A CHALLENGE FOR CHRISTMAS · CHEF MELANIE · TALENTED LOCAL AUTHORS · A SLICE OF FAMILY LEGACY
The Transformative Power of Gardening
Gardening, at its core, is a practice that intertwines personal expression with the organic world, creating spaces that are not only visually appealing but also rich in meaning and connection. The authenticity of gardening comes from its ability to foster a genuine relationship between humans and nature, transforming simple patches of earth into vibrant ecosystems that offer solace to both humans and our environment.
One of the most profound aspects of gardening is how it encourages individuals to engage with their local environment. Authentic gardens are often rooted in the specificities of their location—climate, soil, and native plants play a significant role in shaping what can be grown. This connection to the local ecosystem not only supports biodiversity but also fosters a sense of responsibility in caretaking the land. When gardeners select plants that thrive in their surroundings, they honour the natural balance, creating a harmonious blend of beauty and sustainability.
Gardening is a canvas for personal expression. Each gardener brings their unique vision, preferences, and experiences to their green space, making every garden a reflection of its creator’s identity. Whether it’s a minimalist garden, a sprawling cottage garden, or a utilitarian vegetable patch, the essence of authenticity lies in these personal choices. Gardens become a testament to individual creativity and a sanctuary for selfdiscovery, offering a space for reflection, relaxation, and inspiration.
The process of gardening itself embodies authenticity. It requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. Each season brings new challenges, from pests to weather conditions, and overcoming these obstacles fosters a deeper understanding of the natural world. This hands-on experience creates a tangible and therapeutic connection to the earth, making gardening a practice rooted in reality rather than a mere aesthetic
endeavor. The gardener becomes attuned to the rhythms of nature, gaining insights into growth, decay, and renewal.
The authenticity of gardening lies in its power to cultivate not just plants, but relationships—between individuals and their environment, among communities, and within oneself. At Parklane Landscapes, we recognize and appreciate this connection with our clients and our wider community. Creating sustainable and beautiful gardens offers us a lovely opportunity to meet people in their gardens. We have made many friends through our 66 years in business. In a world increasingly disconnected from nature, gardening stands as a heartfelt reminder of the importance of authenticity and the beauty that can arise when we nurture both the land and people.
From our garden to yours, Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for 2025.
December 2024
PUBLISHERS
Jiun Liao and Mikaila Bolzonello
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From The Publishers
Happy Holidays from us over here at The Villager. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa or anything in between, this time of year is an important one to reflect on the values we hold most important. I had a conversation recently with people who are really struggling with the idea of consumerism in relation to the holidays and I completely understand the negative connotation. For me, the holidays are not about gifts in the material sense, but gifts in the sense of humanity and connection with one another. We come together as a
community more during this time of year than any other. We do parades, we volunteer, we help other members of the community out of the goodness of our hearts. I love all of that. And if it’s the holiday season that makes that happen, then great. I wish that holiday spirit was present all year round to be honest, but I’ll settle for some extra positivity and love for the month of December. Cheers to the end of 2024 and see you next year!
On the cover: Garden Roses
By Deby Melillo
Facebook: Melo Orillia Art
Artist Spotlight
Deby Melillo
My lifelong dream was to spend my retirement living a creative life. I had no idea what was in store for me. I retired from a long career in transportation logistics in the midst of the pandemic, moving to Orillia from Toronto. In Spring 2021 I visited KC’s Upscale Garage Sale and became fast friends with the owner Kim Henry, who invited me to show and sell my little bits of art in her lovely gift shop. That was the Spark I needed to go forward.
Then I met Raune-Lea Marshall, who would become my bestfriend, art partner and mentor. That little spark started a fire! Since then Marshall & Melillo became the artistic duo MarshMellow and together we have
shown our art in many local galleries, produced our own art shows, inviting other artists to join us. I have been the team lead for exhibits hung in the Orillia Opera House, taugh a 8 week kid’s art class at Creative Nomad, participated in the ODAC Art Mentor program, Starry Night Art Festival and have filled Era 67 Restaurant (Orillia) with our art. Recently have been invited to curate the new gallery space in the Muskoka Discovery Center and joined the board of directors of the new North Simcoe Arts. I can’t wait to see what’s next... I know it will be fun.
visit
Please
my FB page to see more of my Art - Melo Orillia Art.
