December 2015
Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year!
Paul Cleary B.B.A.
BROKER
Help for your business . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Call
The Villager’s Christmas . . . . . . 13-18
Visit
705-327-6002
paulcleary.com
Recreation in Severn.. . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Community Happenings . . . . . 26,27
“No-one has ever become poor by giving.” By Ellen Cohen
– Anne Frank
In a few weeks, most of us will wake up on Christmas morning to be with our family and friends, eager to gather by the tree and open presents. We’ll sit around in our pj’s, sip hot coffee, and feel comfort and joy. But, as we all know, there are so many men, women and children who may not have the same experience: the unemployed or working poor; seniors with limited incomes; families with unwell children needing extra care. The list goes on. Thankfully, the Christmas season brings out the best in all of us. There are many kind and generous township residents who donate regularly to worthy causes, eager to help people who have so little. But as the Christmas spirit grips us and we get ready to write a cheque, how do we choose what agency to support? A quick search on ‘father Google’ brings up dozens of social service agencies, food banks and toy drives. Some agencies distribute by region while others are hyperlocal and will apply your donation directly to someone in your neighbourhood. Regardless, the choices are endless and the need is great. The Villager has compiled a short list of agencies that you might consider. The list may be informative for those who are able
Donations of cash, toys and clothing are needed by dozens of organizations across the region. Photo © Can Stock Photo Inc. / McIninch to donate, or these organizations may be able to help you or someone you know. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone! SIMCOE COUNTY CHILDREN’S AID, recently renamed Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions, has been serving this community since 1894. Among many others services, they protect children who have suffered abuse or neglect; offer guidance, counseling and referral services to families; and arrange treatment services for children in their care. In our neighbourhood there are children and their families or caregivers who need our help. In my experience, this agency is
Banking profits are on the rise at YOUR expense. FIGHT BACK!!! We offer 5-year variable rate Mortgages AS LOW AS
2.15%.
Home Equity Line of Credit • New Home, Rental Property & Cottage Purchase New Construction Financing • Self-Employed Income Rates OAC & subject to change.
prepared to direct your donation directly to a local child or family in need. Children and their families or caregivers will receive Christmas gifts, clothing, gas and grocery gift certificates and other assistance. For more information about donating, or to receive help, contact the Simcoe Country Children’s Aid at 1-800-461-4235. THE GREEN HAVEN SHELTER FOR WOMEN is another well-respected agency in our region and one that, unfortunately, needs more Continued on page 7
705.326.8523 markgoode.ca mark@markgoode.ca
180 Memorial Ave., Orillia
3
Local Rotarian helps to build Cambodian school Washago Rotarian, Peter Keith jumped at the chance to help build a much needed school in the very poor, rural village of Daunleb in Cambodia. The opportunity arose when the Washago Rotary Club was told that the Rotary Club of Barrie-Kempenfelt had organized travel to Cambodia and they welcomed anyone that wanted to help. Led by Mike and Mary Anne Kinsey, the purpose of the trip was to help construct an 8 metre x 12 metre brick and cement school. A very rudimentary building, when finished it would also house the teacher and his/her family. Peter said that volunteers, each of whom pays all of their own expenses including travel, were told that even if they had no experience, never even picked up a shovel, there would be basic training and instruction throughout the building project. He said that he is a jack of all trades and master of none, so he definitely qualified. However, he added, the volunteer leaders were true to their word. From the initial digging and passing of buckets of cement, to frame construction, unloading and installation of bricks, to the finishing work of painting, there was enough supervision to ensure a well-built school finished in only one month. “It was hard work, and hot,” said Peter. The temperature was usually around 35 degrees Celsius and it was always sunny. “Except for
Happy local children, waiting for their new school to be built are shown with Peter Keith, Washago Rotarian and official photographer, Samantha Burtt. a tarped shelter we constructed, there was enable the children to get to school from no shade.” He added that the team worked quite a distance away, the bikes are used by very well together and the time went very their families for travel to local markets. Congratulations to all of the volunteers quickly. And, of course, throughout the construction period, they all thought about who made this very special project a reality. the children and how excited they would be to have a school. The trip ended with a grand opening ceremony. The construction volunteer group was joined by the Rotary Wheels for Learning who, on behalf of donors, gave the children and their families a total of 211 bicycles. Peter, who single-handedly raised money for dozens of Almost finished, the Rotary Club of Barrie-Kempenfelt organized those bicycles, said that the project to build this new school in rural Cambodia. not only do the bicycles
Carpets • Customized Area Rugs • Cork • Bamboo
4 From the Publisher:
In keeping with the season
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, www.cathycleary.tel
This year the ‘season’ in our extraordinarily multicultural country of Canada starts on December 7th and continues until January 1st. There are six major celebrations. What is equally as extraordinary is that although the celebrations are held for entirely different reasons, each of them accomplishes remarkably similar results. Each helps us to take some time for reflection. Each brings families and friends together. And each recognizes something unique about our own beliefs and culture. Depending on what social media postings you read, some say we should recognize everyone’s difference. Others say all Canadians should recognize Christmas, suggesting that “Happy Holidays” is a slight on Christianity. Perhaps there’s some over-sensitivity on both sides. Maybe I don’t understand because my family is so diverse. Some celebrate Hanukah, others Christmas. Some celebrate both. Some celebrate Solstice. I don’t recall anyone in my family being offended by any particular greeting. Why? Because regardless of the greeting we might use, we are simply happy to be with each other. What we’re wishing each other is love and happiness – in keeping with the season. So, if I see you on the street and you say Merry Christmas, I’ll say thank-you. But whether I reply with “Merry Christmas” or with ‘Happy Holidays’, please believe me when I say, regardless of my response, I am wishing that you and your loved ones enjoy whatever celebration you will honour this December. On behalf of the entire team at The Villager, I wish you much love, good health, peace and hope for the New Year. December, 2015 – Celebrations Observed by Our Diverse Canadians December 7-14, Chanukah: In 162 BCE a consecrated oil lamp lasted for 8 days although there was only enough oil for one day. Considered a miracle, Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, celebrates the survival of the Jewish religion. December 8, Bodhi Day: A Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Guatauma experienced enlightenment or Nirvana. Mainstream traditions for Bodhi Day include performing kind acts towards other beings. December 22, Winter Solstice or Yule: Celebrated since ancient Rome, today Yule is recognized by pagans (a person holding religious beliefs other than those of main world religions), Wiccans and Druids and celebrates the rebirth of the sun and the beginning of winter. December 24, Mawlid an Nabi: An Islam celebration, Mawlid an Nabi celebrates the birth of the prophet Muhammad. A day of joy, parades are held around the world. Many observe with a day-long fast and an evening feast. December 25, Christmas: A Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Various countries have a mix of both Christian and secular themes and origins. Western Christians have customs such as gift giving, church services, decorations and lights. December 26 – January 1, Kwanzaa: A week-long celebration honoring African heritage. This holiday was created in the U.S. by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. Kwanzaa is a time to for African descendants to express reverence to the creator, honor ancestors and to celebrate life.
NOTE TO READERS: The Villager will not publish an issue in January, 2016. We will be back to our regular monthly schedule with a February magazine. The deadline for submitting events or booking advertising space in the February issue is January 11, 2016.
