March 22, 2024 · 0 Comments
By Brock Weir
It’s often said that hindsight is 20/20, but sometimes the results can be unexpected.
Having kids of one’s own, I hear, can give you a new appreciation of what your parents went through with you, particularly if your kids try to pull the same stunts.
It does, of course, cut both ways.
Hindsight can also help you scratch the surface of positive or negative memories, giving you new context through which you can re-evaluate them either way.
In other, less drastic ways, these experiences can reinforce the fact that you’re living in the here and now and some of these life lessons you’ve taken with you from childhood no longer have any relevance or currency in today’s world. Advice from parents and grandparents on homeownership to kids born in the 80s, 90s, and early 00s immediately comes to mind, but that’s a subject for another colum!
Who else grew up in the 1990s grew up watching Mrs. Doubtfire?
Chances are, when you first saw it as a youngster, you sided with Robin Williams’ Daniel when his marriage blew up following a raucous indoor party, complete with a petting zoo in the living room featuring livestock. As fun a party as it looked, in hindsight, Sally Field’s Miranda had every right to shut that nonsense down.
Who was going to clean that up, let alone re-plant her begonias?
In an informal straw poll of my peers, the general consensus was the invariable change of allegiance came as something of a surprise. Of course, it’s less of a surprise to our parents as they watched it with us and they knew where they stood. They knew what the future would hold.
But what does the future hold for all of us?
Maybe in this case it’s important to look back before we look forward.
Throughout our history, anyone with a splash of creativity coursing through their veins has had one vision or another of what the next decades, centuries or millennia might look like.
In the 1950s, when humans began to make real strides towards viable space travel, this spit-balling on what’s to come hit something of a fever pitch, with even Walt Disney embedding these very ideas into his theme parks through the development of Tomorrowland.
“Walt Disney – storyteller, visionary, and one of Time’s 20 most influential innovators of the 20th century – saw the future as a wonderous and magical place,” said Rachel Withers in a 2017 Slate article entitled, Yesterdayland. “He embraced new technology throughout his career: His early animations used what were then cutting-edge effects, such as color and sound, and he was obsessed with mass transit, with the concept for Disneyland coming out his passion for increasingly large model trains. Plus, he loved outer space. From 1954 to 1958, he hosted Disneyland, a weekly show on ABC, to finance the park’s construction. His passion for futurology came across in his Tomorrowland segments. Tomorrowland, referred to in early plans as The Land of Tomorrow, and envisioned by Walt to be ‘the factual and scientific exposition of things to come,’ was one of four imaginative realms that park-goers could visit (Fantasyland, Adventureland, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland). Walt always intended his park to be educational as well as entertaining. In his Tomorrowland dedication speech, displayed in the park to this day, Walt promised the land would be a: vista into a world of wonderous ideas, signifying man’s achievements…a step into the future, with predictions of constructive things to come. Tomorrow offers new frontiers in science, adventure and ideals: the Atomic Age… the challenges of outer space…and the hope for a peaceful and unified world. But the problem with designing the world of tomorrow soon became apparent: Tomorrow very quickly becomes today, and then yesterday. The future never stays that way for long.”
We’re now living in the timeline that Disney envisioned in the future, but I doubt many of us are feeling it is necessarily a time of wondrous ideas and constructive things to come. There have been innovative ideas, sure, but constructive? I guess it depends on your perspective.
New frontiers in science, adventure and ideals? Sure, but some of these new frontiers in science have been conquered out of necessity more than anything else; and many the conquest of new, adventurous “frontiers” often feels more driven by profit than knowledge and knowledge-sharing.
Part and parcel of this vision of the future espoused by our forebears focused on robotics and primitive ideas of what we now call A.I. set on making our lives easier and more fulfilling, but as both have progressed rapidly in the last decade or so, has it been for the greater good?
Various forms of Artificial Intelligence have the potential to make a powerful, positive impact on this world, and have already proven themselves, but the march of this particular form of “progress” has also made many occupations endangered and, some of those individuals holding purse-strings might wrongly argue, obsolete.
Robots were also supposed to be developed for the betterment of our lives and society. Who wouldn’t want a delightfully sassy robot like Rosie from The Jetsons powering up every morning to help us get through the drudgery with a healthy helping of snark delivered on the side just for kicks?
I know I did.
