The Villager 2018 August

August 2018

Knowledge and expertise to guide you through changing market conditions.

Paul Cleary B.B.A.

BROKER

Gift of Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

705-327-6002

Railroad history. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Visit

paulcleary.com

Fighting drought. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Community Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Get ready to be entertained The 8th annual Steampunk Festival in Coldwater is August 9, 10, 11.

It is the largest event of its kind in Canada.

Thousands of fans come to this tiny Severn Township village to be entertained, to have fun, to experience a festival unique to our region. For those who haven’t attended, it is a sight to behold the steampunk art and the hundreds of fans wearing extraordinarily creative and colourful steampunk costumes.

The event gives attendees the opportunity to learn about and enjoy this popular subgenre of fantasy that combines technology and designs from 19th century steam-powered machinery with roleplaying, artisan creations and music. It’s also the perfect opportunity to create a fabulous steampunk costume of your own and show it off along the main street of Coldwater and in the costume contest.

This year’s festival begins on Thursday, August 9th from 6-8 p.m. with a vintage car show, including steampunk models.

Friday, August 10th features historic walking tours, artisan workshops, a Victorian Tea and croquet. Sure to thrill attendees is the action-packed and funfilled celebration of Harry Potter from 4-10 p.m. Sponsored by Simcoe Tourism, this free event invites participants to step into the story loved by millions all over the world.

Saturday, August 11th is billed as the main event. This is the day when costumes

This photo from the 2017 Steampunk Festival illustrates why the appearance of hundreds of attendees in imaginative and original costumes is one of the highlights of the events.

Photo supplied by Stewart Vincent Photography. are donned, the 100+ artisans display their specialty steampunk art, and live music is played all day long at a variety of venues.

Among many other features, attendees will see medieval swordplay as well as variety and fire shows. Parents and their children can participate in interactive story telling.

This year’s festival has many new features including art installations “that will blow people away”, according to event chair,

This is Lakeside Living 600 Sundial Drive, Orillia 1.844.600.LAKE (5253) www.orilliaretirement.com

Suzanne Burtenshaw. Examples include a large steampunk submarine created by local artist Phill Holder; and a very large interpretation of a coral reef that was created in order to increase awareness about pollution of the oceans.

Suzanne says that in this, their 8th year in presenting Steampunk, the event

• Trial and respite stays available for $129.00 per night • Chef prepared gourmet meals in the dining room • Television, telephone + wifi included in room rate

Continued on page 18

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It’s a Celebration!

…so get ready to SHOP TILL YOU DROP!

WIN!!!! to $2,500 GRAND PRIZE OF Up $2,500

Drop in to our store and fill in a ballot. We’ll draw for two $25.00 OTD gift certificates every month between now and November 30th.

On December 1st we’ll draw from all ballots for the

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OTD Building Supplies gift certificates.

WIN!!!!

$25 Gift Certificates: Two $25 OTD Building Supplies gift certificates will be awarded each month until November 30th, 2018

Up to $2,500

One $2,500 OTD Building gift certificate OTD Building SuppliesSupplies gift certificates. will be drawn on December 1st 2018

Visit our new TOOL SHOWROOM - huge selection of wood shop tools

$25 Gift Certificates:

NAME:___________________________________ Two $25 OTD Building Supplies gift certificates will be awarded each month until PHONE:__________________________________ November 30th, 2018

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One $2,500 OTD Building Supplies gift certificate Ballots are availablewill at OTD Supplies, 1084 Brodie Drive.

No2018 purchase is necessary. beBuilding drawn on December 1st

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…and visit our paint department for our top quality DULUX products.

Call 705.329.1084 or visit otdbuildingsupplies.com 1084 Brodie Drive, Severn (Behind Orillia Square Mall) Open Mon.-Fri. 8am – 5pm, Sat. 9am-4pm

3

If this garden looks a little sparse, it’s because it is – and not by design.

In late June, someone dug up and absconded with 9 plants.

The yellow cupboard at St. Paul’s Anglican Church is an idea similar to the community ‘library’, take a book, leave a book, but this cupboard contains food for those in need.

Take what you need.

Leave what you can.

Regardless of where you live, there are always neighbours who are in need. The members of St. Paul’s Anglican Church and The Reverend Maureen Hair recognize this fact and have always been ready to help as they are able.

In an interview with Maureen (Rev. Hair), she told The Villager that one of the church members, Barb Taylor, had an idea she picked up from another church: set up a cupboard, fill it with non-perishable food items, and invite local community members in need to help themselves.

It didn’t take much persuasion to get St. Paul’s

members to turn this idea into reality. Parishioner Judy Ebbert donated a tall wooden cupboard that would suit the storage of non-perishable food.

