by Roger Klein // Photography by Dave West
Celebrating Women!
On March 6, Collingwood celebrated International Women’s Day with an engaging panel discussion at the Simcoe Street Theatre, led by moderator and women’s health and fitness advocate Michele Smeh. The panel featured six remarkable local changemakers from various industries who are leading the charge in creating supportive communities for women. They shared their personal journeys, insights and actionable steps to advance gender equity and #AccelerateAction. The evening included readings by Collingwood Poet Laureate Jillian Morris, a performance by local musical duo Motes & Oats, and delicious bites from local favourite Low Down.
Collingwood’s International Women’s Day panel members Michelle Smeh, Amanda Jerome, Janene Johnson, Pike Krpan, Kim Turley-Smith and Amanda Wilson-Ciocci.
Medal of Honour
More than two dozen Simcoe-Grey residents were awarded with the King Charles III Coronation Medal at the Nottawasaga Inn on March 18. Simcoe-Grey MP Terry Dowdall and MPP Brian Saunderson presented the medals to 25 recipients recognized for their outstanding contributions and dedication to the community, the region, and Canada at large through their volunteer work, leadership and community service.
The Coronation Medal ceremony. Top row (left to right): Lindsay Newlove, Christine Dineen, Adrian Micallef (on behalf of posthumous recipient John Di Poce), Kevin Cornell, Steve Conn, Ken Burns (on behalf of recipient Peter Vander Zaag). Middle row: Brian Saunderson (presenter), Melanie Case, Scott Anderson, James Richardson, Sylvia Wilson, Craig Hayman, Thom Vincent, Larry Law, Patricia Miscampbell, Rory MacKinnon, Terry Dowdall (presenter). Bottom row: Carolynn Wilson, Raymond Hardisty, Sue Biffis (on behalf of posthumous recipient Luigi Biffis), Frank Tilley, Ken Templeman, Jan Trude, Adam Cosgrove, Donna Jebb, George Christie, Terry Geddes.
Having a Blast!
February 6 marked the 40th anniversary of Winterblast, the annual Winter Extravaganza Ski Day hosted by Desmond Von Teichman and Royal Lepage Locations North to benefit Hospice Georgian Triangle and the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation at Craigleith Ski Club. Guests enjoyed a great day of outdoor fun and sports followed by a gourmet lunch and après-ski extraordinaire, including the electrifying sounds, Motown beats and Caribbean rhythms of Queen M Band led by the soulful vocals of Marica Hubbs.
Winterblast attendees (left to right): Lisa Bugler, Donna Crane, Marcia Hubbs, Desmond Von Teichman, Cindy Ryerse, Jessica Ryerse, Ciara O’Connell, Karen Willison, Abbey Belisle, Jenny Beattie, Dena Mulcahy, Mary Law and Julia Wood.
