Hockey Greats

A few of our biggest hockey fans were caught on film rubbing shoulders with some

NHL greats of yesteryear at a recent autograph signing here in town.

Pete Mahovolich, our very own local hockey star Dale Hawerchuk, Brad Park and Gerry Cheevers were all gracious enough to spend some time speaking with

and signing autographs for excited fans.

The meet and greet was held in conjunction with the Dale Hawerchuk Classic Golf Tournament, a charitable event in support of Headwaters Health Care Centre.

Donna's Divas of the Red Hat Society

The ladies of the Red Hat Society known as Donna’s Divas, attended their first official Red Hat Society gathering on Saturday May 2nd.

It was a party like no other; an UN-birthday party to celebrate the 364 days that are not your birthday.

There was food, games, music and dancing. The highlight of the day was when we dressed up our Queen Donna in a fabulous gown made of top quality toilet paper and then paraded her on stage for everyone to see. Donna looked amazing!

The ladies each received loot bags filled with a magic wand, bubbles, a feather pen, stickers and a tattoo.

Only at an UN-birthday party put on by the Red Hat Society is it ok to eat your cake before your lunch, they encourage this! Yum Yum

Now the red hats are once again put away, but only until the next event which takes place in September. The theme for this event is 70’s disco. Now that is an event to look forward to.

Donna’s Divas currently consists of: Donna R, Mary F, Rosemary B, Jane C, June H, Diane D and Mizue M, but there is always room for any ladies looking to have some fun!

Orangeville Flowers

Joanne and Martin Woudenberg of Orangeville Flowers located at 78 John Street have very generously offered to display our adult Tropical Chair and sell tickets for our fundraising raffle.

So if you haven't purchased your tickets yet, pay Orangeville Flowers a visit, purchase a ticket for your chance to win this fabulous chair.

While you are there take some time to smell the flowers, stroll through the heavenly scented rows awash with colour and beautiful greenery sure to brighten up your gardens both inside and out.






With Father's Day this Sunday, I don't know about your Dad but mine I know would love a bouquet of his favourite Daisies....so pick up some flowers or a new plant for your Dad's garden. Not the gardening type, check out the variety of wonderful, whimsical gifts. They've got something that is sure to please any Dad.

While you're there you'll notice that we are taking commissions for your very own version of the Hibiscus table. The tables are made of pine and handpainted, varathaned with 3 coats to give it a stunning sheen and added protection from the sun. With each purchase you will receive a $50.00 tax receipt. We will paint your choice of one large flower head as seen on the Hibiscus, your colour choice. $150.00 each.

Contact Karen Murphy-Fritz at Community Living Dufferin for more information.
519-941-8971 x 165 or karenf@communitylivingdufferin.ca

Farmers Market

Starting tomorrow and for the month of June we will have a table at the Orangeville Farmer's Market from 9am - 1pm.

We will be selling our raffle tickets for the ARTirondack chairs, Table and Quilt.

July 28th is the draw date for the 2 chairs and the table, and tickets are going fast.

If you haven't already bought yours, I would suggest you not wait any longer, come see us at the Market. Tickets are only $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00.

This is our big fundraising initiative of the year and we appreciate your support.

While your there support your local farmers and businesses too by purchasing some fresh, locally grown produce, sample some of the delicious fare that the many vendors offer to tantalize your sense of smell and taste.

And of course enjoy the many local shops along Broadway.

The weather is supposed to be glorious tomorrow, lots of sun and warm temperatures.

Reflections from Barry

At a recent screening of The Freedom Tour, hosted at Community Living Dufferin we celebrated the closures of the last 3 institutions which housed people with developmental disabilities on Ontario.

The Freedom Tour is an informative and very emotional film. It details the movement speerheaded by a growing group of people on a misison to have our Canadian government close once and for all the remaining institutions in the Prairie provinces.

With an intimate group of about 50 guests we welcomed Richard Beaudoin who led us in both prayer and remembrance as we honoured those people who lived and died in institutions. We also welcomed Barry Thachuk who spent a majority of his life in the Huronia Regional Centre (HRC) before coming to live in Orangeville.

Below is the speech which Barry prepared. Barry was very proud to share his thoughts with the guests and was grateful for the opportunity to honour those friends that he met and lost while he lived in the Huronia Regional Centre.
It is just a small account of his experiences and thoughts on life in an institution and the rights he enjoys now as a member of our community.

"Hello, my name is Barry Thachuk.

When I lived at HRC, one of the nurses forced me to eat when I was just a little boy.
Now, I don’t have to eat anything I don’t want to eat.

When I lived at HRC, sometimes I got locked up.
Now, nobody ever locks me up.

When I lived at HRC, I slept in a big dormitory.
Now I have my own bedroom.

The most important thing to remember about HRC is that “it’s an easy place to get into, but a hard place to get out of”.

Thank you!"