Letters to the publisher are welcome and may be emailed to thevillagerpress@rogers.com. Letters may be edited.
A lifeline to local businesses By Randy Lucenti The Orillia Area Community Development Corporation (CDC) has been an integral part of the business landscape in Simcoe County for the past 31 years, assisting more than 40,000 businesses. The CDC is a federally (Industry Canada) supported not-for-profit organization, working with community partners to develop and sustain the local economy through business financing, business counseling and community economic development projects. Although Orillia-based, the CDC office on Peter Street is available to assist businesses throughout the region and it’s a great place for business owners in Severn Township to find a variety of business-related services. Some business owners in our area may not have considered CDC for help with their business ventures but the office in Orillia encourages them to do so.
“We’ve discussed dropping the ‘Orillia Area’ part of our name because we assist not only Orillia, but the townships of Severn, Oro-Medonte and Ramara as well as the Chippewas of Rama First Nation,” explained CDC general manager, Wendy Timpano. The work load at the Orillia CDC is a heavy one. Under the direction of a board of directors, Timpano, five full-time staff and two special project contractors have handed out $23.5 million in loans over the years. They currently assist upwards of 50 businesses each month in a variety of ways. Wendy says the loans are an important part of what they do, especially for new business start-ups. The CDC manages an annual portfolio of $4 million, providing a financial lifeline to many enterprises thanks to its more flexible pay-back options and its custom business-oriented policies. But they also assist business owners with many other services.
In addition to financial assistance, the CDC offers a variety of services to local businesses including workshops, seminars and individual mentoring.
• Professional paint mixing & matching • Extensive inventory of painting supplies
BE PREPARED FOR WINTER WEATHER
We carry a full line of ice melting salts; shovels; scrapers. • COMPETITIVE PRICES ON SNOWBLOWERS •
5
Wendy Timpano has been at the helm of the Orillia Area Community Development Corporation (CDC) since 2010. The CDC has been around for the past 31 years and has assisted more than 40,000 area businesses. “We help with business registrations, business plans, a variety of business related workshops and seminars, as well as mentoring services.” She added that these are just some of the services offered. Business owners can count on the CDC to answer a variety of business-related questions or, at the very least, staff will point business owners in the right direction. Getting a feel for what businesses and business people in the region are thinking and what is on their wish lists is important to the CDC. With that in mind, they have launched BR+E (Business Retention + Expansion), a major project on the local Continued on page 19
6
A musical interlude every Friday night in Washago By Ellen Cohen Hooper’s is a coffee shop, gift shop and art gallery on Muskoka Street in Washago. Phil and Peggy run the shop. They moved here from Innisfil last year and opened Hooper’s in May of 2015. They were both determined to become an asset to their
new community and were eager to offer the village something special, particularly once they experienced the generous support of new neighbours. And that’s how and why their shop has become the place to be on Friday nights. Phil and Peggy offer music lovers the chance to enjoy local or regional singer/ songwriters performing in an intimate but very comfortable venue. Both the performers and the guests enjoy the alcohol free venue. In fact, over the past several months it’s often been standing room only and musicians are normally booked well in advance. In addition to their freshly brewed coffee and their selection of teas, Open Mic Night guests can purchase homemade soups or chili, sandwiches, meat pies, and freshly baked pastries. Performers Jeff Dupuis and Peter Harbocian Phil loves being so linked to his new at Hooper’s Open Mic Night. community. “Peggy and I both love it. We’re
Free Annual
Sunday, December 20 2-3:30 pm at Rotary Place Donations of NEW UNWRAPPED TOYS gratefully accepted
All toys will be distributed through the Orillia Salvation Army.
Open Mic Night is every Friday night at Hooper’s in Washago. Shown above are performers Gwen Dunlop, Kevin MacMillan and Peter Harbocian. open and have to work 7-days a week so we call Open Mic Night our ‘night out in’! It is like having our friends over to our house.” Except for the first two weeks of January when Peggy and Phil will be taking a vacation, Open Mic Night happens every Friday evening. The first Friday of the month is feature performer night. Details about hours and feature performers are posted on Hooper’s Facebook page. Performer CD’s are available for sale at Hooper’s.
If you want to know something about jewelry, talk to the man who makes it.
Custom Designed Jewelry
Over 40 Years Experience
51 Colborne St. E., Orillia 705–327–1616 www.richardsjewelrydesigns.com
Repairs While You Wait
Free Cleaning & Inspection
Free
colate!
Hot Cho
Sponsored by
LEAH C. CAVANAUGH Sales Representative
Don Campbell Real Estate Limited, Brokerage* *Independently Owned and Operated
Check out our
Estate Jewelry
7 “No-one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank Continued from page 1 help during the highly emotional holiday season. In addition to sheltering women who are fleeing violence or other untenable life situations, Green Haven, through public education and advocacy, affects social change with a goal to eliminate violence against women. Women, often with young children, who are sheltered over the holiday season need support. Donations may be used for Christmas gifts and clothing as well as to support some of Green Haven’s ongoing services such as safe, secure refuge 24/7; confidential support and crisis counselling; financial, legal and housing information; and emergency transportation. To make a donation visit their website at www.greenhavenshelter. com. If you or someone you know needs help, call the 24-hour crisis line 705-327-7319 or 1-888-285-6958. THE SHARING PLACE FOOD BANK serves Orillia and surrounding townships. As The Villager reported in October, The Sharing Place had 15,000 visits in the past 12 months. At Christmas, the need is greater because those with even a little bit of money may buy gifts for their children, leaving even less money for food. Your cash donation to The Sharing Place will help provide those in need with special Christmas food hampers. Please call 705-327-4273 to donate or for assistance, or visit their website www.thesharingplace.org. A footnote to The Sharing Place: One of the challenges some of our needy neighbours may have is transportation. Consider helping someone get to and from the Orillia location at 22 West Street South. THE SALVATION ARMY, known widely for their Christmas Kettle Drive, does so much for people in need at Christmas and throughout the year. The Christmas season stretches their resources mightily. There is a great need to raise money as well as collect a literal mountain of unwrapped toys. Our community, thankfully, is very generous and the Salvation Army often meets their goals. However, this organization always needs more donations for services such as food, clothing, emergency housing and their local lunch box program. To make a donation or for more information, call 705-326-3284.
Don’t miss
Pages 13-18 Manicures Pedicures Acrylic or Gel
SERVICE IN SALON OR AT YOUR HOME GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
Contact Allie
for pricing and to make an appointment
705-689-2535
or text 519-701-7281
8345 County Rd. 169, Washago
Call today to book your personal ‘lunch & tour’.
298 Forest Ave North, Orillia, ON L3V 0C3 705-329-3887 www.jarlette.com
8
Thank-you Washago! Can you believe Christmas is almost here! By the time you read this, Santa will have passed through our quaint little Village of Washago. It was on November 28th when dozens of floats made their way along Muskoka Street, passing by so many happy little faces in
awe of all of the sparkling lights. As usual, Santa Claus was the hit of the parade, along with all of the candy handed out to the youngsters. The parade is a great finale to the end of the year and an excellent example of how our community comes together. It is this kind of support that has enabled the Washago & District
By Sandra Crawford Past President
Lions Club to accomplish so much in 2015. Some of our initiatives this year included sponsorship of children with diabetes and a camp for the hearing impaired. We’ve also been able to make donations to an international guide dogs program, a very important role that Lions Clubs world-wide have taken
on. Guide dogs can assist the blind, deaf, those suffering from seizure disorders or the physically disabled The Washago Lions Club thanks you for your continued support and our membership wishes you a very wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year. We’ll meet again in 2016.