Volunteers painted it bright yellow and set it outside by the hall door entrance. Maureen got a sign made, church members donated items, and the free food cupboard, The Little Pantry, was complete.

“St. Paul’s members are always eager to help those less fortunate. The idea of a free food cupboard suits a small village with a limited number of church members,” said Maureen. “It’s relatively easy to manage but will have a meaningful impact.”

Who is the bloomin’ thief?

In the last week of June, someone drove up to a garden located under the Washago sign at the north end of Muskoka Street.

They got out of their car, dug out 9 plants, got back in their car and drove away with them.

“Whoever dug up the plants may have thought community garden plants are there for the taking,” said Don Westcott, president of the Washago Garden Club. “But it’s a bit of a kick in the pants to the volunteers who work hard to plant and maintain it.”

The message the Washago Garden Club wants to pass on is this: please enjoy the gardens but do not take plants or disturb the garden beds in any way.

As Don Westcott says, “Take a picture, not a plant.”

The cupboard, which is always unlocked, is available 24/7. This is important to those who may need to take food, as well as to those in our community who are more fortunate and are able to donate non-perishable food items any time of the day or night.

St. Paul’s Anglican Church is located at the corner of County Rd. 169 and Quetton Street. The cupboard is located on the Quetton Street side of

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the church.

Anyone in need of food is welcome and encouraged to take advantage of this free food initiative. It is there to make your life a little easier.

Donations to The Little Pantry will be needed on a regular basis in order to keep the cupboard stocked.

“We, and those in need, will be grateful for all donations,” said Maureen.

4 From the Publisher:

Should we help those in their darkest hour?

Ellen Cohen Publisher

thevillagerpress@rogers.com

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

Perhaps I have higher than usual expectations. You tell me.

I expect that when a new premier is elected he or she will take on all government responsibilities without reservation while taking time to understand both the complexities and the context of important issues. I expect a new premier to move forward without laying blame on other leaders and to lead the province competently by bringing forward fresh solutions for financial and social issues.

So far I’ve been disappointed.

The new premier has been gas lighting and spouting rhetoric. Only hours after being sworn in, and minutes before his first meeting with the Prime Minister, he gathered the press to say the federal government is responsible for ‘the mess’ regarding the provincial cost of looking after asylum seekers.

Why did he do this? Perhaps because rhetoric is his game. Depth is not. He chose to simplify the Toronto mayor’s request for more $$ to help with temporary housing for the asylum seekers, suggesting things were disastrous, and most or all asylum seekers were crossing the border illegally. Rather than reflect on the challenge, dig in, work hard and find a solution, he simply called the ‘whole thing a mess’. This is divisive politics at its worst. His unqualified rant leaves some Ontarians believing that asylum seekers are ‘illegals’ and costing us untold amounts of money.

Of course I understand there is an urgent need for temporary housing and clearly there are practical and financial issues that must be dealt with. We can’t run any program without money. But competent politicians will be successful in managing this. They will collaborate with all levels of government and consult with colleagues and experts. They will find a solution. But it appears our new premier’s solution is to simply put a price tag on the heads of those seeking asylum and tell the feds they have to put up the cash.

This is wrong and I believe this because this is my ‘asylum’ story: In 1905, my grandparents left Russia.

They fled poverty and the lack of religious freedom. They left the pogroms of the time, the devastation to Jews caused by mobs and government officials who burned homes and synagogues. They were welcomed at the port of Montreal and sent on to North

Cobalt, Ontario where there was a great need for miners. My grandfather worked there for years until they were able to afford a move to Toronto. They ultimately had four children who also worked and contributed to Ontario. Those four begat thirteen of their own children. Each of those 13, my siblings and cousins, has been successful in their chosen fields in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia: a primary grade/ESL teacher; a truck driver; a career Canada Post worker; a computer programmer; a Canadian army captain; a carpenter/ contractor; a professional trainer of life skills; four successful business owners including a bookstore, a large private investigation firm, two tax return companies, and a community magazine; a professional baseball umpire; and an accounting firm owner. Neither we, nor our parents, children asylum seekers were ever a financial burden to our country.

My story about my grandparents has a happy ending for them but it also has a tragic twist. When my grandparents came to Canada, they left their families behind and as far as our family knows – because we never heard from them again - they all perished in concentration camps in the 1940’s.

Remember this story when you hear politicians, neighbours, or colleagues complain about the cost of asylum seekers or dismiss their plight out of hand.

