March 10, 2023

Friday, March 10, 2023 Vol. 23 No. 10

Who will be the brain of the ball?

by Trina Berlo

The masterminds behind the Duntroon Hall’s Know-it-All Ball are working to ensure this year’s event is better than ever.

The trivia night has been a marquee event for Duntroon Hall since 2004, with all proceeds going towards maintenance and future improvements at the volunteer-run community hall.

For those who have yet to attend, the brain-buster event is one of friendly competition designed to test people’s general knowledge in a range of topics. Team tables are laden with snacks brought from home and beverages from the bar.

Hall volunteer Jim Campbell said this year’s event will include some new features but will also include all the traditional favourites.

Participants will be challenged with 80 questions, all custom crafted for the event. They will be categorized by “ministry,” some real and some fiction, including the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Local Lore.

There will be music questions, a lightning round, and the main brain drain, when each team sends one

brainiac to the stage to answer a round of questions without the support of their team.

Because the event is happening on April 1, there will also be a special April Fool’s bonus question.

“Diversity of knowledge will be a strength,” Campbell offers as advice. Awards will be handed out in each trivia category and recognition will

also go to the best themed table, so get creative.

Teams are seated at tables of up to eight people but singles and small groups are welcome. Cost of admission is $10 per person. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and trivia starts at 7:30 p.m. Cash bar. To reserve a spot in advance, email theduntroonhall@ gmail.com.

The Township of Mulmur will be offering a garden market at the Spring Townhall on April 15, welcoming all Mulmur food, agriculture and horticultural producers to participate. Reserve a table for free to showcase home-grown and hand-made products including produce, cheese, flowers, seedlings, milled grains, honey, and prepared food at the township office.

Space will fill up quickly, reserve a 10-foot table by emailing info@ mulmur.ca.

The Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival takes place at Tiffin Centre for Conservation April 1-2. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Barrie, the festival is a tradition spanning more than three decades.

Visitors will take a trip back in time to explore how Indigenous people and pioneers made maple syrup. After that, they will return to current times and see how maple syrup is made today. End the tour with pancake and sausage breakfast with fresh maple syrup and join in many other activities.

For more information, contact nvca. on.ca. The Tiffin Centre is located at 8195 8th Line, Utopia.

Committees reassessed, fail to attract applicants

by Trina Berlo

The Township of Clearview has been unsuccessful in recruiting volunteer members to sit on the Economic Development Advisory Committee and the Clearview Youth Centre Advisory Committee.

Without enough members both committees will be placed on hold. Council and staff have initiated a review of the terms of reference for the youth centre committee, and will have to decide whether or not to move forward with the economic development committee.

For this new term, the township received two applications for the Economic Development Advisory

Committee from small business owners, not meeting the minimum requirement for the committee.

Based on the current terms of reference, the composition consists of the mayor, one representative of the larger business sector, one business representative of the small business sector, one representative of the Clearview Chamber of Commerce and/or Creemore Business Improvement Area, and one representative of council, together with non-voting members being the CAO and an administrative assistant.

“I think economic development is an important aspect of any municipal government so I hope that we can bring this back in another way,” said Mayor

Doug Measures

Deputy Mayor Paul Van Staveren, who shares the mayor’s interest in economic development and has been a past member of the committee, said after the meeting that he believes council needs to find a definition of what economic development is in Clearview Township.

“In this community we cannot focus strictly on tourism,” said Van Staveren. “If we can’t attract members, let’s refocus and give them a direction from council.”

He said economic development means different things to different people and all parties need to identify common

ground.

The economic development reserve is sitting at $75,000 to fund future initiatives.

Only one application was received for the Clearview Youth Centre Advisory Committee.

The committee is to be composed of members from various youth organizations and local schools within the township, members of the general public, plus two members of council to a maximum of nine members. There is no set minimum.

Clearview Youth Centre is operated by staff and will remain open while the terms of reference are debated.

File photo

Jim Kinnear dons the coveted cervical crown of the brain drain, a highlight of Duntoon Hall's Know-it-All Ball.

Mulmur's spring townhall

Maple Syrup Festival

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).

• Join Sass over March Break for yoga and wellness at the Creemore Sanctuary. Email, call or visit 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.

• Stayner Legion Branch 457 presents a night of old time country, rock ‘n’ roll, and down home classics with Len Murphy, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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 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.

Friday, March 17

• Stayner Legion St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Live music by The Gulley Family Band. Irish stew and a bun for only $5.

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.

• Collingwood Holistic Healing Fair. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Georgian Bay Hotel. Free admission. www.holistichealingfair.com.

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 416-4075132 after 5 p.m.

Saturday, April 1

• The Know-it-all-Ball at the Duntroon Hall is back bigger and better than ever before. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. questions commence at 7:30 p.m. Teams/tables of up to eight maximum. No team, no problem! Individuals and smaller groups welcome - volunteers will find a seat for you. Bring your own snacks. Reserve your table or seat by emailing theduntroonhall@gmail.com. $10/ person. Hosted by The Duntroon Hall Board since 2004. 100 per cent of proceeds fund the operation and future improvements to The Duntroon Hall.

