The Villager Magazine - November 2023

NOVEMBER 2023

M A R I P O S A H O U S E H O S P I C E • M A R I P O S A A R T S T H E AT R E F O U N D AT I O N • S E CO N D A R Y S U I T E S P R O G R A M

Marketing With Soul Learn how to grow your business by attracting happy customers through compassion, trust, and authenticity in your marketing.

Find out more at lobomedia.ca

Artist of the Month “Nature and emotions are the keys to unlocking her art”.

K

elsey, at Spirited Street Studios is a passionate artist that has a goal to bring creativity to as many eyes and hearts as she can. Nature and emotions are the keys to unlocking her art as she focuses on using these elements to create pieces that inspire, encourage, and evoke a sense of awe. Her artwork offers a unique perspective into her world, and she invites you to take a journey with her through the beauty of nature and emotions.

As an artist with a big heart, notably being called ‘spirited’, she is always excited to take on new projects and to work with clients from all walks of life. Her abilities range from designing logos to creating beautiful murals, 3D structural paintings, prints, stickers, and more. She believes that art has the ability to communicate

powerful messages which is why she takes pride in creating meaningful and thought-provoking designs. Whether it’s a black and white illustrations or a colourful mural, Kelsey always keeps the audience and the design in mind.

Kelsey understands that art is a powerful tool that can be used to communicate messages and ideas and she always strives to deliver designs that are not only visually stunning but also impactful. With her expansive abilities and passion for creativity, you can trust that she will provide you with the best artistic solutions.

Kelsey is a proud Simcoe County resident and a passionate board member at Orillia and District Arts Council. Examples of Kelsey’s work can be found throughout Simcoe County in a number of commissioned pieces.

Contact: spiritedstreetstudios@gmail.com Web: spiritedstreetstud.wixsite.com/spirited-street-stud Instagram: @spiritedstreetstudios

The Villager | Nov 2023 3

november 2023 PUBLISHERS Jiun Liao and Mikaila Bolzonello ART DIRECTOR Marleen Walz SUBMIT STORIES AND EVENTS We want to hear from you! If there’s anything interesting, a topic you would like covered, or an event you want the community to know, share it with us: villagermagazine.ca FIND THE VILLAGER The Villager is delivered online to subscribers through villagermagazine.ca.

It is also delivered in print throughout Severn, Orillia, Ramara, and OroMedonte locations. Visit our website to find print locations.

ADVERTISING Find the best way to reach your audience through The Villager.

Contact us at 705-712-3237 or email hello@villagermagazine.ca DEADLINE Prearranged editorial contributions as well as advertising space must be received or booked by the 15th of every month.

On our cover: Kelsey, Spirited Street Studios

© The Villager Magazine All rights reserved. No reproduction by any means or in any form may be made without prior written consent by the publishers.

4 The Villager | Oct 2023

I

From The Publishers

n our hyper connected digital age, people throw around the word community for everything.

Community now means followers, it means likes, it means customers, and many others.

The feeling and sense of community is slowly fading away and being replaced by something else. It’s not the same anymore.

What does the word community really mean? Is it just a buzzword slapped onto any group of people with a shared interest?

Or is it something more profound, more fundamental, more… human?

We here at the villager believe that community is a feeling. You can only see parts of it, but you can feel the whole of it.

Community is a place where people come to feel connected. That sense of belonging you get when you realize you’re not just an individual standing alone, but part of something greater than yourself.

It’s an experience.

The feeling of comfort knowing you can rely on the people around you. You can ask for help, you can support each other. You could even change the world together if you wanted to.

A community is a place where passion meets commitment, where sincerity is the norm, and acceptance is the currency. It’s where you find others who not only share your interests and values, but also your vision of the world and your desire to matter.

Community is not a word we take lightly, and your role in it is not something we take for granted. Every person reading these words matter to us, a lot. Because they are part of our village, our community.

Over the last four months since we took over from Ellen, we have been learning how to run a magazine. It wasn’t until recently that we realized that what we’re actually doing is learning how to bring a community together.

In our journey so far, we’ve had the privilege of getting to know some truly amazing individuals. People who are passionate about what they do, who are eager to learn and grow, who are driven by a desire to make a difference. These are the individuals who inspire us every day, who remind us why we do what we do.

After all, it takes a village.

