The Villager 2019 February

February 2019

Knowledge and expertise to guide you through changing market conditions.

Paul Cleary B.B.A. BROKER 705-327-6002

Food waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Visit

Recipe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

paulcleary.com

Children & fire safety. . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Community events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Hunting cormorants Good idea or meddling with nature?

There are many choice and colourful words used to describe double crested cormorants, especially by those who live on the water close to small islands.

Most of us have seen devastation caused by large flocks of these water fowl.

Previously undisturbed islands that were home to lovely trees and other birds and animals are turned into piles of cormorant guano (excrement). All vegetation is destroyed. Trees become nothing more than large dead sticks.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has proposed to deal with this issue by establishing a double crested cormorant hunting season from March 15-December 31. The initial ‘bag limit’ proposed is 50 birds/day/hunter. Public input regarding this proposal was accepted until January 4, 2019. According to Shawn Caley of the Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters (CFAH), results of that feedback will be made publicly available within a couple of months.

The CFAH has taken a balanced approach to the government’s proposal. Although they naturally support hunters, Shawn said their organization believes every element has to be considered before any change to hunting rules are made, including a thorough study of the potential effects on all local species and the habitat.

© Can Stock Photo / pix2go

Ron Reid, a natural heritage consultant and co-founder of the Couchiching Conservancy had this to say about the double crested cormorant population: “Usually when a species experiences a population boom, Mother Nature applies a natural balancing. Although cormorants appear to be more numerous than should be, I’m not entirely comfortable to the MNRF proposal as it stands.”

Ron Reid went on to suggest that it may be too soon for a policy that may see hundreds of thousands of cormorants destroyed when, in fact, nature may take its own course and adjust the numbers over time. However, he understands the push to reduce the numbers of this unloved species.

Both Shawn Caley and Ron Reid agree

that dealing with an increased population of cormorants is complex. On the one hand, cormorants eat many thousands of pounds of invasive species of fish, more commonly found in the Great Lakes than in Lake Couchiching. On the other hand, they also eat perch and small mouth bass and any other fish they can catch. They do not, apparently, have a very discerning palate.

If the numbers of cormorants continues to grow, how will their appetites affect overall fish population and the rest of our eco system?

Whatever the solution, it’s unlikely that now, or in the future, anybody expects that a flock of cormorants flying overhead will get a very warm welcome in our neighbourhood.

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3 Approximately 150 trumpeter swans are spending the winter at Washago Centennial Park. Feeding them can put their lives at risk.

Washago Community Centre Board Members Needed If you are interested in making decisions about the activities and the future of our Community Centre, we would like to hear from you. Please note: we would like to have a youth member who could represent the interests of the youth in Washago and area, assisting with organizing events and programs of interest to this age demographic.

Please call Rose at 705-689-6424 if you would like to have more information.

Ice Rink By the time this article is printed, ice conditions may have changed for the better but, at the time of the writing of this article, the weather had not cooperated with making ice and there were concerns about the thickness of the ice being maintained at a safe depth. We had actually had to close the rink for some time due to changing ice conditions. We have asked for direction from Severn Township to assist us in keeping the rink open for the winter. The rink is not supervised and, for their own safety, anyone using the rink needs to remember the mandatory use of helmets..

Paint Nite On Thursday, February 21 from 7-10 p.m., gather up your friends and neighbours and get ready for a fun evening. Create an art masterpiece to take home and you may find hidden talent that you did not know you had. Acrylic painting led by Kathy Nicholson with refreshments served to keep your creative juices flowing.

Cost is $45/person. Registration and payment must be made by February 13 to ensure we are well prepared to present the class.

Please call Rose if you need any more information.

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Please DO NOT feed the swans When we stand at the dock at Washago Centennial Park and look out at the magnificent sight of 150 trumpeter swans, it’s easy to believe that because of their size they are impervious to harm.

This, says Susan Best, a local volunteer and swan expert, is far from the truth.

In fact, swans can become very ill from eating the food that has been tossed out on the ice. The food easily becomes mixed with feces and the results are disastrous.

They don’t need to be fed, says Susan. She explained that during the winter months the swans hunker down on the ice in what she describes as a kind of a torpor, a state of physical inactivity or lethargy. Enticing them with food means that they come out of their torpor and use valuable energy they need to make it through the winter.

