April 21, 2023

New manager hired for Village Green

by Trina Berlo

Creemore Village Green is welcoming its new manager, as the park prepares for its first full summer season.

Jeremy Mantesso has been hired this month to manage and activate the park, which was built by Creemore Community Foundation and officially opened last August.

“I’m here to champion everyone’s efforts and their ideas,” said Mantesso, whose initial focus has been on planning “Sundays in the Park.”

The Sunday programming through July and August will include a variety of morning fitness activities and a diverse line-up of live music on the stage in the afternoon. The community is invited to bring a picnic and spend the day in the park, against the backdrop of the fountain and splash pad.

The goal is to have family friendly activities and entertainment that

OPP hopes to reduce fraud stigma, increase reporting

by Bonnie MacPherson

Removing the stigma around falling prey to a fraud so that people are willing to seek help is key to stopping the spread according to Auxiliary OPP Constable Jason Miles. Speaking at a recent town hall meeting in Mulmur, Miles said the vast majority of frauds are not reported, often because victims are unwilling to admit that they were duped.

Miles says fraud falls into four basic categories – romance scams, emergency or grandparent scams, CRA fraud and bank inspector fraud. Statistics from the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre suggest that in 2022, more than $9.2 million in losses were reported

by

seniors who fell victim to so called grandparent scams, and that only five to 10 per cent of incidents are actually reported to authorities.

In the grandparent scam, fraudsters contact victims posing as police officers and ask for large payments to cover medical or legal expenses for a relative who is in trouble. They rely on making the victim feel rushed, and isolating them by telling them not to discuss the call with anyone else. Miles described an anti-fraud campaign in the UK which encourages would-be victims to ‘Stop, Challenge and Protect.’ Slow the fraudsters down by refusing to comply with their deadlines and

(See “Healthy” on page 10)

Staff photo: Bonnie MacPherson

Auxiliary OPP Constable Jason Miles discusses fraud prevention at the Mulmur Town Hall Meeting on April 15.

Contributed photo

Right Worshipful Brother Douglas Hammill (left) congratulates Very Worshipful Brother Gerry Blackburn on his 70 years as a Mason and 50 years as Past Master of Nitetis Masonic Lodge, Creemore.

(See “Stage” on page 3) Jeremy Mantesso

Calendar COMMUNITY

UPCOMING

Saturday, April 22 to Saturday, May 6

• Badjeros United Church's Annual Scrap Metal, Bottles and Aluminium Cans Drive. Leave your collection in or at the shed situated between the Church and the Community Hall in Badjeros. For more information, call Barbara (705-441-2466) or David (705-446-7203).

Saturday, April 22

• Rob Roy United Church's Annual Fisherman's Breakfast, Yard and Bake Sale from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

• 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.

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

• 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.

• Kid's Earth Day at The Keep Refillery in Creemore from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring your own container, decorate your label and receive an 8 oz. refill for free! Kids 12 and under.

• Fraud Prevention Seminar from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Collingwood Leisure Time. OPP Trevor McKean will be giving a presentation to help prevent various types of fraud that target seniors. Free to attend. Contact Claudia at 705-445-9685 or Louise at 705-445-6032 for more information.

Monday, April 24

• Stayner Garden Club Visitor Night with special speaker Paul Zammit. Social at 7 p.m. Bring your mug. Please join us at Centennial United Church.

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.

• Blue Mountain Watershed Trust’s ever popular Be The Change Film Series continues with a film screening of The Hidden Life of Trees, based on the best-selling book by renowned forester and writer Peter Wohleben. 7 p.m. at Simcoe Street Theatre in Collingwood. Tickets cost $12 per adult, $7 for students.

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.

• Branch 457, Stayner Legion, Main Street, presents "The Missing Link" April 29 and May 6 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. performing country classics and more. No cover. Watch for Legion bake sale and garage sale coming this May. For more information call the Branch at 705-428-3809.

Saturday, April 29 & Sunday, April 30

• The Georgian Bay Quilters Guild is celebrating their 30th Anniversary with a Quilt Show titled Reflections of Georgian Bay. The event is a biennial event and will host Quilted Exhibits of their 50 members. Included at the show will be Vendors, a Member’s Boutique, and Quilter’s Cafe. There will be demonstrations and door prizes. Visitors will be delighted with the creative imaginations, talented hands and inspiring displays of unique art and serviceable quilts. Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tiny Township Community Centre, 91 Conc. Rd 8 E., Tiny. Location is accessible, $7 admission per person.

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.

• Creemore Walking Group. Meet 8 a.m. every Tuesday at Station on the Green, walk for one hour. Contact Helen 705-818-1251 for more information.

Sunday, April 30

• Good Shepherd Sunday. Join us for Eucharist at 10:30 a.m. featuring a visit from the Good Shepherd lamb. Refreshments to follow. Visit www.goodshepherdanglicanstayner.ca for more information.

