The Villager 2014 April

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Birders flock to Washago

By Kim Goggins When Toronto residents Betty McCulloch and Walter Fisher got the call from Clearwater Lake cottager Terry Whittam that an unusual western duck was hanging out near Washago Centennial Park, they drove right up.

It was an opportunity to see a Barrow’s Goldeneye and their effort paid off after watching the sky and water for about two and a half hours, between 4 and 6:30 p.m., at Washago Centennial Park on March 8, 2014.

“It’s fairly unique that it’s even in Ontario and we’re quite blessed that it’s hanging around Washago,” Whittam told The Villager.

The Barrow’s differs from Common Goldeneyes that are found in this area, in that it has a white crescent shape at the base of its beak, rather than a white circle.

The salt water duck can usually be found swimming on the west coast, between Alaska and Northern California as well in smaller numbers, in southeastern Quebec.

But something brought him to Lake Couchiching and Fisher says it probably wasn’t a positive event.

“Storms – especially hurricanes – are the reason birds get off their path,” he said. “The sad truth with rare birds is that they end up dead because they’re so far off course.”

If he’s aware of his potential fate, he’s not showing it. This Barrow’s Goldeneye is a pretty charismatic little guy. Local

Bird watchers Terry Whittam and Arni Stinnissen use their powerful scopes to find the one Barrow’s Goldeneye amongst hundreds of Common Goldeneyes. photographer Arni Stinnissen, one of the few who has been lucky enough to capture the Barrow’s in several photos (see one of the photos with this article), said he witnessed the duck involved in what appeared to be a mating ritual – of course, in a way that the Barrow’s Goldeneye would do, not the Common Goldeneye.

Whittam says he also saw unique behaviour from the duck during this spring mating period. “He’s got a little bit of a personality.

He’s with all of his cousins, but he’s doing his own thing,” said Whittam. “You can tell (he’s different) from his habits and it was his habits that helped me spot him. He’s just Continued page 18

Business profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Flood preparation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Fat bike craze. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 News in Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Spring waterfowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Recipe of the month . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

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Local artist’s work revered worldwide

By Kim Goggins Dave Beckett still remembers how it felt the first time someone purchased a piece of his art. It was more than 30 years ago, but his feelings about it are as strong today as they ever were.

“It was a thrill. I made $150 and it wasn’t my job and I loved doing it. How could anyone not enjoy the fact that someone gave them money for what they enjoyed?” he recalls.

“It was like being paid to eat ice cream, that old saying.”

The pastel piece was of an old boot that he’d found in an abandoned farmhouse that had just been torn down. He still has it amongst the many artifacts he keeps so his students can recreate them in their own way on canvas.

Since that very first piece, Beckett has sold thousands of pastels and oil paintings.

According to his website, his work has been featured in major art publications in Canada and internationally. An award-winning artist, he has been recognized by the Pastel Society of America and the Pastel Society of Canada and his work is included in major collections around the world. ‘Coffee Time’, an original pastel painting, was selected for the 2008 Ducks Unlimited National Art Portfolio and more recently, he was selected to be included in a book published

by International Artist called Work Small, Learn Big. There is no doubt that he is a highly respected and world-renowned artist and

Dave Beckett’s hope with his artwork is to evoke emotion. yet he admits to having some of the same trepidations he had when he first started showing his art. He tells of a woman who once walked into his studio, quickly viewed the pieces and turned to her husband and said, “Nothing grabs me; let’s go.”

“Don’t tell me that,” he says. “There’s an element of fear in being an artist. You put yourself out there and when people don’t buy it or don’t appreciate it, (it affects you).”

He continues with another story of a woman who stood in front of one of his paintings, silently crying.

“I could see her shoulders (shaking) and I said, ‘Are you all right?’ She said, ‘Yes,’ in tears. She was so moved by the painting. It’s such a compliment.”

Reaching his audience like this is an honour for Beckett who is known to create feelings of peace and tranquility through his work.

Beckett was always drawing and finding inspiration in nature throughout most of his life. When he was eight, he entered a

drawing contest and his rendering was so close to reality, he was accused of tracing the picture. Although the experience was bittersweet, he knew he had the ability to be an artist and he began his education at the age of 13 with Toronto artist, Edna Van Konnet. However, he started his career in 1954 in a completely different direction, in newspaper advertising sales and marketing.

By the time he had put in 25 years, he says he was burning out. It’s then, with the support of this wife at the time and their children that he decided to pursue his art full time so he left the corporate world and all of its financial benefits and security.

In 1986, he moved to the Marchmont area of Severn Township, where he continues to live out his dream of working as a successful and esteemed artist. The art gallery attached to his log home is open to the public and features a large collection of his land and waterscapes, as well as still life subjects.

Continued page 19

HOURS OF OPERATION (MARCH & APRIL)

Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri. & Sat. 10 am – 7 pm Tuesday till 2 pm. • Sunday till 5:30 pm

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Kim Goggins Publisher, Editor-in-Chief thevillager@xplornet.com 705-689-5398 Ellen Cohen Publisher, General Manager thevillagerpress@rogers.com 705-717-0322 Register for the most current Severn news – delivered regularly

www.severnnewsonline.com The Villager, a Severn Township community news magazine, is an independently owned and operated publication delivered to households and businesses by the first of each month. Our delivery area is north from the Orillia/Severn Township border to Severn Bridge and includes parts of Ramara Township.

