Spring In The Hills

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M A G A Z I N E

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C O U N T R Y

L I V I N G

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T H E

H E A D W A T E R S

R E G I O N

Orangeville’s secret gardens Going solar

High school moms Textile art

Cycling on road and trail

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Strawberry fields

EDITORIAL

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IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

Liz Beatty | Monica Duncan Michele Green | Laura LaRocca Bethany Lee | Douglas G. Pearce Jeff Rollings | Nicola Ross Ken Weber PHOTOGRAPHY

We are pleased to announce the launch of a new magazine: Food In The Hills.

Celebrating everything that has to do with food in our own backyard, it will be a sister publication to this magazine, published in May and August to celebrate the local sowing and harvesting seasons.

In The Hills has long been devoted to the preservation of our natural countryside and rural lifestyle. At a time when solutions to climate change, global warming and urban sprawl seem so far beyond our control, the local food revolution has provided a focus for individual action like no other. It hits as close to home as it’s possible to get, smack in the pantry. Besides, it’s a lot of fun.

Food In The Hills editor Cecily Ross promises to introduce you to the hardworking people who produce the things we eat, the creative cooks who prepare it, and the activists and policy-makers who care about it.

Watch for Food In The Hills later this spring at restaurants, specialty foods stores and markets throughout Headwaters.

John Bachmann | Bryan Davies Trent Dilkie | Gillian Gauthier Rosemary Hasner | Pete Paterson Andrew Rebbetoy

—

Valerie Jones, Echo Hill Bethany Lee, Focus on Media

Even as we embark on a new adventure, we sadly say goodbye to one of our treasured contributors.

Assembling the table of contents is one of the last jobs I do before the magazine goes to press. For the fi rst time in fifteen years, when I came to Headwaters Sketchbook by Linda McLaren, with a lump in my throat, I hit delete.

After a long and creative career, Linda has decided to put away her pens and brushes, at least professionally.

From beavers to beetles, meadowlarks to maples, Linda has been contributing her sketchbook of local animals, insects, birds and plants to this magazine since 1996. A longtime member, now president, of the Upper Credit Field Naturalists, Linda is an acutely keen observer of the natural world. And we know that over the years her detailed ink drawings and literate description of the wild denizens of our beloved hills and fields are the first thing many readers eagerly search out when they open each new issue.

In a magazine dedicated to the “spirit of place,” Linda’s quiet and thoughtful work has been a defi ning editorial feature.

We’ll miss her from these pages, and wish her all the best in her retirement.

I L L U S T R AT I O N

Shelagh Armstrong | Jim Stewart DESIGN | ART DIRECTION

Kim van Oosterom Wallflower Design ADVERTISING SALES

Roberta Fracassi | Julie Lockyer ADVERTISING PRODUCTION

Marion Hodgson Type & Images PROOFREADING

Susan Robb ONLINE IN THE HILLS

COVER

Nicola Ross and Karen Gillies

by Pete Paterson — In the Hills is published four times a year by MonoLog Communications Inc. It is distributed through controlled circulation to households in the towns of Caledon, Erin, Orangeville, Shelburne and Creemore, and Dufferin County.

Subscriptions outside the distribution area are $22.6o per year (including hst).

Letters to the editor are welcome.

For information regarding editorial, advertising, or subscriptions: PHONE E-MAIL

519-942-84o1

info@inthehills.ca

FA X

519-942-1118

MonoLog Communications Inc. R.R.1 Orangeville ON L9W 2Y8

www.inthehills.ca — The advertising deadline for the Summer (June) issue is May 13, 2o11.

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IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

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I N

T H I S

I S S U E F E A T U R E S 16

BIKE EXCHANGE

D E P A R T M E N T S 44 LET THE SUN SHINE IN

Notes from the road and trail

by Nicola Ross

8

Solar energy gets personal

by Phyllis Robinson

10 23

LE TOUR DE TERRA COTTA

Local initiatives cash in on the sun

by Jeff Rollings 13

28 SECRET GARDENS 28

51

Hidden gems in Orangeville

by Michele Green 34 GLASSLANDS

Mark Raynes Roberts’ crystal sculpture

by Monica Duncan 36 STITCHES ACROSS TIME

Pat Burns-Wendland’s textile art

by Michele Green

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Kame & Kettle

INGLEWOOD LIGHT & POWER

An old mill is re-energized

by Jeff Rollings 52

THE DIGEST

Countryside news

by Douglas G. Pearce

48 CATCHING A FEW RAYS

A road racer’s dream

by Nicola Ross

LETTERS

Our readers write

14

MUST DO

Our favourite picks for spring

SWIM, BIKE, RUN 42 HOMEGROWN IN THE HILLS

C3 puts on the moves

by Liz Beatty

The Tea Lady of Caledon East

by Nicola Ross

64 TEXTBOOKS AND TODDLERS 60 HISTORIC HILLS

High school for young parents

by Laura LaRocca

Dr. Algie delivers a jolt

by Ken Weber 62 HEADWATERS NEST

Spring awakenings

by Bethany Lee

34 77

WHAT’S ON IN THE HILLS

A calendar of spring happenings 86 A PUZZLING CONCLUSION

by Ken Weber

36

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IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

7

L E T T E R S My wife and I have found what we believe to be cougar tracks around our property. Some of them were literally less than six feet from our front door. This picture was taken on November 27. The canine print on the right is from our 50-pound greyhound. Could you please direct me to whom I can contact to confirm whether this is a cougar track?

Peter Kudlowsky, Adjala

The Math is Simple

Cougar tracks?

Although there are similarities to cougar tracks, Stuart Kenn, president of the Ontario Puma Foundation, identified the tracks in the photo as canine.

Rick Rosatte of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources supplied the photo below, noting the distinctive characteristics of cougar tracks.

Ktoudos heroes It was wonderful to see Louise Kindree, Marilyn Field, Carol Hall and Joy Bell recognized in your magazine. They are cornerstones in our community and we admire all of them. Also great to see the amazing story on Michael McCreary. All of us want our kids to grow up and find their place in the world, so as a parent, it was a heartwarming article. To have Neirin on the front cover and to read his story was brilliant. What a beautiful animal. Well done.

Lin Ward Hockley Valley Congratulations Karen (Campbell) – it is great to see you are making a difference in the lives of so many young children.

Will Lamb online comment Way to go, Karen! Well deserved.

We have been members of the Everdale Harvest Share program for years and L-O-V-E it. Not only do we get access to some wonderful locally grown pro duce, but we have been introduced to some new (and delicious) veggies. It is wonderful program and definitely deserves our support.

David Donaldson online comment

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IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

Dear friends in “the Hills” and McCreary family. It is a true honour to know you and to work with Michael. We look forward to many more performances and years with Michael as a stand-up comic with Spark of Brilliance.

Thank you most sincerely for mentioning us in the article.

Judith Rosenberg Spark of Brilliance

four asymmetrical toes (third toe leads)

round shaped track

claws or nails do not show

rounded inner toe edge

teardrop shaped toes line or cross cannot be drawn through outer two toes without hitting the heel pad

8-10 cm track size

ratio of heel to total toe area about 60:40 i.e. large heel pad compared to canines

angle between outer toes less than 30 degrees pad deeper at anterior end

tri-lobed large heel pad 43-70 mm in width

Cold day, warm thoughts On this rainy, windy March day, I’m looking through the winter issue of In the Hills seeing what’s on to make it more pleasurable. Gosh, rereading it is just as good as the first time. The magazine just keeps getting better and better. I think we’ll take in the Alton Mill. Can’t wait for the spring edition.

Can’t wait for spring! In the Hills makes winter more bearable.

Susan Reynolds, Orangeville

ONLINE IN THE HILLS We welcome your comments! For more commentary from our readers, or to add your own thoughts on any of the stories in this issue, please visit www.inthehills.ca. You can also send your letters by e-mail to sball@ inthehills.ca. Please include your name, address and contact information.

In the Hills reserves the right to edit letters for publication.

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IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

9

C O U N T R Y S I D E

D GRANIN G N E P O IL 2ND APR

D I G E S T

Cats, cannabis, kilts and kori bustards Highland Security The fashion of wearing nothing beneath a kilt has been condemned by the Scottish Tartans Authority, which has called the practice “childish and unhygienic,” The Times of London reports. Brian Wilton, the director, said: “The idea that you are not a real Scot unless you are bare under your kilt should be thrown into the same wastepaper basket as the idea that you are not a real Scot unless you put salt on your porridge.”

Some kilt-wearers have rejected the advice, but Jamie McGrigor, a Scottish politician who campaigned for the introduction of a Scottish Tartan Register, said: “I have normally worn underwear with my kilt. In the West Highlands, midges can mount alarming and unexpected attacks on socalled true Scotsmen.” From Michael Kesterton’s column in The Globe and Mail, Nov 24/10.

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IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

by Douglas G. Pearce

Pulp Fiction “It is not necessary to use trees for pulp. All vascular plants can produce pulp. There are 250,000 plants that can make pulp for paper. Unfortunately this just represents 10 per cent of what was there before the various extinctions of past climatic changes.

Some of these vascular plants are outstanding for fiber quality and others can be processed for a further recycling capacity. Most of these vascular species have been used in the past in North America and in Europe.

One of these is the urban criminal Cannabis sativa, hemp.” From The Global Forest, by Diana BeresfordKroeger (Viking Penguin, 2010).

to pronounce its name, is estimated to have emitted between 150,000 and 300,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a day. That’s less than the grounded fl ights would have emitted, making it the first carbon-negative volcano.”

From New Scientist, Jan 1/11.

Heads Up We’re Number One “Canada now has the dubious distinction of being the No. 1 country or region in per capita energy use, averaging 96,000 kilowatt-hours (KWh) per person per year. The United States is the second highest per capita energy use, at 89,000 KWh, followed by Australia (75,000), the EU (48,000), China (19,000), the Global South (5,500), Tanzania (4,000), and Nepal (3,500).

“It is possible, according to the Centre for Alternative Technology, to live a comfortable ‘Northern’ lifestyle on just 15,000 KWh of energy per person per year – or only about onesixth of the average energy use of Canadians. This could be provided entirely from existing renewable technologies. The U.S. and Canada could get down to 22,500 KWh/person on hydro, wind, and geothermal alone.”

From CCPA Monitor, Feb/11.

Imagine “The world has been placed on a heightened security alert following reports that New Age terrorists have harnessed the power of homeopathy for evil. ‘Homeopathic weapons represent a major threat to world peace,” said President Barack Obama, ‘they might not cause any actual damage but the placebo effect could be quite devastating.’” From New Scientist, Nov 6/10.

Atheist Spirituals

For The Children

“Some folks sing a Bach cantata Lutherans get Christmas trees Atheist songs add up to nada But they do have Sundays free.”

From the song “Atheists don’t have no songs,” by Steve Martin. Yes, that one, an accomplished bluegrass banjoist. From Garden and Gun, FebMar/11.

“Children are people. They are fi lled with dignity. They are little people who love and live too. They and their fairy folk will inherit this planet.

They look to the adult generation ahead of them with confidence that they will be protected and cared for.

They must believe that the pictorial landscape drawn by them as children is cared for, too. This is called human inheritance. It is a belief system on which our cultures rest and have rested to mold the societies in which we live. To cut down the global forest

Green Volcano “Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that closed Europe’s airspace and stumped English-speaking newscasters trying

is a deep and personal betrayal of every child on this planet. It is a robbery of their imagination and a looting of their future.’” From The Global Forest, by Diana BeresfordKroeger (Viking Penguin, 2010).

“If only birds would watch where they’re flying, power lines might not be such a menace. But for species with an expansive blind spot, that’s not so easy. Working with a handful of fowl from South African zoos, researchers performed eye exams on species that suffer high mortality from power-line collisions. They discovered a large blind spot in kori bustards and blue cranes. When these species look down to spot roosts or other birds while flying, their blind spot is dead ahead, obscuring dangerous wires. Distracting such birds away from power lines – rather than adding f lags and ref lectors to the wires themselves – may be a good conservation strategy.” From American Scientist, Jan-Feb/11.

Cat’s Tongue “Dogs and other animals lap up water by curling their tongues into a cuplike shape, but high-speed cameras reveal that cats rest the tips of their tongues on the liquid’s surface without penetrating it. The water adheres to the cat’s tongues and is pulled upward in a column as the cat draws its tongue into its mouth – a complex maneuver that pits gravity against inertia.” From Science, Nov 12/10.

Comic Evolution “It is not often that the books I am asked to review go missing. After hours of searching, I found the errant item, with the spine cracked, in my teenage son’s room – an otherwise book-free zone. I can offer no higher recommendation.

“This superb comic book tells the story of terrestrial evolution... I am not sure why comic books make words like alphaproteobacteria less daunting, but they do. Every classroom should have this book.” From Clint Witchalls’s review of Evolution: The story of Life on Earth, by Jay Hosler, illustrated by Kevin Cannon and Zander Cannon (Hill and Wang, 2010), in New Scientist, Jan 15/10. ≈

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SpringAwakenings Two weekends only!

See Art Fit for a King, an exhibition of gift ideas for the Royal Wedding by our studio artists Join the Great Alton Poetry Tour, a poetic artwalk in and around the Alton Mill Visit the Glasslands Collection, drawings and photographs by Mark Raynes Roberts, May 4–29 Bring your mum for High Tea!

30 APRIL &1 MAY painting, pottery, jewellery, glass & fibre by 25 + studio artists

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IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

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A R T I S T

I N

R E S I D E N C E

clockwise from top right : Mary Wood Time and Tide (detail) acrylic 36" x 24"; Jane Richmond Air and Earth Series #6 oil on canvas 24" x 36"; Linda Jenetti Promise of Spring oil on canvas 36" x 48"; Andrea Trace On A Swing Above the Inferno, Leaf 1, Unbound Book acrylic, canvas, collage on board 12" x 9"; Darlene Hassall Time to Celebrate! acrylic, mixed media 48" x 48"

Kame & Kettle Artists This longstanding coalition of Dufferin artists is currently celebrating its twentieth anniversary with a show of new and retrospective works, in a variety of media and subject matter, at Dufferin County Museum and Archives. Proceeds from a handbound book of nine original works rafed at the opening reception were donated to the Reed T. Cooper Foundation, established in memory of one of the group’s founding artists. In addition to the artists whose work is represented on this page, the group includes Sue Ecclestone, Do Hamilton, Emilia Perri and Mia Thornhill. The show runs to May 1. www.kameandkettleartists.com IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

13

must do

must must

horse around Bring your horse for a day of pure fun at Equi-Fest 2011. There are no competitions at this day-long, multi-disciplinary celebration of all things equine.

You and your horse can participate in clinics on pole or barrel racing, reining, riding sidesaddle and much more.

There will be an equine marketplace and on-site services, including equine massage, Bowen and chiropractic therapies, as well as a vet and a farrier. At lunchtime, there will be Western, drill team and musical riding demonstrations.

Equi-Fest is an all-local event hosted by the WHOA, the Women Horse Owners’ Association, an 80-member network of horse enthusiasts in the hills (men are welcome too).

The event takes place on Sunday, June 5 from 8:30 am to 5 pm at the Orangeville Fairgrounds, on 5 Sideroad Mono, off Hockley Road. Admission is $60 for horse and rider; $40 for stall rental; $5 for spectators.

No trailer? Not even a horse?

See the website for information about renting a ride for the day: womenhorseownersassoc.com

14

jive

Orangeville will be jumping and jiving once again this year when the Blues and Jazz Festival takes over the downtown cafés, restaurants, parks and streets from June 2 to 5.

The annual festivities get underway Thursday evening with a gala dinner and concert at the Best Western Hotel ($35), and from then on it’s an all-out, weekend-long musical extravaganza that includes some 75 mostly free performances, jam sessions and workshops by local, national and international performers.

Headliners include the legendary Downchild Blues Band, Latin jazz diva Amanda Martinez, cellist Matt Brubeck, and jazz vocalist Lily Frost.

The musical events are accompanied by a host of other activities, including a classic car parade, art exhibitions, the Saturday morning farmers’ market, and the downtown merchants’ sidewalk sale.

Last year the Festival attracted more than 3o,ooo visitors and was recently named among the top 1oo festivals in Ontario.

For the full schedule of performers and venues, visit www.objf.org.

festival organizer larry kurtz will perform with his band trouble & strife

P H O T O P E T E PAT ER S O N

A highly selective guide to the picks of the season.

Aaaaaaaaaand – they’re off!

On Saturday, May 28, 2,ooo yellow rubber duckies will hurtle three-eighths of a mile along the Grand River – and the owners of the first two ducks to cross the finish line will pocket $1,ooo each.

must

must

restore

Orangeville’s Mill Creek once flowed strongly enough to power several mills, and it provided a habitat for brook trout and other aquatic life. But over the years, the town’s historic waterway has become in some places little more than a muddy ditch. Now a program called the Orangeville Coldwater Conservation Challenge, or C3, has been formed to involve residents in plans for the restoration of the Creek.

C3’s first event will be a public meeting on Thursday, April 7 at 7 pm, at the Seniors Centre, 26 Bythia Street. The second will be a “walk and talk” tour of the creek. It will take place on Saturday, April 16, starting from the Orangeville Banner parking lot on Mill Street at 1 pm.

C3 is sponsored by the Greg Clark chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada, the Izaak Walton Fly Fishing Club, the Town of Orangeville, and Credit Valley Conservation. If you want to participate by completing a survey or otherwise lend your support to the cause, contact karenmorrison@me.com.

quack!

The race is the highlight of the 16th annual Grand Valley Lions Duck Race. The day starts with a free breakfast at the community centre (cash donations appreciated) and the horticultural society’s plant sale. The ducks are dropped into the river by crane at 2 pm. Pre- and post-race festivities in Grand Valley’s Hereward Park include live music, hamburgers and hot dogs, and kids’ entertainment.

You can own a duck for $5. Buy yours on the day of the event or in advance from a Lions Club member (www.grandvalleylions.com). Cash prizes totalling $4,150 will be awarded to 14 finishers. Proceeds from the day go to community projects.

rhyme

SPP R INN G|S UMMER UMME R 201 01

must

Fresh summer soups

Organic honey Heidi’s country kitchen

P H O T O L O R R I E B A K K ER

I was building a big banking scam On my super computer named Sam Until I annulled it by Trying to multiply Numbers too big for its RAM.

The New Farmer

— “Multiply” by Patrick Watson patrick watson test-drove some of his limericks at mono’s big day out in 2009

Roll over Edward Lear, renowned Canadian broadcaster and Mono resident Patrick Watson has turned his fertile mind to limericks.

With classical references and allusions to historical figures and contemporary mores, Watson, 81, gives the anapestic (ta-ta-TUM) and amphibrachic (ta-Tum-ta) metrical feet an energetic, and clean, workout.

You can find a copy of Watson’s 200-page book, Limericks, in local bookstores in April (published by McArthur & Co.).

Strawberry fields

must

attend

coming in may 2011 !

Over the past two years, Headwaters Concert Choir has performed in prestigious concert halls in Salzburg and Prague, as well as at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and the celebrations for the 65th anniversary of the liberation of France by the Allies. Next year, the choir will perform at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

You have a chance to see and hear this internationally celebrated choir when it joins voices with the Brampton Festival Singers this spring for a concert called Magnificent Mozart at Rose Theatre in downtown Brampton.

The combined 100-voice choir will perform Mozart’s Trinity Mass with a full orchestra. Robert Hennig is the director of both choirs, but they have performed together only twice before.

The one-night-only concert is at 7:30 pm on Sunday, May 29.

Tickets for the concert are $25, through the Rose Theatre box office, online at www.rosetheatre.ca or 905-874-2800. headwaters concert choir with director robert hennig at the rose theatre in brampton

food in the hills – an exciting new magazine that celebrates all the best about food in the Headwaters region.

It’s about who grows it, who serves it, where to find it, and how to cook it.

It’s about dining in and dining out.

It’s about growers, grocers and everyday gourmets.

Watch for it this spring at restaurants, specialty food stores and markets throughout the hills.

Food In The Hills will be published twice a year in May and August, featuring the same quality content and superb design that has made In The Hills the distinctive voice of the Headwaters region for the past 18 years.

For print and web advertising information, contact Jennifer Payne at 519-925-1851 or jennifer@inthehills.ca

IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

15

mountain biker karen gillies and road cyclist nicola ross invite each other out for a spin

BY NI CO L A R OSS

W

hen I hook up with Karen Gillies to learn the ropes of mountain biking, it shouldn’t surprise me that my fi rst lesson isn’t about changing gears or avoiding tumbles. True to form, the long-time owner of Orangeville’s Creek Side Clothing Co. makes sure that I have the proper attire.

I had arrived at Mono Cliffs Park clad in Lycra cycling shorts and one of those ridiculously busy jerseys worn by folks like me who spend their cycling time on skinny-tired, thoroughbred-like road bikes rather than knobbly tired, quarter-horse-like mountain bikes. Karen and I had agreed to an exchange: After she puts me through the hoops on a mountain bike, I would get her on the road.

First, she exchanges my fi ngerless cycling gloves with fingered ones that provide additional protection – though not enough, as I am to learn.

A fall is more likely on a mountain bike, so covering up is good. She also has me sling on a camelback to replace my water bottle. Karen explains that there is no time to grab a water bottle when you are negotiating a tricky trail.

But the pièce de résistance is the cycling shorts she presents to me.

They are made of a light, but tough fabric and are worn over Lycra shorts.

“They give you another layer of protection,” Karen explains, “and if you do fall, the damage is done to these over-shorts and not to the expensive Lycra ones.”

Since I belong to the 95 per cent of the population that is not built to wear Lycra, I decide that maybe mountain biking isn’t so bad. These over-shorts look good and they don’t cost too much either.

The main reason for wearing cycling shorts is comfort for your nether parts. Most cyclists who suffer from chafing do so because they don’t wear a good pair of padded shorts, leave their underwear on underneath or wear 16

IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

on the road : Karen Gillies, front, a veteran mountain biker, is introduced to the flat-out speeds of road biking by Nicola Ross.

shorts made for the wrong gender. (The seams are different in men’s and women’s shorts.)

Karen’s partner Johnny gives me a quick lesson on the ins and outs of the incredibly light mountain bike he has lent me. The biggest difference in feel between my road bike and my loaner is the shock absorbers. I feel as if I am floating over the gravelly parking lot at Mono Park as I take a test spin. On a road bike I would feel every piece of gravel. It is going to take me some time to get used to having shock absorbers. I feel as if I lack contact with the ground, which translates into feeling as if I lack control.

Too soon it is time to take to the hills. I’ve figured out how to change gears, know which is my front brake and which is my back one, have adjusted the seat so that my legs are pretty much straight when the pedal is at its lowest point, and have been assured that a cold beer waits me if I survive the adventure.

Karen heads up a trail away from the parking lot.

“You’re okay climbing up over these little steps

aren’t you?” she calls over her shoulder. She mistakes my snort for agreement.

“Just unweight your handlebars when you get to the step and pedal up over it,” she instructs as she nimbly negotiates her way up the trail. With Johnny and a couple of others who cycle together at Mono Cliffs Park every Wednesday evening looking on, up I go. I don’t have Karen’s finesse, but I make it to the top and I give myself a pat on the back.

One of the keys to mountain biking, Karen tells me, is to avoid looking down. This advice seems counterintuitive. If I don’t look down, how can I avoid the rocks and roots? The wisdom of her advice is embedded in the fact that if you look at a rock or rut, you tend to lean that way and your bike will follow. “It’s best to look beyond where you are going.” It is an important tip that I will unfortunately fail to follow.

Karen didn’t come naturally to the sport. Like me, she didn’t ride a bike much as a kid and we also share a lack of great balance.

P H O T O S P E T E PAT ER S O N

Mountain biking is all about athleticism and quick response. You need guts to ride a mountain bike on a single-track trail. On a road bike, you get into a hypnotic rhythm.

It’s like a trail runner compared to a marathoner. An alpine skier compared to a Nordic one.

Show jumping compared to thoroughbred racing.

“Johnny and my son,” Karen complains, “have incredible balance.” The proof is in their ability to turn their bikes around on a dime, a move called “turtling.” Karen is much better at it than I am. I stop, click one foot out of the pedal cleats and pick up my bike to turn it around.

Karen loves the scenery in Mono Cliffs Park.

“Since we cycle every week on the same trails, we see things change. We cycle in different levels of sunshine.” It’s a brilliant, hot and humid early September evening when we are out. The golden rod is in full bloom, but the light is getting low in the sky. “In a couple of weeks we’ll be finishing our ride in the dark,” Karen tells me.

We cycle down over another set of steps along a

sandy path and I get the feel of standing up on my pedals and gripping the saddle between my thighs.

