April 14, 2023

The Creemore ECHO

ESL class seeks book donations

Facilitators of the local ESL classes are looking for donations of copies of the book Charlotte’s Web by EB White.

The weekly ESL classes at Station on the Green are run by volunteers and take place every Wednesday night at The Station on the Green. Organizers are hoping to collect enough books for the whole class, made up mostly of Ukrainian newcomers.

Copies of the book can be dropped off at Creemore 100 Mile Store, on loan or by donation. Anyone who would like the book returned is asked to include their name and contact number. For more information, contact instructor Daniela at stationenglish@gmail.com.

Mulmur town hall

April 15

The Township of Mulmur will be offering a garden market at the Spring Town Hall on April 15, welcoming all Mulmur food, agriculture and horticultural producers to participate.

Former councillor looks for follow-through on climate action

by Trina Berlo

Almost one year after getting support for the declaration of a climate crisis and striking a Climate Action Committee, former councillor Doug McKechnie is wondering when it will come to fruition.

“It’s been a year since my motion passed unanimously at council. Since then it appears that progress has been very slow in moving on the directives contained in the motion. The motion was a direction from council and staff needs to address it expeditiously.”

Backed by members of his ward,

McKechnie brought forward a motion last April to declare a climate emergency. The term ‘climate emergency’ was downgraded to ‘climate crisis’ in the final motion but passed unanimously, prompting staff to get the ball rolling.

As a result, council voted in JUne to direct staff to:

1. Appoint a Climate Action Committee and draft a terms of reference following a community engagement process.

2. Confirm full membership to the Federation of Canadian municipalities (FCM) and that the CAO recommend

interested councillors participate in the various FCM committees that focus on Climate Protection and funding opportunities.

3. Recognize a climate crisis exists and through the CAO continue to work and implement best practices that reduce emissions and increase community engagement practices.

4. Schedule a council/staff workshop on community economic development.

5. Create readiness for a community economic development process and implement an initial community

(See “Climate” on page 3)

Vendors will be showcasing homegrown and hand-made products including produce, cheese, flowers, seedlings, milled grains, honey, and prepared food at the township office. Town hall is located at 759070 Second Line E., Mulmur. The meeting and market runs from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Last call for take-out dinner

Last call for the Creemore Legion’s Breaded Pork Chop Take-Out Dinner, including a breaded pork chop, potatoes, brown beans, bun with butter and upside-down cake for $20 per person. Call 705-466-2330 by April 14 and schedule a pick-up time between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on April 20. Please social distance and have exact change.

Staff photo: Trina Berlo

The Easter Bunny is greeted with enthusiasm at Creemore Village Green on Saturday, April 8, supported by the park's new manager Jeremy Mantesso and committee member Laurie Copeland. Hundreds of children attended the event held in partnership with Clearview Community Church and Creemore BIA. More photos on page 6.

Calendar COMMUNITY

UPCOMING

Saturday, April 15

• Primrose United Church will be hosting an afternoon of euchre and crokinole on at 2 p.m. in the New Horizons Room at the Mel Lloyd Centre. $10 fee includes prizes and refreshments.

• The Grate Grown-Up Spelling Bee at the Club at Bond Head in Beeton, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. This entertaining event features costumed teams of three adults competing in a traditional spelling bee with prizes for best costumes, most team spirit, and of course, best spellers. It also features a Play-at-theTable Round, a 50/50, a delicious prime rib dinner and a silent auction. This year we are honoured to have two-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, Terry Fallis as our honourary chair. You are invited to enter a team for $250 or attend to watch the fun for $60. All funds raised will go to support free one-to-one adult tutoring at Next Step in Alliston. Please contact 705-435-5624 or info@nextstepliteracy.ca.

Sunday, April 16

• Lilactree Farm Garden, open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Snowdrops in variety, aconites in abundance. Hellebores, puschkinias, Scilla mischtschenkoana, Chionodoxa 'Pink Giant', Iris 'KH', Cyclamen coum, Leucojum vernum var. carpathicum, daphnes and daffodils, magnolias probable, pollinators (the right kinds?) in profusion. Umbrellas advisable. Directions, details: lilactreefarm@gmail.com.

Monday, April 17

• Community paramedic home visit program information session. Community paramedics work in collaboration with local health service providers and act as an extension of primary care to support patients to manage their chronic health conditions. To see if you qualify for this service, please come to the Creemore Legion at 3 p.m. on April 17. This is a free service. Call Dee 705-4413709.

• Shindig for music lovers starts April 17 at Station on the Green. Sing. Play. Have fun! $20/adult, $10/child. Kids under 15, bring an adult. 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. weekly for eight weeks, no weekly commitment necessary. Email sherrijacksonmusic@gmail.com for more details.

Tuesday, April 18

• Please join Sarah from rah.finds for a fun night of playing with acrylic resin at Tierra Hermosa! We will make four coasters with ocean-themed colours using Fusion Pouring Resin and mineral paints. In this workshop, you will learn how to mix the resin and use various techniques to create beautiful designs. This is a messy one, so, please dress appropriately! $65 per person. Register at tierra-hermosa.ca.

Wednesday, April 19

• Creemore Horticultural Society Meeting with speaker Joanne Rachfalowski “All about dahlias.” Meetings are at Station on the Green at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Please come and join us. Next meeting: Speaker Julia Dimakos “Successful vegetable gardening” on Wednesday, May 17.

Thursday, April 20

• Creemore Legion Breaded Pork Chop Take-Out Dinner. Breaded pork chop, potatoes, brown beans, bun/butter, upsidedown cake. $20 per person. Call 705-466-2330 to order and schedule pick-up time. Order before April 14. Pick-up between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Please social distance and have exact change. The Legion thanks you for your support.

