Collingwood Community News, Service Clubs and Events Listings Calendar
March 2008
  • Spring food drive
    14 March, 2008
    The Salvation Army is conducting its annual Spring Food Drive for the food bank until March 28.
    Food Bank co-ordinator Ruth Reid said the organization is still seeing an increase in people using its services.
    Donations can be dropped off at Loblaw’s, A & P, the Thrift Store on Ontario Street, and the next-door Food Bank.
    In Stayner, donations can be dropped off at Foodland, or the Food Bank on Perry Street Tuesdays and Thursdays between 1 and 3 pm.
    Non-perishable staples such as peanut butter, cereals, pasta, macaroni and cheese, baby formula, powdered milk, jams, sugar, rice and canned goods are particularly needed.
  • Collingwood's "Jazz in Winter" series continues
    5 March, 2008

    The Collingwood Jazz in Winter Series is proud to present Collingwood's own award-winning 18-piece Collingwood Collegiate Jazz Ensemble at the historic Gayety Theatre, Wednesday, March 19, 7 until 9 p.m.
    The CCI Jazz Ensemble and eight-piece Show Band perform standards from jazz to funk in a high-energy concert that will certainly thrill and satisfy the audience.
    The CCI Jazz Ensemble is the fourth in this outstanding new series which has a mandate of presenting something different at each concert.
    Jazz Night dinner specials are available at a number of restaurants in downtown Collingwood. Tickets for the CCI Jazz Ensemble and Show Band Concert are $15,and available at:

