The Villager 2019 April by Villager Community News

April 2019

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Suicide loss survivor support. . . . . 5

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$6 million for Severn roads, bridges and culverts in 2019 A 2.85% tax increase… and other township news The cost for policing will be similar to 2018 but the tab for education is not yet finalized. However, the township can report the net tax increase will be about 2.85%, not higher says Severn Township mayor, Mike Burkett. The increase is just above the estimated rate of inflation of 2.6%. To put the increase in perspective, Severn’s increase of 2.85% compares to Oro-Medonte with an increase of 3.99%; Orillia will be about 3.25%; and the ‘big smoke’, Toronto, will increase taxes by approximately 3.6%. Severn roads and related infrastructure take a big chunk out of taxes collected. There are more than 400 kilometers of roads in Severn Township. In fact, if you drove every road, you’d travel about the same distance as a trip to Brockville, or Windsor. Every kilometer of those roads needs to be maintained, as does the related infrastructure. There are 33 major bridges and culverts in our geographically large and very rural township. Those important pieces of infrastructure enable us to travel over water and across train tracks freely and safely.

The new firehall located on Burnside Rd., scheduled to open this coming July, is built to last 50 years. The cost of looking after those bridges and culverts will be $6 million in 2019. “Bridge and culvert repair is very expensive. For example, the work on the Irish Line Bridge near Severn Falls will cost about $2 million. Even replacing culverts is a huge expense: on Fairgrounds Road we’ll pay $550K, and $450K for another on Cunningham Rd.,” Mayor Burkett said. The mayor also talked about the Reinbird Bridge in Coldwater which is being studied and will need a huge amount of work, likely costing $1.185 million; and he said the multi-year road work project on Cambrian Rd. will be completed all the way to Canal Rd. in 2019. The final paving will be done in 2020. The list goes on for what needs to be done but it’s not all about roads and the

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supporting infrastructure. The new firehall at a cost of $2.6 million, is planned to open in July. The new 6,400 sq. ft. structure replaces a 2,400 sq. ft. station that was built in 1969. The new firehall is expected to last another 50 years. The money to build the new facility came from township reserves. Another important project to be completed this year is the replacement of the Coldwater arena roof. The $600K cost is significant. But, explained the mayor, the roof should last 40 years. The township will necessarily spend money over that time period on keeping the arena building in good repair. “A $600K cost for roof replacement, plus the annual cost of keeping the building

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Washago Community Centre Hall Rentals for all your special occasions. Please check our web site for rental rates or call the Centre for more information. www.washagocommunitycentre.com • 705-689-6424 Annual General Meeting Our annual meeting is scheduled for June 8 at 10:00 a.m. We encourage you to come and become active in the activities of the Centre OR be voted in as a Board Member! Everyone welcome! T Ball and Softball We require 2 volunteer coaches - one for the T Ball league (4 - 6 yrs. of age) and one for the Junior Softball League (7 - 10 yrs. of age). The league will commence on Tuesday, May 21 for 8 weeks. See our programs in this issue of The Villager on pages 12 & 13 for more information. Please call Rose at the Community Centre if you can help: 705689-6424. Euchre April 12 at 7:00 p.m. Come and join us for euchre, light refreshments and prizes. Cost: $7. Everyone welcome. Craft Day April 5 from 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. Bring your own craft and a potluck item to share at lunch. Meet your friends and neighbours. Everyone welcome! Garage Sale May 18. Let’s hope for a sunny day. Tables are $10. Please book your table by calling Rose at the Centre, 705-689-6424. Spring Program Registration April 3 and 4, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The programs will start the week of April 15. Summer Day Camp Will be at the Washago Community Centre from July 2-August 23. Please check our web site for updated day camp and registration information or call Rose at the Centre for more information. Day Camp is available for children ages 4 to 12 and

Shown above are some of the participants at the inaugural Community Centre Paint Nite event. Local artist, Kathy Nicholson (bottom right) led the happy group. A fabulous time was had by all! provides programs related to the theme to start a basketball or ball hockey league week, crafts, games, outdoor activities for our youth during the late spring and and FUN!! We are now working on a new summer months. If you are interested, brochure to outline the theme weeks and please contact the Community Centre at should have it completed by the end of 705-689-6424. If you have any ideas for a March. wccc@rogers.com. program that you or your children/youth Rink would be interested in, please call the A big THANK YOU to Andy and Tom for Centre as we are open for suggestions. cleaning and flooding the rink this winter. Board Members and a Youth This is a huge job. Weather has had its ups Representative and downs, including flooding the rink at If you are interested in the future of your night when it was -30° C. THANK YOU! Centre, please contact the office for an New Programs and Activities application form and further information. We would like an enthusiastic volunteer We need your input and ideas.

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705-717-0322 The Villager, a Severn Township community news magazine, is an independently owned and operated publication delivered to households and businesses on or before the first day of every month. It is mailed through Canada Post north from the Severn Township/Orillia border to Severn Bridge and includes parts of Ramara Township. In addition to Canada Post delivery, The Villager is distributed each month through high traffic locations along the Highway 11 corridor and in many other select locations in Orillia. For a complete list of locations email thevillagerpress@rogers.com. Editorial and advertising material is protected by copyright. Reproduction of any article, photograph or graphic is forbidden without the express permission of the publisher. The sentiments of our columnists do not necessarily reflect those of The Villager. 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. Community event submissions and prearranged editorial contributions must be received by the 10th of each month for the following month’s publication. Advertising space must be booked by the 10th of each month in order to appear in the following month’s publication, with 5 business days thereafter to complete the advertising artwork and proof approval process.