Saturday, April 22

• Centennial United Church presents their Spring Sale from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Over 20 great vendors and crafters, door prizes and swag bags at 9:30 a.m. and noon. 234 William St. Stayner.

• Celebrate Earth Day at Clearview EcoPark and Community Garden from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free outdoor activities, live music, and food vendors. Bring your family and pets! 300 Mowat St. Stayner. Sponsored by Friends of Clearview EcoPark.

Wednesday, April 26

• “Double toonie lunch” held the last Wednesday of every month at St. Luke's Anglican Church from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., by donation to the food bank.

ONGOING EVENTS

• 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.

Saturday, April 29

• Find a unique and talented group of vendors and practitioners at the 2nd Annual Psychic and Wellness Fair hosted by Arizona Blues Boutique. Connect with psychic mediums, card readers, animal communicators and more. Guest speakers at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Arizona Blues Homestead will be bringing a few of their horses for a meet and greet. Event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Duntroon Hall. Free to attend.

Saturday, May 6

• Come out to help improve the Mad River! The NVCA will be planting native trees and shrubs to shade the river and improve wildlife habitat near Avening. Individuals, families and community groups are welcome! This tree planting event is in partnership with the Friends of the Mad River. To register, please visit nvca.on.ca/events-education

• Coronation Tea at Station on the Green from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Witness the crowning of King Charles III. Tickets cost $25 and include lunch and a chance to win a door prize.

Wednesday, May 10

• Centennial United Church is holding a fish dinner (take-out only) from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. $25 per person payable by cash or cheque, please have correct change. Fillets of fresh rainbow trout caught in Georgian Bay with all the trimmings plus dessert. Gluten free available on request. Environmentally conscious containers used. Preorder by Friday, May 5 by emailing fundraisers@ ucstayner.ca or by calling Valerie at 705-422-1201. Pick up at the front of the church, 234 William Street in Stayner.

Saturday, July 1

• Get your rolling pins warmed up. The Creemore Legion Ladies Auxiliary is hosting a pie contest on July 1. 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. Contact Dee Hansen at 705441-3709 to register.

• Line dancing lessons every Friday night at Station on the Green in Creemore. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. $15 per person. Beginner friendly, bring your water bottle. Sign up at the Creemore 100 Mile Store or call/text Linda at 705-794-0638.

• Join Creemore Missfits for Bounce Fit and full body bootcamp classes at Station on the Green. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook at Creemore Missfits for our weekly class schedule or call 705441-6386.

•

Climate to be addressed through strategic planning

(Continued from page 1)

engagement discussion with service clubs, the Creemore BIA, the Clearview Chamber of Commerce, and Clearview’s community halls.

CAO John Ferguson told The Echo this week that the township has budgeted for the FCM membership with the intent to register as members this year.

He said the climate action committee and potential initiatives will likely be discussed as part of a “natural” capital lens during the upcoming strategic planning process.

“The goal as we move forward with engaging the public is to develop a sense on common future priorities,” said Ferguson. “We continue to pre-engage; as we recently met with the Creemore BIA on the five capitals - natural, human, social, manufactured, and financial. This was done as part of creating readiness to planning.”

The plan is to hold citizen engagement meetings starting the second week of May, and ending the first week of June 2023 culminating in five community meetings, one-

on-one interviews and surveys, with the intent to have the plan finalized in early fall of 2023. An agreement with the consultant is being finalized, and a report is going to council on April 24.

McKechnie hopes that once established, there will be a significant participation in the Climate Action Committee and said he would like to be a member.

Duntroon resident Suzanne Wesetvik worked with McKechnie to bring the original motion to council.

“I was appreciative to hear from

Mayor Measures that addressing climate change will be one of the lead issues of the township’s upcoming strategic review,” said Wesetvik. “As the climate crisis declaration was unanimously agreed to by the previous council, and the majority of members remain on our new council, I look forward to seeing what CAO Ferguson has put together terms of reference for the Climate Action Committee, and seeing our new council implement the important climate initiatives first proposed by Councillor McKechnie last term.”

Hort Society encouraging student award applications

The Creemore Horticultural Society is encouraging local post secondary students in Horticulture, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Arboriculture or a related field to apply for one of three $1,000 Dr. Raymond E. Ives Horticultural Awards.

Each year the 17 local Horticultural Societies of Simcoe County, including Creemore, donate to the Dr. Ives Fund but the fund is under-utilized. No applications were received last year, and only one award was given out the year prior.

The fund was founded by local District 16 in 1976 to honour Dr. Raymond E. Ives of Stayner, a

family physician and noted local horticulturalist.

The fund is designed to assist up to three Simcoe County students per year who are entering, or continuing post-secondary education in a green industries related field.

The intent of the Awards is to defray the cost of books and tuition at the start of the school semester.

First-time applicants are asked to write an introduction letter of about 500 words including an overview of their chosen course of study; career goals, volunteer and/or community activities in support of horticulture or environmental awareness in their

community; recognition through school or community involvement; and related work experience. Applicants must also provide a copy of an acceptance letter from the Office of the Registrar of the post-secondary school; a postsecondary school year course outline; a Transcript of secondary school marks.

Returning applicants are required to write a 500-word letter of describing their previous year of study, career goals, horticulture and environmental awareness, along with a Course Outline for the coming year and a Transcript of the previous year’s marks.

The application form is available at https://gardenontario.org/district-

listing/entry/184/.

Find the link to the 2023-Dr.-IvesGuide-and-application-ApprovedMay-7-2022.pdf at the bottom of the page.

