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Winter Gardening: Embracing the Season of Stillness
During the winter months, it’s completely natural and acceptable to adopt a more laid-back attitude toward your garden. As temperatures drop and snow begins to cover the ground, most plants enter a state of dormancy, making winter a time when many gardeners can take a well-deserved break. This is an opportunity to appreciate the unique beauty that winter brings to your outdoor space. The skeletal branches of trees can create striking silhouettes against the crisp, clear sky, while winter-blooming plants, like hellebores and winter jasmine, add unexpected pops of color. Consider how the landscape transforms, with the quiet stillness allowing for reflection and rest. Instead of worrying about weeding or pruning, embrace this season of inactivity. You can enjoy cozy moments indoors, perhaps with a warm beverage, while dreaming of the vibrant blooms
and lush greenery that will return with spring. Allow yourself to recharge and relish the tranquil beauty of your garden during this quieter time, knowing that it will soon awaken to life again.
Winter gardening offers a unique opportunity to engage in a variety of activities that can enhance both your garden and your gardening skills. One enjoyable task is to create a winter garden plan, where you can research and select plants that thrive in colder months, such as evergreens and winter-blooming flowers. You can also take this time to prepare for spring by organizing your gardening tools, cleaning pots, and starting seeds indoors for future planting. It’s a great time for winter pruning of certain trees and shrubs, which promotes healthier growth in the spring.
The winter months provide a valuable opportunity to prepare and organize for the upcoming spring and summer seasons in your garden. This is the ideal time to assess your needs, set clear goals, and create a comprehensive plan. Consider reaching out to professionals for ideas and designs. Many companies are still working and scheduling work for early Spring. If you hope to have landscaping completed for Summer 2025, start planning now and call Parklane Landscapes at 705-327-0064 or visit our website parklanelandscapes.ca
January 2025
PUBLISHERS
Jiun Liao and Mikaila Bolzonello
SUBMIT STORIES AND EVENTS
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From The Publishers
Happy Happy New Year to you!
Here it is, the start of a new year. I don’t know about you but I am very excited to have a fresh start and to embrace some new beginnings. January is always full of good intentions and hope so I am harnessing all of that good energy into happiness and acting more intentionally this year. One thing Jiun and I realized was how important slowing down and acting intentionally is to the two of us. It’s so easy to get whipped into a frenzy with work, kids,
finances and all of life’s other demands. What we want to do this year is align, in every way we can, to create deep connections and be more methodical in the projects we decide to be part of. That, and also making sure to take time for ourselves to rest and enjoy time as a family without outside distractions. We wish you the best year yet and hope you get a chance to enjoy some winter activities too!
Artist Spotlight
Carolyn Boyd
Carolyn M. Boyd is a Canadian landscape artist brushing with passion and enthusiasm from the magnificent shores of Kempenfelt Bay, Georgian Bay, Muskoka and beyond. She studied fine art at Georgian College and North Light Art School, and has a certificate in the Fundamentals of Fine Art. Carolyn teaches private art classes and group workshops. Her paintings are in collections across Canada and globally. Carolyn is the recipient of the 2024 Artist Beyond Barriers Award. She volunteered at the MacLaren Art Centre, and currently volunteers at the Barrie Art Club, Women’s Art Association of Canada, and elsewhere.
Carolyn’s paintings have been exhibited in the Barrie Art Club, Dundas Valley School of Art, MacLaren Art Centre, Barrie City Hall First Floor Gallery, Orillia Opera House, Women’s Art Association of Canada, Hibernation Arts Gallery, Quest Art School and Gallery, Stack Gallery, Muskoka Discovery Centre, and other locations. She’s displayed her
paintings in over 250 art shows, events, and galleries. Her artwork is showcased in a book, and in a variety of other publications, and was shown in a documentary film. She’s a member of the Barrie Art Club, MacLaren Art Centre, Artists in Canada, Orillia District and Arts Council, Quest Art School and Gallery, Women’s Art Association of Canada, Women’s Art Association of Hamilton, Art Gallery of Ontario, McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kawartha Art Gallery, Arts on the Credit, Muskoka Arts and Crafts, Newmarket Group of Artists and CARFAC.
Email: cmboydart@gmail.com | Web: www.carolynmboydart.com Linktree: linktr.ee/carolynmboydart | FB: www.fb.com/carolynmboydart Instagram: www.instagram.com/carolynmboydart | Twitter: www.twitter.com/CarolynMBoydAr1
MORTGAGES FOR THOSE WHO DON’T MEET THE BANKS APPROVAL PROCESS EXISTS!!
