The Villager - August 2023

Back And Better Than Ever

By Courtney Baker

Hello Villagers! The Couchiching Conservancy is very happy to be back within these superb pages.

During our sabbatical from The Villager, The Conservancy’s work continued at a gallop. The spring and summer field seasons have been bursting with the good work of staff and volunteers who brave rain and mosquitoes to study reptiles, salamanders, frogs, water quality and Monarch butterflies. These people are the ones taking the pulse of our planet, our region and our neighbourhoods.

Since we last appeared in the Villager, The Conservancy hosted an outstanding Garden Challenge and raised over $36,000 for conservation! It was an inspiring achievement and the bond created by participants softened the blow that followed as the province was plunged into an eerie, acrid world of wildfire smoke. It served as a stern reminder; the climate crisis is ever-present and accelerating the promotion of nature based solutions is a vital defense.

If you have never heard of ‘Nature Based Climate Solutions’ they are one of the sharpest tools we have in the Climate Crisis box. It means to protect, restore and

manage nature in such a way that provides a dual benefit, the first is expected: trees absorbing carbon, peatlands storing carbon, wetlands filtering water, the list feels infinite. These are the things existing in nature that we can use to temper the effects that the climate crisis is thundering through our lives: smoke, heavy rains, drought and more, even recently resulting in the seven hottest days in the last 100,000 years. Yes, you read that right. Some analysis found this chilling trend between July 1st and 7th.

The second benefit is provided to biodiversity. The Anthropocene (current epoch defined by human activities) is expected to bring rates of extinction unmatched for 65 million years. Nature based climate solutions create space for nature and give respite from not only unpredictable and extreme weather events but also provide home and habitat to save species from extinction.

The data is clear, if you support humanity thriving one thousand years from now, you must support nature based climate solutions. You must support conservation.

The fortunate news that shines out of the muck is that there are so many

organizations working toward nature based climate solutions including your local land trust, The Couchiching Conservancy.

Protecting habitat is the ultimate nature based solution. In one fell swoop it protects the mechanisms that absorb and store greenhouse gases and filter our water, and provides habitat for the species that need shelter from the storm; if a bright future is your aim, support The Couchiching Conservancy in our endeavors. We are currently in hot pursuit of a beautiful 416 acre parcel in the Carden Alvar. The campaign to protect this globally rare habitat, the species that call it home, the wetland that filters our water and the trees there that clean the air is called the Corridors Campaign. We would welcome you to learn more and donate by visiting our website.

www.couchichingconserv.ca

Courtney Baker is Office and Acquisition Coordinator at The Couchiching Conservancy, a local land trust dedicated to protecting nature for future generations.

Photo by Toby Rowland. An endangered monarch butterfly enjoying its milkweed habitat.

Publishers

Jiun Liao and Mikaila Bolzonello

Art Director

Marleen Walz

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From The Publishers

Mornings are getting chillier, you can almost smell the Autumn breeze in the air. It’s always a season of new beginnings and renewals, isn’t it? And here at The Villager Magazine, we are in perfect sync with that spirit.

Let’s start by taking you back through the memory lane. Remember when you’d eagerly wait for your monthly issue of The Villager? When turning those pages was like catching up with an old friend who always had interesting tales to share? We do too.

That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that The Villager is going back to print this September! We’ve stayed away from the crisp paper and ink scent for a while. But we understand how much our readers valued curling up on their favorite armchair with our physical copies. We’ll announce the pick up locations soon.

We’ve also been working tirelessly behind-the-scenes on a project that has our adrenaline pumping and hearts racing - The all-new Villager website! villagermagazine.ca

We live in an age where diversity is celebrated, choices are endless, and customization is key. Different strokes for different folks - right?

Our online presence is not just about reaching out to more readers (although that’s part of it). It’s about serving each reader better – whether they prefer flipping through crisp pages or swiping smoothly on their device screens.

We’ve listened to your feedback over these last couple of months, mulled over them obsessively (totally me), and integrated them into this digital extension of ours. It’s designed to keep you in mind –your needs, desires, worldview…

But let’s not forget about something crucial here — You see, through my years working in the marketing world, I’ve learned that customers aren’t created equal.

While some readers may bask in nostalgia associated with our print editions; others may revel in the convenience & immediacy of our digital version.

The new website isn’t just another phase in our journey; rather think of it as us evolving with time yet staying true to our roots; embracing change without losing sight of what makes The Villager great.