The Villager P.O. Box 5 Washago, ON L0K 2B0 Art director: Cathy Cleary

Considering it is early spring, perhaps the photo on this page should be a robin or a tulip, but I could not resist publishing the photo sent to us by Andrew Ford. It took me back in time to about 5 or 6 years ago, the first time I had ever seen a bald eagle. I was on Anchor Rd. heading to the on ramp and Highway 11. About 100 yards before the highway, I noticed something large flying quite low in the sky was a bald eagle. I was thrilled to see such a sight. Later that same day I learned that bald eagles had very recently made a comeback decades after been poisoned to near extinction in the days of DDT. Most days for the next few weeks I took my dog to Washago Centennial Park and always saw one or two bald eagles. The following winter, a pair of bald eagles brought their ‘baby’ eagle to my house. Well, actually they spent time on the ice, in the sun, a couple of hundred yards out on the

A magnificent bald eagle resting near the Green River. The photo, taken at the end of February, was submitted by Andrew Ford. lake. The sight was pretty special. This is a great memory of mine but I’ll now set it aside and turn my attention to listening for the first most marvelous sounds of robins in spring.

Ingenuity in fundraising Non-profit organizations often struggle with ideas for fundraising events. Typical events are BBQ’s, yard sales, dinners and golf tournaments – but not so for Couchiching Jubilee House. They’ve enlisted doctors who dance to do their fundraising. Dancing with the Docs takes place on April 6th at Hawk Ridge Golf Club. Local doctors have been paired with skilled dancers and each team has selected a dance genre such as swing, Bollywood, jitterbug and salsa. The doctors have been training for the dance competition that will take place at

the event. The local dancing doctors are Dr. Bill Tillmann, Dr. Kimberly Perryman, Dr. Allison McFarlane, Dr. Anjana Chawla, Dr. Kristen Farn, Dr. Howard Bloom, Dr. Leo Lam and Dr. Jess Green. The event is sold out but you can donate to the cause by reaching out to Courtney Willis, cwillis@jublieehouse.ca. The Jubilee House offers women individualized support and transitional housing.

Tragedy Described as a ‘bright and shining star’ by her colleagues and friends at the Couchiching Conservancy, 24-year-old Orillia resident Angela Rehhorn was on the Ethiopia Airlines flight on March 10th that took the lives of all 157 people on board. Angela was on that flight because she had been chosen as a youth delegate to the 4th United Nations Environment Assembly. She was on her way to Nairobi, Kenya. Angela worked with the Couchiching Conservancy on a service project of the

Canadian Conservation Corps (through the Canadian Wildlife Federation). A graduate of Patrick Fogarty Secondary School in Orillia, Angela graduated in 2017 from Dalhousie University with a double major in Marine Biology and Sustainability. On behalf of The Villager and our readers, I extend deepest condolences to Angela’s family, her friends and her colleagues. Memorial donations can be made to the Couchiching Conservancy.

Letters to the publisher are welcome and may be emailed to thevillagerpress@rogers.com. Letters may be edited.

Support for survivors of suicide loss For those who have lost someone to suicide, the grief experience can only be described as soul crushing and intricately complicated. Survivors may have questions that will never be answered along with feelings of guilt or shame. And even today, with what some may describe as a time of heightened understanding of mental health, survivors of suicide loss still face the added pressure of the stigma of suicide. There is support available. Dianne Dubeau, a retired Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital staff member, and Bernadette Copeland, a child and family services professional, run a local group called Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Program. The program is not in-depth counseling. It doesn’t take the place of your local Victim Services or intense professional counseling. Rather it is a very grass roots, self-support group from which many dozens of local residents have benefited. It is run entirely by volunteers. There is no fee and it is open to anyone who is struggling with a loss due to suicide - a loved one, a friend, or even a colleague. Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Program was formed 27 years ago. Dianne and Bernadette were trained by two professionals - Barb Moffat, a mental health nurse; and the late Alfreda Ford, a long-time local teacher. After their training, they networked. They reached out to mental health nurses, the mental health department at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, and countless community members. Eventually they secured a location donated by the City of Orillia. “We are so grateful to the City of Orillia.

They gave us the keys to a small room in a building at McKinnel Square on Memorial Avenue. We were then able to promote our new venture and we were astounded – close to 30 people showed up at our first meeting,” said Bernadette. “The attendance certainly reaffirmed the need for this group.” After a couple of years, the building where they held the meetings was torn down and today the group meets in a larger much nicer space, a room that is supplied by Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. Dianne said that support from the hospital and, in particular Brian Adams, a mental health worker at OSMH, has made the world of difference to the group. Bernadette and Dianne now run a group in the spring in Orillia and in Barrie in the fall. Ten weeks in length, the first 3 weekly meetings are run as an open group. After 3 weeks, those who wish to continue do so in

what are called ‘closed sessions’. The closed groups ensure that everyone is moving forward together and the participants get know each other, feel safe and able to share their thoughts and feelings, all having that one terrible loss in common. Six weeks after the 10 week session, Bernadette and Dianne organize a pot luck dinner for the group members. After this event, they say, some of the participants call them occasionally for support while others stay in touch with some fellow group members. Regardless of the time since your loss or whether you are receiving other support, reaching out to Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Program may be the right thing to do - for you or someone you know who has suffered such a tragic loss. Contact Dianne at 705-327-5970 or Bernadette, 705-326-9941.

