Apsley Voice - Page 3

**Local News**
Bullied Love Story 200 relatives and friends gathered in the Apsley Community Centre on Sat., Sept. 20th to celebrate the 65th wedding anniversary of Marjorie and Percy Bullied. They couple lived all their married life in the area and are well known throughout the Township. The activities included refreshments, singers & speeches praising the couple and outlining the many contributions they have made to our community. APSLEY WOMEN’S BASEBALL By Chris Evans Our 2003 seanson was filled with lots of rained out games. But even with this, the team placed 2nd in the standings. In the final playoffs we again finished in 2nd place. Maybe next year ladies!!! photo provided by Chris Evans Back row, left to right: Marg Bullied, Yvonne MacDonald, Diane Jeff, Patsy Kemp, Chris Evans, Val Nesbitt Front row: Susan Whitmore, Joni Wilson, Patti Tracey, Joanne Rotor (missing Crystal Crosby) Apsley Beautification Committee by Darlene Doxsee The Apsley Beautification Committee will not be putting up the Christmas decorations this year due to the damage & destruction that was done last year. Nine of our decorations were pulled down and frames bent beyond repair. At the cost of $100. each. Also this summer some one stole two of our big Canadian Flags at the cost of $300. I do hope that in the future our young people will come to realize that this is NO game. People gave hard earned money to make our town look beautiful.	Lasswade Christian Cemetery by Darlene Doxsee Phase 1 of the Lasswade Christian Cemetery beautification plan is underway. If you have loved ones or friends resting in the cemetery, please come and see what our volunteers have done in the last few months. The committee would like to thank all those who have helped out so far. We are still seeking financial assistance, materials, and some labour. If you are interested in helping in any way, contact Darlene Doxsee at 656-2182 or Larry and Marg Bullied at 656-4203. BIRDS of a FEATHER by June Hitchcox Articles & data from all over Ontario for the Breeding Bird Atlas are being tallied at the University of Guelph and some interesting patterns are starting to emerge. Regarding this summer, it seemed to be a bit special. The cooler, wet weather meant a slow start but those same conditions helped many birds to continue breeding later into the season because of the extra energy they gained while waiting for better nesting conditions. Wood Thrush were found having as many as three broods! After 3 years of the Atlas, Purple Martins appear to be on the decline, showing up in less than half the Squares in this Atlas as compared to the Atlas in the 1980's, with none recorded yet in Sudbury or Sault Ste. Marie and very few in Cottage Country. They have been recorded in every square in the Niagara Peninsula and most areas close to the Great Lakes' Shore. Except for the Northern Harrier, most raptors (birds of prey, active during the day), are showing range expansion. Numbers are down for the Northern Harrier, a ground nester that frequents open country. This Atlas is beginning to provide a readable comparison with bird distribution and status now, as against the earlier 1980's Atlas thus showing where to focus research and conservation efforts. If you are able to contribute any information about possible breeding birds that you have seen in our area, it would be much appreciated if you called: June Hitchcox 656-9264 Many thanks to all who have passed on their observations.

Lasswade Christian Cemetery

by Darlene Doxsee

Phase 1 of the Lasswade Christian Cemetery beautification plan is underway. If you have loved ones or friends resting in the cemetery, please come and see what our volunteers have done in the last few months.

The committee would like to thank all those who have helped out so far. We are still seeking financial assistance, materials, and some labour. If you are interested in helping in any way, contact Darlene Doxsee at 656-2182 or Larry and Marg Bullied at 656-4203.

BIRDS of a FEATHER

by June Hitchcox

Articles & data from all over Ontario for the Breeding Bird Atlas are being tallied at the University of Guelph and some interesting patterns are starting to emerge. Regarding this summer, it seemed to be a bit special. The cooler, wet weather meant a slow start but those same conditions helped many birds to continue breeding later into the season because of the extra energy they gained while waiting for better nesting conditions. Wood Thrush were found having as many as three broods!

    After 3 years of the Atlas, Purple Martins appear to be on the decline, showing up in less than half the Squares in this Atlas as compared to the Atlas in the 1980's, with none recorded yet in Sudbury or Sault Ste. Marie and very few in Cottage Country. They have been recorded in every square in the Niagara Peninsula and most areas close to the Great Lakes' Shore.

    Except for the Northern Harrier, most raptors (birds of prey, active during the day), are showing range expansion. Numbers are down for the Northern Harrier, a ground nester that frequents open country.

    This Atlas is beginning to provide a readable comparison with bird distribution and status now, as against the earlier 1980's Atlas thus showing where to focus research and conservation efforts. If you are able to contribute any information about possible breeding birds that you have seen in our area, it would be much appreciated if you called:   June Hitchcox 656-9264 Many thanks to all who have passed on their observations.