August 2020
Township Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 More $ for connectivity. . . . . . . . . . 11 Shop local . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Seniors club update. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
A Washago icon moves on By Ellen Cohen Pat Warwick, the owner of Simply Special Originals is retiring, closing her store and moving on after 23 years of serving the Washago community and beyond. Simply Special Originals evolved from Pat’s home-based business on Cowbell Lane in Severn Bridge where she did sewing and clothing design. Twenty-three years ago, a close friend told her about a successful bed and breakfast for sale in a beautiful home on the main street of Washago. The timing was good and Pat and her late husband, Dave. They seized the opportunity. While operating the B&B, a business that they closed after 10 years, and concurrently running her sewing and clothing design business, the idea of a full service clothing store took shape in Pat’s mind. She identified a market that needed more attention – women older than 35 who wanted full service, help with choosing an entire outfit, including accessories. Taking a bold leap, Pat opened Simply Special Originals. Today, after a successful 23-year run and a testament to Pat’s skill and dedication to her customers, the business has amassed a database of approximately 1,000 customers including local women, cottagers, and residents from Collingwood, Barrie, Orillia, Midland and Haliburton. Pat’s had some fun running this business. For example, she said, one day a woman ran into the store and needed help badly – and fast. Pat helped the woman choose an outfit
and accessories. Without wasting time and without a lot of fuss, the woman, now looking fabulous, ran back out of the store rushing to get to where she needed to be. But Pat is not all about business. Among her fondest memories is the annual fashion show, a fundraising event that took place at the Washago Community Centre for almost two decades. Pat worked on the organizing committee and every year, along with many other fashion shops, presented her merchandise on the show’s runway. “This is the first year the show has been cancelled since its inception,” Pat said, adding while she choked up, “A friend and local resident, Nancy Morrison always said that the Fashion Show night was her favourite night of the year. Nancy has recently passed away and I’m moving out of the community. The timing for me to move on seems fitting somehow and is definitely part of the bittersweet feeling I have.” The beautiful home that houses her business has been sold. Simply Special Originals will close effective the end of August and, when the real estate deal closes on September 23rd, Pat and her partner, Norm plan to move to a home in the Vineland area of Ontario, to a comfortable retirement community. Pat knows that although retirement is exactly what she wants, as she prepares to leave there will be some difficult moments. “Moving on means leaving a community
Pat Warwick that I just cannot say enough good things about. I also have to say good-bye to Sue Renter and Suzanne Ball, the two women who have worked with me for the past 9 years.” Friends, colleagues, residents and business owners in Washago wish Pat the very best. Her contribution to her community will not be forgotten.
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