Saturday, April 29

• An invitation is extended to all veterans to celebrate your service. A special dinner will be served at the Creemore Legion. Tickets are free to veterans and their escort. Contact Bev at 702428-2252 or email bacoutts@rogers.com. Free transportation available for mobility challenged individuals. Social time from 6 p.m. Dinner at 7 p.m. Please respond by April 8.

Saturday, July 1

• Get your rolling pins warmed up. The Creemore Legion Ladies Auxiliary is hosting a pie contest Everyone welcome to enter. Please bring two pies. These pies will be cut after the contest, and sold by the piece Proceeds will go to the Canada Day fireworks. Linda Cockton is the esteemed pie judge.

Servicing limits growth, tax burden falls to existing residents

by Trina Berlo

At one last budget meeting on Feb. 27, Clearview council has reduced the overall tax increase to 4.75 per cent.

At the suggestion of Councillor Marty Beelen, the resurfacing of the Stayner arena hall floor, at a cost of $75,000, was deferred to 2024 as a way of eliminating costs, and a portable washroom for the Nottawa ball park at an estimated cost of $75,000 was also deferred in order to do more research about leasing.

The cuts follow a public meeting held Feb. 9 when three residents took turns questioning expenditures and specific services.

At that meeting, treasurer Kelly McDonald said staff had stretched tax dollars as far as they could.

“Neighbouring municipalities do not have this level of service,” she said,

Community grants approved:

• Brentwood Horticultural Society, $700 – Community beautification projects and honorarium for guest speakers;

• Clearview Minor Hockey Association, $1,000 – Purchase pucks and pinnies;

• Creemore Horticultural Society, $1,000 – Community beautification projects, education and participation in community events;

• Girl Guides (New Lowell) $1,000, – Air purifier for rental space;

• Magic of Children in the Arts, $1,000 – Fund supplies for inschool free workshops for Grades 3, 6 and 8 at NLPS, NPS, CMPS and NCPS;

• Resources for Area Youth Success (RAYS), $1,000 – To support local youth in pursuing postsecondary education by offering a bursary program for tools, books, transportation, accommodation;

• SilverShoe Historical Society, $750 – Maintenance and improvements to the monuments of Bethel Union Cemetery/Sunnidale Pioneer historical site;

• South Simcoe 4-H, $500 – Fee discount for registration fees for members of the youth leadership development and mentoring programs;

• Stayner Heritage Society, $500 – Heritage events and cost of speakers;

• Stayner Garden Club, $1,000 –Community beautification projects, plants and perennials;

• Stayner Lawn Bowling Club, $1,000 – Purchase small bowls for small hands and arthritic bowlers, blower and trimmer for maintenance;

• Creemore Farmers’ Market, $500 – Cover cost of music for the shoulder season;

• Friends of Stayner Union Cemetery, $300 – Plant and maintenance of plants at the entrance of the Stayner Union Cemetery;

outlining tax-supported infrastructure including: 249 km of roads, 73 bridges and culverts, 21 km of sidewalks, three library branches, five fire stations, two arenas, two curling clubs, a swimming pool, 10 baseball diamonds, five soccer pitches, and five tennis courts, plus OPP and the NVCA.

“We hear in the public quite a bit that our taxes are too high, they’re way too high,” said McDonald.

She said Clearview has the fourth highest taxes in Simcoe County under Midland, Penetanguishene, and Collingwood.

“We’re at the high end but in reality it’s pretty close,” said McDonald.

She said with low growth, fairly low assessment and a lack of commercial and industrial businesses, the majority of the tax burden falls on existing residential property owners, with 61

per cent of Clearview’s income drawn from residential taxes.

On the theme of growth, director of public works Mike Rawn reported to council on Feb. 27 that the Stayner drinking water system is at capacity and with a funding plan to expand the system having fallen through last year, a new plan as to how to finance a solution is needed.

What little remaining capacity has been purchased by existing developments, including the second phase of Nottawasaga Station – 118 units at 6934 and 7044 Highway 26 –given final approval that same night.

“There is no water for anything else,” said Rawn. “This is not a good news story.”

He said staff is contemplating an interim bylaw to freeze water allocation until a solution can be found.

After committed capacity is accounted for, only 606 m3/day is available until the capacity production limit is reached.

Community grants

Council approved $31,250 in community grants at the Feb. 27 meeting, allocating about half of the $63,000 budgeted for 2023.

A committee of council and staff is tasked with approving the grants each year based on applications from volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organizations providing services to Clearview Township residents.