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

• Spring into action. Donate blood and save lives. Blood donation clinic from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Collingwood Legion, 490 Ontario Street. Book now at blood.ca. Contact courtney.thompson@ blood.ca for group bookings.

• 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.

Wednesday, May 17

• Creemore Horticultural Society Meeting with speaker Julia Dimakos on “Successful Vegetable Gardening.” Meetings are at Station on the Green. Doors open at 7 p.m., meeting starts at 7:30 p.m.

• 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.

• 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.

• Join The Sanctuary for Gentle, Flow, Strength and Restorative Yoga this April. Group classes, individualized yoga therapy, private group yoga. www.thecreemoresanctuary.com, thecreemoresanctuary@gmail.com, 705-8887729.

Stage supports Sundays in the Park, collaborations

(Continued from page 1)

engages residents and visitors, and supports the downtown businesses.

The stage will also be utilized in partnership with other events such as Turas Mor and Copper Kettle Festival, hosted by Creemore Springs Brewery, and the Summer Solstice, hosted by Creemore BIA.

Mantesso is a graduate of the hospitality program at University of Guelph and over the last few years developed a food product line that was sold at retailers in the region since 2020. He and his wife moved to Creemore, where his parents retired,

and have been putting down roots, with the intention of raising a family.

“Damn Good Dips was great for me in a lot of ways, it got me out and into the community,” said Mantesso, which he said ended up being the part of the job he loved most.

When reassessing his career he said he was looking for something as fulfilling, engaging and creative.

“I just really want to stay an active member and contributor in my community,” said Mantesso.

“I am quite confident that Damn Good Dips will live on in some capacity,” he said, adding that he is

entertaining offers to take over the business.

Creemore Community Foundation recently reported that $3.8 million was spent on construction of the park, including planning and construction, with some minor costs outstanding for work to the stage and spring planting materials for the Creemore Horticultural Society.

A total of $4.15 million has been raised with another $457,000 in pledges to be paid over the next few years, not including the land donated by TD Bank estimated at $425,000.

In total, 225 residents and businesses

have contributed to the campaign, including 19 founders who each contributed $100,000 or more, and 30 members who have committed $25,000 to $100,000 to the project.

The park is available to the community and people don’t need to book it for their activities. In fact, the park cannot be booked but is open for wedding photos and gatherings. People looking to inquire about the use of the stage can get in touch with Mantesso at manager@ creemorevillagegreen.ca or 705-4666555. He will be working out of an office at 2 Francis St. E.

Clearview Strategic Plan review invites public input

Clearview Township is preparing a renewed Strategic Plan that identifies the shared vision, strategic priorities and tactics that will guide our Township’s next five to 10 years.

The Strategic Plan reflects the needs and expectations of the community and drives decision-making.

To guide the Strategic Plan Review process Clearview is working with consultants Dunbar and Associates, to analyze and review the current Strategic Plan and through stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and a

community survey, to identify the Strategic Plan pillars that represent the needs of the township as a whole. The review process begins this week with stakeholder interviews.

Officials say public consultation in the review process is essential to ensuring the needs of the community are captured. Residents are encouraged to review the 2017-2022 Strategic Plan, available at www.clearview. ca/strategic-plan and to engage with Clearview and the consultants throughout the review.

“Strong participation by citizens, businesses, Council and staff provides the greatest opportunity to contribute to the future direction of your community,” said CAO John Ferguson

Mayor Doug Measures said he is grateful that the Strategic Plan is being renewed.

“We are a successful community when we take steps to review our guiding documents,” he said. “Since 2008, Clearview has had community-consulted and council-

approved Strategic Plans that support the direction and decisions of our community. I call upon our residents to participate in setting the community on a path for the future.”

To review the 2017-2022 Strategic Plan and to learn more about the review process, and how you can help to guide Clearview through the next five to 10 years, visit www. clearview.ca/strategic-plan, which will be updated with meeting locations and dates throughout the review process.

Feedback OPINION &

Enjoy

a nice sandwich and a 62-gun salute

Most media focus on the royal family these days seems to be on Harry and Meghan’s trials and tribulations (has anyone tried slogging through The Spare , only to realize halfway through that it all could have been summarized in a few neat paragraphs to “spare” us all a huge waste of time?).

It’s worth remembering however that over the past year we’ve also lost the longest reigning and perhaps most beloved monarch in British history, and May 6 will mark the coronation of our new king, Charles III.

Four-year-old Charles was the first child to ever attend a parent’s coronation when Elizabeth II was crowned Queen in 1953, and now, 70 years later, the same ceremony will take place but this time he will be the one on the throne. (Will Harry and family be there? Whatever the answer, we can be sure there will be a tedious book written about it).

