Hockey team helps support troops
Jesse’s Tap & Grill had a busy evening serving pizza and salad to members of the Ennismore Pee Wee hockey team last week. They were gathered to share their appreciation to members of the military. This group is interested in helping and working with others.
In the summer they had lots of fun playing a baseball game with a special needs team. Coach Gary Hall was asked by parents what they could do for Christmas.
Hall and his wife, Patty, were familiar with the Yellow Ribbon Campaign and its leader, Darlene Loucks. Hall had members of the military in his family. Gary suggested preparing boxes for members of the military.
Hall wasn’t sure how the idea would be received. No worries! The response was overwhelming. Nineteen boxes were prepared for two soldiers in Egypt, one soldier in Iraq and the Canadian military detachment Role 2 Hospital near Erible, Iraq. Players contributed items which would remind players of hone, items suggested by Loucks such as freezies, peanut butter, and magazines.
A contents list was put in each box plus a postcard with a picture of the team and a note from the person donating that box. Moms and dads helped with packing and return addresses. The boxes will be mailed in January when the Christmas rush is over and soldiers will be surprised by the arrival of another greeting from home.
The hospital in Erible is close to an area of recent fighting. The hospital arranges air evacuation for anyone needing specific aid. The Yellow Ribbon Campaign has sent out 1305 boxes since it began in 2001. Free shipping is available until January 12. If you are interested in preparing a box or donating to the campaign, contact Darlene Loucks, 705-657-7182 or rdloucks@yahoo.ca
Skiing and Snowshoeing
Winter is here! Whether you prefer cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, two of the protected Kawartha Land Trust properties in our area are open for you to explore this winter.
The 10 kilometers of Stony Lake Trails offer scenic overlooks of Stony Lake and is easily accessible with parking lots located off of Reid’s Road at the KLT-owned Ingleton-Wells Property and at Viamede Resort.
The Ballyduff Trails in the Fleetwood Conservation Area are also open this winter for X-C skiing, snowshoeing or hiking weekends and week days – weather dependent. Trails are accessible through Ralph and Jean’s gate at 851 Ballyduff Rd. There is no charge nor notice needed. Dogs are not permitted on Ballyduff trails. Enjoy at your own risk.
Ballyduff Trails are also accessible from South Pond Farms - 1020 Gray Rd. -every Sunday11 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning Jan. 7. A hearty stew, home-baked bread and warm drinks by the fire are available at $15 per person. Trail maps are provided. There is no charge for the trails. There is a $5 fee for parking. A donation will be made to KLT at the end of the winter season. For more information visit http://www.southpondfarms.ca/ sunday-lunch-trail-hike