Deputy Mayor Paul Van Staveren said the committee decided to leave money available for food banks and other community needs as they arise. See table below left

Cronos to continue some operations at Peace Naturals

• Senior Wish Association, $500 – Christmas/Holiday Wish Program providing gifts to seniors;

• Breaking Down Barriers, $2,500 – Provide accessibility support/services, guest speakers and outreach education and activity kits for clients;

• Clearview Community Church, $2,500 – To support the clothing depot for families and individuals in need in our community;

• Clearview Community Theatre, $2,000 – Purchasing materials, insurance and hall rental for travelling troupes and youth theatre production. If Covid does not allow for performing, then rent and insurance;

• Creemore Cats, $1,000 –Spay/neuter program, food and vaccinations;

• Home Horizon Transitional Program, $2,000 – Counselling/ housing for homeless youth;

• Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation, $2,500 – Provide 25 grief counselling sessions or 250 meals or four days of care at Campbell House or one month of essential medical supplies;

• My Friends’ House shelter for women and children, $ 2,000 –transportation costs;

• Creemore Legion, $1,000 –Canada Day Celebration events;

• The Living Wish Foundation, $1,000 – To assist in granting wishes of terminally ill patients;

• Creemore Firefighters Association, $2,500 – Refinishing and restoration of the antique fire truck;

• Stayner Hitmen Lacrosse, $1,000 – Pink in the Rink and Hitmen Showdown Tournament;

• 1944 EME RCACC Army Cadet Corp of Creemore, $500 – Winter training and paying for any costs to use locations for winter training, meals, snacks, drinks and supplies.

A year ago, Cronos Group announced a planned closure of the Peace Naturals Campus in Stayner but is now saying limited operations will continue.

“[Cronos] continues transitioning towards a more flexible footprint, ensuring we have the capabilities to execute in current and future market opportunities,” said Cronos Group in a news release. “To that end, Cronos has

decided to maintain select components of its operations at the Peace Naturals Campus, namely distribution and warehousing, certain R&D activities and manufacturing of certain of the Company’s proprietary innovation products.”

The Feb. 28 release goes on to say, “Peace Naturals continues to be a leading medical cannabis brand in Israel.”

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COMMUNITY

March is the Month of Hope for United Way Simcoe Muskoka

During the month of March, United Way Simcoe Muskoka is running a campaign in support of their efforts to break the cycle of poverty across the region. “The Month of Hope” reflects on the lives impacted through United Way-funded initiatives and works to bring awareness to the needs of the most vulnerable in our region.

Every day, our communities face new and evolving challenges caused by poverty and social exclusion. Despite the incredible work done by frontline charities across Simcoe Muskoka, there are gaps that overwhelm and challenge too many of our most vulnerable.

To address that gap, United Way Simcoe Muskoka has provided funding to six multi-year, cross-sector collaborative projects across our communities. By bringing together partners from all sectors – public, private, faith and charities – the projects not only meet the needs of our most vulnerable but provide a life of increased potential.

“This year, with record setting inflation and the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the need will be even greater,” said Brian Shelley, Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer of United Way Simcoe Muskoka. “The Month of Hope is an opportunity to share stories of how United Wayfunded initiatives have provided hope to local residents, as well as raise awareness and encourage community support.”

The United Way is committed to funding projects that will drive long-lasting, systemic change throughout Simcoe Muskoka and make a difference for years to come.

For the month of March, thanks to a generous donation from Glueckler Metal Inc., gifts will be matched, doubling the impact of each donation.

To learn more or to donate, visit uwsimcoemuskoka. ca/give.

Sendletterstotheeditortoinfo@creemore.com. Alllettersmustbesignedwiththewriter'sfullname and include a phone number (which will not be printed.)Deadlineis5p.m.onTuesdays.

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THE WAY WE WERE

LETTER Deck the halls

Editor:

I could feel the floor shaking when I read Helen Blackburn’s account of Leonard Hall in the March 3 edition of The Creemore Echo . Maybe Gerry Blackburn was shaking so hard before and during his recitation that I picked up the floor vibration, but my memory was unclear. I was inside my mother then; she was only three months pregnant. My brother Bob was there. I can read about the event now as it was reported in The Creemore Star on Dec. 28, 1933: “Public school children presented the Christmas concert at Leonard Hall. It was said that Dr. Graham ‘made a very acceptable Chairman.’”

The concern about the overloading of Leonard Hall’s floor in Helen Blackburn’s charming story had reached a peak just six weeks before and was reported in The Creemore Star on Nov. 16, 1933: “The Creemore Continuation School commencement held in Leonard Hall last Friday was a brilliant success. An estimated 500 people attended. People had to be turned away. The chair was occupied by Dr. J.R.H. Graham as he presented the medals for the past field day championships and, in his remarks, referred to the advancements that had taken place in sports within the school.”

The Masonic Lodge used Leonard Hall on occasion. A report in The Creemore Star on June 23, 1932, sounded ceremonial and fun: “On Monday, a hundred people sat down to a Gala Banquet at

Leonard Hall held by the Masonic Lodge, honoured by a visit from Rt. Worshipful Bro. J.J. McKnight of Tottenham, District Deputy Grand Master. Dr. Graham, assisted by Wor. Bro. A. May and Wor. Bro. A. Sparling entertained with some magic and humorous skits.”