BOAT THE WORLD FROM HERE … $ 399,000 Unique 3 Bedroom Viceroy Home/Cottage • MLS 586040007 • Over-sized boat house on Trent-Severn Waterway • Open concept kitchen/dining room, sunken living room with brick fireplace • Full, unfinished basement with walk-out • 133.5 feet waterfront - close to Sparrow Lake • Gabian baskets on shoreline; 2 docks.
Contact: Birgit Hoesterey 705-345-4411 for your private showing. Direct: 705-345-4411
Birgit Hoesterey birgit@buywashago.com Sales Representative
www.buywashago.com
Office: 705-689-3700 3380 Muskoka Street, Washago, ON L0K 2B0
*Independently Owned and Operated. Not intended to solicit properties already listed for sale or buyers under contract.
B.J. Roth Realty Ltd. Brokerage* 3380 Muskoka Street, Washago, ON Office: 705-689-3700 *independently owned and operated.
May your holidays be filled with joy and good cheer and may the New Year bring you peace and happiness. From Realtors® and Staff at Century 21 B.J. Roth Realty Ltd. Brokerage*
Rod Harth Broker
705-984-6100
Lynda Hepinstall Sales Representative
705-323-4211
Birgit Hoesterey
Nancy Humphreys
Neila McQuay
705-345-4411
705-796-8877
705-794-8805
Sales Representative
Sales Representative
Sales Representative
9
May the magic and wonder of the Holiday Season stay with you throughout the coming year.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Your Business IT Partner is Right Here! IT Solutions - OnSite & Remote - Same Day Service
Call The Experts for your Computer & Network Needs! It’s all about Peace of Mind. In Business since 1994 serving the Simcoe & Muskoka Areas Call us today for a FREE On-Site Assessment.
INFINITY.IS
www.infinityis.ca
705-418-1222
September 17, 2015
Tickets were sold out 2 days after they went on sale. Thanks to the participating retailers: Clothes Closet, Coldwater • Simply Special Originals, Washago Joseph Men’s Clothier, Say Yes Bridal Gallery and Fashion Therapy, Orillia Stedman’s, Gravenhurst • Bliss Boutique, Bracebridge Thanks to the sponsors for their donations (listed in no particular order): Muskoka Wrench Evergreen Golf Course Dr. Debra Shoniker Snug as a Bug Quilting Rama Moccasin Shop Dr. Pat Ryan AAAA Sanitation Frank Cooper Construction Link Climate Care Dan the Wood Man C21 B.J. Roth Realty Ltd. Inochi Spa Manticore Book Store Washago Home Hardware Bedrock Café Pinecone Trail Association R U Able to Help Orchard Fruit Market Blaine’s Automotive J W Carrick Construction Phil Azzopardi Pioneer Handcraft Furniture Gary Rose Generac Sales & Service Thank you to those who donated door prizes: Jody’s Emerald City Hair Stylist • Ben’s Pharmacy • Gung Ho Chinese Food • Gravenhurst Opera House • Cutting Edge Thimbles and Things • House of Wonders • Hamilton Tours • Molly Maid • Washago TimberMart • Orillia Natural Health Pampered Chef • Trent Woods Photography • Bird Houses by Rinty • Gina Denne Pottery • Muskoka Bear Clothing The show would not have been successful without our male ushers and models who served the refreshments and added that little extra to make it a great night for all attendees. Thank you to Joan Andrews who is a very talented pianist and entertained so beautifully; and to Mark Scott who did the DJ duties to provide good music for the models. A final thank you to the committee members who worked hard planning for the show: Pat Warwick, Lynda Hepinstall, Sue Harvey, Marg Gallagher, Gayle Guymer Lynda Henery, Kim Wynott, Darlene Woods and Rose Petit.
SEE YOU IN 2016!
10
Cold weather is here. Time to think of holidays! By Estelle Ness, Lions secretary The season has changed slowly this year but the cold weather is now likely here to stay, at least for several months. Although I like the four seasons and choose to stay home, some of you are thinking of going somewhere south to enjoy the warm weather. To help you make a decision on your winter vacation, the Lioness Club of Washago has completed some research and I’m here to help you make your plans. The following three locations might interest you. In addition to the details shown below, the pricing for each trip includes insurance (based on 70 years of age) and is based on double occupancy. The price listed is for a 2 week vacation. Choice #1 – Cuba: the Cayo Coco Resort, located in Cayo
Coco, Cuba. This is an allinclusive resort. The price is $1,995.00 Canadian funds per person and includes air, hotel, meals, snacks and activities. Choice #2 – the Doubletree by Hilton in Orlando, Florida: The price $1,425.00 Canadian per person. Includes air and hotel only. Choice #3 – The Marriott Inner Harbour Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia. The price is $2,782.00 Canadian per person. Includes air and hotel only. For more information about these wonderful vacation packages, please send me an email: Estelle Ness at lochness73@gmail.com. The Lioness Club of Washago thanks you for supporting our endeavors throughout 2015. We wish you and yours a very Merry
It’s time to start planning your get away during the cold winter months. The Lioness Club has details on three trips you might enjoy. Christmas and a happy, healthy best wishes to Ken Stead who is recuperating from an illness in a New Year! The entire Lioness Club sends Burlington Hospital.
Inventory Clearance Sale Now On!
Keep Your Pets Safe During the Holidays As you prepare your home for the holidays, please keep your pets in mind: • Tinsel, edible decorations, electrical cords, breakable/broken ornaments are all tempting to your pets - and dangerous. Be mindful of these dangers and please keep them out of reach. • Don’t forget - holly, mistletoe and poinsettia are all poisonous to both dogs and cats. • Burning candles can be dangerous around your dog’s wagging tail.
DR. KATHY MARCHILDON & DR. SANDY DRURY To make an appointment or to learn more about our services:
www.lakecountryanimal.com or call 705-326-4800
Dressing the Lady ‘better than 35’ 3843 Soules Road, Orillia
Hours: Mon., Wed., Thur., Fri. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. • Tues. 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sat. 8 a.m. – Noon • Evening appointments available.
3363 Muskoka St., Washago 705-689-6603 www.simplyspecialoriginals.com OPEN TUESDAY-SATURDAY, 10 am – 5 pm Closing for the season December 19th – Re-opening March 11th.
