Sunday, October 16, 2016

October 16, 2016


Ladies and Gentlemen



One of my long standing policies with News from the Town is “no solicitations”. I regard them as unfair to you the reader. I am going to make an exception to that policy because we are facing a crisis here in North Simcoe.



Winter is fast approaching and our Guesthouse Shelter has been over-whelmed with the number of homeless and poorly housed who need a bed for the night. Our Shelter is still stuck in the Knox church basement which barely has room for ten. This past Wednesday they slept 19. 



The Guesthouse has purchased a new location on Elizabeth Street that if they could just get into would resolve these problems. They need $150,000 to complete the renovations. If they get the money they can be in by Christmas.



The Guesthouse is a private charity, operated by volunteers. It is not “government”. They rely upon their community – us – to help them keep the desperately unfortunate safe through the cold months. They are doing their best to locate funding, the latest being the AVIVA campaign where you are invited to register at https://www.avivacommunityfund.org/voting/project/view/16-535 and click your support.  While I encourage you to do this, it’s a long shot.



Which brings me to the solicitation.  I am asking each of you to join with me in making a cash donation to the Guesthouse building fund. I have seen our community in action before and I know that we can do great things when we set our minds to it. We need to have our homeless into the new shelter by Christmas. With your real support we can do that.





The Week Ahead



Monday the 17th starts “Government Week” at our local schools – a chance to have students understand a bit more about how local government works. At 10:00 am I am pleased to host Huron Park students at Town Hall. A thank you to our Police and Fire who are without doubt the most popular parts of the tour.



At 6:00 pm the Midland & Penetanguishene branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association hosts its information night at the NSSRC. There are many information booths to visit – presentations start at 7:00 pm. Refreshments will be served.



At 6:30 pm is a special closed meeting of Council to consider OPSEU negotiations. Then at 7:00 pm is the Community Healthcare Steering Committee’s quarterly public meeting.  The meeting will feature a backgrounder on Waypoint, an update on the Penentang Health Hub, a discussion of GBGH’s recent decision on obstetrical services and an update on the NSMLHIN. This is your chance to really understand what is happening with healthcare in North Simcoe. That’s at the Wyebridge Community Centre at 7:00 pm.



On Wednesday October19th the County is hosting a full day investment readiness summit in Wasaga Beach. Events of this nature show the benefit of our own economic group, EDCNS, cooperating with other jurisdictions to strengthen our collective economy.



The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney will be live and in person for “A Day in the Life” at the MCC at 2:00 pm. Mr. Mulroney is undeniably one of the most fascinating figures in Canadian political history. While tickets for Rotary Hall have been sold out, the event will be simulcast in the Huronia Players Theatre at the MCC, so tickets are available for the theatre seating. Get your tickets now online at www.midlandculturalcentre.com or at the MCC Box Office. 



At 6:00 pm a group of Guy Who Care will assemble at Lot 102 to pool some money and then choose a local charity where a significant contribution will make a real difference.





Thursday the 20th features the NSCFDC event recognizing Small Business Week.  Event registration/networking takes place at 7:00 am; breakfast at 7:30 am; at 8:00 am is the feature presentation by Chef Dean Petit of Matty’s Seafood Brands and Rock Lobster restaurants. If you are going you should have pre-registered by now at www.nscfdc.on.ca.  The event is at the Brooklea



At 10:00 am I get to engage in some Fire training at the Penetanguishene Fire Hall.  Hopefully they won’t even think of giving me a hose. Then at 4:30 pm is the OPR Steering Committee at Town Hall. 



On Friday I host another group of students, this time from Mundy’s Bay for a tour of Town Hall. At 3:00 pm is the Midland Bay Landing Steering Committee. The agenda will focus on recent developments with our partner. And closing on a tasty note, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm the Ladies Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 80 will be holding a delicious spaghetti dinner at the Legion Hall. You are most welcome.





Week - End



Saturday October 22



·         Wye Marsh hosts its final moonlight paddle



·         Picnic of the Living Dead - 12 noon to 3:00 pm the Huronia Museum wants you to dress up as a zombie, pack a picnic lunch and come out and get involved in the undead games.







Gord McKay





Your Year for Getting Aboard – Midland is on the Move - 2016

                                                                                              






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