CHRISTMAS IN MUSKOKA-

MORE LIKE ENGLAND, THAN THE CANADIAN WINTER WE EXPECT - BUT WE'LL SURVIVE THE WARMTH - AND BE INSPIRED BECAUSE IT'S MUSKOKA-THE-BEAUTIFUL

I STEPPED OUTSIDE THIS MORNING, CHATTED WITH OUR RESIDENT SQUIRRELS HERE AT BIRCH HOLLOW, AND REMARKED TO SUZANNE HOW MUCH IT FELT LIKE THOSE DAYS I SPENT IN ENGLAND……NOTTINGHAM IN PARTICULAR, PLAYING AROUND ROBIN HOOD'S LEGENDARY "SHERWOOD FOREST." THAT WAS IN THE SPRING SEASON, BUT IT FELT VERY MUCH LIKE THIS COOL, DAMP, ON-THE-VERGE OF RAIN KIND OF MORNING. I FOUND IT INVIGORATING THEN, AS I DO NOW, BUT AS FAR AS EXPLAINING IT…..I CAN'T. WRITERS ARE A STRANGE LOT THIS WAY. IT'S HARD TO IMAGINE THAT GRAY AND RAINY IS GOOD FOR THE CREATIVE ENTERPRISE. ESPECIALLY HERE IN MUSKOKA, WITH CHRISTMAS A MATTER OF ONLY WEEKS AWAY…..AND NO WHITE STUFF. NO SNOW BANKS. NO SLIPPERY ROADS. NO SNOWMACHINES. GADS! ALTHOUGH I'M NOT A BIG SNOW FAN, I KNOW WHAT IT MEANS TO OUR LOCAL ECONOMY. WE'VE GOT A MILLION SNOWMOBILERS OUT THERE, ANXIOUSLY WAITING THE SNOW-THAT-STICKS.

Back in the early 1980's, I was editor of the former Herald-Gazette, and it was a time of incredible rivalry between the newspapers of the day….in a small market area. It was a highly charged and exciting period, because it was at a time when every staff member was fighting hard for the home team. It made us far more competitive than if we didn't have a competitor trying to best us at every turn. On press mornings, when The Herald-Gazette and The Examiner hit the streets, let me tell you, both editors had to deal with the stories they didn't get….the news scoops that went to one paper but not both. I can remember my publisher being quite vocal about these shortfalls, while I had to defend reasons we missed stories, and how possibly we got sidetracked by the scoops that we did get…..that the Examiner didn't. But do you know, for all the stress of competition for the largest circulation, both papers were pretty fair examples of quality effort, both in composition and editorial…..and even down to the advertising department, there was an unbelievable amount of blood, sweat and tears, getting one up on the other paper……..most of us benefitted in so many ways because of the aggressive grudge-match between papers. If you honed your editorial skills then, you got the advantage of one of the best teaching environs in the province…..with the exception of course, being waged, as it is today, between the Toronto dailies.

One Christmas season, back in about 1981-82, I can't remember exactly now, but we had a serious lull in the action. It was like a schooner on the open sea, its sails without nary a breeze to stretch the canvas. Maybe we just surrendered and didn't know it, but it was the slowest period for news and feature-gathering I can remember. It was the winter that snow didn't arrive until well after Christmas. It was an English Christmas landscape, the old-timers used to tell me while out on the hustings. "I remember it during the war years young fella," a veteran might offer, seeing me wandering down the street, camera in hand, looking for any spot news for the front page…….or any other page, because the "pickings were slim to none." I may have even asked this gent to allow me the privilege of taking his photograph, and seeking a few printable quotes about the weather stalemate. No matter what our publishers wanted to see of captivating, paper-selling headlines, it was pitiful, and for weeks very little happened to change our fare. It's not like we were wishing for a fire or a major accident, a robbery or shooting, to give us some front page ink, but a reporter isn't worth much, kicking dust on a dry sidewalk, looking for breaking news……and there being not much more than tumbleweeds blowing in the wind.

At the same time, I was getting frustrated generally. I was broke most of the time, drinking my rent money because it made me feel good, and many of my associates were feeling exactly the same, and looking elsewhere to re-locate. It's like that in the news profession. Some success experienced is like cocaine. You know there's more and you have to get it! Reporters like the rush of getting a scoop, and being involved in big news stories. Although I didn't need breaking news to satisfy me, it was required if I wanted to keep my job. I at least had to keep pace with the competition reporters, and that's why we hit the tavern together…..just to shadow box about the news of the week……usually on press night, after the papers were "to bed" as it's referred when the pages are being printed. We tricked them a couple of times, when our paper was still in production, and we ran like mad from the hotel, to make a few phone calls, to copy their lead story. They did the same to us, at times, but bought us a round for our chagrin.

On this particularly rough patch, of "no news," we knew we had to get creative. Creative is not a good policy in the reporting profession, except if you're talking about approach, not invention of story lines. One afternoon, just after Christmas, John Black, Brant Scot and I, took off in the car, with the intent of coming home, later that afternoon, with some useable photographs and story leads. John was driving. Gravenhurst's John Black, was without doubt, one of the finest photographers I'd ever worked with, and having him driving us around was always an adventure. When he spotted something of interest, he'd pull over, grab his camera gear, and leap out of the car, and run (with camera swinging wildly) down into a field or bog, before we had a chance to inquire "why?" Photographers are like that, and this guy got some spectacular spot news and feature photographs during the years I worked with him. Brant Scott was both a good photographer, who had a keen eye for news-type situations, and a deep-seeded passion, for turning over all stones he was suspicious of, in his day, and I can't tell you how many times this guy saved the that week's paper……..coming up with award winning stories and amazing news photographs……to fill the large amount of white space I worried about each week. The front page in particular.

The competition between the publications was hard on us. But these were our training years in the industry, after all, and it was better for us than if we'd been working in a one-paper region. Yet we did find ourselves a tad tired, especially at this top of the year……the snowless Christmas season. So as the three of us kidding and story-spinning reporters, rambled down the backroads of Muskoka, looking for anything that would make a good feature photo, the bare hills and woodlands had a natural allure, of course, but nothing that stood out as a feature news flick. We travelled for miles and miles, and saw lots of old tractors and farm equipment, grassed over in the fields, some interesting barns and split rail fences, but the Christmas season demanded something more than a pastoral scene. After a dozen sharp corners, some steep inclines and deep declines over this Muskoka topography, we came over one hillside, and there it was……and we couldn't believe our good fortune.

In the hollow, beside a typical barn and out-buildings, was a frozen farm pond. Gads. And there was a hockey game going on, with local kids. It was a winter scene without the snow, that said so much about our region, and the will to undertake seasonal entertainment……snow or not. You know, we stood on that hillside for a long time, looking down on that truly Canadian landscape, with hockey players, and a few figure skaters, spinning in the small ice surfaces of the connected ponds. The sunglow was amazing, and we seemed almost mesmerized the the tranquility of it all. I can't say what it meant for them, although we have talked about it several times over the years, but for me it was the beginning of a new relationship with my home region. From being frustrated and anxious all the time, I found something that made it all calm and enjoyable. It was when I stopped to take a deep breath of this beautiful rural atmosphere, I was hit by a giant fist of truth and consequence…..that I had been ignoring, and sustaining myself with a city-crazy life;….. while at the same time, living in a place that should have been so much more restorative and inspirational. I mostly saw the inside of buildings, newspaper offices, municipal halls, board rooms, courthouses and, yes, the town drinking hole. I was outside only to traverse between work and recreation gigs. That's it! It was my own re-birth I think, as a human….. who had been an "oh so" hard living, hard drinking, always working…..always broke, soul-less member of the workforce. I worked at a job I liked, but didn't love because of the pressure to out-perform the competition…..every week. My wage wasn't enough. Nowhere close, to paying me for sleepless nights, and churning stomach, that had me popping antacid tablets like peppermints.