Coronation ceremonies have been taking place in Westminster Abbey for nearly a thousand years, and capture the attention of royalists and non-royalists alike with their pomp and ceremony. Whether we’re talking about the British Monarchy or the coronation of Aragorn from Lord of the Rings, the orbs, sceptres, crowns and sombre fanfare of coronations are captivating, and a great excuse for a celebration.

COLUMN THE WAY WE WERE LETTERS

The Station on the Green would like to invite members of the community to dust off your fascinators and ties (or your t-shirts and jeans, if you feel so inclined) and join us as we watch the fanfare together on the big screen while enjoying a good old fashioned cup of tea and lunch in typical British style.

Whether you’re a staunch royalist or just someone who enjoys a nice sandwich and a 62-gun salute, we would love to see you on May 6 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Station on the Green as we take in this historical moment together. Tickets cost $25, including lunch and a chance to win a door prize.

– Written by Brenna Lattimore

Year 1971-1972. Submitted by Brenda Baker

Looking forward to Earth Day being 364 days of the year

Editor:

Kudos to Murray Lackie (I believe that every day should be Earth Day, The Creemore Echo, April 14) for a salient, honest, letter with trademark Lackie humour.

What a simple yet brilliant reversal: every day Earth Day, with one day a year for “climate warming” celebrations, “then we can get down to living cleaner lives for the rest of the year.”

This year’s Earth Day theme is, Invest in our planet. While we have generated more atmospheric

carbon dioxide in the last 30 years than in all our human history before then, we now have an incredible opportunity where renewable energy is the cheapest form of power.

So great to hear all the positive things the Lackies are doing, it is inspiring!

I look forward to the day when his Earth Day 364 vision comes true. Lackie for President!

Suzanne Wesetvik, Duntroon.

Clearview council recognizes National Volunteer Week

This National Volunteer Week, Clearview Township Council and Staff would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the volunteers in our Township that continue to support the strong, interconnected, vibrant and fun community here in Clearview.

The theme of National Volunteer Week 2023, April 16-23, “Volunteering weaves us together” is a reminder that we are stronger together, and that our individual talents, time and energy weave together to strengthen the fabric of our communities.

Clearview Township continues to be grateful to the many volunteers from our service organizations, hall boards, organizations and committees who work

together every day to connect Clearview residents to one another and our community.

Mayor Doug Measures recognized Volunteer Appreciation Week on behalf of Clearview Council and the municipality, at the April 3 meeting of Clearview council by proclaiming April 16-23 National Volunteer Week.

“Organizations in Clearview Township that rely on volunteers include such fundamental organizations as the Lion’s Club, Habitat for Humanity, Kinsmen Club, Legions, EcoPark, Small Halls Boards, Heritage Societies, Agriculture Society, and CGMH volunteers, just to name a few,” he said. “In Clearview Township,

we are very fortunate to have many local boards and committees that are focused on and contribute to the many services in our community. The collective result of the work done by our township’s volunteers is that Clearview Township is a more desirable place to live, work, and play.”

This Volunteer Week, residents are encouraged to take some time to thank a volunteer who has strengthened the fabric of the community.

“Please join Clearview Township in extending appreciation to all our volunteers; Thank you, for everything you have done and continue to do for our community.”

EDITOR Trina Berlo trina@creemore.com

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

Publication Agreement # 40024973

Nature thrives in the mess

by Brenna Lattimore

The recent spell of warm weather saw many of us out in our backyards, beginning the hopeful spring activity of “tidying up” and preparing our gardens for the upcoming growing season. I was one of those hopefuls, spending every warm day out in the garden. However, walking by my house one might think I spent no time at all, because there is still a considerable amount of “mess” lying around. The dead stalks of perennials still wave in the breeze; leaves still carpet borders, gardens, and swathes of the backyard; and branches still lay underneath trees. To some, my gardening style is untidy. To me, it’s an intentional act of kindness towards nature that brings me infinite joy.

The ecosystems that support all life on earth (including human life) appear messy and chaotic, but within that chaos is an order so magical it defies belief. Leaves fall to replenish nutrients in the soil, regulate hydrology and provide habitat for organisms who in turn work to nourish the soil and pollinate plants and trees; old trees drop limbs when they need an extra burst of nutrients, so the limbs will decay back into the soil at their base; amongst tree roots and under dead vegetation and logs, vast networks of mycorrhizae (the “roots” of fungi) weave together to form nature’s world wide web, communicating with each other through chemical exchange in a way that scientists are only beginning to understand.

For millennia, plants and animals have evolved intricate relationships that create a complex and magnificent web of life to which we and all other species alive today can credit our existence. Unfortunately, through unchecked growth and a desire to dominate and control nature we are snipping away at the strands of this web with accelerating speed, as the planet’s biodiversity faces multiple threats from climate change, habitat loss, pesticide use, and myriad other human-induced impacts.

