The Villager 2016 July

July 2016

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Washago art show.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

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Meet Severn Township’s newest councillor

By Ellen Cohen Because of the passing of Ward 3 councillor, Ian Crichton in March, Severn Township mayor and council had to make a decision on how to manage Ian’s replacement. Municipal law allows for either a by-election or an appointment process.

Council chose the appointment process because it would accomplish the replacement more quickly as well as save the $20,000 a by-election would cost the township.

Once the township announced their decision and posted a call for applications on their website, 15 Severn Township residents showed interest. Eleven of those applicants stayed in the race and met the required criteria as set out by the township. On June 10th those applicants came before council to present themselves and answer questions. The result of the appointment process was a majority vote for John Betsworth. He will be officially sworn in as Ward 3 Councillor at a ceremony on August 11th.

John, a resident in the Hawk Ridge community, has a background in industry. He was an executive at Associated Biscuits (Peak Freans and Dad’s cookies) in Toronto, a company with 400 employees.

It was during his time there that he became proficient at a number of transferable skills, working in human resources and then as general manager.

His work included helping with sensitive and confidential personnel issues, managing the daily workload of a large staff, and keeping an eye on the bottom line.

Outside of his employment and after he moved to this area, John gained new skills while working with others to resolve community issues. For example, he worked with residents and municipal leaders helping to resolve serious well-water pollution near where he lived on Grass Lake Line; worked with others and was successful in preventing industry from moving into a quiet residential area of the ward; and for 3 years he was the vice-president of the homeowners association

Ward 3 in Severn Township is home to the largest golf facility in the area, the full-service, 45-hole Hawk Ridge Golf & Country Club.

Photo courtesy of Ontario’s Lake Country. in Hawk Ridge, involved in all manner of community issues.

He and his wife, parents of two grown sons and grandparents to four children, are long-time volunteers with Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital and, through a church sponsored program, help single mothers learn life skills.

Although John felt strongly that his experience from his employment and volunteer work could easily translate into municipal service, he said his application for appointment to council was not a given.

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“My understanding is that the ten others were strong applicants and all had good credentials. I knew I had to do my best when presenting to council. This was definitely a competition and I’m very grateful that in the end council voted for me,” said John.

Mayor Mike Burkett was surprised and pleased by the amount of interest in the Ward 3 council position and he agreed with John that the competition for the Ward 3 council seat was stiff.

Continued on page 21

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3

Art show returns to Washago Finding the perfect piece of art to fill that spot on your living room wall or the space on your favourite side table can be a challenge. Oil or watercolour?

Glass or a piece of pottery?

You just might find the perfect solution at the 9th annual Art on the Severn show and sale.

Art on the Severn returns to the Washago Community Centre on Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17 and chairperson, Stephanie Stanton says the work the artists bring the show each year just keeps getting better.

“Twelve talented artists will display their work, each with enough pieces to give patrons an excellent idea of their style. All pieces the artists bring to the show are for sale,”

said Stephanie.

There is a range of prices and some of the artists bring prints so that there is something affordable for everyone.

The artists who earn a place in the show have been through an application process and have been chosen through a jury process. This year the jury consisted of Lynda Hepinstall, Kathy Nicholson and Beverly Post-Schmeler.

Every year there is a slightly different choice of mediums.

This year the show includes several painters who use oil, watercolour and acrylic; photography; pottery; paintings on stone and wood; stainedglass; and one encaustic artist, a popular method used in the Renaissance that uses beeswax

An example of some of the work that will be on display on July 16th and July 17th at Art on the Severn. Artist: Hope Herbst.

to create a piece of art which is then painted.

This year’s feature artist is Christina Tari, a photographer.

Christina focuses on scenes from around the world as well as close-ups of very interesting subjects. She is from Toronto and cottages in the area.

Stephanie says that Art on the Severn is an intimate show and the atmosphere is friendly and open. The artists are always eager to talk about their work and spend time with anyone who wants to spend time looking at their work. She adds that because the show is juried, the quality of the work is excellent.

“People coming to the show can be sure that what we offer Mike Bailey, photographer, will have many pieces of his work on is good work, art that you’d be display and for sale at the 9th annual art show in Washago. proud to own.”

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Visitors to the show will have the opportunity to win one of three pieces of art that are available through a draw.

Tickets for the draw are available at the show, 3 tickets for $10 or one for $5. The draw will be held on Sunday, July 17th just before the doors of the show close.

The show opens on Saturday, July 16th from 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and also runs on Sunday, July 17th from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Washago Community Centre is located at 4361 Hamilton Street, Washago.

Admission at the door by donation. Refreshments are available.

Watch for brochures at retailers and other businesses in the community. The brochures will list all artists. Or you can visit the website artonthesevern.ca.

4

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

© Can Stock Photo Inc. / stevenpwilson

From the Publisher:

Sing it loud and proud!

What better way is there to recognize and show appreciation for the beauty of our country, its people and the freedoms we enjoy than to add your voice to the other 35 million people in our country on July 1st!!

Our anthem is unique and powerful. It belongs to each and every one of us. The music and words stir a wonderful feeling deep inside our souls, confirming that our country is magnificent and we are indeed proud Canadians.

While singing O Canada, we may also be brought to a place in our minds that reminds us of the privileges we enjoy in this country, guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: freedom of religion, of thought and of expression; the right to participate in political activities and the right to a democratic government; the freedom to move around and live within Canada, and to leave Canada; legal rights such as the right to life, liberty and security; equality rights; and language rights.

This charter means we can live in peace and speak our thoughts openly. We can’t be jailed and shouldn’t bullied or harmed because we are of a certain faith or have particular political leanings. It means all men and women are equal regardless of the colour of their skin, what language they speak, or whom they love.