    The CCI Music Department - 445 - 3161
    The Station - 445 - 9643
    Durrant Jewellers - 445 - 3731
    Gabriele Photography - 445 - 9030
    Crave Candy Store - 445 - 4784
    The Crow's Nest - 445 - 1900
    McNulty Printing - 445-5024.
February 2008
  • Library home to Zobens' art exhibition
    22 February, 2008
    The L.E. Shore Memorial Library Gallery presents Moved by Impressions, an exhibition featuring painted works by Toronto Artist Valda Zobens. The opening reception, with the artist in attendance, will be held on Saturday, March 1 from 2 until 4 pm. The exhibit will be on display from March 1 until 27. For more information about this exhibit, please contact the L.E. Shore Memorial Library in Thornbury at 519-599-3681.
  • Looking to get on the right TRACK?
    15 February, 2008
    Collingwood's TRACKS Employment Services is looking to spice up an otherwise dull winter with weekly employment information sessions Tuesday nights from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m.
    February and March will feature a guest speaker from the Summer Company - a student entrepreneurship program that offers grants to students wishing to start their own summer business. These sessions will take place Feb. 19 and March 4 at 4:30 p.m.
    Other guest speakers will be drawn from the culinary industry, and will include a landscape technician and a mechanic.
    On weeks when no speakers are scheduled, Tracks will provide information on apprenticeship, workplace safety and job search techniques.
    "The nights are an opportunity for anyone of any age to learn more about the workforce and the local economy," said Dawn Smith of Tracks.
    TRACKS Employment Services is a local non-profit organization that assists residents of the Georgian Triangle find employment through our many programs. For more information contact Tracks at (705) 444-1580.
  • Toastmasters meeting
    6 February, 2008
    Collingwood & District Toastmasters Club meets the first and third Thursday of every month at Collingwood Collegiate Institute. New members and guests are always welcome (no fee). By providing a low-key and supportive environment, the club helps people overcome their fears of public speaking. Call 599-2170 for more information.
January 2008
  • Library hosts exhibit
    24 January, 2008
    Come to the Collingwood Public Library to see Through the Lens, which will be on display all through the month of February. The exhibition is produced by The Bay Photo Club, which is comprised of talented local photographers who take a practical, hands-on approach to photography. Their emphasis is on continuous improvement and development of skills.
    The show will be run from Friday, Feb. 1 until Sunday, Feb. 24.
    The opening reception will be on Feb. 1 from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m.
  • Women's support
    11 January, 2008
    Women's support group - An education, support and action group for women who have been or are in abusive relationships with their partners.
    For information, call Karen at 446-1120 or Susan at 444-2511.
    Co-sponsored by My Friend's House and Catulpa Tamarac, Partner Abuse Program.
  • Writers group
    11 January, 2008
    Wasaga Beach Writers' Group meets every Thursday (September to June) from 7-9 p.m. Newcomers welcome! Feel free to call Mary at 429-2142 or e-mail wasagawriters@canada.com for more information.
  • Fish and game
    11 January, 2008
    Wasaga Beach Fish and Game Club meets the first Thursday of each month at the Dyconia Resort Hotel, Wasaga Beach, 8 p.m. The executive meeting is held the fourth Wednesday of the month. Call 444-9116.
  • Progress club
    11 January, 2008
    Women's Progress Club hosts Dinner Meetings every second Wednesday. Business meeting every fourth Wednesday at Collingwood Town Hall. Contact Judy at 445-5186. Everyone welcome.
  • Wood carving
    11 January, 2008
    Wood Chippers (50 plus) meet once a week - Tuesdays at 9 a.m. for woodcarving and instruction at the Collingwood Leisure Time Club.
  • Rangers meet
    11 January, 2008
    Wasaga Beach Rangers invites girls ages 15 and older to join in for fun and friendship. Two meetings a month. Rangers are part of senior branches of the Girl Guides of Canada. For more information, call Bonnie at 429-2267.
December 2007
  • DRIVERS NEEDED
    Alleviate the loneliness     of eating by yourself every day. We offer a cost-effective alternative for seniors, to enjoy a meal in a formal dining room with friendly company. If you have time to serve as a driver, please call Sharon Randall at the Villa Care Centre, 526-4238, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday.
  • The Simcoe County Children's Aid Society urgently needs drivers in the Midland area to transport children to appointments, visits and education and recreation programs. Training is provided and mileage is paid. For more information please call Marcy Desroches at 726-6587 ext. 363.
  • Canadian Red Cross Community Health Services requires volunteer drivers to support the transportation program in Huronia. Reliable vehicle, clean driving record, valid driver's licence and no criminal record required. Mileage paid for trips locally, and to Barrie, Orillia and Toronto (30 cents per km) . Call 526-0561 for details.
  • Georgian Bay Metis Council requires volunteer drivers for the Port Severn area. If you could spare a couple of hours per week, call the Long Term Care Program at 526-6335 ext. 203.
  • The CHS Red Cross needs drivers with friendly faces to deliver hot meals to frail, homebound members of the community. As a volunteer, you can expect to enjoy a flexible schedule and personal satisfaction of providing nutritious meals and face-to-face contact vital to the well-being of MOW clients. For more information on this volunteer opportunity, call the Red Cross at 721-3313.
Project Porch Light
14 December, 2007
If you were out in the community this past weekend you are likely one of thousands of people who started helping the environment when they got home - simply by turning a light bulb. For more information on the Porch Light program visit the web site: www.projectporchlight.com. Other ways people can be be more energy-efficient include: recycle, buy locally, and visit www.climatecrisis.net.
Ask the mayor
14 December, 2007
As part of The Enterprise-Bulletin's year-end coverage, the newspaper's editorial staff will be conducting an interview with Collingwood mayor Chris Carrier. The interview is expected to cover the issues faced in his first year in office, as well as some of the challenges and opportunities the municipality faces in the new year.

As part of the interview, we're inviting our readers to submit questions to ask of the mayor. E-mail your questions to editor Morgan Ian Adams at iadams@theenterprisebulletin.com, or drop off your questions to the office at 77 St. Marie Street. Questions can also be sent by fax to 444-6477.
Trade show coming
14 December, 2007
The 2008 Annual General Meeting & Trade Show for the Meaford and District Chamber of Commerce is set for Feb. 28 at the Meaford & St. Vincent Community Centre. The Chamber is planning a new incentive to ensure that this year's event brings more people through the doors. Details to be announced. For more information on purchasing an exhibit space, please contact David Harper at 519-538-5096. For sponsorship information contact Derron Bodell at 519-372-7075.