A word in edgewise

Editorial and advertising material is protected by copyright. Reproduction of any article, photograph or graphic is forbidden without the express permission of the publishers. The sentiments of our columnists do not necessarily reflect those of The Villager.

As you read on the front page, Washago is making headlines in the bird watching world for its most recent guest at the waterfront, a Barrow’s Goldeneye duck. I was invited to join some enthusiastic birders at Centennial Park on March 8 to see if the unique waterfowl, normally found on the west coast, would make its presence known, here, two days in a row. At first it was just the four of us, but as the time drew closer to 6 p.m., more and more people carrying tripods and large scopes over their shoulders joined us to hopefully catch a glimpse – and they did! Orillia photographer Arni Stinnissen started the frenzy after he posted his phenomenal picture of the Barrow’s on his Flickr page and a couple of bird watching sites on March 4. Arni generously allowed The Villager to use one of these photos and it can be seen on page 18. Capturing nature in photos or on canvas is an incredible talent and this month, we are also excited to tell the story of another talented artist who lives in Severn Township. Dave Beckett is known world-wide for his land and waterscapes, as well as still life subjects that continue to fascinate loyal fans and attract new admirers.

The Villager’s liability to advertisers for errors is limited to the portion of the advertisement in which an error occurs and only if the error is the fault of The Villager.

We also take on newsier pieces and you can read about the problem Severn Council has with its new OSPCA contract and how Ramara Township is starting to prepare for the possibility of flooding this spring. We also have a story about the local real estate market – looks like it’s a good time for sellers.

Advertising, editorial and community event submissions are due on the 10th of the month for the following month’s publication.

As I write this, the weather continues to be an issue of concern for most of us, but hopefully by the time you have this copy of The Villager in your hands, it will be as perfect as I keep being told ‘maple syrup weather’ is – warm but not too warm to melt the snow too quickly.

The Villager is also available in select retail shops and restaurants along the Highway 11 corridor from the north end of Orillia to Severn Bridge, including Washago.

Advertising inquiries: contact Ellen Cohen at thevillagerpress@rogers.com or 705-717-0322.

The Villager P.O. Box 5 Washago, ON L0K 2B0 Art direction and logo design: Cathy Cleary, www.cathycleary.tel

Letters to the editor are welcome and may be emailed to thevillager@xplornet.com.

Letters may be edited.

Timber Mart a major employer in Washago

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By Kim Goggins Long before Tom Denne was born, the lumber store in Washago was an integral part of his family’s life.

His dad, Lyle Denne, worked for (Christopher) Norris Gibson when it used to be called Gibson Lumber and then bought it from him in 1968, the year Tom was born.

By the time he was 12, Tom worked parttime at the lumber store, weighing nails and doing whatever else he was able to tackle. By the time he was about 20, he was a regular staple on staff.

But the really interesting thing is, many of the people he has working with him now – including his business partner and brotherin-law James Elliott – have been by his side almost the whole time.

“When you think about it, we’re all kind of a family,” Tom says, noting he does have two nephews working there, as well. “(Those) who have been here 20-plus years, have been here almost as long as me. So we’ve all been doing the same thing for a long time.”

In fact, if you add up all of the years of experience of the people who work at Timber Mart in Washago, the number will exceed 200 – and that’s just experience working at that store. Some newer staff members have decades of experience in things like construction, accounting and management. This expertise comes in handy for customers who not only need their vast array of products, but also sound advice when tackling building projects around their home or cottage.

Tom and James have about the same amount of time put in and Tom chuckles when pressed to give the number of years it has been since they went into partnership with his father. “I’ve been consistently here

The management and staff at Timber Mart in Washago have more than 200 combined years of experience at the store. for close to 26 years but officially as an owner, it’s been 16 or 18 years,” he says, joking that he and James have worked together for so long that he might as well be a brother as much as a brother-in-law.

Sadly, Lyle passed away two-and-a-half years ago, about 10 years after he retired, but he was alive to see the incredible growth of the business under Tom and James. In 2007, the business partners purchased the current location on County Road 169, the former site of the village’s blacksmith shop, and constructed a 3,800 square-foot building where Washago Timber Mart now sits. The former building that runs almost the length of the first block of Muskoka Street, behind the businesses that face the street, is now used for storage but it must still bring back a lot of memories for the long-term employees.

“When I go down there and look around at the old building, I think, God, how did we ever work out of this for so long?” he says. “It

seems so long ago.”

It was a period in history that saw a lot of growth and change to the business, but one thing that Tom and James have been sure to maintain is the friendly, small-town service that their staff provide to their customers.

“I think the most common statement I hear from most people about our staff is the friendliness, that (they’re) knowledgeable and eager to help,” says Tom, noting that they also spend a lot of time doing research to ensure the right products are in the right place so customers can find them easily.

