The reasons why we celebrate Victoria Day
CHURCHILL NEWS
by Linda Gerow

Victoria Day is celebrated on the first Monday preceding May 25th.

It is a statutory holiday throughout all of Canada, except the Atlantic provinces. Victoria Day falls on the second to last Monday in May, which is usually the third weekend, but can be the fourth in years like 1999, where the 31st fell on a Monday. After the death of Queen Victoria, an Act was passed by the Parliament of Canada establishing a legal holiday on May 24 in each year (or May 25 if May 24 fell on a Sunday) under the name Victoria Day.

An amendment to the Statutes of Canada in 1952 established the celebration of Victoria Day on the Monday preceding May 25, making it the first long weekend of the summer season. From 1953 to 1956, the Queen's Birthday was celebrated in Canada on Victoria Day. In 1957, Victoria Day was permanently appointed as the Queen's Birthday in Canada. In the United Kingdom, the Queen's Birthday is celebrated in June.

Library news: Churchill branch manager, Debra Mann. Phone number is 456- 2671. The branch is closed on Sundays, Mondays and Fridays.

Family storytime at the Churchill branch is Thursdays from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Call your nearest branch for space availability.

Movies are $2 per ticket, and $1 for a snack. Movies start at 1 p.m. at the Churchill branch. The Spiderwick Chronicles will play Saturday May 31. Coming soon is Horton Hears a Who and Nim's Island.

TD Summer Reading Club: The theme this year is Laugh Out Loud. Summer is almost here and the fun can begin.

Watch for announcements on all the fun programs, contests, and events coming soon.

Want a free mp3 player? You can win one just by downloading an online audiobook through Libraries On The Go! Call or visit any branch of the Innisfil Public Library for more information.

Pick-up your Simcoe County Active Family Challenge Ballot at any branch of Innisfil Public Library. Do at least six activities with your family by Friday June 6th and you could win. Visit www.simcoemuskokahealth. org for a full list of activities and prizes.

Check out www.100yearsofanne.com for the 100th anniversary of Anne of Green Gables. Enter the letter writing contest to win a Prince Edward Island holiday package. Just write a letter to Anne Shirley to tell her, in 500 words or less, what she means to you. Entry forms are available on the website.

In the community: Churchill Community Play Group meets Tuesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. at the Churchill United Church on Highway 11. Toys, crafts, songs, books and snacks are available along with coffee and friendship. Please call Kim for information at 456- 1859.

Junior youth group: The Parish of Churchill and Cookstown Junior Youth Group (COOL) meet every Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. at St. Peter's Anglican Church. The next meeting is May 15th.

If you would like to join us, please speak to Pam at 735-3484.

This is for youth aged nine to 12 years. Also, the youth retreat this year will be held June 13 to 15 at Circle Square Ranch in Washago. The cost is approximately $98 per person. Please speak to Pam about this as well. There are some fundraising events planned to offset costs. Stay tuned for more details.

Senior youth group: The teen youth group meet on alternate Sundays at St. John's Anglican Church in Cookstown from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Lunch is included at 1 p.m. All teens are welcome to attend. The next meeting is to be announced. Please contact Pam for any information and upcoming dates at 735-3484.

The Gilford and District Horticultural Society will once again sponsor the South Innisfil Arboretum Plant and Vendor Sale. The annual giant sale will be held on May 17th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be lots of flowers for sale (right from members' gardens), nearly-new tables, bake tables, a raffle, crafts, a barbecue and much more. We invite vendors to join at a cost of $15 per space, plus $5 for a table. For more information, call Evie Teras at 436-4776 to reserve a space, as they are limited. Join us for lots of fun at Shorecrest and the 20th Sideroad in Gilford.

The Plant and Trunk Sale will take place on Saturday May 24th, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lefroy United Church. Lots of perennials and annual plants will be for sale. Donations are accepted, just drop them off at the church or call Diana at 456-0255. The Trunk Sale is $10. Please contact Diana also. There will also be a barbecue and bake table. Funds raised will be used for the ongoing outreach projects at the church and their new youth group.

Gilford/Churchill United Church news: Visit their website at www.churchillgilfordunitedc hurches.org for all the latest news. Check it out.

Innisfil Pipes and Drums: Want to join a great band? Why not join the Innisfil Pipes and Drums under the leadership of Ken Wilkinson. Practices take place at the Royal Canadian Legion branch 547, located at the Robinson and Ewart streets intersection in Belle Ewart. Practice take place Monday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. Contact Ken at 456- 3717 or ken@innisfilpipesanddrums. ca. No experience is necessary.

Musical evening: St. Peter's Anglican Church senior choir is holding its second annual musical evening on Sunday May 25th at 7 p.m., featuring Maranatha music and old favourites. Everyone is welcome to attend and it will be donations only accepted at the door. Light refreshments will follow the performance. Call Linda at 436-9769 for further information.

Euchre: Bid euchre at St. Peter's Anglican Church on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome to drop by any Wednesday and join in the fun. Light refreshments are served.

Car Trunk Sale: Mark your calendars for St. Peter's annual Car Trunk Sale on Saturday June 14th from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Churchill Community Centre parking lot. Vendors pay $25 for a location to sell their items. There will be a barbecue and silent auction. Please speak to Dean at 456- 2202 for further information or to reserve your space.

Strawberry supper: St. Peter's Anglican Church will be having a strawberry supper on June 27th. Come and enjoy some fresh strawberries and a delicious dinner. The time is 5 to 7 p.m. first come, first served. Adults are $10, children under 12 are $5, and preschoolers are free. Please call 456-6731 or 436-9769 for information.

Smile: An 85-year-old widow went on a blind date with a 90-year-old man. When she returned to her daughter's house later that night, she seemed upset.

"What happened, Mother?" the daughter asked.

"I had to slap his face three times."

"You mean he got fresh?"

"No," she answered. "I thought he was dead!"

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