Pickelball takes Georgina by storm!
By Mike Anderson Pickleball, described as ping-pong played on a tennis court, is the fastest-growing sport in North America. But you don't have to tell that to Malcolm Whetter. The 87-year-old Keswick resident is a passionate advocate for the sport and plays twice a week during the winter months, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, at the Georgina Gym. "I like the camaraderie,...
Keswick United Church disbands after 149 years
By Michele Poirier Keswick United Church, a prominent church in Georgina for the past 149 years, will hold its last service on April 30. The congregation recently voted to disband the church as attendance is declining, and no one is stepping forward to take leadership roles. "God's word has been shared; bible studies attended, baptisms performed, conversions actualized. Does God have new...
Forever a cowboy: The unstoppable spirit of a 90-year-old rodeo champion
By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley Doug Doner is a true rodeo legend who left a lasting mark on the sport. Now into his tenth decade, he still walks the streets of Georgina wearing his trusty cowboy hat with a wide brim to keep the sun out of his eyes, and a sturdy crown that's perfect for tipping to the ladies. Bandana, jeans...
Students travel back in time at historic schoolhouse
By Michelle Poirier The Century Schoolhouse program takes elementary students back to the 1900s in the rebuilt Cedar Brae Schoolhouse at Georgina's Pioneer Village. The Town started the program to teach students the differences and similarities between their school day and the typical school day of a Georgina student in the 1900s. "Students learn a little about what school was like...
Local photographer inspires writing contest
By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley It's often said that every picture tells a story. That's certainly true for Tom Zsolt, a renowned landscape and documentary photographer who has made his home in Georgina. Each of Zsolt's photographs, which depict the changing land, people and lifestyles in rural Ontario, tells a story. But this time, he wants you to be inspired by one of seven...
New medical centre with walk-in clinic opens in Sutton
By Mike Anderson The Georgina Grace Family and Walk-in Centre will officially open its doors on February 22. Located in the former Yorkworks Employment Services office at 20887 Dalton Rd. in the Somerset Square Plaza, Georgina Grace includes a family practice, pharmacy and walk-in clinic. Dr. Paul Saad, a family physician and the centre's owner, will be seeing patients by appointment only,...
Georgina’s Black Saturday School brings Black history to life
By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley Each February since 1995 Canadians participate in Black History Month that honours the legacy of Black people and their communities. In Georgina there were not that many opportunities to learn firsthand about Black history from Black people, but this is changing. Black Saturday School, located at 204 Simcoe St, Unit 20, was established by Keswick-based Kendra Shae-Marie Mullings. It...
Move over chocolate, popcorn is the new Valentine’s Day treat
By Michelle Poirier RJ Gorman is betting that your Valentine will appreciate a bag of RJ’s World Famous popcorn more than the usual box of chocolates on Feb 14. He has partnered with Keswick floral designer Erin Buddo, owner of Room to Bloom, (236 Dovedale Dr., Unit 4), to provide her customers with a Valentine’s Day, Date Night Combo, which...
Local bakery gives woman with a developmental disability chance to learn on the job
By Mike Anderson Baking for a living is not for the faint of heart. It's a physically demanding job that requires long hours. But don’t tell that to Keswick’s Courtney Pinchin. The twenty-seven-year-old is all smiles after landing her first-ever job at Moetarts, a micro-bakery located at 132 High St. in Sutton that sells gourmet butter tarts and cookies. That’s because Courtney, who...
Sutton Curling Club set to rock this winter
By Mike Anderson With membership returning to pre-pandemic levels and building and equipment upgrades completed, thanks mainly to Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) grants, the Sutton Curling Club is rebounding nicely from COVID. "We're really happy that our membership is back up from COVID and things are going well," said Steve Dover, President of the Sutton Curling Club. "Our ice is really good....