The community also used the Orange Hall in earlier days, and as I was growing up, I knew there was a history, but it remained unknown to me. Baseball was essential to Creemore 100 years ago. One of the most significant events was an annual Orange Young Britons Tournament in Creemore, held on June 3.

However, an event at Orange Hall two years after my parents arrived in Creemore surprised me. On March 22, 1928, The Creemore Star stated, “The Creemore Library sent special thanks to Mrs. Graham after the ‘Library Concert Surpasses Previous Efforts.’”

“So many people attended the Orange Hall on Friday, March 16 that some were unable to get seats and so the performance was repeated Monday, March 19, 1928. Mrs. B.T. Ferguson and Mrs. Graham trained and directed the several young ladies who were so heartily applauded. Mrs. Graham was greatly appreciated in her solo dances, being repeatedly encored. Dr. Graham read “The Shooting of Dan McGrew” with his clever dramatization.”

The Creemore Echo is published every Friday and distributed free locally.

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Sara Hershoff sara@creemore.com

Trina Berlo trina@creemore.com

Bonnie MacPherson bonnie@creemore.com

Editorial and advertising material deadline is Tuesday at 5 p.m. Letters to the editor should be sent to editor@creemore.com. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and clarity. To receive a weekly copy of The Creemore Echo by mail outside of the circulation area or e-mail version please contact us at info@creemore.com. Mail, email and voluntary subscriptions: $55.

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EDITOR

PUBLISHER

Creemore has a bit of history when it comes to dogsledding. In 1983, Victor Dodd organized dogsled races in Creemore. Photo by John Smart. (See related story on page 7)

(See “The past” on page 5)

The past is a present force

(Continued from page 4 )

Orange Hall was the setting for the 1932 Creemore School Commencement. “Meanwhile, Dr. Graham leads the School Board through the academic year, recruitment of new teachers, and the Annual Athletic event at the school grounds.”

The Masonic Lodge used the Orange Hall, and The Creemore Star reported on May 17, 1934: “Dr. Graham as Junior Warden hosted a special mock initiation at the Masonic Lodge, opening with a banquet at St. Andrew's Hall. Fifty ladies were initiated into the Mystic Order of the Golden Silence and each presented with a rose, the emblem of the degree. Dancing followed at the Orange Hall. The event was arranged and managed by Dr. Graham and many kudos for his efforts.”

Special thanks are due to the current ownership and staff of The Creemore Echo , who follow a heritage provided by C.B. (Bert) Smith and Lorne Raymer of the forerunner, The Creemore Star . All the quotes above are the text of Bert Smith. I would not be looking into the past and writing about family and community life without the sustained interest of Helen Blackburn, friends from the past like Gerald Blackburn, schoolmates like John Montgomery, and in memory of Eldon Barber, the father of another historian, Colleen Stamp.

The past is a present force for all of us, reflected in daily life when we remain attentive and serve others.

John R. Graham, Los Angeles

by Jan Benda

A town of little more than 1,000 people, Creemore has three restaurants and three bakeries - each serves coffee and some sweets. These facts tell you something about Creemore residents as good-time lovers. People of my generation, as well as everyone else, love to sit comfortably in the coffee shop, meet friends, discuss life and what’s going on in the world. They love to celebrate the day. And now the Station on the Green has become an additional gathering place for those who want to share life stories and gossip over a cup of coffee and something sweet.

So it’s great news that Creemore Farmer’s Market has decided to continue to promote our baking tradition by hosting a contest on March 25, featuring cookies, bars and squares. It’s open to everyone, professional and amateur bakers. Everyone who comes may cast a vote.

Sweet treats such as cookies, bars, squares, including Danish pastry, French croissant, Austrian strudel, German pretzels - all are morsels of pleasure we desperately need to survive in this crazy world. Even though they are different in style and taste, I would say we love them all. Not necessarily because they are healthy, but because they taste great, satisfy our cravings for something positive and are affordable.

Very tasty pastry can be prepared with just a few basic ingredients. However, to make something extraordinary and delicious requires imagination, creativity and passion. Any pastry, ordinary or special, also involves fire. A turning point in the history of baking occurred when humans invented the oven, allowing bakers to master control over fire.

Yes, once again it was a technological invention and indulgence for small pleasures that pushed civilization forward. From that point it took some time for simple baking to become an art.

Some pastry might be easy and fast to make but some requires special care. They say that love, not sugar, makes the difference in any sweet. Behind a unique taste might be local ingredients, a special recipe or family secret that has been passed from one generation to the next. And now in the 21st century, we are harvesting long experience, originality and the hard work of our ancestors.

After the pie contest in the fall and the bread-making competition in

January, it seems to me that Creemore has become a baker’s town.

The contest has 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 416-407-5132 after 5 p.m.

Friends of the Mad River plan for spring work

by Trina Berlo

There is a plan in place to do some riparian tree planting this spring as a result of a partnership between the Friends of the Mad River volunteer

stewardship group and the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA).

