The community event calender is provided as a free public service to non-profit organizations to announce upcoming events. Deadlines are no later than Monday for that week's issue to

Submissions by mail, fax or e-mail and will not be received by telephone.

ISSUES & INTERESTS The York- Simcoe Naturalists is a young club looking for new members. Contact: Cathryn Rees at 905-775-7021, e-mail: wilcor@ sympatico.ca.

South Simcoe Community Information Centre "CONTACT" at 146 Victoria St. W. Alliston. Call (705) 435-4900, Fax 705-435-1106. Website: www.csolve.net/-contact, or Email: contact@ focuscdc.on.ca.

Get out and walk your block this April. Two out of five Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Volunteers are needed in Alcona, Big Bay Point and Lefroy. For more information, call Andrew at 436- 3107. The Canadian Mental Health Association of Barrie-Simcoe supports the development and continuance of self-help groups as a viable community resource for individuals experiencing difficulties. Self-Help groups can provide; support and understanding through difficult times; an opportunity to meet with others who have experienced similar difficulties; information and education; a safe and comfortable environment; suggestions regarding coping strategies that help to get through difficult times. For further information contact the Canadian Mental Health Association, Barrie-Simcoe Branch at 705-726-5033 or 1- 800-461-4319.

Good Food Simcoe is a nonprofit organization bringing the Good Food Box to Innisfil. The box consists of an assortment of fruits and vegetables, much of which is grown locally. The cost is $10 for a small box and $15 for a large box. They also need volunteers on packing day. For more information or to volunteer, call Cathy at 436-3178. SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28 Essa Parks and Recreation will host the Spring Fling registration blitz from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Thornton Arena meeting room. Registration for local sports and Parks and Rec programs will be featured, including a March Break day camp and Ivy Minor Baseball. For more information on baseball, visit www.ivyminorbaseball.ca or call Christine at 719-3604.

The Essa Historical Society meets at the Thornton library, located on Robert Street, starting at 1:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be Brian Baker, discussing transportation. Roll call is a means of transportation. Everyone is welcome to attend. Call Olive at 458-9971 for more information. SATURDAY MARCH 7 The Innisfil Bridal and Events Show will be held at the Grange Hall in Lefroy on March 7. The show will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will showcase the wedding products and services of area businesses. Get information on wedding and event decorating, such as accommodating extra guests, pampering in Innisfil and purchasing the perfect dress at an economic price. There will be door prizes and handouts. For more information, call Andrea at simcoeliving@rogers.com or 436-7171 or Patti at thepatrodgers@ gmail.com or 436-3575. MONDAY MARCH 9 The Gilford and District Horticultural Society begins their 2009 season at 7 p.m., at the Churchill Community Centre. The centre is located at 6322 Yonge Street. The featured guests are Ionel and Irina Alecu of BeesUniverse, who will discuss the insect's importance as a pollinator. Honey and other items will be available for purchase. SATURDAY MARCH 15 Cookstown United Church will host an annual St. Patrick's stew and lasagna supper, from 5 to 7 p.m. Homemade pies will also be available. Admission is $11 for adults, and $5 for children six to 12 years old. Children under six years old eat for free. No reservations are required. The church is located at 37 Queen Street. THURSDAY MARCH 19 Kristin Ego MacPhail will share her inside information on 'What's New in Perennials for 2009'. Everyone is welcome to the Painswick Horticultural Society's 2009 kick-off meeting at 7:30 p.m. at St.Paul's Church Hall. For more information, call John at 436-5292. SATURDAY MARCH 28 Poor Tom will play at the Grange Hall in Lefroy on March 28th. The group has been playing together since 2002. Ever-changing instrumentation and original folk songs with a Celtic edge form the basis of their passion for sharing stories and music. The evening will begin with local talent. Earth Hour will be honoured by switching to candlelight. The evening will begin at 7 p.m., and tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For more information or tickets, call Andrea at 436-7171 or Patti at 436-3575, or visit www.lefroyunited.ca. FRIDAY APRIL 10 Begin Good Friday activities at the annual Thornton Lions Pancake Breakfast, which runs from 7 to 11 a.m. The Lions Hall is located on Highway 27 in Thornton. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children. All proceeds will be going to the Royal Victoria Hospital Cancer Care Centre in Barrie. SUNDAY APRIL 19 The Sandycove Tap and Jazz Dancers are sponsoring a spring craft show and tea room at The Wheel on Lockhart Road, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is free admission and parking. Crafts from Sandycove Acres residents and draw prizes will be featured, and over 30 tables will be on display.