LET US HELP YOU!
For many people the approval process with the banks can be grueling. Tracy Green Mortgage Broker (level 2 licenced to provide all mortgages including private funds) owner of OntarioWide Financial has been a mortgage provider in the industry for 37 years and has always had the “if there’s a will there’s a way” approach. She says “for myself as a broker I kind of refer to what I do as assembling a jigsaw puzzle, you must work with the pieces until they all fit, sometimes this means being creative. Many of my clients feel defeated with the banks sometimes timely approval process and unwillingness to think outside of the box, whether the reason is bad credit, self employed, previous bankruptcy, consumer proposal, mortgage or tax (property or CRA) arrears, location, type (out of town , farm or hobby farm) or condition of property, age, clients on disability or clients looking for short term financing. Whatever the reason, the banks are unwilling to lend. Well let me tell you that there are alternative lenders willing to work with open eyes to help these clients achieve their mortgage goals and work through the tough times. Especially over the last few years many people have been affected by numerous issues with the pandemic, loss of income and interest rates soaring in a short period of time. People don’t realize that there are alternative lenders willing to help. “NO” this does not mean you will be paying extortionist rates and unreasonable terms and conditions! My objective and job are to find the best mortgage product (Mortgages, HELOC, credit lines) based on my client’s situation at the best rates. Undoubtedly these clients are not going to get “A” bank pricing, but they will get a fair shake and in most cases the rates are not too far off from what they would get if they had qualified at a bank. In my experience there are really 3 categories of lenders, “A” lenders (the banks/ credit unions) “B” lenders (still institutional with more flexible lending) and “Private lenders” (private individuals who invest in mortgages) As a broker I work down the ladder to see where the best fit is for my client. The second part of my process as owner and broker of Ontario-Wide Financial is to work with the client to establish what needs to be done
to become bank qualified down the road if that’s my client’s goal. Here at OntarioWide Financial I work with my clients to create an exit plan to get them back on track. This may be simply helping to repair and clean up credit, settle overdue accounts and collections and guide the client to be “A” lender approved in the future. The process depending on the individual’s situation usually doesn’t take longer than a year and we can go as high as 80% of the value. Self employed and small business owners know how frustrating obtaining mortgages can be, having to through endless paperwork only to be turned down or offered much less than applied for. I can also help with this process and in most cases provide several opportunities and options without having to provide years and years of financial statements and paperwork for these clients. And in many cases these clients prefer to stay in the “B” lending category or private sector as it meets their needs better than a bank. The bottom line is that there are endless situations that can be overcome with the help of a professional. The best reason to call Ontario-Wide Financial is you will be working directly with Tracy Green the owner and broker. We are not a huge conglomerate company, just a small brokerage that can do big things to improve our client’s lives and finances! “I prefer to work with my clients on a person-to-person basis with no judgement” to make sure they know their options, understand the process and product and meet their goals. While in some instances I may not be successful I will do my best to offer advice to my client as to alternatives and other services that may be able to help with their individual situation. All in all, I will do my best to provide you with as many options for the best possible outcome with a fast and painless process as possible. Call or apply online.
Adapting to a New Normal
By Matt Thomson
Another year has gone by and it’s been rather amusing to listen to long term seasonal forecasts since we’ve reached the point where the experts are struggling to effectively predict these changes. Is that scary? Yes, it is. Human life has been structured around much of this cycle from growing food, how we work, our various forms of leisure among other things. Usually towards the end of winter we hear a message that summer is going to be “very hot and humid” and when summer winds down we begin to sweat even more. Not because of the late season humidity but rather the sudden realization that the clock is running thin on our sun-worshiping pastimes. To spoil it even further, we sometimes get thrown an ugly sounding warning that winter is being predicted as “very cold & snowy”. Sure, that’s what the season has traditionally been. Nowadays we have a silent celebration in our minds that if we head into the new year without any snow it’s somehow a victory in claiming that “winter isn’t so bad”.
It may not be so bad for us because we can easily adapt, however it’s confusing the wildlife around us that aren’t capable of adapting as quickly as we can. They’ve evolved over millennia to feed, reproduce and migrate from certain queues in weather patterns or seasonal changes. Nowadays there is nothing normal about those queues being mistimed or skipped in some cases. Winter birds are feasting at the backyard feeder one week and gone the next thanks to a mild spell. Bears can be drawn out of their dens sooner than expected. For those of us that are paying attention to these different behaviours, we can say it’s far from normal.
