December 2010 - The Bulletin Magazine

www.TheBulletinMagazine.com 

THE 

Bulletin 

EAST GWILLIMBURY’S COMMUNITY MAGAZINE 

santa & mrs. claus 

like horses too! 

On the cover story: page 18 

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND A 

JOYOUS NEW YEAR! 

from all of us at The Bulletin 

December 2010

All residents of East Gwillimbury are invited to the 

Mayor and Council 

New Year’s Pancake Breakfast 

When? 

Saturday, January 8. 2011 

9:00 am to 11:00 am 

Where? 

Town of East Gwillimbury 

Civic Centre 

19000 Leslie Street, Sharon 

Admission is FREE! 

Everyone Welcome! 

Being held in cooperation with 

Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc.

CONTENTS 

IN EACH ISSUE 

6 WHAT’S ON 

34 HORT HAPPENINGS... 

Wellness 

8 80/20 RULE 

Brandi McCarthy 

Decorating 

11 STAGING YOUR WAY 

Susan Crema-Martin 

In the Kitchen 

20 with Moira Sanders 

NUTS FOR HAPPY HOUR 

Tax Tips 

25 Business-use-of-home 

Expenses 

Ian Hawkins 

Circles 

28 Santa Comes to Town 

Vicki Pinkerton 

EG Athletes 

33 GOLD MEDAL RUN 

Compiled by Owen M. Smith 

Many of our contributors live or work 

within East Gwillimbury. 

They volunteer their time to provide 

these articles. Let them know you 

enjoyed their piece. 

FEATURES 

ON THE COVER 18 

HARROGATE HILLS MEET SANTA 

WINTER 

Registration 

Page 14 

Holiday 

Skating 

Schedule 

Page 38 

MacWilliam Farms 

22645 Leslie Street, South of Ravenshoe Road 

TOMATOES 

MAPLE SYRUP, FRESH BROWN 

EGGS, JAMS, PRESERVES, 

PORK SAUSAGES, BACON, CHICKEN 

& MUCH MORE 

Everything we sell is grown on 

our farms in Ontario. 

Call for Hours 

905-836-9656 

www.macwilliamfarms.ca 

FIREWOOD AVAILABLE YEAR-ROUND 

BUSH CORD $275 

www.TheBulletinMagazine.com DECEMBER 2010 | The Bulletin 3

Editors’ Note 

As I sit to type this piece (which is 

always the last thing I do before 

press time) it is exactly 4 weeks 

until Christmas Day. I have to 

admit, I love this season... it’s my 

favourite of all the holidays throughout the year. 

It’s not the shopping for gifts (too stressful) and it’s not 

the pressure of seeing family (sometimes hard to do 

with two large families), it’s everything that leads up to 

it. I love decorating for the holidays, visiting and having 

people drop in, and having a little break to do something 

for myself. 

After this issue we don’t return to your homes until 

February. It has always been this way since the start of 

the magazine. Ten issues a year – and this month is the 

beginning of our 13th! Wow, we’ve come a long way. I 

remember going door to door, business to business 

asking for you to see our vision, in a ‘new’ idea for a 

community magazine. Well, some of our advertisers 

and writers have been with us since the beginning. A big 

thank you to all of you! 

Thank you to our readers for your loyal support over the 

years. We are grateful for the community, which opened 

their doors to us, and are happy to continue. Your 

comments and suggestions make us better. Remember 

that the ‘little guys’ can succeed too! 

Merry Christmas to you all and see you in the New Year! 

Drop us a line anytime, we are always interested. 

Visit our website www.TheBulletinMagazine.com, we 

will continue to update it until 

we return in the New Year. 

Take care – Christine Benns, 

Editor 

Bulletin 

www.TheBulletinMagazine.com 

Editor: CHRISTINE BENNS 

Advertising Sales: JULIE SMITH 

Design & Layout: CHRISTINE BENNS 

Imaging: ROSS BENNS 

Published by: CREATIVE GRAPHICS 

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS 

Editorial correspondence should be addressed to: 

4819 Holborn Road, Mount Albert, Ont. L0G 1M0 

Editorial email: 

info@thebulletinmagazine.com 

Ph. 905.473.9742 

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES 

Advertising: 905.473.9788 - JULIE SMITH 

or 905.473.9742 - CHRISTINE BENNS 

The Bulletin is owned by Creative Graphics. 

Contents copyright 2010. All rights reserved. 

The publisher has the right to restrict all advertisements and to edit or 

reject any editorial copy. Views expressed by contributors are not 

necessarily those of the editor, 

publisher or staff. The Bulletin and Creative Graphics do not take the 

responsibility for unsolicited materials. 

No part of this publication can be reproduced in any form without prior 

written consent from the publisher. We strive for accuracy and safety in 

presenting articles and photos. The publisher will not be responsible for 

advertising errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. 

4 The Bulletin | DECEMBER 2010 www.TheBulletinMagazine.com 

THE

905-478-4022 

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 

SPEND $25 OR MORE AND RECEIVE 

A BALLOT FOR A SHOPPING SPREE 

DRAW December 19th 16,000 sq.ft. OF QUALITY ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES 

, 2010. (some conditions apply) 

20091 Woodbine Ave., Queensville, Ont. L0G 1R0 

E-mail: contact@queensvilleantiquemall.com 

www.queensvilleantiquemall.com 

For all your holiday 

decorating needs... 

visit the Smith Farm 

20375 McCowan Road 

(Just south of Queensville Sideroad) 

Red Dogwood, Pine & Cedar Boughs 

and pinecones. 

Check out our unique decorations... 

hand-made. 

HOLIDAY SEASON 

FIRE SAFETY TIPS 

1. Ensure there is a working smoke alarm on 

every story of your home. 

2. Replace worn or damaged extension cords. 

3. Keep intake and exhaust vents for furnaces and 

heating appliances free of ice and snow build up 

to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide in 

your home. 

4. Install a carbon monoxide detector in 

your home. 

5. Burn dry, well seasoned wood in fireplaces and 

woodstoves to reduce the risk of creosote build up 

in your chimney. 

6. Ashes from your wood stove should be 

discarded in a metal container outside the home. 

7. Keep space heaters at least 1 metre away from 

anything that can burn. 

8. Use proper gauge extension cords for your 

vehicles block heater. 

9. Ensure that vehicles are not left running inside 

the garage, or near building openings. 

Brought to you from 

East Gwillimbury Emergency Services 

Guy Stramaglia 

& 

Bruce Trim, Brokers 

www.TheBulletinMagazine.com DECEMBER 2010 | The Bulletin 5 

2007 

1140 Stellar Drive 

Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 7B7 

Omega Realty (1988) Ltd., Brokerage 

Independently Owned & Operated 

HALL 

of 

FAME 

1990 

Toronto Line: (416) 798-7365 (905) 898-1211

WHAT’S ON 

December 1 - 24 

Volunteers Needed! 

Beta Sigma Phi Sorority is looking for enthusiastic 

volunteers to spread holiday cheer by wrapping gifts 

at Upper Canada Mall and raise much needed funds 

for local charities at the same time. During mall hours, 

working 3 or 4 hour shifts only. This year’s charities 

are: Southlake Regional Health Centre, Inn From the 

Cold, Sandgate Women’s Shelter, Doane House 

Hospice, Rainbows Canada and the Canadian Hearing 

Society. Interested, email: ellen.cogan@sympatico.ca 

Up until January 4, 2011 

Festival of Trees for Southlake 

Visitors to Upper Canada Mall can bid on unique trees 

designed by celebrities & friends of Southlake. View 

the trees and vote for your favourite, for your chance 

to win some great prizes. For info contact Lindsay 

McGuire, at lmcquire@southlakeregional.org 

Saturdays: Kid's Only 

Music, Drama, Stories, Crafts & more! 