I don't recall how long I stood on that hillside, watching John, down below, take some photographs of the afternoon skaters. It was like something Norman Rockwell would have depicted, and it was both nostalgic and romantic. It was a personal discovery for me, that I needed to exit from news reporting. This is what I wanted to write about, and promote of our region. What I write today for my two favorite publications, "Curious; The Tourist Guide," and "The Great North Arrow," has its roots buried into that farm hillside, above the frozen ponds…..bathed by sunglow and human enthusiasm for life. It was the commencement of a relationship I've had with landscape writing, for thirty years. I'm not a painter, although it is one of my top ten wishes, but I can paint everso humbly with a few well chosen words. From that farmstead afternoon, in the midst of a most powerful image of winter in Muskoka, I have dedicated myself to my own freedom of the press, and launched my own campaign to tell others about what Muskoka has to offer…..the weary, but hungry spirit.

Brant and John knew that I only ever had one foot in reality, the other entrenched in the realm of vivid imagination……and they allowed me my folly. But we were good friends, and they were the best mentors I could have ever asked for, to help me, on this occasion of discovery, leave a discipline that was killing me……and not softly. By this curious manifestation, of which I can only now believe was providential, I lived to see 2011…….still taking those calming motor trips into the countryside, looking over each hill, and around each corner, for that remarkable discovery……that sets the spirit free in an adventure words can't possibly describe.

John Black and Brant Scott were my two closest friends back then…….before we started building our respective families. They were incredible journalistic talents, at a time when the competition was thick enough to hack with a hatchet. There wasn't much down time, and we were exhausted and frustrated by things we couldn't muster, or better stated, correct. I needed them more than they needed me, that's for sure. I might have been editor of the paper, but these chaps carried the weight. I was so excited to see John's pictures of the farm rink, and I think Brant and I both wrote columns about the afternoon outing. While they moved on to the next news challenge, and embraced competition, the seed was planted with me. I wanted a change. It took a while to figure it out, and I certainly didn't quit that month, or for months after this. But I knew my future was writing feature material, local history, and about things encountered by happenstance, along those marvelous winding roads of our Ontario hinterland. I look back today……well, I made the right decision, and I'm getting more requests for submissions each month. Still a poor writer but getting by!

Both Brant and John have had good careers and just as many exciting opportunities and highlights as I have…..but I don't believe they pay too much regard, now, to that afternoon hiatus, on a barren hillside…..overlooking an old farm…..waiting for winter to break over the horizon.

Having an English morning here, in Gravenhurst, is just as wonderful as ever. Just breathe in that invigorating air…….and take a wander in the misty woods…..along a winding path that leads to nowhere in particular…..but peaks the curiosity none the less.

It's Christmas time in Muskoka.

You can all see some of Ted's other Muskoka-themed blogs by doing an online search.

CHRISTMAS IN GRAVENHURST -

LEISURE SUIT CAME WITH ITS OWN LIGHTS - AND WE ARE MAKING RATHER MERRY AT THE OLD HOMESTEAD

EVEN MY INMATE CRICKET IS REJOICING TONIGHT. WHAT WAS EXPECTED TO BE A BATTLE OF WITS, AN ARTIFICIAL TREE, WITH ITS OWN LIGHTS, A DIRECTION FOLDER WE EXPECTED TO CRUMPLE IN ANGER, AND USUAL CURRIE HOUSE KARMA, AND BY GOLLY, WE HAVE THE FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE IN THREE GENERATIONS OF FAMILY HISTORY, THAT WENT TOGETHER AS IT WAS SUPPOSED TO…….AND THE ONLY TIME A CUSS WAS HEARD, WAS WHEN FATHER PUT HIS FOOT IN THE CAT'S WATER DISH.

IT HAS THOSE WHITE LIGHTS I DON'T PARTICULARLY CARE FOR…..AS I GREW UP IN THE 1950'S AND 60'S, WHEN RAINBOW COLORED BULBS MADE EVERY LIVINGROOM IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD LOOK LIKE A STRIP JOINT…..OR WHERE YOU COULD GET COLD BEER WHILE PLAYING BILLIARDS. IN THE 70'S, YOU COULD GET THE SAME COLORED LIGHTS THAT BLINKED ON AND OFF, AND IT DROVE MY DAD NUTS…..UNTIL HE FIGURED OUT HOW TO BYPASS THE BLINK…..NEARLY BURNED THE HOUSE DOWN TRYING. WE'VE ALWAYS HAD A MULTI-COLORED LIGHTING SCHEME ON OUR TREES, AND IT WILL TAKE A WHILE TO GET USED TO GENTLE WHITE. ROB HAS A COUPLE OF WOUNDS FROM THE SHARP POINTS OF THE COAT HANGER BRANCHES, BUT THAT'S ONLY A QUARTER OF THE INJURIES USUALLY RECEIVED HAULING THE BIG TIMBER TO HEARTHSIDE. GENERALLY WE'D USE UP A BOX OF BANDAIDS WITH A REAL TREE. ROB IS GOING TO GET BY WITH A COUPLE. THIS TREE IS PAYING FOR ITSELF ALREADY.

I'VE NEVER PAID $150 BUCKS FOR A TREE. I'M HOPING THIS ONE WILL PLAY CHRISTMAS CAROLS, OR ACT AS AN EXTRA ANTENNAE FOR THE TELEVISION…..OR SOMETHING THAT WILL MAKE ME FEEL IT WAS A GREAT INVESTMENT…..LIKE THE REST OF THEM ARE SAYING AROUND HERE. WHAT THEY'RE ACTUALLY SAYING IS SOMETHING LIKE, "I CAN'T BELIEVE THE CHEAP OLD BASTARD FINALLY BOUGHT US A GOOD TREE." THERE HAS BEEN A NASTY RUMOR CIRCULATING HERE, THAT I CUT CORNERS WHEN HOLIDAY DECORATING. I'VE NEVER ONCE CUT DOWN A NEIGHBORS' SPRUCE OR SCOTCH PINE BECAUSE WE WERE BROKE. IT IS TRUE I WENT TO THE THRIFT STORE ONE PARTICULARLY LEAN YEAR, AND BOUGHT THREE PART TREES TO MAKE ONE GOOD ONE. WELL, IT'S ARGUABLE WHETHER IT WAS A GOOD ONE, BUT IT WAS MOSTLY GREEN, WITH SILVER HIGHLIGHTS, AND JUST HAPPENED TO BE BIGGER ON ONE SIDE THAN THE OTHER. IT WAS THE CHRISTMAS SUZANNE REFUSED TO TAKE ANY PICTURES OF THE KIDS AROUND THE TREE.

I DON'T WANT TO GIVE THE IMPRESSION I'M CHEAPER THAN MY ANCESTORS FROM THE OLD COUNTRY, BUT I HAVE ALWAYS FELT CHRISTMAS WAS THE SEASON WHEN FAULTS WERE OVERLOOKED, BY FESTIVE GOOD CHEER, AND THAT A LOPSIDED, MIXED SPECIES OF BRUSH, TINSIL AND POLYESTER WOULDN'T BE NOTICED FOR ITS SHORTFALLS……..BECAUSE JOY BESTOWED WOULD MAKE EVERYTHING ALL RIGHT……..PROVIDED THE TREE DIDN'T FALL OR SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUST FROM ITS OWN EMBARRASSMENT.

