May 19, 2023

May

• Surround yourself in light and wellness at the Sanctuary. Six yoga classes a week. Gentle, Flow, Strength and Restorative. Call 705-8887729 or visit the website for details www. thecreemoresanctuary.com. Email inquiries to thecreemoresanctuary@gmail.com.

Saturday, May 20

• Centennial United Church presents their annual community yard sale from 8 a.m. to noon at the church. Donations gratefully accepted (no clothing, furniture or child seats please). All proceeds go to community projects. Drop off times: Thursday, May 18 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, May 19 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Creemore Farmers' Market opening day at the Station on the Green, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekly.

• Stayner Legion invites you to a giant garage sale at the Legion from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Len Murphy is the entertainment in the afternoon from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 27

• Creemore Minor Baseball pancake fundraiser at Gowan Park from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Pay what you can. Proceeds will go to the league to help pay for field repairs. For more information contact caroline@remaxchay.com.

• Lawn Sale at Stayner Lawn Bowling Club, 205 Ontario St., Stayner. Starts at 9 a.m.

Saturday, May 27 & Sunday, May 28

• Creemore 10 X 10 Community Art Show at the Mill Street Art Studio. Saturday, May 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, May 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come and see the artwork created by your friends and neighbours at the two-day art extravaganza. Reminder: please return your finished piece to The Creemore Echo by May 21.

Wednesday, May 31

• Double Toonie Lunch at St. Luke's Anglican Church from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. by donation to the food bank. This will be the last Double Toonie Lunch until the fall.

Saturday, June 3

• Creemore Horticultual Society Plant Sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. rain or shine at the Hort holding beds behind the Creemore Library at 165 Library St., Creemore. Buyers will dig their chosen plant $5 or shrub $10. Bring shovel and containers.

• Open House at the Stayner Lawn Bowling Club, 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Come and "Give it a Try", call Cindy for more info 705-429-2261.

Saturday, June 10

• Dunedin's Community Yard Sale fundraiser for the Village Hall, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Table fee goes to the Hall, vendor keeps proceeds from their sales. Outdoor table with tent: $25, upstairs floor space in the Hall: $50. Refreshments available, scrap metal donations accepted. Dunedin clothing items for sale. Please email claire@lavenderhill.ca or call Ellie at 705-466-6542 to book space.

Wednesday, June 21

• Creemore Horticultural Society Spring Flower Show and meeting with speaker Gail Cocker on “Pruning for the Faint of Heart” at Station on the Green. Doors open at 7 p.m., meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. Entries to the flower show must be delivered to Station on the Green between 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. the day of. Please come and join us.

Saturday, July 8

• Join the Creemore Coyotes for a fundraising event at the New Lowell Legion featuring Lance Dobinson as Elvis, with sets from DJ Dobby in between. 19+ event, buffet and beverages, 50/50 draw and door prizes. $20 per person including entry and buffet meal. Tickets available for purchase at The Creemore Echo, on various dates at the Creemore Farmers' Market, or by calling 705-435-8469. Ticket purchases benefit your local Senior AA Hockey Team, the Creemore Coyotes.

Staff photos: Trina Berlo

A total of 429 cyclists were in Creemore on May 13 for Creemore Springs Brewery's Turas Mor, Gaelic for 'the great journey.' Participants took part in three rides – a 20-kilometre cruise, a 40-kilometre, and a 60-kilometre classic, taking them through the rolling hills of Clearview Township via the backroads. Riders were treated to gourmet snacks at various rest stops along the way provided by local chefs and food providers, in addition to live music and, of course, beer. Dave Murphy (above) led the ceremonial lap for each ride on his Penny-farthing, and Creemore's poet laureate Tim Armour (right) rallied riders with his bagpipes before reciting poems Turas Mor and Turas Less (see video on The Creemore Echo's Instagram page).

Feedback OPINION&

THE WAY WE WERE

Creativity blooms in homes and gardens

Welcome to The Creemore Echo’s spring Home and Garden issue.

In this special edition we celebrate the growing season, a time of rejuvenation, renewal and warmth. We hope you will find some leisure time, even if it is after a long day of gardening.

Within these pages we have sought to share stories of growth relating to the pursuit of health, knowledge, independence, creativity, and community. We dig deep into the stories of some very creative people who use their homes and outdoor spaces to pursue their passions while providing for their families.

Readers will meet Creemore Farmers’ Market vendors Sophia and Ryan Strauss of S&R Microgreens who have transformed a portion of their family home into a hydroponic haven for their miniature crop. The delicate (and highly photogenic) plants require around the clock care but pay off with great taste and nutrition. We met the Strausses at the Creemore Farmers’ Market last summer and they kindly agreed to share the ups and downs of their growing operation while munching on bouquets of microgreens.

We also convinced Dianne and Keith Hanley to give us a tour of the converted United Church in Avening. The couple turned their creative sights on converting the church into a home, overcoming several building hurdles presented by the small lot, and still preserving the facade.

Next door, we visited Homesteader Hillary Veneziale and her family who are living off the land in the suburbs of Avening. Hillary really is a modern day homesteader who, with her husband Dan Laird, is transforming their plot of land to provide food, shelter, and a business.

When we were looking for a garden to feature in this edition we were pointed toward Edward Street West where Sona Vancour-Sist has put her philosophy that grass is a waste of space into practice by transforming her front yard into a garden paradise. She graciously gave us a tour of their riverside.

We also visited Matt Marti in the home studio of his off-the-grid house where he combines modern technology with a vintage aesthetic by encasing wireless speakers in vintage finds. He equips vintage suitcases, artillery boxes and antique radios with new technology for a great look and sound.

And in this issue, we celebrate the grand opening of Welcome Home, the Culham family’s new store in Stayner. Local real estate agents Larry and Tamara Culham have transformed their unneeded office space into a home decor retail location with the goal of adding to Stayner’s downtown and supporting their daughter Lillias, who grew up in Creemore, as she launches into adulthood and a career.

It is truly inspiring how people use their homes and yards to feed their creativity and quench their curiosity through passion projects. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories and welcomed us into their homes and gardens.

Anti-inflammatory herbs pack a pain punch

I want to talk about pain management for all conditions in the body and their presenting symptoms. Pain is most often linked to inflammation, when it comes to any type of injury or nerve issue. Our bodies send inflammatory cytokines to the site of injury in order to heal and repair damaged tissues. Long-term pain issues can arise from an injury not healing properly, or the body not being able to clear the inflammation. Here are my recommendations to manage pain (anti-nociceptive) and inflammation (anti-inflammatory).

Musculoskeletal Assessment – The first step to pain management is meeting with a professional that can assess the injury or issue accurately. This is where a collaborative clinic like ours is extremely helpful – practitioners can help triage conditions based on the type of injury and treatment needed. Please don’t Google your symptoms. See a professional!