11
Worry-free fire safety for the holidays By Dianne Kyle, Fire Prevention Officer Who doesn’t love Christmas! With gift shopping, decorating, baking and entertaining, it is a family time like no other. We all have happy Christmas memories with our families when we were young and, when this time of year rolls around, we want to create new memories with our children and friends. There are months of planning that go into the season as everything has to be perfect. But have you planned for fire safety? The first item on your list should be home fire escape planning. With overnight visitors, it is important that you have a home fire escape plan and you let your visitors know how to get out and where to meet. Review it with your own family to enable them to assist the visitors if necessary and
ensure the exit paths are kept clear of snow. Next, make sure your smoke alarms and your carbon monoxide alarms are working. Clean them by lightly vacuuming around the vents which are around the side of the alarm. The reason for cleaning the alarm is to remove the dust particles from the sensors inside the alarm which can build up over time and render the alarm less effective. Test the alarms to ensure they work. As you unpack your Christmas decorations ensure they are safe to use by checking the cords looking for frayed or damaged areas. Electrical issues can be of concern when using older Christmas lights as well as extension cords. My suggestion is to use LED lights. The cost is minimal and they last longer
using less hydro. Try to eliminate the use of extension cords by utilizing surge protected power bars ensuring all items have been labelled by a recognized testing laboratory. Candles are used more often at this time of year and it is important to ensure that if you must light a candle that it is in a secure holder and you
remember to extinguish it before leaving the room or going to bed. I highly recommend the flameless candles which have a timer and look amazingly real. Christmas tree fires, although not common, can be devastating when they do occur. The risk of fire is higher with natural tress than artificial Continued on page 20
Open Tuesday - Saturday from Labour Day to May 24
132 Mississaga St. E., Orillia • 705-325-3030 www.MarcelsRestaurant.com marcelsrestaurantorillia@gmail.com
Call Kyle for your Free Estimate
705-796-1619 • 647-521-5357 Email: kylelove.knoxinsulation@hotmail.com
Leah C. Cavanaugh Sales Representative
705-325-1366 1-800-498-8775
Don Campbell Real Estate Limited Brokerage* *Independently Owned and Operated
www.century21.ca/leah.cavanaugh leah.cavanaugh@century21.ca
Call TODAY & ASK ABOUT YOUR
15% Discount on Installations
12
A different kind of Christmas holly by Ron Reid
108 Mississaga St. E., Orillia
705-329-3939
www.birdhousenature.com
Simcoe County’s Bird Experts
Decorating the house for the Christmas season may involve the traditional English holly, with its bright red berries and waxy green leaves. But did you know that we also have an attractive native holly that grows in our area? Winterberry holly is a common shrub along the edges of bogs and rivers, often growing in dense thickets up to four or five feet tall. Throughout the summer, this species blends in with other shoreline vegetation, and is easily overlooked. Its
winterberry for your Christmas table, be sure to leave some berries in the wild to sustain the birds and help the species to reproduce. Those berries must be bitter, for they need to be seasoned by frost before the birds find them palatable. But as winter fades into spring, the orange berries become a valuable food source for many birds. Native peoples also made use of winterberry fruit for its medicinal properties, leading to its aboriginal name of “fever berry”. Winterberry has a wide range across eastern North America, from Newfoundland to Ontario, and south as far as Georgia.
Suppliers of
© Can Stock Photo Inc. / ChrisPoliquin
BIRD SEED. FEEDERS. HOUSES. BOOKS & MORE.
‘The Other Side’ Garden Art • Bird Baths Home Decor • Nature Wall Art and Nature Lovers’ Gifts for All Occasions Always Free Advice!
Winterberry holly, a common local shrub. leaves are glossy green, oval in shape with serrated edges; its flowers are white, but small and often hidden in the leaves. Not every winterberry shrub will have flowers or berries, because this species is dioecious, which means that at least a few male shrubs have to be close by to fertilize the female plants. In the fall, female winterberry holly comes into its glory. As the leaves fall, the bare branches reveal an abundance of bright orange berries adorning every twig. You might have passed a winterberry shrub dozens of times all summer without notice, but in the grey month of November, this species can’t be missed! Those orange berries cling tight to the shrubs all winter, making winterberry branches an ideal addition to your holiday centerpiece. But if you do harvest
While it prefers wet acid soils in our area, further south it may grow on sandy dunes and in grasslands. Commercial plant growers have taken advantage of this genetic diversity to develop cultivars for sale to gardeners. Winterberry is a tough shrub that doesn’t need a lot of attention other than lots of water – some people plant it at the outlet of their eaves trough to meet that need. The commercial varieties generally have many more berries than wild plants, providing a splash of colour in your winter garden. Winterberry is one of my favourite finds on a fall ramble along a wetland edge, or on an autumn canoe outing on one of our local rivers. Even if your knowledge of wild plants is limited, here is one species that you can identify with confidence as those bright orange berries come into view.
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.
13
© Can Stock Photo Inc. / pressmaster
Santa’s picks The following is a list of some local businesses who may have just the thing to complete your Christmas gift list: Arbonne International – fill stockings with botanically based beauty, health and wellness products. Products include skincare, bath and body, nutrition and cosmetics. Email juliescott.arbonne@ gmail.com. Bayou Park Marine – in addition to one of the area’s best selection of ATV’s at competitive prices, Bayou Park Marine’s retail shop has a wide variety of accessories including helmets. Canoe Fresh Foods – get ready for Christmas entertaining at Canoe. Extensive inventory of all your Christmas baking needs, spreads, dips, specialty cheeses, smoked salmon, specialty teas and coffee, and gift baskets. Home Hardware Washago – stuff stockings for the handyperson on your list with selections from their massive inventory of gadgets and hardware items. Kitchenware, giftware, decorations, gift certificates.
Look in Your Mailbox for Our Weekly Flyer
GREAT HOLIDAY GIFTS at competitive prices every day in every department!
Excellent Selection of trees, decorations, indoor & outdoor lighting
Jax Bootery – footwear at its finest in this small store with a big heart. Muskoka St. in Washago. Jack will select the perfect shoe, boot or slipper. Check out his vintage shoe collection. Manticore Books – book lovers browse in this heritage-style independently owned and operated book store in downtown Orillia. Local authors, forthcoming titles, new releases, classics, children’s section. Continued on page 16
705-689-2611
3375 Muskoka Street, Washago
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR YOUR SHOPPING CONVENIENCE
Merry Christmas to our great customers in Severn and Orillia. Thank you for your support, we really appreciate it. We hope you and your families enjoy the holidays. Best Wishes from Bill Brown & the Staff at Leon’s Orillia Important dates at Leon’s Orillia: Dec 10th Last Minute Christmas Sale • Dec 26th Boxing Day
Mon–Fri • 9am - 9pm Sat • 8:30am - 6pm Sun • 10am - 5pm
555 Memorial Ave. ORILLIA
705-326-3505 J&B Brown owners/operators
Thoughtful, special gifts
14
for your loved ones An ‘experience’ is one of the nicest gifts you can give. Something that physically makes someone feel wonderful and special. Or a gift that lets your loved one spend time with you. In some cases, you could actually combine the two. It takes some thought and preparation but the following gifts will never be forgotten.
© Can Stock Photo Inc. / sadakko
Spa treatment/manicure-pedicure: Both men and women enjoy pampering. There are some wonderful spas in the area, some located inside a hotel or B&B, where you’ll get first class treatment and go home feeling relaxed and refreshed. If you can’t afford either the price or the time for a weekend get-away, think about taking your partner, your son or daughter or your best friend to one of the local spas or mani-pedi locations. There is nothing more relaxing than a good pedicure and foot or hand treatment.