It is such a privilege to wake up each day and go about our business in a land that is extraordinarily beautiful, clean, orderly, safe, and polite.

But what if things were different? What if our daughters weren’t allowed to go to school, or the faithful couldn’t practice their religion? What if we couldn’t express our thoughts, or gather in protest, or love whom we choose?

Sadly, there are hundreds of millions of people in the world who know the answers to those questions all too well. So many of our fellow human beings are not protected by rights. So many who live in fear.

Maybe one day the world will be different and freedom and rights will be available to everyone. But for now, as we sing our anthem on July 1st let’s remember how fortunate we are and maybe give some thought to those less fortunate.

Join your fellow Canadians and sing out loud and proud!

Happy Canada Day! Letters to the publisher are welcome and may be emailed to thevillagerpress@rogers.com.

Letters may be edited.

5

Barn swallows: Gone in 24 hours

By Mark Bisset When I was a kid swallows used to warn us of a big change in the weather.

According to the lore, high-flying swallows meant nice weather, but when they settled down low, a storm was on its way. They would crowd onto power lines in long rows that seemed likely to part the wire with their collective weight.

There were so many.

It was their numbers that held my attention, along with their mysterious understanding of the weather. There was something ominous about these gatherings that will always be linked in my mind with the threat of towering black thunder clouds. They were also so obviously social. These normally acrobatic fliers sat quietly, comically, shoulder-to-shoulder like spectators at a sporting event, waiting for the opening play.

I felt their presence the way children sometimes do -- in deep inside ways that stick to some part of you forever.

Just a bit east of the Washago area, the Couchiching Conservancy installed a bird blind at one of the properties we manage.

It was built for the viewing pleasure of birders, who can sit inside and watch or take photos of their subjects. Phoebes seem to like the place too, and when we visited recently, a phoebe had also built her nest inside the blind. She waited impatiently with the swallows while we were there, holding a bright green caterpillar in her beak for her chicks and bobbing her tail like a nervous twitch.

But it’s the barn swallows, nesting in the rafters and zipping in and out of the open

windows like the finest flying aces that really steal the show. These swallows are of particular interest now, because they are disappearing.

Fast.

They’re part of a large suite called aerial insectivores -- bird that eat insects on the fly. Their numbers are plummeting and scientists aren’t exactly sure why. It’s likely a combination of lost habitat, climate change, insecticide use and other factors.

Barn swallows were recently added to the list of endangered species.

Every fledgling that successfully flies from a nest is a victory now. So watching these joyous fliers up close was lovely. A privilege.

Less than 24 hours after that visit, I got a call from a friend who had been there with me the previous day. He had been back out that morning for another look at the birds near the blind. The nests are all gone, he told me. Torn down. Completely destroyed, not the way a predator looking for food would destroy them; more like the kind of destruction wrought by people paying attention to detail.

Outraged and incredulous that someone would do something so wantonly destructive, I checked with naturalist Ron Reid. Would a predator so completely wreck nests like this? He went out to take a look. His conclusion was that it probably was a predator; most likely a raccoon. All the eggs and chicks had been carried off, while nothing aside from the nests had been disrupted in the blind. He concluded a visitor had likely left the door open, allowing an animal into the structure.

At first I was relieved. At least there was no malice in the act. Then something else crept in: I had been at the blind the afternoon before the incident.

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Swallows, one of the finest flying aces in the world of birds, are disappearing at an alarming rate.

Had I closed the door?

The fragility of these collapsing bird populations came thundering home to me in a new way that left no room for righteous indignation. The odds are heaped so massively against them. We have such a colossal impact on our environment that even a momentary lapse can lead to disaster.

And there are so many of us.

Whether it was a raccoon or a bear or me or some other absent-minded birder, the results are the same. The nests are gone.

The next day the barn swallows were back, already rebuilding their nests. I take the lesson to heart. There’s nothing to be done but work harder. Rally other people to help. Create more nesting opportunities.

Protect more habitat. Listen to the science.

Generally give a damn.

Still portents of mystery, swallows are now signalling another kind of gathering storm.

The wires are empty.

Mark Bisset is the executive director of The Couchiching Conservancy, a non-profit land trust that protects important wild lands in the region powered by local community support. For more information on the Conservancy, go to www.couchichingconserv.ca

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Severn neighbourhood protects turtles

By Ellen Cohen At this time of year, there’s a lot of turtle activity at Sandcastle Estates, a residential community on Lake Couchiching just south of Washago.

As nesting season approaches, it’s not unusual to come across a large Snapping turtle on the ramp or road as she searches for the perfect spot to lay her eggs. Often neighbours have to carefully encourage her to go in another, safer direction away from the highway.

There are also many turtles in the community’s man-made canal, a canal that has mostly filled in during the last 10 years and is now more a wetland than a boating route. The canal is home to great blue herons, geese, swans, mallard ducks, red wing black birds, large

swathes of bulrushes and water lilies. In the water is a variety of fish, frogs and three types of turtles – Snapping, Painted and Blanding’s.

The Blanding’s turtles were first seen in this neighbourhood last year when resident, Pam Pasemko saw at least 14 of them on the side of the canal.

They have a distinctive bright yellow chin and throat and helmet shaped shells. She said some were sunning themselves, others crawling up the bank, perhaps looking for a nesting place. Blanding’s turtles are currently listed as ‘threatened’ under the Ontario Endangered Species Act. It has also been designated as a specially protected reptile under the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.

Volunteer Taylor Wilson is shown digging out an 8’ x 4’ area of the canal park in preparation for a new turtle nest. Taylor volunteered to help Joe Wise, Pam Pasemko and Bill Hill with the project.

