Friday, November 19, 2010 Vol. 10 No. 47 The Town & Country Agent with the City Connections Cadets Christmas Mexico captured on film John TaYlor of Collwest stands in front of a mountain of corn most of which will be sold to the nearby ethanol plant. 1-800-360-5821• 705-466-2607 • [email protected] Visit My Website: www.ginnymaceachern.com The whole community is welcomed to Nottawasaga & Creemore Public School at noon today to hear Brewster read from his latest work. Broker
The Town & Country Agent with the City Connections Serving Mulmur & The Creemore Hills for 34 years Ginny MacEachern B.A. Broker 1-800-360-5821• 705-466-2607 • [email protected]Visit My Website: www.ginnymaceachern.com RCR Realty. Brokerage ECHO News and views in and around Creemore The Creemore Friday, November 19, 2010 Vol. 10 No. 47 10230 Highway 26 East, Collingwood (705) 444-1414 E-mail [email protected]Inside the ECHO Publications Mail Agreement # 40024973 Cadets Christmas Project Santa Claus packs things up. PAGE 12 Mexico captured on film Bryan Davies shares his story. PAGE 6 Plane crash A small plane crashed just south of the Edenvale Aerodrome last Friday killing both the pilot and a passenger. The deceased are Leroy Simpson, 48, from Brampton and Grzegorz Kardasv, 47, of Richmond Hill. Police are investigating the cause of the accident. Break in Sometime between 11 pm and 4:30 am this past Tuesday an unlocked car parked on Elizabeth Street West was broken into, and an ipod and wallet were taken. The wallet was subsequently found, and the owners of the vehicle urge people to keep their cars locked. ECHO Briefs Bazaar Weekend Churches throughout the area are kicking off the holiday season with their annual Bazaars. This Saturday, St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Creemore, Centennial United and St. Patrick’s in Stayner and All Saints in Collingwood will be offering a variety of homemade and handcrafted items perfect for holiday giving. For more details see the Community Calendar. Hugh Brewster at NCPS The whole community is welcomed to Nottawasaga & Creemore Public School at noon today to hear Brewster read from his latest work. By Sara Hershoff The Clearview Community Coalition, a local volunteer group committed to the protection of the Niagara Escarpment is feeling optimistic after a November 12 decision by the OMB to reject a proposed quarry in Caledon. The CCC, a Party in the ongoing Walker Aggregate’s Duntroon Quarry Consolidated Hearing says that there are parallels between the two applications that give them hope that they too could see the Escarpment protected from further resource extraction. According to Neill Lanz , Vice President and representative for the CCC, the Walker Quarry application has many parallels to the denied Rockfort project in Caledon. Lanz says the greatest similarity between the two proposals is the reliance on an Adaptive Management Plan to mitigate environmental concerns and protect ground source water. The Caledon application was denied because the Board did not want to approve a quarry “dependant upon a complex, highly engineered adaptive management plan without making the execution of such an agreement a condition of approval.” The AMP for the proposed Rockfort Quarry would cost an approximate $90 million dollars and would need to be implemented over 80 years in order to properly mitigate the project. This time and cost was a stated concern. Included in the refusal were words that the CCC feel could be applied to the Duntroon site. “Too much of what is essential to the character of this Province would be lost if aggregate extraction were to be permitted on lands like the subject property. Lands situated in a significant cultural landscape, surrounded by significant natural heritage features and functions, are not lands on which extraction should be permitted in the absence of demonstration of no negative impacts.” Lanz explains that there are many differences between the applications but is heartened by the victory of “David over the Goliath that is aggregate”. A decision on the Duntroon Quarry is still a ways away as the hearing, which is running about three weeks behind, continues at 49 Huron Street in Collingwood. Currently Niagara Escarpment Commission water experts Chris Neville and Daryl Cowell are being cross examined by Mary Bull, the lawyer for Walker. (See “Weather” on page 3) A BANNER YEAR FOR GROWERS JOHN TAYLOR of Collwest stands in front of a mountain of corn most of which will be sold to the nearby ethanol plant. CALEDON DECISION EXCITES CCC By Craig Simpson “This was a once in a lifetime growing season,” declared local farmer David Millsap. “All the planets lined up perfectly, including the prices.” “The yields were big on everything. It was a great year to be a farmer,” said Jim Steed. The harvest of 2010 is mostly complete – there is still some corn to be combined – and it may go down as among the biggest and best in history. Milton McArthur knew back in July that something amazing was going on. There’s an old American saying well known to Canadian farmers, “corn should be knee high by the 4th of July.” On July 10 Milt went out and measured his corn, and it was already ten feet high! By early August Paul Millsap said the ears in his corn fields were the biggest he had seen in his entire life. Although it is too early for official statistics, John Taylor, owner and operator of Collwest Grain and a farmer himself, figures that yields for corn and soybeans are up at least 25%, with other cash crops not far behind. This is a huge increase, even when comparing to the relatively poor results of 2009. Of course for better or worse, the
Transcript
The Town & Country Agent with the City Connections
Cadets ChristmasProject Santa Claus packs things up.
PAGE 12
Mexico captured on filmBryan Davies shares his story.
PAGE 6
Plane crashA small plane crashed just south of
the Edenvale Aerodrome last Friday killing both the pilot and a passenger. The deceased are Leroy Simpson, 48, from Brampton and Grzegorz Kardasv, 47, of Richmond Hill. Police are investigating the cause of the accident.
Break inSometime between 11 pm and 4:30
am this past Tuesday an unlocked car parked on Elizabeth Street West was broken into, and an ipod and wallet were taken. The wallet was subsequently found, and the owners of the vehicle urge people to keep their cars locked.
ECho BriefsBazaar WeekendChurches throughout the area are
kicking off the holiday season with their annual Bazaars. This Saturday, St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Creemore, Centennial United and St. Patrick’s in Stayner and All Saints in Collingwood will be offering a variety of homemade and handcrafted items perfect for holiday giving. For more details see the Community Calendar.
Hugh Brewster at NCPS The whole community is welcomed
to Nottawasaga & Creemore Public School at noon today to hear Brewster read from his latest work.
By Sara HershoffThe Clearview Community Coalition, a local volunteer group committed to the protection of the Niagara Escarpment is feeling optimistic after a November 12 decision by the OMB to reject a proposed quarry in Caledon.
The CCC, a Party in the ongoing Walker Aggregate’s Duntroon Quarry Consolidated Hearing says that there are parallels between the two applications that give them hope that they too could see the Escarpment protected from further resource extraction.
According to Neill Lanz, Vice President and representative for the CCC, the Walker Quarry application has many parallels to the denied Rockfort project in Caledon.
Lanz says the greatest similarity between the two proposals is the reliance on an Adaptive Management Plan to mitigate environmental concerns and protect ground source water.
The Caledon application was denied because the Board did not want to approve a quarry “dependant upon a complex, highly engineered adaptive management plan without making the execution of such an agreement a condition of approval.”
The AMP for the proposed Rockfort
Quarry would cost an approximate $90 million dollars and would need to be implemented over 80 years in order to properly mitigate the project. This time and cost was a stated concern.
Included in the refusal were words that the CCC feel could be applied to the Duntroon site. “Too much of what is essential to the character of this Province would be lost if aggregate extraction were to be permitted on lands like the subject property. Lands situated in a significant cultural landscape, surrounded by significant natural heritage features and functions, are not lands on which extraction should be permitted in the absence of demonstration of no negative impacts.”
Lanz explains that there are many differences between the applications but is heartened by the victory of “David over the Goliath that is aggregate”.
A decision on the Duntroon Quarry is still a ways away as the hearing, which is running about three weeks behind, continues at 49 Huron Street in Collingwood. Currently Niagara Escarpment Commission water experts Chris Neville and Daryl Cowell are being cross examined by Mary Bull, the lawyer for Walker.
(See “Weather” on page 3)
a Banner Year for GrowersJohn TaYlor of Collwest stands in front of a mountain of corn most of which will be sold to the nearby ethanol plant.
Caledon deCision exCiTes CCC
By Craig Simpson“This was a once in a lifetime growing season,” declared local farmer David Millsap. “All the planets lined up perfectly, including the prices.”