We can order any book currently in print. We will track down any rare or out of print material for you. Gravenhurst Opera House
103 Mississaga St. E., Orillia
705.326.7776
mail@manticorebooks.ca
www.manticorebooks.ca
Theatre tickets: often, unless you buy tickets in advance, you let incredible local theatre opportunities go by. A very special gift, the theatre experience can be for you and your partner or your entire family. Pre-order tickets – the performance doesn’t have to be during the holiday season, but by pre-ordering, your ‘date’ is set and anticipation grows. Make reservations at a local restaurant, take your guest(s) on the short drive either north to the Gravenhurst Opera House or south to the Orillia Opera House, and enjoy a wonderful experience that will never be forgotten.
15
© Can Stock Photo Inc. / openlens
© Can Stock Photo Inc. / Elenathewise
Skiing and snowshoeing: Both are readily available in our area. But don’t just buy someone a new set of boots or some lift tickets. How about a family membership at one of the local ski hills? Or buy a pair of snow shoes for your partner AND for you? What’s important about either of these gifts is that you have made a commitment to experience skiing or snowshoeing together. Think about setting up a schedule ahead of time and let your loved one know when you are available to go out together and have some fantastic winter fun. Maybe throw in a new toque and warm mittens in their stocking and you’ve got a winner of a gift.
FRESH CHRISTMAS TREES Choose from balsam or Fraser fir. Ask our sales associates to help you choose the perfect gift for the handyperson on your list.
8253 County Rd. 169, Washago
P: 705-689-2626 • F: 705-689-8671 • 1-888-260-6324 • www.timbermart.ca
16
Santa’s picks Continued from page 13 Marcel’s Restaurant – take your friends or your staff for a special pre-Christmas lunch or dinner prepared by Chef Marcel Taillefer, or buy someone on your list the very special gift of cooking classes. Orillia Trim & Door – find everything you need for the handyman/woman. Huge selection of both hand and power tools, garden tools, generators and more. 100’s of stocking stuffer ideas. Simply Special Originals – Dressing up for special occasions, business attire or looking for casual wear? Spend time with owner Pat Warwick or one of her experienced staff. For the lady over 35.
© Can Stock Photo Inc. / piedmont_photo
Tiffin’s Creative – nestled in a picturesque little courtyard in downtown Orillia, Tiffin’s can help you with printing, laminating or framing photos; giftware; original art. Christian bookstore, cards & more. Washago Timber Mart – beautiful kitchen, bath, flooring, lighting and tile displays will show you what you can do to spruce up your home. Pellet stoves to keep your family warm and cozy over the holidays. White Lions Tea House – spend pre-Christmas time with your friends, business associates or family. Breakfast, lunch or reserve full afternoon tea after 1 p.m 22 Peter Street South (down the lane), Orillia 705-325-7205 tiffins.on.ca
New Year’s Eve Gala with Even Steven Call and reserve your tickets now!
You Chill ~ We Grill Open daily from 11 a.m.
Ronnie Douglas Blues Band • Dec. 4
Even Steven Dec. 12 and New Year’s Eve
Give the gift of great food
with Cottage Gift Cards!
Fittons West Plaza | 425 West St. N., Orillia | 705-329-0303 | lakecountrygrill.com
17
Health, wellness & personal care products
JULIE SCOTT
Arbonne Independent Consultant
juliescott.arbonne@gmail.com 705-325-6859 www.arbonne.ca Wonderful selection of gift giving ideas!
Open Tueday - Saturday
106 Mississaga Street East Orillia, Ontario L3V 1V7 705 325 1455 www.perfecttiming.ca
Make Your Holidays Special - Reserve Now! 132 Mississaga St. E., Orillia • 705-325-3030 www.MarcelsRestaurant.com marcelsrestaurantorillia@gmail.com
Have a Warm & Cozy Home for the Holidays!
Quality, Expertly Installed
WINDOWS
Call our professionals today!
18 producing the safest toy weapons on the market. The newest addition, the Nerf Modulus, is built with an array of different features, most notably its ability to be taken apart and put back together in different ways for customization.
Hot toys for Christmas 2015
The following is a list of hot toys compiled from toysite.com and websites for Toys R Us and Walmart. Please go to these websites for prices and more details. Disney Junior Doc McStuffins ‘Take Care of Me Lambie” • Doc McStuffins is a doctor to stuffed toys and animals. This toy promotes aspirational play. Press her tummy and she may laugh or sing a song. Lay Lambie down when she doesn’t feel well and she will take a nap. Use Doc’s tools to give Lambie a check-up, including taking her temperature.
2½ feet. Awesome chomping sounds and LED lights in its eyes. For the young adventurer.
Lego City Deep Sea Exploration Vessel Lego offers something new every year. In this new set of Lego bricks, a shipwreck filled with gold bars has been found at the bottom of the ocean. Children will enjoy the ocean with new equipment and deep-sea Fisher-Price Imaginext Ultra T-Rex suits. Deadly sharks and octopuses around Little dino lover’s imagination gets every corner! a gigantic boost. Three power pads The Nerf Modulus • Nerf has been around bring him roaring to life. Full height for decades, and has never relented in
Minions Tumbling Stuart • This will be one of the hottest toys of the year. Measuring just 23 cm and featuring Stuart’s trademark grin, this toy is a must have for ages 4+. Stuart can talk, laugh, and even fall flat on the floor. Soft comfortable body. Talkback features with special FX. Star Wars Bladebuilders Jedi Master Lightsabre • With over 100 unique components available, children will spend hours and hours of swish and swashbuckling through the galaxy. Motiondetected light effects, sound effects and an extendable light dagger. Realistic movielike appearance. Mookie 3D Magic 3D Maker • Toys which cater to a child’s creativity are always incredibly popular. This toy incorporates the natural desire to create masterpieces along with modern technology. It helps develop a love for science and building. Non-toxic UV gel and safe UV light.
VO TE Best o f Or by O D # 1 rilli a Pa ME illia N’ cke t& Tim S ST es R OR ead
Dapper Depot Menswear
39 Mississaga St. E., Orillia | 705 326-9900 | dapperdepotmenswear.com |
HOTSOX for Men: artistically crafted socks of bold colors and designs
Great Holiday Gift Ideas! Gift Certificates Available High-quality Men’s Sleepwear, Gloves, Caps
IF YOU’RE NOT DAPPER, YOU’RE NOT DRESSED! Formal Wear | Casual Wear | Business Wear | Big and Tall | Accessories
ers
E
19
Exciting new programs offered By Pat Harwood, recreation coordinator, Severn Township Severn Culture & Recreation has a big job. We keep busy so that we can keep you busy participating in our programs. We particularly make sure we present new programs that are of interest to you. New for the winter season are introductory sewing programs for children and adults. This program teaches basic sewing skills and participants will complete simple projects during the course. For the little ones we have several opportunities. Stories Come to Life is a new program. Children will make arts and crafts come to life, all based on a new story each week. Also for children, Scrapbooking for Kids will keep children busy creating a project they can be proud of. ‘Wanna be’ dancers will have an opportunity to join Mini-Jazz and Mini-Ballet, complementing our existing Kinder Dance program. For the sports-minded we have Little Kickers 1 for
the 3-year old beginners, and Little Kickers 2 for returning 4-5 year olds. Sports Sampler was popular last year and returns to Ardtrea Public School. Karate and pickleball are also offered. Severn offers many types of yoga and movement classes for all ages. Cardio programs such as No Jumpin’ Just Pumpin’ gets the heart rate right up there! And finally we have some cultural-type programs. Intro to Theatre and Clowning Around are new for us, with thanks to Coldwater Village Players. Please check out our new Township website and visit the recreation area of the site for any updates. The Township is now running MaxGalaxy recreation software where you will be able to see all the programs offered as well as what is booked at the arena for both the ice and upstairs hall.
