The Villager 2023 February

Spread Love

Avian flu risks death to local swan flock

by Ellen Cohen

Winter visits to the dock in Washago Centennial Park are guaranteed to result in the most beautiful sight – sometimes over 200 Trumpeter swans and dozens of ducks living in harmony on the sparkling open water This year there are approximately 150 Trumpeters in the open water As the season gets colder, more may move here to find open water .

Understandably, many people look at these gorgeous creatures and feel an immediate need to help them somehow Feeding them is one way to get pleasure and to feel a connection with these still rare water fowl . But for those who enjoy their presence, please immediately change your visiting habits to enjoying only . Avian flu has become a grave danger to them . Stand and watch them Enjoy their grandeur Take photos Don’t give them anything to eat

A concern in Canada for a couple of years, the highly pathogenic Avian flu (HPAI) is upon us . In fact, across the country entire flocks of birds have been euthanized In our own province, about 100 mute swans in Owen Sound and 85 in Stratford have

been put to death because of this terribly infectious virus . As well, in our own area, several Trumpeters have been infected

Migrating birds carry the virus When they share space and food with healthy birds, the food on the ground can easily get mixed in with infected feces from the sick birds Disease will spread quickly and there is no cure Recent research shows that dabbling ducks, for example, seem to be asymptomatic . We’re used to this term from the worst of COVID days . These ducks will carry avian flu, show no symptoms, and spread it with devastating effects

“Today we keep the feeders in Washago empty and we beg visitors not to feed them anything at all . Nothing . Ever . Don’t throw food into the water and do not feed them from a container If you love the swans, please don’t risk the death of an entire flock

of Trumpeters It has taken decades of care to bring them back from near extinction . If there is infection in one, it is guaranteed to spread,” said Susan Best, the chair of Trumpeter Swan Conservation Ontario

In case you’re worried about the amount of food the swans have available, please be assured they have plenty There is more than ample forage at the bottom of the water to keep them well-fed for the entire winter season It’s the reason they come here . They know they can easily feed themselves and stay healthy

A side note: The charitable organization Trumpeter Swan Conservation Ontario is looking for a board member who is skilled and experienced in marketing, communications and/or promotions Please email Susan Best at sbest2561@bell net

Plan to attend the AGM of your local conservancy

By Courtney Baker

Your local land trust is happy to be back after a short winter hiatus with news of our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), March 4th at Hawk Ridge and the publication of our Annual Report

Long time readers will be familiar with the Couchiching Conservancy’s annual meeting, where we attend to business and highlight the achievements of your local conservation community over the past year

This will be a ‘special edition’ as we celebrate Mark Bisset’s legacy as Executive Director, a tenure that saw well over 9,000 acres of pristine wilderness in the Couchiching/Severn region brought under protection by the organization . We will also welcome Dorthea Hangaard to that role and the surely bright future that lies ahead

The AGM is an opportunity for our whole community to gather . Those attending will include donors, supporters, landowners and volunteers They will be there to celebrate

our love of nature, friendships built through that passion, and what the work of many can achieve This event was well attended with pre-pandemic attendees consistently reaching over 250 individuals and now 2023 will mark our return to an in person event after having switched to virtual meetings to help keep our community safe Thanks to this experience we now have the ability to offer a hybrid event for those people those prefer to attend from the comfort of home . It will be both a relief and a pleasure to gather together again

No matter how you attend the AGM I encourage you to peruse our Annual Report This report is a window into the World of the Couchiching Conservancy with statistics and articles on protected areas, volunteer work, species at risk, finances, our philosophy and much more! It’s our yearly chance to reach out and let you know what makes us tick – all beautifully designed with fantastic photos from across our nature reserves and a two page map featuring those reserves .

We would be delighted if you sat with us for a coffee and enjoyed dipping your toe into the wonderful world of conservation The AGM Report will be available in hard copy at the meeting, or online on our website after Valentine’s Day .

However you want to be a part of your local community of environmentalists please consider this your official invitation to join us March 4, 2023 . Doors open at 1:00 p m The meeting will take place from 2:004:00 p .m . at Hawk Ridge Golf and Country Club on Hurlwood Lane in Severn If you prefer to watch from home, we encourage you to register to watch this hybrid meeting via Zoom by visiting our website at www .couchichingconserv ca .