The good news? Nature bounces back, when given the chance. As much as we have the power to destroy it, we also have the power to encourage and protect it.

Which brings me back to the subject of our gardens.

When my family moved to Creemore a year and a half ago I was disheartened by the lack of pollinators and birds on our in-town property, so I planted a native perennial garden and converted the verge out front to wildflowers. By the end of last summer, we were buzzing with life. We had monarch caterpillars on our newly planted milkweed, bees and butterflies of all types, praying mantis, a variety of colourful

Earth Day feature

and interesting native beetle species, and many other less charismatic but equally beneficial invertebrates, working hard to pollinate our vegetable garden and nourish our soil and our souls. With them came the songbirds, the bats, the frogs and the toads, all who rely on insects for their survival.

It’s been said that if each American converted half of their gardens to native plantings and established more natural spaces, they could collectively create a 20 million acre network of connected habitat for pollinators and other beneficial organisms across the country, the equivalent of a huge national park! While I don’t have a similar statistic for Canada, each and every person with a backyard or even just a balcony can create their own little national park at home, providing the habitat required to support native species and protect native ecosystems.

There are benefits to the gardener of choosing native plants and trees and easing up on the tidying, too. For example, our lovely green lawns (which support almost no life, by the way) require a lot of water and effort to maintain, especially during hot, dry weather like we’re expected to have this summer. The roots beneath our lawns extend only an inch down into the soil, meaning they are highly susceptible to drought; by comparison, the roots of some native perennials extend up to 12 feet down (anecdotally, I did not water my native perennial garden once last year and it remained lush throughout the summer. My lawn, less so). Leaving leaves and other vegetation to decompose in situ also frees up raking and bagging time and helps hold moisture in the soil.

I’m not suggesting that everyone must dig up their lawns and replace them entirely with native perennials, or leave all of the leaves where they fall. I would love that for myself, but we all have different aesthetic tastes. Whether you’re a wild child like me, watch episodes of Lawn and Order on repeat, or are comfortable somewhere in the middle, here are some choices we can all make in our backyards this month and beyond to create space for nature:

• Make some room for native plants in your garden by replacing a section of lawn to create a native perennial garden or by incorporating native plants into your existing beds. Our gardens should bring us joy, so do this in a way that pleases you, whether that’s replacing a huge section of lawn or simply adding some native perennials to more manicured borders or beds. Even a pot or two of native plants on a balcony makes a difference. Check out notsohollowfarm. ca, earthrevival.ca, and Pollinate Collingwood for plants and inspiration.

• If you have space, consider planting a native tree or shrub. Red maples are a great choice, as these gorgeous trees provide a critical source of early nectar for our native pollinators.

• Take a gentler approach to tidying up. If you’re not comfortable leaving all leaves where they fall, consider dedicating a smaller area out of sight or in a border for leaf litter. Your soil will thank you, and so will the songbirds. Did you know it takes around 6,000-9,000 caterpillars to rear one baby chickadee, many of which are overwintering down in the leaf litter?

• Wait a little bit longer to do whatever tidying up you must do, until daytime temperatures are above 10 degrees for seven consecutive days. This gives overwintering insects time to emerge, rather than being bagged up for municipal waste collection.

• When tidying up perennial gardens, cut back hollow stems to about 12 inches above the ground and leave the remaining stems in situ. As the perennials grow they will hide the dead stems, which will provide overwintering habitat for solitary bees come autumn.

• I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: when planning vegetable gardens, don’t forget to incorporate flowers (not just native flowers, any flowers); these will provide an additional source of food for pollinators, while attracting them to your garden to ensure successful pollination of your crops.

• Involve children in your efforts, where possible. Tell them what you’re doing and why you’re doing it, and let them get involved. If space permits, give them a small patch to create their own wildlife garden, which will turn into a great science lab as the ecosystem takes shape.

• And most of all, have fun! As a society we spend a considerable amount of time and money venturing into provincial and national parks and other wild spaces to soak in their beauty. Why not create some of that beauty at home to enjoy?

Hunting in the Dufferin County Forest

All users of the Dufferin County Forest are hereby advised that April 25-May 31 is the spring shotgun/archery season for wild turkey in 2023. Wild turkey hunting may occur only from ½ hour before sunrise to 7:00 p.m. During this time there will be a number of hunters using the Dufferin County Forest properties. Please use caution in the forest and wear bright-coloured clothing. There is no hunting allowed at any time in the following tracts: north portion of Amaranth, Hockley, Leening, Levitt, Little, Main, Mono, Thomson, and River Road. Suspected violations of the Fish & Wildlife Conservation Act should be reported to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry at 877-847-7667 (877-TIPS-MNR). Other inquiries should be directed to the County Forest Manager at 877-941-7787.

“

“Chaos was the law of nature; order was the dream of man.”