“Swans are like polar bears with feathers,” she said. “They DO NOT need to be fed. There is abundant natural forage for them and they will be fine without our help.”

If you can’t bear to stop feeding the swans, there are two white feeding stations at the dock. Whole, clean and untreated corn may be placed in these stations. At the risk of swans becoming ill, please do not put anything else in these feeding stations except the corn.

The best time for viewing the swans is after a very cold night, -10C or colder. On mild days, -5C or warmer, the birds prefer to go onto the many miles of rivers around Washago, usually in family groupings to tip and feed for rich green nutrients.

Facebook group for reporting swans: Ontario Trumpeter Swans – https://www.facebook.com/groups/259764354096464/

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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

© Can Stock Photo / mscornelius

From the Publisher:

Food waste On January 16th, I received a media advisory. It was sent jointly from Second Harvest and Value Chain Management. At first, I thought it was some sort of a chain letter, a joke. But that same day, I heard the same information on CBC radio and later in the evening I watched a news report about this same advisory. It was no joke.

The two organizations who sent the advisory recently completed a piece of research. The results: • 58% of all food produced is lost or wasted; • Only 42% of all food produced in Canada ever makes it to market; • And 11.2M metric tonnes of lost food could be rescued, but isn’t.

How can this be? Is this enormous waste because so much food doesn’t meet standards? Are giant corporate farms producing too much and tossing out the excess? How much are consumers to blame?

I don’t know the answers to those questions but I do know I am part of the problem. Although there’s no doubt I am a good citizen because I use my green bin religiously, I am definitely wasting food that has made it from the producers to my refrigerator.

This past week, in addition to acceptable items such as onion skins, carrot tops and coffee grounds, my green bin was loaded with wasted food: the contents of a large, almost unused jar of expired Caesar dressing; 2 way-past-delicious apples; 2/3 of an English cucumber that had turned soft and watery; 3 eggs that were past the ‘best before date’; and leftover spaghetti with meat sauce I was going to eat for lunch the week before but just hadn’t felt like eating.

My behaviour is responsible for part of the 58% of all food produced that is wasted and I feel ashamed.

I’m sure I’m not alone.

Washago Rotary disbands Villager readers who did not read about Rotary on The Villager’s Facebook page over the holidays may not know the Rotary club in Washago has officially disbanded after having served our community for 13 years.

Christopher Carman, past-president of the Washago club, said that low membership has made it difficult for members to keep up with events and fundraisers. Many of the members will now join neighbouring Rotary Clubs either in Orillia or Gravenhurst, he added.

In addition to their support of international Rotary efforts to rid the world of polio and help needy countries produce

potable water, local members brought so much to Washago and area residents, most notably their always sold out Wild Game Dinner. They also brought the water fountain to the Washago Centennial Park beach, an initiative that keeps bacteria down and makes sure the beach is open all summer, and they were big supporters of the art installation on the Washago water tower.

On behalf of the community, thank you to all members of the Washago Rotary Club.

We are grateful for your service and we wish you well.

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

Letters may be edited.

5

Four ways to make things a little better

By Mark Bisset I’m trying to rehabilitate myself as part of the environmental work I do.

Because I subscribe to the idea that if you want to change the world you should start with yourself, I’ve been working on a few personal projects. Success sometimes alludes me, but here are four things I’ve been tackling on the home front: 1. Eat less meat. This is a tough one, since I really like meat. Particularly grassfed steak, medium rare, with a nice peppercorn sauce. And cheeseburgers. But it seems like my taste for meat may be worse that my driving habits when it comes to ruining things.

“A vegan diet is probably the single biggest way to reduce your impact on planet Earth, not just greenhouse gases, but global acidification, eutrophication, land use and water use,” University of Oxford, UK, research lead Joseph Poore told the Guardian. “It is far bigger than cutting down on your flights or buying an electric car,” he said, as these only cut greenhouse gas emissions.

But wait, you might say. Doesn’t The Couchiching Conservancy work with local cattle ranchers on the Carden Plain to achieve its conservation goals? Yes we do.

We think Carden ranchers are a model for others to emulate. They run cattle on a landscape suited to grazing, keeping the number of head at a sustainable level for the health of the ecosystem. Their agricultural practices are beneficial for whole suites of

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Trying to eat less meat to reduce environmental impact, but still like a good steak? Find small, local farm operations that put a premium on land stewardship and run their farms in a way that promotes a healthy environment. Photo by David Hawke. grassland species of wildlife. And the cattle have a pretty good lifestyle while it lasts.