The Benefits of a No-Payment Mortgage Solution for Canada’s Homeowners
Anew product for those who don’t want to go the reverse mortgage route is available - a no payment mortgage product with no exit penalties!
In today’s mortgage landscape, having flexible options to meet homeowners’ evolving needs is key. Now, there’s a groundbreaking solution that offers Canadian homeowners a unique advantage: the ability to pause mortgage payments for up to five years, with no exit penalties. This solution provides vital support for clients navigating life’s changes, helping them stay on track with their financial goals.
Here’s how this innovative mortgage solution offers valuable benefits, especially for those in pivotal life stages:
This no-payment option allows homeowners to pause mortgage payments for up to five years, offering a much-needed break to focus on other priorities. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those aged 45 to 65, a period when career, health, or family responsibilities often shift. Unlike similar products that limit no-pay periods to one or two years, this extended term empowers borrowers to make financial adjustments without the monthly mortgage commitment.
Traditional mortgage products usually include strict exit penalties, making it costly to pay off, refinance, or leave early. This no-payment mortgage solution, however, lets homeowners exit any time without penalties. This benefit is ideal for those going through transitions who may need the freedom to adjust their financial commitments as new needs arise.
For homeowners aged 45 to 65, life often takes unexpected turns, from career changes to supporting family or planning for retirement. This mortgage solution serves as a bridge during these transitions, offering the stability and flexibility to help homeowners navigate life changes without sacrificing peace of mind or home security.
This no-payment option gives homeowners the flexibility to manage finances based on their unique situations. Pausing payments reduces financial stress, allowing clients to focus on other goals—whether paying down debt, covering healthcare costs, or planning for retirement.
This mortgage is especially suited for retirees, empty-nesters, or those planning to sell in the near future. The freedom to pause payments and lack of exit penalties allow homeowners to unlock their home equity without the ongoing commitment of traditional mortgages.
The application and approval process is straightforward and transparent, eliminating the complexities of typical mortgage
restructuring. With no hidden fees and clear terms, homeowners can confidently embrace this mortgage solution.
This no-payment mortgage option is more than just a financial product; it’s a solution designed to support homeowners facing life changes. By offering the flexibility to pause mortgage payments for up to five years without penalties, this solution empowers clients to make the choices that are best for their current and future well-being. Whether planning for retirement, supporting family, or adapting to new financial needs, Canadian homeowners now have a valuable bridge to help them move forward confidently, with financial freedom and stability.
Contact: Tracy Green Level 2 Mortgage Broker and Owner of Ontario-Wide Financial in Orillia (416) 573-7669/1-888-307-7799 Mortgage Broker/Owner Level 2 FSRA License # 12456 or visit: www.ontario-widefinancial.com.
North Simcoe Arts: A Fresh Era of Collaboration and Support for Regional Art
The arts community in Simcoe County is experiencing an inspiring transformation. North Simcoe Arts, formerly the Orillia and District Arts Council (ODAC), has reemerged with a new name, identity, and vision for the future. This change represents more than a rebrand; it’s a shift toward a broader, more inclusive approach to arts advocacy. By extending its reach, North Simcoe Arts aims to serve as a central support hub for arts and cultural organizations throughout the region.
Through collaborative initiatives, the council supports organizations that bring high-quality, inclusive arts programming to the region. North Simcoe Arts is building relationships with local governments, schools, and cultural community leaders to broaden its reach to sustain the arts community and create a foundation for future growth. North Simcoe Arts has returned to its roots with a collaborative mandate emphasizing partnership and support rather than creating its own programs. This significant shift allows the council to enable local arts organizations to deliver their initiatives with added resources, guidance, and community connections. By prioritizing collaboration over independent programming, North Simcoe Arts seeks to create a resilient, adaptable arts ecosystem that engages a wide range of communities and demographics in local arts and culture.
