January 2, 2009

Creemore

Echo

News and views in and around Creemore Publications Mail Agreement # 40024973

Friday, January 2, 2009

Vol 9 No. 01

ANNUAL YEAR END ISSUE!!

Newsmaker of the Year

Robyn Gignac checks out the view from the new playground equipment at Gowan Park.

2008 Year in Review PAUL RUPPEL

by Brad Holden If there’s a not-so-well-kept secret among Creemore’s volunteer community, it’s this: if you want to get something done, you call Paul Ruppel.

Few people throw themselves as tirelessly into volunteer projects as Ruppel does, and the list of things he has achieved since he and his wife Jean moved to town in 1995 is impressive.

This year, he was a regular photo subject in the Creemore Echo, guiding the ongoing makeover of the Station on the

Green property. He also stepped down as president of the Mad & Noisy Gallery board, a position he has held since the day in 2001 when Jim Vandewater, thinking an artist’s co-op might be an appropriate tenant for his new building on Mill Street, did what anyone in Creemore who wants to get something done would do: he called Ruppel.

Also past vice-president of the Creemore Curling Club, vice-president of the Probus Club of Blue Mountain and convener of the Creemore Companions of the Quaich (okay, it’s a Scotch-tasting club, but still…), Ruppel has basically turned volunteering into a fulltime job since his retirement in 1998.

“It’s just what I’ve always done,” says Ruppel, remembering the countless soccer and hockey teams he coached while he and Jean raised their family in Montreal, as well as a Scout group that went from nearly non-existent to thriving during the years he was in charge.

“That one is a funny story,” he (See “Volunteer” on page 3)

by Brad Holden In our minds, a “Newsmaker of the Year” can be one of two things: it can be the person who showed up most often in the news, as is usually the case when a politician wins this honour, or it can be the person responsible for the one act that will have the most effect on Creemore in the years to come.

This year, we’ve selected Robyn Gignac, for reasons that clearly fit the latter criteria.

A quiet and unassuming mother of six-year-old Jullian and nine-month-old Hannah, Gignac was not on anybody’s list of potential nominees for this award when the year dawned in January. But after countless visits to the antiquated playground at Gowan Park, she set something very special in motion.

“I just saw something that needed to be made better, and I was sick of hearing people complaining,” she said, reflecting

2008

Year in Review ROBYN GIGNAC on her year. “I was complaining myself a little bit, and I didn’t like that.”

So rather than continue complaining, Gignac picked up the phone, called the Township and asked if there was anything that could be done about the situation. Her timing was impeccable – to (See “Newsmaker” on page 3)

Volunteer of the Year

Paul Ruppel where you’ll usually find him: in the vicinity of his beloved Station on the Green.

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• CREEMORE ECHO •

Friday, January 2, 2009

Editorial

CREEMORE

Happy New Year!

Another year, another Year End Issue. And as always, another chance to thank some of the people who make this little community newspaper a reality.

We operate a little differently than most of the papers you’ll run into out there, and we’re proud of that fact. It’s rare these days for a newspaper to be fully owned and operated right in the community it services, and while it might not be the most profitable business model, we believe it’s the most beneficial to readers. We care about Creemore, and we hope that is reflected in these pages.

We also have a wonderful roster of contributors, something that’s been lost elsewhere in this era of community paper conglomeration. These people also care about Creemore, and the enthusiasm, expertise and insight they bring to their respective subject areas bring a lot of life to the Echo.

So here’s our chance to say thanks: thanks to Judith Andrade and Gertrude King for their holistic health news, to Tim Armour for his hilarious poetry, to Sandra Bednarek for her commitment to her community; and to Helen Blackburn for her encyclopedic knowledge of our collective history.

2008 Year in Review SMILES

We take a lot of pictures over the course of a year, so we ask a lot of people to give us a smile.

Here are some of our favourites from 2008.

Creemore Echo 3 Caroline St. W., Box 1219 Creemore, ON L0M 1G0 (705) 466-9906 Fax: (705) 466-9908 2007 WINNER Website:www.creemore.com Email: info@creemore.com Publication Agreement # 40024973 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to the above address

Chairman: Jim Vandewater Publisher: Craig Simpson Editor: Brad Holden Office Manager: Georgi Denison Sales Coordination/Production: Sara Hershoff Special Projects: Phil Stevenson Contributors Judith Andrade - Wholly Healthy Tim Armour - Poet Laureate Sandra Bednarek - New Lowell News Helen Blackburn - Local History Rod Bradfield - Travel Tips Allen Clarke - Esoterica Debbie Clum - Golf Tips Elaine Collier - Creemore Dish Bryan Davies - Photo Corner Cat Flack - Sayings Sylvia Gale - Seniors Alex Hargrave - Sports Zone Pat Kells - Legion News Rev. Cathy Miller - Spiritual Matters Thom Paterson - Ward 4 Matters Dr. Neil Patrick - Health Matters Glenn Perrett - Green Living Catherine Randall - From the Bookshelf Robin Randall - Your Financial Health Ken Thornton - Spike & Rusty Lisa Timpf - View From the Ridge The Creemore Echo is published every Friday and distributed free locally. Editorial and advertising material deadline is Tuesday at 5 pm. To receive your weekly copy of the Echo by email for $45, please contact us at info@creemore.com.

