The Villager 2022 August by Villager Community News

August 2022

CONGRATULATIONS! Marylou V.

Woodchucks and wood . . . . . . . . . . 5 Lions Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

of Severn Township has won a

Rama Powwow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

$250 GIFT CERTIFICATE

to a Villager advertiser of her choice.

Terry Fox. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Your community would benefit from your skills Thinking of running for council? Your deadline to file nomination papers with the Severn clerk is August 19, 2022, 2:00 p.m. by Ellen Cohen When you think about municipal councillors you believe have represented you well, there are likely common characteristics and behaviours among those most memorable. Perhaps this is your description: they know their community well; respond to resident concerns or questions promptly; support and attend local events; understand the basic responsibilities of council and staff; made a commitment to learn details about municipal laws and policies. Does this sound like you? Would you be a perfect fit? If you have an interest in throwing your hat in the ring but have hesitated to file your nomination papers, consider it now and be aware there isn’t much time left to get this done. The deadline is August 19th. Perhaps you need a little encouragement to move forward. If this is true, today, now, take some time and talk to your family and friends and ask them for input and support. Contact one or two Severn councillors and ask them to describe the job. Find out what

they like about being in public service. Ask them about their challenges and have them describe the support they get from their fellow councillors and township staff. There is no doubt the job is interesting. It is also challenging and not always easy. The job description of the mayor, deputy mayor and the five Severn councillors is, according to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), to make decisions about municipal financing and services. This is a simple job description but in reality the job is complex. Councillors are required to do a significant amount of learning, a lot of reading, and take on serious responsibilities. Council decides if or when services are expanded or reduced. For example, the work to rebuild Division Rd. cost millions. The decision to do this work, how much to spend and who gets the contract was ultimately up to council. Yes, staff does the arduous leg work. They research and make recommendations and

are vital to the running of the township. But in the end, with consideration for both the impact on the overall level of services and property taxes, the buck stops with council. And not always do all council members agree with the path forward. So why would you want the job? Because getting elected means you will have the opportunity to see the big picture and understand what has been done in the past and what might be accomplished. You could work with experienced members of council and staff and add to their vision of Severn. You could help to improve the township for years to come. Councillors make a difference to thousands of lives. You could be that difference. Information can be found by calling the Severn Township Administration office at 705-325-2315 or by visiting www.severn.ca.

Interest rates are rising and that is changing the real estate market. How will your move be affected? I’m Paul Cleary, a full-time Realtor® with the knowledge and expertise to guide you through changing market conditions. Let’s plan your strategy. Call me today 705-327-6002.

Paul Cleary B.B.A, BROKER

Direct: 705-327-6002 Email: paul@paulcleary.com

Your One Stop Project Shop Shop in person Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wearing a mask and social distancing are required in-store.

Or shop online at www.OTDbuildingsupplies.com

POWER TOOLS for Pros or

ASK US ABOUT

the Handyperson

ADD BEAUTY & ENERGY EFFICIENCY TO YOUR HOME

Visit our huge showroom today! King Canada, Milwaukee, Kreg Tool, Bessey Freud, Irwin, Paslode, Makita, Bosch

Unprecedented performance for the uncompromising craftsman. Ask our professionals at OTD about these exceptional tools.

We have one of the very best selections of quality windows and doors in the region.

BE READY FOR ANY WEATHER Visit our showroom or call our professionals for a free estimate & home visit.

Serving DIYs and Contractors for Over 26 Years 1084 Brodie Drive, Severn, ON L3V 0V2 705-329-1084 www.OTDbuildingsupplies.com The Villager • www.villagernews.ca

Volunteers and collaboration provide knowledge By Courtney Baker, Administrative Assistant at The Couchiching Conservancy, your local land trust, protecting nature for future generations. We ‘Villagers’ live and work in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, surrounded by fresh water and thriving forests. Not only does this environment attract people who enjoy a natural setting, but it is also home to numerous species who have called this land home for hundreds or thousands of years. The Couchiching Conservancy has helped protect over 14,000 acres in the area and that land has been preserved for its long-term tenants; dragonflies, turtles, wolves and more. But, when we make these claims you may wonder, how does The Conservancy know what species are really out there? As usual, our volunteers, friends and neighbors come to help. The foundation for our understanding comes from dozens of local Community Science volunteers who offer their blood (the mosquitoes are very grateful), and sweat to monitor the health of bats, butterflies, reptiles, amphibians, and grassland birds. To build on that foundation we collaborate with other organizations and improve our understanding. Beyond our talented volunteers, postsecondary institutions occasionally ask permission to use our nature reserves for research projects. For example, this year a masters student from McMaster

