Year in Review in photos – April 2018

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Year in Review in photos – April 2018

The Milford Branch Library hosted a full house of Easter bonnet making to prepare for the annual Easter parade to the egg hunt at the fairgrounds. – Sharon Harrison photo

The Country Church Players took a full house audience around the world with a lively and funny mix of familiar comedy, music and dance at the Rednersville-Albury Community Church on Rednersville Road. The 12 cast members- five men and seven women – ranging in age from 60 to 90 years, included Leonard Bedford, Marjorie Butler, Eleanor Butler, Julie Butler, Audrey Carter, Ron Carter, Dennis Gill, John Hopkins, Dona Knudsen, Jackie Lisk, Flo MacEachern and Bill Wilson. – Sharon Harrison photo

Students at Prince Edward Collegiate Institute joined many County residents and businesses and thousands of Canadians who wore a sports jersey, or donned a green ribbon in honour of the victims of last week’s deadly bus crash involving the Humboldt Broncos hockey team. The idea of trading in a weekday outfit for #JerseysForHumboldt was inspired by a group of British Columbia hockey moms to send a message of support for the families who lost loved ones in the Humboldt crash. County residents also joined the #Put your Stick Out trend to pay tribute to the 16 people who have died as a result of the crash. Rob Garden photo

While Mother Nature was expected to bring ice and snow to Prince Edward County, members and friends of the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory (PEPtBO) were looking forward to celebrating spring, summer and fall events in appreciation of nature during the Nature Matters! events booklet launch at the Milford branch library.

Bay of Quinte MP Neil Ellis was at the Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre seeing how $40,000 in Canada 150 community-building funding helped rebuild the lobby area, making it more accessible for patrons. The federal grant, Ontario Trillium Foundation and municipal funding allowed the not-for-profit centre to increase the size of its lobby and reception area, make it more secure and reduce costs through energy efficiencies.

Seniors will be making music together thanks to a new program to be run in nursing and retirement homes by the County of Prince Edward Library. Bay of Quinte MP Neil Ellis confirmed funds to the tune of $5,405 delivered through the government’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. He spoke of the importance of getting seniors involved in community activities that meet their needs, reflect their interests and tap into collective resources, and experiences.

Prince Edward County volunteers were in the spotlight as the Wellings of Picton hosted its third annual Volunteer Recognition Awards luncheon. Recipients of the PEC Volunteer Recognition Awards were Brooke Roche, Christopher Zachariah, Evelyn and Doug Sloane and Linda Downey. – Sharon Harrison photo

With a who’s who of County authors, writers, publishers and literary fans, The Waring Hall welcomed an impressively-large crowd with standing room only for late-comers. Five well-known County residents enthusiastically championed their favourite Canadian book in the ninth The County Reads event. Shelagh Mathers championed the winning book – The River, written by Helen Humphreys. – Sharon Harrison photo

More than 300 people pitched in to spring clean the County during the annual Quinte Trash Bash event April 21. Volunteers spread out across the municipality to collect garbage and recycling and by the end of day, the 20-yard waste disposal bins in Picton and Ameliasburgh were nearly full, while the bin in Milford was half full. Volunteers also turned in 90 bags of recycling.

PECI Social Justice league members and teachers Janet Curran, Marian Moon, Allison Juby, Carolyn Cole, Jacob Sullivan, Logan Reed, with Rosie Cossar, Sierra Baverstock-Pitt, Emily Boone, Eric Klassen and Katie Curran. At front: Malcolm Ross, Aaron Wilk, Ellie Ball, Katherine Reddick and Hailey Quaiff.

In the spirit of inclusivity, Prince Edward Collegiate Institute students and faculty welcomed Canadian Olympic athlete Rose Cossar to speak about her rhythmic gymnastics quest, and her personal pressure to work hard – out of fear – to come out gay. ​​Cossar, known as Rosie, represented Canada at the 2011 World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships, the 2011 Pan American Games and the 2012 Summer Olympics. Today, the 26-year-old speaks across the country about the importance of inclusivity and acceptance. – Olivia Timm photo

An equally heart-breaking and heart-warming tribute to a young life gone too soon showcased love and strength inside Picton United Church as community members rallied around the family of Katie Shannon – and launched a “kit” to help others. While the 23-year-old battled the ravages of cancer in the final few months of her life, she and mom Jeanette Arsenault worked together to create ‘Kait’s Kits’ to make hospital stays a little bit easier. It includes a quality shampoo, hand lotion, a soft face cloth, soft hand towel, non-slip socks and a booklet written by Jeanette with Katie’s help, offering advice on ways to make life a bit easier in the oncology area.