Eady News
— by Bonnie Smith
Mother nature has not been kind to us in Oro-Medonte and surrounding areas this spring. In March I told you about the extraordinary amount of snow we had this winter, which caused many small and large buildings/barns to collapse in the area. And, if you live anywhere in the Central Ontario region, even anywhere in Canada, you will probably know that our area got hit extremely hard again at the end of March with a devastating, record-breaking ice storm. It is hard to imagine that such extreme devastation could be so widespread in a matter of hours. Pine trees snapped in half, birch trees split down the middle and bent to the ground, and huge old maples toppled or with massive limbs split off. Trees massacred wherever you look.
Many roads were impassable, power outages were widespread and lasted anywhere from about two to eight days, and in some areas even longer. Hydro crews arrived from all over the province, as well as help came from out of province hydro crews, especially New Brunswick. Numerous tree and landscaping companies arrived by the dozens, and many are still working in the Township six weeks later.
We are so thankful for all the people that have come to our area to help with the storm aftermath, and for our own Township road crews and all of our Township staff who have worked tirelessly to organize all the various work crews, sheltering places, etc., that were put into place to help us all out. Thank you, thank you, and thank you again.
The “Fiddle Fest” Fundraiser for Eady Community Hall that was scheduled for March 30 had to be cancelled due to the ice storm. Another date has not yet been scheduled.
The Eady community was saddened to hear of the passing of William (Bill) Gray, age 82, a long-time resident of Moonstone. Our condolences are extended to his wife, Lillian, their son Stephen of B.C., their daughter Majorie of Moonstone, and their son, Rob (and his wife Amanda) of Eady. Bill was also grandfather to Brandon and Logan. In addition to being a friend, neighbour and helper to many Moonstone residents, Bill also helped out at the Eady United Church with many church suppers and was a member of the Eady Community Hall Board for over 25 years. He helped with garage sales, BBQ’s, Christmas Concerts and many other events and was the “cook” for numerous Eady Hall Turkey Suppers. Bill will be greatly missed by his many family, friends, and neighbours.
The Eady Hall “Speaker Series” began on April 24 and will continue until May 29. This has been our first “speaker series” and it has been well received by all who have attended. Thank you to our guest speakers: Tom Cheel (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre), Kim Oxley (Simcoe County Paramedic Services), Lori Woelfel (Osteoporosis Canada), Lynn Holden (of Horseshoe Valley) and Greg Sadowski (of Eady). Thank you also to all of you who came out to hear our speakers and support the hall.
On May 17, the annual COPE Service Dogs “Fiddle Fest/Fiddle Jam” fundraiser was, once again, held at Eady Hall spearheaded by Ralph and Sandy Price. It was held on National Fiddle Day (third Saturday in May) and was very well attended. Lots of square dancing occurred, along with some Schottische, waltzing, line dancing…and even dog dancing! Ralph and Sandy had set a goal of raising $5,200 for this year—and they surpassed it! Congratulations on a great fundraising event Ralph and Sandy and for supporting a great cause!
The Annual St. George Fairvalley Cemetery Decoration Service will be held on Sunday, July 20 at 2:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend. The service will be held outdoors, weather permitting, with the Rev. Murray Bateman as the guest minister. While chairs will be provided, you are welcome to bring your own lawn chair if you prefer. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held inside the church. We look forward to seeing you there.
Are you or someone in your family wanting to hold a special birthday, anniversary, a wedding, a baby or bridal shower, fundraising event, seminar, have a dance, or hold a meeting? Our beautiful two-storey century old hall can accommodate you. The Eady Community Hall is available for daily or weekly/monthly recurring rentals at very reasonable rates. Please contact eadycommunityhall@gmail.com for rental rates, more information, or to have a tour of our hall, or call Oro-Medonte Township at 705-487-2171 and ask for Courtney.
If you have anything you would like to share with our readers, such as a special celebration or special vacation that you took with your family, or an upcoming event that you would like mentioned in this column, please contact me at 705-835-0006. We would love to hear from you!