Volunteers monitor wildlife at risk on roads. Left to right: Chris Stewart, James Stewart and Lorelei Cornish at Wilson Point Wetland. Photo by Toby Rowland. University is mapping Conservancy vernal pools (amphibian habitat) and taking DNA samples from the water to do a ‘Who’s Who?’. This research will help define the range for Jefferson’s salamanders, and let The Conservancy know if we are hosts to yet another species at risk. Every year, the picture of who lives on the reserves becomes clearer. The Conservancy also maintains two Motus Towers. This global network of radio telemetry towers (imagine a beefed-up TV antenna) tracks birds as they migrate. Individuals equipped with trackers are counted when they fly close to the towers. This allows scientists to track individual birds or larger population trends, and see where animals face threats, or worse, drop off the radar completely. We also work closely with Ontario Parks. Similar to borrowing a cup of sugar, we are currently tracking species thanks to a recording unit they have loaned us. Remote

corners of our nature reserves are not safe for volunteers to traverse at night. Through this stationary recording unit for bats, birds and frogs, we can set up, leave it for a season, and retrieve the unit to listen to the story it tells. Last but not least is video and photo evidence. Our biologist, Toby Roland regularly sets up trail cams to view wildlife trails. They allow us to enjoy a behind the curtain peak at fishers, deer, bears, porcupines, and more. All animals who call our region, and Conservancy nature reserves home. Put all these pieces together – volunteers, researchers, technology, and partnerships and you start to see the big picture pretty clearly. We can aggregate this information and use it to inform our work. We learn to understand where we should focus acquisition and stewardship priorities that help to protect this area, including for all of us who call it home.

You’ll Love Our Flooring

Thank you Orillia! For the 22nd consecutive year, you have voted us as your favourite flooring business through the Orillia Today Readers’ Choice Awards. We couldn’t be more proud of our staff! Drop in or call us today.

You’ll Love Our Prices

444 West Street South, Orillia • 705-329-0202 • www.SunshineCarpet.ca The Villager • www.villagernews.ca

Ellen Cohen Publisher

thevillagerpress@rogers.com 705-717-0322 www.villagernews.ca The Villager, a Severn Township community news magazine, is an independently owned and operated publication, serving the community since March, 2013. We publish monthly from February to December. The Villager is delivered online to subscribers through villagernews.ca. There is no charge for subscribing but registration is required. Once registered, the subscriber will receive the magazine via email on the first of the month. Editorial and advertising materials are 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 villagernews.ca Art Director: Cathy Cleary

A treasure found on an old cottage lot. Estimated to be 100+ years old. From the Publisher:

Get to know them BEFORE the election It’s only every four years Ontario municipalities hold elections. But, sadly, according to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) voter turnout in the 2018 municipal election was only 38.29% yet the women and men elected have a direct effect on the everyday lives of 100% of all eligible voters, far more influence than any other elected official. One of your largest expenses is your property tax. That money goes into the township bank account and is spent on your behalf, decided by mayor and council – how, when and where. It’s up to you to decide, with your vote, who does that. Candidates for Severn will soon be campaigning. This is your opportunity to get to know them which will help you make an informed voting decision. There may be debates. There will be knocks at your door or pamphlets in your mail box. One thing for sure is that there will be a list of candidates on the Severn website and at the Severn administrative office. Don’t be shy. Take some time to understand who they are and how they intend to spend your tax dollars over the next 4 years. Call them up and ask some questions. They’ll appreciate the interest. You are a resident they hope to represent. You can give them some feedback about the services you now receive and maybe some ideas for the future. Tax payers want good representation and candidates want to earn your vote.

Apathy I worry a lot about becoming apathetic. We see global disasters and human tragedy day after day, minute by minute. If we turn on any of our electronic devises we are bombarded. I could never list everything we hear, see or read about but here are a few: mass graves of Indigenous children in Canada; human suffering in Ukraine, Syria, the Uyghurs in China; out of control fires in BC, California, England and France; mass shootings in the US; inflation, higher interest rates, a housing crisis. The challenge is to be aware of what’s going on in the world and not being so deluged that apathy sets in. Or, maybe worse, deciding not to learn about anything that might be disturbing and moving on to the Disney Channel forever. That’s not my decision. I choose to stay informed.

Then the bigger decision: what to do with the knowledge of all that misery. Become despondent and frustrated or angry? Stuff if into a tiny corner of my brain and hope I can emotionally cope with it? Perhaps if I focused on personally relieving even a nanoscopic amount of pain in the world instead of thinking about the vast amount I know, I would manage to both feel better and help more. Simple things such as sending a donation to a Ukrainian aid organization, or writing a letter to an Indigenous organization expressing sympathy while asking what I can do to help. That’s all I have for now but I’d be very interested to hear from readers who have suggestions: how do we find the right place between having too many awful things in our brains and apathy.

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

Can a Woodchuck really chuck wood? By Ron Reid Our yard has played host to a new resident this summer – a chubby mammal known as a Woodchuck, or more commonly called a Groundhog. Where he or she came from is a mystery, but it is likely a young animal exploring for a new territory, and our mix of lawn and trees looked appealing. It appears to be on its own, not unusual for this species. Woodchucks don’t actually chuck wood, despite that tongue-twisting rhyme. But, boy, can they dig! Their combination of strong claws on their front legs and sharp front teeth allow them to create underground burrows averaging 14 feet long plus several side chambers. One hardy researcher even tracked a single burrow 27 feet long, meaning that the animal had moved hundreds of pounds of soil in its creation. Logically enough, the Groundhog belongs to the family of ground squirrels, in the larger-bodied division known as Marmots. The scientific name for this species is Marmota monax, reflecting the Algonquian name for “digger”. We have occasionally been seeing our Groundhog feeding on clover and succulent grasses in our yard, sometimes taking cover under a gazebo or in a hedge. But where was the digger part taking place, since you would think that several hundred pounds of excavated soil would be noticeable? The answer to that came when I opened a seldom-used garden shed to get a shovel – there was a great heap of stony sand filling one corner of the shed!