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$6 million for Severn roads, bridges and culverts in 2019 Continued from page 1 in good repair, is far more sensible than building a brand new arena at a cost of maybe $40 million. The facility is well-used, well-loved and we have to look after it,” he said. The Westshore/Cumberland Beach recreation/community centre project has not moved along so smoothly. The fastest growing part of the township, council has long since agreed on the need for the facility but it has been stalled. Happily, the mayor offered more than a glimmer of hope for some movement this year. “We believe the builder’s plan will be finalized early this year. Once the building permit is finalized, we will truck in fill for the community centre site, let it sit and settle until next year and then begin building,” Mayor Burkett said. Grants to not-for-profit organizations is another important item on the 2019

budget. This year, in addition to small amounts being granted to not-for-profits such as Washago Lions, Severn Township granted Mariposa House Hospice $50K, a project that has been widely supported throughout the region. Hospice organizers plan to open their building, a 5-bed facility, in late fall. Staffing numbers at the township remains fairly consistent, with one new position being added. The township will hire a communications person by May or June of this year, a new position that will tackle the need for faster and better communication. Other important township news – hallelujah! The traffic lights at Highway 12 and Fairgrounds Rd. will be installed this year. This project is 9 years in the making, one that Major Burkett starting working on just days into his first term. Also, not related to the 2019 budget but certainly an issue that requires a lot of time and energy from staff and council is the issue of a local cannabis grow-op. The facility is licensed by Health Canada but

township zoning is an issue and there are no municipal by-laws in place to address such things as how to deal with fire safety, MTO requirements, etc. “We have a challenge with grow ops because even though they are licensed by the federal government, we’ve had no communication from them. For example, residents complain about the strong odour the grow up emits, but we have no by-laws in place to enforce in order to resolve their complaints. It’s a bit of a mess.” For residents who haven’t heard – council opted out of inviting retail cannabis stores to the township. For Severn residents who want more detail on the 2019 budget or any of the many ongoing projects, call the township office at 705-325-2315 or go to their website www.townshipofsevern.com where you’ll find contact information for your ward representative.

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At last spring has sprung! By Marylynne White, President We had inspiring March meetings. On March 6th, we had our last Pot Luck of the winter. The abundance of delicious food is always a pleasant surprise! Thank you to Marg and Diane for organizing the March luncheon. Our speaker for this meeting was Wanda Minnings. She is an advocate for seniors involving their needs and wants. The members were asked to write down what the word “senior” meant to them. Interesting responses ensued. Changing any negatives to positives with the word “senior” became quite a lively discussion. She also talked about the need for volunteers for “friendly visits” for seniors who are unable to get out on a regular basis. Thank you Wanda for a most interesting talk. On March 20th, at our Birthday Social, Sean Spong, a local resident in Severn, spoke to us about nutrition, exercise and the need to work towards great health. He told us how important moving is for good health. We did some excellent exercises that should be part of our daily routines. He also indicated many super foods that we might incorporate into our diets. Thank you Sean. We really enjoyed your presentation. We continue to be a busy group. Singles luncheons, bowling, VON exercises, choir, ukulele, day trips and more. Thank you to all the members that support our happy and viable club. Cheers to all!

Deadline for the May issue: April 12th Advertisers & Community Event organizers, contact us at thevillagerpress@rogers.com or call 705-717-0322.

Karen’s strange tomato Karen Kahle owns Fern Forest Greenhouse on Cambrian Road in Severn Township. She knows just about everything there is to know about plants, flowers and vegetables…but not this: At the end of February, she used about half of an ordinary store-bought tomato and put the leftover on the kitchen counter in a little dish, sliced side up, and covered it with a little piece of plastic wrap. A couple of days later she just happened to glance at it and it looked a bit strange. It wasn’t wilted or rotten. Instead, there were sprouts coming up, teeny tiny tomato plants. The Villager talked to her on March 20th. Unbelievably, the tomato was still sprouting – multiplying by the day. Karen said, “Usually a half-eaten tomato only lasts a couple of days before it starts to go bad. Even grow mold. Not this one. All this one wants to do is keep growing more sprouts.”

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Reducing litter and waste – public input wanted Deadline April 20, 2019 By Jill Dunlop, MPP Simcoe North The Ontario government is working to keep the province clean and beautiful for generations to come by taking steps to reduce litter and waste in our communities and increase and improve household recycling, as committed to in the environment plan. The province is inviting public feedback on proposals to reduce plastic litter and waste in our neighbourhoods and parks, divert and reduce food and organic waste from households and businesses, and increase opportunities for the people of Ontario to participate in waste reduction efforts. A discussion paper has been posted on the Environment Registry for a 45-day period. The link is https://ero.ontario.ca/ notice/013-4689. The paper poses questions that will help guide future decision-making to divert more waste from landfill. The deadline to submit your feedback is April 20th, 2019.

waste in Ontario is sent to landfill, emitting methane – a potent greenhouse gas – when it decomposes. Every 1,000 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill generates seven fulltime jobs and $360,000 in wages, as well as totaling more than $700,000 in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). By making a concerted effort to show civic responsibility through a commitment to reduce waste and litter, we can all make a lasting difference in ensuring Ontario’s environment is protected for generations to come. The plan will help protect the Ontario we know and love, ensuring that its pristine beauties and strong communities can be enjoyed now and in the future.