It sounds like an unstable position, but it actually provides a natural sense of agility.

Despite Karen’s excellent coaching, I give her loaner shorts a workout. When I look down into a rut, as I have been warned not to, and my front tire gets caught, I skid to the ground. Picking myself up, I brush the dust off my borrowed shorts and see a little blood on my knee and elbow – badges of honour. Noticing that the baby finger on my right hand is sticking out at an odd angle, I grab it with my left hand. Voilà, the finger is normal again, and before I can think more about it, Karen is handing me my bike.

“With beginner cyclists,” she tells me, “the guys in the group would normally have stood in line on both sides of the trail so that they could have caught you.”

We agree to bypass “puke hill.” It’s a steep incline that only the most talented cyclists manage to climb. She suggests we cross a wooden bridge that spans a creek. To do so requires me to negotiate the five-inch step up onto the bridge. Karen is up and over, but I balk at this obstacle that looks as tall as Mount Everest to me. I’ve forgotten about the shock absorbers. If I’d hit that lip with my road bike, I would have been tossed over the handle bars; mountain bikes bounce over without a second’s pause. “Just remember to unweight your handlebars,” Karen reminds me.

We chat about the differences in the sports as we climb up a some small hills and pass a few of the ponds that make Mono Cliff Park such a delight.

Both of us have had our best holidays atop bicycles. continued on next page IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

17

bicycle continued from page 17

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IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

Mine have involved touring through villages in France, Italy, Cuba, Mexico, Canada and the US. Karen also travels widely and is heading to Arizona in a month’s time to try out the trails there.

But the event that she’s most interested in talking about is the adventure race set for the following weekend.

It’s a day-long team competition.

Since Karen is the slower cyclist, Johnny will tow her along using a piece of surgical tubing that is wrapped around his waist and attached to a harness that Karen wears. The rig is

T

wo weeks later, it’s my turn to play guide. We meet at the church parking lot in Camilla, just north of Orangeville. The road heading west and t he adjoining Mono-Amaranth Townline are todie-for roads for skinny-tired bicycles.

They are flat and smooth, and on the clear morning when we ride, the mist rises over the harvested wheat fields and we have a panoramic view to the south. Smooth sailing.

I don’t have any special clothing to offer Karen, but she, of course, comes perfectly prepared – road-cycling shoes and all. They are stiffer than mountain-biking shoes, but both feature cleats that click into bicycle pedals and allow a rider to pull the pedals up as well as push down. If the thought of being attached to a bicycle makes you squeamish, recognize that these cleats have a quick release system that allows you to click out in short order.

Karen has never been on a road bike, so I give her my touring bike to try. A touring bike looks a lot like the 10-speed that you might have had as a teenager. While far slimmer than mountain-bike tires, those on a touring bike are about 50 per cent fatter than on a road bike. And, in the case of my touring bike, fenders also shield the rider from mud and water that tires pick up from the road and deposit in a stripe down the rider’s back. Road cyclists shun fenders because of their clunkiness.

Karen eyes the tires with nervous distain. It is clear that she’ll give road riding a try, but she isn’t predisposed to enjoy it. She climbs aboard and we head west. It normally takes about ten kilometres on a road bike to get into a rhythm, and in the early morning sunshine, I can’t wait to get moving.

Ahead of me, Karen is leaning down hard on the handlebars, looking mighty uncomfortable. I suggest that she straighten up a bit by holding the handlebars on the top (rather than the bottom of the curve). She

designed so that it does not get caught in either of their tires. The thought of being hauled along over rocks and roots while travelling at full-out speeds simply does not compute for me.

I have a lovely time on that mountain-bike date with Karen and get a rush when I successfully cycle down the steps that we’d climbed up to start the evening’s adventure. But with visions of Karen being hauled along

by Johnny, and with my baby finger swollen to twice its normal size, I am quite happy to return those nowworn cycling over-shorts to Karen.

adjusts and looks a little happier.

I pick up the pace, explaining that on a road bike you want to spin the pedals fast. She picks up her cadence, but wobbles on the narrow tires as she does, making me aware that the two sports are very different.

Mountain biking is all about athleticism and quick response. You need guts to ride a mountain bike on a single-track trail (something I lack).

On a road bike, you get into a hypnotic rhythm. It’s like a trail runner compared to a marathoner. An alpine skier compared to a Nordic one. Show jumping compared to thoroughbred racing. They appeal to different emotions and satisfy different needs.

Whereas the sense of accomplishment from mountain biking comes from being brave and athletic, road biking comes from travelling long distances with grace. Both, however, involve great camaraderie. They are social sports.

Too soon for me, probably not soon enough for Karen, we are back at the church. “So do you think you could come to enjoy road riding?” I ask.

Karen’s mountain bike happens to be on top of her car. She gives it a reassuring pat and responds, “Think I’ll stick to my knobblies.”

Different strokes for different folks, no doubt. But both sports get people outside into the fresh air and for both there is amazing territory within Headwaters where mountain-biking trails abound and rolling paved roads attract road cyclists from miles around.

As Karen pulls away, I glance down at my still-swollen baby finger and realize that despite what she says, I know better: Skinny tires really are the better way to go! continued on next page

on the trail : Novice mountain biker Nicola Ross successfully navigates steps on the trail at Mono Cliffs park.

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Karen and Nicola pose for their close-up after an eventful ride.

BIKING RESOURCES IN THE HILLS SH O PS

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Le Tour de Terra Cotta August 1, 2011 Distances: 8.68km, 26km, 52km, 104km letourdeterracotta.com See story on page 23 of this issue.

Walk Run Ride Bolton 55 Healey Rd Unit 5 905-951-0025 walkrunride.ca Bicycle Shoppe of Erin Erin 1 Scotch St 519-833-0625 Epic Ride Orangeville 35 Robb Blvd Unit 10 519-941-8611

20

IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

C3 – Canadian Cross Training Club c3online.ca See story on page 52 of this issue.

RO U T E S

Tour de Creemore June 19, 2011 Distances: 100km, 40km, 10km In support of Trails Youth Initiative. tourdecreemore.com

Bikely Canada Type where you want to cycle (e.g., Caledon or Shelburne) into the website, and it lists local bicycle routes. bikely.com

IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

21

22

IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

Ted Webb’s infectious passion for cycling has transformed a sleepy village into a road racer’s dream

BY NI CO L A R OSS

I

“

peaked at 65,” Ted Webb tells me. At an age when most Canadians are retiring, Webb broke an hour in a 40-kilometre bicycle time trial. It was a beautiful day,

he recalls, and the course was flat. Completing the distance in 58:53, he explains, is akin to a runner smashing the four-

P H O T O S A N D R E W R EB B E T OY

minute mark. It separates the good from the very good.

Now 78, Webb will never top his personal best, but he has come pretty close. “In my wildest dreams I never thought I’d match my second best time when I was 70.” The time he matched was the one he’d set in 1956, when he was just 17.

But fulfi lling dreams is what Webb is all about, so it’s no surprise that he has also realized his vision of hosting an elite bicycle race in Terra Cotta – the village he migrated to ten years ago because it seemed like a little bit of his native England, the country where learned to love bicycling. “After the war,” he explains, “I found I was faster than most people I rode with, so I kept going.”

While it was Webb’s dream that initiated the road race, it took all of his friends, supporters, fellow cyclists and then some to organize Le Tour de Terra Cotta. Now in its seventh year, the race is an old-time community effort. Held each year on the Civic Holiday Monday in August, it brings out dozens of volunteers, many of them village residents, as well as a boisterous crowd that cheers on the over 400 competitors.

It’s a gruelling route, 12 times around an 8.6- kilometre loop, that involves a steep climb (10 to 15 per cent grade) up Heritage Road – or, more correctly – 12 steep climbs up Heritage Road. “This is a hard race. It’s a selecting race,” Pierre Perrin, a regular participant, explains. “You have to train for this race.”

I’m sitting at Webb’s dining-room table with him and Perrin, who has competed in all seven Tours, and Perrin’s partner Anita Lagler, who was on the podium in Terra Cotta a couple of years ago. Webb’s wife Joan Wong, race director Ian Jay and race media co-ordinator Donna Cragg are also there. Dave Rutherford, another key organizer, is absent on continued on next page this day.

The peloton struggles up Heritage Road’s steep climb twelve times during the course of Le Tour de Terra Cotta.

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IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

At 78, Ted Webb (centre), founding force for Le Tour de Terra Cotta, continues to compete in the race with members of the Brampton Cycling Club, including George Shepperdley (left) and Jim Ritchie (right). terra cotta continued from page 23

We are enjoying glasses of wine and snacks as I’m regaled with stories about their favoured topic. The small crowd that has turned out to tell me about Le Tour de Terra Cotta is proof that this is indeed a community affair. All the race proceeds are donated to the village’s effort to rebuild its community hall. Last year, that added up to $6500.

Since Jay took over as race director, the Tour has added events that appeal to those who don’t sport Lance Armstrong-like thighs and Secretariatlike lungs. “I wanted a race that my kids could grow up with,” explains Jay, whose house is on the course route. He has added three-lap and six-lap races open to all ages, as well as a kids’ single-loop time trial.

Both of Jay’s kids, aged 10 and 12, compete. His daughter Madison completed her first one-loop distance when she was eight. The shorter races are intended to appeal to triathletes looking for some extra training, or anyone interested in the excitement of a bit of competition.

The Tour is the fifth-largest cycling road race in Ontario and the only one to have full road closure. To the uninitiated, having the road dedicated to cyclists may not seem like a big deal.

But if you watch the race, or participate in it this year on August 1, you’ll realize what a difference it makes.

The Tour starts at the Terra Cotta Inn where dozens of sleek, jersey-clad racers fill King Street. The fastest have lined up at the front of the pack eager to get a jump on their rivals. If you happened unaware upon the spectacle, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Le Tour de France had arrived in Caledon.

After the starting gun sounds and the cyclists push off, many of them rise on their pedals in order to power up to maximum pace in the shortest time possible. Minutes later, when they cross the Credit River bridge, they’ll have hit speeds in excess of 40 kilometres per hour. But just as they’ve gained that momentum, the riders hit the first 90-degree turn.

Pulling wide to the left side of King Street, they sweep around the turn, their bicycles pitched at angles that seem to put their knees precariously close to the pavement.

Travelling in a pack, or peloton, they move with the organized precision of Canada’s Snowbird Squadron, each bicycle a mere 18 inches or less apart. This race is all about speed – speed over a long distance and up a very steep hill.

A long straight stretch greets riders at the hilltop and, with the wind normally at their backs, they fly until the next corner (turning west on to Old School Road) tests their courage – riding that fast that close together is not for the faint of heart. Eating up the miles, they soon turn north on to Winston Churchill Boulevard and down the long hill where they will attain speeds of 70 kilometers per hour or more.

Within about 15 minutes, the fastest racers are back on King Street where the crowds cheer them on. Perrin explains, “The fun part is when I go through the village and realize that there are more people there than just my girlfriend and my mum.” Jay adds, “To have someone call your name is such a boost.”

A recreational cyclist who sticks to the f lat rail trail, Donna Cragg is another one of the volunteers who

keep Terra Cotta hopping and make the Tour possible. A village resident since 2004, she says, “I’m the one who is always asking: “Have you done this, have you done that?’” Villagers control traffic, look after parking, handle registration, staff water stations and put up hay bales. Several stalwart women run the concession stand, set up in tents behind the Terra Cotta Inn. Innkeeper Roberto Florinda has been another staunch race supporter since day one: “I think it’s great. It’s neighbourly. It’s big. It’s nice for the community.” It also reminds him of the colourful bicycle races of his childhood in Italy.

Ted Webb remains a race favourite.

These days, he rides the course with four or five team members, who are all clad in matching Brampton Cycling Club yellow jerseys. In the timehonoured tradition of races like Le Tour de France, they ride single fi le, with Webb pulling up the rear where there is the least wind resistance.

Every few minutes, the lead rider pulls out and slides back into the spot just ahead of Webb and a fresh rider battles the wind. In this way, Webb “drafts” behind his mates, maintaining a pace that is a full 10 kilometres an hour faster than he can do on his own.

As they speed through the village, the cheering rises a notch or two as the crowd chants: “Team Ted. Team Ted. Team Ted!” And so far, the Tour’s inspiration hasn’t let his fans down. He has made it on to the podium in his age class every year so far (though he modestly notes the class is a small one).

Webb has a quiet influence in Terra Cotta. Cyclists riding past his home on

King Street often call out to him as they glide by. Though his junior by 25 years, Perrin says Webb is his rival, referring to him as “the stud” of the Brampton Cycling Club. Anita Lagler credits Webb with helping her attain her podium finish. Cragg says she became involved in the race because, “I wanted to see Ted’s vision realized.”

And Roberto Florinda has also been touched by the village’s beloved cyclist.

“I am behind him 100 per cent,” he explained when I asked him why he is willing to host the Tour’s beer tent and provide much of the event’s parking.

Webb, whose trim physique, rosy complexion and clear blue eyes belie his age, is genuinely surprised to hear about the affect he has on others. He is a natural leader whose passion for what he does brings out the best in people. Meet the man and you will want to help him out too. He leads by example, cycling over 10,000 kilometres a year on routes throughout Headwaters and beyond.

A loyal member of the Brampton Cycling Club, Webb is also active with the Town of Caledon’s Share the Road signage program, which encourages drivers to give cyclists space. He helps less-seasoned riders and even offers to accompany me on my first “century ride,” which involves cycling 100 miles in one day.

“Cycling is freedom for me. It has so much to offer. It’s about camaraderie and fitness,” Webb tells me, his eyes shining as his mind drifts to the sport he loves. ≈

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Le Tour de Terra Cotta takes place on Monday, August 1, 2011.

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25

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28

IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

From the street you’d never know it – but behind these two Orangeville homes are gardens of magical delight.

BY MI C HEL E GREEN

T

P H O T O S R O S EM A R Y H A S N ER

wo charming century homes sit close to the street on narrow Orangeville lots. Their unassuming front yards give no indication that behind the garden gates lie magical worlds of f lourishing blooms and greenery.

However, these secret gardens work their alchemy in different ways.

Sue Edwards’ backyard on Zina Street measures just 50 by 60 feet, and the young garden is only four years old. It is colourful and whimsical with winding gravel paths that rein in bustling flowerbeds.

On the other side of town, John and Cheryl Nephew’s Wellington Street garden is a whopping 350 feet long by 66 feet wide, bordered by impressively tall trees. Along with Sue Orr, who designed and maintains the beds, they have been working on their garden for twelve years. An expanse of lawn is banked by massive perennial flowerbeds with a cedar hedge that bisects the space into two “rooms.”

Both Sue Edwards and the Nephews now describe their gardens as low maintenance, but it took a lot of thought and preparation to arrive at that point.

When the Nephews bought their house in 1971, the front section of the backyard had formal gardens that required back-breaking, time-consuming care.

The section behind the hedge was wild and John used a machete to hack away the high grass, goutweed and choke cherry so they could view Mill Creek at the rear of their property. They planted a lawn, and so it sat until John retired in 1998 and they enlisted the help of Sue Orr for a complete overhaul. The Nephews, who both have back problems, wanted to enjoy their property without its physical demands.

“Flowers – I can’t make them work,” says John.

“But Sue has the touch. From the time the first crocus comes up, it is constantly changing, constant colour.”

The transition would take four summers.

The first step was to chainsaw an opening in the back of the garage for access to the backyard. Cheryl designed a layered deck and John and friend Ken Grey built it, along with a fence that would become the backdrop to the gardens. To level the ground, John rented a backhoe and, while working, plunged into an old outhouse hole. “The smell was awful!”

Cheryl and John agree in unison. Eventually he freed the backhoe and completed the task.

With the structural “bones” in place, John started the next season by hauling truckloads of manure and sand and rototilling the yard. His goal was to mow the lawn on the tractor without having to edge. With Sue Orr’s assistance, they used a garden hose to lay out the curves for the flowerbeds. To this day they joke that Sue would say, “I want deeper gardens,” and John would say, “I want more lawn.”

They finally compromised.

Another truckload of manure went into the first flower bed and Sue began planting bulbs and flowering trees. She attributes the health of the garden to the good soil base that John hauled in and to buying quality plants.

During the third season, Sue continued planting while the Nephews had a pond installed. John had taken up cave diving, so they wanted their pond to mimic a Mexican cenote – an underwater cavern with exposed rocky edges.

“You’d just swear you could jump in and see a cavern system underneath,” Cheryl says.

O

ver on Zina Street, Sue Edwards followed a similar progression when she tackled her longneglected, overgrown yard of cedars, goutweed and peonies.

“We did an edit with chainsaws and took out everything that was not appropriate for the space,” she says. With a clean slate she could imagine the winding paths and from there the flowerbeds.

Sue has always loved gardening – from her childhood days in family gardens, to employment in greenhouses and office work for landscaper David Warburton. Currently Sue is co-owner with partner Susan Feindell in a new garden design and maintenance business called “in the garden.”

“The challenge in a small garden is that you really have to edit. I love colour blocking, but if you want a mass of something in a small garden, you have to be very discerning about what you choose.” New dwarf and very slow-growing cultivars work well in a small space. continued on next page

upper : A passageway through a cedar hedge in John and Cheryl Nephews’ expansive garden leads from one “room” to another. lower : A mass of magenta bergamot provides an anchor for the gleeful riot of summer colour in Sue Edwards’ garden.

IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

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The Nephew garden (top and centre right): Graceful curves, airily pruned shrubs and multi-hued greenery contribute a sense of depth and mystery to the perennial borders. A cheerful statue is one of several that either add a focal point or are tucked away in a corner to surprise a visitor.

A fine woodworker, John Nephew built an elegant pagoda next to Mill Creek, which burbles at the rear of the property.

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gardens continued from page 29

Already re-evaluating her original choice to plant only perennials, Sue introduced shrubs during the last two years and is toying with the idea of creating a combination of birdhouses in the far corner of the yard for winter interest.

The property’s last remaining patch of grass will disappear from the front yard this summer, Sue says, replaced by more gardens and gravel paths.

But finding time for her own garden is a challenge. She and her partner maintained thirty-five gardens last summer, so she can often be found pruning and deadheading her own garden in the evening and after dark.

Mulch and over-planting help keep weeding to a minimum.

“I have a gate at the back of the garden and people wander in from the alley to visit while I work,” Sue says.

Often she will give them a shovelful of a plant that needs dividing.

Like the Nephews’, Sue’s garden is divided into rooms. She has created several spaces where her teenage children can entertain their friends privately, but simultaneously. In a couple areas, Muskoka chairs sit low to the ground surrounded by tall scented blooms.

John Nephew has made use of his talents as a fine woodworker to create exquisite outdoor tables, benches and arbours. A pagoda he designed and built sits at the back of the property near the burbling creek. It’s the ideal spot for an evening glass of wine.

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Sue Edwards’ garden (bottom and centre left): Old tubs, implements and watering cans are recycled as art and add a rustic homeyness to the garden.

Separate seating areas allow Sue’s teenage children to entertain independently in the backyard.

IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

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Sue Edwards personalizes her garden with collections of watering cans and rakes. “I like organized clutter,” she says. “I can’t throw things away so I figure they have one more life in the garden.” The breadbox planter is a perfect example; the rusted holes in the bottom conveniently provide drainage.

The Nephews decorated their garden with unique metal sculptures created by Peter Brooks and have redesigned an old barbeque/oven into a fountain with Bacchus spilling water from his mouth. A friend cut a fossillike image of an archaeopteryx (believed to be the first primitive bird) into a large rock that protrudes from the ground. With landscape lighting throughout the garden, “the whole thing is just like a little fairyland at night,” says Cheryl.

To keep the gardens lush, John built an irrigation system that has eight garden zones. A computerized pro-

gram operates each zone independently, allowing for maximum water pressure. On the other end of the spectrum, Sue Edwards gets by without an outdoor tap. Three rain barrels serve the purpose and when the barrels are dry, “that’s it,” she says. “If perennials are struggling, I just cut them back and they’ll survive.”

“The yard is pretty much where I want it to be now,” says John. Their partnership with Sue Orr is one of mutual respect and joint delight in the garden. “We call it ‘Sue’s magic’ after she’s been here,” Cheryl says.

And for Sue Edwards, her long days in the garden are likewise a joy: “My head is always clear when I’m gardening... I can’t imagine getting tired of it. Besides, I have the winter to recover.” ≈ Michele Green is a freelance writer and avid gardener who lives near Belfountain.

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IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

33

refracted light

BY M O NI C A D U N C A N

T

he striking photographs of crystal sculptures on display at The Alton Mill this May represent a work in progress. They are the first inspirational phase of artist Mark Raynes Roberts’ vision for a series of ten sculptures that will “bridge the gap between our understanding of our fragile environment and the need for greater sustainability.”

Ultimately the works in Mark Raynes Roberts’ proposed Glasslands Collection will be set in the landscape, refracting rainbow lights, layered surfaces and mirrored images, and having almost as many purposes as the dimensions they reflect.

The crystal designs will have one life as precious objects of beauty. Another in juxtaposition to their surroundings, provoking the observer to look deeply into the environment. And a third, equally important, as teaching tools.

34

IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

Raynes Roberts has undertaken the ambitious project in collaboration with The Natural Step Canada, a non-profit organization devoted to promoting “a sustainable world in which individuals, communities and businesses thrive within nature’s limits.” Each of the Glasslands sculptures will represent a theme related to sustainable living, including such fundamental concepts as balance, harmony and interconnection, as well as more complex ideas related to transformation and innovation. And each will be supported by educational materials prepared by The Natural Step, with plans for a cross-country tour.

Although he is still working through the designs, Raynes Roberts suggests the f inal sculpture representing “balance,” for example, could be “a large orb with highly reflective crystal pieces and reclaimed blue glass symbolizing the earth, precariously balanced on a tall plinth to represent the fragility of our planet within the universe.” His conceptual drawings for the new sculptures will form part of The Alton Mill exhibition.

The idea of moving his work out of the studio into the landscape came to Raynes Roberts on a trip to Quebec where he observed an outdoor sculpture installation set in the rustic landscape of Reford Gardens at Métis-Sur-Mer on the St. Lawrence River.

When he moved some of his own work into the natural world, he discovered both the work and its surroundings took on new dimensions. And when he photographed the effect, on site at The Alton Mill, the Forks of the Credit and elsewhere in the Caledon countryside, he realized he was moving into a more contemplative, capital ‘S’ way of seeing. The camera’s eye revealed a spectrum of new images, at the same time as it illuminated the natural world.

Raynes Roberts fi rst became interested in glass engraving as an adolescent while he was studying jewellery design in his native England. He soon moved from metalwork to glass, studying under the “very demanding but brilliant glass designer,” Ronald Pennell. His mentor was evidently so challenging that Raynes Roberts was his only student, but he gave Raynes Roberts a gift for which he is forever grateful.

Nature’s Eye; Dark Escarpment; Innerworld; Dendrospire; and Indigospire.

That gift has transpired into a successful career for the sculptor who moved to Canada in 1982. His intricate ethereal engravings on optical crystal can be found in corporate boardrooms and private collections around the world. And his extensive commissioned works range from the creation of the new Scotiabank EcoLiving Awards and the Rogers Cup for tennis to such monumental pieces as the 53-foot “tapestry of glass” depicting Canada’s multicultural peoples in the health sciences library at McMaster University.

The Alton Mill exhibition represents a kind of homecoming for Raynes Roberts, who now resides in Toronto, but lived north of the village until a few years ago and continues to visit the area frequently.

While some of the work in this new collection will be engraved, Raynes Roberts intends to focus primarily on the metaphoric quality of the pristine crystal or, in some cases, reclaimed glass. Depending on the angle from which the prismatic pieces are observed, they will reflect fragments of light, refracted picture planes, layered, repeated, inverted,

diverted, to create their own spiritual energy, as Raynes Roberts would have it, “like jazz.”

The artist, who has just turned 50, says the transition in his work evolved with the transitions in his own life, especially with what he aptly calls the “crystallization” of his awareness of the interconnectedness of the human family, its integral dependence on the health of the ecosphere, and, inevitably, its mortality. With that revelation came his desire to turn his efforts more toward education, especially related to environmental and social healing.

Raynes Roberts recalls a discussion between physicist Stephen Hawking and artist David Hockney about “who would be the first to describe the fourth dimension.” Hawking insisted it would be scientists who made the leap to the next level of human understanding. Hockney argued it would be artists.

For Raynes Roberts, crystal represents a melding of art and science in that quest. Indeed, the Glasslands project is in many ways a logical culmination of his earlier engravings, many of which have a mythical quality depicting the striving

toward a breakthrough to another dimension.