The sighting of the Blanding’s turtles caused a stir in the neighbourhood and soon the residents at the 2015 community association meeting voted unanimously to build to two nesting places, hoping they could be a small part in protecting the species.

Matt Thompson, the volunteer who guided the building of the

nest says that turtles may not use the nest this year. But that doesn’t matter to the residents.

All eyes are peeled on the new nest. Volunteers are ready to cover the nest with protective screening when eggs are laid and then they’ll watch for hatchlings and make sure they make their way safely to the water.

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8

Celebrate the best country in the world

By Patrick Brown, Simcoe North MPP and Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario We need to believe that everyone can become someone given a chance, and help ensure our province’s most vulnerable reach their full potential.

Canada’s breathtaking landscapes, including the lakes and rivers of Simcoe County, are the envy of the world and must be protected for our future generations.

And very importantly, we need to continue to remember and pay tribute to those who built and shaped our country.

My late grandfather Joe Tascona Sr. first moved to Simcoe County as a result of a strong desire to stand up for Canadian values – at home and abroad.

Coming from St. Boniface, Manitoba, he joined the Canadian Forces during World War II, and was stationed at Base Borden for eight years where he served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corps.

He loved the region so much that he stayed and built a life and a family.

It is the personal and family stories like this that make Canada great. It is the stories

like that that have made our country the best in the world.

Whether you are out on the water with family and friends or at the park watching the fireworks, I would like to wish all of my constituents a happy and safe Canada Day. I hope I will get the opportunity to see and meet many of you at the celebrations and parades across the riding I will be attending!

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We need to continue to make life more affordable for our families and businesses.

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Don and Cathy Westcott were part of a volunteer team who placed 24 paddles on poles along Muskoka Street in Washago.

Paddles have been painted by members of the Washago Art Club, many depicting local scenery.

Paddling along Muskoka Street After a longer than expected wait for Hydro to approve placing 24 wooden canoe paddles on poles along Muskoka Street, the Washago Art Club, led by Doug Cooper was able to get them all displayed in time for the busy summer season.

The paddles were built by Washago resident councillor Donald Westcott. This is the first outdoor art display in Washago and is much appreciated by locals and visitors alike.

If you’re not in Washago regularly, take some time to walk both sides of Muskoka Street on Canada Day and have a look at every one of these unique pieces of art.

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Rotary initiatives The Rotary Club of Washago and Area Centennial was as busy as a bee hive this spring as we presented our high school awards, a tech scholarship and completed our club’s presidential change.

The high school awards are appropriately named Service Above Self awards, our mantra at Rotary. It is awarded to one individual in the graduating class at each of our local public schools. We work with the guidance counselors and principals to find the student who best exemplifies this mantra and we invite you to keep an ear out at the graduation ceremonies to find out the names of the winners.

Our technical scholarship, which is applied for in advance, is awarded to one individual each year. This year we are proud

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to announce that Nathan Woodrow has been selected to receive this honour which comes with a bursary to further his trade and education.

Finally, we held our annual Presidential Chang-Over Night or as it’s also known as - out with the old and in with the new. This year we thanked President Chris Carman for his year of service and leadership which boasted a large gain in membership, total restructuring of the club responsibilities and a Candy Potter, the new president 50% increase in fundraising over of The Rotary Club of Washago the previous year. The bar is set Centennial, assumes her new role high for Incoming President Candy effective July 1, 2016.

Potter. Candy has been a resident of Washago for 5 years now and brings great experience to the club. She is a professor at Georgian College and runs a successful psychotherapy practice.

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to lead the club. After meeting with my new board of directors I can say with confidence that this will be a great year!” said President Candy.

Please feel welcome to sit in on a meeting and find out just what we do for our community. We meet Thursday evenings at 5:00 p.m. at the Washago Community Center.

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11

A towering undertaking On Thursday, June 16th, Friends of the Water Tower, the local volunteer committee working on the water tower art project met to review their progress and discuss future plans.

With a fundraising goal of $35,000, Kathy Nicholson, the committee chair was pleased to tell The Villager that fundraising has now reached approximately $12,000. That amount includes $5,000 pledged from the Rotary Club of Washago.

Raising the balance of the committee’s financial goal of $35,000 is their next challenge.

Kathy explained that they are working hard to find streams of funding from a variety of municipal, regional, provincial and federal pools of money. The committee members are hard at work investigating possibilities,

most of which involve a complex application process.

Severn Township has also been involved in the water tower project and the committee recently received good news from township staff.

As a result of an engineering study the township arranged, the tower has been declared sound. This means there will be one less challenge for the committee as far as applying the artwork to the tower. It is hoped the township will be a financial contributor but before that happens the committee needs to do some work ahead of the next municipal budget.

In the meantime, fundraising continues. Collection boxes can be found throughout the Washago area and Kathy says people have been generous.

Greeting cards, designed by

Kathy and sold through BK Gallery are still available, and the committee participated in a community garage sale.

In addition, there will be a community fundraising event in the fall. Details are being worked out and an announcement will be made well in advance.

“It’s a journey,” says Kathy about the project. “There’s a lot or work to be done but we have an excellent committee and enthusiastic local support.

The water tower is a landmark.

New art will be a welcome aesthetic improvement to our community.”

Friends of the Water Tower will host a table on Muskoka Street during the Washago Canada Day festivities. Everyone is invited to stop by and learn more about the water tower project.

This fundraising thermometer, designed and created by Friends of the Water Tower committee member, Jan Turner, will be displayed on the exterior of the Home Hardware building in Washago.

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12

Black River campfire corn Regardless of our corn-eating style, the very basic recipe that follows is the most common way to boil our awesome Ontario summer corn.

For something different you can try adding a little sugar and lemon to the water for sweetness, or add butter and milk to the water to enhance the flavour.

