The Connors Brothers release ‘Family Album’
By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley Connors Music is a family-run business in the heart of our community. In this remarkable family, everyone has musical talent, and over two decades ago three family members, Joe, John and David, formed the band called the Connors Brothers, joined later by Melissa Harrigan. The band tours Canada and Europe extensively, but no matter how far they go...
Virginia United Church hosts folk, blue grass, and gospel music series
By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley Nothing says ‘community’ better than a bunch of folks clapping, stomping, and sharing good vibes together through the magic of music. Teilhard Frost, maestro of old-time music, created a spirit of togetherness by belting out familiar tunes and jamming on multiple instruments, including a compostable banjo! He kicked off the Cedar Hedge Concert Series on November 25 at...
Local boxer ranked 4th in the world fights at Pickering Casino Resort on Dec 2
By Mike Anderson Pefferlaw's Melinda Watpool continues her bid for a boxing title, after winning her first four fights since turning pro last year. Watpool's next bout is December 2 at Pickering Casino Resort against Hungary's Timea Nagy, 35. Nagy, who also turned pro in 2022, has fought five pro bouts, with three knock-out wins. Watpool, 34, also known as The Whip, is...
Local cafe owners offer free hot meals to those who can’t afford them
By Mike Anderson The Elpida Cafe and Roastery in Uptown Keswick is serving up free hot meals to those in need through its new community pay-it-forward program. As of November 21, customers can pre-purchase meals for people who can't afford to eat out at a restaurant. The receipts are displayed on a board near the entrance. Some receipts feature a coffee and a...
Fill a purse to help women in crisis
By Michelle Poirier While the 9th annual Fill a Purse for a Sister Campaign is coming to an end, there is still time to donate a filled purse to support women and youth in crisis. The annual campaign runs from September 1 to December 1 and was started to bring comfort, hope and dignity to women and youth in crisis with...
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...