1:30 - 3:30 pm. Cost is free. Registrations forms 

available at www.holtfmc.webs.com 

Holt Free Methodist Church 

19198 McCowan Road (just north of Mt. Albert Road) 

905-473-3783 or holtfmc@gmail.com 

Saturday, December 3 

One Parent Families Fund Raising Dance 

Doors open at 8 p.m. 

Members $12.00 Guests $15.00 

Holland Landing Community Centre 

19513 Yonge St., Holland Landing. 

Barbara 905-557-0143 


Mount Albert Lions’ Santa Claus Parade 

Starts 11:00 am downtown streets. 

Bring a non-perishable food item for the Food Drive. 


Christmas Musical Concert with J. Lemme & friends 

Mount Albert United Church, 41 Alice Street 

Fundraiser for the Church General fund. 

7:30 pm. 

Tickets $20.00 / Seniors & Students 18 & under 

$15.00. For info and tickets call 905 473 2562 


Holland Landing UCW presents 

Christmas Soup, Tea Lunch & Bake Sale 

From 11 am to 2 pm. 16 School Street, Holland 

Landing. For info contact Margaret 905-836-6858. 

Sunday, December 5 

York Region Community Choir presents 

"Classics of Christmas" 

A concert celebrating the Holiday Season. 

2 p.m. Trinity Anglican Church, 

79 Victoria Street, Aurora. Tickets $10.00 

For tickets, Please call Heather 

@ 905-853-6925 


THE HARMONY CHORALE presents 

a Fall/Advent/Christmas Concert 

St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 17955 Leslie St., 

Newmarket. 7 pm. Admission $15, 

children Free 

Proceeds to SES Church funds and the St. Vincent 

de Paul Society. 

Saturday December 11 

Sharon Public School’s ELF DAY 

10am-5pm 


LET OUR ELVES 'WRAP UP' YOUR HOLIDAYS! 

GIFT WRAPPING, BAKE SALE, FRESH TREES, 

VENDORS, REFRESHMENTS, CRAFTS & MOVIES 

FOR KIDS, AND MUCH MORE! Cash sales only. 

6 The Bulletin | DECEMBER 2010 www.TheBulletinMagazine.com

Saturday December 11 

Holt Free Methodist Church’s Longest Night 

Service 

19188 McCowan Road. 2:30 pm 

A service for those who grieve, open to all. 

905-473-3783. www.holtfmc.webs.com 


Breakfast with Santa 

at the Mount Albert & District Legion #382 

9�11 a.m., $5.00 per person 

31 Princess St., Mount Albert 

Call 905.473.2565 to reserve your seats 

Come on out to meet other comrades and kick off 

the Christmas season with your friends, family, 

children, grandchildren, etc. 


Brunch with Santa 

hosted by Holland Landing Lions Club at the 

Holland Landing Community Center. 10 am to 1 

pm and the cost is $5.00 per person. Proceeds 

from the Brunch will be going to children related 

programmes. Non-perishable food items will be 

accepted for the local food banks. 

JANUARY 2011 EVENTS 

January 29, 2011 

Robbie Burns Dinner & Dance 

Mount Albert & District Legion/M.A.D. Lions Club 

Mount Albert Lions Hall 

Cocktails – 6:30 p.m., Dinner – 7:00 p.m. 

Info: T: 905.473.2565, 

E: mountalbertlegion382@yahoo.ca 

WHAT’S ON 

EAST GWILLIMBURY 

PUBLIC LIBRARIES 

www.eastgwillimbury.ca/library 

Winter Solstice 

December 21 

Find more events at: www.TheBulletinMagazine.com 

Look for the ongoing events at:www.TheBulletinMagazine.com 

/whatCurrent.html 


WELLNESS 

THE 80/20 RULE FOR SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS 

by BRANDI MCCARTHY, RHN 

Well, ‘tis the season. Fitness routines get forgotten, “dinners out” become the norm, holiday treats abound at 

the office and your pants just keep getting tighter..... Ahhh, the holidays. We all love to get “wrapped up” in 

the joy of the season but after too much celebrating our stockings can become a little overstuffed if you know 

what I mean! Don’t fear! There’s a great way to enjoy the season without pulling out the elastic waistband. I 

call it the 80/20 rule. Really it’s a rule to live by year round but it’s super important this time of year! 

Here’s how it works - 80% of the time you do your best to stick with healthy choices; getting to the gym, 

making meals at home, packing lunches and getting adequate sleep. The other 20% of the time you throw 

caution to the wind, enjoy a cocktail AND dessert, stay up way too late and eat far more shortbread than 

anyone really needs – and the gym, oh well, you missed one workout, no biggie. Here’s the real key: one “bad” 

day does not mean game over. You can do this!! Miss a workout, over indulge at a meal, have a little too much 

“fun” but then pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start all over again. December does not need to be a free 

for all that you “fix” in January. You’re not broken - don’t treat yourself that way. 

This is a rule you can live with all year round but I find it’s really important in December. We don’t live in a 

world built for perfection 100% of the time, so why do we expect that of ourselves? This holiday season I want 

you to try to do your best 80% of the time. That’s it. Simple! So what does that mean? Well, it’s different for 

everyone. I can bet my 80/20 rule is probably different from yours but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that 

you stick to your 80/20 rule. If you normally workout 4 days a week, maybe over the holiday season you only 

do it 3 times. Don’t normally go out to dinner? Well, going out once on the weekend and really enjoying 

dessert won’t hurt – but just try not to have a repeat performance on Monday and Wednesday night as well! 

Chances are you don’t have delicious treats when you go into the office everyday of the week right? Try not 

to do it now either. Pick a day, indulge a little and get right back on track. 

So, what’s my December treat? A Signature Hot Chocolate from Starbucks. For those of you who know me, 

you know I steer clear away from sugar (watch for the next 21 Day Sugar Detox in January... I think we all 

may need it then!!). But December at Starbucks with the smell of warm cocoa in the air, I just gotta give in 

on occasion. I make it a bit of a ritual. My husband and I love to go to Chapters in Newmarket on the weekend 

and during the month of December you can bet that that’s not an herbal tea in that mug I’m carrying around. 

80/20 all the way. As for the gym, I go a little less for sure, but not so much that I need to “fix” things in 

January. In fact, I try and do a little bit extra at the gym to offset the extra I may be doing at the dinner parties!! 

You know what gets you closer to your goals and what pushes you further away. I think the goal for December 

should be to at least hold your position! Don’t worry so much about the little extras as long as they don’t 

become the staples. Give yourself some time to relax and enjoy the holidays but not a reason to throw caution 

to the wind!! If 80% of the time you do your best to stay on track with fitness and nutrition then 20% of the 

time you can party hardy for the holidays! See - simple! Now go out and have a hot chocolate..... 

By Brandi McCarthy, RHN. Brandi is a Registered Nutritionist and certified Personal Trainer 

at Body Design. Body Design offers personal training, nutrition and lifestyle coaching to assist 

individuals achieve their fitness and weight loss goals. www.bodydesign.ca 


Peace on Earth, Good-will to all! 

