Change in political landscape the story of the year

A municipal election that radically altered the political landscape in Orillia was, without a doubt, the story of the 2010.

Seven of nine members of the incoming council turned out to be newcomers after the polls closed on the evening of Oct. 25.

And, for the first time in a decade, the city would have a new mayor at the helm.

Angelo Orsi, known to most as Orillia’s most prominent developer, coasted to a decisive victory on growing frustration with the status quo at city hall. Read more at www.orilliapacket.com

Students outdo themselves

As truck after truck paraded in front of Uptergrove Public School on Thursday, the screams got louder and louder.

Students couldn’t believe that each one of those trucks was filled to the brim with food they collected for the less fortunate.

“I hope we break our record,” Grade 6 student Erika Downing shouted from the crowd.

Having collected 205,237 food items in last year’s Stamp Out Hunger campaign, it was hard to believe that the Ramara Township school made up of 291 students could be any more successful. With help from the OPP, fire departments from Orillia, Rama, Ramara and Severn and numerous community groups, that record was broken. A total of approximately 327,000 food items were collected and scheduled to be distributed to the Salvation Army and area food banks in time for Christmas. But the total didn’t stop there. Read more at www.orilliapacket.com