February 2015
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Featured organization. . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Business award winner. . . . . . . . . . . 5 New contest for kids . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Monthly recipe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Community events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
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Saving our precious natural spaces By Mark Bisset If you snowshoe to the big rock overlooking Boyd’s Creek on the Alexander Hope Smith Nature Reserve, and you stop to listen to the silence in the trees, you’re touching something big. Washago is lucky to have two large nature reserves owned by The Couchiching Conservancy in the vicinity. A second spot on the south side of the Trent-Severn Waterway gives residents another oasis: the Thomas C. Agnew Nature Reserve. Again, when you set foot on this property, you’re touching not only a lovely landscape, but a big idea. Among the things that Europeans introduced to North America was the concept of turning land into money. As John Riley points out in his outstanding book, The Once and Future Great Lakes Country, if you can divide land up into parcels, you can turn it into wealth, by buying and selling it. The concept was foreign to the First Nations who held the land under a different system where ownership, though fiercely defended, was held in common -- much the way Canada now treats its waterways, lakes and oceans. In the transfer of knowledge, technology and microbes that followed, much was lost, including a wise approach
Thomas C. Agnew Nature Reserve is a great place for snowshoeing. Above, volunteers make their way along a picturesque trail on the property, which is open to the public. to the land use. We can learn from history, and over the last century and a half, there have been efforts to remove some lands from the monetary system, transforming them from “real estate” to wild spaces held for the common good. National, provincial and municipal park systems blossomed. But for many, governments weren’t moving fast enough as more and more land was transformed under bulldozers. Citizens came up with their own solutions: land trusts.
They take many forms, but the concept is essentially the same: acquire real estate that has natural and cultural heritage value and remove it from the market to hold in trust for the public, now and forever. The land trust movement holds that a healthy natural world is essential to human health - physically, mentally, and spiritually. More than 40 land trusts, including The Couchiching Conservancy, protect and
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50 years of friendships By Ellen Cohen This year Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia and District celebrates their 50th anniversary and they are proud of the work they do in our community. In December of 2014 alone, they provided a positive adult influence - a mentor, a friend, a confidante and a role model - to one-hundred and twenty-six children in Orillia and surrounding area. Thirty-two, or twentyfive percent of those children live in Severn Township. Over the seven years that James Maxwell has been the executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia and District (BBBS), he has been witness to many hundreds of successful Big Brother/Big Sister matches with 6-16-year-old boys and girls. He says, “We are so grateful to the men and women who volunteer their time and commit to this responsibility, but we need more. Twenty-nine children are on our waiting list.” James understands it isn’t easy to make a weekly time commitment for years on end, a requirement for the core program. But he pointed out that there are two programs at BBBS, the second one being the in-school program which requires the big brother or big sister to attend a local school for only one hour a week. Ardtrea, Marchmont and Warminster are three schools that offer this program. “The in-school program has been extremely successful. Because of the smaller time commitment, we get more volunteers and serve more children,” said James. In-school volunteers, once they see how important their role is, sometimes join the full-match,
Luke Chatten, a little brother in the 1980’s, at the Orillia City Hall during a Big Brothers Big Sisters event. core program. One example of this is John Mayo, of Orillia. Years ago, when he was considering volunteering with BBBS, he was a busy professional and father of four girls. He understood the need for children to have a positive adult role model but he couldn’t see how he could manage the time commitment. BBBS suggested the new alternative program available in local schools and John agreed. After only one year, however, John was so impressed with BBBS and the work they do, he decided to
move into the full-match, core program. “I was asked to match to two brothers and I agreed. One was in grade four, the other in grade six,” John said. He laughed when he added, “Maybe with a wife and four daughters, I just needed to get out more and do some guy things!” In truth, John is like all Big Brothers and Big Sisters. He took his responsibility very seriously, committed to the time required and developed an excellent relationship with the two boys. He remained their big Continued on page 9
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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
From the Publisher:
A note to our loyal readers As you know, Kim Goggins was the co-publisher and editor-in-chief of The Villager since our inaugural edition in March of 2013. Sadly, once we completed our January, 2015 issue, Kim left The Villager to blaze new trails and to take her career in another direction. As our co-founder and a dedicated media professional, it was very difficult for Kim to make this decision. She will be forever grateful to all of our readers who told her month after month that they read The Villager ‘cover to cover’. And she will never forget those who allowed themselves to be interviewed and photographed, in some cases welcoming her into their homes. Kim always felt supported and encouraged to write the articles she worked so hard to present to our community. It is now incumbent upon me, along with my small team of professionals, to fill the void that Kim leaves. We will endeavour to reach into the community in a way no other Severn Township publication has, and to keep the tradition and vision that Kim and I created in March, 2013. Bonne chance, Kim!
Je suis Charlie Severn Township is a tiny little dot on the map of the world and The Villager, in the world of publishing, is even smaller. Why, then, would I write even one word about the tragic event that took place on January 7, 2015 in Paris, France - on the other side of the world? Is it because those terrorists, through their cowardly and despicable actions, silenced 12 Parisian journalists because of what they wrote? Is it because they targeted Parisians but were sending a message to the entire world? I don’t have an answer. But I do know that since January 7th, when I hold a pen or a pencil I think about how I have the right to read and write what I choose. I also have the right to agree or disagree with what someone else has written. This is no less important in our tiny community than it is to the rest of the world. Letters to the publisher are welcome and may be emailed to thevillagerpress@rogers.com. Letters may be edited.