Now, at a local big box store, I see a robot, with its outer features arranged in such a way to suggest a friendly smile, roaming about cleaning floors while, at any given moment, in a quiet corner of their parking lot, are two packed-to-the-roof cars that appear to be serving as their driver’s primary residence. It might not be glamorous, but perhaps an opportunity for a custodial job could make a world of difference in their lives.
At any number of fast-food outlets, we have machines there ready to take our order, with varying degrees of success; at some of our “slow food” establishments, we now have to contend with our orders being delivered by a happy l’il robot who has taken the place of a human; at some of our largest service providers, if we want customer service, we have to get through the gate-keeper of cutesy chatbots that are ill-equipped to handle many of the simplest request. And then, of course, we have the self-check-outs at the grocery stores and new machines in some locations that are, apparently, there to check your work before letting you out of the store.
And on and on it goes, along with our chance for human interaction, opportunity and, when you get right down to it, humanity.
Which brings me back to the life lessons provided by the likes of Daniel and Miranda Hillard in Mrs. Doubtfire.
As much as we loved to hate the stuffy and gruff Mr. Spacely, at least he had the sense to recognize George Jetson’s specialized skills in producing Spacely Sprockets and held off on replacing him with a clanking riveter known as Rosie 2.0.
March 22, 2024 · 0 Comments
By Brian Lockhart
Junior C teams across the province have now moved into the semi-final round of playoffs after successfully completing the quarter-finals.
The quarter-finals wrapped up with the final game on March 11.
Of the 62 teams in the league, there are now 32 remaining who will battle it out for the right to advance to division finals.
There are eight divisions in the league. The PJHL is the world’s largest Junior Hockey League.
Division champions will go on to play for the Conference Championship with the winning teams moving on the play for the Provincial Schmalz Cup.
In the semi-finals of the PJHL, the North Carruthers Division has the Alliston Hornets playing the Schomberg Cougars in one semi-final series. The other series has the Stayner Siskins up against the Orillia Terriers.
The Pollock Division has the Hanover Barons meeting the Fergus Whalers, and the Mount Forest Patriots up against the Kincardine Bulldogs.
The Orr Division will pit the Georgina Ice against the Uxbridge Bruins, and the Clarington Eagles against the Lakefield Chiefs.
On the east side of the province, the Tod Division has the Frankford Huskies meeting the Napanee Raiders, and the Amerherstview Jets taking on the Port Hope Panthers.
In the Niagara area, the Bloomfield Division will have the Dundas Blues up against the Glanbrook Rangers, and the Grimsby Peach Kings meeting the Niagara Riverhawks.
In Central Ontario, the Doherty Division has the New Hamburg Firebirds meeting the Hespeler Shamrocks, and the Woodstock Navy Vets up against the Norwich Merchants.
The Stobbs Division will see the Essex 73s meeting the Blenheim Blades, and the Lakeshore Canadiens up against the Wheatley Omstead Sharks.
Lakeshore finished the season tied with Hanover as the top team in the entire League this year, with both squads ending the regular season with 74 points.
In the Yeck Division the Thamesford Trojans will meet the Exeter Hawks, and the Mt. Brydges Bulldogs will be up against the North Middlesex Stars.
The first game of the semi-final series got underway on March 10, with the Georgian Ice taking a 6-2 win over the Uxbridge Bruins.
March 22, 2024 · 0 Comments
By Brian Lockhart
It has been through several name changes over the years, however, the New Tecumseth Times is now celebrating 50 years of bringing community news to Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham.
The first edition of the local paper was hot off the press on March 13, 1974, as a full broadsheet under the name The Beeton Record.
Original publisher, Bruce Haire, started the paper on his own as a way of bringing news to local residents.
Local resident, John Archibald, was already writing sports stories for an Aurora paper when he and Mr. Haire connected a few months after the first paper. Mr. Haire hired him, then later suggested he join him as co-publisher.
“In September of 1974, Bruce expanded into Schomberg and started the Schomberg Sentinal,” Mr. Archibald explained. “At that time I was still farming, but I had been writing the sports news for the Aurora Banner for four or five years. I had seen a couple issues of The Beeton Record and thought he was doing a pretty good job, and I thought, I’m interested in that. I contacted him and we met at the hotel in Beeton, and over beer we discussed it. We made a deal and he hired me. We were only doing it for a couple of months and he decided he needed a partner and he asked me if I would be interested.”
Mr. Archibald agreed, and they became co-publishers.
A new newspaper, The Tottenham Times was started within the year. That was followed by the opening of the Caledon Citizen with an office in Bolton.