The Ontario government is committed to making producers responsible for the waste generated by their products and packaging, encouraging them to find new and innovative cost-effective ways to recycle their products and lower costs for consumers. The transition to extended producer responsibility will increase the amount of household material recycled, while shifting the cost of recycling from municipalities and taxpayers - to producers. Ontario generates MPP, Simcoe North nearly a tonne of waste per person each year. Our ORILLIA OFFICE: 14 Coldwater Road W. diversion rate has stalled Orillia, ON, L3V 3L1 at 30 per cent over the past MIDLAND OFFICE: 15 years, meaning 70 per 295 King Street, Suite 6 cent of our waste materials TD Canada Trust Bank Plaza continue to end up in Midland, ON, L4R 3M5 landfills. A total of 60 per jill.dunlopco@pc.ola.org cent of food and organic

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9 This recipe was previously published in the March 2017 issue of The Villager and is back by popular demand.

Black River grilled asparagus & smoked bacon openfaced brunch toasts with egg By Chef Becky Proprietor of Black River Food Company and a teacher in our region for Loblaw Companies Limited.

• 4 slices toasted favourite local or homemade bread. Buttered is optional. • 12 slices cooked double smoked farmers’ market bacon • 2 cups watercress or spring greens, rinsed and dried • Balsamic vinaigrette, ¼ cup • Eggs: 4 hen eggs, or choose quail eggs (smaller) or duck eggs (larger) • 12 sprigs blanched asparagus • Cracked black pepper • Pico de Gallo garnish optional (Mexican salsa) Method: In frying pan, cook off bacon until desired doneness. Remove from pan and place in warm oven, 200F Bring salted water to a rolling boil in medium saucepan, toss in asparagus. Let blanch for 1 minute and remove from water. Place on tray beside bacon to keep warm. In a bowl, place watercress or greens and lightly drizzle with balsamic or your

favourite vinaigrette, just to lightly coat. Add salt and pepper to taste Now you may begin to either poach or fry your eggs. As eggs are cooking, toast your bread. Assembly: the toast goes on the plate first. Place greens on toast followed by a layer each of asparagus first, and then bacon. Top with your fried or poached egg. WE NOW OFF

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Calling all knitters and crochet enthusiasts By Sandra Crawford, Past-President Washago Lions has a new project that will be led by Lion Carol. “Warm Stitches” is the name of the project, an initiative that will help men and women in hospitals, shelters or other facilities who need scarves, mittens, toques and blankets. There will be no charge to those in need of these items. This is a great opportunity for local knitters and crochet enthusiasts to get together to stitch and chat the first Friday of each month and maybe even use up all those odds and ends of

yarn. The weekly meeting time will be from 10:00 a.m. – noon at the Lions Hall in Washago. Anyone interested in becoming a “Warm Stitches”volunteer, please call Carol at 705-689-9007 or email carolmontgomerykeith@ gmail.com. The Lions Club had yet another great dinner on Monday, March 11th at our hall. Club members loved those scalloped potatoes and ham! Our annual Convention and Learning Weekend will be held from April 12-14th in Huntsville.

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Lion attendees may come for the day or rooms are available for anyone wishing to stay overnight. The Washago Song Contest competition and celebration was held on the afternoon of March 31st at the Washago Community

Centre. The name of the winner was not available in time for the deadline of this publication. We’ll include that information in the May issue. Many thanks are extended to Lion Doug and all contestants for a great event.

From left to right is Doug Christie, immediate Past-President; Jamie Ross, President; Margaret Pomeroy, past board member and conservancy volunteer; and David Homer, PastPresident. Photo by Cameron Curan.

An Annual General Meeting like no other By Joelle Burnie How many local organizations can boast about a standing-room-only Annual General Meeting? Only one that I know about and, if there is one thing I learned from attending my first Couchiching Conservancy Annual General Meeting, it’s definitely not your typical meeting of any organization. It was not a dreary reading of financial reports. It was about coming together and celebrating the power of community. On March 2nd, 2019, approximately 225 members, volunteers, supporters and staff gathered at Hawk Ridge Golf & Country Club to celebrate another year of land conservation made possible by the local support of volunteers and donors. Yes, there was a review of the conservancy’s finances but it was brief and enthusiastic. It was followed by one of the highlights of the meeting – an introduction of the staff – and then a presentation by the new president, Jamie Ross, who noted the important conservation plans for the future and the challenges our area faces. We were also introduced to supporters, the citizen science teams and other key volunteers; and our Stewardship Program Manager, David Hawke talked about the success of the Legacy Landscape art exhibit at the Orillia Museum of Art & History. The meeting was followed by an interesting presentation by Janet Sumner, the executive director of CPAWS Wildlands League. Janet talked about biodiversity loss and climate change in Ontario. To learn more about what was covered at the 2019 Annual General Meeting please visit http://www.couchichingconserv.ca/ annual-general-meeting-recap/. The Annual General Meeting was not only eye opening because of the number of people who attended, the day stands

out because of the passion and knowledge that filled the room. The attendees included so many from different knowledge backgrounds including biologists, politicians, doctors, students and teachers as well as community members who support the organization, some since the founding in 1992, and others who are brand new members. In spite of the differences in backgrounds among the audience members, all seemed to have one thing in common: a strong passion for protecting the environment and natural heritage in the Couchiching Conservancy’s region. This inspiring Annual General Meeting ended with a memorable moment. Executive director of the conservancy, Mark Bisset unveiled the new ‘conservancy bell’. Celebrating the 25th anniversary, the bell will hang in the conservancy’s office and will be rung each time the organization acquires new property. To begin this new tradition, Mark asked one of the Couchiching Conservancy past-presidents, Ken Thomson to give the bell its very first ring. It was impossible to leave the Annual General Meeting without feeling empowered and hopeful. No matter what challenges were raised, it was clear that everyone in the room was ready to take on these things together- as a community, as a team. I have never felt so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful organization that is powered by passionate and dedicated individuals. Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting and helped make it a wonderful event. Joelle Burnie is the Engagement Organizer at The Couchiching Conservancy, a non-profit, charitable land trust that protects natural places for future generations. For more information on the Conservancy, go to www. couchichingconserv.ca or call 705-326-1620.