The staff of the Sharon Temple would like to 

wish you all a very Happy Holidays! 

We also wish to extend our sincerest thanks to all of 

our sponsors, donors, members and volunteers 

for a fantastic year! 

Sharon Temple Volunteers, Linda’s Floral Design, 

Patrick Wood, Uni-Vative Designs, Virginia Hackson, 

Edward Jones (Wayne Dargus), Metro (404 Plaza), 

Brand Bite, Performance Signs, Costco, 

The Miller Group and TD Canada Trust! 

"...and Peace its name shall be, a house of lasting 

blessings where grace is multiplied" 

David Willson, 1822 

Did you know? 

Artificial Christmas trees have outsold real ones since 1991. 

Season’s Greetings from our families to yours! 

The Mayor, Members of Council, 

and staff at the Town of East Gwillimbury 


All of us at 

Benjamin Moore/The Corner 

Décor and More 

wishes everyone a Safe and 

Joyous Holiday Season 

Janet, Phyllis, Beth, 

and Melanie 

We’re accepting donations for the local Fire Dept. Toy & Food Drive. 

19124 Centre Street, Mount Albert 

905-473-6588 

MOTORCYCLE, ATV & SLED 

SALES & SERVICE 

25426 Highway 48, Sutton, ON 

Phone: 905.722.7200 

Toll-Free: 1.877.722.7205 

JOHN EATON 

EAST GWILLIMBURY 

COUNCILLOR 

Thank you to all residents of East Gwillimbury for 

their participation in the recent Municipal Election. 

Your new council is looking forward to the 

opportunity of serving the community and ensuring 

our future growth is well planned providing a 

vibrant community to live in, work and relax. 

The Holiday Season is approaching and my wife 

Donna and I would like to wish you a very 

Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday. 

Cheers, 

John Eaton 


decorating 

Staging Your Way to 

Happier Holidays by Susan Crema-Martin 

This is the time of year that the real estate market usually slows down but this year I am still receiving calls from 

realtors to assist homeowners to prepare their properties for sale. Staging your way to ‘Happier Holidays’ is 

possible even during this holiday season. Many homes get that holiday polish for family and friends visiting so 

your property is guaranteed to “show” better. Preparing a consultation report and offering staging services really 

helps clients with the process of putting a property on the market and giving it a “wow” factor. Some of the 

furniture rental companies even give discounts over the holidays. 

Contrary to popular belief, the holiday season is an excellent time to sell your home. There aren't as many homes 

on the market so that means less competition. Most sellers don't like to move during the holidays, so the buyers 

who are out viewing homes are serious. Many buyers set deadlines for their move. 

Keeping that in mind, you have to be prepared to take advantage of every buyer's visit. Staging, simply put is 

putting the finishing touches on your home, to highlight and enhance its positive features. 

Here are 5 simple tips to keep in mind when staging for the holidays: 

• Outside decorations – potential buyers should notice your house, but should not be distracted by your 

decorations (i.e. Chevy Chase’s Christmas Vacation). A few strands of single-coloured lights framing the 

entrance, or urns adorned with fresh greenery, twigs and berries or a wreath on the front door will suffice. 

• Clutter–follow the staging rule of “less is more” principle; simple décor on main items such as a mantle and 

the banister of your home; think “elegant” not “cutesy”. 

• "No religious items" applies to the holidays as well. Whatever symbolizes your particular holiday (The 

Nativity, menorahs, etc.) should be kept to a minimum. 

• A small assortment of wrapped gifts under the tree is a lovely touch; large items make a room feel small; 

colourful plastic toys and empty boxes... not so much. Clean up after the celebration! 

• If your MLS photos were taken while your decorations were on display, have them retaken as soon as the 

holidays are over. 

We can easily guide you through the process while allowing you to enjoy the season. Wouldn't the best present 

be a nice offer? Wishing you a season filled with fun, family and friends – Merry Christmas to all. 

Outdoors: urns with greenery Indoors: less is more! 

Susan Crema-Martin is a Certified Elite Canadian Staging Professional – CCSP Mentor, and President, 

York Region - Real Estate Staging Assoc. - RESA. If you have a question for Susan? 

Send your questions to info@thebulletinmagazine.com 


Happy Holidays and 

Best Wishes for the 

New Year! 

From all of us at 

Georgina Kitchens 

905-722-8555 

Congratulations to our East Gwillimbury 

Community for your participation on 

Election Day! 

My heartfelt thanks to our campaign 

team. 

Congratulations as well to Cathy, Marlene, 

Tara and John for their successful election to council. I am 

pleased to working with this talented team during the next 

4 years. 

For the candidates who will not be joining the council 

this time around, I look forward to discussing your insights 

learned from our residents during your campaigns. 

To all East Gwillimbury residents, I thank you for your 

support and trust in electing me as your Mayor. 

I look forward to developing inclusive methods to ensure 

that every resident will have the opportunity to be heard 

and engaged with your new council. 

As the holiday season approaches, I’d like to wish you 

and your families a safe, happy and healthy holiday 

season. I look forward to meeting you around town! 

Virginia Hackson 

Season’s Greetings 

from the 

Skwarchuk Family 

19153 Centre Street, Mount Albert 

905-895-8062 

Happy Holidays and 

Best Wishes for a healthy 

and prosperous New Year! 

From the board of directors 

and staff of the 

East Gwillimbury 

Chamber of Commerce 

Merry Christmas 

and 

Happy New Year 

Julia Munro, MPP York-North 


905-478-2572 


Seasons Greetings from your 

Local Merchants 

Merry Christmas 

and All the Best 

in 2011! 

QUEENSVILLE SOD FARMS 

Mark & Linda Fairty 

and Staff 

905-478-2323 

AL DORMAN INSURANCE 

Brokers Ltd. 

Karen, Mary, Carol 

and Curtis would 

like to wish you all 

a safe and happy 

holiday season! 

Complete Care @ 473-HAIR 

Best wishes for the 

Holidays and New Year! 

Bonny & Krystal 

75 Main Street, Mount Albert 

905-473-4247 

Professional Accessible & Affordable 

Dental Hygiene Care 

“Merry Christmas to All” 

Marilyn 

Over 25 years clinical experience. 

Experience the difference... 

call 

905-960-6436 

Best wishes 

throughout the 

holiday season! 

Bruce 

GEORGINA AUTO GLASS 

Your #1 Auto Glass Service In East Gwillimbury 

905-955-6365 

May the joy of Christmas be 

yours this season and in the 

coming year. 

From all of us at 

Blyth Realty Services Ltd. Brokerage & 

Blyth Insurance Services 

8 Bradford St., Holland Landing 905-836-6315 


WINTER REGISTRATION 

This winter, have fun 

and stay fit 

(NC)—On the slopes, make sure that ski and 

snowboard bindings are adjusted for your height 

and weight. Always check the weather conditions 

and watch the trails for icy patches and other 

potential hazards. 

Dress for the weather. Layered clothing works 

better to keep your muscles warm and your skin dry 

so you don't get chilled. You may want to invest in 

clothing designed specifically for winter outdoor 

activity (available at your local outdoor or sporting 

goods store), or layer garments made of natural 

fibres (like cotton, wool and silk). 

Know when to rest. Rest when you feel tired. Stop 

your activity immediately if you experience sudden 

or prolonged pain in any joint or muscle. Cool down 

by stretching, and change into dry, warm clothes. 

Stay hydrated. Don't be fooled by the temperature! 