Subscriptions available from $45 (includes GST) per year.

Thanks to Rod Bradfield for his wandering spirit; to Al Clarke for his endless curiosity; to Debbie Clum for her game-changing golf tips; and to Elaine Collier for her delectable dispatches. Thanks to Bryan Davies for his photographic advice; to Cat Flack for her timely sayings; to Sylvia Gale for being the heart and soul of this newspaper; and to Alex Hargrave for his sporty storytelling. Thanks to Pat Kells for her Legion news; to Rev. Cathy Miller and her colleagues for their spiritual musings; to Thom Paterson for his Ward 4 updates and to Dr. Neil Patrick for his chiropractic advice. Thanks to Glenn Perrett for his green guidance; to Catherine Randall for her literary suggestions; to Robin Randall for his financial assistance; to Ken Thornton for Spike and Rusty (and the banana muffins); and to Lisa Timpf for her reflections on rural life.

Thanks also, and most importantly, to our loyal subscribers and advertisers for their support throughout the year. We remain committed to being the best community newspaper we can be, and without your help that would be impossible.

To all our readers, have a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Weekend Weather Typical winter weather.

Friday, January 2 Flurries High -5 Low -11 Wind 10 km/h NW POP 40%

Saturday, January 3 Cloudy High -3 Low -9 Wind 20 km/h W POP 20%

Sunday, January 4 Mainly sunny High -2 Low -6 Wind 20 km/h W POP 10%

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CREEMORE ECHO •

Friday, January 2, 2009 •

3

Community Calendar Upcoming Events Saturday, January 3 • BYOB (Bring your own bags) at Creemore Foodland.

• Bottle Drive for the Skateboard Park from 9 am to noon. Please put your wine & beer bottles at the end of your driveway on Saturday morning. (This will ensure that we get them & not the recycle truck!) We have raised $3200 but our goal is $4500. For rural pickups, call Cole McArthur at 466-3734.

• Steve McDonald’s show “Views From The Valley: Works On Paper” opening at Curiosity House from 2 to 4 pm. Come & see these delightful coloured sketches of Creemore & surrounding landscapes.

Sunday, January 4 • United Church of Canada – St. John’s United, Creemore at 10:15 am. No services at Avening or New Lowell.

• St. Andrew’s Maple Cross Presbyterian Church, 1 Caroline Street West. Worship & Sunday School at 10 am. “Where Jesus is Lord, all are welcome.” Rev. Elizabeth Inglis.

• The Salvation Army Hope Acres Community Church, situated in Mulmur Township, invite you to their Sunday Church Services at 10:45 am. For more information call (705) 466-3435.

• Join us at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 22 Caroline St. W. for a joyful service of worship and Children’s Program at 11 am.

Thursday, January 8 • Today is the deadline for submissions to Creemore-Centric ‘09. Drop in to Mad&Noisy Gallery before today & a $20 submission fee will buy you a canvas, frame & create a piece of art that is related to life in Creemore. CreemoreCentric Art Show opens Saturday, January 10.

Friday, January 9 • Pick-up Basketball and Volleyball (alternating weeks) every Friday 7:30 to 9:30 pm at Nottawasaga and Creemore Public School. For males and females ages 13 to adult. No charge.

For more info call Laura 466-6844. Please note: program will not run on school holidays, PA days, or closures until April ‘09.

• Friday Night Supper at Creemore Legion

from 5 to 7 pm. Call 466-2202 or 466-2432 to reserve your seat.

Saturday, January 10 • Collingwood Music Festival’s Annual Brunch and Concert featuring world-renowned lyric tenor Mark DuBois. A delicious Café Chartreuse-catered brunch at 11 am, followed by a 1 pm presentation of Mark Dubois performing the works of Schubert, Bernstein, Verdi, Mozart, Britten, Massenet, Schumann and Lehar. Tickets available at Curiosity House Book or by calling 1-888-283-1712, online at www.collingwoodmusicfestival.com • Community Baby Shower for Sheila Goodfellow/ Oster at Avening Community Centre from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Everyone welcome.

• Creemore-Centric Art Show Opening at Mad & Noisy Gallery from 2 to 5 pm. Come see how your neighbours feel about Creemore.

Sunday, January 11 • A Gift of Music Concert at St. Luke’s Anglican Church at 3 pm featuring Woodwind Trio. Tickets $15 per concert or 4 for $50. Refreshments. Tickets available at Curiosity House Books or at door.

Newsmaker of the Year: Robyn Gignac (Continued from page 1) her surprise, she found out there was actually $25,000 set aside in the Township’s 2008 budget for upgrades to the playground.