Prioritizing Diversity and Regional Representation
A key part of North Simcoe Arts’ redefined role is a commitment to diversity and regional representation. The council is working to make arts and culture accessible and relevant to all communities across the region. To achieve this, North Simcoe Arts is diversifying its board to include a wide array of voices, backgrounds, and perspectives. This emphasis on inclusivity ensures that the arts in North Simcoe reflect the region’s diverse voices. This new identity reflects a renewed commitment to fostering a diverse and connected arts scene amongst organizations.
Returning to the Roots of Arts Advocacy
The shift from ODAC to North Simcoe Arts signifies a return to the council’s foundational purpose—advocating for local arts
by supporting the cultural organizations and individuals that deliver arts programs. This reorientation strengthens the council’s impact by focusing on resource sharing, partnerships, and mentorship. Through collaborative initiatives, the council supports organizations that bring high-quality, inclusive arts programming to the region. North Simcoe Arts is building relationships with local governments, schools, and cultural community leaders to broaden its reach to sustain the arts community and create a foundation for future growth.
Join Us on This Journey
North Simcoe Arts invites the community to be part of this exciting journey. Whether through volunteering, advocacy, or attendance, community members are encouraged to help build a thriving, inclusive arts network. By supporting events, sharing local projects, and spreading the word, residents can help strengthen Simcoe County’s cultural landscape.
With respect for its heritage and a vision for the future, North Simcoe Arts is embarking on a mission to cultivate creativity, inclusivity, and regional pride. This evolution from ODAC is more than a name change; it’s a commitment to the arts community of North Simcoe. Together with local organizations and supporters, North Simcoe Arts is establishing a legacy that will inspire creativity and connectivity for generations to come.
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A Slice of Family Legacy: Bedrock Cafe
By Mikaila Bolzonello
In the heart of our community, one family-run establishment has been serving up deliciousness for 35 years.
The Villager featured Bedrock Cafe 10 years ago to honor their 25th anniversary in business. At the time, Mary and Guy reflected on what it was like to start their journey and the difficulty juggling parenthood of two very young children plus the demands of the restaurant. It was clear they had fond memories of their humble beginnings and their strong sense of values helped them grow to where they were at the time in 2014.
The torch has now been passed and their son Peter has taken on a pivotal role in ensuring that this local gem not only survives but thrives. Mary and Guy are still very much involved and present at the restaurant continuing to support their family business.
Bedrock has been a part of Peter’s journey his entire life. He recalls fond childhood memories of helping out, from doing dishes to answering phones at just ten years old, and playing soccer with his Dad while waiting for pickups. His father started the business as a donut shop before pivoting to pizza. “It was important for him to stand out,” Peter said about his father’s decision. The change in direction was not only a smart business move but one which allowed them to follow their passion and their culture; after all, what Italian family doesn’t have pizza running through their veins?
The Schembri family feel deep gratitude towards customers who have supported them for over three decades: “Without our community, we wouldn’t be here celebrating 35 years.”
So next time you’re heading up Highway 11, make sure to stop in, order some food and chat with the Schembri family. You won’t be disappointed!
As a long standing business in our community, many of us agree that their food is some of the best in the area.
In recent years, Peter has undertaken greater responsibilities within the cafe. His goal? To unify and modernize operations while maintaining what makes Bedrock unique. “It involves cataloguing prep techniques, refining recipes, and standardizing procedures,” he explains.
Each week, hundreds of pizzas are prepared, showcasing what truly goes into creating each tasty masterpiece—from handmade dough that undergoes careful fermentation to fresh ingredients topping every pizza. Peter shares that preparing dough isn’t as simple a task as people think; it’s about timing and technique which creates that airy texture everyone loves.