Mikaila & Jiun

We are hiring! inquire in person Home Hardware has what you need!

Lawn & Garden Supplies • Power Tools • Paint & Supplies • Extensive Hardware Items • Lighting • Electrical, Plumbing & Building Supplies • Outdoor Power Equipment • Household & Décor Items ...and more!

•

705-689-2611 3375 Muskoka St. Washago HOURS: Mon. – Thurs. 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Fri. 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Sat. 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sun. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Need Help With Federal Services?

We've got you covered

You’ll Love Our Flooring

ORILLIA 575 WEST ST. SOUTH, SUITE 12 ORILLIA, ONTARIO L3V 7N6 705-327-0513

MIDLAND W-366 MIDLAND AVE. MIDLAND, ONTARIO L4R 3K7 705-527-7654

adamchambersmp

adamchambersmp.ca

You’ll Love Our Prices Thank you to our loyal customers and our amazing knowledgeable and professional staff.

To understand why we have had the honour of serving Orillia for 30 years, drop in today or call for personal consultation. adam@adamchambersmp.ca

444 West Street South, Orillia • 705-329-0202 www.SunshineCarpet.ca

Remembering our Responsibility:

Conserving Endangered Species

By Courtney Baker

M

y gramma had a saying for every situation. We used to make fun of her for it, but secretly, we listened.

Whenever we were at the table discussing outbreaks of war, disease or famine and us kids would worry the world was coming to an end, Gramma would say ‘The world ends for someone every day.’

This saying served as a reminder of how lucky we were to be alive and together. It also spelled out that no one life is worth more than another, in death we are all equals.

As equal as we become, there are times when the scales are tipped and the rate of loss is not in balance with nature’s ebb and flow. The first and foremost example of this is war, times when the toll is far too high.

November being the month of Remembrance Day we have a chance to reflect on a time in our history made famous by death. May we never do it again, it’s unnatural.

Some analysis shows we are losing 150 species per day.

Tragically, even without current human conflicts, the rate of loss on our planet is unnatural now. The world might end for someone every day, but it shouldn’t end for an entire species every day. It is difficult to pass on exact numbers because many species are still unknown to science and therefore can’t be included in analysis. However, what we can agree on is that the rate of global extinction is currently 1,00010,000 times higher than it should be naturally. Some analysis shows we are losing 150 species per day.

When we talk about Species at Risk in these pages, we aren’t talking about something rare that is exciting to see, we are talking about species that were once abundant and are now at risk of extirpation (disappearing from a region) or extinction. A real loss. And I know home wouldn’t be the same without the plants and animals that make it home,

Butternut trees (endangered species), spotted turtles (endangered species), Rusty-patched bumble bees (endangered species) and more.

The only way to save these species, and manage the sixth mass extinction on our planet is through conservation, which, as of November 2023, The Couchiching Conservancy has been doing for 30 proud years.

My brother in law jokes with me, every time I get home with the big news that The Conservancy has protected another nature reserve, he says ‘just another day saving the world’. For a few years I’ve laughed at it, but after the protection for the Deverell-Morton Nature Reserve, I realized he is serious. And what’s more, he’s right.

By supporting local conservation efforts you can’t necessarily save the whole world, but you can save the world for the Species at Risk in your neighbourhood; a Monarch butterfly, a Nine-spotted lady beetle, or a Whip-poor-will, and believe me, it matters to every single one of them.

Courtney Baker is Office and Acquisition Coordinator at The Couchiching Conservancy, protecting nature for future generations.

6 The Villager | Nov 2023

An Idyllic Hobby Farm Experience

• ENJOY OUR HEATED PATIO • GRAB ‘N GO MEALS Shop at our Country Store Monday – Tuesday CLOSED Wednesday 10 am - 2 pm Thursday – Friday 10 am - 7 pm Saturday – Sunday 8 am - 2 pm Fully licensed under LLBO We offer phone or online orders for takeout/curbside pickup

Welcome to a slice of southwestern paradise nestled on an sprawling 50 acre canvas of natural beauty. This remarkable custom built home boasts of 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, all with impeccable décor. The main level beckons with its open layout accented by 3 walkouts to the wrap-around deck, inviting the outdoors in. The fully finished lower level is a haven for equine enthusiasts, complete with fully fitted tack room. It also offers a complete guest suite, large family room and reading room. In-floor heating throughout the home and double garage. Meandering through this property is a network of established trails amid nature’s splendor of serene privacy. Asking $1,575,000. MLS#40480775