Burrows for females have a side-chamber lined with dry leaves to provide a cosy nest, and another chamber for a latrine. Each burrow has at least two entrances to allow for escape if needed. Groundhogs have a habit of standing upright at an entrance to scout for any dangers, like a hungry coyote or fox. If danger is spotted and other groundhogs or young are nearby, the watcher will emit a shrill whistle before diving to safety. In some rural areas, these animals are called “whistle-pigs” as a result. So where are the males during all this activity? Roaming, mostly. When the time is right, a male may drop by for a quick copulation, or maybe to spend a few weeks before moving on. Lo and behold, the female produces a litter of 3 to 5 young. When these furry infant are old enough to venture outside to graze, they are known as “chucklings”. If you happen to have a garden nearby, you are not likely to appreciate sharing your produce with a family of Groundhogs. But they do have some remarkable qualities. I’ll bet you didn’t know that they can swim, or that they can use those strong claws to climb trees! Perhaps most remarkable, they are one of few mammals that engage in

true hibernation to survive our winters. Groundhogs will often did a new deeper burrow in a sheltered area to prepare for hibernation. They don’t store food except by eating and eating, laying on body fat to see them through the months ahead. When hibernation begins, they drop their body temperature drastically and slow their heart rate and respiration. Unlike the silly ceremonies about seeing the sun on February 2nd, wild Woodchucks would never venture out so early. What a waste of energy! Will the Groundhog beneath my garden shed produce a litter of chucklings? For the sake of my garden, I hope not. Will it stay around to hibernate? For its sake, I hope not, since our soils are too shallow to provide good cover. In the meantime, it is interesting to watch the life of a critter that has become scarce in this area. 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.

Home Hardware has what you need 7 days a week! Mon. – Thur. 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. • Fri. 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. • Sat. 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. • Sun. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

BBQ’s

705-689-2611 3375 Muskoka St.

Washago

LAWN & GARDEN

Keep your garden happy Is it time to replace or & healthy with mulch, upgrade the family BBQ? We have a great selection fertilizer, watering tools, on site, plus replacement hand garden tools, hedge trimmers and more. parts and BBQ tools.

PEST CONTROL

OUTDOOR FEATURES

Stay comfortable and safe inside and out – bug zappers, mosquito repellent, pest and insect controls.

Solar lights, garden décor, edging, landscaping material, bird seeds, bird feeders & accessories.

Plus: Hardware Items • Electrical, Plumbing & Building Supplies • Outdoor Power Equipment • Paint & Supplies • Lighting The Villager • www.villagernews.ca

6 dancers from those countries will join Ella and Adyson for World Championship titles. Many of the competing countries recognize dancers of this calibre as athletes, with some countries in Europe showing recognition through their Olympic Committees. This allows the dancers to have official financial support. Unfortunately, Canada does not do the same, even for this most highly recognized IDO event featuring world-class dancers. Ella and Adyson will train at their own expense and, while attending school, each must raise $3,900.00 Cdn to pay for air fare, accommodation, and rehearsal and entry fees. There are two opportunities for the community to help these amazing young community members with their fundraising. • Pancake brunch on September 11th. $10. $7 for children under 10. • Ham dinner on October 22nd. $15. $10 for children under 10. Both events will be held at St. Paul’s Centre in Orillia. For tickets call or text Lisa at 705-3306799, or email lferry@assante.com; or call or text Kim at 705-330-7221 or email berley76@hotmail.com.

Shown left to right, Severn township residents and accomplished dancers Ella Ferry and Adyson Nathan.

Extraordinary young dancers head to world championships Two members of our community have been chosen by Team Canada Dance/IDO Canada to represent our country at the official IDO World Tap Dance Championships in Germany in November. Ella Ferry will be on the junior team. She is going into Grade 9; loves to dance, wakeboard and swim and is an avid reader. Ella has been dancing since she was 3 years old. Adyson Nathan will be on the children’s team. She enjoys dancing, hockey, singing and swimming. She is going into Grade 6 and has been dancing since she was 2. The International Dance Organization (IDO) is a world dance and dance-sport federation with a membership of over 90 nations representing more than 250,000 dancers. The best

regu la

r res

We ident also offe r i al & comm lending f or ercia l fina ncing .

Money to lend for farms and rural properties for any purpose! We have been providing mortgages to satisfied customers for over 25 years. We offer lending for farms, working farms, hobby farms including full acreage, rural properties, cottages, vacant land and multiple parcels of land, out of town properties anywhere in Ontario. | Bank turndowns, property tax arrears, income tax arrears or mortgage arrears no problem. | Self-employed, bad credit, bankruptcy or in-consumer proposal | 60-80% of the value including full acreage on a case-by-case evaluation

ONTARIO-WIDE FINANCIAL • Tracy Green, Mortgage Broker/Owner Ontario-Wide Financial FSRA Lic# 12456

120 Mary Street, Orillia, ON L3V 3E2 Phone 705-259-3974 or 1-888-307-7799 Fax 416-921-1754 www.ontario-widefinancial.com The Villager • www.villagernews.ca

The Villager • www.villagernews.ca

Let’s stop money laundering in Canada By Simcoe North MP Adam Chambers Just prior to the summer recess of Parliament this June, I introduced my own Private Members Bill to give law enforcement authorities another tool to combat money laundering conducted by organized crime in Canada. The scale of money laundering in Canada is staggering and its impact is far-reaching. By laundering the proceeds of their illicit activities, criminal organizations evade detection, dodge taxes, grow their illegal empires, and drive up real estate prices for all Canadians. Experts estimate that nearly one hundred billion dollars of the proceeds from crime such as drugs, human trafficking and political corruption are “snow washed” here in Canada every year. Dirty money is deposited, moved around, and then channeled into legitimate investments like homes and commercial real estate. © Can Stock Photo / devon

Leah C. Cavanaugh Sales Representative

705-325-1366 or 1-800-498-8775 www.leah-cavanaugh.c21.ca leah@leahccavanaugh.ca Serving Orillia & District Should you wish a confidential consultation on your real estate needs please allow me to put my 20+ years of knowledge and experience to work for you. Call me today!