“Making food right takes time. You can tell when it’s done correctly.” he says.
A Christmas Gift Guide For Our Talented Local Authors
By Jiun Liao
The countdown to Christmas has begun! A time to be with family, friends, and get a much deserved break. If you haven’t already started dreaming up gift ideas for your loved ones, consider gifting heartfelt stories written by local talent.
What the Living Do
Susan E Wadds
Sebright, Ontario
Sex and death dominate thirty-seven-yearold Brett Catlin’s life. While her younger friend Cole manages the former, she deals with the latter through her job disposing of roadkill. A cancer diagnosis forces Brett to question her worth, leading her on a difficult journey of alternative healing. Just as she begins to accept her treatment, a shocking discovery prompts her to explore deeper connections, confronting the question of who is worth saving through encounters with animals, both living and dead.
Uplifting Tales From Goodness County
Liz Robert-Young
Oro-Medonte, Ontario
Welcome to Goodness County, where kindness thrives and strangers become friends. Each short story reveals the charm of small-town life, featuring unforgettable characters amidst rolling hills and cozy cottages. You’ll laugh and cry as you connect with their stories, discovering that life’s true value lies in acts of kindness rather than material goods.
Sticks, Stones & Pinecones
Jennifer Ball
Orillia, Ontario
Fun for all ages—without any screens! This charmingly illustrated book, features 37 board games and riddles that can be played anywhere you go. All games are easy to set up, requiring only materials you can sustainably forage, like pinecones, pebbles, and twigs. You might not even need to leave your camp chair!
I loved putting together this list of local authors last year, so I decided to do it again this year. I was fortunate enough to meet Mike from Manticore Books and he helped me put this list together.
So, if you’re looking to purchase these books for Christmas, be sure to drop by Manticore or visit their website www.manticore.ca.
Redemption
Tracy Woodhouse
Orillia, Ontario
An eighteen-year-old girl vanished from a remote farming community in northern Ontario, leaving her newborn baby behind. After her husband reported her missing, police found no evidence of foul play, and the case went cold. Two decades later, a shocking discovery reopened the investigation, leading detectives to uncover secrets and lies, revealing that she had been there all along.
Behind The Pickle Jar
Wendy McQuaig
Orillia, Ontario
Amy Hewston is taking time off work to manage her stress and anxiety while balancing her career, aging parents, and difficult teens. She and her family move into an old farmhouse in the country for a break, where they discover a 1900 diary hidden behind a jar of pickles in the cellar. The diary tells the story of a family from the same farmhouse and helps Amy reflect on her struggles as she faces an unexpected life choice that throws her world into turmoil.
The Ticking
Ali Ives Oro-Medonte, Ontario
In this thrilling sequel to The Winding, Mikalai Gloucester finds himself out of his depth. Two weeks after the demigod Denken vanished, his magic spreads fear in Frettchen, and nightmarish creatures are unleashed. Despite having no magic, Mikalai is determined to fight alongside a diverse group of friends. As distrust threatens to divide them, they must unite to save one of their own and uncover Denken’s plan before he destroys the city.
A Neighbourhood Organizer –For The Trees
By Meg Whitton
In 1997 Sandy Agnew bought 47 acres in Oro-Medonte township. He was attracted to the property because of its wetland. Shortly after he purchased it, he built a greenhouse and began propagating native plants. Trained in ecosystem restoration, he is an environmental activist and former local politician. He is also a bit of a neighbourhood organizer – for forests and wetlands.
Ontario offers significant property tax breaks to owners who agree to have a managed forest on their lot with a program called the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program. Sandy became a certified Forest Plan Approver and started discussing habitat with his neighbours. Soon folks up and down the road were asking him to provide managed forest plans. With his own property, he established an easement with the Couchiching Conservancy for 39 of his 47 acres. This means those acres will never be allowed to be developed even if he sells.