ROBERT WAS THE CHIEF ARCHITECT OF THE TREE THIS YEAR……AND HE HAS OUTDONE HIMSELF. ANDREW TOOK OFF TO A PARTY, AND SEEING AS HE IS, BAR FAR, THE MOST ANTAGONISTIC OF THE CLAN, IT MAKES PERFECT SENSE, THAT THE COPS WEREN'T REQUIRED THIS YEAR; AND FATHER DIDN'T HAVE TO BE FORCIBLY RESTRAINED. IT IS CERTAINLY ON THE WAY TO BECOMING A MERRY CHRISTMAS.

THE CATS? THEY ARE LOOKING FOR JIMNEY CRICKET TONIGHT, SO THE TREE HAS ESCAPED THEIR FOCUS. I'M SURE IN THE NIGHT, THERE WILL BE THE FAMILIAR TINKLE OF GLASS ORNAMENTS, AND THE SOUND OF BRISTLES RUBBING THEIR BELLIES, BUT WITH THE WIRE CABLES OF REINFORCEMENT, THIS IS AS WELL SECURED AS A TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWER.

FOR NOW, THERE'S SOME HOT CIDER. A PAT ON THE BACK, FOR A JOB WELL DONE, AND ANTICIPATION OF THE LEGEND OF THE CURRIES, AND WHEN IT WILL ALL HIT THE FAN! BECAUSE FRANKLY, NORMAL TO US, IS ABNORMAL TO EVERYONE ELSE.

IF THE TREE DOESN'T FALL, OR SOMETHING, GEEZ, I DON'T WHAT WE'D DO. IS OUR LUCK CHANGING?

JUST A SECOND. I'M GETTING A MESSAGE FROM MY DECEASED IRISH GRANDFATHER……"WILL YA' SHUT UP, YOU OL' FART, AND JUST ENJOY THE CIDER."

GOTCHA!

CHRISTMAS IN GRAVENHURST

BOUGHT A POLYESTER CHRISTMAS TREE - WITH BATTERY PACK - ULTIMATE FIGHTING TONIGHT - PUTTING UP THE CEREMONIAL TREE

WE CURRIES CAN GO MOST OF A CALENDAR YEAR WITHOUT FEELING THE NECESSITY TO CALL ONE ANOTHER "STUPID," OR "YOU CLUMSY ARSE," (SAID WITH A LITTLE SCOTTISH UNDERTONE) UNTIL EITHER WE TRY TO LOAD OR UNLOAD CANOES FOR A CAMPING ADVENTURE, OR, AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR, ERECTING THE CHRISTMAS TREE. IT HAS BEEN A MULTI-GENERATIONAL AFFAIR, THAT HAS SEEN SOME ROUGH AND TUMBLE EVENTS, SURROUNDING WHAT SHOULD BE A GLORIOUSLY HAPPY….MERRY ACTIVITY.

MY FATHER'S FATHER WAS OLD-COUNTRY IRISH, AND THEY WERE LUCKY TO GET A CHRISTMAS TREE IN THE FIRST PLACE. IT ALL KIND OF DEPENDED IF EDWARD SR. HAD BEEN IN THE SAUCE, WITH HIS CABBAGETOWN MATES. HE WAS MORE LIKELY TO FALL INTO IT, THAN PLACE IT UPRIGHT. MY FATHER, ALSO NAMED ED, HAD AN ENTHUSIASM FOR CHRISTMAS, AND WOULD TAKE ME IN OUR JALOPY, WITH SOUNDS OF GRINDING AND CLANGING PARTS YOU WOULDN'T BELIEVE, AND WE'D WIND UP AT A CITY LOT, STRUNG WITH LIGHT BULBS…..WHERE CUT TREES WERE STACKED INTO A SORT OF CHRISTMAS MAZE. ED WASN'T ONE TO HAGGLE, BUT HE WOULD GRAB A TREE, IN FRONT OF THE SELLER, AND POUND IT DOWN INTO THE GROUND. IF HE HEARD THE SOUND OF A THOUSAND NEEDLES, HE'D GIVE THE GUY "THE LOOK." TWO THOUSAND NEEDLES AND UP, WE ALWAYS GOT A GOOD DEAL…..AND IT WAS ALWAYS THE SAME AT NEW YEARS. A BARE NAKED TREE. A BROKEN VACUUM.

ED HAD NO PATIENCE PUTTING UP A REAL TREE. HIS LIFE WAS SO MUCH BETTER WHEN WE GOT OUR FIRST ARTIFICIAL TREE. MY FATHER WAS A NAVAL GUNNER, IN HIS YOUTH, AN APPRENTICE UNDERTAKER, A LAUNDRY TRUCK DRIVER, AND A LUMBER SALESMAN…..BUT HE WAS DEFINITELY ABOUT AS HANDY AS A FOOT. WHEN IT CAME TO TRIMMING THE BRANCHES TO GET THE BOTTOM INTO THE TREE-STAND, THE ONE DULL OLD SAW WAS EMPLOYED IN A MOST PRECARIOUS MANNER. HE CUT BRANCHES THAT MADE THE TREE LOOK OUT OF PROPORTION, AND HE FREQUENTLY CUT THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS THAT MY MOTHER MERLE WOULD START STRINGING ON THE TREE, BEFORE HE'D SECURED THE STAND PROPERLY. "WHAT DID YOU DO THAT FOR," SHE'D GASP. "NOW WE HAVE TO BUY NEW LIGHTS." MY DAD WOULD HAVE USED CANDLES TO SAVE A BUCK, BUT MERLE REFUSED, EVEN THOUGH HER FATHER HAD DONE THE SAME WHEN SHE WAS A CHILD…….WITH HER MOTHER COMPLAINING…."YOU'RE GOING TO BURN THE HOUSE DOWN….ARE YOU CRAZY?"

Once the tree was up, and we stood back to admire the great Christmas-time splendor, Merle would jump up with ornaments in hand, tinsel in tow, and begin a frenzied round of decorating. When I say round, that's what I mean. Before Christmas Eve, that tree would have hit the floor at least three times, forcing my mother to sweep up the old ornaments, and put on the ones that had been purchased just in case. It was the only time I heard someone speakings in "tongues," and it wasn't at all necessary to hear the words, because the bulging veins on her forehead explained the rage within. She had once purchased huge glass ornaments from Eatons in Toronto, when she worked at a bank nearby, and I can clearly remember her tears, when after the third year, of many falls, the glass globes were finally gone. Every one. Then she got onto a plastic kick. They bounced, and she liked that!

The only year that the tree didn't fall because of gravity and a crappy job putting on the stand, was when a family friend arrived one night, drunker than three skunks, and decided to add a little extra to the tree. "Teddy…..I want to give you a little present…..cause you're a good little bugger." Geez, he took one step into the tree-zone, tried to place a crisp ten dollar bill on one of the branches, and fell right into the middle of our decorated tree. He was a man of considerable frame, and it took us a long while to free him from the strands of lights, and the tinsel which even wrapped around his ears. HO, HO, HO!!

I'm the third Edward in the clan Currie, and I have, with the exception of the booze, had similar issues with Christmas trees over the years. The problem is, there are too many compromises in a house like ours, to get anything but a sprig into the living room without snagging a painting or a Greek urn. We have a big-enough house, just too many relics pushing in toward the centre. So we have to bring the tree in, like directing a 747 on the airport tarmac. We simply can't move everything we should, before the operation begins. And I have this family gene that commands, "if it isn't 17 feet tall, with an eagle's nest in it, it's not the one for us." As for Clark Griswald, writers must have been watching us, all those years, because Christmas Vacation is our story. While it is true we have had less tree carnage than my grandparents, and parents before me, we have none the less, had some of our most colorful festive moments, trying to get the tree in place, balanced, roped down, and cat free. My parents didn't have to deal with so many cats…..only one they called Pierre-Margaret, after our Prime Minister and wife.