Hot and Cold Therapy – This form of hydrotherapy is extremely beneficial with regards to healing injuries and areas of inflammation. Depending on the location of the pain/injury, you can immerse in an ice bath and follow with a hot/warm bath (or shower). Ideally, alternating immersion in hot/warm for two minutes and in cold/ice for one minute is repeated four times, and ends with cold.

Fish Oil – A good, high dose fish oil (rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids) will have strong antiinflammatory properties that down-regulate pain messaging in the body. Fish oils are safe to take and

Bonnie

have added anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive benefits such as improving heart health and decreasing cholesterols. Dosing for pain and inflammation should be between 1000-2000mg/day depending on symptom severity. Fish Oils have shown great pain reduction results specifically for joints.

Support Your Gut – The health of your gut microbiome dictates your body’s ability to respond to inflammation in the body. A healthy microbiome will be able to moderate inflammation and therefore your body’s pain response. The best way to a healthy gut is to supplement with a full spectrum probiotic, to aid the body in recolonizing healthy bacteria. My favourite line of probiotics is HMF by Seroyal as it has prebiotics and probiotics in the same convenient capsule.

Anti-inflammatory Herbs – This is my sweet spot! I love prescribing anti-inflammatory herbs as they pack such a punch for pain and inflammation. Herbs can down-regulate inflammation so well and have lasting effects, making them a great option for pain management. My favourites are Curcumin (+bioperine for absorption), Boswellia, Devil’s Claw, PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) and white willow. All can be found in capsule or tincture form.

Again, proper assessment of the nature and root cause of the pain is step one. Wishing you all a beautiful, pain-free month ahead!

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

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

Editorial and advertising material deadline is Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Letters to the editor should be sent to editor@ creemore.com. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and clarity.

To receive a weekly copy of The Creemore Echo by mail outside of the circulation area or e-mail version please contact us at info@creemore.com or visit www.creemore.com.

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EDITOR Trina Berlo trina@creemore.com

PUBLISHER Sara Hershoff sara@creemore.com

MacPherson bonnie@creemore.com

Anna Pigden sales@creemore.com

Rogene Carruthers with Jeanie Murray and Prince at Cloverknowe farm in Avening circa 1910.

Kate HUNTER

Spice up the grill this spring

When making homemade barbecue sauce, there’s a lot of room to get creative. With the formula of salt, sweet, tart and spice (including heat, if you like), you can riff on the recipe, taking advantage of all kinds of locally produced seasonal gems.

OF SPICE

To start, you’ll want a base of caramelized chopped onion and garlic, with tomato added (or ketchup, if you prefer), brown sugar (or other locally sourced sweetness) and typically apple cider vinegar. Most recipes include a dab of Dijon mustard, a little Worcestershire sauce, and sometimes smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce or cayenne for anyone who likes a bit of heat.

With this as your guide, switch up the ingredients to make it your own. For example, try using blueberries

Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce

1 cup of chopped rhubarb, gently cooked for 5 minutes in ½ cup of water and then pureed.

1 tbsp cooking oil

1 medium onion or 3 shallots, chopped

1 clove of garlic, minced or chopped

1 cup of ketchup

⅔ cup packed brown sugar

½ cup honey

1 ½ tbsp cider vinegar

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp each of ground cinnamon and coriander

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp crushed chillies or hot sauce, or both (optional)

In a medium-sized pot, heat the oil and caramelize the onions and garlic over medium heat.

Puree the cooked rhubarb and add it to the caramelized onion and garlic. Mix together and bring to a boil.

Add the ketchup, sugar, honey, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard and tomato paste, stir and simmer on low heat, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes.

Add spices, hot sauce as well as salt and pepper to taste.

and local honey or maple syrup to replace some of the sugar or stewed rhubarb or plums as an alternate source of sourness. Both are a delicious way of balancing the vinegar’s acidity without giving up the essential tartness. If the consistency of the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little apple cider or black coffee.

When it comes to spices, let your personal preference be your guide. Try cinnamon or cardamom for a deep warm, rounded flavour (especially delicious with added rhubarb or plums). Turmeric, cumin and coriander lends an earthy quality to the sauce. If you like an added kick, our locally produced Doc Bells Chipotle Garlic Sauce took first place this past winter at the Royal Winter Fair! And last but not least, add a bit of salt and pepper to suit your taste.

Lindan Courtemanche is an enthusiastic cook and Founder of The Gorgeous Spice Company, www. thegorgeousspiceco.com.

Church Directory

Clearview Community Church

9:30 a.m. Sunday

Pastor Clayton Culham

22 Caroline St. W., Creemore 705-430-6056

More information and online worship available clearviewcommunity.church clearviewchurch@rogers.com

Creemore and New Lowell Pastoral Charge

9:45 a.m. Sunday at New Lowell United 5227 County Rd. 9, New Lowell

11 a.m. Sunday at St. John’s United and online 192 Mill St., Creemore

Rev. Jane Sullivan

705-466-2200

newlowellunitedchurch.weebly.com www.stjohnscreemore.ca

newlowellunitedchurch@weebly.com

creemorepastoralcharge@rogers.com

Knox Presbyterian Church

10 a.m. Sunday

Pastor Deb Curry 8933 County Rd. 9, Dunedin 705-466-2296

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This makes a delicious marinade when cooking at lower temperatures or as a finishing sauce or dip to serve if you are planning to grill at high temperatures. And it’s a delicious addition to any burger, too!

Lindan COURTEMANCHE LIFE

TRUSTED EXPERTS

"I had a plumbing emergency - my crawlspace had 5 or 6 inches of water in it and Austin came in a flash, installed a new sump pump, and got me sorted in no time. All on his day off. Thank you Austin. You are the best! "

Kim H.

“The rear of our century home had no ductwork which meant no AC and we had to use baseboard heaters. Troy came to our home and creatively solved the issue without having to rip out drywall. He was professional and thorough. Delighted to have a cool house!”

Sally P.

Voltaic Visions

by Trina Berlo

Imagine listening to music emanating from a vintage suitcase, especially if it’s the music of Johnny Cash or Loretta Lynn who may have carried a suitcase from that era while boarding a tour bus in the middle of the night destined for yet another city.

It’s possible because creator, builder and salvager Matt Marti has a side project turning vintage treasures into wireless speakers.

He said he was sitting around the fire with friends one day, listening to music on a wireless speaker and he was inspired to make something that sounded better, looked cooler and would last longer.

“It’s about making something,” said Marti, the local creator behind Voltaic Visions.

A tinker by nature, he collects old speakers and incorporates new wiring and Bluetooth capabilities. He also collects old suitcases and artillery cases, anything that could be transformed into a speaker case.

He can bring to life antique radios, and recently found a bunch of drive-in speakers that are about 50-60 years old and was pleasantly surprised to discover they

We smell lemons a mile

still work.

Marti said he has always liked to build, driven by curiosity to disassemble gadgets and putting them back together to see how they work.

