Eady News

— by Bonnie Smith

I think Spring has finally sprung and so far, it’s come with lots of rain and cooler weather to make lush green grass…and a yellow sea of dandelions! While our weather has been mainly cold with a few hot days in between, it is enough to tease us that there will be warmer days ahead! It’s nice to see people out walking, kids out playing in their yards and riding their bicycles, and baseball and other outdoor sports being played in and around the local neighbourhoods.

The Eady Hall hosted its second Speaker Series and this year it was held on Thursday afternoons over five weeks in April/May with a variety of interesting speakers from the area.  The series was very well attended and thank you to everyone who came out to at least one, or all, of the series. Thank you also to all of the speakers: Jenn Hickey of the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County, Jenny McCurdy of the Georgian Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic, Barrie, Peggy Lee of the COPE Service Dog Program, Tavia Tayler of Tayler Insurance and Estate Planning, and Gillian Lowry and Ralph Price who spoke on the Owl Pen.

There was lots of interesting information provided, and we hope you found these sessions to be worth while. It was also a good chance to come out and enjoy a cup of coffee and get caught up with your neighbour as well! Keep tuned as we have already had suggestions for speakers for next year!

Condolences are extended to Mrs. Pat George of Coldwater on the passing of her husband, Don, on March 7 at the age of 93. Don was a member of St. George Anglican Church, Fairvalley.  He will be missed by his many family and friends, and especially his grandchildren.

Our condolences are also extended to the family of the late Janet Coombs of Matchedash.  Janet passed away at Orillia Mariposa House on April 17 at the age of 64. Janet has had a struggle with her health for many years but always remained positive no matter how ill she was. Janet was a member of St. John’s Anglican Church, Matchedash, and then after it closed several years ago, became a member of St. George Anglican Church, Fairvalley. She was also a member of the North River Women’s Institute. Janet served on many boards throughout her lifetime. She, too, will be greatly missed by her many family and friends.

Our condolences are also extended to Mrs. Carolyn Woodrow and her family on the recent passing of her husband, Don. Don was extremely well known in the Oro-Medonte area, having lived here his entire life. He was a past member of the Coldwater Fall Fair Board, a member of the Willis Jarratt Presbyterian Church, was a former Deputy Reeve of the former Medonte Township, a former Director with the Federation of Agriculture, a former Councillor with Medonte Township and with County Council, as well he held many other positions throughout his lifetime. Don also ran a snowploughing business for numerous years in the area. Don will be missed greatly in the Coulson community and by his many friends and family.

Our sympathies also go out to the family of Autumn Dale (nee Dunlop) of Mount Uniacke, Nova Scotia, and formerly of Coldwater and Oshawa. Autumn passed away on March 20 at the age of 106 ½ in the hospital at Windsor, Nova Scotia. Autumn lived with her daughter and son-in-law until she was moved to the hospital a few days before her death. Her funeral was held at the Coldwater United Church and was attended by her daughter, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was a family matriarch whose memory at the age of 106 was astounding! I, particularly, will miss my monthly phone calls with her! Autumn will be missed greatly by all who knew her, both in Ontario and also in Nova Scotia.

Sympathies also go out to Suzanne Ball of Washago on the passing of her husband, Rodger, on May 8 at Orillia Mariposa House Hospice in his 71st year. Rodger grew up in Eady and attended Eady Public School before it closed. After retiring in Washago, he and his wife would often come to Eady events held at the Community Hall, such as the Turkey Suppers.  Rodger will be missed by his wife, family and many friends, and those who knew him, I am sure, will miss his impish grin and his mischievous laugh!

The annual St. George Anglican Church, Fairvalley Cemetery Decoration service will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. This service is in recognition of those who are buried in the cemetery. It is an outdoor service, weather permitting, and everyone is invited to attend. The Rev. Samuel Fayomi will be the minister. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be moved indoors to the church. While chairs will be provided, please feel free to bring your own lawn chair if you prefer!

This spring the Eady Community Hall has been holding a Fiddle Circle/Jam for any fiddlers and other musicians (guitarists, singers, mandolin players, etc.) who would like to come out and “jam” for a few hours on a Wednesday afternoon. The next Fiddle Circle/Jam is being held on Wednesday, June 3 at 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the Eady Hall. Listeners are also invited to come out and listen to the music!

Admission for musicians and listeners is $5, with proceeds going towards upkeep of the Eady Community Hall.  So, if you’re looking to “jam” with a group, or hear some great music and just want a relaxing afternoon….come out and join us at the Eady Community Hall!  This event will not run over the summer, but will commence again in September, so stay tuned!

On May 16, the 4th COPE Service Dogs “Fiddle Fest/Fiddle Jam” fundraiser was held at Eady Hall spearheaded by Ralph and Sandy Price.  It was extremely well attended with over 120 people dropping in over the course of the afternoon.  There was lots of square dancing, some Schottische, waltzing, line dancing…and even dog dancing!  Ralph and Sandy had set a goal of raising $6,000 for this year—and the last I heard it was well over $8,300!  Congratulations on a great fundraising event Ralph and Sandy and for supporting a great cause!

Are you or someone in your family wanting to host a special birthday, anniversary, a wedding, a baby or bridal shower, fundraising event, seminar, have a dance, or hold a meeting? The Eady Community Hall can accommodate you and is available for one-time, or weekly/monthly recurring rentals at very reasonable rates! For more information or to have a tour of our hall, please contact eadycommunityhall@gmail.com or call 705-835-0006.

I hope you have a great spring and summer ahead!