The parallels however, are considerable. Suzanne is far closer to a perfectionist than my mother, but very impatient when it comes to dealing with clumsy men, who don't subscribe to persnickety anything. We have a job to do, we do it, we pat ourselves on the back, say some lumberjack stuff, and vacate the premises. Suzanne can take her time doing the Martha Stewart thing, and she always does a fabulous job. Did I mention the cats. You see, in a perfect world……you just wouldn't own seven stray cats. Why seven cats. Well, first of all, we are pet fanciers. Some of the folks in this neighborhood are not….but have cats that are not spayed our neutered. As our are, the problem isn't with our pets, but the fact the pregnant cats find our shed suitable for nesting. With the Humane Society labored with many cats already, we have kept the critters…..as they were after all, Birch Hollow born. We've had two others tossed out of cars near our home, and we adopted them as well. We're at our limit now, so forget asking us if we'd like several more.

Cats and Christmas trees, are right out of the pages of Hitchcock. They can turn the old tree on its end, let me tell you, and there is nothing…..no amount of yelling or threatening, whistling or waving that will stop our felines from punching the decorations. Once last year, I found three of them up the tree, and it was the strangest sight. I'd been sitting nearby and hadn't noticed them playing around the tree. But I could feel something watching me. When I looked up from the newspaper, I could see one face looking out from the six foot mark, another at the four foot level, and another one, perched just up from the stand. We've tried everything to keep the trees cat free, but alas, it's better to just build it strong, tie down the bulbs with wire, and let every inmate here at Birch Hollow, celebrate Christmas from whatever position they prefer.

Robert is the chief architect of our new brush-like tree, because I refuse to follow directions. Did I ever tell you that I'm about the only kid in Canada asked to leave Cubs because of insubordination. Explains a lot doesn't it? Anyway, we'll let you know how it turns out. I'm sure, in Currie family tradition, the tree will be a crisis as usual, true to the spirit of Charlie Brown, our hero, and despite its askew, overburdened, little to the left configuration, it will get us through another holiday season. But at least it will keep its needles, and we won't have to replace the vacuum cleaner…..as we have in the past…..due to engine burn-out…..due to so many, many needles.

Nary a polyester needle has fallen yet…..and we've already unpacked the box. I'm impressed.

CHRISTMAS IN GRAVENHURST -

TOUGH TIMES, MAKE THE GOOD TIMES WORTH THE WAIT - INVESTING IN GRAVENHURST IS GOOD BUSINESS

I'M PRETTY SURE THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF GRAVENHURST CITIZENS WHO ATTENDED FRIDAY NIGHT'S TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY AND DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS SALE IN BRACEBRIDGE. BACK IN AUGUST, I SAW BIG GROUPS OF GRAVENHURST TEENAGERS, AND ADULTS, ENJOYING THE MIDNIGHT MADNESS SALE. THE DOWNTOWN IS JAMMED WITH SHOPPERS, SIGHTSEERS AND HALF-INTERESTED MUSIC LOVERS BECAUSE THERE'S ALWAYS A COVER-BAND PLAYING ON THE END-OF-THE-ROAD STAGE. I'M NOT SURE ABOUT THIS BUT I'M GOING TO STRETCH OUT ON THIS LIMB OF MINE, AND SUGGEST WE DIDN'T HAVE MANY BRACEBRIDGE RESIDENTS ATTEND OUR TREE LIGHTING EVENT HERE. THAT'S OKAY. THEY WERE OBVIOUSLY SAVING MONEY FOR THEIR OWN STREET SALE.

For those people, who might ridicule our event as being paltry, without bells and a single whistle…….and for having a Christmas tree that hasn't had lights on since that "festivus for the rest of us," (let's not get into the emergency vehicle flashing lights), it really is unfair to compare our BIA events, and the shopping options on our respective main drags. Of course Bracebridge has more stores with a greater diversity of merchandise. And they've got a lot of participation, and probably quite a bit more funding for their main street festivals. It makes sense. They've got more businesses to tap for BIA revenues. But the difference in Bracebridge, is that they have stuck with their event for decades, because I can remember going to Midnight Madness Sales back in the early 1980's, and maybe sooner than that. Before that I believe, the annual Cavalcade of Color was a big deal in the autumn season, and the road was closed for all the regalia; from beer garden to car show if memory serves. Since we have lived in Gravenhurst, now more than twenty years, the only comparison is the August Street Sale, and a few other times, through the year, when there are smaller BIA sponsored promotions. By statistics alone…..and I don't like relying on them entirely, Bracebridge has simply been working at it longer, and with greater intensity, such that now their sales are community fetes…..and whether you plan on buying or just enjoying the evening, it's a generally light-hearted, friendly venue, with a lot of participating stores.

Now just hang on a minute. It wasn't always this way. I went to a lot of these events, as reporter with the local press, and the turn-out was a fraction of what it is presently. One of the exciting promotions…… we always got a front-page photograph of, was the pajama-wearing sales' discounts, offered by some of the clothing stores. This definitely brought out the teenagers. Foolish, frivolous, but the retailer got credit for bringing out the mob…..and got a mention when we ran the photo above the fold.

There were many disgruntled BIA members then, especially at Christmas, who were less than impressed with the shop-at-home crowd. I used to be part of those days, as a main street retailer, and it was miserable. But by golly, despite the lean years, they never gave up on the idea, that they could take the evening hours, and make them profitable. Our boys and their mates attended their Friday night Christmas sale, and they were impressed by the large crowds. Even though the road wasn't closed, there were lots of activities, Santa making the rounds, a fire to warm the hands, music, lots of lit trees, at least I'm told, and some amazing live-window-displays, from the local dance academy students……and a goodly number of shops offering fairly meaty discounts. We always go to the annual August sale, and as it is my old hometown, I generally run into some of my childhood chums, and we have a nice visit, in an electric atmosphere. But folks, I don't come home and feel disadvantaged because I live, and have invested in Gravenhurst. It's not imperative to be a Bracebridge clone. We have a lot of great qualities here, and there's a lot of potential for the same kind of events, on a broader scale, in our business community.

What Gravenhurst must soon reckon with, is that in order to arrive at a more cohesive business network, we need to re-think the mandate of the BIA. For the next decade we are going to be in a re-building, re-investment period……just as Bracebridge has experienced many times, since I was a kid wandering that business corridor, from the mid 1960's onward. Our success depends on a town initiative, to remove the box of simply main street thinking. While it is the BIA mandate, after all, to look after improvements to the main street, it isn't the end-all and never has been. With a reduced main street commercial density, and one we might expect will decrease further in a tough economic winter, the town needs to encourage a Gravenhurst retail significance, where the whole business community is included in the reindeer games.

No here's a funny thing…..and it happens quite a bit. I met an old friend of mine at the grocery store yesterday. I was in public school in Bracebridge with the chap back in 1966. We went on to graduate high school in the same class, and we've been friends for life. He sees me shopping in Bracebridge, and I see him shopping in Gravenhurst. We laugh about it, each time we meet, declaring that "Just here spending some money Ted." "That's good Paul, we just came back from Bracebridge, where we spent some of ours." He and his wife are regulars in our town. As my wife and I are regulars in Bracebridge. But you know, I'm not sure if we really appreciate how many Bracebridge shoppers like our grocery and discount stores…….for the good service and excellent prices. Our LCBO outlet is one of the finest in the region, and yes, you can find many of our more northerly friends shopping there. The point is, if you look at the attraction Gravenhurst has……well, maybe we've been spending too much time pre-occupying about the main street, and its shortfalls, and not spending enough strategic planning, on how to benefit from all the business advantages we do have here……that spin-off to the main street as a matter of course. A lot of this isn't known or understood. It needs to be.