United Way sends out urgent plea for donations
12 December, 2007
 The United Way of South Georgian Bay will be taking it to the streets in the next week, as the agency struggles to meet its fund-raising goals.

Read more of this article
Annual campaigns against drunk drivers
30 November, 2007
Four white doves took flight outside OPP General Headquarters yesterday, marking the start of the festive season's fight against impaired driving.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is kicking off the annual Red Ribbon campaign, while the OPP and Simcoe County police services will once again hit the streets with their Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign.

"We're here for one reason: MADD volunteers will not stand for the status quo," MADD Canada president Margaret Miller said to the crowd gathered in cold, windy wea-ther outside OPP headquarters.

According to MADD, an average of four people die daily in alcohol- and drug-related crashes. Annually, the number of Canadians killed or seriously injured is 70,000.

"It's not just an enforcement issue; it's a community issue," said George Jollymore, OPP Central Region's manager of traffic and marine safety. "If everyone is tuned into the problem, then we can prevent a lot of these incidents from even happening." A similar campaign began this week in Grey County.
Bridge club
28 November, 2007
Blue Mountain Duplicate Bridge Club meets each Tuesday at 1 p.m. and Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Leisure Time Club in Collingwood.
Square dancing
28 November, 2007
Blue Mountain Promenaders Modern Square Dances are held every Wednesday night. Call 445-1739.
November 2007
Women's shelter launches website to raise awareness
23 November, 2007
Sunday, Nov. 25, has been established by the United Nations focuses on the global problem of violence against women and girls.

Provincially, November is declared Woman Abuse Prevention Month. The intent is to raise awareness about the issue of violence against women in Ontario. According to statistics provided by the Ontario Women's Directorate, 50 per cent of women have experienced at least one incidence of physical/sexual violence since the age of 16.

In his recently-released book, The War on Women, Elly Armour, Jane Hurshman, and Criminal Violence in Canadian Homes by Brian Vall‚e, the author notes that between the year 2000 and 2006, in total,101 Canadian soldiers and police officers were killed. In that same period, 500 Canadian women were "murdered." While wars produce large numbers of refugees, the "War on Women" has its own refugee camps in the form of more than 2,500 shelters for battered women and their children across North America.

Is there a war going on in the Georgian Triangle? Unfortunatly, yes! Every day, local women and their children arrive at the door of My Friend's House. Women and children who have had to leave the comfort and familiarity of their homes to seek safe refuge from abuse and violence perpetrated against them.

This war against women and the incidence of domestic violence can only be stopped by an informed community. By friends, family, neighbours and loved ones who are aware of the issue, able to recognize the signs and are informed as to the resources available and steps to be taken.

To help raise awareness in our community and to commemorate November 25th and Woman Abuse Prevention Month, My Friend's House has launched its first website, www.myfriendshouse.ca.

This website is designed for women in abusive relationships, looking for information on abuse and how to get help. It's also designed for the family member, friend or neighbour who thinks or knows that someone they care about might be in trouble. And, it is designed for young people who think that what is happening in their home is not right or they fear for their mother's safety.

Given the incredibly high rate of violence and abuse perpetrated against women, it is likely that every reader will know a woman who is abused.

For the past 16 years, My Friend's House - the only agency providing safe refuge in the Georgian Triangle - has served more than 6,000 women and their children through its shelter, counselling and support programs. And, if you think you don't know any of these women, think again. They are your neighbours, your friends, your sister, your daughter, your mother and yes, even your grandmother. Sadly, in the past 12 months alone, My Friend's House has provided shelter and counselling to eight women over the age of 60, and as old as 80 years.

How can you help?