As a stay-at-home dad who is also a carpenter and computer engineer, he has been working on his family’s off-the-grid home on the outskirts of Creemore for the past five years, building everything himself.

He is all about making something from scratch. He wires all the electronics, wrote the code and even built the battery welder himself. The only thing he buys assembled is the amplifier.

“Everything I make is made out of some parts that I find,” said Marti. He is always on the lookout for finds online and at flea markets. He said sometimes he will pick up something that inspires him even though he’s not exactly sure what he will do with it. And then one day, he’ll see it.

Part of the appeal is that he makes something old useful again and also keeps parts out of the landfill. For example, he bought a used battery pack taken from a TTC hybrid bus, disassembled it and uses the individual battery cells to power the speakers.

Voltaic Visions is on Instagram and speakers are for sale at Tierra Hermosa Local Market and Colours of Creemore.

Casa Sul Fiume

by Trina Berlo

Together, Sona Vancour-Sist and Anthony Sist have created their dream home on the river.

The story of Sona’s garden starts with a proposal of marriage.

She had been living in Belize during a period of rejuvenation after having sold her home and business. Eventually, Anthony asked her if she was ready to come back to Canada and marry him.

They decided they would settle in a small town. Sona pictured herself riding her bike to get a few groceries, never having to get in the car if she didn’t want to.

A real estate listing first drew them to Creemore, which they had never heard of. Sona says that first house was sold before they even had a chance to view it but they were impressed by Creemore and the hunt for a home continued.

Sona recalls telling the real estate agent that she wanted to find a place on the river, and being told she would have to be very, very patient because river properties don’t come available very often.

Two days later, a home on Edward Street West was listed. Sona said they went to see it and as Anthony went into the house to look around, she went into the backyard and down to the river, realizing she was home.

Anthony is a retired builder and was looking for a project. Sona said she could see his eyes twinkling with

possibility.

That was seven years ago, and they have been working away at transforming the home into a place of peace and tranquillity, creativity, family and love.

Believing that grass is a waste of space, Sona has transformed the entire front yard into a garden, negating the need for a lawnmower. The garden is bombarded by bees, bugs and hummingbirds feeding off a variety of perennials, herbs, vegetables and shrubs, all planted together along the riverstone lined pathways.

“I’m a messy gardener,” she says. “People call them weeds, I call them unloved flowers.”

When she started the garden, Sona said she would accept any plants on offer and took scoops of this and that from anyone looking to make room in their garden. She is now looking to incorporate more native species.

Referring to herself as a hippie and a ‘bit of a witch,’ Sona uses plants and herbs to make tinctures and oils. She dries everything she can harvest from the garden, including flowers which adorn the house and her little cottage in the backyard, where she paints with watercolours and does wool felting.

The backyard is furnished with several areas for dining and lounging, whether in a shaded pergola with the table set for guests, or a fireside gathering. In the evening, little twinkle

• Planning and installation of new Hydro services

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• Solar installations

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• Electric car charger installations Three

ERCA/ESA Licence # 7015138

lights illuminate the pathway to the river.

Between them, Sona and Anthony have three adult children who refer to their parents’ home as “the cottage.”

Since moving to their Casa Sul Fiume – Italian for house on the river – Sona and Anthony have hosted two weddings there, their own under a blue moon in January of 2018, and their nephew’s this past summer.

Sona said she has also focussed on planting fruit trees and bushes, and she realized that she was subconsciously planting for the next generation. She is over the moon at the arrival of her first grandchild this month and sees a future where she will be picking berries with him in the coming years.

“I am gardening for the future,” she said. “I think that’s the way gardeners are.”

Open gardens

Sona’s garden is a new addition to this year’s open garden tour organized by the Vorstermans from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 22-23.

The gardens of Paul and Charlotte Vorstermans, located at the corner of Mill and Edward Streets, has evolved over more than 25 years into a series of seven garden “rooms” that cover most of their half acre lot. Charlotte is the master gardener and Paul designs the hardscape. The Vorstermanses’ garden is located at 113 Mill St.

Three other open gardens include:

17 Elizabeth St. W., by Jaki Skillings

3 Elizabeth St. W. by Bev Stableforth

Sona’s garden is located at 19 Edward St. W.

For more information visit www. creemoregarden.ca

Sowing the seeds

by Trina Berlo Ryan

and Sophia Strauss have become specialists in one very specific type of crop.

They are the husband and wife team behind S&R Microgreens, regulars at the Creemore Farmers’ Market, where Sophia has joined the board of directors. They says they have had to learned a lot in the last two years.

The miniature crop is fickle and requires a lot of love and attention. The tiny plants are sensitive to changes in light, humidity, temperature and some unknown factors. When one sprout dies there is really nothing that can be done to save the rest of the tray, as if the shared root system is of one mind. But when they thrive, the minuscule plants pack a punch of nutrition, flavour and crunch, so a little goes a long way.

The Strausses’ foray into the world of microgreens started six months into the pandemic. Sophia was coming off of a maternity leave and was looking for a new career path, something she could do at home while caring for her two young sons.

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When researching options, they were intrigued by microgreens even though they didn’t know anything about them.

They watched a ton of videos, listened to podcasts (paying extra attention to an episode about why not to grow microgreens) and went about sourcing a reputable supplier of organic non-GMO seeds.

“We failed in the most interesting ways,” said Ryan, explaining that on their first attempt they lost 60 trays of seedlings.

They persevered, tweaking the system and learning what seeds grew best in which growing material.

The process starts with the seeds being applied to the growing material laid out in trays. Once watered, they are

weighted down and kept in darkness. Through a series of steps the sprouts are stressed slightly, encouraging them to grow tall before starting to photosynthesize.

The entire grow cycle takes only 14 days.

In the pristine, laboratory-like grow room of their Angus home, Ryan and Sophia oversee various stages of the sow/grow cycle, caring for up to 200 trays of microgreens at any one time. The basement of the home has been transformed into a hydroponic nursery, with strict control on light, humidity and temperature to optimize quality.

While Ryan takes care of the sowing, Sophia takes over the growing and is the one who knows exactly when is peak harvest time. For some varieties

TIME TO SUBMIT YOUR ART! Make sure to dr f y r nished 10x10” art k at the Echo anytime f e Sunday, May 2 !

ART SHOW I0 I0 x Creem e

there is sometimes a very narrow window of only a few hours before the plants start to loose their optimal quality, taste and texture.

The Strausses say that most growers focus on a few varieties but they agree they “went a little crazy” with microgreens. They grow up to 35 different varieties and are always trying new ones.

They have tailored a core crop of 15-20 regular varieties including sunflower, broccoli, pea shoots, beets, Swiss chard, radish, amaranth and are finding their hearty and spicy mixes to be quite popular with customers. They make great toppers for sandwiches, salads, tacos and are said to be nutrient dense.

Each family member, including

five-year-old Lucas and three-yearold Ares, has their favourites and their preferred way of eating them, even if it’s munching them right out of the bowl.