Eventually, the Tottenham and Beeton newspapers were amalgamated and became The Beeton Tottenham Times.
That name changed again a few years later when it became the New Tecumseth Times to more accurately reflect the area that the paper covered.
Over the years, a working partnership saw Bruce doing editorial duties while John specialized in sales.
The paper was eventually sold to the London Publishing Company, which also owns the Caledon Citizen, Orangeville Citizen and Shelburne Free Press.
Mr. Archibald stayed on for a couple of years to help out, then retired.
Mr. Haire passed away in 2016, after 37 years as a publisher.
The New Tecumseth Times continues to publish and bring the news to the town’s residents. The paper’s success is thanks to a solid beginning in 1974, with two local men and a vision to keep residents informed of what is happening in their town.
March 22, 2024 · 0 Comments
By Brian Lockhart
Players, coaches, and fans attended the North Dufferin Baseball League 2023 regular season awards event, held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Lisle on Sunday, March 10.
Each year the League honours players in several categories for their performance in the preceding season.
In the Senior Division, Kirk Gibson, of the Owen Sound Baysox, won the batting and best on-base percentage awards. With 57 at-bats and 31 hits, Gibson managed a .544 batting average along with a .643 on-base percentage.
Baysox’s Bryan Post tied with Bolton Brewer’s Brett Chater for the most home runs with each player hitting six over the fence for the season.
Chris Fafalois of the Bolton Brewers was honoured with scoring the most runs for the season, crossing the plate 26 times.
The Best Pitcher Award went to Nick Hodgson of the New Lowell Knights.
Knights coach, Peter Kinghan, was honoured with the Coach of the Year Award.
Creemore Padre’s Anson Dupuis, was named the most valuable player.
Nathan Lennox of the Clarksburg Blues was selected as the most sportsmanlike player. Daniel Morningstar of the Clearview Orioles was voted the best catcher.
In the Junior Division, Whyatt Winkel, of the Orillia Royals was recognized as the top in the batting and on-base category. His 34 at-bats with 18 hits resulted in a .529 batting average and an on-base percentage of .673. His teammate, Ben Barzo scored 28 runs to top that category.
Wyatt Thompson was named Best Pitcher, taking home his second straight title.
Fraser Trivett of the Georgina Bulldogs was honoured for hitting the most home runs, knocking the ball out of the park four times during the season. Trivett was also named the Most Valuable Player.
The Most Sportsmanlike Player Award went to Jayden Akins of the Barrie Baycats.
Following the awards ceremony, the league membership met for its Annual General Meeting.
The Clearview Orioles request a leave of absence for the year dropping the senior division down to 11 teams.
The Junior Division added Richmond Hill, but lost Georgina, keeping the Division to seven teams for the upcoming season.
March 22, 2024 · 0 Comments
By Brian Lockhart
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has received confirmation that a resident of the Simcoe Muskoka region has tested positive for measles.
The person who has a confirmed case of measles is an adult who has not travelled recently or been in contact with a known case of the disease.
The Health Unit is reaching out to known contacts who may have been exposed.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads very easily through airborne transmission. The measles virus can live in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. Symptoms of measles begin seven to 21 days after exposure and include fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, and red eyes. Small white spots appear on the inside of the mouth and throat but are not always present. Three to seven days after symptoms begin, a red, blotchy rash appears on the face and then progresses down the body.
The risk of transmission to those vaccinated with two doses is low, and when it does occur tends to show a reduction in the severity of these symptoms.
People who do get sick usually recover without treatment, but measles can be more severe for infants, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.
“The risk of measles is low for people who have been fully immunized with two doses of measles vaccine or those born before 1970; however, many children have been delayed in receiving their routine childhood immunizations including the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and people who have not had two doses of measles vaccine are at higher risk of contracting the disease,” said Dr. Gardner, SMDHU medical officer of health.
The Health Unit lists several locations on its website where the public may have been exposed.
If you develop symptoms, stay home and do not attend work or school.
Call your health care provider before going to be seen to inform them that you may have measles and require additional precautions.
March 22, 2024 · 0 Comments
By Brian Lockhart
The Alliston Hornets now lead 2-1 in their North Carruthers semi-final playoff series against the Schomberg Cougars after winning game three on Saturday, March 16.
Game one of the series got underway in Alliston on Wednesday, March 13.