Volunteers will be called to Carruthers Park in Avening on May 6 to do some

CALLING ALL ARTISTS

CREEMORE FESTIVAL ARTS

SEP30-OCT01, 2023

riparian tree planting and in-water habitat restoration.

The Friends of the Mad River are getting closer to the $7,000 August fundraising goal, having raised $4,836. The project at Carruthers Park is estimated to cost about $20,000, though final designs have yet to be completed. The goal is to raise the funds which will be matched by the NVCA, and supported by grants and foundations.

Data collected last year shows the temperature of the Mad River increases between Creemore and Avening impacting the suitability for coldwater fish, such as trout.

The plan is to reverse erosion in key places caused by historic human efforts to straighten the channel with riverside tree planting and ecological restoration. The ecological restoration plans aim to reduce bank erosion and improve habitat by stabilizing one bank at Carruthers Park with boulders, stapling in cut coniferous trees, and vegetation while also establishing small side channels.

Members of the community are encouraged to participate. Details will be published in The Creemore Echo, or get on the Friends of the Mad River email list by contacting Jesse Wright at jkwright.79@gmail.com.

Fundraising will continue next fall to support potential larger projects in 2024.

File photo

Friends of the Mad River are calling on volunteers for a May 6 planting activity.

Donations can be made through Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority’s charitable donation page on CanadaHelps.org. Use the drop down menu to select funds be applied to the Mad River Enhancement program. Charitable receipts for donations over $25 will be issued. Donations can be made online at www.canadahelps. org/en/charities/nottawasaga-valleyconservation-authority, at the NVCA head office, or by calling 705-424-1479.

DEADLINE MAY 31, 2023

Are you interested in displaying and selling your art in Creemore's village center during the annual Creemore Festival of the Arts Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023? If so now is the time to apply to be part of our Artists on Location Program! Visit www.phahs.ca to apply!

Called to dogsledding, a mutual love

by Trina Berlo

I caught sight of the seven-dog sled team coming across the field on a beautiful sunny afternoon. It was an unusual sight, and I was not the only driver to hastily pull over to the shoulder of the road to gawk at the scene, as if from another time and place. People were abandoning their cars to take photos and rolling down their windows to lob compliments.

Ian Duffy says that is one of the reasons he usually sticks to the path less travelled. He knows his dogsled team can be a bit of a distraction. But on this day he ended up doing a 60-kilometre run to Singhampton and back home to the New Lowell area.

He has been running a team locally for 11 years but now has a promising team of seven puppies, all from one unplanned litter with his pure-bread Husky, that are now two years old and are in their first year of competition. Duffy took the team to a race in Kearney a couple of weeks ago, and is off to Tweed this weekend for another, along with his little brother Rowan, who is gaining interest in dogsledding and will race in the junior division.

Duffy said although he likes the races and being part of the dogsledding community, he doesn’t really think of it as a sport.

“I love it because of how much the dogs love it, and it’s an excuse to do something with the dogs that they want to do naturally,” he said.

It’s in their nature to want to run and pull, something that most people want to train out of their dogs. He said working with the team strengthens the relationship with the dogs, which is what it’s all about.

Duffy said he has had dogs since he was six years old. At one point he was looking for fun ways to exercise his dog, and began by getting pulled on skis. He laughs at the memory and said he later became aware it is an actual sport called skijoring. Realizing skiing wasn’t his thing and feeling the need to go a little faster, he started to become curious about dogsledding, even though he didn’t have any inroads. Later, one of the top “mushers” in Ontario would gift him two Huskies to get him started. With two good lead dogs, Duffy was able to train a

team, which came fairly naturally to the animals because they love to do it, ideally on crisp days of -20˚C.

As a canoe guide, Duffy liked the idea that a dogsled could take him to some of the same places he would paddle to in the warmer months. Indeed, Duffy did travel within Temagami by dogsled, a journey that took almost a month and was mostly solo.

He said it is the expedition component of dogsledding that he finds most appealing. Duffy said he read Call of the Wild by Jack London when he was about 12 or 13 and found it to be very inspiring.

Doglsedding has a rich history as a traditional form of transportation, thousands of years old. It was developed by northern Indigenous peoples and adapted by early European explorers and trappers during the fur trade and gold rush. When French Canadian drivers called “Marche!” to advance their teams, it was misinterpreted by English explorers as “mush,” which is why drivers are now called “mushers.”

The musher stands on the sled's runners and prompts the team with

a series of commands: ready, hike to start and whoa to stop, which Duffy says is more of a suggestion and the reason the sleigh is equipped with a foot break. A harness system keeps all the dogs in their place along the gang

line. Duffy said driving becomes quite intuitive and the musher uses their body to steer.

Follow Duffy’s journey on Instagram @a.wild.duff. Message him to inquire about dogsled tours.

Staff photos: Trina Berlo

Musher Ian Duffy drives his doglsed team on a trail through the Simcoe County forest.

The dogs lounge in the snow while musher Ian Duffy takes the time to explain his interest in dogsledding.

