The Villager Magazine - March 2024

INVASIVE SPECIES • FUN WITH GRANDPARENTS • ODAC ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

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SHORELINE RESTORATION

If you own a property with a shoreline on Lake Simcoe or any of its rivers or tributaries, it is important to remember that the land you own is part of an overall ecosystem. Every property has the potential to enhance or detract from the health of the lake. The Lake Simcoe Protection Plan was established in 2009. It calls on all of us, from Industries to homeowners to do our part to make sure the lake is not only maintained but enhanced so that future generations will be able to enjoy the recreational and ecological benefits of the lake.

There are steps each landowner can take when work is required. Such as if the shoreline has experienced damage due to storms, or the shoreline requires an upgrade for accessibility, retention, and protection. These steps are also recommended if purchasing a property that might be on a flood plain, river, canal, or waterfront. It is important, depending on the scope of work to consider the shoreline work before the dwelling and/or septic construction as these can impede access to the shoreline and setbacks from the waterfront may be required. Consideration must be given to the ‘timing window” to protect fish habitat and spawning activities. This can be restricted to specific times of the year. (See Fisheries & Ocean Canada).

Each property may have different regulations as per the geographical location. Consider these next steps:

• Check if your property is Conservation Authority regulated or regulated under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Each authority in this region has GIS mapping for regulated areas.

• Need assessment – shoreline restoration, boat house, patio area, deck, stairs, boat access, etc.

• Buffer zone restrictions vary according to municipality and water body.

• Prepare design and application form for permit approval while also considering budget and realistic timelines for the application process.

• Additional environmental studies may be required depending on the scope of work.

• Apply for a permit with associated fees to the Conservation Authority or municipality.

Many conservation authorities and municipalities offer predevelopment consultations to discuss plans for development on a site or shoreline and will offer the required information for each lot. Contact us at Parklane Landscapes or another qualified and experienced company that will coordinate with the relevant authorities to achieve a balance between the needs of the property owner and the protection of our waterways and environment such as naturalized shorelines incorporating native plants.

Register on parklanelandscapes.ca for our Protect your Shoreline seminar on July 9th, 2024

parklanelandscapes.ca | 705-327-0064

March 2024

PUBLISHERS

Jiun

Liao and Mikaila Bolzonello

SUBMIT STORIES AND EVENTS

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From The Publishers

We are full of hope for the month of March which for us, is a month of change - the changing of seasons, the end of the first quarter of the year etc. Most of us have settled into our new year routines (or have given up altogether if we’re honest with ourselves).

For Jiun and myself, we’re focused on sustainability and not just the environment, but anything related to our lives. What can we do to ensure that what we want for ourselves is something we can maintain long term? How do we make sure that we can continue to do the things we love to do in our lives without burning out? How do we set ourselves up for success?

What really helps us is reflection - time to think. Setting time aside that is quiet with

no interruptions (which is quite difficult with two children). Looking back and assessing what is working or not working and why. Looking ahead and planning how to move forward and how to adjust where needed.

It is in these moments where we are able to identify where meaningful change needs to happen - then we adjust. The toughest part in all of this is being honest with yourself, being open to suggestions on how to improve, then following through. It is easier said than done and something I find difficult too.

But I find that change and growth exciting!

We wish you a happy March and a wonderful start to Spring.

Discover your perfect sanctuary right here! This captivating Log Home offers rustic charm and warmth, creating a cozy and inviting retreat in a natural setting. Located directly across the road from Lake Simcoe, making it ideal for year round living or a fun getaway. Circa 1850 and relocated to this location, complete with a full block foundation basement and the related amenities. Traditional materials and building methods were used. Over 2,000 sq. ft. of living area offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, massive great room with an amazing fireplace, pleasing kitchen with walkout to deck and beautifully treed 100’x198’ lot. Insulated 30’x22’ garage/workshop for your hobbies and toys. Public lake access is down the road in one direction and boat launching in the other.

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Leah C. Cavanaugh Sales Representative

Sales Representative

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

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

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

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

Serving Orillia & District

Serving Orillia & District

Should you wish a confidential consultation on your Real Estate needs, please allow me to put my 20+ years of knowledge & experience to work for you. Call or email me anytime leah@leahccavanaugh.ca

Artist Spotlight

Cheryl Daniells has studied fine arts at University of Waterloo, Toronto School of Art, and at various workshops throughout Ontario. After receiving her BA, Cheryl progressed to architecture/engineering at Conestoga College and a design career in the construction industry. Although Cheryl has been painting/drawing for over 30 years, she became serious about her practice in 2017. Since then, her work has been exhibited at galleries in Brampton, Barrie, Toronto, North Bay, Orillia, Kirkland Lake, and Terrace BC. Cheryl works mainly with acrylics and mixed media, and is most inspired by social justice issues and figurative work. Her techniques often include bright colours mixed with black and white, negative space, and impasto. She is consistently engaged in the arts community, and is involved in multiple public art projects in her region. Cheryl continues to develop both her studio work, and her outdoor/community work.