You can also ‘play’ with your butter. Soften to room temp

By Chef Becky Some of us are typewriter corn eaters, while others roll the corn around, eating a portion of complete circumference before moving left to right, or right to left. The eating of corn is as individual as the way we eat ice cream cones or Oreo cookies!

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• When done, remove and drain and slather with butter and cracked pepper or your favourite spice mixture

Chef’s Tip: You don’t have to remove all corn from the pot at once. You can turn off the heat and leave the corn in the pot for a while before it becomes tough and it will still be hot enough to serve.

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13

A very busy month!

Park Improvements The Locke Subdivision Parkland Development will be completed in mid-July. New playground and walking trails and a park shelter all enhance the natural uniqueness to this parkland.

Township Docks The new Washago Dock and a new portion of the MacLean Lake dock are scheduled for mid-July installation. Improved parking is also scheduled at the Washago Dock this year. The Coldwater dock has already had some minor repairs completed. Other improvements are in the works.

Uhthoff Trail Work has now begun on improving the aprons to the bridges, more granular work and sign improvements.

Sports fields Ball diamonds and soccer pitches are now full of players of all ages.

Please contact the township offices to book your ball games and practices.

Activities and Rentals Check out the various activities at the Washago Community Centre, Severn Township Public Library, Lake St. George Hall and Matchedash Heritage Community Centre. Rental space is also available at these facilities for large or small gatherings. Visit us at www.townshipofsevern.com or call 705-325-2315, ext.253.

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Budgeting isn’t a dirty word, yet for many people the process of creating and living on a budget is seen as confusing, restrictive and scary.

Creating a budget is actually a very straightforward process.

Budgets aren’t difficult but they require organization and discipline in order to be successful.

The following tips will help you create a realistic and successful household budget: 1. Take an inventory of your income In order to find out how much you can spend, you first need to calculate how much money you have coming in. List all sources of your monthly income including paycheques, government tax credits, assistance or grants.

Calculate your net income as opposed to your gross income.

2. Monitor your monthly spending Create a list of all your monthly expenditures under two categories, fixed or variable.

Fixed expenses are those paid on a regular basis and the monthly cost stays relatively the same such as your mortgage/rent, childcare and utilities. Variable expenses tend to fluctuate, such as groceries, clothing and gas.

Tally your monthly expenses and subtract from your income.

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with a surplus you have to cut back on spending or make more money.

3. You don’t have to go at it alone From user-friendly computer budgeting programs to free online budget worksheets, anyone can find an easy to follow budgeting system that works for them. Or you can work with a financial professional to create a solid budget, one that encourages ways to save up for that unexpected rainy day.

4. Be realistic Budgets can fail because if you are too unrealistic. If you are too rigid with a budget, you may not stick with it. When trying to trim down expenses, think about what you’re willing to sacrifice. For example, if you spend a lot of money eating out, consider scaling down. Making small, consistent changes will make a big difference.

5. Nothing is written in stone Personal and household budgets can be revisited and reassessed every other month.

Your life changes - so should your budget. Budgets are not about deprivation but about how to make your money work as hard and smart as possible.

Blake Begy CLU, CFP, RRC is a senior wealth advisor with Meridian Credit Union. 705-325-2288, ext.7209, Blake.Begy@Meridiancu.ca.

Send us an email with the details by the 10th of the month for the following month’s publication. m•

Do you have an upcoming event?

thevillagerpress@rogers.com Please include your daytime phone number in the email.

If you missed our print deadline, send us an email and we’ll post your event on our Facebook page.

15

The Lions celebrate Canada Day in a big way The Lions Club of Washago is always proud to participate in Canada Day festivities in Washago and we welcome everyone in the area to drop by the Lions Hall on Hamilton Street in Washago. We’ve spent a lot of time and energy to provide what we believe we have something for everybody!

Our Canada Day celebrations start with a special Canada Day Pancake Breakfast on Friday, July 1st. We begin serving at 8:00 a.m. and will continue until noon. You can expect a lineup because our breakfast is delicious and very popular, but we promise to move you through the lineup as quickly as possible and you’ll be very glad you stopped by.

At noon, we change the menu to BBQ items and our

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patio bar opens with live entertainment. This year we’ll have 10 live performances, one very hour over ten hours.

For the kids in the neighbourhood we have draws for some great prizes. Parents, please make sure that your kids get proof of entry

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This photo of a spectacular red trillium is presented by the Washago Lions Club in honour of Canada Day.

for the draw and make sure they get their hand stamped.

On Saturday, July 2nd, the festivities continue. Starting at noon and running until 2 p.m., the Lions Club will present Karaoke by Laurie. Make your own musical statement on stage or come to cheer others on. We’ll have a special remembrance for Gary Rawlins - ‘GARYOKE’.

Gary loved Karaoke and many of his friends will be there to participate.

The rest of the afternoon is open for a live jam. Bring your instruments and play, sing and dance the night away. We’ll have lots of food available as well as ice cold soft drinks. The Patio Bar will be open and the night will end when it ends!

Happy Canada Day from the Washago Lions.

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17

Elvis visits Silver Creek Estates Andrew Oliver, a resident of Silver Creek Estates and one of the volunteers for the event, said that it’s not often that the owner and landlord of a residential community would put so much effort into what was the 3rd annual tenant appreciation event on June 15th. He added that each year it gets better and even more people show up.

The community has 236 homes. Most of the home owners are seniors, many of whom have downsized from larger nearby homes, but there’s also a family section.

Residents are attracted to this community because it is just around the corner from a large mall and Highway 11, is only a few minute drive to downtown Orillia, but it still

has a rural feel.