A meeting was arranged at the park, and Gignac was able to survey the site with Councillor Thom Paterson and Barry Lavers of the Township recreation department. They were open to taking her advice about what to purchase, but there was one problem: $25,000 gets you just about nowhere with the cost of modern-day playground equipment. A quick perusal of the catalogues showed them that anything close to what Gignac was dreaming about would cost upwards of $60,000.

“Basically, they told me I needed to raise $42,000,” said Gignac. “But I have to give Thom credit – he made me believe I could do it.”

Running in the kid-friendly circles that she does, Gignac was able to bring in some talented help right away. Dorothy Gray came up with a name, “Spark for the Park,” and Laurie Copeland created an eyecatching logo. Gignac made a bunch of t-shirts, enlisted a bunch of family and friends, and set up a pizza table at the Lions Club’s Canada Day celebrations.

“We made about $400 – our first bank deposit,” she remembered. “I think that’s when the Township realized I was serious. They said, ‘see what you can raise, and come see us again at the end of August.’”

The next fundraiser, a burger and fries night at the Old Mill House Pub, raised $600. A few donations started arriving. And then something truly magical happened.

Sandra Lackie, who knows a thing or two about contests, mentioned a $25,000 Kraft Canada promotion to Gray, who in turn told Gignac. To win the money, you had to submit an essay explaining why your community park needed an upgrade above all others.

Gignac knew exactly who she needed to write the essay – her brother-in-law Dan Clements, a published

author and gifted wordsmith. And Clements hit it out of the park.

Gignac got the call from Kraft on the August long weekend, a moment she says was “pretty exciting,” to say the least. “Then people really started to take us seriously.”

The day after the Kraft news came out in the Echo, there were nine cheques in Gignac’s mailbox. And they kept rolling in throughout the month of August, many times accompanied by little cards telling stories about people’s children and grandchildren playing at Gowan Park over the years.

“That’s what really made me feel good,” said Gignac. “I don’t need the recognition, I don’t need the spotlight… but to think that this is something for the whole community, that feels pretty good.”

In the end, Gignac was able to raise $23,000 from

Volunteer: Paul Ruppel

(Continued from page 1) remembers with a trademark glint in his eye. Apparently, the group was hurting for lack of parent volunteers when Ruppel took over. How did he fix the problem? “Well, there was a sign-up sheet with a little box on it. If the parents wanted to volunteer, they checked off the box.

We just let it be known that if that box wasn’t checked, your kid might not get into the pack.”

That’s kind of how Ruppel operates, to this day. He finds ways to get things done, regardless of whatever rules or red tape might be in the way. His first big volunteer experience after moving to Creemore was a fine example. With Collingwood set to host the 1997 Special Olympics and much of the organization severely behind schedule, Ruppel jumped into the fray, working the phones and managing to get 4,000 signs produced in under a month.

Creemore Skate Park

Bottle Drive

Saturday, January 3, 9 to noon Help us reach our fundraising goal of $4500 for new skatepark equipment 3 CAROLINE ST. W. CREEMORE

705-466-5775 bryandavies.com

the community in a little under 10 weeks. Add that to the $25,000 from Kraft and the $25,000 from the Township, and you get the wonderful playground that now sits in the park. You also get a new basketball half-court and several benches and picnic tables, to be installed next spring. And if Gignac has any left over at the end, she intends to donate it to the Skateboard Park fundraising effort.

At the opening ceremony, Gignac thanked a long list of people, and she’s quick to say she wouldn’t have got any of this done without them. Thom Paterson comes up frequently, as does Laurie Copeland.

But in the end, it’s Robyn Gignac who earns this year’s honour as the Newsmaker of the Year. There will surely be thousands of smiles on thousands of kids’ faces for years to come as a result of her efforts.

Please leave your bottles at the end of your driveway on Saturday morning

For more info or for rural pick-up please call Cole 466-3734

Soon after that, he became involved with the Purple Hills Arts and Heritage Society, heading up the Fall Colours Studio Tour for nine consecutive years and in the process discovering one of his great loves, working with artists.

It was knowledge of that love, together with Ruppel’s growing reputation for results, that led Vandewater to call him with his idea for a gallery on Mill Street.

Ruppel dove in headfirst, assuming the role of president, personally writing the 40-page application that secured the Mad & Noisy a $125,000 Trillium Grant and guiding the organization to where it is today.

Ruppel was also, of course, a key player in the fundraising efforts for the Station on the Green. Today, he is the last-remaining original board member for that institution.

“Everyone else serves three-year terms,” he says.

“Beside my name, it says, ‘term undetermined.’ I guess I’m a lifetime member.”

On any given day, Ruppel can be found at the Station, working on the grounds, keeping things neat and tidy or installing the latest improvement (many bought with money Ruppel has personally fought for at Township Council meetings). Usually, there is a team of Station board members helping him, and if you look closely, you’ll realize that a good many of them are actually Ruppel’s neighbours.