With the surplus crops, they dehydrate the plants and make a micro green powder that can be added to smoothies. They also make juice, infused butter, wheatgrass shots, dry rubs, vinaigrette, sauces and a broccoli infused tea.

The Strausses are hoping to expand by supplying restaurants and retail stores, in addition to the ones they already work with in Barrie.

S&R Microgreens will be at the Creemore Farmers’ Market opening day on May 20. Find S&R Microgreens on Facebook and Instagram.

Welcome Home

by Trina Berlo

A new store in Stayner is an outlet for creativity and independence.

Welcome Home is a Culham family project with the involvement of mom Tamara , dad Larry , and daughter Lillias

It is ticking several boxes by making good use of their main street commercial building, enhancing the Stayner downtown by adding a retail business, and supporting local artisans.

Tamara said the decision to open

a store was made because of two milestones. Larry and Tamara decided to transition out of their real estate brokerage and join Coldwell Banker as sales representatives. The pandemic made them realize that they didn’t need a bricks and mortar office space, freeing up their storefront.

At the same time Lillias, 22, was graduating from the two-year Community Integration Through Cooperative Education Ontario College Certificate program at Georgian College, designed for students with

diverse learning challenges who require academic accommodations and modifications as they prepare for success in entry-level work, and build independence and self-advocacy skills for adult life.

During field placements in retail settings Lillias, who is on the autism spectrum, thrived in customer service settings, enjoying the interactions with customers.

This inspired Tamara to try her hand at retail, and to incorporate Lillias’ new skills.

Welcome Home is all about art, decor and plants.

“These are all of my favourite things,” says Tamara, looking around the store.

While Lillias is outside planting pansies, Tamara is working on mosaic birdhouses made from shattered dishes that are mismatched and chipped.

It is one of the ways she upcycles materials into home and garden themed treasures.

Her love of gardening is reflected in the aesthetics – an old garden hose creatively transformed into a wreath, stained glass, plants potted in vintage dishes, lamps repurposed as candle holders, and solar chandeliers.

“Take all these things and throw them into a blender and you get a store,” says Tamara.

Welcome Home also carries handmade luxurious blankets, candles, crystals, jewellery, made by local crafters, along with Tamara’s father’s woodworking and resin creations,

This month, the front part of the store is packed with seedlings of all kinds to support Tamara’s mission to encourage people to grow their own food. The expansive backyard of the building is being cultivated bit by bit to include garden plots and fruit trees with the eventual goal of creating a “food forest.”

The Culhams, supporters of Stayner’s downtown core, hope their endeavour will enhance the main street as a retail destination for locals and visitors. It is their goal to create a destination by always carrying new things, enticing people to come to Stayner to explore the cute little shops, many carrying home decor, but also specialty foods, comic books, used books, women’s fashion and shoes.

Welcome Home is located at 7280 Highway 26.

Roots Up

by Trina Berlo Like any good homesteader, Hillary Veneziale is in it for the love of learning.

Naturally curious about plants, food and nutrition, Hillary is on a path of discovery, learning along the way how to make the most of her Avening property while growing and preserving food, and sharing knowledge with her three young children – Silas, 8, Orson, 7, and Fergus, 4.

“There is value in raising children in an environment where you show them that you do have to work for your vegetables,” she said. “And that eggs come from chickens.”

She sees that some children have a disconnect when it comes to food but

she loves to see her’s feasting on peas right off the vine and has discovered they are more likely to want to eat broccoli fresh from the garden having seen it grow from a seed.

As a nurse, Hillary says botany appeals to her science brain.

While she waits for the last threat of frost to pass, Hillary spends the winter reading about vegetation and propagating house plants until it is time to start seeds, some she has collected from the fall harvest and stored in repurposed medicine bottles salvaged from the hospital where she works. In early spring, the seeds sprout under grow lights in the enclosed front porch and in the closet of her son’s bedroom. The humid room has a comforting smell

of earth and plants.

“I do feel bad about taking over my son’s room but it’s ok, he prefers to sleep with his brothers anyway,” she says with a smile.

Hillary, who dreams of one day having a greenhouse, holds a spring sale in her driveway selling off the flowers, vegetables and herbs she has grown from seed under the name Roots Up.

She enlists the help of her husband Dan Laird, especially when it comes to building infrastructure. He used surplus building material to create a very long raised garden bed with centre trellis, the prototype in what they hope will be a winning design for root vegetables and tomatoes.

Whatever grows is made into a sauce or pickles, anything that can be canned or frozen.

“Last year’s goal was to get through the winter without having to buy any tomato based sauce,” said Hillary.

And they did it with a little help from her new pressure canner, which allowed her to make meat sauce in addition to chicken broth that proved to be both delicious and economical.

Hillary also makes pickles, salsa, hot sauces and is not afraid to try new things.

Last year they used an evaporator that Dan built for the main purpose of making maple syrup to make walnut syrup, which requires double the sap, resulting in a precious small amount of flavourful syrup.

It’s all about trying new things and

making the most of what’s available.

When Hillary read a recipe for dill pickles that recommended adding a grape leaf to enhance the crunch, she trudged into the conservation area down the road armed with her book on edible plants and found some. She said she has learned a lot by reading, social media and by trial and error.

At the end of the day, plants bring her peace. She said after a long shift, she can relax by caring for her plants and watching them grow.

Hillary is ramping up for her spring plant sale from June 1-6. She has some new and fun zucchinis, bush cucumbers, tomatoes, and seed packets for sale, in addition to the usual assortment of hot and mild peppers, herbs and house plants. The sale takes place daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and there is an early bird sale on the afternoon of May 31. Find 'Grow with Hillary' on Instagram for details. Roots Up is located at 4 Robertson St., Avening.

Hillary's leek soup

2 tsp minced garlic

3 large potatoes, diced small onion, diced

1 ½ cup heavy cream

2 cups chicken broth

3 handfuls of wild leeks

Add first five ingredients to a pot. Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes. Add chopped leeks and simmer for another 5 minutes.

by Bonnie MacPherson

When Keith and Dianne Hanley purchased the former Avening United Church on Dec. 31, 2014, they had no intention of making it their home. The old church lacked a well, septic system and central heating and it was widely thought that, due to lot size, it would not be possible to make needed improvements. The building did, however, provide storage for Keith’s

motorcycle collection.

The building was originally a frame structure, which opened as a Methodist Church in February 1872. The brick cladding was added in the 1920s and the last United Church service was celebrated in June 2014.

The Hanleys were familiar with the area, having skied at Blue Mountain for years. They were looking for a piece of property on which to build.

Four years later, as the cost of vacant land continued to rise, they began asking themselves, “why not renovate the church?” That began a series of hurdles with the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) and the Township of Clearview to secure necessary approvals. They had to provide their own geo-technical survey to satisfy the NVCA that the building was not at risk from flood waters. Then township planners advised that the lot size was not sufficient to install a well and septic system. Keith, a longtime manager of major construction projects, had done his homework and asked the township to consider a spacesaving Waterloo Bio Filter system, which was eventually approved. The entire process of securing a building permit took more than a year and a half.