The application deadline is Sept. 20. The package must be submitted by email to ivesawardsfund@gmail.com, with the subject: Dr. Ives Application - Attention Dr. Ives Committee.

The Dr. Ives Committee will confirm receipt of the application. If applicants do not hear from the committee within one week of submission, contact Barbara Collinson, Dr. Ives Committee Chair at collingwoodgardenclub2015@ gmail.com.

THE WAY WE WERE

Battling brain fog?

Happy Spring! I want to chat about something I have been seeing in practice a lot over the past three years – brain fog. This was a common side effect from the COVID-19 virus and vaccines, but some people suffer from it more than others, so is it viral load or lifestyle factors?

Kate HUNTER HEALTH

The most common non-viral causes of brain fog are poor sleep, low blood sugar, hormonal shifts (specifically menopause), low functioning thyroid, dysbiosis (improper gut microbiome), inflammation and dehydration. The compounded factor of COVID-19 can exacerbate these causes and really worsen symptoms.

My first advice is to look into any underlying conditions mentioned above. Following that, here are my tips for helping brain fog:

1. Water – Hydration is key to a properly functioning body, but especially the brain. There are certain medical theories that correlate Alzheimer’s to dehydration. The brain specifically is made up of over 70 per cent water, so the need for water is paramount. I suggest a minimum of two litres of water per day.

2. Cut alcohol – This is a tricky one for most, but even one drink at night affects sleep quality and alertness the next day. The foggy effects of alcohol on the brain are not only during consumption but affect motor function and cognition over time as well. Cutting alcohol to one drink per week (or zero) will positively impact brain fog.

3. Food sensitivities – When people have food sensitivities the common symptoms are GI disturbances and brain fog. If your body is sensitive to something and can’t digest it, sluggishness and brain fog are common side effects. Your sensitivity to foods can be determined by a blood test, requisitioned by an ND, and avoidance of those foods is recommended until reintroduction is safe.

4. Good probiotic – Leaky gut is common and once molecules seep from the GI tract into the blood, the body shows symptoms of being unwell and brain fog is commonly seen. A strong human strain probiotic can replenish the gut microbiome which will decrease a permeable gut. My recommendation is the HMF strain by Seroyal.

5. Brain supportive herbs – There are fabulous herbs out there to sharpen acuity. My favourites are Bacopa, Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Ginkgo Biloba and Rohodiola. All can be taken individually or in various combination supplements.

I hope this helps and is supportive to clear the cobwebs!

Kate Hunter is a naturopathic doctor and owner of The Creemore Apothecary.

LETTERS

Test partial street closure in 2023

Editor:

The Mill Street patios are a “liability issue” that cannot be ignored.

If a vehicle runs into one of those structures and hurts or kills someone, it will not matter how well the merchant is insured, ultimately the Township of Clearview will be responsible, and that will cost all of the taxpayers of Clearview, which is not acceptable.

My suggestion would be to close of a portion of Mill Street to all vehicles (except emergency vehicles), from May 1 until the end of September, for 2023, and use this time for the BIA to collect and record the pros and cons to be reviewed over the winter in advance of a decision on the subject for 2024.

David W. Kennedy Sr., Creemore.

Every political party should be green first

Editor:

I believe that every day should be Earth Day. In fact, we should instead have a Climate Warming Day one day a year when we roll out our muscle cars and other coal burners and eat industrially farmed meat and take a plane trip somewhere we don’t need to go and just generally soil our planet. Then we can get down to living cleaner lives for the rest of the year. I believe that every political party should be Green first and other ideologies second. Green to the left of me, Green to the right, Green in the middle with you. I do, of course, know that I am fairly alone in my opinions. I haven’t always been Mr. Conscientious. I was the guy who removed the fuel cap restrictor

on my 1978 Buick Skyhawk so that I could continue to fill my car with the cheaper leaded fuel when non-leaded was available. I also spent much of my working life getting on airplanes to go fix a piece of instrumentation somewhere on the planet. But I have continued my education post-post secondary school and I don’t think I am that guy anymore.

One of the epiphanies I experienced was while seeing Al Gore present his “An Inconvenient Truth” at the State University of New York. One point he made stood out to me: ‘If you scale the planet down to the size of a basket then the corresponding breathable atmosphere would be represented as a thin coat of (See “Now” on page 5)

EDITOR

PUBLISHER Sara Hershoff sara@creemore.com Bonnie MacPherson bonnie@creemore.com

The Stephens family provided hay rides at a 1991 event in Avening. Jack held the reins. In back are wife Janice, and children Michael and Vanessa. Creemore Star archives photo.

Now more attentive to everyday choices

(Continued from page 4)

varnish on that ball.’ Every single tailpipe, chimney, fart and other emitter will be hanging in that thin layer. You don’t have to believe in Global Warming to figure out that we are all breathing the exhaust of our lifestyles.

I can’t make anybody more conscientious. People tire very quickly of the preachy approach and really, all any of us can do is try to learn and improve our own lives. That’s my mission. We buy locally when possible. I am trying to limit my air travel. We have planted almost 5,000 trees on the farm since we purchased it in 1994. We are up to our third electric vehicle now, including a prototype rechargeable tractor to help in the orchard. We vote Green not because there is a snowball’s chance on Earth that they will ever be a majority in the legislature but, because all political parties have reduced themselves to vote getting machines, when they see an upswell in Green votes they introduce more Green to their platform. (Or at least to their rhetoric.) These are just some of the changes I’ve undertaken since I have become more attentive to the result of the choices that I make every day. Choose Wisely!

Happy Earth Day fellow Earthlings.

Murray Lackie, Creemore.