Cheryl

Grandparents to the Rescue!

By Hillary Handy

Oma, Opa, Granny, Grandad, Nana, Papa, Grandma and Grandpa…whatever your little ones call you, we see you here at the Villager. Many of our Villager Ventures have been focused on family outings with parents. But what about the grandparents? Grandparents make the world go round. I would be lost without the support of loving and doting grandparents who support in the good times and in times of crisis. I have the lived experience of having fantastic and involved grandparents in my life, who positively impacted my life. My children are equally as blessed to have many grandparents, bonus-Nanas and great-aunts and uncles who love them so dearly.

March is a busy month this year. We have both March Break AND Easter happening. March Break will be March 11-March 15. While Easter this year is March 29-April 1, providing 4 days off school. With all these days off school, many may be calling out to the grandparent figures to support, especially on March Break. It is hard for parents to take time off work, so we are calling in for back-up, Grandpa! But what to do with the little ones!?

As such, this Villager is here to offer some free or cheap, easy ideas for when Grandma is in charge.

• Sleepovers- Some of my core memories are having sleepovers with my cousins at my Grandma and Grandpa’s farm house. We would all cram into one bed and watch Annie, The Music Man, and an assortment of Disney classics on VHS. I recently saw the Music Man at St. Paul’s Centre and became verklempt as the songs played because they made me think of my late Grandma. Sleepovers are FREE to do. I recognize it can be a lot of work when children are 4-6 years old, but as children age, this is the prime time to unlock those core memories. You don’t even need to plan much. Your home is a new, novel setting. If you have a bin of older toys, a couch, and a handful of snacks, you’re golden. This is also a HUGE blessing to parents, just to have a little bit of time to themselves, knowing their kids are in great hands!

• A visit to the library- The local libraries often have fun activities planned, so they did all the work for you! You just have to show up and bring the kids’ library cards with you! This is free, accessible, and the library is open for long stretches of time, so you can pop in quickly or stay awhile. You just need to check the websites or call to see if there are specific crafts or programs scheduled, otherwise you can have free reign…whenever!

• Visit the OPP Museum in Orillia- This is FREE, accessible and open Monday to Friday. We will address this further in a later issue, but for now, you can know this is an option for an easy outing in town.

• Visit the Rec Centre- the Orillia Recreation Centre has a battery of drop-in programs

available. Some, like swimming, require an adult to be present in the pool. But others, grandparents can watch from the sidelines. There is a small fee for these programs, but it is worth the price of admission for kids to burn some energy.

• Bake-Off- Kids love to bake. They also love to eat. You can offer BOTH activities at your place. If mess makes you crazy, purchase the pre-made Pillsbury cookie packages to reduce the amount of flour flying around. This is also another opportunity to create a core memory as you are tapping into the senses of smell, taste and sight.

• Hit the Trails- We have a plethora of walking trails in our region. Some are more advanced, others are flat and paved. Depending on your needs, there is likely an accessible trail option for you. Spending a few minutes outdoors is great for everyone’s physical and mental health. With a little planning, you could do a nature scavenger hunt together and then head indoors for some hot chocolate and cookies that you just baked!

• Crafts- Specifically for Easter, the internet knows no bounds with the amount of crafting you can do with supplies around your house. If you are just a little bit tech savvy, you can find a craft that uses just about any random supply you have at home, such as toilet paper rolls. You would just need a handful of crafting staples such as paper, scissors and glue, but the rest you can find around your house to create bunny-inspired creations. You could also dye Easter eggs together. You could plan a scavenger hunt to go along with the efforts of the Easter Bunny. Crafting and creating is great because the kids can take the lead, you just offer the opportunity. If all else fails, there are often thematic kits available at the various dollar stores that you can purchase to guide the process.

• Play a Game- There are so many board games out there. There are countless card games. It doesn’t take much money or effort to setup a game or a competition to do with your grandkids. They likely will cheat or not follow the rules, but it’s the intentionality that is important to them!