“That’s sort of the secret to what I do,” says Ruppel, joking that the properties in close proximity to his house should have a special zoning designation that makes volunteering mandatory. “Really, if you want to get something done, you just have to ask.”

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• CREEMORE ECHO •

Friday, January 2, 2009

2008

Community Christmas Once again, the volunteer team of Diane and Brian McKay, Matthew Flett, Ali Woodley, Tim Armour, Karen Johnson and Murray Firth hosted a Christmas Day dinner at Station on the Green, making sure everyone in the community has the opportunity for fellowship on that special day.

Year in Review

MAJOR EVENTS

The Creemore calendar is full of activities to look forward to throughout the year.

Hola!

The 39th annual Creemore Skating Carnival took its audience on a trip around the world, including a stop in Mexico where Hannah Buijs, Victoria Durham, McKenzie Blair, Hailey Sacerty, Karine Talbot and Kelsey Lammie performed in their sombreros.

Earth Day Celebrations got started with BIA members, including Anne Madill, Anne Emerton and Judy Parsons of Creemore Village Pharmacy, sweeping the sidewalks up and down Mill Street.

Proud Canadian The Harold Crawford Memorial Parade kicked off the Canada Day festivities and featured an assortment of two, three and four-wheelers all decked out in red and white.

Fisherman’s Breakfast In addition to serving up hearty breakfasts, this popular Dunedin event includes a bake sale of homemade goodies. Here Dariel Lindsay, Dale Gee and Nancy Falconer show off a chocolate truffle cheesecake created by Jamie Darling.

Magic Friday Mill Street was closed to cars and then filled up with kids enthralled with the magic show put on by celebrity magician Andy Barrie.

Tractor Rally Though only in its second year, the Dunedin Tractor Rally started by Jamie Adam is attracting antique tractor buffs throughout the region. This year Jamie led the parade up Mill Street before heading out into the country.

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CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, January 2, 2009 •

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Cheers Mayor Ken Ferguson, BIA President Craig Simpson and Deputy Mayor Alicia Savage drank a toast to the always successful Creemore Springs Copper Kettle Festival.

See you at the fair!

The 153rd edition of the Great Northern Exhibition featured an array of activities, but maintained its focus around kids, animals and all things agricultural. Jessica Whitley and her father Jim proudly showed their donkey Shadow in the Best Dressed Animal division.

Purple Hills Tour Dorothy Shropshire has been painting for years, and this year became an official studio tour artist, adding her collection of watercolours to the wide variety of art on display during what is always one of Creemore’s busiest weekends.

Creemore Mocks The Mocks Film Festival continues to grow, attracting more submissions and bigger audiences to watch them. Mark Ruzylo (above left) won the First Place Mocksie Award, while Laura Yates and M.K. Lynde (left) earned the Second Place Mocksie and won both the Audience Choice Award and the Creemore Springs Frothquaffers Prize.

Creemore Remembers

Halloween in Creemore A Halloween tradition continued this year, with several Mill Street merchants arriving for work in costume. From left to right are Sam Robinson, Norma Panzine, Abbey Ewing, Linda Cockton, Joanne Garlick and Wendy Christophoridis.

You’ll get a warm welcome and cold beer.

S e r g e a n t - a t - A r m s To m Hesselgrave led a colour party from the Creemore Legion to place wreaths at the Creemore Cenotaph. The annual service at the Legion followed this ceremony.

Santa Claus Parade Even Santa is still talking about the fantastic parade organized by John Blohm that highlighted the annual Christmas in the Valley weekend.

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Steve MacDonald “Views for the Valley” Opening Reception Saturday, January 3 2 to 4 open 7 days a week (705) 466 -3400 Mill St. Creemore

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• CREEMORE ECHO •

Friday, January 2, 2009

2008

Year in Review BIGGEST STORIES

After several years of heated debate, high-flying rhetoric and expensive Ontario Municipal Board hearings regarding the Alliance and MacIntosh developments, 2008 felt like a bit of a quiet one in the news department.

Many of us started the year underwater, when one of the biggest flood events anyone can remember threatened to wash away Avening, parts of Stayner and many basements here in Creemore. And we ended the year much the same way – or at least it felt that way for anyone brave enough to venture down our soggy and potholeridden main street.

In the intervening months, 2008 was a year of small stories, some of which looked like they might become bigger ones but never did and others that remained exactly what they were: slices of life that reminded us that we live in a fascinating little town, one that’s never quite sure of what it is, let alone what it wants to become.

In the spring, an agricultural era ended when the Gordons finally closed the doors on the feedmill that’s long been at the centre of town. About the same time, word came that the OMB

had approved the 498-home Alliance development, a sign that the future might be a little different around here.

There were flare-ups at Council as our elected representatives struggled to find their groove, but at the same time they were able to create the Township’s first Strategic Plan, a document that will have a positive impact for years to come.