Yours To Protect Earth Day Weekend march on April 21

In support of Environmental Defense’s Yours To Protect Weekend, the Dufferin-Caledon Greens and the environmental community of Dufferin-Caledon is planning a march in Orangeville on April 21 at 2 p.m. The march will be a demonstration to object to the Ford Governments’ anti-environmental policies, specifically, Bill 23, the development on the Greenbelt, Highway 413, and the Bradford Bypass.

The Ford government’s Greenbelt plans are deeply controversial both in the agricultural sector and from environmentalists alike. The nature of the deals being made behind closed doors are benefitting a handful of developers who happen to be personal friends of the Premier. Bill 23 strikes down the capacity of municipalities to determine their own futures and makes it significantly harder for citizens to challenge projects that impact local natural ecosystems. Additionally, the removal of developer’s obligations to pay for roads and sewer infrastructure will mean this infrastructure will now be paid for by the taxpayer. Paradoxically, Ford’s own housing task force determined that there was no need to zone new lands for development outside of existing urban boundaries, as there is plenty of land available to meet current housing requirements.

The march will start at the parking lot beside 229 Broadway Avenue, across from the Shell gas station, proceed down Broadway Avenue to Sylvia Jones constituency office, and then end in front of the Town Hall. We are hopeful that everyone who is concerned about these issues will come out to join us and make a stand, like so many others plan to on this Earth Day Weekend.

If you would like more information, or would like to help in spreading the word and raising awareness around these critical issues, please email Leah Pressey at leahpressey@gmail.com. We hope you will join us!

-Submitted by Peter Yan and Leah Pressey

Sendletterstotheeditortoeditor@creemore. com.Alllettersmustbesignedwiththewriter'sfull nameandincludeaphonenumber(whichwillnot beprinted.)Deadlineis5p.m.onTuesdays.

Some thoughts on Clearview’s proposed Sustainable and Strategic Tourism Plan

Clearview council has recently received a Clearview Sustainable and Strategic Tourism Plan undertaken by BC Hughes Inc, consultants who specialize in tourism development, management and marketing. This plan will be considered as part of Clearview’s strategic planning process and is intended to act as a roadmap for tourism planning for Clearview for the next five years.

Greg YOUNG CARA CORNER

Tourism is important to promote economic development and arguably Creemore is the main tourism asset in Clearview Township. At the same time, tourism initiatives ideally should respect the needs of and be compatible with the desires of the community.

Some strengths identified in the study included the natural environment, farmers’ markets, the small halls festival and the charm of its small towns such as Creemore.

Weaknesses identified included a lack of accommodation operators, a lack of short-term rentals and labour shortages. According to the plan, the accommodation issue could be remedied by allowing more short-term rentals such as AirBnB, licensing and a municipal accommodation tax. The full study is available on Clearview’s website.

The plan contains a number of recommendations to promote tourism, so we canvassed our membership to get some feedback on six of the proposed recommendations that we found interesting. We received 62 responses in all. For each of the six recommendations, we asked our respondents whether they support the recommendation, partially support the recommendation, do not support the recommendation or have no opinion.

Short term rentals, such as Air BnB and VRBO, are currently not allowed in Clearview except in licensed hotel and bed and breakfast establishments. One of the Tourism Plan recommendations is “Regulate and permit short-term accommodations (STAs)”. To paraphrase the plan, this would be achieved by developing a licensing program, considering a municipal accommodation tax, allowing Airbnb and Vrbo rentals, and allowing unique accommodation types such as geodomes, yurts, pods, tiny homes,

farm stays, etc, and educating locals on the economic returns associated with licencing and the accommodation tax. STAs in some areas have had somewhat of a rocky history with complaints about noise, disruption, and more recently fire in illegal units in Montreal which resulted in several deaths.

We found somewhat surprisingly that 49 per cent supported the recommendation and 31 per cent partially supported it. Those in favour of the recommendation noted the historical lack of places to stay in the area. Those who expressed some concerns noted that STAs should not negatively affect the charm or atmosphere in areas that attract tourists. Those against STAs felt they should be banned and that more owner occupied B&Bs should be encouraged. Others were not enthusiastic about the idea of setting up unique accommodation types such as geodomes, yurts, pods, tiny homes, etc. Others commented on the possibility that STAs may become disruptive to neighbours.

A concern CARA’s Board has noted that STAs in some communities has reduced the supply of longterm rental accommodation if owners take them out of the long term rental pool in favour of STAs. The recent census confirmed what we all know. For example, based on the 2021 census, Clearview has a low percentage of households who are renters (15 per cent), which compares with 28 per cent in all of Ontario. Further, 52 per cent of Creemore’s renters pay more than 30 per cent of their income on shelter costs, compared with 28 per cent for all Ontario. The shortage of rental accommodations also creates problems for local businesses trying to find a reliable local workforce since they may not be able to afford to live in the community.

So if we allow STAs in Clearview and Creemore, it will be important to structure a policy that does not cut into the longer term supply of rental accommodation which is already in very short supply. If we allow them at all, a thoughtful and balanced approach will be required.

CARA Corner is authored by Greg Young for the Creemore Area Residents’ Association.

Staff photos: Trina Berlo Clockwise from top left: Saturday's Easter egg hunt at Creemore Village Green started with

1944 Army Cadets welcome new commanding officer

After an incredible year of growth, the 1944 RCEME Creemore Army Cadets Corps marked a Change of Command on April 6.

Outgoing Commanding Officer (CO), Capt. Jason Higgins’s considerable contributions to the corps were honoured during an evening ceremony at Legion Branch 397, Creemore.

When Higgins walked through the Creemore Army Cadet office doors last year after a pandemic-forced twoyear closure, the corps had zero staff, zero returning cadets and one support committee member.