The Hornets were in trouble after the Cougars scored three unanswered goals in the second period to lead 3-1 going into the final 20 minutes of play.=
Alliston scored two third-period goals to tie the game, but the Cougars scored at the 16:04 mark to break the tie and take a 4-3 win to start the best-of-seven series.
The Hornets were playing well, they just couldn’t bury the puck.
“I think we had most of the puck possession in that game – we out-shot them 50-20,” said Hornets coach, Jacob Bauchman.
“We were in complete control. They scored four goals on 12 shots in the second and third period. Schomberg plays hard, they play physical, and when we turn the puck over, it’s off the glass and out. They don’t make mistakes in their end,” he said of the Hornets’ trouble scoring.
The second game of the series also took place at the New Tecumseth Recreation Centre on Friday, March 15.
This was a low-scoring game with only one goal in the first period, from Cole Turcotte, and no scoring at all in the second frame.
Schomberg tied the game at the midway mark in the third period.
As the clock ticked down, fans settled in for what everyone thought would be overtime.
Then with 8 seconds left on the clock, Nathan Windle scored for the 2-1 Alliston win.
“Schomberg hasn’t changed the way they play in five years, so we know exactly what to expect of them – especially in the playoffs. They turn it up another level. Two years ago they made it to the League finals. Last year they took us to game seven. We know they are going to fight right from the first time to the last game. Playoffs are generally going to be low scoring. Tonight’s game was a perfect example of a great playoff game by both teams. We got lucky there to score with eight seconds left and not send the game into overtime.”
Game three had the Hornets scoring four goals over the first two periods before the Cougars could get on the scoreboard.
Alliston goals came from Cole Turcotte, Jaeden French, Cam Lamont, and Clayson Goymour.
Schomberg scored late in the period.
The scoring was even in the third period with both teams scoring twice. That gave the Hornets a 6-3 win.
Hornets’ third-period goals came from Mark Coish and Jaeden French.
In the other Carruthers Division semi-final, The Stayner Siskins are leading the Orillia Terriers 3-0. Game three of that series in Stayner went into overtime after neither team scored during the regulation three periods.
Stayner scored at the 18:48 mark in the overtime period for a 1-0 win.
The Hornets and Cougars series will play game four in Schomberg on Thursday, March 21.
The series will return to Alliston for game five on Friday, March 22.
Game time is 7:30 p.m.
March 22, 2024 · 0 Comments
By Brian Lockhart
Residents who live close to the Hillcrest dog park at Cowen Ave. and Park Street in Alliston, have again approached Town Council regarding problems at the park.
The park was unpopular with many residents who live on the surrounding streets who said it was too large and not suitable for a residential area.
After going to the park to see for themselves, councillors made the decision to reduce the size of the park. That was in October 2022.
The Town polled residents of the area. The poll indicated that 60 per cent of the 457 residents that responded said they did own a dog, and of that group, 58 per cent said they wanted a dog park in that location.
However, during the March 11 New Tecumseth Council meeting, some residents expressed concerns that the park was still causing problems with barking dogs and inappropriate behaviour by some visitors.
A spokesperson for the neighbourhood said some people bring their dogs to the park and leave them unsupervised. He also said neighbourhood residents have received physical and verbal abuse from dog park visitors as well as hate mail. This included one person who would go to the park after hours and verbally abuse and threaten neighbours. This finally resulted, the spokesperson said, in police being called and the man being arrested.
The spokesperson said in addition to dogs barking and people yelling, there has been police activity. He also admitted he expected to receive opposition from some nearby people who like the dog park.
A spokesperson for the Town reported that over the last ‘few years’ there have been 54 barking dog complaints, 98 parking patrols with two parking tickets issued, and three police occurrences at the park.
Councillor Chris Rapin said Council is aware of the number of complaints recorded about the park.
A report from Town of New Tecumseth staff to Council suggested that the operation time of the park be reduced.
Councillor Rapin said he had the opportunity to talk to several groups about the dog park over the last few months.
“I’ve talked to dog park users, local residents, park staff, bylaw, the OPP canine control council members, and of course other residents,” Councillor Rapin said. “The overwhelming response is that a dog park is needed, and relocating is not fiscally responsible.”
He said the two main concerns are safety and the fact that no one is listening to complaints.
Council acknowledged that this a difficult issue as many people like the dog park, and there was no way to tell, prior to it being created, that it would cause such division in the community.
Councillor Rapin suggested the operation hours of the park be 8 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and made a motion restricting entry to the park in the off hours.