John Truong is the operations manager of Capreit, the owner and landlord of Silver Creek Estates. He said it’s important to him and his company to give back to a community that is so supportive. This year he hired a caterer. The BBQ included chicken and beef options along with an array of salads, deserts and a huge cake.

Silver Creek residents, Ruth and Bill Watkins agreed with the other guests, saying that the entertainment added to the festivities and the food was delicious.

Residents are already looking forward to next year.

Elvis impersonator, John Cigan performed for a large crowd at the 236-home community of Silver Creek Estates.

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Support local business.

Local business owners employ hundreds of local residents. They volunteer at community events and donate to fundraisers. They remember your name and order products you ask for.

Ruth and Bill Watkins enjoying the friendship and festivities in the large tent at a Silver Creek Estates appreciation event on June 15th.

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Girls for the World come to Washago

By Ellen Cohen Partnerships with community groups in Washago always seem to result in a positive outcome.

Whether it’s a partnership with one of the service clubs or, in this case the Washago Garden Club, new volunteer initiatives always serve to enrich this tiny village.

The newest partnership involves a new community vegetable garden. The idea came from a small group of girls who are members in the Girls for the World Environment Club (GFTW). Besides sharing the bounty of the harvest, the girls plan to contribute to local food sharing organizations.

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Some of the members of the Girls for the World Environment Club preparing a community vegetable garden in Washago.

With little or no experience in gardening, they knew that success required them to partner with some experts.

They approached the Washago Garden Club at the annual general meeting in May, asking them to help get them started and to mentor them as the growing season moved along.

Of course the garden club agreed and, because of their generous donation and a truck load of soil brought in

by Joe Carrick of J.W. Carrick Sand & Gravel, by June 3rd the framework for the garden was built, was filled with soil and

was ready for planting. The GFTW club will be caretakers of the raised vegetable garden under the mentorship of the garden club.

This new vegetable garden, located adjacent to the garden club’s display of flowers and plants, is a wonderful opportunity for the members of the Girls for the World Environment Club.

This partnership with a local garden club is likely only one of many volunteer initiatives the members of GFTW will make in their lifetimes.

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Japanese beetles – they’re back!

By Karen Kahle This is the time of year that the very destructive Japanese beetles visit your garden. They’re looking for food and a mate.

Left unchecked, apparently each female lays 1-5 eggs every 24-48 hours for 30-45 days.

To protect your property, getting rid of as many adult beetles as possible and killing the larvae are equally as important.

To eliminate adult beetles, use a bucket of soapy water. Hold it under your plants while you shake the stems, catching the beetles in the bucket. Manually picking off the remaining beetles is a bit messy but it’s an option.

By mid-late August it’s time to start killing off the beetle larvae in your lawn and garden before they do serious root damage

time but is a relatively easy task using a hose with a spray applicator. The lawn has to be soaked thoroughly before each of the three recommended applications of nematodes.

Lastly, speak to your garden supply expert and make sure you’re getting a high quality product. There are choices of nematodes but the quality is far more important than the quantity.

The cost to control the Japanese beetle larvae with Japanese beetles enjoy the taste of over 200 plants and they have a nematodes will be about $100, voracious appetite. Their larvae feast on the roots of grass as well as well worth saving your lawn and gardens. some vegetables. feasting on roots – and to give them no chance to become adults.

The best way to do this is by using an all-natural pest control method in the form of beneficial

nematodes, a very effective remedy. Nematodes are safe and won’t expose anyone to harmful chemicals.

Applying nematodes to the garden and lawn takes some

Karen Kahle, professional gardener and proprietor of Fern Forest Garden & Greenhouse, has served Severn Township and area for 10 years. www.fernforest.ca.

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Use Facebook to promote your business

By Carmine De Santo

According to Canadian Press, Canadians use Facebook at a greater rate than any other country - more than half of all Canadians use Facebook. It follows, then that if your business depends on the general public buying your products or engaging your services, having a presence on Facebook can help your bottom line.

The following are some guidelines that will help you get the most from Facebook.

1. Register for your free account. It’s quick and easy. Get inspiration and advice on the Facebook for Business page which helps with set up and has case studies for businesses of all sizes.

2. Tell people you are on Facebook: on your website; printed marketing materials; on invoices, business cards and stationery; on your email signature; and on other social media networks.

3. Make the most of your Facebook profile.

Include appropriate images, a link to your website, an overview of your

automatically publish snippets on your company, and a description of your Facebook page. product or service.

4. Use keywords in your profile and posts 9. Reward your Facebook followers by running competitions or providing that people are most likely to search for exclusive deals. Give your Facebook in relation to your business. This helps followers special offers that aren’t your page to appear more prominently available elsewhere. in search engine results such as a Google 10. Measure everything, Page Insights search. provides an overview of who your 5. Post interesting content. Photos are key. customers are and how they’re Post related industry news, community connecting with your business. You can events your business supports i.e. if also use the Adverts Manager dashboard you’re a clothing retailer, post about an to see how your ads are performing upcoming fashion show. against your objectives.

6. Consider buying Facebook advertising to reach specific targets. For example, Facebook will help you target users Carmine De Santo has been in the IT business for 25 based on location, demographics, years. He is the owner of local business Infinity.IS www.infinityis.ca or cdesanto@infinityis.ca. behaviour and interests.

7. Engage with your followers. Reply to queries and respond to comments, including complaints. Post specials, • 7 0 5-71 7-03 2 2 • new hours, testimonials, new staff, new products, etc.

8. If you have a website or blog, direct Facebook followers to those sites. Set up your blog’s RSS feed so that you • th

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Meet Severn Township’s newest councillor Continued from page 1 “It isn’t just about how many applied, but we all felt so positive about the quality and the enthusiasm of the applicants,” Mike said. “Council voted a majority for John, a Ward 3 resident and we’re happy to have him on board. Council and staff will now work with John to get him up to speed.”