This September is going to be monumental and transformative for all us at The Villager. Can’t wait for all you lovely folks to see what we’ve been burning the midnight oil over!

Until then, Happy Reading!

- Jiun (and Mikaila)

The Rythm Of The 2023 Mariposa Folk Festival

By Mikaila Bolzonello

In the heart of summer, as the warm breezes sweep across Lake Couchiching, music enthusiasts from all corners of the globe collect in Orillia to partake in a celebration like no other - the venerable Mariposa Folk Festival.

This year’s festival, held between July 7th and 9th, was nothing short of a resounding success. The iconic event promised an invigorating mix of music, artistry and culture that left attendees completely enraptured.

A Star-Studded Lineup

The roster this year was a delightful blend of virtuosos and promising newcomers as well as varying genres of music for every generation including:

• A Sharon, Lois & Bram Singalong with Sharon

• Teegan and Sarah

• The Trews Acoustic

• Not to mention tributes to the late and great Gordon Lightfoot who spent many years involved in the festival.

A Kaleidoscope Of Workshops

Alongside exceptional music performances were a variety of workshops catering to every imaginable interest:

• Yoga by the water with Rebecca Bolden

• Ring making with copper and silver-plated wire with Lucya Almeida

• Sound healing with Juniper Moon

• Singing and storytelling with Jeff Monague

• And so much more!

These interactive experiences were truly enchanting and served to encourage attendees’ artistic growth while promoting cultural inclusivity.

Food And Artisans Galore

A plethora of food trucks offered mouth-watering delicacies from around the world. Whether you craved wood-oven pizza or samosas, there was something for everyone.

Artisan booths lined up across Tudhope Park displaying beautiful handmade crafts: jewelry; wooden toys; paintings depicting Canadian landscapes; tie-dyed clothing - each piece narrated its own story about Canada’s rich tradition and heritage.

Promoting Sustainability

This year’s festival took strides towards sustainability by introducing eco-friendly initiatives like compostable serving ware for food vendors and encouraging carpooling to reduce carbon emissions. These green practices exemplified Mariposa’s commitment to preserving our planet while hosting an unforgettable event.

As we bid adieu to yet another successful edition of the Mariposa Folk Festival, we can’t help but anticipate what next year will bring. The festival is more than just a gathering; it is a symbol that unites us all through culture, creativity, community spirit…and yes—legendary folk music!

Here’s to looking forward — see you at Mariposa Folk Festival 2024!

Checking the Pulse of our Real Estate Market

...HERE IS THE BEAT...

Average sale prices of homes in Severn Township have fluctuated over the past 4 years. The month of JUNE has shown a continued increase in value.

The following outlines monthly Real Estate Market’s sale price information* based on residential free-hold, non-waterfront properties:

The Elegant Dance of Ink on Paper

By Jiun Liao

Iwas scrolling through social media the other day, and I stumbled across a video of someone writing on a piece of paper with a fountain pen. I barely even remembered they were called fountain pens, that’s how long ago it was since I saw one. But as soon as the video started, I found myself completely mesmerized.

All there was to see in the video was the pen and the paper—no faces or colourful backgrounds. The hand started moving and you could see the ink cascading down the tip of the pen and onto the paper. Each stroke was careful and intentional, moving up and down, adorning and connecting letters together throughout its journey while leaving details like crossing t’s and dotting i’s until the end.

The ink slowly changed colour to a dark rich blue as the ink dried, leaving behind a beautiful quote in cursive at the end of the two minute video.

“Love is like the wind, you can’t see it but you can feel it”

A quote from the very popular novelist and screenwriter, Nicholas Sparks. All this took place against a backdrop of classical music playing softly in the background—a seamless experience from start to finish.

Cursive writing, dear reader, is an elegant dance of ink on paper. It’s a timeless skill that has been somewhat overshadowed by the rise of digital devices and keyboard typing.

Wise souls have argued for a renaissance for a long time—a revival of cursive writing within the educational curriculum. They acknowledge its inherent value amid our technologically advanced world and promote harmonious coexistence between digital literacy and writing skills—an elegant balance between tradition and progress.

But why?

With Ontario officially bringing back cursive writing to schools this September, I thought I would take some time and look at some of the research behind this seemingly forgotten style of writing. What is the value of bringing it back?

A study from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) provides some fascinating insights into the

merits of cursive writing in children’s cognitive development. One significant aspect is its ability to refine our motor skills. The delicate coordination required to seamlessly connect each letter cultivates a unique level of hand-eye dexterity. These intricate movements not only enhance penmanship but also spill over into other areas of learning, sparking a cascade of advantages that are far-reaching.