“Optical crystal is the only manmade material that actually enhances rather than detracts from the natural world,” he says. He notes that it has given us the technology to look deeply into both the infinite and the infinitesimal structures of our universe. He believes that as an artistic medium, it provides the simultaneous ability to look deeply within ourselves. ≈ The Glasslands photographs and conceptual drawings will be exhibited in the Pond Gallery at The Alton Mill from May 5 to 29. For more information about the artist, see www.markraynesroberts.com and www.raynesandco.com. web extra : to view a musical video including more of the glasslands photographs, go to inthehills.ca

IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

35

stitches

36

IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

across time T

BY MI C HEL E GREEN

he parlour, in this case, belongs to textile artist Pat Burns-Wendland, the location is her Mulmur home and studio, aptly named The Spider’s Web, and up the winding staircase is one of three studios where she creates magnificent wearable artwork – without trapping a single fly.

Pat’s work will be included in an exhibition called Stitches Across Time at Dufferin County Museum and Archives this spring and summer. The juried show features contemporary fibre-art creations by twenty-one artists, inspired by historic clothing and textiles from the museum’s collection.

Pat is not only an exhibitor, but also a key organizer of the show, a role she embraced as a duty to her own art and her fellow textile artists who, she says, struggle to gain recognition in this country.

“Unfortunately, in Canada, fabric artists are not considered artists as they are in other parts of the world. Here, we are considered craft people.” Pat says. “We are a craft, but we are a high-end craft. People look at me and think I’m a dressmaker, or I’m a sewer – and I’m not. I’m a builder of garments.”

In fact, Pat is a finalist for the second time this year in the annual NICHE Awards, an international competition sponsored by the American NICHE magazine to celebrate excellence and innovation in fine craft. (Two other Mulmur artists, woodturner Jim Lorriman and sculptor Ken Hall are also finalists in their categories.)

The NICHE nomination is an honour, but the recognition is something Pat wishes she didn’t have to go abroad to receive.

And so, in company of a like-minded group of artists and art enthusiasts, Pat approached the museum with the idea for a Canadian show.

Pat is no stranger to that kind of creative activism. Since moving to Mulmur from Woodbridge eight years ago, she has been immersed in the local artistic community.

A master spinner and member of Ontario Handweavers and Spinners, she has worked with the Dufferin Arts Council, Headwaters Arts and is a founding member of the thriving Nottawasaga Handweavers and Spinners Guild. continued on next page

Details from the fibre artwork in Stitches Across Time, a juried exhibition coming to Dufferin County Museum & Archives in May.

carol-ann casselman

pat wylie

victoria dixon

bonnie glass

pat burns-wendland

judi macleod

lenny dykstra

lucy slykerman

sandy small proudfoot IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

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stitches continued from page 37

Pat was introduced to spinning in the early seventies when she took classes from Edna Blackburn, an Albion neighbour and pioneer in the revival of spinning and weaving arts.

After that she pursued formal training, travelling to Australia to research her master spinners thesis on Merino sheep.

“But, when I think about it, my career is really just getting started,” says Pat, now 65, “and that’s due to the people I’ve been involved with here.”

For many years, she had been content to make flatware – scarves, shawls and other such garments for herself. But in the mid-nineties, her career took a turn. Spurred on by weavers Lucille Crighton and Joanna Dobbin, she was encouraged to sell her work at the newly opened Williams Mill Gallery in Glen Williams.

Joanna urged Pat to weave the fabric and give it to a dressmaker, “but I dye my yarns and weave my cloth and with the number of hours I put into weav-

ing a piece of cloth, I thought, if I cut into it and make a mistake, that’s no problem,” but the notion of someone else doing the same left her cold. So she decided to sew her own garments.

After a few efforts and a severe dressing down by the resident dressmaker, Pat realized she lacked sewing finesse. She applied to the dressmaking certificate course in Seneca College’s fashion arts program, graduating with high honours in 2000.

“So it was the best thing that could have happened to me, because it spurred me on.”

As her work has evolved, Pat has become increasingly interested in surface design, including the layering of dyes and use of stamps, stencils and foils after the fabric has been woven. She is also experimenting with devoré, a process that burns away a portion of the cloth.

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In The Spider’s Web: Pat Burns-Wendland at work in her studio in Mulmur.

To the left are two of the pieces she wove, dyed and constructed for Stitches Across Time, including the kimono, Midnight Flight (with detail).

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the wall. All Pat’s garments are washable, so there is no reason why I couldn’t do both!

Pat walks me through the lengthy process to the finished product, explaining the progression in each studio. She starts with the finest quality silk, tencel, rayon, cotton or wool and, after the warp is made, proceeds to her dye studio where she paints the yarns with brushes and dyes like a watercolour. It takes about two days for the dye to set. It is then washed thoroughly with lots of water and allowed to dry.

The sun-drenched weaving studio is chock-a-block with looms, fabrics and yarns, along with two chatty parrots who keep her company as she works. Once the yardage is woven, Pat moves to her sewing studio, using either a commercial pattern or her own design to create a garment. She crafts small remnants into bags or hats trimmed with fur. Each is a unique work of art.

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Colour and texture are the constant inspirations for her work, with sources ranging from books, photographs of polished rock, or even the black and white pottery and unique buttons created by Amaranth potter Rosemary Molesworth.

“Now I’m doing more pieces that can be considered wall art – large kimonos that could hang on the wall,” Pat says.

She shows me the kimono that will be featured in the Stitches exhibition.

Called Midnight Flight, it is a stunning garment in blues that progress from darkness at the bottom to light at shoulder level and with a full moon adorning the upper back. Stencilled herons wing their way across the garment in diverse shades created with the use of discharge paste which draws the dye from fabric. The silk lining is also hand-dyed and discharged with images of feathers and wings.

Its beauty is luxurious and I can’t decide which would be more pleasurable – wearing it or displaying it on

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Two jackets created by Pat BurnsWendland. Below, detail of committee member Nancy Turner’s entry, Sampler Redux, in Stitches Across Time.

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Although she is on the committee for the Stitches exhibition, Pat’s entry was juried blind along with all the others.

“We went to the Ontario Crafts Council and explained the situation to ensure there was no conf lict of interest,” Pat says.

There have been no unfair advantages along the way, she explains.

Even the eight inspirational items from the museum’s collection were locked securely away, available for viewing only on the show’s website to ensure that local artists had no unfair advantage over artists submitting from elsewhere in the country.

Pat is hoping for a successful show that will educate people on textile arts and artists. “I’m just a small cog in the machinery of this project,” she insists, crediting the hard work

Stitches Across Time runs from May 27 to August 21 at Dufferin County Museum & Archives at Airport Road and Hwy 89. It is a highlight of the museum’s year-long exhibit called Textiles: More than Words Can Say, featuring fashions, accessories, quilts, rugs and other cloth artifacts from pioneer days to the present.

To see more of Pat Burns-Wendland’s handwoven garments, visit her website at www.patburnswendland.com.

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IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

of her fellow committee members Monica O’Halloran-Schut, Nancy Turner (whose work is also in the show), Barb Hilts, Shelagh Roberts and Sarah Robertson, along with the museum staff, for pulling the ambitious project together. ≈ Michele Green is a freelance writer who lives near Belfountain.

Throughout July and August, there will be more than a dozen show-related workshops, lectures and other activities, on and off site, including a fashion show and dinner at Mrs. Mitchell’s Restaurant in Violet Hill on July 20. The program also includes a series of workshops for children.

For the full schedule of events, and to view the show’s inspiration pieces supplied by the museum, see www. stitchesacrosstime.com.

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hen was the last time you had a facial?â&#x20AC;? LĂŠna Valiquette asks me. I tell her that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never had one. She is studying my face so that she can prepare a custom facial cream for me, and before she can catch herself her clear brown eyes flash and she lets out a quiet humph. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I come from such a different culture,â&#x20AC;? says the Quebec native.

Rather than admonish me, though, she suggests that I buy a papaya, remove the skin, purĂŠe the f lesh and black seeds in a blender, and apply the mixture to my face. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Use a towel,â&#x20AC;? she adds, â&#x20AC;&#x153;it can be a bit runny.â&#x20AC;?

I had planned to interview LĂŠna about her companies, Hockley Valley Herbs and Teas and The Tea Boutique, but I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t resist her offer to prepare a facial cream for me. Like many of her â&#x20AC;&#x153;teas,â&#x20AC;? it would incorporate some of the almost 100 herbs she grows in her garden. Who wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want a complexion like LĂŠnaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s?

The Tea Boutique is just off Airport Road on Emma Street in Caledon East. Inside, there are lots of teas and tea accessories for purchase. But it feels nothing like a classic British tea shop with scones and clotted cream.

LĂŠnaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cozy establishment serves lunch made with mostly local, organic and often vegetarian ingredients.

We sit upstairs on a glassed-in balcony overlooking the street on a dull January day as she explains to me that black, green and white tea are all made from the same plant â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Camellia sinensis â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and only they can truly be called tea.

What many of us refer to as â&#x20AC;&#x153;herbal teaâ&#x20AC;? is really an infusion or tisane.

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Her Hockley Meadows blend, for example, is a digestif; Northern Hamlet improves the throat; Monora is for menstrual problems; Purple Hills is for headaches; and Mono Dreams for sleeping. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I only make beautiful mixtures,â&#x20AC;? she tells me. Her blends are as gorgeous â&#x20AC;&#x201C; full of bright flowers and whole seeds â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as they are tasty.

When she opened The Tea Boutique in 2008, people flocked through her door, overwhelming her small kitchen.

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Her steady clientele now knows that the meals she serves canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be rushed.

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Lisa Watson, who writes for this magazine, has been using LĂŠnaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face cream for close to two years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I get lots of compliments about my skin,â&#x20AC;? she tells me. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The cream is a bit wet. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not like anything Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever used before.â&#x20AC;?

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of some way to translate the term into English, she continues, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I make small batches of artisanal mixtures.â&#x20AC;? In addition to improving facial skin, she prepares herbal compounds that treat symptoms related to eczema, poor circulation and headaches.

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P H O T O S P E T E PAT ER S O N

Léna Valiquette blends her tisanes from the flowers and herbs she grows and dries in Hockley Valley.

Her shop also carries a wide selection of true teas and coffees.

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beds are tucked into the Hockley Valley’s steep slopes. “I do my gardening differently from most people. I do moon and biodynamic gardening,” she says. And she is convinced that her plants respond to her enormous tubular wind chimes. “Every plant around those wind chimes is a size that no one has ever seen,” Léna tells me, incredulous herself.

Barb Boag, a gardening consultant in Mono, built Léna’s gardens. Philosophically, Barb’s beliefs line up with her client’s. “I think it boils down to being in harmony with nature,” she says. “I have no doubt that plants respond to stimuli, including music – whether for good or bad.”

While some people may find moon gardening and music-loving plants hard to fathom, there is no doubting that Léna is a perfectionist. She has me compare the quality of dried commercial organic calendula with her own. Her brightly coloured, sweetsmelling product is definitely superior.

“The power of herbs comes from essential oils, which are volatile. Pick them at the wrong time, fail to dry them correctly and the essential oils disappear,” she explains. She pours the contents of a pair of commercial herbal tea bags on to a white saucer.

“It’s just dust. It may taste good, but there is no medicinal quality.”

Léna has a line of soaps also infused with her flowers and herbs. She has

candles too. I ask how she learned her skills. Growing up in Sainte-Adèle, Québec, near Mont Tremblant, her life experience involved food and remedies that came from the garden.

“I remember having an eye infection and my mother putting flax on it. It stung, but it cleared up the infection. Twenty years ago when my kids were in daycare in Sainte-Adèle, we had an organic-food box delivered.

When I left Sainte-Adèle into the real world, I thought I was crazy.”

She says that people in Ontario are only just starting to get it. She has visited many of the world’s teagrowing countries and will soon be visiting Japan. But much of her knowledge is intuitive, karmic.

Léna has a very dynamic business on the go. As well as the restaurant, garden, teas and skincare products, she is writing a book about eating and living a healthy life. “I don’t do things half way,” she tells me.

As I pack up to leave, laden with tea samples, soap and packets of green tea, I ask one last question: “Can you tell me about your hair?” Her impossibly thick and straight platinum mane cascades to her waist.

“The tongue, nails, hair and face are a mirror of your health,” she explains.

I can’t attest to the quality of her tongue (though she did study mine), but given the nature of her hair and face, Léna is one healthy lady. ≈ IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

43

M

y brother, an urban man and an economist in the energy sector, thinks it is ludicrous that the government is

paying 80.2 cents per kilowatt-hour to small solar electricity producers, and collecting only 10 cents from the users. The difference is borne by taxpayers, and that makes poor public policy, he says, and will not significantly help the power problem in our province.

Meanwhile, here at our farm we stare transfi xed at the meter on our newly installed solar panel as it efficiently, quietly and greenly produces kilowatt-hour after kilowatt-hour. Trying to ignore our guilt, we wait for the cheques to arrive.

How can we can we reconcile these two positions?

My husband and I are neither economists nor entrepreneurs. We are a retired teacher and farmer – as much as a farmer can ever be retired. We want to stay on our land in Mulmur for as long as possible.

That means creating value and an income in ways other than the traditional ones of raising livestock and growing crops.

We have always been interested in solar power.

We envied and admired those idealistic souls who live off the grid, but knew we could not afford to convert our old farmhouse to a system of batteries and double-digit R-factor insulation.

For years we have been going to events where farmers gather – the International Plowing Match, the Royal Winter Fair and the Outdoor Farm Show.

There we have met brave entrepreneurs trying to convince us that wind and solar power were the way of the future and that we, as stewards of the land, should get involved. We agreed with them, but the costs were always too high to expect a payback in our lifetime.

Then, in 2008 we started reading about the government’s Standard Offer Program. This firstgeneration stimulus program offered a guaranteed market at a guaranteed price for electricity produced by small solar, hydro (water-powered) or wind installations.

We watched and waited to see what would happen.

In 2009, soon after the provincial government passed the Green Energy Act, the Standard Offer Program morphed into the FIT (Feed-in Tariff) Program and, finally, for us, the microFIT Program.

When reputable farm publications such as Better Farming and OFA Today started carrying articles and advertisements about how to “harvest the sun,” we knew our time had come.

Under the microFit program, the Ontario Power Authority (OPA), as set out in the Green Energy Act, was offering to pay small (up to 10 kilowatt) producers 80.2 cents per kWh for power produced by solar. At last someone was offering a decent return on the capital investment required to become a power producer.

44

IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

let the sun shine in

BY P H Y L L IS R O B INS O N

W

hy is the government of Ontario offering such an attractive price for electricity generated by small producers?

In the early 2000s, the government took the controls off the price of electricity causing the price to rise. The move coincided with one of the hottest summers on record, which meant a possible shortage of supply. With the resulting public outcry, the Conservative government under Ernie Eves intercepted the market forces and froze the price at an artificially low rate. It was not a situation that could last.

In the 2008 election, the Liberals promised, in the interest of the environment, to get rid of Ontario’s coal-burning electricity generators by 2014. Nuclear and hydro would continue to provide threequarters of Ontario’s power, but in order to fulfi ll the promise of cleaner power, Ontario would have to shift to more costly renewable energy resources, including wind, solar and hydro, increase use of cleaner burning natural gas, and encourage and reward energy conservation.

However, notwithstanding rising electricity bills and the outcry against the Green Energy Act (likely

only to become louder), the microFIT program is responsible for less than 0.1 per cent of provincial power costs.

In fact, hydro bills are increasing for a variety of reasons: • The HST immediately added 8 per cent to the sales tax not formerly paid on energy.

• The cost of all electricity production is rising as demand increases. This accounts for about a 5-per-cent increase to your hydro bill, of which a very small percentage could be attributed to the microFIT program specifically and renewables in general.

• The costs of delivering power are increasing as infrastructure is upgraded and expanded.

This accounts for another 5-per-cent increase on your bill.

• Two final but significant factors contributing to the size of your bill are the debt retirement charges, mostly money still owing from building nuclear power plants in the days of Ontario Hydro, and the Ontario Energy Board’s recent decision to allow local utilities to raise prices in order to increase their profits.

P H O T O S B R YA N D AV I E S

A Short History of Power Generation in Ontario or Deciphering Acronyms Ontario Hydro used to do it all: generate, transmit, distribute, supply and sell power to the citizens and businesses of Ontario. They were also responsible for encouraging conservation and parallel generation.

Ontario Hydro had a monopoly on everything to do with power and in the laissez-faire attitudes of the nineties, that was considered a bad thing. Some of their activities seemed to have contradictory objectives. What business, for example, encourages non-use (conservation) of the product it is trying to sell?

In 1998, the Conservative government passed the Energy Competition Act to deregulate the power industry and remove the monopoly from Ontario Hydro. The Act had two parts, the Electricity Act and the establishment of the Ontario Energy Board.

The Electricity Act split Ontario Hydro into five new entities:

Cattle graze nonchalantly next to the solar panels on the farm of Phyllis Robinson and Morley Brown in Mulmur.

Defenders of the microFIT program and the Green Energy Act point out that it has stimulated the development of valuable, environmentally friendly infrastructure that will exist long after the current contracts expire. Solar panels, for example, are being placed on rooftops, in backyards and in fields, like ours, all over Ontario by both urban and rural people.

Research and development is also flourishing in the solar industry. We know for sure that our panels will be obsolete before our contract is up. In fact, already there are smaller, lighter more powerful panels being produced by Sanyo and Samsung, two foreign companies that have recently opened factories in Ontario. Jobs are being created in manufacturing, construction, sales and research.

I

n the summer of 2009, we started to look seriously into becoming a small (10 kilowatt) power producer. We began by visiting farms already in the early stages of installing solar panels. These open houses were usually sponsored by newly formed companies, ready and willing to help us get started.

On December 21, 2009, we submitted our application for a contract to OPA. After some delays, our

application was accepted in March 2010. Once an application is accepted by OPA, construction can begin. After investigating several companies we decided to buy a dual tracker ground-mounted solar panel system made by Deger from Fritz Renewable Energy Services, a division of Fritz Construction Company from Chepstow, Ontario.

The Fritz Group through their local agent Land and Sky Green Energy were responsible for installation, including positioning the solar unit for maximum efficiency. They also supplied a combined warranty, maintenance and insurance package.

We were responsible for dealing with Hydro One, our power provider. First they had to inspect the site to make sure it was safe and close enough to the grid. In our case, we needed to buy a transformer because we were hooking to a primary line at the back of our farm.

Next, Hydro One installed the meter, which is exactly the same as the new smart meter we received at the house a few months ago, with one important difference. The little lines moving across the bottom of the meter are going in the opposite direction to our household meter, indicating generation rather continued on next page than use.

1. OPG – Ontario Power Generation.

Its focus is on generation of mostly nuclear and hydro power.

2. Hydro One. It is responsible for transmission and distribution of power. It controls the grid.

3. IESO – Independent Electricity System Operator. It connects generators with consumers, based on continual monitoring of supply and demand.

4. OESA – Ontario Electrical Safety Association.

5. OEFC – Ontario Electricity Financial Corporation. Its mandate is to deal with debt retirement, a debt incurred mostly from building nuclear installations and other infrastructure.

The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) was set up to regulate prices in the noncompetitive section (transmission and distribution) and to oversee wholesale and retail markets to protect the public from uncompetitive practices.

When the Liberals came into power in 2004, they passed the Electricity Restructuring Act. Under this Act Ontario Power Authority (OPA) was formed and given the job of ensuring that that there would be an adequate long-term supply of electricity for the province. At the same time a Conservation Bureau was formed and the Ministry of Energy set targets for conservation and development of renewable energy.

In 2009, the Green Energy Act was passed.

IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

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IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

Farmer Morley Brown and retired teacher Phyllis Robinson admired “those idealistic souls who live off the grid.” Now the couple enjoys watching their own meter run backwards.

solar continued from page 45

The only other thing we had to do was to come up with the approximately $102,000 required for the infrastructure and its installation. It should be noted that, after only six months, these costs have come down because of competition and availability of different products.

Perhaps a word about money is in order.

The potential income for small power producers like us is calculated using Environment Canada data relating to hours of sunshine in our area and determining the number of kilowatt hours a particular set of panels can produce, then multiplying that number 80.2 cents. The rate of return depends on how much a producer has borrowed for the investment.

In our location, if we borrowed the full amount, it is estimated that the capital cost would be paid off in seven years. Over the 20-year contract, that leaves 13 years of unencumbered income, excluding routine maintenance. If we’re still alive at the end of our contract, and recognizing that the efficiency of our panels will decline a little, we hope to realize a return on investment of 10 to 14 per cent.

As farmers we have some advantages.

The most important is access to Farm Credit Canada. At the time of our project, they were offering loans for solar panel at one per cent below prime.

Although the fixed rate of 80.2 cents is high now, 20 years is a long time for a contract and there are many unknowns for the producer. If interest or inf lation rates rise, our income will decrease. Also political energy policies can change, as can tax policies and land-use regulations.

The rate has already changed. By July 2010, the OPA had received some 16,000 applications for microFIT contracts, far more than they expected. At first they said they would drop the price to 58 cents per kWh, but after negotiations with those who had already started installations with the understanding the price for groundmounted panels would be 80.2 cents per kWh, along with the many small companies that had started to support the infrastructure, they agreed to honour any contract submitted before July 1 at the original rate. Thereafter the price would be 64 cents per kWh.

W

hile the paperwork and financing was complicated, our panels themselves are not. They consist of three main parts: an array of solar panels (made

by Sanyo), a Deger Tracker, which allows the panels to rotate around vertical and horizontal axes, and two inverters that convert the sun’s power into electricity (more technically, it converts the panels’ DC current into AC current synchronized with the local delivery system). These parts are attached to a tall pole mounted in the middle of a large concrete pad.

The electronics are more complex, but the unit uses its own power to work.

There is a wind sensor mounted on a pole about four metres from the tracker.

If the wind gets up to 40 kilometres per hour the tracker goes into safe mode, or horizontal. Two prisms mounted on the top and side of the panels constantly track the sun, enabling the panel to adjust vertically and horizontally to get maximum exposure.

On a cloudy day it will remain in safe mode while still producing

power, and at any break in the clouds it immediately moves to face blue sky.

We were worried about how the solar panels would work in harsh winter conditions. A build-up of snow can reduce production. However, a small contraption called a “snow dump” causes the panels to turn upright when a certain weight of snow is sensed. Ice can also build up, but one sunny day usually dispatches it very quickly. In fact the panels work better in cooler conditions, and although there are fewer daylight hours, a cold, sunny winter day is highly productive.

O

ur journey has been long and bureaucratic. By the time our panel was commissioned last May, we knew more about the process, regulations and paperwork required than many of the employees we dealt with at Hydro One and OPA. Nonetheless, economists still claim that the microFIT program is poor politics. They argue the costs are not sustainable for the long term, questionable for the medium term and even suspect for the short term. It could, they claim, cause a ratepayer revolt, even potentially cost the government its mandate.

Furthermore, Japan has recently challenged the Green Energy Act at the World Trade Organization, because of its domestic content rules.

Starting this year, 60 per cent of the components of any solar installation must be made in Ontario.

It is discouraging to us to experience this negativity about the microFIT program. The positive energy (no

pun intended) among our neighbours is palpable. Optimism is high. New enterprises and employment opportunities are springing up all over the countryside. And now we are told that rather than being part of the solution to Ontario’s power dilemma, we small producers could, in fact, be making the power problem in our province even more complex and difficult.

Our farm is a home farm. Like his father before him, my husband has never lived in another house, a remarkable fact in this day and age. In 1950, when he was a little boy, amid much excitement, his family got hydro – as all electricity was called then – in the house. Away went the kerosene lamps, the hand pump at the kitchen sink, and the total reliance on the wood stove in both summer and winter for cooking and heat. With the arrival of hydro, my mother-in-law’s first three purchases were an iron, a toaster and a bedside lamp.

Electricity immediately and forever changed everything on the farm for the better. At the time, no one in their wildest dreams could have imagined that a short 60 years later, power would be moving the other way down the lines and into the grid.

So, besides being a good investment for us, we believe that in the future what is now called “alternative energy” will become mainstream. It has to start somewhere and we see the microFIT program as the first step in a good investment for Ontario, not unlike planting trees. ≈

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overturning local barriers by eliminating a patchwork of local approval requirements

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creating new financing tools to help consumers manage up-front costs of small-scale renewable energy projects

setting conservation targets for local utilities

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IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

W

hile debate rages about the pros and cons of corporate wind farming, solar power production has largely f lown under the radar.