A lifeline to local businesses Continued from page 6 economy. Interviews are planned for about 200 business owners/managers. The CDC would like to hear from businesses in Severn Township and wants to give them the opportunity to share their perspective on our local business climate. Trained volunteers, under the guidance of project coordinator, Gary Staines will visit businesses and conduct confidential interviews with senior level management, owners or managers. The collected data will be used to support future economic development planning. The last study was conducted in 2010. The results of the current BR+E project will be made available in the spring of 2016. With the input from the last study, the CDC developed a comprehensive professional development program with three pillars offering a variety of tools for businesses of all sizes: the first pillar aims to support new enterprises; the second pillar focuses on business excellence in training, sessions designed to meet specific needs within the local business community; and the third focuses on help for local entrepreneurs in its business support initiative, offering
strategically targeted certificate training. Businesses wishing to participate in the new study are asked to contact Gary Staines at 705-325-4903, ext. 114 or email gstaines@orilliacdc.com. Regardless of the size of a business, whether it’s a start-up or existing business, when a business is looking to expand the business itself, increase staffing, or change direction, there are good reasons why business owners could think of the CDC as one of the first organizations to turn to when starting up or expanding. “We deal with a real mix of businesses from new to some who have been around for 50 years or more. And while every business is different and has different needs, business owners looking for support should think about the CDC as their starting point,” said Timpano. For more information, you can follow the CDC on Facebook and Twitter. Or you can check out its website, orilliacdc. com. It features their workshop calendar, webinars, information about funding, and an opportunity to subscribe to a monthly newsletter. You can also drop into the office at 22 Peter St. S. in Orillia or call 705-325-4903.
ORILLIA FOOT CLINIC & WELLNESS CENTRE Your one stop spot for total foot health. 9 Diabetic Foot Care 9 Laser Therapy for Foot Pain 9 Correcting Ingrown Toenails 9 Custom-Made Orthotics 9 Laser Therapy for Fungal Toenails and Plantar Warts 9 Orthopedic Footwear 9 Basic Foot Care 9 Corns and Callus Care 9 Written Prescriptions and Injections
333 Mary Street, Orillia 705.259.2838 www.ofcwc.com
20
Worry-free fire safety for the holidays Continued from page 11 ones. If you are using a real tree ensure you water it often and it is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or table lights. Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit. It is important to get rid of the tree when it begins dropping needles as dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Find out about the recycling program for your area and have your tree at the curb Head to historic downtown Orillia on December 5, 12 and 19 for ready for pick up. a ride on a horse-drawn carriage. The carriage will stop at all main intersections. Photo by Greg Pauk.
Last but not least, give a fire safe Christmas to someone you love, but buying them a smoke alarm or a carbon monoxide alarm. On behalf of Severn Fire & Emergency Services I would like to wish everyone a safe holiday and the very best of the season. If you have any questions about a fire safety product or fire safety around the home, please call the Fire Prevention Division at 705-325-9131, ext. 248.
Karen O’Coin
Investment Advisor & Financial Planner 6 West Street N., 4th Floor Orillia, ON
Tel: 705-326-0891 Toll Free: 1-877-296-6956 karen.ocoin@nbpcd.com www.karenocoin.com
BMO Wealth Management is the brand name for a business group consisting of Bank of Montreal and certain of its affiliates, including BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., in providing wealth management products and services. ® “BMO (M-bar roundel symbol)” is a registered trademark of Bank of Montreal, used under licence. ® “Nesbitt Burns” is a registered trade-mark of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of Montreal.
• REPAIRS - chainsaws, lawn mowers, riding mowers, snowblowers. Pick up available.
• SHARPENING – chainsaws, mower blades, scissors, drill bits, household knives and more! • SALE of chainsaws, parts and bulk chain
sizes 6 - 18
For All Your Electrical Needs Residential/Comercial Wiring Backup Generator • Automated & Security Lighting Cottage Maintenance, Openings, Closings & Cottage Watch
Muskoka/Simcoe Contracting & Electrical Installations 705-345-3393 License Jeff Sandford #7011037
Fully Insured • W.S.I.B Compliant
Master Electrician Electrical Contractor
21
An ode to a fine place at the head of the lake By Mark Bisset I like Washago; always have. Sure, it’s a fixer-upper in places. It could use a little polishing here and there. But you’d have to be careful you didn’t buff all the character out of the finish. The village has such good bones, it could easily be renovated into one of those Disneyesque places where the perfection leaves you feeling just a little off -- like you’re standing in a movie set and there’s nothing real behind the building facades. Then who could afford to live there? Washago would be in real danger of such a fate if you tinkered with it too much.
With all that water flowing through, and all those bridges and wetland pockets and blind channels, you can’t help but feel the whole thing could go under at certain times of the year. And Washago has bears. Just over there in the woods. Sometimes in your garbage. There’s something delicious about having bears around, especially when you’re talking to someone from Toronto. Of course, every charming little place like this is just a few bad planning decisions away from disappearing. For the size of the role it plays in our lives, it’s funny that good municipal planning is so invisible in the moment, and so obvious across the span of
This is the time of year when family and friends gather to share new experiences and relive old ones. Don’t miss out on any of these conversations.
Let Ellis Hearing help you find the best option for your hearing needs.
What are you waiting for?
The community of Washago has grown and modernized since 1903 – but not too much. Surrounded by rivers and granite, it maintains the charm of a quaint village. The things I like about it are mostly the things that have been there for a while. The locals. The bald granite forcing its way through the soil in places, often paired with a stand of eastern white pines like good wine and old cheese. And the multi-coloured rivers running into Lake Couchiching in a way that makes you think some giant kid once spent an afternoon there damming up puddles and re-directing rivulets in the rain. They all get to Lake Couchiching, though it’s never quite clear to me how, in spite of the time I’ve spent in canoes where the black water mingles with the green water to come out blue before it heads up the canal to find Sparrow Lake. I like the way the village always feels on the verge of being taken back by what’s left of the deep wilderness of Central Ontario.
time. We only seem to notice it when it isn’t there at all. So far, I’d say Washago hasn’t fared too badly. But like that gut-pulse about the next big flood, I sometimes feel a niggling worry for the village. How many houses can you build before you hit too many? How many stands of trees can you take down without losing the bears just over there? Thankfully, the rivers will have a say. Maybe the granite too. And thanks to Couchiching Conservancy property donors like the Hope Smiths, the Berndts and Campbells, the Fawcetts, the Darkers, and all their relations -- the Butlers, the Agnews, the Roehls and the McDarkers, there are always going to be stands of dark woods and deep wetlands to lock in some of the unquantifiable qualities that make Washago the place it is.
Mark Bisset is the executive director of The Couchiching Conservancy, a non-profit land trust dedicated to preserving wild spaces for future generations. To find out how you can become part of this movement, go to www.couchichingconserv.ca
Katherine Rui HEARING INSTRUMENT SPECIALIST
The Difference is Clear.
