Local seniors struggle with loneliness during lockdown
By: Michelle Poirier During the Ontario-wide lockdown, Georgina seniors say the hardest struggle they face is loneliness. Margaret Van Den Hazel, a senior who lives in Keswick, said she thinks seniors are doing the best they can, but that it is lonely for many of them who live alone. "I have a dog, and the dog is getting to the point where...
Alzheimer Society of York Region releases a collection of short stories
By: Michelle Poirier The Alzheimer Society of York Region has released 'Hearts Linked by Courage Honouring Loved Ones and Caregivers on the Dementia Journey', a collection of stories by York Region residents whose families have been impacted by dementia. "Each story shares the person's experience with the disease in hopes that people new on the dementia journey will understand they are...
Music plays on even during a pandemic
By: Steeve Chwojko "If music be the food of love, play on," wrote Shakespeare in his famous comedy Twelfth Night. But what if you can't find anyone to play to during a pandemic? Britt-Lynn Winch, a professional harpist who plays for weddings, receptions, and galas, is just one of many local musicians who have been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. "By February 2020,...
Covid Halloween: To trick or treat, or not?
By: Michelle Poirier With Halloween fast approaching and York Region being pushed back to a modified Stage 2, parents have conflicting views on whether they will be taking their kids trick-or-treating this year or not. An announcement on October 19 by Dr. David Williams, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, released on the provincial website, recommends that parents in hot spots...
Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge seeks donations to fund much-needed expansions
By: Michelle Poirier Work is underway at Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge in Pefferlaw to expand the critical care unit and indoor pens. But, while construction started three weeks ago, donations are still needed to help pay for the renovations. "The walls are just going up now, but we have got all the plumbing, the electrical, the roofing and everything...
2020 Georgina Studio Tour set for September 26 & 27
By: Ewa Chwojko-Srawley The 2020 Georgina Studio Tour, a perennial favourite with artists and art lovers, will take place on September 26 and 27. The preparations started shortly after the 2019 Studio Tour but came to a halt when the pandemic struck. The new management had many difficult decisions to make but it all worked out, and 23 artists are excited...
The Orchard Beach Open
By: Lorne Hicks As ardent golfers will tell you, there are major tournaments like The Masters, the British Open, and the U.S. Open. And then there is the Orchard Beach Open: instead of attracting the big money players, the Open hosts a group of veteran duffers, perennial optimists who regularly set the course on fire with scores in the 50's ---...
Fill a Purse for a Sister Campaign helps women in crisis
By: Michelle Poirier The Fill a Purse for a Sister Campaign helps raise awareness of domestic violence and intimate partner violence, all while collecting a purse filled with necessities for women in shelters. "Domestic violence is on the rise during COVID, because women are more isolated," said founder Angel Freedman, who is kicking-off the campaign's 6th annual drive, which runs from...
Portraits of Giving honours Sutton Home Hardware owners Dave and Anita Haynes
By: Michelle Poirier Dave and Anita Haynes, owners of Sutton Home Hardware, have been selected as this year's Georgina honourees for the 11th annual Portraits of Giving by Merk Photography. Portraits of Giving was started by Karen Merk to create awareness and inspire the community through photography, stories, education and to share the importance of corporate and social responsibility in York...
Matthews has OT winner as Leafs rally from 3-goal deficit to beat Blue Jackets
TORONTO — As the seconds drained away on the clock high above the ice at an empty Scotiabank Arena, doubt began to creep into the Maple Leafs. Their hopes were high heading into the NHL's restart to its pandemic-delayed season. After consecutive seven-game playoff defeats to the Boston Bruins, this time was supposed to be different for a young, talented, well-paid core. Instead, it...