John says he is very happy to have the opportunity to prove to Ward 3 residents that council’s decision was a good one. He understands that municipal politics, with all the rules and processes necessary to get things done properly, is complex. Luckily, he says, the mayor, council and staff are eager to help him learn and get settled in.

Ward 3 doesn’t have the residential development growth that the township is experiencing in Ward 4, the West Shore area

but the ward is diverse and includes some of the township’s most notable features: the township offices; the Hawk Ridge the township offices; the Hawk Ridge residential area that includes the area’s largest and very popular Hawk Ridge Golf and Country Club; Orillia Square Mall with 35 retail stores including a large Canadian Tire and Jason’s No Frills; Silver Creek Estates, a manufactured home community with over 200 homes; and a popular Saturday farmers’ market in a 45-acre facility called O.D.A.S. Park that also has a roller skating rink and multiple buildings that host a variety of indoor and outdoor events year round.

Although not even officially sworn in, John Betsworth is already keenly aware that infrastructure issues are almost always top of mind with residents, particularly the state

of roads and bridges. He said that there approximately 400 kilometres of roads and 35 bridges in the township, many of which are in Ward 3. The township has a well-thought out roads budget process that makes sure regular maintenance or new builds are planned well in advance based on needs for all wards. Multi-million dollar projects such as the new bridge construction on Town Line, the cost shared with Oro-Medonte, is well in hand.

“The bridge at Town Line is a good example of looking after the needs of township residents,” John said. “The old bridge was in very poor repair, the province has changed requirements for bridge repair.

The township has made sure this project has moved forward.”

Of course, John says, he knows there is much more than infrastructure needs in the

John Betsworth, a resident of the Hawk Ridge community, will be sworn in as the new councillor for Ward 3 on August 11th. township. Residents will expect him to be open, to listen to their ideas and to help in any way he can with municipal issues. He says he is ready and eager to do all of this.

John plans to host a meet and greet event for the Ward 3 residents in the fall. The Villager will publish the details when they become available.

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Federal government asks for your input on climate change

By Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton

The federal government is currently holding consultations on climate change, looking for ideas and suggestions from Canadians on how Canada can reduce its emissions and adapt to the impact of a changing climate. It has setup a website – www.letstalkclimateaction.ca – where you can share your thoughts and ideas, and read what others have proposed, around four main themes: • How and where to reduce emissions • Clean technology, innovation and job creation • How to prepare for the impacts of a changing climate • Putting a price on carbon There are working groups for each of the themes, and they will spend the summer listening to and engaging with Canadians before reporting their findings to the government later this fall. The working

group reports will be made public in October, with a view of informing the First Minister’s meeting on climate change, which will take place shortly thereafter.

Each of the working groups has a series of discussion points and questions for each theme on the letstalkclimateaction.ca website, so I encourage you to take a look, and provide your thoughts and comments.

Also, please note that the federal government is regularly consulting with Canadians on a wide range of issues and policies, and you can find a list of all current consultations on the Consulting Canadians website – www.consultingcanadians.gc.ca.

Current consultations that may be of interest include the government’s proposal to regulate tobacco packaging, a review of Canada’s international assistance programs, new proposals to combat tax evasion, and revitalizing the system for access to information requests.

HAPPY CANADA DAY

Bruce Stanton, M.P. Simcoe North

www.BruceStantonMP.ca Serving Simcoe North. Speaking up for you.

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August 27 Food, films and fun at Orillia’s 1st Local Food Festival. Circle this date on your calendar and don’t miss the excitement.

More details will be provided in the August issue of The Villager.

23

We’re a busy group!

By Lioness Pat Stead

We had another successful Court Whist day on June 8th. This is a very popular event at which most seats are usually sold out, and June was no exception.

For Canada Day, come and see what our Lioness table offers. We will be set up on the main street of Washago, offering our ever popular homemade jams, jellies, sauces, our Lioness Vicki’s wildly delicious butter tarts, and more.

Canada Day is also when we offer our popular annual 50/50 draw. Give yourself a chance to win and don’t forget to buy a ticket!

Washago Lioness are running the ‘Terrific Kid’ Award out of Rama Central this year. Rama Central School welcomed the idea.

Lastly, we proudly boast that 5 of our Washago Lioness members received their 25-year pins at our final wind-up luncheon at Weirs Restaurant at Casino Rama on June 14. At this event, we also installed our executive for Washago Lioness for our 2016 – 2017 fiscal year. This is always a very happy occasion.

Each of us looks forward to a very busy and productive summer.

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25

Student residence fire safety

By Dianne Kyle, Fire Prevention Officer I remember when we made the trip to Ottawa to secure student accommodation for my sons. It was tough to find a somewhat nice apartment for a fair price in the hunt with thousands of other students and their parents. If you didn’t get there first, chances are you lost out. For the most part the apartments we observed were clean, had the appropriate alarms and posted procedures for emergencies. These apartment buildings which typically house students are inspected for fire safety often but there are homes with apartments and shared accommodations which may be missed in the inspection process. These are the older homes that have been converted to apartments or rooming houses.

Parents in Severn will be searching province-wide for a student residence for their own children. If you want peace of mind, the key is to understand the laws and educate yourself and your student about the importance of fire safety.

Don’t be afraid to ask the owner of an older home if the property complies with the Building Code and Fire Code. Ask for a description of the fire safety features. Every room or apartment requires adequate exits that will permit unobstructed escape from the building. Ensure windows open fully and alternate exit doors are not blocked.

