Grace helps stir one of three big pots of stew at the Newtonville Community Hall on Sunday night. The community turned out for lots of food, lots of music, lots of catching up, and to sing Happy 80th Birthday to Ivan Allin. Be sure to visit newtonville.ca for future events.
March break was off to a good start for Alice (L) of Newcastle and Lucy of Orono. They were taking part in the ‘Explore Games’ activity offered by Clarington Public Library Museums and Archives, Newcastle Branch. Participants were able to play a variety of board games, in this case, the girls were engaged in a lively game of Blokus. It’s just one of many drop-in activities offered by CPLMA at the various branches. Hands on activities, art, a Teen Trivia Challenge and Teen Cafe as well as explorations into life under the sea or world of pirates, are among the many options available at the various branches all week. There is no cost for any of the programs, and all are drop-in unless specified. Visit clarington-library.on.ca for details of times and locations.
‘The All Star Crew’ (L to R) is Avery, Max, Ben, Norah and Elle finished second in Saturday’s Snowcastles of Newcastle building competition. The kids decided that if they won first place that they would donate the prize money (half to the Hospice and half to the Terry Fox Foundation). Meg Vandenbrink, mom of Avery and Norah, told the Times, “there were so many amazing castles, even though they came in second the kids were really excited. They were only disappointed to not be able to donate the winnings. Someone in the community (wanting to remain anonymous) was chatting with us during the day and knew of the kid’s intention to donate the winnings. On Saturday night ‘The All Star Crew’ got word that this individual donated $500 to the team, so the kids could still make their donations to both foundations. If this wasn’t amazing enough, a second person has donated another $500 to the team. So, they now have $500 to donate to both foundations. We are so thankful to live in such a wonderful and caring community!”
The Orono Figure Skating Club hosted a Skate Ontario Provincial event last weekend. Starting on Thursday at noon and finishing up on Sunday, the arena was bustling with activity. OFSC volunteers, coaches, parents and skaters need to be commended on running an amazing event. Grace Redpath, Star 3, performed her routine choreographed as a Clockwork Doll.
Ann-marie Harley, board president of A Gift of Art, welcomed the community on Family Day to meet two local authors. Richard Thake (L) author of the Sir Seth Thistlethwaite Trilogy and James Dobos author of Joey Maloney and the Badger Lake Adventure.
Young John, 4, brought his family out to the Lions Sweetheart Pancake Sweetheart Breakfast last Sunday. He was very quick to clean his plate and say thank you.
After the Para-Alpine Giant Slalom race, the course was opened for skiers in the CADS (Canadian Adaptive Snowsports) Durham program to ‘Try a Race’ and experience the thrill for the first time. CADS provides an alpine ski experience for persons of all ages with physical and/or intellectual disabilities in a positive, fun and inclusive environment. CADS is entirely run by volunteers.
On Saturday night the Orono Agricultural Society hosted a volunteer supper before their 2022 Annual General Meeting. The guests of honour were the powerhouses behind the Orono Fair. Included were the committee chairs, committee volunteers, board members and many of the hundreds of volunteers who help out over the fair weekend. The 2nd Bowmanville Pathfinder Ranger Unit prepared and served the meal as part of their many community service undertakings. Pictured clockwise from the left are: Bella Hoskin, Vinuki Peter, Becky Oosting, Kathryn Hall, Brenda Kalledat, Cassandra Haskins, Keeley Schroeder, Erin Pinder and Gwen Breen.
Clarington is removing tobogganing signs at municipal parks following some confusion in the community. The current signs, which imply tobogganing is prohibited, will be replaced with new signs indicating that residents may use the hills at their own risk.
On Saturday, Artist Todd Tremeer started a four-week session, Junior Art, grades 4-8, at A Gift of Art in Newcastle. Sisters Natalie Birch, Emily Forth and Leah Birch are learning to draw realistically with pencil and charcoal. During the session students will learn how to draw faces, complex objects and imaginary creatures. Painting with watercolours and building 3D sculptures with paper and other tools are also on the agenda.