The Couchiching Conservancy can’t be beat and you know what they say – if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!

Courtney Baker is the Administrative Assistant at The Couchiching Conservancy, a land trust protecting nature for future generations if you have questions about The Conservancy please call us at 705-326-1620 or visit www couchichingconserv ca

Join us at the AGM to welcome our new Executive Director, Dorthea Hangaard.

Couchiching Conservancy volunteers Nicole Carpenter and Sam Buchanan monitoring the green salamander.

Ellen Cohen Publisher

thevillagerpress@rogers.com 705-717-0322 www.villagernews.ca

The Villager, a Severn Township community news magazine, is an independently owned and operated publication, serving the community since March, 2013 We publish monthly from February to December

The Villager is delivered online to subscribers through villagernews.ca .

There is no charge for subscribing but registration is required Once registered, the subscriber will receive the magazine via email on the first of the month

Editorial and advertising materials are protected by copyright Reproduction of any article, photograph or graphic is forbidden without the express permission of the publisher The sentiments of our columnists do not necessarily reflect those of The Villager

The Villager’s liability to advertisers for errors is limited to the portion of the advertisement in which an error occurs and only if the error is the fault of The Villager.

Community event submissions and prearranged editorial contributions must be received by the 10th of each month for the following month’s publication .

Advertising space must be booked by the 10th of each month in order to appear in the following month’s publication, with 5 business days thereafter to complete the advertising artwork and proof approval process

The Villager P.O. Box 5, Washago, ON L0K 2B0 villagernews.ca

Art Director: Cathy Cleary

From the Publisher:

Health care funding

Recently, my great-niece had occasion to go to the emergency department She is asthmatic and was struggling . With her mother, they waited for a very long time to be triaged . Hours later they were brought into a little room where they stayed for hours longer . They had no food . No water . A cursory look by a highly overworked nurse No doctor . Patients on gurneys in every available bit of space

I won’t go into all details but in the end, they left and my great-niece recovered at home over the next few days All I could think of at the time was this could have been so much worse

We are in trouble and, I believe, we can and should place blame squarely on the shoulders of all health ministers, all premiers, and the Federal Government, past and present They must be held responsible . They have failed us .

The good news is the latest communication between the provinces and the Federal Government Federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said there had been a breakthrough in ongoing talks on future health care funding and the accountability that will go with it Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he and the other premiers are united in the effort to close a deal

In Ontario, for many, many years we have been victims of long waiting lists for necessary surgeries and diagnostic testing, 6 months to a year to get an appointment with any and all specialists, and less than excellent service in emergency departments There are about 2 million people without a family doctor - another reason for overloaded emergency departments

Let’s all hope the combined minds of our country’s leaders can actually come up with innovative, workable plans that fix our health care system – and quickly

The current situation is just too scary .

Winter safety

Snowmobiling, ice fishing and cross country skiing are three of the most popular winter activities in Simcoe North . Thankfully, most who participate use cautions . They know taking needless risks could result in injury or death

As deep winter sets in and outdoor recreation beckons you, this is the time to remind yourself that safety is paramount –to you and your family .

No matter how familiar you are with your chosen winter recreation activities, local outdoor associations and the OPP have

advice you may want to revisit

• Check the ice and wind conditions before snowmobiling on a lake or river, or ice fishing

• Ensure all equipment is in good working order, including a full tank of gas .

• Always wear proper protective gear;

• Let someone know where you’re going, especially if you’ll be on the ice or hiking in the bush

• Take along a fully charged cell phone, some healthy snack food and water .

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

© Can Stock Photo / YakobchukOlena

Keep an eye open for unusual birds

By Ron Reid

Our feeders generally host the usual mix of visitors – chickadees and nuthatches, woodpeckers and goldfinches . Once in a while, especially in winter, we are treated to something special Recently we had a very uncommon visitor . A brown thrasher, rusty red on the back and with a long tail, might not be so unusual in summer, when it builds its nest in shrubby meadows But hopping about on the snow searching for seeds – that is something we have never seen before!