That’s not all—cognitive psychology research suggests that jotting down notes by hand, particularly in cursive, helps students learn more effectively. When we engage in the graceful act of forming words with our own hands, we activate different regions of the brain responsible for motor control and memory formation. This profound engagement paves the way for heightened comprehension and recall—a veritable fountain of knowledge!

According to another enlightening study on ResearchGate, early exposure to manuscript-cursive styles has shown positive effects on children’s literacy development as well. The continuity offered by connecting letters together can aid students’ spelling abilities in their early stages—further proof that introducing cursive handwriting at an early age can be beneficial.

Aside from cognitive benefits, cursive handwriting provides ample opportunity for self-expression and individuality in written communication. Each flourish and loop adds a personal touch—a stroke of personality that sets us apart from the crowd. This aesthetic charm lends itself beautifully to personal correspondence or artistic pursuits - making each piece unique and personal.

Additionally, there’s something quite magical about being able to read historical documents written in

cursive script—giving us access to history imprinted within ancient manuscripts or classic literature pieces. By mastering this style, we gain entry into the annals of history—an open invitation to uncover insights hidden within those intricate strokes from long ago.

In essence, what these numerous studies show us is that cursive writing is far more than a beautiful form— it’s an invaluable tool aiding holistic development: refining motor skills; enhancing learning; boosting memory retention; fostering creativity; nurturing individuality; bridging past and present; connecting us with our cultural heritage.

So let us not forsake this timeless craft but embrace it alongside our digital endeavours—a marriage of tradition and innovation that will set us apart in this ever-evolving world. Let’s cherish its potential today so future generations may also appreciate its beauty tomorrow—the kinetic poetry created when one simply takes pen to paper.

Research papers used to write the article: www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/ fpsyg.2020.01810/full

www.ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/northeast/ AskAREL/Response/51

www.researchgate.net/publication/279506206_ The_Effects_of_Manuscript_Cursive_or_ ManuscriptCursive_Styles_on_Writing_ Development_in_Grade_2

By Chef Becky

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup mixed nuts

• 1/4 cup sultana raisins

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

• 1/4 dried currants

• 12 dried apricots/peach

• 1-2 lbs various sliced deli meats (prosciutto, salami, smoked meats)

• 1-2 lb of different cheeses (Must be non-crumbly to hold on the skewer)

• 12 breadsticks

• 12 large kalamata or stuffed green olives (not pitted)

• 12 decorative skewers (rosemary stems can also be used)

• Mini mason jars

• Pansies, chives or other cut flowers for garnish

METHOD:

• Mix nuts and dried fruit in a bowl. Fold meat to fit onto the skewer, alternating varieties of meats if desired and end with a piece of your selected cheese cut out.

• Next, distribute equal amounts of the nut mixture into each jar. Drop in olives and apricots accordingly.

• Place a skewer and a breadstick into each jar. Garnish as per your liking.

And there you have it - easy peasy! This versatile recipe goes great as an appetizer at BBQs alongside your chilled beverage of choice. For vegetarians, replace the meat with roasted beets and artichokes.

230 Coldwater Rd. W., Orillia, ON L3V 3M2

Heather Howe

Sales & Marketing Manager

T 705-325-7300 C 705-345-7245

heather.howe@atriumretirement.ca www.atriumretirement.ca

DESIGN STUDIO FOR

Chef Becky Lennerton is proprietor of Black River Food Company and the innkeeper at Sir William Mackenzie Inn, Kirkfield, Ontario.

Market Watch

By Mikaila Bolzonello

We are well into the third quarter of the year already! The start of the year brought nervousness and fear for many people as they tried to gauge what would come of the real estate market in 2023. The market itself has changed quite a bit over the last year which leaves many people feeling uncertain about what to expect or whether they should pull the trigger and move forward on their next real estate adventure.

So, as we close Q2 of 2023 let’s take a look at the real estate market from April to June and how it performed in Oro-Medonte, Severn, Orillia and Ramara.

The ‘Spring Market’ peaked in May and is now leveling off for summer, which is typical for this area. Home sales generally will pick up again as we transition into Fall when kids are back in school and routine for many people settles in once more.

Our list price to sale price ratio hovered consistently between 98%-99%. This means that Sellers were receiving pretty close to what they were asking. What this data doesn’t take into account are the homes that did not sell right away and ended up canceling their listing in order to re-list it at a lower price point. This ratio would encompass the Seller receiving 98%-99% of that lower price point and not 98%-99% of their original list price.