However, since the Green Energy Act came into force in 2009, thousands of Ontarians have jumped on the solar power generation bandwagon. As of February 2011, more than 25,000 applications had been received by the Ontario Power Authority under their MicroFIT program, which provides both a guaranteed price and lengthy contract to prospective energy producers. Applications are coming in so fast, the OPA updates the tally on its website every two weeks. Ninety-nine per cent of them are for solar projects.

The program has been popular with Headwaters residents too, and a network of small power producers is appearing across the region. Some groups have even been examining the possibility of forming communitywide initiatives. Discussions have taken place in Belfountain Mono, but perhaps the most advanced to date are in Orangeville. Green Pathways, a co-venture of Orangeville Hydro and Power Up Renewable Energy Cooperative Inc., is proposing a community solar energy co-operative.

Janina Lucci, the organization’s business development manager, explains that although landowners with access to capital have been quick to take advantage of the province’s Feedin Tariff programs, many people in the community, including renters or owners who can’t afford their own systems, are excluded. As members of a solar energy co-operative, all residents would have the opportunity to participate in the new “green” economy and earn income from it, either through investment or by leasing their roof space to the organization.

The industrial/commercial/institutional (ICI) sector has shown less interest in solar power generation, though there are some exceptions, such as the Taoist Tai Chi Centre in Mono. That hesitation is curious in

some ways, given that roof-mounted solar installations pay the highest per-kilowatt-hour return, and manufacturing plants, for example, tend to have a lot of roof.

Independent solar power consultant Tony Howard has met with local owners of ICI properties and he lists a number of reasons for their reluctance to get involved. Chief among them is capital cost. The cost of a large roofmounted system could easily reach a million or more. Becoming a power generator is also a major departure from core business activities. If you’re focused on making widgets, selling socks or educating kids, chances are that becoming an energy producer isn’t even on your radar.

The Canadian Solar Industries Association expects solar power will displace between 15 and 31 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year.

Regardless of size, financing your own system isn’t as easy as it may appear either. Even though there are stable, long-term government contracts, Howard says, “The banks are very cautious” when it comes to funding projects. Among their concerns, he suggests, is the question of whether the equipment, and in fact the industry, will be stable and reliable long-term.

In Howard’s view, equipment reliability can be addressed at the planning stage. “Twenty years is a long time, and none of us knows what might come along,” he says. “You have to allow for the possibility that something nasty could happen. Your system could be off for three to six months.”

Of course, with so much solar money floating around, a bevy of new businesses have cropped up offering consulting, equipment and/or installation. Howard estimates that “maybe 10 per cent of these businesses existed before the Green Energy Act.”

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Such rapid growth may be positive from an economic development perspective – particularly because in order to get a contract certain levels of domestic content must be met – however it also means there are a lot of newbies in the industry. Howard says, “Some of these companies are offering all sorts of different services, but they have no experience.” While he acknowledges there are a number who “know what they’re doing,” he adds, “Even the established companies don’t have much experience with large systems.”

A similar situation took place a few years ago, when a flood of new entrepreneurs entered the geothermal heating market. Many have since disappeared.

Howard collaborated with management firm Ernst and Young to develop a 40-point project checklist which, in part, assesses the credentials of prospective suppliers of solar services and equipment.

While solar generators are required to pay for the equipment, and for getting the power to the property line, it still falls to the utility companies to deal with it once it gets there. In some areas the rush of new solar systems is creating a bottleneck on the grid. This February, 1,000 homeowners across the province were advised by the OPA that, despite their approved contracts, “We regret to inform you that we are unable to provide you with an offer to connect your microFIT project at this time.”

So for now, at least, their investment stands idle.

Capacity issues aside, late last year the Canadian Solar Industries Association released their vision for what solar power will look like in 2025.

They anticipate that the cost of solar photovoltaic equipment will drop by more than 50 per cent. The cost of the power produced is predicted to be market competitive within the decade and employment in the sector to grow from a current 3,000 or so jobs nationally to 35,000. They also expect

solar power will displace between 15 and 31 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year.

Regardless of those rosy predictions, there is still healthy opposition to Ontario’s renewable energy efforts.

The argument is straightforward: The money doesn’t work.

The price we pay for power is predicted to rise by 5o per cent in the next five years alone.

Even during peak hours, residential customers are typically billed less than 10 cents per kilowatt-hour. Meanwhile, owners of small solar facilities are being paid either 64.2 cents for ground mounted or 80.2 cents for roof mounted systems to generate that power, with the difference funded by taxpayers. It does seem hard to justify.

However, Howard maintains that the naysayers’ concerns are “ill founded.” True, the rates seem high now, but he points out that the contract is over 20 years. By the end, he expects, that price will seem like a much better deal. “The price we pay for power is predicted to rise by 50 per cent in the next five years alone.”

The high rates will also be reviewed every two years and are widely expected to be reduced over time as the fledgling industry comes into its own.

Pointing to Germany, a country with 145 times the solar generation capacity of Canada and with much less solar resource, Howard sees a model for development of the Canadian industry: “In Germany the price keeps coming down.”

Much of the debate about renewable energy in Ontario comes down to a central question: “At what price innovation?”

Tony Howard thinks the answer to that question is clear: “If we want to encourage renewable energy, we have to provide an incentive.” ≈

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IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

Keep it warm, keep your money

inglewood light and power

BY JEFF R O L L IN GS

I

t’s an elegant old lady, decked out in a fancy hat.

Inglewood’s Riverdale Woolen Mill – these days perhaps better known as the Riverdale Fitness Centre – has seen a lot of different uses since Thomas Corbett first established a business on the site along the banks of the Credit River in 1841.

While there have been a lot of changes, and a couple of fires, there has also been at least one remarkable constant: the property has now been owned by the Graham family for six generations. In recent decades, it was the home of a family business: manufacturing fibreglass reinforced panels. Though the business was sold and manufacturing moved to Mexico, three-quarters of the f loor space is still used as a warehouse and distribution point, leaving room for the gym.

Keeping up with the times, Riverdale is currently in the process of installing a roof-mounted solar array atop their 56,000 square feet of buildings, though there’s certainly nothing new about renewable power generation at the site.

For decades the mill was powered by a water wheel in the nearby river.

Early in the depression this was connected to a generator that supplied the community of Inglewood with all of its electricity. That came to an end in the early 1950s, when Ontario Hydro took over power generation and established Alternating Current, or AC power, as the standard. The mill generated Direct Current, or DC power. At the time, the water wheel was in need of major repair, so rather

than upgrading the equipment it was simply shut down.

Flash forward to 2011 and Riverdale is getting back into renewable power generation in a big way, though this time from the sun, not the river.

Their system comprises 800 solar panels generating 200 kilowatts, or enough power for an estimated 162 houses. While the installation is not yet complete, and final numbers haven’t been tallied, owner Dave Robertson (his mother was a Graham) says the capital cost will be “well in excess of a million dollars.” He expects the pay-back period to be about ten years.

Riverdale submitted its application under the province’s FIT (Feed-in Tariff) program in May of 2010, after a careful business planning exercise.

Along the way, Robertson has gained some practical insights about the ins and outs of renewable energy generation.

Of the seemingly generous rates paid by the province under the FIT contract for roof-mounted solar systems, Robertson explains that it’s not quite as over-the-top as it first appears.

First, he points out that all of the capital cost is subject to the 13-percent Harmonized Sales Tax, providing an immediate source of government revenue. On a million dollars, for example, that’s $130,000.

Beyond that, there’s the ongoing revenue from operation of the system itself, all of which is taxable income.

“So maybe a third of that money goes straight back to the government too.”

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of electrical generating capacity has always been funded by the public purse.

“But now, all the capital investment is private dollars,” Robertson says.

Riverdale has also dealt with the reluctance of banks to provide project fi nancing. One dubious banker even asked, “What if there’s no sun?”

Robertson responded: “Well, then we’ll all be dead.”

Looking long-term, Robertson sees his system becoming very valuable after “peak oil,” when energy prices are expected to skyrocket. In a true case of everything-old-is-new-again, he imagines the possibility of some day taking the facility off the grid and running his own “Inglewood Light and Power.”

Nearing completion, the Riverdale project finds itself among a growing number of solar entrepreneurs who, despite having made a huge investment, have now been told to expect a delay before they can be hooked up to the grid. However, Robertson remains optimistic it can be sorted out, at least in part because the mill’s industrial background means it already has a heavy-duty, on-site electrical infrastructure.

Robertson’s renewable energ y dreams don’t stop there. He also has his eye on the river, pondering what it might take to bring water power back to the mill. Perhaps one day soon the Grahams and their water wheel will be reunited. ≈

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IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

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SWIM BIKE RUN Caledon’s C3 is still changing lives

BY L IZ B E AT T Y

Year-round they meet – on the trails, along the roads, in local pools and quarries, and even in banquet halls.

After 15 years of uniting everyone from Olympicclass athletes to toddlers and grandparents in the joys of active living, Caledon’s C3 still offers Canada’s premier cross-training environment. Here’s why.

52

IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

I

t’s not intentional, but even the name “Mega Day” sounds a tad intimidating. And to the uninitiated like me, C3’s twice-monthly, fullday, multi-sport training event can be just that.

Pounding dance-club-like music vibrates through the corridor leading up to the banquet hall of the Caledon Community Complex. Peering into the dimly lit room, I see 100-plus C3 members spinning madly on bike trainers, some watching cycling footage on a large screen in the corner.

Directly up front, a spotlight highlights two athletes spinning on an elevated stage, calling out bits of inspiration and guidance.

Two thoughts come to mind. First, that’s a lot of Lycra. Second, could my body fat percentage be more than the combined total of this room?

However, first impressions can be deceiving and, as C3 founder and former Olympic coach Barrie Shepley points out, the strength of the non-profit Canadian Cross Training Club, C3 for short, is still very much in the diversity of people it inspires.

He points to a middle-aged woman in a loose

It seems Shepley and his C3 followers use the same measure for an athlete. And indeed, it’s with religious-like fervor that they embrace and support members, no matter how grand or humble their goals – winning a national title or shedding a few pounds.

On the following pages we meet a few of the many athletes who, with the help of the C3 community, have come a long way and inspired others in the process. continued on next page

P H O T O S T R EN T D I L K I E

sweatshirt. “She’s here training to compete in a 5K run for charity,” he beams. “And that guy up front in blue is 62 and a prostate cancer survivor. He was a marathon champion and is now training for Ironman Austria.”

Then he points out Claudia Johnston on the stage – a 37-year-old mother of five who came third in her age group at the fabled Kona Ironman World Championships in Hawaii.

“And there’s Niko, 13,” Shepley says. “He came out running with a few of us in minus-27° weather last Sunday.”

Although Shepley’s extensive credentials include training Canadian triathlon icon Simon Whitfield to Olympic gold in 2000, it’s clear he just loves a good cross-training success story, never mind the subject’s shape, size, age or fitness goal.

In this, he reminds me of the minister at Streetsville United Church when I was growing up. He used to say, “The measure of a person is not where they are, but how far they’ve come.”

top : Children take part in the Kids 1 Mile race as part of the Running Festival. left : C3 founder and former Olympic coach Barrie Shepley.

IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

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For multi-talented, multilingual, grade-eight honour student, Niko Racicot, the stark challenges of triathlon would seem a natural fit with his innate focus and determination. Any success this wiry 13-year-old has achieved, however, has been hard won and Niko himself gives his connection to C3 a good deal of the credit.

Niko first attempted triathlon in 2005 at an event near his family’s Muskoka cottage. “Triathlon is just so unique,” he says. “It was a fun challenge that I really enjoyed the first time I did it.” Despite this enthusiasm, Niko struggled to improve upon several near-last-place finishes in those first few years.

Over the spring and early summer last year, he signed up for some C3 clinics. Barrie and the other coaches helped balance his training in swimming, biking and running, and the skills he picked up had an immediate impact on his performance.

“I learned things like how to dolphin dive to start my swims,” says Niko, “And how to cut time by hanging my helmet upside down on my bike or not putting on socks in my transition to the bike.”

In July, Niko celebrated his first podium finish, a bronze medal at the 2010 Port Sydney Triathlon near his cottage. “The most exciting and rewarding moment was hearing my name called and climbing on the podium to get my third-place medal,” he says. “Here I was – second to last in the same race five years ago and now I’m third!” Soon thereafter Niko signed up for C3’s year-round training.

Niko says C3 has taught him just how much work is involved to succeed.

Most influential is the chance to train alongside such elite triathletes as Dave Sharrat and Sean Bechtel. He says, “It’s just inspiring to work with people who compete at nationals and world championships.”

Still, you don’t have to be an elite athlete to be an inspiration. Following his son’s lead, Niko’s father Mark recently joined C3’s Sunday runs – joining all the newcomers at the rear while his son helps set the pace.

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“Barry and the C3 network of people connect us to the entire world triathlon stage right here in Caledon,” says Kim Nelson, company CEO, wife and mother of three. Nelson’s children, age five to eight, compete in C3’s annual Kids of Steel Triathlon. For this former competitive swimmer with twelve Ironman competitions under her belt, the resources available to her and her family mean a lot.

The self-described goal-driven Caledon native says C3 provides, “this network of great friends and like-minded people.” And these relationships have inspired great things in Nelson since she first sought out Shepley and C3 in 1997 to help tackle her first Ironman.

Among her many accomplishments, Nelson has qualified five times for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii (it involves a 3.8K swim, a 180K bicycle ride, and a 42.2K marathon run). Last year, she came first in her age at Ironman Brazil; and just turned 40, she’s ranked twelfth among the top 25 CEO athletes of the decade in North America, all of whom are participating in a reality TV special that will air on an American network next year.

Although she describes the euphoria of crossing an Ironman fi nish line as something she’d “beg, steal or lie for,” (oh, that it were that easy!), Nelson insists it’s the daily routine of training that she loves most and racing simply justifies doing that.

“This discipline helps me every day in business,” she says. “You have a plan, you work and you execute.” And she says that’s the common thread at C3: “Goals are the big focus for everyone, even those who are not highly competitive. It’s the same drive to push on, whether you’re finishing a 5K or winning the Ironman.”

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Father and son, Michael and Adrien, have become C3 training buddies.

When Caledon father of two, Michael Brown, turned 40, he set a goal – one that a lot of parents talk about, but seldom do.

“With today’s childhood obesity problem, I wanted to set a good example for my kids,” says Brown. “My kids were like most, with their Xboxes and not a lot of outdoor activity. I wanted to change that, starting with my own priorities.”

He began by joining a running club in Brampton and actually ran a couple of marathons. Three years ago, he learned that he could sign up for just running at C3. Eventually, the triathlon influence of the group took hold though, and he became intrigued. “I started using my mountain bike. It was a natural progression. And last year I bought a road bike and switched over to C3’s full triathlon program.”

At the same time, his then 10-year-old son Adrien started out with Caledon Kids of Steel triathlon. He attended the kids’ tri-camp before the race with Sean Bechtel and was enthralled. Now Adrien competes in two or three triathlons a year.

“He just enjoys the fitness aspect of it,” says his father. “We spin together Saturday mornings and swim in the quarry in summer. There are people in each activity at every level. It’s a tight-knit group and a very positive environment with a real family feel.”

Now a C3 board member, Brown says the entire family is far more active these days: “In winter we all ski and snowboard together. My daughter Julia volunteers at C3 events, has done some races and works out regularly; my wife Mary walks with the club and completed her first half marathon last fall.”

As training buddies, Michael and Adrien, now 12, celebrated some big milestones last year too. Brown describes finishing his first half Ironman in July as “the sport highlight of my life.”

That same season, he shared another huge breakthrough with his son.

Recounting his first adult-length quarry swim with his dad, Adrien says, “I was feeling very tired and my arms hurt, but I was trying to keep a positive attitude about completing my goal ... I do remember thinking that the quarry seemed beautiful in the morning light ... As I got close to the end I felt really proud, like I was now a proper member of the C3 club.”

Mission accomplished, Dad.

PHOTO TRENT DILKIE

seanbechtel National champion Sean Bechtel refers to himself as C3 Member 001.

When 16-year-old Caledon local, Sean Bechtel, fi rst contacted Barrie Shepley in 1999, he probably seemed like a hundred other kids just curious about triathlon. An active teenager, he’d done some cross-country running and competitive swimming.

“At first, I had to prove myself to Barrie,” said Bechtel. “I did the work he told me. I put all my faith in what he said and just kept getting better.”

Still, Bechtel wasn’t winning any races when he started. In fact, he recalls placing 120th in one of his first times out. However, four years later his talent appeared any thing but common when he qualified to represent Canada at the 2003 Pan American Games.

A graduate of McMaster University, Bechtel went on to win six medals at national championships and has represented Canada five times at world championships. Most recently, he made the podium at the Syracuse International Half Ironman competition. Today, in addition to training to be the best triathlete he can be, Bechtel helps inspire greatness in others, both as a C3 member and coach.

“During the off-season, I’m helping prepare 80 people for Ironman Austria this coming summer.” He also helps with the Kids of Steel clinics in spring and he’s sharing the nuances of elite professional racing as captain of the C3 High Performance Team.

Arguably, though, one of his most influential roles is just participating as a C3 member. As one of the first names on Caledon’s C3 rolls, Bechtel likes to refer to himself as “Member 001.”

He points out that C3 is unique in combining an ideal training environment with a membership that includes three or four top athletes in the province. “Other members like to see the athletes that have reached an elite standard. Sometimes you think, I just can’t do this any faster or better,” says Bechtel. “But just having us there, training with everyone, helps people learn and see how hard you have to work.” continued on next page

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After the kids’ training clinic in early May, C3 will partner again with Caledonbased sponsor, Kinetico Home Water Systems on May 29 to host the largest Kids of Steel Triathlon in Canada, with more than 1,000 entrants.

Started by Shepley in the late eighties, Kids of Steel is now a nation-wide program promoting triathlon and an active lifestyle among youth. After years of parents asking to join in, the event now includes divisions for every age group, from toddlers to grandparents.

C3 and Kinetico also team up for the fall Running Festival on September 25.

Geared to youth fitness, the event attracts kids from far beyond the Caledon hills, some who rarely experience country life. To ensure costs won’t be a barrier to participation, Kinetico pays for everything: a t-shirt, a gift bag, food and draw prizes. Participants just bring some non-perishable food item for Caledon Community Services. Last year, the festival attracted a national record-breaking 1,200 kids and gathered a truckload of food for needy local families.

Kinetico will soon be sponsoring Kids of Steel on a national basis. More than a sponsor, however, Kinetico Canada president Phillip Adsetts is also a participant, along with his daughter and four grandkids.

“It’s nearly impossible not to be drawn into the Shepley vortex of participation,” Adsetts jests. “Seriously though, sometimes it’s easy to be the sponsor, but the toughest thing is to give time. We’re hugely respectful of the support we get from the C3 group and their expertise in making these events so successful.”

Of course, the scope of these events requires scores of volunteers. “We have many people who’ve done the exact same job for the past eleven years,” says Shepley. “They’re the people who body mark the kids, count laps in the pool or stand on the corners of the course.”

Perhaps most notable of among these is Stewart Barclay, well known as a coach at Caledon Ski Club. Barclay doesn’t have kids in the races, but he’s served tirelessly as race director for both the C3/Kinetico Running Festival and Kids of Steel since their inceptions.

From world-class athletes to parents, young kids and volunteers, the appeal of C3 is obvious, and fitness is only part of the story. Most seem to find a guiding metaphor for life here. Perhaps young Niko explains best: “In competition and training, I’ve learned that I’m not the kind of person who just gives up when things get difficult. No way. I keep going so I can see just how high my potential can go.”

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IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

C3 Kinetico Kids of Steel Triathlon May 25. Kids from 3 to 75 can participate in this short, fun pool triathlon. It includes a kids’ one-miler and adult 5K.

C3 Summer Camp Seven one-week day camps with C3 coaches and elite athletes at the club’s James Dick Swim Quarry in Caledon. An opportunity to swim, canoe, kayak, play beach volleyball and more.

Kids of Steel Friday Night Training Session May 6 to June 24.

Swim-bike-run workout at Caledon Public School with C3 coaches.

C3 Kinetico Running Festival September 25. Some 1,500 kids are expected to turn out for the one-mile run.

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H I S T O R I C

H I L L S

by Ken Weber

Dr. Algie

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By the 1880s, poor sanitation had been identified as a major cause of disease and governments were taking action. Here in the hills, newly established health boards had a lot of catching up to do.

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n sultry July afternoons, it was Bill MacDonald’s habit to get his cane and walk over to the Belfountain post office. His excuse was to pick up the mail, but the real reason was that the post office was in Charlie Byam’s store and the canvas awnings over the big windows made it cool there. More important, Charlie’s was a good place to hang out, to lean against the flour barrels and catch up on local gossip.

When Bill made his customary visit on an especially hot day in 1891, he found much to talk about. Dr. James Algie, medical officer for Caledon Township, had just analyzed the village’s drinking water and his report, nailed to the wall of the post office, was a shocker.

Almost every resident of Belfountain drew drinking water from a stream that ran through the village.

It meandered by a number of privies, f lowed around a manure pile, ran under the floor of a blacksmith shop and then fi lled a large tank on its way to the Credit River.

Dr. Algie had sampled the water at three points. He noted that on the day of his analysis a cow was standing in the stream and two pigs had settled in for an afternoon snooze. The results made for absorbing reading.

The first sample, taken near the source west of the village, Algie rated as “fairly good.” The second, in midvillage, was laced with animal hair, feces and Paris Green (a widely used pesticide). He called it “bad.” The third sample, taken from the main s uppl y t a n k at t he e a s t e nd of Belfountain, he called “poisonous.”

Not just in Belfountain Algie focussed on Belfountain because of a typhoid fever epidemic in the village during the fall of 1890, but the little escarpment community was far from unique. Inglewood, Cataract and Credit Forks had also recorded deaths from typhoid that year, all traced to bad water.

In the northwest corner of Caledon Township and into the adjoining portions of Erin Township, Algie reported a rate of typhoid that “has not been equalled for years.” Bolton, by contrast, appeared to be relatively free of typhoid, but as if to compensate, tuberculosis had raised its ugly head. Of the forty-six deaths from TB recorded in all of Peel in 1891, three were from a single Bolton family.

Farther north in Dufferin, Shelburne reported both typhoid and diphtheria and, as elsewhere in the hills, a slight increase in the incidence of scarlet fever.

In Orangeville, however, the disease rate was much lower. Back in 1876, well before boards of health were common in Ontario, the town had set up a health committee that had immediately tackled the problem of backyards full of manure, exposed privies and piles of garbage. Offenders were given three days to clean up.

The need to change bad habits When Dr. Algie graduated in 1878 from Trinity Medical College in Toronto, pioneers in hygiene such as Joseph Lister and Louis Pasteur had already proven the powerful connection between health and sanitation, but the impact of their work had yet to penetrate the public mind.

Some urban communities, with their denser living quarters, had established boards and bylaws to regulate garbage disposal and privy location,

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Dr. James Algie. The Algie family figures prominently in the history of these hills. James’ older brother William established The Beaver Knitting Mill in 1881 (today’s historic Alton Mill) and built Science Hall in Alton to promote the arts, science and cultural development. James, in addition to being a physician, promoter of public health, and eventually an acknowledged expert in medical practice in prisons, was also a successful novelist, writing under the pen name Wallace Lloyd. That was the name James and his wife (Rachel Jago) chose for their son. In 1918, Wallace Lloyd Algie won the Victoria Cross.

Sadly, he was killed in the process. above : Belfountain village c.19oo.

The need for a community authority Before municipal health boards were established, there was no one in charge of health-related matters. A striking example of this vacuum is evident in the July 1874 issue of the Orangeville Sun. Editor John Foley reported that “a disagreeable stench, emanating from the putrid carcass of a horse, was permeating the atmosphere by Central School.” He lamented that because no one had a duty to remove it, the situation would not improve until the carcass rotted away naturally.

but these were haphazard at best and more a matter of odour prevention than hygiene. (The Orangeville Sun lauded the town’s health committee for ridding the town of “backyards fetid with exhalations from decomposing refuse.”) Small rural communities and farms had no controls at all.

There was a time when pioneer families and the residents of small hamlets could rely on the natural cleaning forces of nature. Both Erin and Caledon East, for example, are thought to have benefitted from their fast-flowing streams. But as populations increased, that natural benefit diminished. Private backyard butchering was being replaced by commercial slaughterhouses invariably located by streams where operators could dump the offal. Not just on farms but in towns and villages, most citizens kept pigs and chickens, usually in pens that were aging, cleaned irregularly if at all and, as often as not, built near the water supply. No stream could move full and fast enough to flush away the detritus of a steadily growing population. Here in the hills and elsewhere it was time for change.

