Three Loyal King Auto service bays completely destroyed by fire

Transcription

1 May 24, 2017 Volume 13, Issue 10 Three Loyal King Auto service bays completely destroyed by fire The automotive sales, service and repair shop known as Loyal King Auto on Hwy. 48 just south of Sutton, was devastated by fire on Tuesday, May 9. Loyal King Auto is owned and operated by Mike Andebrhan and Eddie Muleta, partners who opened the business last summer. According to Mr. Andebrhan, his partner Mr. Muleta was working on a vehicle elevated by a hoist when the fire suddenly blew up around him around 4:00 pm. He suffered second degree burns to his hands and his arms, Mr. Andebrhan said. The three Georgina fire stations responded to the call and were able to prevent the fire from spreading into the showroom although three service bays and 20 cars were completely destroyed. Vehicles in the showroom suffered smoke damage, Mr. Andebrhan said. Although damage estimates to the building are not available, Mr. Andebrhan said he values the loss to his service equipment and mechanical tools around $500, and that does not include the value of the cars, he said. Mr. Andebrhan said Loyal King will remain open for car sales while he and his partner look for another site to conduct their service and repair business. Loyal King Auto, a Hwy. 48 automotive sales, service and repair business caught fire on Tuesday, May 9. Three Georgina fire crews brought the blaze under control and prevented it from spreading into the showroom and offices.

2 2 Litter has got to go The snow has melted, The grass has ris We don t wonder Where the litter is... It is everywhere! I ve received numerous s and phone calls about the state of our lovely neighbourhoods and the blight of litter scattered all over the place. This is one issue I have a lot of trouble with because it is so unnecessary and preventable. I read all of the complaints about plastics being one of the culprits but when you really think about it plastics don t litter, humans do! If people would learn to put their garbage where it belongs, there would be no litter problem. Yes, the wind can send the items in your recycling box around the neighbourhood but all you have to do is pick it up. One reader suggested a neighbourhood effort where everyone gets together to clean up the ditches and countryside in their own respective areas. Another one thought the litter clean-up could be a project of various service clubs. While I don t disagree these are wonderful community-led initiatives, it really doesn t teach the offenders anything. In fact, if they wonder about it at all, they probably figure someone else will clean it up. I ve written about this before but I think it bears repeating. While travelling through the state of Virginia during a winter vacation to Florida this year, I read the warning signs along I- 95 to deter littering. And, these No Littering signs are everywhere. Anyone caught littering in that state is subject to a fine of $25, plus jail time plus demerit points. The effect of these fines is evident because I was hard pressed to find any litter anywhere along that highway. I don t know what has happened to the pride we as Canadians always felt when our American visitors would compliment us on how clean this country was. It seems to me that has gone out the window with a pile of fast-food containers and other garbage. So how do we stop people from using our neighbourhoods as garbage dumps? First, I think we rip a page out of Virginia s littering handbook erect No Littering signs supported by a by-law with stiff penalties. And an anti-littering awareness campaign for schools and the public wouldn t hurt either. On a personal level, I have been known to tap a litter-bug on the shoulder to politely ask them to pick up the waste they have mistakenly let drop. Once in a car line-up on Park Road behind visitors heading to Sibbalds Point Provincial Park I witnessed a guy in the car in front of us throw out an empty chocolate milk carton. I got out of my car, tapped on his window and asked him to kindly pick it up. He wasn t happy, but he did it. Hopefully it will give him pause the next time he wants to litter. The bottom line for me is, if we let bad behaviour go, we can expect more of it. Karen Wolfe, Editor Publisher/Editor Karen Wolfe (705) karen.wolfe@sympatico.ca Proofreader Nancy Pickering Advertising Sales & Inquiries Karen Wolfe (705) karen.wolfe@sympatico.ca Distribution Inquiries (705) The Georgina Post is published on the 10th and 24th of the month. The contents of this publication are protected by copyright. The Georgina Post accepts no responsibility for claims made for any product or service reported or advertised.