ATV enthusiasts hopeful of using Township roads were sent away to do more homework, the Lions said goodbye, the Braves won their fourth in a row, Helena headed off to Ottawa once again and the community rallied to build a new playground at Gowan Park.

And all the time, there was that word. Growth. Council talked about it, the Echo wrote about it, the County struggled with it, some people spoke out about it and others seemed altogether uninterested in it. But whether any kind of consensus has been reached about it – well, that remains to be seen.

It was that kind of year. See you in 2009!

CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, January 2, 2009 •

2008

7

Creemorecentric Donna Baylis was one of 54 local residents who contributed 10” by 10” artwork to “Creemorecentric,” a Mad & Noisy Gallery show dedicated to capturing the essence of Creemore from those who live here.

The show is returning in 2009, with an opening on Saturday, January 10 from 2 to 5 pm.

Year in Review

HAPPENINGS

Rockin’ the ACC North

Beyond the full schedule of annual events, there are countless “happenings” throughout the year.

Andrew Penner of the Sunparlour Players (left) and James McKenty of the Spades (right) each headlined a Friends of the Mad River show at the Avening Hall this year. The concerts are gaining a reputation far and wide for top-quality music and top-quantity fun. Next show: Fred Eaglesmith returns on Friday, March 20.

Lodge Provides Defibrillator These members of the Creemore Nitetis Lodge walked and rode from Creemore to the General & Marine Hospital in Collingwood, raising $2,200 for a new defibrillator located at the Home Hardware on Mill Street.

NCPS Graduation Caleigh McKenzie and Michelle Nuttley were two of 37 graduating NCPS students who had a night to remember.

SLOW Food Feast Bill Mann was one of several members of the Clearview Eco Action Network serving up wonderful local food at this 2nd annual event.

Walk N’ Wheel-A-Thon Koni Jones and Carm Gowan led the annual parade of Leisureworld Creedan Valley residents up Mill Street in their annual fundraiser for the centre’s bus fund.

Burger Night for the Park The Old Mill House Pub sold 155 burger & fries deals on this particular Tuesday night and donated more than $600 to the Creemore Park Project for new playground equipment.

Apple Pie Judging The Creemore Heritage Apple Society held its second annual Apple Festival at the Farmers’ Market. Here the judges examine one of the many entries; clockwise from lower left: Bill Mann (in the hat), Pat Prime, Gram Giffen, Paul Millsap and Al Clarke.

Curling Club Anniversaries Thanks, Kraft!

A big crowd, including Clearview Mayor Ken Ferguson, was on hand to see Robyn Gignac receive a cheque for $25,000 from Kraft Canada. Combined with another $25,000 from the Township and $23,000 raised in the community, the funds were used for a major upgrade to the playground equipment at Gowan Park.

The Creemore Curling Club hosted an open house to celebrate a trio of anniversaries: the 80th year of the club’s founding, 50 years with artificial ice, and 30 years in the current home at the Community Centre. Another tradition has been participation in the Quebec City International Bonspiel every year since 1970, and this group of curlers have represented Creemore down through the years. Back row: Jack Heslip, Paul Millsap, Dennis Millsap, Paul Crevier, Steve Lindsay and Wayne Thom; front row: Neil Rowbotham and Bob McLeod.

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• CREEMORE ECHO •

Friday, January 2, 2009

2008 Year in Review

ACHIEVEMENTS

Joyce Smith

Congratulations to all these members of our community for their extraordinary efforts.

Former Councillor and New Lowell resident Joyce Smith received two awards early in the year. She was presented with the Clearview Senior of the Year Award for 2007 by Deputy Mayor Alicia Savage and Mayor Ken Ferguson in January, and then a month later the James Bain Medallion for Public Trustee of the Year by the Ontario Library Association.

Band Finishes First The NCPS band travelled to the Barrie Music Festival and placed first in their division with a score of 89.

Creemore Tree Committee These members of the committee had a successful weekend at the Garden & Home Show, raising more than $3,000 for new trees on Mill Street: Diane McKay, Tracey Kolowska, Donna Sitter, Al Eagle, Cathy Sumner and Brian McKay.

Hometown Hero Creemore resident Ed Van Severen works as a fulltime firefighter in Brampton and also volunteers with the Clearview Fire Department. On his way home on May 26 he came upon a car that had flipped over into a water-filled ditch. A five-year old boy was strapped into his car seat in the back of the car as it filled with water. Ed was able to get the boy out of his seat and then administer artificial respiration to bring him to. “I wasn’t going to tell anybody about this incident,” said Ed. “I’m just glad I was able to help out the way I did.”

Hockey Award A host of hardware was handed out at the annual Creemore Minor Hockey Awards Banquet. The Reg Westbrooke Memorial trophy is presented for effort and dedication over the years to the success of Creemore Minor Hockey. Dana Edwards (left) was the recipient of this special award, presented by Donna Harper.