Some older buildings have installed bars on the lower windows for security but this can hinder escaping from a fire so ask if there is a quick opening device on the inside so

the bars can be removed. Also check the electrical components. Are there enough electrical outlets and are they appropriate for the location such as Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter type for kitchen and bathroom. There should be enough outlets for appliances, lamps, computer equipment and television components to be operated without the use of extension cords.

Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms are the law in Ontario. We have heard this time and time again but still the fire service attends emergencies where the alarms have been disabled, the batteries are either dead or have been removed. So how can I state this in a way that people will pay attention? The most important message you can relay to your student is to take responsibility for their own safety and ensure their alarms are always working by testing them often. If there is a problem, let the landlord know as soon as possible.

Larger buildings are required to have a Fire Safety Plan which includes escapes routes. Ask for the location of the plan and take a look at it with your student. Help them get familiar with the building and explain if the alarm activates they must evacuate the building even if they suspect a false alarm.

The same fire safety practices and procedures you have in your home should carry to the student accommodation. Start talking about it now.

Fire Safety is everyone’s responsibility.

A very busy May and June

By Marylynne White, club president Many members participated in a VIA Rail trip to Toronto which included a tour of the city; our club luncheons were delicious as always; we had a ‘gentle roast’ for Ellen and Fred Wright, long time members who are moving on; we had a visit from author, Jim Foster who entertained us with humorous stories and readings; and our executive members of the board did an outstanding lip sync version of Taylor Swift’s “Shake it Off”.

We ended our fiscal year with the outstanding Harmony Singers, under the

direction of Doreen Philip. They will present a concert in October at the Washago Community Centre.

As I sign off as the president, for which I have been honoured to hold for the past 4 years, I say thank-you to all members who have supported this very valuable club.

My hope is that it continues to provide opportunities for fun and friendships.

Have a glorious summer!

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Ribbons of Life

By Ron Reid

108 Mississaga St. E., Orillia

705-329-3939

www.birdhousenature.com

Simcoe County’s Bird Experts Suppliers of

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If you were to map out the density of wildlife across the landscape of this part of Ontario, the brightest colours on your map would be along habitat edges. At the border between field and forest, for example, many birds and mammals take advantage of the combination of woodland shelter and productive open space to make their homes. But the brightest colour of all would follow the edges between water and land, for these convoluted narrow strips are ribbons of life for many species.

One of those species is the human race.

We are a classic edge species. Put us in a forest, and we create a clearing around our house; on an open prairie, we plant trees around our homestead. And given the opportunity, we will settle along the water’s edge every time. You only need to drive around Washago to see that pattern in action.

Unfortunately, some of us are not good at sharing this invaluable edge habitat with other species. On the Black and Green Rivers, it is increasingly common to see shorelines that have been converted to sterile sand beaches, or worse yet, buried under huge blocks of limestone. The intention seems to be the creation of the maximum amount of nice level lawn right down to the water’s edge, a sort of manicured urban landscape brought here to the near north.

In reality, of course, this kind of landscaping destroys the ribbon of life for nearly all other species. No more turtles crawling out to bask in the sun; no more nests of Yellow Warbler or Common Yellowthroat; no more Mink or Green Heron searching along the edge for unwary frogs.

No more the bright “cher-o-kee” calls of Redwinged Blackbirds or the friendly chatter of Tree Swallows. But ironically, this kind of shoreline does create ideal habitat for one wildlife species – the non-stop pooping machines known as Canada Geese.

The negative impacts spread into the aquatic side of the water’s edge as well.

Overhanging grasses and shrubs provide an important food source for the minnows of shallow waters, as seeds and insects rain down onto the water. Those small fishes

feed larger fishes, the kinds that we so love to catch. All too often, part of the shoreline treatment also involves removing shallowwater plants that shelter small fish and frogs and aquatic invertebrates, which together form the base of the river’s food chain.

Biologists and resource managers have understood the critical value of natural shorelines for many years, and actions that modify the water’s edge require a permit under the provincial Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act. I strongly suspect that very few of the current crop of shoreline “improvement” projects have applied for those permits, and sadly the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry lacks the personnel to look for and prosecute violators.

The non-stop pooping machine, aka the Canada Goose, is encouraged to spend time on residential lake and riverside properties by virtue of our desire to create perfectly manicured or man-made shorelines.

© Can Stock Photo Inc. / woodygraphs

Ultimately, keeping our shorelines healthy depends on the knowledge of waterfront residents about the natural values of the water’s edge, and on their willingness to share this vital habitat with wild creatures. Leave the manicured lawns and hard edges to the city; in this landscape of lakes and rivers, treat the soft and scruffy edges with the respect they deserve.

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.

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Washago Community Centre Summer Day Camp Yes, we are having another great summer of fun-filled days with our two new camp counsellors who joined us this year. Camp runs for 8 weeks, July 4th- August 26th. The brochure is available and a summer day camp table has been set up in the lobby. Details are also available on our web site. You can look forward to an updated and fun-filled camp experience with some new craft and activity ideas. Come for a day or stay for the summer.

Youth Art Camp August 8 - 12 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Calling all budding artists to spend a week learning from our resident artist, Doug Cooper.

Camp is open to ages 8 - 14. Cost $60. Please call the Community Centre at 705-689-6424 to register.

Fashion Show Thursday, September 15th at 7:00 p.m. at the community centre.

Tickets will go on sale on Monday, July 18th and are available only at Simply Special Originals on Muskoka Street in Washago. Tickets will be sold on a first come first serve basis and you may purchase up to 4 tickets only. Tickets cannot be reserved in advance. Mark this date and get your tickets early!

For hall rentals or catering requirements, please contact the Washago Community Centre at 705-689-6424.

Washago • July 1st and 2nd

Canada Day festivities start at 8:00 a.m. Parade starts at 2:00 on Muskoka Street. Activities, fabulous food and vendors.