- Henry Adams

Three

Frida Sopinka won gold and a $100 cash prize in the earth and environmental science category for her project, Teinture au Terre. Inspired by her sister who dyed her hair using chemical dye and ended up with damaged hair, Sopinka’s project was about making a natural hair dye using sustainable, natural ingredients. She made four different colours; green using kale and spinach, pink using beets and pomegranates, orange using carrots and turmeric, and black using charcoal.

Wyatt Cooke Russell won Silver for his photon fence winning a $50 prize and the $100 Linear Transfer Automation Award, awarded to a project that successfully uses aspects of hydraulics, coding, automation or skilled trades.

Lily Madore won bronze and a $25 prize for her musical flowers project, with Sage Fabian.

All three Creemore students attend Admiral Collingwood Elementary School.

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Contributed photo

Three local students placed at the Simcoe County Regional Science and Technology Fair at Bear Creek Secondary School in Barrie on March 31.

Recreation SPORTS&

U18 Clearview Canucks Rep Hockey Team Bring Home Tier 2 OMHA Championship. Top from left: Assistant coach Pete Walker, trainer Martin Walsh, head coach Brian MacIntyre , Jack Walsh , Troy Walker , Seth Walker , Brody Foster (alternate captain), Griffin MacIntyre , Jackson Mitchell , Carter Westendorp , Tate Lightheart (Captain), Luke Millsap, and assistant coach Mike Hughes. In front: Sawyer Hughes, Aiden Forte (goalie), and Brady Reynolds

Clearview Canucks U18 win OMHA championship

U18 Clearview Canucks Rep Hockey Team have won the Tier 2 Ontario Minor Hockey Association Championship taking a five-game series in the Championship tournament in Barrie April 7-9 in front of an enthusiastic crowd of hometown supporters.

In the series the Canucks won 4-0 over Middlebrook, tied 2-2 vs East Lambton and then followed with three

more wins 4-2 over Brighton Bolts and Tavistock, and 3-2 over Minto Mad Dogs.

Fans from Creemore and Stayner came out to all of the games, but completely packed the stands and lined the outside of the boards for the championship game.

In the final the Minto Mad Dogs had a 2-1 lead as the end of the third period

approached. The Clearview Canucks pulled their goalie and with 7.5 seconds left in the third period. Luke Millsap put the puck in the net tying things up 2-2. The game went into a 10-minute overtime period, and Brody Foster got the winning goal about a minute and a half in, sending fans into hysterics. The team clinched the championship following an already stellar season

winning the U18C Regional Silver Stick Champions, the U18 Huntsville Classic Tournament champions, and the U18 Tier 2, Region 5 Champions, thanks to the leadership of head coach Brian MacIntyre, assistant coaches Pete Walker and Mike Hughes , trainers Martin Walsh and Peter Mitchell, and coaching staff manager Fran Moore

Collingwood Lightning U15B won a bronze medal at the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association provincial championships played in the GTA April 14-16. Front row, from left: Jenna Morrison , Ivy Foubert , Kaitlynn Potts , Izzy Mitchell , Stella Keating (captain). Middle row, from left: Maddy Littlejohns, Shay Walker (alternate captain), Penelope Wigle , Kelsi Schackmann , Meckenzie Brannigan , Alicia Bradey-Hendry (assistant trainer), Paul Keating (head coach). Top row, from left: Trevor Littlejohns (assistant coach), Ed Leonard (assistant coach), Avery Rys , Caitlin Guscott, Hazel Dempsey (alternate captain), Victoria Gillespe, Mollie Leonard, Jesse Guscott (trainer).

Girls U15B team wins bronze at provincials

Collingwood Lightning U15B, made up of girls from Creemore, Stayner, Wasaga Beach and Collingwood, have won a bronze medal at the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association provincial championships played in the GTA April 14-16.

The team played six games in championship tournament tying 3-3

with Ottawa Valley Thunder, winning 2-0 over Twin Centre Hurricanes and 4-1 over Markham Stouffville Stars. The team celebrated a quarterfinal 3-2 win over Stoney Creek Sabers in second overtime before a 2-3 loss in the semifinals with Mount Forest Rams and finally a 3-2 win in the bronze medal game over North Bay Ice Boltz,

a strong team, sealing the Lightning U15B team’s third place in Ontario’s top-20 teams.

The team went undefeated in the Oakville Harvest Classic Tournament Championship and the were Gold Medal Championship winners of the Kitchener Fallfest Tournament.

