Gardening is a lovely hobby that offers a mix of both active and passive engagement. The physical activity involved in gardening provides exercise, fresh air, and a connection with nature. Gardens offer a peaceful environment that can transport your mind to another place. Gardening can also provide a sense of accomplishment through small tasks such as watering, attracting pollinators, weeding, watching growth, and enjoying edibles such as herbs and vegetables. Enjoying the process of planting and cultivating a container can be a fulfilling experience, and the sight of blooming flowers and herbs can be a source of passive admiration.
When we dig in the soil, it releases a unique and earthy aroma known as geosmin, which is produced by a type of soil bacteria called actinomycetes. This scent is known to have a positive effect on most humans, as it has therapeutic properties such as regulating the immune system and stabilizing serotonin levels, which can improve mood, feelings, and overall happiness.
Gardening is a wonderful way to connect with nature and experience the therapeutic benefits of plants and soil. It provides a peaceful and relaxing space to retreat when life gets too demanding. For children, especially, gardening can be an invaluable hobby that they can carry with them throughout their lives. It can offer a quiet and calming space where they can escape from the stresses of daily life, connecting with nature versus their screens.
Even if you don’t have access to a garden, planting a few containers with select plants can still bring a touch of nature into your life. For
example, planting some gladiolas and lavender on your patio, deck, step, or balcony can create a beautiful and fragrant oasis that will attract hummingbirds and other wildlife, providing a lovely connection with the natural world.
Our gardens can be sources of food, art, crafts, and resiliency. We can grow an Elderberry shrub, harvest the flowers in May for Elderberry cordial, harvest the berries in Fall for Syrup, and also provide a source of food and shelter for birds and other pollinators. Many of the flowers in our gardens can pressed to offer creativity in petal art, dried for tea, and used as oils in cream making.
Join Parklane Living in Orillia for a journey of discovery through classes in petal art, climateresilient gardens, making a tea garden, and creating your cream. Learn which plants to grow, how to harvest and collect them, and uncover the endless purposeful uses that our plants and gardens can offer. Let us help you unlock the beauty and potential of nature!
Register at: https://www.parklanelandscapes.ca/parklaneliving
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To be honest, I’ve been feeling a bit stuck lately so I started looking at some writing prompts to see if there was something that could help me step outside of myself for a moment. One that stood out said: Name 3 things you would do if you weren’t so afraid.
I thought this was an interesting prompt because I often realize that I hold myself back. I struggle with the ‘what ifs’ and the thought that something negative may happen. Or the illogical opposite that something too good will happen. I think many people can relate but it is more difficult than I realized to push outside my comfort zone. I’m afraid of the unknown whether bad OR good.
So if I weren’t so afraid, what are 3 things I would do?
1) I think I would talk to and open up to more people. I think there is so much to learn from each other and so many opportunities out in the world, that if I just freed myself up I would experience a life I would otherwise have missed.
2) I would move to another country. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love our area and where we live. But if I’m being honest (and taking my advice from point #1) I would love to live in another
country. I’m not sure which one, maybe somewhere in Europe. I’m too pale for a hot sunny country (fun fact - we have lived abroad in a third world country before)!
3) I would live my life unconventionally. I would go more against the grain. I think many of the decisions I make are to go with the flow, to follow what I have been taught/told, to live the conventional life as society has set it. We’ve done everything in orderschool, higher education, marriage, house, kids and I think about what life would be like if I just did what I truly felt was a better fit for me.
All this to say, I am still very much afraid to do these things - but it does bring into question, is there something I can change now that may affect my life in a positive way? Is there a small step I can take that will positively affect my life? I think so. Maybe I’ll start with #1 and focus on building stronger human connections with those around me and we’ll see where it may lead. What are 3 things you would do if you weren’t afraid?
When an artist named Marshall met an artist named Melillo and they became best friends, much fun and mayhem ensued and the dynamic duo MarshMellow was created! They wanted to find ways to display their art while having fun. After brainstorming MarshMellow Events was born. They now host and attend shows in various locations around Orillia and surrounding areas.
Raune-Lea Marshall is an expressive-realism, landscape artist. She currently is creating cottage themed paintings with beautiful bright sunsets, canoes, Muskoka chairs and lakes. There seems to be no shortage of subject matter for her to paint in this genre.
Deby Melillo, is an abstract artist, who creates wonderful, vibrant paintings that are rich in texture and colour. Many of her works lean towards florals and can often hold hidden surprises.