“The people outside and the people inside take pride in their workplace so the store and yard are nice and tidy, too.”

In celebration of the new store’s 7th Anniversary, customers will notice some big changes and a fresh look over the coming weeks with a May Long Weekend celebration that will feature a barbecue and store specials.

From sediment filters to ultra violet lights –systems already mounted, plumbed & ready to install Water softeners, non-chemical iron filters & non-chemical iron-sulphur-manganese filters Replacement cartridges – in stock or order to suit your needs System-saver softener salt; water test bottles Rust remover & potassium salt – the healthy alternative

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Flood planning underway in Ramara

By Kim Goggins For the last 21 years, Davy Drive resident, Becky Lennerton, hasn’t been worried about what the spring flooding would do to her property along the Black River. This year, she’s really apprehensive about what’s to come.

“Am I concerned this year? Definitely. For the very first time,” she said. “I’m high and dry. My house will not get flooded but after last year, which was a record, I did have water in my shed (at the top of my driveway) and now I’ve also got my shop (prep kitchen), which is as low as the shed. So, if it comes up another foot or two from last year, then I will be sand bagging.”

Like many in this area and Muskoka, her concern is about the record-breaking snowfall Central Ontario has received throughout the winter. If the melt comes fast and is accompanied by heavy rain, the fear is that the flooding will be worse than last spring when flows were recorded in excess of 230 cubic meters per second on the Black River at Highway 169, breaking the flow and elevation record of 1928 when the river reached 228 cubic meters per second.

If there is even a hint of a potential for flooding in Ramara Township, this spring, the municipality will be ready, says Fire Chief Dave McCarthy.

Last spring saw flooding unlike anything seen in recent memory and he admits they were caught off guard due a few factors.

“It was due to a storm event and that’s our big concern, as always that we seem to be seeing more severe weather events,” he notes,

adding that it also started over a weekend. “We were also sure we were clear of flooding so … it caught us by surprise. We weren’t probably monitoring as close as we would have been if we were experiencing high water at the time.”

Once the concern was clear, the township moved quickly to provide resources, such as sand and bags to help residents. However, for many, the damage was already done.

Lennerton lent out her two kayaks and canoe to neighbours who could not reach the road due to the deep and flowing waters of the Black River. The scene is typical every spring when the river swells beyond its banks but, of course, last year was different and with the Continued page 21

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Low waterfront inventory makes it sellers’ market

By Kim Goggins There’s no doubt this winter has been a brutal one and inevitably, the snow will stick around longer this spring than in the past. However, that is no reason to put off listing your waterfront property, say local real estate representatives.

“Over the last month, things have picked up considerably and considering we’re still up to our (armpits) in snow, things are just popping,” says Remax representative, Jamie Whibley. “We’ve got offers in play.”

Whibley adds that the late spring shouldn’t stop people from listing their waterfront property because most people who want to buy in this area already know what it’s like in the summer and they want to be in their new cottage or home by the summer.

Certainly, that has been the experience of Remax representative Marci Csumrik’s clients, so far this year. A waterfront listing she has on the Severn River sold within 10 days at 98 percent of the asking price and another listing she has on Lake Couchiching had a number of showings and a conditional offer within a week of being listed.

It does appear to be a sellers’ market right

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This Severn River home sold in just 10 days at 98 percent of its asking price. now, agrees Mike Stahls, a Royal Lepage Real Quest Realty sales representative and president of the Muskoka Haliburton Orillia – The Lakelands Association, this year.

“There’s limited inventory this time of year,” he said. “Once you hit March Break, people tend to think more about moving. So, I’d say right now it’s more of a sellers’ market rather than a buyers’ market because there’s not that much choice. Once (the snow melts) we get more listings and more choice, which means more competition.”

Certainly, price is another factor and there is more good news for sellers.

According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), the median price for cottage sales in the Muskoka Haliburton Orillia – The Lakelands Association territory in January 2014 was $410,000, an increase of two percent over January 2013. However, Stahls, reminds people that the figure takes into consideration sales in Muskoka and Haliburton, as well.

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Fat bikes are phat

By Kim Goggins They make an interesting visual, those fat bikers - traversing across frozen lakes and rolling along trails – with big silly grins on their faces and wide tires on their bikes.

“It’s not a fast ride. It’s not about speed,” explains Bert Schuh, one of the original fat bikers in Muskoka. “They put a huge smile on your face because it’s a totally different experience riding on snow and trails like that, especially when you can go out on lakes. With the right conditions, you can ride just about anywhere.”

Along with his gang of like-minded friends, the 61-year-old has his faithful companion ‘Blue’ running by his side attached to the rear axle of the bike with a semi-rigid tow leash. Quite often, you will find the two travelling solo on sidewalks or on groomed trails throughout the Bracebridge area.

Although popular in the far north for more than a decade, this unique bike is just catching on in Muskoka - but it’s catching on fast, notes Peter de Mos, owner of Muskoka Outfitters in Bracebridge.

“They were pretty fringe for a while,” says de Mos, an avid fat biker, himself.