The Lightning finished the season

at the top of their division with an impressive 32-game record with 21 wins, three losses, eight ties, 98 goals for, and 29 goals against with the support of head coach Paul Keating, assistant coaches Trevor Littlejohns and Ed Leonard, trainer Jesse Guscott, assistant trainer Alicia Bradey-Hendry and manager Natalia Gillespe

Mulmur, the Garden Township

by Bonnie MacPherson

As part of the process of updating the Township’s Official Plan, Mulmur has been designated a Garden Township. In a presentation to an April 15 town hall meeting, CAO/planner

Tracey Atkinson outlined the vision. As a Garden Township, Mulmur will be committed to protecting the environment and agriculture and providing for balanced and sustainable development while nurturing the rural character of the area.

Atkinson says going forward, the township will need land use policies and patterns that acknowledge, protect and enhance Mulmur’s inherent beauty and the need to live in harmony with nature. The greatest challenge over the next 30 years will be balancing the demands for resource use and growth and the global climate crisis with the need to preserve and protect all the things that make Mulmur a special place.

In a recent series of round table

discussions on specific elements of the Official Plan, members of the public indicated a strong desire to preserve agriculture and maintain the rural character of the community. The Planning Advisory Committee adopted a definition of garden as a protected piece of land and agreed that required infrastructure should fit aesthetically and be chosen for sustainability and long-term minimal disturbance to the garden.

Environmental consultants have created a first draft of new environmental policies, natural heritage and mapping. The next step will be to provide draft policies to council and the public for review and comment.

The Town Hall meeting provided a chance for residents to meet the new council elected last November. Mayor Janet Horner was acclaimed, with deputy mayor Earl Hawkins and councillors Patty Clark , Andrew Cunningham and Kim Lyon rounding out the team.

Games& FUN

by Barbara Simpson

Canadian Criss Cross

ACROSS

1. Sweet-tasting fruit

5. Be priced at

9. Wrinkle remover

10. Unexpected defeat

12. Very short period of time

13. Wanted poster word

15. Exclamation used when you find something

16. Complaining noise

18. Money received for doing a job

19. Fiona of “King of Kensington”

21. Letters preceding D

22. ___-Cola

23. Dog genus

25. Honoured with a military ceremony

27. Thick and sticky

29. African stork

32. From the ___

36. Former Deputy Prime Minister of Israel

37. Internet address

39. Labouring engine sound

40. Electrically charged atom

Answers on page 11

FRED’S FUNNIES

A man staggers into an emergency room with two black eyes and a five iron wrapped tightly around his throat. “I was having a quiet round of golf with my wife,” he tells the doctor, “when she sliced her ball into a pasture of cows. We went to look for it, and I noticed one of the cows had something white in its rear end. I walked over and lifted up the tail, and sure enough, there was my wife’s golf ball stuck right in the cow’s butt. That’s when I made my mistake.”

For Shirley

41. Say words

43. It is found underground

44. Relating to the country

46. Read carefully

48. Main part of the body

49. Floor or storey (French)

50. Appearance

51. Lattice piece

DOWN

1. Internet subdivision

2. Had a meal

3. Former Chinese secret society

4. More than is usual

5. Orange-flavoured liqueur

6. Ready for business

7. Compass point

8. “I’m A Little ___” (children’s song)

9. Black Chinese tea

11. Vestige

12. Remains of pressed grapes

14. Couple

17. Not well known

20. Long backless seat

22. Unit for measuring volume of flow

April 21, 2023

24. Blood relative

26. Drag with a lot of effort

28. Very small amount

29. Former prime minister of Israel

30. On the subject of

31. Kidnapper’s demand

33. Despite the fact that

34. Deceptive appearance

35. Eye amorously

38. Continuation of a coat collar

41. One of the first presidents of Bell Canada

42. Chum salmon

45. Three prefix

47. Rodent similar to a mouse

What treatment would the film and television character Thing appreciate the most? A.

Staff photo: Bonnie MacPherson

Peter Chorabik (left) of Ontario Honey Creations and Darren Carr (right) of Green Room Microfarm were among the local businesses represented at the Mulmur Mini Farmers' Market at the April 15 town hall meeting.

Healthy scepticism is best defence

(Continued from page 1)

demands and seek confirmation of the situation by contacting authorities in the jurisdiction they claim to be calling from. Never rely on contact information the caller provides as this can be easily faked. Finally, for everyone’s protection, report all incidents whether or not you fall prey to the scam as this can help police link related occurrences and lay appropriate charges.

A request for payment in gift cards, money transfer or cryptocurrency is a giant red flag, according to Miles. No government agency would ever make such a request. He says you should never click on a link in any unsolicited message, and suggests the best response to suspicious incoming calls is to simply hang up.

Miles says fraudsters are constantly coming up with new schemes. One currently making the rounds is a text message, purportedly from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) asking you to click on a link to claim a rebate. Don’t do it. Miles says the CRA would never send such a message. Another popular scam is the bank inspector ploy where victims are asked to help the bank investigate potential theft by an employee. Miles says banks have their own sophisticated internal investigation teams and would never solicit help from a customer.