They were finally ready to begin construction, just as the pandemic hit. Custom arch-top windows and some structural steel were already on site when the cost of trades and building materials went through the roof. Keith had many contacts in the industry and was able to work with some trades from Barrie and Toronto as well as local contractors but the pandemic caused many delays. Companies did not want the owner on site in an effort to keep their crews healthy, and it was

not possible to overlap scheduling for different crews. Supply chain issues meant long delays for things like custom cabinetry.

Dianne says Keith’s fascination with church architecture dates back to work he did on major Toronto churches including St. Paul’s Basilica prior to the Pope’s visit in 2002. They both loved the idea of renovating a church to honour the historical significance of the building while creating something unique. Initially, the Avening church was two levels, the ground floor sanctuary and a walk-out basement. Keith says they basically built a new house inside the exterior walls. The ceiling height in the basement was increased and the sanctuary level, which originally had 24-foot ceilings at the peak, was divided into two levels to allow for living space on the ground floor and bedrooms upstairs.

Keith is a master carpenter and stone mason by trade. Even having done much of the work himself, he estimates they have invested more than $800,000 in the renovation. Because the property needed to be rezoned from institutional to residential, they incurred approximately $22,000 in land development fees. He became an ordained minister, and investigated the option of maintaining the lower level as a house of worship before deciding to bite the bullet and give Caesar his due.

The Hanleys lived in a travel trailer adjacent to the church for more than a year while work was underway and were finally able to move in just before Christmas of 2021. There are several small projects to be finished, including installation of some stained glass panels salvaged from a downtown Toronto hotel. The original stained glass windows were not included in the sale of the church. They are in the possession of New Lowell United Church and local parish families.

Keith still wants to finish the 1,000 square foot basement level but the house is largely complete and the Hanleys are enjoying the relaxed pace of life in Avening.

Rolling with views, pasture, plenty of building sites

Views from the front porch minutes to Creemore

Build your dream home overlooking spring fed pond

Call to artists

Abundance, Beauty and Clarity: the ABCs of Gardening

In celebration of the Stayner Horticultural Society’s 100th anniversary the Stayner branch of the Clearview Public Library is calling for artists to participate in a show entitled Abundance, Beauty and Clarity: the ABCs of Gardening from May 30 to June 30.

Clearview Public Library invites you to submit work to help celebrate gardening – its beauty, its gifts back to us, and the quiet it brings to body and spirit.

Specifications: dimensions must fall between 6” wide to 30” and 6” tall to 30” pieces must be pre-strung and ready to hang. Oil, acrylic, watercolour, gouache, pencil/pastel and photographs accepted.

Please label all work on the back with title, artist, dimensions and cost (Library commission is 20 per cent or a donation).

Works must be completely dry.

Submission dates: Friday, May 26 between 5 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. and Saturday, May 27 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Artists on Location

The Creemore Festival of the Arts is inviting artists to present their work Sept. 30 and Oct.1.

Purple Hills Arts and Heritage Society (PHAHS), organizers of the annual festival, welcome artists of all mediums and styles to participate as an ‘Artist on Location’ at various locations in Creemore.

The Artists on Location program is the cornerstone of a weekend filled with interactive, performing and visual arts activities that attract thousands of visitors to Clearview Township, and is part of the Small Halls Festival.

To apply, visit www.phahs.ca before the May 30 deadline.

The Singhampton Sculpture Forest opens May 20, welcoming a new critter, one of over 30 of a large and eclectic collection of works created from wire, concrete, wood and jewelstone. Visitors are welcome to experience a fascinating array of large artworks nestled into the trees and underbrush in Singhampton. The forest is at the home of sculptor Marion Bartlett and woodworker Richard Bino. Singhampton Sculpture Forest is open most weekends and weekdays by appointment. Tours are self guided. Admission is free. The Singhampton Sculpture Forest and Studio 124 is located at 124 Lakeview Rd., Singhampton. The studio and gallery is open by chance or appointment. For more information, visit marionbartlettsculpture.com.

Bent

Put some colour into your world

by Christine March

Of the many joys of spring – more daylight, warmth in the air – nothing makes me happier than seeing pops of colour return to our outside world.

Who doesn’t take delight in the fresh greens of new growth, the cheery yellow daffodils, the pastel blossoms of spring flowering trees, and the incredible rainbow of colour that tulips bring to our gardens?

Humans are hardwired to respond to colour and your garden is the perfect canvas to colour your world in ways that make you happy.

So, let’s hone in on six popular colours, listed according to where they land on the colour wheel, and the emotions most closely associated with them.

Primary colours:

Red – passion, drama, fun

Yellow – joy, wisdom, youth

Blue – serenity, freedom, intelligence

Secondary colours:

Orange – creativity, warmth, energy

Green – harmony, fresh, natural

Purple – royalty, romance, mystery

Looking for some colourful inspiration? Here’s a selection of seasonal blooms whose colours will brighten your garden and your mood.

Spring

I can’t imagine a spring without tulips. The anticipation of their colourful flowers is the tonic that gets me through winter. With over 3,000 registered varieties spanning a huge colour palette, there are no excuses not to have cheery tulips in your spring garden.

Early Summer

Peonies are the Queens of the early summer garden and the beautiful blooms come in a vast array of colours, from hot pinks to yellows to magentas and reds. Once established, herbaceous

peonies are long-lived, easy care plants. They are colourful and fragrant must-haves in every garden. Irises are easy to grow perennials that come in a range of colours from blues and purples, apricots, yellows, whites, even black.

Late Summer

If peonies are the Queens, dahlias are the Dramatic Showstoppers. These late season beauties bloom in a range of colours, shapes and sizes. With over 50,000 varieties, they come in every colour except blue and black.

Fall

Yellow seems to bookend the gardening year. It features prominently in the spring garden with daffodils, forsythia, and tulips, and also in the fall when our gardens are winding down. The jolly yellows of sunflowers, solidago, rudbeckia, and chrysanthemums remind us to enjoy colour while we can. Late season dahlias will extend the colour palette beyond the yellow family until the frost comes.

When considering colour for the garden remember to look beyond flowers. Stems, foliage, and berries are all excellent options. For example:

Standout Stems

Red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea)

Golden Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea Flaviramea)

Golden Willow (Salix alba var. vitellina)

Fabulous Foliage

Ninebark Coppertina (Physocarpus opulifolius)

Bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera)

Common witch hazel (Hammelis virginiana)

Beautiful Berries

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)

Winterberry hollies (Ilex verticillata)

American cranberry (Viburnum trilobum)

Your garden is a direct reflection of you. Let it tell your story! Whatever your colour personality may be – bright and cheery, moody blue, or softly pastel – there are no wrong choices. Colour your world!