Ron Spencer, owner of Velocity Cycle and Ski says it’s still a rarity for customers to ask him about fat bikes at his Orillia store and he wonders if this niche will catch on in this area.

“We’re moving into them very, very slowly. We sold one to a customer this winter who was patient for me to order one,” he said, adding that he has just ordered four more for his store. “For our small market here in Orillia, it’s kind of (new) for us.”

When Schuh first laid out $1,400 for a used fat bike in 2009, he was the only one he knew who had a bike with fat tires and knobby treads. By the next winter, there were still only a handful of people who were riding them in Muskoka. But this winter, Schuh says the number of people he sees with fat bikes has grown substantially. They typically use groomed snowmobile trails as their corridor through the Gravenhurst and Bracebridge area. As an avid cross country skier, he sees fat biking as the perfect sideline when the trails aren’t conducive to skiing.

“The way it’s worked out nicely is that days that are really not that great for skiing, like later in the season or a winter where Continued page 9

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PETERBOROUGH GARDEN SHOW: April 12th. $89 includes transportation, admission and dinner at the Favourite Greek.

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Fat bikes are phat Continued from page 8 you get a lot of temperature fluctuation and the trails get icy and crusty and it’s kind of treacherous on skis, (those days) are perfect days for fat biking.”

While fat bikes cater to any age, there’s no doubt the Boomer generation seems to be drawn to them. “They’re comfortable; they’re stable so they’re very confidence-inspiring. They’re very easy to ride. So, if you are an older cyclist, they do make a lot of sense,” says de Mos, explaining the appeal. “Maybe cycling has been a really good exercise for them in the summer and they’re perhaps not able to cross country ski. There is not much of a learning curve to it. It’s low impact, good for your knees. Cycling is generally one of the best exercises we can do.”

At about $1,500 for a new fat bike, it’s an investment but, as de Mos points out, the bikes can be used all year long.

“When I look at my fat bike, I’ll actually get more use out of it than my summer bike because really as soon as it’s cooler it’s fun to take out that bike. It’s fun to ride that bike at any time. The suspension is in the tires not in the frame and it puts a big smile on your face to get on one.”

Nick Wiltshire of Muskoka Outfitters has the distinction of building the first fat bike in Canada, in 2005, when his boss at the time brought one back from a tradeshow in Las Vegas. As soon as he tried it, he was hooked on the sport. He is still running his first bike with the same fat tires.

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Photo credit: Bert Schuh Fat bikes have grown in popularity in Muskoka but are a little slower to catch on in the Orillia area.

“All you need is a helmet (snowboard helmet is best), warm, dry clothes and (then) hit the trail,” he grins. “It’s kind of easy because you’re not getting the speeds you’d get on a mountain bike in the summer until you’re pointed down a hill.”

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More money needed for digital mammography

By Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop

On Feb. 25, 2014 I tabled a Private Member’s Resolution in the Ontario Legislature which reads as follows: That in the opinion of this House the Government of Ontario and its Ministry of Health and Long Term Care and Cancer Care Ontario should immediately fund all remaining hospitals that have Ontario Breast Screening Centres so that they move from Film Screen Mammography to Full Field Digital Screening.

My understanding after discussions with hospitals in my riding is that digital mammography allows images to be placed on a computer where doctors have better views of images. They can also share images electronically from one location to another.

It is a fact that mammography remains the best screening test for most women. We need to ensure that the funding is in place to allow for the best possible screening and diagnosis possible.

The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) offers screening for breast cancer to Ontario women aged 50 and over. Funded by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, the OBSP is operated through Cancer Care Ontario in partnership with local hospitals and Independent Health Facilities.

Special Events:

It was my privilege and an honour to take part in the official Maple Syrup Producers First Tapping of the Season, which was held in Hawkestone on Feb. 8, 2014. As many of you know, it’s often

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referred to as the Canadian rite of spring.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you about a very special event underway involving maple syrup producers in Ontario’s Lake Country and in Springwater Township. Maple syrup producers are taking part in “Tap into Maple”. Ontario’s Lake Country includes Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Rama, Ramara and Severn Townships, all in my riding of Simcoe North. The Township of Springwater and Tourism Simcoe County are also part of this amazing event. Tap into Maple started March 1 and will run through May 31, 2014. I encourage you to check out the website www.TapIntoMaple.com for more information.

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Stunning Home! 7650 Birch Drive

Nestled in the trees, this is a stunning home with soaring ceilings and huge windows. The kitchen is the envy of any cook. Designed for family living, this home includes a self-contained in-law suite. Six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a Great Room, walkouts to the back deck and a wrap-around porch. Lots of outdoor living spaces as well. The in-floor radiant heating and excellent quality windows make this a home you will fall in love with. MLS# 587010559. $479,900.

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Austin Paterson, 5, and Jesse Smith, 8, are gearing up for the 32nd Annual Ramona Hall All-you-can-eat Pancake Supper, taking place on Thursday, April 24 between 5 and 7 p.m. The cost is $7 and all proceeds go to Ramara Fire & Rescue Services. With more than $25,000 being donated over the last 31 years, the money has been used to purchase important items like auto extraction equipment, auxiliary lighting, ice water rescue equipment, training apparatus, specialty gear, as well as additional life-saving tools.