“The yields were big on everything. It was a great year to be a farmer,” said Jim Steed.
The harvest of 2010 is mostly complete – there is still some corn to be combined – and it may go down as among the biggest and best in history.
Milton McArthur knew back in July that something amazing was going on. There’s an old American saying well known to Canadian farmers, “corn should be knee high by the 4th
of July.” On July 10 Milt went out and measured his corn, and it was already ten feet high!
By early August Paul Millsap said the ears in his corn fields were the biggest he had seen in his entire life.
Although it is too early for official statistics, John Taylor, owner and operator of Collwest Grain and a farmer himself, figures that yields for corn and soybeans are up at least 25%, with other cash crops not far behind. This is a huge increase, even when comparing to the relatively poor results of 2009.
Of course for better or worse, the
2 • ThE CrEEmorE ECho • Friday, November 19, 2010 ThE CrEEmorE ECho • Friday, November 19, 2010 • 3
friday, november 19 to friday, december 31• Arboreal Art Show continues at Maplestone
Gallery, 142 Mill Street. Various artists, over 45 pieces of new work. www.maplestonegallery.com
friday, november 19• Curiosity House’s Author Presentation at Nottawasaga
& Creemore Public School from noon to 1:30 pm with Hugh Brewster& his newly released book Prisoner of Dieppe: World War II, Alistair Morrison, Occupied France, 1942 (in the new I am Canada series). It is an historically accurate novel which details the experiences of a young Canadian soldier during one of the worst battles of the Second World War. Hugh will be available to sign copies of many of his titles. This fascinating and informative event is open to the public. We encourage you to join us.
saturday, november 20• Cedar Shingle Sale at Cardboard Castles Toy
Store from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm for the roof of the
Creemore Log Cabin. Shingles are $5 each and you are invited to write your name or the name of anyone you want to honour (children, grandchildren, other family or friends).
• St. Luke’s ACW Annual Snow Flake Bazaar from 11 am to 2 pm at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 22 Caroline St. W. Home baking, Penny Table, crafts, draw prizes. Lunch $7. Come out and enjoy a good lunch and chat with your friends.
• Christmas Bazaar at Centennial United Church, Stayner from 10 am to 2 pm. Lunch from 11 am to 1 pm. Crafter’s marketplace including baking, homemade cards, pork products, jewellery, knitting, needlework.
• The Catholic Women’s League of St. Patrick’s Parish will be holding their annual Christmas Bazaar from 10 am to 1 pm in St. Patrick’s parish hall on William St. in Stayner. Crafts, baking, knitting, penny table, bottles table and tea. Free admission.
For more information call (705) 428-2124.• Christmas in the Country at Feversham Hall
(attached to the arena) Grey Rd. 2 Feversham from 9 am to 4 pm. Shop for that one of a kind gift! For more information please call (519) 922-1010.
• Sprig of Holly: Baking, Treats and Treasures from 9:30 am to 1 pm at All Saints Anglican Church, 32 Elgin Street, Collingwood. Sewing, knitting, crafts, raffles, “The General Store” and more with lunch in the Snowflake Café.
sunday, november 21• Church Services are on page 5. • St. Luke’s Gift of Music Concert. Urban Flute
Ensemble from Toronto providing works from a variety of musical periods covering baroque to modern, including Bach to Scott Joplin. Violin, Cello, Flute. 3 pm at St. Luke’s Anglican Church. $15 for this concert available at Creemore Echo and Curiosity House.
This weekend
Monday, november 22• The Retired Women Teachers of Ontario
(Blue Mountain Branch) welcome newly retired or previously retired women teachers to share fellowship. For further info call Marilyn at 466-2493. Trinity United Church, 40 Maple Street, Collingwood at 11 am today.
• Clearview Township’s Council Meeting at 7 pm at the Council Chambers.
wednesday, november 24• Taize Service at St. Luke’s Anglican Church at 7
pm. Held the last Wednesday of each month.friday, november 26
• The Door’s Annual Dessert Auction at 6:30 pm at Stayner Evangelical Missionary Church. Sample and bid on wonderful desserts while enjoying the music all in support of The Door Youth Centre. We are still looking for bakers for this event. We are offering prizes for the Tallest Cake, Fanciest Dessert, Most Unique Dessert and of course the People’s Choice. Tickets at only $10. For more information or tickets please call 428-3733.
• Please join us for a Celebration of Life for Ron Robertson at the Creemore Legion at 7 pm. Please consider this your cordial invitation to all who knew him.
saturday, november 27• Collingwood author Christine Cowley will be signing
copies of her new book, The Gift, at Curiosity House Books & Gallery from 10 am to noon. This book is a series of exercises to assist would-be autobiographers in publishing their life stories and dealing with the challenges of self-publishing. For more information call (705) 466-3400.
• Hanging of the Green in Dunedin starting at 10 am. Come to Dunedin Hall & join friends & neighbours for hot chocolate & to help make your community festive for the season.
• Flu Clinic at Station on the Green in Creemore from 10 am to 4 pm.
• Christmas Bazaar and Bake Sale from 11 am to 2 pm at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Cty Rd 124, just north of Duntroon. Bake table, crafts and a white elephant table. Lunch for $5 (soup, sandwich and dessert).
• Singhampton Firefighter’s Santa Claus Parade at 2 pm. Buy a Christmas Wreath for $20 & support the Hall. Call 444-0557 for information.
• Christmas Concert at the New Life Church, Hwy 124 and Tracey Lane, Collingwood. Hosted by The Nature League. Performers: Shelaugh Hart, a dynamic jazz and blues singer, Collingwood talent Melissa McInnes, Ann Sneyd and Cantorum. Tickets $20 available at (705) 444-4731 or, if available, $25 at the door.
sunday, november 28• Creemore Art Jam at Station on the Green from
12:30 to 4:30 pm. Come join in on an afternoon of art & create your own CreemoreCentric masterpiece. $35 includes your canvas, art materials, instruction &
show entry fee. Pre-registration required. Call (705) 466-5742 or [email protected]. Hosted by Purple Hills Arts & Heritage Society.
• An Afternoon of Christmas Music performed by the Cantata Choir at 2:30 pm at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Airport Rd., Mansfield. There will be a freewill offering. Refreshments to follow program.
Tuesday, november 30• Sara Hershoff & Brad Holden are on 97.7 The Beach
this morning between 9 and 10 am to talk “All Things Creemore”. Don’t miss it!
• Collingwood G&M Hospital Live Radio Auction on 95.1 The Peak FM from 6 to 9 pm. Hotline is (705) 446-9510 pre-registration from 5 to 6 pm. See cgmhf.com for details.
Thursday, december 2• Canadian Blood Services’ Blood Donor Clinic at
Angus Arena from 2 to 6:30 pm. Call 888 2 DONATE to book your appointment.
• Public Meeting concerning Pupil Accomodation Review 2010:01 Byng, Clearview Meadows, Duntroon, Nottawa & Creemore Public Schools at Clearview Meadows Elementary School, 12 Locke Avenue, Stayner at 7 pm.
friday, december 3• Open House & Customer Appreciation Day from
noon to 7 pm at S.T.D. Contract Mechanical, 207 Industrial Road, Stayner. Come & see our new space! Refreshments & home-baked treats. Call 428-9995
for more information.• Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Station on the
Green at 6:30 pm.saturday, december 4
• Breakfast with Santa at Nottawasaga and Creemore Public School. Pancake and sausage breakfast. Also Kids Shopping Room, Treasure Tray Raffles, Kids Craft Room, Silent Auction and a visit with Frosty the Snowman and Santa! Doors open at 9 am. Children $3. adults $6, family of 4 $16, family of 5 $19.
• Santa Claus Parade starts at 1:30 pm. Visit with Santa following the parade at Station on the Green. If you would like to register your float, call 466-3130.