When Ontario’s public health act was passed in 1884, James Algie had been practising in Alton for three years and fully embraced his appointment as township medical officer. In his very first report he singled out Alton, Caledon East, Charleston (Caledon Village), Mono Mills and Belfountain with a stinging condemnation of local habits. The casual “throwing out of table refuse and spoils,” he said, turned backyards into “perfect cesspools.”

Also under fire were hog pens that went uncleaned for months, privies that were never cleaned at all, and cellars full of rotten vegetables. Algie came down especially hard on Credit Forks for its “hot-beds of fi lth” and for the community’s failure to respond to cleanup orders. Drinking-

water supply was a hot issue for him as Belfountain discovered. He even joined forces with Erin Township’s medical officer, Dr. McKinnon, to put the heat on Hillsburgh where typhoid was a serious problem. Nor did the good doctor hesitate to name names, blaming a typhoid outbreak in Credit Forks on the “fi lth heap” from a large boarding house.

A positive effect Dr. Algie’s efforts had powerful results. In Alton, he had pushed for the removal of a slaughterhouse located near a well used by five families.

Among them there had been three deaths over a short period from croup and diphtheria. When the slaughterhouse disappeared so did the diseases.

In Cataract, where scarlet fever had been rampant, a cleanup turned things around. And in Belfountain?

Within two years its citizens had wholly embraced the notion of drinking water from properly sited wells. By the end of the century, Peel generally and Caledon specifically were able to point to these and other shining examples of change.

Not that things became perfect.

More than a century later in the sad development at Walkerton, the whole world was to learn yet again that when it comes to hygiene, especially drinking water, there can be no letup in vigilance. James Algie insisted on that. ≈ Best-selling author, puzzle meister and history buff Ken Weber will deliver two lectures in a three-part speaking series this spring at Dufferin County Museum & Archives. On April 17, his topic is The War of 1812, and on June 26, his talk is titled Other Mothers of Invention. The third lecture in the series, on Booze and Temperance in a local community, will be presented by museum archivist Steve Brown on May 15. All talks are at 2pm; admission $10.

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Algie tackles “la grippe” While the threat of typhoid fever, diphtheria and cholera raised alarm bells, intestinal diseases were regarded simply as an unpleasant fact of life. These varied from serious cases of enteritis and dysentery to less debilitating illnesses with names like “stomach complaint,” “green apple gallop,” and “privy trot.” Dr. Algie, who used the encompassing French term, “la grippe,” was especially successful in demonstrating to Caledon’s citizens that poor sanitation and inattention to hygiene were a prominent cause of these potentially harmful conditions.

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N E S T

by Bethany Lee

awaken

Let spring

Get Growing Kick off the growing season with your little ones at Everdale’s Seedy Saturday on April 30, from 11 am to 4 pm ($3 per adult, children are free). This could be your first visit to a farm this season, setting the tone and inspiring you and your kids to get growing! For already avid gardeners, there will be organic and heritage seeds, plus transplants ready to start your vegetable garden off right.

Seriously seedy kids and parents can take part in the seed exchange. This is a great family event where kids can play in the Little Farmers Fun Zone and visit the farm animals. www.everdale.org

Kids Fun Run Run Dufferin is a non-profit organization with a goal to support and promote health, fitness, community, and especially running in and around Dufferin County. On May 29, Run Dufferin will host their first run, named “Chase the Tornado” after the tornado that ripped through Grand Valley 25 years ago. A kids’ 1km fun run takes place at 9:30 am. Register online or in person at Winemakers on Broadway in Orangeville. www.runningroom.com 62

IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

your senses I L L U S T R AT I O N S H EL A G H A R M S T R O N G

H E A D W A T E R S

I

remember when I was younger that I loved lying on the ground on early spring days, looking at the blue sky and clouds. The ground was still cold as the deep frost melted, but the air held the promise of warmth and longer days ahead. As I walked the pathways that had been inaccessible through the winter months, the sounds and smells greeted me like old friends.

Our stream gathered momentum with the annual runoff from the rolling hills and fields. By listening to the water under the ice, I could gauge the progress of the season. The water became louder each day as the ice thinned. The ice became clearer until I could see what lay beneath. I watched for the ice to release its captive grasses. Soon, the smells of spring began to emerge from below.

As adults, we still feel spring “awaken our senses.” As we drive home from work, we lower the windows and breathe in that still-crisp air, thinking that we are “enjoying spring.” But with the traffic and lights, noise and exhaust, radio on, our senses are at once heightened yet confused.

When our children are first born, we use all of our senses singly and without confusion to soak them in.

Quietly and with careful hands, we discover their every fold and crease, and soon the subtle nuances of skin texture and colour are indelibly etched in our minds. A tiny difference from one day to the next is noted and examined. Our children’s most intimate smells are inhaled and identified. We know the difference between how they smell when they are robust but tired after a day in the sun compared to when they are languishing and feverish. Their breath alone can tell us more than any digital thermometer.

Yes, quite quickly we become accustomed to using all of our senses with our children.

But just as soon, our senses seem to be left behind!

After those early days, our senses become dulled once

again as we turn them off one by one, replacing the sights, scents and sentiments with ... sensory overload. Even here in the hills, where life is wondrous and waiting to be explored at every turn, we lose the ability to use our senses as we did when we were children, with child, or holding that little one in our arms.

Our children are dragged into this cacophony early on. I admit that I have been complicit in looking for constant and bigger, better, louder distractions for them and for ourselves. We plug into the iThis or the iThat. We don’t want to listen to their cries, we want to forget work, drown out our neighbours, erase lingering household or farm smells.

What happens when we are constantly disconnected from our senses? Researcher R. Murray Schafer developed the term “schizophonia” to describe the

splitting of sound from its origin.

For example, when we plug our ears with portable music during a run along a forest path, a disconnect develops in the brain: the music is not created in the environment we physically occupy.

Conversely, the things that happen around us on that run, like the crow cawing and the whoosh of air as it flaps its wings, the sticks snapping beneath our feet, are soundless as the music fi lls our heads. Our confused brains actually have to work harder to connect and interpret the conflicting environmental signals.

So this season, I am vowing to use my senses and discover them again with my child. Really, it should be easy. I think it comes down to returning to mindfulness, awareness and appreciation for our natural environment. I will practise running without music. I will breathe in my son and try to be aware of how he is feeling. I will absorb the colours around me and let my brain discover them once again, unhindered, just as I did when I looked up at the blue sky and white clouds when I was young.

We all know that, given the chance, children are especially good at describing their full mind and body experiences by using all of their senses. But it does require a commitment from us parents to put away our own electronic devices, go outdoors for more than fi fteen minutes, and exercise all five senses fully, along with our ability to gather information through balance and acceleration, even temperature.

I have an exercise that I use with adult writing classes that focuses on heightening awareness. I ask students to go out somewhere on campus and describe a place fully, using all of their senses, but without saying exactly where they are. Imagine the delight when they read their pieces to the class and everyone knows instantly where they were writing from! (Ah, the power of the senses. It works every time.)

And there is a personal exercise that I try to do every time I am somewhere outside with my son, now age six.

Somewhere along our journey, we come to a full stop and ask: What do we see?

What do we hear?

What do we smell?

What do we know about this place?

How do we feel inside?

Bethany Lee is the online editor of www.kidsinthehills.ca, a sister site to www.inthehills.ca, where she also writes a regular blog.

Wellies to Wishes The art in this fun auction can truly be called “mixed media.” Local artisans of all backgrounds create works on the subject of the ubiquitous Wellington boot. The treasures will be auctioned off at the Dufferin County Museum & Archives on April 30 at 7 pm, with local auctioneer Bob Severn working the crowd. Funds raised support children, youth and families in Dufferin County, enhancing recreational opportunities in support of better health and wellness. Tickets $20; email jacqueline.moore@dcafs.on.ca

TASTE OF SPRING ON NOW

Summer camps Finally, if you are thinking ahead to summer camps, remember to check kidsinthehills.ca for listings and notices in late spring. We will post a comprehensive guide to camps in our region. One that stands out to us is CACY (Caledon Arts & Crafts for Youth). For over 50 years, CACY has been providing creative development camps and workshops for children in the Caledon community. The popular summer arts program offers high quality instruction by local professional artists. Keep CACY on your radar, their program listing goes up at www.cacy.ca in late April.

Registration is on Saturday, May 28.

It’s our birthday!

That’s right, Kids in the Hills just turned one!

Just over a year ago, we launched www.kidsinthehills.ca as an online community resource for parents, grandparents and caregivers living here in the hills. Along the way, we’ve made friends with creative people who are showing us that there are many different ways to raise children, work and somehow balance it all out. We love to hear stories of those working and living in our community, so if you think you know someone who should be profiled, send me an email at bethany@inthehills.ca.

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and toddlers There are strollers in the halls and moms in the classroom at ODSS, thanks to an innovative program that gives young parents a chance to complete their secondary school education.

BY L AU R A L a R O CC A

PHOTOS GILLIAN GAUTHIER

H

igh school gives Rae Hiltz a break from her children and the demands of motherhood. “All mothers need that time,” she says. “And my time is at school.”

Confident, articulate and energetic, Rae looks like any other bright young high-school student.

“When people first see me, they don’t realize I have children,” she says. “They expect me to hang out, party, and do things that regular teens get to do.

But it’s really not that simple. I rarely ever do things without my children.”

A new program at Orangeville District Secondary School gives her that chance. Called the Young Parents Education Program, it aims to help young parents complete their secondary school education.

Rae, 20, has two children with her fiancé, Ben. Noah is two-and-a-half, just eleven months older than his sister Isabelle. Rae and the children live with Ben’s parents, while he lives nearby. Her parents aren’t really in the picture. “They’re going through their own drama right now,” she explains.

“Ben’s parents are picking up the reins. They’re doing enough for everybody. They’re amazing.”

Rae left home and dropped out of school when she was sixteen. “I was going down a long road that included drug and alcohol abuse and eating disorders.”

It was the birth of her children and the responsibilities of motherhood that made her realize the importance of an education. She tried to complete some courses on her own, but her children weren’t in daycare and it wasn’t working.

“I thought it was hopeless,” she says. “I didn’t think I’d be able to finish.”

Now Rae is on track to become the first member of her family to graduate from high school. And she has set her sights on a post-secondary degree.

Rae is among sixteen young mothers from Dufferin County who attend the program five afternoons a week. Three afternoons are dedicated to in-class work, while parenting and fitness classes fi ll the other two. The students also pursue other academic courses independently.

Their babies are cared for by early childhood educators in the converted classroom next door, while older children attend nearby Jean Hamlyn Daycare Centre.

The innovative program was spearheaded by Susie Chamberlain, head of the English department at ODSS. Her classroom overlooked a smoking area where she often noticed a young mother with a stroller. She learned that the mother attended classes while her friends took turns skipping to watch the baby.

Susie, who had just returned from maternity leave herself, knew the school needed to do something for this young woman and others like her.

The idea took shape in February last year, after Ian Main, head of guidance at ODSS, met with some young mothers at a parenting program at the Ontario Early Years Centre to discuss college options. Many of them were interested, but lacked the requisite high-school diploma.

“ODSS is continually looking for ways to encourage students who aren’t attending on a regular basis,” says principal Darryl Kirkland. The solution in this case seemed obvious. “These students weren’t attending classes because they had no child care, so we brought the child care to the school.”

The program launched in September, just six months after the initial discussions. In that short time, ODSS not only obtained school board and county approval and funding, but also underwent renovations to accommodate the students and their children.

“Never underestimate the power of a group of like-minded people,” Susie says. She credits the Upper Grand District School Board, local community service agencies, contractors who went out of their way to ensure the renovations for the daycare room were completed on time (such as the plumber who drove to Windsor to pick up a triple sink he knew wouldn’t arrive in time for the final inspection), and community generosity. A private citizen donated laptop computers for the classroom, the student council purchased Christmas hampers and wrapped gifts for the students and their children, and local businesses provided books and other items.

It is often said that it takes a village to raise a child. For the children of these young parents, YPEP is that village. The students share more than a classroom. They help each other with assignments, parenting concerns and daily challenges. When one continued on next page

Students Camille Brown (left), with her daughter Ayla, 2½, and Rae Hiltz, with her children, Isabelle, 1½, and Noah, 2½.

IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

65

young moms continued from page 65

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IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

child is sick, they worry along with the mother. They motivate and learn from each other.

“It’s family,” Susie says. “There have been fights, but it’s never personal.

It’s about what’s happening outside the classroom, in their sometimes complicated and stressful lives.” She encourages the students to work things out without drama. But, as Rae says, “It’s high school. There’s going to be drama!”

There have also been growing pains and adjustments along the way. During the fi rst semester, for example, infants were permitted in the classroom, but they proved to be too distracting. In addition, it meant that the early childcare educators in the daycare room did not always have enough children in their care. Susie says, “It breaks my heart to make the rule, because I’m a firm believer that babies belong with their mothers.”

Some of the students welcomed the change, but others struggled with it. The result was conf lict between the students over the semester break and a charged atmosphere in the classroom. One student has not yet returned.

Susie is learning not to take it personally. Like others in caring professions, she’s fi nding the balance between being compassionate and being crushed by the setbacks. She straddles the line between helping parents toward independence and being a crutch. She worries that she’s making mistakes, especially because she created the program without a blueprint to work from – it’s the only one of its kind in the board district.

Susie had visited an alternative program for young parents in Peel, but that program did not offer daycare, a significant barrier for young parents wanting to return to school.

With the combination of in-class and independent studies, the program gives students the opportunity to complete four credits a semester, the same number as most full-time students. But Camille Brown, another YPEP participant, had other ideas.

She wanted to complete as many credits as possible. Camille achieved six credits in the first semester with an 82.3 average – honour roll marks – and will complete six more this semester, including a dual-credit course that will count toward both her high school and college diplomas.

And she’s pulled together the information for other students who also want to accelerate their studies.

“I’m here to finish,” Camille says. “I came in with twenty credits and I thought it would take me a longer time than it has, but I’ve also worked my butt off to get where I am today.”

The demands of school, her fivenight-a-week job, and caring for her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Ayla, are starting to catch up with her, and Camille is considering cutting back on her hours at work if she can.

“Graduating is my priority,” she says.

Like other young parents, she’s caught between needing money to pay for her post-secondary education and needing to be there for her child.

She’s hoping to fund at least part of the cost through bursaries and scholarships. “Either way, I’m going to do it,” she says with a determination that leaves no doubt.

Camille wasn’t always this focused on her education. She dropped out of school in grade 10, more interested in partying and working to sustain that lifestyle. “I lived my life,” she says. “I didn’t go to school. I partied. I did whatever the hell I liked.”

That all changed when she discovered she was pregnant with Ayla.

“My child probably saved my life.”

Her priorities changed, and giving her daughter the best life possible became most important. That meant

Teacher Susie Chamberlain (centre) spearheaded the Young Parents Education Program.

her education became a priority too.

She’s now been accepted to Humber College where she will study early childhood education in the fall. After that, she plans to get a degree in child psychology, but not until Ayla is older.

It would be too time-consuming to do it now, she believes, and wouldn’t be fair to her daughter. It would also be too expensive, especially since she and her fiancé, Christopher, plan to buy a house within five years.

The same shift occurred for Rae. She’ll finish up her last two credits at summer school this year and hopes to attend university in the fall.

Not all the students are as driven to obtain their credits, but Susie believes they will get there. The courses they are taking in child development and healthy living will help them make better parenting and lifestyle choices along the way, and so will the supportive atmosphere in the classroom.

“If we bring them in in a nonjudgmental way and build their trust,” Susie says, “Then we can help them.”

“It keeps young mothers focused

and motivated, and teaches them that they are worth investing in,” Camille adds.

Many of these young parents have so much more to worry about than school work, and so many obstacles to overcome in order to graduate.

School attendance rules are black and white, but their lives are not.

Few of the students live with their parents, and many are on welfare.

Most of them are struggling to make ends meet to feed themselves and their children. Some of them don’t have permanent homes, making communication with them difficult outside of the classroom. Often they are juggling jobs, relationships and the raising of their children along with school work. Some are single parents, shouldering all the responsibility on their own.

Because few students own their own cars, transportation is one of the biggest barriers, especially in the dead of winter when they have to walk to school in frigid temperatures while pushing a stroller through the snow.

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continued on next page IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

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“Ms. C” coaxes a smile from Micarah, daughter of student Miranda Gowlett.

young moms continued from page 67

Even through these struggles, the seventeen students who completed the fi rst semester attempted sixtyfive credits toward their high school diplomas. They earned forty of these, with final marks as high as the midnineties, with another twenty-two near completion.

Susie is quick to credit the students’ commitment and motivation, but Camille says that “Ms. C” plays the biggest part in the program’s success. “She’s a great teacher. She does anything she can to help the students.”

That “anything” can go well beyond the scope of the average teacher, including delivering groceries to students who can’t afford them and securing donations of clothing, diapers and grocery store gift cards.

The students come to her with issues that are beyond her expertise, and then she acts as a liaison between them and the resources they need, such as social workers. “If you get in touch with the right people and services, it can get better quickly.”

A nd t hat, rea l ly, is why t he program exists. “It’s not about how they got here,” Susie says. “It’s about their potential and how to help them reach it.” She knows the odds are stacked against young parents, especially mothers, without a program such as YPEP. In its 2006 community health status update, Wellington-DufferinGuelph Public Health reported that approximately one in a hundred teenage girls will have a baby in Dufferin County (lower than the provincial average of four per hundred). According to the Ontario 68

IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

Ministry of Health, early motherhood “can be a significant predictor of other social, educational and employment barriers in later life.”

In addition, children of teens are more likely to become teen parents themselves, resulting in a setback for another generation. In fact, many of the parents of the YPEP students were young parents themselves.

But in this program, in Susie Chamberlain’s classroom, there is hope. Rae and Camille look forward to sharing their stories with their children when they are older, how they were able to graduate while still caring for them. “And let her know that it’s not easy and hopefully prevent her from becoming a teen parent,” Camille adds. “I don’t want that for my child. An education should definitely come before children.”

Susie looks forward too. She envisions the future successes of her students, confident that when she sees them again in twenty years, they will have achieved their goals and will be helping their children reach for their dreams as well. ≈

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A freelance writer and mother of five, Laura LaRocca lives in Laurel.

The Young Parents Education Program is open to young mothers or fathers, age 14 to 19, by self-referral or through a Dufferin health or social service agency.

Donations to the program are appreciated. Grocery store gift cards are especially useful. Items such as used clothing and toys can be dropped off at As We Grow, 113 Broadway, Orangeville, where the YPEP has an account.

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SOLD

GORGEOUS 50 ACRES! Located in the prestigious Hills of Mulmur, this gorgeous 50-acre area has great southwest views. A great pond site, ample attractive building site with mature trees at the back of property. $439,900 Bruce Livingston*

WELCOME TO ERIN Attractive Charleston 4-bdrm house in small subdivision. Open concept main rm w/ kit & din rm, 2 gas fp. Mstr ens/ dbl shower, whirlpool tub & 2 sinks. Lower level w/o to 4-person hot tub & large seasonal rm w/ fp. $550,000 Jamie Gairdner**

SOLD

8-ACRE LOT IN MONO Has a building envelope with a new driveway already in place. It’s nestled amongst red pines on a hill overlooking a valley with a private river.

It’s located near the Bruce Trail and a walk to Mono Cliffs Park. $275,000 Jamie Gairdner**

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PRIVACY IN BELFOUNTAIN Situated on 3.59 acres on top of the Escarpment, this stone house offers multiple level walkouts, indoor pool, hot tub, custom gourmet kitchen with wood-burning fireplace, 4 bedrooms, office off the main floor master, 4 fireplaces, balcony off kitchen and living room, fish pond and 4-car garage, wood-working shop, exercise room, office. $1,699,000

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RARE OPPORTUNITY IN INGLEWOOD! This 15-acre property is on approximately 1,500 sq ft of Credit River frontage and boasts some of the most incredible views of the Niagara Escarpment. Lovely 3+2 bedroom home with wrap-around porch. $1,599,000

WELCOME TO VISTA RIDGE 9.8 acres close to Hwy 10, easy commute to the city. Recently renovated, gourmet kitchen, amazing views of the Niagara Escarpment, 5,000 sq ft, pond. $1,499,000

SPRAWLING COUNTRY HOME 7+ acres on 1st Line Mono. Just 40 minutes to the airport. 5 bedrooms, large principle rooms, swimming pool, tennis court. $1,399,000

WELCOME TO NORTH ALTON Situated on 48 acres in Caledon, this 5,000+ sq ft home boasts an indoor pool, nanny suite, 3 bedrooms, open concept great room. And an 1,800 sq ft horse barn with 4 stalls. $1,195,000

WELCOME TO CATARACT FALLSVIEW Stunning views of the Credit River and sounds of the waterfall, this new build is a perfect fit.

3,600 sq ft, open concept, 4 bathrooms, 4 bedrooms. Buy now and influence the finishes. Spring possession. $1,195,000

COUNTRY EXCELLENCE IN THE HILLS 4,000 sq ft home on 3 acres. Located at Hwy 10 and Forks of the Credit in Caledon. 4 bedrooms, theatre room, wine cellar, pool, gourmet kitchen, 3-car garage. 2,000 sq ft finished loft above garage with 2-piece washroom. $1,100,000

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY Buy now as an income property and develop later along with the master planned community in Caledon East. $999,000

EXECUTIVE HOME ON THE GRANGE Built in 2010, this 4,000+ sq ft custom home situated on 2+ acres is stunning. Large principle rooms, 6 fireplaces, entertainer’s dream, gourmet kitchen. $999,000

WELCOME TO INGLEWOOD Custom built, 4 bedroom, professionally landscaped with inground pool, 5 bathrooms, 2-bedroom nanny suite, gourmet kitchen, 5 walkouts to deck and patio. $799,000

WELCOME TO TOMBS STONE TERRITORY $699,000

WELCOME TO CALEDON SKI CLUB Access your 12+ acres through these gates.

Build your dream home surrounded by hardwood bush and complete privacy. The driveway is in place. Building lot is ready for NEC application. $449,000

WELCOME TO STANDING STONE POND 25 acres on the Caledon/Erin border. Build your dream home on this approved building lot. Driveway and culvert are in. $275,000

APPROVED BUILDING LOT IN ALTON Build your dream home on this 1.5-acre building lot. The building envelope has been approved by the Town of Caledon and CVC. $199,000

WELCOME TO PALMER HOUSE 6 units for lease - office rental 900 -1,600 sq ft. Masterfully renovated, fully equipped for today’s entrepreneur. Historic village of Alton, Caledon. $16 Net Lease $5 TMI

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WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU FELT THIS PASSIONATE ABOUT ANYTHING? Century barn converted to spectacular country home. Open concept main floor with great room & floor-to-ceiling stone fp. Lower level spa room with hot tub, sauna. Separate charming stone guest house. Tennis court. Inground pool. 64 scenic acres. $1,350,000 Wayne Baguley* 519-941-5151

ESTATE HOME, RETREAT, B&B, BANQUET HALL Many possibilities for this gorgeous 12-acre property which includes 8 bedroom, 15 washroom home with 3 levels of finished living space including renovated kitchen & many upgrades. Lower level w/o to patio & beautiful views. Staff apartment. $1,200,000 Wayne Baguley* 519-941-5151

NESTLED IN MAPLE TREES Scenic 1-acre lot. 3+1 bdrm country home, open concept kitchen, dining & living room w/ wood stove & door to screened-in porch. Fin bsmt w/ bdrm, rec room & workshop/storage. $499,900 Wayne Baguley* 519-941-5151

TWO HOMES & HORSE FACILITIES Main house has 5 bdrms, lrg country kit & w/o bsmt. Second residence ideal for in-laws or tenants. Indoor arena, wash stall, barn w/ 18 stalls, heated shop, 6 paddocks. 10 ac w/ pond. $939,000 Wayne Baguley* 519-941-5151

BACK TO SCHOOL Incredibly charming, 1-1/2 storey, 3-bdrm brick schoolhouse with high ceilings in kit & living rm.

Orig woodwork. Great inground pool. Workshop.

Gardens surrounded by massive trees on 1-ac lot. $369,000 Wayne Baguley* 519-941-5151

84+ ACRE FARM WITH POND Set back from the paved road is this 2-1/2 storey Victorian w/ orig doors, trim & high baseboards.