Last year, the Ramona Hall ladies cooked up about 140 pounds of bacon and sausage!

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Safety issues with floods

By Dianne Kyle, Fire Prevention Officer

Floods can be devastating, causing death and losses to communities involving homes, property and infrastructure. However, flood warnings can help reduce the risk of these losses.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Emergency Management Ontario both have information online on how to be prepared for any emergency, in particular floods. They also have warnings and updates during the year. Advance warning of an impending flood allows the public to take precautions.

The following are samples of the warnings that may be heard or found on the website of the Ministry of Natural Resources or Emergency Management.

Flood Warning indicates flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

Flood Watch indicates the potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities.

Watershed Conditions Statement indicates a potential for flooding or other conditions that pose a risk to personal safety, such as high flows, unsafe ice, and high lake levels. There are two types of statements: Water Safety indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.

Flood Outlook gives early notice of the potential for flooding

based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions.

Safety Tips: Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors.

Install “check valves” in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home.

Install the drainage for downspouts a sufficient distance from your residence to ensure that water moves away from the building.

Move any important documents or keepsakes out of the basement and store them at a higher level to protect them from flood damage.

For gas and water valves, keep shut off instructions close by.

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13

Traffic lights on Highway 12 still a priority

Next Severn Council will get pay raise

Local residents have safety concerns about the Highway 12/Fairgrounds Road intersection and sent Severn Council a list of issues that need to be addressed with the MTO.

Members of Severn Council will receive a 3.5 percent pay raise, thanks to a motion passed at the township’s Corporate Services Committee meeting on Feb. 19, 2014. The raise won’t come into effect until the 2015 budget, when a new Council is in place.

Severn Township staff look into creating chamber of commerce Severn Council has directed township staff to prepare a report that outlines what is needed to start a chamber of commerce.

Coun. Jane Dunlop made the request after two business owners asked her how to start one.

Lakehead U opens doors to public Undergraduate Student Research Day on March 5 was an opportunity to discover the wide variety of research taking place at Lakehead Orillia.

Female motorist stopped by fake police officer On Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014 at approximately 9 a.m. a female driver told police that she was driving on Old Barrie Road when she was stopped by what she assumed was a police officer. After the interaction with the man, she had doubts that the individual was actually a police officer and contacted police.

OPPBound looks for military experience This year’s recruitment initiative for OPPBound will focus on women and men who are current or past members of the Canadian Military, Regular or Reserve, and who are interested in exploring a career in policing. Application deadline is April 11, 2014.

Township looks at Westshore wastewater treatment plant expansion It is estimated to cost $9 million to expand the Westshore wastewater treatment plant by 50 percent.

Severn Township councillor takes leave of absence Ian Crichton, the councillor who represents the Marchmont ward in Severn Township has been on a personal leave of absence since mid-January, 2014. He has been given a three-month extension by Council.

MP Stanton supports improvements to antenna siting policy Stanton believes that affected property owners deserve to have a say in how new cell tower locations are identified in their communities.

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14

Spring brings waterfowl through area

By Ron Reid

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April showers may bring May flowers, but they also bring a surge of spring waterfowl migrating through our area. The flooded fields of Severn Township provide great opportunities to see hundreds of ducks in the full glory of their spring plumage as they feed on plant roots and small invertebrates.

The North River is one of the best local spots for spring duck-watching, especially in sections where it floods over flat farm fields. Burnside Line and Carlyon Line out past Maple Valley Road are often excellent sites, as is Hampshire Mills Line south of Maple Valley. Over in Ramara, flooded fields along the Black River along Highway 169 can also be productive.

The type of waterfowl you see is closely linked to the depth of water. ‘Puddle ducks’ feed by tipping their bodies in that familiar tails-up position, so that they can reach the muddy bottom with their beaks. Mallards are our most common puddle duck yearround, but in the spring they are joined by black ducks, elegant pintails with long graceful necks, and smaller blue-winged and green-winged teal. If you are lucky, you might also spot a northern shoveler, a mallard-sized duck with a huge beak.

‘Diving ducks’, as the name implies, gather in deeper waters where they swim downwards to feed, and then pop back up on the surface. A common diver in spring fields is the ringneck duck. While this species does have a faint ring on its neck feathers, a prominent ring on its beak is much easier to see. Tiny buffleheads with white patches on their heads are also abundant spring visitors, and bright white ducks with a narrow orange bill are likely to be common mergansers. Along wooded edges or among flooded trees, watch for their smaller cousins hooded mergansers, as well as gaudy wood ducks.

If you don’t have much experience identifying birds, spring ducks are a good place to start. They are relatively large with distinctive markings, and they tend to stay put in open areas rather than disappearing

into dense foliage. A pair of binoculars and a basic bird book is all you need to get started. If you really get hooked on the gorgeous plumage of waterfowl, a spotting scope will bring more distant ducks into full view.

