Let's conserve energy all the time
COOKSTOWN NEWS
by Barb Baguley

As I travel around our community I remember the dark time we had during Earth Hour March 29, from 8 to 9 p.m.

If lights in offices, commercial areas and municipal buildings were not needed that night then why are they needed any other night?

Despite corporate and municipal inaction, we can all make a difference individually. April 22 is Earth Day and I ask you each to find one thing that will make a difference. We could pick up litter, leave the car in the driveway, change from paper bills to electronic bills, use cloth shopping bags, rechargeable batteries, compost, recycle and think green before you purchase. We can all be part of the green generation if we take personal responsibility.

Cookstown United Church invites you to join the 183rd anniversary on April 20 at 10:45 a.m. This service will focus on gospel music by Rick Grove and friends, with service leader Thelma Arnott and guest speaker Reverend Lorne O'Neil. There will be a pot luck lunch in the church hall. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Cookstown United Church is now accessible with parking along the west side of the church and entry at the north-west door. Two wheelchair lifts have been installed for access to the main hall and lower level. Thanks to all who contributed to this longawaited accessibility endeavor.

Maple Leaf Seniors enjoyed their monthly business meeting at Cookstown United Church on April 8. The group holds a business meeting on the second Tuesday of each month and either a pot luck or a group lunch out on the fourth Tuesday each month. They are always looking for new members ages 55 and up. For further information, call 458-2219.

There will be an Irish Fry Up April 20 at the Gandy Dancer in Cookstown at 11 a.m. Join us for eggs, home fries, Irish bacon, sausages, soda bread, potato bread, coffee or tea all for only $8.99. Tap your toes to the live Irish music of Harry the Cap from Belfast. Reservations are a must with Angie 456-1595 or Renee 431-1087 as there is limited seating. Cheers!

Join the Irish Claddagh Club Irish Heritage Day on Sunday June 8 in Innisfil. Enjoy guest speakers, Irish dancers, and live music. Grainne O'Maille Irish Shop from Cookstown will have displays of Irish wares. If you have any Irish heritage in your family or just enjoy Irish music you are welcome to attend. Call Renee Hall at 431-1087 or Angie Chisholm at 456-1595 for directions. Slainte!

The Cookstown library branch invites you to join in the Me to We writing contest at the Innisfil Public Library. If you're in Grade 6 to 8 and had the power to change the world, what would you do? Here is your assignment: Write an essay, maximum of 500 words, explaining your choice and submit it via email to sbaues@innisfil.ca, or drop it off at any branch of the library by May 3. You could win two tickets to see Craig Keilburger's Me to We presentation at the Gryphon Theatre on Tuesday May 13 at 7 p.m. Call 458-1273 for more information.

The Lakeshore Friends are holding a fashion show and tea on Sunday May 4 at 2 p.m. at the Lakeshore library, located at 967 Innisfil Beach Road. There will be door prizes and lots of fun and friends. Tickets are $10.

Family storytime is held Wednesdays from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

Get involved in Pitch In Day on Saturday May 10 from 9 a.m. to noon. The event will be followed by a barbecue for volunteers at the Churchill Community Centre. To sign-up, contact the town office at 436-3710.

The Simcoe County Museum is hosting a free Accessibility Day on May 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for seniors and persons with disabilities. There will be free admission, museum tours, product displays, education and information sessions and a barbecue lunch. For information about the day call 728-3721, visit www.museum.simcoe.ca or contact Margaretta at 728- 0056. Groups are asked to pre-register.

The Innisfil Historical Society is hosting a monthly meeting April 19. All are welcome at the Knock School, located at 7756 10th Sideroad at the 9th Line, beginning at 2 p.m. The guest speaker is fourth generation beekeeper Peter Dickey of Dickey Bee Honey.

Dickey will bring antique equipment that was used in beekeeping.

There is an unique opportunity to participate in a story telling experience on May 21 at the Cookstown Curling Club. Jot down ideas you have for stories and anecdotes about Cookstown, including remembrances of stories told to you, personal observations and happenings around the village. Be a part of recorded history. Project coordinator Donna Wice can be reached at 436-2578. Interviewers Marj Mossman and Beverly Jones are available to assist with the story telling process.

The Pub running group has grown to 25 members who meet Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. at The Pub in the Foodland Plaza. Contact Johanne at johanne@silver-ins.on.ca or call 905-936-4374 for information.

South Simcoe Theatre will present Man of La Mancha April 24 to May 11. Adult accompaniment is recommended. To audition, e-mail manoflamancha@southsimc oetheatre.com, or to order tickets call 458-4432.

Simcoe-York MP Peter Van Loan will be holding a fundraiser at the South Simcoe Theatre April 27 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $45. Contact Anne at 456-3528 or e-mail office@york-simcoe.ca. Enjoy Man of La Mancha and meet your MP.

Four Play is intended to offer new and unique opportunities to South Simcoe Theatre members and the audience. It is hoped that this initiative will attract first time or entry level actors, directors and producers. This is a terrific way to wet your feet at the theatre. For information call Louise Macdonald at 905- 775-3505.

Please contact me at abaguley@bconnex.net or 458-9358 with your news for our community.