Learn about the issue. Recognize the signs and talk about the issue. It isn't a topic just for November. It's an issue that affects our community each and every day and it needs to be raised out of the dark corners of homes into the light of awareness and understanding. Abuse comes in many forms and you can help by learning the signs and knowing what to say when you face this reality. Visit www.myfriendshouse.ca and learn more about violence against women and their children and what you can do to help bring this issue to light.
Rotary Club
21 November, 2007
Rotary Club of Collingwood meets for lunch every Tuesday at noon in the Temple Building, 126 Hurontario St., third floor.
Scottish dancing
21 November, 2007
Scottish dancing classes are fun and offer fitness and fellowship for adults. You don't need a partner. Come to the Fleetwood Dancentre, across from Blue Mountain Mall, Friday evenings at 8:30 p.m. Call 444-6906 or 445-5495 for information.
Adult skating
21 November, 2007
Collingwood Adult Skating Club is looking for skaters. If you are over 18 and like skating to a variety of music, this is for you. Great exercise and socializing. Skate and unwind for an hour each Wednesday night at the Collingwood arena from 8:35 p.m. - 9:35 p.m. Call 445-6096 for details.
Crime Prevention Week November 4 to November 10
08 November, 2007
The members of the Huronia West OPP will again be supporting Crime Prevention Week.
The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services theme for this year is "Committed to Building an Ontario Free from Racism, Intolerance and Hate".
Hate/Biased motivated crime is a criminal offence committed against a person or property motivated solely or in part, upon the race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, or any other similar factor.
Crime prevention to be truly effective, all members of society must become involved. Crime Stoppers is one way the public can play in building a safer community.
By calling 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) with concerns about crimes in your community, you can make a difference.
Also remember that 1-888-310-1122 or *OPP on your cellular phone will put you in contact with the OPP if you need police assistance and "911" if it is an emergency.
It takes a community to effectively fight crime, please help us reduce the opportunity for hate crimes and hate incidents in Ontario.
For further information and comprehensive tips sheets please view our OPP Crime Prevention website www.opp.ca/community/crimeprevention.
Called it, stamped it
02 November, 2007
Coin and Stamp Club: The Collingwood-Georgian Bay Stamp Club meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at the New Canadian Super Store in Wasaga Beach, from 7-9 p.m., and on the first Tuesday of the month at the New Canadian Super Store in Midland, from 7-9 p.m. Call Horst Bolik at 429-4061 for more information.
Take to the ice
02 November, 2007
Collingwood Adult Skating Club is looking for skaters. If you are over 18 and like skating to a variety of music, this is for you. Great exercise and socializing. Skate and unwind for an hour each Wednesday night at the Collingwood arena from 8:35-9:35 p.m. Call 445-6096 for details.
Time flies
02 November, 2007
Collingwood Classic Aircraft Foundation & Museum invites aviation enthusiasts to join the foundation every Thursday and Saturday morning between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Edenvale Airport. New members are welcomed to help with aircraft restoration projects. Call 705-818-2223.
October 2007
Health centre seeking public input
31 October, 2007
The Steering Committee of the South Georgian Bay Community Health Centre wants residents to pay them a house call.

In a press release, the committee said it, "Wants to hear ideas from community members on how the new CHC can best meet the area's most important health care needs, and what gaps in services most urgently need to be addressed."

Over the next few months, the steering committee will conduct a series of "community engagements" and focus groups to involve local residents. The process begins next month, although no dates have been announced yet.

For more information, contact Colin Mackinnon, the chair of the steering committee, at 705-422-1145, or Dr. Wayne Coghlan, who is a member of the committee, at 445-5401.