You don’t even need to get out of your car, since most waterfowl seem to tolerate a vehicle much more readily than the sight of

Black ducks, like this one, join the mallards in the spring and are known as ‘puddle ducks’. people on foot. Make sure you pull safely off the travelled road, and turn off the ignition to reduce any vibration.

Within a few weeks, the ducks are gone – some to the potholes of the prairies, some to the lakes and beaver ponds of the boreal forest, and even a few to quiet backwaters in our area to nest. So get out and enjoy them while they are here, as the ritual of spring migration brings these colourful visitors to our area.

A regular contributor to The Villager, Ron Reid is a natural heritage consultant and the cofounder and former executive director of The Couchiching Conservancy. He has written more than 30 magazine articles and co-authored three books. He lives in Washago with his wife, Janet Grand.

15

Grilled asparagus, Florida orange and radicchio bowl salad bites Ingredients:

• 1 lb. asparagus • 1 head of radicchio, rinsed, cleaned and separated (be careful to remove core and separate leaves to preserve bowl shape) • 2 large oranges, peeled and segmented • 1 red onion, peeled and thinly sliced in rounds • 1/3 cup raspberry vinaigrette • 2 tbsp canola oil • 1 tbsp orange juice • 1 tbsp white sugar • salt/pepper to taste

Preparation:

Trim asparagus by snapping off woody ends.

Blanch asparagus for 1 minute in a pot of salted boiling water.

Plunge into ice water in a bowl to refresh.

Drain and pat dry.

In a medium bowl place lettuces, oranges, 1 red onion and asparagus.

Whisk together in separate bowl raspberry vinegar, canola oil, orange juice, sugar and salt and pepper to taste.

Toss dressing with salad ingredients gently.

Place radicchio bowl in centre of plate and gently place other ingredients inside bowl.

Serve and enjoy!

Recipe provided by Chef Becky of Black River Food Company

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16

Township to renegotiate OSPCA contract

By Kim Goggins

A new provision in the OSPCA contract for 2014 – 2017 doesn’t sit well with Severn Councillors.

The new contract to provide canine control services, set to take effect this spring, is basically a continuation of the existing contract, but includes paying for emergency veterinary care for dogs from the municipality to ‘ease pain and suffering’ when the owner is not known.

According to the Orillia branch of the OSPCA, there were no cases like this in Severn Township last year, and only three in the City of Orillia. However, if there are such cases, the Township could be charged over

and above their annual contract of $57,000.

The OSPCA has suggested it could mean an extra $900 to $1,400 for some years, but Andrew Fyfe, Severn’s director of planning & development, suggested to Council at its February Corporate Services Committee meeting that further negotiations take place with the OSPCA to put a cap on how much money will be spent each year.

The three-year contract is 5.5 percent more than the contract that ends March 2014, bringing the annual charge from $52,700 to $57,000. There will also be annual inflationary adjustments over the threeyear term tied to the Canadian Price Index

from Statistics Canada.

In the past, the township has explored other avenues to reduce the cost of the contract but it was determined that using another provider was not desirable and other alternatives were not available at a reasonable cost.

After further negotiations with the OSPCA, Fyfe planned to report to council at the next Planning Committee meeting or Corporate Services Committee meeting, after The Villager’s April issue deadline. Check www.severnnewsonline.com for an update on this story at the beginning of April.

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Wellness fair comes to Washago

17

By Lioness Anna Mcdonnell We are holding a Wellness Fair with the Washago Lions on April 26, 2014, at the Lions Hall on Hamilton Street in Washago.

This will be an opportunity for the Lioness and Lions to pay back and show our appreciation for the wonderful support we receive from our community and the surrounding areas.

It will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and there will be something for all ages, starting with a supervised “Kids Corner”. We will have stories and balloons and the Severn Fire Service Is sending Sparky along with one of their fire trucks, which will be another treat for the children.

There will also be displays, and attendees will be able to talk to health professionals. We have a variety of groups attending, including a cardiac nurse to talk about the heart, a cardio pulmonary rehab specialist, a chiropodist and Dianne Kyle, our Fire Prevention Officer, will be there as well. We are also hoping to have someone from the Canadian Cancer Society, CNIB, OPP and others.

Join us for this very informative day. A free, light lunch will also be provided.

The next “Court Whist” Card Party (no experience necessary) will be held on Wednesday, April 9, starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Washago Lions Hall. We will break for a homemade buffet-style lunch at noon.

Cards will resume at 1 p.m. Come out, socialize, meet new friends and have fun. Tickets for a beautiful hand-crocheted tablecloth will be sold and we will also have a 50/50 draw.

The Washago Lioness get ready for Court Whist.

In the future, we as a club, have many events happening. Our Spring Rally is April 6 in Hawkestone, hosted by the Oro Lioness.

In May, we have our Annual Convention. This is a special one as we are combining our A12 Convention with the Multiple District A Convention. It has never been done before. In July, the Lions International Convention comes to Toronto. We expect between 35,000 and 45,000 Lions and Lioness to attend from all over the World. I am sure you will see us on TV. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, April 26, 2014.

