Summer Solstice June 21 2013… :)

SGC Admin: From our inbox to you…. Please view the following on the Summer Solstice… 

The Summer Solstice arrives on June 21 2013, this is the longest day of the year… (the most daylight hours) … This day has long been celebrated by Pagans and Wiccans… It’s a joyous occasion filled with light and love… :) 

Happy Summer Solstice Everyone… 

From Patti Wigington, your Guide to Paganism / Wiccan
Celebrate the sun!
Licensed to About.com

It’s Litha for our Northern Hemisphere readers, which means our days are long and bright, we’re celebrating the power and energy of the sun, and enjoying the warmth that makes our gardens bloom. The longest day of the year, Litha is a great time to get outdoors and reconnect with the natural world.

If you’re one of our readers below the equator, you’re observing the Yule sabbat – for you, the nights are long and dark right now, but the return of the sun is right around the corner. Be sure to check the sidebar on the right for some Yule ideas.

No matter which of these you may be celebrating this week, I wish all of you a joyful and magical Sabbat!

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Midsummer Rites and Rituals 

Depending on your individual spiritual path, there are many different ways you can celebrate Litha, but the focus is nearly always on celebrating the power of the sun. It’s the time of year when the crops are growing heartily and the earth has warmed up. we can spend long sunny afternoons enjoying the outdoors, and getting back to nature under the long daylight hours. Here are a few rituals you may want to think about trying — and remember, any of them can be adapted for either a solitary practitioner or a small group, with just a little planning ahead. Read Full Article
Litha Customs and Folklore 

Interested in learning about some of the history behind Litha? Here’s some background on Midsummer celebrations – learn who the gods and goddesses of summer are, how they’ve been honored throughout the centuries, and about the magic of stone circles! Read Full Article
Litha Feasting and Food 

Litha is the celebration of the summer solstice – and what’s a Sabbat without food? Take advantage of the summer crops of fruit and vegetables, and prepare a delicious feast for your Midsummer gatherings. Read Full Article
Litha History 

The summer solstice has been celebrated by countless societies over time – from the ancient Celts and Saxons to modern-day Pagans. Read about some of the different ways our ancestors honored this important agricultural marker. Read Full Article

Woofstock 2013: This Year’s Event another success… :)

SGC Admin: Ahh… Woofstock… If you are a dog lover, it’s the place to be on an early June weekend in Down town Toronto….Right by the St. Lawrence Market

cartoon illustration of funny dogs group Stock Photo - 8413841
http://www.123rf.com: illustrator: Igor Zakowsk

2013 saw the 10th year for this annual event that has been touted as the biggest dog event in North America.

People come from all over to be around other dog lovers, to collect free samples and pick up “much needed” collars, clothes, dog beds, treats, food and toys…There is a doggie fashion show and doggie tricks show… with local celebrities doing the hosting… :)

You can get your picture taken with your favourite four-legged family member… or end up on City T.V. :)

It really is a lovely day out, and amazing how little barking, biting, or upset occurs with so many canine’s about…  :) Below is a picture of Tiffany .. Tiffany is a regular to Woofstock each year and is always a hit, her tiny frame and gentle quite nature draws everyone to her… :)

Photo Curtesy of Pretty Paw
Photo Courtesy of Pretty Paw

Pretty Paws is one of the vendors who frequent Woofstock and Tiffany looks adorable in one of their harness’… :) Oh and when you are out and about in Down Town Toronto and get a craving for some food and drink, check out The Jersey Giant … very friendly folk all year long… :) 

Please Click Here to visit Pretty Paw.ca

Please Click Here to visit Woofstock.ca

Please Click Here to visit the Jersey Giant

Nominate a Youth Volunteer in Durham

SGC Admin: “Leaders, teachers, coaches and community organizations can nominate a youth volunteer to receive the 2013 Terry James Youth Volunteer Award“. 

Golden trophy, old-style Stock Photo - 15012995
http://www.123rf.com: illustrator: Nataliia Natykach

Terry James was a dedicated volunteer until he passed away in 2006. An annual golf tournament held in the memory of Terry James makes the award possible. 

The award in the memory of Mr. James, recognizes volunteer’s in the areas of sport promotion, performing and visual arts, community and social service, education, environmental awareness and health awareness. 

Submissions for the 2013 award will be accepted until June 21 2013

Nominees must be 6 to 18 years of age and volunteer consistently throughout the year. 

For applications or more information, contact Marie James at… 

mariejames2@hotmail.com

A vector illustration of kids volunteering by cleaning up the park Stock Photo - 18092944
http://www.123rf.com: Illustrator: Artisticco LLC

Thanks to all who volunteer, you are needed more than you know… :)

source: Whitby This Week May 9 2013 Edition

Community Care Durham Annual Walk for Mental Health Awareness May 25 2013

 

Woman Running in the Park. Vector illustration Stock Photo - 17807320
http://www.123rf.com: Illustrator:Elvyra Novikova

 

Event: Community Care Durham Walk for Mental Health Awareness

Where: Heydenshore Park in Whitby

When: May 25 2013

Time: Registration starts at 9;00 am with warm up exercises: 9:00 am to Noon

Length/Method: Participants may walk or run, one, two or five kilometres starting from Heydenshore

What’s There: Participants may enjoy a bbq lunch sponsored by Enbridge Gas. Entertainment, music, face painting, draw prizes. 

How to Register: Call 905-985-0150 ext 237: Visit www.ccdwalk.org or visit a Community Care Durham office. 

Oshawa School Seeking A Name… :)

SGC Admin: The Durham District School Board is seeking the public’s help to name a new school currently under construction. 

School : Schoolgirl goes to school with a huge backpack

Location of the new school is 1915 Queensbury Dr. Oshawa

Suggestions may be of the following:

  • Named after a person recognized as having made a significant contribution to society (but not a current employee or member of the board):
  • A historical name which once applied to the area of the school:
  • or the name of the district
  • or name of the street where the school is located. 
  • Submissions should be made in writing by Friday, June 7 to the attention of:
  • Jean-nine Joubert, superintendent of education, Oshawa: 400 Taunton Rd. E. Whitby,  L1R 2K6:
  • Email Joubert_Jeannine@durham.edu.on.ca, or by sending a fax to 905-666-6923.
  • Submission should include a detailed background of the suggested names, as well as submitter’s name, address and phone number… 

Deadline for Submissions:

June 7 2013

Good Luck Everyone…. :) 

Source: The Whitby This Week May 9 2013