Insects are at the bottom of the food web and are in desperate need of relief. It’s been another year to remember for the majestic Monarch butterfly as they try to adapt to a longer breeding season and the effects of a changing climate. What was once a healthy population of butterflies, is now dwindling to a dangerously low number to the point where recovery is becoming more challenging year after year. The size of the population is typically calculated by estimating the density of butterflies occupying tree branches within an area of forest in the Michoacan mountain range in central Mexico. Each March has become a nailbiting experience wondering if the butterflies are going to be able to leave Mexico. In 2019,
there was a sudden cold front that dropped eight inches of snow in the Oyamel Fir forests and many of the butterflies didn’t survive. Miraculously there were still a small number of Monarchs that were able to arrive into the southern United States, in Texas, where they breed a new generation. This new generation of caterpillars are the ones that will be traveling to Canada by late May and June.
Extreme weather events are taking a toll on the food we are able to grow, import and export. The so-called “Coffee Belt” countries from Central and South America, where the majority of our coffee is sourced from, has been battling disease and drought that continues to inflate the beloved ‘cup of joe’. We recently discovered that Halloween chocolate bars are being impacted by the rising inflation of cacao beans due to similar factors. Those are just a couple examples that cause inflation across our food network. Sadly, it’s not getting any better. We need to adapt to lessen our impact on the small piece of planet we inhabit. It’s important to build better, travel more efficiently, protect the natural world and until we can see those changes then we will need to plan for more severe weather events, global disasters and food crises. It catches up to us, in more ways than one.
Matt Thomson is a local conservationist based in Severn and is actively involved in multiple stewardship activities throughout the area. Be sure to find him on Instagram or Facebook, @ardtreanature.
Dr. Kathy Marchildon & Dr. Hilary Rodd 3843 Soules Road, Severn L3V 0V3 www.lakecountryanimal.ca 705-326-4800
Serving People & Their Pets Since 2006
• Preventative Care
• Diagnostic Testing • Surgical Services • Veterinary Dental Care
Is Your Pet Companion Feeling Blue?
Try our Pet Health Checker at www.lakecountryanimal.ca to help you decide if they need immediate attention.
Is Listing Your Home in the Winter a Good Decision?
By Gillian Stockdale
Welcome to my new monthly commentary on real estate in our area. My name is Gillian Stockdale, and I am a real estate agent with Century 21 B.J. Roth Realty, Brokerage. I thought it might be useful to have a little background information about me; I was born and raised in Orillia, Oro-Medonte and Ramara and my family and I have lived in Severn since 2005. I have had the privilege of helping my clients buy and sell real estate for over 22 years. Hopefully you will enjoy what I have to say. I am looking forward to passing on my personal insights and knowledge about the real estate market to you. One question I get asked often is, should we put our house on the market now or wait until the spring? My answer is that if you are serious about selling, get your home listed now. Here’s some of my reasons why:
1. Serious buyers are looking now. The potential buyers that come to see your home in the winter are looking for a reason and not just testing the market. Whether it’s for a new job, downsizing or they have outgrown their existing home, your chance of receiving serious offers could be much higher as traditionally there aren’t as many casual buyers looking.
2. There is less inventory during the colder months. Historically in the spring, more listings come on the market which creates more competition. With less homes on the market, your home will stand out to those looking and will hopefully bring you competitive offers.
3. Highlight your warm and cozy features. Buyers like to see themselves in a house that seems like a sanctuary from the cold. Get a fire going, have soft lighting and decorate with tasteful seasonal décor to help buyers envision themselves living there.
4. Energy efficient upgrades sell! And even more so in the winter. Updated features like newer windows, a newer heating source, and upgraded insulation all stand out and are appreciated more during the colder months to buyers.
Listing your home in the winter might seem unconventional, but it comes with distinct advantages. Motivated buyers, less competition, and the chance to showcase your home’s cozy charm can all play to your benefit. Don’t let the season hold you back. Embrace the winter market and let your home stand out!
Gillian Stockdale is a Sales Representative with CENTURY 21 B.J. Roth Realty Ltd. Brokerage
Creating Connections: The Journey of Age-Friendly Initiatives in Orillia
By Jiun Liao
Irecently had an enlightening conversation with Valerie Powell about the initiatives she champions in Orillia. As someone who has immersed herself in the world of community and wellness for older adults, her insights are both vast and valuable. I was curious about the origin of Age-Friendly Orillia, so I asked Valerie how it all began. It turns out that her journey started with a simple yet profound idea: to advocate for aging in our society.