We have some excellent businesses here, that do attract folks from other towns. They don't just hit a few stores in the south end, or have a steak dinner at the wharf, and disappear. Many wind up on our main street, and we know this……especially from those who like music, because they find their way into our shop. We've had many visitors from other towns, arrive in our shop, having been directed here, by employees of those south end, and Wharf businesses, who network folks all over the place……because we're all in this together. We do the same every week, whether it is directing visitors to restaurants, gift, clothing and book shops…….the works. We'll refrain from saying which pizza place is best…….but we'll definitely say, we like them all.

When we held the annual Christmas tree lighting, the whole business community should have been invited to participate……which doesn't diminish the BIA doing their own business initiatives at the same time. But I sense the tension between the business areas of the community, and it seems at times, as if there is a chasm between the neighborhoods, too wide to span. Yet our power in retail, entertainment, and service, is huge, if we only could bring it all together…….because we can all see the great benefit of selling customers on Gravenhurst as a place to shop…….not just downtown……but all around town.

You know what we've got that Bracebridge doesn't have….other than me? The Opera House. The central square…..that is absolutely central, and that should by itself, inspire the BIA and the town, to start planning some all-inclusive fetes around here……for the kids, for families, for our visitors from south, north, east and west. You couldn't ask for a better venue, than is in the BIA bailiwick. And with the revamp to the Carnegie building, and the Chamber and BIA relationship moving in the right direction, all that's needed here, is for the business community to find the bridging…..to make the business future stronger than ever. After the Christmas season…..we should give our support to the Winter Carnival……because folks are trying here……and here's an event Bracebridge gave up on…….so "brand it hard," that Gravenhurst is the place where it was re-born…..the Muskoka Winter Carvinval…..Gravenhurst style.

This old roving reporter hears stuff out there. For those who think that Gravenhurst is the only town to face some disparity, there is news of some major Bracebridge store closures coming in the new year. A few are well known, in town, several others are new revelations. But it doesn't take but a short drive, to find some empty storefronts……but this time, strangely enough, it's the downtown that is doing the brisk trade. Talk about history repeating. The same can happen here. We just need to pull together all our strengths to do it!

We are persnickety investors, us Curries, a little frugal, slightly wily, and always looking for a good deal…..and we don't take risks. Did that once. Never again. And with our annual family business review, well, we're once again putting our money on Gravenhurst. That's how good a year it has been, running a business on the main street. Just in case you were interested. And we might even expand. See how the Christmas season goes. It's ours to win or lose. The only thing we're known for, more than being frugal, is being really crappy losers. So we do everything in our power to stay on the winning side. We think the best way to win, is to remain here, and tough it out…..and lately, that hasn't been any disadvantage whatsoever.

Shop in Gravenhurst. Shop all over Gravenhurst. You'll like what you find.

REMEMBER OUR FUNDRAISING CONCERT ON SATURDAY NIGHT, DECEMBER 10TH, AT THE OPERA HOUSE

ANDREW AND ROBERT DRAG THEMSELVES BACK HOME EACH NIGHT NOW, AND GENERALLY TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO SOCIALIZE, BEFORE HITTING THEIR RESPECTIVE BEDSTEADS.

THEY LOVE DOING THE TWICE ANNUAL FUNDRAISERS, BUT THEY ARE LABOR INTENSIVE ENTERPRISES, AND IT WILL BE CHRISTMAS EVE BEFORE THEY'VE CAUGHT UP THE SLEEP THEY'VE LOST WORKING ON, AND OF COURSE WORRYING ABOUT THE SHOW'S OUTCOME. THEY DO ALL THE PROMOTION WORK THEMSELVES, ACCEPT SOME WORDSMITHING FROM ME, (AND ORGANIZING FROM THEIR MOTHER), AND IT DOES TAKE A TOLL…..ALONG WITH RUNNING A BUSINESS, AND HOLDING DOWN SEVERAL OTHER JOBS AT THE SAME TIME. THEY'VE GOT TO CO-ORDINATE A LOT OF STUDENT PERFORMERS AND LOCAL GROUPS, AND YOU HAVE TO BE AN ENCHANTER TO PULL IT OFF…..BECAUSE A LOT OF CRAZY STUFF CAN HAPPEN, INCLUDING A SNOW STORM. HARD TO DO ONE OF THESE WITHOUT POWER.

SO IF YOU COME OUT TO THE "NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS" SHOW, WHICH BEGINS AT 7 P.M., DON'T BE SURPRISED TO FIND THE SHOW PROMOTERS GLASSY-EYED, AND POSSIBLY NODDING OFF, WHEN THERE'S SOME DOWN-TIME DURING THE SHOW. FORTUNATELY WE'VE GOT SOME EAGER BEAVER VOLUNTEERS TO HELP BACK STAGE, AND THEY'RE MORE THAN CAPABLE OF KEEPING THE SHOW ON SCHEDULE. THEY JUST NUDGE THE LADS FROM THE HIATUS SLUMBER, AND THEY'RE GOOD FOR ANOTHER HALF-HOUR BEFORE EXHAUSTION SETS IN AGAIN.

WE ALL LOVE DOING THIS SHOW, BECAUSE WE BELIEVE IN THE WORK OF THE SALVATION ARMY, TO KEEP THE SHELVES OF THE FOOD BANK FULL OF PROVISIONS, TO HELP THE LESS FORTUNATE. IT IS A GREAT FEELING, ONCE THE SHOW IS OVER, TO BE ABLE TO HAUL BAGS OF GROCERIES TO THESE FOLKS, AND PRESENT A NICE CHEQUE TO THE THE CAPTAIN. AND THEN WE FALL INTO A LONG WINTER'S NAP.

DONATIONS ARE GLADLY ACCEPTED AT THE DOOR. NON PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS AND CASH DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED. IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE MEANS TO OFFER A DONATION, AS OUR CHRISTMAS GIFT TO YOU…..PLEASE ATTEND AS OUR GUESTS. WE SHOULD BE TOGETHER AT CHRISTMAS……DON'T YOU AGREE?

IF YOU CAN'T MAKE THE SHOW, AND WISH TO OFFER A DONATION, YOU CAN VISIT THE BOYS AT THEIR MUSIC SHOP ACROSS THE ROAD FROM THE OPERA HOUSE. BUSINESS AND CORPORATE DONATIONS WILL BE USED TO OFFSET THE RENTAL FEE FOR THE OPERA HOUSE.

GOD BLESS, AND MERRY CHRISTMAS.

CHRISTMAS IN GRAVENHURST -

RECREATION CENTRE INVESTIGATION - THE SIGH OF RELIEF HEARD ROUND THE TOWN - WE WANT TO KNOW MORE - AND WE FEEL REAL BAD FOR ALL CONCERNED - 2011 A YEAR WE WON'T FORGET

At around Easter, this year, the citizens of our town had a lot to talk about. A lot of time to fill in the blanks. It was an exercise in small-town "rumor-snowballing," and with the nagging G-8 innuendos, regarding alleged spending excesses, making the rounds, finding Gravenhurst in the national press…..front page…..and not just once, well, it was all a little too much excitement to be calm about the latest breaking news Usually at that time of the year, the most we could expect from the longer, warmer days, is the average bout of Muskoka spring fever that brings out the "gardeners in us!" Let me tell you, there were a lot of front-lawn, impromptu conversations, rakes propped under chins, during numerous neighborhood round-tables. It's certainly true that most people were thinking the worse. Fair or not, they were ready to march on town hall. Not in great numbers….but a wee march none the less. Maybe with a couple of hastily penned placards. If Gravenhurst has ever been fully ticked-off by their circumstances, this was the one that did it! This was a fever-pitch period, few would deny, and it put us in a rather strange light.