We saw a 7.8% decrease in average sale price from April to June which is affected by many external factors one of which being mortgage rates and Buyer affordability. With rates continuing to increase, Buyers will continue to feel the financial squeeze

making it more difficult for them to qualify for homes they may have formerly been approved for.

CDOM, or cumulative days on market, tracks how long a property has been on the market regardless of whether it was canceled or expired and then re-listed. It gives a more comprehensive look at the total length of time a property was on the market before it sold. Interestingly, our average CDOM is trending down. We have gone from an average of 53 days for your home to sell in April to 36 days to sell in June signifying there is a demand for homes in the area and there are many serious buyers looking. This can also be related to mortgage rate increases as people hurry to purchase before rates are increased, further limiting their purchasing power.

Overall, the real estate market is active and homes are selling. I find that we have forgotten what an average, more balanced market looks like since the years during the pandemic were so chaotic.

As with any set of statistics, these are averages for our general area. I encourage you to check in with your trusted realtor for details on your specific area if you have questions regarding a future purchase or sale.

Mikaila Bolzonello is a Real Estate Broker with Exit Realty True North. Data Source: Barrie & District Association of Realtors.

Harvest Memories At The Ramona Hall Agricultural Society

By Liz Gow - President of Ramona Hall Agricultural Society

Whether you’ve been in the Washago area for a long time, a little while, or are just new, we hope that you’ve heard about us at the Ramona Hall Agricultural Society.

We are a not for profit organization and a member of the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS). Located at 2212 Fairgrounds Rd, Washago, which is just outside of Washago, off of Hwy 169, in Ramara Township.

Our hall and fairgrounds have hosted a variety of different events/functions over the past decades.

One of our main events is the Fall Fair which has been taking place since 1890. It is held on the third weekend of September and involves a horseshoe tournament on the Friday evening, followed by a full day of activities on the Saturday. Agricultural competitions take place, with a barn in the back for livestock, and the hall houses the balance of the exhibits, for both judging and display. Fall Fair books, to explain all categories, can be viewed on our website. Fun activities and delicious food are available throughout the day and finishes with a Light and Heavy Horse pull competition.

Our second major event is Winterfest, typically held on the Saturday of Family Day long weekend in February. There is a Poker Run, held on a five km groomed trail near the Ramona Hall, where you can walk, snowshoe or cross country ski. Inside the hall there is a Euchre Tournament. Prizes are awarded for both. Also inside the hall there is a Silent Auction and delicious food. Additionally, we have a Fall Bazaar and

a Christmas Market, where lots of goodies, crafts and great food are available. Santa is also known to pop in at the latter. Occasionally we make our fairgrounds available for a Community Yard Sale. Ongoing throughout the year, we have organized dinners, such as our delicious Fish & Chips, and our hall is available for various private functions.

We enjoy being a vital part of the community and rely heavily on volunteers. If you are interested in learning more about us, check out our website; www.ramonahall. ca or email us at info.ramonahall@gmail. com. Also follow us on Facebook, Ramona Hall Agricultural Society, for our posts. We look forward to seeing you at the 2023 Fall Fair on September 15 & 16.

Community Events

Jun 30 - Sep 2 : See You on the Patio

Every Friday and Saturday nights from June 30 – September 2, join downtown Orillia as the restaurant patios extend out on to the streets starting at 6pm. Participating restaurants: Eclectic Cafe, The Common Stove, Kenzington Burger Bar, Lucky Labrador, Sanafir, Brewery Bay, Rustica Pizza Vino, Tre Sorelle, PICNIC, Provenance Wine Bar.

Aug 2 - Ongoing: Music at Quayle’s Brewery

Enjoy live music throughout the summer! Address: 4567 Line 12 N, Coldwater, ON L0K 1E0 www.quaylesbrewery.ca

Aug 2: St. James’ Wednesday Summer Recitals - Marshall Martin

Organist, par excellence from St. Andrew’s at noon. 58 Peter Street North. office@stjamesorillia.com | www.stjamesorillia.com

Aug 5 : Passport to Nature- Paddle Party on The Black River

Led by Phil Careless, enjoy a paddle from the Rosebush Landing to the foot of Ragged Rapids and back. Bring your own canoe or kayak. Bring a lunch to snack on at Ragged Rapids. From 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. Ron Reid Nature Reserve, Washago, L0K 2B0. Ticket site: Eventbrite