The push for age-friendly communities may sound like a niche topic, but it’s essential. Valerie shared how this movement gained momentum since its inception in 2007. Initially spurred on by local initiatives where residents voiced their ideas to improve the community, she persistently highlighted the need for more resources focused on older adults. In time, these efforts coalesced into a formal volunteer group dedicated to this cause.
It’s not always easy rallying support around a seemingly abstract issue such as age-friendliness, particularly when much of it revolves around infrastructure and social integration factors outside one’s immediate control—like housing or public transport systems. But that’s exactly where age-friendly initiatives gain traction—they empower individuals and build community resilience against isolation.
Valerie spoke passionately about critical domains defined by the World Health Organization that shape age-friendly cities: housing, transportation, social inclusion, and more. This framework isn’t just bureaucratic jargon; it has real-life implications for everyday people navigating their communities.
One particularly poignant point was made regarding social isolation among older adults—a pressing concern exacerbated by COVID-19 lockdowns. During our chat, we explored how isolation can lead to farreaching negative impacts on mental health and overall well-being. We both recognised that maintaining connections goes beyond simply having someone to talk to; it’s crucial for sustaining physical health too.
One such solution is the Home Share model connecting students with older adults seeking companionship while also tackling housing shortages. The potential here is enormous: millions of unused bedrooms across Canada could provide affordable living choices for students while offering senior homeowners needed support.
We broached intergenerational living models too—co-housing arrangements allow different generations to coexist under one roof while sharing responsibilities and fostering deeper relationships through mutual aid.
All these solutions revolve around adaptability—the necessity of planning ahead and building supportive environments before challenges arise becomes clear here. It’s vital, especially as we embrace transitions into later life stages, creating spaces conducive not just for survival but thriving at any age.
A Course and a Camera
By Meg Whitton
In the early 2000s, Noella Storry took an environmental science course at Laurentian University. At that point, she was working full time at Casino Rama. A few years earlier, she’d been given a camera. On her way to work, she’d often see the same heron in a wetland. She started leaving earlier, in hopes of being able to photograph it. That bird, that camera and that wetland were the spark that ignited her passion for the outdoors.
She took the course simply because she was interested. A field trip brought the class to Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve, one of Southern Ontario’s oldest forests, slightly west of Orillia. That day a man named Ron Reid, the then Executive Director of The Couchiching Conservancy, came out to greet the class. He spoke of the importance of preserving our wetlands, lakes and streams.
Noella was so moved by how he spoke of the forest, she never forgot that day. What struck her about his words was the suggestion she could do something to help safeguard such places. It took her a few years, but that day still on her mind, she called the Conservancy and asked to volunteer.
Couchiching Conservancy now protects 57 different areas around Orillia and many of those have volunteer stewards: locals who regularly walk the nature reserves and keep an eye out for things like downed trees and vandalism. Noella and a team of volunteers stewarded the protected areas regularly. She learned to identify and report invasive plants, and how to test and record the streams’ water quality.
For years Noella visited different plots, Prospect Marsh in Kawartha Lakes and TC Agnew, Adams and Alexander Hope Smith Nature Reserves in Washago. It was actually her work at Alexander Hope Smith that led to her current home. She found the area so peaceful, she and her partner bought a house right across the road.
Life got busier and she took a small step back from volunteering. Then recently, she read it’s really difficult for scientists to accurately study road kill. Why would anyone study road kill you ask? Because if monitored, it can determine which highways interrupt common migration routes, or what road is bisecting a particularly fertile wetland. In fact, the County of Simcoe, guided by the scientist coordinating these local research efforts, recently installed its first wildlife friendly culvert during road upgrades. These are a type of Ecopassage: structures that keep wildlife off the road by diverting them away from and under the pavement. Roadkill data is particularly tough to get, because frankly, it doesn’t last long. By this time, Noella was retired and walking daily with a neighbour. She realized she’d be the perfect community scientist because she walks the same route at the same time every day. She took reptile monitor training and now whenever she spots road kill she takes a picture and uploads it to a data collection app. She mostly sees reptiles and has been shocked by the number and variety of snakes. If you’d asked her in the spring what she’d expect, she would’ve told you garter snakes. But iNaturalist has identified 6 different snake species in her 30+ observations. She’s even fashioned her own ‘snake metre’. It wasn’t terribly appealing to place her hand next to her ‘observations’ to create scale in the photos, so she made what is essentially a ruler. But it fits in her phone case and now she never leaves home without it!