The wetland that first caught Sandy’s eye is actually classified by the province as significant meaning it’s particularly crucial it’s protected. It serves as critical habitat for plant and animal species at risk of extinction while also helping to prevent flooding by providing a safe area for storm runoff storage. It constitutes a major part of the headwaters for Hogg Creek. Headwaters are a creek’s origin and often start from an underground source. The water here is colder and cleaner than you’ll find further downstream and hence is associated with a pristine wetland, essential to preserve. This one sits across multiple properties and since it’s unfit for building, Sandy suggested to a bordering neighbour, the land could be donated as well. It’s now protected by Huronia Land Conservancy.
Sandy and his partner Lynne have recently donated the easement portion of their property outright to Couchiching Conservancy. They wanted even stronger protection for the wetland and it will now remain a nature reserve forever. Lynne says this is her favourite time of year to
view the wetland at the bottom of their property. The cool morning mists sink low in the hills and settle at the pond. She recalls a day one winter when there was a crack in the ice and three little otter heads popped up. They squirmed out onto the ice and over towards a beaver she’d been watching trudge across it. The otters wanted to play. The beaver did not. Sandy is currently working with Severn Sound Environmental Association, the Couchiching Conservancy and other landowners to develop a plan to protect the Hogg Creek watershed and manage it sustainably. All but one of their neighbours now have managed forests on their lots, creating a corridor of connected wilderness in the community, allowing animal species to live and migrate more freely. Imagine the difference we could be making for future generations if we all had such a purpose?
Meg Whitton is the Office Coordinator at The Couchiching Conservancy
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Consider incorporating reminders in safety talks about the importance of positive work habits. For example, when working overhead, try to alternate tasks whenever possible. This approach can help prevent muscle soreness and reduce the risk of
Easy Holiday French Toast
By Chef Melanie
When Christmas morning arrives, we are always looking for easy to do breakfasts so we can enjoy the hot coffee and the kids having fun. This easy French toast bake can be made the night before and rested in the fridge so its ready to go! Make sure to see the options for add-ins at the end of the recipe.
Happy Holidays!
Ingredients
For the bread filling
• 1 loaf brioche or sourdough bread, or a mix of the two
• 8 Whole Eggs
• 2 cups whole Milk
• ½ cup whipping cream 35%
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
For the crumble
• ½ cup granulated Sugar
• ½ cup brown Sugar
• ½ cup all-Purpose Flour
• ½ cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
• 1 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 1 stick cold butter (cut into pieces, plus more for serving)
Serve with Warm local maple syrup
Butter to grease the pan, use a 9-by-13-inch baking pan
Method
1. For the French toast: Grease the baking pan with butter. Tear the bread into chunks, or cut into cubes, and evenly distribute in the pan. Crack the eggs in a big bowl. Whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla and spices. Pour evenly over the bread. Cover the pan tightly and store in the fridge until needed, can be made the night before.
2. For the crumble topping: Mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and some nutmeg in a separate bowl. Stir together using a fork. Add the cold butter and with a pastry cutter, or your fingertips and mix it all together until the mixture resembles fine pebbles. Store in a resealable plastic bag in the fridge. Leftovers can be frozen and used to top muffins.
3. When you’re ready to bake the casserole, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the casserole from the fridge and sprinkle the topping over the top. Bake for 45 minutes for a softer, more bread pudding texture or for 1 hour or more for a firmer, crisper texture.
There are so many options for a fun baked French toast. Here are a few options!!
Add zest and juice of 1 orange to the custard mix and sprinkle in 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries.
Add 1 cup fresh blueberries, juice and zest of 1 lemon and a tsp spoon of fresh chopped thyme.
Add 1 cup chocolate chips to your bread before you pour over the custard. Add 1 cup fresh raspberries, and the juice and zest of one lemon. Add 1 cup of diced apples and 1 tsp of cardamom.
Chopped toasted nuts like almond, walnuts and pecans also make a nice addition.
Have fun and enjoy!!
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.