I’m no vegan, but I think I can get along with less meat, and I think I can choose the meat I do consume more carefully, with a heavy emphasis on buying locally wherever possible. I’m looking for ways to support small operations run by my neighbours, not big corporations run by boards. Wish me luck.

2. Offset my worst habits. My wife and I recently spent some time wrestling with how we might manage with one car instead of two. We looked at it a dozen different ways, and in the end decided we can’t do it right now. We also own an energy-efficient (!) hot tub. And heat our home with natural gas. Etcetera. For the energy use, we’ve started contributing to Bullfrog Power, essentially offsetting our electricity use with green energy. Bullfrog makes sure that for every kilowatt/hour (kWh) of electricity you use, a kWh from a pollution-free, renewable source is put on the grid on your behalf (www.bullfrogpower.com). We’re examining strategies to drive less and we’re trying to limit big trips. This last part isn’t

going so well; our world is made for driving.

3. Stop buying so much plastic. Very hard, but an eye-opener. Somehow, we used to manage without it. We’ve got to do it again.

4.

Increase my support for environmental organizations. Okay, I’ve got a clear bias here. But here’s the interesting thing: while somewhere in the range of 70 per cent of Canadians say environmental issues are very important to them, giving to the environmental sector represents less than 2 per cent of all charitable gifts in Canada. So I’m putting more emphasis on environmental giving because environmental non-profits are engines for social justice, good health and community-building.

Mark Bisset is the executive director of The Couchiching Conservancy, a charitable land trust that has helped protect more than 13,000 acres in the Lake Couchiching region. To support The Couchiching Conservancy, go to www.couchichingconserv.ca.

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Business at any cost?

By Ron Reid , opinion column

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Just before the Christmas break, the Ontario government tabled Bill 66, legislation that is intended to cut through a broad swath of red tape as part of Premier Doug Ford’s “Open for Business” mantra.

At first glance, this might seem like a good idea. It is only when you follow through the fine print in the schedules at the end of the Bill that its impact becomes more clear and worrisome.

Bill 66 and the associated regulations will allow provincial municipalities to pass an “Open for business planning by-law” without prior public notice or discussion. Decisions made under this by-law cannot be appealed, so if you have concerns about the location or proposed operations of a new business, you will have no options.

Schedule 10 of the legislation lays out a very long list of planning and environmental exemptions. Municipalities would not need to follow their own Official Plans or Provincial Planning policies that protect wetlands and endangered species. Provisions such as the Clean Water Act that protect drinking water, the Lake Simcoe Protection Act, the Greenbelt Act, the Great Lakes Protection Act, among others can be disregarded.

There is concern that to encourage business and development Bill 66 has not paid enough attention to a generation’s worth of regulations designed to protect the environment and the safety and livability of human neighbourhoods.

Further, it appears the current government may have forgotten past lessons learned.

Lax regulations allowed contaminated drinking water to sicken and kill residents of Walkerton, Ontario. As a result of that tragedy, higher standards were developed in the Clean Water Act. Under the current government, Bill 66 allows new businesses to choose to ignore those higher standards.

This issue is more ideological than partisan. In fact, Simcoe North residents will remember that during his time in office, MPP Garfield Dunlop spearheaded efforts to pass the Lake Simcoe Protection Act to clean up and restore the lake’s ecosystem. That commendable initiative is now showing positive results. Garfield recognized that the people of North Simcoe want both a

healthy environment and a strong economy.

He knew our economy depends to a large extent on that healthy environment. Bill 66 appears to not have this balanced approach between the environment and business.

Is Ontario facing such a crisis that Bill 66 is necessary? Our unemployment rate is around an 18-year low, and the stock of available employment lands in Simcoe County is already deemed to be more than sufficient, higher than a decade ago.

© Can Stock Photo / Alexis84

There is worry that this legislation is but a preview of the new Ontario government’s approach to reforming residential planning.

There has already been some musing about a transformation of the system in order to encourage a substantial increase in building homes, a plan the government believes will bring down prices.

If you have concerns that Bill 66 will lessen the now strict protection of Lake Simcoe, significant natural areas, or even prime farmland, call or write the current Simcoe North MPP, Jill Dunlop to express your views.

