First Act Youth Company ramps up for the holidays with Jinglefest!
By Michelle Poirier First Act Youth Company (FAYC), a professional musical theatre training school for kids and teens, started their first term this September and are opening their doors for Jinglefest. Jinglefest is an open house and fundraiser welcoming everyone at Udora Community Hall (24 Victoria Road, Udora) on Saturday, December 2 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. “What we're raising funds...
Remembrance: WW2 veteran Jim Parks recalls landing at Juno Beach
By Mike Anderson Private Jim Parks was 19 when he landed at Juno Beach on June 6, 1944, with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles (RWRs). He joined the storied regiment, nicknamed “The Little Black Devils,” at the Minto Armoury in Winnipeg four years earlier, at 15, with his brother Jack, who was 16. “I was underage. But I had been a cadet, and...
Local food bank calls for government funding to address food insecurity crisis
By Mike Anderson Faced with soaring food costs and increasing demand, the Georgina Community Food Pantry is calling on York Region and the Town of Georgina to provide core funding to help it deal with the growing problem of food insecurity. On November 1, the non-profit sent over 450 letters and 1,200 emails to past donors asking them to continue their...
Dancing for a Cause: Georgina waltzes, steps and grooves at ‘Let’s Dance Around the World!’ fundraiser
By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley Georgina rocks! But also waltzes, steps and hip-hops! The "Let's Dance Around the World!" fundraiser for Georgina Cares, held at the ClearWater Farm Barn on October 29, was a whirlwind of fun, bringing together over 30 dancers, several generous local businesses that donated items for a silent auction, and a big crowd of cheering supporters. At the...
Keswick girl inspires new youth road safety initiative
By Michelle Poirier A new youth road safety initiative is ready to roll out across York Region next year, after a successful initial run. The initiative came about after a local student, Sophia Plante, who is in grade six at Keswick Public School, submitted her idea and was selected to receive a grant from Parachute, Canada's national charity dedicated to injury...
Scotiabank slated for closure after 120 years on High Street
By Mike Anderson Scotiabank has announced it will close its Sutton branch and move customers to its Keswick branch by April 18, 2024. According to a letter sent to its Sutton branch customers, dated October 31, the bank will transfer accounts automatically to the Keswick branch. “There will be no interruption in service. You will have access to your accounts at all...
Green Glam: The Eco-Fashion Show
By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley Georgina, with its stunning landscapes and a community dedicated to protecting the environment, is just the right place for an eco-fashion show. A magical event, blending fashion, art, and eco-friendliness, emerged from the creative mind of Gabi von Gans. Best-known for artistic photography, she is also a singer, a model, an author, and a designer. She loves the outdoors...
Georgina Senior Games – Showcase of Champions
By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley Resounding applause and echoes of cheers filled the hall at the ROC on October 18, at the award ceremony celebrating the winners of the 2023 Georgina Senior Games. For three weeks, from Sept. 18 to Oct. 12, seniors aged 55 and up participated in a range of activities, from high-energy sports such as archery and golf to...
Georgina delves into mysteries at the Mystic Fair
By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley The inaugural Georgina Mystic Fair, held on Friday, 13th October (date Intended!), drew an impressive crowd of over 1300 attendees. It was organized by Apryl Jones, Director at Naturally Enchanted, with the help of 12 hardworking volunteers. Reflecting on the turnout, Jones admits, “I expected maybe a couple of hundred people to show up, so it's truly...
Georgina’s sweet tooth raises funds for Peaceful Hearts Foundation
By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley That makes four years in a row – Georgina has indulged in a gooey, buttery adventure like no other! This year the Tarts4Hearts Festival was bigger, better, and butterier than ever. It was organized by Peaceful Hearts Foundation dedicated to assisting adults with special needs. Karin Cacciola, the founder, says, “There was a steady flow of people all day. We counted over...
