Blackstock by Joyce Kell

Stay warm and safe from ice and be active this winter. Walk for free in the Blackstock Recreation Centre on Mondays and Wednesdays between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The program runs until March 28.
Blackstock Ag Society AGM
_The annual meeting of the Blackstock Agricultural Society was held on Wednesday evening at the rec centre. Everyone was warmly welcomed by Linda Arbuckle,. who announced the 2012 theme: ‘Past, Present and Future.’ Rev. Linda Saffrey said Grace and a delicious potluck supper was enjoyed. Following dinner, President Joan Swain thanked the kitchen crew, then introduced Fred Cooper of Rockton, President of the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies, and his wife. Fred brought greetings, as did Barbara Weese of District 4, Mayor Chuck Mercier, Ward 4 Councillor Wilma Wotten and other members of the council who were present: Bobbie Drew and Larry Corrigan.
_Joan very proudly displayed the Scugog Agricultural Heritage Award, which was bestowed on Nov. 16 to the Blackstock Agricultural Society by the Scugog Heritage Committee for its long agricultural service. Joan then surprised Joyce Kelly, with the announcement that she will be the recipient of the Len Patterson Award at the upcoming convention. Joyce received a copy of the nomination letter and a bouquet of flowers.
_Dennis Yellowlees presented the winners of the Field Crop Competitions: Corn - 1) VanLea Holsteins, 2) Mark Graham, 3) Jim Byers; Soya Beans - 1) Jim Byers, 2) VanLea Holsteins, 3) Ethan Green. Overall winner of the Hall Trophy was VanLea Holsteins. This competition is sponsored by Wright Feeds ’N’ Needs and Thompsons.
_During the business portion of the meeting, the financial report was presented, the committee reports received and the election of directors and officers was held. Janice Beechey was appointed secretary-treasurer and the reviewers appointed. The many scrapbooks were enjoyed. In the draw among those who paid their membership for 2012, the winners were Mark Graham and Courtney Peeters.

Fletcher Bonspiel
On Saturday, the 34th annual Robert Fletcher Memorial Bonspiel was held at the arena with excellent curling and lots of fun.
_Mike Marks welcomed the curlers and others to the supper and said Grace. A delicious dinner was prepared and served by Tena Jenkins and her helpers. The silent auction created some exciting last-minute bidding. Winners of the 9:30 a.m. draw were Dale, Janet, Aileen and David VanCamp. Winners of the 8 a.m. draw were Peter Warnica, Peter Christie, Arron Christie and Bryce Jorden. Second in the late draw were Cameron Porter, Tena Jenkins, Tony Duivestyn and Richard VanCamp, while the early draw second were Mike Marks, Matthew Mefstead and Darren Marks.
_Joyce Kelly briefly reviewed the history of the bonspiel and introduced Bob’s daughter, Diana, who thanked the club for continuing this event in her dad’s memory. Diana noted that her dad was a very ordinary fellow who just loved to curl. She presented the trophy to Dale and his team, remarking that Dale and Aileen were members of the first winning team listed on the trophy, along with the late Merrill VanCamp and Valerie VanCamp (now Linton). It certainly was another very enjoyable day.

Zephyr and Sandford by Pat Asling

Rain, freezing rain, snow in varying degrees of wetness, blowing snow, drifting and melting - all in one day! At least we are not submerged in flood waters or buried in mountainous snow banks, so we should be happy. Here it is beginning of February and we walk outside with only our shoes? Weird! Going to church on Sunday morning I was passed by a caravan of half a dozen trucks pulling snowmobile trailers.... They must have been heading waaaay north.
_Brian Moore attended the Boat Show last week and we hope it was profitable for his company, which sells trailers.
_The UCW met on Jan. 26 for a scrumptious potluck lunch, followed by our annual meeting. Plans were made for the coming year, including special events and possible presenters. The executive members hold their positions for another year. My personal thanks to all those ladies who are always there and so willing to work wherever necessary. We could do little without all of us pitching in, including the men folk. Our next big event is our Pancake Supper on Monday, Feb. 20. Please note the date. We had hoped for Shrove Tuesday but the hall is regularly booked on Tuesday evenings.
_We were disappointed, but it is good to see that our hall is in constant use, as is Zephyr’s.
_On Sunday, Zephyr Church held its annual meeting following the service. We have each suffered losses in church members this year but we soldier on. With Rev. Diane Bennett-Jones at the helm full time, we look ahead to continued forward movement and active cooperation between the two congregations.
_Feb. 12 is reserved for the installation of new officers. The new Sandford Council will meet on Feb. 14 at 2 p.m.
_Next Sunday, Feb. 5, with Rev. Diane on study leave, the congregations meet together at Zephyr at 11 a.m. Rick McKinley will be conducting the service and the Sandford choir will lead in music. Please join with us. Remember that Sandford has a well-stocked library with some current books.
_Wishes for better health are sent out to Stan and Dorothy Baker, Mary Clark, Grace Walker, Janet Smith and everyone who is feeling under the weather. There are many colds going around. I just found out that there is a shot to prevent pneumonia and jumped at the chance to get it since so many people have suffered this winter. If you are over 65 or at high risk, ask your doctor!