The motion was passed.
March 22, 2024 · 0 Comments
By Brian Lockhart
The County of Simcoe is celebrating Transit Worker Appreciation Day by recognizing the important contributions of transit staff and the role they play in keeping the local economy moving.
“It is important to take a moment to recognize the hard-working staff across the region who ensure our local economy keeps moving every day,” said Simcoe County Warden, Basil Clarke. “Transit Worker Appreciation Day is an important recognition of the dedicated transit staff who get us to work, appointments, school, and across the region each day. We know that it is because of them that we see the continued success of LINX transit across the region and we are incredibly grateful to them for their commitment to keep us moving.”
In 2017, County Council approved a five-year, $5 million plan to create a regional transit service as part of the County’s Transit Implementation Plan.
Since 2018, LINX and LINX Plus have provided over 800,000 rides for people across Simcoe County.
The LINX system has six routes including New Tecumseth – Bradford West Gwillimbury.
The routes also include Penetanguishene/Midland – Barrie, Wasaga Beach – Barrie, Orillia – Barrie, Collingwood – Wasaga Beach, and Midland – Orillia.
These affordable and accessible routes provide transportation options that ensure residents can travel between communities to health services, educational institutions, employment, and special events.
March 22, 2024 · 0 Comments
By Brian Lockhart
Being there for seniors isn’t just something that CONTACT Community Services says they believe in, they are taking action to support seniors.
In an effort to prioritize the needs and well-being of senior citizens, CONTACT is hosting a Seniors Connecting Fair at the Essa Recreation Centre in Angus on Thursday, March 21, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The fair aims to empower local seniors by providing them with access to a multitude of valuable resources, services, programs, and support networks.
The Seniors Fair is a collaborative effort bringing together local organizations, public agencies, and businesses committed to enhancing the quality of life for older adults residing in the community.
The event will serve as a one-stop destination for seniors and their families to obtain crucial information on health services, safety information, recreation programs, and volunteer opportunities.
“As an older adult myself, I understand the unique needs and challenges of seniors in our communities, which is why I lead fitness programming at the Town,” said Sandie Macdonald, Mayor of Essa Township. “Staying fit is just one element to living a quality of life. The Township of Essa is thrilled to partner with CONTACT Community Services to ensure our Essa residents know the full suite of services and supports they can access.”
As the senior population continues to grow, it is increasingly important to ensure they have the necessary resources available to lead fulfilling lives and maintain independence.
“Being there for seniors isn’t just something we say, it’s something we care deeply about and act accordingly,” said Emily McIntosh, CONTACT’s executive director. “This fair was borne out of an identified need in the Essa community, and we are so pleased to be able to partner with the Township to make this a reality.
The Seniors Connecting Fair will take place at the Essa Recreation Centre at 8529 County Road 10, in Angus.
This is a free event for all seniors and their families.
March 22, 2024 · 0 Comments
By Brian Lockhart
With a warmer spring this year, the bear population will become active earlier in the year and start foraging for food.
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has a bear reporting hotline in case you spot one of the creatures locally.
While most bears in the province are located north of the Simcoe County area, bears sometimes do travel south when looking for food.
If you do see a bear roaming in your neighbourhood, you should report it to the hotline. If an animal exhibits threatening or aggressive behaviour or is an immediate threat, call 9-1-1.
Black bears usually come out of hibernation in mid-April, however, warmer weather and rainy conditions mean they are out early this year.
The Ministry reported 18 bear sightings already this year up to March 1.
You should call the bear hotline if you have a bear that roams around or looks in garbage cans, breaks into a shed where garbage or food is stored, is in a tree, or is spotted in a backyard or field.
If a bear poses an immediate threat, you should immediately notify local police.
An immediate threat includes entering a schoolyard when school is in session, stalking people, attempting to enter a residence, wandering into a public gathering, or killing livestock or pets and lingering at the site.
If you do encounter a bear, the Ministry has guidelines for what you should, and should not do.
You should slowly back away while keeping the bear in sight. Throw objects and make noise. Prepare to use bear spray. Quickly get inside a building or vehicle if nearby. Drop any food you are carrying and move away slowly.
If you encounter a bear, you should not run, climb a tree, or swim. Do not kneel down or approach the bear. Never attempt to feed a bear. If you have a dog with you, do not let it off its leash.
If you do spot a bear, it is requested you call the reporting hotline at 1-866-514-2327.