What can you expect at their shows? They don’t just offer wonderful paintings. They have put their art on beautiful notebooks, stone coasters, bookmarks and more. They will be at a number of events this summer looking forward to meeting you and making new friends.
They do suggest you “Save the Date” for their big showcase event, their Twilight Piazza, on Saturday July 27th, 2024 in the courtyard at Era 67, downtown Orillia. MarshMellow and several other guest artists invite you to experience a summer evening extravaganza of live music, great food, friendly people and awesome art! Stay tuned for all the details.
This year a combination of climate change and an El Niño meant that we didn’t have our usual Ontario Snowbelt winter. It feels as though the world really got to sleep. It tossed and turned all winter without a comforting blanket of snow. It was particularly noticeable to me, not because I have some secret environmental knowledge but because so many people shared their concern with me.
Working for an environmental non-profit can be a place of privilege in the era of climate change. It gives you a chance at work to be in the know, read and learn about the climates effect on the world around you. But, with privilege comes responsibility and in this case it is the responsibility to do your best to answer the questions of people who aren’t as ‘in the know’.
Friends and family often ask me about the environment, but this week alone my lovely hairdresser was voicing her climate concerns to me, when we normally are nattering on about our pets. Tuesday my massage therapist was asking me about the warm weather’s effect on wildlife that would normally hibernate and Wednesday my dental hygienist lamented what a sad winter it was for people who enjoy skiing and snowshoeing. People are absorbing the change.
Sure, there was an El Niño this year, but when you compare data year on year, it is plain to see we are heating up. You may wonder, when I’m asked, what do I say to my community? My response is “Climate change is real, and it’s bad, but there are things we can do about it.” It is with this response that I give that secret environmental knowledge; the most important part, is the doing.
When I attended our Annual General Meeting on March 2nd, being surrounded by over 200 other environmentalists was like relieving a climate anxiety valve. That feeling of community empowers you with the knowledge that we will keep moving forward and protecting more of nature, together. I know that being in that room makes me feel better, supported and like I’m not the only one who cares.
We also have dozens of volunteers being trained at the minute. Normally I would say they are coming to the office in droves, but there are now so many we can’t even host all of our trainings! The library, rotary place, and other locations that can hold more people are now needed to train the number of people who want to help our planet in our community alone.
Also, the passport to nature committee is getting ready to launch this year’s booklet on Earth Day with 13 events for the community to enjoy. Bike rides, paddles, hikes and more await those wanting to explore. This volunteer committee understands the importance of a connection to nature and works to get as many people out as they can.
So, don’t let your climate blues get the better of you, don’t succumb to a ‘nobody cares’ attitude. We care. If you’re ready to take some action, pick up some garbage on your road side. Head out for a hike on one of our many nature reserves. Attend a Passport event and learn about your beautiful region, or donate to support our work. Take solace in knowing that there are wonderful people in your community who are out there doing.
On April 8, 2024, Orillia, alongside other fortunate locations in Ontario, will be treated to one of nature’s most aweinspiring phenomena: a total solar eclipse. This celestial event promises to turn day into night for a brief, magical moment. This presents a unique opportunity to witness an astronomical event that won’t recur in the region for decades.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon’s orbit brings it directly between the Earth and the sun, obscuring the sun from view. The upcoming eclipse on April 8, 2024, is categorized as a total solar eclipse, a rare occurrence where the alignment is so precise that it completely
blocks the sun. The phenomenon offers not just a breathtaking visual experience but also a unique opportunity for scientific observation and discovery.
Orillia finds itself near the path of totality for the 2024 eclipse, a narrow band stretching across parts of North America where observers can experience total darkness in the middle of the day. This alignment offers an unparalleled viewing experience for those in and around this band. The duration and exact timing of the eclipse will vary slightly depending on your specific location, but expect several minutes of daytime darkness and a noticeable drop in temperature.
The importance of eye safety during a solar eclipse cannot be overstated. Directly viewing the sun without proper protection can lead to serious eye damage. Eclipse glasses or viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard are essential for anyone planning to observe the event. These are often available at local science centers, museums, and through reputable online retailers. Do not rely on sunglasses or welding glasses, they do not offer the protection your eyes need to view the eclipse.