Your active body needs plenty of fluids even though 

it's cold outside. Be sure to drink lots of water or 

juice before, during and after winter sports. Follow 

these tips, and you're well on your way to having a 

safe and healthy winter. 

www.newscanada.com 


Merry Christmas from 

Harrogate Hills Riding School 

18786 McCowan Road, Mount Albert 

905-473-3847 

www.harrogatehills.com 

Start Your Riding 

Experience Now! 

Call for a Free Assessment 

Ask about “early bird” 

savings for Summer Camp ‘11 

GIVE THE GIFT OF RIDING • GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE 

YOGA 

with 

JOANNE ROYCE 

certified Yoga Instructor 

Beginner & Intermediate Classes 

Day and Evening Classes available 

11 week course starting January 10 

** Call Ahead - Space Limited ** 

22 Whitebirch Lane 

Sharon 

905-478-8245 

Classes running now! 

Tuesday Nights 7 - 8 pm 

Drop-in $10 

Sharon Hope United Church 


Come join the Zumba fitness Craze. 

Classes running to December 14 

New Session begins in January! 

Judy Coffey, Official Zumba Instructor 

289-338-4227 or judy@zumbanorth.com 

For the complete Zumba North fitness class 

schedule visit www.zumbanorth.com 


Holiday Fun @ THE EAST GWILLIMBURY PUBLIC LIBRARY 

East Gwillimbury Public Library is pleased to offer the following Holiday Events for children and tweens: 

Holiday Craft Party with Santa 

Stop by the Holland Landing Branch to make great crafts, decorate our 

Library Christmas Tree, and meet Santa! 

Holland Landing Branch - Saturday, December 11 at 1:30 pm 

Cost: FREE 

Ages: 3 to 8 with an adult 

Holiday Craft Party 

Join the Mount Albert Branch staff for a morning filled with holiday craft fun! 

Mount Albert Branch - Saturday, December 11 at 11:00 am 

Cost: FREE 

Ages: 3 to 8 with an adult 

Gift It! Christmas Crafts for Tween & Teens 

Do you want to give gifts this holiday season, but don’t have the money to spend? Tweens and Teens ages 9 

and up can join us for this free Christmas Gift program to make gifts to give this holiday season. 

Holland Landing Branch - Saturday, December 11 at 11:00 am 

Cost: FREE 

Ages: 9 and up 

Registration is required ALL Programs. For more information on any program please stop by your local branch 

or call us at 905-836-6492 or 905-473-2472. Or join us on the web at www.eastgwillimbury.ca/library. 

Holiday Hours @ 

East Gwillimbury Public 

Libraries 

Fri., Dec. 24: 10:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m. 

Sat., Dec. 25: CLOSED 

Sun., Dec. 26: CLOSED 

Mon., Dec. 27: CLOSED 

Tues., Dec. 28: CLOSED 

Fri. Dec. 31: 10:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m. 

Sat., Jan. 1, 2011: CLOSED 

Visit: www.eastgwillimbury.ca/library 

for more info. 

NEXT ISSUE: FEBRUARY 2011 

Advertising Deadline is 

Tuesday, January 18, 2011 with 

delivery beginning first week 

of February. 

Delivery by Canada Post to: 

Holland Landing, River 

Drive Park, Sharon, 

Queensville, Mount 

Albert, Cedar Valley 

and Zephyr. 


Candy Canes 

History of a long-time holiday favourite 

I 

t was not long after Europeans began using Christmas trees that special decorations 

were used to adorn them. Food items, such as candies and cookies, were used 

predominately and straight white candy sticks were one of the confections used as 

ornamentation. Legend has it that during the 17th century, craftsmen created the 

white sticks of candy in the shape of shephreds' crooks at the suggestion of the 

choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. 

The candy treats were given to children to keep them quiet during ceremonies at the living 

creche, or Nativity scene, and the custom of passing out the candy crooks at such ceremonies 

soon spread throughout Europe. 

According to the National Confectioner's Association, in 1847 German immigrant August Imgard 

used the candy cane to decorate a Christmas tree in Wooster, Ohio. More than 50 years later, Bob 

McCormack of Albany, Georgia supposedly made candy canes as treats for family, friends and local 

shopkeepers. McCormack's brother-in-law, Catholic priest Gregory Keller, invented a machine in the 1950s that 

automated the production of candy canes, thus eliminating the usual laborious process of creating the treats and 

the popularity of the candy cane grew. More recent explanations of the candy cane's symbolism hold that the 

colour white represents Christ's purity, the red the blood he shed, and the presence of three red stripes the Holy 

Trinity. While factual evidence for these notions does not exist, they have become increasingly common and at 

times are even represented as fact. Regardless, the candy cane remains a favourite holiday treat and decoration. 

MOUNT ALBERT TAX COMPANY 

“The low cost provider of professional tax services” 

Ian Hawkins 

ACCOUNTING 

& INCOME TAX 

905.473.6522 

www.t42.ca 

PO Box 1028,19185 Centre Street, Unit 2 

Mount Albert, ON L0G 1M0 (next to Post Office) 

1.866.355.5759 • f. 289.803.0041• c. 416.528.9639 


ON THE COVER: 

Harrogate Hills Meets Santa 

Students and staff from Harrogate Hills Riding 

School celebrated with Santa and Mrs. Claus in 

Newmarket for its 100th Anniversary parade on 

Saturday, November 20. The horses ridden by 

students of the school, Geoff and Nicole enjoy 

dressing up for the parade too! 

Harrogate Hills’ celebrated 25 years in business this 

past October and has provided classes for students 

as well as summer camps, throughout the years. 

Drive by on McCowan Road just south of Mount 

Albert Road and you might see some of the horses 

grazing, just like “Pete” did before the long walk in 

the parade! 

CHAMBER NEWS: 

East Gwillimbury Chamber of Commerce 

announces the following business people, 

recognized as some of the best businesses in 

our community, are the WINNERS of the 2010 

“SPIRIT OF SUCCESS” Business Awards: 

Excellence in Small Business – Cathy Nesbitt, 

Cathy’s Crawly Composters 

Excellence in Large Business – Kim Mortson, 

Body Design 

Best New Venture/Start Up – Cameron Aiken, 

Ontario Energy Matrix 

Business Community Service – 

Dr. Celeste Frenette, 

Mahalo Naturopathic Centre 

Environmental Leadership – Paul Cray, 

Teeming with Nature 

photos: Jen Hooper 

Young Entrepreneur of the Year – Dino Kotsikas, 

Atlas Landscape Inc. 

Entrepreneur of the Year – Joanne Burgess, 

Virtually Yours, Joanne Burgess 

CONGRATULATIONS! 

Awards were presented on Friday, November 5, 

during the Gala. 


Reindeer Flight Mix 

Everyone knows that those eight 

tiny reindeer work hard flying 

Santa's sleigh around. We spoke 

with the Head Stable Elf at the 

North Pole and he gave us this 

terrific recipe for a delicious treat 

to leave for those dedicated deer. 

This "Flight Mix" will help keep 

their energy up for the long flight 

ahead. What you'll need: Shreddies 

or Corn Chex 1 1/2 cups; Dried 

cranberries 1/3 cup; Roasted 

pumpkin seeds 1/3 cup; Sunflower 

seeds (no shell) 1/2 cup; Dried 

blueberries 1/4 cup; Skor bar 

tidbits 1/3 cup; White chocolate 

chips 1/3 cup. Combine all 

ingredients in a bowl and stir til 

well mixed. (All these ingredients 

are available in most bulk food 

stores. 