• Art Show Opening from 2 to 4 pm at the Mad & Noisy Gallery. “Connect” featuring the work of jeweller Andrea Mueller & printmaker Liz Eakins. 154 Mill St. Creemore. Show runs through December. www.madandnoisy.com 466-5555.
sunday, december 5• St. Luke’s Gift of Music Concert. Dan LaBrash
(guitar) and Kim Stevenson (flute) play selection of classical and reflective contemporary works. 3 pm at St. Luke’s. Tickets $15 available at Curiosity House and Creemore Echo.
sunday, december 12• St. Luke’s Gift of Music Concert. Diva Sahara
Sloan and Friend (Tenor Andrew Byerlay) from the Glenn Gould School sing solos and duets from operatic and seasonal repertoire. Tickets $15 available at Curiosity House and Creemore Echo.
Interested In takIng an actIve role In governance leadershIp at your
local hospItal?
Consider the commitment to becoming a member of the (volunteer) Advisory Committee Member of the Community Mental Health Services at the General and Marine Hospital (G&M) in Collingwood.
The Community Mental Health Services is actively seeking dynamic candidates with vision and strong personal and professional integrity for several positions on the Community Advisory Committee – Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Clearview and Blue Mountains. As well, the Committee composition is representative of the skills required to assist with strategic guidance. Fund raising is not requires.
The Community Mental Health Service is currently seeking candidates who, preferably although not necessarily, have skills in communications, public relations, project management, finance, or a clinical background.
Interested applicants are asked to submit a written letter of interest and their resume to Mr. Dale Graham, Administrative Co-Lead Community Mental Health Services, 459 Hume Street, Collingwood, Ontario, L9Y 1W9 or for further information call Joan McLeod, Administrative Assistant to Community Mental Health Services at 705-444-6600.
Collingwood General & Marine Hospital459 Hume Street, Collingwood, ON L9Y 1W9
Saturday, December 49 am to 1 pm
Station on the GreenUnique gift baskets, soaps, fabric creations, baking, herbs, woodworking, stained glass, pet treats, jewelry, fine art, Carribean foods,
Christmas cakes and arrangements, kids jackets and robe jams, preserves and much more!
Local fresh cut 6-8 foot balsam firs and delicious local turkeys available from Creemore Scouting
Come for the food, meet up with friends and find that perfect gift!
For Reliable ServiceTank Truck Delivery of Furnace & Stove Oil
(705) 520-CAFÉ • 179 Mill Street, Creemore
Ready for the Buzzy Holiday Season?
The Bank Cafe, featuring the fl avours ofBite Me! Fabulous Food Experiences
and Roseberry Farm is now available to host your holiday parties or cater your festive event.
We are now taking orders for all things Christmas. From prepared frozen dishes to full-service catering,
we’ll help make your holidays a little less “buzzy” and a lot more fun! Call now for more information.
Delightful furnished schoolhouse, just 10 min. from Devil's Glen and 3 min. from Creemore. 3 bedrooms, fi replace in living rm and views over hills of Creemore.Dec. 15 - Mar. 31 for $6,000. No smoking or pets.
CREEMORE WINTER RENTAL
(416) 346-0290
by Craig SimpsonA year ago Nottawasaga & Creemore Public School teacher Jamilla Monahan received a memo from the school board about a new voluntary green program started by the Terracycle Company. Terracycle collects waste products, such as foil lined drink pouches that would otherwise wind up in landfills, and turns them into a range of useful products.
Monahan thought this would be an excellent hands-on way to build environmental awareness among her students, while earning some money for the school. So she got the support of the school,
The Green TeaM Tyler Bryan, Jack Sprecker, Alex Sprecker and Foster Preston; Megan Christoforidis, Samantha Davenport, Roxy McDonald and Emma Woodhouse.
contacted the company, organized a student Green Team, and began the process of collecting drink pouches and plasticized foil wrappers. Terracycle gives the school two cents for each piece sent in.
The program quickly gained momentum throughout the school and received strong support from parents. The results are nothing short of amazing. Monahan just received a letter from Terracycle indicating that NCPS has sent in more waste material than any of the 1,500 Canadian schools participating in the program. In the process, the school has earned more than $200, to be used for some future green related use.
nCPs Green TeaM Cleans UP wiTh TerraCYClinG
Weather the key factor(Continued from page 1)key factors affecting agricultural outcomes are weather related. John explained the perfect sequence that made the difference. “The crops went in early under perfect conditions. Temperatures were hot, but not excessively so, so the corn was never stressed. Rain came at the right times, especially during the early growth periods in June and July.”
Other natural factors also contributed. As Bill Elder pointed out, “there were no aphids or any other disease pressure on the crops.” In addition the weather has stayed mild through the fall to provide a full growing season and allow the crops to reach full maturity.
This maturity affects not only quantity but quality, a particularly important issue with corn. Before corn can be stored, its moisture content needs to be reduced to about 15%. This year’s crop has been coming in at 17-18%, compared to 30% and higher last year. This makes a big difference to Collwest, which dries the corn before storing it, and to the farmers who have been able to save money on drying costs. Ironically, after struggling through last year’s wet corn crop, Taylor made a major investment in a new dryer with much increased capacity and efficiency. Fortunately for him, the increased volume has compensated for the much reduced drying time per batch.
Equally important to making 2010 such a successful year, as Dave Millsap stressed, was that the commodity markets remained as friendly to the farmers as the weather. Prices have remained high (though they did take a hit just this past week) helped somewhat by the serious drought in Russia.
This rare opportunity to talk about only good news did not go by unnoticed by the farmers. “We farmers are usually complaining about something,” acknowledged Millsap. “What happened this year occurs once in a career.”
4 • ThE CrEEmorE ECho • Friday, November 19, 2010 ThE CrEEmorE ECho • Friday, November 19, 2010 • 5
Feedbackopinion& Feedback and old photos [email protected] (705) 466-9906fax (705) 466-9908
The Creemore Echo is published every Friday and distributed free locally. Editorial and advertising material deadline is Tuesday at 5 pm. To receive a weekly copy of The Creemore Echo by mail outside of the circulation area or email version please contact us at [email protected] are $45 (inc gst)
2007 WINNER
2009 WINNER
3 Caroline St. W., Box 1219 • Creemore, ON L0M 1G0 • Tel: (705) 466-9906 • Fax: (705) 466-9908 • [email protected]
Publication Agreement # 40024973Please return undeliverable Canadian mail to address below.
DiRECTORS: Tom Vandewater, Mary Vandewater, Craig SimpsonTECH SUPPORT: Dr. Phil
2010 WINNER
The waY we were
Send your letters to The Creemore Echo, 3 Caroline Street West, Box 1219, Creemore, ON L0M 1G0 , email to [email protected] or drop them off at the Echo’s Office. Letters must include the sender’s full name. All letters submitted to the Echo are not neces-sarily published. The Echo reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity.
leTTer
The holiday season is one of traditions and here at the Creemore Echo it is our tradition to print pictures and stories from the past holiday seasons in conjunction with the Christmas in the Valley Celebrations which take place the first week in December.
The Echo is currently seeking old, or not so old but special Christmas pictures and stories from our readers.
They can be emailed or dropped into our office anytime before December 1.Whenever you read something about how life has
gotten faster, more changeable and less personal, the recommended solution inevitably includes some reference on the need to build community, to create and foster a sense of connectedness.
This is not an easy thing to achieve. Most people do not live in small towns, and not all small towns have that great a sense of community. The whole Tea Party movement in the United States is a grass roots phenomenon with no real leader or program. Its explosive growth and influence is often explained as a desire for people to create connections with other people unhappy about their government and the existing political process.
Of course, in Creemore seemingly everything connects. I was repeatedly reminded of this during these past two weeks we have been back in town while still waiting for news about our house. (None yet.)
I ran into Milton McArthur at the log cabin groundbreaking ceremony and mentioned that there was still a bit of corn to be cut. To which he responded that there currently may not be room to store it. That seemed like a potential story idea, and indeed became one when Brad asked me to help out this week.
Beyond the intended fast trips to the post office and Foodland, which always wound up taking a half hour or more, being back at the Echo has provided some interesting examples of this connectedness.