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Severn businessman wins national award By Ellen Cohen Richard A. Morton, of Severn Township, has been recognized for excellence in printing and graphic design. Named a VIP Member of Worldwide Branding, this special distinction honours individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to achieving personal and professional success. Richard is the general manager of Pixels ‘N’ Print on Broody Drive in Severn Township, a printing operation that is celebrating its 5th anniversary on April 1st. His first foray into a career in printing began after he successfully completed his graphics training at Georgian College, Barrie campus. Armed with his crisp new diploma, Richard headed for Toronto where he was sure he had the world by the tail. “I lasted a day,” he says. “Toronto was definitely not for me.” Since then, Richard regrouped and has put 35 years into printing, working in Red Deer, Alberta at a silk screening company and later at an Ontario company that printed on stemware. Most of his experience and expertise, however, came from working at local printing companies. Remembering that day in Toronto so long ago, he says
since then he’s had only a few ‘bumps in the road along the way’. One of those ‘bumps’ led him away from printing to driving a taxi for a couple of years. Another was becoming a house-husband for years after a serious skiing accident. “Once I recovered from my accident and had successfully driven my wife insane, it was time to get back into the business I love.” Although Richard still wears a brace on his injured leg, he is happy and grateful to be productive again. His family purchased Kwik Kopy Printing in Barrie where Richard worked. Then, five years ago, they opened Pixels ‘N’ Print. Richard settled in happily - both in the new business as general manager, and in his Warminster home with his family. He is focused on being an asset to the family business and is serious about applying his education and training to creating excellent work for his customers. In addition to his initial Georgian College graphics training, he has a degree in industrial electronics - a great asset for developing back lit signage - and has completed post graduate work in web design.
Richard Morton, general manager of Pixels ’N’ Print, standing in front of a huge mural, one of his large format printing specialties. “Pixels ‘N’ Print,” says Richard, “is unique because of the specialized work we do. I am very interested in a challenge and that has led us to developing, or improving on, different types of printing techniques.” An example of some of the unique worked he has produced is the large mural on the wall at the back of the reception area. The job started with a poor resolution 11” x 17” photo. After
many hours of work, using complex techniques, Richard created a huge eye-catching mural that is 10 ½ feet deep x 14 ½ feet long. “I was surprised how beautiful it turned out but I give credit to our superior equipment and my refusal to give up!” In addition to their large format printing, Richard is proud to point out some of their other Continued on page 18
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A New Villager Series Starting this month, The Villager presents the first in a series of articles about one of the region’s non-profit organizations, Big Brothers Big Sisters. This is only one of the dozens of organizations that bring hope, help and joy to residents in Severn Township and our neighbours in Ramara Township, Chippewas of Rama
First Nation, Oro-Medonte Township and the City of Orillia. Through this new feature, our goals are to present you with some insight into a few of these fine organizations; help you understand what each of them does and how they support the community; inform our readers about how you might personally benefit from their
services; and, with some luck, encourage a few Villager readers to become volunteers. It is extraordinary what nonprofit organizations do for our society. Some are responsible for taking care of children in need or in danger; other assist seniors, filling in gaps in our medical or social services; some are service organizations that enrich our neighbourhood as
well as those around the world; and some are dedicated to bringing entertainment, events and festivals to your backyard. We hope you enjoy our new series.
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Putting more money in your pocket By Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton
Fairness for Canadian consumers is an important issue, and one that affects many of you. For too long, Canadians have been charged higher prices for identical goods simply because of where they live. Indeed, studies show that Canadians pay on average 10 to 25% more in Canada compared to the United States. The country pricing strategies that are used to manipulate the prices of identical goods in ways that don’t reflect any actual business costs are simply unfair to consumers. Our Conservative Government is committed to helping ensure that Canadians are treated fairly in the marketplace, that’s why we are introducing the Price Transparency Act. This Act will help tackle unjustified geographic price discrimination by giving Canada’s Commissioner of Competition the power to investigate and expose price
discrimination publicly. Canadians work hard to make ends meet and every dollar counts. Our Conservative Government’s Price Transparency Act will help put more money back in the pockets of hardworking Canadian families. I would also like to remind you that if you need to obtain a passport, or renew your expired or about-to-expire passport, please plan to attend my clinic on Tuesday February 10th from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #68 in Penetanguishene, 2 Poyntz Street. Staff and volunteers will be on site to answer your questions and review your completed application for submission to Passport Canada. There will also be a photographer on-site for photos at a cost of $22. If you have any questions please contact my Orillia constituency office at (705) 327-0513.