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18

Birders flock to Washago Continued from page 1 kind of doing his own thing. When he swims, he doesn’t seem to be noticing all of the other Goldeneyes around him.”

It has not been an easy task to spot him in the crowd of 300 – 400 Common Goldeneyes that he is with, but Whittam has had the privilege of seeing him twice after patiently waiting on a little peninsula at the southern shore of Washago Centennial Park during the weekend of March 7, 2014.

Due to the subtle difference on its face and the fact that there are hundreds of Common Goldeneyes flying into the open water quite far from the southern shoreline of the park, scopes, binoculars and cameras with high magnification are needed to search for and find the male. Only a few, like Stinnissen, have been fortunate enough to not only see the duck but capture him in photos.

Once he posted his pictures on March 4, 2014 and word got out on the Simcoe Nature Board and Ontario Federation of Ornothologists Board that the Barrow’s Goldeneye was in Washago, birders from throughout this region, Toronto and even further afield have created a well-worn foot path through the snow to the water’s

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Photo credit: Arni Stinnissen Rare for Ontario, a Barrow’s Goldeneye has been spotted near Washago Centennial Park. It differs from the Common Goldeneye with the crescent-shaped marking at the base of its beak. edge at Centennial Park, to catch a glimpse and add the rarity to their species checklist.

“It’s what you’d call a ‘lifer’ for most birders,” says Whittam, who has documented 285 unique birds in Ontario on his species list.

“When you get a lifer, it’s a bird you’ve never seen before. It was a lifer for me, yesterday.”

19

Local artist’s work revered worldwide Continued from page 3 While fans of Beckett’s work expect to see realism in his paintings, he is also embracing a more abstract style and he’s pleased to say the feedback has been exceptional. About a year ago, he also went from working in pastels to oils, in order to accommodate the galleries that do not want to put glass over the work when framing. He admits it was challenging at first.

“To do oils, all of a sudden, you have to go from holding the colour in your hand to having a piece

The art gallery in Marchmont attracts between 1,500 to 2,000 visitors each year.

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of wood between you and the colour,” he says. “I just started in oils in the last year. Now I’m happy with what I’ve been doing.”

Nothing absorbs Beckett as much as painting and he admits with a wry smile that it’s an easy way to escape his reality for a period of time.

“When you focus on your painting, you can escape everything else,” he notes.

“If you can get to it. I think if you’re upset and something’s bothering you then it’s tough to get back at it, but when you do start, it just absorbs you.

I’m being selfish, too, because it does box you in. It does let you get rid of your worries, your problems.”

Since becoming a full-time, professional artist, Beckett hasn’t looked back with fondness to the frenzy of his corporate days. Instead, he relishes the fact that he is doing exactly what he’s meant to do.

“There’s a spiritual side, definitely. I believe very strongly in my maker and

he gave me this ability – or she gave it to me – and I appreciate that,” he says, adding that his work comes from his soul. “That’s why I teach, to pass it on.”

In 1989, he constructed a second studio at the back of his property with an open concept and large windows and skylights that draw in the light. It’s here where he creates and where he helps budding artists find their own artistic vision through pastels.

“I want them to really see things,” he explains. “I want them to appreciate the light on trees, see the coolness there and the warmth there, to see the reflection and learn how to do the reflection. They walk away saying, there is colour in a birch tree, there’s a flesh colour. And they start to see (things) with a different eye.”

As well as his gallery being open to the public, Beckett offers weekend workshops for groups as well as private, one-on-one sessions for people at all levels.

20

First pancake supper a success

By Sandra Crawford, past president The Washago & District Lions Club held a pancake supper at the Washago Lions Hall on March 4, (Shrove Tuesday) serving delicious fluffy pancakes, scrumptious sausages and hot chocolate, coffee and tea.

It was a typical winter evening with cold and windy weather, but that did not stop the people from dropping in for their pancake supper. Some came from other areas and were really happy to taste those delicious pancakes and enjoy the soft music playing in the background, setup by our jam man, Doug.

Lion Ron sold tickets at the door while other Lions members worked diligently in the kitchen - Doris mixing the pancake mix and Eileen and Mary busy organizing the food. Jim and Ken worked outside on the grills, probably with freezing fingers and toes. Other members also pitched in and did what needed to be done. Pat was setting up the beverages and Estelle and Sandra served the pancakes and sausages to our guests. Cleanup was done in no time after a

Many people enjoyed the Washago Lions’ first pancake supper. successful dinner at the Washago Lions Hall.

All in all, it was a great evening for our first time serving a Pancake Supper.

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21

Flood planning underway in Ramara Continued from page 6 snow pack this year, it could be worse.

A meeting was held at Ramara Township office in Brechin, recently, to talk about how to be more proactive. From that meeting an information bulletin on how to flood-proof homes went to residents in flood prone areas and was posted on the township’s website.

McCarthy says residents should think about keeping valuables out of the basement, blocking off basement windows by using sandbags or window guards, and isolating the electricity in the basement to ensure they can shut off the power down there.

“There’s plenty of things you can do,” he says, adding, “make sure you have a good sump pump and/or a backup sump pump.”