Approximate cost is $4.00). 

"I heard the bells on Christmas Day 

Their old, familiar carols play, 

And wild and sweet the words repeat 

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!" 

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 

Denise Forgie 

Sales Representative 

www.uniquebasketsplus.com 

Get ready for Christmas 

Gift Baskets for your host/hostess 

Place your orders early. 

Gift Giving = Gift Baskets! 

Cecilia & Donato Mastropietro 

LET ME HELP MAKE YOUR 

NEXT MOVE STRESS FREE! 

Please call 416.670.1230 direct 

and thank you for your referrals! 

Century 21 Leading Edge 

Realty Inc., Brokerage 

6393 Main St., Stouffville 

905.642.8870 

Wayne N. Dargus 

Financial Advisor 

19101 Leslie Street 

Vince’s Country Market Plaza 

Sharon, ON L0G 1V0 

Office: 905-478-8963 

Fax: 905-478-1842 

wayne.dargus@edwardjones.com 

www.edwardjones.com 

Life Insurance Agent for Edward Jones Insurance Agency 


At this time of year, a recipe like this can come in very 

handy, the combination of maple syrup, fresh 

rosemary, and chili powder creating an addictive 

snack that is simple and delicious. Package them in 

little gift bags and they can be used as much 

appreciated hostess gifts. You can also keep a jar on 

hand and you will never have to worry about what to 

serve when company drops by unexpectedly. Don’t 

forget to stock your “happy hour” cupboard, too. 

Happy Holidays! 

Nuts for happy hour(s) 

(used with permission from The Harrow Fair 

Cookbook by Moira Sanders and Lori Elstone) 

Makes 4 cups (1 L). 

IN THE KITCHEN 

with Moira Sanders 

4 cups (1 L) raw, unsalted mixed nuts (pecans, 

almonds, peanuts, and cashews) 

¼ cup (60 mL) pure maple syrup 

2 tsp (10 mL) chopped fresh rosemary 

1 tsp (5 mL) chili powder 

1 tsp (5 mL) fine sea salt 

Preheat the oven to 375°f (190°c). Line a large baking 

sheet with parchment paper. 

Moira Sanders has made a career of food 

which gives her inspiration for her recipe blog 

www.moirasanders.com and for cooking for 

her busy family. Moira and her sister, Lori 

Elstone, have written “The Harrow Fair 

Cookbook”, which is now available and is 

published by Whitecap Books. 

Moira can be reached at 

moira@theharrowfaircookbook.com. 

Spread the nuts out on the baking sheet and toast for 8 

to 10 minutes, stirring once, until they are darker in 

colour and their nutty fragrance is released. Setting a 

timer will help make sure you don’t burn the nuts. 

Mix together the toasted nuts, maple syrup, rosemary, 

and chili powder in a large bowl. 

Spread the nut mixture out on the baking sheet and 

bake for 15 minutes or until the syrup begins to 

bubble. 

Sprinkle with the salt. Leave the nuts on the tray to 

cool to room temperature. 

These nuts will keep for up to 2 weeks in an airtight 

container at room temperature. 



Master Gardeners 

provide free gardening advice to home 

gardeners. 

lssmastergardeners@gmail.com or visit 

www.mgoi.ca. 

MOUNT 

ALBERT 

VETERINARY 

HOSPITAL 

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Full Service Animal Hospital 

Mon, Wed, Thurs & Fri 8am-6pm 

Tues 8am-7pm 

Grooming by Denise 

905-473-2400 

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(Across from Home Hardware 

Building Centre) 

905-898-4228 

email: osmith@dundeesecurities.com 

Successful investing begins 

with good advice 

RRSP, RRIF, RESP, Financial & Estate Planning 

Tax Reduction Strategies 

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HOLIDAY 

1. Who narrated the classic 1966 TV special 

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas"? 

Choose Your Answer: 

A: Burl Ives, 

B: Charlton Heston, 

C: Boris Karloff, 

D: Thurl Ravenscroft 

2. In the 1965 TV special "A Charlie Brown 

Christmas", who builds a gray snowman? 


A: Charlie Brown, 

B: Linus, 

C: Pigpen, 

D: Snoopy 

3. What was the name of the magician with 

the magic hat in the 1969 TV special "Frosty 

the Snowman"? 


A: Black Bart, 

B: Black Peter, 

C: Professor Finkle, 

D: Professor Hinkle 

4. Which country is the largest exporter of 

Christmas trees? 


A: Canada, 

B: USA, 

C: Austria, 

D: Netherlands 

Answers on page 35 


Tax Tips 

Business-use-of-home expenses 

by Ian Hawkins 

You can deduct expenses for the business use of a work space in your home, as long as you meet one of these 

conditions: 

• it is your principal place of business; or 

• you use the space only to earn your business income, and you use it on a regular and ongoing basis to meet 

your clients, customers, or patients. 

You can deduct a part of your maintenance costs such as heating, home insurance, electricity, and cleaning 

materials. You can also deduct a part of your property taxes, mortgage interest, and capital cost allowance. To 

calculate the part you can deduct, use a reasonable basis such as the area of the work space divided by the total area 

of your home. 

If you use part of your home for both your business and personal living, calculate how many hours in the day you 

use the rooms for your business, then divide that amount by 24 hours. Multiply the result by the business part of 

your total home expenses. This will give you the household cost you can deduct. 

If you run the business for only part of the week or year, reduce your claim accordingly. 

The capital gain and recapture rules will apply if you deduct capital cost allowance on the business use part of your 

home and you later sell your home. 

If you rent your home, you can deduct the part of the rent and any expenses you incur that relate to the workspace. 

The amount you can deduct for business use of home expenses cannot be more than your net income from the 

business before you deduct these expenses. In other words, you cannot use these expenses to increase or create a 

business loss. 

You can deduct the lesser of the following amounts: 

• any amount you carry forward from the previous year, plus the business use of home expenses you incur in the 

current year; or 

• the amount on line Q of Form T2125, Statement of Business or Professional Activities. 

In your next fiscal period, you can use any expense you could not deduct in the current year, as long as you meet 

one of the two previous conditions. You also use the same rules. 

Ian & Dorothy Hawkins operate Mount Albert Tax Company and will be opening Holland 

Landing Tax Company in the new year. 


Environmentally friendly 

recycling ideas: 

* Placed in the garden or backyard, the Christmas tree will provide 

winter shelter for small birds. Another good idea is to decorate the 

tree again. This time hang it with special treats for the birds: 

Orange slices will attract birds, as will peanut butter spread on tree 

seed cones; or hang suet balls stuffed with sunflower seeds. If you 

set your tree outside for the birds, remember to carefully remove 

all tinsel. Birds will try to eat the shiny stuff and it will make 

them sick. 

* A Christmas tree is biodegradable. Its branches and needles make 

a good mulch in the garden, especially for plants like rhododendrons which like an acidic soil. Many cities 

and municipalities gather Christmas trees on special collection days and put them through shredders which 

chop them up into small pieces. The resulting mulch is then used in the summer on the flower beds in 

city parks. 

* Fir tree foliage can be stripped from the branches and snipped into small pieces for stuffing into aromatic 

fir needle pillows for the sofa or bedroom. Some people also use fir foliage in dresser drawers to give 

clothing and blankets a fragrant aroma. 

* Large quantities of used trees make effective sand and soil erosion barriers, especially at beaches. 