Family Day activities In addition to events listed in The Villager on page 26, search the following websites for regional activities for you and your family: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
ontarioslakecountry.com simcoetourism.com coldwaterbowling.ca orillia.com wyemarsh.com orilliamuseum.org leacockmuseum.com coldwaterlibrary.on.ca orilliapubliclibrary.ca hardwoodskiandbike.ca mountstlouis.com horseshoeresort.com snowvalley.com parkreports.com/parksblog (Ontario parks) familydaysout.com/kids-things-to-do-canada/orillia/on/skiing cineplex.com/theatre/galaxy-cinemas-orillia
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Raffle prize winner announced By Lion Sandra Crawford, past president
The last big event the Lions hosted was the annual November Grey Cup party. Always a success and lots of fun, according to those who attended the 2014 event, it was an excellent evening once again. One of the traditions surrounding this event is the Lions raffle. Always a significant prize, this year the grand prize was a 2015 Polaris 400 ATV and Triton trailer. This year’s winner, who said he has never won anything before, was Ed Hill of Orillia. In addition to drinks, delicious chili and sausage on a bun, an enthusiastic member selling
50/50 tickets and a silent auction, the Grey Cup party includes an auction. This year’s auctioneer entertained the crowd with his impromptu ‘comedy act’. In December the Lions organized and donated to their traditional Lions Mitten Tree. Donations included hats, mittens, gloves, scarves and socks in all sizes and colours, as well as toys and games. Everything collected was wrapped by volunteers and delivered to community members in need of some Christmas cheer. A reminder to all – the wellknown Washago Jam is held
The Washago and District Lions Club presentation of the Grey Cup raffle prize. From left to right: Paul of Triton Trailer; Glenn McEachern of Performance Recreation; raffle winner, Ed Hill from Orillia; and Jim Rice of Washago Lions. at the Lions hall on the 3rd Wednesday of every month, hosted by Lion Dougie. Come out and have a great time playing your favorite instrument or just to cheer the musicians on. Now that the 2014 holiday
season is over and the New Year is well under way it’s time for the Lions to get back into the swing of things and look after our busy schedule for 2015. We’re ready!
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50 years of friendships Continued from page 3 brother until each of them longer, eventually becomes turned sixteen, the end date for a higher earner adult and, the BBBS program. John says ultimately, gives back more to that the relationship has been society. a gift and he stays connected Because BBBS is matching children with to the brothers to adults, the process this day. The boys to become a big are now young brother or big adults living in sister is extensive. Orillia and both Criteria set by the are working. national head Besides the office are applied societal benefits vigorously. The of a successful BBBS office in match, survey Orillia manages data from the this well with two head office of highly qualified BBBS point to the financial James Maxwell, executive m e n t o r i n g benefits to the director of Big Brothers Big coordinators, both with social work community: for Sisters Orillia and District. degrees. They every $1 spent on BBBS programs, there is an guide all volunteers through the $18 return to society. James application, qualification and explained this further by saying training process, offer regular a mentored child stays in school support and stay in constant
Luke’s Story Luke Chatten was 7 years old, the only child of a single mom, when he met his big brother. “It was awesome,” he said. “My big brother and I would see each other every week. We went to the movies, played video games, and went to football games. Every week we did something. Even if it was just to go and sit somewhere and talk, it was great.” At age 16 the formal relationship through BBBS ended, as it does for all matched little brothers and sisters. But they have remained friends, so much so that both communication with the little brothers/sisters over the course of every match. “It’s a lot of work but, in the end, it’s all worth it,” says James, “Enriching the lives of children
the little brother and big brother consider each other as part of their extended families. Luke’s experience was so positive that as soon as he turned twenty-one, he applied and was accepted as a big brother. Like Luke, his little brother is an only child and the son of a single mom. “It’s time to pay back. I know first-hand how important it is to have a male role model, someone to talk to. My little brother knows he can talk to me about anything and I will be right here to help him and be his friend.”
and their adult matches is more rewarding than I can explain. Fifty years of friendships – how many lives have been impacted?”
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Chippewas of Rama Public Library 6147 Rama Road, Rama, ON 705-325-3611
Located in the Mnjikaning Arena and Sports Ki (MASK) Recreation Centre, the Chippewas of Rama Public Library has one of the best collections of First Nations history in two counties.
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Get to know the Township of Severn Severn staff are organized in a way that lets them assist residents efficiently with any questions or concerns. Below is a brief description of each of the key departments and some of their responsibilities. A complete description is available at www.townshipofsevern.com. Clerk’s Department: prepares agendas for committee and council meetings; maintains the township records; prepares agendas for committee and council meeting; maintains township records; oversees Freedom of Information inquiries; manages requests for delegates/ deputations to council. Finance Department: provides financial information, analysis and guidance to council; prepares budgets and annual financial statements; oversees payroll, accounts receivables and payables; tax and utilities billing. Fire & Emergency Services: delivers a
range of authorized emergency, public fire safety and education services and programs to protect lives and property from fires, sudden medical emergencies or exposure to dangerous conditions. Planning Department: oversees all development applications and administers the township’s land use planning documents such as the Official Plan, zoning by-laws, the site plan control by-laws; also provides support to the committee of adjustment and applies development charges as required. Building Department: takes responsibility for the enforcement of the Building Code Act and the Ontario Building Code; issues building permits; inspects all newly constructed buildings; handles related complaints or answers questions from residents. Municipal Law Enforcement: is responsible for the enforcement of municipal by-laws either proactively or
through investigation of complaints. Roads Department: is responsible for the construction and maintenance, preservation and/or rehabilitation of roads, bridges, sidewalks, streetlights, drainage, winter control, signage, maintenance and removal of trees on municipal property; director of public works in this department is responsible for administration of the design and construction of roads and drainage systems. All departments can be reached by calling the township’s main telephone number 705-325-2315. The office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Mayor and Council can be reached through the township office or visit the Severn Township website for direct contact information.
