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In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt. --Margaret Atwood Spring may not quite be here, but there is no mistaking its subtle hints-- birds chirping, a warmer sun, the sound of melting snow rushing down a sewer grate-- all harbingers of warmer days ahead. With this edition of Sideroads of Halton Hills we mark our fifth anniversary of offering you a local publication that provides stories you would not find elsewhere. Hidden, and not-so-hidden gems, if you will. In this edition Andrea LeFebvre profiles Innerscapes-- a group of six artists who have formed a unique collective. Ted Brown takes a behind-thescenes look at how a group of determined residents have brought the former Acton Town Hall building back to life. Coyotes have been making headlines in the Greater Toronto Area for all the wrong reasons in recent months. Writer Andrew Hind takes a look at this wily animal and how urbanites must now deal with this once seldom seen creature. Fore! If it's spring, that means golf season is here. Hind talks to a couple local professionals who offer advice on what you should be doing now to get ready for the coming season. Master gardener Belinda Gallagher looks at spring plants while fitness expert Caroline Harris offers an beginner's guide to running. We hope you enjoy this edition and, as always welcome your comments, letters and story ideas. Send them by e-mail to John McGhie at jmcghie@independentfreepress.com. "Your Comfort is our Business" Convenient location close to business district, restaurants & shopping Inn on the Hill 365 Guelph Street Halton Hills (Georgetown) · Bright & spacious guest rooms · Complimentary continental breakfast · Free High Speed internet access www.bestwestern.com/ca/innonthehill 905-877-6986 Ted Brown has been a staff photographer/writer at The Independent & Free Press for the past 26 years and has won numerous newspaper awards. He is a Georgetown native. Cynthia Gamble is the editor of The Independent & Free Press and has been a staff member for 25 years. Andrea Lefebvre is a Georgetown native and the special features co-ordinator/writer for In Focus and The Independent & Free Press. Andrew Hind is a freelance writer who contributes to many Metroland publications. He is a graduate of York University and has been writing for eight years. During that time, he has co-authored six books with Maria Da Silva, most recently Niagara: Daredevils, Danger, and Extraordinary Stories ON SALE NOW Faux Iron Window Inserts 25% off orders of $250 or more! Start living your decorating dream. Call today. CALL TODAY! Sale S ale e ends nds April 15th, 2010 A pril 1 5th, 2 010 Special valid only when you present this ad! One sure sign of spring is the annual ritual of `mailbox bashing'-- a `sport' those with a less-than-stellar IQ take part in, usually in the rural parts of town. Karen Timms Owner/Interior Decorator 519.941.8639 1.888.632.9529 www.decoratingden.ca email: ktimms@sentex.ca Each franchise is independently owned and operated SPRING · 2010 5 S I D E R O A D S H A LT O N H I L L S Your One Stop Sports Store. LACROSSE - everything you need for all levels Georgetown's Source for NEW and USED Sports Equipment! 68 Main Street North (Hwy. 7) SOCCER/RUGBY SAVE 10% on ANY ONE Item* GOLF BASEBALL - head to toe . . . players and team sales IN-LINE HOCKEY - in-line skates, girdles and pants Moore Park Plaza 905-873-0176 - shoes/shins/balls - goalie gear - coaching supplies - new and used sets, drivers, hybrids, putters Regular priced items only. Coupon must be presented before trade-ins. Expires May 31, 2010. *One Coupon Per Purchase/Person