705.326.3292 www.ellishearing.com 48 MISSISSAGA ST. W. ORILLIA, ON L3V 3A8
22
Serving
MUSKOKA • SIMCOE COUNTY ALL YOUR R AGGREG GATE NEEEDS MINDEN-HALIBURTON River Roc ck, Drivew way Material, and KAWARTHA LAKES To opsoil and Sand
GA ALLALL YOUR YOURR AGGREG AGGREGATE River Rocck, Drivew way NEEDS Toopsoil and Sa ALL YOUR R AGGREG GATE NEEEDS River Rock Same Day Emergency Care New Patients Welcome!
River Roc ck, Drivew way Materi al, ALL YOUR R AGGREG GATE NE EEDS Driveway Material
Washago Family Dentistry
To opsoil and Sand
River Rocck, Drivew way Material, Topsoil and Sand To opsoil and Sand
Dr. Debra Shoniker
d 16
Muskoka
Cou nty R
Street
Street
9 Rama Rd
Hamilt on
8291 County Rd. 169, Washago • 705-689-6600 • Exams • Cleanings • Sport Mouth Guards • Night Guards • Whitening • Mild Sedation (nitrous oxide/laughing gas)
• Bonding • Veneers • Crowns • Bridges • Implants • Dentures
Special Christmas Pricing for that Special Person on Your List!
$4,995
$5,995
23
OFFSET & DIGITAL PRINTING
info@GeorgianBayPrinters.com 705.327.5152 PHONE 705.327.5150 FAX
Your Local Commercial & Retail Print Store
17 Colborne Street., East. Unit# 101
ORILLIA, ON. L3V 1T4
Free Deliveries in Orillia, Ramara, Washago, Severn, Coldwater * Some Conditions apply, call for more details
Black River Holiday Casserole By Chef Becky Ingredients • 1 butternut squash peeled, seeded, diced into 1 inch cubes • 1 ½ lbs. Brussels sprouts, with ends trimmed and cut in half • 1 cup fresh cranberries • 1 red onion cut into 8-10 wedges • 2 whole garlic Mixture • ½ cup brown sugar or maple syrup • Pinch of nutmeg • Pinch of cloves • ¼ cup olive oil Preparation Preheat oven 350 degrees. Toss all ingredients in bowl except for garlic. Trim top off whole garlic so cloves peak through. Empty ingredients into a 14” x 10” roasting dish. Make sure everything is coated with mixture, and then add whole garlic to the roasting dish as well. Place in oven and cook for 30-40 minutes, until vegetables are fork tender. Drizzle with a little more syrup, salt and pepper to taste.
DO YOU NEED BUSINESS CARDS, FLYERS OR POSTERS? WE COVER ALL YOUR OFFSET & DIGITAL PRINTING NEEDS... Colour And Black & White Copies Postcards - Envelopes Letterheads - Invoices Signs - Banners - Laminate Scanning - Engineering Drawings Finishing Services And Much More! Mention this ad and receive
250 Business Cards for $25.00 some conditions do apply* *print ready artwork to be submitted
Serve hot and enjoy! Chef Becky Lennerton is the proprietor of Black River Food Company and a Red Seal instructor at the Liaison College of Culinary Art.
Visit our website for more information
www.georgianbayprinters.com
24
Beau Repairs “Little Jobs, Little Prices”
SMALL ENGINE REPAIR
Working for Seniors
We specialize in ALL SMALL MOTORS: Snow Blowers • Chainsaws • Lawn/Rider Mowers
Light Snow Removal - Plumbing - Woodworking - Odd Jobs
THE BEST PRICES ON CHAINSAW CHAIN SHARPENING & WELDING!
Call 705-330-5182
Call 705-689-5837
5276 Dean Trail, Washago
We see what you don’t
!
RIVER WATCH Customized Cottage Patrol & Services
We respond to alarms and secure your property.
Grass & Snow Maintenance • Open & Close Cottages Call or email Danny at:
705-689-8738 • riverwatch@bell.net
No Water?
New Installations and Repairs on Wells and Lake Draw Systems Pump & Electric Motor Repairs Call RICK Today
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 •
705-689-6676
(689-NORM)
“Proudly serving the local community.”
Dan The Wood Man Tree Removal Junk Removal Demolitions FULLY INSURED
705-689-2223
(ABCD)
www.danthewoodman.ca
cell: 705-323-7808 danthewoodman@hotmail.ca
TWIN MAPLES FARM
WEDDINGS • WAGON RIDES • SLEIGH RIDES
705-689-0182
Christine Jameson: christine@twinmaplesfarm.ca
Make Your Home or Cottage More Accessible! Chair Lifts • Porch Lifts • Platform Lifts Elevators • Wheelchair Access Solutions Quality, reliable service and installations. We’ll work with your contractor, architect or directly with you. Contact us today for more information:
Boost Accessibility & Installations
www.boostaccess.com | 289-803-4217 | info@boostaccess.com
SERVICE DEPARTMENT OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK Subaru factory-trained technicians. Call to book your appointment: 705-329-4277 385 West Street South, Orillia www.davenportsubaru.com
Preplanning made easy and affordable Did you know that there is a payment option to fit everyone’s budget? We work with you, your wishes and your budget. Call for a no-obligation quotation today. Jon Griffiths LFD
Preplanning Specialist Funeral Home - Cremation Centre - Reception/Celebration Facilities 54 Coldwater St E Orillia, Ont. 705-326-3595
www.carsonfuneralhomes.com
Muskoka’s Pampered Pets Dog and Cat Grooming
New Customers Welcome Have your pet looking great for the holidays - book now!
Like us on
Ken Martin 705-687-0239 1034 Luigi Road, Gravenhurst
The Villager will not publish a magazine in January. We’ll be back to our regular monthly schedule in February.
See current and archived copies of our magazine. Send us a message through FB and we’ll post your organization’s event or fundraising initiatives.
Deadline for submitting events or booking advertising space for the February issue is Monday, January 11, 2016. Regular monthly advertisers will be contacted by email or telephone.
25
26
December 3, 4, 5
First Light at Sainte Marie Among the Hurons, Midland. Now in its 16th year, this is a must see event with a great line-up of family activities and performers all amidst the spectacular glow of 5,000 candles. Visit www.saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca
December 5
Coldwater Candlelight Parade, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Free skate at the Coldwater Arena, 4-5 p.m. Santa Claus and candlelight parade at 5:30 p.m. and at 6:00 p.m. meet Santa at the Mill. Treasure hunt and cookie decorating.
December 5, 12, 19
Horse & Wagon Rides, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Downtown Orillia, Mississaga Street. Enjoy an old-fashioned shopping experience. Hop aboard a horse-drawn wagon, explore downtown Orillia and get into the Christmas spirit. Free parking at downtown lots.
December 5, 12, 19
Orillia’s Farmers’ Market gets into the spirit of the season and vendors create specialty seasonal items for the festive season. Products are local and high quality. 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. West & Mississaga Streets, inside the Orillia Public Library. Free parking in all downtown lots.
December 5, 12, 19
Orillia Fairgrounds Farmers’ Market, 4500 Fairgrounds Rd. inside the Banquet Hall 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Crafts, baking, local produce, refreshments, music. Free parking.
