Blue Mountain Half Marathon generously dontates to Environment Network

The Blue Mountain Half Marathon is a not-for-profit race that is taking place on Sunday October 16th. Half of race profits go to natural health research, the other half back into the local community to promote active lifestyles for children. The Environment Network will receive a $2000 donation towards a new program called The Crew. http://bluemountainmarathon.com/


SPECIAL THANK YOU TO Ruth Hitchcock for organizing the race and donating to the Environment Network for a new program "the Crew." "The Crew", a new after school pilot program is aimed at helping at-risk male youth (grades 7 and 8) in our local community by providing them the chance to find a sense of belonging and connect with other youth once a week. The objective of "The Crew" will be to work with these young men and help them realize their self worth and potential. The Crew participants will be given the tools needed to help improve their nutrition, physical fitness and confidence so they are able to successfully go forward into high school and beyond. Currently, there is no such program available to male youth in this area but it has been requested by area elementary school principles after the success of a similar program for girls (Girlfriends). The eight week pilot program will run after school for an hour and a half and will use resources available at local schools or municipal facilities such as parks and trails.


Today's youth are experiencing increasing amounts of pressure from all aspects of their life; family, school, friends and media. Male youth experience similar pressures and issues as girls but react with uniquely different behaviours. "The Crew" after school program will focus on issues and pressures placed on male youth. Programming will cover a variety of topic areas including healthy living, sex, alcohol and substance abuse, vandalism, violent behaviour as well as self respect/esteem, respect for others and concern for their community and environment. The program will promote healthy physical activity and provide a chance for youth who otherwise, do to lack of access or funds, aren't able to participate in extra-curricular activities.

Additionally, programming will focus on community involvement and environmental awareness. In Collingwood and surrounding areas, there is a need for a program of this nature. The success of the Girlfriends program has made us aware of the need for a similar male-focused after school program.

Funding for this pilot project is essential to the overall success and expansion of "The Crew" after school program. Seed funding will provide The Environment Network with the means to hire a part time coordinator responsible for planning and overseeing the program. Funding would also assist with other costs associated with "The Crew" such as honorarium/mileage for guest speakers, nutritious snacks, after program transportation and free access for all participants.


For more information please contact Andrew Grottoli at the Environment Network, 705-446-0551

Nottawasaga Mechanical is giving away a new York home comfort system

Nottawasaga Mechanical is celebrating 25 years of exceptional customer service in 2011. To thank their customers and community they have decided to give away a York home comfort system. This system includes an Affinity Modulating gas furnace (98% efficient), Affinity 2 stage air conditioner (18 SEER), a MERV 13 media air cleaner and a touch screen communicating control with HD display. Retail value of $12000.00. For contest rules and to enter visit www.winanewfurnace.ca. Also like their page on facebook to stay up to date on promotions, coupons and tips on maintaining your heating and air conditioning equipment.

Yummy Stuff in Flesherton

One of our favourite things to do on a fall day is go for a drive, enjoy the beautiful scenery and check out new businesses.  Our drive this weekend took us to The Farmer's Pantry in the Blue Mountains for Family Fun Day, then over to The Eugenia Falls Emporium for a coffee and a chat with my friend Patricia and then to Flesherton.  We stopped in at Danielle's - fabulous catering and then we checked out the Leslieville Cheese Market, the Bakery and Peasmarsh Farm before heading over to Village Pizza for an early dinner of delicious homemade pizza.  We had a great conversation with Koelia and Gary at the Leslieville Cheese Market and I found some Westphalian Ham - brought back memories from my youth.  The Bakery has some great bakeware for sale and a nice selection of neat gifts and jams.  So the next time you're up for a drive to enjoy the fall colours make Flesherton a destination.

Bruce Kitchen?

Hey, pssst…word on the street is to keep your eyes open for Bruce Kitchen coming this fall/winter. Cool name…what’s it all about? Stay tuned. http://www.brucewinebar.ca/