COOKSTOWN NEWS
by Susan Stein

At the Burdette Gallery

We met Petra Hewson of Cookstown, who is a specialist in framing, at the Burdette Gallery on the 11th Line, Orton, ON.

The Gallery, owned by Dr. G.E. Cormack, is housed in a rebuilt former barn. It is a treasure trove for art lovers, with artists' works displayed on the two levels of the gallery.

Dr. Cormack's and Gallery Director Samantha Routledge's desire and aim is to provide a venue for local artists to exhibit and sell their works of art, and for art lovers to get to know their work.

There is the hand blown glass by Catheirne Thompson, Raku Pottery by Diane Hopkins, the most delicate pottery by Lynn Stewart, Pete Herlihy's photography, photographic illustrations by Rosemary Hasner, paintings, music from Paul Morin, animal portraits by Linda Shantz, oil landscapes by Bruce LeDain, watercolour seascapes by O.K. Shenk, acrylic abstracts by Lucile Weber and reclaimed wood bowls, made by Jian Loriman.

Petra Hewson, who does the custom framing for the gallery, took us around the magnificent grounds and to the Stone Circle.

Inspired by the Dromberg Stone Circle in Ireland, this circle was built in 2002 at the request of Dr. Cormack. All of the stones were found on his property and were assembled by Pete Salisbury and Samantha Routledge. As with all stone circles, this one was created with a specific intention.

It stands here as an invitation to anyone who comes here to dance, learn, to Healing, to connect with your inner knowing, to connect with people, to explore, to celebrate.

The only thing asked is to come with positive intention, and leave with a lighter heart.

We left with hearts full of gratitude to Dr. Cormack, director Samantha Routledge and Petra Hewson for giving us a day of beauty, of disconnecting us from every day problems.

Peach Supper

Don't bother to cook on Friday, August 24th.

The Tec We Gwill W.I. is holding their annual Peach Supper at the Tec We Gwill Hall in Newton Robinson from 4:30 - 7 pm.

There will be cold meats, salads, peach pies and all kinds of peach desserts.

Tickets are: $12.00, children under 12 $6.00.

Visitors

Les and Norma Currie enjoyed the visit from son Jim and grandson James, who stopped by at the Currie home, coming from an extensive trip to the Maritimes.

Les and Norma spent a week at the cottage in the Temagami area in the company of family members, having a great time.

Meet Alex Thomas

Alex Thomas, daughter of Keith and Kathy Thomas of Cookstown, was crowned the Queen of the Furrow 2006-2007 of Simcoe County.

On August 18, she will be plowing at the Simcoe County Plowing Match in Tossorontio, using Barry De Geer's plow. She will make an opening split and will plow two rows.

On that day, she will hand over the Queen of the Furrow crown to the new queen.

Alex will be in grade 12 at Banting Memorial Highschool and plans to study for a B.Sc. at the University of Toronto after graduation.

Vacation Bible School

"The Walls of Jericho were crashing down" as children, enrolled in the Vacation Bible School, acted it out guided by Father Rob and Steve Morse, at St. John's Anglican Church, Cookstown

The lesson learned: God is strong and believing in His strength, can help us being responsible when faced with situations.

There were craft sessions and with Rev. Heather Power from Cookstown/Thornton United Church, leading, drumming sessions with each child his/her drum.Snacks were also on the daily programme, as were games.

At least 40 kids attended the VBS from July 30th - August 3rd.

Without the wonderful organizing and support by members of the congregation, it would not have been possible.

So on behalf of the community at large, heartfelt thanks to the following: Rev. Ron Mitchell, Rev. Heather Power, Marian Houghton, Karen and Emily Korevaar, Steve Morse, Kim West, Pam Gervais, Mike Caines, Justin McNichol, Heather Hazlett, Megan Morse, Lori and Lauren Lavallie, Rebecca Williams, Meghan Ricketts, Miluska Hart, Monique Zander.Kieran Power, Lorice Carter, Corinne Stott. And looking after snacks members of Cookstown ACW: Beryl Hadwen, Susan Stein, Marion Hudson, Grace Cooper, Hattie Milne, Iva Robinson and B. Tanner.

Meet Michael Caines

St. John's Anglican Church has welcomed Michael Caines as their Student Minister for the summer months.

Michael has come a long way to this milestone in his life, which started with his birth in New Brunswick. After high school he earned a degree in engineering from the University of New Brunswick

Sometime after graduation, he realized, that his calling was to serve the Lord as a minister and with his wife Anna served as youth ministers in the Diocese of Fredericton. Mission work in Uganda followed with Michael at an Anglican Secondary School teaching physics, computer science, and guitar and Anna teaching biology, music, and computer science.

After one year in Uganda, Michael studied for his Master of Divinity Degree at Wycliff College and Anna worked at the Ontario Science Centre.

Both enjoy to be part of the Anglican Parish of Churchill and Cookstown and all who have met them - helping with the Senior lunches, with the VBS and at Sunday Service, have and are enjoying their friendly smiles, their outgoing personalities.