Drainage around the house is important but he admits that isn’t something that should be done over the summer months as it can’t be done now.

The Trent-Severn Waterway and Ministry of Natural Resources have monitoring stations on the Black River, at Vankoughnet, Ontario, and at the bridge on County Road 169, as well as a new monitoring station installed by the TSW further upstream that can be accessed electronically by the township. As soon as a serious rainfall occurs and water levels start to rise, the monitors are checked daily. This will allow the Township to act faster in getting the sand and bags put out in established areas that are dry and easily accessible for residents in the flood-prone areas.

“The environmentalists are telling us there’s not a lot of frost in the ground because of the depth of the snow so water should get away

This is Becky Lennerton’s back yard, last spring, before the flooding got really bad. Two hours before the photo was taken, the grass at the riverbank could be seen. a little better this year,” says McCarthy. “But on the other side of that coin is the ground was very saturated in the fall because we had all of that rain.”

As for her and her neighbours, Lennerton says there is no use complaining about it. “There’s all kinds of things we can do to be proactive but we cannot control the river,” she said.

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Send your group’s upcoming community event to thevillager@xplornet.com.

April 17, 2014

The Ramara Historical Society will hold its Brokerage monthly meeting with the heritage theme: Antique Silver. Guest Gay Guthrie will share Washago Jam her expertise. Bring your antique silver items Every third Wednesday of the month, from 7 to to share. The meeting takes place at the Udney 11 p.m. at the Washago Lions Club Hall.

Community Centre and begins at 7 p.m. The public is welcome.

March 1 – May 31, 2014 Tap into Maple lets you experience all things April 18, 2014 maple on the sweetest route in Ontario’s Lake Opening ceremonies for the 33rd Annual Perch Country & Springwater Township. Hands-on Festival takes place at ODAS Park on Fairgrounds experiences, events and celebrations. Pick Road and will feature an evening of fun, draws up a passport at a participating location for a and prizes, beginning at 7 p.m. chance to win an overnight stay and basket of maple products. Call 1-866-329-5959 for more April 19 – May 10, 2014 The 33rd Annual Perch Festival takes place on information.

Lakes Couchiching and Simcoe. Great cash and April 9, 2014 product prizes. It’s one of the largest registered Washago Lioness Club hosts their popular Court fishing derbies in Canada. Headquarters at Whist at the Washago Lions Hall, The fun starts Tudhope Park. at 10:30 a.m. with a break for lunch. Cost is $10 per person. Call Carol for more information at April 19, 2014 The Downtown Orillia Great Easter Egg Hunt 705-689-3333. will feature a fun hunt for plastic eggs hidden April 9, 2014 along downtown sidewalks, to be exchanged for The Washago Community Centre Annual General chocolate at the Orillia Opera House. The event Meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the Centre. runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon and features face painting and Easter Bunny visits.

April 10 and April 12, 2014 The Washago Community Centre will hold its April 22 – May 7, 2014 registration for spring recreation programs The 56th Annual Orillia Kiwanis Music Festival between 5 and 7 p.m. on the 10th and 9 and 11 takes place at St. Paul’s United Church in Orillia a.m. on the 12th. and the Orillia Opera House. Orillia, Severn and Ramara students will showcase their talents in April 12, 2014 Music at the Bakery features host band Sassafras, brass and percussion, piano, string, guitar, vocal, along with singers/songwriters/guitar players drama and more.

Dean Wisemen, Angie Nussy and Ian Chaplin.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with music starting at 8 p.m. Door cover to go to performers is $12/ person or $20/couple. Fresh baked goods, tea and coffee also on sale.

April 23, 2014

A ROSE Program (Rural Ontario Sharing Education Program) will be hosted by the Pine Grove and West Shore Women’s institutes at 2 p.m. at St. Athanasius Church, 10 Westmount Dr. N. in Orillia. Topic is ‘Introduction to WI’

by WI members. Guest speaker is author and food historian, Dorothy Duncan. Cost is $3 and includes refreshments. Parking at the Westmount United Church in Orillia.

April 24, 2014

The 32nd Annual All-you-can-eat Pancake Supper at the Ramona Hall will take place between 5 and 7 p.m. Cost is $7 and all proceeds will go to the Ramara Township Fire Department.

April 26, 2014

The Washago Lions and Lioness clubs are hosting a Wellness Fair at the Lions Hall on Hamilton Street between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

There will be something for everyone, including a supervised kids’ corner and ‘Sparky’, the Severn Fire Department’s mascot.

May 5, 2014

Washago, it’s History, People & Tall Tales will take place at the Washago Community Centre between 1 and 4 p.m. Come out and hear the social history of this fascinating village, from well before 1850 to the 1930s. Bob and Paul Robinson will regale you with entertaining stories. Admission is by donation. All proceeds will go to the Washago Community Centre.

May 10, 2014

Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop and Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton are hosting a Meet & Greet at the Washago Community Centre between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

A heavy snow load on the roof of this local Taylor and Brooke McGillivray had fun at the Alison Andrews, 9, shows off her mad skills on landmark has caused damage. family skate in Washago during March Break. the ice.

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