Villager Ventures: A Challenge for Christmas
By Hillary Handy
Christmas is coming! It’s hard to believe we are already here and the months continue to fly by! Our calendar is broken up into two seasons: looking forward to Christmas and looking forward to summer. The season brings such magic for all ages. It also prompts some serious consumerism. I am guilty of going haywire trying to do all the things and making a list and checking it twice.This Christmas, I am trying to find ways to not get sucked into the mayhem, but cling to what is important and the true reason for the season.
One way is by prompting outward thinking, instead of the me-me-me mentality. One tradition we try to maintain in our family is filling Christmas Shoe Boxes through Operation Christmas Child. You fill a shoe box with toys, toiletries, school supplies and whatever else you can fit that is sent to a child in a developing country at Christmas time. This may be the only gift they ever receive, so in addition to sending items, you’re actually sending love in a real and tangible way. It is nice for my children to shop with intention for someone else. It is also incredibly valuable for children to see how blessed and fortunate we are to live in Canada.
Another way is by selecting a gift from an organization that directly benefits a family worldwide. As a family, you can decide to forgo some of your gifting budget to purchase items that can actually help a family somewhere else in the world. You can buy chickens, a goat, school or medical supplies, a water well…the possibilities are endless. Some reputable organizations that do this work include Compassion Canada,
World Vision, Samaritan’s Purse and Gospel for Asia.
Kids have such a pure and innocent heart. They are happy to gift just about anything to anyone. Some of my favourite items given to me by my kids have been dandelions and daisies on the side of the road and handmade crafts. As such, I am trying to instill in my kids an appreciation for secondhand items, handmade creations or things on sale. I often let them choose items for family members from the various dollar stores in our community to give them some agency over their gift giving. The whole point is to speak someone’s love language by picking something you think they would genuinely enjoy. Not just giving a gift for the sake of shopping. The wide variety of items allows for us to stay within budget but also find an item for everyone on our list. My kids are excited to buy Grandpa his favourite Macintosh Toffee for $1.50 and he is happy to receive it.
My last tip for challenging your perspective on Christmas is to do a family activity, in lieu of gifts. One year, my side of the family rode the North Pole Express at the South Simcoe Railway. We enjoyed traveling to the North Pole with Santa. It was a beautiful core memory that we look back on to represent that Christmas. Another year, my siblings and I purchased tickets to see a show at the King’s Wharf Theatre in lieu of giving each other presents. This allowed us to enjoy an outing together, outside of the Christmas season, and create memories, not clutter.
Our children are at an impressionable age. I want to instill in them a sense of outward thinking, when the world so desperately is trying to make them little consumers with their own shopping lists. This holiday season, let’s not get caught up in the hullabaloo of the holidays but rather hold dear to the true reason for the season.
December
A HIGHLIGHT OF COMMUNITY EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS
CUMBERLAND BEACH SANTA CLAUSE PARADE
December 1 2:00pm
RAMARA TOWNSHIP SNOW CREATIONS
December 1 - March 1
Every year we invite individuals and families to participate in our annual “Snow Creations” building contest. Simply build your creation and send us a picture to recreation@ramara. ca and we’ll show it off on our socials. The pictures will be compiled and judged by a panel of experts. Contest begins December 1st and runs until March 1st. Please note that by sending your entry you are agreeing that they can be shared publicly. No other details than the name you provide will be released.
PINTS & PRESENTS HOLIDAY MARKET
December 1 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Couchiching Craft Brewing Co.
Couchiching Craft Brewing Co. is excited host our second annual winter holiday market! The halls will be decked, holiday cheer will be abound, and craft beer will flow! Over a dozen local crafters, artisans, creators, and makers will take over the Barrel Room, patio, and parking lot in this combination indoor-outdoor vendor market!