Our friend Ginny over in Uphill nearly always attracts a crowd of the noisy brawlers known as evening grosbeaks at her winter feeders 2023 has been a good year for these birds of the boreal forest to come south for the winter .

Mixed in with the usual flocks this year there is a single bird with a startling change in coloration Like other males, the body of this individual is lemon yellow Instead of the normal black wings, this one has wings of pure white – maybe as a result of a genetic condition, or maybe diet related This bird (most of us are assuming there is only one) first showed up on the Bruce Peninsula, then seen again in Tiny Township, then brief stops in Orillia and Dalrymple, and then for several weeks at Ginny’s generous feeders . An interesting testament as to how widely

evening grosbeaks will wander in search of winter food

While evening grosbeaks are a winter visitor to watch for in Washago, another of the larger finches that show up occasionally is its cousin the pine finch . Females and immature members of this species are velvety grey, but mature males have rosy bodies As well as black oilseed from tray feeders, pine finches love the seed heads of staghorn sumacs .

The smaller finches, redpolls and pine siskins, sometimes show up in flocks at feeders, especially attracted to nyger seeds Not many flocks reported so far this winter, although that may change as these nomads will range widely . When the redpolls are in town, watch carefully for a few birds that are “frostier” with white rumps and very light streaks on the breast These are a separate species called hoary redpolls, always an uncommon find

If you venture over to the Washago boat launch to admire the trumpeter swans, it is

worthwhile to take a look at the ducks in the same area Most of the ducks that come in to gobble up the grain are mallards, but the more distant ducks in the open water of the lake are where the unusual species show up . The most abundant of these diving ducks are common goldeneye, with a handsome black and white pattern and an oval white spot on the face . A few years ago, a much more unusual cousin called a Barrow’s goldeneye showed up, with a slightly different body pattern and a crescent facial spot on its purplish head That rarity attracted birdwatchers from Toronto and beyond

So while Washago may not be a birders’ hot spot, we do have enough uncommon birds in winter to keep our attention sharp .

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

Brown thrasher

© Can Stock Photo / stevebyland

Gooey

By Chef Becky

INGREDIENTS:

Dough:

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 4 cups sifted flour

• 2 large hen eggs

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• 2 Tsp dry yeast active

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ Tsp sea salt

Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• Dash of sea salt

• ¾ cup brown sugar

Frosting:

• ¼ lb whipped cream cheese

• 4 Tbsp . unsalted butter

• 1 Tsp . vanilla or 1 vanilla bean

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• Pinch of salt

METHOD:

Step 1: Warm cream and combine with yeast and sugar . Mix and let stand until foamy . Add flour, salt and eggs .

Beat on medium speed until dough forms . Beat in butter, a bit at a time . Knead dough for 10 minutes or mix on medium speed Oil the dough lightly, cover and let rise overnight in the refrigerator .

Step 2: Remove dough from the fridge, let it warm for 30 minutes and then roll it out Spread the filling evenly over the sheet of dough and roll it up

Cut the rolled dough into 1-inch pieces . Cover and let rise for 30-90 minutes Bake at 350 °F until golden .

Step 3: Mix frosting ingredients and spread over top of the freshly baked cinnamon rolls once they are warm, not hot .

Serve while still warm with a signature tea or coffee and enjoy these sinfully delicious rolls .

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

Enjoy fun and hospitality at Ramona Winterfest

Saturday, February 18, 2023

Organized and run by local volunteers from the Ramona Agricultural Society, this event is one of the region’s winter highlights

On February 18th, the Saturday of Family Day Weekend, guests of Ramona Winterfest can participate in a number of activities .

The cross-country Poker Run skiing event is set up for all ages and levels of ability In fact, participants who choose not to ski may walk or snowshoe on the hard-packed 5 km trail through the forest

While making your way along the trail, and participating in the draw for 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, taking place in the hall, include a euchre tournament that begins at 1:30 p .m .; a silent auction; and a children’s craft corner .

Delicious hot food is available all day The menu includes the famous ‘Ramona’ cream of turkey soup, hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, onion rings, rat tails and beverages There is also a cash bar

The theme of this year’s event is ‘Smiling faces, Shaking hands’ and a prize will be given to the best dressed team .