Most citizens I talked with, in those first few weeks after the story broke, didn't want to believe there could possibly be wrong-doing, associated with the recreation centre expansion……because getting the new pool was to be a highlight of our modern history. Folks for years, used to motor down to the Muskoka Sands indoor pool, and of course the public pool in Bracebridge…..but a long awaited pool of our own, was a real game changer; a real treat for excited swimmers, young and old. So hearing and then reading about the alleged wrong-doing, and not just in one issue, but over several, plus the other media reports, was beyond anything our town has had to deal with…….and as an historian, I can't really draw a parallel to another community event or calamity…..other than fires and their destructive paths which have hit the community as hard, for as long. These were serious claims being made, and with design problems experienced early in the project, associated with a high water table, and the whole hurry-up process to get the economic development funds in the first place, it's true, a lot of taxpayers saw red and more red. It was a vein-bulging time in our history. For all those intimately involved in the case.

To say some jumped to conclusions… isn't all that exceptional under the circumstances, considering we had lots of other innuendos floating around at the same time. All the Gravenhurst citizens wanted was a new pool. That's it. It had been on a want list for several decades at least, and every time we got close, or thought we could muster a major fundraising effort, something would occur to thwart, or delay continuation of what had always been a good community initiative. To find out that the project would now be embroiled in controversy, seemed to some, just another roadblock….and yes, some did call it "a curse," to getting a public pool. Whether they believed the allegations or not, and honestly I didn't find this all that prevalent over the past half year, most lumped this disaster with a really, really bad year in town generally. And I don't think any one following the other misfortunes, would deny folks the right to feel a little dejected and down-hearted by the succession of unfortunate events, from fire, seemingly endless construction on the main street, economic woes in the business community, record tax burdens and yes……add to this a police investigation. No fun for anyone.

It must have been unbelievably difficult for the contractor, with an outstanding reputation in the industry, in this province, having to continue working on the project, as the investigation continued, with hurtful gossip and unfounded accusations certainly within ear-shot of site workers. Many of us are sorry for having that shred of doubt, which was the general mood…….because we're really not like that as a community. But we are none-the-less susceptible to the push and pull of media coverage, as we are faithful and trustful readers of the daily and weekly press. We are certainly very eager to read more about the story, and police investigation in coming issues.

And of course, we appreciate the great stress Gravenhurst Councillors, and town staff have had to deal with, since Easter, and this was the nasty spin-off of building-fictions where fact and only fact, should have been entrenched. The reality our Mayor held the fort, against considerable adversity, committed to stick with the company, and carry on through the apparent abyss of uncertainty, with a staunch, unyielding determination to finish what was required, was a clear demonstration of a leadership many of us had seriously questioned…….as whether it was the right way, or in error, to carry-on with work, while an investigation was ongoing….. obviously the right decision was made. It was courageous, in my opinion, for the company to have remained with the project, under such intense scrutiny, fulfilling their commitment to a town……that really wanted a pool!

During the initial two weeks, following the allegations being made public, there was a serious amount of story spinning making the rounds…..and many outrageous tales that created ridiculous scenarios some people took as fact. The problem was, clearly, that the town needed to calm the citizens, and without violating the confidentiality of the situation, let us all know……at public meetings…..as many as it would take…. general answers to at least some of the nagging questions…..that would have cleared the air; and smashed the wheel off the rumor mill. Citizens were simply exercising their democratic rights by asking for information, from the people they elected to be stewards of their town. They had to rely, in most cases, on the media to give them a smidgeon…..when what we all needed was for Council to quell fears……to explain why certain information was restricted, why there had been a major personnel change at town hall, and how it all related to the alleged wrong-doing at the rec. centre. Under the circumstances, it would be hard to blame already angry taxpayers, for reading a lot more into the situation than was part of the investigation. Even though there was no news coming from the police, that didn't stop innuendos from flourishing. Even as recent as two weeks ago, I was hearing updated rumors, more compelling than ever, that this was going to turn real bad, and soon. Respectfully, this could have been lessened by town hall……not eliminated, but lessened, by facing the public sooner. Red-faced here in Gravenhurst? We all must be humble to the situation, because, even in modest proportion, we really wanted to throw the town under the proverbial bus……because we felt they'd somehow let us down. Arguably there were shortfalls in communication but they still didn't deserve the brow-beating they took.

I can't imagine that even the most conspiracy-speculating citizen today, isn't feeling the relief of hearing that the police will not be laying charges against the contractor, as there was no wrong-doing or kickbacks substantiated. My wife Suzanne told me about the news report, while we were strolling down the aisle of the grocery store. I damn near fell over a display of stovetop stuffing boxes. Damn thing is, it's almost exactly the same place, as when I first read the initial allegations……reading when I should have been paying attention to grocery store displays. As I was shocked then, well, I was shocked today…..not because I wanted someone to pay for our chagrin, but the fact we had all, to some degree, let our imaginations wander, when we should have been objective……..you know…..the innocent until allegations are proven part of our legal rights and privileges. I'm pretty sure this news story is stirring up household and business chatter all around Muskoka tonight, because despite our huge geographical area, we're a pretty tight region when it comes to headline-grabbing occurrences. And I'm just as sure, many are angry about the whole nine yards of it……that all this had to happen, when all we wanted was a simple…..not too elaborate…..just big enough, public pool for our town.

There is no justification broad enough, or sensibly proportioned, to justify fanning the rumor mill, as we have been over a half year. In history it has happened, and there have been consequences for over-reaction. As nasty as these rumors are, to those affected, they are a fact of life in a mass media, crazy world…..and there is ample evidence of this happening everywhere on God's green earth. Still, I don't think, even with much greater openness from council, that all embellishments would have been contained…..as this was part of a larger profile of taxpayer dissatisfaction, at being told we might hit double digits, for some time, to pay for our brand new pool…….and then to read in headlines, of these alleged problems……it created a very volatile situation, amongst generally fair and amiable citizens. The criticism of the additional pool and recreation centre over-spending, would have carried on, as it pretty much has in ratepayer circles, regardless of whether we hit the front page last April or not.

This is a good town. And we have a lot of conscientious folks who weighed those allegations carefully, and were patient enough to wait for an outcome. After a long, long wait, yes, we could heave a sigh of relief……and I can tell you, many feel pretty bad about thinking the worse of the contractor and the town itself. It is important to appreciate that it was a really bad year here……and while it isn't an excuse for behaving badly, it was certainly a contributing factor in creating mistrust on top of already simmering anger, about tax increases we hadn't anticipated….and news, our financial burdens weren't a one-off…..but a legacy into the future.

We know this isn't over by a long shot, because there are events after the fact. We eagerly await upcoming revelations, to finally find out what it was all really about……if we are ever entitled to review this information, or misinformation, that led to these unfortunate troubles on the construction front, and at town hall. Of course we'd like to know. All we wanted was a pool, and we got so much more!

CHRISTMAS IN GRAVENHURST -

MANY GROUPS IN OUR COMMUNITY HELPING THE LESS FORTUNATE - AS THEY HAVE BEEN FOR DECADES - WITHOUT A FUSS

SOMETIMES, BECAUSE OF PROLIFIC MEDIA TYPES LIKE ME, WE LOSE SIGHT OF THE FACT, OUR COMMUNITY WELL-BEING IS HANDLED BY MANY OTHER GROUPS, BEYOND THE WORK OF THE SALVATION ARMY. THERE ARE CHURCH GROUPS AND SERVICE CLUB OUTREACH PROGRAMS, AND BUSINESSES THAT CONTRIBUTE FUNDRAISING PROCEEDS TOWARD THESE RELIEF ACTIVITIES. I AM ALWAYS IMPRESSED BY THE WAY OUR COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER, IN SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS, TO HELP OUT OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED. AS OUR FAMILY HAS MADE A TRADITION OF HELPING OUT THE FOOD BANK, OPERATED BY THE SALVATION ARMY, WE OBVIOUSLY DIRECT OUR CHRISTMAS CONCERT FUNDRAISING IN THEIR DIRECTION. BUT THE SALVATION ARMY IS JUST ONE OF THE COMMUNITY GROUPS WORKING FEVERISHLY THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON, TO HELP PUT SOME FESTIVITY BACK INTO THE LIVES OF THOSE SUFFERING ECONOMIC WOES. IT'S A NICE FEELING BEING A HOMETOWNER, AND WATCHING THIS BENEVOLENCE ROLL OUT. AND IT'S LIKE THIS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. IT'S AT CHRISTMAS THAT WE CAN SEE IT ALL MORE CLEARLY, THIS COMING TOGETHER OF THE CITIZENRY, AND RESPECTIVE BENEVOLENT GROUPS, WORKING AROUND THE CLOCK TO HELP SOMEONE HAVE A MORE FESTIVE CHRISTMAS, THAN HAD BEEN EXPECTED. DID I MENTION THE GENEROUS VOLUNTEERS AND BUSINESSES THAT HELP WITH SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAMS? I LOVE THEM ALL.