* Old Christmas trees stacked together in a forest provide shelter for rabbits and other small animals. 

* Sunk into fish ponds, Christmas trees make excellent refuge and feeding areas. 

* Woodworking hobbyists can make a multitude of items from the trunk of a used Christmas tree including 

buttons, gavels and candleholders. 

SOURCE: ONTARIO CHRISTMAS TREE ASSOCIATION 

save by checking out these sites: 

After searching the internet for deals and coupons we found some places you 

might want to visit. 

smartcanucks.ca 

groupon.com 

wagjag.com 

redflagdeals.com 

frugalshopper.ca 

bargainmoose.ca 

wishabi.ca 

Enjoy!!! 


Top Ten Christmas 

Record Breakers 

Christmas is loved by millions of people all over the world. Why not try to break a record while you are baking 

Christmas cookies or folding paper angels? Here is a list of some amazing Christmas records. 

1. Biggest selling Christmas song is Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?" The song was written by 

Sir Bob Geldof, and sold fifty million copies and continues to be a holiday favourite today! 

2. The world's largest gift was the Statue of Liberty. The people of France gave it to the U.S. in 1886. It's 151 

feet, 1 inch high and weighs 225 tonnes. 

3. The most valuable Christmas card was sold at an auction in Devizes, Wiltshire, UK in 2001 for £20,000 

(approx. $40.000). The card was originally sent by Sir Henry Cole of Bath to his grandmother in 1843! 

4. The largest Christmas angel ornament is over 18 feet (5.57 meters) high and over 8 feet wide at the 

bottom. It's made out of 2946 beer bottles. The angel was displayed on Alfonso Reyes Avenue, Nuevo 

Leon, Mexico in January 2000. 

5. World's largest working Christmas cracker is 181 foot, 11 inch long and 11 foot, 9 inch high. It was made 

in Australia. It was pulled at a shopping center in Sydney, Australia on December 16, 1998. 

6. With 3,000 Christmas lights, a towering Eucalyptus regnans, 80 meters (262 ft) tall, became the tallestever 

Christmas tree in the world. This record was set in Tasmania in 1999. Later The Guinness Book of 

Records has rejected The Wilderness Society's claim for the world's tallest Christmas Tree on the grounds 

that the tree was a eucalypt and not a spruce. "This is a mean-spirited, pedantic snub," said the Wilderness 

Society's Tasmanian Campaign Coordinator, Geoff Law. 

7. Every year, the citizens of Gävle Sweden build the world's largest christmas goat out of straw. This is their 

Christmas tradition. Unfortunately for them, almost every year the poor goat gets burned down. Its a 

13-metre tall, 7-metre long, 3 tonne goat. 

8. Bronner's Christmas Wonderland is a retail store in Frankenmuth, Michigan that bills itself as the "World's 

Largest Christmas Store". The store has grown to the size of five-and-a-half football fields and is home 

to over 50,000 gifts. 

9. Five-hundred-and-nineteen Christmas carollers have braved the New York cold to sing themselves into the 

Guinness World Records Book. The group has become the largest carol service, breaking the previous 

record of 517. The singers gathered on the steps of Manhattan's General Post Office across the street from 

Madison Square Garden. 

10. Forget modern novelists and TV tie-ins, the Bible is the best-selling book every year. The Bible was the 

first book and is the all-time best selling book with 1 billion copies having been sold. 

What do you have in December that you don't have in any other month? 

The letter "D" ! 


CIRCLES: Santa Comes to 

Town by Vicki Pinkerton 

As the shortest day of the year approaches, people turn 

their hearts outward and look to those around them. 

Just as the winter cold sends us indoors to hunker down 

awaiting the return of summer, we begin looking 

toward our communities for warmth and support. There 

is a generosity and light that beams around us as 

Christmas approaches and nowhere is that more 

apparent than in the annual Santa Claus parades. East 

Gwillimbury is a small town of approximately 22,000 

people and yet we invite Santa to town twice during his 

busiest season. More remarkable than that, he shows 

up. Every year on the fourth Sunday in November, the 

East Gwillimbury Parade Committee hosts a parade in 

either Sharon or Holland Landing. On the first 

Saturday in December, the Mount Albert District Lions 

Club invites the big guy back to ride his sleigh through 

Mount Albert. 

This is probably the busiest time of year and so it is no 

small undertaking to pull the parades together. The 

committees form in January, after a short Christmas 

break, to make sure everything is in order for next year. 

Volunteers and elves work together to ensure that Santa 

has a great time during his visits and that everyone gets 

a chance to present their requests to the jolly old 

elf himself.. 

This time of glitz and glitter is about more than just 

presents. People love the parades because it gives them 

a chance to reconnect with friends and neighbours. It is 

also a reminder of what community effort can achieve. 

Music, floats and countless fire trucks bring warmth to 

the endeavor. A rendezvous for hot chocolate and good 

wishes follow. Santa gets a chance to meet the people 

he has been tracking in his naughty or nice book and to 

check how accurate his list is. 

Cold fingers and toes and the long wait to see Santa are 

a ritual for almost everyone who isn't in the parade. On 

the other hand, if you want your half hour of fame, you 

too can march, dance and wave your way to the end. If 

you are lucky you will see yourself on the evening news 

a few hours later. I remember each of my four children 

longing for a chance to be in the parade and then, after 

having their dream come true for several years running, 

they just wanted to just watch. 

Everyone comes out; businesses, schools, churches, 

service organizations, politicians, and families. People 

laugh and endure whatever weather shows up. The post 

office is there accepting letters that haven't already 

headed toward the North Pole. This event is remarkable 

in that it involves almost everyone in town, young 

and old. 

The parade volunteers and workers are a dedicated 

group, who work hard and wouldn't have it any other 

way. They are there for many reasons. The people I 

talked to said they just loved seeing the kids eyes light 

up when they actually see Santa waving from his sleigh. 

One woman told me that in her family, volunteering is 

a tradition. The Santa Claus parade is one place that her 

kids can join her on the front lines, working along side 

of the adults to help ensure a successful event. I heard 

from one busy elf that the reason Santa is so generous 

with his time in East Gwillimbury, is that he loves the 

idea of kids being a part of the whole thing, not only 

on floats, but also as float decorators and helpers. He 

supports anything that shows children their importance 

in the community. 

As I write this, summer is giving way to fall and the 

winter winds are sneaking around the corners of our 

houses. We have already seen our first snow, Halloween 

has come and gone and the time has changed. When I 

put in a call to the North Pole, I was told that Santa is 

too busy managing the workshop and getting ready for 

his many Yule time appearances to have a chance to 

speak to me personally for this article. A spokes elf did 

tell me that the jolly old guy believes that the greatest 

gift we can give at this time of year, is to look to our 

communities large and small, to embrace families and 


friends and to reconnect with old friends while making new ones. He is proud to be a part of an event that gives us 

that gift. 

For more information or to volunteer for the East Gwillimbury parade, contact Town of East Gwillimbury Leisure 

Department at town@eastgwillimbury.ca or for the Mount Albert District Lions at 905-478-8863. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I wish all of you, generous circles of community and friends in the year 

to come. 

I am putting together my articles for the New Year now. Let’s talk. What, or who makes your 

community? Where do your circles 

intersect? Let me know. Email 

bulletin@xplornet.com and put ‘Circles’ 

in the subject line. 