We all want a prosperous business community but not at any cost. Certainly not at the cost of our extraordinary and irreplaceable environment.

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.

8

Lemon poppy seed loaf

By Chef Becky Lennerton, proprietor of

Black River Food Company and a teacher in our region for Loblaw Companies Limited.

LOAF INGREDIENTS: • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour • 2 tbsp. fresh poppy seeds (they can spoil easily so replace if not fresh) • 2 tsp. baking powder • ½ cup softened Kawartha Dairy butter • 1 cup cane sugar

• Juice from 3 lemons • Finely grated zest from 1 lemon • 3 hen eggs • ½ cup fresh lemon juice • ¼ cup Canadian milk TOPPING INGREDIENTS: • 1½ cups icing sugar • 3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

METHOD: Preheat oven to 350o F. Butter a 4x10 inch pan and line with parchment, hanging over two sides.

In one bowl whisk together flour, poppy seeds and baking powder (dry ingredients).

In a second bowl, cream butter with sugar and zest using a mixer.

Add beaten eggs and mix until smooth Stir in dry ingredients alternating with the lemon juice and milk.

Using a spatula, pour into pan. Place on the centre rack in preheated

oven. Bake for 1 hour or until pierced toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool.

Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together icing sugar, lemon juice. Add finely diced mint, if desired. Drizzle over loaf and serve.

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9

Happy New Year!

With the help of many incredible local volunteers, especially with our special events, last year was very successful. In fact, the Washago Lions members would say 2018 was a great year.

We closed the year out with a wonderful Christmas dinner. It was held at our clubhouse and catered by R Cottage Restaurant of Washago.

We held our first meeting of the year on January 14th and we are ready to serve our community once again.

One of our new 2019 initiatives gives community members a chance to enter a contest and walk away with a $500 grand prize. To enter the contest we ask you to write an original song about Washago. Complete details will be advertised on Facebook, on local posters, or you may call Doug at 705323-3383. Final judging of the submitted songs will be judged on March 31st.

Mark your calendar for our two musical jams at the Washago Lions Hall: Kathy’s Country Jam is the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.

Dougie’s Jam is the 3rd Wednesday of the month, also at 7:00 p.m.

Winterfest fun on Family Day weekend There is one winter activity our community can count on every year – Ramona Winterfest.

Organized and run by local volunteers from the Ramona Agricultural Society, this event is one of the best ways to start Family Day Weekend.

The highlight of Winterfest is the Ramona Wild, Wild West Cross Country Poker Run. Set up for all ages and a variety of levels of ability, participants can walk, cross country ski or snowshoe on a hard-packed trail through the forest.

While making your way along the trail, and taking your chance to draw the winning hand for this outdoor poker game, there will be the opportunity to warm up at one, or all, of the four checkpoints. Keep your eyes

open for owls and tracks from deer, moose and other local wildlife.

A note to participants: the starting point is Ramona Hall. You may start the Poker Run anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. but you must return to the hall no later than 4:00 if you want your poker hand to be entered for cash prizes.

Other activities in the hall include a euchre tournament that begins at 1:30 p.m.; a silent auction; and a children’s craft corner.

The cost of admission is $5.00. Hot food and adult beverages are available all day.

Ramona Winterfest takes place on Saturday, February 16 at Ramona Hall, 2212 Fairgrounds Rd. Access Fairgrounds Rd. off Simcoe County Rd. 169, south of Washago.

Doors open at 10 a.m. For more information call Eileen at 705-689-6101 or Silvia, 705689-2862.

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11

Remembering a club member

By Marylynne White, President Welcome to 2019. May it be a year filled with friends, fun and great health for all!

First, I wish to mention the passing of one of our life members, Bill Pittman Sr. on December 30th, 2018. Bill, one of our honourable local veterans, was instrumental in organizing many of our domestic and international trips over the years. He attended our meetings until a few months ago until it became too difficult for him to do so.

Bill was a kind and gentle man who always contributed to the best interests of the Club. I was fortunate to have a short visit with him in October and he was as gracious as always. Many of our club members attended his service on January 5, 2019.

My sympathies to Bill’s lovely family. He will be missed.

We had our first club meeting of the year on January 2nd. It was our Pot Luck Luncheon.

Considering this first meeting was so soon after the holidays, we had a good turnout. The food was abundant and it was a wonderful start to our 2019 club meetings!