A $5 00 registration fee covers both the Poker Run and Euchre Tournament No charge for hall admission

The day begins at 10:00 a m . at the Ramona Hall, 2212 Fairgrounds Rd ., just a few minutes outside of Washago, ON .

This year’s Winterfest button design winner is 12-year old Abbigayle Mueller, a grade 7 student at Rama Central School.

For more information visit www ramonahall ca or email ramonahall@gmail com

Honour

loved ones – and help make history

With files from Mariposa House Hospice and Hospice Orillia Lynn Thomas, Donor Relations at Mariposa House Hospice, stated . “All of us have or will experience a loss This event is a great way for the two organizations to educate the community about the importance of what we do ”

On Sunday, May 7, 2023 at Couchiching Beach Park, Mariposa House Hospice and Hospice Orillia come together to host the 2023 Hike for Hospice This event has become a traditional way for the two organizations to offer participants the opportunity to honour loved ones they’ve lost and, through pledges, help to raise funds that support the invaluable contribution of hospice palliative care to our community It is also a day to recognize and thank staff and volunteers for the work they do

Only partially funded organizations, they rely on the support of their community from fundraising through this event This year they have set a goal of 125 hikers raising $50,000 .

“Reaching our goal will bring the event to new heights and make history,” said Thomas

Amanda Tevelde, Communications, Fundraising and Community Relations Specialist at Hospice Orillia said, “Fully 100% of the funds raised through the Orillia Hike for Hospice stays local which includes Orillia and the surrounding communities . Every dollar helps to ensure both organizations can continue to do their work ” Register free as an individual hiker or a team online and begin to collect pledges Registered hikers will receive a ‘hiker kit’ which includes a t-shirt and snacks for the trail

Donations of prizes are gratefully accepted as are sponsorships which begin at $250 00 for the Supporter level, up to $1,000 00 for Compassion level .

Visit www .hospiceorillia .ca/h4h/ for more information, to register, or to get more sponsorship and prize donation information . You may also email committee members Amanda Tevelde at amanda@hospiceorillia ca or Lynn Thomas at lynn thomas@ mariposahousehospice com

Washago passenger rail gateway to the north again –someday soon

It has been more than a decade since passenger rail service north to Cochrane and Timmins has been available . This has left people with few options to travel, causing great difficulties for those needing to travel for medical help in larger southern Ontario centres and, in fact, for everyone who needs to travel dangerous roads during the long, cold winter in the north

The announcement by the provincial government on December 2022 was, therefore, a welcome one The province said they will spend $139 5 million on three new train sets as part of the plan to bring back Ontario Northland passenger trains Minister of Transportation Cho said the new train sets will be fully accessible with built-in wheelchair lifts, storage for mobility devices, fully accessible washrooms, Wi-Fi, dining and more .

This is all very good news but Ontarians may be somewhat sceptical about the date service will actually return . Minister Cho said the target date for reinstating the service is “sometime in the mid-2020’s” and, in the same speech, said trains are expected to be delivered by the end of 2026 Éric Boutilier is the founder of Northern Tracks Blog . He has been researching passenger rail service in Ontario for over two decades . On his blog and in his letters to editors of Ontario publications, he expresses his gratitude to the province for moving forward with this project but cautions readers to remember Doug Ford

promised this service by the end of his first term – 2022 . Éric explains about some of the possible pitfalls to be addressed during the reinstatement of service including work that will be needed to repair or upgrade rail lines as well as the maintenance of, or even rebuilding, some of the stations between Washago and the far north

The train station in Washago has been a part of Ontario’s passenger train history since 1906 Residents will watch the progress of this project closely, hoping service resumes for their northern friends’ communities sooner than later

Railway tracks in Northern Ontario.

© Can Stock Photo / Pavels

Severn Township team here to serve

On December 7, 2022 Severn council was sworn in during an official ceremony in the council chamber Since then, the two new councillors, Wanda Minnings now representing Ward 4, and Dan Janssen who serves Ward 2, have completed their initial orientation and are already active members of the team .

Mayor Mike Burkett has begun his 4th term and Judith Cox is now the township’s deputy mayor Judith has approximately 20 years of experience at the council table including as the most recent past councillor of Ward 2 and previously as deputy mayor .