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 


in the garden 

Tropical Garden Explorations 

Part 1: History Beyond the Hotel 

by Georgie Kennedy, Lake Simcoe South Master Gardener 

Many Canadians are lured to the Caribbean by images of sunny white sand beaches, swaying coconut trees and 

shaded comfortable lounge chairs. Ice tinkles in pink drinks. The moon and stars rise over gently lapping water 

as you enjoy your evening meal on the cut stone seaside terrace. Truly, this is the complete vacation scenario 

at a resort or villa.... unless, like me, you’re an avid gardener who wants to explore the country to see what’s 

growing. You craved more than the all-inclusive experience as you gawked at the green vegetation the moment 

the island came into view. 

Using beautiful Jamaica as an example, whether you stay 

at a five-star hotel in Port Antonio or a hideaway in 

Negril, you’ll be surrounded by friendly people happy to 

advise about garden 

destinations. Ask for what 

you’ve dreamed of: 

botanical garden, palm 

reserve, organic 

pineapple farm, sugar 

plantation, flower 

nursery, rainforest, bird 

sanctuary. Arrange for a 

knowledgeable guide 

who will educate and 

entertain. You might hear 

about Anansi the spider or 

about the wind in the 

Frangipani – photo Georgie Kennedy 

bamboo. The best time for photographs is early morning when the sun’s light is 

kinder to plant colours. Dress in cotton clothing, travel light and stay hydrated. 

You’ll be astonished at the beauty and the biodiversity. 

Visitors often start botanical explorations by asking which plants are indigenous. 

Written records began with the arrival of Columbus in 1494, creating a baseline 

for knowledge of plants at that time. However, Jamaica’s first gardens were 

planted by the Taino. The Caribbean’s earliest people had likely carried seedlings 

and roots from the mainland when they migrated, over a thousand years ago. 

They cultivated starches: bitter cassava, sweet potato, maize, yam and arrowroot. 

They also grew peppers and legumes such as peanuts, Lima and jack beans, all 

Continued on page 35 



e.g. athletes 

EG Peewee A Rep Hockey Team Gives Back 

The 2010-2011 Peewee A rep hockey team appreciates all the support it receives from the community for 

participating in its fund raising initiatives and sponsorship program each year. To show their appreciation, the 

team organized an outreach program in order to give back to the community in which they live and play hockey. 

Members of the team got together and filled a few boxes worth of much needed items for York Region's Yellow 

Brick House. The presentation to the Yellow Brick House took place on November 10, 2010. 

Congratulations to the Peewee A team for its charitable actions in supporting such a good cause in our 

community. 

PS… PLEASE SEND SPORTS STORIES… it makes our job so much easier! 

If you have a story or picture for E.G. Athletes (of any age) – please forward to: 

Christine: info@thebulletinmagazine.com 

or Owen: osmith@dundeesecurities.com 


e.g. athletes 

OFSAA 

Gold 

Medal 

Run 

Robbie Elmhirst started running races when he was in Grade 3 and gradually improved his results each year. 

At the end of grade 7 he joined the Newmarket Huskies AAA track club. They focus on long distance runners 

and Robbie's success can be attributed to the excellent coaching he has received with the club. Attending Bill 

Crothers Secondary School has also helped him focus on his sport as well as keep up with his academics. 

This year has been his most successful season thus far. Robbie's times in the 1200m and 2000m races qualified 

him for nationals in Ottawa this past summer. 

During this cross-country season he came first in the Sacred Heart Invitational Race, first in York Region's 

Cross Country finals and achieved gold at OFSAA in Etobicoke on November 6. Robbie's succes this season 

has qualified him for Athletic Canada's National Cross-Country race on November 28 in Guelph. Although 

this is a junior race and Robbie will be running against men 18 and under he is looking forward to the 

experience. 

(As we have gone to press before November 28, we will Robbie the best of luck in Guelph). Hopefully we will 

have the results in our next issue! 

Thanks for responding & 

keep the stories coming! 

Share your stories 

We want schools, individuals of all ages! 

Are you a football player, basketball player, 

motocross racer or hockey star? 

Tell us about your friend, child, school team... 

Our readers want to hear about it 


December 2010 

By Anne Hill 

hort happenings 

I’m writing this on a very grey November day, warm 

enough to putter around in the garden without a coat. 

This autumn doesn’t want to give way to winter, it 

seems. Have you noticed all the shades of yellow, 

bronze, orange and burgundy in the foliage of the 

perennials this year? I leave most of the plants in my 

garden over the winter; they will help to hold the snow 

cover and provide interesting texture. 

Now that the outdoor gardening is pretty much 

finished the indoor plants get more attention and the 

effort to keep certain things alive till spring begins. I 

had a beautiful succulent plant outside in a pot this 

summer and would hate to see it die over the winter 

from lack of light so it’s gone to a friend’s southfacing 

sunroom for the winter. Here’s hoping! It’s a 

long time till spring. 

Do you have a beginning gardener, or an experienced 

one, on your Christmas list? Gift certificates for local 

nurseries make great gifts; the gardener can use them 

for plants or garden essentials in the spring. A gift 

membership for East Gwillimbury Gardeners would 

also be a thoughtful gift – it would entitle the recipient 

to hear all our great speakers at no charge, they would 

receive our yearbook and award-winning newsletter 

full of garden ideas and news, get discounts at various 

garden centres, borrow books from our library, learn 

down-to-earth garden tips and green-thumb wisdom 

and could participate in flower shows and 

photography competitions. Membership for an 

individual is just $20 per year, $25 for a couple. 

Here’s a list of our upcoming speakers and some dates 

to remember for the first few months of 2011: 

Tuesday, February 15th, 7:30 p.m. “A Taste of 

Summer”: author Moira Sanders will demonstrate 

recipes from the Harrowsmith Fair Cookbook (What a 

delicious way to spend a winter evening!) Free to 

members, $3 for guests. 

Tuesday, March 15th, 7:30 p.m: Jeff Marrin of Acorn 

to Oak Tree Service will talk about trees - how to 

select, plant, and care for trees successfully in our 

environment. Have your questions ready! 

Tuesday, April 19th, 7:30 p.m: Ken Brown, on 

Vertical Vegetables – this will be an ideal opportunity 

for anyone just getting into growing vegetables to 

learn from the expert on getting the most from a small 

space. Our annual photography competition will also 

be held that evening. 

All our meetings take place at Mount Albert 

Community Hall, 53 Main Street. For more 

information or to purchase a gift membership, please 

call me at 905-478-8450 or check out our website at 

http://www.gardenontario.org/site.php/mountalbert. 

Best wishes for the holiday season. 

check out YORKSCENE.COM 

a source for arts, culture & 

Entertainment in york region 


GARDEN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30 

close. Since Taino times, the ripe fruit has been dried to make bottles, scoops and musical instruments. 

Columbus was amazed by the Tainos’ elaborate 50 foot canoes made from enormous silk cottonwood trees 

(Ceiba pentandra). Each canoe held up to one hundred men; it’s clear that they traveled easily between islands. 

Over the past five hundred years, many species have been introduced by traders, slaves and plant hunters. In 

1793, Captain Bligh transported 347 breadfruit trees to the Caribbean from the South Seas on the HMS 

Providence. The British intended the fruit as cheap and easily grown food for slaves. Tradition has it that the 

slaves rebelled against the taste and fed it to the wild pigs they had domesticated. Today it is wildly popular 

for Sunday breakfast with the national dish, ackee and saltfish. 