One of my annoyances in this town, is one you can pick up pretty easily in this blog collection……in a matter of several sentences. I don't like the disconnect I see at town hall, to what the economic realities are in this bailiwick. Not just focusing in on the downtown misfortunes but taking a real interest in the welfare of the citizenry at large…….because it seems to me, they feel the matter is being looked after by other groups……the upper governments' social assistance and unemployment insurance programs. Both of these are programs woefully outdated and inadequate in the real world economy. As town continues to toss money at the new recreation centre, and having paid an enormous amount for a new roof for the town hall, money appears to have lost its significance. What a fraction of that money would do for the Food Bank, makes me furious, especially when much of the expenditures now are for material substitution and (geez) more upgrades…..and a lot of incidentals which are always of the expensive kind. You know, just once, I'd like to read a report in the local press, when a councillor(s) hits the ceiling of that grand council chamber, when hearing about another rising cost at the centre. I'd like to know that even one councillor, would think enough of the stressed local economy, to rise up from that council table, whack the old coffee cup down, and demand a stop to the reckless spending. Is it going to stop? Is this a building that is going to cost us a fortune to maintain annually? Here's where the public needs to demand transparency……not request it!

While I might be accused of nit-picking here, finding out that we haven't been as responsible with spending, as we should have been, is disheartening when you look at all the charitable work going on right now, to help some of our citizenry down on their luck. It's just awful reading about cost over-runs and "oops, we goofed" reports, that admit in all that media ink, "we had to replace this - or that - oh well!" It's council's complacency, portrayed in the media, that emphasizes that "oh well," and frankly, it will also be their undoing, because this really is a time in this project, to be honest about any of the anticipated shortfalls that might occur, which are going to cost us more annually than the experts have told us thus far. It's not good enough to stack piles of money away, in expectation of adjustment and unexpected and rising operation costs. What everyone in this community needs doesn't come in the form of generalizations, over-views, broad-stroke-assessments, and blatant propaganda. And when I read a story about the rec. centre costs, and I find that now trademark "smoothing over" of jagged realities, I wonder if there are councillors reading the same propaganda from town hall, who are enraged……even in that quiet way, just before the lid blows of the proverbial kettle. The silence generally, even though we can surmise disloyalty in the ranks, still doesn't tell us, the citizens, just how frustrating the situation is to those voting on expenditure approvals……because we would never know this, except to read between the lines……and put all the jig-saw pieces together, gathered up from the beginning of this project to give us a new pool. Surely these folks have some things to say!

If councillors get perturbed at a blogger like me, fed up with the lack of transparency, and the reluctance of our elected officials to call a nightmare scenario, well "a nightmare,"

at least to this point, then the relevance is to break party politics, and speak candidly with the press, about the annoyances and differences of opinion going on at the multi-million dollar town hall. The reluctance to break rank is a problem, because I know there are folks at town hall, ready to blow because of the all the delays and extra costs, but are either nervous or respectfully committed to what they perceive as confidentiality…..when in fact, it is our right to know what's going on…….and what we can expect, now that the opening has been delayed…..how many times…….yet it always looks so innocent and "oh well….stuff happens."

As if this isn't the cat's arse of annoyances, add to this a recent plan to build an amphitheater at Gull Lake Park……not with our own money…..with someone else's……taxpayers in Ontario….Canada…..who would want us to have a neat concrete bunker for audiences of The Barge.

Council needs to find some benevolence soon. The compassion for the community they represent. To understand fully, what it is taking in this community, for charities and service clubs, and the operators of the food bank, to help those folks who are looking at a pretty meagre Christmas season…..winter, spring, summer, and fall……second verse, same as the first. The fact it is taking so many volunteers to help bridge this gap of economics, should mean an alertness at town hall, that the distress of main street businesses, is pale in comparison to the needs of our citizens…..our families…..young and old, who don't get enough nutrition each day to lead healthy lives. For the wonderfully kind folks and businesses who support breakfast programs at our schools, God bless you…..because it is being actively used, and is of vital importance to the students' capability to function in the classroom. A hungry child? We have them in our own community, right now. Not because they're too lazy to make themselves something to eat…….because the reality is, they come from residences with bare cupboards……and even the food bank finds it difficult to keep up with monthly demands. Are there seniors hungry in our town? Get over to the food bank and ask them…….there is no need to surmise, when there are folks who can relay the truth as a matter of daily fact.

In the future, with an economic calamity unfolding like flood water, around the globe, our town council will be facing a new normal…….one that demands their full and undivided attention to the needs of the citizens they represent……..and appreciating fully, that accountability will be demanded in many ways they might not have anticipated previously. As for being frugal at the recreation centre, the joy ride is coming to an end. For those bright lights who believe they are the leaders of our community, then show it……by vigorously holding the castle-builders to account, that the ongoing spending on upgrades and improvements must be curtailed……and frivolous spending be cut off the budget before we find ourselves a bankrupt town in beautiful Muskoka. It's up to individual members of council, to speak up, and to assist us……..with the transparency we were promised during the election. The fact there is almost a code of silence at town hall, with only a few speaking up, should make us all wary of their idea of business as usual. If rec. centre spending is any example of what we can expect and the cavalier way more money can be allocated, here and there, without much fuss at all……it means the citizens have reason to perk up to their responsibilities.

In terms of benevolence, this town is a jewel of kindness.

As for local governance, we need to fix this now.

Councillors should make a New Year's Resolution…….break rank, and let us know if you're angry or sad…….happy or content…….wish to remain a councillor, or step aside for someone else. Point is, as our economic situation becomes more dire……and I see no evidence to the contrary, we must have a revamped accountability at town hall…..because we can't afford any more excesses……

I know there are charitable, kind, and community-dedicated councillors at town hall. And staff who care greatly. But it's a perception situation here that has to change…..and as a writer / critic, I'm eager to help facilitate this understanding……..to folks eager to know. Maybe we can chat in the New Year. I'm always willing to know the other side.

CHRISTMAS IN GRAVENHURST

THE CHRISTMAS SEASON HAS ARRIVED - BENEVOLENCE IS EVERYWHERE - AND THAT'S GOOD AND INSPIRING TO KNOW

THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I WORRY ABOUT BENEVOLENCE. AS MANY FOLKS ARE TAPPED-OUT THEMSELVES, HAVING A TOUGH GO AT MAKING ENDS MEET, GIVING TO CHARITY IS BOUND TO SUFFER IN THE MODERN DAY REALITIES. SOMEHOW, IN GRAVENHURST, DESPITE ALL THE STRESSES OTHERWISE, WE SEEM TO ALWAYS RE-GENERATE OURSELVES TO HELP OUR NEIGBOURS. WE FIND A WAY TO HUSTLE UP A DONATION BECAUSE WE BELIEVE IT IS A GOOD INVESTMENT. AND IT IS. WHETHER IT IS ONE OF OUR IMPORTANT SERVICE CLUBS, CHURCH GROUPS, FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS, THOSE WHO HELP THE SALVATION ARMY FOOD BANK, AND OTHER ASSOCIATIONS THAT JUMP INTO ACTION DURING TIMES OF CRISIS, GRAVENHURST IS ONE OF THE MOST BENEVOLENT COMMUNITIES I'VE EVER KNOWN.