Leah C. Cavanaugh

Sales Representative

705-325-1366 or 1-800-498-8775

www.leah-cavanagh.c21.ca | leah@leahccavanaugh.ca

Serving Orillia & District

Daily Specials on Facebook, Instagram or by Phone

www.captainsgrilldiner.ca • 705-619-3467 1287 Madison St., Severn

Main Entrance off Carlyon Line, in Front of Silver Creek Estates

Should you wish a confidential consultation on your real estate needs, allow me to put my 20+ years of experience to work for you.

Not intended to solicit properties for sale or buyers under contract.

cing. g for ial finan n i d en merc ffer l lso o tial & com a e W iden r res a l u g re

Mortgages to Satisfied Customers for over 25 years

Small or large short-term funds & bridge financing available.

Money to lend for farms and rural properties for any purpose!

We offer lending for farms, working farms, hobby farms including full acreage, rural properties, cottages, vacant land and multiple parcels of land, out of town properties anywhere in Ontario. |Bank turndowns, property tax arrears, income tax arrears or mortgage arrears no problem.

Self-employed, bad credit, bankruptcy or in-consumer proposal |60-80% of the value including full acreage on a case-by-case evaluation

ONTARIO-WIDE FINANCIAL • Tracy Green, Mortgage Broker/Owner Level 2 Ontario-Wide Financial FSRA Lic# 12456

120 Mary Street, Orillia, ON L3V 3E2 Phone 705-259-3974 or 1-888-307-7799 Fax 416-921-1754 www.ontario-widefinancial.com

VILLAGER VENTURES: The King’s Wharf Theatre

By Hillary Handy

N

ovember is one of my least favourite months. It’s often the miserable in-between of fall and winter, when it’s wet and cold but not cold enough for snow. As such, I try to do one fun thing in November to have something to look forward to until we get to the hullabaloo surrounding the Christmas season.

So this month, I am writing preemptively about this adventure, so you too can get in on the action. Now, I do have some past experience with what I have lined up for the family so it won’t be surprising but it will be super fun!

We are going to see a play, Peter Pan: The Panto, at the King’s Wharf Theatre. This is a hidden gem, just a stone’s throw from our region and I feel like I need to tell more people about it. Located on Georgian Bay, it is nestled amidst Discovery Harbour. From our house, it’s only 35 minutes away! It is rustic with beautiful wooden beams and has wonderful acoustics. The productions are put on by Drayton Entertainment, which is a production company that travels around to their various stages across the province- Drayton, Waterloo, St. Jacob’s, Cambridge and Grandbend. The productions I have had the pleasure of viewing have been spectacular, with incredible professionalism and showmanship.

The seating in the theatre is awesome, so all seats are good seats!

I have previously seen Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat with the WHOLE family, On Golden Pond, The Buddy Holly Story on a date with my husband and Fiddler on the Loose. I’m a big fan!

Plus, the price point for tickets is very reasonable, compared to shows in the city. It’s much closer than trekking to Toronto to see broadway productions AND often the performances feature an ensemble of local children who are aspiring actors. It’s great to be able to support local theatre in that way, but also it is a high-calibre performance. You also often get to see the Pipers piping down at the Harbour too before showtime and can sneak a peek at the old ships. It’s just so lovely and picturesque. Now getting to the theatre in Penetenguishine is a little tricky but with Google Maps by your side, you’ll get there with no problems.

My son is obsessed with villains. So he is going to be thrilled to see Captain Hook with some theatrical magic and slapstick humour. A panto (pantomime) is also an interactive performance with humour and music. So it’s great for kids who may get ants in their pants mid-show as they don’t HAVE to sit still and quiet the whole time.

If you end up seeing Peter Pan, let the team at the Villager know!

What : Peter Pan at the King’s Wharf Theatre When : November 8-November 25, 2023 Tickets : draytonentertainment.com

8 The Villager | Nov 2023

Dr. Kathy Marchildon & Dr. Hilary Rodd 3843 Soules Road, Severn L3V 0V3 www.lakecountryanimal.ca 705-326-4800

DESIGN STUDIO FOR LASERCUTTING A N D E N G R AV I N G

Mon., Thur., Fri. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. • Tues., Wed. 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Serving People & Their Pets Since 2006 • Preventative Care

• Surgical Services

• Diagnostic Testing

• Veterinary Dental Care

Is Your anion Pet Comp lue?