Spend some time reminding yourself about your own roots and try to imagine what would have happened if your Irish forefathers had been refused entry even though they were starving to death by the 10’s of thousands? Or your Ukrainian grandfather had been told to go back to live in a country where freedoms had been taken away and violence was rampant? Or your English mother was told she wasn’t welcome and who cares if her home and family were gone as a result of the Nazis bombing London?

Ask your prime minister, your premier and your local MPP’s and MP’s to do whatever they can to help those who, in their darkest hours, yearn for safety and for the comfort of our arms because some day those granted asylum will be somebody’s grandparents or parents of our future nation builders.

Yes, my expectations are high. I absolutely expect our politicians to act as if asylum seekers are their family because at some point they were.

5

Art in nature, and nature in art

By Mark Bisset There is an image hanging in my office that I look at every day.

It is one of my colleague David Hawke’s photos of a great blue heron skimming over a lake not far from Washago, its wingtips almost touching the water. The sun perfectly lights up its slate-blue feathers which are reflected in the water. It’s a brief moment in time that is timeless.

I find myself reflecting on art and nature in the days after the Mariposa Folk Festival.

The two are so deeply intertwined, it seems almost impossible to untangle them. I like that mystery.

I always enjoy a delicious afterglow from the folk festival, held under the trees at Tudhope Park on Lake Couchiching.

Somehow I come away from the weekend more open to the beauty around me, both in the people I encounter and the natural world. It’s not an easy thing to articulate, this open state. But it’s real.

It’s a clue to the way that art makes us more human. And the fact that nature plays such a huge role in our art points to the deep connection between the natural world and our humanity.

This is the 25th anniversary of The Couchiching Conservancy. One of the ways we are celebrating is through something called Legacy Landscapes. Partnering with the Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH), the conservancy is coordinating a very special art exhibition that will see 40 of the region’s best landscape artists create art inspired by our protected properties.

Spearheaded by Dave Hawke, the exhibition will open in November, 2018

A great blue heron moves over a local lake and becomes a work of art in the hands of wildlife photographer David Hawke.

Passport to Nature, including Legacy Landscapes, is another sort of community art.

in the Carmichael Gallery and it will be available for viewing until March. The artwork will be available for purchase with the funds going to the artists, the conservancy and the museum.

Information about this, along with all sorts of events planned across the calendar, can be found in the conservancy’s Passport to Nature, itself a piece of art.

Some might quibble with that label being applied to the passport, but I suggest to you that it too is an act of art from a certain angle -- community art if you will.

Consider this: the passport is created through the actions of dozens of volunteers and the businesses that support it. It’s both a visual experience and performance, with volunteer experts leading people to see more deeply into their natural surroundings through a series of hikes and expeditions on conservancy landscapes. The passport’s 25 events are pulled together into a coherent whole by graphic artist Stefanie Moy-Shuster, who for several years now has

designed the booklet that can be found throughout the community, and which has inspired several other environmental organizations. Her many hours of work show in the booklet, which is uplifted by the nature photography donated to adorn our work.

This entire Passport orchestra of community is conducted by my colleague Tanya Clark.

If all art is an invitation, then the Passport to Nature can check that box too. It is a grand, free invitation for all to come and enjoy the wild places that so many have worked so hard for so long to protect.

Mark Bisset is the executive director of The Couchiching Conservancy, a non-profit, charitable land trust that protects the important natural features of this region for future generations.

For more information, go to couchichingconserve.ca or call 705-326-1620.

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6

GET IN ON THE

Local resident, Gayle Carlyle receives a plaque acknowledging her 100 blood donations.

The presentation was made by Rick Prinzen, Canadian Blood Services, Chief Supply Chain Officer and Vice-President, Donor Relations.

No greater gift than the gift of life.

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Most of us are aware that blood donations save lives. Some of us become even more aware of this when the lack of blood or blood products affects us personally, particularly if a loved one is in urgent need for that life-giving liquid.

Contrary to myths, becoming a donor is not a difficult process open only to certain people. It is not painful, except for the millisecond prick of a needle. Plan for up to 75 minutes from start to finish, with only about 10-15 minutes for the actual donation.

Although there are a few restrictions, the Canadian Blood Services website says “if you are over 17 years of age and in good general health, feeling well and able to perform your normal activities”, you will qualify to donate blood or blood products.

In addition to blood and blood products used for surgeries and many other medical procedures, stem cells are increasingly being used for medical conditions that previously would have had very poor medical outcomes. More than 80 diseases and disorders can be treated with a stem cell transplant.

There is a great need for blood donors and for healthy 17-35 year olds for stem cell donations. Today might be a good day to have a discussion with your children or grandchildren about their ability to save a life.