“In one year, we have grown to 30-plus cadets, a full staff, and a full and active support committee,” said Higgins.

He noted Creemore cadets had won prestigious awards, including the General Howard Award and the Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence, and the biathlon and marksmanship teams achieved medals and entry to the regional championships in one year.

As his final act as CO, Higgins handed corps command to newly promoted Capt. Chris Whatley

Higgins said Whatley’s contributions to reinvigorating the corps were admirable, given he was staffing the 2408 Army Cadets and volunteering significant time to Creemore.

“It is because of that dedication and commitment to the cadets that I know 1944 is in great hands with him as the new Commanding Officer,” said

Capt. Chris Whatley, incoming Commanding Officer of the 1944 RCEME Creemore Army Cadets Corps, is flanked by outgoing Commanding Officer Capt. Jason Higgins (left) and Presiding Officer Maj. Peter Westlake during a Change of Command ceremony at Legion Branch 397 Creemore on April 6.

Higgins.

He quickly acknowledged the support from the corps sponsor Legion Branches, 397 Creemore, 457 Stayner, and 516 New Lowell, CFB Borden’s RCEME School, and the Support Committee in making it possible for local youth to access the program.

Maj. Peter Westlake expounded on Higgins’ stellar record despite the retiring CO’s modesty regarding his legacy.

Learn to play or improve your tennis skills this Spring and Summer

6-Week Kids Lesson Program

Wednesday evenings starting May 17

- 8.00pm

“You have once again stepped in and assisted a Corps experiencing difficulties, implemented an effective recruiting campaign, and returned the Corps to a strong, viable status,” said Westlake. “I believe this was your fifth or sixth command, and I want to thank you for your continued dedication to the cadet program.”

The connection between Higgins, Whatley and Westlake extends several decades back to when the men met

as cadets, highlighting the lifelong relationships made within the program. Westlake said he met Whatley at his first cadet corps, under the command of retired Capt. Gordon Whatley, Chris’s father.

“The Commanding Officer of a Cadet Corps or Squadron is a tireless endeavour that requires dedication, enthusiasm, and vision,” Westlake said. “These are three traits that I know Chris has in spades, and I know he will serve the cadets, parents, staff, volunteers and community well.”

Higgins attributes much of his success in life to the opportunities cadets provided, including acquiring life-long friends like Whatley and Westlake, meeting his wife, building a family with a strong cadet legacy, and furthering his career.

“Some of my fondest memories are from my time as a cadet,” said Higgins. “My message is to take advantage of the opportunities the cadet program offers you and enjoy yourself.”

The 1944 RCEME Creemore Army Cadets is free and open for all youth aged 12-18 from Creemore, Stayner, Wasaga Beach, Shelburne, New Lowell, Dundalk, Flesherton, Alliston, Lisle, Everett, and surrounding areas.

For more information, email the cadet corps at 1944army@cadets.gc.ca or visit Creemorearmycadets.com, or stop in at the Legion on any Thursday night in September through June, from 7 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

ART SHOW I0 I0 x Creem e

Step 1: Register online at www.phahs.ca or in person at the Creemore Echo located at 3 Caroline St., Creemore.

Step 2: Pick up your 10x10” birch canvas and pay your $20 registration fee at the Creemore Echo during store hours. Step 3: Create your work of art, be it painting, drawing, printing, collage, photography...the sky’s the limit! All sales of artwork will be directed towards the artist.

$175 per week

Step 4: Drop o your finished 10x10” artwork at the Echo anytime before Sunday, May 21st. The show will be hung at the Mill Street Art Studio, 148A Mill St. in downtown Creemore.

Three different hour-long lessons for every ability Details on our website

$120 per 6-week session

For more information or to register, visit creemoretennis.club

Diana Martin photo

Recreation SPORTS&

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT CHARGES BY-LAW

The Corporation of the Township of Mulmur will be holding a Public Meeting pursuant to the Development Charges Act, 1997, to consider an amendment to the Development Charges By-law. This Notice is provided in accordance with Section 12 of the Development Charges Act.

The Public Meeting will be held at 9:05 a.m. on May 3rd at the Township Office. Copies of the draft by-law and Development Charges Background Study are available for review at Township Office and on the Township’s website. Anyone wishing to address Council with respect to the proposal may do so at the Public Meeting. Persons unable to attend the Public Meeting may provide written comments up until the time of the Public Meeting.

Purpose of the By-law

Development Charges are municipal fees levied against new development to finance the growth related capital costs associated with meeting the service requirements of the new development. The purpose of Development Charges is to ensure that new growth pays for capital costs associated with servicing new development without placing a burden on existing taxpayers. The proposed By-law would remove the exemption for second detached dwellings in accordance with legislative changes.

Lands Affected

This By-law affects all of the lands within the Township of Mulmur.

Game day support staff, from left: Sara Sniderhan, Shaelyn Denys, Laura Macham, Emma Coleman, Maddie Ryerse, Sara Ryerse, John DeRuiter, David Dillon, Val Bradey, Sparkie Duits with "Wily Coyote" on his head, Lucas Hayward.

Coyotes Corner

Creemore Coyotes Senior AA hockey team held its year-end banquet on April 2, recognizing players and supporters who helped make for a successful second season that got the team to the playoffs.

Awards:

Top D man: Adam Logozzo

Top forward: Ben Hughes

Most improved player: Brendan Macham

Best dressed: Jackson Clarke

Community service awards: Brody Kirbyson and Jacob Vanderzagg

Tracey

Atkinson, CAO/Planner Township of Mulmur

758070 2nd Line East, Mulmur Ontario, L9V 0G8 705-466-3341

The Tavistock Royals won the AA championship in 5 games over the Ripley Wolves. Their first since 2008. And Milverton beat Shallow Lake to win the A Championship.