3 Maple Lake Estates Update Lawyers for the Town of Georgina, the Region of York, the DG Group and the North Gwillimbury Forest Alliance (NGFA) were all present for an Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) prehearing on May 10 to receive approval to appear as parties to the NGFA s appeal of Georgina s 2016 Official Plan. The appeal, to be heard later this year, will ask the OMB to remove the Urban Residential designation provided in the Official Plan for the Maple Lake Estate lands. This designation permits a 1,073 unit subdivision on lands which are primarily located in a provincially significant wetland. Permissions for development date back to a Provincial Cabinet Minister s Order issued in 1983 and a plan of subdivision was registered in When the Greenbelt was introduced in 2005, the province designated Maple Lake Estates as a Towns and Villages settlement area. The timing for the OMB appeal is significant since the DG Group has initiated a Section 28 permit application from the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA). This approval is required before the DG Group can move forward with its development plans. The company submitted the Section 28 application in 2015 but asked the LSRCA to stay the approvals process until the province determined whether or not DG Group s development rights could be transferred to Greenbelt-protected lands owned by the DG Group on Deer Park Road. Late last year the province confirmed that it would not allow the development rights to be transferred and as a result, the LSRCA announced this month it must move forward with the Section 28 permit approvals process. In a letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs on May 5, 2017, the CAO and the Chair of the LSRCA asked the Minister to reconsider its previous decision and permit the development rights transfer. To ensure that the original MLE (Maple Lake Estates) site is protected, LSRCA respectfully requests the Province reconsider the current decision and intervene to allow the transfer of development rights, the letter states. Given the proponents past planning approval, recognition that the land is considered Town and Village under the Greenbelt Plan, and the significant investment for servicing associated with the property, the probability that the proponent would be successful in achieving a favourable ruling to develop the land is very high. The next OMB prehearing is scheduled for September 15. 3

4 4 Students describe Vimy Ridge experience by Sandra Bolan Almost 4,000 dead. Another 7,000 wounded. The birth of a nation, some say. That is Vimy Ridge. For most Canadians it will only be a place and battle we read about. However, for roughly 40 local high school students it is a battlefield that, for many, changed how they view Canada s place in history. Last month 43 Grade 11 and 12 students from Keswick and Sutton high school got to walk, literally, in the footsteps of the Canadian soldiers who battled the Germans, sometimes in hand-to-hand combat in the trenches at Vimy Ridge. The trip was part of the 100 th anniversary of the Battle at Vimy Ridge. A textbook only provides so much, said Katie Lemmon, head of Keswick High School s history department. As much as you try to bring history to life for students in the classroom you can t do it any better than being there, she said. The trip was two years in the making. Prior to leaving each student had to research the life of a local soldier who took part in the battle. While in France, they found the gravesites of those soldiers and placed Canadian flags and pins around them. There s so much history in this community people don t recognize, Ms. Lemmon said. Although only 43 students went to France, they brought with them a greater part of the community. The Grade 6 students from Georgina Island s Waabgon Gamig School sent hand painted rocks with motifs representing their culture. The high school students placed them around the headstones of the Canadian soldiers. The students spent nine days in London and France. As part of the Vimy Ridge celebrations, there was an expo where the 16 to 18 year olds learned how to cook as if it was the early 1900s and not 2017; they took part in Invictus-type games; got up close and personal with World War 1 war planes and tanks, and walked through the very trenches the Canadian soldiers trudged through. A few times I was brought to tears walking through the trenches, admitted Grade 11 Keswick student Natalie Albrough. The trip hit a little closer to home for Ms. Albrough. While at Vimy Ridge, students could search their surnames for any connection to soldiers. Ms. Albrough learned her great-grandfather Edward Albrough was a medic during the battle. It wasn t even something her father knew about. Students also toured the various cemeteries, which was surreal for 16-year-old Mackenzie Hewitt. The tombstones also put life and our problems into perspective for Thomas Nastros,18, who was moved by the sight of one in particular--a 16-year-old soldier. It really makes you think, he said. At the Vis-en-Antois cemetery Natalie Albrough kneels by the head stone of a soldier she researched prior to the trip. How the battleground is often described in the history books makes it sound like a huge piece of land spanning multiple kilometres. But according to Mr. Nastros, the British front line wasn t more than 50 metres from the hilltop and getting to the top of the hill couldn t have been easy because of its steep pitch, he said. Actually being on the site brought home how destructive and violent (the battle) was.

