at 7:30 p.m. for meeting. Doors open at 7 p.m. at 10 Caroline St. E. Come early for “social time.” Members and the public are invited to join us.

Thursday, March 16

• Creemore Legion - Corned Beef and Cabbage Take Out Dinner. Corned beef, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, coleslaw, bun/butter, pie. $20 per person. Call 705-466-2330 to order and schedule pick-up time. Order before March 9. Pick-up between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Please social distance and have exact change.

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.

Saturday, March 18

• The Creemore Tennis Club AGM will be held at the Station on the Green at 1:30 p.m. All are invited. There will be information at the meeting on this year’s lesson programs, coaching, tournaments and election of new board.

Sunday, March 19

• Creemore Minor Baseball House League registration closes March 19. Actively seeking players for 8U and 11U. Go to www. creemoreminorbaseball.com to register for the 2023 season. Let's play ball!

Tuesday, March 21

• Join Naturalli Creative at Tierra Hermosa Local Market at 6 p.m. for a Crystal Catchers workshop. Find out more at www.tierra-hermosa. ca or call 416-819-9375.

Wednesday, March 22

• New date – Double Toonie Lunch returns to St. Luke's Anglican Church. The popular lunch event will have the same monthly format, held the last Wednesday of every month, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., but will be by donation to the food bank.

Saturday, March 25

• Creemore Farmers’ and Craft Market Baking Contest. Four categories: Cookies, bars/squares, sugar-free cookies/bars, maple syrup or maple sugar as an ingredient. Entries in multiple categories welcome. Guidelines: Entries must be delivered in disposable packaging to the Station on the Green between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. and include a minimum of 50 bite-sized cookies or pre-cut bars/ squares for sampling by the public, and one large cookie or square for display purposes and judging. Include ingredient list. Pre-register by emailing Karen.scully@hotmail.com or calling 416-407-

Another 50% of waste could be diverted

(Continued from page 1)

“Our team is very proud of reaching 200,000 tonnes of organics collected and continuing to be recognized among municipal leaders in diversion and waste management practices,” said Rob McCullough, director of solid waste management. “However, we are always striving to offer innovative programs and education that will help decrease the quantity of waste going to landfill in Simcoe County. Our most recent waste audit shows that we still have room for improvement, with opportunity to continue to properly sort. Over 50 per cent of the materials by weight in our garbage could still be diverted easily in our existing other programs, the majority of this is organics.”

Grocer initiatives support food bank

by Trina Berlo

Following the success of the holiday food drive, Creemore Foodland is donating $3,593 to St. Luke’s Community Food Bank.

Foodland owner Sim Spry said the community was very generous during the holiday drive, and with matching funds from Foodland, the store has been able to supply the food bank with the funds raised in $50 gift cards.

Food bank coordinator Rev. Lorna May said the gift cards are an ideal way for people to get the food they need for their households, including fresh fruit and vegetables, and dairy products.

It is the food bank’s mission to

support a balanced healthy diet for its users, as opposed to a diet of canned and processed foods typical of traditional food banks.

Further to the gift cards, St. Luke’s Community Food Bank is supported through the Second Harvest program to supply surplus meat and bakery products.

Second Harvest works with food businesses across the supply chain, including producers, distributors, retailers, hotels, and restaurants to collect surplus food and supply it to charities and non-profit organizations large and small, like St. Luke’s Community Food Bank.

Unsold food still fit for consumption

is frozen and redirected to the food bank through the Second Harvest app, getting it to those in need and diverting it from the landfill.

The team also collects surplus product from other local businesses to add to their Friday deliveries.

Individuals or businesses with food to offer, including garden produce, or anyone in need of food is encouraged to call Lorna May at 705-352-2759 or leave a message at the church, 705466-2206.

Foodland is planning a brown paper bag food drive this month to supply the food bank with specific items, and gift cards are always available for purchase at the check-out.

Common items that staff often see in garbage carts that should go in organics carts are: edible food, food scraps, soiled paper items (paper towel/tissues), and pet waste. Residents are encouraged to use up edible food prior to disposing, however with no other option, food should always go in the green cart.

To further support residents, the county recently launched the Simcoe Sorts game on the Simcoe County Collects app, which quizzes and helps educate residents on sorting their waste materials. Residents can download the free Simcoe County Collects app through GooglePlay or the App Store. In addition to the new game, the app hosts customizable waste collections notifications for regular and special curbside programs, as well as access to the Waste Wizard, which allows users to look up items and learn how to dispose of them.

