Don't blame Willy for winter
LEFROY/BELLE EWART NEWS
by Linda Gerow

It's no secret that many of us are a little miffed at Wiarton Willy and his prediction. I know I am!

I read something from CBC news recently that seemed to validate what I've known all along ... groundhogs are woodchucks, members of the squirrel family, marmots, sometimes called whistlepigs. They are not the sharpest knives in the drawer. When nervous, they emit a high-pitched squeal, which might as well be an embossed dinner invitation to predators who follow the squeal until they find and eat the groundhog. So how did they gain a reputation for predicting weather? Fact is, they aren't very good at it. Chili Cook-Off: The ladies of the Women's Auxilliary of the Royal Canadian Legion are hosting their annual Chili Cook-Off from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday March 29th. Bring a pot of chili and let the public decide whose is the best or come get a bowl, bun, water and ballot for $5. Anyone interested in entering a pot, can call Maggie at 456-7293 or Betty Donald at 436-1144. The legion is located at 1017 Robinson Street in Lefroy- Belle Ewart.

Poor Tom will play at the Grange Hall in Lefroy. The group has adapted elements of Celtic, folk, bluegrass, blues and country roots music, with classic rock and classical music, creating a sound all their own. Special performances by our own local talent. Saturday March 29th from 7 to 10 p.m. Coffee, tea and snacks will be available. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Bring a friend. For more information, e-mail simcoeliving@rogers.com or call Andrea at 436-7171 or Pat at 623-5837. This is a smoke free event.

The Gilford and District Horticultural Society presents Lorrain Mennen, garden designer and author of Pathways to Perennials in Kettleby on April 14th. New and experienced gardeners will learn about the shape and size of garden beds, where to position the plants and many other design tips. The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m.

Bridal events: Lefroy United Church will be hosting two bridal events at the Grange Hall on Church Street April 26th. First, a bridal show for brides and their entourage will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Then, starting at 7 p.m., a fashion show featuring vintage bridal wear. Admission fee for the fashion show of $10 includes refreshments. Local businesses wishing to showcase their products and services for a nominal fee of $20 (tables provided) are asked to contact Andrea or Patti for more information. They will also be happy to arrange space for anyone wishing to sell bridal wear on consignment. For more information, please contact Andrea at simcoeliving@rogers.com or 436-7171, or Patti at rodgers.bbexcavating@sym patico.ca or 623-5837.

Quote: Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening', and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.

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