5 5 More sewer work coming to Sutton In addition to the traffic congestion on Dalton Rd. this summer, motorists will have to deal with disruptions on High Street as well. The Manager of Development Engineering, Mike Baskerville advised council that in order to provide additional sanitary sewer capacity for the 194- planned subdivision known as Cedar Ridge, a High Street manhole at the corner of River Street will undergo modifications within the next few weeks. Additionally, River Street between High Street and North Street will be closed as crews work to replace the aging sewer infrastructure along that roadway. The Cedar Ridge development is located on the north side of Highway 48 with another entrance at the newly constructed extension of Hawkins Street adjacent to the fair grounds. It has been in a holding pattern and Mr. Baskerville said the developer is desperate to ensure adequate service capacity is available as soon as possible. The sanitary sewer delivery infrastructure from the development will travel underground below the fair grounds and hook up at the end of Market Street to existing infrastructure. However, Mr. Baskerville says that existing infrastructure from Market Street, along North St. to River Street will all eventually have to be upgraded to accommodate the total needs of 194 homes. According to Mr. Baskerville the work will be conducted with minimal disruption on High Street. He says two lanes of traffic will be maintained around the work at the corner of High St. and River St. through the utilization of some parking spaces in that area. My best guess is two to three weeks on High Street and two to three weeks on River Street to potential four to six weeks in total, Mr. Baskerville said. Canada 150 red and white tulips in full bloom While this black and white photo doesn t do this Canada 150 garden justice, it does illustrate that John Dallimore s sesquicentennial tulips in Pefferlaw bloomed as promised. But that isn t the result everyone who planted the bulbs is experiencing. Some gardeners are reporting bulbs that produced flowers that are solid colours, variegated colours other than red or the bulbs did not bloom at all.

6 6 TENNYSON TIDBITS 279 Happy Birthday greetings go out to little Jack Noble in Keswick. Jack turned one year-old on May 20. Happy Birthday, Jack. And, another birthday is coming up in the Noble household. Mom, Chantelle, will celebrate her 40th birthday on May 31. Cheers, Channy! Someone told me Mary Piercey in Pefferlaw will be turning 82 on June 1. I hope you have a great day, Mary! If you have a fire pit and want to light a fire to burn unwanted brush, you must purchase an annual burn permit. All backyard fires other than recreational fires, require a burn permit. Open air burning permits can be purchased for $35 at the Keswick Fire Station, Georgina Civic Centre or at the Pefferlaw Library. Are you the next Georgina Idol? Do you have vocal talent? Have you ever dreamed about being a star? Here is your chance! The Town of Georgina is holding open auditions for the 14th Annual Georgina Idol Competition on Sunday, June 2, 2017, 10:00 a.m. at the Stephen Leacock Theatre. Visit to download the application form. Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Dino Staniscia, 57, who passed away on May 12 at Southlake Regional Health Centre. Beloved husband of the late Iris. Loving father to Luke and Ilana. Services were held at the Kin Hall in Sutton on Saturday, May 20. NOW IN STOCK! SHAW PRO HARDWARE 533 PEFFERLAW ROAD PEFFERLAW, ONTARIO L0E 1N0 Telephone: (705) Fax: (705) Brent Shaw STORE HOURS Monday Friday 8:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. Saturday 8:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Sunday 9:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m.