Ace Pitcher The Braves won their fourth consecutive N o r t h D u ff e r i n B a s e b a l l L e a g u e Championship, beating New Lowell in an extra inning of the seventh and deciding game. Pitcher Brad Grieveson earned the Game 5 win on Saturday and then came back on Sunday to go the distance in the team’s 3-2 victory in Game 7.

Skateboard Park Fundraisers At the time this picture was taken in October, Cole McArthur and his fellow fundraisers had earned nearly $2,800 – mostly by collecting returnable bottles. Their goal is $4,200, which will purchase additional equipment suitable for users of all ages and abilities.

Committed Employee The 2008 Leisureworld Award of Excellence for Commitment was won by Debbie Gallaugher (right), who has worked at the Creedan Valley residence for 27 years.

Presenting the award at a special ceremony in Markham was Creedan Valley director of administration Paula Rentner.

Senior of the Year Glen Huron resident Eileen “Gram” Giffen, who’s still busy baking pies at age 90, was selected as Clearview Township’s Senior of the Year for 2008.

Here, she accepts the award from Deputy Mayor Alicia Savage and Mayor Ken Ferguson.

CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, January 2, 2009 •

2008

9

Mary Wines 80th Birthday Mary Wines celebrated with family and friends at the Sovereign.

Year in Review

MILESTONES

Bob Veale 80th Birthday Edith and Bob Veale are all smiles following receipt of some memorable gifts from Sylvia Gale.

The community hosted many special occasions throughout 2008. The Echo apologizes in advance for any milestone dates we may have missed.

Dorothy Gray Retires After 22 years as the founder and executive director of Teddy Bears Picnic, Dorothy Gray (right) retired in February and was replaced by Shannon Hatherley (left).

Affairs 5th Anniversary Norma Panzine hosted a party for her employees, including Elise Craig, to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Affairs Bakery & Catering.

Jean Cook 85th Birthday The Legion was the scene of a come and go tea to celebrate Jean Cook’s 85th birthday.

Howard Noble 90th Birthday A long line of well-wishers formed at the Station on the Green to extend birthday greetings to Howard Noble, seen here with his son Wayne and daughter-in-law Hilda.

Effie Campbell 100th Birthday

Cut and Dried Flower Farm

Sister Helen (left) was part of the large group of family and friends to celebrate Effie Campbell’s 100th birthday.

Katie Dawson and Chris Martin celebrated their business’s 15 th anniversary in the spring.

Getting ready for their busiest time of year, Katie (centre) prepares a greenhouse with the help of Sandi White (left) and Darlene McKever.

Gerry Blackburn 80th Birthday Gerry Blackburn received birthday greetings from this flock of flamingos dispatched by his daughter Lynn all the way from Vancouver Island.

2 x 90 = 180!

Eileen “Gram” Giffen and Effie Taylor were serenaded by the Big Heart Seniors to honour their respective 90th birthdays.

Norma Johnston 80th Birthday Five of Norma Johnston’s seven children were available for this birthday portrait. Back row: Loreen, Mary, Brian and Kevin; front row: Diane and Norma.

Ken Thornton 90th Birthday

Jack and Winona Heslip 65th Anniversary Jack and Winona Heslip were all smiles as they greeted and shared stories with the many well-wishers attending their come and go tea at the United Church.

As will come as no surprise to those who know him, Ken Thornton organized his own party for over 200 people at the Legion. And no one had a better time than Ken, who here enjoys a laugh from one of his many cards.

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• CREEMORE ECHO •

Friday, January 2, 2009

2008

New Lowell Library A mix of old and new, the library celebrated its official opening in June, and immediately made a major impact on the New Lowell community.

Year in Review

Just Push Play Arcade

OPENINGS

With help of their 12-year old friend Mitchell Merrit, who is battling kidney disease, Mike and Michelle Zorychta opened their business in March. Proceeds from that first day were donated to the Make a Wish Foundation.

Change is the only constant, and once again the year saw several businesses close, some move and others open up.

Bank Café Nancy Johnston opened her Bank Café in May and the smell of cinnamon buns has wafted up and down Mill Street ever since.

Angel House B&B Councillor Thom Paterson helped owners and operators Kate Steer, Darryl Ceccarelli and Pat Steer cut the ribbon to officially open their Nelson Street B&B in May.

With Our Hands Tracy Menzies opened her one-of-a-kind craft store on Airport Road in May and then moved the operation to 145 Mill Street in August.

100 Mile Store Inspired by the growing trend in locally produced, organic foods, Sandra Lackie and Jackie Durnford opened their store at 176 Mill Street in late August.

Magazine Publishers Mike Dunphy (left) and his wife Rebecca Chisholm started North of 89 from their home in Wasaga Beach in 2007, and its immediate success required the need for office space, which the couple found on Mill Street next to the bookstore. They’ve since added Canadian Architecture & Design to their list of publishing credits.

Seasons in Creemore Bev Stableforth and Denise Kacerevich are two of four partners in Creemore’s newest venture, Seasons in Creemore.