Community health centres are not-for-profit community-operated organizations supported by provincial funding. They offer a wide variety of health services focused on those people who have difficulty accessing health care. ... Click here for more info!
Big Sisters needed in area
31 October, 2007
Big Sisters encourages young girls to reach their potential. If you're interested in becoming a Big Sister and sharing four hours a week with a young girl who will appreciate your companionship, please call Nottawasaga Big Sisters Association at 445-5053.
This is for you if you like to fly
31 October, 2007
Collingwood Classic Aircraft Foundation & Museum invites aviation enthusiasts to join the foundation every Thursday and Saturday morning between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Edenvale Airport. New members are welcomed to help with aircraft restoration projects. Call 705-818-2223.
Advocacy for disabled available
31 October, 2007
Anyone interested in participating in an advocacy organization for physically disabled consumers, including family, friends, is asked to call 722-0522 or (705) 325-8130.
Drop in
31 October, 2007
My Friend's House Drop-In held the second Tuesday of each month. Please contact Elaine at 444-2586 for information.
Impact help
31 October, 2007
Nar-Anon Georgian Bay South is an anonymous group for people who have been affected by someone else's abuse of drugs. It's a community-minded group patterened extensively after Al-Anon. Any person having difficulties or concerns is welcome to attend. Meets Wednesdays at 1 p.m. at New Life Church, across from the bowling alley on County Road 124. Contact Betty at 444-0783 for more information.
Like nature?
31 October, 2007
Nature League - Join us for enjoyable, educational, casual outings, social events, and fund-raisers. The Nature League seeks and supports ways to conserve and protect the environment. Call 445-0267.
Incentive to read comes in a slice
26 October, 2007
Kids today are being given more incentive to read today than ever before

Topper's Pizza has brought the "Feed Your Mind" program to local schools.

The program is aimed at getting more kids from Kindergarten to Grade 6 to read more often by offering a prize of a free personal pepperoni pizza for children who reach a personal goal for number of books read. The target number is set by the parents and teachers of each student.

In addition to a free pizza, the kids receive a certificate of achievement that they can be proud of.

The program originated in Sudbury and, after seeing great success, was adopted by Topper's Pizza locations across Ontario, including Collingwood.

For more information about the Feed Your Mind program, visit www.toppers.com
Support needed
26 October, 2007
Collingwood & District Humane Society is run by volunteers, with a goal to help all animals in distress by rescuing, rehabilitating and finding good homes for them, and by educating the public about responsible pet ownership. A second goal is to build a permanent animal shelter. The Society has a 'no kill' policy. To adopt a cat or dog, or to volunteer, for more information, call 445-5204. Donations, and A&P?and Loblaws grocery tapes can be sent to Box 492, Collingwood, L9Y 4B2 or dropped off at Bark Park Doggy Daycare, 345 First Street.
Well-known information
24 October, 2007
The Ministry of Environment has been treating the Environment Network very well.

The Network is now able to offer free guided self-assessments of wells to the various well owners across Simcoe and Grey/Bruce counties. The program is voluntary, non-regulatory and confidential. Well owners in Ontario are responsible for the safety and operation of their own wells, along with the quality of the water they release back into the water cycle. Well Aware: a guide to caring for your well and protecting your family's heath is an information booklet that is available through the Environment Network, either for free or as part of the program.

The information package also shows you what products you should avoid storing or using near your well. To receive a copy of the booklet, or to book a Guided self Assessment call 705-446-0551 or e-mail info@environmentnetwork.org.

For more information, visit www.wellaware.ca.
New UW campaign
16 October, 2007
The United Way of South Georgian Bay is looking to raise $280,000 during its 2007 fundraising campaign. The organization has also launched " My Community", an awareness campaign to coincide with the fundraising launch.

Executive Director Alice Grottoli said the awareness campaign "speaks to what United Way is all about.

"The core element of this awareness initiative is an anthem, a series of statements that, collectively, speaks to United Way's vision," Grottoli said. "The other message of the anthem is that as a community member, each one of us is responsible for our community and what we make of it. Each of us can offer hope and a sense of belonging to those who feel excluded from participating fully in the life of our community. We all need to be a part of the solution to community issues."

The money raised by United Ways remains in the local community, in which they are located, and is invested back into the community to address such issues as homelessness, hunger, addictions, and violence, Grottoli said.