7 Couple unearths historic carving in Jackson s Point backyard 7 Larry Rudd and Erin Campbell Rudd could not have been more surprised when they pulled a three-and-a-half foot wooden sculpture out of the ground while digging up their backyard for a garden. Surprising still, was the detail of the images carved into this piece of wood and how well it had been preserved. There is a lot of clay in this area and it was encased in the clay, said Larry Rudd whose home is located on Lorne Ave. in Jackson s Point. The work of art, known as pole art, is a three dimensional carving detailing three individuals, one on top of the other, each carrying different item. It appears to be telling some sort of story and it is so intricate, said Ms. Campbell- Rudd. The couple reached out to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) to get an expert opinion on what it was and how it may have ended up in the backyard. They told us that the images could be from Zimbabwe, Angola or Botswana in Africa, said Ms. Campbell-Rudd. The ROM experts dated the sculpture between 1927 to 1935 but were unable to confirm the type of wood used as no samples were taken. We think it is ironwood because it is so heavy and because it didn t degrade while it was buried, Mr. Rudd said. How it ended up in the Lorne Ave. backyard is also a mystery but Mr. Rudd has a theory which he thinks is plausible based on the time period it is believed to have been created. There was a hotel at the top of the hill on Lorne Ave. in the 1920s and 1930s and we think one of the workers there could have been of African descent and carved the piece during that time, said Mr. Rudd. It is possible the artist lived down the hill from the hotel, which is where our property is located. To help the couple discover more about the carving, it will be transported to a lab at the University of Toronto for dating using samples taken from the wood. It is a piece of local history and validates the historical significance of this area, he said. This two-and-a-half foot (0.7 metre) pole sculpture was found in the backyard of a Jackson s Point couple on Lorne Ave. Erin Campbell Rudd and Larry Rudd discovered it while digging out a section of their garden. The piece was examined by experts at the Royal Ontario Museum and was estimated to be approximately 85 to 90 years old. How it came to be buried in the Rudd s backyard is still a mystery but the owners believe it may have been carved here even though it is representative of artwork coming from regions in west Africa.

8 8 NOW OPEN The Ramada Jackson s Point Resort and Spa It has taken two-and-a-half years and a multi-million dollar renovation investment but Rakesh Gupta and his staff are now welcoming guests to the 88-room Jackson s Point Resort and Spa on Lake Simcoe. The renovation was top to bottom says Mr. Gupta, president. Sparkling new ceramic floor tiles, new carpeting, luxurious wall treatments, modern furniture and artwork have created an impressive new reception area. The new hotel features a 225-seat grand ballroom, two conference rooms, a gym and a newly renovated pool. The spa, which offers massages, pedicures and manicure services to both local and hotel guests, has been stocked with European treatment products. Each guest room has been completed renovated newly furnished and tastefully decorated sporting queen and/or king-sized beds and new bathrooms. The pièce de résistance (in this humble editor s opinion) is the restaurant and its view of Lake Simcoe. The floor to ceiling, wall to wall windows create a breathtaking vista for diners in this beautifully appointed eatery. Currently, the restaurant is open to serve hotel guests breakfast, but Mr. Gupta says it will be open to the public from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm seven days a week beginning in June. Although the hotel is receiving guests, there is some work that still needs to be completed. An outdoor patio is currently being renovated and some guest rooms are not fully equipped. Mr. Gupta, a restaurateur with business interests in Toronto, immediately recognized the potential of the hotel as soon as he saw it. When we saw this property it was not in the best shape but we saw the lake and we had a dream and a vision to convert it into a place where families and friends can come for relaxation and enjoyment not too far from Toronto, said Mr. Gupta. It was kind of a diamond in the rough and we wanted to carve out the best assets in the diamond and make it look nice. Mr. Gupta described three business principles which dictate his business philosophy and recipe for success in the service industry. My business philosophy is all about service, he says. The best service, the best quality of your facility and trying to keep the price competitive so families can afford a nice location not too far away from the city. These principles, together with Lake Simcoe, also combine to give the resort its competitive edge, he says. The hotel carries the Ramada brand name and Mr. Gupta said Ramada staff have provided staff training and on-line computer registration systems and software. However, he says the Jackson s Point location exceeds the Ramada brand standards with the high-end amenities he has insisted upon. They were really happy and blown away by the way we have done the renovations, he said. Once the property is fully operational, the finishing touches are completed and he has had some time to reflect on the next step, The restaurant (top photo) with panoramic views of Lake Simcoe is just one of the newly renovated features at the Ramada Jackson s Point Resort and Spa. (Bottom photo) The front desk receptionist is currently welcoming guests to the facility while finishing touches are being completed. Mr. Gupta will look toward the lake and how to best provide recreational activities for his guests by taking advantage of his 400 feet of lake frontage. His ideas include paddleboats, canoes, swimming and outdoor entertainment. He expects a staffing complement of between 30 and 50 people once everything is in place. Right now it is a bit overwhelming because we still have a lot of details to iron out but we are very excited, he says.