Afterwards, we played a Trivia Game, and then had all the fellows compete in a balloon blow up and break game. It was really quite hilarious. Thanks to the men for being such great sports. We did our traditional “Share the Wealth” and “Move to the Beat.”

For our second meeting in January, which we call our Birthday Social, we invited the band Nostalgia to perform. One of our members, Betty Fawcett plays in this band. They play 40’s, 50’s and 60’s tunes and much more. Their band members, many who play a selection of different musical instruments, live in several different parts of our area and enjoy playing for groups. Their performance was terrific.

We then celebrated January birthdays, played some games and enjoyed cake, coffee and tea.

If you are interested in joining the Washago Seniors Club, please call me and I would be happy to discuss our activities and schedule. 705-689-4719.

Cheers!

Severn Timber Mart representatives Angie Marshall (left) and Heather Mallard (centre,) are shown with Maggie Murphy, the bar manager at the Coldwater Legion.

Big hearts in Coldwater A “Raise the Roof” fundraising initiative at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 270 has had a big boost thanks to a local business and a local service club. Giant-sized cheques in the amounts of $5,000 and $2,500 were presented to the legion on New Year’s Day. “Our most sincere thanks to Severn Timber Mart and the Coldwater Lions. We are overwhelmed to receive these large donations,” said Betty-Jean Murray, legion president.

The legion building, an older structure is well-maintained thanks to the boards of directors, legion members and other community supporters. But the cost of a new roof is an extraordinary amount to cover.

The general public has already donated a total of $1,800 at a “Silent/Not So Silent” auction in December; a ‘Tri-Athlon’ will be held in February; and more events are planned.

Certainly the legion has already seen what a big heart the Coldwater community has.

Branch 270 Coldwater first received its Charter in January, 1935. There are almost 300 members of this branch, plus a Ladies’ Auxiliary consisting of 52 members. There are dozens of dedicated volunteers and a small group of members who coordinate the branch’s projects and activities.

For more information, visit www.coldwaterlegion.com. Email branch270@rogers.com or call 705-686-3388.

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A review of Severn recreation progress

By Pat Harwood, Culture & Recreation Coordinator We are ready to roll with projects for 2019.

As users of the Washago Centennial Park know, the washrooms have been closed for many years, replaced by temporary portables.

Our hope is that the plumbing and electrical updates will go smoothly and the permanent facilities will open this summer. Also planned for Washago Centennial Park is the installation of hydro to the pavilion.

The township is currently waiting on grant announcements on several projects. Those grant requests include the Westshore Recreation Facility and the new gates for the Uhthoff Trail. We hope to hear soon.

The Coldwater & District Community Centre will have a new roof installed which will include insulation. The purpose of this work is to help during the warmer months when the ice is still in and, during the summer, to keep the building cool. Of course, this means more energy efficiencies. Some structural work will also be included in this project and work will begin as soon as the ice is taken out.

New parkland will be developed on Couchiching Avenue as part of the Couch Cove development being completed.

Ball diamond improvements will take place in both Washago and Coldwater, including new diamond material, new bases and players’ benches.

The Hedgemere Landing boat launch will have improvements made including a new concrete ramp and an improved parking area.

To book facilities view details online 24/7 on the Township of Severn’s website at www.townshipofsevern.com. Then call 705325-2315 to make it happen!

Advertisers & Community Event Organizers: Deadline for the March issue is Tuesday, February 12.

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Teaching our children about fire safety

By Dianne Kyle, Fire Prevention Officer, Severn Township

Fire safety education should never take a break. Thankfully, our children hear about it from school, in the media and, of course, from Fire Departments at events and during presentations.

Why is it so important to keep talking about it? The products we buy are always changing. The materials in our clothing, our furniture and even building materials change for many reasons such as the cost of production and available resources.

Unfortunately, these products may become more flammable because of the less expensive alternatives used during production. This is why fire protection products are also changing, becoming more effective with more alternatives for fire protection such as sprinklers in the home.

The Ontario Building Code and the Ontario Fire Code are updated to regulate the required number of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms within our homes. The Fire Protection and Prevention Act defines offences and enforcement procedures for ensuring fire safety.

The industry maintains up-to-date information on the alarms and are

in the home to become familiar with the sound and the actions they must take when they hear it.