The story on this page about the tragic accident was triggered by an email from New Brunswick, and tells how three generations of a family were brought together in Creemore. Meanwhile I figured the best place to talk to farmers about this year’s harvest would be the Curling Club. Sure enough, I got some great quotes, but also something totally unexpected. I mentioned the 60-year old accident, and not only did Jim Steed remember it, he had served as a young pallbearer for the two young girls who were killed.
No doubt our readers all have stories like this, and these connections are what makes Creemore such a special place, one to which Barbara and I will always feel a special attachment.
Craig Simpson
It’s all about connection
ediTorialNow more than ever
Food Banks Canada has released its report on food bank usage and has found an increase across the nation. Precarious employment situations and basic cost of living are two factors that are pushing hardworking, low earning families through the doors of their local Food Bank.
There is a 7% greater need than there was in March of 2009. Food banks are struggling to service the 402,000 Ontarians that now rely on the good grace of others to feed themselves. Of greatest concern are the 37% of users that are children. Also users over age 65 have increased from 4% in 2009 to 12% in 2010, representing a 195% increase in just one year.
We keep these numbers in mind as we kick off our annual Christmas food and toy drive.
By Craig SimpsonIn a tragic accident that occurred on November 17, 1950 three Creemore residents, Inez Rushton and her two young daughters were killed in nearby Beeton when a train collided with their car. Rushton’s husband and two other children were living in Nova Scotia at the time, and due to distance and limited resources the remaining children were not able to attend the funeral and interment at the Creemore Union Cemetery.
This story, which turns out to have a somewhat happy ending, was recounted in a letter to the Echo from Deanna Doucet, a granddaughter of the deceased. For years Deanna’s mother Ruby (Rushton) Moore had wanted to locate the graves of her long lost mother and sisters, but was unable to pick up the trail.
This last August Deanna, together with her mother and three siblings who live all across the country, came to Creemore determined to find these unmarked gravesites.
Fortunately, Mary Talbot remembered the tragic accident and put the family in touch with Gordon Miller, Chair of the Creemore Cemetery Board. Using photos the family had of the cemetery and the Cemetery’s excellent records, the family, along with Miller was able to locate the gravesites.
The graves for the lost family members have now been properly marked and Doucet says the experience of visiting Creemore helped to provide a sense of closure after all these years.
Doucet expressed her heartfelt appreciation to Mary, Gordon and all the friendly and helpful people they met during their visit.
sixTY Years aGoThe Anglican Church of Canada and our local
St. Luke’s Parish are involved in some interesting projects leading into the winter holiday season.
Following up on the successful “Amazing Grace” video project, Anglicans across the country are invited to sing “Silent Night,” videotape it, and then send the tape together with a toonie to Anglican Video by December 14. The St. Luke’s Parish will be taping their video on Sunday, November 28 at 3:30 pm.
These videos will be compiled into a documentary and posted online in time for Christmas. The $2 donations will go to the Anglican Military Ordinariate, which supports the 78 military chaplains both clerical and lay who serve with the Canadian Forces and in the reserves.
Full details on the program are available at www.anglican.ca.
The other program is called Out of the Cold, and it is seeking donations of hand-knitted hats, mittens and scarves – or wool – for those in need. Donation can be dropped off at Creemore Echo. For further information, you can contact Lorna at 466-2759.
BUsY anGliCans
ThE CrEEmorE ECho • Friday, November 19, 2010 • 5
THE SALVATiON ARMy HOPE ACRES COMMUNiTy CHURCH
Invites you to attend Sunday Church Services at 10:45 am
998614 Mulmur Tosorontio Townline, Glencairn
For more info call (705) 466-3435
L o c a l
C h u r c h
D i r e c t o r y
To tell us what is happening at your church call Georgi 466-9906 • fax: 466-9908 • email: [email protected]
Worship & Sunday School at 10 am. “Where Jesus is Lord,
all are welcome.” Rev. J. Inglis & Rev. E. Inglis • 466-5838
ST. ANDREW’S MAPLE CROSS PRESByTERiAN CHURCH
1 Caroline Street West
Sunday, November 21
CREEMORE BAPTiST CHURCHSunday School for all ages
at 9:45 a.m.Worship Service 11 a.m.
12 Wellington Street WestFor info call (705) 466-6232
All are welcome
Knox Presbyterian Church, Dunedin
Sunday Service at 10 amRev. Jim McVeigh
All welcome.
St. James’ Anglican ChurchClougher-Lisle
Sunday Service at 9:30 am All are welcome to join us.
Join us at ST. LUkE’S ANGLiCAN CHURCH
22 Caroline St. W. 466-2206
For a joyful service of worship join us at 11 am. All are welcome.
Big Heart Seniors
Stayner Brethren in Christ Churchpresents the musical
“The Star of Wonder”Saturday, December 11
7 pmRefreshments to follow
Free Admission
For more information 705-428-6537 www.staynerbic.com
6th Conc., 1 Km N. of Cty. Rd. 91
CREEMORE UNiTED PASTORAL CHARGE
Avening at 9 am, New Lowell at 10:15 am
& St. John’s in Creemore at 11:30 amAll are welcome 466-2200
Discover The Path... A Touchstone for Health and Wellness
8A Caroline Street West, Creemore 705-466-2387 • 866-794-0779
www.discoverthepath.comServices * Information * Books & Products
Service • Books • Support• Massage • Esthetics
• Ion Cleanse
Dr. Neil PatrickCHIROPRACTOR
CREEMORE CHIROPRACTIC15 Elizabeth St. E. Creemore
466-3447
FIRST STREET CHIROPRACTIC69 First Street, Collingwood
293-3447
RAMONA A. GREERCERTIFIED GENERAL ACCOUNTANT
Invites you to attend our Christmas
Open HouseThursday, November 25From 3:30pm to 6:00pm
at our new location 7351 Hwy 26, Stayner
705-428-2171Door prizes and
refreshments
TOURS • TASTINGS • BOUTIQUE139 Mill Street, Creemore ON. 1-800-267-2240
You’ll get a warm welcome and
cold beer.At Creemore Springs we take pride in introducingfolks to the great taste of our beer and showingthem how we make it. So the next time you’re nearthe town of Creemore, drop by the brewery,the hospitality is on us.
4174_Cree_BWAd(4.93x2.5)Bv1.indd 1 1/24/08 9:24:44 AM
Due to the Remembrance Day services on Thursday the Big Heart Seniors did not meet for their weekly card game. Sylvia and her column will return next week.
Early this fall, I travelled o u t t o n o r t h e r n N e w Brunswick on a short trip. Most people who have been on a trip “out east” will agree that both the perspective and the pace of life are different from what we are familiar with here in hectic Ontario. I saw an interesting example of this difference on my most recent visit.
A lot of the guys I know view a necktie as something to be endured but not enjoyed. At a social event, as the night progresses, it’s as if the opportunity to remove it can’t come soon enough. From a job viewpoint, if they don’t have to wear one, they certainly wouldn’t volunteer to do so.
But on my recent trip to New Brunswick, I heard a story from an 86-year-old man who had a different perspective.
This man grew up in a small New Brunswick fishing village, and started working on the boats at the age of fourteen.
There were few options aside from manual labour, and so he toiled day after day, year after year, in cold, dirty, wet conditions. One day, he thought to himself, “I’d like to get a job where I could be clean. Where I could wear a tie.”
After reaching this realization, it took him two years of searching and thinking and preparation before he
was positioned to achieve his goal. His eventual solution was twofold: he opened a small general store where villagers could buy essential staples, and he became a school bus driver.
And for the next 30-plus years until he retired, he
proudly wore a tie every working day, whether tending the store or driving the school bus.
For him, the tie was a symbol not of bondage, but of freedom from the tyranny of hard, physical labour. It reminded him that he had achieved his dream.
Even after he retired, it was easy to hear his passion and sincerity as he recounted the story. With a chuckle, he confessed that his tie collection had grown to about 50. And to this day, he doesn’t leave the house without a tie around his neck.
I’m sure, based on his story, that he at least was one man who was always happy to get a new tie as a gift for Christmas.
Do you have a story about something seemingly ordinary that has become a symbol for someone? Or an anecdote about a different perspective on something most people don’t hold in high favour? If you’d care to share your story for consideration as part of a future column, feel free to contact me at [email protected].
