Carley Community Hall Updates and April May Events

by Kelly Skinner-Meyer

Hello everyone,

Welcome to Spring! Yesterday at the farm we had the regular crew on the pond, a couple of returning Swans, our families of Canadian geese and our annual ducks. They’re all looking for food and not enjoying this current burst of cold weather and flurries.  The leftover corn in the farm fields provides some relief. This winter we never knew what we’re going to get when we walk out that door, winter, spring, summer or fall?  This has been a whacky winter and moving into spring I expect the same.

Good news announcement! In the last article I wrote I would post the date of the Carley Community Hall Annual Pancake Breakfast, it is Saturday, April 13, 2024!  We’re just waiting on the final okay from the SMDHU to receive our Special Event permit, all events must have a Food Handler with certificate (that’s me), meet all the necessary requirements of an inspected kitchen, follow all the guidelines for food prep, and an application for a Special Event Permit approved by the SMDHU.

We have our volunteers lined up but could always use a few helping hands.  If you’re interested in volunteering, please send an email to our website and drop us a line www.carleycommunityhall.com. Mark the date on your calendar: Carley Hall on April 13, 2024 to experience pancakes and our very own local Maple syrup from our local producer McCutcheon’s Maple Syrup.

We have been very lucky this year at Carley Community Hall booking the Hall for baby showers, meetings, family gatherings.  It has already been a busy 2024 for rentals.  The feedback from the renters is all positive. They love the heritage feel of the Hall, they enjoy having a fully stocked modern kitchen, the stage is so unique for the added room or a performance of a song, they love the Hall and its country vibe and quiet natural surroundings.

If you’re thinking of an event for family, send us an email to our website or call the Township office at 705-487-2171 ex 2133 and ask for Courtney.

Also check out online at the Oro-Medonte Township website the new Spring Recreational guide for programs in the Township.  The Carley Hall will be hosting some of those programs.

Hopefully I will see you at the Pancake Breakfast, until then enjoy the spring!

Coulson Past and Present:

The Coulson General Store

by Anne Walker

 There are exciting developments at the Coulson General Store these days. Since taking over the business in 2022, storekeepers Palak and Nipram have been striving to have their store meet the needs of the local community—as it has for 145 years! The most recent addition is “Coulson Country Pizza”. 

From the gleaming commercial kitchen and pizza oven, they offer traditional pizzas (Deluxe, Canadian, Hawaiian) or you can treat yourself to specialty flavours like Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken or Indian-Style Paneer. Pizzas are available 11 am to 7 pm every day except Monday by calling 705-835-6351. Prices are as follows: Medium One Topping $12.99, Large One Topping $14.99, Medium Three Topping $15.99, Large Three Topping $17.99, (extra toppings $1.69 for medium and $1.99 large). Allow 20-25 minutes before picking up your pie and a little longer during busy times (4-6 pm). The pizza has been getting rave reviews from folks around Coulson, including yours truly. Stop in at 9 Horseshoe Valley Road E (corner of Line 7) to pick a flyer for the full menu which also includes salads, chicken wings, garlic bread and panzerotti. Gluten-free pizza is available.

 Also on offer from the refrigerator are many delicious Indian curries and sandwiches. They’re freshly made and ready to heat and serve. Pre-cooked rice and naan is also available, for a quick and delicious dinner.

 Coulson General Store is certified, inspected and fully-licensed to make and sell food. Of course, they continue to offer a wide selection of wines, beers and liquor. Palak is eager to offer the products needed by the community and is open to suggestions and requests.

 If you’re interested in the history of Coulson Store from its establishment in 1879, you can find it in an earlier article at the North Simcoe Life archives, April/May 2022 edition https://online.pubhtml5.com/uahq/ekog/#p=18 .