Noella loves what she’s learning and how she’s contributing. A camera and a course are what inspired this retired grandmother of 5 to get involved in environmental community science. What will inspire you?
Meg Whitton is the Office Coordinator at The Couchiching Conservancy
Couchiching Conservancy’s concept drawing of an Ecopassage
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If You Can Reach a Phone, You Can Reach a Friend
By Mikaila Bolzonello
In a world that often seems disconnected, the Telecare Distress Line is a vital resource for those seeking to share their thoughts and feelings. With a 24/7 service, this community-run organisation provides a lifeline to anyone in need.
Telecare is not just a crisis hotline, it’s a welcoming space where volunteers listen without judgement. Spearheaded by Kate Henderson, the distress line aims to connect community members with volunteers ready to lend an ear.
Telecare offers support that transcends geographical boundaries. The essence of the service lies in its accessible nature—if you can reach a phone, help is available.
You don’t have to be in distress or face a significant problem to reach out. Some calls centre on everyday situations—perhaps you’re feeling lonely or simply want to chat about your day. Even positive news deserves an audience! Volunteers are there for all reasons big and small.
When you call, expect a friendly voice at the other end ready to listen. Callers can choose to remain unidentified if they wish, creating an environment where people feel safe sharing their stories and maintaining anonymity.
Calls are answered by trained volunteers from diverse backgrounds - their common aim: providing connection during times of solitude or stress.
Kate noted that many hear about Telecare’s work through word-ofmouth rather than traditional marketing methods—a reminder that personal recommendations hold weight when bringing awareness about such vital resources into homes.
So whether you find yourself overwhelmed with life’s stresses, or simply seek conversation with someone who’ll listen—know that Telecare is available whenever you need support.
Should you need assistance or know someone who does:
Call: 705-325-9534 (Orillia)
Call: 705-726-7922 (Barrie)
Website: telecaredistressline.com
Together we can foster more understanding and compassion within our communities—one conversation at a time.
Villager Ventures: New Year, New Adventures!
By Hillary Handy
January 2025! It’s hard to believe another year is upon us. 2024 was rather good to us as a magazine and individuals, but ultimately as a community. This Villager was able to explore our beautiful region and try many new outings and experiences with the littlest of Villagers in tow. This new year has me feeling sentimental about how blessed we are to live in the Simcoe North region and the incredible opportunities for fun.
What will this new year bring, you may ask? I am looking forward with anticipation. I have never been one for New Year’s Resolutions in actuality. In theory, they are lovely and I do see the value in the yearly reset. This year, let us all try establishing some new patterns for our families to make 2025 the best year yet. Here are 5 ideas to guide this new year for your family:
1. Increase time outdoors- there are countless ways to enjoy the outdoors in our region that are free and fun. The walking trails, the tobogganing hills, snowshoing, and the outdoor rinks are a few freebies to get you started this winter.
2. Find the Freebies- you know I’m always on the hunt for affordable activities for the family. Keep your eyes open for programs at your local Libraries, through churches, and different community centres that come and go with the seasons.
3. Reduce Screen Time- It’s winter. It’s cold and wet. It’s easier to snuggle up under a blanket and just watch TV. Trust me, I’m into the hygge. But I see very clearly the correlation between screen time in my littles (and myself) and bad behaviour and temperament. Go to the Library, borrow
books, puzzles or activity kits. Do crafts. Actually play with all the things you just inherited from the holidays. Make indoor time more than just screen time.
4. Say NO and Let it Go- Okay, this may seem contrary to my general messaging of yes-man and hype squad, but sometimes you just need to say NO. Less is best. It is okay to say no to ALL the things and be mindful of the things you do commit yourself to. I sometimes feel this weird pressure to sign the kids up for swimming, skating, hockey and dance like other families are doing...when all my kids really need is just downtime. So while I do love going out and doing things as a family, I recognize that I need to say no to some of the individual activities and be alright with that. May we all experience the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO). Sometimes.
5. Make time for Fun- Your most valuable commodity is time. And you only have so much of it. Try to use your time wisely and when things get crazy, make sure you are scheduling time for fun. Don’t over schedulesee above. But be intentional about doing life together with your little Villagers. A 10 minute Board Game after dinner can be enough to fill their bucket and show them fun can happen anywhere, anytime.