Topics for discussion with your family can include: • Home fire escape plan and why it is important with discussion about ways out to the meeting place in all seasons.

• How to escape from the second floor, staying in place if you have no choice and what to do to prevent smoke from getting into the room.

• Crawling low under smoke explaining that sometimes it is very dark maybe a supervised practice with blindfolds to see if they could get to the door. constantly testing their products we • Get out and stay out. Wait for help to come and what information can they depend on for our safety. provide the firefighters to help.

Many years ago, the time to escape a house fire was 5-8 minutes. Today, you have Educating our children prepares them for less than three minutes to escape safely. We talk about having a home fire escape plan an emergency helping to adapt good safety and many of us do, but the question is, how habits in their lifestyle that will carry on as many times do you review and practice? they grow older.

If you have not brought this into Repetitive actions help the memory.

Monthly checks of our smoke and carbon dinnertime conversation, it is time you monoxide alarms allows the occupants start. Make fire safety a part of your lifestyle.

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

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15

The “Sting” of old age – fake news viral email

By Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton

The New Year always offers many new opportunities but beware, some of the same “fake news” stories may pop up from the past. I am grateful to my constituency office staff for keeping up to date on some of the most common ones, like the latest “Federal Benefit Payments” viral email that is making the rounds.

This fake news email is actually a bit of imported fake news from the United States.

This email may start out by stating “The Old Age Pension check (cheque) is now (or soon will be) referred to as a Federal Benefit Payment.” It then leads the reader to conclude that the government has pulled a scheme, misused the pension fund and is trying to cheat entitled pensioners.

Here are the correct facts: Our Canada Pension system consists of two parts - Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP). In the first, OAS may also include Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) which is a supplementary payment based on income. You qualify for GIS if, as a single person household, your taxable income is

lower than about $18,200 per year (2018).

The base OAS pays out at about $600 per month.

OAS and GIS are funded completely out of general federal tax revenues and are based on your being a resident of Canada at least 10 years after your 18th birthday and where you’d receive the maximum benefit at 40 years after your 18th birthday. OAS and GIS could genuinely be considered a federal pension benefit though it is not a “pension” really since neither you nor your employer contributed directly to it and it has no basis in employment. But, unlike CPP, there is no “fund” to which one has contributed in order to eventually be a beneficiary in your retirement years.

CPP is a publicly administered defined benefit pension plan to which you and your employer have made mandatory, matching premium payments tied to a percentage of payroll. It is completely off the government books; a separate, publicly administered. At current premium rates and benefit plans, the fund is actuarially sound, well into

2075. CPP benefits are funded entirely from the fund to which you and your employer have contributed. The size of your benefit has only to do with how much you have contributed throughout your working years between age 18 and 65.

The Internet can be full of pitfalls. It is wise to check the validity of emails and posts before you forward them to your friends and family. A good resource for checking the authenticity of emails and social media stories is www.snopes.com.

Have a safe and happy New Year.

• 7 0 5-71 7-03 2 2 •

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My name is Paul Bolger, a local resident, retired Phys Ed teacher and someone who loves dogs.

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References upon request.

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17

Casting a light on mental health in agriculture Helping to remove stigma and support hopefulness

By Jill Dunlop, MPP Simcoe North The Ontario government has launched a public awareness campaign to highlight mental health challenges suffered by farmers and is encouraging people to ask for help when daily struggles become too much to bear. As part of the campaign, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ernie Hardeman, held a roundtable with members of the agricultural community and had a candid discussion on mental health issues in the sector.

Owning a farm business can be very stressful. If you are struggling with the impact of these stresses, you are not alone.

Our government wants to address the stigma that still surrounds mental health and help people find the resources that can make a difference. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs also supports a number of programs to help farmers, including research to evaluate mental health needs for farmers and farm business risk management programs to cover loss and damage.

This is part of the government’s commitment to invest $3.8 billion over the

next 10 years to develop and implement a comprehensive and connected mental health and addictions strategy. This is the biggest commitment to mental health in provincial history. The province will continue to make mental health a priority and work toward creating an Ontario where everyone is fully supported in their journey toward mental wellness.

There are centres available to offer confidential, private support for anyone who is feeling emotionally impacted, or in distress or crisis due to the challenges in the agricultural industry. Whether you are directly impacted, or someone you care

about - family, friends or work-associates you can connect with Distress Centres 24/7 every day of the year. For more information on the Mental Health for Farmers – First Aid Kit, please visit: www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/about/mental-health.htm.