Solar eclipses have long been valuable to scientific research, offering insights into solar physics otherwise impossible during regular conditions. The 2024 eclipse will be no exception, with several research projects anticipated to take advantage of the brief moments of totality. For local educators and students in Orillia, this presents a unique learning opportunity that can inspire future generations of scientists and astronomers.
Orillia’s schools and educational institutions are gearing up to make the most of this learning opportunity. Special curriculums, workshops, and activities focused on the science of eclipses are being developed. These initiatives aim to not only educate but also to ignite a passion for astronomy among students. For student safety, the Simcoe County District School Board has also changed the P.A. Day at the end of April to April 8 to ensure children are home when the eclipse occurs.
As we count down to this celestial event, let’s prepare to look skyward together, armed with knowledge, safety, and a sense of community. This is more than just an astronomical occurrence; it’s an invitation to witness the extraordinary beauty of our universe.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil – plus more to garnish
• 1 red onion – finely diced
• 1 jar of roasted red peppers (15oz) drained, and then diced medium.
• 1 tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic – finely chopped
• 1 15 oz can of fired roasted tomatoes
• 4-6 eggs
• 1 cup goat cheese or sheep’s feta – crumbled (your preference)
• Fresh dill to garnish
• A soft bread of your choice for dipping. Naan, challah, baguette etc.
In a large pan over medium heat add the 3 tablespoons olive oil. Add in the chopped roasted red pepper, red onion and season with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes on medium low. Add in the garlic, paprika, smoked paprika, cumin seed and chilli flakes. Sauté for couple of minutes to really release all those flavors. Add in the fired roasted tomatoes and season well with salt and cracked black pepper. Cover with a lid on medium low heat to let it cook, 15-20 minutes, stirring regularly so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Once it turns into a sauce, I like to uncover and turn up the heat to let it reduce and thicken a bit. If clings to the eggs better this way when they are poaching. Check for seasoning before adding in the eggs to make sure it is exactly where you want it to be. Make 6 wells in the sauce and add in your eggs. Season the eggs a bit with salt and pepper and then sprinkle the feta all over. Cover with a lid and turn the heat up to medium high. Cook covered for 3-5 minutes depending on how you like your eggs.
Remove the lid and garnish with a lot of fresh dill or parsley and drizzle with olive oil. Can serve right from the pan!
Feel free to drizzle some plain Greek yoghurt on top as well.
This dish is usually made with fresh tomatoes & peppers, however in Canada, we need to use the ingredients when at the height of the season and that’s August/September. This dish is on our menu as a winter/ early spring item using our preserved tomatoes & peppers stored over the season.
Tinned & frozen foods prepared in season is always a great second choice.
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.
Consider this a “call to action”. The snow has melted and like every year, we’re looking at the accumulation of trash scattered along our roadsides, public spaces and even trash that has washed ashore. It’s no secret. It’s easy to spot litter everywhere we go. What do you do? It’s easy to travel past it while pretending you didn’t notice it. Or maybe you’re thinking that you don’t need to worry about it because it doesn’t affect you. Or perhaps you have a little wishful thinking in believing that someone will pitch in and take care of the problem. It’s likely the latter that first comes to mind. And there lies the problem in that a little too much wishful thinking, collectively, leads to nothing being done about the situation. Let’s not procrastinate any longer. Grab your gloves! An hour or two each time, like on a weekend morning, can make a huge difference in cleaning up the places we enjoy most across our communities. It’s a small chore and one that is more fun because you’re outdoors getting fresh air, not doing dishes, not doing laundry or sweeping the floors at home.
It’s important for everyone to show good stewardship of the land we occupy. We are the caretakers and it is our responsibility to carry that forward to future generations. Yes, it’s a team effort. So why are we polluting so much? There’s a constant reminder being discussed year after year telling us to cut greenhouse gas emissions, eliminate plastic bags or eliminate single-use plastics, and so on. It’s a constant nag but it’s critical to pay attention to these alarm bells ringing loudly in front of us. The fact
we saw just the hottest year on record, forest fires breaking out on nearly every continent earlier each year, warmer oceans bleaching the coral life are a few well-known examples. We have nowhere else to escape to if we destroy our very own survival on this Earth. After all, we haven’t made it to Mars yet!