Emma Coleman photos

Creemore Coyotes general manager Tom Maham with assistant general manager Fred Mills , who was presented with a pink helmet, as part of an inside joke.

Adam Logozzo

Ben Hughes

Jackson Clarke

Introducing GTHS Walk for Pets 2023

The Georgian Triangle Humane Society (GTHS) is celebrating the eleventh year of the GTHS Walkathon with a brand-new name.

Introducing GTHS Walk for Pets 2023, proudly presented by Huronia Alarm and Fire Security, the largest fundraiser of the year aiming to raise $120,000 for the organization.

“Supporting Walk for Pets means you will help support the programs and services of the GTHS that impact pets and people on a daily basis,” said Sonya Reichel, Executive Director of the GTHS. “This event is a ton of fun for everyone. There will be some new additions this year, including a new walking route and a new Headquarters at the Collingwood Brewery, where we can all gather to walk and celebrate the efforts of our amazing community who come together year after year to support the GTHS at this event.”

Registration for the event is free this year and is now open for participants to sign up. “The ‘Main Event’ is scheduled

at The Collingwood Brewery on Saturday, June 17,” explains Reichel, “but the beauty of this event is that you can walk wherever and whenever you would like from now until then. Some people choose to walk on their own time with family and colleagues in lieu of, or in addition to, joining us on the big day. If you choose to join us in person on June 17, we will have a

Games& FUN

by Barbara Simpson

2km walking route set for participants to walk together, starting, and ending at the Collingwood Brewery. This is a pet-friendly event, so bring your pup along to join in the festivities!”

This event is a great team builder, network opportunity and a chance to show the community that you believe in animal welfare and the human-animal bond. Participating in

Canadian Criss Cross

ACROSS

1. Around prefix

5. Command to a sled dog team

9. Proportion

10. In front

12. Washbasin and a tank with a spigot

13. Sluggish

15. Is unwell

16. Word of honour

18. In favour of

19. Equal prefix

20. Move towards

21. Back part

22. Make photographs from a film

24. Would like

25. Brazilian seaport

27. Unhealthy-looking

30. Viscera

34. Away from the wind

35. One of the Atlantic Provinces: abbr. 36. Before

37. Be positioned

38. Village in Yukon

39. Town in Ontario

Answers on page 11

FRED’S FUNNIES

Yesterday, a clown held the door open for me.

It was such a nice jester

40. Potato ___ (kitchen utensil)

42. Say yes to 44. Fry lightly

45. Move to music 46. They follow exes 47. Let it stand

DOWN

1. He was awarded a Nobel prize in 1904

2. Greek vowels

3. Curved bone

4. Binary number for 64, if zeros were o’s

5. Nonglossy finish

6. What you might say when something has gone wrong

7. Unit of weight used in India

8. Take place

9. Increase in wages

11. English physicist

12. ___-back

14. Boat used in cod-fishing

17. Make louder

20. Pottery material

Walk for Pets means you will help support GTHS programs and services, including:

• The GTHS Hospital, which is one of the only low-cost spayneuter hospitals operating in a wide geographic region that performs 2,500 surgeries annually.

• GTHS Access to Care Services, that help keep 3,000 pets together with their families during emergencies and crisis and out of the shelter system.

• GTHS Lifelong Learning Programs, which have impacted more than 2,000 youth through after school and online programming.

• GTHS Adoption Services, which helps find loving homes for 1,200 animals annually.

Register today by visiting: gths.ca/ walk-for-pets/. If you are interested in leading a team and becoming a team captain, or if you are a community business interested in getting involved, reach out to events@gths.ca for more information.

April 14, 2023

21. Tabula ___

23. Italian princely family

24. Valuable discovery

26. Takes the cargo from

27. Underside of the hand

28. A criminal might use one

29. Piece of playground equipment

31. Say no to

32. Place casually

33. Send a naughty message

35. Nostrils

38. Distribute (used with “out”)

39. Skin condition

41. City in Belgium

43. Purring pet

G&M awarded for championing organ and tissue donation

Collingwood General and Marine Hospital (CGMH) has been recognized by Ontario Health (Trillium Gift of Life Network) for its outstanding contribution to organ and tissue donation in Ontario in 2021/2022.

CGMH was presented with the Provincial Conversion Rate Award for reaching a conversion rate of 100 per cent, which exceeds the target of 63 percent set by Ontario Health (TGLN). Organ donation is a complex process, and the conversion rate reflects a strong partnership. This is the hospital’s fourth year receiving this award.

The hospital has also received the Provincial Eligible Approach Rate Award for exceeding the provincial eligible approach rate target of 90 per

cent set by Ontario Health (TGLN), achieving 100 per cent in 2021/2022.

The Eligible Approach Rate Award recognizes hospitals for demonstrating leading practices by facilitating a donation discussion between Ontario Health (TGLN) and eligible patients/ families of patients at end of life. This is the first year CGMH has met this target.

“I am very proud of Team CGMH for their effort and ongoing commitment to the organ and tissue donation process. These two awards highlight the excellent partnership between Ontario Health (TGLN) and CGMH who are working together to save lives,” says Mike Lacroix, CGMH President and CEO.

CGMH is one of 40 hospitals to be

awarded a 2021/22 Ontario Health (Trillium Gift of Life Network) Hospital Achievement Award.