Washago Community Centre

Spring 2019 Programs 705-689-6424 • www.washagocommunitycentre.com

Wednesday, April 3, 5:00-7:00 p.m. and Thursday, April 4, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. • Registration forms are available for download from the WCC website. • Minimum numbers are required to run all programs. A decision to cancel will be made on completion of the last registration date. A full refund will be provided if a program is cancelled. • Membership to the Washago Community Centre is an annual fee of $15.00 for adults, due in January, 2019

MONDAYS World Beat • Start Date: April 15 for 8 weeks • Time: 10:00 - 11:00 am

Come and move your way to fitness with World Beat. Dance and choreography are part of your fitness program and steps can be modified as needed, moving at your own pace. This class will be a gentle introduction to the steps and routines of Latin dance with verbal cues. Nancy is trained in Zumba and choreography-based fitness programs. Cost: $58 members. $68.00 non-members. $10 discount for payment by April 4. • Instructor: Nancy Knapp

World Beat Junior • Start Date: April 15 for 8 weeks • Time: 5:45- 6:45 pm

World Beat is a great opportunity for youth, ages 8 - 12 to move to their favourite music. Nancy has Zumba training and her classes feature youth-friendly routines, activities, hip hop and Latin dance moves. This program develops a healthy lifestyle, incorporates fitness as a natural part of your life, and develops elements of leadership, respect, cooperation and self-assurance. Cost: $58 members. $10 discount for payment by April 4. • Instructor: Nancy Knapp

Body Fitness/BLT - (Butts/legs/tummy) • Start Date: April 15 for 8 weeks • Time: 7:00-8:00 pm

Join us for BLT. This popular class includes warm up/cool down portions as well as a short low impact workout, utilizing hand weights and toning bands for arm and shoulder strength. Improve range of motion, strengthen upper and lower body and target core muscles. We will strengthen and tone our legs and butts to improve stability, balance, flexibility and muscle conditioning, all to great music. Work out at your own pace and ability. Please bring your own hand weights. Cost: $58.00 members. $68.00 non-members. $10 discount if paid by April 4 • Instructor: Suzanne Ball

TUESDAYS Circle & Play • Time: 10:00 - 11:30 am This program is sponsored through Life with a Baby and is open for preschool age children with space provided by Washago Community Centre. The program is run on a volunteer basis. Gymnastics • Start Date: April 16 for 8 weeks

Time: Tiny Tumblers (ages 3 to 6) 4:45 - 5:45 pm • Gym Giants (ages 7+) 5:45 - 6:45 pm Participate in gymnastic fundamentals in a fun environment. Learn movement patterns and develop skills and focus on fitness. Classes encourage fun, fitness and learning. Cost: $60.00 • $10 discount for payment by April 4 • Instructor: Judy Page

Ball Hockey • Start Date: April 16 for 8 weeks • Time: 6:00 - 7:00 pm

This program has not run with an instructor for approximately 3 years due to low registration. Any youth interested in playing ball hockey on a weekly but casual basis are encouraged to come and have an hour of unorganized fun. Parents are also encouraged to participate with their children and assist when they can. NO CHARGE, NO REGISTRATION

T Ball and Softball • Start Date: May 21 for 8 weeks

T Ball for children ages 4 - 6 years of age. Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm Junior Softball for children ages 7 - 10 years of age. Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm AT PRESS TIME, WE DO NOT HAVE COACHES FOR T BALL OR JUNIOR SOFTBALL. IF YOU CAN HELP, PLEASE CALL THE CENTRE. Senior Softball for youth 11 - 13 years of age • Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm • Volunteer Coach: Trish Parkin • Cost: $30.00

NEW PROGRAM IDEAS? - Please contact Rose at the WCC 705-689-6424

13 TUESDAYS continued You Move • Start Date: Apr 16 for 8 weeks • Time: 7:00-8:00 pm

This newer fitness class is designed to develop core strength and stability. We will work to firm and tone your arms, shoulder, leg and hip muscles. Also tighten those butts and quads and focus on heart health. Many stretching and Pilates movements will be utilized as well as use of resistance bands and hand weights. Exercise can help us become stronger, leaner, lengthen muscles, improve posture and be more flexible. A large portion of the class will be on the floor utilizing mats. This program is designed for anyone who wishes to improve their overall fitness level, whether you have worked out in the past or not. Great music to motivate everyone. Please bring your own hand weights. Cost: $58.00 members. $68.00 non-members. $10 discount if paid by April 4. • Instructor: Suzanne Ball

WEDNESDAYS Computer - Learn to use your Apple iPAD • 4 weeks: Apr 17 & 24, May 8, May15 • Time: 9 - 10 am

A 4-week session in iPad basics - adjusting settings, connecting to wireless, learn to take photos, browse the internet and using Skype and Facetime. A great opportunity for group discussion and to get your questions answered. Cost: $25.00 • Instructor: Kevin Lehman