Representing the entire township, Mike Burkett and Judith Cox will lead the Severn team over the next four years . Their duties go beyond the Severn Township borders as they will, individually or together, sit on county committees, have input regarding provincial matters that effect Severn, and represent the township in a variety of business and community events

For residents interested in learning more about council’s responsibilities, www .ontario .ca has a comprehensive description . Summarized, their responsibilities are to represent the residents and to consider the well-being and interests of the municipality; develop and evaluate policies and programs; determine which services the municipality provides; and ensure administrative policies, practices and procedures are in place to implement the decisions of council .

The job of council is complex, one that requires a team of staff to help council serve residents . Led by CAO Laurie Kennard, staff are responsible to implement council’s decisions and establish administrative practices and procedures as well as to undertake research and provide advice to council They also deal directly with residents, help to resolve issues and/or move inquiries on to the appropriate department

To become more familiar with how council and staff can help you, visit www .severn ca; call the administration office at 705-3252315; or call your ward council representative directly Find their phone numbers and email addresses on the website

The new Severn Township council (left to right): Councillor Dan Janssen, Ward 2; Councillor Jim McIntyre, Ward 5; Deputy Mayor Judith Cox; Mayor Mike Burkett; Councillor Mark Taylor, Ward 1; Councillor Wanda Minnings, Ward 4; Councillor Phil Brennan, Ward 3.

‘Walk your Ward’ photo challenge

A picture can speak a thousand words For 2023, the Township of Severn is challenging residents to share their photographs on social media Share the places you love in Severn and celebrate what makes our community special Get outside and #walkyourward Visit your favourite places and discover new ones . Find your ward at www severn .ca/wards .

Lifetime Dog Tags

If you own a dog in Severn, you must buy a dog licence The dog licence will last for the entire lifetime of your dog and you’ll only need to purchase the licence once You can only have a maximum of four dogs per household in Severn .

Complete and submit online, or print the application and drop it off at the Township of Severn Administration Office or at the Ontario SPCA Orillia Animal Centre at 467 West Street N ., Orillia .

Dog tag fees: $50 for a dog tag; $10 for a replacement dog tag . Seasonal residents – if you have a dog tag for your primary address, you don’t need to buy a Severn tag

Township Update

Tax bills

Interim property taxes are due in two installments on March 8 and May 8 . If you have not yet received your bill, contact Severn’s Taxation Officer at taxes@severn ca or call 705-325-2315, ext .225 . You can register for pre-authorized payment plans that allow you to set up automatic withdrawals from your bank account . Sign up at severn .ca/taxes . You can also pay by cheque (payable to Township of Severn) by mail (PO Box 159, Orillia Ontario L3V 6J3) or leave in the drop box (1024 Hurlwood Lane, Severn) Sign up for e-billing for water, sewer and property taxes at severn ca

Township’s Community Calendar

Severn’s Community Calendar was designed to support local events by informing residents and visitors of what’s happening in Severn throughout the year These events are listed directly on severn ca . Submit your event to be included in the 2023 calendar at calendar .severn ca or contact communications@severn ca with any questions

The most complete selection of specialty mobility equipment and home health care products and services.

COVID-19 supplies – gloves, sanitizers, masks

Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • www.homecomfortcare.ca

Gravenhurst 705-687-3890

Toll Free: 1-888-344-3890

355 Bethune Dr. N. Unit C1

Bracebridge 705-646-8846

295 Wellington St. Unit 12

Purchase your 2023 annual fire permit

Fire permits are required for all outdoor burning in Severn . Township of Severn’s Open-Air Burning By-law regulates the issuing of fire permits, the size of fires, and materials you can burn within an open-air fire Fire permits are valid until December 31 of the year the permit is issued Fire permits purchased in 2022 are now expired

Severn issues two types of fire permits: an annual fire permit all fires 61 cm in diameter or less for $25; an agricultural fire permit for larger burns for a fee of $75 (Severn staff will need to visit the site to approve agricultural fire permits )

Once you complete your online annual fire permit application or online agricultural fire permit application you will be contacted by Township staff .