Shopping- There is something about giving a kid $2.00 and the autonomy to buy whatever they want, that makes them so happy! Go to the dollar store and let the kids go wild, but within a set budget. They will love that they were able to go shopping with you and that you were the one who let them get the things their parents normally say no to! Parents won’t mind, I promise!

Let us know what you get up to this March with the grandkids! As a parent, we appreciate the effort, the time and the intentionality put forth by our grandparents! We would love to hear about your adventures!

Beware of Invasive Species

By Matt Thomson

First off, what is an invasive species? An invasive species is considered to be non-native alien species that causes harm in their introduced environment, reproduces aggressively and their predatory behaviour outcompetes the native species. They alter ecosystems and drive extinction of other species therefore reducing biodiversity across our country. Invasive alien species are classified in multiple categories from fish, invertebrates, pathogens, terrestrial & aquatic plants, insects and wildlife. It’s important to note there can be introduced alien species that don’t pose a threat to local ecosystems due to multiple factors ranging from reproduction challenges or available food sources. These destructive invasive species cause damage to our trees, reducing our shade canopies and habitat for birds, bats and a long list of other living things while creating a ripple effect across food chains in the natural world. They impact our waterways by reducing safe boat navigation, clogging propellers and creating undesirable swimming conditions. Our agricultural activities are affected through expensive herbicide & pesticide treatments that can drive up the affordability of crop foods. The economic impact for us is massive while running into the billions of dollars, and that doesn’t account for management expenses along the way.

shortly after it’s not what we expected or difficult to care for. The most dangerous thing we can do is release these unwanted pets outdoors. As harmless as a small goldfish can be they can grow into monstrous feeding fish.

From a global perspective, there have been 37,000 alien species reported and about 5,300 of those are considered invasive. A single alien invader on an island ecosystem can result in full extinction of its native species. Again, threatening economies of other countries by reducing food & water security but also negatively impacting human health and cultural identities. A few years ago it was estimated that these biological invasions had cost more than $423 billion annually (this is before inflation worsened). This staggering dollar figure doesn’t account for management or battling these invasive species.

So what’s driving the spread of invasive species? Many of these species are introduced unintentionally through the vast network of global trade imports & exports with weak security measures in place. They can hitch a ride on a cargo ship (Zebra mussels) or get caught up in the logistics of transporting a palette of goods (Spotted Lanternfly). Sadly some are introduced intentionally by us humans, through various tourism activities such as bait fishing (Rusty Crayfish) and that’s the reason why it’s important to purchase your fishing bait locally. We buy colourful exotic species for our aquariums & terrariums then realize

You may be asking why so much money is spent on something that doesn’t matter to you. I can tell you that it does matter. While the money being spent on management tools can be a “drop in the bucket” compared to the economic impacts, the cost of inaction is something that we’d rather not find out. It’s critical that all levels of government work together and encourage all municipalities & private citizens to get involved in the fight against the more than 450 species across Ontario. Early detection is extremely important and most effective to soften the burden of invasive species. It’s as simple as monitoring the trees on your property, inspecting the shoreline at the cottage and reporting or asking questions about anything suspicious you may encounter, especially if you witness a large group of something unknown.

The next question is, how do we eradicate the invaders that threaten the local landscape, like our yards and under our docks? First task is to determine what invasive species are present on your property. You may want to seek advice from a local expert like a horticulturist or ecologist. Utilize online forums such as iNaturalist to help you acquire an identification. Removal methods can vary depending on the invader. It may require extreme caution such as the phototoxic sap of Giant Hogweed. A sound management plan does require a certain commitment as most plant removals, for example, typically take multiple years. Don’t be alarmed if it grows back next year, that’s their aggressive nature but persistence is key on our part. Similar to picking up roadside trash, an hour or two each time can make a huge difference in forming a dent against the biological invasion. To learn more about invasive species and how you can help, be sure to check out these websites; https://www.invadingspecies.com/ and https:// www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/

Matt Thomson is a local conservationist based in Severn and enjoys engaging the community through citizen science events & activities. You can find him on Instagram or Facebook,

Celebrating the Female of the Species

By Courtney Baker

Through the years I have always taken time in the Villager to celebrate International Women’s Day, discussing my heroes abroad and locally. All women who make a difference in saving the planet, but, there is a large group I have left out until now, female wildlife.

It is undeniable that women face gender based challenges but have you ever wondered how conservation considers the sexes? The study of female animals is especially important today as we face a biodiversity crisis and the decline of wild species across the globe. It is critical that the mothers of future generations of wildlife have successful breeding seasons; this means healthy food, habitat and lifespan.

