Churchill News
by Susan Stein

Elvis has left the building! And what a great time we had in Collingwood. I do believe it was the best I've ever attended in the past ten years.

With over 200,000 advance ticket sold for all the venues...and this before the festival even got underway... organizers were hailing this the biggest and best Elvis Collingwood Festival to date.

All the usual tribute artists were in attendance, with more than a few new faces for good measure.

There was no shortage of interesting venues to attend; my favourite was the Inspirational Competition on Sunday afternoon with fourteen competitors. The winner of this event was long-time Elvis tribute artist, Anthony Von from Milton.

The winner at the Grand Finals was Jay Zanier, who has been on the circuit for many years.

After taking a hiatus from performing as Elvis, Jay came back with a whole new mindset and turned out to be the big winner and automatic entry in the Memphis competition. Jay never missed a beat or a hip swivel and brought the sold out crowd to its feet.

While it's a long weekend and can be tiring, I always enjoy every minute of it. Same time, same place next year!

Library News: Churchill Branch: 2282 4th Line, Churchill, Ontario: (705) 456-2671

The Churchill Branch is in full swing with the summer programming: Follow "Zack" through the library as he visits exotic lands. You can even write to him or colour his picture. Just visit the website at www.innisfil.library.on.ca

Summer Reading Club: For every 5 books read (age appropriate), kids receive a prize from the library! After 25 books, your name is entered in a draw for the Grand Prize.

Register now and receive a poster and a logbook with lots of fun activities. IT'S FREE!

Jungle Day: Animal Cracker Safari: Come on a wild safari where we will meet some animal friends! We will also be creating animal cracker collages! Ages: 5-12: Cost: $3:00: Wednesday, August 1, 2:00- 3:00 p.m.

Atlantis Day: Sandcastle Magic Come spend some time on the shores of Atlantis. We will be designing sandcastles and bringing them to life by sprinkling sand! Ages: 5-12: Cost: $3:00 Wednesday,August 8, 2:00- 3:00 p.m.

Grand Celebration: A library party to end the summer. Ages: 6-12: Wednesday, August 15, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

SUMMER MOVIES @ the Churchill Branch library: All tickets are $2/refreshments are $1:

Disturbia (PG-13) A teen living under house arrest becomes convinced his neighbour is a serial killer.Churchill Branch: Thursday, August 9, 1:00 p.m.

Shrek the Third (PG) When his new father-in-law, King Harold falls ill, Shrek is looked at as the heir to the land of Far, Far Away. Not one to give up his beloved swamp, Shrek recruits his friends Donkey and Puss in Boots to install the rebellious Artie as the new king.

Princess Fiona, however, rallies a band of royal girlfriends to fend off a coup d'etat by the jilted Prince Charming. Churchill Branch: Tuesday, August 21, 1:00p.m.

*take note that the Lakeshore Branch is showing films for $5 beginning on July 4th at 3 p.m. (Souvenir of Canada) and showing different films until August 16th. They're calling it "By the Book Movies, meaning that you may have read the book of the same title, now see the movie...enjoy!!!

Junior and Senior Youth Groups: The Parish of St. Peter's and St. John's (St. PJ's) youth group and the Senior youth group, will be back in September with regular meetings.

We wish all the youth a very happy and safe summer vacation. See you in September! Call Pam at 705-735-3484 for information.

Summer Services: Gilford United Church is holding summer services at 9:30am on July 29th and Churchill United Church is holding summer services at 9:30am on August 12, 19, 26th.

For further information contact the church or Rev. Glen Eagle at 705-456- 1714.

The Gilford and District Horticultural Society: Meet every second Monday in the Churchill Community Centre at 7:30 p.m. from March to November.

The next general meeting of the Gilford & District Horticultural Society will be held at the Churchill Community Hall on Yonge Street at 7.30 p.m - August 13th .This will be a very interesting meeting for many of us who grow, or would love to grow Exquisite Roses !!

Edna Caldwell of the Ontario Horticultural Society will speak on growing beautiful roses by changing various spraying techniques and other valuable tips for growing different types of roses in our area.

There will be a flower show including Pot Night for Coleus, or any other plant, annuals, herbs or Floral Designs, using foliage and or flowers, fruits & veggies.

The Fall Flower & Vegetable Show this year will be held at The Grange Hall in Lefroy on Sept.8 2007. Entries from 10-11:15 a.m. Judging from 11.30 to 1.p.m. Open to the Public from 1;00 to 3;00 p.m. For info about the flower show please call J.Matchett at 705-456-3299.

Everyone is welcome to attend and new members are always welcome.

For all other information please call Kathy at 905- 853-8785.

Euchre: Join Reg at St. Peter's Parish Hall for his weekly euchre game every Wednesday afternoon. Start time is 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. Come on out and join in the fun and fellowship.

Call Reg at 705-456- 6801 for all information. All proceeds go to the St. Peter's building fund.

2nd Annual Boat Cruise: St. Peter's Anglican Church is having its 2nd annual boat cruise on Tuesday, August 14th from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The boat will leave the Port of Orillia on the dot of 6:30 and return at 8:30 p.m.

There will be a light luncheon served on board. A cash bar is available. Tickets are $25/person. Please call Dean at 705-456-2202 prior to August 14th. A special invitation is extended to all those at our sister church, St. John's Anglican in Cookstown.

Last year was a wonderful trip...let's make this one even better. Bon voyage! All proceeds go to St. Peter's general fund.

Smile: Susie's husband had been slipping in and out of a coma for several months. Things looked grim, but she was by his bedside every single day. One day as he slipped back into consciousness, he motioned for her to come close to him. "You know" he whispered, his eyes filling with tears, "you have been with me through all the bad times. When I got fired, you stuck right beside me. When my business went under, there you were. When we lost the house, you were there. When I got shot, you stuck with me. When my health started failing, you were still by my side.

"And you know what?""What, dear?" she asked gently, smiling to herself. "I think you're bad luck."

If you have any news/items for this column, please contact me at lagerow@rogers.com or call me at 705-436-9769.