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Saving our precious natural spaces Continued from the front page steward over 80,000 acres in Ontario today. When you walk on the Alexander Hope Smith or Thomas C. Agnew reserves, you’re touching some of those 80,000 acres. You’re also touching a global movement to save the last wild spaces of the planet before they are gone. But we’re in a race. While 80,000 acres is a fantastic story, it’s sobering to know that according to a 2009 article in Scientific American, an estimated 80,000 acres of tropical rainforest was being destroyed every day. Canada’s boreal region is similarly under
threat, and only a few stands of wild lands are left in existence at all in Central and Southern Ontario. Standing in the silence on the rock overlooking Boyd’s Creek, you may understand that here at least, there is still time to save some of the places we love. Mark Bisset is the Executive Local volunteers repair a bridge over a wet area at Alexander Hope Director of The Couchiching Smith Nature Reserve. The nature trails on this beautiful tract are open Conservancy, a non-government, to the public year-round. charitable land trust dedicated to preserving natural space today for future generations. For more information on the Conservancy, go to www.couchichingconserv.ca.
Something to tell us about? Send a letter to The Villager.
Email: thevillagerpress@rogers.com Or mail to: The Villager P.O. Box 5 Washago, ON L0K 2B0
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1st Annual Kids’ Drawing & Photo Contest
Thorough, thoughtful and completely confidential services. Ask about my pre-listing consultation. Visit my website today to view current listings:
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Take a photo or draw a picture of what ‘WINTER FUN’ means to you. AGE CATEGORIES: Up to 6 years • 7-11 years • 12-16 years
6 PRIZES IN TOTAL WILL BE AWARDED: ~ One for photographs and one for drawings in each age group ~ The winners will be announced in our April issue. THE DETAILS FOR YOU & YOUR PARENTS: Drawings: may be up to 11” x 17”. If scanned and emailed, please submit in a jpeg format, 300 dpi. If mailed through Canada Post, please fold carefully. Please note, we cannot return drawings submitted through the post office. Photographs: must be emailed only, as an attachment, in a jpeg format, 300 dpi. Deadline: entries must be received by The Villager by Friday, Feb. 27, 2015. INCLUDE NAME, AGE & CONTACT INFO. WITH YOUR ENTRY Email: thevillagerpress@rogers.com Canada Post: The Villager, P.O. Box 5, Washago, ON L0K 2B0
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14
A second year of snowies By Ron Reid
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You don’t need to be a birder to appreciate snowy owls; these winter visitors with a fourfoot wingspan draw a crowd of admirers whenever they appear. For the second winter in a row, snowy owls have arrived in southern Ontario in big numbers. This back-to-back invasion is an unusual event. Normally these distinctive birds are common in this area only about one year in ten. Snowies spend the rest of the year on their nesting grounds on the Arctic tundra. Most years, they winter in the Arctic as well, feeding mostly on lemmings. But it takes a lot of lemmings to keep a large owl going – about three per day – so when lemmings are scarce the snowies move south. In the past few years, scientists have been learning a lot about the movement of these birds by attaching lightweight GPS transmitters on their backs. These units feature a small solar panel to keep their batteries charged, and link into the cell phone network whenever they are in range to download vast amounts of data. Even though studies such as Project SnowStorm are just getting started, they have already generated some interesting findings. Some owls jump around from place to place, travelling hundreds of kilometers in a winter; other individuals are home-bodies, who find a hunting territory they like and move around very little. Snowy owls are often seen perched on the ice of the Great Lakes, and this new tracking confirms that some birds will spend weeks or even months at a time on the ice. It appears they are feeding on ducks and gulls that are attracted to channels of open water, often hunting these birds at night. This hunting behavior is similar to owls in the north who will prey on sea ducks found in polynyas – areas of open water in the pack ice. Not surprisingly, these birds of the open tundra prefer broad open areas such as farm fields for their winter habitats. But they also show up almost anywhere when they are moving around – just before Christmas, one spent an afternoon perched atop a building
in downtown Orillia. They can also be very spotty in their distribution – the 2014 Orillia Christmas Bird Count turned up only two, but the Collingwood count a few days later tallied 13. If you have a chance to see a few snowy owls, you will notice that they vary from mostly white to heavily speckled. If you want to impress your friends, you can casually mention that the owl with lots of dark blotches is a female. The males grow whiter with age; by the time he gets close to his average life span of 10 years, a male bird will be almost pure white.
Keep your eyes open for the visiting snowy owls before they return to the Arctic tundra. So enjoy the winter treat of viewing a snowy owl, but please leave it in peace. Photographers who disturb these magnificent birds by approaching too closely threaten their survival at a time of year when they need all their attention to catch that next meal. A regular contributor to The Villager, Ron Reid is a natural heritage consultant and the cofounder and former executive director of The Couchiching Conservancy. He has written more than 30 magazine articles and co-authored three books. He lives in Washago with his wife, Janet Grand.