The tie that doesn’t bind
LisaTiMPFV
IEW
FR
OM
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Pat and Chris Raible set up shop in front of Foodland before 9 am Saturday morning, expecting to sell some roof shingles for the soon to be reconstructed Creemore Log Cabin. They had planned to be there until noon, but the enthusiastic response kept them busy through mid-afternoon.
As a result, the Log Cabin Committee is now halfway to their goal of covering this historic structure with a cedar
Bob Hanson (centre) was among those who purchased roof shingles from Pat and Chris Raible last Saturday.
shingle roof – authentic of the period – rather than the asphalt roof currently dictated by budget considerations.
Members of the committee will be out over the next three weeks seeking to reach their goal. Next Saturday they will be in front of Cardboard Castles, the following week (November 27) at Curiosity House Bookstore and on December 4 at the Christmas Market at the Station on the Green.
sUCCessfUl shinGle sales
6 • ThE CrEEmorE ECho • Friday, November 19, 2010 ThE CrEEmorE ECho • Friday, November 19, 2010 • 7
Here is a cure for the perfect gift.
Everyone has that hard-to-buy-for-person on their list.
Here’s a simple and wonderful solution – make a donation on
their behalf to the Collingwood G&M Hospital Foundation’s
Tree of Life Campaign.
It’s the perfect gift for a friend, family member or business
associate, or as a way to honour someone in memoriam.
Government funding barely covers 20% of the Hospital’s
equipment costs. A donation to the Tree of Life Campaign
will help fund the purchase of badly needed diagnostic and
surgical equipment. It’s a gift idea that will keep on giving for
years to come. It’s a gift idea that could even save a life.
To make a donation to the Tree of Life Campaign on behalf
of a friend, loved one or colleague call 705-444-8645or visit www.cgmhf.com.
Your Care is Our Cause
Tree LifeCampaign
of Tree Lifeof
Your Care is Our Cause
Please give agift today.
Collingwood G&MHospital Foundation
In the mountains of central Mexico lies one of the world’s most desirable travel locations. San Miguel de Allende. About 1.5 hours drive from Leon Airport, is a 500-year-old UNESCO Heritage city filled with original Spanish architecture, cobblestone streets and ornate cathedrals built in the 1500s. People are very friendly and the crime rate is extremely low. San Miguel has become a haven for American and Canadian retirees because of its mild, temperate climate. It also boasts one of the largest expatriate arts communities outside the U.S. and Canada. Creemore and San Miguel de Allende also have something in common – no stop lights.
Besides trading our Canadian deep freeze for some good healthy, warm weather, my goal was to photograph the unique and colourful Spanish architecture. From these images, I have created a new print collection for several gallery shows here in Canada.
To successfully photograph doorways and buildings, it’s important to shoot as square on the subject as possible, so that you don’t get the effect called “keystoning,” where the sides of the door or building look like they are leaning in toward each other. A 24-105 mm lens is very good for this purpose. If possible, set the zoom lens to around 50 mm, which is ideal, since that is how your eye sees the scene.
After walking the narrow cobblestone streets, dodging people and traffic, I was able to photograph a large number of rustic doorways and windows. The next day, I decided to hire a guide and travel a few hours out of San Miguel toward a town called Pozos. We found a large area of abandoned silver mine buildings and deep surface mine shafts. One of the abandoned areas was used as movie set for the film Once Upon a Time in Mexico with Antonio Banderas and Selma Hyek. The buildings looked like they were bombed in a war – with no roofs remaining, but only textured concrete walls and wonderful archways still standing. The locals called this area “Cinco Caballeros” (Five Cowboys).
Back in San Miguel, I was wandering the streets looking for interesting scenes. As serendipity would have it, I discovered a singing cowboy standing by a wall across the street on Hernandez Macias. The sunlight was good and he struck an interesting pose with his guitar, for only a minute. I captured the shot and he walked away, not realizing that I was there. In any case it was one of those magic moments preserved forever.
My Spanish was not that strong before leaving on this tour, but after being immersed in Mexican language and culture, I was able to absorb some basic conversational tools.
While photographing a historic church outside of town, I ran into a group of photographers from New Brunswick, who were also shooting the same interiors
and exteriors. It was good to be able speak with English Canadians again who had similar interests.
It’s important in your travel photography to photograph local people in their environment. We discovered a wonderful, senior Mexican woman with gray hair and lots of character wrinkles, who was wearing a blue scarf
and sitting outside the old church. I shot some close up portraits of her, like the ones you see in National Geographic. It took a while to make her smile, but I captured the image I wanted and gave her a few pesos in return. It’s important to give a gesture of kindness to the local people when you take their picture.
After chatting with several members of the group and their leaders, I found myself being invited to join the group on a photo shoot the next day in Guanajuato, a larger Mexican city, just south of our San Miguel base.
The two workshop leaders were friends of renowned Canadian fine art photographer Freeman Patterson. We had a great time capturing images of doorways and cathedrals in Guanajuato. When I went inside a local historic church to see the ornate interior, I walked up to the front and put a few pesos in the jar. I guess one of the priests thought I was a local resident and drew a charcoal cross on my forehead, since it was Ash Wednesday and Catholics in Mexico celebrate in this fashion.
We took a gondola ride up a steep hill overlooking the city of Guanajuato. The quaint hillside houses and cathedrals created a palette of bright colours. Using my 70-200 mm telephoto lens, I was able to create an effective panoramic image of the houses and churches on the hillside city. This was also a great vantage point to photograph the tops of gold cathedral domes since you are looking down instead of up at the old Spanish architecture.
After the day’s shooting we all had dinner at a restaurant back in San Miguel de Allende called Mi Casa. This restaurant is inside the famous Bailles des Artes, a well-known gallery and museum converted from an old church by an American after the Second World War. I was pleased that the group leaders invited me back for a slideshow at their Casa (residence) the next night as well. They asked if I would bring some of my images from the tour to show them, and I, of course, did not hesitate to say yes.
When I pack for an international photography adventure, I take lots of media cards, my notebook computer and extra camera batteries. Each night I would upload the day’s images, erase the cards for use the next day and charge the camera battery. I also brought an external flash gun, but there wasn’t room for my tripod. I took a few night shots of La Parroquia (cathedral) with my camera, hand held against a sturdy
The Magic of Mexico by Bryan Davies
post. In order to keep my camera gear and notebook computer safe, I like to carry them on the plane. When I began this journey, I pictured in my mind what I would like to happen. With a strong belief, the events that occurred went beyond my expectations. That’s why I call these journeys “Vision Quests.”
BryanDAViESPH
OTO
CO
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One photographer’s quest for the unexpected
ThE CrEEmorE ECho • Friday, November 19, 2010 • 7
Share your
holiday memories
�e Creemore Echo is looking for your pictures, stories and any other memorabilia that tell your holiday tale to be included in our Annual Christmas in the Valley Edition.
Submit your material by Monday, November 29.
Making a Mark Friends of the Mad River hosted Juno Nominees Carolyn Mark and Neville Quinlan of NQ Arbuckle last Saturday night at the Avening Hall. The rest of the Arbuckle band could not attend due to a bad flu but luckily there was ample talent in the hall. Charlie Glasspool of the Silverhearts was happy to take to the stage to help out with the show. About 125 people attended and the evening raised $1100 for the Avening Hall.
Celebrating 100 years Family and friends of John Halifax gathered at the New Lowell Legion last Sunday to celebrate his hundredth birthday. Halifax lived in Lavender during the 1970s and was a member of Nitetis Lodge #444 for many years.
TURKEYS & TREESDecember 4, 8:30 to 5:00, Station on the Green
Support Scouting in Creemore
8:30 to 11:00 Breakfast Sandwiches 11:30 to 3:00 BBQ Lunch - Loose Turkey Sandwiches,
Turkey Sausages, Turkey Hot DogsCoffee, Tea, Juice, Water and Mulled Cranberry All Day
LIVE TURKEYCHALLENGE
SCOUTTrees
Guess the weight of a live Turkey for a loonie and win a fresh turkey for
Christmas.
