Marathon runners take to Lake Drive East on Saturday, May 6
By Mike Anderson Nearly 700 runners are expected along Lake Drive East on Saturday, May 6, as the Georgina Spring Fling Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and 5k event comes to De La Salle Park in Jackson's Point. Now in its second year, the run is a hit with GTA runners who enjoy the course's scenic views and flat terrain. "It's pancake flat...
Sutton store owner bids farewell after 71 years on High Street
By Mike Anderson 92 year-old Charles (Charlie) Bodley is saying goodbye to Sutton after owning a retail store at 120 High Street for nearly 71 years. After they married in 1952, Charlie and his wife Ruthe took over her parent's clothing store and succeeded in growing the business. The Brooks Clothing Store, which eventually included Bodley's Home Video, became a popular...
Food Pantry sets $100K goal for Spring fundraiser, as it deals with record demand
By Michelle Poirier The Georgina Community Food Pantry’s annual Spring fundraiser has begun and runs to April 30, focusing on the breakfast basket program, calling it “Fill the Tummy, Fuel the Mind Challenge.” The Food Pantry took over the breakfast program, from the volunteer residents running it, in February 2022, and has been providing breakfast baskets to registered families with children...
Georgina Volunteer Fair 2023 comes to Sutton on April 21
By Mike Anderson It's been proven that volunteering is good for you. According to experts, it reduces stress and improves your mental well-being. But, with so many organizations in Georgina, how do you decide which is the right fit for you? That's where the Georgina Volunteer Fair comes in. On Friday, April 21, from noon to 4 p.m., up to sixteen different organizations...
A doctor with a passion for art, sports, and travel
By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley Dr. Elizabeth McLean is the true definition of a Renaissance woman; dedicating her life to medicine, while capturing the beauty of the world around her on canvas, traveling the globe, exploring new cultures, and helping those in need. When twelve-year-old Elizabeth got her first box of oil paints, she decided to be an artist. Yet, the allure of...
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...