Computer - Learn to use your ANDROID TABLET • 4 weeks: Apr 17 & 24, May 8, May15 • Time: 10:30 - 11:30 am A 4-week session to learn the basics of your android tablet - adjust settings, connect to wireless, learn to take photos, browse the internet and use Skype. A great opportunity for group discussion and get your questions answered. Cost: $25.00 • Instructor: Kevin Lehman Personalized Garden Stone • Apr 24 • Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Create a stepping stone using coloured glass and cement - personalized by your own creative self. No skill required. All supplies and materials are included. • Cost: $45.00 • Instructor: Teresa Knights Karate • Start Date: April 17 for 8 weeks

Time: Defending Dragons (ages 4 to 12) 4:45 - 5:30 pm • Advanced (ages 4 to 12) 5:30 - 6:15 pm Karate increases agility, flexibility and self-confidence. Defending Dragons (beginner class) introduces children to the basics of karate encouraging the development of motor skills and physical agility. Advanced class, for those who have completed the beginner karate class, is to learn the art of karate as it was intended as self defense. Cost: $47.50 each • $10 discount for payment by April 4 • Instructor: Tawnya Gauthier-Romaniuk

Body Fitness/BLT - (Butts/legs/tummy) • Start Date: April 17 for 8 weeks • Time: 6:30-7:30 pm

THURSDAYS Acrylic Landscape Painting • Start Date: April 18 for 8 weeks • Time: 9:00 – 10:45 am Acrylic Landscape Painting with local artist Doug Cooper. A great opportunity to learn to paint from a gifted artist. – No previous experience is necessary as Doug will accommodate all artistic skill levels. Additional cost may/will be incurred to purchase paint/ supplies if required. Cost: $75.00 members, $85.00 non-members $10 discount for payment by Apr 4 • Instructor: Doug Cooper Zumba • Start Date: April 18 for 8 weeks • Time: 7:30 – 8:30 pm Zumba fitness is a very exciting dance party atmosphere full of Latin and international music – no previous dance experience required! Workout is taught with instruction on how to do the moves and the “watch and follow”. It’s fun and effective, using interval training combining fast and slow rhythms for an effective aerobic workout while at the same time, targeting your legs, abs, glutes and arms. Cost: $66.00 members • $76 non-members •$10 discount for payment by April 4 • Instructor: Beth Bussoti-Schell PICKLEBALL Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays • Time: 9:00 – 11:00 am Beginners are welcome at any of the above listed days/times. We have racquets the beginners can use. Cost: For unlimited play at listed times: $40 plus $15 membership to WCCC. Casual Play: $3/session

Black River magic By Ron Reid

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My mind would never win a goodhousekeeping seal of approval – it is far too cluttered with random bits of wisdom and foolishness picked up along the way. One of those odd bits that has somehow stuck with me is a deep melodious voice saying: “I talks to the river, but the river don’t care; it just keeps rolling along”. For those of us who live near the foot of the Black River in Washago, that phrase takes on a special meaning during the flood season in April. The kind of “talking” we do varies from low, worried muttering as we watch the river rise, to louder cries of anguish as the cold dark waters invade basements and flood yards and roadways. For in many spots, we have trespassed onto the river’s territory, the space it needs to swoosh the melting snow downstream as it rolls along. Though this is little comfort to those struggling with floodwaters, it could be worse. One of the great assets of the Black River watershed is a broad mosaic of wetlands stretching from Highway 169 over towards Sadowa. Great tracts of soft maple swamp soak up spring run-off churning down the Black all the way from its distant sources near Dorset, and the waters too from the Head River entering from the south. Without these wetlands to provide natural flood control, the homes and cottages along the lower Black would suffer far more each spring. These Black River wetlands deserve to be recognized much more for their ecological values, and to be better protected to ensure their future. Not so very long ago, a former Reeve of Rama Township suggested that this area would be an ideal spot to bury Toronto’s garbage. Fortunately, that idea died on the vine, and attitudes towards wetlands have changed considerably. But in a part of southern Ontario that is becoming ever more crowded, one thing we have learned is that if we want natural areas to be part of tomorrow, we have to make sure they are actively protected today. As part of a scan of natural landscapes across Simcoe County, the Couchiching Conservancy has identified these Black River wetlands as an important priority for conservation. While this area has not yet

been well studied in detail, even a casual canoe trip reveals threatened species such as Canada warbler and wood thrush, and this large wooded tract undoubtedly will reveal more rarities. The Black River wetlands contain large tracts of Crown land, intermixed with private lands used by hunters and farmers. Over the next few years, the Conservancy will be

Riverfront property owners, otherwise envied, often face the wrath of nature during a spring thaw. reaching out to landowners to encourage good stewardship of their lands, and to provide information on conservation options where landowners are interested. In some cases, that could include a mix of land donations and purchases, or protective conservation easements which provide tax benefits. As always, landowners can choose how or if they become involved; it’s their choice. This will be an exciting new project in an area badly in need of attention. And among those who will benefit most are the riverside residents of Washago. A regular contributor to The Villager, Ron Reid is a natural heritage consultant and the co-founder 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.