4 bdrms, 2nd floor balcony. 3rd floor loft. Garage, pond, barn, drive shed, coverall, chicken coop & shed. $699,000 Wayne Baguley* 519-941-5151

PET THE FROGS! Spacious 1880 brick schoolhouse on park-like lot w/ gazebo, garden shed, workshop, frog pond & i/g pool. 2nd flr has 2 bdrms, 4-pc bath & hallway w/ balcony overlooking living rm w/ fp. $429,000 Wayne Baguley* 519-941-5151

FOR QUIET CONTEMPLATION 33.95 acs of privacy surrounds this 3+2 bdrm home w/ dbl-sided flr-to-ceiling stone fireplace, spa room, billiards area, sunroom, tiered brick deck, triple garage, inground pool & sep shop. $1,100,000 Wayne Baguley* 519-941-5151

ON EDGE OF THE GRAND RIVER sits this 4+2 bdrm home with solarium, indoor pool & triple garage. Drive shed, tennis court, 44+ acres, mature managed forest with miles of trails, pond with island, horse shelter + more. $1,549,000 Wayne Baguley* 519-941-5151

NEW HOME BEING BUILT Ready for late spring. 1850 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 3-car garage and all the upgrades on 61 acres with trails. Slightly rolling & heavily treed for privacy with large electric metal security gate. $799,000 Wayne Baguley* 519-941-5151

LAND WITH NOTHING ON IT

IDEAL FOR LARGE FAMILY Main part of house has been beautifully renovated w/ wood flr, custom maple kit, propane fp & more. Other side contains 2nd kit, sitting rm, bdrm, bthrm & sunrm. 10 acs w/ pond & barn. $629,000 Wayne Baguley* 519-941-5151

TRANQUILITY - 188 ACRES with rolling land, views, creek, mixed bush, ponds & landing strip. Energy efficient bungalow w/ cathedral ceilings, solarium, screened-in porch & w/o lower level. Workshop & det 3-car garage. $1,799,000 Wayne Baguley* 519-941-5151

TERRA COTTA TREASURE Mainly treed, 5.34 acres. Massive renovated kit w/ granite counters & centre island that seats 6.

Lower level has 2-pc bath, office, large rec rm & games/exercise room plus sep 2-bdrm apt. $900,000 Wayne Baguley* 519-941-5151

Excellent 2.9 acre building lot in scenic area. Open land w/ mixed bush at rear and south side. Near village of Orton. $199,000 86 acres with open land & bush at back.

Great opportunity to build your dream home/hobby farm. $799,000 1 acre on paved road in great area for easy commuting and shopping. Surrounded by open fields and bush. $149,000 92.5 acres, mixed & hardwood bush, fields, grazing land, rolling hills, fencing and barn.

Paved road - Halton Hills. $799,000 Wayne Baguley* 519-941-5151

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Making a move?

I offer peace of mind!

A local and trusted professional with proven results for 19 years

Kathy Ellis

Sales Representative

905-874-3040 / 519-833-9714 kellis@xplornet.com www.kathyellis.ca

COUNTRY AT ITS BEST, CONVENIENT TO TORONTO Superb property with fantastic pre 1900’s home totally renovated with addition retaining charm + stunning updates. Beautiful kitchen, family room with cathedral ceilings and stone fireplace, veranda with views. Main floor master with fantastic 6-piece ensuite. 57+ acres with additional separate 14+ acres, terrific location south of Devil’s Pulpit on quiet road, gorgeous property, large separate garage with finished loft + refurbished bank barn with 11 stalls and paddocks with hydrants. Fabulous property! $3,195,000 w/ additional 14 acs or $2,745,000 w/o 14 acs

RARE & UNMATCHED VIEW All season ever changing view of Caledon’s Credit River Valley. Yours to enjoy. Architectdesigned contemporary home. Terraced gardens, Japanese Tea House. Steps to all local amenities, in complete private setting.

20 minutes to GTA. $2,195,000

REAL COUNTRY IN KING Over 4 kms of established trails on 52 acres. Follow the winding drive up the hill.

A virtual rolling parkland to this large family open-concept home. Sep guest house with loft, 40’ x 60’ barn. Enjoy the varied landscape and move in for spring. $1,650,000

FABULOUS FAMILY HOME Renovated throughout! Granite counters, hardwood floors. Huge kitchen with breakfast area and walkout to oversized lot with two-tier deck, lavish landscaping, ample trees making this yard a gorgeous private retreat. $529,200

INCREDIBLE TIMBER FRAME HOME Privately situated on 2 acres, south Erin locale. Superb 3-car garage with 600 sq ft loft. Home has open floor plan, stunning kitchen, incredible stone fireplace, wood floors, outstanding ambiance and quality. $959,000

HOUSE TOUR QUALITY IN MONO Enjoy the ambiance of this grand but unpretentious country setting. 2-storey living room windows display gardens and woodlands surrounding the house. Workshop, drive shed, gazebo, garden house. 47 acs all in peaceful privacy, easy to view any time. $1,295,000

THE IDEAL HOBBY FARM Immaculate large family home. Bright open spaces. Surrounding decks to enjoy the pastoral view over 94 acres. Gardens, pool, pond, horse barn, fenced paddocks, sugar bush. All organically cared for. Only mins to all amenities. 45 mins to Airport. $1,100,000

NATURE AT ITS FINEST! 2+ acres building lot. Outstanding property nicely wooded, somewhat rolling, private, superb area to build your dream home on.

Located close to Walters Falls, Meaford and skiing. $89,000

TIRED OF YOUR JOB? Want to be your own boss? Fed up with commuting to work? Here is your chance to make a change in your life. This fabulous 25-acre property has lovely updated home with views of ponds. Two updated poultry barns and guaranteed income. $1,145,000

THROUGH THOSE WOODS...

A 95-acre rolling property. Winding drive opens to ‘The House on the Hill’, a stunning unusually bright log house. With every attention to authentic detail while offering charm & comfort. Natural pond, sep garage, coach house, sleeping cabin. $1,079,000

ENCHANTING - LIVE, WORK, PLAY An ideal country lifestyle. A great contemporary family house. 30 acres in complete privacy with separate state-of-the-art internet office over workshop/garage. 3 bears guest cottage, sugar shack, pond, gardens, barn, woods, paths, horses run free! $925,000

SUPERB 3 ACRE PROPERTY Close to Georgetown and an easy commute to Toronto. Beautiful site for dream home with views and privacy, driveway is in!

Exceptional property! $250,000

MOVE IN AND ENJOY! Incredible new home on very pretty 4.7 acres with pond. 3+1 bedroom home, finished walkout basement, wrap-around deck, stunning 2-sided fireplace, fabulous kitchen, with heated slate floors, Sil stone counters, centre island. Erin locale. $785,000

NEW LOOK FOR LOG HOUSE! Splendid spaces, splendid style, splendid setting. Cedar timber construction, high quality throughout. Great entertaining flow, 10+ cook’s kitchen, 23’ deep stocked pond, oversized drive shed. Follow lane through woodlands to perfect peace. Must see!! $965,000

EVERYONE LOVES BELFOUNTAIN! Charming village cottage with separate living room, dining room. Private view over back garden/deck. Ideal location in heart of Caledon, just around the corner from skiing, shopping, dining and fun. Imagine this little country haven can be yours. $270,000

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1-866-901-0888 519-833-0888 www.BogertandBall.com info@BogertandBall.com sue@ChestnutPark.com Patrick Bogert**, Sandy Ball*, Sue Collis* ** Broker *Sales Representative

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Sales Representative

Susan Brown

Royal LePage Top 1% in Canada, 2009

519-925-1776 1-800-483-7740 Serving Mono, Mulmur, Caledon and Orangeville

View Full Details On All Our Listings At:

www.susanbrown.com

RCR REALTY Brokerage

RARE 50 ACRE COUNTRY RETREAT Currently operating as a registered B&B. 8 bdrms, 9 bthrms, 5 different sitting rms, spacious pine eat-in kitchen. Fin lower level with games rm, spa, hot tub, sauna. Studio and barn.

Borders on Noisy River. CLEARVIEW $998,000

SUPERB CRAFTSMANSHIP With old world charm on 3 delightful acres.

This spectacular home has been transformed throughout with quality upscale elements amid landscaped gardens, woods and privacy.

Separate coach house. CALEDON $995,500

FABULOUS HORSE FACILITY On 23 acres near Palgrave. Magnificent barn with 4 large stalls, studio, office, tack room. Olympic ring and 4 paddocks.

Upgraded farmhouse renovated with charm and good taste. ADJALA $899,000

PRESTIGIOUS HOME ON 18.5 ACRES Open concept with stunning great room, fireplace, large country kitchen, finished basement, 2 walkouts. Separate guest house.

Spectacular pool, sunset views, rolling hills, mature bush, walking trails. MONO $799,900

GORGEOUS RANCH STYLE HOME On 20 acres of vistas and rolling land and close to Mono Cliffs Park. Elegance and style throughout with high quality finishing. Upscale kitchen, stunning solarium with huge windows.

Barn outbuilding. MONO $669,900

VICTORIAN REPRODUCTION Beautifully crafted reproduction century farmhouse on 5 very private acres. Built 2006, this home has the charm of the past w/ all today’s amenities. Basement w/ 2 walkouts. Rolling land, mature trees, trails. MULMUR $649,900

A TASTE OF MUSKOKA on 5.8 acres, with privacy and a fabulous pond. Expansive chalet style home with more recent upgrades. High peaked ceiling, picture windows, reclaimed brick fireplace, walkout lower level. MULMUR $595,000

SUPERB LOG HOME ON 6 ACRES With reconstructed century log studio and separate workshop, wide lawns and huge trees.

This is a charming home with large windows, fireplace, pine plank floors and hand hewn log beams exposed. MONO $549,900

ELEGANT COUNTRY HOME ON 2.8 AC Spectacular great room, 17 ft to peak, walks out to spacious deck. Palladian windows, Barzotti kitchen with granite. Perennial gardens, lawns, wooded area, inground saltwater pool. MULMUR $549,900

ENCHANTING HILL TOP HOME With million dollar views overlooking the Pine River Valley. Many upgrades include kitchen with granite, floor-to-ceiling fireplace, upgraded washrooms, rec room. 24’ x 41’ heated workshop. MULMUR $539,900

CUSTOM BUILT HOME ON 49 ACRES Open concept design with cathedral ceilings 14 ft at the peak, wall to wall windows bringing in much natural light. Perfect in-law suite on lower level. Steel workshop/barn with 5 stalls, loft and overhead door. MELANCTHON $499,800

3 ACRES NR MANSFIELD SKI CLUB Open concept living in this 3 yr old custom bungalow with hardwood flooring thru the main level. Enjoy the hills of Mulmur from a 2 tiered deck and pool. Detached 26’ x 20’ workshop, ideal for the hobbyist. MONO $489,000

POWER OF SALE ON 46 ACRES Excellent value with large steel workshop (approx 2,300 sq ft) with 12 ft doors, office, hydro and heat. Family 3 bedroom home with wood burning fireplace and eat-in kitchen is tucked behind large trees. MULMUR $489,000

COUNTRY CLASSIC ON 9.7 ACRES Attractive 2 storey home with views to the south and west, covered wrap around porch, huge deck, gazebo, large open backyard, mature trees, perennial gardens and a heated greenhouse. MULMUR $450,000

CENTURY HOME WITH ROOM FOR ALL On 5.56 rolling acres with scenic views. This house features many upgrades. Spacious main floor addition with family room and gorgeous master suite. Barn, drive shed, paddocks and perennial gardens. MULMUR $439,000

CHARMING 10 ACRE PARCEL Bungalow with original pine floors restored, newer windows, finished walkout basement with large south facing windows. Rolling terrain, hardwood bush, gardens, patio, gazebo and south east views. MULMUR $409,000

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Top 5% in Canada

Roger Irwin, Broker Barbara Rolph, Sales Representative

It’s About Lifestyle...

905-857-0651 rirwin@trebnet.com www.rolphirwin.com

519-833-0569 • 519-941-5151

RCR Realty, Brokerage

RCR Realty, Brokerage

BROKER

Independently Owned & Operated

Independently Owned & Operated

CALEDON - HIDDEN ON A LAKE Stone Victorian-style home on 50 acs w/ lake views from principal rms. Exceptional attention to design & details of granite, hrdwds, slate.

Fresh lake w/ beach, docks, fish. Mature forest, ponds, stream & wildlife. $2,450,000

VIEW FOR MILES - 47 ACRES Breathtaking long views over beautiful pool/ patio to rolling countryside. Gourmet kitchen/ breakfast area open to great rm w/ cathedral ceiling. Stone fp’s, porches, 7 baths, fin w/o lower lvl, 3-car garage w/ fin loft. $2,195,000

GREEN BRIAR GOLF COMMUNITY Enjoy privacy & scenic views from 3 walkouts. Impeccably maintained 2+1 bedroom condo with soaring cathedral ceilings, large windows, skylights & finished walkout lower level on premium ravine lot. $284,500

SURROUNDED BY NATURE Luxury 5 year young 4 bedroom stone & brick 2-storey home located in quiet & intimate estate subdivision with no through roads. Spa-like ensuite bath & huge master suite with large walk-in closet. $650,000

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! Architecturally unique home (almost 6,000 sq ft) overlooks pool & terrace of lrg limestone rocks w/ dramatic waterfall, lighting & shrubbery. A true oasis w/ superior & wonderfully creative design details on 1.5 acs. $1,850,000

NEW ULTRA MODERN ON 10 ACS On Heart Lake Rd. 4 bdrms, 5 baths, 3-car garage, heated flrs, central air, very efficient ground source water furnaces, high speed, stainless appl, LED lights, ICF const, bright spaces, 4,400 sq ft. Low maint. $990,000

THEY NEED YOUR EXPERTISE This seniors home is well-known for providing superior care & excellent meals.

Are you up for the task of preserving this reputable reputation? Excellent turn-key opportunity; call for details. $489,000

COUNTRY WITHOUT SECLUSION 3 bedroom freshly painted bungalow on almost half acre with large country kitchen.

Newer high efficiency furnace & large deck to enjoy nature. Great location with hiking/ sledding trails close by. $315,000

BRINGING FAMILIES TO ERIN AND SURROUNDING AREA www.al-liz.com

MARY KLEIN Sales Representative

905-458-7979 Direct: 519-927-5829

www.maryklein.com OVERALL TOP SALESPERSON - 2001, 2003 through 2010* Sutton Group - Central Realty, Inc., Brampton

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jacquelineguagliardi.com

for Royal LePage 2009/10

SUTTON GROUP - CENTRAL REALTY, INC. BROKERAGE Independently Owned and Operated *Based on yearly gross sales

P.O. Box 1076, Main Street, Erin, ON NOB 1T0 519-833-9911 Toll Free 1-800-834-5516 Fax 519-833-0311

ALLAN ALLS

Sales Representative alls@easyfocus.com

LIZ CRIGHTON

Sales Representative liz@lizcrighton.com

MONO RENO + NEW WORKSHOP On 7.66 private acres with forested laneway.

3+2 bedroom spacious bungalow, finished basement with 2nd kitchen. 1,450 sq ft decking with gazebo, hot tub. 1,600 sq ft detached workshop. $749,900

CALEDON CUSTOM + IN-LAW 2.65 acres, custom 4,000 + sq ft 4 bedroom with upstairs 2-bdrm in-law apt. 3-car garage with workshop. Maple and oak floors, maple kitchen with granite. Walkout basement with rec and games rooms. $848,900

10 ACRES, ERIN Stone house perched on the banks of the Credit River, on a 10-ac property in the village of Erin. Totally private country retreat located within an hour’s drive of TO, and a 5 min walk to the bakery, butcher & Vintages. $920,000

2.3 ACRE, ERIN This beautiful country property boasts pretty views, mature trees. Great family home both inside & out. Open & bright principal rms & the bdrms are a generous size with all the charm of the Cape Cod features. $525,000

CALEDON EAST - 2 ACRES + POND Stocked pond, mature landscaping, countryside views. Spacious 4 bedroom, 3 fireplaces, basement rec, games, workout rooms. Upgraded roof shingles, windows and furnace. Estate subdivision. $762,000

MONO - 5 ACRES + IN-LAW Privacy on dead end road. Beautifully renovated 4 bedroom backing to Hockley Reserve. Quality main floor 1-bedroom in-law addition. 2 hi-eff furnaces. Many upgrades. Shows amazing. $838,900

2 ACRES, ERIN Like a Ralph Lauren cashmere sweater, this understated luxurious home wraps around you.

Architecturally stunning, open-concept design.

Huge patio & landscaped pool. Perfect for family fun & entertaining. $859,000

5 ACRES, ERIN Gorgeous country estate with huge pond & det heated workshop. $ spent on upgrades!

4 bdrms, 2.5 baths, solarium open to kitchen, family room, sunroom. Main floor laundry & finished rec room in basement. $799,000

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I L L U S T R AT I O N S J I M S T E WA R T

BookLore & The Public Libraries of Dufferin County Encourage You to Read

Three Day Road

By Joseph Boyden

What’s on in the Hills A

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gardening APR – MAY : HILLSBURGH GARDEN CLUB Apr 13: Melanie Marjoram – Get

Ready For the Flower Show, 7:30-9pm.

May 21: Annual Plant Sale, 8:30am-1pm.

St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 83 Main St. Hillsburgh. 519-855-4390; cgbienia@ yahoo.ca APR – MAY : ORANGEVILLE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Apr 12: Top

ten signs you may be a plant addict, 7-9pm. May 21: Spring Plant Sale, 8am-sell out. Orangeville Seniors Centre, 26 Bythia St, Orangeville. 519-941-8242; orangevillehort.org APR 2 & 16 : RECYCLE THE RAIN

Garden and water workshops. Apr 2: Rain gardens, rain barrels and other water harvest tools. Apr 16: Water-loving landscape design. 9am-1pm, includes brunch. Caledon Community Complex, 615 Old Church Rd, Caledon East. Metro Toronto and Region Conservation, 416-661-6600 x5786; trca.on.ca APR 24, MAY 8, JUN 19 : LILACTREE FARM OPEN GARDEN Tour a spacious

country garden, unusual plants, meadow maze, escarpment views. Free. 10am-4pm.

547231 8 Siderd Mulmur. Brian Bixley, 519-925-5577, lilactreefarm@gmail.com APR 30 : PLANT & BAKE SALE Fundraiser for King’s College School. 8:30-11am.

16379 Gore Rd, Caledon. 905-880-7645; info@kingscollegeschool.ca APR 30 : EVERDALE’S SEEDY SATURDAY

Organic and heritage seeds and transplants to start your vegetable garden.

Swap seeds and stories. Little Farmers Fun Zone for kids. 11am-4pm. $3; kids free. Everdale Farm, 5812 6th Line, Hillsburgh. 519-855-4859; everdale.org

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MAY 7 : ERIN GARDEN CLUB SPRING FLOWER SHOW Erin Fire Hall.

519-855-4390; eringardenclub.ca MAY 14 : SENSATIONAL PLANT COMBINATIONS Design techniques for

season-long perennial blooms. 10-11am.

Free, register. Plant Paradise Country Gardens, 16258 Humber Station Rd, Caledon. 905-880-9090; plantparadise.ca JUN 11 : JUNE BLOOMS GARDEN PARTY

Speaker, tour of perennial beds, lunch.

Proceeds to DAREarts. 11am-4pm. $25, register. Plant Paradise Country Gardens, 16258 Humber Station Rd, Caledon.

905-880-9090; plantparadise.ca

community MAR 24 : CALEDON BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS Presented by

Caledon Chamber of Commerce, hosted

by Caledon Woods Golf Club, sponsored

by TD Bank. 6pm. $100. 905-857-7393; caledonchamber.com MAR 24 : SPREADING THE LIGHT ON HEALTH Workshop on the top health

stories and myths of the last decade, with Dr. Ali Miller. 7-8pm. Free, register. Albion Bolton branch, Caledon Public Library.

905-857-1400; caledon.library.on.ca MAR 24 – APR 21 (THURSDAYS) : GRIEF SUPPORT PROGRAM Egan Funeral

Home offers program to help those dealing with pain of grief and loss, with Dr. Bill Webster. 7:30-9pm. Free, drop in.

Avalon Retirement Lodge, 355 Broadway, Orangeville. 519-941-2630; EganFuneralHome.com MAR 25 : DISCOVER CALEDON HERITAGE Pictorial presentation of the

history of Caledon Village, including fair, church, ploughing match, etc. 7:30pm. $5. Old Caledon Town Hall, Caledon Village. 519-927-5370.

121 First Street, Orangeville 519-942-3830 One Book One County Meet Joseph Boyden Grand Finale in May

MAR 26 : SCRABBLE FOR AFRICA

Fundraiser for Stephen Lewis Foundation.

Play and watch. African market. In support of African grandmothers and AIDS orphans. 2-4:30pm. $12, at BookLore or door. Orangeville Seniors Centre, 26 Bythia St. Orangeville. Go Go Grannies, 519-941-9966; aanimad.com/ gogo/events.htm APR 1 & 2 : ORANGEVILLE LIONS SPRING HOME & GARDEN SHOW

Local businesses promote their products and services. Doors open Fri 5pm, Sat 9am, Sun 10am. Orangeville Fairgrounds, 5 Siderd Mono, off Hockley Rd. 519-941-2401 APR 1 – 3 : ASK THE DESIGN EXPERT

Bring fabric swatches, room photos and dimensions for 20-minute design consultation. $30. Proceeds to Orangeville SPCA. Apr 1, 6-9pm; Apr 2, 10am-5pm; Apr 3, 10am-4pm. Home & Garden Show, Orangeville Fairgrounds, 5 Siderd Mono. Decorating Den Interiors, 519-942-0602; decdens.com/anquetil APR 2 : KINFUNDATE! Fun, safe and

private way to meet up to 20 single women and 20 single men over the age of 40. 7-10pm. $20; wine & beer $3.

Proceeds to Kinsmen Club of Bolton.

Register for location and details, 905-857-7775; kinfundate@gmail.com APR 2 : KING’S COLLEGE SCHOOL GARAGE SALE Indoor sale. 16379

The Gore Rd, Caledon. 905-880-7645; kingscollegeschool.ca continued on next page

The Humber School for Writers Summer Workshop July 9 – July 15, 2011 Consider it jet fuel for the literary mind. faculty Richard Bausch David Bezmozgis Wayson Choy Bruce Jay Friedman Julia Glass Isabel Huggan Alistair MacLeod John Metcalf Kim Moritsugu Nino Ricci Olive Senior Guy Vanderhaeghe Erika de Vasconcelos Frieda Wishinsky Please contact Antanas Sileika 416-675-6622 ext. 3448 antanas.sileika@humber.ca creativeandperformingarts.humber.ca/writers Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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continued from page 77 APR 8 – 10 : ALPACA ONTARIO SPRING SHOW Alpaca breeders compete in

various classes. Spinning and weaving.

Vendors, seminars, fashion show. Opens 9:30am. Free. Orangeville Fairgrounds, 5 Siderd Mono, off Hockley Rd. 613-259-0228; alpacaontario.ca APR 9 : FISH FRY DINNER Fresh Georgian

Bay lake trout and white fish, with salads, hash browns, pies. 4:30-7pm. $15; 6-12 years $6; under 5 free. Eat in or take out.

Bolton United Church, 8 Nancy St. 905-857-2615; boltonunitedchurch.com APR 9 : SPRING MASQUERADE GALA

Dinner and dance organized by Caledon East Revitalization Committee. Proceeds to community beautification and Bethell House. 5:30pm. $100, from village businesses. 416-705-8970; cerc@rogers.com APR 9 : TASTES OF AFRICA African food,

entertainment and market. Presented by King’s College School, proceeds to sister school in Cameroon. 6pm. Caledon Woods Golf Club. 905-880-7645; info@ kingscollegeschool.ca APR 15 & 16 : JENNIFER WIDBUR MEMORIAL HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

For women over 30. Proceeds to Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and cancer care at Headwaters Hospital.

Opening ceremony, Fri 7pm. Donation appreciated. North Dufferin Community Centre, Honeywood. 519-925-2491; jw.tournament@bell.net

Back by popular demand…

APR 15 – 17 : CALEDON HOME SHOW

Ken Weber

Best selling author of the Five Minute Mystery series & Historic Hills columnist for In The Hills

April 17 The War of 1812: Why Wh y Ca Cana nada da is N Not ot a U.S. U. S. S Sta tate te

May 15 Soaking Wet and Dusty Dry: Booz Bo oze e an and d Te Temp mper eran ance ce iin n One On e On Onta tari rio o Mu Muni nici cipa pali lity ty Guest Presenter: Steve Brown, DCMA Archivist

June 26 Other Mothers of Invention: Nece Ne cess ssit ity y Wasn Wa sn’t ’t tthe he Only On ly P Par aren entt

All talks begin at 2 pm Tickets $10 | $5 for DCMA Members Highway 89 & Airport Road | 877.941.7787 | DufferinMuseum.com

1200 – 1400 A.D. DIS SPLAYE PL D AT THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL L HI HISTORY S IN NEW YORK RK

APR 16, MAY 21, JUN 18 : PANCAKE BREAKFAST Cooked up by the Caledon

ALPACA P ONTARIO

APRIL 9 & 10 10th ANNIVERSARY ORANGEVILLE FAIRGROUNDS 247090 5 SIDEROAD, MONO, ON L0N 1A0 (519) 942-9597 CORPORATE SPONSOR

ORANGEVILLE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

APR 16 : JEWELRY SALE New, used and antique. Donations to sale welcome.