Aug 5, 6, 8, 15, 22 : Matilda The Musical

The Tony Award winning Matilda The Musical will delight children and adults alike with the story of a special girl with an extraordinary imagination. Presented by Duck Soup. $25 per person. Orillia Opera House, 20 Mississaga St W. www.orilliaoperahouse.ca

Aug 5, 12, 19, & 26 : Hawaiian Luau and Show

Enjoy a great dinner and an incredible interactive luau show by the Hawaiian Dance Company of Toronto. Wear your favourite Hawaiian shirts and luau gear and get some great pictures! From 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm. $40 per person. Sunken Ship Tropical Bar & Tiki Lounge, 83 Mississaga St. West, Orillia. www.sunkenshiptikibar.com

Aug 9 : St. James’ Wednesday Summer Recitals - John & Susan Smith Soothing Celtic harp & clarinet at noon. 58 Peter Street North. Contact: office@stjamesorillia.com, 705-325-2742 | www.stjamesorillia.com

Aug 10 - Aug 13 : Boots and Hearts

Annual country music festival featuring artists like Nickelback, Keith Urban and Tim McGraw. Location: Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, Oro-Medonte. www.bootsandhearts.com/tickets

Aug 12 : The Magical World of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Join us on main street and step into the pages of your favourite fantasy novels for the day. Start off with being sorted into your house and pick up your house badge with your Wizarding Map. Experience A Forbidden Forest, hunt for Horcruxes and refresh yourself with Butter Beer. From 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Main Street Coldwater.

Aug 16 : St. James’ Wednesday Summer Recitals - Rebecca Campbell, Gary Curran, Marney Curran

A delightful musical combo featuring vocals, tenor and piano at noon. 58 Peter Street North. office@stjamesorillia.com | 705-325-2742 | www.stjamesorillia.com

Aug 19 : 23rd Annual Classic Car Show in Downtown Orillia

A collection of over 300 classic cars will line the Downtown streets of Orillia with live entertainment, dining and shopping from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. We know that you will enjoy the live music and activities taking place throughout the day.

Aug 20 : Passport to Nature- Fascinating Forests

You will learn about different forest regions and types of forests, and how to identify local trees using several traits. We will discuss the biology of trees, the interconnected nature of forest ecosystems, and the importance of biodiversity. From 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. Adams Nature Reserve 1900 Cooper’s Falls Road Washago, ON L0K 2B0 Ticket site : Eventbrite

Aug 20 : SUP n’ SIP at Fare

Enjoy a guided paddle excursion on Lake Couchiching then head to FARE for drinks/apps on scenic patio overlooking Old Brewery Bay starting at 2:00 pm. Sunrise Yoga Studio, Orillia, ON L3V7H7. Board rentals require reservation online or RSVP to info@sunriseyogastudio.ca to BYO-board. Canoes/kayaks welcome.

Aug 26-27 : Rama Powwow

Rama Powwow is one of the biggest and best powwows in Ontario. Gates open at around 10:00 am. Held on Chippewas of Rama First Nation territory, at the John Snake Memorial Community Multi-Purpose Grounds. Cost is $10/day $15/weekend pass; free for kids under 12, seniors, handicapped, or veterans. Pay at gate.

Aug 30 : St. James’ Wednesday Summer Recitals - Wilhelmina Tiemersma

An “original” organist, a regular summer artist at St. James’. Starts at noon. 58 Peter Street North. office@stjamesorillia.com | 705-325-2742 | www.stjamesorillia.com

Aug 30 : True Rodeo – Sol Concert Series

villagermagazine.ca/events

True Rodeo is taking the Sol Stage with an awesome tribute. Sit back, close your eyes, and experience those great Blue Rodeo songs and those great feelings again. Listen as they play live on the Après Patio from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Horseshoe Resort, Barrie, ON, L4M 4Y8. www.horseshoeresort.com/events/

For more events happening this month make sure to visit our digital calendar

Enjoying the Faux Frame art now on display along Muskoka Street in Washago?

Pre-bids are now being accepted in the Art Gallery of Washago Thursday to Sunday 11am to 4pm.

The final live auc �on will take place

Saturday August 26 th at the Washago Community Centre star �ng at 2pm.

This is the chance to take home your favorite piece.

Drop by early to enjoy a 1pm art show and sale

*Live Music and light refreshments *

---Brought to you by the Washago Art Club ---

Washago Community Centre: 3461 Hamilton St.

Art Gallery Of Washago: behind 3380 Muskoka St.