Marvel legends and wresting legends coming to Orillia Sunday, May 19th Cottage CountryCon is back in Orillia for its 3rd annual event and, says the promoter and organizer, Carmine De Santo, it is “back with a bang!” Carmine describes the event as a collector’s mecca convention. Cottage CountryCon strives to be Ontario’s best and truest comic con featuring fandoms of multiple genres. As a long-time lover of comic books, toys, pop-culture, live wrestling, cosplay, animation, sci-fi and fantasy, the promoter wanted to bring an event to Orillia that would attract like-minded fans. The show will include more than 100 vendors featuring all of those things brought to you from all over North America. In addition, there will be comic guests, actors, attractions, cosplay contest and amazing door prizes. Formerly The Orillia Comic-Con, the organization is now called Cottage CountryCon. Carmine De Santo says the name change was appropriate after analyzing the demographics from the last

two shows. “We saw that people coming to the show were from all over cottage country. The name change gives us a way of attracting even more people from that wide area in and around and north of Orillia, into Muskoka. Confirmed featured guests and attractions include: Honky Tonk Man, WWE Wrestling Legend; Greg “The Hammer” Valentine; WWE Hall of Famer; Jim Shooter, Comic Book Legend; Allen Milgrom, legendary comic book artist; Leonard Kirk; legendary comic book artist; 501st Legion, Cottage CountryCon is coming to Darth Vader & Storm Troopers; Dukes of Orillia on the May long-weekend. Hazard vehicle; K.I.T.T, famous car from Cosplay is part of the event, the Knight Rider TV series; Starsky & Hutch even for the tiny tots. Grand Torino vehicle; Mystery Machine Van, Scooby Doo TV series; Jurassic Park Jeep & Herbie the Love Bug. Admission is $20.00, with no charge for The Cottage CountryCon will take place kids under 12. Free parking. on Sunday, May 19, 2019 from 10am to 6pm For more details and ticket information at the Best Western Mariposa Conference visit wwwcottagecountrycomiccon.com or Centre at 400 Memorial Avenue, Orillia. email info@cottagecountrycomiccon.com.

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Cannabis update – Travel Advisory By Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton

As of October 17, 2018, marijuana became legal and today provincial and municipal governments are actively working to resolve many of the health and legal problems still at play. Our party will be taking note of any consequences of the government’s passage of these laws and will be prepared to propose amendments and programs that will help address them. The federal Progressive Conservative party would not recriminalize its use if we were elected in the fall of 2019, but we want to address the consequences of the legalization plan regarding its implementation. We will look at reducing potential access to it by children; address the perils of its use on road safety; and look at other concerns that may arise regarding the regulation of its production.

I wanted to take this opportunity to remind constituents about some of the serious issues related to cannabis they may face while traveling. Despite the fact that cannabis is now legal and regulated for adults in Canada, it remains illegal to transport cannabis across the Canadian border. As a traveler, it is your responsibility to be informed about the laws of the country you intend to visit. This prohibition applies:

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Township residents, especially those who live on flood prone riverfront properties, will benefit greatly from a preparedness plan.

Prepare now for floods By Dianne Kyle, Fire Prevention Officer, Severn Township There has been talk of spring and warm temperatures coming very quickly this year which will bring problems to those in flood prone areas. For others, the concern may be only about the sump pump and how much water it will handle before it burns out. Regardless of where you live, emergency management and preparedness is the key to staying safe and mitigating as much damage as possible. The first step is to make a plan. Find out where your closest emergency center is and talk to your family about how to contact each other in case of separation. Include all family members in your plan, even pets. If

you created a plan last year, review it with your family. The second step is build a kit with enough supplies to last for at least three days and should include medications, first aid supplies, canned food and water. For more details, check the Emergency Management website at https:// emergencymanagementontario.ca The third step is to be informed. This is easy. Subscribe to the cell phone red alerts and follow @Ontario Warning on Twitter in order to receive updates. The sooner you get the information the better you can react to what is happening. This information is also

available on the local news and internet. Emergency Management advises the following: • Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and 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 home to ensure water moves away from the building • Move documents and keepsakes out of the basement • Keep instructions for shutting off gas and water valves handy and read them carefully You have a chance to plan ahead and prepare for flooding. It is not always a sudden occurrence but may happen over days, sometimes weeks. Your home holds everyone and everything you love and value most. It is up to you to prepare and protect it. For more information, call the Fire Prevention Division at Severn Fire & Emergency Services, 705-325-2315, ext. 248.

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So much recreation in Severn Township! By Pat Harwood, Manager of Recreation & Facilities. The ice is out at the Coldwater & District Community Centre and we welcome Coldwater Ball Hockey for youth, and the South Simcoe Rebel Rollers! Recreation programs are slowly moving outside with some returning favourites. For example, pre-school and youth age groups Little Kickers and T Ball. These programs will be offered in Coldwater, Marchmont and Washago. The adults and seniors have a wealth of exercise programs to choose from including Keep Fit for Bones, Yoga, Easy Tai Chi and more. The parkland portion of the Westshore Recreation Facility is expected to begin this year. It will take a year for all the fill to settle before amenities can be added. In other news, the township is waiting for grant announcements for the Uhthoff Trail; another new bleacher will be added

to the Coldwater Fairgrounds; the last of the playgrounds to be renovated will be in Coldwater; and the arena roof will finally go on in 2019. Keep your eyes open for additional bike racks that will be placed in downtown Washago and in the park. A project for Washago Centennial Park is being researched and developed and will happen this year. Vandalism costs everyone! If you see any damage, please report it. If you see it happening, immediately call the OPP. Review all our facilities and recreation programs, don’t forget to view them online 24/7 on the Township of Severn website www.townshipofsevern.com. To complete your reservation, call 705-325-2315 and we’ll make it happen!

Recognize & reward your volunteers If you run a local non-profit organization, are on the board of directors, or belong to a service organization, you know the value of volunteers. Without them, running events, even keeping your doors open, might be impossible. In addition to showing your volunteers appreciation through certificates, awards and more, there is one more way you can be sure your volunteers are happy, rewarded and recognized. Information Orillia organizes and hosts an annual Volunteer Gala. Open to all non-profit organizations in Orillia and surrounding townships, up 5 volunteers and their manager are eligible to attend at no cost. It takes place on April 10th from 6-9 p.m. at the Geneva Event Centre. If you haven’t registered for this worthwhile event, there may still be space available. Call 705-326-7743.