Daytime

Team win-loss

Loranger 3-2

Walker 3-2

Martens 2-3

Lambert 2-3

Ladies Team

Send sports news to trina@creemore.com call 705-466-9906 fax 705-466-9908

Men Team win-loss-tie-points Sauder 3-0-0-30 Taylor 3-0-0-30 Vorstermans 2-1-0-20 Cass 1-1-0-10 Hewitt 1-1-0-10 Deslippe 1-2-0-10 Stephens 1-2-0-10 McLoud 0-2-0-0 Wilson 0-3-0-0

Deslippe and Taylor. Recreation

FARM EQUIP: Claas Jaguar 960 forage harvester w/ header; Nuhn Electra-Steer 11000 gal manure tanker; Fendt 922 Vario tractor; Unverferth 7250 grain cart; Quicke Q85 loader, for Fendt 800 series tractors; Brandt 1080 & 1070 grain augers; 14’ Market seed treatment hyd auger; 2 x Raytek Corn Processor M2850; Gowell 4010 bale wrapper; Bach-Run 3634DF 34’ packer; 9’ Normand N112-342HTR snow blower; Field Line FL440 forage blower; HLA bale grapples; PTH 250 SPL rock crusher; HLA Snowwing 5200W snow blade; hopper bottom grain trailer w/ joe-dog; manure spreader rear attach; Eureka grain cleaner; 20’ flat wagon rack; Kooima K00492 header adapter; Claas corn cracker attachment;

TRUCKING: 2012 Kenworth T660 hwy tractor; 2021 Imco 45 4 axle live bottom trailer; Hutchinson 4 axle tank trailers; 2000 Int 8100 grain/silage truck; 95 Int 80S grain/silage truck; 89 Mack RB6885 dump truck; 96 48 Mond Van trailer; 46 4 axle trail SPIF chassis;

NOTE: PLEASE DON’T SHOW UP AT THE FARM ON NON-PREVIEW DAYS WITHOUT CALLING THE AUCTIONEER FIRST HIGHLAND BUSINESS CAN’T BE INTERRUPTED CALL, TEXT OR EMAIL ANYTIME FOR INFO

Call, Text, or Email Anytime WWW KIDDFAMILYAUCTIONS COM

DENNIS@KIDDFAMILYAUCTIONS COM

LYN@KIDDFAMILYAUCTIONS COM

519-938-7499

519-938-1315

Don't miss a thing. Creemore.com/events 8 • THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, March 10, 2023 KIDD FAMILY AUCTIONS home of the 5% buyer ’s premium with a $400 cap MAR 24TH FARM & EQUIPMENT SALE FOR HIGHLAND CUSTOM FARMING AND OTHER LOCAL FARMERS. THIS IS AN OUTSTANDING INVENTORY REDUCTION SALE ONLINE ONLY WITH LOTS STARTING TO CLOSE AT 5 PM PREVIEW MAR 23 & 24TH, 10 AM TO 4 PM PICKUP MAR 25TH & 27TH PREVIEW & PICK UP AT THE HIGHLAND FARM - 300141 RD 180 PROTON STATION JUST NORTH OF DUNDALK

Club hosted the Stayner Curling Club for the annual “Staymore” Challenge. This event had not been held since 2019, due to Covid. The Creemore teams played extremely well against the visitors and racked up two wins, a tie and one loss, enough to maintain possession of the trophy. The Stayner club will host the Challenge next year and the Creemore curlers look forward to defending their winning streak! Pictured below are the

On Wednesday, March 8, the Daytime League of the

Contributed photo

The Creemore Men's Bonspiel sponsored by Creemore Springs Brewery was held on March 4. Congratulations to this year's winners, Team Kemp from Collingwood: Tom Foubert, Alan Kemp, Chris Heath and Mike Neves

Contributed photo

Congratulations to Team McArthur for winning the Karen and Paul Crevier Trophy for the second session at the Creemore Curling Club. From left: Paul Crevier presents the trophy to Robert McArthur, Gabe Arsenault, Bettina Bolender and Bill Burmeister Thanks to all Mixed League members for participating and best of luck in our last session for the season.

Contributed photo

Creemore Curling

Creemore curlers proudly displaying the “Staymore” Challenge trophy.

Seven lives lost to potentially fatal opioids

Police are once again warning members of the public of the presence of a possible highly potent and potentially fatal strain of illicit opioids circulating in the area after seven people in the region lost their lives to a suspected opioid overdose in the last seven days, four of which have occurred in Simcoe/Muskoka.

Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid up to 100 times more potent than morphine and up to 40-50 times more potent than heroin.

Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid up to 100 times more potent than fentanyl.

The prevalence of illicit opioids distributed through drug trafficking networks continues to increase. Trafficking in opioids is a very serious offence.

Drug dealers are knowingly distributing products that cause harm and could kill.

Fentanyl can be lethal in very small quantities.

If someone’s drug of choice is mixed with or contains fentanyl, it can potentially kill them.