B Feeling ker at

familia garden stakes

JACK & SPARROW

hec t Health C Try our Pe nimal.ca a y tr n ecou they www.lak e u decid if to help yo tion. n te at te edia need imm

custom orders are welcomed | jackandsparrow.com

Washago Art Club Arts and Crafts Market Saturday November 25 2023 9 am to 4 pm /25+ Artisans Washago Community Centre Door prizes and refreshments 4361 Hamilton St. Washago Something for everyone

The Mariposa Arts Theatre Foundation:

Celebrating 50+ Years

A

s I reflect on my own relationship with MAT it is hard to overstate the impact it has had on my life. I grew up in Severn but, with the exception of a couple years living in South Korea, lived my entire adult life in Toronto. As the pandemic continued in September of 2020 and my professional theatre career continued to be on hold we made the choice to move back home. That first year was hard. I missed the city, my community and my work. I felt 17 again and back in a place where I didn’t fit in and felt like there weren’t other people like me - and then I saw a call for directors with Mariposa Arts Theatre. When I was offered the role of director for Steel Magnolias I suddenly found myself back in my element, having amazing conversations with incredibly talented, kind and open performers. Soon, I was invited to join the board of directors. In the open arms of MAT I found a place to share my skills and talent, people I fit in with and who were a little like me. I found my community. I hope that as I lead MAT at the start of its next 50+ years that we can continue

10 The Villager | Nov 2023

to provide that space of belonging and creative expression to anyone else out there who is looking for a place to share their ideas, creativity and talent.

The Mariposa Arts Theatre Foundation is thrilled to be celebrating 50+ years of gracing Orillia’s stages and supporting generations of our area’s many talented performers. Through musicals, classic and contemporary theatre pieces and even homegrown sketches MAT has been a cornerstone for the performing arts in Orillia.

In celebration of this milestone, we are excited to bring to you our large-scale, multi-faceted celebration this fall: Stop by the Orillia Museum of Art and History to take in the new special exhibit 50 Years of Mariposa Arts Theatre. This unique, interactive exhibit features playbills, props, costumes and some surprises from MAT’s productions. You may even get an up-close look at some items from MAT’s 2022 smash hit production of The Rocky Horror Show!

Join us on November 11th from 1-5pm for an open house and celebration at our centre located at 12 Brammar Drive, Orillia. Get a first-hand look at our rehearsal hall and learn more about our facilities and upcoming productions from the amazing volunteers who are the heart of MAT’s productions and operations.

Topping off our celebration is our production Try to Remember directed by Michael Clipperton, with musical direction by Blair Bailey and choreography by Sherri Nicolls.

This musical celebration of our golden anniversary features over 20 performers ranging in age from 20’s to 80’s and reunites performers from across our 5 decades of work. The huge variety of musical numbers truly has something for everyone and impressive vocal talent is not to be missed!

Audiences will also be treated to scenes from classic productions, information about our popular MAT film nights with some MAT history sprinkled in for good measure.

Tickets are on sale now at the Orillia Opera House.

We would like to extend our deepest thanks to our local community for not only coming out to over 50 years of shows but for also volunteering their time and sharing their talents with us. It continues to be our honour to showcase the unique, dynamic, and wonderful people of our area through the art of theatre.

Stevie Baker, President Mariposa Arts Theatre Foundation

The Villager | Nov 2023 11

Dried and Gone to Brussels T his recipe is one of our most popular dishes when fall hits! This is the true season of fall beauty with harvests of squash, carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, and all that kale. Unsure of what to do with all that Kale you grew? Well, beside putting it in everything, this recipe will be a hit in your fall recipe box!

Ingredients 1-pound of brussels sprouts wash, trimmed and cut in half.

1-pound sweet potatoes, peeled, washed, and cut into bite sized cubes.

1-pound parsnips, peeled and diced into bite sized cubes.

1 bunch of kale (your favorite variety) cleaned, trimmed from stem, and cut into bite sized pieces. ½ cup toasted pumpkin seeds. ½ cup dried sweetened cranberries.