For more information on the county’s waste diversion strategy, waste facility information, curbside cart collection program and special collections such as our textiles, battery, leaf and yard waste, and electronics collections, visit simcoe.ca/waste.

Staff photo: Trina Berlo

St. Luke’s Community Food Bank team members Rev. Lorna May (from left) and Ross Lotto collect $3,593 in gift cards from Creemore Foodland proprietors Sim and Ashley Spy

Staff photo: Trina Berlo

Creemore Condos, formerly known as The Brix, is materializing at the corner of Edward and Mary streets. The three-storey 72-unit condo development is being built by MDM Developments.

What should you pay an advisor?

Dear Money Lady, I received a large severance from my employer that recently eliminated my job after 38 years. I plan to find an advisor, but because I have never had one before I am wondering what I should pay for their services.

Ed

Ed, you are not the only one looking around for a new investment advisor. With the volatile stock market environment, many people have sent me comments and questions about how to move their portfolios to a new advisor. I would caution those investors on making any quick changes and selling stock at this time. Remember, the key is to maintain a well-diversified portfolio which includes bonds, cash, and high-quality stocks. When you are looking for an investment “partner,” try to pick an advisor who really has your best interests at heart; someone you will definitely need when weathering future market uncertainties. Please make sure to do your homework and find out what the firm and the new advisor’s value proposition is. It goes without saying that you should interview more than one and make sure you find a good fit with not only the advisor but also the brokerage firm. Now let’s talk about fees. What should you pay? There are two types of fee structures – transactional or fee-based.

Transactional fees are charged with every investment transaction. This is often the case when you buy fixed income investments such as bonds. A fee is charged when you purchase the bond and then again when you sell it. There are not many advisors that still offer transactional fee structures when buying securities. They seem to have left the industry with the vintage old-school stockbrokers who had to do multiple trades every month to make any money. A method we used to call “pump and dump” back in the day. Now we have investment advisors that want to put you in fee-based plans, designed to offer more protection for clients along with a consistent revenue stream for the advisor and brokerage firm.

At the retail level, many financial planners are paid a base salary with a commission matrix based on how they grow their book of business and bring on new clients. Typically, fees are preset and based on the mutual fund you choose ranging from one per cent to 2.95 per cent. Investment advisors at an IIROC brokerage firm (member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada) are usually on straight commission, making them much more motivated to ensure you make a profit of which they in turn are compensated on. Fee-based services range from .75 per cent all the way up to 3 per cent. Some advisors act as personal bankers for ultra-rich clients, doing everything for them, hence they may be able to

(See “Fees” on page 5)

Leonard's Hall

It was the last week in February 1902. Horses and cutters and sleighs were bringing people into Creemore from the surrounding country. The Farmers’ Institute had been advertising a meeting of interest to farmers and also their wives. The event was to be held in Leonard’s Hall. That afternoon, Alice Hollingworth and Frank Webster set eyes upon each other for the first time. Ten months later they were married and here I am, their oldest grandchild, telling their story. First I will tell you my grandparents’ story and then tell you about Leonard’s Hall.

Frank Webster was the president of the local Farmers’ Institute which met from time to time to share information on better farming practices. Every winter the provincial Department of Agriculture sent speakers to all the small communities bringing the farm people the latest and best news about agriculture. The Farmers’ Institute promoted the event and made the arrangements.

Alice Hollingworth, a young woman from pioneer Muskoka, had been hired to travel to these events and speak to the women at a separate location. She had been writing reports from the local Farmers’ Institute and had shown her ability to promote ideas. After a course at the Agricultural College at Guelph she was all set. As well, in every community she was to organize a Women’s Institute if interest

was shown. The Women’s Institute was a new organization taking the province by storm. Alice Hollingworth left Creemore the next morning by train. Obviously much was accomplished between her and Frank Webster in that short time. As mentioned previously they were married within 10 months, on Dec. 25, 1902. And as they say, the rest was history.

Now about Leonard’s Hall. It occupied the whole upstairs of the building we now know as Home Hardware on Mill Street. A door at the front opened to a long staircase. Those of you who have been reading The Creemore Echo regularly will recognize the Leonard name.

Elias Leonard established and ran a flourishing hotel for at least 30 years beginning in 1875. Business went so well he was able to build another building just next door to the south. Besides profit, Elias Leonard may have had another motivation: He and his family were talented musically. The hall had a stage for entertainment which no doubt they used to express their love of music. I do not have a date for when it was built but clearly it was before 1902. It was a very popular venue for stage shows, dances, community dinners, school concerts and meetings. The Creemore council met there monthly.