9 Singing group offers a helping hand 9 nacilneg From sacred music to Broadway show tunes to rock n' roll, no song is too ambitious for the York Regional Police Male Chorus' repertoire. The 52-member singing group will perform in support of the Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, June 10 at the United Church in Keswick. Since its formation in 1991 the chorus has entertained audiences as far as the United Kingdom, Newfoundland and Quebec. It has performed on Parliament Hill in Ottawa for the annual Canadian Police and Peace Officers' Memorial and at the Ontario Police Memorial Service at Queen's Park in Toronto, all the while remaining a pillar in their own community in York Region. Singing in four-part harmony, the Male Chorus performs more than 20 times each year, raising thousands of dollars for charitable organizations locally. The chorus has produced four recordings, which are available at all of its productions. The Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge is a registered charity located in Pefferlaw where dedicated volunteers have been nurturing, treating and rehabilitating injured or orphaned native wildlife for the past five years. Last year alone, Shades of Hope cared for 2,800 animals. Tickets for the performance can be purchased by calling Roy Hamilton at (905) or Bob Sparling at (905) Tickets are $15 each. lsio dagnre Last Issue: spring, frogs, hear

10 10 The Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee Congratulations to the sponsors and Friends of the Library who hosted the fabulous Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee competition at the Udora Hall on Friday, May 12. It appeared the event was sold out as patrons watched 11 three-member teams spell off to words provided by Mis-Pronouncer Dave Szollosy (bottom left). The event emcee was Rob Grossi (bottom right) who appeared to have borrowed a fuschia-pink sports jacket from Don Cherry s closet. The winning team, the Spelling Peas (shown above accepting the trophy with the judges Paul Beal, Julia Munro and Margaret Quirk), were sponsored by the York Region Food Networks. It was a great evening with lots of money raised to support library programming in Georgina. A buffet-style dinner complete with strawberry shortcake for dessert was provided by Triple-G. A good time was had by all! The 2017 edition of the Georgina Farmers Market got underway at the Link on Sunday, May 14. The market is open on Sundays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm all summer long and features fresh fruit, vegetables, baking and various artisan and vendor offerings. This is the second year for the market. It won a Georgina Business Excellence Award last year based on its success in the first year.

11 Eustace Blood Pressure Clinic 11 Auctioneer Jack Little holds up a plant for bidding at the Beaverton Horticultural Society s Plant Auction on Saturday, May 13. Plants were donated by local nurseries and members and proceeds will help the Society plant and maintain five civic gardens. Wednesday, May 17 was World Hypertension Day and Georgina Fire Chief Ron Jenkins was at Eustace Pharmasave in Jackson s Point having his blood pressure checked. High blood pressure untreated over a long period of time can pose a threat to the cardiovascular health of a person. Standing room only at the Georgina Brock Horticultural Society s Plant Auction at the Wilfrid Hall on Monday, May 8. According to the Society s president Denise Sheedy, auctioneer Kevin McGuckin kept the sale lively for 2.5 hours until every last plant was sold. Over $2,400 was raised, which helps pay for hall rental, hired speakers and community beautification. United Church volunteers in Virginia were up early to organize the fundraising yard sale on Saturday, May 20. Hoping to take advantage of the long-weekend traffic on Hwy. 48, the sale is an annual event to help raise money to support church activities. Home baked yummy goodies were also on hand.