2 tart apples, such as granny smith, peeled, and bite size dice. ¼ cup Dijon mustard. ¾ cup grain Dijon mustard.

1 cup pure maple syrup. ½ cup crumbled goat cheese.

1 tsp salt

Method

• First combine the Dijon mustard, grain Dijon mustard, salt, and maple syrup, mix until combined. Reserved half the mustard mixture in a separate container.

• Trim the pork tenderloin of silver skin. In a container or plastic bag, pour over ½ of the maple mixture over the pork tenderloin and marinate for approx. 45 minutes in the fridge while the other ingredients are prepared.

• Wash the brussels sprouts, trim off ends, and cut in half, place on a large cooking sheet pan.

• Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into bite sized cubes, place on the cooking sheet with the sprouts.

• Peel the parsnips and dice into bite sized cubes. Try to keep the sprouts, sweet potatoes & parsnips all the same size as you’re roasted together.

• Using your favorite variety of Kale, wash leaves and pull them away from the stem, compost the stems, spin in salad spinner, and cut into bite sized pieces, set aside.

• Put pumpkin seeds in a bowl and toss with 1 tbsp of olive oil and salt (and your favorite spice, we like Cajun). Using a frying pan, put the seeds in the pan over medium heat, and stir often to avoid burning and just slightly toast them, approximately 6-10 minutes.

• Set oven to 375 degrees with the rack placed in the center of the oven.

• Warm another pan on the stove top with ¼ cup of oil, remove the pork from the fridge, heating pan to medium/high heat, sear the pork tenderloin on all sides. Once nicely browned, place oven-safe pan in the oven and cook to an internal temperature of 145/150 degrees. Pork a little pink in the center is just perfect. NOTE if you do not like/use pork, chicken thighs are a great substitute.

½ tsp nutmeg.

• Toss all the cut vegetables in the remaining olive oil, salt, and feel free to add your favorite spice to all the vegetables. We love using Zaatar, it’s a blend of sumac, thyme & sesame seeds.

1 whole pork tenderloin, silver skin removed.

• Roast all vegetables together until all are fork tender, when they are, add chopped Kale and cook for another 5 minutes.

Olive oil ½ cup.

• When everything is ready to go, put the vegetables in a bowl or a plate, top with the toasted pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and crumbled goat cheese. Slice the pork and place on top, drizzling the remaining maple mustard mixture over the whole dish.

1 tsp cinnamon.

Chef Melanie is the owner of Eclectic Café and Catering in Orillia.

They use high quality seasonal ingredients from local farmers to produce their amazing dishes.

12 The Villager | Nov 2023

Villager Marketplace

WONDERING WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH? I can let you know, call me!

Family Owned & Operated

Serving Simcoe County & Muskoka

705-205-0713 sales@washagoplumbing.com

Better Value Plumbing & Heating Inc. • For all your plumbing and hydronic needs •

230 Coldwater Rd. W., Orillia, ON L3V 3M2 Heather Howe Sales & Marketing Manager

T 705-325-7300 C 705-345-7245 heather.howe@atriumretirement.ca

www.atriumretirement.ca

705-689-6676

(689-NORM)

“Proudly serving the local community.”

Sit back and enjoy the comfort of your home and cottage!

No Water?

MAINTENANCE RENOVATIONS CONSTRUCTION CARPENTRY

New Installations and Repairs on Wells and Lake Draw Systems

Darren Rutledge • 25+ years of experience Call or email today 416-527-0507 rutledge.dt@gmail.com

Just Fix It 705-689-RICK (7425)

Pump & Electric Motor Repairs Call RICK Today

Over 27 Years Experience

Licensed by Ministry of Natural Resources

Reach your customers, wherever they are Advertise your business here for as little as $70/month.

Email hello@villagermagazine.ca or call 705-712-3237

Now Available at:

Homes that fit your lifestyle

Mikaila Bolzonello

BROKER, EXIT REALTY TRUE NORTH, BROKERAGE

exitrealtytruenorth.com

VISIT 8 MATCHEDASH ST. S, ORILLIA CALL +1 (705) 715-5533 EMAIL MIKAILA@EXITREALTYTRUENORTH.COM

Secondary Suites

By Mikaila Bolzonello

M

any homeowners are finding themselves in a difficult financial situation. With the increased costs of maintaining your home and those renewing their mortgages at a higher interest rate, it’s beginning to feel impossible to keep up. Especially if you are someone on a limited budget.