Greenbank by Mary Jean Till

February is one day longer, this being a Leap Year. It is also the month the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s person to person fundraising campaign in support of increased awareness of heart and stroke as well as life-saving research.
_Locally, seven volunteers will be canvassing Greenbank, so please answer your door when they knock and give as you are able.
_Welcome to newcomers Maureen and Bob Wood, who have moved into the former Loder-Petrie home on Cragg Rd. E.
_Better health is wished for Juli Myers, following last week’s surgery.
_On Jan. 4, Leslie and Daniel Martens welcomed baby Owen into their family, a brother for Rachel. Proud grandparents are Anne and Keith St. John. Congratulations to all!
_On Monday, Feb. 6, at 1:30 p.m., there will be a presentation to Scugog Council by representatives of the Solray project proposed for the #1 rated parcel of agricultural land on Cragg Rd. W., the location of which is being questioned.
_Greeters at church on Sunday were Susan and Peter Duivesteyn. The congregation joined the senior choir singing ‘Go Make a Difference.’ Happy birthday wishes were sung to Ruby Dusty and Pat Raines.
_Shelley Phoenix expressed a concern regarding the need for socks and slippers mainly - as well as some toiletries - for adolescents and children ages five to 19 who come to Lakeridge Health Oshawa as patients without the above items or the means to purchase them. Knitted socks would be much appreciated as this ‘needs’ program was initiated last fall at the hospital. Contact Shelley at 905-985-6560 for further information.
_The 2011 Annual Church Reports are needed now by Secretary Valerie Hunter. If she does not receive them, they will not be included in the 2011 report.
_Coffee and muffins will be served next Sunday, Feb. 5, by the Evening UCW.
_Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 7:30 p.m., the Evening Unit UCW will meet at the church. Please note the change of date.
_On Feb. 19, the Greenbank Congregational Annual Meeting will follow the church service and lunch.
_Rev. Paul is working from the manse and can be reached by phone at 905-985-7766 or e-mail at paulmoorhouse@andrewswireless.net.

Seagrave by Robin Drew & Jean Short

How many of you remember your parents talking about the ‘January Thaw?’ This year, can you remember how many ‘thaws’ we have had?
_Are you able to help? February is Heart and Stroke month and canvassers are needed for the Kings Bay and Seagrave areas. If you can lend a hand, please call Judy Anderson at 905-985-2457. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
_PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE: The Official Board Meeting date has been changed to Feb. 21. This meeting will be held at Seagrave Church at 7:30 p.m.
_The Outreach Committee is planning a Dinner Theatre date for March 18 at Class Act. Lunch will be at noon and the show will begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person. If you are interested in attending, please call Bette at 905-985-8066 before March 6.
_James and Wendy Hudgins greeted the congregation this Sunday. Four-year-old Avery Puckrin visited the Birthday Box this week, with Grandpa Keith accompanying her to the front.

Coming events...
-Feb. 5 - Rev. Newton Reed will bring us information concerning the Ballot of Faith Creed, which will be voted upon and the results then sent to Presbytery.
-Feb. 11 - Valentine’s Breakfast at 9 a.m., hosted by the Seagrave Men’s Group. This is one of the outstanding social events of the season and everyone is invited to attend. For reservations, call Rick at 905-985-8383 or Don at 705-357-3871. Breakfast will be served at 9 a.m. and the cost is $10 per person.
-Feb. 16 - Opening the Doors to Spirituality Bible Study at 7 p.m.
-Feb. 19 - Seagrave Annual Congregational Meeting at 8:30 a.m. Please bring a potluck item for breakfast. The meeting will be held after breakfast to discuss and decide upon events for the coming year. The entire congregation is invited to attend. There will be no service this Sunday.
-March 2 - World Day of Prayer will be hosted by Seagrave UCW starting with dessert at 12:30 p.m.