Gerry Blackburn remembers his first public school

(See “Floors” on page 5)

A concert in Leonard's Hall

BLACKBURN LOCAL HISTORY

Christine IBBOTSON THE MONEY LADY

“Hello out there, we’re on the

Editor:

For two Saturdays in February, Susan and I gave up self-inflicted torture sessions of watching the Toronto Maple Leafs lose to NHL powerhouse teams. Instead, after reading an advertisement in The Creemore Echo, we decided to visit the hockey arena in Creemore (aka Scotiabank Arena lite) to watch the local Senior AA playoff hockey series between the Creemore Coyotes and the Saugeen Shores WinterHawks.

We left our village home on Caroline Street West at 7 p.m. and, using the Waze app on Susan’s smart phone, we avoided the heavy traffic on Mill Street and the stopped vehicle on the shoulder of Francis Street West which allowed us to safely arrive at the arena parking lot at exactly 7:03 p.m. Although slightly disappointed upon our arrival at not seeing any valet parking signs, we were delighted to discover that, unlike visiting a hospital while suffering from a life altering medical emergency, parking here was free.

As we entered the cozy lobby, a slightly mature lady operating the ticket office, which was actually disguised as a small table, greeted our arrival in a very friendly manner. This lady mistakenly thought we were mature teenagers and attempted to sell us two tickets for that age group. This practice happens quite often to us when we meet someone for the first time and is probably a natural side effect of lavishly using the antiaging lotion called Renew on a daily basis. In spite of being somewhat

it’s Hockey Night tonight”

flattered by her honest mistake, we decided that we couldn’t possibly pay any less than the going admission rate for a senior which is $8. There was now time to visit the 50/50 saleslady who performed her financial duties in a far less aggressive manner than the friendly people who work for Bell Mobility when they want me to buy one of their fabulous new phone plans for only $150/month and my little dog too. We gleefully paid the sales lady $10 for 10 tickets and hurried in the direction of our seats before she came to her senses and wanted a more reasonable amount. Later that night the prize money proved to be worth $273 (CRA tax exempt?). If I remember correctly from viewing my latest TD bank statement, that amount is almost as much as my current monthly O.A.S. (fully taxable) deposit from Mr. Trudeau.

Drawn like sailors passing a Greek island of Sirens, Susan and I came under the bewitching song (smell) of the arena canteen operated by Donna Harper and her staff. We soon succumbed to the allure of freshly brewed steaming hot chocolate and a large container of fries. After dropping a mere $8, or was it $10? No, it was actually $8. Next, we made our way to our seats. Actually we soon realized that they don’t have seats at the Creemore arena, instead our entrance fee entitled us to have the temporary use of a 2” x 6” spruce (soft wood) plank in Row 3. Although our wooden plank was blue in colour, this location, if one was attending a Leafs game at Scotiabank

Floors braced against hefty crowds

(Continued from page 4)

Christmas concert in that hall. He had a recitation to say before the large crowd. Gerry didn’t tell me it was a huge success but I am sure it was. At that time, props were put up in various places in the stores below to support the hall floor. It was feared that a large crowd would cause the floor to collapse.

After reading a news item in a November Creemore Star this is not surprising. At the Continuation School commencement held in Leonard’s Hall in 1933, an estimated 500 people

attended with many turned away at the door.

Soon after Gerry’s debut, perhaps in 1939, Leonard’s Hall was shut down for good. It was turned into two apartments. The village bought what was the Matchett Hotel and renovated it into a hall for local events, with meeting rooms and a library upstairs. This building now houses Water First.

Helen Blackburn is a retired teacher, avid gardener and a long-time contributor to the Creemore Echo. She writes about local history.

Fees can be all over the map

(Continued from page 4)

justify the higher fee structure. But for most of us, we do not need someone to pay our bills and handle our budgets, so if you are paying more than 1.5 per cent for a fee-based portfolio, you may be paying too much. If you have different SMA products, (Separately Managed Accounts) your advisor may increase their fee up to a max of 1.75 per cent.

Really Ed, the bottom line is, fees are all over the map and vary from one advisor to another. The cost you pay for professional financial advice should be based on your own personal comfort zone. Is your advisor a valued partner that you are willing to pay for, and most importantly are you satisfied with their

services? It is always a good idea to periodically check out the competition, talk to your friends and see what they pay. Remember, as you age and move investments into secure fixed income products with lower risk and smaller gains, your number one problem will be fees and expenses. Fees, inflation, and future market volatility always eat away at your retirement capital, decrease your purchasing power, and eventually force you to lower your lifestyle as you age.