Consider being a donor yourself. The mother of a child needing a kidney transplant, the father injured in a car crash, will live because of you. You might even save the life of someone you love. www.blood.ca/DonateBlood

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The Likely Cause Of Your Problem My name is Dr. Tim Silvester, clinic director at Grace Chiropractic. I’ve been helping people with neuropathy and nerve problems for 19 years.

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We can get you scheduled for your consultation, exam and x-rays as soon as there’s an opening in the schedule.

Our office, Grace Chiropractic is located in West Ridge across from the Home Depot.

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With chiropractic care, patients had “significant improvement in perceived comfort and function, nerve conduction and finger sensation overall.” – JMPT 1998 “Significant increase in grip strength and normalization of motor and sensory latencies were noted. Orthopedic tests were negative.

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In order to meet community needs, Melanie Rimkay, the proprietor of Green River Yoga in Washago, is expanding her business, adding the room across the hall to her existing studio.

Green River Yoga expands services Since opening Green River Yoga in 2012, Melanie Rimkay had a goal to offer more than a single-focused yoga studio. She wanted to bring people in the community together, help to create new friendships, and offer such things as yoga retreats, the teaching of meditation and more.

The community embraced her business and Melanie achieved her goals.

By 2016, Melanie’s clientele grew to such an extent that she moved from her home studio to a larger premises on the main floor of the Washago Hotel, a room with 12 ft. ceilings, original wood flooring and a grand fireplace.

Since the business moved, services have expanded. Melanie offers yoga retreats and guided meditation; monthly workshops; and a wide variety of classes including those for beginners, building core strength and chair yoga; fitness classes for toning; and more.

In September of this year, Green River Yoga will again expand, taking over the suite across the hall from her current studio.

Another quiet setting in this historical Washago Hotel, many, many years ago this room was a soda bar and candy shop. This space will be used for workshops, private sessions and treatments, and even more services from Melanie’s colleagues such as hypnosis and Rekei.

Based on the activity, there may also be opportunities for community groups to use her space.

Melanie is excited about moving forward with her expansion.

Educated and experienced as a yogi, she says that yoga is a lifestyle, a philosophy about being kind to yourself and not doing harm to others. She is grateful that so many have joined in her journey.

“There is so much opportunity for personal growth,” said Melanie.

“I hope to be part of that growth for people in our community.”

Find out what Green River Yoga offers by visiting www. greenriveryogacompany.com, email yogimelanie@hotmail.com, or call 705-721-2799.

9

“Wendy Whalen & The Rubber Band”, a perennial crowd favourite, shown above on Canada Day at Washago Centennial Park, July 1st.

Hot, hot, hot!

By Sandra Galloway Crawford, Past-President In spite of the exceptionally hot weather and scorching sun, The Canada Day celebration was a great success for the Washago and District Lions Club.

There was an amazing turnout for our delicious pancake breakfast which opened at 8:00 a.m. We served delicious pancakes with all the trimmings until noon.

Throughout the day, Lions Club members sold 50/50 tickets. The winning ticket belonged to Ken Ness of Orillia. The remaining 50% of proceeds from the ticket sales were donated to Hospice Orillia.

We also had a free draw for 2 children’s bicycles, one red and one blue. Two lucky children walked away very happy.

For the first time, we moved the afternoon Canada Day festivities to the Washago Centennial Park where we started the music at 1:00 p.m. As advertised, we presented 10 bands in 10 hours. During this time, our volunteers sold freshly prepared food and tended a very busy bar serving adult drinks, soft drinks and water.

We are proud to say the events we offered gave everyone a day to remember!

In addition to all the Lions Club members who organized the events, served food and managed the bar, we wish to thank all the volunteers who came to help us make the day a great success - from set up in the morning until tear down in the evening; those who tended bar or cooked and served the delicious pancake breakfast and hot food throughout the day and evening; and those who managed all the other responsibilities such as selling tickets, helping with parking and many other duties.

Hats off to Doug Shakell. Not only does he always have many ideas that help to improve our musical offerings, he hired and organized the 10 bands who gave our community an excellent selection of music.

Foot-stomping, sing-alongs and dancing were the highlights of Canada Day with the Lions. Thanks Doug!

Finally, a big shout-out to the people of the community and surrounding areas who came out to enjoy Canada Day in Washago.

10

Canada’s military begins Mali operation

By Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton ongoing Canadian efforts to support the development and implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. Operation PRESENCE - Mali will provide MINUSMA with essential aeromedical evacuation and logistical capabilities that build on and reinforce Canadian investments in UN stabilization, peacebuilding and training.

