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Stumping bees: the root of community spirit
Friday May 16 2008
By Andrew Hind

A spirit of cooperation was one of the most notable characteristics of pioneer life. It made existence in what was still predominantly wilderness bearable for people struggling to make a new life for themselves. In those trying times, entire communities got together in “bees”, a gathering of neighbours to help with vital tasks, everything from barn-raising to corn husking.
Stumping bees were among the earliest and most important of these affairs, and without them it’s doubtful Orangeville — or indeed any community — could ever have been settled.
When settlers took up their lots, the first order of business was to clear away the forests that sprawled across the land. Trees were felled, but it was simply too time consuming to remove the stumps in the first few years, and so crops were sowed around them.
But while this was necessary in the short term, it wasn’t practical in the long term. It was estimated that as much as one-sixth of a farmer’s field would have been occupied by stumps, which was wasteful of precious land and greatly reduced crop yields.  At the same time, the presence of stumps made plowing, planting and harvesting a frustrating and time-consuming exercise.
In early 19th century Ontario, a settler simply could not afford wasted time or crops. The stumps would eventually have to go. Softwood stumps might rot away in four or five years, but hardwood trees lasted 10 years or more. Waiting for Mother Nature to take its course was not an...
Shelburne considers summer employment for pre-med students
Friday May 16 2008
By Eric Sparling, Staff Sriter
A long-range plan to improve Shelburne’s chances of attracting new doctors received a welcome reception at council’s April 28 meeting. Centre Dufferin high school teacher Steve Stewart and university student Kaylie Stewart came before council with...
Feast for the Palate features area’s
Thursday May 15 2008

If you love food and wine you won’t want to miss this year’s Feast for the Palate, a competition that shows off the region’s culinary greatness. The event showcases different dishes from the top chefs around the region and the GTA.

Enjoy fireworks at home this weekend
Thursday May 15 2008
Alanna Wilson

What better way to celebrate Victoria Day than with a spangled barrage of fireworks? This year many new consumer products will appear in stores, creating fresh effects, and updating the ordinary backyard display.

“This year we will...

Community raises $13,105 for new residential hospice
Thursday May 15 2008

A Spring Affair, organized by members of the Caledon community, recently raised $13,105 for Hospice Caledon’s 10-bed residential hospice, Bethell House, which will begin construction this month in Inglewood.

“Doreen Beffort and her...

First Street seniors’ residence plan may not go ahead
Thursday May 15 2008
Richard Vivian

Plans for a controversial First Street seniors’ residence may not go ahead after all. Orangeville council’s March decision to pass over a proposal from Origin Retirement Communities in favour of other projects has put the plan in limbo, a...

Community Calendar
Monday May 12 2008
Tuesday, May 13
Orangeville & District Horticultural Society meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Orangeville Seniors Centre. Dr. Wendy Davis of Orangeville will speak on healthy gardening, a naturopathic perspective. Visitors welcome.
Orangeville Kin celebrate 50 years
Monday May 12 2008
By Eric Sparling, Banner staff writer
On the 50th anniversary of the Kinsmen and Kinettes in Orangeville, now might be a good occasion to tell the broader community they’re still here! Service clubs have been facing rough times, and the Kin clubs are no exception. When Alan Howe...
Start working on that summer six pack
Monday May 12 2008
By Ross O'Donnell, Tips from the Trainer
With summer just around the corner, how about trading in the winter two-four ab flab and love handles for a summer six-pack. Each of the following exercises is to be performed without rest between sets starting with as few as 10 reps and work up...
Safely dispose of your old medications
Monday May 12 2008
Due to the great response from the 2007 Medication Cleanout Initiative, Safe Communities’ falls prevention committee is once again joining forces with local pharmacies to encourage the safe use and disposal of medications. Last year 245 kilograms...
Fitness facility offers personal trainer and CPR courses
Monday May 12 2008
Training courses will be held in Orangeville throughout 2008 for individuals who wish to become nationally certified fitness personal trainers and for those either in the fitness industry or those just interested in becoming certified in CPR.
Peel plans to close compost facility to Dufferin organics
Monday May 12 2008
By Karen Martin-Robbins, for the Banner
Dufferin’s compost will be cut off from the Region of Peel facility in Caledon.
“We don’t have a timeline yet, but soon we will not have a place to go,” said director of public works, Trevor Lewis, during a May 8 council meeting.
Lewis...
Antique power show scheduled for June
Monday May 12 2008
By Alanna Wilson, for the Banner
It seems the annual Orangeville Fall Fair comes and goes all too quickly, only giving us that short yearly taste of what Orangeville used to be like. The members of the High Country Power Club are changing that by providing a second helping of the...
Events planned for Police Week
Friday May 9 2008
Local police have several activities planned in recognition of Police Week in Ontario, May 11 to 17.
The Orangeville and Shelburne departments will be holding open houses. The Orangeville event will be held tomorrow (May 10) from 11 a.m. to 3...