​Purple Grove news

Another cold and windy week here in our part of Bruce County. Living in the snow belt, it's quite amazing the weather forecasting that we benefit from to plan our travels in and out of the region! Safe travels to all! Again, a big thank you to all the snowplow operators who keep the roads clear and the emergency services people who look after our communities!

Look for the full moon, Feb. 1! That's why it's so cold and, apparently, this moon is called the snow moon because typically, more snow comes in February than other months. We're thinking that this January has taken care of our snow load already! Happy February to everyone!

The Guelph Organic Conference was on for two days this week in a new location, with the trade show at the Guelph Farmer's Market and the speaker sessions at 10C Shared Space Downtown Guelph. The main speaker was Dr. Erin Silva, "Organic Intensive," and a panel on "Beyond Waste: The power of Collaboration in Food Rescue and Organic Farming." People look forward to connecting with others in the organic sector and attending the trade show during those two days. Thanks to all the sponsors and organizers who make this conference possible!

This week featured National Family Literacy Day, Jan. 27. Given that most of the school buses were cancelled again that day, it seems as good a time as any to "Snuggle Up and Read together." Literacy Day raises awareness about the importance of reading and taking time to learn together with our families. Check out the Bruce County Public Library for great books and resources for all the family for a budget-friendly outing to find books to read.

Of course, this final week of January has some more belated birthday greetings to our friends and family members! Happy 75th birthday to Susan Roberts! Belated birthday greetings to Brandon Rundle of Port Elgin, and Vova Kovalenko and Katya Dobrynska of Kincardine. Tobi Droppert, Helen Vander Glas, Kathy Drennan, Anne McBride, Perry Elliott and Jennifer Logtenberg have end-of-January birthdays too. This calls for extra cake, coffee and chocolate!

We extend our sympathy to the families of Evelyn Kennedy of Ripley, Adam Morrison of Lucknow, Rae Nicholson of Goderich, Mary Small and Cheryl Smith of Kincardine and Fred Wiggerman, formerly of Ripley. May you treasure your memories of these special people.

Congratulations to the Ripley Agricultural Society on a great report for the 2025 fall fair and to the executive: president Kevin Falconer, 1st vice Tracy Robinson, 2nd vice Kennydi Nicholson, and welcome to new directors Ethan Colling and Mike Harper! Thank you to the returning directors Melissa Arnold, Stephanie Farrell, Jessica Haldenby, Paul Harris, James MacDonald, Rob MacInnis, Brooke Neitzel, Joe Neitzel, Rachel Page, Kerri Pollock, Tom Stewart, Julie Thompson and Jessica Yungblut. Also thanks to homecraft secretary Gail Vander Hoek, secretary Joyce Osborne, and treasurer Julie Towns! Thank you to Jessica Hinz for her time as a director on the board, and to Karl Heinisch for his service as the elections officer. The annual meeting was held Wednesday evening at the Ripley-Huron Legion.

Wednesday, Feb. 4, the Purple Grove Women's Institute meeting will be held at the Ripley-Huron Community Centre social room, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Christine Roberts is our speaker, on Butterflies. Roll Call is your favourite butterfly. Convener is Marilyn Reid. Wear red or pay a fine, bring a friend or two!