All day sales of Christmas Trees.
Local delivery available. Advanced telephone
orders for shut-ins call (705) 796-3596
Annual ChristmasTree Lighting
J O I N U S F O R T H E
S P O N S O R E D B Y T H E T R E E S O C I E T Y
F R I D A Y D E C E M B E R 3 A T 6 : 3 0 P M
E N J O Y F R E E H O T D O G S
H O T C H O C O L A T E & C I D E R
E N T E R O U R F E S T I V E H A T C O N T E S T F O R A C H A N C E
T O L I G H T U P T H E C H R I S T M A S T R E E !
T H E C O N T E S T I S O P E N T O A D U L T S & C H I L D R E N
www.treesocietyofcreemore.com
8 • ThE CrEEmorE ECho • Friday, November 19, 2010
The Township of ClearviewInvites applications for the following opportunity:
Seasonal Public Works Operator- Job # 2010-10Temporary Part Time
Reporting directly to the Roads Foreman, the Seasonal Public Works Operator will be required to perform both manual work and the operation and maintenance of various types of equipment.
Qualifications:Valid Class DZ driver’s license and access to reliable personal •transportation.Heavy equipment experience (front end loaders, backhoes, graders, •snowplows). Experience in the operation of large snowplows and graders would •be an asset.Possess CPR and First Aid training preferred.•
Ability to respond to emergency call-outs within 30 minutes.•
The hourly rate for this position is $21.35.
Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume and covering letter, quoting Job # 2010-10 by November 30, @ 4:30 pm to:
Denise HenryHuman Resources CoordinatorTownship of ClearviewBox 200, 217 Gideon StreetStayner, ON, [email protected] #: 705-428-0288
We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Information gathered relative to this position is done so in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will only be used for candidate selection.
Clearview Township noTiCes
Clearview Township, Box 200, 217 Gideon St. Stayner, ON L0M 1S0 705-428-6230 • www.clearview.ca
Career opporTuniTy
CALL FOR NOMINATIONSREGION 7 REGIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATION
VOLUNTEER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RTO7 is being established as a not-for-profit corporation pursuant to the Ontario Ministry of Tourism’s new funding strategy for regional tourism development.
The Transition Team seeks nominations and applicants for an industry-led board to represent Region 7 (Bruce, Grey and Simcoe) tourism industry sectors and stakeholders.
For details about RTO7, its board structure and the nomination / application process visit: www.region7transition.ca
I first ate a pizzeria pizza when I was in high school, way before there were any take-out chains around. I remember it was called Mama Rosa’s Pizzeria and there was a picture of Mama on every box. Those were the days when every crust was handmade and tossed up in the air to stretch the dough into a perfectly even round, time after time. Mama was always standing in the kitchen making and testing the sauce, chopping the toppings and generally ducking whenever her sons were throwing the pizza dough around.
While Stephen and I order take-out pizza on a regular basis, I also like to have special Pizza Nights at the B&B. I make up the dough into personal size pizza shells and provide all the toppings, then people can pick and choose what they would like. A quick pop into the oven, and in no time flat everyone has fresh-made pizza tailored to their own special taste. Kids especially love making their
own pizza, even if it’s just sprinkling the grated cheese on top. I also make a wicked dessert pizza, but more on that in a future column.
W h o d o e s n ’ t l i k e p izza? For what can be probably considered a staple in everyone’s household on a regular
basis, there sure are a lot of options to personalize your pie. Everybody has their own favourite, ranging from your basic cheese and tomato sauce right through to your exotics – Thai chicken, smoked salmon, and so on. When it comes to the crust, there’s just as many choices nowadays – Chicago style thick, Italian style thin, whole wheat, gluten free.
While making pizza at home certainly does take more time than phoning for delivery, it can be made into an enjoyable family evening where everyone participates in the fun and gets to eat the results. What’s not to like about that? This week’s recipe provides you with the basics of what you need to set
up your own Pizza Night at home. I’ve tried a lot of pizza dough recipes and am sharing what I believe to be the best one around. What’s even better about creating your own Pizza Night is you can top your pizza with whatever you happen to have lying around the fridge and freezer. So it’s a great meal when you get snowed in and the plows can’t reach you. This may not happen often to people who live
right in Creemore, but for those of us living outside the village where pizza delivery is non-existent, it’s certainly handy to have the makings on hand.
Feedback is great and I would love to hear from you. Just email me at [email protected].
Until next time, eat well, live well....
Pizza Night - Serves 4Pizza Dough (with thanks to www.fabulousfoods.com – Mitch’s Basic Pizza Dough Recipe)
1 cup warm water2 tablespoons honey1/4 cup olive oil3 1/2 cups flour1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons yeastPlace ingredients in order into a bread maker machine. Use the pizza
dough setting, push the button, and walk away. Once the machine beeps, and your dough is ready, take it out of the bread maker and place on a well floured surface. Roll out pizza dough to desired thickness and size. There is a knack to rolling pizza dough – it tends to spring back when you roll it. Just remember, pizza dough is tough and you’re the boss. If you’re feeling energetic give it a toss in the air, stretching the edges as you throw it. Toss a handful of cornmeal on your pizza pan which helps the dough move around a bit. If you’re not going to use the dough right away, you can keep it in the refrigerator for a couple of days or freeze it for later. Just defrost to room temperature before rolling out.
cheese.Preheat oven to 450°. Spread the sauce on the pizza shell and leave
a 2 inch border around the edge. Artistically place the pepperoni slices on top, followed by handfuls of the grated mozzarella. Place the pizza in the oven, and bake for approximately 15 minutes, until crust has browned and cheese is bubbly melted. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before cutting into slices.
Pizza Toppings - FancyThe sky’s the limit with respect to both pizza sauce and toppings.
If you don’t have tomato sauce, use ketchup (trust me, it’s good). Try roasted garlic spread or Thai sweet red chili sauce. There are hundreds of cheeses to choose from, either grated or thinly sliced. Finally, here’s a list of suggested toppings to start with. Just put them out in small dishes and let people experiment.
Chopped bacon, ham, BBQ chicken, fresh red and green peppers, roasted peppers, hot pepper rings, red onions sliced thin, caramelized onions, pineapple chunks, fresh spinach leaves, arugula, garlic slivers - the list is endless. Whatever toppings you might have left over can be used the following morning in an omelette.