Christine Ibbotson is a national radio host, YouTuber, and author. Send questions through the contact page at www.askthemoneylady.ca.

Arena, would most definitely permit you to sit with all of the suits in the equivalent of the Platinum section for considerably more money than the Coyotes were charging us.

Before we actually sat down on our softwood plank, we had remembered to BYOB to the game. For anyone visiting from Toronto, this, of course, means you need to bring your own blanket. I was deeply impressed that the Coyotes had made the effort to enhance our personal comfort by installing a large hanging electric heater directly above our part of the wooden plank. We generously shared our ceiling heater with several other fans who we noticed had slowly started to huddle with us as the game progressed. From what I have been told by rich people who have actually been there, this fan-friendly device is not available at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. What a shame.

Both of the playoff games that we attended, were fast paced, exciting, highly entertaining and incredibly good value for the money. I should mention that I did struggle keeping up with the frenetic play. As a dedicated follower of curling, I must admit that I had serious trouble keeping track of the movement of the puck as it moved up and down the ice in sharp contrast to watching a curling rock perform the same procedure.

In my humble opinion, I would

102

...the

like to suggest to the hardworking management group of the Creemore Coyotes hockey team to encourage the Township of Clearview to submit an application to the County and tap into the 2023 Tourism, Culture, and Sport Enhancement Fund and ask for some of the $400,000 to help pay for a new public address system at the Creemore arena and, if structurally viable, construct a replica Foster Hewitt gondola above centre ice. These improvements would instantly create the third major tourist attraction in Clearview following the Village of Creemore and the Creemore Springs Brewery. I would also like to suggest that Martina Ortiz Luis, who is no longer singing at Scotiabank Arena for the Leafs and is currently between gigs, with some gentle persuasion, she would probably be available to sing the National Anthem at the 2023-2024 season home opener.

Susan and I wish to congratulate Tom Macham, the coaches, the game staff and of course all of the players for their hard work and dedication in providing Creemore with such high quality sports entertainment. And lastly to the fans old and new, as Stompin’ Tom Connors said don’t forget to be “at the good ol’ Hockey Game” when the Creemore Coyotes start their third season in 202324, I know we will be there.

John Smart, Creemore.

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"Black History is Canadian History"

by Trina Berlo

A Black History Month event in Shelburne honoured the past, present and future of the black community with stories, artistic expression and calls to action.

The theme of the Feb. 25 event at Grace Tipling Hall, hosted by Museum of Dufferin and Dufferin County Canadian Black Association (DCCBA), was Black Perseverance and Resilience.

“Black history in the west begins with slavery but true black history precedes that,” said host Alex Ihama, executive director of the Canadian Congress on Workplace Diversity. “When we all come together today I’ll quote the honourable Jean Augustine our fine social justice matriarch, who made the motion in 1995 that Black history should be recognized in Canada in February. You’d expect me to quote some philosophy but she said it very simply. She said ‘Black History is Canadian History’.”

In his welcoming remarks, Shelburne Mayor and Dufferin County Warden Wade Mills congratulated partners, especially DCCBA founder Alethia O’Hara-Stephenson , for all the work they have done to “move the understanding forward in great leaps and strides” about the vibrant black history in Dufferin County.

Speakers shared stories, songs and

poetry. The line-up included children’s book author Suzette Daley, of Mini Intel who has adapted the story of freedom-seekers Lucie and Thornton Blackburn, who operated the first cab company in Toronto; Streams Community Hub Sing Club facilitated by Noni Thomas; Black Chapter of Centre Dufferin District High School students Aliya Thompson, Sean Harry and Gabrielle Spencer performing

spoken word poem My Black Joy, local artist Richie C performing with Shorty, Canadian Hip Hop legend Maestro Fresh Wes.

With dignitaries in the audience, speakers called on the provincial government to include black history in the curriculum and promote the rich, significant history and the 400-year presence of black people in Canada.

Keynote speaker Natasha Henry-

Dixon, assistant professor of African Canadian History at York University and president of the Ontario Black History Society, outlined the history of Black History Month, which evolved out of an effort by Carter G. Woodson and his colleagues who were troubled by the lack of information about the accomplishments of African Americans after Emancipation. In 1915, he founded what is now called the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, and helped create Negro History Week in 1926, the impetus for what would evolve into Black History Month.

“Dr. Woodson and his colleagues, friends and advocates believed it was imperative for young black people to learn about their history and to be proud of their heritage and their culture. He identified a direct correlation between black dehumanization in history and how black people were mistreated in society,” said Henry-Dixon.