With either permit, only clean, dry wood may be burned Leaves and garden waste should be disposed of through the yard waste and leaf pick up program .

Visit www .severn .ca/firepermits

Need a location for your next event?

Severn has a variety of parks, beaches, and sports fields as well as facilities and community halls available for rent You can rent these facilities for recreation and sports events, receptions, dances, showers, banquets, and more .

If you are interested in renting the Lake St George Community Centre or the Matchedash Heritage Community Centre, please contact those organizations directly . Visit www .severn .ca/communitygroups for contact information .

If you would like to rent either the Coldwater Community Centre or the Washago Community Centre, you will need to complete the Rental Permit and submit it by email . Visit www severn .ca/facilities to access the application, and to view fee information and other available rentals .

Huntsville 705-788-3810

Toll Free: 1-855-788-3810

10 Howland Dr. Unit 2

Photographer at Washago Centennial Park in winter, surrounded by swans and other waterfowl.

February 1-28

Visit www orilliapubliclibrary ca for a complete list of events and programs for the month of February . Programs are available for ages from infants to seniors Register online, by email cys@ orilliapubliclibrary .ca or by phone 705-325-2559

February 4

8th Annual SNOWGA Flow in the snow for a good cause Enjoy a 60-minute outdoor vinyasa yoga practice led by Rosanna Shillolo Suitable

for all levels Participation is by cash donation with all proceeds going directly to The Sharing Place Food Centre Après available on site at Fare restaurant . Dress warmly Mats not required . Leacock Museum from 1:00-3:00 p m

February 6

Pasta Dinner Lunch, including beverage and dessert 12 Noon $10 Severn Bridge Community Hall, 1035 Southwood Rd , Severn Bridge .

February 10

February 14

Orillia Farmers’ Valentine’s Day market . 9:00 a m – 1:00 p m Shop for a variety of speciality chocolates, sweet treats, plants, candles, soaps and much more Parking is free on Saturdays during market hours in metered and pay machine parking lots . Parking is not free on the downtown streets Regular market hours every Saturday are 9:00 a m – 1 p m

March 13-17

TWIN MAPLES FARM

TWIN MAPLES FARM

Clay self-portraits with Meg Leslie Beat the February blahs by immersing your hands and minds in clay Learn simple clay building techniques Light snacks and refreshments are included OMAH members $25 + HST . $30 + HST for nonmembers Orillia Museum of Art & History, 22 Peter St S ., Orillia 705-326-2159 www . orilliamuseum org

Spring Break Camp, 8:00 a .m . – 4:00 p .m . at Orillia Museum of Art & History Ages 5-12 . Five fantastic days of camp Each day will represent a different theme and will be spent creating, learning, playing and exploring OMAH’s historic building All materials provided www orilliamuseum org

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

May 7: Hike for Hospice at Couchiching Beach Park

Get more information and register at www hospiceorillia .ca/h4h/

What’s been happening at the Lion’s Club?

December was a busy month with our usual Jam nights, the Christmas markets put on by by-the-rock Farm, and our annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner All were successful events and we thank the organizers and the people who took the time to attend

The month also saw the return of the Washago Santa Claus parade We were thrilled - as was the community There was a record number of floats and Muskoka Street was jammed with happy parade goers .

The Lions Club also hosted a food drive through the month of December Working together with the Washago Arts Club, and with great thanks to the wonderful residents of our community, we were able to deliver 573 pounds of food and a cheque for $835 00 to The Sharing Place We were given a tour of the food bank facility and are so impressed with the operation and the people who volunteer there They provide so much help to those in need . The generous donations by the community will make a difference in their lives .

At our January meeting, the first of the year, we were pleased to induct two new members into our club We are excited to welcome Sarah & Heather who will work with us to serve Washago and area

Jam nights continue each month with the Country Jam on the 2nd Wednesday of every month and the Rockin’ Jam on the 3rd Wednesday of every month Each Jam begins at 7:00 p .m . at the Lions Hall, 4343 Hamilton St . in Washago .

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Lion, email us at volunteerwashagolions@gmail com, or drop in to our next meeting on Monday, February 13th .

The Lions Club and Washago Art Club

December food drive resulted in a sizable donation to Sharing Place Food bank.