ElaineCOLLiER
CR
EEM
OR
E D
ISH
iT’s Pizza niGhT
ThE CrEEmorE ECho • Friday, November 19, 2010 • 9
Discover Mansfield
CREEMOREWeekend Weather
MEMBERSHIP SPECIALS!Midweek Season Passes Available!435-3838 • (800) 461-1212
Friday, November 19Variable cloudinessHigh 4 Low -3 Winds 15 km/h SWPOP 30% Saturday, November 20Cloudy PeriodsHigh 5 Low -1 Winds 25 km/h NWPOP 10 % Sunday, November 21Cloudy with showersHigh 7 Low 1 Winds 25 km/h SEPOP 70%
At the dog park, an elderly lady had two rather large rottweiler dogs. She was asked the names by
another visitor and replied, “ One is called Timex and the other Rolex.”“Wow, those are strange names for dogs,” the
visitor replied. “Oh no,” the elderly lady dog owner replied “They are watch dogs”
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#0098 ACROSS 55 Well-heeled 100 Gushes
57 Direction from Moose Jaw to 101 Scatters1 Pelican or Grand ___, MB Regina 102 Snowmobile forerunner7 Bird used in Doug 58 Enclose 103 Alka-Seltzer mascot
Henning's act 60 ___ And Friends (CBC)11 Bosses of priors 61 They Shall ___ The Earth DOWN17 Yank from the ground (Morley Callaghan)18 Like Steven? 63 Romeo and Juliet, e.g. 1 Hurried19 Rock band employee 66 Snout 2 Show up20 Quick study 67 Stereo needles 3 On the double!21 Penchant 69 Feature of Switzerland 4 Atomic particles22 Canadian rocking chairs 70 Jeff Sarwer's game before 5 Spuds MacKenzie, e.g.24 Egg producers poker 6 Long-___ rose25 Feature of The Island of 72 ___ loose (unleash) 7 Solve a technical problem
Montreal (2) 73 The ___ Of War (Herman 8 Kiln28 Feedback starter Wouk) 9 Discharge29 Polish off poutine 75 Apprehend 10 Diary components30 Complacent 76 Clowns 11 Sock pattern31 Travails 79 Actor Gregory ___ (Tap) 12 Weapon of South American32 Scottish Highlander 80 Cherished gauchos33 One who needs a bib 84 Has a tab 13 Run for it35 Brushed leather 85 Quarrel 14 Outlandish37 Concise 86 ___ meridiem 15 Neckwear accessory (2)38 Celeb carpet colour 87 Paddle 16 E.N.G., e.g.39 One of the James brothers 88 Provincial rep 23 Unmatched40 Spanish sir 89 1967, in Canada 26 Not their41 Volleyball shot 92 Spinning toy 27 More run-down44 Traffic pylon 93 Smacking 30 Nasty winter weather45 Sends away for more 95 Nigh 32 Noun classification, in some50 ___ Nouveau 96 Seas languages51 Duds 98 Perfectly (3) 34 Orson's home54 Moon Unit's brother 99 Rival of MacLean's 35 Parliament part
36 Pre-loved37 Ripped39 Clark and Carter, e.g.40 Morning gift of old41 Six-yard garments42 Make a hard copy 71 Showtime rival 85 Get another subscription43 Scratchy's co-star 74 Partner of purposes 86 Was broadcast44 Prepare to ship 75 Bad business result (2) 89 Publicly recognize46 Blades 76 Aerosol dispenser 90 Singer Diamond (Solitary47 Internet publication (hyph.) 77 Young mousers Man)48 Observances 78 Extreme enthusiast 91 The ___ Of The Game49 Blocks of cheese 79 Depends (on) (Abba)52 Job by Alvin Karpis 80 Act that created the 92 Actor Richard ___53 Reproaches Dominion of Canada (Chicago)56 Telephone greetings 81 Trip by Jacques Cartier 94 Jack ___ (Royal Navy59 Computer programs, briefly 82 Rightful sailor)62 Is sorry for 83 Worthless 97 Allan or Stanley, e.g.64 Side street65 Climb68 Quick on the uptake
D R A K E B E D A R D M E G A ND O W N S A L L O V E R A G A P EA L L O T N O W H E R E R O L E XY E S T E R D A Y E A R L I E S T
F O R T R O A D I E SA S S U A G E W A R D D E T A C HD I O N N E L A T E S T I S A YA T O M R O L L I E R E S C I N DM E T E D S O L O F O L K F E E
T I M M Y S P U P K I NN Y C P R O D R U S H T I G H TY E L T S I N C A T E Y E N O A HP A A R D R A F T S D E J A V UD R Y E R S O P T S D I L A T E D
S E A S O N S N A C LS A T T I G H T M O N T Y H A L LK N O L L O F F B A S E M A R I EI N T E L V O L U M E S A L I S TS A S S Y E R O D E S Y E A T S
The Creemore Echo service directory allows you to advertise for the cost of $15 per week.
Call 466-9906 to find out more.
Although we are still not “here” as homeowners, we have been in the U. S. to witness (but not participate) in the recent U.S. elections. So here’s the first of two stories covering my take on what took place.
Before ge t t ing in to the results, it would be helpful to understand what these so-called mid-term elections represent. Presidential elections are held every four years, the most recent in 2008. All 435 Members of the House of Representatives (distributed across the country by population) must run every two years, while the 100 Senators (two per state) have six year terms, which are staggered, so about a third of the seats are up for election every two years. “Mid-term” thus refers to the midpoint of the president’s term of office. What adds greatly to the confusion and the noise is that most state and local elections are also held on these biannual election days.
To anyone following American politics, the results were no big surprise. Historically, the party of the recently elected president, in this case Democrat Barack Obama, almost always loses seats in the subsequent mid-term election. This dynamic is even more likely when the expectations of the new president are so high, as they were with Obama. Even at the post-election apex of Obama euphoria the pundits were saying that if he didn’t do something about the climbing unemployment numbers, the Democrats would get killed in 2010. Well, the unemployment numbers got worse, and Obama’s party
did get killed, almost.The Republicans now
control the House, while the Democrats held onto a majority in the Senate, and of course still occupy the White House for another two years. This could mean complete gridlock or a situation where both sides
might be willing to compromise to get something done. Almost no one, including me, is predicting the latter, given the bitter level of partisanship that pervades everything. In fact, one senior Republican stated his party’s number one priority was to make sure that Obama does not win a second term. Given that the Republicans did nothing but criticize and oppose everything that Obama and the Democrats proposed without offering any options, and then were rewarded handsomely at the polls for their efforts, suggests strongly that this strategy will continue.
But if the overall results were not surprising, many of the races certainly were. The Tea Party had considerable influence in determining the Republican candidates. By Canadian standards all of these people would be considered extremely conservative in their views. By any standards, several of these people running for major offices were hopelessly unqualified and more than a bit loopy, like the candidate for the senate seat in Delaware whose first ad declared that she was not a witch. While the electorate definitely made a major swing to the right, virtually all of these wacko candidates lost, thus restoring some faith in both the voters and the process.
Perhaps the most stunning factor was the amount of money spent on these elections, much from unidentified sources. Because these campaigns have neither time nor spending limits, there is seemingly no ceiling to the number of messages flooding the media, the mail boxes and the roadsides of America. The week before the election at least 90% of the TV commercials were political. There were also several wealthy candidates who tried to break into office using their own money. Meg Whitman, the former CEO of Ebay, spent an estimated $140 million of her own fortune in just the state of California in a losing bid to become governor. Tea Party favourite Linda McMahon, CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, spent $25 million of her personal money in an unsuccessful effort to win a senate seat in Connecticut.
The Democrats had accomplished a lot in two years – an economic stimulus, health care and Wall Street financial reform among other legislation. But mysteriously, almost from the moment of taking office Obama lost touch with the people. He went from charisma to missing in action, as the job problem got worse and government spending and the deficit increased. Election season has become never ending, so at least a year before the actual election the Republicans began hammering the unemployment problem and their old bogeyman of the government taking over everyone’s lives. Throw in media darlings like Sarah Palin and the Tea Party fueling the anger, and you had the Democrats on the defensive instead of running on their record.
The biggest surprise to me was the total absence of any discussion about military spending and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Quite apart
from the ethical aspects of these wars, which certainly deserved some debate during the election, they are part of a defense budget that is one of the biggest sources of government spending. So any intelligent discussion about how and where to cut back would have to include defense. But absolutely nothing was said about the wars.
The campaign was full of such ironies, which my next story will explore in the overall context of what caused this seismic change in voters’ attitudes over the past two years. I will also comment on the strikingly different attitudes Canadians and Americans have toward their government.
The US election - what happened?
CraigSiMPSONFR
OM
TH
E O
THER
SID
E
Congratulations MARKIE BOAKE
on your Achievement.
Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree, Faculty of Science, Psychology,
Wilfrid Laurier UniversityOctober 29th, 2010.
We are proud of you,Austin, Christine, Gi� ord & Terra,
Don and Bette Boake, Frank and Molly Acs
ThE CrEEmorE ECho • Friday, November 19, 2010 • 11
Spike & Rusty: GODSPEED
ECho ClassifiedsdininG
I saw a lovely arcOf rainbow span the sky.The gold sun burningAs the rain swept by. Mylar and Loreta’s Restaurant, Singhampton (705) 445-1247.
for sale
CEDAR SHiNGLES for the roof of the Creemore Log Cabin. Shingles are $5 each and buyers are invited to inscribe their name or the names of anyone they wish to honour (children, grandchildren, other family or friends). This Saturday, November 20, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at Cardboard Castles or call 466-2261.
Hand crafted steel GARDEN SHED 2X4 7’7” X 5’3” wide double door and 7 ft ceiling 428-0559.