CHECKING THE PULSE of our REAL ESTATE MARKET…

Here is the beat! Readers may find it interesting to see the way average sale prices of homes have fluctuated over the past 4 years in Severn Township. This outlines our monthly Real Estate Market’s sale price information* based on Residential free-hold, non-waterfront properties sold during: June 2019 June 2020 June 2021 June 2022 $525,442. $630,469. $716,431. $761,667. * Data provided from our Matrix MLS System

This advertisement not intended to solicit property for sale or buyers under contract.

The Villager • www.villagernews.ca

Under our current investment rules, banks and other financial agents are required to collect and verify the identity of their clients. But what if clients lie about their identity or the corporate ownership structure of the account holder? Currently, we have very lax laws about money laundering that make it difficult to prove or get a conviction. That is why global criminals view Canada as an easy target for money laundering activity. This must end. The legislation (Bill-289), if adopted, would make it a criminal offence for individuals or businesses to provide false information to financial institutions in order to conceal the illegal sources of the money or the true identity of the account holders. Those who have violated the law could face Continued on page 9

a prison term of up to ten years and/or a fine of up to a million dollars CAD. This bill will complement the publicly accessible Beneficial Ownership Registry the government plans to bring forward by the end of 2022. Without Bill-289, money launderers will continue to get a free ride without severe punishment. There is no one change that will end money laundering, but we must do more to stop the illegal flow of criminal funds to Canada. That’s why I’m looking forward to the bill being debated in Parliament this fall. I am willing to work with members from all parties and Senators to advance this bill and I have been encouraged by the early signs of interest from my colleagues. Money laundering is a non-partisan issue and we can all work together to put an end to it in Canada. I’ve also launched a petition for the federal government to call a national inquiry on money laundering. Please visit stopmoneylaundering.ca and learn more. If you have comments on this important matter, I hope you will contact me at Adam.Chambers@parl.gc.ca

Professional & Reliable Property Maintenance Spring Clean-Up • Dock Installation • Lawn Cutting Hedge Trimming • General Property Maintenance

CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY TO ARRANGE YOUR SERVICE

705-327-3823 cottage_country@hotmail.com www.cottagecountryproperty.com

See Us First for Your Home or Cottage Fireplace or Stove TRADITIONAL, CONTEMPORARY OR MODERN Exceptional products • Professional installation FLEXIBLE FINANCING PROGRAMS AVAILABLE.

We repair & replace gas/wood/pellet stoves, fireplaces and inserts. Ask us about our chimney sweep and inspection services.

The marriage between reliability and elegance.

The Villager • www.villagernews.ca

Canada Day Recap Canada Day 2022 marked the return of large-scale events for the Washago Lions Club. The July 1st festivities did not disappoint with the return of the annual pancake breakfast, fantastic live, local music, delicious barbeque eats, raffle draws, and a full day of celebrating Washago in style. An astounding 480 pancake breakfasts were served between 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. with everyone’s favourite eats including pancakes, bacon, sausage, orange juice and coffee. It was a fabulous way to start the day. Following breakfast, the Lions jumped straight into live entertainment and the barbeque was fired up. Performing were local acts Samantha Windover, Buck20, The Wendy Whelan Band, and more. The live music kept everyone dancing and celebrating throughout the day. Here’s what the band Buck20 had to say about the day: “Buck20 loved playing the event in Washago. It was so good to see so many

The message to join the Lions Canada Day 2022 festivities was seen by so many, there was a record number of attendees. people there enjoying music all day at the club. The sense of community is strong and to be admired. The band is still talking about how great the day was. We hope to play again next year!” The Lions had some great prizes available in their raffle draw including an overnight stay at Bayview Wildwood Resort, a ukulele from Gilbert Guitars, and oil changes from Blaine’s Auto. We also had a 50/50 draw. Ann from Floral Park won $450 and the Lion’s donated their share of the draw to Mariposa House Hospice. We appreciate and thank everyone who purchased tickets. Canada Day is one of the biggest

fundraising events for the Lion’s Club. The event brought in a record number of attendees and exceeded all expectations. The Lions couldn’t be happier with the turnout. Thank you to each and every person who came out and celebrated Canada Day the way it should be - together as a community. Thank you also to every volunteer, attendee, prize donor, sponsor, and performer. Mark your calendars for the return of OktoberFest on September 24th and make sure to follow the Washago Lion’s Club on Facebook for all event updates.