Ancient trees still stand in the Jamaican forest: imagine yourself beneath the hanging roots of a spreading 

banyan or beside a fully grown mahogany. Want to give a treasured gift to a beloved gardener or to yourself? 

Take a trip to the tropics and go memory-hunting with your camera. 

Lake Simcoe South Master Gardeners provide free gardening advice. Send your questions to our gardening 

hotline at lssmastergardeners@gmail.com 

Did you know? 

In 1937, the first postage 

stamp to commemorate 

Christmas was issued 

in Austria. 

Answers to Trivia on page 24 

1. (C): Boris Karloff 

2. (C): Pig Pen 

3. (D): Professor Hinkle 

4. (A): Canada 

February Issue: Part 2 – A Passion for Palm Trees 

March Issue: Part 3 – Strange and Exotic Tropical Flowers 


TIM HORTON’S FIRST NIGHT NEWMARKET 

Celebrate New Year’s Eve, Fri. Dec. 31, Magna Centre, 800 Mulock Dr. 

5 to 9 p.m. Presented by Tim Hortons, Newmarket Hydro and Town of Newmarket. 

Additional parking at Newmarket Theatre, 505 Pickering Cres. Everything is free! 

Indoor Activities (5 to 8:30 p.m.): 

* Silver Elvis and Bandaloni back by popular demand (Main Floor & Newmarket Honda Rink) 

* Family Zone: Ladder Climb, Inflatable Jumping Castles, Giant Obstacle Course & Slide, Hockey 

Shooting Cage, 9 Hole Mini Golf, Balloon Twists by Clowns Harvo & Saree, Pulsars Gymnastics Club, 

Costume Characters, Sponge Entertainment (Tim Hortons Gym & Newmarket Honda Rink) 

* “Three of Us”, indoor musical performance (Sports Theatre) 

* Face Painting (MPR 1), Make & Take Crafts: Party Hat, Bell, Calendar & Mural Design (Activity Room) 

* Public Skate & Family Skate, (Max 200/rink) Bob Forhan Olympic Rink, Hyundai Rink, Pfaff Rink 

* Public Swimming (Max 400, Metro Aquatics Centre) (5 to 8 p.m.) Outdoor Activities (5 to 9 p.m.): 

* Train Ride on Tim Hortons Express (owned & operated by the Town of Newmarket) 5 to 8:30 p.m. 

* Hot chocolate, Noisemaker & Glow Bracelet (4,000 available) 

* Horse Drawn Wagons (6 to 8:30 p.m.) 

* “The Glenn Marais Band”, outdoor musical performance main stage 8 to 9 p.m. 

* Fireworks & Pyrotechnic Show & Grand Finale Countdown 9 p.m. 

For up-to-date weather and/or cancellation details of Town-run outdoor events call 1-877-PLAY936 on the 

date of the event, 2 hours prior to the start time. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Subject to change, contact the Town of Newmarket 905-895-5193, www.newmarket.ca 

FAMILY FIRST NIGHT - AURORA 

Ring in the New Year early with your family and friends. Enjoy wagon rides, a bonfire, swimming, skating, 

games, children’s activities, and more. 

Friday, December 31. 6-9 pm. Aurora Family Complex 

www.town.aurora.on.ca 

TORONTO ZOO’S 8TH ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S EVE FAMILY 

COUNTDOWN 

December 31, 2010 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. 

Outdoor family-fun event. Tickets available online at www.torontozoo.com 


Power outage 

toolkit 

The 10 must-haves 

(NC)—Mother Nature is unpredictable—especially 

during the winter. And heavy snowfall and strong 

winds make power outages a more common 

occurrence than the average Canadian thinks. 

It takes a short amount of time to gather the musthaves 

you'll need in case of a power outage. Here 

are a few of items to include in your “just in case” 

toolkit: 

• Batteries and flashlights 

• Variety of dry food and canned goods that don't 

require can openers 

• Water and juice 

• Water repellent tarps 

• Blankets 

• Battery-operated radio 

• First-aid kit 

• Fire extinguisher 

• List of emergency phone numbers and a 

charged cell phone 

• An alternative source of power such as a minipower 

generator available at GIObikes.com 

Lifestyle and recreational company GIO's unique 

auction website allows you to purchase a minigenerator 

at an accessible price point to round out 

your toolkit. 

www.newscanada.com 

The Pet Nanny 

Need pet sitting services? 

Contact Lynda Annall 

t: 905-473-6708 

c: 905-830-2487 

e-mail: lannall@xplornet.com 

TOP RATED TV SHOWS 2010! 

Big Bang Theory Two and a Half Men 30 Rock 

True Blood United States of Tara Friday Night Lights 

Lost America’s Got Talent Hell’s Kitchen 

So You Think You Can Dance 

SOURCE: WWW.BUZZLE.COM 


East Gwillimbury Skating 2010/11: 

East Gwillimbury Sports Complex - Sharon Arena 

PUBLIC SKATING: Adults $2 Youth $1 (under16) 

Sundays 12:00pm - 1:50pm 

Excluding: Sunday, December 26th, March 20th & April 3rd - Ends April 17th 

*Please Note: Saturday Public Skating has been postponed until further notice.* 

PARENT & TOT SKATE: $2 per Adult $1 per Child 

Monday 1:30pm - 2:20pm 

Friday 9:00am - 9:50am 

Excluding: Monday, October 25th, 2010 – Ends April 15th 

ADULT RECREATIONAL SKATE: 18+ years $2 per visit 

Tuesday 10:00am - 10:50am 

Thursday 2:00pm - 2:50pm 

Sunday 9:00pm - 9:50pm 

Excluding: Sunday, April 3rd & Thursday, April 14th - Ends April 17th 

YOUTH OPEN SKATE: 12+yrs/under 12 with Parent - $5 per person 

Youth Shinny Skating Tuesday 7:00am - 7:50am 

Youth Figure Skating Thursday 6:00am – 8:00am 

RECREATIONAL SHINNY HOCKEY: $6/visit Shinny Pass - $45 for 10 

visits 

Monday, Wednesday & Friday 11:30am - 1:20pm 

Excluding: Monday, October 25th, Friday, April 1st – Ends April 15th 

LADIES SHINNY HOCKEY: $6/visit Shinny Pass - $45 for 10 visits 

Friday 10:00am – 11:20am 

Excluding - April 1st - Ends April 15th 

East Gwillimbury 

Sports Complex 

renovations are still 

underway. 

Please be aware that 

times and dates may 

change depending on 

the progression of 

construction. 

visit: 

www.eastgwillimbury.ca 

for more info 

and holiday schedules 

“Winter is a time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for 

the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it 

is the time for home. 

~Edith Sitwell 


CHRISTMAS LONG AGO 

Frosty days and ice-still nights, 

Fir trees trimmed with tiny lights, 

Sound of sleigh bells in the snow, 

That was Christmas long ago. 

Tykes on sleds and shouts of glee, 

Icy-window filigree, 

Sugarplums and candle glow, 

Part of Christmas long ago. 

Footsteps stealthy on the stair, 

Sweet-voiced carols in the air, 

Stocking hanging in a row, 

Tell of Christmas long ago. 

Starry nights so still and blue, 

Good friends calling out to you, 

Life, so fact, will always slow... 

For dreams of Christmas long ago. 

- Jo Geis 

Did you know? 

In 1834, Queen Victoria's 

husband, Prince Albert 

brought the first Christmas 

tree to Windsor Castle for the 

Royal family.

December 2010 - The Bulletin Magazine

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