MoVinG saleSaturday, November 20 & Sunday, November 21 at 2268 Centre Line Rd (SE of Stayner) from 8 am to 2 pm. Living room, dining room and bedroom furniture, kitchenware, clothes, garden tools.
for renT
New ROOMS for rent. Furnished. $110 per week includes shared living room, heat, hydro, wireless internet, satellite TV, parking. Linens supplied. No smoking. Call (705) 444-4852.
600 sq ft STUDiO APARTMENT in Creemore hills. Beautiful views. All amenities including satellite tv. Available immediately. $800 per month. 466-3333.
2 bedroom ground floor APARTMENT with garage in Creemore. Call (705) 466-5381.
Insulated STEEL BUiLDiNG for rent for storage or workshop. Separate hydro 240V. $600 a month plus heat and hydro. Call 466-5360.
TORONTO (west) accommodations. Main floor bungalow suits 2. Short term, weekly & daily rentals available. www.vrbo.com/313246 Call (647) 389-2568.
For Rent in St. Petersburg, FLORiDA. 1 bedroom condo. 2nd floor furnished.Pool, tennis. Minimum 1 month rental. $1000 inclusive. Call (705) 466-2254.
MeMoriesHave a memory from Christmas seasons past that you’d like to share? Bring in your stories or pictures by November 29 to Creemore Echo so we can include them in our Holiday Memories.
$15 plus hst for 25 words or lessSubmit by 5 pm TuesdayEmail [email protected] (705) 466-9906 or Fax 466-9908
Ski CHALET. 3 bedroom furnished. Close to all ski resorts. Just outside of Creemore. Beautiful view. $1200/month all-inclusive. Call (705) 466-5969 or (705) 333-0189.
SkiER’S WiNTER RENTAL. Bright, clean three bedroom home (sleeps 5+) available from Mid December to March Break. Fully furnished, low maintenance with all the conveniences of living in the village of Creemore includes separate cabin for occasional guests. Rent $7,500 plus utilities. Contact Phil (416) 518-4702 (cell) or [email protected]
Ski Rental: 3 bedroom HOME with large lot. $1200 a month. In Creemore. Call (705) 466-5381.
TUTorinGHELP yOUR CHiLD have a successful school year. Improved grades and attitude guaranteed. Free assessment. Elementary, secondary and special education. Your home or ours. Phone 466-6644.
serViCesDesign / Build / Maintain GARDEN CONTRACTOR seeks client to partner with in creating a genuinely great Mulmur garden (starting 2011)… and on a more pragmatic level offers winter woodlot management. Call Mike at (519) 925-8566.
Attention Skiers: Reliable & professional CLEANER now booking clients for this winter season. References available. Call Jane at 466-5657 or 733-7126.
ride wanTed
RiDE OR DRiVER from Creemore to Shelburne and return in evening. Times flexible. Call (705) 888-6740.
GeT well soon
Get well soon, ken Thornton! We’re all thinking of you here at Creemore Echo & hoping you soon recover from your recent fall.
Get well soon, Phil Stevenson! Hope you’re back at home operating on computers soon!
donaTions needed
Nottawasaga and Creemore Public School is hosting the Breakfast with Santa event on Saturday, December 4. If you would like to donate any items to a Silent Auction to help support our school, & we are graciously accepting gently used ‘garage sale’ items for the Breakfast with Santa kid’s Shopping Room. Please drop off your donation at either school site. On behalf of School Council, we thank you for your generous donation.
floaTs wanTed
The Creemore Legion Santa Claus Parade is on Saturday, December 4 at 1:30 pm. If you would like to put in a float or marching group please register the day of the parade at 1 pm at the County Works Yard on Cty Rd 9. Call (705) 466-3130 for more information.
ChrisTMas draw
31st Annual 95.1 The Peak FM G&M Hospital Christmas Draw. Grand prize 55” LCD HDTV with Blu-ray Disc Player valued at $2699. Plus hundreds of other prizes. Over $20,000 in total prizes. Draw to be held live on 95.1 The Peak FM starting at 9 am. Tickets only $2 each on sale at Creemore Echo. For more information visit www.cgmhf.com. All proceeds to purchase surgical equipment for Collingwood G&M Hospital.
Thank YoU
I want to express my sincere appreciation to the people of Clearview Township, Ward 2 for voting for me on Election Day. I look forward to working with council for you for the next four years. Sincerely, Orville Brown
On behalf of the Stevens, Jones and Elder families, I would like to sincerely thank the neighbours, friends and community for the ineffable support and compassion during an impossible time. I am particularly grateful for the respect of confidentiality where innocent children are concerned. Many thanks, Melanie
The family of John Halifax, wish to thank those who visited with him or sent cards of congratulations on the occasion of his 100th birthday. Marie Halifax, Francis Barker, Guy Hallifax and Gordon Hallifax
in MeMoriaMIn memory of Donald A. McLeod who passed away November 23, 2008.
This day is remembered and quietly kept.Our sadness lingers, We shall never forget.The memories we share Keep us strong.Engraved in our hearts, One can never be gone.For those we love don’t go awayThey walk beside us each & every dayUnseen and unheard, but always closeSo loved, missed and thought of most.
Sadly missed by Betty, Dawnna, Lynda, Heather, Robert and their families
in MeMoriaM
WEATHERALL, Ron February 18, 1948 – November 16, 2005
As you rest in your grave, dear brotherYour smiles are with us yet.Our memory is as fresh as ever.Because we cannot forget.
Love from brothers & sisters
deaTh noTiCe
MEEk, Harold passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 11, 2010 at the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital in his 81st year. Beloved husband and best friend of Eleanor for 58 years. Loved and respected father of Len; cherished and forever missed by his granddaughter Shasta. Survived by his brother Russ (Marian) Meek and sister Flossie Armagost. Harold will be remembered by his extended family and friends. At Harold’s request a family graveside service was held in Creemore on Saturday, November 13, 2010. Friends may visit Harold’s on-line Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com
CeleBraTion of life
Please join us for a Celebration of Life for Ron Robertson on Friday, November 26 at Creemore Legion from 7 pm. Please consider this your cordial invitation to all who knew him. His family
DUFF, Paula (Retired Registered Nurse – R.V.H.)Passed away peacefully at the Royal Victoria Hospital on Friday November 12, 2010 at the age of 85. Beloved wife of W.J. (Bill) Duff for over 62 years. Loving mother of Jamie Duff, and Stacey and her husband Kevin LePage. Grandma of Megan and Jonathan, and Nana of Ben, Katya, and David. Fondly remembered by Mary Ann. Dear sister of Helen Hunt. Friends were received at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., from 7-9 p.m. on Monday November 15, 2010. A Funeral Service was held in the Chapel on Tuesday November 16, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Royal Victoria Hospital for their professional and compassionate care. Paula dedicated her life to caring for others and in lieu of flowers, friends and family can make a donation to the either the Arthritis Society of Canada or the Parkinson’s Foundation. Condolences may be forwarded through www.steckleygooderham.com
FIREARMS & MILITARIAAUCTION
Sat., November 20 @ 9:30am
The Royal Canadian Legion Hall
27 Wellington St. W., Creemore, ONto feature
Estate collections of hunting, target & military firearms, antique muskets, handguns, ammunition, reloading equipment, military collectibles – helmets, badges, uniforms, swords, bayonets, books, prints, hunting gear, outdoor collectibles, etc.
Operation Santa Claus was in full force at the Barrie’s Army Navy & Air Force Centre in the early hours of this Wednesday morning. TD Canada Trust Staff, Canadian Military Personnel and the cadets from 1944 E.M.E. Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps packed up gift boxes to go to the troops stationed overseas. Cadets were in charge of handwriting personal messages in 2700 Tim Horton’s gift cards. These coffee cards along with bacon, batteries, socks, hoodies and sunflower seeds were requested by these troops as the most appreciated gifts that remind them of “home”. Lieutenant General Peter Devlin, Chief of Land Staff, said of these boxes that will be sent to each soldier stationed in Afghanistan or on Alert. “This bag of goodies shows the love, care and passion of those who took the time to gather the goodies” and “the feeling of Canada that oozes out of the box on Christmas morning” radiates “optimism for tomorrow”. This year, the fundraising totalled more than $188,954.
