Trumpeter swan spotted on Grey Owl Lake.
Some of the 15 participants involved in the Earth Day activity, in McKellar were, from left, Elaine McMahon, Barb Kane, Dave Turner, Roy Savage ,Mike Galley, Mel Hammond, Jack MacDonald, George Roy, Reeve Peter Hopkins and Judy Grant. Behind the camera was Joyce Hopkins.
Submitted photo
McKellar Rabies Clinic
There will be a rabies clinic, for cats and dogs, on Tuesday May 1 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the McKellar Community Centre. The cost is $15 (cash only) each and no appointment is required, just bring your pets.
For Women Only
The Parry Sound Anglers and Hunters (PSAH) once again is offering, for women, a learning experience in the use of firearms. If you are female and have interests, come join other women in this fun filled activity on Saturday, May 12 from 9:30 a.m. to mid-afternoon. Starting at 9:30 a.m. there will be a safety demonstration, approximately 25 minutes in length, followed with opportunities in shooting .22 calibre rifles and handguns. After this initial experience one can graduate to larger calibre shot guns, pistols and rifles.
The location is the PSAH club and range at 41 Brooks Road just south of town off Oastler Drive. Should you be coming by Highway 400 take the 217 exit.
Refreshments will be provided and bring a lunch, should you wish, as the kitchen is available. The cost is time only, joining other like minded women seeking this experience. For further information phone Mike at 705-389-2026
Parry Sound District Horticultural Society
Parry Sound and District Horticultural Society members enjoyed the houseplant show and the floral design workshop last Wednesday. Members went home with lovely floral arrangements.
The Parry Sound and District Horticultural Society is in District 18 of the Ontario Horticultural Association (OHA). The annual meeting for District 18 was held in Gravenhurst on Saturday, April 28. In the floral competitions held there, Karen Rush won for most points in the advanced category, Irva Stewart won in the certified judges’ category and Joyce Hopkins won best in show, judges’ choice and most points in the photographic competition.
To top it all off, the Parry Sound society won in a draw for a special Queen's Jubilee award of a "burled oak" which the OHA is providing to each of the 19 districts in Ontario. This will probably be planted at Tower Hill as part of the renovation project to restore the Tower Hill gardens.
To all the people who ordered the Nincompoop mulch, it will be available on Thursday, May 3 at the Home Hardware Store on Joseph Street. Pickup time will be between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The shipment will be placed off to one side in the store parking lot. This is a one day only opportunity so please make arrangements accordingly. Thanks to all the people who participated in this fundraiser. From all reports, this is really great stuff for your garden.
McKellar Public Library
New books in the library this week are The Barefoot Bandit: the true tale of Colton Harris Moore, new American Outlaw and Ontario Nature Guide, which lists all flora and fauna that can be found in Ontario. The latest fiction by Jeffrey Deaver called The Burning Wire, Iron River by Jefferson Parker, and Under Heaven, a national best seller by Guy Gavriel Kay are also available.
Remember that there is free wireless internet service for the public to use. The library has five computers for all to use, plus space for anyone who wishes to bring their own laptop.
Earth Day Activity
Over 15 hearty individuals braved the cold and spent three hours collecting debris around McKellar. They cleaned up Minerva Park, the community centre, Lakeshore, Centre, Hurdville, Holly, and Grey Owl Lake Roads, to name a few. The Earth Day Activity not only supported conservation awareness for those involved and those that witnessed the activity, but also saw three half ton truck loads of debris brought to the waste disposal station. Many bottles and cans refunds were donated to our volunteer firefighters.
Special thanks to the McKellar Conservation Association (MCA), McKellar Roads Superintendent, Kevin Murphy and those citizens who took the time to keep McKellar a little tidier.
Surprise Visitor
A recent visitor, once almost driven to extinction in the late 1800s, has been sighted plying the waters of Grey Owl Lake. European settlers to Ontario hunted the Trumpeter Swan for its flesh, skin and feathers. The feathers were believed to make the best quills for writing when dipped in ink. This swan was extirpated in Ontario. Recent attempts have been made to reintroduce this species to its former range in Ontario and as of 2000 the 250 pairs may be near self sustaining. Great success has been found by releasing young birds raised in captivity.
If you have news to report in McKellar please contact us at 705-389-1786 or by email at last@vianet.ca. We would appreciate hearing from you by Sunday noon.