This article is written by master gardener Christine March as part of a series of gardening articles by the Simcoe County Master Gardeners, members of the Master Gardeners of Ontario. For more information, visit www.simcoecountymg.ca.

Be aware of the unseen risks in the outdoors

by Bonnie MacPherson

Fun in the outdoors could put your family’s health at risk. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has launched a campaign to educate consumers about the risk of Tetanus from everyday activities like gardening. Tetanus, also known as Lockjaw, is a serious disease of the nervous system caused by the clostridium tetani bacteria. Spores of the bacteria are commonly found in soil, dust and manure. Stepping on a rusty nail is just one way to contract Tetanus. Any cut, scrape or burn which allows spores to penetrate the skin can lead to infection.

Tetanus is characterized by muscle spasms and rigidity, particularly in the neck and jaw. Severe cases can be life threatening. It is easily preventable with a vaccine given to children as part of routine immunizations. However, Dr. Emil Prikryl, Public Health and Preventive Medicine Resident with SMDHU says it is important that adults maintain their protection with a booster shot every 10 years. Prikryl encourages people to contact their doctor or nurse practitioner to get a booster, or to book appointments at SMDHU clinics via www. simcoemuskokahealth.org.

Another warm weather risk is Lyme Disease carried by infected black legged ticks. Historically, ticks were a problem in the southern most parts of Ontario but in recent years, climate change has seen the affected area expanding northward. The Public Health Ontario website did not identify Creemore as a high risk area in last year’s mapping, but Barrie and Orillia were in the danger zone. The site further cautions that since infected ticks are spread by migratory birds, they can be found anywhere, at any time.

Prikryl says there are things you can do to protect against tick bites. Use an insect repellant containing deet, wear long sleeves and pants in the woods and tall grass, and check all family members including pets for ticks upon returning from a walk.

It is estimated that between 10 and 15 per cent of ticks carry Lyme disease. If you have been bitten, seek medical attention right away. Classic Lyme disease symptoms are expanding skin rash (which may or may not have the appearance of a bullseye), fever, chills and headache. Symptoms can become chronic. The sooner antibiotics are administered, the better the outcome.

The 2022 Ontario Lyme Disease Map can be found at www.publichealthontario.ca.

Local real estate markets on the rebound

by Bonnie MacPherson

After several months of declining sales which coincided with interest rate increases by the Bank of Canada (BoC), the local real estate market appears to be rebounding. The month of April saw 21 homes sold in Clearview, roughly 40 per cent of all home sales in the first four months of the year. The total dollar volume of residential transactions reported through the Multiple Listings Service was just over $54 million dollars year to date down nearly 32 per cent from the same period last year.

The median sale price year to date was $738,000 down 17.1 per cent from same time last year. Median days on market was 22, up significantly from 7 days a year ago, and on average, homes were selling for approximately 98 per cent of list price compared to the five per cent over asking of 2022.

Buyers who had been sitting on the sidelines returned to the market shortly after BoC signalled

a halt to rate increases, according to BMO Capital Markets. April was the third consecutive month with significant rise in home prices in Toronto and Vancouver, two bell weather real estate markets.

According to senior BMO economist, Robert Kavcic, the sales to new listings ratio (basically a measure of the amount of available inventory) points to continued upward pressure on prices in the coming year. Kavcic says the Canadian job market is still solid and many would-be sellers are holding out for better market conditions before listing their properties.

Meanwhile, RBC is reporting that there is an increase in the number of Canadian households falling behind on credit payments. They are forecasting lower economic growth and rising delinquencies in the months ahead. RBC is predicting a much more gradual change in market conditions that will happen over the next several years.

Pap-a-Palooza back by popular demand

In response to high demand, the South Georgian Bay Ontario Health Team (SGB OHT) is offering additional dates in June for Pap-a-Palooza, a Cervical Cancer Screening Clinic in Collingwood.

The three-day clinic is for residents in South Georgian Bay aged 25-70 who need cervical cancer screening (Pap tests) and do not have access to a local doctor or nurse practitioner.

This community program is helping with COVID-19 recovery in South Georgian Bay by supporting cancer screening that could not be completed during the pandemic.

“The Pap-a-Palooza clinics have provided a critically important service to the South Georgian Bay community. Cervical cancer can be prevented with regular pap test screening, and we’ve seen an

(See “Book” on page 22)

Relax, leave the cleaning to

Funding provides free fitness programming in June for

girls, gender diverse participants

The Clearview Youth Centre has received $5,500 in funding for Canadian Women in Sport from The Next Play program. The funding and education provided will allow the Youth Centre to offer free fitness programming beginning June 5.

The Next Play is for Ontario-based active recreation organizations that are ready to engage more girls and gender-diverse participants from diverse backgrounds. Active recreation includes sports and physical activity programs as well as cultural and gamebased programming.

The first of two programs this year, Learn to Lawn Bowl, will be offered on Mondays from June 5-26 between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the Stayner

Lawn Bowling Club, free for girls and gender-diverse participants. The second program will be offered in the fall.

Youth Coordinator Courtney Rogers said she is excited to engage girls and gender-diverse youth by providing free fitness programs within our community.

“The Clearview Youth Centre is excited to be a part of the Next Play program,” said Rogers. “Staff will be trained in providing girl-centred programming, and with this funding, we will be offering our first-ever girlcentred program.”

For updates on the fitness programming as well as registration details, please visit www. discoverclearview.ca/youth-centre.

Book cervical screening by appointment

(Continued from page 21)

incredible response to the clinics so far. Please pass along this message to anyone in your life without access to care – we are here for you,” said Collingwood Ob/Gyn Dr. Jennifer Tomas

The South Georgian Bay Cervical Cancer Screening Clinic is being held by appointment only in either the

morning and afternoon on June 6, 13 and 20.

Appointments for the clinic are available by booking online via www. southgeorgianbayoht.ca or by dialling 2-1-1 (24/7 bilingual helpline) for assistance with booking an online appointment.

Additional clinics may be added at future dates based on demand.

Service men and woman stand on guard for thee

by Doug Mills

As reported earlier in The Creemore

Echo, the Legion hosted 250 veterans at a recognition dinner on April 29, 2023. The event evoked thanks from the veterans and a level of appreciation they must feel infrequently.

What about Canada’s commitment to its veterans? Many return home with illnesses such as Post Traumatic Stress and other afflictions resulting from physical and mental assaults. Many of the sights they have seen never make the media nor register with us. Yet

Legion News

there are the reportedly limited benefits and treatments afforded these men and women when they return home in worse condition than when they left.

So, when you sing the words “We Stand on Guard for Thee,” please ask yourself, who stands on guard? Is it me, my friends, my MP or MPP? One thing is for certain. Our service men and women stand on guard for you, me, and our families. That is why we hold dinners to honour them.

RIVER OASIS IN CREEMORE!