MUSKOKA DENTURE CLINIC MARK J. FANTUZ, D.D. Denture Specialist

Complete and Partial Dentures Relines and Repairs Mouthguards Free Consultations

Serving Severn, Muskoka & Area for 25 years

705-687-5152 • 1-800-315-5229

455 Muskoka Road N. Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1G3 Email: info@muskokadenture.com Website: www.muskokadentureclinic.net The Villager • www.villagernews.ca

WE ARE EVERYWHERE! Neighbourhood deliveries or long haul, we are here for you. 8253 Simcoe County Rd. 169, Washago, ON L0K 2B0 • www.timbermart.ca Phone: 705-689-2626 • 1-888-260-6324 • Fax: 705-689-8671 OPEN MON. - FRI. 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. • SAT. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. • SUN. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

shop Your one stop F needs. for all your IC

705-689-2423 ( 2 I C F )

m ity products fro Providing qual ur yo t ee s to m industry leader s. full project need

The Villager • www.villagernews.ca

Great Canadian Seafood Bake By Chef Becky Lennerton, proprietor of

Enjoy what is the essence of summer - seafood at its best and the bounty from the garden.

INGREDIENTS: • 4 lobster tails, fresh • 1 lb. mussels, rinsed and de-bearded. NOTE: if mussels are open when you buy them, tap lightly on cutting board. They should close, if fresh. If not, discard. • 1 lb. pasta clams. Follow freshness test as above for mussels. • 4 cobs of corn, halved • 1 lb. baby red potatoes • 4-6 shallots, roughly chopped • 4 sausages, chorizo or your favourite, sliced in large chunks • Garlic, 4 cloves minced • Olive oil • Butter • Fresh thyme, oregano, roughly chopped, about 1/2 cup • 1 cup good Ontario white wine • Salt and pepper to taste • Dill sprigs • 4 lemons

This is a one pan impressive gastronomical dish that can feed a crowd or simply be a dinner for two.

Black River Food Company and the innkeeper at Sir William Mackenzie Inn, Kirkfield, Ontario.

It can even be made in a tinfoil roasting pan that can be recycled. No clean up!

METHOD: Prepare potatoes: bake in preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until tender; or cook on BBQ pre-heated on high for about 30 minutes.

garlic, and fresh herbs. Spread evenly in pan. Nestle lobster tails on top.

Pour wine over mixture, add salt and pepper to taste and 2 lemons halved. Top with dill If cooking this dish on a BBQ, pre-heat to sprigs, leaving some out for garnish. 350°F and then turn of one side of the BBQ. Tightly seal with tinfoil and place on BBQ This dish will be cooked on the side of the for 25-30 minutes. Can be baked in oven, BBQ that is turned off. or cooked on a bed of coals. Serve right out

In a large roasting pan toss the mussels, of the container, with a seasonal salad and clams, corn, potatoes, sausage, shallots, crusty bread. Enjoy!!

We are open for business! Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm As the province opens for business, and in order to keep our customers and staff as safe as possible, we continue to follow all COVID-19 protocols that health experts advise. We ask you to participate and wear a mask when you enter our store.

INTRODUCING

Henry

Henry is one of the family members of our newest line of advanced vacuums by NaceCare • Recovers 20% more soil • Reduces energy consumption by over 40% • Reduces noise levels • Doubles average motor life • Canister, upright, wet vac

The Villager • www.villagernews.ca

13 dancers and 10 drum groups, each consisting of 8-10 drummers/ singers. They come from across North America to perform and compete in what is one of the largest events of its kind in the province in terms of attendance, prizes and reputation. Dancers can be very young children, babies really, or 90 year-olds. One of many highlights of the Powwow is the Grand Entry when all 350 dancers enter in groups and then perform for the audience at one time. This will take place at noon and at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 27th and again on Sunday, August 28th at 12:30 p.m. The event takes place on Chippewas of Rama First Nation territory at the John Snake Memorial Community Multi-Purpose Grounds on Rama Rd. The cost is $10/day or $15/weekend. Free for kids under 12, seniors and veterans. Visit www.facebook.com/RamaPowWow for complete details or email benc@ramafirstnation.ca

w Noering ters s Off Boo in Sk The Chippewas of Rama First Nation will feature 350 dancers. Photo by Cindy Rossit, Cindy Rossit Photography.

Chippewas of Rama First Nation Powwow All are welcome August 27/28 In-person events are back in full force and no organizers are happier than those who have been working for months to bring back the huge and popular Chippewas of Rama First Nation Powwow. In fact, a mix of approximately 100+ Rama staff and volunteers, elders and students have been working together to put together a very exciting event. Ben Cousineau, Community Researcher/Archivist for the Culture Department at Chippewas of Rama First Nation said, “We are so excited about this year’s Powwow. We did have a small communitybased event last year but it was back in 2019 when we last had a full-fledged public Powwow. It has always brought thousands of people to our community – pre-pandemic. We believe there is a pent up demand for this terrific outdoor event and we are ready.” This Powwow is a massive celebration of Indigenous culture. In addition to approximately 50 craft vendors and at least 10 food vendors, non-profit and post-secondary groups, there will be 350

Ce G Av rtificift ail at ab es le

We have moved!

Facial Cosmetic Injectables! Complimentary Consultation

Offering wrinkle treatments such as Botox Cosmetic®/Dysport® and Dermal Fillers such as Restylane®/Teosyal® Now offering Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatments

Services provided by Emily Greb, BScN, NP-PHC

WELCOME TO OUR NEW LOCATION! 40 O’Brien St., Orillia ON L3V 5S3 Call 705-418-2903 Visit www.facefirstinjectables.com Email: info@facefirstinjectables.com

We look forward to treating you soon. Put Your Face First! COVID screening protocols in effect.