The best defence is a bit of healthy scepticism. Miles suggests you should ignore messages from anyone you don’t know and trust, and be cautious about messages from people you do trust. The Government of Canada’s Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) website has information on the latest scams and how to protect yourself. All incidents of fraud or attempted fraud should be reported to the CAFC at 1-888-495-8501.

embankment. No other vehicles were involved. Emergency crews controlled traffic between 12/13 Sideroad Nottawasaga and 15/16 Sideroad Nottawasaga, north of Cashtown Corners. Police charge man with firearm, drug offences

Huronia West OPP made an arrest in relation to an ongoing drug investigation.

OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) members from Huronia West, Collingwood, and Southern Georgian Bay detachments executed a search warrant in Stayner, and evidence of criminal code offences was located.

As a result of the investigation, a 21-year-old male from Stayner has been charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;

• Unauthorized Possession of Firearm, contrary to

the Criminal Code of Canada; and

• Possession of a Prohibited Firearm with Ammo. The accused was held pending a bail hearing in the Ontario Court of Justice.

If you have any information about crime in our community, please contact the OPP at 1-888-3101122. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. You will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Dufferin OPP laid 25 charges and issued several warnings during a commercial motor vehicle safety inspection on April 15.

Qualified officers set up an inspection station in the Township of Mulmur to ensure safe operation by commercial motor vehicles (CMV). The goal was to promote the safety of all road users throughout Dufferin Detachment area and reduce the frequency and severity of incidents involving commercial vehicles, including a reduction in fatalities, injuries

and property damage resulting from these incidents. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and we all have a role to play. Commercial vehicles are heavy and require greater stopping distance. Motorists are reminded to leave plenty of space for these large vehicles to slow and stop safely.

"Thank you to the majority of responsible drivers who contribute to safe roads. Please drive cautiously, courteously and report unsafe drivers to OPP at 1-888310-1122 or 9-1-1 in emergency," said police.

Gravity Sun Power solar generation for energy savings and income professionally designed and installed Jeff Williams • 466-5741 CREWSON INSURANCE BROKERS 1-(800) 392-1151 crewsoninsurance.com Shelburne - Wasaga Beach - Mount Forest

Swept Away • Chimney Cleaning • Maintenance • Annual Inspections Roger Maes 705-435-8503 ERCA/ESA Licence # 7015138

Residential/ commercial electrical service planning, installation, and repair creemoreelectrical.ca 705-623-7514

Machine Shop Facility 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.-Monday to Friday Book ahead for Saturday Service Don Brearey or Gloria Howie 705-466-2149

10 • THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, April 21, 2023 • Service Directory • T. NASH Servicing Creemore and surrounding area

PLUMBING (705) 466-5807 Licensed and insured

John L. Ferris Megan L. Celhoffer

• Custom Steel Fabrication & repairs • Decorative Iron Railing, Fences & Gates General Practise of Law Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution www.ferrislaw.ca 190 Mill Street 705-466-3888

SIMCOE COUNTY TREE SERVICE Tree Removal and Trimming Storm Clean-up and More REGISTERED AND FULLY INSURED Zach Anketell 705-440-9641 simcoecountytreeservice@bell.net

Custom Iron Work Specializing in gates Charcoal BBQs & Fire Pits Design • Welding • Refinishing Tyler Kueper ironbutterfly.ca 705-791-5478

Iron Butterfly ORGANIC & DELICIOUS BAKING Cakes and Cookies ORDER IN ADVANCE WE HAVE TREATS FOR YOUR DOG TOO! www.lightworkers.ca

CALL FOR FREE QUOTES Be part of the service directory sales@creemore.com • 705-466-9906

hElp WANTED

Restaurant in Creemore seeking SERVER, D i SHWASHER AND COOK Call 705-466-9999 or 705717-4080 and ask for Chris.

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.

FOR RENT

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.

HELP WANTED

Creemore Bakery is HIRING! BUSSER/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.

horSES

WANTED

repairs and services, oil and filter changes. Call or text Clare 519-501-7604.

gooD FooD box

care of the Carruthers & Davidson Funeral Home. To sign Jessie’s Book of Memories, please visit www. carruthersdavidson.com

iN MEMoriAM

SERVICES

Local ESL classes seeking COPIES OF CHARLOTTE'S WEB by EB White on loan or by donation. Copies may be dropped off at the Creemore 100 Mile Store. Contact Daniela at stationenglish@gmail.com for more information.

Quiet and clean COUNTRY RENTAL for 6-12 months, starting May 2023. 2+ Bedrooms. 5 Star tenant willing to provide references + pay up front. Budget of $3000/month. Call Suzanne, 519-943-4403.