8:30am-noon. Westminster United Church, 247 Broadway, Orangeville.

519-941-0381; LSmith@ westminsterorangeville.ca APR 16 : THE WAR OF 1812 Historic Hills columnist Ken Weber on why Canada is not a U.S. State. First in a speaker series.

2pm. $10. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Airport Rd & Hwy 89.

1-877-941-7787; DufferinMuseum.com

Dufferin County Museum & Archives

INCA SILVE VER RA ALPACA ARTIFACT CT

Products and services of over 100 local businesses. Apr 15, 4-9pm; Apr 16, 9am-6pm; Apr 17, 9am-3pm. Free. Don Sheardown Memorial Arena, Bolton.

Caledon Chamber of Commerce, 905-857-7393; caledonchamber.com

Navy League, with sausages and beverage. Proceeds to Bolton Sea Cadets.

9-11am. $5; kids & seniors $3. Bolton United Church, Nancy & King St. 647-233-7182.

APR 17 : ORANGEVILLE MS WALK

Walk to end multiple sclerosis, 5km and 10km routes loop from Orangeville District Secondary School, 22 Faulkner St. Food & entertainment. Check in 8am for 9:30 start. MS Society of Canada, 1-888-822-8467; mswalks.ca

ALPACAONTARIO.CA

APR 29 : ORANGEVILLE OPTIMISTS FANTASY AUCTION Silent and live 78

IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

auction, dancing, finger food and much more. Proceeds to youth programs. 7pm. $50. Horizons Event Centre, Hwy 10, just N of Orangeville. 519-938-0267; orangevilleoptimists.ca APR 29 & 30 : BELGIAN HORSE PULL

Presented by Ontario Belgian Association.

Fri: Horse pull 7pm. $10. Sat: tack sale 9:30am; horse sale 12:30pm. Orangeville Fairgrounds, 5 Siderd Mono, off Hockley Rd. 519-443-7074; canadianbelgianhorse.ca APR 30 : EAT LOCAL DINNER Threecourse meal as part of Eat Local Caledon series. $35; vegetarian $30. Reserve time between 5 & 9pm, 519-927-1919. Village Bistro, Caledon Village. 905-584-6221; eatlocalcaledon.org APR 30 : SPRING FLING Step dancing

and East Coast music, including Shelburne and Orangeville talent.

2pm. $10; children under 10 free. Grace Tipling Hall, Shelburne. 519-925-2626; Lorraine@much-mail.com APR 30 : ELECTRONIC WASTE COLLECTION Drop off old electronics, including

audio and video players, cameras, cell phones, computers, etc. Sponsored by Caledon Hills Bruce Trail Club. 10am3pm. Caledon Fairgrounds, Hwy 10, Caledon Village. caledonbrucetrail.org APR 30 : ERIN HOME & LIFESTYLE SHOW Local business showcase wares

and services. 10am-4pm. $2. Centre 2000 Arena, 14 Boland Dr, Erin Village. Erin Economic Development Committee, 519-855-6683; erin.ca APR 30 : GREAT BIG GARAGE SALE

Antiques, collectibles, auction, paintings, hardware, appliances, clothing and so much more. Proceeds to Coalition of Concerned Citizens. 9am-4pm. $2. Someday Farm, 5192 Winston Churchill Blvd, Erin.

905-838-4333; coalitioncaledon.com APR 30 : KING’S COLLEGE SCHOOL BAKE SALE Pies, cakes, cookies sold

by elementary classes. Proceeds to sister school in Cameroon. 16379 The Gore Rd, Caledon. 905-880-7645; kingscollegeschool.ca MAY 1 : HIKE FOR HOSPICE CALEDON

Cross-Canada event in support of local hospice services. Local hike hosted by Hospice Caledon. Register online.

10am-4pm. Inglewood Community Centre, 15825 McLaughlin Road, Caledon.

905-951-3534; hospicecaledon.ca MAY 1 : HIKE FOR HOSPICE DUFFERIN

Local Cross-Canada event in support of local hospice services. Local hike hosted

by Hospice Dufferin. Registration 12:15pm. Ceremony and hike 1pm. Island Lake Conservation Area, Orangeville.

519-942-3313; hospicedufferin.com

MAY 6 : HAM DINNER Ham, scalloped

MAY 28 : PERFECT PAIRING Seven-

potatoes, pies. 5-7pm. Eat in or take out. $15 at door; $13 advance. Westminster United Church, 47 Broadway, Orangeville.

519-941-0381; westminsterorangeville.ca

course meal and wine, show & sale by local artists. Proceeds to Transportation Program at Caledon Community Services.

6pm. $125. Glen Eagle Golf and Country Club, Hwy 50, N of Bolton. 905-584-2300 x260; ccs4u.org

MAY 7 : VIVA LAS VEGAS! Annual dinner, dance, silent and live auction in support of Headwaters Health Care Centre. $175, reserve. Orangeville Agricultural Centre, 5 Siderd Mono. 519-941-2702 x2303; headwatershealth.ca MAY 7 – OCT 22 (SATURDAYS) : MARKET ON BROADWAY Local produce,

meats, baking, preserves and crafts, all locally grown or made. Plus kids’ craft and exercise in Alexandra Park. 8am-1pm.

Second St and Broadway. Orangeville BIA, 519-942-0087; marketonbroadway.ca

MAY 28 : KIDS & HORSES ANNUAL SALE Vintage and quality clothing,

accessories, collectibles, furniture, home and garden decor. Proceeds to Kids & Horses Foundation riding programs.

9am-2pm. Coffey Creek Farm, 17886 The Gore Rd, Caledon East. kidsandhorses.ca MAY 28 : ERIN SUMMER CELEBRATION

Merchants, local artisans, performers, farmers’ market, music and more.

8am-5pm. Village of Erin. 519-833-0872; villageoferin.com

MAY 14 : DCMA SPRING BUS TOUR

Discover Dufferin on this entertaining ride with museum curator Wayne Townsend.

10am-3pm. $25, includes lunch. Register.

Dufferin County Museum & Archives, 1-877-941-7787; DufferinMuseum.com

JUN 3 : SUMMER SOLSTICE SIDEWALK SALE Downtown Orangeville sale

MAY 14 : GIANT SCHOOLYARD TRUNK SALE 9am-2pm. Rain date: May 15.

JUN 6 – OCT 6 (THURSDAYS) : CALEDON FARMERS’ MARKET Outdoor first-

Caledon East Public School, 115738 Airport Rd. Caledon East Community School Association, 905-584-2701.

MAY 15 : SOAKING WET AND DUSTY DRY Museum archivist Steve Brown

presentation on booze and temperance in one local municipality. Second in speaker series. 10am-4pm. $10. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Airport Rd & Hwy 89. 1-877-941-7787, DufferinMuseum.com MAY 17 : ORANGEVILLE LIONS AUTOFEST Antique, British, rods, new

cars. 10am-6pm. $5. Orangeville Fair Grounds, 5 Siderd Mono; off Hockley Rd. orangevillelions.org MAY 28 : GRAND VALLEY LIONS COMMUNITY BREAKFAST Free,

donations appreciated. 8-11am. Grand Valley Community Centre, 90 Main St N. 519-928-2933; grandvalleylions.com MAY 28 : GRAND VALLEY LIONS DUCK RACE First in chute wins $1000, total

prizes $4,000. Ducks $5. Proceeds to community projects. 2pm. Hereward Park, Grand Valley. 519-928-5470; grandvalleylions.com

coincides with live street music of Blues & Jazz Festival. 519-942-0087; downtownorangeville.ca

producers’ market features local produce, meat, baked goods, honey, flowers and crafts. 3-7pm. Albion-Bolton Community Centre, 150 Queen St S, Bolton.

905-584-2272; caledon.ca/farmersmarket JUN 10: WINES OF THE WORLD

Taste 60-plus wines, along with beef buns, sandwiches, cheese and fruit.

Live music. Presented by Palgrave Rotary in support of community projects.

6-8:30pm. $40, reserve. Palgrave Equestrian Centre, Birch Ave. 905-880-1590; rotaryclubofpalgrave.com JUN 10 – 12 : 151ST CALEDON FAIR

Dairy and beef contests, horse show, home baking and crafts. Over 1000 competitions, plus midway, truck pull and Agricultural Awareness Pavilion.

Fri evg, $10; Sat & Sun, $8 or $15/car.

Caledon Fairgrounds, Hwy 10, Caledon Village. Caledon Agricultural Society. caledonfairgrounds.ca JUN 11 : GRAND VALLEY LIONS 60TH ANNIVERSARY Dinner and guest speaker.

6pm. Grand Valley Community Centre, 90 Main St N, Grand Valley. Tickets and info: Jim Shaw, 519-928-5262; grandvalleylions.com JUN 11 : SCOTTISH AFTERNOON

Pipers, step-dancers, singers, history, Scottish food. 1-4pm. $10; 12 and under $5. St. Andrew’s Stone Church, 17621 St. Andrew’s Rd, Caledon. 905-584-5001; standchurch.org JUN 15 : CALEDON WEST ROTARY GOLF TOURNAMENT Proceeds to

support Bethell House hospice, Caledon.

1pm. $185, golf & dinner ($150 by May 1).

Caledon Golf Course, Inglewood.

905-843-0072 JUN 15 : INGLEWOOD FARMERS’ MARKET Opening day features local

food, live music, kids’ activities.

3:30-7pm. Inglewood General Store, 15596 McLaughlin Rd. 905-584-6221; eatlocalcaledon.org continued on next page IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

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MAR 22 & 29, APR 5, 12 : EQUINE ERIN HORSE COURSE – LEVEL 2

Information on operating an equine business, hosted by Ed Stewart. 7-9pm. $120 series; $35 session. 519-855-4562; equineerin@gmail.com MAR – JUN (TUESDAYS): CALEDON HILLS BRUCE TRAIL HIKES Group hikes

on different sections of the Bruce Trail from Dundas to Singhampton. 9am-2pm. caledonbrucetrail.org MAR 26 & 27 : MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL

Sugaring off and pancake breakfast by the Orangeville Optimist Club. Sat 9am-3pm; Sun 10am-3pm. $10; children 6-12, $5; 5 & under free. Island Lake Conservation Area, Hwy 9 & 10 Orangeville. orangevilleoptimists.ca or orangeville.org

ORANGEVILLE

BOLTON / CALEDON

APR 7 & 16 : MILL CREEK IMPROVEMENT Launch of joint project

1-877-318-BEST (2378)

www.heavensbest.ca

by Trout Unlimited, Isaac Walton Fly Fishing Club, CVC and the town to improve Orangeville’s creek. Apr 7: Public meeting, 7-9pm, Seniors Centre, 26 Bythia St. Apr 16: Walk & talk tour, 1-2pm, meet Banner parking lot, 37 Mill St. karenmorrison@me.com MAY 7 : EARTH DAY TREE PLANTING!

Celebrate Earth Day and our region’s Healthy Waters Program! 9am-noon.

Visions in the Woods with NVCA. 519-943-1490; visionsinthewoods.com JUN 5 : EQUI-FEST On-horse clinics.

Demonstrations, products, services.

Non-competitive events. Organized by The Women Horse Owners Association (WHOA). 8:30am-5pm. $100; spectators $5. Orangeville Fairgrounds, 5 Siderd Mono, off Hockley Rd. 705-434-0081; WomenHorseOwnersAssoc.com

arts+craft NOW – MAR 26 : VILLAGE OF ERIN QUILT FESTIVAL Quilts from yesteryear

to today displayed in the Village of Erin’s shop windows. 519-833-0872 NOW – MAR 28 : THINGS WE HAVE LOST Works by member artist commem-

orating a lost person, place or thing. Mad & Noisy Gallery, 154 Mill St, Creemore.

705-466-5555; madandnoisy.com NOW – APR 19 : ELENA HENDERSON SOLO SHOW Abstract and landscape

paintings. Reception: Mar 26, 1-4pm.

Headwaters Arts Dam Gallery, Alton Mill Arts Centre, 1402 Queen St, Alton.

519-943-1149; headwatersarts.ca 80

IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

S P R I N G

H A P P E N I N G S

NOW – MAY 1 : EGYPT: GIFT OF THE NILE Explore an ancient civilization

during this travelling exhibition from the Royal Ontario Museum. Wellington County Museum & Archives, 0536 Wellington Rd 18 (between Elora and Fergus). 519-846-0916; wcm.on.ca NOW – MAY 1 : CELEBRATIONS Kame &

Kettle art group’s 20th anniversary show, features new work and retrospective by ten diverse painters. Museum hours and admission. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Airport Rd & Hwy 89.

1-877-941-7787; kameandkettleartists.com NOW – MAY 15 : MADE OF WOOD SHOW Show and sale of handmade wood

items on display in the shops along Erin Village Main Street. May 13-15: All Things Wood Weekend, displays and demonstrations, Erin Fair Grounds.

519-833-0872, madeofwoodshow.com

Wellington District High School, 905 Scotland St, Fergus. 519-843-2500; www.ugdsb.on.ca/cwdhs MAR 27 : ART CONNECTS – CORY TREPANIER Caledon landscape

painter lectures on Arctic Journeys.

Meet artist, noon-4pm. Lecture, 1:30pm.

McMichael Canadian Art Collection, 10365 Islington Ave, Kleinburg.

905-893-1121; mcmichael.com APR 2, 9 & 16 : CORN FLOWER FESTIVAL Meet fellow enthusiasts and

collectors. Share sessions and consignment sale. 10am-4pm. $10.

Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Airport Rd & Hwy 89. 1-877-941-7786; DufferinMuseum.com APR 2 – 25 : BEAUTY – POLISHED AND ROUGH Paintings by John David Anderson,

sculpture by Katherine Beatty. Apr 2: Reception 2-5pm. Mad & Noisy Gallery, 154 Mill St, Creemore. 705-466-5555; madandnoisy.com APR 5 – 30 : OPEN JURIED ART SHOW

Sponsored by Beaux-Arts Brampton.

Tues-Fri noon-6pm; Sat 10am-3pm.

70 Main St N, Brampton. 905-454-5677.

APR 1 : CALEDON HILLS BRUCE TRAIL CLUB HIKE 20km, 5.5 hrs. Hilly, loop

hike, no dropouts. 9:30am. Start 1.4km E of Airport Rd on Coolihan Sdrd, Caledon. caledonbrucetrail.org

519-927-7799

O F

APR 7 & 14 : AFTERNOON TEA WITH TOM THOMSON Two lectures about

the iconic Canadian artist. 1-3pm.

McMichael Canadian Art Collection, 10365 Islington Ave, Kleinburg.

905-893-1121; mcmichael.com

NOW – MAY 23 : GEORGE McLEAN – THE LIVING LANDSCAPE Major works

depicting animals and birds in their natural habitat. McMichael Canadian Art Collection, 10365 Islington Ave, Kleinburg. 905-893-1121; mcmichael.com NOW – DEC 15 : CORN FLOWER EXHIBIT The best of the museum’s corn

flower collection, including early designs from Dufferin-based WJ Hughes Corn Flower glass manufacturer. Museum hours and admission. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Airport Rd & Hwy 89. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com NOW – DEC 15 : TEXTILES: MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY Wide range of

APR 9 : INS AND OUTS OF PAINTING BUILDINGS William Band instructs on

painting buildings as subjects.

Watercolour demonstration. 10am-4pm. $60, register. Victoria Park Community Centre, Mono Mills. 519-307-0210; orangevilleartgroup.ca APR 30 : WELLIES TO WISHES Auction

of art and treasures, proceeds to youth recreation programs. 7pm. $20. Dufferin Child and Family Services, 519-941-1530 x246; dcafs.on.ca APR 30 & MAY 1, 7 & 8 : SPRING AWAKENINGS Three new gallery show,

workshops, interactive art. Plus “Art Fit for a King”: 25 artists create gifts for the Royal Wedding. 10am-5pm. Alton Mill Arts Centre, 1402 Queen St, Alton.

519-943-1149; headwatersarts.ca

textiles from the museum’s extensive collection, includes handmade pioneer fabrics, Victorian to contemporary fashion, quilts, hooked rugs. Museum hours and admission. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Airport Rd & Hwy 89. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com

and curator Peter Dillman. Mad & Noisy Gallery, 154 Mill St, Creemore.

705-466-5555; madandnoisy.com

APR 30 – MAY 23 : CHILDREN OF SOLITUDE Acrylic paintings by artist

MAR 25 – JUN 5 : COASTAL DIGNITY

MAY 4 – 29 : GLASSLANDS Photographs

Paintings from Gros Morne National Park by six artists. Wellington County Museum & Archives, 0536 Wellington Rd 18 (between Elora and Fergus).

519-846-0916; wcm.on.ca

and conceptual drawings of crystal sculptures in the landscape by Mark Raynes Roberts. Alton Mill Arts Centre, 1402 Queen St, Alton. 519-941-9300; markraynesroberts.com; altonmill.ca

MAR 26 : NATIVE HERITAGE DAY

MAY 7 : STUDENT ART SHOW Annual

Celebration of First Nations, Inuit and Métis art and culture. Native art including beadwork, baskets, bows and clothing. Demonstrations and storytelling. 11am-6:30pm. Donation, proceeds to Aboriginal Diabetes. Centre

show and sale of original art by students from eight local high schools. 2pm: awards, refreshments, music. Free admission all day. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Airport Rd & Hwy 89. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com

music MAR 17, APR 21, MAY 19 : LISA WATSON AT CAFÉ BELLA Singer/songwriter

performs love songs by Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen and others. Café Bella, 85 Broadway, Orangeville. 519-941-0300; cafebella@bellnet.ca MAY 7 & 8, JUN 1 – 30 : BRUSHFIRE ARTISTS Inaugural show by new group of

ten area artists. May: Rosemont Hall, 11am-5pm. Jun: Aardvark Music, 169 Broadway, Orangeville. 519-925-0421; kai-liis@sympatico.ca MAY 14: SUMI-E WORKSHOP Painting

workshop with Roslyn Levin. 10am-4pm. $50, register. Victoria Parks Community Centre, Mono Mills. 519-307-0210; orangevilleartgroup.ca MAY 14 & 15 : WELCOME SPRING Art

show and sale of painting, cards, fibre products by Kai-Liis McInnes. Studio, Heed Farm Alpacas, 836100 4th Line Mulmur. 519-925-0421; kai-liis.com MAY 27 – AUG 21 : STITCHES ACROSS TIME Juried show features work by 21

textile artists. Concurrent workshops, lectures, including kids’ program. Full schedule on website. May 27: Reception 7pm, $10. Museum hours & admission.

Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Airport Rd & Hwy 89. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com MAY 27 – AUG 21 : NORTHCOTT CHALLENGE QUILT EXHIBITION Quilts

APR 10 : KELLYLEE EVANS’ TRIBUTE TO NINA SIMONE Ontario, award-winning

vocalist combines jazz with soul pop.

2pm. $20. Broadway Music, 232 Broadway, Orangeville. 519-940-4810; broadway@bellnet.ca APR 16 : A HOT NIGHT IN HILLSBURGH

Big Band music, traditional and modern favourites from The Chinguacousy Swing Orchestra. 8pm. $18. Century Church Theatre, Hillsburgh. 519-855-4586; centurychurchtheatre.com

Concert Series features sacred, classical and popular love songs. $20; children 13 & under $12. Apr 30: 8pm, St. Timothy Roman Catholic Church, 42 Dawson Rd, Orangeville. May 1: 2:30pm, Christ Anglican Church, 22 Nancy St, Bolton.

519-939-0020; achill.ca

by Wayne Gilpin. 3-9pm. Register by Apr 4. Westminster United Church, 247 Broadway, Orangeville. 519-941-0381; westminsterorangeville.ca

MAY 28 & 29 : WALLHANGINGS SHOW & SALE Salish wall hangings by Peachie

MAY 7 : SULTANS OF STRING IN CONCERT Fundraiser for the scholarship

art show on heritage themes sponsored

by Heritage Caledon. June 2: Reception, 6-8pm. Concurrent show by Mayfield Secondary students and Alton Public School. Alton Mill Arts Centre, 1401 Queen St, Alton. 519-941-9300; altonmill.ca JUN 4 & 5 : PAINT TO MUSIC Draw/

paint to live musical models during Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival.

Noon-4pm. Free. Dragonfly Arts on Broadway, 189 Broadway, Orangeville.

519-941-5249; dragonflyarts.ca JUN 4 – 27 : HOT! HOT! HOT! Explosion

of colour in paintings by Kai-Liis McInnes and glass artist Eleanor Brownridge.

Reception: Jun 4, 2-5pm. Mad & Noisy Gallery, 154 Mill St, Creemore.

705-466-5555; madandnoisy.com Collectors and enthusiasts celebrate the Dufferin origins of the famous corn flower glassware pattern. 10am-4pm. $10.

Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Airport Rd & Hwy 89. 1-877-941-7787, DufferinMuseum.com

THE LORNE ELLIOTT COMEDY SHOW

CONFUSIONS

April 30, 8pm

By the master of comedy Alan Ayckbourn Directed by Jo Phenix

Canada’s funniest funnyman, star of CBC’s Madly Off in All Directions with his own special brand of storytelling and music

A PARTY TO MURDER May 27 to June 5

July 13 to 24

COMING APART August 17 to 28 A romantic comedy by Fred Carmichael Directed by David Glover

A mystery-thriller by Marcia Kash and Douglas E. Hughes

SHIRLEY VALENTINE

GENERAL STORE

Every woman should take her man to see this classic comedy by Willy Russell Directed by Neville Worsnop

June 11, 8pm One of the finest bluegrass bands in Canada

September 14 to 18

ENTRY DEADLINE APRIL 22

Sept 22 – Oct 10, 2011

program of Orangeville chapter, Canadian Federation of University Women features original world music. 8pm. $25 door or advance, from Broadway Music and Acoustic Traditions. Tweedsmuir Church, 5 John St, Orangeville. 519-941-5561; cfuworangeville.ca MAY 13 : WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR Annual church musical, with

talented musicians from church and community. 7pm. $15; seniors/students $10; children 12 & under free. Bolton United Church, 8 Nancy St. 905-57-2615; boltonunitedchurch.com MAY 27, 28 : TOYS ON BROADWAY A celebration of the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. May 27, 7:30pm; May 28, 2 & 7:30pm. $15; students $12; children 3-5, $5. Theatre Orangeville, 87 Broadway, Orangeville. 519-942-3423; theatreorangeville.ca MAY 29 : MAGNIFICENT MOZART

JUNE 5 : CORN FLOWER FESTIVAL

Box Office 519-855-4586

MAY 2 – 4 : ORANGEVILLE & DISTRICT ANNUAL MUSIC FESTIVAL Adjudicated

MAY 5 – 8 : SHOUT! Mod musical flips back to the music, fashion and freedom of the ’60s, tracking five gals as they come of age. May 5-7, 8pm; May 7 & 8, 2pm. $18. Grace Tipling Hall, 203 Main St E, Shelburne. 519-925-2600; apgreatscot@gmail.com

MAY 28 – JUL 10 : TIME FRAME Juried

www.centurychurchtheatre.com Trafalgar Rd, Hillsburgh

APR 30, MAY 1 : IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE Achill Choirs’ Spring

created with cloth donated by Northcott Silk, on loan from Dufferin Piecemakers Guild. Museum hours and admission.

Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Airport Rd & Hwy 89. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com

Hill. 10am-5pm. 875122 5th Line Mono.

519-941-4234, peachiehill.com

Century Church Theatre

Brampton Festival Singers and Headwaters Concert Choir present The Trinity Mass by Mozart with full orchestra. 7:30pm. $25. Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Ln, Brampton. 905-874-2800; rosetheatre.ca continued on next page

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IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

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H A P P E N I N G S community. To receive log-in info, mail juvref@caledon.library.on.ca, with subject line HYPE. Ages 12+. 7-8pm.

continued from page 81 MAY 30 : GALA CONCERT Best

performances of the Orangeville & District Music Festival, scholarship and Most Promising Musician awards. 7pm. $5; children under 12, $3. Westminster United Church, 247 Broadway, Orangeville. 519-941-0381; westminsterorangeville.ca

APR 14 & MAY 19: SUPER GIRLS BOOK CLUB Talk to friends about the books

you’re reading. Apr: The 39 Clues: Vespers Rising. May: The Throne of Fire. Girls 9-11.

