Innisfil Scope

McConkey petition handed over

By Chris Simon — 05/14/2008

Barbara Love wants to see her family's former homestead stand pat. The relative of Roderick McConkey says her family's former century homestead is a significant heritage site within the Town of Innisfil. And apparently, about 1,000 other people agree.

Pitch-In Day participation lower than expected

By Chris Simon — 05/14/2008

Despite the participation of about 2,000 residents, Innisfil's annual Pitch-In Day turnout is down from last year, says mayor Brian Jackson. Pitch-In Day took place at several locations throughout the town on Saturday, with residents retrieving garbage, couches, television sets and even a dead animal from roadsides, parks and ditches throughout the town.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

05/14/2008

The community event calender is provided as a free public service to non-profit organizations to announce upcoming events. Deadlines are no later than Monday for that week's issue to COMMUNITY EVENTS, P.O.

Answering the garbage clean-up call

by Chris Simon — 05/14/2008

Sometimes when the mayor speaks, you just have to listen. The town's annual Pitch-In Day took place on Saturday, and despite advertisements and articles in local media outlets, the number of residents participating appears to be down this year.

Simcoe County is a great place to play in the summer

By Tony Guergis Warden, County of Simcoe — 05/14/2008

The places you can go in Simcoe County make the possibilities endless and as the summer vacation season approaches, this is a great time to plan day trips or longer getaways close to home. It's also a great time for us to think about how we promote tourism in this region.

McConkey petition handed over

By Chris Simon — 05/14/2008

Pitch-In Day participation lower than expected

By Chris Simon — 05/14/2008

Primroses are an easy perennial to grow

By Judith Rogers — 05/14/2008

Primroses are an easy to grow spring flowering perennial and one that can provide form in the garden from the various varieties. They do have specific requirements though; shelter from the wind, part shade and a moist, well-drained soil.

Council should take another look at whistle plans

05/14/2008

Obviously, no one on council has ever ridden the VIA Rail train from Toronto to Montreal. If they had, they would experience how quiet the ride is through every town and city on the trip, because the train does not blow its whistle.

Innisfil District Association's stand without merit

05/14/2008

I'd like to respond to Don Avery's letter in your May 7th edition. First, the Memorandum of Settlement was not "offered" by the province.

Supporting amateur arts

By Chris Simon — 05/14/2008

A display in Ingrid Schienke's storefront window could be the start a young artist needs. It's one of the reasons why the owner of the Gallery on Queen in Cookstown annually participates in the South Simcoe Art Council's Art on Main event.

Getting rid of rudeness at home

05/14/2008

Is your teenager being rude and disrespectful? While rudeness and disrespect may cause conflict in the family, they are common when teenagers are trying out new ideas and opinions and deciding who they are and what they believe in. Find out how to manage rude and disrespectful behaviour by calling Your Health Connection at 721- 7520 or 1-877-721-7520.

The Wonderful Wizard of Assisi

By Chris Simon — 05/14/2008

Emily Devlin's dream of professional acting is about to get its start. The St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School Grade 8 student will be starring as Dorothy in the school's production of The Wizard of Oz for several days later this month.

Bringing the spring garden indoors

By Chris Simon — 05/14/2008

With spring in season, it might be time to bring some of those garden flowers indoors. That's one option, at least, that the Painswick Horticultural Society is encouraging. Accomplished floral designer Jean Warrington lead a flower arranging workshop at St. James United Church in Stroud recently.

Raising money for Alcona's beautification

By Chris Simon — 05/14/2008

Alcona's largest garage sale will be helping to beautify the community. The Alcona Business Association's sale will be back for another year, at the Crossroads Plaza Saturday May 24 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The association held a similar garage sale during the Victoria Day long weekend last year, which raised about $1,300 for the beautification of Innisfil Beach Road.