July 1st and 2nd Lions Hall activities. Look for the complete schedule on posters located in shops and businesses throughout the village. washagocommunitycentre.com

Coldwater • July 1st

Coldwater celebrates Canada Day! Activities all day for kids and adults. coldwatervillage.com

Orillia • July 1st

Canada Day parade starts at noon, heads down Mississaga Street, along Centennial Drive and disperses at the north entrance of Couchiching Beach Park (Jarvis St.). Activities all day in the park. canadadayorillia.ca

Gravenhurst • July 1st and 2nd

Celebrate Canada Day in Gravenhurst including activities for kids, beer tasting for adults, fireworks both evenings. gravenhurst.ca

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30

Canada Day local events See page 29.

July 2-10

License-free fishing throughout Ontario for Canadian residents.

Introduce a friend to fishing! Events, colouring contest and more. Visit ontariofamilyfishing.com.

July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Farmers’ Market every Saturday at Orillia Fairgrounds, O.D.A.S. Park, 4500 Fairgrounds Road. Featuring locally grown vegetables and fruits from 40+ vendors. Check Facebook for weekly events.

July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Sunday Evening Band Concerts, Couchiching Beach Park, Orillia, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, concerts will be moved to the Gordon Lightfoot Auditorium at the Orillia Opera House. Follow City of Orillia on Facebook or visit Orillia.ca.

July 6

Beetlejuice, 9:30 p.m. at Movies in the Park sponsored by the City

of Orillia. Rotary Aqua Theatre at Couchiching Beach Park, Orillia.

all day. A Scottish celebration!

Ceilidh at Orillia Legion Friday and Sunday, parade Saturday downtown July 7, 14, 21, 28 The Rotary Club of Washago invites at noon. Pipe & drum competitions, vendors.

Visit all to attend our meetings at 5:00 entertainment, p.m. at the Washago Community Ontario’s Lake Country website for Centre. See us Canada Day on more information.

Muskoka Street – famous back July 17 bacon on a bun in front of Jax Annual Heritage Day, 10:30 a.m.

Bootery on Muskoka Street.

– 4:00 p.m. Interdenominational Church Service. Displays, BBQ lunch, July 8-10 Mariposa Folk Festival, Tudhope live entertainment by Dylan Lock, Park, Orillia. Ten stages with over 100 silent auction and more. Coldwater performances, camping, Folkplay Canadiana Heritage Museum, 1474 for kids, Pub Stage, Artisan Village, Woodrow Rd., Coldwater. great food. Go to mariposafolk.com July 18-22 for performer details, schedule and Day Camp sponsored by The to purchase tickets.

Christian Fellowship Chapel, 1296 Cambrian Rd., daily 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 July 9 6th Annual Ramara Classic Car p.m. Children from Kindergarten to Show, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Pride grade 6 are invited. Games, skits, Marina, 150 Laguna Pkwy., Brechin. music, Bible stories. Pre-register Music, 50/50 raffle draw, trophies email office@cfchapel.com or visit and goodie bags. Event is free. cfchapel.com. Admission is free.

Details at ramarachamber.com or July 19-24, 30 Leacock Summer Festival, July 19call 705-484-2141.

24, all day; Harry Potter’s Children’s July 15-17 39th Annual Orillia Scottish Festival, Day, July 30, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Come

celebrate Stephen Leacock with readings, performances, dinners and special events. 50 Museum Drive, Orillia. 705-329-1908.

July 20

Ratatouille, 9:30 p.m. at Movies in the Park sponsored by the City of Orillia. Rotary Aqua Theatre at Couchiching Beach Park.

July 21

Delicious Beef Barbecue at Heritage United Church on Muskoka Street in Washago. Two sittings: 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Adults, $20. Children ages 6-12, $10. Preschoolers free.

Phone 705-689-2461 for tickets.

July 22

Downtown Orillia’s Night Market, fabulous new market as part of the downtown’s Summer Block Party.

Event runs from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

July 30 – August 1

Rotary/Lion’s Fun Fest, all day event.

Fun for the whole family including midway games, vendors and so much more. Couchiching Beach Park, Orillia.

A RT I ST IC D IR ECTO R D AVE C AM PBELL

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BY

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• S TARRING • R OBIN C LIPSHAM , J ANE M ILLER , R ICHARD P ETERS & G EOFFREY T YLER

MATINEE PERFORMANCES : TUES, WED & THURS @ 2:30 PM EVENING PERFORMANCES: WED, THURS, FRI & SAT @ 8:00 PM TICKETS $38 (REGULAR) $34 (GROUP) $28 (STUDENT) 295 MUSKOKA ROAD SOUTH, GRAVENHURST CALL 705-687-5550 • TOLL-FREE 1-888-495-8888 W W W . G R AV E N H U R S T O P E R A H O U S E . C O M

Roasts, Chops, Ground Beef, Chicken & more • Always AAA Cuts •

Great variety of Vegetables and Fruit

Ask our butcher to custom cut steaks or roasts to your liking!

Fresh to create a great meal!

Canoe Signature Sandwiches Meals to Go • Quiche Meat Pies • Salads Take-to-Bake Pizzas & More!

Looking for a quick lunch or dinner, this Deli is for you!

DELICIOUS HOMEMADE PIES • Fruit and Cream •

Freshly Pressed to each cup!

Buy a Canoe Cream Cheese Tub and 4-pack of Bagels and get a

FREE French Press Coffee or Tea. Only on Wednesdays through to May.

Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, Shag Fog, Chai Tea Latte, Green Tea Latte or Tea – all with a fresh bakery item or lunch from our Deli.

There are always specials at Canoe Fresh Food Market.

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