This Villager will be keeping an eye out for future fun in our region, as always. But will approach this new year with intentionality and some selfcontrol, honing in on fun while not going haywire. More to come! Or, maybe less.
January
A HIGHLIGHT OF COMMUNITY EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS
HOLIDAY BREAK: ONCE UPON A TIME IN 2025 (ALL AGES)
Jan 2 & 3 10am-1pm
Orillia Public Library
Happy 2025! Join us for a super fun morning full of Once Upon a Time adventures. We’ll have games, crafts, and lots of surprises, all wrapped up in the happily ever after magic of the new year!
FROZEN IN TIME
Jan 4 11am and 2pm
Orillia Opera House
Join your two favourite princesses for an afternoon of storytelling and sing along! A perfect family outing that kids of all ages will enjoy. Little ones are encouraged to dress as their favourite character. Babes in Arms (12 Months and Under) do not require a ticket.
Rows A to G - $35
(These tickets include Meet and Greet)
Rows H to T & Balcony - $25
SEVERN BRIDGE COMMUNITY HALL LUNCHEON
January 6 12 Noon
Severn Bridge Community Hall
Chicken Pot Pie Lunch, including beverage and dessert. $12 per person. 1035 Southwood Rd. Severn Bridge
FAMILY ART
Jan 5 and recurring every Sunday and Monday
Orillia Public Library
Join us in the Family Department for a fun art project that all skill levels will enjoy! Let your creativity flow with different materials and inspiration each week; available for drop-in on Sundays 1-3:30 p.m. or Mondays 4:30-7 p.m.
TEEN MAKERSPACE NIGHT: BAD ART NIGHT
Jan 9 6-7pm
Orillia Public Library
Don’t let the adults have all the bad art fun! No artistic abilities? No problem! Join us for Bad Art Night; for teens ages 13-18. Drop-in to the Makerspace on the Second Floor from 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, January 9. (Supplies are first come, first serve.) Free! No registration is required.
BANFF CENTRE MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL 2025
Jan 10 & 11 7pm
Orillia Opera House
Join us as we bring films and stories of adventure and exploration from around the world to the Orillia Opera House! All Seats $28
BBBSOD WINTER CLASSIC
Jan 17-19
Rotary Place Orillia
Puck-er up for the BBBSOD 2025 Winter Classic in partnership with Orillia Volkswagen! Scheduled for Friday, January 17 – Sunday, January 19, 2025 at Rotary Place in Orillia, the Big Brothers Big Sisters annual hockey tournament draws crowds of players and spectators from all Simcoe County, Muskoka, Grey Bruce, and the GTA. The tournament can accommodate up to 30 teams over five adult divisions with the finals taking place on Sunday.
BAD ART NIGHT
Jan 24 6-8pm
Orillia Public Library
Do you have a passion for art but a complete lack of talent and skill? Then Bad Art Night is the program for you! Join us for a night of creative fun and pizza. Create one of a kind disasterpieces and earn prizes for your terribleness. For ages 18+. Must be a library member in good standing to register. Please bring $5 cash to the event. Door to the library locks at 6 p.m. so be sure to arrive a few minutes early!
CHILDREN’S
STORY WALK
Jan 25 10am-12pm
Scout Valley - Regan House, 325 Line 15 N, Orillia Free/donations appreciated We invite you to a unique walk in the woods! The Orillia Public Library staff have chosen a special nature story for you to read page by page, as you hike through beautiful Scout Valley. January 25th happens to be Family Literacy Day! You will also enjoy time with your family as you look for unique natural features along your walk. Follow our scavenger hunt to look for evidence of animals passing or to identify and learn about natural features of the forest. Finish your walk at Regan House with a warm cider, a craft and place your entry into our scavenger hunt prize draw.
ELMER ISELER SINGERS
Jan 25 2:30pm
Orillia Opera House
Under the masterful direction of Conductor and Artistic Director Lydia Adams, the Elmer Iseler Singers perform and promote outstanding choral music. Created and established by the great Canadian choral master Elmer Iseler in 1979, this inspirational, innovative and passionate chamber choir verges on the sublime. Truly a heavenly experience where even angels are envious. Adults $40 Students $20
Take-out Sandwiches
Freshly prepared • Ask for panini press Also PIZZA & SALADS!