The Villager • www.villagernews.ca

A quick summer update More ways to vote Voting for your School Board Trustee and members of council will be easier for many this fall. You will be able to do so from the comfort of your home or anywhere you can access the internet, or there will be in-person Voter Help Centres. The Help Centres will allow paper ballots or electronic submission. Voter Help Centres will be listed in the fall on www.severn.ca or you can call 705-325-2315. Ward 3 Councillor appointment Philip Brennan has been appointed to represent the residents of Ward 3 for the remainder of the current term of council ending November 15, 2022. He replaces John Betsworth who resigned earlier this year. Councillor Brennan has held multiple positions with varying provincial ministerial departments, leading large teams in planning and implementation of complex

projects. His particular interests include protecting Severn’s natural environment and continuing to enhance services in the township. Email pbrennan@severn.ca

and sewer bill, please contact the Revenue Officer at the township administrative office. You may choose pre-authorized payments, cheque or online banking. Paperless billing is available by registering at Positions available to support upcoming www.severn.ca/payingyourbill election Successful applicants will work to Water conservation & lawn watering maintain the integrity of the election The township is committed to reducing process and will assist in carrying out the water use, loss and waste. Residents can election. The closing date is August 15/22. help do this by being mindful of the Lawn Visit www.severn.ca or call the Township Watering By-law. It restricts watering from July 1 – September 30 to the hours of 6 Clerk 705-325-2315, ext.232. Municipal and School Board election am – 8 am, and 8 pm – 10 pm. If you live in opportunities include: poll supervisor an even numbered address, water on even (3 positions); deputy returning officer (5 numbered days; odd numbered addresses positions); election official (5 positions); water on odd numbered days. Your lawn tabulation official (3 positions); general only requires 2.5 cm of water per week. Other ways to protect our water supply election official (7 positions). and reduce usage are to check and repair leaky faucets, running toilets, and Water and sewer bills issued The most recent bills are due on July malfunctioning automatic trap filters. 31/22. If you haven’t received your water

The Washago Art Club is excited to present our

Washago Summer Outdoor Art Display In celebration of our 6th year of our community presentations, new display stands and locations are set up throughout the village. Enjoy this outdoor art – each piece created by a talented local artist. As we’ve done in past years, the art will be available for purchase by the public at auction.

Silent pre-bids will be accepted at the Art Gallery of Washago 3380 Muskoka Street, Washago, Thursdays to Sundays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (down the Artist Alley beside the Century 21 office)

Live Auction

Saturday, August 27, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Gallery Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Washago-Art-Club

Another reason to visit Simcoe County. The Villager • www.villagernews.ca

Washago. Relax – and eat. Whether you live in the area, or you’re just passing through, consider the Washago area as a place worthy of visiting, especially for recreation and great food. Free and fun Washago Centennial Park has everything. It’s a beautiful welltreed park that sits on the north end of Lake Couchiching. Facilities you’ll find: a public boat launch, a beach, benches and picnic tables, a huge covered gazebo, children’s playground, outdoor adult exercise equipment, a (bicycle) pump track, observation decks, a walking track, ball diamonds and a fenced in dog park. Free parking and washroom facilities. Residents, cottagers and visitors can bring a picnic or plan to get some great takeout food from one of the following restaurants or shops. Food, food and more food… If you live or cottage in the eastern portion of Severn, or are traveling on Highway 11 north of Orillia, or vice versa, there are a surprising number of places to eat. Tourists like to stop at Webers/ Starbucks but if you are looking for something new and different, stay in your car for another 4 minutes and exit at Washago/Simcoe County Rd. 169. You’ll find several terrific spots on Muskoka Street, the main drag in this village: • R Cottage, a beautiful homespun eatery, licensed with LLBO, with dine-in or takeout, fresh menu daily; • Kim’s Kitchen, featuring Canadian menu till 1 p.m. and fresh Korean until 8 p.m., dine-in or takeout. There’s more. • Canoe has a full line of groceries and meat as well as takeout rotisserie chicken, pizza, deli food, salads, freshly-made sandwiches and a bakery and coffee bar; • Scoopz ice cream bar features a huge selection Kawartha Dairy products, gluten free choices, and ice cream cakes. Other nearby restaurants: • Lock 42 Grill with a variety of freshly prepared meals, licensed with LLBO, is adjacent to Lock 42 on the Severn Waterway is accessible by water or road; • Captains Grill, only a couple of minutes off Highway 11 at the north end of Orillia, is licensed, has a large outdoor patio and ample indoor seating. They serve a variety of breakfast menu items and are known for their burgers, fish & chips. All restaurants/shops have either Facebook pages or websites.

Own a local business? Want more customers?

Our readers depend on Villager advertisers for information about local services and shops. Start adding some of them to your customer list by advertising your business on these pages. Copy writing and graphic design assistance. Call us or email for details: 705-717-0322 • thevillagerpress@rogers.com

FULL-TIME

CHIROPRACT SERVICES

Physiotherapy, Massage Therapy, Chiropractic & Acupuncture We are grateful for the support of our community. Our full line of services is provided by highly-trained, experienced professionals for injuries or accidents, arthritis, repetitive strain, post & pre-op, chronic pain, therapeutic and relaxation massage and more. Our personal trainer is also offering exercise classes on evenings and weekends. Call for more details.