SEVERN BRIDGE COMMUNITY HALL LUNCHEON
December 2, 12 Noon
Chicken Pot Pie Lunch, including beverage and dessert. $12 per person. 1035 Southwood Rd. Severn Bridge 18 The Villager | December 2024
A SKYDIGGERS CHRISTMAS W/ SPECIAL GUEST DANIEL GREAVES FROM THE WATCHMEN
December 5 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
St Paul’s Centre
Come enjoy an Evening with the Skydiggers Thursday, December 5th @ St Pauls Centre
A Skydiggers Christmas w/ special guest Daniel Greaves from the Watchmen For over 25 years Skydiggers’ friends and fans have reunited over the holidays at Toronto’s Legendary Horseshoe Tavern to celebrate the season to the soundtrack of the band’s distinctive rootsy Christmas tunes and Skydiggers’ classics, and this year they’re taking it on the road.
A VERY VINTAGE CHRISTMAS
December 6, 13, 20 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Coldwater
Coldwater’s Main Street is bringing back the good old days this Christmas! Join us every Friday night from Nov 29 to Dec 20, 3-6pm, for some old-fashioned holiday fun. We’ve got carolers, treats, and great deals at your favorite local shops. Dust off that tacky Christmas sweater or vintage outfit and come hungry – food bank donations are welcome and might just earn you some perks!
COLDWATER SANTA CLAUSE PARADE
December 7 5:30pm
UGLY SWEATER DANCE PARTY
December 7 8:00 pm
ODAS Park
Get ready to jingle all the way to the most hilariously hideous holiday event of the year: the Ugly Christmas Sweater Dance Party! This isn’t just another yuletide shindig—it’s an epic celebration of all things wonderfully tacky and fabulously festive. This 1st Annual party is taking place at ODAS Park on Saturday December 7th from 8pm to 1am for a 19+ crowd, and here’s the best part: all the fun we’re having is for an amazing cause.
NUTCRACKER TEA
December 8, 15 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Leacock Museum
Enjoy a three-tiered food selection prepared by FARE Restaurant with unlimited tea while seated in the comfort of the living room and dining room of the decorated historic Leacock home. Ticket also includes a selfguided tour of the Leacock Museum. Guests are asked to check-in in the giftshop located in the museum upon arrival. We ask that guests please arrive no more than 10 minutes before their selected sitting.
CHRISTMAS IN THE 1920’S
December 13 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Leacock Museum
Experience Christmas 1920s style! Stroll through the Leacock Museum stopping at different stations to participate in 1920s Christmas traditions. Learn about the history of each tradition as you go, and leave with classic decorations made by you and new traditions for your own home. Light refreshments will be served throughout the night
WARMINSTER SANTA CLAUSE PARADE
December 14 2:00pm
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS
December 14 8:30-9:30am & 10:30-11:30am
Hawkestone Community Hall
Children get breakfast, two crafts and time with Santa.
Adults stay with their children at no cost. Limited spaces available, you MUST preregister. $10.00 per child. Contact s.o@rogers.com
CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
December 21
All Day
In person, Orillia
Get ready to embrace the festive spirit of birdwatching with the Orillia Naturalists’ Club’s annual Christmas Bird Count! This beloved tradition, part of the longestrunning citizen science project in North America, invites bird enthusiasts of all levels to contribute to an essential winter bird census.
Fresh Turkeys
Order today!
First come, first served
CANOE IS YOUR ‘GO-TO’ STOP FOR THE HOLIDAYS
• Stocking Stuffers
• Specialty Cheeses
• Sauces & Dips
• Muskoka Roastery Coffee
• Canoe Mugs
• Fudge & Honey
• Maple Syrup and More!
Add these fresh, local cranberries to your Christmas Dinner!
CANOE BAKERY & CAFÉ
Fresh Baking Every Day –
Always bread, rolls, pies, butter tarts, squares, meat pies and more.
We will baking Christmas goodies every day! Please call ahead for special orders.
Enjoy a coffee and sweet take-out from our Café.
Canoe Sandwiches plus Salads, Take-to-Bake Pizzas & Rotisserie Chickens
Bala Cranberries