Canadian civilian police officers are authorized to deploy to MINUSMA and the European Union’s civilian capacity-building mission, EUCAP Sahel Mali. Canada is working closely with the UN and the EU to identify the specific roles in which the women and men in Canada’s police services can have the greatest impact in support of sustainable peace.

The MUNISMA was established on April 25, 2013 and is mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 2100. The aim is to stabilize Mali following a rebellion that began in 2012 in Northern Mali, specifically

On July 5th, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Task Force Mali departed Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Trenton as part of the Trudeau Government’s commitment to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MUNISMA).

Canada’s contribution to the MUNISMA is an air task force (ATF) of two CH-147F Chinook and four CH-146 Griffon helicopters, as well as spares for maintenance capacity.

Up to 250 personnel will be part of the ATF and up to 10 personnel will be deployed as staff officers at MINUSMA headquarters.

The ATF component of the mission is slated to run for 12 months. In addition, Canada has authorized the deployment of up to 20 civilian police.

This military operation, called Operation PRESENCE - Mali, is in direct response to a UN request and will complement

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the region known as Azawad, where rebels declared independence from Mali. A subsequent UN Resolution, 2164, decided that the Mission should focus on duties, such as ensuring security, stabilization and protection of civilians; supporting national political dialogue and reconciliation; and assisting the reestablishment of State authority, the rebuilding of the security sector, and the promotion and protection of human rights in that country. 56 other countries, aside from Canada, have provided contributions to the mission, with 15,425 personnel involved.

For the most up to date information on the Mali mission, please visit http://www. forces.gc.ca/en/index.page

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12

Sleepover Fire Safety

By Dianne Kyle, Fire Prevention Officer, Severn Township Summertime brings many family activities and vacation plans such as road trips, backyard camping and sleepovers. Anything to entertain the children and make their summertime memorable.

Most common are sleepovers, but before you say “yes” to a sleepover, there are things to consider for the safety of your child.

Talk to the other parent and find out the following: • Do they have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in the home?

• Will the children be supervised the entire time?

• Does the family have a home escape plan that includes two ways out and a meeting place outside?

• Have they discussed this with your child?

• Where in the home will the children be sleeping and are there two ways of escape from that room?

• Do the parents smoke, and if so, do they smoke outside?

• Do the parents use candles and are the matches and lighters kept out of site and reach of small children?

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family well, you will know the answer to the other questions. If you don’t know the family well, have the discussion and get to know them before you leave your child in their care.

Home escape planning and general fire safety is discussed during the fire department school visits which ensures our local children are well aware of these measures. However, a different home, along with the excitement of the sleepover, may distract from thinking about fire safety and escape planning.

Encourage your child to ask friends and their parents about fire safety in their home. In turn, if you have sleepovers in your home, ensure everyone knows your home escape plan.

Having a safe summer makes happy memories.

Holistic Hypnosis Certification Classes

An excellent opportunity to expand your current knowledge, move forward in your profession, or learn something new and valuable.

September 22 – December 4, 2018 at Green River Yoga Studio, Washago.

Classes are held Tuesday evenings, as well as some Saturdays.

Pre-registration is necessary.

Also available: Cupping and Acupuncture

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Preserving railroad history Model railroad tour September 30th The upcoming tour of model railroad layouts, or displays, includes 20+ locations from Huntsville to Tottenham. About 6 locations are between Orillia and Gravenhurst. The Villager visited one of the largest and most comprehensive of those displays at a location a couple of minutes outside of the community of Severn Bridge.

Al Crisp is the owner and proud builder of this 1,000+ sq. ft. layout.

Al, a master model railroader who belongs to the National Model Railroad Association, lives in an older wooden house with his wife and rescue dogs and cats, a home set in a beautiful pine forest. To get to the model

railroad display, visitors will walk through the house to the back and make their way downstairs to the basement. After ducking under a bridge that is part of the layout visitors will find themselves in the middle of a huge display that includes about 80 locomotives and 850 train cars, freight and passenger.

The layout is well-lit and easy to walk through. Except for a model of a period train station in Huntsville, and a small corner of the layout built by a fellow model railroader, over the past 38 years Al has built everything in this display – the buildings, hills, tunnels, rock cuts, trees and other vegetation, and every piece of track – by hand.

Each portion of the layout resembles as close as possible the miles of track and railroad stations at actual locations in Northern Ontario. In all cases, the automobiles, buildings and teeny, tiny people reflect the era after which the station is modeled.

During the tour, Al will happily point out some of the most rare model locomotives and, for each section of the layout, will identify the location.

“During the tour I’ll definitely turn on all the lights and run the trains. I’ll even let some kids help me,” said Al. He said that the tour, which is in its 14th year, obviously attracts other model railroaders but the main audience is comprised of people interested

in seeing Ontario’s railroad history preserved in perfect miniature form.