4:15-5:15pm. Albion Bolton branch.

MAY 1: YOUTH WRITING AWARDS

Announcement of winners of Children’s Short Story Contest and the Young Adult Poetry Writing Contest. Light refreshments. 2-4pm drop in. Albion Bolton branch.

JUNE 2 : ORANGEVILLE BLUES & JAZZ FESTIVAL, GALA OPENING PARTY Live

music, cash food & bar. 7pm. $30 advance; $35 at door. Best Western, 7 Buena Vista Dr, Orangeville. 519-941-9041; objf.org JUNE 2 – 5 : ORANGEVILLE BLUES & JAZZ FESTIVAL A full family weekend

of music, headline show Saturday night, vintage cars and motorcycles, food & craft vendors. Various start times; most events free. See website for schedule. Downtown Orangeville.

519-941-9041; objf.org

theatre+film MAR 25 – APR 3 : THE FARNDALE AVENUE HOUSING ESTATE TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD DRAMATIC SOCIETY MURDER MYSTERY The ladies’

inept attempt to put on a play has hilarious results. Directed by Dale Jones.

Fri & Sat 8pm; Sun 2:30pm. $18. Century Church Theatre, Hillsburgh. 519-855-4586; centurychurchtheatre.com MAR 28: MONDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES: ANOTHER YEAR A year in

the life of a contented, 60-something, middle-class couple. 4:30pm, 7pm, 9:20pm. $8 at BookLore or cinema.

Galaxy Cinemas, Orangeville.

519-942-1949; mondaynightmovies.ca MAR 31 – APR 17 : HARVEST A retired

couple sell the farm and move to the city, where a utility bill suggests their young landlord has a grow-op. Wed & Sun 2pm, Thurs-Sat 8pm, Sat 3pm. Theatre Orangeville, 87 Broadway. 519-942-3423; theatreorangeville.ca APR 4 : FLIP, FLOP AND FLY

Documentary film about Downchild Blues Band and live performance by some band members. Proceeds to Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival. 7pm. $15, from BookLore. Galaxy Cinemas, Orangeville. 519-941-9041; objf.org APR 11 : MONDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES: BARNEY’S VERSION Funny and

moving account of one man’s life, based on Mordecai Richler’s novel. 4:30pm, 7pm, 9:20pm. $8 at BookLore or cinema.

Galaxy Cinemas, Orangeville. 519-941-5146; mondaynightmovies.ca APR 15 : LAUGH OUT LOUD Ladies-only charity event features live comedy by Yuk Yuks on Tour, hosted by Caledon Parent-Child Centre. Hors d’œuvres, auction. 7pm. $60. Glen Eagle Golf Club, 15731 Hwy 50, Caledon. 905-857-0090; cp-cc.org APR 15 : SPRING STORYTELLING

Dufferin Circle of Storytellers presents stories and music. 7pm. $10, from Jelly Craft, Shelburne; BookLore, Orangeville.

82

IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011

MAY 3: KIDS HAVE STRESS TOO!

To submit your community, arts or non-profit event, go to inthehills.ca and click EVENTS on the menu bar. That takes you to the listings page.

Click SUBMIT YOUR EVENT and complete the easy form.

For the summer (mid-June) issue, submit by May 6.

We reserve the right to edit submissions for print and web publication.

For up-to-date listings between issues, go to inthehills.ca and click EVENTS on the menu bar.

Learn about children’s stress and supportive strategies. Story-time for kids while parents attend. 6-8pm.

Belfountain branch.

MAY 5: SHARON JENNINGS Meet the

author of Franklin and C’mere Boy. Ages 3-6, with caregiver. 10-11:30am. Caledon East branch.

MAY 7: MOTHER’S DAY TEA Stories,

songs, activities, tea and light refreshments. 1-3pm. Alton branch.

Corbetton Church, Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Airport Rd & Hwy 89. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com

MAY 25: L ANGUAGE AND PL AY Puppet making. Age 6 & under, with caregiver.

10:30-11:30am. Margaret Dunn Valleywood branch.

APR 18 : MONDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES: MY AFTERNOONS WITH MARGUERITE Improbable encounter

All events free, pre-register, except as noted. Caledon Public Libraries.

905-857-1400; caledon.library.on.ca

changes the lives of two women, one barely literate, the other a passionate reader. 4:30pm, 7pm, 9:20pm. $8, from BookLore or cinema. Galaxy Cinemas, Orangeville. 519-941-5146; mondaynightmovies.ca

kids

APR 28 – 30, MAY 6 & 7, 13 & 14 : THE DINING ROOM Comedy/drama set in a

MAR 24 & APR 21: DISCOVERY CLUB

dining room with scenes of decades past.

8:15pm. May 7, 2:15pm & dinner theatre. $15; matinée $12; dinner theatre with Knox United Church $28. Old Town Hall, Caledon Village. 519-927-5460; caledontownhallplayers.com.

APR 30 : THE LORNE ELLIOTT COMEDY SHOW Star of CBC’s Madly Off in All

Directions performs his special brand of comedy. 8pm. $35. Century Church Theatre, Hillsburgh. 519-855-4586; centurychurchtheatre.com MAY 5 – 22 : NED DURANGO – THE MUSICAL Ex-NHLer, saddled with

glorifying the annual Tomato Festival Parade, might be relieved by an aging TV cowboy. Wed & Sun 2pm, Thurs-Sat 8pm, Sat 3pm. Theatre Orangeville, 87 Broadway.

519-942-3423; theatreorangeville.ca MAY 27 – JUN 5 : A PARTY TO MURDER

A fun weekend starts well, but guests soon realize they are playing for their lives. Fri, Sat 8pm, Sun 2:30pm. $18.

Century Church Theatre, Hillsburgh.

519-855-4586; centurychurchtheatre.com JUN 4 – 18 : ANNIE Presented by Orangeville Music Theatre. A spunky Depression-era orphan looks for her parents. 8pm; matinée 2pm. $20; children 12 & under, $15. Orangeville Town Hall Opera House, 87 Broadway. 519-942-3423; orangevillemusictheatre.com

MAR – MAY : CALEDON LIBRARY EVENTS

Reading and hands-on activities on fun topics from music to math. 7-7:45pm.

Ages 6-10 with caregiver. Caledon East branch.

MAR 24 – JUN 9: ALTON AFTER SCHOOL CREW Activities, games and

great company. Ages 9-12, drop in.

3:15-4:15 pm. Alton branch.

APR 5: MEET A POLICE OFFICER

Constable Jonathan Beckett, community services officer for Caledon OPP, talks about community safety. Family program, register. 6:30-7:30pm. Alton branch.

APR 9 – MAY 28 (SATURDAYS): BOOKS ’N’ BLOCKS Stories, rhymes and songs

with building blocks. Ages 2-6, with caregiver. Drop in. 10-10:45am. Margaret Dunn Valleywood branch.

APR 13 & MAY 18: BOYS ’N’ BOOKS

Talk to friends about the books you’re reading. Apr: The 39 Clues: Leven Thumps and The Gateway to Foo. May: Vespers Rising. Boys 9-11. 4:15-5:15pm. Albion Bolton branch.

APR 14 : EQAO Learn more about Ontario’s Education Quality and Accountability Office. 7-8pm. Albion Bolton branch.

APR 14 & MAY 12: HYPE: TEEN ADVISORY COMMIT TEE Log in and

share your thoughts on great books, music, video, and teen programs in our

MAR 23 – MAY 11 : MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP Beginner skills in musical theatre,

original songs, skits rehearsed and choreographed. May 13: Performance.

Ages 7-11. 6:30-8pm, Wednesdays. $180.

Theatre Orangeville, 519-942-3423; theatreorangeville.ca MAR 27 : BABY SHOWER SHOWCASE

Welcome Wagon show features local businesses/services for expectant parents. Speakers, demos. 1-4pm. Free, register online for prizes. Horizons Event Centre, 633419 Hwy 10, N of Orangeville.

519-941-6345; welcomewagon.ca MAR 28 : MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN A CHILD’S FUTURE Deb DeJong, producer

of Parenting with Passion TV, educational event, hosted by Dufferin Coalition for Kids. 7-9pm. Reserve, 519-940-8678; info@dpsn.ca MAR 28 – MAY 16 : THE SCENIC ROUTE DRAMA CAMP Work through scripted

work, develop characters, some direction.

5-7pm, Mondays. Ages 11-16. $180.

Theatre Orangeville, 519-942-3423, theatreorangeville.ca APR 16, 17, 22-24 : DOWNEY’S EASTERFEST Wagon rides, farm animals,

Easter-egg hunt, magic, puppets and more. 10am-5pm. $10. Downey’s Farm Market, 13682 Heart Lake Rd, Caledon.

905-838-2990; downeysfarm.com APR 12 – MAY 31 : THE MANY MOODS OF DRAMA CAMP Mime, tableaux, role

playing, team building. May 31: Performance. 6:30-8pm, Tuesdays. Ages 7-11. $160. Theatre Orangeville, 519-9423423; theatreorangeville.ca ≈

MARKETPLACE ART & CRAFT

C AT E R I N G

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

(cont’d)

• Artwork in various media • Specializing in animals and rural scenes

“The Original Ones” Linda McLaren, Orangeville 519-925-6040

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

ALL-MONT LTD. Garage Doors & Electric Operators Residential • Commercial Industrial Sales • Installation • Service Visit our showroom 48 Centennial Rd, #20 Orangeville

Kai-Liis Art Studio & Heed Farm Alpacas May 14-15 Welcome Spring! Art Show & Sale June 25-26 Common Threads, Fibre Show & Sale

519-942-1956

Mulmur. For directions: 519-925-0421 kai-liis@sympatico.ca www.kai-liis.com

B. A. WOOD MASONRY

BEES

Specializing in Stone & Restoration Work Brick • Block

Bring Your Garden To Life!

Armstrong & Blackbury’s Scientifically Designed

POLLEN BEE NEST Save the planet and improve your own garden by giving essential pollinating bees a safe home. Visit us online to learn more and purchase Pollen Bee A MEMBER OF Nests for your garden.

I B R A

STRON RM

G

A

Comes Completely Assembled

R

&

BL

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Horticultural Products ACK B U

www.PollenBeeNest.com

INTERNATIONAL BEE R E S E A R C H A S S O C I AT I O N

R&M Stucco Superior quality & service Interior/exterior plaster/stucco finishing Marco or Rose Mary Andreozzi

705-434-0248

Tony Calabrese Stone Mason Flagstone Patios & Walkways Drystone Retaining Walls • Stone Facing Fireplaces • Repairs & Restoration

905 456-9964 Brampton

Brian Wood

519-941-5396

Forrest Custom Carpentry Established 1986

BIRD FEEDING

Design, Build, Install Wall Units, Bars, Home Offices Call Gary for a Free Estimate 519-323-1121/1-877-454-9522

Caledon Mountain Wildlife Supplies

www.forrestcustomcarpentry.com

BRICK • BLOCK • CONCRETE • FIREPLACES • STONE Serving Dufferin County & Creemore Area

“We’re here to help you help nature.”

18371 Hurontario Caledon Village Tel 519-927-3212 Fax 519-927-9186 Brian Thayer

CAKES

ZOLTAN POTOVSZKY

MASONRY

• Wild Birdseed / Feeders / Nesting Boxes • Pet Food & Supplies / Wildlife Feeds • Crafts / Books / Nature Accessories

(705) 434-3285 CENTURY HOME OWNERS KEEP YOUR ORIGINAL WOOD WINDOWS AND ENJOY WEATHER-TIGHT ENERGY SAVINGS

Insured and Licensed

E C O - F R I E N D LY P R O D U C T S

Heartwood Window Restoration www.heartwoodwindow.com Peter Cell: 416-294-6784 Home: 905-857-4906

MARKETPLACE: CLASSIFIEDS DON’T GET ANY CLASSIER

Eco-Friendly Products & Gift Ideas!

834263 4th Line EHS 2.5km N of Hockley Rd

519-943-1490 Open by Appointment

For Summer Issue Call by May 13, 2011

100% Bamboo Bedding • Klean Kanteens Pure Cappings Beeswax Candles Recycled Glassware • Eco Gift Wrap Himalayan Salt Crystal Lamps Sacred Stones Jewelry • Singing Bowls & Much More!

April 30th to May 1st - SPRING OPEN HOUSE AT VISIONS IN THE WOODS

www.VisionsInTheWoods.com

TO PLACE AN AD, CALL 519-942-8401 OR EMAIL INFO@INTHEHILLS.CA

MARKETPLACE EQUESTRIAN SERVICES

FURNITURE

HOCKLEY HILLS SCHOOL OF HORSEMANSHIP English and Western riding lessons for youth and adults Taught in a fun, friendly atmosphere Certified coaches, bright indoor arena Quiet, well trained horses Summer Camp sign-up now available!

519.940.8197 246063 County Rd 16, Orangeville, ON www.schoolofhorsemanship.com

(cont’d)

Custom design, manufacture & repair of quality furniture for home & office Call or write today for our product brochure 3creeks@sympatico.ca 519-833-9510 / (after hours) 2182 ERIN

H E A LT H & W E L L - B E I N G

LANDSCAPING & GARDENING

(cont’d)

MsPlants Garden Design • Landscaping Planting • Maintenance Sheilagh Crandall • Gail Morrison 905-880-4616 msplantsofcaledon@gmail.com

I WAS HEADED STRAIGHT FOR DIVORCE Specializing in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, HCG Weight Loss, Thyroid Imbalance N EW & Saliva Hormone Testing

905-455-0488 5A Conestoga Drive, Ste. 300 Brampton www.avitaintegrativehealth.ca

QUALITY, AFFORDABLE RIDING LESSONS SAFE FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE Children & Adults - Learn at your own rate Private, Semi-Private, Group - FREE introductory Lesson Certified instructors for all levels, beginners to advanced Erin, one minute N of Hwy 24 on Trafalgar Rd 519-833-2591 www.greydenequestrian.ca

Victorian Sand Cast Aluminum Reproductions • Estate Lighting • Table & Chair Sets • Fountains & Garden Ornaments Open: Wed-Sat 10-6, Sun 11-5 936577 Airport Road, Mansfield

705-434-0200 www.once-a-tree.ca

CPR TRAINING

DUFFERIN LAWN LIFE

For Healthcare Providers, Business, Personal

Customized Organic Based Lawn Care Programs Since 1973

Daniel Fracassi, BCLS Instructor “May the Beat be with you” 519.942.9944 daniel.fracassi@sympatico.ca

FOOD

519-942-9333

1-800-265-1605

/ Seasonal Gardener Garden Bed Maintenance Planting & Pruning Spring & Fall Cleanup

Janice Sant Barry 705-440-8607

...for the coming season

3 Seasons Garden Care custom maintenance service for your town or country estate

519-938-6197 susiecosack@yahoo.ca

School of Miracles workshops & classes

DAVE’S BUTCHER SHOP Beef, pork, veal, lamb, chicken, fish - Sauces, rubs, marinades

- meditation - reiki healing - psychic development - readings Heather Scavetta, R.N. Reiki Master, teacher info@schoolofmiracles.ca 519.927.3387 www.schoolofmiracles.ca

Alder Street Mews, 75 Alder St, Unit 4, Orangeville www.davesbutchershop.ca 519-415-MEAT (6328)

LANDSCAPING & GARDENING

LAND SURVEYING P.J. Williams Ontario Land Surveyor

413 First Ave. East, Shelburne Open: 8am-4pm weekdays Free Consultation on Weekends by Appointment Phone: 519-925-0057 or 519-941-6231 Fax: 519-925-6789 www.pjwilliams.ca

FURNITURE Natural Art Designs RICHARD TRYHANE CONTRACTING 519-927-3715 stryhane@stn.net

Garden Design & Installation Property Maintenance Nursery Stock Supplied & Planted Concrete Garden Ornaments David Teixeira 519-942-1421

MARKETPLACE: CLASSIFIEDS DON’T GET ANY CLASSIER For Summer Issue Call by May 13, 2011

TO PLACE AN AD, CALL 519-942-8401 OR EMAIL INFO@INTHEHILLS.CA

MARKETPLACE LINGERIE

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

We dress you from the inside out

Home Auto Commercial Farm Financial Services Life

4 Queen St N, Bolton (NW corner of Hwy 50 & King St)

BRA FITTING BOUTIQUE

905 857 6489 www.millenotte.com

Gift Certificates Available

Certified Mastectomy Fitter • Prosthesis Professional Bra Fittings • Bra Sizes 30 to 48 cup A-H

since 1925

Call & Compare

TREE SERVICES

Competitive Rates

Payment Plans

A member of the Precept Group Inc.

35 Main Street, Erin Tel: 519-833-9393 • 1-800-930-4293

PARTIES ...from hedgehogs to snakes, lizards to spiders and turtles to birds... there’s something for everyone at

• IT for Home & Small Business • Computer Repair & Setup • Network Setup • Repair & Maintenance Contract • Training

519-216-5020 • 877-321-7844 An amazing, hands-on experience for kids of all ages!

Ask about our exciting Safari Packages today!

www.partysafari.ca Where scaly isn’t scary! Jennifer 519-925-1165

SEPTIC SERVICES PEST CONTROL

MOVING TREES SINCE 1983

TREESCAPES • Supply and Plant Mature Trees • On-Site Transplanting • Deep Root and Intravenous Fertilizing • Pruning and Removal • Watering

519-942-1507

• Overweight • Frequent paw licking • Hairballs • Biting root of the tail • Dry, flaky or greasy skin • Smelly ears or skin • Excessive shedding • Stiff joints/arthritis • Recurring ear infections

DOGS, CATS, HORSES References provided from happy customers!

in watercolour

by J.Gray

action Satisf ANTEED R A U G

519.927.3454 or 416.690.7262 joan@grayterartservices.com

Kira

of Caledon

Pile-up at Fraxa Junction The red stake is the bottommost stake.

The Case of Enigmatic Emerson Anagramming nikhect reveals kitchen. The plug suggests something electrical in the kitchen. The initial capital letters in the second strip, in order, spell toaster.

Foley’s Dozen spelling: · “embarrassed” · “privilege” · “reforestation” punctuation: · lower case “townships” · apostrophe in “Donaldson’s” · “its agenda, we have learned” words: · affect (“effect” or “impact”) · portent (“purpose”) · everyone (“every one”) facts: · Peel was a county until 1974 · PM King was never “Sir” · Peel and Inglewood are south of Mono

Running For Lunch Adrian gets to the picnic table three seconds before the start of the third whistle blast.

A Game of Rummoli dot e

tom

PET Portraits

In the Rafters at S.S. #15 The missing number is 26.

The lower digits in each pair add up to the upper number in each pair; for example: 2 + 2 + 9 + 2 = 15.

from page 86

se ro

47 Broadway, Orangeville 519-942-8187 113 Victoria St W, Alliston 705-434-3311 226 First Ave E, Shelburne 519-925-3471

S O L U T I O N S

cec il

These are signs that your pet’s current food needs to be looked at:

P U Z Z L I N G

y ill

PET SUPPLIES & SERVICES

b

For Summer Issue Call by May 13, 2011

homework help, personal tutoring, exam reviews, prep courses, mastery courses, video game design camp 1-866-519-MATH (6284) 519-307-0989 295A Broadway, Orangeville www.mindovermath.ca

sean

MARKETPLACE: CLASSIFIEDS DON’T GET ANY CLASSIER

TUTORING

The rummoli players seated in clockwise order are: Dorothy, Rosemary, Tom, Sean, Billy and Cecile.

a Puzzling Conclusion

by Ken Weber

Foley’s Dozen In the Rafters at S.S. #15 Carpenters continue to find puzzles hidden in remote corners of Alton’s old school. This time they found an arrangement of numbers. There appears to be a relationship among these numbers and if you can figure out that relationship you can probably figure out what the missing number is.

15 2292

29 9569

21 2298

27 6696

12 4512

?

8837

Pile-up at Fraxa Junction When the surveyors working for the Toronto Grey and Bruce Railway pulled up stakes (literally) at Fraxa Junction just west of Orangeville in 1871, they left behind a large pile of them next to the tracks. All the neighbours nearby wanted the stakes for firewood, so to prevent disputes the stationmaster decided that whoever identified the very bottom stake could take the whole pile.

Which stake is the very bottom

one?

The year is 1927. You have applied to be a proofreader at the Orangeville Sun and the publisher, John Foley, challenges you with the following test. It is an editorial into which he has deliberately inserted three spelling errors, three punctuation errors, three words used incorrectly and three errors of fact.

A good proofreader would catch “Foley’s Dozen.” Can you?

In Defence of Warden Donaldson -----------------------------It is the position of this newspaper that criticism being levelled at Dufferin County’s warden, W.A. Donaldson, for his failure to attend a meeting in the Region of Peel held at Inglewood last week, is entirely unwarranted.

A number of citizens have complained to the Sun that by driving west from his home in Mono Township instead of east last Wednesday, Mr. Donaldson was derelict in his duty to Dufferin and has embarassed the county.

We at the Sun beg to differ.

When a public figure like our prime minister, Sir William Lyon Mackenzie King, appears in this county as he did in Grand Valley last Wednesday, it is not just Warden Donaldsons priviledge but rather his duty to welcome the man. In situations that present a scheduling conflict, a municipal official must always choose to go where his presence will have the greatest affect. It is indeed unfortunate a meeting with Peel was scheduled on the same day as the prime minister’s visit, but whatever the portent of the gathering in Inglewood (it’s agenda, we have learned, was a discussion of reforestration along the border of the two Townships, Caledon and East Garafraxa), our warden made the appropriate choice in going to Grand Valley and everyone of his critics should be silent.

A N

I N

T H E

H I L L S

M I N I

M Y S T E R Y

A Game of Rummoli When a raging snowstorm swept down on Amaranth Township, the Browns decided that instead of going to a movie in Orangeville it would be safer to stay home and play rummoli. Out came the round brown table and six brown chairs and everyone took a seat. Rosemary Brown sat down first, followed by Tom Brown who sat next to her. The Brown who sat next to the Brown who sat opposite Dorothy Brown, sat opposite Dorothy’s sister. Billy Brown sat opposite Rosemary, who sat next to the person who sat opposite Dorothy. Sean Brown sat opposite the Brown who sat next to the Brown who sat opposite Dorothy’s sister. Cecile Brown was last to take a seat.

Place each of the rummoli players aat the round table.

Running For Lunch Precisely at twelve noon, a whistle at the sawmill in Hockley signals the lunch hour with three short blasts, each lasting one second. On warm, sunny days, Adrian rushes to put his tools away, grab his lunch and then run to get a seat at the picnic table just outside the main door. He always tries to get there before the third whistle blast. The whistle blasts are seven seconds apart and it takes Adrian thirteen seconds from the beginning of the first one to get to his seat at the table.

How many seconds are left before the beginning of the third whistle blast?

The Case of Enigmatic Emerson The grandchildren were not a bit surprised when the lawyer from Erin opened an envelope containing Emerson’s will and pulled out a worn electrical plug with a frayed length of cord dangling from it. They knew Grandpa’s will would be unusual, even weird, for with good reason he had always been known as “Enigmatic Emerson.” His neighbours called him that. So did his family and the people at the grist mill in Bolton where he’d worked for almost forty years.

Even the Orange Lodge members thought him odd, though they never referred to him that way in public.

Emerson’s reputation was reinforced by what came out of the envelope along with the plug: two crumpled strips of paper. On one of them he had

traced the outline of a key. Inside the outline he had printed “52 Caledon East” in ever so tiny script. The grandchildren got that one right away; the image was a safety deposit box key. But the strip also sported a string of capital letters:

N I K H E C T “Got to be an anagram,” the oldest granddaughter said immediately. “Grandpa Emerson never wrote an ordinary note in his life.”

“Well, then how come these aren’t anagrams too?” The youngest granddaughter had just picked up the second piece of paper. “’Cause this note says “TullamoreOr tonAltonStantonTot tenhamErin Relessey” and those aren’t anagrams, they’re towns.

Or used to be, some of them anyway. No spaces either. What’s that about?”

The lawyer spoke up. “Seems to me Emerson’s instructions are in safety deposit box #52 at the bank in Caledon East,and the key, if you’ll forgive the pun, is to figure out where he left the key. I’d say the clues to that are in those two strips.”

Tell Enigmatic Emerson’s heirs where to find the key to the safety deposit box. solutions on page 85

86

IN THE HILL S SPRING 2011