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Lawrence Leclair is the winner of a $2,500 OTD gift certificate. Shown above is Lawrence (left) and Ken Forbes, owner of OTD Building Supplies.

And the winner is… Last summer Ken Forbes, owner of OTD Building Supplies, formerly Orillia Trim & Door, decided he wanted to celebrate his 25th anniversary in business by sharing his good fortune. With no purchase necessary, local residents were asked to come in a fill out a ballot. Two monthly prizes of $25 each were awarded. All those who entered were eligible for the grand prize of $2,500. “Lawrence had a very good time spending his $2,500.00,” said Ken. “We have a huge tool room as well as a massive inventory of building supplies. He had lots to choose from and he spent his winnings wisely!” Congratulation to Lawrence Leclair for his win, and to Ken Forbes on his 25th Anniversary.

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Power and ingenuity On March 13th, while standing on Severn River Road, local resident, Connie Johnson took this photo. The bridge is visible from Highway 11. It crosses the Severn River, the point that divides Simcoe County from Muskoka. Although trains in and around this area are common, the photo uniquely illustrates the power of the train, the strength of the bridge and the ingenuity of engineers who made rail transport possible. Many thanks to Connie for sending us this photo.

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Plan to attend this large summer event Webers, on Highway 11 in Severn Township, built a Starbucks on their property last summer and followed that up this past winter by adding a new feature to their property – an NHL-sized ice rink for free public skating. Now, as the snow and ice melts and we head towards summer, they’re preparing for an event many Villager readers may have attended over the years, Hot August Nights, a large classic and special interest car show that has been presented since 1963. Although it may seem like an awful lot of lead time - the event takes place on Tuesday’s in August - it’s not too early to mark your calendar for this popular show. For more information, contact the event coordinators at kruizinjim@bell.net.

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April 1 Meat Loaf Lunch, including beverage and dessert. 12 Noon. $8. Severn Bridge Community Hall, 1035 Southwood Rd. Severn Bridge. Fern at 705-687-4462. April 5/6 Maple Weekend, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. each day. Get a first-hand opportunity to see how maple products are produced, from tree to table. Taste and purchase quality maple products. Visit mapleweekend.ca and find a sugar bush near you. April 6 Dart Tournament. Men vs Women. Everyone welcome. Sign up at 11:30. Coldwater Legion. April 8-11 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia Bowl for Kids’ Sale, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Help raise $ to help children and youth be matched with the mentors they need. Register: www. bbbsorilila.ca/bowl.

April 13 Craft & Vendor Sale at Severn Shores Public School in Cumberland Beach, 10:00-2:00 p.m. Up to 40 vendors. Free door prize draw. Silent auction. Funds raised will support student learning experiences such as field trips, new technology and playground equipment. Vendors contact severnshorespsevents@ gmail.com. April 17 National Film Day. Join your friends at the Coldwater Legion. We’ll show the movie Come from Away at 1:00 p.m. Free popcorn. Everybody is welcome. April 18 Ramara Historical Society. Theme: History of Lagoon City. Guest speaker is Roger Selman. Show & Tell, share your memorabilia of Lagoon City. 7:00 p.m. at the Udney Community Centre. April 19 A Very Hewitts Easter Celebration & Egg Hunt, Hewitts Farm Market, Bakery & Fun Farm. Easter egg hunt,

scavenger hunt, Easter Bunny in the Bunny Hut. Spring farm animals, wagon rides, cookie decorating and more. $8.50/person. 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 705-325-3000. April 20 Downtown Orillia Easter egg Hunt. Bring your kids downtown in search of colourful eggs hidden throughout the downtown. Trade them for chocolates at the egg exchange at the Orillia Opera House. 9:30 a.m. – noon. April 20-May 11 39th Annual Orillia Perch Festival, Canada’s largest registered fishing derby. Fun fishing for all ages. $1,000’s in cash prizes. Adults $20. Children under 16, $5. Information at www.orillia.com.

April 20 Jammin’ at the Coldwater Legion. If you can sing, play an instrument or you just want to listen, come on join us. 2:00-6:00 p.m. April 26/27 Roots North Music Festival in downtown Orillia begins April 26 at 6:00 p.m. Amazing performers including Juno Award winner Ron Sexsmith. For schedule, performers and venues, email info@rootsnorthmusic.ca or visit rootsnorthmusic.ca. April 27 Team Pink, a 7 piece almost all female band. Bluegrass, country and everything else! 2:30-6:30 p.m. Coldwater Legion.

Tell everyone about your event! All you have to do is email us the details and we’ll publish it for you – no charge. DEADLINE: Send us your event details by the 12th of the month and it will appear in the following month’s issue.

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THESE AND MORE GREAT EVENTS COMING TO THE OPERA HOUSE! • Apr 6th • Marc Jordan CD Release Party & Concert Summer Season Flex • Apr 27th • Luke McMaster: Icons of Soul Packs Still Available! • May 4th • The Carpenters (Tribute) 4 Great Shows for • June 7th • Menopause: The Musical 1 Great Price! th • June 8 • The Jive Bombers with Johnny Max • June 26th - July 19th • Harvest (comedy by Ken Cameron) P HONE : 705.687.5550 • 1.888.495.8888 WWW.GRAVENHURSTOPERAHOUSE.COM

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