Bottling up eco-awareness
By Ashley Walker
      Lindsay Kucharczuk and Elizabeth McGee are trying to help the economy in every little way that they can. The Nantyr Shores Secondary School students are involved with an ecofriendly class called Challenge and Change.
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United Way asking for more donations
      The United Way of Greater Simcoe County needs more money. The organization's staff announced the annual campaign community goal of $1.5 million dollars simply falls short of this year's anticipated need. Due to current economic conditions, agencies are already witnessing alarming trends in regards to food bank usage.
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Immunizations offered by health unit
      Immunizations are the best way to protect against preventable diseases such as measles, pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health unit provides regular immunization clinics at all office locations for infants through to seniors.
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GO station proposal staying in Lefroy
By Chris Simon
      Growth talk quickly turned to GO debate last week. Developers and local residents attended a public meeting regarding Innisfil's proposed growth plans last week. The plans, which include population and employment targets for the town, are part of the municipality's attempt to conform with the County of Simcoe's recently approved Official Plan.
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Conservation foundation earns award
      The Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation received the 2008 Small Organization for Excellence in Fundraising Award at the Association of Fundraising Professional luncheon Nov. 26. The event took place at the Metro Convention Centre, with over 1,300 people in attendance.
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MPP connects on YouTube
By Richard Blanchard
      Simcoe West residents are now be able to watch videos of their local MPP on the internet's most popular video sharing website, YouTube. Video clips of MPP Jim Wilson in the provincial legislature are available at the site, including his tribute to former area MPP George McCague, Highway 89 traffic signs and his most recent comments about doctor user fees.
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YMCA staff plan camps throughout the holiday break
      The Christmas break is fast approaching, so register for YMCA Holiday Day Camp today. On Dec. 22 to 24, 29 to 31 and Jan. 2nd, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka will be running camps at its Barrie and Innisfil locations. The Barrie site is located at 22 Grove Street, while the Innisfil facility is along Innisfil Beach Road.
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Victorian home on the verge of demolition
By Chris Simon
      Another old home is in the process of being demolished. The Victorian farmhouse, which is located on the 6th Line, east of the 20th Sideroad, is allegedly nearing destruction, after the town issued a demolition permit for the property recently. As of last week, the windows of the home had been boarded, and a gate closed access to the property.
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Simcoe County paramedic services receives $2.3 million in provincial funding
      The County of Simcoe has learned it will receive an additional $2.3 million for the delivery of paramedic services from the provincial government in 2009, significantly reducing a longstanding funding shortfall. County council's efforts to encourage the province to uphold its 50/50 cost sharing agreement for paramedic services have been productive.
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Give the gift of blood this year
      Canadian Blood Services is reminding people that giving blood is a recessionproof gift. As the global economic crisis continues to wreak havoc around the world and talk of a recession grows louder, Canadians are becoming more concerned about their own financial security, but still want to find a way to help those in need.
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