Peace Valley Ranch is looking for 5 more horses and their owners to call the ranch home! Join our small group of horse owners on this crazy journey of horse ownership. 200+ acres of riding trails, an indoor arena, working cattleranch environment, with horsemanship trainers on site. Horses are kept as a large group unless specified, you haven’t seen horses happier and calmer than at Peace Valley! Located just outside of Honeywood. 519-9256628, www.rawhide-adventures.on.ca, and/or check us out on Facebook@ RawhideAdventures.

We have been blessed to be part of the Creemore community since 1976. Through the years we have found great properties to rent for the summer. This year we are unable to renew our previous rental. In the past, we have had luck advertising in the Echo. All to say that we are looking for a COUNTRY HOUSE in the area to rent this summer with at least four bedrooms and a decent view. A pool would be a great addition. We are two grandparents, two daughters, their families including three young grandsons (no pets). If you have a property that might appeal please contact us. Naturally, references are available. Contact David and Erica, our email is davidharrisonintoronto@ gmail.com

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 519-938-7499

LYN@KIDDFAMILYAUCTIONS.COM 519-938-1315

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.

The Creemore Branch of Clearview Library is now an order and pick up location for the Good Food Box. The Georgian Good Food Box is a nonprofit buying club that purchases fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution in Southern Georgian Bay monthly. The Boxes which sell for $15 are roughly of $25 value in the stores. Contents vary from month to month. Orders by Wednesday, May 2 at one of Clearview’s libraries, or online for an additional small fee. Pick up at Creemore library afternoon on May 16. Call 705-428-5537 or visit www. ggfb.ca for more info.

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.

This week’s answers

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.

In loving memory of ScOTT Ha MM i LL

March 18, 1967 to April 22, 2005

When the warm breezes of April caress us, we know that part of it is you.

When the snowflakes of winter plant a kiss on our cheek that kiss might well be you. Through the promise of the morning and the voice of the wind,

You will always have something to say.

To reflect on the wonderful moments and warm our hearts as we make our way.

All things we were part of will continue to brighten each day making room for the Love you gave us by remembering you’re not far away.

Love from the heart, Your family and friends

THANK YOU

The PATTON FAMILY wishes to express appreciation to all our family and friends for all the loving condolences given by all to us at this rough time of our loss. Visits, cards, flowers, phone calls and food, and most of all, the attendance for Bob "Nip's" celebration of life. Mike and I feel Nip truly had his wish come true with such a beautiful send off - Kim and family

held, family Cemetery Donations Society greatly

Creemore looking looking

morning be from Helen lo

events local talent performing Mulmur you are mulmur.ca. children’s

Library celebrates the good things that grow in Clearview

Earth Day 2023, on Saturday, April 22, will be a very special day for the Clearview Public Library as we celebrate “Good Things That Grow in Clearview” at the Clearview EcoPark in Stayner from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please drop by the outreach booth to visit with Herald the Library Dragon as he will be “planting our garden” featuring vegetables that thrive locally. He will be challenging you to play ‘Name that Vegetable’ and ‘Would You/Would You Not Eat It.’ Plan to pick up a gift of complimentary seeds to get growing some native foods like beans, squash and corn, also known as the Three Sisters, at your garden patch too. There will be plenty of free outdoor activities, live music and educational guest speakers at this annual event. Rain or shine, the show will go on.

Michele McKENZIE

Bring the whole familypets welcome!

Back at the library branches in Creemore, New Lowell and Stayner, there will be a plethora of things to do as well. Look for the GTGinC activity kits to complete in-house or to take home. Books from the gardening, cookery and climate action collections will be on display for your entertainment, enrichment and education. Seeds will be available at these locations as well.

Happy Spring!

Left: Michelle Laberge tests the plumpness of an eggplant while our guardian toad stares down a visitor who declared that he hates to eat parsnips as featured in the Clearview Public Library’s mock garden.

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

CROSSING GUARD – PERMANENT, PART-TIME

The Township of Clearview is currently seeking a permanent part-time Crossing Guard.

This opportunity provides a light work schedule while earning some extra income. Clearview offers full and compensable training to all employees, including online and hands-on delivery methods. Employees are paid their hourly rate of pay for participating in the training.

Key Accountabilities

Reporting to the Supervisor, By-law Enforcement, the Crossing Guard is responsible for assisting children safely cross the street, to and from school at designated locations and times throughout the municipality.

Qualifications & Abilities Required

• Minimum Grade 12 education or equivalent.

• Must be physically fit.

• Possess 20/20 vision (with corrective lenses if needed).

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

• Able to communicate with children, pedestrians, school or other staff in a clear manner.

• Discretion and judgement to assess when to stop vehicular traffic and when it is safe to permit school children to cross.

• Required to provide a satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.

Salary:

The salary offered for this position is $21.89 per hour plus 4% vacation pay and matched OMERS contributions.

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

Interested candidates are invited to forward their resume and covering letter quoting job # 2023-019 to Human Resources at 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