I hope everyone had an enjoyable and safe New Year’s Eve celebrations and I would like to thank all of those who attended my New Year’s Eve Levee. With Family Day fast approaching, I would like to invite you all to my Family Day Roller Skate on Monday, February 18th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at ODAS Park. All are welcome and I look forward to seeing you there.

Mark Your Calendar Every Thursday until March 7 • After School art at The Orillia Museum of Art & History. Ages 6-12. 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. www.orilliamuseum.org for cost and other details.

March 15, 16, 17• 2nd Annual Washago Carving Event, Washago Centennial Park.

JILL DUNLOP

MPP, Simcoe North

TWIN MAPLES FARM

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Christine Jameson: christine@twinmaplesfarm.ca

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18

February 3 Fundraising Triathlon. Registration at 11:30 a.m. Darts, pool and shuffleboard. $5 entry fee.

Coldwater Legion, 2 Michael Anne Drive. 705-686-3388 February 4 Spaghetti Lunch, including beverage and dessert. Prepared by the Severn Bridge Women’s Institute. 12 Noon. $8. Severn Bridge Community Hall, 1035 Southwood Rd. Severn Bridge. Fern at 705-687-4462.

February 7/14/21/28 Mixed Dart Nights through March continue on Thursdays, 7:00 p.m.

Severn Bridge Community Hall, $8.00. For information, call Blaine at 705-689-2291.

February 7-17 Diary of Anne Frank presented by the Mariposa Arts Theatre. Shows Thursdays-Sundays, at the Orillia Opera House.

705-326-8011, boxoffice@orillia.ca

February 10 Come join us for our ‘Loonie Auction’. 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. Live entertainment by Len Murphy.

Coldwater Legion, 2 Michael Anne Dr. 705-686-3388 February 10 3rd Annual ‘Snow-Ga’, yoga in the great outdoors. 1:00-2:00 p.m.

All levels flow in the snow. Cash donation. Proceeds to Sharing Place Food Bank. Event takes place at Leacock Museum grounds, Orillia.

February 16 Ramona Winterfest. Wonderful family fun. Cross Country Poker Run. Euchre tournament 1:30 p.m. Children’s Craft Corner. Silent auction. www.ramonahall.ca. 705689-2862 or 705-689-6101 February 16/17 Free Family Skate: Rotary Place in Orillia. Feb. 16 from 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.; February 17, open skate from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Brian Orser Arena. www.orillia.ca

February 18 Family Day Roller Skate event, hosted by Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop. 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at ODAS Park roller rink, Hwy.12 & Fairgrounds Rd. February 18 Family Day Crafternoon, Family Day at the Boater’s Lounge. Enjoy an afternoon full of arts, crafts and free hot chocolate. 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Orillia Waterfront Centre.

February 22 Mosaic Productions presents the Vagina Monologues. 7:30 p.m. at the Orillia Opera House.

90% of proceeds go to Green Haven Shelter for Women. www.orilliaoperahouse.ca March 2 Cellar Singers Inspired. Featuring works by JS Bach and Eleanor Daley.

Tickets $25/$10. 7:30 p.m. at St. James Anglican Church, 58 Peter St. N., Orillia.

2ND ANNUAL

WASHAGO CARVING EVENT

Washago Centennial Park, March 15, 16, 17 Talented carvers, delicious food.

back-yard-stuff@hotmail.com Stay tuned for more details.

You’re Invited to Attend

Information Sessions at the Washago Re/Max office 3405 Muskoka St.

Wednesday, February 13/19, 6-8 p.m.

LOCAL REALTORS versus OUT OF TOWN REALTORS Wednesday, March 13/19, 6-8 p.m.

DOWNSIZING & MARKET AVAILABILITY Wednesday, April 17/19, 6-8 p.m.

ECONOMICS & YOUR REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT Wednesday, May 8/19, 6-8 p.m.

CO-OPERATIVE LIVING FOR SENIORS Coffee, tea and snacks will be provided.

Saturday, March 2 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Hawkridge Golf & Country Club, Orillia, ON

All are welcome!

Please RSVP to: 705-689-1373 or 705-325-1373

Learn about local conservation efforts that impact you and how you can help. Guest speaker to be announced soon. More information online at www.couchichingconserv.ca

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