That’s a Wrap!

Dear Editor

Wow! What an incredible response we had for the annual Bakersville Animated Gingerbread Village in the Kent Farndale Gallery at Scugog Memorial Public Library this year. It would not have been possible without the support of our community, who contributed a record 115 creations! 

Quite a few local businesses participated this year, such as Hank’s Pastries, The Sandwich Shack, McMurtry Law, as well as some community groups including the 1st Port Perry Beavers, 1st Port Perry Trex and Manvers Girls, Community Living Supports, The Port Perry Hospital Foundation, as well as the PPHS Grade 12 Business Class and Children’s House Montessori.  

A huge thank you to our wonderful library staff and administration for hosting yet again. We had hundreds of people who came to see the village from near and far – some as far away as Japan, The Philippines, Australia and Texas. Judging by the comments in our visitor’s book, families make it a tradition to spend the day in town by checking out the village and our fabulous library, shopping the downtown shops, enjoying our many great restaurants, and ending with a walk through the lights in the park. Some were experiencing it for the first time and we are always thrilled with the positive reactions and comments that we receive.  

We are very fortunate this year to have the wonderful financial support of the MSFIN Maada’ookii Committee and the Township of Scugog. MaryAnn Fleming from Focus on Scugog and the Standard Newspaper continued supporting our endeavours with up-to-date press releases and great pictures. 

So many businesses around town are willing to display our flyers as well as RX Remedy on Queen St., 

H & R Block, Right at Home Realty, Nutty Chocolatier and PetleyHare Insurance Brokers hosting mini window displays to advertise the village. 

Sue’s Signs jumped in and changed the lettering on our A-Frame that she created for us years ago and the borrowed A-Frames for our signs from the Port Perry United Church and the Scugog Chamber of Commerce; their support are always appreciated. 

We are very thankful to Lakeview Dry Cleaners for cleaning our woolen table skirt at no charge when it was full of mildew. Thanks to Pharmacist Nadine from RX Remedy on Queen St. for storing the window accessories. 

This year, we had a lovely donation of figurines and accessories for the village from local resident Janis Carter, which is much appreciated. 

We have a wonderful, dedicated volunteer committee and the village would not be possible without them. A big thank you is also due to our patient families who pitch in when needed and never mentioned how many dinners were late because of our pre-occupation with everything gingerbread. 

This is a community event made by and for the community – Thank you everyone! We hope to see you all again next year, so get creative, start- up those ovens in the fall and prepare to start baking!

Sincerely,

Tracy Pastic on behalf of all “The Village People”

Visit us on Facebook: Bakersville: Animated Gingerbread Village


Never too late to say ’thanks’

Dear Editor

A big thank you to Community Care Scugog, the Rotary Club of Port Perry and the Mayor’s office for dropping off care packages at Christmas time.

Heartfelt hugs to Mrs. Claus Wilma, and the Community Care Durham elves, Jill and Heather on behalf of the appreciative tenants of 385 Rosa St., Port Perry. 

All the best and Happy New Year!

Shawn Dickey


Thank you from operation Scugog Christmas Campaign 2024 

Dear Editor 

The volunteers and clients of Operation Scugog wish to thank the kind and generous residents and businesses of Scugog and surrounding area for another successful Christmas Campaign. With the increased cost of living for everyone and the resulting demand for our support, Operation Scugog was unsure of what level of support we would have this past holiday season. The community did a great job stepping up with food, gift cards and financial support. This generosity made it possible for us to support our clients while allowing us to replenish our shelves for the coming winter months. The financial support will allow us to purchase fresh and frozen food items as well as toiletries and other items that are not typically donated but are required by our clients.  

The businesses that support our needs on a regular basis are many. We are so fortunate to be able to reach out to local businesses with our requirements and to have them supported, whether it be for repairs to ensure safety and operational needs, large food and staple orders to replenish our shelves and freezers, putting a good word into print for our community to know more about us or providing financial contributions to be able to cover our purchases and operating costs.  

Our ability to serve the community would not be possible without the wonderful volunteers who go out of their way to support Operation Scugog in its mission, whether it is working to gather, organize and distribute food and Christmas packages, pickup and deliver items or the general administration of our operation.  

On behalf of the Christmas Campaign Committee, thank you once again for your kind and generous support 

Karen Teed, Chairperson, Operation Scugog 


Proud grandma as her grandson Noah is getting closer to his dream

Dear Editor

Noah Babin is the youngest player on Team Canada International varsity tackle football team.  His team will be playing against Mexico and USA during the March 2025 spring break in Queretaro Mexico.

Noah is new to the sport of football and is a goalie for North Durham Warriors select and house league hockey teams.  He was approached last spring to join the Clarington Knights Bantam football team and immediately realized a passion for the sport.

The training practices pushed him to his physical limits and the team and coaches encouraged him to perform at his best.

He plays Right Guard on the offensive line and is staying focused on improving his skills for his Clarington Knights team and for Team Canada International.

Noah has the motivation and positive attitude and is working on the discipline and focus to improve his skills.

Noah’s coaches have said that “if a player isn’t exhausted and falling asleep on the way home from a game then they haven’t played with everything they’ve got”.  Well Noah falls asleep but his dreams are full of enthusiasm and exhilaration for the next game.

Noah has made some very good friends in Clarington and is looking forward to meeting all of his new Team Canada members during the upcoming practices.

Noah wants to thank all of his coaches from Clarington for helping him acquire the skills and focus needed for football.

He is also appreciative of family and friends who are helping to support him with donations for his trip to Mexico for Team Canada. 

Noah Babin has a GoFundMe account organized by his dad Mike Babin. Any donations would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely, 

Extremely proud Grandma Rhea Babin

Editors Note: Watch an upcoming issue of Focus as we will feature Noah.