Cookstown joins in Canadian song day

By Susan Stein — 05/14/2008

Cookstown Central Public School students joined in a nationwide celebration of the importance of music in our lives and schools recently. In 2007, more than 1,500 schools and organizations participated in Music Monday, representing 650,000 students, parents teachers and music lovers. Music Monday drew 17.

The Way We Were

05/14/2008

Marching along the main street of Stroud, with banner held high, are the students and teachers of Stroud School during a fair in 1924. This annual fair included a parade of all participating local schools, as well as the exhibiting and judging of animals, vegetables, flowers and talents. Discontinued in 1965, the fair was a fall highlight for a mainly rural Innisfil.

See How They Run at Sandycove

05/14/2008

Last year's hit by the Sandycove drama ensemble carries on this year. Pool's Paradise continues with even more characters and wild antics in See How They Run. This rib-tickling English farce is situated in the vicarage of the Rev. Lionel Toop. His life is a constant trial, living with Penelope, his lovely and unpredictable (ex-actress wife) and his irreverent maid Ida.

Police setting up in local mall and libraries

By Chris Simon — 05/14/2008

As part of Police Week celebrations, the South Simcoe Police Service wants to get to know its constituents a little better. The service will set-up displays at three locations throughout its jurisdiction on Friday.

Health unit now taking reports on dead birds

05/14/2008

The public can report dead birds to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, since surveillance for the West Nile virus (WNv) program began earlier this week.

Hiking for Hospice Simcoe becoming an attraction

05/14/2008

The 2008 Hike for Hospice, which took place on Sunday May 4 along the shores of Kempenfelt Bay, was a beehive of activity as organizers saw the number of participants dramatically increase from around 50 in 2007 to over 250 at this year's event.

Museum becomes barrier-free

By Chris Simon — 05/14/2008

A barrier-free museum is Margaretta Papp-Belayneh's dream come true. For years, the chair of Innisfil's Accessibility Advisory Committee has been working tirelessly to address accessibility problems at businesses and buildings throughout the town and Simcoe County. Last Wednesday, her goal of creating a barrier-free society throughout the area came a bit closer to reality.

Preparing for an emergency reduces stress

05/14/2008

As many people know following the spring flooding this year, being ready for an emergency can reduce stress and worry.

Kuzmich tournament raises $12,000

By Chris Simon — 05/14/2008

The Kuzmich Memorial Hockey Tournament had another successful year, raising thousands of dollars for two separate charities. The South Simcoe Police Service's annual tournament was held at the Lefroy Arena in March. It raised $6,000 for upgrades to Innisfil Beach Park and $6,000 for the Canadian Crime Victim Foundation, said Sgt. Bob Eeles.

Break ground with Cookstown library staff

05/14/2008

The community is invited to the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Cookstown branch of the Innisfil Public Library and Community Centre. Representatives of the town and library board will host this event on Saturday May 24 at 11 a.m. The event will be held at 20 Church Street, the site of the old Cookstown Fairgrounds.

Essa opening Whiteside bridge

By Richard Blanchard — 05/14/2008

Essa council has agreed on a date in mid-June to officially open its new E. Ross Whiteside bridge near Nicolston on the 5th Concession. Township CAO/road superintendent Greg Murphy told council Wednesday night that extreme high water levels in the Nottawasaga River during the the spring melt of snow had delayed work on the bridge by about two weeks.

Preparing a 72-hour lifesaver

05/14/2008

Prepare for the unknown. It's the message Innisfil's community emergency management coordinator and deputy fire chief Jim Ferry has begun stressing to constituents. Last week, Ferry manned a display of emergency preparedness pamphlets and information at the New Town Hall.

Paintball proposal adopted

By Richard Blanchard — 05/14/2008

Essa council has given its approval to the establishment of a new paintball facility in the township.

Float on a boat for the MS Society

05/14/2008

Hop on the Miss Midland for the Simcoe County MS Society's annual boat cruise. The cruise will take place on June 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. Boarding will begin at 6:30 p.m. from the Midland town dock. During the cruise guests will enjoy door prizes, finger food and a cash bar. Tickets cost $25 and can be obtained by calling the Simcoe County MS Society at 705-733-0488.