_We send prayers to all those who are suffering from health problems. We hope that each day will see you feeling better.
_Thanks to those who send news for this column. If you have something to share, e-mail mrsdruske@hotmail.com, r_jshort@wcshighspeed.com or phone 905-985-9921.

Epsom & Utica by Shari Kerry

Greeters at church for the month of February are Ross and Barbara Evans, and Judy and Den Collins and girls.
_This Sunday, the kids will be making pop bottle terrariums at Sunday school. Everyone is welcome. A special welcome back goes out to our pianist Dennis.
_Happy belated birthday wishes to Dawson Ashton, who celebrated with friends last weekend.
_Condolences from the community to Darlene Christie, whose sister Viola passed away last week.
_Prayers and best wishes from the community to Lee Wilbur, Shannon Collins, Brittany and Jenna who lost their home in a fire last week.
_There will be a Pancake Supper on Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Epsom Church starting at 5 p.m.
_The next Seniors’ Luncheon is on Thursday, Feb. 9, at Epsom Church, at noon. Call 905-852-7445 to reserve.
_The UCW will meet on Feb. 14 at Epsom. Roll call is ‘Love.’
_Happy belated fifth birthday wishes go out to Noah Ashton, who celebrated with his family at Great Wolf Lodge last week.

Prince Albert by Pat Boyd

This seems to be a quiet time for the congregation of Prince Albert United.
The UCW will meet on Feb. 15 at 8:30 in the fellowship room. The Roll Call is a tea towel or a dish cloth for the kitchen.
A reminder to those who are preparing a Lenten Reflection: please have them return by Monday (Feb. 6).
This year’s winter weekly study series ‘Discovering Everyday Spirituality,’ will run for six weeks starting Feb. 15 and 16. Wednesday evening sessions begin at 7 p.m. in the lounge at Port Perry or Thursday morning at 10 a.m. in the Fellowship room at Prince Albert.
Please call the office or speak to Rev. Elaine or Rev. Don if you are interested in attending.
It is never to early to start thinking about spring yard sales! The church always has one in May and we welcome your donations. This is a major fundraiser for us.
Last week’s euchre winners at the community centre were Aileen Dawson, Joyce Norrish, Mary Lou Breward, Tom Sutherland, Jean Van Camp and Deanna Stanfield. Aileen Dawson was the lone hand winner with 11 lone hands.
The Grade 8 students at Prince Albert Public School are holding a grad trip fundraiser. They will be selling Valentine Cookie Grams, inscribed with your special message, until Friday, Feb. 10. Delivery is Friday, Feb. 14. Order forms will be in the February school newsletter.

Caesarea by Eleanor Colwell

The following are the results from the euchre party on Thursday, Jan. 26: high scores - 1) P. Booth, 2) D. Day, 3) K. VanCamp, 4) J. Bradbury, 5) B. Churchill; most lone hands - P. Booth; and low score - D. Fallis. We had six full tables of players plus two extra. Remember that we move to Nestleton Hall next Thursday at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome.

Blackstock and District Lions Club
Just a heads-up to let the community know that our Lions will be collecting and handing in more used eyeglasses at our next round of Zone Meetings in mid-March. Our depot is in Calgary, the first eyeglasses Recycling Centre in Canada. It was in 1996 that Lions arranged for volunteers at the Calgary Correctional Centre to process used eyeglasses. A corrections officer oversees the volunteers. In 2001, the CLERC received the Alberta Premier’s Award of Excellence for efficiency and cooperation. In September 2002, the prisoners processed their one millionth pair of eyeglasses. In 2002, the CLERC distributed 257,550 pairs of recycled eyeglasses to Angola, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, El Salvador, Ghana, Haiti, the Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Samoa, Tanzania, Togo and Zambia. The CLERC accepts the following: recycled hearing aids, soft eyeglass cases, safety glasses, recycled eyeglasses, non-prescription and prescription sunglasses. If you have any of these to donate, contact one of our Lions and we’ll take them to our District Chairperson for shipping to Calgary.