In The Mis-Education of the Negro, published in 1933, Woodson wrote, “If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.”

“It is important to note it was a scholarly and grassroots educational intervention to counter the racist

(Continues on next page)

Staff photo: Trina Berlo Presenters Richie C (from left), Black Chapter of Centre Dufferin District High School students, Alethia O’Hara-Stephenson, Shorty, Natasha HenryDixon, Suzette Daley and Alex Ihama.

Black History Month designed to foster resilience, perseverance

representation and erasure of black people from American history,” said Henry-Dixon. “It was designed to create opportunities for black students to critically study black life and cultures.”

She said due to advocacy by those in the black community, Black History Month has been recognized in Toronto since the 1950s, and at the municipal level since the 1970s. Shelburne has proclaimed February as Black History Month for the past five years and Feb. 25 marked the inaugural celebration.

Black History Month helps affirm black identity, heritage and culture, particularly for youth, build cultural competency and racial literacy, and educate white society and other cultures in Canada, to positively affirm and normalize blackness, said Henry-Dixon.

She said it’s a time to value black lives, perspectives and voices, and pay attention to the contributions and accomplishments of black people.

“Black History Month was designed to foster resilience and perseverance, the theme of this event, in black people as a mechanism to weather and withstand the tentacles of white supremacy, colonial violence, miseducation, anti-black racism and to nurture possibility in black communities and black futures,” said Henry-Dixon.

She said the intention was that everyone would learn about black history throughout the year and come together to share in celebration during the month of February, not to cram all of the learning into 28 days.

Maestro Fresh Wes joined a virtual panel discussion in 2021 and said he was honoured to return in-person to learn and make a contribution.

“My slogan is don’t make records, make history. What I've tried to do in the last 34 years is make some history and that’s what we’re doing here tonight in Shelburne,” he told The Echo

Maestro Fresh Wes is the first black artist to go gold in Canada and the first recipient of the Juno award for rap. He spoke Saturday about the evolution of hip hop, marking its 50th anniversary, and the evolution black culture. His music, including his 2023 Juno nominated children’s album, Maestro Fresh Wes Presents: Julia the Great, covers themes of racism and social engineering designed to dismantle black families.

Staff photos: Trina Berlo

Clockwise from top: The Godfather of Canadian Hip Hop Maestro Fresh Wes performs in Shelburne Feb. 25 during a Black History Month event; Members of Streams Community Hub Sing Club perform; Black Chapter of Centre Dufferin District High School performs spoken word; Dufferin County Canadian Black Association president Alethia O’Hara-Stephenson at the podium.

D’Jango Pan Fyah with a young fan at Making Change's Mosaic of Black Culture Event for Black History Month in Wasaga Beach on Feb. 25 when youth got to try the drums. There were about 60 people in attendance, including people from Clearview, Collingwood and Wasaga Beach.

was organized by former Creemore resident Laura LaChapelle (top right, from left), who thanked her best friend Ginny Smith

her daughter Morgan Timmins, who was her first ally when she moved to Creemore from Toronto in 1981.

Flags flying high across Simcoe County for #ITSTARTS Month

County of Simcoe Warden Basil Clarke raised the #ITSTARTS flag at the Administration Centre in Midhurst March 1 to kick off #ITSTARTS Month and support inclusion, acceptance, and equity across the region.

“Simcoe County is now home to over 82,000 immigrants,” said Clarke. “Immigrants add a lot to our growing communities and support many industries, including health care. It’s important that we continue to build welcoming and supportive communities across our region.”

#ITSTARTS Month, now in its seventh year, is a nationally recognized, innovative campaign that helps to support settlement and integration, while also raising awareness about the importance of developing welcoming communities in Simcoe County. To help businesses learn more about the value of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), this year, the County is working with Harmony Movement, a leading provider of DEI training programs, to offer businesses workshops in

March. The in-person workshops in Collingwood and Midhurst will introduce the topic of DEI and help businesses develop actionable goals.

In 2023, for the first time, #ITSTARTS flags will be flying across Simcoe County at various municipal offices throughout March. The social

Creemore Curling Club standings

Daytime

Team win-loss

Loranger 3-1

Walker 2-2

Martens 2-2

Lambert 1-3

From the Hack: Al was away, so Howard stepped in as skip for Team Lambert on Monday. After dropping five points in the first end against Team Loranger, he questioned

whether it was a good idea to have shown up at all! Undeterred by that, Jim, Sandy, Liz and Howard battled back, including scoring their own five-pointer, to trail by only one point coming home. Although they had a stone on the button, well guarded, Michael was able to remove it with an angle raise takeout, to notch up another Team Loranger win. Team Walker earned an easy win against

media campaign will also be supported by 21 Community Champions, many of which will also be flying the flag.