“The success of organ and tissue donation in Ontario relies on the hard work and dedication of our health care partners. Collingwood General and Marine Hospital (CGMH) has made an outstanding contribution to organ and tissue donation and this award is a reflection of their commitment to implementing leading donation practices, integrating donation as part of quality end-of-life care, and continuously working to save lives through organ and tissue donation,” says Rebecca Cooper, Vice President, Ontario Renal Network and Trillium Gift of Life Network, Ontario Health.

“Every Ontarian has the opportunity to demonstrate their support for this life-saving work by registering their consent to organ and tissue donation at BeADonor.ca.”

Today, almost 1,400 people are on the waitlist for a lifesaving organ transplant, and every three days someone will die waiting. Over 90 per cent of Ontarians support donation, yet only 35 per cent have formally registered their consent. One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and enhance the lives of up to 75 more through the gift of tissue. By registering consent to donate, you make your family aware of your decision to save lives. Visit BeADonor campaign page to register or find out more.

COVID-19 vaccinations continue at 29 Sperling Dr. in Barrie

Operation of the COVID-19 Immunization Clinic at 29 Sperling Dr. in Barrie has transferred to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) from the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH).

“Vaccination has saved thousands of lives and prevented tens of thousands of severe illnesses from COVID-19 in Simcoe Muskoka. I am profoundly grateful to RVH for their collaboration and tireless work providing accessible and essential vaccination services in our community,” said Dr. Charles Gardner, Medical Officer of Health, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. “Together as a community of healthcare and community service agencies and providers we have

given more than 1.5 million COVID vaccinations, reaching over 80 per cent of our population. This has been the most severe pandemic of the century; however, it would have been far worse without all that we did together, including vaccinations.”

Vaccination remains the best defense against infection, severe illness, long-term COVID-19 symptoms, hospitalization, and death. The health unit continues to operate the Immunization Clinic five days a week with walk-ins and appointments available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for eligible individuals aged six months and older. Appointments for the Immunization Clinic can be made on

the provincial booking site. RVH will continue to operate the Testing Clinic and COVID, Cold and Flu Care Clinic at 29 Sperling Drive. Appointments for the Immunization Clinic can be made on the provincial booking site.

Appointments for COVID-19 vaccines are available at health unit office locations in Midland, Orillia, Cookstown, Collingwood, Huntsville and Gravenhurst and can be booked through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833943-3900. Appointments may also be booked with the Couchiching Ontario Health Team Clinic located in the Orillia Soldier’s Memorial Hospital

Kiwanis Building - West Entrance 170 Colborne St., W. Pop-up clinics will continue to be scheduled throughout Simcoe and Muskoka.

Individuals six months of age and older may also receive the vaccine at some local pharmacies or book appointments through some primary care providers, and Family Health Teams who are offering the vaccine as part of their regular clinical practice. Individuals are recommended to receive a bivalent booster six months after their last dose of COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection. For more information about COVID-19 vaccination, dose eligibility and booking an appointment, please visit www.smdhu.org/GetVaccinated.

FOR SALE

CREEMORE HILLS WINERY -

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

FIREWOOD FOR SALE . Ready to 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 and more. Farm-Store open Friday and Saturday or by appointment. 938343 Airport Road, Mulmur. OntarioHoneyCreations.com.

FOR RENT

Second floor large ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT with eat-in kitchen and fridge/stove. No laundry. Parking for one vehicle. Call Noel at 705-7302635.

1 BDRM APT in Creemore, furnished, private entrance, walk-in closet, onecar parking MIN 6 or 12 MTH. $2,200 inc heat/AC/Hydro. dovetailinteriors. ca/21-betty-rental.

IN MEMORIAM

Alan KIDD and Bruce KIDD, On this anniversary of your passings, you both live in our hearts and minds as clear as ever.

Forever loved.

Forever remembered. Love Mom and the Family

SERVICES

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

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

WALLPAPERING. PAINTING. FAUX FINISHING. MURALS. Mineral paints and zero VOC products. Artist, colourist and designer with over 20 years experience. Contact Erika at erikabertramrose@gmail. com or 705-430-2717.

PAINTING AND PARGING

Professional workmanship. Call Don for estimate. Call 705-424-0708 or 705-816-0708.

HELP WANTED

Creemore Bakery is HIRING! BUSER/DISHWASHER and FRONT OF HOUSE. Students welcome! Positions require daytime and weekend availability, part-time and full-time positions. Must be reliable, team player with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Apply in person or by email to info@ creemorebakery.ca.

Mature PART TIME

MAINTENANCE PERSON needed for Steer Enterprises Ltd. Responsibilities cover all aspects of keeping our shop area organised and clean. Valid drivers license is required. Please contact info@steer.ca or call 705-466-2600

HELP WANTED

Building and farm supply firm in Glen Huron in the heart of the Blue Mountains requires full time help for the following:

1. Office person for accounts receivable and general office duties. Must have accounting, sales and service knowledge.

2. Assistant yard person for customer service such as helping customers load, keeping yard tidy, sales and some deliveries. Must be fit, versatile and get along well with others.

3. Full or part time flat bed truck driver. Some farm work. Please call, fax, email or drop resumé to Fred Hamilton. Serious applicants only.

2047 Glen Huron Rd. Conc. 8 Glen Huron, ON, L0M 1L0

PH: 705.466.2244

FAX: 705.466.2122

hamiltonbros@ultrafastwireless.com

www.hamiltonbros.ca

“Nowhere... but close to everywhere.”

KIDD FAMILY AUCTIONS

5% premium with a cap.

SPRING OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT AUCTION ON-LINE SALE.

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO CONSIGN.

DATE: FRI APR 28TH. LOTS START CLOSING AT 5PM.

PREVIEW: APR 25TH TO 28TH.

