In a decision last Monday, November 4th, Scugog Council voted to move forward with an application to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) – Community, Culture and Recreation to replace the Blackstock Arena and provide additional community facilities for Scugog. The aging Blackstock Arena was first built as an outdoor rink 82 years ago. It was later enclosed, with refrigeration equipment added in 1960. As it stands today, the rink and facilities are both undersized and in poor condition. The capital costs to maintain the arena in its current functional state are $4.65 million, a portion of which is attributed to replacing the Freon-based refrigeration system, which will no longer be available after 2020. If significant repairs or replacement are not carried out soon, the arena will reach a critical point in the next few years and need to be shuttered. Letters of support from the community could make all the difference and should be addressed to Mayor Bobbie Drew and Council, as well as copied to MPP Lindsey Park and MP Erin O’Toole. On Thursday, November 21st, the School Community Council (SCC) at Cartwright Central Public School is hosting a Take Out Rib Dinner Fundraiser at the Blackstock Recreation Centre. For $20 per person, enjoy: half a rack ribs done by Strack’s Smokin’ Grill, baked potato, coleslaw, bun and dessert. Tickets are available soon through any SCC member or by contacting Angie Fairfield at: (905) 986-4133, or by emailing: angie@ffmltd.com. On Sunday, November 24th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Blackstock Agricultural Association and Farm Girl Creations are hosting The Christmas Craft Sale at the Blackstock Recreation Centre. This is the first of what will hopefully become an annual event. There will be a variety of crafts and snacks. Interested vendors can access the application form at https://blackstockfair.org/craft-sale or contact farmgirlcreations@hotmail.ca. On Sunday, December 1st, the Blackstock Co-op Nursery School (BCNS) will host its annual Breakfast with Santa & Friends, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Blackstock Recreation Centre. The morning will include a pancake breakfast for all ages, a children’s colouring and letters to Santa table, an opportunity to have photos taken with Santa himself, courtesy of Rachel Callan Photography. The Elf Plate will be $5 per person for one pancake, one piece of meat, and eggs. The Santa Plate will be $10 per person for three pancakes, three pieces of meat, and eggs. The book and bake sale returns, along with the incredibly popular silent auction. A variety of exciting items will be available to bid on, including overnight accommodations at Nestleton Waters Inn, St. Anne’s Spa, and Great Wolf Lodge. In addition, there are several local businesses and organizations that have donated a variety of products and services, including Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), Brimacombe Ski Hill, Kalsamrit Martial Arts Gym Port Perry, Anytime Fitness, Brock’s Department Store, Branching Out Florists, Books Galore and Port Olive Oil Co. No reservations necessary. Cash only accepted at the door. Donations for Operation Scugog Food Bank will be also be accepted. This is the largest annual fundraiser for BCNS, a non-profit organization committed to providing a positive learning experience for children in the Blackstock and surrounding area for over 40 years. Play-based programs introduce children to a variety of learning experiences, enabling them to develop socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically. For more information, call: (905) 986-4585, or visit the Facebook event page at this web address: https://facebook.com/events/458378121474460/?ti=icl. Euchre winners from Tuesday, November 5th: Heidi Kreig came in first, Eileen Nelson finished in second place, Norm Lackner was third, Ellen Gibson came in fourth, and Audrey Mahaffey finished in fifth place. Heidi Kreig and Eileen Nelson tied for the most lone hands. Blackstock Euchre is held every Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. (except holidays) in the Blackstock United Church Hall. Everyone is welcome. Blackstock community news items can be emailed to link2tammy@gmail.com by 12 noon on Monday prior to publication.