Grottoli said her staff and volunteers are available to speak to community groups and businesses wishing more information on this year's campaign and how they might get involved.

By mid-October, all households within the area will receive a special mailing from United Way seeking their support of the 2007 campaign. For more information or to make your donation by phone please call 444-1141.
Keep your town safe
16 October, 2007
If you want a safer community, you have to make it happen. Your town's safety is just a phone call away. Crime Stoppers needs all the help it can get. The non-profit organization is still in need of volunteers for fund-raising and promotion of the program. They are specifically looking for volunteers from the Midland, Penetanguishine, Elmvale, Tay Township, Tiny Township, Township of Oro-Medonte, Washago, Orillia, Brechin, Rama, Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, Creemore, Stayner, Lyle, Angus, New Lowell, Alliston, Thornton, Essa Township, Utopia, Baxter, New Techumseth, Beeton, Tottenham, Cookstown, Innisfil, and Bradford areas.

To become a volunteer, call Crime Stoppers Of Simcoe-Dufferin-Muskoka at 1-800-222-6477.
Combination of talent offered
17 October, 2007
The Meaford Hall & Culture Foundation is presenting a special collaboration of local youth and East Coast talent on the Meaford Hall stage.

Oct. 26 will mark the debut of the M.C.S. Children's Choir. The choir will perform with Newfoundland's Cobblestones and Bobby Evans. The M.C.S. Choir is comprised of 25 Grades 5 and 6 students, and is lead by their music teacher, Sandy Pedlar.

The Cobblestones and bobby Evans have been making a reputation for themselves across Canada as two of Newfoundland's hottest performers.

With the M.C.S. Children's Choir making their debut with Bobby Evens - who has more than 30 years of experience - the night promises to be filled with new and accomplished entertainment alike, making for a spectacular evening the entire family can enjoy.

Tickets for this up-beat and music filled event can be bought by contacting the Meaford Hall Box Office at 1-877-538-0463 or e-mail at ticket@meaford.ca. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.

The show starts at 8 p.m.

Co-op Student
High profile lecturers
17 October, 2007
The Collingwood Chapter of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario is presenting two high-profile lecturers Thursday night at All Saints Anglican Church.

A press release from the organization, which is focused on preserving what it sees as municipal architectural heritage, stated, "This is the first public meeting that the new organization has hosted since its inception.

"We are very excited to bring to Collingwood the presidents of the two leading heritage conservation organizations in Ontario," Richard Lex said. "In recent years Collingwood's nationally-recognized heritage district has undergone debate and controversy, and has been a focal point of both of these organizations. This will be an opportunity to hear from leaders in heritage preservation, to ask questions and to find out what new developments are happening in our own district."

The lecture, entitled "Heritage Matters!" will also be co-hosted by the Collingwood Heritage Committee. According to the release the keynote speaker will be Catherine Nasmith, President of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario.

The ACO is a charitable organization operating through a network of autonomous local branches in communities across Ontario. Through advocacy and direct action the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO) has been involved in preserving Ontario's architectural and environmental heritage since 1933. The local branch was formed earlier this year.

The second speaker will be Paul King, President of Community Heritage Ontario (CHO). Ron Martin, Town of Collingwood Deputy Building Official and advisor to the Collingwood Heritage Committee will also speak about the latest developments and initiatives in Collingwood's Heritage District. The free lectures begin at 7. For more information call 445-5764.

Advertise With Us  | About Collingwood Now  | Shop Collingwood Now | Contact Us | Our Partners 

Copyright 1999-2008, Collingwood Now & NorteShore Internet Technologies. 

Creative Commons License

All rights reserved. The textual, graphic, audio 
audiovisual material in this site is protected by Canadian copyright law and international treaties. 
You may not copy, distribute, or use these materials except as necessary for your personal, non-commercial use. Any trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Read our privacy policies and  selected legal information.