Other Community News
Barrie Area MP Hosts Reception to Recognize Contributors to Annual Calendar
Submitted by Doug Shipley, MP Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte
April 19th, 2024 Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte Member of Parliament, Doug Shipley, is pleased to host a reception to acknowledge residents who contributed to his 2024 annual calendar. In 2023, for the second year, residents of Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte were encouraged to share their original artwork including paintings, sketches, and photographs, that captured the mood and beauty of our region, for consideration in the 2024 annual calendar. Successful submissions were showcased, month by month, in the calendar which is delivered to thousands of residents in Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte. “Collecting submissions from local artists is a great opportunity to bring the unique views that can be found in all corners of our region into every home, and remind us all how truly fortunate we are to be surrounded by such raw and natural beauty every day, “ said MP Doug Shipley. Contributors will be honoured at an intimate reception, hosted at the MacLaren Art Centre, Monday April 22nd from 5:30pm – 7:00pm. Presentations will be made at 5:50pm. Members of the media are invited to attend this event.
For more information or to RSVP, contact the office of MP Doug Shipley:
Doug.Shipley@parl.gc.ca 705-728-2596
Blue Ridge Club Makes Major Donation for Tiny Marsh Phrag Control – By Kate Harris
TINY MARSH – April 18 2024 – A major contribution has been made to the ongoing battle to control invasive Phragmites at Tiny Marsh, with the Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Club donating $10,000 to help fund the fourth year of phragmites control.
Blue Ridge president Bev Fisher and treasurer Gabriella Arseanault attended a recent meeting of the MTM Conservation Association board of directors and received a warm welcome from the group of volunteers who manage the wetland for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
“Blue Ridge is honored to participate in assisting the MTM with their fight at the Tiny Marsh against the invasive phragmites,” said the club’s president Bev Fisher. “We are positive their efforts will fortify the Marsh for future generations to experience.
Blue Ridge treasurer Gabriella Arsenault added that since the club’s inception, conservation has been an integral part of its mission. “We are very grateful for organizations such as yourselves that volunteer their time and commit to the preservation of wetlands,” she told the MTM directors. “We are very excited to be able to donate to such a great conservation initiative.”
“This is an exceptionally generous donation,” said MTM vice-president Derek Witlib. “It’s the kind of support we need to achieve our goal of finally getting the phragmites under control.”
Phrag Free Tiny Marsh project manager Kate Harries noted that a three-year phragmites control project funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada has just concluded – but another year’s work is still required to tackle some remaining large stands of the invasive reed.
Then it is hoped it can be kept in check with ongoing monitoring.
The ECCC funding program does not provide for extensions which is why MTM has turned to other sources to raise the $30,400 needed for the 2024 control project.
Donors are the Township of Tiny, Ducks Unlimited and the Tiny Lions Club, bringing the total raised so far to $26,000.
Our North Simcoe Junior Farmers annual road cleanup was a success! – By Adrianna McGinnis
April 21, 2024 – On Saturday, April 20th our club gathered on Flos Road 10 to collect waste and clean up the area. We were quite successful as we finished the job with about 15 bags full!
Thank you to all members and non-members who showed up to participate in road cleanup, it was a great day of hard work giving back to our community and bettering the earth!
Springwater News Found – Anne Arksey found the Springwater News at the Stellenbosch Golf and Country Club, near Cape Town, South Africa.
Craighurst WI April Meeting – By Sheila Craig
April 18, 2024 – Craighurst Women’s Institute met Tuesday April 16. We opened with the Ode and Mary Stewart collect. No, dear readers, the collect was not writ by Mary Queen of Scots, as she collected her wits before her unhappy demise. I quote from British Columbia Women’s Institute :
“The Mary Stewart Collect , pronounced “CALL’ ect” , and defined as “ a short prayer” was written by Mary Stewart in 1904 and is recited at branch, district, provincial, national and world meetings. It is a mantra members endeavour to live up to in daily life.”
Mary herself was born in 1875 in Ohio, and was principal of Longmont High, Colorado.
Back to Craighurst WI. Our treasurer is in Barbados, so only the secretary and her minutes were available. Business was reporting on District meetings, discussing the Oro-Medonte Township’s response to our Parkette concerns (at best tepid, at worst lukewarm). Then we closed that part and held the election of new officers, and collected membership dues. Our executive was installed, congratulated, and then the fun began. One member said her family wants to turn her into a diamond after she joins Mary Q of S so to speak. “Oh” we cried, “how does that work?” She explained. You can look that up I’m sure. All the while we were holding a silent auction, so bidders were up and down during the meeting. We discussed our catering job at World Fiddler’s Day in the Eady Hall May 18, 1 – 5 don’t miss it. There will be egg salad sandwiches! The auction closed, the members paid up, and so starts the new year for The Craighurst Women’s Institute.
Georgian Shores Swing Seniors
Members of Georgian Shores Swing Seniors attended a Sunday concert by Adrien Robitaille at The Place in Balm Beach. The Social Committee is looking forward to presenting more such concerts over the summer.