December 18
2nd Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Bowling Party, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. or 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. An evening of cosmic bowling with music pumping and lights flashing. A fun event for families, groups of friends or co-workers. Great door prizes. December 10 Orillia Museum of Art & History, High School Art Proceeds to the Sharing Place Food Bank. Orillia Show, runs from December 10th – February 2nd. Bowl, 285 Memorial Ave. 705-330-7427. See some of the very best work produced by December 20 young local artists. 30 Peter St. S. 705-326-2159. Free Holiday Skate at Rotary Place, Orillia. 2:00-3:30 p.m. Donations of new, unwrapped toys gratefully December 10, 11 Christmas Past & Present – carolling, crafts, lantern accepted. Free hot chocolate. Sponsored by Leah lit pathways, heritage building tours, horse-drawn C. Cavanaugh, Sales Representative, Century 21 sleigh rides, holiday treats and more. Simcoe Real Estate Limited, Brokerage. County Museum, 1151 Hwy. 26, Minesing. 705- December 31 728-3721. Unwrapped toy collection for Simcoe New Year’s Fireworks, Village of Coldwater, 6:30 –10:30 p.m. The Coldwater Lions Club hosts County Paramedic Services Annual Toy Drive. the New Year’s Eve fireworks at the Coldwater December 13 CHRISTMAS MUSICAL - “Joy Came Down” Community Centre. Bring your family and friends performed by the Chapel Choir, led by Beverley for a skate and then watch fireworks at 10:00 p.m. Orr with Soloists: Christy Laarakker, Gordon December 31 Heidman. Readers: James Orr, Rusty Draper, Becky New Year’s Eve at the Royal Canadian Legion, Dennison, Shirley Gillett, 7:00 p.m. at the Christian Mississaga Street, Orillia. Starts at 8:00 p.m. Dance Fellowship Chapel, 1296 Cambrian Road, to Johnny DJ (John Ashe). Call 705-325-8442. Township of Severn. 705-326-8030. A Christmas Continued on page 27 event for your family & friends.
嘀䤀倀 ㈀ 㐀 ⴀ ㈀ 㔀
嘀攀栀椀挀氀攀 䜀爀愀瀀栀椀挀猀 圀椀渀搀漀眀猀 ☀ 匀琀漀爀攀昀爀漀渀琀猀 䈀愀渀渀攀爀猀 ☀ 䄀眀渀椀渀最猀 ㌀䐀 ☀ 䐀椀爀攀挀琀椀漀渀愀氀 匀椀最渀猀 䜀愀氀氀攀爀礀 圀爀愀瀀猀 ☀ 䌀愀渀瘀愀猀 䈀愀挀欀氀椀琀 匀椀最渀猀 䈀椀氀氀戀漀愀爀搀猀 吀爀愀搀攀 匀栀漀眀 䐀椀猀瀀氀愀礀猀 䈀甀猀椀渀攀猀猀 ☀ 倀攀爀猀漀渀愀氀 匀琀愀琀椀漀渀攀爀礀 匀漀氀愀爀 ☀ 䰀䔀䐀 䰀椀最栀琀椀渀最 ☀ 倀爀椀渀琀椀渀最 伀昀 䄀氀氀 䬀椀渀搀猀
伀瀀攀渀 䴀漀渀搀愀礀 吀漀 䘀爀椀搀愀礀 㠀愀洀 ⴀ 㔀瀀洀
27
January 6 and 9, 2016
Washago Community Centre, Winter Program Registration, Jan. 6 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. and Jan. 9 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Call 705-689-6424 or visit www.washagocommunitycentre.com.
January 9, 2016
Washago seniors learn, perform and have fun
Annual Sir John A. MacDonald Dinner, Orillia By: Marylynne White, president of the board of directors Museum of Art & History (OMAH), 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., 30 Peter St. S. Celebrate the birth of Canada’s There’s always something interesting at our second November meeting we had a first Prime Minister. Information available on the presented at our meetings. This article is fantastic talent show with songs, jokes and OMAH website or call 705-326-2159.
January 21, 2016
NHL Alumni Benefit Tour, West Orillia Sports Complex, Rotary Place, Orillia. 6:00–10:00 p.m. Scotiabank presents this 2015-2016 benefit featuring NHL legends from Stanley Cup winning teams, classic original six hockey teams and local former NHLers. All in support of Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Information and to purchase tickets visit www.benefithockey.com.
January 30, 2016
20th Anniversary of the Snowmobile Ride for Literacy, all day event. Enjoy a beautiful ride and support a great cause. Ride the trails, eat hot chili, prizes and more. www.sledorillia.com.
February 12-14, 2016
Orillia Winter Carnival is back! Cool family fun for all ages. Pancake breakfast, snow castle, snow & ice sculptures, midway, helicopter rides, giant snow slide downtown on Mississaga Street, Saturday evening fireworks and adult dance. Sunday Polar Bear Dip. 1-888-400-4281.
LO
A
CI
E SP
stories. We always have a luncheon at our first Wednesday meeting of the month; a birthday cake at our second Wednesday meeting; and at each meeting we “get up” and move to the top hits from the greatest rock era!!! Thank-you to all our member volunteers who participate in these events and help to make our club the envy of the region. Merry Christmas, happy holidays and many blessings for 2016.
The next issue of The Villager will be published in February 2016.
0 tyren 0 . 2 ns
$ n ES , line
ADround H S 8”
9”
R!
FFE
just a sampling of some of the activities. In our first October meeting new member, John Yateman volunteered to participate in what we call “Tell Us Your Story”. It’s an opportunity for us to hear about a new member’s life. The stories and memories we hear are always delightful. Thank-you, John. At our second meeting in October we enjoyed a wonderful presentation by Mary Ballantyne and her daughter, Leslie. Dressed in Indian outfits, they spoke about their trip through Northern India. Their photos of the people, villages, animals and cities they visited were outstanding as were the items from India that they displayed. In November, we honoured our veterans with our Service of Appreciation. On stage was our beautiful carved three crosses made by Lloyd Scorgie. We thank all veterans for their service to keep our Canada free. And
e
o
”x
0 x1
Huge Inventory of Custom Shades! 100’s of Quality Shades in Stock • All Sizes & Styles
$ EXCELLENT PRICES $
A division of Severn Lighting Supply
Visit ou r showro new om today!”
473 Laclie St. Orillia, Ontario 705.326.5070
Roasts, Chops, Ground Beef, Chicken & More
Place your FRESH Turkey orders starting December 1st!
Always AAA cuts
Final Order date December 18th.
Check out our Specialty items, perfect for the Holiday Entertaining Season. Chutneys, Bread Dippers, Compotes, Red Pepper Jelly & More!
Looking for gift ideas…
Freshly Pressed to each cup!
Specialty Chocolates, Hot Chocolate Gift Baskets and more! Holiday Treat, Cheese, Fruit or Meat Trays perfect for entertaining… ASK US!! Taking Pie Orders Starting December 1st.
Cut-off date is December 22nd.
• Bread • Buns • Croissants • Sweet Rolls • Danish • Turnovers • Double-Decker Brownies
• Date Squares • Muffins • ‘Almost Famous’ Butter Tarts • Delicious Homemade Pies
Relax in our bakery café & enjoy our French-pressed coffee or specialty tea with a fresh bakery item. There are always specials at Canoe Fresh Food Market. Drop in to see what we have for you this week!
Like us on
for updates and specials