Angus library may be built near school

By Richard Blanchard — 05/14/2008

A new township library in Angus could be built in conjunction with the new high school planned for the community, says Essa mayor Dave Guergis. Guergis told council last week that he had preliminary discussions with the local public school trustee Robert North to see if the library might be adjacent to the new school.

Tag Days still needs volunteers

05/14/2008

Make a difference, join the team. Volunteer for Tag Days in Barrie, Alcona and Stroud, June 6 and 7.

Still work to be done on accessibility front

by Barb Baguley — 05/14/2008

Accessibility means different things to different people and that was evident at the Accessibility Day held at the Simcoe County Museum on May 7. I was a member of the Innisfil Accessibility Advisory Committee when it was first formed and have been followed the progress of this group with great interest.

Dance team steps on competition in Newmarket

by Cathie Miller — 05/14/2008

The Thornton Area Action Committee will be holding a garage sale this coming Friday and Saturday, May 16 and 17. The sale will be held on Charlie's vacant lot, just south of William Street, on the west side of Barrie Street.

Students show off their UN knowledge

05/14/2008

Debt forgiveness for developing nations, nuclear proliferation, and global warming were under debate by more than 100 secondary school students from throughout the Simcoe County District School Board, as they participate in the 22nd annual SCDSB United Nations Assembly simulation.

The reasons why we celebrate Victoria Day

by Linda Gerow — 05/14/2008

Victoria Day is celebrated on the first Monday preceding May 25th. It is a statutory holiday throughout all of Canada, except the Atlantic provinces. Victoria Day falls on the second to last Monday in May, which is usually the third weekend, but can be the fourth in years like 1999, where the 31st fell on a Monday.

Drumhead parade coming up

by Ed Collins — 05/14/2008

Drumhead service and parade: This will be held at the Lefroy branch June 12th, with the parade starting at 1 p.m., running from Arnold Street along Ewart to the legion parking lot. There will be refreshments at the branch for everyone after the service. Everyone is invited to attend. Watch for fliers in local stores.

Ladies of the Lake going 'tastefully' nude in July

05/14/2008

Following the popularity and fundraising success of the 2006 Ladies of the Lake Naked Truth calendar, the Ladies continue to raise awareness, shift mindsets and take action by launching their second calendar.

Organization giving a voice to deaf children

05/14/2008

Canada celebrates speech and hearing month in May, but did you know deaf kids can talk? Babies are being screened at birth for hearing loss in most (not all) provinces of Canada today. When identified early and given access to hearing technology and auditoryverbal therapy, the majority of children born with hearing loss today will learn to talk.

Some reasons for getting immunized

By Dr. Colin Lee Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit — 05/14/2008

Measles, polio, diphtheria and the mumps are diseases that were once common in Canada, but are seldom seen today. Those diseases do still exist, but we are much less vulnerable to contracting them thanks to routine childhood immunization.

Euchre players are still needed in Newton Robinson

05/14/2008

Euchre players should be aware of the games held the first Friday of the months of February to June. The cost is $3 per person which includes lunch. They take place at the Women's Institute Hall in Newton Robinson and start at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome.

Break-ins throughout area

05/14/2008

Youth home staff threatened South Simcoe Police have charged a 15-year-old with uttering threats and fail to comply with an undertaking. Police were called to a youth facility on the 5th Sideroad in Bradford West Gwillimbury May 11. The youth became outraged after being told to return to his room, and he threatened to harm the facility workers.

Woman charged after Bradford crash

05/14/2008

On Wednesday May 7 at about 8:25 a.m., South Simcoe Police were called to a motor vehicle collision on Northgate Drive in the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury. An investigation revealed that a red four-door Saturn was reversing from a driveway on Northgate when it struck a red Audi that was travelling eastbound.