Branded as “The Muskokian”, the model railroad layout tour runs for one day only September 30th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission is by donation and all proceeds will be donated to the Salvation Army Food Bank.

The tour is sponsored by George’s Trains, Lahay’s Hobby & Crafts, and Credit Valley Railway.

Guidebooks will be available

by September 1st. All locations are GPS friendly. Visit www. nfr-nmra.org or call one of two members of the tour who help you with more information: Al Crisp heez_al@bell.net or roger.berkeley@primus.ca.

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Will hotter and drier summers be the new norm?

By Ron Reid

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After a cool wet spring, the summer of 2018 started off on a blistering note, with a long period of record-breaking hot days and very little rain. We all know that seasonal weather has its ups and downs, but this heat wave was widespread all across the northern hemisphere. Was the 2018 pattern just a blip within the range of normal weather variability, or yet another sign that climate change is making its effects known?

The answer is likely a bit of both, but the weather patterns in 2018 are very much in tune with predictions of how the future climate in this region is likely to unfold.

In broad terms, the effects of climate change show up more strongly in the northern hemisphere, especially in the extreme north; hence the dramatic melting of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean. To some extent, the climate in our area is moderated by the nearby Great Lakes, but even in Simcoe County some changes are already evident. A review of the past 40 years of weather records in the Barrie area by the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority shows an increase in average annual temperatures of 1.93°C, well above the global average. Winters were less cold, and the total amount of rain and snow increased slightly.

A 2016 study carried out by the Muskoka Watershed Council showed similar patterns. They predict that by 2050 – just a little over 30 years from now – average monthly temperatures will rise by 3-4°C and precipitation will increase by 17% from present. Most of that extra water will come during the winter and spring months, and especially through an increase in major storms. This combination will have consequences: warmer winters will mean that less snow stays on the ground; hotter summers mean that the rain that does fall will evaporate more quickly, creating drier conditions.

These changing conditions will create new challenges for agriculture and for the winter recreation industry. They also pose a mix of challenges and benefits for the natural world. Tree species such as white spruce, for example, will become much more stressed and largely fade out of local forests. More

frequent wildfires and the arrival of new invasive diseases and insects are likely to change forests as well.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry looked at how climate change in the Lake Simcoe watershed will affect wildlife. While some northern species – such as Canada Jays – will shift their range northwards, overall the Ministry predicts

© Can Stock Photo / rayhennessy

Climate change in the Lake Simcoe watershed will affect wildlife. New species appear, such as the Blue Winged Warbler while, tragically, turtle population may decline. that bird and mammal species will probably increase slightly in their diversity within the watershed. We are seeing some of those changes already, with the addition of southern birds to our nesting populations.

Red-bellied woodpeckers and blue-winged warblers are already here; hooded warblers and Carolina wrens will likely be among the next new birds to breed in this area. Mammals such as opossum will benefit, but turtles that depend on a specific temperature range to incubate their buried eggs may be hard-hit by summer heat.

No one can predict exactly how our complex ecosystem will respond to a changing climate, but it is likely safe to say that the weather conditions of 2018 to date are a good preview of what to expect in future.

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.

15

© Can Stock Photo / macsim

Parks and rivers and so much more in Severn

Some huge pieces of machinery descended upon the village of Washago to complete the reconstruction of the main street and the sidewalks.

By Pat Harwood, Recreation Coordinator

Washago is lovelier than ever

Whether you are a tourist, a cottager or a permanent resident in Severn, you should know there are many facilities throughout the township, including public parks. Each has something interesting to offer.

The township also offers canoe/kayak routes, cycling routes and the Uhthoff Trail for walking/hiking - all waiting for you to discover them.

For more information, visit the Severn Township website at www.townshipofsevern.com or call our office Monday-Friday at 705-325-2315.

Have the grandchildren in tow or the kids wanting something to do? The Washago Community Centre provides day camp programs as does Wildlife Fitness in Coldwater at the Coldwater & District Community Centre.

Special Events? Coldwater Steampunk Festival in Coldwater begins on August 9th and runs through to August 11th. The main event is Saturday, August 11th. There is guaranteed fun for everyone! Come dressed up.

A big thank you to all the volunteers and contributors who assist us in keeping the Township looking “floral”. We know Mother Nature is not making it easy this summer.

Projects: Work will soon begin on a new arena roof in Coldwater, including some dressing room changes; Ardtrea Park is in its final stages of completion; Washago Centennial Park washrooms are open again after many years; and the Uhthoff Trail will have new pedestrian/cycling friendlier gates in the late fall.

