November 2010 - The Bulletin Magazine

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CIRCLES: SPORTS DAY by Vicki Pinkerton If you shut your eyes and think for a moment about Mount Albert, surely Sports Day, the annual spring fair comes to mind. I moved to town in the fall 25 years ago and when spring came around, I began to notice the preparations for something big going on in the park. The first weekend in June, music drifting over the fence drew the kids and me to our very first Sports Day and we have never looked back. After 85 years, Sports Day is woven into the fabric of the town in such a way that people don't even need to consult the calendar when asked to do something on the first Saturday in June. “No sorry, I can't that’s Sports Day Weekend.” Sports Day has always been an event that conjures up community. The first few times it was held, it was to raise funds for land to build a community park and playground. Until just recently, any money raised by the event, stayed in the park to build and maintain the facilities there. This included upgrades to the kitchen, playground, washrooms and even to support Mount Albert Family Place which operates out of the lower level of the hall. In the past couple of years, the Sports Day Committee expanded its reach to contribute funds to a splash pad project behind the library. I guess what I love about Sports Day is the fact that it is the community. It is 100% put on by volunteers; the organizing, the dinners, parade, dances, everything, all volunteers. The list of sponsors is almost a directory of all of the businesses in Mount Albert and East Gwillimbury with many from surrounding areas. Almost every group or business in town, from churches to kids groups, the Lions, Firefighters and the Schools have a role to play. Slow pitch teams come from all over and on that weekend, everybody goes, not just residents but past residents, people who used to come when they were kids. It is a homecoming weekend in every sense of the word. I interviewed Cathy Morton about the history and importance of the weekend to our community. She is part of a family dynasty that has been involved almost since its inception. Her father before her, then her, her husband and even their children worked toward making the weekend successful for many years. People love the sense of being a part of something that really brings you connections with all of your neighbours. I talked to Evelyn McGuckin, who has seen numerous Sports Day weekends. She reminisced about playing the piano at an outdoor dance held in the tennis courts before she was married many years ago. She remembers bringing her kids to the variety show and the friendly rivalry with her sister in the baking contests over the years. She still plays the piano with her sister Lorna for the community dinner every year. “It is a time to get out and see people you may not have seen since Sports Day last year,” she told me, “it is a place where memories are made.” There are many circles of connection in Sports Day, starting with the organizing committee, dressed in red shirts, seen darting here and there on the weekend. That group is the core. Cathy told me that plans for next years event start as soon as the weekend wraps up. By September, the whole team is having monthly meetings and by March, the group has become an extended family. They think each others thoughts and dream the same dreams about how things will go on the first weekend of June. I was a member of that committee for several years when my kids were young. I remember the camaraderie, the fun, the building up to the weekend, the push to get through it and the pride of accomplishing another year. I remember the excitement then, to gear up and head into the next year. The Sports Day Committee became my second family for a few years. It was my community. So many people in town play a role in putting on the big June celebration. Those few who aren't part of putting on the extravaganza, show up at the gates during to weekend to watch, appreciate and have a good time playing their role in making the Sports Day weekend successful. 28 The Bulletin | NOVEMBER 2010 www.TheBulletinMagazine.com
Today, when the huge midway of Canada's Wonderland is not that far away, and fun can be had in many ways, what continues to bring people out? I think it is the connection to our roots as a rural town. It is the fact that everyone from infants to grannies are welcome and will find something to do. It is a chance to meet your neighbours and a place to witness the magic of community in a way that is not often seen in our busy lives. For more information on Sports Day and how to get involved go to www.mountalbertsportsday.com Vicki Pinkerton lives on a small farm just outside of Mount Albert when she is not driving the roads of Canada. She is a practicing life coach, a writer and adventurer who wonders about many things. www.questacrosscanada.com What, or who makes your community? Where do your circles intersect? Let us know. Email info@thebulletinmagazine.com and put ‘Circles’ in the subject line. Town of East Gwillimbury 2010 Official Election Results Mayor: *Virginia Hackson 3776 votes Mayor: Jack W. Hauseman 1964 votes Mayor: Matthew C. Teeple 587 votes Councillor: *John Eaton 2755 votes Councillor: Margaret Gaukel 823 votes Councillor: John Hayes 1989 votes Councillor: * Marlene Johnston 3613 votes Councillor: * Cathy Morton 4111 votes Councillor: Katharine E. Parsons 1212 votes Councillor: * Tara Roy-DiClemente 3001 votes Councillor: John Rush 1718 votes Councillor: Paul F. Taylor 2001 votes *Council Elect 2010 - 2014 Town of East Gwillimbury Inaugural Council Meeting Monday, December 6 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers 19000 Leslies Street, Sharon All Welcome! www.TheBulletinMagazine.com NOVEMBER 2010 | The Bulletin 29
Page 1 and 2: www.TheBulletinMagazine.com THE Bul
Page 3 and 4: CONTENTS IN EACH ISSUE 6 WHAT’S O
Page 5 and 6: East Gwillimbury Skating 2010/11: E
Page 7 and 8: celebrating our 120th anniversary,
Page 9 and 10: muscle from being torn off the bone
Page 11 and 12: DECEMBER EVENTS Saturday, December
Page 13 and 14: The Plan and How It Can be Funded W
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November 2010 - The Bulletin Magazine

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