Opioid users have a higher risk of experiencing an overdose due to fentanyl potency, especially when the fentanyl is illicit and not sourced

from a pharmaceutical company. It is impossible for a user to determine the quantity of fentanyl they may be using because you can’t see, smell or taste it.

Symptoms of fentanyl/opioid exposure can include:

• Difficulty walking, talking or staying awake;

• Blue lips or nails;

• Very small pupils;

• Cold and clammy skin;

• Dizziness and confusion;

• Extreme drowsiness;

• Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds;

• Inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at;

• Slow, weak or not breathing.

If you, or someone you know, experiences any of these symptoms, stay at the scene and call 9-1-1 to save a life.

The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act (GSDOA) provides some legal protection for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose.

The GSDOA protects the person who seeks help, whether they stay or leave from the overdose scene before help arrives, the person experiencing the overdose, and anyone else who is at the scene when help arrives. For more information, visit opp.ca/ overdose.

Games& FUN

by Barbara Simpson

Arrests made in art scam

Naloxone is a drug that temporarily reverses the effects of opioids, including respiratory depression, sedation and hypotension, and allows time for medical help to arrive.

The OPP has provided frontline officers with naloxone intranasal spray to help protect officers and the public from potential fentanyl exposure when attending an opioidrelated incident.

Members of the public who may be at risk of experiencing an overdose, or know someone who is, are encouraged to acquire a naloxone kit available free of charge at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, Community Health Centres, and many pharmacies across the region. Learn more: www. simcoemuskokahealth.org/Topics/ drugs/opioids.

Anyone with any information about drug trafficking in our communities is asked to call OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Canadian Criss Cross

ACROSS

1. Disencumber

4. Take in a hurry

8. ___ Ward (Canadian who played for the Orioles)

9. Longest river within British Columbia

11. Income received for work

12. Reduce in weight

14. Unfavourable

16. Mountain in Crete

of provinces in

wear them

without

Members of Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) and the OPP have arrested eight individuals for their involvement in the apparent fraudulent manufacturing and distribution of artwork purported to be that of Indigenous artist Norval Morrisseau.

Morrisseau, also known as Copper Thunderbird, was a prolific Indigenous artist from the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek First Nation. Before his death in 2007, allegations began to emerge of individuals creating and selling art under his name and made in his distinctive Woodland School of Art style.

Since 2020 and together with the TBPS, a major case manager with the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch has been leading the investigation of the alleged production, distribution and sale of fake artwork falsely attributed to the late Morrisseau.

As a result of this two-and-a-halfyear investigation, eight people were arrested on March 1 and are facing 40 total charges. More than 1,000 alleged fraudulent paintings, prints and other artworks have been seized. Some of these paintings sold for tens of thousands of dollars to unsuspecting members of the public who had no reason to believe they weren’t genuine.

March 10, 2023

Answers on page 11

FRED’S FUNNIES

There

It’s

1. Capital of Saskatchewan

2. Newspaper article

3. Dry completely

4. Question with repeated questions

5. Piece of old cloth

6. Fine volcanic dust

19. Cast of two

22. Bring into play

24. Samuel’s teacher

26. Greek consonants

27. Fits in well

28. Become unwoven

29. Rubs out

31. Argue about

32. City in Argentina

35. Aircraft guided

38.

by remote control

36. Lairs

Legal matter

41. Dole out

43. Fluid part of a plant

44. Intense anger

sure have been a lot of articles about vampires in the newspapers lately.

strange though, you can’t see them in The Mirror.

Theatre Collingwood invites all to gather round for storytime

Theatre Collingwood is announcing its 2023 season of Great Storytellers

“We are so excited about our 2023 programming,” said executive director Erica Angus , “and especially the line-up of Great Storytellers that we bringing to the region.”

The line-up begins April 11-15 with a story called Cole Hearted, about the life and music of one of the greatest love storytellers, Cole Porter. Dean Hollin wrote this play and performed it last about 20 years ago, however he feels the story is timeless. Many know Dean as a radio host on Zoomer Radio and expert on the music of the Great American Songbook.

Next up will be Leftovers and The Lottery, which stars Melody Johnson (2022 Porchside Festival show Person of Interest) and pianist Allen Cole. The show runs May 11-13 and is about the writings of Shirley Jackson, perhaps one of the most brilliant and influential authors of the 20th Century, widely acclaimed for her stories and novels of the supernatural, including the wellknown short story The Lottery and the best-selling novel The Haunting of Hill House

From June 6-10, Theatre Collingwood will celebrate the 85th birthday of Gordon Lightfoot , perhaps Canada’s greatest storyteller. Leisa Way created this show and will star with the Wayward Wind Band. Together they will recount the stories and music of the Canadian folk legend.

July will bring back The Porchside Festival, a product of the pandemic when people could not gather inside. It has become one of Collingwood’s most popular events and this year will run the month of July with over 10 different shows, each performed three times, on the beautiful historic porches of Collingwood.