A representative species of this problem here in Ontario, is the Snapping turtle. Females only begin to mate after reaching 15-20 years of age, this means they require a safe, healthy habitat for two decades before they even begin to lay eggs! When they do reach maturity they nest in sandy, gravely areas, a niche that, due to development, increasingly occurs along busy road sides. This dramatically increases the chance of female turtles being road fatalities. Because of this slow march to maturity and the frequency of road fatalities losing a few mature females can greatly affect the viability of entire populations.

When it comes to our feathered friends, ornithology (the study of birds) is deeply skewed toward male data. Male birds often have brightly coloured, flamboyant plumage to draw the eye of females, but it has also worked to draw the eye of researchers. This effect is compounded by natural behaviours such as males singing out in the open to claim their territory, often far more visible than females who are busy foraging. This has resulted in female birds not being recognised in bird counts by amateurs, not having their songs studied and not representing their species in museum collections, where species standards are decided. Today 60% of museum bird collections are male samples, and this misses the mark. Female specimens are no less representative of their species– they are simply representative of the ‘other’ 50%.

An example of this bias in the field comes to us from Ornithologist Ruth Bennett who studied Golden Winged Warblers. In their non breeding-habitat in Honduras, females were losing 8% of their habitat and brightly coloured males only losing 4%. The mountainous habitat males occupied was protected and conserved, but the lower altitudes

where the female’s reside was regarded as less critical for conservation because the females were simply not recognised as Golden Wings. Only with careful consideration was this oversight corrected.

Gender biases in science come from a long history of men being viewed as the only suitable people to carryout research. This is changing and it is up to us humans to make sure our gendered behaviour does not get in the way of fact. No matter the origin for these gaps in our understanding, overlooked individuals of either sex represent eons of evolutionary experience and knowledge and should not be ignored. With much more to say on the topic, what’s at stake is losing this information before we even realise we should be looking for it.

Courtney Baker is the Administrative Assistant at The Couchiching Conservancy, protecting nature for future generations of all genders, www.couchichingconserv.ca

March

A HIGHLIGHT OF COMMUNITY EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS

WOMEN’S DAY AT HORSESHOE

March 2

Join us on the slopes and trails at Horseshoe Resort, as we celebrate our very own Women’s Day! Immerse yourself in a day of empowerment, fun, and relaxation with the girls. Enjoy special deals, wellness activities, and a special après-ski gathering. Let’s honor the strength, resilience, and achievements of women while embracing the joy of the slopes. Lift your spirits and carve your path. See you on the slopeside, where we celebrate the beauty and brilliance of every woman! ��✨

What to Expect:

Stickers for the first 100 women to stop by Guest Services

Exclusive One-Day Deals

SATURDAY APRÈS AT CRAZY HORSE

March 2

March 9

March 16

SATURDAY 2PM – 5PM at CRAZY HORSE. Get ready to kick back, relax and tap to the beat as we bring you an afternoon filled with live music that’ll have you moving and grooving all night long. Our talented musicians are set to create the perfect vibe to elevate your Saturday Après experience.

SEVERN BRIDGE COMMUNITY HALL LUNCHEON

Monday, March 4: 12 Noon

Severn Bridge Community Hall Beef Stew Lunch, including beverage and dessert. $12 per person.

1035 Southwood Rd. Severn Bridge

WARMINSTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S COMMUNITY BBQ

June 6 @ 5:00 pm - June 6 @ 8:00 pm

Event Venue: Warminster Elementary School

Description: All are welcome to attend Warminster Elementary’s Annual Community BBQ from 5-8pm. Enjoy BBQ fare, cotton candy and treats, games, inflatables, silent auction and vendor sale! One of the biggest events of the year in Warminster! Bring Cash! RAIN OR SHINE!

TRIVIA @ QUAYLE’S

March 7 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

$12.50 Per Player

Doors open 5:00PM, Trivia Starts at 6:30PM Quayle’s Brewery

BROADSWAY-AN

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CONCERT

March 8 @ 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Cost: 45.00

It’s our 10th ANNIVERSARY!!!

And INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY So help us celebrate by joining us for a fun filled evening of music with Broadsway! From Gershwin to Gaga, three of Canada’s finest musical theatre, cabaret and jazz artists doing Broadway their way! It’s Broadsway!!