AND THAT'S THE KIND OF HOMETOWN I WANT TO REMAIN IN FOR THE BALANCE OF MY LIFE….AS THIS CHARITABLE CHARACTER IS ROOTED HERE IN HISTORY.

If there is one significant reason, above all else, that makes me profoundly concerned about the new "One Government for Muskoka" movement, it's the historical precedents that scare me. I'm particularly aware of the Bracebridge contingent on this fledgling group, and as an historian, I feel a little uncomfortable about our neighbor being concerned about our welfare here in the southernmost climes of the District Municipality of Muskoka. As history serves, and one must invest some time to appreciate the rigors of history on our two southern towns, Bracebridge has won out on centralizing projects on many, many occasions in the past. While arguably they are situated almost but not-quite "mid-district," Bracebridge has been afforded a lot of privileges other communities have not benefitted, dating back to the late 1800's.

Although it might seem as if Gravenhurst has been keeping score, of all the investment they didn't get from the 1860's onward, the truth is that Bracebridge has been the recipient of advantage, and I have historical record to back up this claim. When Bracebridge folks come up with concepts on how to save us from economically wasteful government, initially we might agree. Hear hear!!!!! But when we draw back into those precedents, we realize that the one government thing is going to be situated in Bracebridge, and not our new-to-us, multi-million dollar town hall. But of course, why, oh why would we locate central Muskoka government in Gravenhurst? Funny thing that!! South Muskoka Memorial Hospital happened roughly the same way. Why couldn't the newly constructed hospital of the 1960's, replacing the former 1920's Red Cross Hospital, have been located in Gravenhurst? Logistics? Central position? Or was the power of economics, and politics centered in Bracebridge? Even though we had the massive Muskoka Centre, with medical staff, we didn't get much of a chance to negotiate to build the new hospital in the real "South" Muskoka. Do I think Gravenhurst was ripped off? From my knowledge of this, I can not say this for fact…..as it would be almost impossible to state accurately, as I was only hospital historian for a short time. Would a hospital in Gravenhurst have made an economic impact on our community……, I can answer this with a hale and hearty "Indeed!"

From the Provincial Court, Land Registry Office, District headquarters of the former Muskoka Board of Education, (Now satellite of Trillium Lakelands), Muskoka-Parry Sound Health Unit (for many years), and the location of our regional government headquarters, Bracebridge has definitely benefitted from its central location, and the capabilities of powerful folks, and politicians, who have been influential over the centuries, about such government installations. Now, upon hearing or reading this, the good folks of Bracebridge would undoubtedly be recoiling their cannons, to fire on their southern neighbors for such blasphemy. Surely Mr. Currie has, jet now, fired one over the bow. If anyone wishes to challenge historical reality, as penned by some very competent and award winning historians (not me of course), then go right ahead. Read first, argue later.

So when I read about the idea to create one level government, and I see the strong association with Bracebridge from the get-go, it's just experience that begs caution…..because they don't generally give their advantages to us…..without a string or nine attached. I think it has always bothered Bracebridge that the airport is in Gravenhurst, and we secured the penal institutions. There's a lot of capital investment involved here, and when money has been an issue in the past, don't think for a minute, it hasn't inspired rigorous competition at virtually all levels. What's wrong with community competition? Some of the greatest hockey and baseball games of the past were between Bracebridge and Gravenhurst. It's good for both towns to be competitive, and I won't criticize Bracebridge for using whatever it possesses to make improvements where and when they can. Do keep in mind, that the competition was so rigorous, for a university campus, most recently, that Bracebridge gave up a central community park…..to beat all other towns in the running…..including Gravenhurst. Now that's a tough act to parallel.

On the other side of benevolence, it is a most wonderful kinship, between our communities, to see a Bracebridge Fire Truck arrive at one of our tragic fire scenes, with such a sense of compassion and, yes benevolence. The links between our communities are many, and the kindnesses shown over the decades, is well documented and appreciated. Many folks who live in Gravenhurst, work in Bracebridge, and there is the reverse that holds true as well. We are linked in many ways, and this is all good.

Yet when it comes to attracting investment, the gloves are off. In recent years, Gravenhurst has felt somewhat more disadvantaged because of back to back closures, of the Muskoka Centre, Rubberset, and a host of industrial operations that employed quite a few people. While we don't walk around here mumbling about Bracebridge getting more than us here, the fact of the matter is that history has established one town over two other major communities, as the centre of governance. In a more profound way, this is likely to happen again, this time at the expense of our representative town council. Folks here need to me more aware of just what the Bracebridge based committee, exploring the idea, has in mind for us. And we have a right to know everything……and that includes the location of the new OZ. Me thinks it will also eventually require a new town hall in that central location. Geez, had we thought of that? Are we being greedy, if we demanded that, in any such negotiations, regional government headquarters be moved south to the Muskoka Gateway? Tell me why not!

When I talk / write about Gravenhurst's benevolence, it's not to suggest Bracebridge, Huntsville, Bala, Port Carling, Port Sydney are any less giving and charitable. In Gravenhurst however, we have had to deal with quite a number of shortfalls in investment, that others may suggest was the direct result of being complacent and non-aggressive in negotiation. In that light, maybe the town should have offered Gull Lake Park as a school campus, to weigh the negotiations southward. No, we wouldn't do that! I'm so thankful, as a park-hugger. Yet no matter how how you look at it, there have been circumstances that the town councils over the centuries, couldn't fight or negotiate, to beat out the "central" argument, that seemed an unfair geographic advantage……when geography wasn't always the main concern.

Now consider if Gravenhurst had been awarded the regional headquarters of the District of Muskoka, back in the early 1970's. Think about the economic stability if we had hosted the Land Registry Office, the Board of Education offices, South Muskoka Memorial Hospital, and the Provincial Court House. These were game changing situations, and it, in large part, is why Gravenhurst has started to be known as a "bedroom community," where folks reside when not in the community they work. This to many, is an insulting comment, but statistically, well, that's a different story. This should be more thoroughly researched. A lot of the problems we experience here, can be explained, to a degree, by the fact many folks travel to Bracebridge and Orillia to work, and shop there because it is convenient to their work situation. Understanding the economic circumstance in Gravenhurst is complicated and defies any simple, one line explanation, to offer as either an excuse or cop-out for not being ever-more competitive for new investment.

Gravenhurst has had to deal with a lot of failures, and many, many job losses that were never replaced. Lots of folks have had to re-locate, by necessity, (not by choice) and indeed work elsewhere to survive. At present, when our main street seems so much in peril, many citizens are heading back into the pages of history for answers. They of course can find many reasons, and I've only listed some, to support a position that our neighbors have "bested" us time and again, and still are…….and a lot of folks draw attention to box stores…..and they wouldn't necessarily be wrong to suggest the competition has quadrupled in the past twenty years.

Arguably, we have had to help ourselves a lot in the past because of industry closures, and lesser job opportunities generally. It's also the case that we should be more benevolent to our Bracebridge neighbors, because many or our citizens regained jobs by traveling north. Of course we are grateful. We must be. Somewhere in the mix however, is a small amount of jealousy about the fish that got away.

There is no one reason why Gravenhurst knows how to help itself in tough times. But it does. I see it all the time. And frankly, it's a resourcefulness I'm glad we've honed, because there are more tough times coming.