Have a safe and fun-filled summer!

To Ward 5 Councillor, Donald Westcott, it must seem like a long time ago that staff and council members were on a road tour that included looking at what was certainly the deterioration of Muskoka Street and the adjacent sidewalks.

“We could see we were on borrowed time as far as the sidewalks becoming dangerous to pedestrians. And the street itself was in very poor repair,” said Donald.

Continued on page 21

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Grilled P.E.I. oysters on the half shell with garlic-infused butter

By Chef Becky Lennerton INGREDIENTS: • 12 large oysters • ½ cup butter • 2 heads minced garlic • 1 tsp. finely diced chives • Fresh grated Parmesan cheese, or a tiny bit of homemade pesto – your choice METHOD: Shuck the oysters, keeping the oyster and liquid in the cupped part of the shell. Use a small paring knife to detach the muscle that Remove from BBQ and place a dollop of melted butter on each attaches the oyster to the shell. oyster. Top with freshly grated Parmesan, or a tiny bit of homemade pesto, your choice.

Pre-heat BBQ to 350-400°F. In a small saucepan combine butter, the minced garlic, and the Garnish with chopped chives and serve immediately. finely diced chives and cook until butter melts. Take off stove and OPTIONAL: For a unique take - ¼ cup chopped summer berries, set aside. apple cider vinegar, and a teaspoon of honey. Combine those Place oysters, cup side down, on the grill and close lid. Cook 4-5 min ingredients and heat in a saucepan. Remove from heat and spoon (until warmed through). This will add a smoky flavor to the oysters. a little on each oyster.

Chef Becky Lennerton, is the proprietor of Black River Food Company and a teacher in our region for Loblaw Companies Limited.

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17

Fighting drought and heat in the garden

By Karen Kahle not water lightly regularly. Too little water on a regular basis makes your plants less drought tolerant.

Instead, water your garden plants thoroughly but occasionally, making sure the soil in the root zone is thoroughly wet.

In fact, you can water the soil rather than the plant. Either way, a good layer of mulch will protect your soil and keep the moisture in.

Depending on which gardener you speak to, there seems to be two ‘best’ times to water your garden – morning and evening. Some believe that evening is best because morning watering, especially if you’re watering the plants and not just the ground around them, will result in leaves getting scorched by the sun. Others are sure the morning is the best time to give plants the best opportunity to absorb the moisture and fight hot sun. Either way, the ‘best’ time is when convenient for you as long as you water thoroughly, not too often or too much, and fertilize according to the manufacturer’s directions.

© Can Stock Photo / Elenathewise

The importance of watering your garden well and carefully, along with the proper application of fertilizer, cannot be emphasized enough. Even some of the hardiest, most drought-resistant perennials may have been suffering during the July extreme heat and dry conditions. They need moisture to absorb nutrients and they are starving.

What does this mean for gardeners?

The best thing to do is fertilize according to the directions included with a good quality fertilizer and water well but carefully.

During a drought, watch your garden plants carefully. Many perennials may droop a little during the hottest part of the day, but perk up again once the sun moves away. In this case, they likely don’t need watering and they are getting moisture from deep in the soil. But if the leaves or flowers are constantly drooped or look dry, or are discoloured, they need moisture.

Two things to avoid: Do not let the soil in your garden dry out completely; and do

Karen Kahle is the grower and proprietor of Fern Forest Garden Centre, www.fernforest.ca

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SUMMER DAY CAMP is fully booked for the summer. Our Camp Counsellors, Oliva, Sarah and Taylor returned to us this summer with lots of ideas to keep the children busy and having a great time.

CANADA DAY Many thanks to the volunteers who worked on the parade and helped to direct parking and traffic. Great job! And thank-you to everyone who came out and braved an extremely hot day.

Canada Day Bicycle Decorating Contest …again, thanks to all of you who braved the heat. The volunteers and participants did a great job!! Winners are as follows: Girls under 7: Riley Morgan Boys under 7: Cashis Bristow, Jakub Serbinek, Austin Lough Girls 8+: Randi Fogarty Emily Hawker Boys 8+: Jaxon Serbinek, Michael Crowder, Tyler Hopper FASHION SHOW – Thursday, September 20th at 7 p.m.

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Get ready to be entertained Continued from page 1 is beginning to evolve. The festival has increased the types of entertainment including performances by the Motus O Dance Theatre, a collaborative owl art project by 25 local artists, and a community mosaic.

Added to all these attractions are a circus variety show, the Wye Marsh birds of prey display, pop up magic, fire shows and much more.