“Our line-up this year is going to amaze all in attendance and we are thrilled to have a great mix of drama and music. The Porchside Festival

has taken on a life of its own and all ages just love it,” said Angus. Performed in the yards of Collingwood homeowners, audience members bring their own lawn chairs and enjoy a onehour show.

From August 16-19, The Knitting Pilgrim tells the story of Kirk Dunn’s journey to understand what makes people tick and the effects religion has had on the world. Dunn is a talented knitter but more importantly, a great

storyteller. After 9/11 he decided to knit three stained-glass-window-like panels depicting the three Abrahamic religions. This project took him on a 15-year journey of discovery about the human condition and forgiveness. This production has toured Canada to rave reviews, especially when it was performed at the Aga Kahn Museum.

Theatre Collingwood will present an encore performance of Alison Wearing’s personal story Confessions

of a Fairy’s Daughter from Sept. 19-23. Wearing brilliantly tells her family’s story about the time when she learned her father was gay. The performance is entertaining, funny, emotional, and thought-provoking.

Theatre Collingwood subscriptions, Porchside Passports, and individual tickets are on sale at www. theatrecollingwood.ca or by calling 705-445-2200. Group and students rates are available.

Dean Hollin

Kirk Dunn

Alison Wearing

Leisa Way

Melody Johnson

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.

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

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.

HANDYMAN SERVICES

available. Interior, exterior, and landscaping. Contact Duncan Miller, 705-888-6017.

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.

SUMMER JOB CROP WORKER LAVENDER FARM

Lavender Creek Farm grows beautiful lavender in a friendly atmosphere on our small family-owned farm.

You will be assisting with:

• harvest of lavender

• weed control

• pruning

• making lavender bundles

• preparing and shipping orders

• other related tasks

We are looking for someone who likes working outside for extended periods of time, who likes physical work. Other qualifications we are looking for are self-directed, motivated, hardworking, able to carry out instructions, flexible and a good team player.

Our farm is located about 20 minutes from Creemore and Shelburne, and 25 minutes from Collingwood and Wasaga Beach. Transportation to/from Lavender Creek Farm is not provided, however, we are able to pick-up and drop-off within a reasonable distance. Accommodation could also be provided.

Contract length: Four months, fulltime or part-time, flexible hours (weekdays and/or weekends). Expected start date: May 1, 2023 –start date is flexible. Salary: $18 per hour. Please send resume to: Christine at lavendercreekfarm.on@gmail.com or call 519-591-6392 to discuss.

IN MEMORIAM

NORRIS, Harold - In memory of a tough old guy who left us March 11, 2018 after a fight. Your strength and patience allowed us to grow to who we are today. We miss you and wish you didn't have to go. Kathy and David and families.

TWO-BEDROOM house downtown Creemore. No smoking, no pets. Available March 15. 705-441-2343, please leave a message.

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.

Community Maintenance and Beautification Labourer– Temporary Full-time

The Corporation of the Township of Clearview

Clearview Township is currently seeking three (3) temporary fulltime Community Maintenance and Beautification Labourers from May 1st – September 15th.

Key Accountabilities

Reporting to the Supervisor, Parks, Culture and Recreation, the Community Maintenance and Beautification Labourers are responsible for the maintenance of community property and township beautification projects.

The preferred candidates will possess strong working knowledge of power and hand tools, push mowers, riding lawnmowers, whipper/ weed snippers, power washers and street sweepers. They must be a self starter with strong problem-solving skills and a pride in good workmanship attitude as well the ability to deal with the public in a courteous and professional manner.

Skills and Experience

• Minimum Grade 12 education with 2 years of demonstrated experience in streetscapes, parks and outdoor spaces.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Personal suitability and satisfactory physical condition.

• Knowledge of standard hand and power tools, lawn maintenance equipment and equipment used in maintenance activities and ability to operate such in a safe and effective manner.

• Knowledge of safety standards and precautions pertaining to the use of tools and safe work practices.

• Ability to understand, read and follow written and oral instructions.

• Ability to perform heavy manual labour, including bending, stooping, reaching and lifting heavy objects.

• Physical strength and ability sufficient to meet job requirements for extended periods under uncomfortable conditions in all types of weather.

• Ability to climb on ladders and to work in confined spaces.

• Current certification WHMIS

• A valid Ontario Driver’s License, Class “G” with a driving record that demonstrates responsible / safe driving behaviour

Salary:

The salary range offered for this position is $22.16 per hour, plus 4% vacation pay.

Note: The preferred candidate must be willing to provide consent for the Township to conduct a criminal background and vulnerable sector check prior to finalizing an employment offer.

Interested candidates are invited to forward their resume and covering letter quoting job # 2023-010 to Human Resources by March 24, 2023, to: hr@clearview.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please. The Township of Clearview is an equal opportunity employer.

Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Please visit: www.clearview.ca

Anna Pigden photo

Josie Hollingshead gets a tarot card reading from Donna Lamour, psychic, spiritual advisor, and reiki master, during the Psychic and Wellness Fair in Creemore last weekend.