Visit JunctionRehabilitation.com

for a complete list of services & online booking

OR CALL 705-796-3877 7550 Rama Rd., just a few minutes outside Washago

The Villager • www.villagernews.ca

Relax and enjoy your time away from your cottage or home!

SECURITY • MAINTENANCE • CLEAN UP

Darren Rutledge 416-527-0507 rutledge.dt@gmail.com RutledgeCottageService.com

• BOOKKEEPING

• ACCOUNTING

• FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

• PAYROLL

www.greenriverbookkeeping.com

705-689-9595

info@greenriverbookkeeping.com

TWIN MAPLES FARM

WEDDINGS • WAGON RIDES • SLEIGH RIDES

WANTED: HOUSE IN WASHAGO AREA Couple from southern Ontario looking to purchase a home privately in the Washago area. We are looking for a home on 1-1½ acres with 2-3 bedrooms. A garage is a must. Pictures would be appreciated!

Please email sandmhamilton@hotmail.com or call 1-519-442-6321

705-689-0182

Christine Jameson: christine@twinmaplesfarm.ca

BOARD YOUR DOG OR SMALL ANIMAL NO KENNEL. NO CRATE.

Stay safe & healthy!

We are designated as an essential business. See us for your homecare, mobility and other needs.

We are here to help with COVID-19: Gloves • Wipes • Masks • Hand Sanitizer OPEN Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm

SALES • SERVICE • RENTALS • www.homecomfortcare.ca

Gravenhurst 705-687-3890

Bracebridge 705-646-8846

tracy maday

3435 Timberline Ave Severn L3V 0V8 quality cuts

The Villager • www.villagernews.ca

Huntsville 705-788-3810

705-514-0068 & shaves

BayouBarber.ca

We’ll keep your pet happy and safe at our large house on 6 acres of fenced property. Young or old. Special needs accepted.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS Up-to-date Advantage application required.

REFERENCES PROVIDED OVERNIGHT OR WEEKLY RATES

705-689-6246 • frogpond@xplornet.ca

No Water?

New Installations and Repairs on Wells and Lake Draw Systems Pump & Electric Motor Repairs Call RICK Today

Septic Pumping and Cleaning

Just Fix It 705-689-RICK (7425)

Over 27 Years Experience

Licensed by Ministry of Natural Resources

Better Value Plumbing & Heating Inc. • For all your plumbing and hydronic needs •

Beau Repairs Working for SENIORS

705-689-6676

(689-NORM)

“Proudly serving the local community.”

“Little Jobs, Little Prices” Board Fence & Deck Repairs - Plumbing - Odd Jobs

Free Estimates

705-330-5182

Support is available for Local Business to

START, GROW & SUCCEED If you currently own a business, are planning to start a new one, or looking at expansion or innovation, the Orillia Area Community Development Corp., known as the CDC, provides counselling, training & funding to local businesses. Severn Township is included in their service area, as are Oro-Medonte, Ramara, Chippewas of Rama First Nation and Orillia. Loans: using a unique perspective because the CDC is local, they support a wide variety of ideas and ventures and offer flexible investments that meet local applicants’ needs. Buying or selling a business: through Bizlink, the CDC helps entrepreneurs confidently move forward in the transition process. Workshops: professional development is a key component of the CDC’s business support services. Workshops are relevant and valuable learning opportunities. Grants: applications are available online for grants through the CDC’s Community Capacity Building Fund.

Family Owned & Operated

Serving Simcoe County & Muskoka

705-205-0713 sales@washagoplumbing.com

DeWilde Arts

and Engravings

SIGNS

Business Signs • Advertising Signs Property Signs • Information Signs Custom Decals • Logos & Sign Designs

705-325-4903 • www.orilliacdc.com

1002 Joseph Place Severn Bridge, ON leon.brits.73

289.300.0735 dewildeartz@gmail.com

The Villager • www.villagernews.ca

18 Email your community event information to: thevillagerpress@rogers.com

August 4 The annual Trans March is back this year. Gather at 6 p.m. at Kiwanis Skate Park at the southern edge of Couchiching Beach Park. This year’s theme is ‘Protect Trans Youth, Protect Trans Elders’. All trans and gender-diverse people, their friends, families and allies are welcome to march. August 5 & 6 Steampunk Festival returns to Coldwater. Get your Steampunk costumes ready and travel back in time with your fellow festival attendees – or have one of the best people-watching experiences ever. Visit the booths of talented artisans, enjoy live music, drop by the wonderful Coldwater shops – and eat your way from one end of the village to the other. See details on their Facebook page or go to: www.steampunkfestivalcoldwater.com

August 9 Ukulele Jam in the Orillia Library courtyard, 6:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. All skill levels welcome. No registration required. Bring your own lawn chair. Rain date August 16. Hosted by the Sunshine Ukulele Network. August 13 22nd Annual Classic Car Show in downtown Orillia. 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Over 400 classic cars line the downtown streets. Live entertainment, great dining and shopping. Visit www.downtownorillia.ca/events August 14 & 28 Sunday evening Band Concerts in the newly renovated Rotary Aqua Theatre. 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Big band sounds brought to the scenic beach area of Lake Couchiching. Concerts are free to the public. Free parking. Hosted by the City of Orillia. Visit www.orillia.ca/events for more details.