BID WITH CONFIDENCE VIA WWW.KIDDFAMILYAUCTIONS.COM

438280 4TH LINE, MELANCTHON (NORTH OF SHELBURNE).

EQUIP: Agco GT65 4wd tractor; bush hog; Frontier RC2060 rotary mower; Frontier RT1157 tiller; Kunz packer; Frontier fert spreader; 18 & 22’ tandem trailers; joe dog; Allis-Chalmers WD tractor; snow blower; and more.

TOOLS: new Magnum Gold power washer; band saws; table saws; drill presses; welders: shop vacs; propane heaters; nailers; qty power tools; air imp tools; air pig; scaffolding; floor stripper; vice; qty welding rods; and more.

VEHICLES: 2013 VW Golf TDI, 120,000 km; 2007 Chev 12 passenger van; 2011 GMC 2500HD diesel truck; 2009 Chev Malibu; 53’ van storage trailer;

GARDEN: John Deere 425, LA135 mowers; JD dump trailer; wood chipper; Stihl weed eater; mailboxes; chain saws; leaf blower; Fiskars; Stihl battery mower; and more.

OTHER: cross country trail tracker; electrical supplies; qty nails; small anvil; culvert; qty motors/engines; antique Adams grader; parts bins; work gloves; JD security camera; tarps; men’s boots; and more.

Call, Text, or Email Anytime. WWW.KIDDFAMILYAUCTIONS.COM

DENNIS@KIDDFAMILYAUCTIONS.COM

LYN@KIDDFAMILYAUCTIONS.COM

A huge thanks to all those who helped with our last concert before the upcoming renos!

Our hearts are as full as the dance floor was during last weekend’s STARS concerts thanks to our enthusiastic audience and dedicated volunteers

A NOTE OF APPRECIATION TO THOSE WHO HELPED MAKE THE SHOW HAPPEN. THE BAR CREW: MK, Nadine, Gary, Brenna, Melanie, Hillary, Natalie, Rhonda, Ken, Natalie and Monica

LOADERS: Mark, Steph, Simon, Stella, Eliot, Andrew

MERCH: Anna, Liz, Stella and Jenny

DOORS: Lisa, Jill and Emily

This was our final show with Keith White as our tech director. His dedication and professionalism over the past decade has made the Avening Hall concerts the success they are today. He will be missed!

THANKS TO CLEARVIEW FOR THEIR DEDICATION TO OUR COMMUNITY HALLS. The Avening Community Centre is all packed away and the municipally funded AOAD renovation starts April 17 and will be completed at the end of November.

The Hall Board continues to fundraise to provide further upgrades to the ACC.

Visit aveninghall.ca or scan the QR code to learn more

519-938-7499

519-938-1315

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.

NOTICE - 2023 SPRING HYDRANT FLUSHING

The Township of Clearview Water Department will be flushing hydrants between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm on the following dates and locations:

• Stayner: April 24 - May 12

• Creemore: May 10 – 11

• New Lowell: May 11 – 12

• Nottawa: May 15-17

• Colling-Woodlands: May 17-19

• Buckingham Woods: May 24-26

Please be advised that there may potentially be water interruptions and discoloured water could stain laundry during these times. If your water remains discoloured or dirty, run the water until clear. It is recommended water softeners are left in by-pass mode during these times.

For more information, please contact:

Dale Lightheart Foreman, Water & Sewer 705-428-6230 ext. 303 dlightheart@clearview.ca

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION OF SEWER-LINE

MAINTENANCE IN CREEMORE

The Water / Sewer department will be overseeing Sanitary Sewer main flushing, cleaning & inspecting.

Monday, April 3 to Friday, April 21, 2023 Between the hours of 7:30 am and 4:30 pm.

A map of affected areas has been posted on our website www.clearview.ca

The sewer main will be flushed/cleaned using high-pressure water. Cleaning of mains could empty drains & traps in houses. On rare occasions, pressure cleaning has caused water to exit drains & toilets in homes. As a precaution leave toilet seats down, and cover drains in sinks, tubs and floors. After work has been completed run water into the drains to ensure the traps are full.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this notice, please contact the undersigned.

Dale Lightheart, Water / Sewer Foreman, Township of Clearview

P. 705-428-5024, P. 705-428-6230 ext. 303

E. dlightheart@clearview.ca

County tourism brand survey

Dufferin County is working to develop, design and implement a new destination brand, and invites residents and stakeholders to have their say by taking the Dufferin County tourism brand survey.

By engaging members of the community, Dufferin County is aiming to develop a relevant brand design that represents and captures the personality and essence of the county. What makes Dufferin County unique? Why should residents and visitors explore everything that Dufferin County has to offer? What is the best that Dufferin County offers?

The survey asks questions on:

• Dufferin County values;

• Dufferin County’s persona;

•Dufferin County’s defining characteristics;

• Dufferin County’s brand identity in colours;

• Dufferin County’s brand identity in images;

• Demographics.

Survey participants can be entered into a draw to win a $50 gift card to a local business! The survey will remain open until Monday, April 24.

With feedback, the county hopes to create a unique design aesthetic (logo, typography, colours), brand message (voice, tone and tagline), and product offering for the community. By creating and nurturing a unique brand identity, the county aims to deepen a connection with residents and visitors, attract new tourism business for Dufferin County and create a lasting impression on tourists, local and out of town alike.

Learn more about the Dufferin County tourism brand survey and take the survey today at joinindufferin.com.

Staff photo: Trina Berlo

Montreal-based band Stars performed two sold-out shows at Avening Hall April 7-8, the last events before the hall closes for an accessibility renovation scheduled to be complete in November.