The Local Immigration Partnership #ITSTARTS campaign is supported by the Barrie Chamber of Commerce, Barrie Persian Association, Barrie Police Services, Barrie Public Library,

Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County, Catulpa Community Services, City of Barrie, CLASS, College Boreal, E3, Ethnic Mosaic Alliance, Georgian College, Lakehead University, Making Change, Ontario Provincial Police, Orillia Public Library, Simcoe County District School Board, Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, South Simcoe Police, Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury and the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka.

To take part in this social movement, complete an #ITSTARTS card and share a photo or video through social media using the hashtag ITSTARTS. Tagging @simcoecounty (Twitter), @ CountyofSimcoe (Facebook) and @ CountyofSimcoe (Instagram) helps to get your message out.

To get your #ITSTARTS cards in English, French, or a number of other languages, visit www.simcoe. ca/itstarts. The site also offers helpful resources, tips, and tools on taking safe and purposeful action against racism and discrimination.

Team Martens. On Wednesday, the top two teams fell to the lower two teams, due to the fabulous shotmaking from all the players on Teams Martens and Lambert. Thanks to Sandy, and Mary for the treats this week. Good curling everyone!

Ladies

Team win-loss

Verstegen 1-1

Baylis 1-0

Crawford 0-2

Walker 1-1

Fuller 1-0

From the Hack: A week of watching the Canadian women play the Scotties tournament, resulted in two high scoring games this week. Team Walker set up strategically and Heather worked her magic with the skip stones. A tough loss for Team Verstegen. On Sheet 2, Team Fuller dominated the four-foot area with a

four-ender in the first end, and a sixender in the third that meant early handshakes. Good curling everyone!

Men

Team win-loss-tie-points

Sauder 2-0-0-20

Taylor 2-0-0-20

Vorstermans 2-0-0-20

Cass 1-0-0-10

Hewitt 1-1-0-10

McCloud 0-1-0-0

Deslippe 0-2-0-0

Stephens 0-2-0-0

Wilson 0-2-0-0

From the Hack: Winning this week were teams Wilson, Taylor, Hewitt and Sauder.

Bryan Davies photos

The event

, pictured above with

Contributed photo

Warden Basil Clarke with the new #ITSTARTS flags, flying throughout County of Simcoe in March.

Northern Psychic and Wellness Fair comes to Creemore

by Trina Berlo

The Northern Psychic and Wellness Fair is coming south to Creemore March 4-5.

Psychics, hypnotists, healers, and tarot card readers, are on the bill for this two-day event at the Legion.

In addition to vendors, and individual sessions, there is a full line-up of presentations on Saturday and Sunday, including how-to sessions on using a pendulum to make decisions, inviting fairies into your life and connecting with your guides, in addition to psychic demonstrations, aura readings, meditation, and Thai massage combined with plant medicine spirit readings.

Promoter Sherry Mair , of Northern Paradise Weddings and Events, has presented the event in Parry Sound for 12 years, expanding out into other northern communities over the years. This is the first venture into Creemore.

“There are little towns that are not experiencing these cool shows that we have going on so we thought we’d go a little further south,” said Mair, adding that one of the psychics had recommended Creemore.

Mair said she grew up New Age.

“My mom was huge into this world,” she said.

It was her mom who inspired her to put together the fair, because they had fond memories of going to similar events in the past.

The roster of presenters includes a wide range of people from all over the province, including the Parry Sound area, but also Barrie and London.

Mair said the presentations vary from event to event, so people following the fair to different communities will always learn something new.

Games& FUN

by Barbara Simpson

“There’s going to be something for everybody,” said Mair. “There’s just a really cool vibe when you’re there because the energy is so heightened. You just feel so good and so happy when you’re there. You can’t really explain it until you go.”

People are invited to browse and enjoy the lectures and demonstrations. The Legion canteen will be open for food service.

The show runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on

Canadian Criss Cross

Saturday, March 4, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 5. Admission costs $5 for the day or $8 for the weekend and includes all demonstrations and lectures. Individual sessions are priced separately and can be pre-booked via Facebook @northernpsychicandwellness. Door prizes will be drawn every half hour throughout both days. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the Legion and the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.