• Service Directory • General Practise of Law Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Drywall • Painting Carpentry • Tile Work Masonry • Roofing

Make one call - we do it all

JOHN L. FERRIS Barrister & Solicitor

General Contracting Renovations & Repairs

190 Mill Street T 705-466-3888

T. NASH

PLUMBING Servicing Creemore and surrounding area

(705) 466-5807 Licensed and insured

Over 30 years experience

Neil I McAvoy 705.466.3804

Ramona A. Greer CGA Certified General Accountant 28 Elizabeth Street East Creemore, Ontario

(Division of 1599674 ONTARIO INC.)

(705) 466-2602 (705) 428-6072 NEW HOMES, ADDITIONS & RENOVATIONS

Valley Auto & Tech

Member of the Certified General Accountants of Ontario

Bus. (705) 428-3393 ~ Res. (705) 466-2343

TOWING Towing at its best!

For all your towing and recovery needs!

Kells Service Centre 80 High Street, Collingwood (705) 445-3421 • Fax (705) 445-7404

(705) 422-0114 1-866-629-5396 georgianbay@mollymaid.ca

Relieve your stress Feel calm & refreshed

Enviro-safe cleaning supplies

(705) 445-8713

SWIFTLY SLENDER, THE CELEBRITY SECRET

Master Painter

(705) 466-5572

PLUMBER

Snow Removal

Jason Gardner Call for your free estimate

Seasonal and per visit pricing

Tel: (705) 466-3519

705.888.0224

Qualified service for all your plumbing needs

Cleaning Service

detoxifying Bodywrap Therapy by Megan

466-6737

Paul Briggs Over 25 Years Experience

from $30 by appointment or by chance

416-278-6529 • 705-434-4005

424-1862

Call Rose (really)

REIKI TREATMENTS

1 Elizabeth St. W. Creemore

5992 Con 2, New Lowell

We weed, prune, edge, plant, water,

8427 Conc Rd 3 Lisle (705) 424-9993

Hazel Davies Reiki Master

Prints • Supplies • Lessons FRAMING OF ALL ART

Gardening Angels

For all your automotive needs

Lose 6 to 20” in 1 Hour Guaranteed

Heather’s Paper Tole & Custom Framing

The

cultivate, topdress, etc.

705-466-2149

www.mollymaid.ca

Over 30 years experience

Residential & Commercial

We don’t cut corners, we clean them!

call for your FREE estimate

Ed Thomas (705) 429-8415 trianglewoodfloors.com

218 Main Street,

Machine Shop Facility • Custom Steel Fabrication & repairs • Decorative Iron Railing, Fences & Gates 8:00a.m. to 4:30 p.m.-Monday to Friday Book ahead for Saturday Service Don Brearey or Gloria Howie

• Insured & Bonded Staff • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Repairs & restores old wood floors Installs new or antique random plank Sands & finishes onsite to your specs

For Holistic Help in Your Garden...Your Way

Garry Stamp, Owner/Operator

Interlocking Stone Carpentry and Renovations Painting and Drywall Asphalt Shingles Evan Dodd Contractor - Creemore Phone (705) 730-3915

Triangle Wood Floors

Safety’s & Fuel Injection

Repairs to all makes of cars and light trucks!

(705) 466-2171

D-ODD JOB

phone 466-3334 • fax 466-5166

Verstegen Homes

Contact Kelly Martin Bus (705) 466-5124 Cell (416) 708-8489

for a quote please call

Susan’s Grooming Salon PROFESSIONAL GROOMING FOR ALL BREEDS 31 Caroline St. E East entrance OPEN Mon-Fri Call for appointments

(705) 466-3746

Painting & Repair Contracting Expert Painting Professional Masonry Repair Handyman Services Over 20 Years Experience

New Lowell • 424-0708

CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, January 2, 2009 •

The Classifieds FOR SALE Seasoned FIREWOOD for sale. Delivery available. Call Bruce Kidd. 466-6728.

FOR RENT Winter Ski Rental: December toApril. THE RIVER HOUSE in Dunedin, 15 minutes from Devil’s Glen. Newly-renovated, open 3 bedroom Victorian, pine floors, antiques, skylights, private, comfortable. Please call Lynn Connell at (416) 951-6528.

11

2008

Year in Review PICTURES If a picture is worth a thousand words, then here is five thousand worth of highlights from throughout the year.

LESSONS / CLASSES Private PIANO LESSONS in Creemore.

Learn to play from an experienced teacher & performer. Now accepting new students. Call (705) 791-5234.

Great Teamwork Among the range of fun activities at the New Lowell Winterama is the log sawing contest, which was won by the team of Mayor Ken Ferguson and Ward 6 Councillor Roger McGillvray.

HALL RENTAL Rent CREEMORE LEGION HALL for birthdays, anniversaries or special events. Call Creemore Legion at 466-2202 or call Robin Boyce at 466-6050 for details.

First Grape Harvest Chuck Magwood’s 4 Wheel Farm features the first working vineyard in the area, and this fall Chuck harvested his first crop of organically grown grapes.