Unfortunately, you’re not alone.

If you are looking for a bit of a financial boost to offset the cost of your mortgage, have a look into the Secondary Suites program.

This program offers up to $30,000 in a forgivable loan towards the creation of a Secondary Unit/Suite. The positive side for you? At the end of the project, you will have a legal unit in your home to rent out, while also contributing to our housing crisis by creating affordable housing space. It’s a win-win! Another plus side? You can use the completed space to house friends or family members - you aren’t forced to rent your space out to a stranger.

The first step is to check your eligibility for the Secondary Suites Program.

The next step before applying is to contact your local municipality and make sure your zoning allows for a second suite/unit in your home.

For Oro-Medonte in particular, you will require a separate entrance for the unit and a maximum size of 753 sq ft. There is a chance you could ask for a larger square footage but you would need to apply for a minor variance through the township. You will also be required to adhere to building and fire code requirements.

Make sure to check with your own municipality for details on their requirements. Not all townships and cities have the same regulations.

The $30,000 will be in the form of a 15 year forgivable loan which requires you to commit to renting out your space at an affordable rental price for (you guessed it) 15 years. After that amount of time, if you decide to sell your home or rent the secondary suite at market rent, you will be able to do so and the loan will be forgiven. This loan is registered on the title of your property, so should you sell before the 15 years is up, you will owe a portion back. Luckily, each year you commit to the program decreases the amount of the loan you would need to pay back. As an example, if you only manage to participate for half of the amount of time, you would only repay half the loan.

Full details are on the Simcoe County website and can be found here: www.simcoe.ca/SocialHousing/Pages/Secondary-Suites.

As always, feel free to reach out to myself or Simcoe County for more details on how this program could work for you!

Mikaila Bolzonello is a Real Estate Broker with Exit Realty True North. She is passionate about affordable housing and finding solutions to our housing crisis.

The Villager | Nov 2023 15

Moments

By Lynn Thomas

A

t Mariposa House Hospice our vision is “honouring every moment of life”. Since becoming a staff member in June 2022, this statement has rolled through my mind while in our setting here at 1140 Brodie Drive and has settled into my personal daily reflections as well. What does it look like to honour every moment of life in a building that is caring for community members who have very few “moments” left to live? What does living each day to the fullest mean to those of us who are still walking a relatively healthy life?

After over a year of being part of this amazing, empathetic team at MHH, I realize more each day, that this vision hangs above all of us. There is a greater purpose to our lives than recognition, than who attained notoriety or wealth, than who gave more, or whose name is in the news or what awards we have won. We leave a legacy behind us of how we lived in the small moments when no one was watching, how we treated others, what our attitude was towards others and how we honoured the gift of “life” in general.

People have asked me, “isn’t it sad to work in that environment?”,

or “how do you work in a place that death happens regularly?”. My common response has been that we as a team take each day at a time for each resident at a time, for the life that they have left to experience here. Do we experience sorrow, and sadness, especially for the loved ones that we are caring for who are left behind while their family member or friend moves through their last weeks or days or moments?

Yes of course we do. We have a personal and moving ceremony we offer to each family called “the walk of life”. Once the resident passes, one of the caring teams from the local funeral homes usually come to take the person from our house. The family are offered the opportunity to honour their loved one by playing a meaningful song while they follow the hand-made-quilt-draped stretcher down the resident hall, through the reception area and out the front door to the waiting vehicle, while any staff & volunteer in the building line the hallways. This short journey is an emotional one for all and brightened only slightly in the moment by a beautiful, stained-glass butterfly lamp that sits on the nursing station and stays lit for the resident with their name beside it for a 24hour period. Hugs are given, sincere condolences and special moments experienced with the resident are shared with the family members and then it is back to work for the residents who are still residing with us, or perhaps coming soon.

We have five rooms in our hospice and have cared for over 280 residents and their loved ones since opening in February 2021. Rooms 1 to 5 are why we are here, why we exist to give comfort and care and have those conversations to discover a little bit about the life of those who call MHH home for a short time. In 14 months, I have heard similar comments over and over by the residents and their loved ones, such as, “I wish we had come sooner”, “this is such a beautiful, peaceful place”, “your staff are the best and go above and beyond what we need”, “my _____ is so comfortable and at peace here”, “we will be telling everyone about what wonderful care we received here”, and “we can’t thank you enough for all you have done for us”. This. This is the “why”. This is how we honour every moment of each life that we are privileged to care for and get to know, even for the briefest of time.