Suzanne said it’s the sponsors and volunteers that continue to make Steampunk such a successful and popular event.

“Our small board of directors, a very good and hard-working team, sets the stage for Steampunk. The younger volunteers carry it forward during the 3 days of events, and the sponsors make it all possible,” she said.

The Steampunk Festival is sponsored by local businesses and the Coldwater BIA, and the Township of Severn. Grants from the Department of Canadian Heritage and Simcoe Tourism funded some of the largest components of the event.

Free parking is available, with a shuttle running to each of the three Steampunk event locations.

Steampunk’s website has the schedule of all events. www.steampunkfestivalcoldwater.com

19

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Washago is lovelier than ever Continued from page 15 When the tour was over, Severn Township mayor, Mike Burkett and all of council supported a complete reconstruction of Muskoka Street and the adjacent sidewalks. Donald said he is grateful for that support.

The project was completed June 28 and Donald, on behalf of residents and businesses, has a special shout out to Derek Burke, director of public works for the township. Derek managed the project from beginning to end.

“Even when the project was almost finished, when a water main burst, Derek stayed calm

and managed the job like the true professional he is. And days before completion, when I talked to him about a request from one of the area residents, Derek was able to manage the request and get an accessible parking spot in front of the post office. A job well done all around.”

Well before work began, Derek hosted a community meeting and announced the work would begin early May. Some business owners had concerns about it being done early in their prime season, especially during the May long-weekend. But Derek explained that he had grave

concerns about beginning a project in the fall when it’s cold.

Delays could mean snow on the ground which would further impede the project. Thankfully, from May to the end of June the weather cooperated.

In addition to the water main break, which unfortunately closed down several businesses for 2 days, another unforeseen challenge was the discovery of large boulders under the old

road. To complete the project properly and to add a promised additional parking space, many boulders had to be blasted apart and removed. As with the water main break, this work did not delay the project to any great extent. Today the street is smooth, the sidewalks safe, and bright blooming flowers in large pots line the street. Everything is as it should be in Washago.

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August 8 Movies in the Park – Sixteen Candles at Rotary Aqua Theatre at Couchiching Beach Park.

Concessions and washroom are open for the event. Arrive early for theatre seating or bring your own lawn chair. Free event. Movie begins at dusk.

August 9/10/11 Steampunk Festival in Coldwater starts with a vintage car show on August 9th, 6-8 p.m.; walking tours, artisan workshop, a Victorian Tea and an action-packed Harry Potter event on Friday; and the main event Saturday the 11th with costumes, music, steampunk art and artisans, medieval swordplay and much more. Visit www. steampunkfestivalcoldwater.com for a full schedule of events.

August 9/10/11 Orillia Waterfront Festival, noon – 8:00 p.m. In-water boat show, cottage and outdoor products, artists and artisans, vendors, Dock

Dogs diving contests, water ski shows and more. Port of Orillia, Lake Couchiching. 705-326-4424 or www.orillia.com.

August 18 Downtown Orillia’s 20th Annual Classic Car Show, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. A jaw-dropping collection of over 400 classic cars line the downtown streets. Enjoy live entertainment, great dining, shopping and the largest car show in the region. Find out more by calling 705-325-3261 and visit www.downtownorillia.ca.

August 21 First Annual Heritage Craft Festival, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Bring your own fibre handcraft to work on, along with your lawn chair.

Socialize and share with other crafters. Guest speaker is Diane Anderson. $25/person includes lunch and refreshments. www. coldwatermuseum.com or call 705955-1930 for reservations.

August 22 Movies in the Park - American Graffiti at the Rotary Aqua Theatre, Couchiching Beach Park.

Concessions and washrooms open for this event. Arrive early for theatre seating or bring your own lawn chair. Free event. Movie begins at dusk.

August 25/26 Chippewas of Rama First Nation Powwow. This First Nation community has been hosting powwows for over 30 years and each year never fails to entertain.

Everyone is welcome to the loudest, proudest Powwow in Ontario.

Fabulous drumming, competition dancing and singing. Food, craft, vendors. Takes place at the John Snake Memorial Grounds, 6030 Rama Rd. Details at www.facebook. com/RamaPowWow. August 25 Starry Night & Gallery Tour, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., downtown Orillia. Experience the vibrant arts

community and meet local artists in their studios or at host galleries – all under the starry sky.

August 29 Heritage United Church Beef BBQ, seating available at 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. Meal includes beef, roast potatoes, beans, salads and delicious pies. $20 per adult. $6 for 6-12 year-olds. Free for preschoolers. Community Centre, Hamilton St., Washago. Call 705326-2791 to reserve tickets.

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