68 Caroline Street West, Creemore

2.6 acres on the river in the lovely town of Creemore. Over 4700 square feet of living space complete with home gym, sauna, and accessory apartment. This park-like property is walking distance to Creemore’s picturesque downtown!

Direct: 647-981-3778

Office: 705-722-7100

Email:

CLASSIC

63 Bridge Street, Meaford

Historic opulence in one of the original homes in Meaford. Built in 1874, this 4 floor stately home is 150 meters from the waterfront near downtown. Over 6,200 square feet with many updates made. This breathtaking century home has to be seen to be appreciated!

Outdoor Seasonal Maintenance Worker

This position is responsible for a four-season outdoor community space. Duties include, but are not limited to, general maintenance, cleanliness and safety of water features, and seasonal tasks such as lawn care and leaf/snow removal, as well as assisting with setup and teardown of events as needed.

Previous experience in outdoor maintenance and operation of general equipment is preferred. Strong attention to detail and ability to identify and address potential hazards or maintenance needs is necessary, along with the ability to work independently and manage time effectively. Candidate must be available to work a flexible schedule, which may include weekends and evenings.

This is an immediate position with competitive pay. Experienced students may apply. Please email manager@creemorevillagegreen.ca or call 705-466-6555.

9U cardinals have officially begun their season with the first game coming up at the end of May.

Games& FUN

by Barbara Simpson

Canadian Criss

ACROSS

1. Exclamation of relief

5. Lake in British Columbia

9. It’s right under your nose

10. Of a city

12. City in Spain

13. Acts punishable by law

15. Squid squirt

16. Gated sections of a canal

18. On the contrary

Daddy can trees poop?

Yes, how else do we get No. 2 pencils?

NEW: Weekly blast of the Duntroon Hall's Know It All Ball trivia questions

What is tofu made from? A. Chickpea paste B. Soybean curd C. Lentils D. Fermented white beans

QUALITY HORSE HAY

Year Round Delivery 705-466-2607

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.

1991 17 FT. STARCRAFT

BOWRIDER with a 75 hp Mercury engine and trailer. One owner, good condition, $5,500 OBO. Contact Steve at 416-565-7968.

1927 MASSEY HARRIS 1.5 hp stationary engine mounted on a single axle covered trailer, plus a small grain grinder driven by the engine. Prefer to sell together. Trailer is licensed with working lights. Phone 705-428-2824.

Sale of QUALITY FURNITURE

from Large Country Home in Mulmur. King sleigh bed, armoire, dresser, 10” dining table, eight dining chairs, cabinets, console and coffee tables, couches, chairs, desk, rugs, mirrors, shelves, lamps, outdoor furniture. Call 416-617-2256.

Quick Sale - Powered GOLF PULL CART. $500. 705-466-5208.

YARD SALE

YARD SALES this Saturday on Jardine Crescent. Sunday rain date.

YARD SALE household/garden/tools. 42 Francis St. W. Saturday, May 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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 519-375-0958 or 519-986-1781.

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.

PAINTING AND PARGING

Deck pressure washing and painting. Professional workmanship. Call Don for estimate. Call 705-424-0708 or 705-816-0708.

HANDYMAN SERVICES available. Interior, exterior and landscaping. No job too small, call for a quote. Contact Duncan Miller 705-888-6017, MillerRuralIndustries@gmail.com.

DATA MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION – Compile and organize large sets of computer data. Includes spreadsheets, databases, and financial records. Contact Martin Hewitt at marty.hewitt@mail. utoronto.ca, or call at 705-443-7604.

THANK YOU

Thank you to everyone who donated items, purchased them and simply donated to the efforts of my yard sale to raise funds for Global Medics, a Canadian group who aids Ukrainians. We transferred $1,500 to them and plan to forward whatever comes from the remaining items which will be out for an ‘honour system’ donation this coming weekend. Fran Breithaupt, 209A Collingwood Street

THANK YOU

Wasn't That a Party! Thank you to my family for planning this 100th birthday celebration and to the family who came a distance to attend. My thanks also to my nieces and their helpers for advertising my 100th birthday and for helping with the preparations, especially the cake on Saturday. To the well wishers who came on Saturday, thank you. Words cannot express how overwhelmed I was. To the strangers who dropped in with gifts because they see me walking, thank you. You know who you are. Thank you also for the phone calls, birthday cards and gifts. This is a birthday I will not soon forget!

Margaret Arnold

HELP WANTED

DEATH NOTICE

DEATH NOTICE

DEATH NOTICE

DEATH NOTICE

GARTNER nee Grose, Lydia Mae (formerly Dale) – born March 5, 1932 passed away Jan. 20, 2023 in Elliot Lake, Ontario. Lydia was the fourth daughter of Mabel (McSorley) and Franklin Grose and grew up on the family farm on Ten Hill, Creemore. The first cycle of her life included Creemore Public School, then Toronto to work for Bell Telephone, marriage, and back to Creemore to raise a family. Faith in her Lord and lifelong friendships were a special support for Mom during the tragic loss of her little boys. She thrived with the skills learned while working at the Creemore Post Office which was just across the lane from home. Anyone who dropped by our house knew they would not be leaving before a wonderful home cooked meal and pie had been served at Lydia's kitchen table. Her years and stories of driving the Saskatchewan mobile sales truck selling quality safety boots to numerous mines and work sites across the prairies revealed much of her lifelong interest in meeting people, enjoying nature, a strong work ethic and mathematics! Mom's last 20+ years living in Elliot Lake were contented, spending loving years with her Joe, her BF Dominique, growing anything in her yard, enjoying the beauties of our Creator's nature and hours of killer card games with the Elliot Lake card community. May Mom rest in peace now with her Lord, her boys Phillip and Stephen (1957), her loving husband Joe (1917) and siblings Grace, Doreen and Garnet. Survived by sisters Ruth (Camrose) and Gladys (Stayner). Never to be forgotten by Marc and Jacquie, Elizabeth and Wes, granddaughter Sara, grandsons David and Daniel, four great grandchildren and a host of wonderful friends who enriched her life and whose paths she enlivened! Interment will be on Tuesday, June 6 at Creemore Cemetery at 11 a.m. All friends and family who are able to attend in remembrance of Mom are invited to a luncheon prepared at the St. John's United Church, Main Street, Creemore at 12 p.m.