August 5-7 Orillia Waterfront Festival – in-water new and used boat show and sale. Late season opportunity to buy or sell. Featuring entertainment, food, August 27 & 28 vendor market. Dock diving contest; hilarious cardboard boat race August Rama Powwow, one of the biggest and best powwows in Ontario. All 7th. Presented by Orillia District Chamber of Commerce. www.orillia.com are welcome. Held on Chippewas of Rama First Nation territory at the John Snake Memorial Community Multi-Purpose Grounds. Grand Entry August 6, 13, 20, 27 August 27 at noon and 6:30 p.m.; and August 28 at 12:30 p.m. $10/ Music at the Port of Orillia. Bring your folding chair and come to the Port of day. $15/weekend pass. Kids under 12, seniors and veterans are free. Orillia for music every Saturday evening from 7:30-9:00 p.m. This is a free www.ramafirstnation.ca. event, including free parking. Presented by the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce. www.orillia.com

LAKE COUNTRY CONTRACTING & SUPPLY Dependable high-quality work at reasonable prices tomers Our Cus ays #1 are Alw

DRIVEWAYS • PATIOS LANDSCAPING • RETAINING WALLS WATERFRONT BREAKWALLS NATURAL STONE FEATURES TREE STUMP REMOVAL

TRASH BIN STORAGE LOCKERS

New Patients Welcome!

Washago Family Dentistry Dr. Debra Shoniker

d 16

9 Rama Rd

Cou nty R

Street

Muskoka

Hamilt on

8291 County Rd. 169, Washago • 705-689-6600 • Exams • Cleanings • Sport Mouth Guards • Night Guards • Whitening • Mild Sedation (nitrous oxide/laughing gas)

The Villager • www.villagernews.ca

• Bonding • Veneers • Crowns • Bridges • Implants • Dentures

$895 each

Attractive wood storage lockers, perfect for housing the new large-sized trash, recycling and compost bins at the street.

For a free estimate, please call 705-818-0873 We return all phone calls. Visit www.LakeCountryContracting.ca

Located in the heart of Cumberland Beach!

9095 Hwy.11 North

just off the highway at the Highview Ave. exit.

Call us today 705-826-3136

Fax: 705-826-3130 cumberlandbeachpharmacy@gmail.com www.pharmasave.com Terry Fox Memorial Statue at Mile Zero in Victoria, BC. © Can Stock Photo Inc. / bornin54

Terry Fox Run If you have participated in a Terry Fox Run in past years, you will remember the feeling of comradery as participants gather at the Terry Fox Circle in Couchiching Beach Park meeting old friends and new; talking about a loved one who has cancer or someone you’ve lost; many tears and hugs; and the general feeling of doing something very worthwhile. The Orillia Terry Fox Run organizers hope you and new participants join them this year. The event was inspired by Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope run across Canada which started on April 12th, 1980. A cancer survivor with an artificial leg, Terry ran an average of 42 km each day, every day for 143 days for a total of 5,373 km. Tragically, he became ill during the run. He was forced to stop his run just outside of Thunder Bay and died on June 28th the following year, leaving Canada in mourning and inspiring the beginning of the Terry Fox Run that same year, a run that now takes place in over 60 countries. In Canada, approximately 650 communities host a run every year. Over the past 42 years, a staggering $850 million has been raised in his memory. This year’s local run takes place at Couchiching Beach Park in Orillia on September 18th. Participants may run, walk, bicycle or use assisted mobility devices. The way the distance is covered is not important. Neither is finishing the distance signed up to walk or run. The fundraising is what’s important. There are several ways to raise money and/or help the organizers with this important event: participate in the run as an individual and pledge a specific amount; create or join a team and collect pledges from friends, family, neighbours and colleagues; donate to an individual or a team; donate directly to the local run; become a sponsor of your local event; or volunteer to help the organizers prepare or manage throughout the day. Have a look at www.terryfox.org for complete details and other ideas about how you can help.

Store Services: • Prescription Transfers – Quick & Easy • Major Drug Plans Accepted • Immunizations & Injection Services** • Compliance Packaging • Rewards Program*** • Compounding • Medication Reviews • Free Local Delivery* * See store for details. ** See pharmacy for details on which vaccines and injections are being administered. *** See store for details on Rewards Program. Issuance provided on front store purchases only.

For Your Shopping Needs: • Over-the-counter Medications • Greeting Cards • Stationery • M&M Meats & Desserts • Toys • Gifts • Reading Glasses • Pop & Ice Cream • And more!

We are an OLG location!

The Villager • www.villagernews.ca

Custom Orders Available BEEF, CHICKEN & PORK

FRESH SALMON AVAILABLE!

Fresh Vegetables & Fruit Create a great meal with a variety of produce!

Take-out Sandwiches

Freshly prepared • Ask for panini press

Also PIZZA & SALADS!

Freshly Brewed! Serving only our Premium

Muskoka Roastery Coffee Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, Shag Fog, Chai Tea Latte, Green Tea Latte All take-out cups are biodegradable.

CANOE BAKERY & CAFÉ

• Breads, rolls, pies, butter tarts, squares, muffins, bagels, meat pies and more! • Enjoy a coffee and sweet take-out. The Villager • www.villagernews.ca