Careless driving charge laid in Bradford

05/14/2008

On Sunday May 4 at about 2:20 p.m., South Simcoe Police responded to a motor vehicle collision on the 6th Line near Melbourne Drive in Bradford West Gwillimbury. The driver of a white Chevrolet pick-up truck lost control and the vehicle left the roadway, travelling across a lawn and striking two vehicles that were parked on private property.

Two injured in Highway 11 collision

05/14/2008

On May 3 at about 10:45 a.m. South Simcoe Police responded to a motor vehicle collision on Highway 11 at the 5th Line in Innisfil. A pick-up truck pulling a trailer was travelling southbound on the highway when the trailer began to fishtail and the vehicle lost control. It rolled over into a ditch.

Co-op students building links into the work world

By Katrina Anderson Cooperative Education at Nantyr Shores Secondary School — 05/14/2008

As you drive down Innisfil Beach Road you can't help but notice the bustling skilled trade workers establishing quality homes in our community. Welcoming these developments, the cooperative education department at Nantyr Shores Secondary School has taken the opportunity to develop experiential learning placements for students interested in skilled trades.

Special Hockey International may expand to Innisfil

By Chris Simon — 05/14/2008

Rob Chapman would love to see his son play hockey a little closer to home. For the last four years, Chapman has been taking his 18-year-old mentally disabled son Mitchell to play for Special Hockey International's Newmarket team. But Chapman also knows there's a need for a club in the Simcoe County area.

Skating club ends season with golden performance

By Maureen Cassidy Lefroy Skating Club — 05/14/2008

The Lefroy skating Club was in its best form at the Thornhill Funskate, the last and most competitive meet of the season. The three-day Skate Canada event was held from April 11 to 13 at the Thornhill Community Centre. With only nine skaters entering 10 events, the Lefroy club earned five first place, three second place, and two fourth place finishes.

Major Midgets win league title

05/14/2008

Innisfil Minor Hockey Association's Major Midget AE Team, sponsored by Wild Wing South Barrie, ended their season last month as York Simcoe Champions. The team has had a very successful season starting off with winning the championship at the Pickering Thanksgiving Tournament in October.

Wolfpack season schedule set

05/14/2008

The Innisfil Wolfpack Junior C lacrosse club will open its 2008 home schedule May 13. The game will take place at the Stroud Arena, beginning at 8 p.m. In total, the team will play eight regular season games in Innisfil this year.

Answering the garbage clean-up call

by Chris Simon — 05/14/2008

Simcoe County is a great place to play in the summer

By Tony Guergis Warden, County of Simcoe — 05/14/2008

Council should take another look at whistle plans

05/14/2008

Innisfil District Association's stand without merit

05/14/2008

I'd like to respond to Don Avery's letter in your May 7th edition. First, the Memorandum of Settlement was not "offered" by the province.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

05/14/2008

Break-ins throughout area

05/14/2008

Woman charged after Bradford crash

05/14/2008

Careless driving charge laid in Bradford

05/14/2008

Two injured in Highway 11 collision

05/14/2008

Special Hockey International may expand to Innisfil

By Chris Simon — 05/14/2008

Skating club ends season with golden performance

By Maureen Cassidy Lefroy Skating Club — 05/14/2008

Major Midgets win league title

05/14/2008

Wolfpack season schedule set

05/14/2008

Supporting amateur arts

By Chris Simon — 05/14/2008

Getting rid of rudeness at home

05/14/2008

The Wonderful Wizard of Assisi

By Chris Simon — 05/14/2008

Bringing the spring garden indoors

By Chris Simon — 05/14/2008

Raising money for Alcona's beautification

By Chris Simon — 05/14/2008

Cookstown joins in Canadian song day

By Susan Stein — 05/14/2008

The Way We Were

05/14/2008

See How They Run at Sandycove

05/14/2008

Primroses are an easy perennial to grow

By Judith Rogers — 05/14/2008

Co-op students building links into the work world

By Katrina Anderson Cooperative Education at Nantyr Shores Secondary School — 05/14/2008