March 3, 2023

Answers on page 11

FRED’S FUNNIES

1. Diagonal cross on a shield, in heraldry

2. Make available

3. ___-there-done-that

4. Sticky substance

5. Kind of computer memory

6. Lightweight cotton fabric

7. Heredity units

8. Submarine detectors

9. Take the first shot in pool

10. Fraudulent business scheme

19. Place covered with sand

22. Light yellowish brown

23. Approves

25. Ecstasy

27. Suppose

28. North Pole latitude

30. Cotton thread

32. Not so much

33. Female chicken

34. School test

35. Carpentry joint

37. Canadian curler Sutton

40. Serious promise

42. Canadian comedian James

43. Likely

My libertarian neighbour posted a newspaper ad selling his collection of Star Trek ships.

And here I thought he believed in free Enterprise.

Internationally known psychic mediums Betty Jane Ware (left) and Doris Hole will be in Creemore this weekend for a two-day Psychic and Wellness Fair.

Library plans for fun-filled March Break

by Michele McKenzie

Clearview Public Library is getting ready for a fun-filled March of boredom-busting and brainstimulating activities at all three branches of the Clearview Public Library. Please join us for one or all of these activities.

On Saturday, March 4 everyone is invited to visit us at the Health and Leisure Expo taking place at the Stayner arena hall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We will be giving away free magic beans, twiddle-muffs and invitations to our Paper Bag Princess Party Day (PBPD) at our pop-up library card booth at this event. Next door in the Stayner branch, we will be hosting our sixth annual PBPD party with plenty of free family-friendly craft and action stations involving princesses and dragons from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activity kits and art activities will be available at the Creemore and New Lowell branches at this time too.

Saturday, March 11 is our complimentary big March Break presentation with Jason George and Mr. Bones at the New Lowell Branch from 10 am to noon. Jason will be speaking about his adventures as a wildlife photographer for an hour and then we will be testing out his new wildlife board game, playing his scavenger hunt and learning about our local wildlife in a variety of crafty

formats. To guarantee a spot, please register at www.clearview.library. on.ca or call 705-424-6288 to reserve a space on our guest list. Drop-in visitors are also welcome at this time. We will be time-travelling during the week of March 14-18. Join our children’s librarian from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday (Creemore), Wednesday (New Lowell) and Thursday (Stayner) as she hosts a twohour period of adventure, discovery and expeditions to several different locales at different historical times. For some quiet-time fun, choose a title or two from our many displays of books and movies that involve the theme of time travel. Activity kits based on bending time and space will be also available for in-house or athome entertainment.

There are a few spots left in our teen librarian’s Home Alone and Babysitting courses (Wednesday in Stayner and Friday in New Lowell). Please call 705-428-3595 (Stayner) or 705-424-6288 (New Lowell) for more information and availability. The string art and vinyl lettering sign workshop designed for tweens and teens will take place on Saturday, March 18 in the group study room at the Stayner Branch from 10 a.m. to noon. Supplies are limited so registration is required at www. clearview.library.on.ca.

County launches 2023 Age-Friendly Seniors Housing Grant Program

The County of Simcoe is once again providing $500,000 in funding to support eligible applicants in creating additional age-friendly housing in Simcoe County.

The grant program was recommended within the Simcoe County 2018-2023 Positive Aging Strategy, which identified a number of recommendations for the county and its municipalities to prepare

for the region’s aging population. The program funds projects that incorporate accessible, adaptable and inclusive designs, which allow seniors to continue to live independently in their communities for as long as possible.

Grants will be awarded under three streams: accessible housing design for seniors; design for individuals with dementia; and the provision of support

services for housing that incorporates enhanced aspects of accessibility over and above compliance with the Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and building code standards for residential units.

Applicants can be homeowners of principal residences or developers, who wish to include accessible, adaptable and inclusive design modifications for occupants aged

60 or older. Grant amounts will be distributed based on the number of applications received and ability to meet funding criteria.

A selection committee will evaluate each grant submission in accordance with established evaluation criteria. For further details, or to apply to the Age-Friendly Housing Seniors Grant program, please visit simcoe.ca/agefriendly. The deadline is May 31.

705-623-7514

Contributed photo

Clearview Public Library deputy CEO Michele McKenzie with Wildlife Photographer and March Break activity host Jason George and his mascot Mr. Bones.

ECHO Classifieds

FOR SALE

CREEMORE HILLS WINERYWine for sale. Pet-Nat Picnics and/or wine tastings. By appointment only. Pick-up or delivery. Call/Text 647-5888931, cmorrissey0708@icloud.com.