12 12 If you live in the Woodlands Subdivision in Pefferlaw, neighbours are getting together on Saturday, May 27 to support the Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge with a Giant Community Garage Sale. Simply pay the registration fee of $25 (which will go directly to Shades of Hope) and conduct your own garage sale and keep or donate the proceeds. To register call (289) Don t forget the Pots and Pies event at the Keswick United Church in support of Lake Simcoe Gardeners on Sat. May 27 starting at 8:00 am. Plants, baking, books and prizes. The Udora/Leaskdale Lions Club has rescheduled the Pefferlaw River Canoe Run for Sat. May 27 on Zephyr Sdrd. Registration from 8:00 to 10:00 am. $20 per paddler. The Pefferlaw Lioness will host their Annual Dog Walk on Sat. May 27. Registration at 9:00 am. Everyone welcome. Pike Chiropractic and Keswick High School are hosting Kids Day International Georgina on Sat. May 27 from noon to 3:00 pm at Simcoe Mews Plaza at 204 Simcoe St. in Keswick. A day of health, safety and environmental awareness activities. Drop in to 54 Queen St. in Sutton on Sun. May 28 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm and wish Norma Smockum a Happy 90th Birthday! Coming Events & Announcements Attend the Port Bolster Hall on Tuesday, May 30 at 7:00 pm for a seminar on plants, trees and the ash beetle. An intimate Evening with Sean McCann of Great Big Sea will be at the Stephen Leacock Centre on Thurs. June 1. Show starts at 8 pm. Cedardale Church is hosting a Mother/ Daughter Banquet on Friday, June 2 at 6:00 pm at Egypt Hall. Call (705) for tickets. The Keswick Christian Church s 5th Annual 9 Hole Scramble will be held Sat. June 3 at Orchard Beach Golf Club. $75 gets you steak or chicken dinner, cart and prizes. For tickets call Bob (905) or (905) Knox United Church in Sutton will host its Annual Ribfest at Egypt Hall on Sat. June 3. Tickets $35. Call (905) The 33rd Annual Antique Show sponsored by the Beaverton Thorah Eldon Historical Society will be held at the Beaverton Community Centre on June 3 and 4. For information call (705) The Annual Alzheimer s Walk for Memories will be held at the Briars Resort on Sat. June 3 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Attend Crazefest at the Sutton Fair Grounds on June 3 and 4. Fun includes a BBQ competition, car show, motorcycle show, craft brewery, family fun zone, camping and fireworks. Loaretto Maryholme Spirituality Centre invites you to a 3-day Silent Retreat on June 6, 7, 8. Call (905) to register. Cedardale Church hosts its last Community Dinner before the summer break on Wed. June 7 at 6:00 pm. Attend the free Mission Possible Conference at Cedardale Church in Pefferlaw on June 8, 9, 10, 11. Speakers & refreshments. Call (705) for information. Join Keswick Public School as they celebrate its 90th Anniversary on Friday, June 9 at 2:00 pm. If you have memories or memorabilia, please contact (905) They are also looking for community members who will share their memories of the school with students. Please call the school. The Georgina by the Lake House Tour will be held on Sat. June 10 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Tickets $25. Proceeds support the Georgina Food Pantry. Celebrate Canada 150 with a presentation at Trinity United Church in Cannington on Sun. June 11 for a presentation entitled Partners in History: Canada and Our Town. Show starts at 7:00 pm with silent auction at 6:30. Sponsored by Woodville United Church. Freewill donations.