15
Local students receive awards By MPP Garfield Dunlop
Four constituents in my riding of Simcoe North have been awarded the Ontario Parks Partners Bursary Award. I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate Martin Cunningham of Hawkestone, Samantha McIsaac of Orillia, Jennifer Potts of Shanty Bay, and Jessica Simmonds of Tiny. They are all receiving an educational bursary for outstanding work as an Ontario Parks summer employee. Now in its 15th year, the Ontario Parks Partners Bursary Awards recognize summer students each year for their
commitment to great work, unparalleled service, and leadership in natural resources management. The program, supported by corporate partners, provides funding to students for post-secondary education. More than 1,500 students work in Ontario Parks each summer, helping to make the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry the top youth employer in the Ontario Public Service. There are over 300 provincial parks in Ontario, covering over 8-million hectares — larger than Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island combined.
from 8 a.m. until 12:00 noon at a positive impact on our future. the Royal Canadian Legion in I welcome everyone to Orillia. I look forward to seeing take part in my pre-budget you there! consultations. The Midland and area Pre-Budget Consultation is PRE-BUDGET CONSULTATIONS: set for February 3, 2015 9 a.m. The Ontario Legislature is 12 p.m. at the Brooklea Golf and to resume sitting on February Country Club. The Orillia Pre17. As we focus on the future, Budget Consultation is February it’s the ideal time for all levels 4, 2015 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at The of government - municipal, Highwayman Inn. If you wish to provincial and federal - to work make a presentation at either of together to lessen the impact the Pre-Budget sessions please of increased taxes and deficits contact my Orillia office 705and set budgets that will have 326-3246 or 1-800-304-7341.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST Please circle February 7, 2015 on your calendar. That’s the date of my Annual Pancake Breakfast. The event takes place
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Garfield and his granddaughter, Rachael, ready to cook pancakes for the crowd in 2014.
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Missing Eye Glasses
By Pat Harwood, recreation coordinator
My services include Medical and Cosmetic Acupuncture; Homeopathic Medicine; Craniosacral Therapy; Holistic Nutrition; and Lifestyle Counselling.
Serving the greater Simcoe County and Muskoka regions. Consultations are available via Skype.
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Consider a natural approach.
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On December 31, 2014 Heather Morris who works as a server at the Washago Village Restaurant on Highway 11, placed her eye glasses on the counter near the cash when she started her shift. Later that morning, after cashing out a customer at 9:20 a.m., Heather noticed that her glasses were missing. The security video confirms that as a customer was leaving he picked up the eyewear and placed them in his pocket. Heather needs her glasses for distance and cannot drive at night without them. The glasses are also very expensive to replace. If anyone has information, or you are the customer who took the eye glasses and realize they are not yours, please call Heather at 705-689-8540 or 705-689-0782.
Washago Family Dentistry
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Homeopathic Medicine and Acupuncture
school students who would like to volunteer for programs are asked to contact the recreation coordinator at the township offices. Volunteers will be asked to help for a minimum amount of time per week, usually one hour a week is the minimum requirement. Events to plan for: the 2015 Winter Games hosted by the Haliburton Highlands from February 17th to 19th; the 2016 Ontario 55+ Summer Games hosted by the town of Midland in August. Information and registration are available at www.ontarioseniorgames.ca. For more information about culture and recreation opportunities, please visit the Township of Severn website at www.townshipofsevern.com.
n
session. More information to come. The Township of Severn and Georgian College have recently partnered through a Community Projects Initiative to provide an opportunity for college students to develop youth and pre-school programs for the township. Students will also assist with promotion and marketing of recreation. Lastly, providing volunteer opportunities within the township is another important initiative. Extra hands are always welcome! Volunteers will help others enjoy the benefits of the recreation opportunities in Severn Township. A current volunteer sector check is required prior to applying. The township can assist with this process. Parents or secondary
Hamil to
The Culture and Recreation department in Severn Township is very busy with proposals to council and preparing new recreation opportunities for Severn residents. Plans for the Locke Subdivision Parkland Development are in the “Draft Tender” phase. The Township Council and the Culture and Recreation Advisory Committee will review the details of those tenders at subsequent meetings and, based on budget approval, other improvements are being presented. As well, new programs and events are being developed for family and individual enjoyment. To accommodate the size of the township, a preregistration session is being considered for the spring
Green River Health: 705-689-6395
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Black River passion fruit seared tuna with mango salsa and panko crusted king mushrooms Ingredients:
• 2 firm whitefish steaks (tuna, shark, halibut) • ¼ cup chopped mango, ¼ “ dice • ¼ cup chopped red onion, ¼” dice • 10 teardrop tomatoes halved • ¼ cup roughly chopped mint • ¼ cup roughly chopped Thai basil • ¼ cup roughly chopped coriander • 2 limes halved and juiced • 1 can passion fruit • 1 tsp. black sesame seeds • ½ cup panko • 1 egg • ¼ cup flour • 2 king mushrooms • 1 cup frying oil of choice
Preparation:
Prepare in three separate bowls - 1 flour, 1 egg wash, 1 panko crumbs. Slice mushrooms in half lengthwise, dredge in flour, then egg wash, then panko. Recipe provided by Chef Becky of Black River Food Company Coat thoroughly. Sear fish in a cast iron pan or BBQ 1 ½ min. per side. Remove from heat and tent with foil.
If you want to know something about jewelry, talk to the man who makes it.
Place mushrooms in hot oil and cook 2 min. or until golden in colour.
Place passion fruit sauce on plate and set fish on top of sauce; spoon mango salsa over top and garnish with mushrooms Mango salsa: Combine mango, herbs, onion, and fresh herb leaves. tomatoes and half of lime juice in bowl, mix well and refrigerate.
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Severn businessman wins national award Continued from page 5 work: their very successful printing work on canvas, including a 3 foot x 8 foot panoramic view of Toronto; a two-inch thick door on which was printed a design that matched wallpaper allowing the door to ‘disappear’ against a customer’s wall; and their extensive amount of fine art printing, creating reproductions that look exactly like the original. Because of his love for the printing business and regard for good education in his field, Richard encourages co-op students to acquire placements at his shop. Currently an enthusiastic and talented coop student from Twin Lakes, Courtney Foster, is doing just that. “I had a choice of where to do my co-op work and I chose Pixels ‘N’ Print,” Courtney said.
