Beat the blues with jazz at the library

This is my final Cookstown news column for the Innisfil Scope.

Writing this column over the past two years has given me the opportunity to get to know the community, the people who live there and the organizations that make it so vibrant. In Cookstown and across Innisfil, volunteers provide many services and supports that make Innisfil stronger.

I have enjoyed the opportunity to share some of my experiences with the various organizations that I have worked with over the years. The reason I remain involved with Crime Stoppers, Habitat for Humanity, physician recruitment, the Innisfil Historical Society, the Greater Innisfil and Cookstown chambers of commerce, Hospice Simcoe and Innisfil Rotary is because they make a positive difference in the community.

From the dedicated individuals who organize minor sports teams, to the dependable people who deliver meals on wheels to elderly residents, Innisfil needs volunteers every day. The commitment adds to the quality of life in the town.

I encourage everyone who already works as a volunteer to continue involvement, and I encourage the rest to give it a try. Volunteering is a tremendously rewarding way to give a little back to the community.

While I will be more involved than ever and continue to support many community organizations, I have decided that I would also like to serve this great town in another way.

I have decided to run for mayor of Innisfil, and will certainly draw on the tremendous experiences and lessons learned from my many volunteer commitments, as the Oct. 25 election approaches.

Thank you to the individuals and community groups that have supported my Scope column over the years, with contributions and news tips. I look forward to the challenge that lies ahead, and will see many readers at community events this year.

Please contact Chris Simon at the Scope if you are interested in writing the Cookstown column, at 1- 888-559-2287 or editor@innisfilscope.com.

On Feb. 15, the Innisifil Historical Society will host Heritage Day, which will provide an afternoon of celebrating games of the past by offering the free use of checkers, shuffleboard, snakes and ladders and Chinese checkers. Come out and test skills. A fun experience for the entire family at the Knock Community Centre, located at the corner of the 9th Line and 10 Sideroad, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Beat the February Blues, with jazz at the library Saturday February 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Cookstown branch will be hosting the band Jazzmandhu, Too.

Looking for work? Receive assistance with resumes, cover letters, job search skills and more from counsellors with the Employment Resource Centre. Call Marilee or Kathy at 728-0897 for more information, or to schedule an appointment. Residents are welcome to drop-in at the library in Cookstown on Wednesday February 3 and 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Frosty Challenge will take place at the library on Saturday February 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. An afternoon of snow, hot chocolate and fun for the whole family is planned. All ages are welcome to attend. Teams with children under eight years old must include an adult. Limited spots are available, so register today.

Beat the Winter Blahs by coming to the library's Beach Blanket Bonanza. Activities and other games will make the public elementary board professional activity day party a blast. Bring lunch and stay for the movie Fantastic Mr. Fox, on Friday February 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Call 458-1273 for more information on times and admission fees.

After the 11:15 a.m. Sunday February 7 church service at Cookstown United Church, there will be a soup luncheon with goodies for those attending. This will be a freewill offering. Funds will benefit the church's Haiti Emergency Fund.

On Saturday February 13, St. John's Anglican Church's ACW presents their Valentine's Tea from 2 to 4 p.m. There will be sandwiches, coffee, tea, dessert and fellowship. The event will be held at 12 Cloverhill Crescent in Cookstown, at a cost of $5 per person. Funds will be donated to the Haiti Emergency Fund. For tickets, call Chris Reid at 458- 1728.

South Simcoe Theatre will be presenting Thornton Wilder's Our Town, from Feb. 4 to 21, with performances Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and weekly matinees on Sundays at p.m. To reserve tickets, call Candy at 458-4432.

This is a classic American play that traces everyday life in a small New England town circa 1901. It won the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1938. Moving and sentimental, it celebrates how simple life seems when looking back to an earlier time from distance of 30 years. The play is a touching, universal story that moves those who experience it. This play is suitable for the whole family.

Ladies are wanted for curling in Cookstown on Thursday nights at 7 p.m. There will be a free lesson, snacks, socializing and some exercise. For more information, contact Jill at 458-9945, Jeannie at 435-9857, Sandy at 458-4803 or Juanita at 458-0021.

The Police Services Board is meeting Monday February 15 at the Cookstown Outlet Mall at p.m. All members of the public are welcome to attend.

The Innisfil Public Library Board meets Monday February 15 at p.m. at the Lakeshore branch, located at 967 Innisfil Beach Road.

An Innisfil Heritage Committee meeting has been scheduled for Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. at the New Town Hall, in meeting rooms A and B. All members of the public are welcome to attend.

An Innisfil Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting has been scheduled for Feb. 9 at 1 p.m., in Committee Room A at the town hall. All members of the public are welcome to attend.

Contact me at barbbaguley@ bell.net or 458-9358 with news for our community.