Fountain Facelift

Bryan Davies Photo

Copper Kettle Classics

Ralph Hicks’ beautiful fountain in Horticultural Park had collected some unwanted calcium and Station on the Green board members Bill McDougall and Rowlie Fleming were part of the work party that cleaned things up. A water softener was subsequently installed to prevent this problem from reoccurring.

Classic cars have become an important component of the Copper Kettle Festival, and Mill Street provides an ideal showcase for the various models and styles.

Cadets Help Tree Committee

705 812.1611

Charlie Company at Base Borden’s Blackdown Army Cadet Summer Training Centre worked hard pulling weeds and spreading mulch around the George Street lilac gardens.

172 Mill St. Unit C, Creemore

Sales and Rental Centre Selling Recreational Properties

Discover The Path...

Throughout the Devil’s Glen & Creemore Area

A Touchstone for Health and Wellness

www.discoverthepath.com

REPAIRS TO ALL MAKES AND MODELS

Cars - Vans - Light Trucks Tires - Fuel Injection - Electronics MTO Safety Inspection Performance Parts & Service (705) 428-0550

8A Caroline Street West, Creemore 705-466-2387 • 866-794-0779 Services * Information * Books & Products

Breedon’s Automotive

1-888-892-2574

www.seaandski.on.ca

310 Montreal Street Stayner, ON L0M 1S0 John & Kim Breedon

12

• CREEMORE ECHO •

Friday, January 2, 2009

2008 Year in Review

PEOPLE

Meet the Mayors This picture, taken at a meeting of the Clearview Township Ratepayers Association, is symbolic of a trend that has the area’s municipalities working closer together on major issues such as water and sewer infrastructure and economic development (left to right): Chris Carrier of Collingwood, Cal Patterson of Wasaga Beach, Ellen Anderson of the Town of the Blue Mountains, and Ken Ferguson of Clearview.

This is just a sample of the hundreds of faces that appeared in the Echo last year.

The New Farm Gillian Flies and Brent Preston are proprietors of The New Farm, a successful and growing organic farming operation in Maple Valley.

Hort Society Workers “Wearing” their new Creemore BIA shopping bags, Chris and Pat Raible were two of many Creemore Horticultural Society members working at the annual Garden and Home Show at the arena.

The Cup Comes Home In what had to be the biggest gathering in Honeywood history, thousands turned out to see area native and member of the NHL Champion Detroit Red Wings Aaron Downey and the Stanley Cup.

New Book Artist and children’s author darci-que’s latest book, titled The Adventures of Mollie Doodle, tells the story of Mollie coming into darci and Emily’s lives. More books about Mollie will be forthcoming.

Mantracker Comes Home One person that Terry “Mantracker” Grant never has trouble finding is his mother Sylvia Gale.

New Crossing Guard When school resumed in the fall, the kids discovered they had a new crossing guard at the intersection of Caroline and Mill Streets. Norma Panzine (right) receives training from Paulette Henderson on her first day on the job.

Plastic Free Foodland owner Steve Martin shows off some of the reusable bags available at his store. Foodland has one “plastic-free” Saturday each month in partnership with the Clearview Eco Action Network and has posters everywhere reminding shoppers to BYOB – bring your own bag.

In Memoriam

Nothing can ever take away the love a heart holds dear. Fond memories linger every day, remembrance keeps them near.

Allan Orr

Eleanor Black

Gladys Day

James Ritchie

Margaret Beardon

Renee Hamilton

Angela Parent

Eleanor Coe

Goldie Mugford

Jessie Scriver

Margaret McArthur

Reta Hirlehey

Annie Abbey

Elizabeth Bull

Gordon Tupling

John Maddock

Maria Nagel

Richard Nesselhauf

Bertha Coker

Ellen Knight

Grace Middlebrook

John “Norman” Morby

Mary Fisher

Robert Lloyd

Beverley Westbrooke

Elwood Parker

Harold Stewart

John Johnston

Mary Jane Nuttall

Robert Nelitz

Bryan Trott

Everett Shelswell

Harvey Johnston

Joyce Jordan

Melissa Dodd

Roland Royal

David Allen

Frances Millman

Hazel Johnston

Joyce Walker

Mildred Lightheart

Ronald Brouillard

Donald Lowe

Freeman Day

Helen McCarthy

Les Anning

Norman Crooke

Ruth Thomas

Donald McLeod

Gary Bogardis

Ian “Scotty” Kirk-

Linda Mattice

Norman Stewart

Sharon Little

Donald Stephens

George Clark

patrick

Lorne Helmkay

Rachel Stephens

Susan Dean

Doreen Awender

Gerry Aarden

Irene Stephens

Malcolm MacDonald

Ralph Burman

Verlyn Robinson

Dorothy Anderson

Gil Parcell

James Elder

Margaret “Mae” Gowan

Reg Greer

William “Robert” Steele