She said that this placement has given her the opportunity to learn about some very specialized work. She added that Richard and his team have been very helpful, even assisting her in creating a beautifully designed portfolio. Richard is proud but humble when he talks about winning the VIP award. However, he is anything but humble when Twin Lakes Secondary co-op student, Courtney Foster, takes some boasting about his family’s time out from her training. business and the work they do. “We work hard, we pay attention to our clients and we create new solutions so that every single customer gets the results they country furniture & accessories want.” from historic regions in canada Although Richard isn’t naive and knows that there could be more ‘bumps’ in years to come, he said Shop by appointment only 705-325-9666 he is here to stay, is committed Steve 705-323-5912 • Wendy 705-345-3206 to excelling in the printing Visit our website for more information. industry and looks forward to www.hintonantiques.com their 10th anniversary.
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Blaine’s Auto Supports Rotary By Dan Herbert, president Blaine’s Automotive donated $710.08 to The Rotary Club of Washago & Area Centennial in support of local community service initiatives. In October of 2014, Blaine’s Automotive held their annual Thanksgiving Tire Sale and Barbeque and made a commitment to donate a percentage of the sales toward supporting the community. Mark Stein, owner of Blaine’s Automotive said “We decided to give a percentage of our Thanksgiving sale and barbeque to Rotary because we know they will use the funds to support many worthwhile community service initiatives. ”The object of Rotary is to make our world a better place. Blaine’s Automotive has recognized this need. We are grateful that Blaine’s has chosen to support our projects,” said Dan Herbert, Rotary Club of Washago president. “We are supporting a number of local community service projects where these funds will greatly assist.” Recent community support by The Rotary Club of Washago includes the donation of dictionaries for all local grade 3 students. They have also
Ramona Winterfest Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015
What a great way to spend Family Day Weekend! (Photo by Paul Walma) Rotary Club of Washago’s president, Dan Herbert (left) accepts a cheque from Mark Stein of Blaine’s Automotive of Severn Bridge. supported the development of a playground in Cumberland Beach and provided much needed funding for a local youth palliative care program that provides assistance for parents of severely ill children. The Washago Rotary Club is a member of Rotary International, a worldwide network of inspired individuals who translate their passions into relevant social causes to change lives in communities. For more information about Rotary in Washago & Area, visit the club’s website at www.washagorotary.ca.
Non-profit, Charitable Organizations • Service Clubs Places of Worship • Youth Organizations:
HOSTING A COMMUNITY EVENT?
Tell The Villager about your next event and we’ll publish the details on our Community Happenings page,
FREE OF CHARGE. DEADLINE: email information no later than the 10th of the month and your event will appear in the following month’s issue. thevillagerpress@rogers.com Event submissions may be edited based on space available.
Cross Country Poker Run ~ Walk, Ski or Snowshoe ~
Our hard packed trail is carved through the forest, circling around a large beaver pond. Keep your eyes open for deer, moose and wild turkey tracks. Several large owls have been spotted as well. The four check points along the trail guarantee you a warm welcome and a chance to draw that winning hand. Depart the Hall anytime between 10:00 a.m. & 2 p.m. You must be back to the hall by 4:00 p.m. for your hand to be entered for the cash prizes!
Euchre Tournament 1:30 p.m. Children’s Craft Corner (no extra charge)
Silent Auction $5.00 Admission
Covers both the Poker Run and the Euchre Tournament
Delicious hot food available all day! Licensed by LLBO.
Take Hwy 169 south from Washago. Turn left on Fairgrounds Rd. We are located 4 km on the left. For more information, please call Silvia at 705 689 2862 or Eileen at 705 689 6101
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ORILLIA OFFICE: 14 Coldwater Rd. W., P.O. Box 2320, Orillia, ON L3V 6S2 Telephone: 705-326-3246 of Toll Free 1-800-304-7341 Fax: 705-326-9579 MIDLAND OFFICE: 482 Elizabeth St. Midland. ON L4R 1Z8 Telephone: 705-526-8671 Fax: 705-526-8600
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Prepare for winter emergencies By Dianne Kyle, Fire Prevention Officer Winter storms can range from moderate snow falling over a few hours, to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days with dangerously low temperatures and strong winds. The result of this extreme weather can be physical harm and/or power outages. A welldeveloped plan can help you and your family cope better with both of these emergencies. Your power outage plan, which should always review your fire and carbon monoxide emergency plans, starts with a family discussion. An important part of developing your plan is to involve children. Not only should children be involved in something this important, if they regularly arrive home from school before parents arrive home from work, they should know the plan well enough to put it into action. An extreme cold emergency plan is as important as preparing for an extended power outage. According to Emergency Management Ontario, extreme cold weather dangers and winter storms kill more people than the number of Canadians killed by tornadoes, thunderstorms, lightning, floods and hurricanes combined.