Mariposa House Hospice is a 5 bed, residential hospice located on 1140 Brodie Dr, Severn, nestled in the woods of a beautiful 2.5-acre property, we provide round the clock clinical care by our RN, PSW and administrative team and reception volunteers to the resident and their families.

Our services are no cost to our residents and divert services from the hospital and long-term care, who regularly do not have beds available.

Learn more at: www.mariposahousehospice.com

16 The Villager | Nov 2023

New Patients Welcome!

SNOW CLEARING

8291 County Rd. 169, Washago • 705-689-6600

Cou nty R

d 16

Muskoka

Street

Street

9 Rama Rd

Harry Knight cottage_country@hotmail.com 705-327-3823

Washago Family Dentistry Hamilt on

Book with us today for the season.

Residential & Commercial

• Exams • Cleanings • Sport Mouth Guards • Night Guards • Whitening • Mild Sedation (nitrous oxide/laughing gas)

• Bonding • Veneers • Crowns • Bridges • Implants • Dentures

MUSKOKA DENTURE CLINIC MARK J. FANTUZ, DD Denture Specialist

Complete and Partial Dentures Relines and Repairs Free Consultations

Serving Severn, Muskoka & Area for 25 years

705-687-5152 • 1-800-315-5229 455 Muskoka Road N. Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1G3 Email: info@muskokadenture.com Website: www.muskokadenture.com

November A HIGHLIGHT OF COMMUNIT Y EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS

Nov 8-25 PETER PAN AT THE KING’S WHARF THEATRE Join us for the holiday season as the beloved tale about the boy who never grew up becomes awash in swash and buckle. draytonentertainment.com/theatres/kings-wharftheatre

Nov 9-12 MARIPOSA ARTS THEATRE 50TH(ISH) ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION! ORILLIA OPERA HOUSE MAT reached our Golden Anniversary in 2021, and we’re finally able to celebrate with a retrospective of music, stories, and more.

Join us while we celebrate the past and look to the future of Mariposa Arts Theatre! mariposaartstheatre.com/events/rabbit-hole

Nov 26 12-2:15pm or 1:45 - 4pm LEACOCK MUSEUM PAINT YOUR PRIDE Opening celebration of the “Decoding Anne Lister: History’s First Modern Lesbian” exhibit.

Ages 12+ orillia.ca/en/visiting/programs-and-events

--- KID S & FA M I LY --Nov 6 : 2:00pm SEVERN BRIDGE COMMUNITY HALL Shepherd’s Pie Lunch, including beverage and dessert. $12 per person. All Welcome.

and struggles prevail. The newest play

by Governor General’s Award-winning playwright, Vern Thiessen.

Nov 30 LEACOCK MUSEUM The Leacock Museum Christmas Tour & Story.

theatrebythebay.com/icemen

orillia.ca/en/visiting/programs-and-events

1035 Southwood Rd. Severn Bridge

Nov 18 ORILLIA SANTA CLAUS PARADE Details to come!

--- ART S & C U LTUR E --Nov 1 - Jan 6, 2024 ORILLIA MUSEUM OF ART & HISTORY (OMAH) Exhibit in the Franklin Carmichael Gallery featuring interactive displays and memorabilia.

Nov 1-12 FIVE POINTS THEATRE : ICEMEN The ice you know, an industry forgotten,

18 The Villager | Nov 2023

For more events happening this month make sure to visit our digital calendar! villagermagazine.ca/events

Custom Orders Available BEEF, CHICKEN & PORK

FRESH SALMON AVAILABLE!

Fresh Vegetables & Fruit Create a great meal with a variety of produce!

Take-out Sandwiches

Freshly prepared • Ask for panini press

Also PIZZA & SALADS!

remembering and honouring

CANOE BAKERY & CAFÉ

those who have sacrificed so much

• Breads, rolls, pies, butter tarts, squares, muffins, bagels, meat pies and more!

• Enjoy a coffee and sweet take-out from our café.

All take-out cups are biodegradable.

• Fresh brewed Muskoka Roastery Coffee – Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, Americano – or Latte Tea