Microplastics have become a growing concern because it’s now found in every deep and dark corner of this planet. It’s not just a problem in the oceans. This plastic debris, which are less than five millimeters in size, are ending up in freshwater lakes and other watersheds but also the soil around us. Most of it we can’t see as easily. It’s affecting all wildlife. The fish & birds are mistaking it for food while we do our best in trying to filter these out from our food. We’ve seen those horrible & heartbreaking images online of animals in distress. Harmful microplastics aren’t going away. By no means it is similar to a decomposing banana peel. They take a very long time to break down, if at all. The scientific community is working “around the clock” to help us but we need to help them as well.
In the end, let us clean up the mess we are making upon ourselves. I promise you it will feel great. Continue to practice those three R’s we all know; reduce, reuse, recycle. Reduce the wasteful items that we can’t reuse and are most harmful to us and our ecosystems. Reuse what we can by repurposing or repairing the things we value most. And of course, if we can’t reuse it then it needs to be recycled responsibly and so that those materials can have the opportunity to be made into something new. The blue bin is bigger than the others for that very reason.
March Break has come and gone, but what adventures will we get up to in April? We alluded to this outing in our last issue, but we would like to offer more insight into the coolness of the OPP Museum as a family outing for all ages and abilities.
One activity you can do in Orillia that is fun, engaging and FREE is pop by the OPP museum. Located on Memorial Avenue, this is a great outing for in-town adventuring. The museum is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am until 4:30 pm. Parking is free and the building is fully accessible. There is an assortment of activities to participate in and information to learn from. There is a cafeteria inside where you can visit if everyone gets snacky. There are also loads of local establishments near-by as well so you can swing by for a snack afterwards or grab lunch and continue the fun. Basically, it’s an outing with opportunity for food, so you know the kids will love it when they are hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa or with the family!
Did you know…the Ontario Provincial Police was established in 1909? Talk about longevity! There is so much local history available on display, complete with various historical artifacts from earlier times. If you are into older cars and vintage vehicles, this is the place to stop for sure. There is a 1931 Henderson motorcycle and a 1941 Chevrolet Master Deluxe Coupe Cruiser inside the building! Who doesn’t love a sweet ride?
And if you ever wondered what you would look like in uniform, look no further, there’s a dress-up centre for everyone to try one on! Toy vehicles, puppets, and other police-themed activities make for a fun morning or afternoon. Stay for 30 minutes, or stay for 2 hours!
It has been awhile since this Villager has visited the OPP Museum. April will be our month to do it! This would be a great outing to do on the recently added April 8th PA Day. Let us know if you go and check it out!
INTERNATIONAL ROOTS N BLUES KITCHEN PARTY
April 4 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Orillia Opera House – G.L. Auditorium, Orillia, Ontario L3V 5B8
Suzie Vinnick (CAN), Charlie A’Court (CAN) and Lloyd Spiegel (AUS) invite you to join their Coast to Coast Roots ‘n’ Blues Kitchen Party for an evening of songs, stories and laughter.
All Seats $35
Contact the Box Office for Group Rates
RAMONA”S UPCOMING FISH & CHIP DINNERS
April 6th 2024
Ramona Hall
Monday, April 8: 12 Noon
Severn Bridge Community Hall
Meat Loaf Lunch, including beverage and dessert. $12 per person.
1035 Southwood Rd. Severn Bridge
I’LL BE BACK BEFORE MIDNIGHT
April 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
|Recurring Events (See all)
Orillia Opera House – Studio Theatre, Orillia, ON, L3V 5B8
ROOTS NORTH MUSIC FESTIVAL
April 18th to April 21st
Roots North Music Festival returns and this year’s main stage lineup is bigger and better than ever! Featuring Begonia, The Redhill Valleys, Julian Taylor, Spencer Burton and more! Music, shopping and entertainment surround you as you explore during the Roots North Music Festival in Orillia. Our headline shows will take place at the beautifully restored St. Pauls Centre. Artists perform on Friday and Saturday evening in our comfortable soft-seat theatre.
THE STAMPEDERS…ONE MORE TIME
April 24 @ 7:30 pm
Orillia Opera House – G.L. Auditorium, Orillia, Ontario L3V 5B8
GERRY DEE: FUNNY YOU SHOULD SAY THAT
April 26 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Orillia Opera House – G.L. Auditorium, Orillia, Ontario L3V
Tickets starting at $49.50
Intended for Ages 14+
WORLD TOUR PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL
April 27 @ 7:00 pm
Orillia Opera House – G.L. Auditorium, Orillia, Ontario L3V 5B8
All Seats $28.
COULSON CONCERTS: EMILY JEAN FLACK
April 28 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