They suggest the following in preparation for extreme cold: • Stay indoors. If you must go outside, dress for the weather to avoid serious cold-related injuries. • If you go outdoors, avoid overexertion when shovelling snow. Take frequent breaks so as not to over-stress your body. Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing. • Bring pets inside during winter weather and move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with accessible non-frozen drinking water. For power outages, consider the following: • Ensure there are batteries and flashlights handy and everyone in the family knows where they are stored; • Avoid using candles. • Keep kitchen and/or bathroom taps running. Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing. For both types of emergencies, remember to restock your emergency kit after each use, including how well it sustained you during the emergency. Also, after you’ve had to implement your emergency plan be sure to review, assess and make improvements as necessary.
For more information on emergency preparedness, check out beprepared.emergencymanagementontario.ca/myplan/.
House & Cottage Cleaning • Office & Store Cleaning Window Cleaning • Carpet Cleaning • Painting We are fully insured & bonded. Vivette van der Horst 9565 Highway 11 N Bus. 705-689-6492 RR3 Orillia, L3V 6H3 Cell 705-330-1376 www.dutchcleaningservice.com
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Family Day weekend fun at Ramona Winterfest By Ellen Cohen As you and your family sit down to plan Family Day weekend, put the 126th Annual Ramona Winterfest on your ‘must do’ list. The festival takes place on Saturday, February 14th starting at 10 in the morning and will, if you choose, keep you and your family entertained for the entire day. A note to parents and grandparents: you’ll be home in time for your evening Valentine’s celebrations. This event has run every year consecutively for more than a century and a quarter. That’s an interesting fact in itself. But to learn that it is organized and run entirely by volunteers is extraordinary. Eileen Cronk, a director on the board of The Ramona Agricultural Society says, “I’m sure not much has changed since the early days but I’m sure our ancestors would be happy with what we do today.” She adds “Our volunteers love working on this festival. It’s a rural event, held outdoors, in the snow. What could be better?” The cross-country poker run is the main attraction of Winterfest and has been almost since its inception 15 years ago. It started with about 70 people registering for the trail run. Last year there were more than twohundred and fifty. Suitable for
any age or ability, there are five checkpoints along the run, each with a bonfire, and all manned by a Ramona Agricultural Society board member and other volunteers. Preparation for the trail is handled by two local volunteers who groom the trail over and over again until it is perfect for walking, skiing or snowshoeing. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the fivekilometre trail that runs through beautiful bush. One of the other highlights of Winterfest is the euchre tournament. Games get under way at 1:30 p.m. and it is recommended that players come a little early to register. Euchre is very popular with attendees who may not be able to manage the trail or would rather stay inside the hall and keep warm. At any time during the day, children are invited to the Craft Corner. Located in the hall, kids of any age are welcome to this supervised area. Craft supplies will be in abundance and hot chocolate is nearby. As usual, a silent auction is part of the day. It’s one of the ways funds are raised to help Continued on page 25
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FINAL DAYS!
Sales Up to 80% off! Store will be closing end of February.
Do you have a Special Occasion coming up? Are you going on a Vacation soon?
The perfect outfit is waiting for you!
——— * ———
We have enjoyed taking part in the community centre fundraising fashion show for many years. We have met so many wonderful people and have had so much fun. Wishing you continued success. Thank-you!
142 Mississaga Street East Downtown Orillia 705-326-7723 Having a blast at Ramona Winterfest 2014.
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SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS • Difficulty understanding speech • Asking people to repeat themselves • Difficulty understanding women and children • Difficulty hearing on the phone • Favouring one ear • Ringing in one or both ears • Difficulty hearing in noisy situations • Isolation, depression and irritability • Family & friends suspect hearing loss
Honouring one of our own By Lioness Estelle Ness
Unfortunately District A-12 has a sad December. She comes to us with new ideas announcement to make. In our article in and fresh input that is sure to help our group. the January issue of The Villager we told We know Lioness Paula is going to be a very important part of our success. readers that our good friend and We are hoping that the New Lioness, Anna McDonnell was Year will bring even more fresh ill. Sadly Anna has since passed faces to the Lioness group in away and we offer our deepest Washago. We can assure you condolences to her family and that if you decide to come on friends. board, you will always feel proud Anna was such a valuable about your contribution to your member of our group. There neighbourhood. As we told you wasn’t anything she wouldn’t last month, the district raised do to help others. In the eulogy Anna Irene McDonnell, delivered by her grandson he loyal Lioness, passed $60,000.00 that went directly to the communities we serve. Will said “she mattered”. That covers it away peacefully in hospital on Friday, you step up and help so we can all. She now has her wings. We’ll December 12, 2014. continue to help support families think of Anna organizing events and enhance our community? in heaven and making sure Our first meeting of the New Year is March everyone gets to them. Because each Lioness in our group is so 3rd, 2015. Please feel free to come out and unique we know we cannot replace those have a cup of coffee with us and see what that have gone before us. However, every we are up to. Or telephone me: Estelle Ness once in a while a special person comes along at 705-325-8698. On behalf of the Washago Lioness club, I that can help to fill some of the void we feel. In our case that would be a new member, would like to take this opportunity to wish Paula McFadden who was inducted in early you all a very happy and healthy New Year.
Why did the chicken cross the street? By Eileen Cronk, a director of the Ramona Agricultural Society and friend of the Patterson family.
Katherine Rui HEARING INSTRUMENT SPECIALIST
The Difference is Clear.
