Zachary Lucky brings humour, music and storytelling to Virginia United Church
By Mike Anderson Despite a frigid winter night, people filled almost every pew in the Virginia United Church on Saturday night, eager to hear the critically acclaimed Canadian country singer-songwriter Zachary Lucky. Lucky, who hails from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, but now lives in Orillia, treated the audience to two sets, including some new material, which he previewed for the first time before...
Karen Wolfe: community journalist becomes community leader
By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley With a penchant for storytelling and a focus on the often-overlooked heroes of our community, Karen Wolfe has, through her articles, recounted the lives of numerous individuals in our community. Volunteers in particular have a special place in her narratives. Now it is time to cast the spotlight on Karen herself. Without her efforts, the stories that make...
Cold plungers welcome 2024 with frigid dip at Willow Beach
By Terry Taln Jumping in the lake when the temperature is 1.6 degrees is not for everyone. Yet 50 brave souls held hands as they embraced the frigid waters at Willow Beach on New Year's Day. The cold plungers were joined by 20 supporters who stayed on shore with towels and blankets at the ready. Everyone was asked to bring food...
Keswick teen becomes first female football player to win championship
By Michelle Poirier Chloe Winterton, a grade 12 student at Newmarket's Huron Heights Secondary School, made school board history last month, becoming the first female YRDSB student to win an OFSAA football championship. Winterton, 17, a wide receiver, plays for the Huron Heights Warriors, who won the Golden Horseshoe Bowl in Windsor on November 28 with a decisive 37-2 win over...
Pefferlaw Lions challenge other service clubs to donate to Food Pantry
By Mike Anderson Dave Harding, past president of the Pefferlaw Lions, has a message for other local service clubs. He's challenging them to raise funds and food for the Georgina Community Food Pantry (GCFP) this holiday season. Harding made the appeal after dropping off a $3,000 cheque from the Pefferlaw Lions on December 1. "Our bingos and cornhole nights and different projects...
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...