ADVENTURES IN TIME TRAVEL

Dates: March 11 to 15

Times: 10 am to 4 pm

Location: Sainte-Marie among the Hurons

Address: 16164 Highway 12 East, Midland ON, L4R 4K8

Learn more:

https://saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca/ events/adventures-in-time-travel/ Tickets: $ 12 tax included (children five and under are free)

SEAN MCCANN

March 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Sean McCann returns to Orillia to help us celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!

All Seats $50

Contact the Box Office for Group Rates.

COMEDY NIGHT @ QUAYLE’S

March 22 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

$25 Advance, $30 At The Door

6:30 – 8:00PM

Quayle’s Brewery

JULIE ET L’UNIVERS

March 22 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Orillia Opera House – G.L. Auditorium

ORILLIA SILVER BAND’S SAFETY AND SHELTER CONCERT

March 24 2:00pm

St. Paul’s Centre

The Orillia Silver Band is teaming up with the Orillia Vocal Ensemble to present a fundraiser concert in support of the Green Haven Shelter for Women. Concert tickets are available from the Orillia Silver Band website www.orilliasilverband. com and at the door. Proceeds from the concert will go to the Green Haven Shelter for Women in Orillia.

EUCHRE TOURNAMENT @ QUAYLE’S

March 28 @ 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Cost: $20 Per Team of Two Quayle’s Brewery

How I found myself at Hospice Orillia

By Amanda Tevelde

My journey with Hospice Orillia began as a quest to make a difference in the lives of those confronting the challenges of life-limiting illnesses and bereavement. The values of empathy, compassion, and community-driven care that Hospice Orillia embodies resonated deeply with my own beliefs, making it a natural fit for me to contribute to the organization’s mission.

The importance of my role:

Within the intricate tapestry of Hospice Orillia, each role fulfills a vital function in crafting comfort and solace for individuals grappling with bereavement or life-limiting illnesses. My journey commenced with a realization of the transformative influence that strategic fundraising and communication efforts can wield in the lives of those confronting such challenges. Driven by the organization’s unwavering commitment to providing comfort, dignity, and support, I felt a magnetic pull toward the cause, understanding that financial contributions and communication are pivotal in sustaining and expanding the much-needed services provided by Hospice Orillia. The alignment between my passion for supporting our community and the organization’s mission made this journey a natural and compelling one to undertake. Being able to share the incredible daily efforts of the Hospice Orillia team is a privilege that I hold dear to my heart, emphasizing the collective impact we can make in the lives of those we serve.

Comfort to clients:

The comfort that we bring to our clients and their loved ones is hard to measure. We are provided with the honour of being part of some of the most vulnerable moments in our client’s lives. Through our various programs, we can provide support to those facing life-limiting illness as well as those who are in their grief journey. Whether our client has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, lost a loved one or experienced the loss of a pregnancy, we are here to help. Our programs include: Services currently available through the Hospice Orillia program:

• Bereavement Support Services

• Overdose-Related Loss Support

• Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support

• COPE Facility Dog Trooper

• Equine Bereavement Support

• Peer Support Groups

• Peer One-on-One Support

• Youth Equine Bereavement Support

Visiting Hospice Services

• Complementary Therapies

• Footprints Legacy Project

• Supportive Counselling

• Visiting Volunteer Services

History of Hospice Orillia:

Hospice Orillia started in September 1988, at a meeting joining two groups; one community-based, one hospital-based. Both groups were interested in developing support services for terminally ill people of Orillia and area.

The hospital-based group had recently formed a friendly visiting network, and the community based group wished to support this service and extend it to the community.  Also, the hope was to provide palliative care education to the community, so that terminally ill patients would experience improved medical care.

Hospice Orillia became incorporated in November 1989, and received a charitable number in early 1990. We became members of CHAO (Community Hospice Association of Ontario) in 1990.

In 2011, the Hospice Association of Ontario integrated with the Ontario Palliative Care Association, becoming Hospice Palliative Care Ontario. In 2012, Hospice Orillia received Level II accreditation with HPCO.

On June 3, 2014, Hospice Orillia and the North Simcoe Muskoka Palliative Care Network amalgamated. This merger resulted in a new name: The North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network. This integration was completed to improve the service delivery for both agencies, by using our administrative resources more effectively. Hospice Orillia continues to provide the same great hospice program the community has enjoyed for over 25 years. It operates formally as “Hospice Orillia – A Division of the North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network.”

Hospice Orillia achieved accreditation again in 2019 and reaccreditation in 2022 as an In-Home Hospice.