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To live with her friend, Austin, of course! ….this past fall, young Austin Patterson attended the Ramona Fall Fair with his family. At the chicken display, he found an egg on the ground. He put it in his pocket and took it home. Austin convinced his mother that the egg could hatch. She borrowed an incubator
from a neighbour and Austin watched and waited patiently for 30 days. Nothing happened. “I’m sorry, Austin. It’s time to pull the plug,” Austin’s mother said as she turned the incubator off. That same night, Austin woke to the sound of ‘peep, peep, peep’. He got out of bed, walked over to the incubator and lo and behold, there was a tiny, newly-hatched fuzzy little chick. Named Sweetheart, she now roams the house freely but her favourite spot is perched on Austin’s shoulder. Sweetheart is glad she crossed the street – with a little help from her friend, Austin.
Sweetheart, the chicken, and her best friend, Austin.
25 Family Day weekend fun at Ramona Winterfest
TWIN MAPLES FARM
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705-689-0182
Christine Jameson: christine@twinmaplesfarm.ca
Continued from page 23 defray costs. Items are donated by local companies and private individuals and include a very wide variety of items. Eileen Cronk’s main responsibility, along with a team of volunteers, is looking after the food for Winterfest guests. She said hot coffee will be available by 10 a.m. and hot food will be ready by 11 a.m.
The menu includes burgers, hot dogs, onion rings and fries, and their famous cream of turkey soup. “Save room for desert,” says Eileen. “We’ll have our even more famous ‘rat tails’ which are the same as Ottawa’s beaver tails and just as popular.” Purchase a $5.00 button to be eligible to enter either the poker run or the euchre tournament.
Stay Cozy & Comfortable All Winter Long!!
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February 7, 2015
Join Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop for his Annual Pancake Breakfast between 8 a.m. and noon at the Royal Canadian Legion in Orillia.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
February 17-19
Ontario 55+ Winter Games hosted by the Haliburton Highlands, a celebration of active living uniting participants 55 and older in a multi-sport environment. Featuring more than 1,000 athletes and February 14, 2015 10 sports. Volunteers and spectators visit Ramona Winterfest begins at 10 a.m. at www.ontario55pluswintergames.com. Ramona Hall on Fairgrounds Rd. Cross country poker run, euchre tournament, children’s craft corner, silent auction and more. See ad page 19 for more details.
February 14-16, 2015
Family Day weekend is licence-free fishing throughout Ontario for Canadian residents. There are festivals and derbies across the province. If you’re planning a weekend with the family, contact 705-748-6324, ext. 207 for information.
Spring Home Show, April 10-12 Barnfield Point Recreation Centre 705-835-0123. Perch Festival, April 18-May 9 705-326-4424 or 1-888-326-4424. Ontario 55+ Summer Games August 9-11, Midland www.ontarioseniorgames.ca.
Coffee House Afterhours at
The Bakery
g n i r tu
Sunday, February 15th
a e F Peter Harbocian
February 15, 2015
Polar Bear Dip – even though the Orillia Winter Carnival is off the books for 2015, the popular Polar Bear Dip will take place. ‘Dippers’ raise money for local charities. Visit www.orilliawintercarnival.ca/polar-beardip for more information.
George Coventry Sue Wood & Ian Chaplin Ed Moll Angie Nussey André Paraskevas Vince Therrien The Marrieds Rick & Jake
February 16, 2015
Family Outdoor Fun Day at Wye Marsh starts at 9 a.m. and runs through to 5 p.m. Fun and interactive activities all day. 16160 Highway 12 East, Midland. 705-526-7809.
February 17, 2015
St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Washago will hold its Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Cost is a free will offering.
February 17, 2015
Lake Country Animal Hospital is holding its annual Open House from 1-3 p.m. Tours of the clinic are available and voting for annual pet photo contest will take place throughout the day. Refreshments will be served. 3843 Soules Rd., 705-326-4800.
3384 Muskoka Street,Washago Doors Open at 7:00pm $25.00 cover,
2015
NEW SIGN. SAME WINDSHIELD REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT EXPERTISE. We’re joining forces with Speedy Glass®, Canada’s leader in vehicle glass repair and replacement so you’ll get more great services like on line booking and a comprehensive national warranty. All that, and you still get the same folks you know behind the counter. Welcome to our new Speedy Glass® service centre.
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Bill Farewell
This Apple Auto Glass® location is changing to Speedy Glass®
315 West St. S Orillia
705.325.3500 speedyglass.ca
3384 Muskoka Street, Washago
705.514.5000
www.canoefreshfoods.ca Store Hours: Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. | Sunday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
ops t Pork Ch u C k ic • Fresh Fruits & Vegetables h T Steaks • eef in B lo d n ip r u t o S r Fresh AAA Chicken • Freshly G • Deli Counter Fresh Sausages & s r e g r e Bu Sauc n of BBQ io t c le e • Huge Stock of Competitively-priced Groceries S t Grea
Impress Your Loved One on Valentine’s Day with the Perfect Home-cooked Meal. The Main Course: selected, perfectly butchered
steak, pork and chicken; an excellent selection of fresh vegetables; and all the condiments and extras you’ll need to create the perfect flavour.
Dessert: freshly baked and delicious specialty items, many created just for Valentine’s Day – perfect to share with the one you love. Add some Kawartha Dairy ice cream or scrumptious dessert sauces.
Coffee House Afterhours at The Bakery – Sunday, February 15 See page 26 in The Villager for details or visit canoefreshfoods.ca
There are always specials at Canoe Fresh Food Market. Drop in to see what we have for you this week!
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