MACHOLD, Rainer Klaus –Dec. 23, 1931 to May 8, 2023

Rainer died peacefully at home on May 8, 2023, in his 92nd year. He was born into a German-speaking community in the town of Troppau within what was then Czechoslovakia (present day Czech Republic) on Dec. 23, 1931, to Wilhelm and Paula Machold. A WWII survivor, he lived a full, interesting life taking up many amazing opportunities as they presented themselves. At the end of the war, he and his family moved to Goetzis, Austria. He subsequently immigrated to Syracuse, New York in his twenties and then to Creemore, Ontario. He took great pride in his careers in farming and insurance. He loved nature and the outdoors, especially skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, walking and camping. Rainer was a long-time member of the Taoist Tai Chi Society in Collingwood. He also enjoyed painting and travelling. There was no better man. Rainer is survived by his beloved wife, Rita, children, Marc, Tanya, Clea and Rhys, granddaughters, Sascha, Heidi and Finnley, sister, Gretlis, brothers, Dieter, Manfred and Eric, sons-inlaw, David and Eddy and daughter-inlaw, Malene. He will be missed by his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews and their families and many dear friends. Predeceased by his grandparents, parents, older brother, Wilhelm (Willi), aunt and uncles. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Rainer’s personal support workers, Irene, Kate, Sheila, Antan, Christine and Princess, his nurse, Kim and his family doctors, Scott Houston and Alex Pearce for their compassionate care that allowed him to fulfil his wish to die at home. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service and reception on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 1 p.m. at 2374 Riverside Drive, Creemore. Memorial Donations to Collingwood General & Marine Hospital or planting a memorial tree would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.

KNAPPETT, John Courtney –

Died peacefully on Sunday, May 14, 2023 at General & Marine Hospital, Collingwood at the age of 92. John of Stayner, formerly of Creemore, beloved husband and soul mate of Evelyn (nee Somerville) for almost 63 years. Loving father of Iris (Mike Oster), Courtney (Mary Jane), Scott (Amanda) and Heather (Geoff Harris). Cherished grandfather of Samantha, Michelle (RS), Natasha (Chris), Nathan, Natalie, Nicholas, Ocean, Jacob, Tyler, Breanna and Ryan as well great grandfather to Hudson and Asher. John was a man devoted to his family, strong willed and independent with a heart that encompassed all. His love of laughter would shine with his dry, witty sense of humour. John was a skilled welder fabricator for over 40 years, 27 of those self-employed under his brand of Knappett Welding and Repairs. Upon retiring his interest switched from metal to wood with his imagination constantly creating new projects. The only activities that might have outshined everything was the love he had for cooking and gardening, flowers or vegetables it didn’t matter (although he could cook the vegetables). John and Evelyn enjoyed many trips including England, the east and west coasts, Myrtle Beach, Florida, Nashville, Cuba and Dominican Republic. John was a proud member of the Royal British Army, who was posted for the majority of his service in Malaysia; as well a member of the Creemore Royal Canadian Legion. Words cannot describe how much he will be missed. Friends were received at the Carruthers and Davidson Funeral Home - Stayner Chapel, 7313 Highway 26, Stayner, Ontario on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 from 7 to 9 p.m. Visitors also attended a visitation at noon on Thursday, May 18, 2023 prior to the 1 p.m. funeral at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 22 Caroline Street West, Creemore. Reception followed in the church hall. Interment at Creemore Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the St. Luke’s Anglican Church or the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital Foundation for the MRI project would be appreciated by the Knappett family. To sign his book of memories please visit www.carruthersdavidson.com.

IN MEMORIAM

In loving memory of Alex Priddle, August 9, 1928-May 20, 2017. Our thoughts are ever with you Though you have passed away And those who have loved you dearly Are thinking of you today. Always remembered and deeply missed by Brian and Marj, Karen and our families.

MACDONALD, Merle – With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Merle MacDonald (nee Montgomery) of a heart attack on Sunday, May 14, 2023. Wife of Ronnie MacDonald, mother of Kaitlyn MacDonald (Tyler Barrette) and grandmother of Heidi. Sister of Barb (Bob) McArthur, Jane (late Tom) Anderson and Margie Greer (Ron McCarl). Sister-in-law to Debbie Santia, Diane (Ken) Green, Lori (Dennis) Modrits, Larry (Astrid) MacDonald, Sherry (Joe) Schaap. Aunt and great aunt to many adoring nieces, nephews, and their children. Merle is predeceased by her parents Tom and June Montgomery, father in law Ralph MacDonald and mother in law Marie MacDonald. Merle had several passions in her life outside of her professional career which included keeping busy by taking on all sorts of DIY projects and she loved to spoil her friends, family, coworkers, and the community with her incredible baking, especially her incredible carrot cakes. Merle was also a very gifted seamstress, her talents and creativity for operating a sewing machine and needle and thread that she could do almost anything from hemming her nephew's pants to creating blankets, pillows, and clothing from scratch. She was a talented athlete, who loved the friendships and the competition. Merle was a dedicated Educational Assistant with the Simcoe County District School Board for over 30 years, with 20 of those years, being the welcoming smile students were greeted with every morning at the Creemore school. Her love and support for the students and their families she supported did not end when the bell rang at the end of the school day, she also cared tremendously about her coworkers, being well known around the entire board. Merle was an active member in the community always wanting to show her support by either being present for local events, volunteering when she could and contributing to community dinners. A celebration of life will be held between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the Creemore Legion. Donations can be made to Hospice Georgian Triangle, Sick Kids, or a charity of your choice in memory of Merle. Friends may visit Merle’s online Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com.

217 Gideon Street, Stayner, ON L0M 1S0

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

Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm

Communications are available in alternative formats upon request.

SUMMER STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

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

Job #2023–014 Pool Instructors / Lifeguards (2 positions)

These jobs work 32-44 hours per week (early June to early September 2023) All resumes must be received electronically through the Human Resources department at: hr@clearview.ca

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

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

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

ASSISTANT - CHILDREN’S SUMMER READING AND OUTREACH PROGRAMS

1 STUDENT POSITION - JOB #2023-025: START DATE: JUNE 27, 2023

The Clearview Public Library (Stayner, Creemore and Sunnidale) is seeking one (1) student for our Children’s summer reading and outreach programs (summer festivals).

Qualifications and Abilities required:

- Must be a current active student and be enrolled in a College or University program for Sept. 2023

- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with children effectively

- Excellent reading ability

- Must have reliable transportation

- Ability to work in all three library branches located in Creemore, New Lowell and Stayner

Hours of work: Approximately 30 hours per week. The position includes evening and weekend shifts.

Wage: $18.50 per hour plus 4% vacation pay.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume and covering letter, quoting Job # 2023-025 by June 8, 2023 to:

Jennifer La Chapelle, CEO 269 Regina St., ON L0M 1S0 or Email: jlachapelle@clearview.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note: In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act., please contact Human Resources for accommodation inquiries or requirements at 705-428-6230 x. 255

CROSSING GUARD PERMANENT, PART-TIME CREEMORE LOCATION

The Corporation of the Township of Clearview

The Township of Clearview is currently seeking a permanent part-time Crossing Guard in Creemore beginning September 5, 2023.

The shift is 8:00 am to 8:30 am, then 2:50 pm to 3:20 pm, Monday to Friday. This work schedule is subject to change based on the Simcoe County School Board’s schedule.

NEW YEAR - NEW HOME! FIND YOURS WITH US

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

AUSTIN BOAKE

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.

CreemoreHillsRealty.com

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:

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 # 2023-024 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

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