FIREWOOD FOR SALE Readyto-burn split hardwood. Will deliver single cords. Also round bales of hay and straw. Call 705-444-1073.

Ontario Honey Creations + Meadery Mead samples, RAW LOCAL HONEY & MORE. Farm-store open Friday and Saturday or by appointment. 938343 Airport Road, Mulmur. OntarioHoneyCreations.com.

Winter special - GRASS FED BEEF - ground beef $5, roasts and stew $6, steaks $8 per pound. Contact Dan 705428-6781.

HELP WANTED

High end French YF Patisserie Chocolatier is looking for a vibrant mature person to join our STORE TEAM. Position is permanent parttime/full-time. Experience in food retail or barista skills are a plus. Email Yoonhee at yfpatissierchocolatier@ gmail.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 519-375-0958.

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.

THANK YOU

The Creemore Coyotes want to express their sincere thanks to Heart to Home Meals Nottawa, Doug Mills and Kay's Vineyard.

Lyn is mad that Dennis has no sense of direction !! So Dennis got up and right! HAHA !!

KIDD FAMILY AUCTIONS

Home of the 5% Buyer’s Premium. THE UPCOMING ON-LINE SALE SCHEDULE !! CONSIGN NOW. FILLING FAST. ARE YOU READY??

MAR 17 COIN / JEWELRY / ART AUCTION.

MAR 24 FARM EQUIP EXTRAVAGANZA FOR HIGHLAND CUSTOM FARMING.

MAR 31 CONSIGNMENT SALE - COLLECTIBLES, ANTIQUES & HOUSEHOLD.

APR 8 VIP FIREARMS EVENT.

APR 14 VINTAGE ADVERTISING SALE.

APR 28 ANNUAL SPRING OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT SALE.

MAY 5 AMARANTH FARM EQUIPMENT SALE.

MAY 24-27 THE ‘STRAIGHT SHOOTER’ SALE.

JUN 16 AUCTION FOR REID’S HERITAGE HOMES. STAGING BLOWOUT.

VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS. STAY TUNED. MORE SALES BEING LISTED REGULARLY. WWW.KIDDFAMILYAUCTIONS.COM Dennis@KiddFamilyAuctions.com 519-938-7499 or Lyn@KiddFamilyAuctions.com 519-938-1315.

This week’s answers

Cybergnomes compete in robotics provincials

by Bonnie MacPherson

Six Creemore youth will head off to Niagara Falls this weekend to test their talent and ingenuity against the best in the province.

The Cybergnome VEX Boys Team has been hard at work since last fall, building and refining their robotic device.

The local robotics team is part of a global network of clubs dedicated to creating sustainable, hands-on learning opportunities for students in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Advisor Jim Crawford says the Creemore group is unusual as it is community based, whereas about 80 per cent of teams are high school based.

The Creemore boys, currently in Grades 6 through 8 will be competing with more than 60 teams, most of them composed of Grade 8-12 students. This is the first trip to the provincial competition for each of the local team members and Crawford says they are excited and keen to show off their skills.

Each year, at the end of the world competition in April a new challenge for the next season is announced. Many teams start working on their entries right away. The Creemore team assembled at the start of the school year and started meeting one night per week to design, build and test their robot. Since January, they’ve been meeting twice a week for at least three hours per session.

This year’s challenge was to build a robot capable of scooping up plastic disks from the floor and shooting them into a net. The test is a two-minute match, on a 12-by-12-foot field. For each match, the team will be paired with another squad and will face two opposing robots. Not only must they

control their own robot, they’ll need to cooperate with unfamiliar teammates. Crawford likens the game to frisbee golf, and says the skills developed here are important in fostering the next generation of innovators.

In addition to the Cybergnomes Boys VEX,

Creemore also has the Cybergirls VEX team and the Cybergnomes FRC (First Robotics) team made up of older students.

Portions of Saturday’s event in Niagara Falls will be livestreamed and can be seen at www.youtube. com/@vexontario.

Amanda Sochan photos

Doc Bells Hot Sauce hosted the first annual “Sweet Heat” hot wing eating competition during last Saturday's Creemore Farmers’ and Craft Market at Station on the Green. Above: Jenna King looks on in horror as Sophia Strauss perseveres. Strauss was named one of two winners, along with Joe Fachnie, pictured top right with organizer Shawn Bell. The winners took home more than $400 worth of prizes from local businesses.

Staff photo: Bonnie MacPherson Cybergnomes at work, from left: Ben Tamlin, Max Rentsch, Simon Rentsch, Thomas Weldon, Hayden Goodfellow-Oster, and Carson Fraser