The Villager 2014 June

June 2014

“Having dealt with many real estate agents, we would have to say unequivocally that

Paul is one of the very best.”

– Bruce & Karen E.

Paul Cleary B.B.A., BROKER 705-327-6002 Direct 705-325-1373 Office paulcleary.com

Open for (police) business

By Kim Goggins There’s a log book that sits in the new OPP Westshore Community Policing Office that shows the new space is now being used regularly by officers who are out on patrol.

This comes as great news to Severn Township Mayor Mike Burkett, who said he wasn’t aware that the officers were finally using it after the township leased the office for OPP use in April 2013.

“I was driving by on a Sunday and saw a police car there so I drove back and introduced myself,” said Burkett. “The officer showed me a log book that showed it is being used. He actually used it that day for five hours. He leaves the door unlocked so that anybody can come in and talk to him.”

Although the office located within the Highview Mall on Highway 11 North is not meant to be staffed regularly, OPP Insp.

Malcolm Quigley expects the usage to continue to grow.

“I know that the log book in there is full of names of officers that have stopped in and used it varying times of the day and night,” he said. “I encourage that. I think it’s a nice space in the sense that it’s clean and it’s modern and well-equipped. So I think that usage is only going to grow stronger as time goes on.”

No one is more pleased to see the police presence than Coun. Ron Stevens, who hopes a community policing committee will

The OPP Westshore Community Policing Office is being used regularly by Orillia OPP officers.

Const. Heather Harmer, seen here, says the space will be an ideal location for local residents to make statements. be formed again with a focus on engaging with information that could prevent a crime the local youth. or could help solve a crime.”

While Quigley agrees that the goal of community policing is to engage the public, he says the policing committees of the past are not quite the same as what is currently happening throughout the province.

“Community mobilization is kind of the new Business profile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 trend that’s being practiced or implemented Recipe of the month . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 by police services across Ontario,” he said. “I think what it is now is taking a more broadNews in Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 based (approach), getting the officers Provincial election . . . . . . . . . 28 & 29 injected into the communities so that there is a degree of familiarity and comfort and Community Happenings . . . . . . . . 30 the hope is that people will come forward

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Not your parents’ folk festival

By Kim Goggins As the fifteenth year since Mariposa Folk Festival was brought back to Orillia in 2000, it’s not surprising that many local residents and fans from afar are looking forward to the festival at Tudhope Park, July 4 to 6, 2014.

The cool thing is, all of the artists that perform at what is known as the ‘Grande Dame’ of folk festivals are equally excited to be there.

In fact, many artists, like Friday night’s headliner Ani DiFranco can trace their humble beginnings to Mariposa, says artistic director Mike Hill.

“She’s a Mariposa success story. Back in 1990, she applied for the festival when it was in Toronto by sending in a cassette tape,” he explains. “The artistic director had never seen her but he hired her because he liked the sound of the tape, and she’s gone on to be a world-famous singer.”

Serena Ryder had also graced the Mariposa stages many times over the years before she ever became famous, he points out.

Dala, a duo from Toronto that is playing the festival this year, also got their start by winning the Mariposa Showcase about 10 years ago and since then, have become big in the folk world.

The festival’s Saturday night headliner, HYDRA, will also pleasantly surprise the audience, as the coming together of three well-known folk groups: Feist, AroarA and Snowblink.

One thing is for certain, this isn’t your parents’ folk festival. With about 50 acts

Mariposa Folk Festival offers something for everyone, including Folkplay for Kids, with a full line-up of activities. performing on 11 stages, the music will cover several genres, offering something for everyone including some really good rockin’ folk.

“Variety is the goal every year,” says Hill.

“I try to bring in a variety that will appeal to a wide audience.”

Take Sunday night’s headliner, Rosanne Cash, he continues. “She’s not just country.

I think a lot of her stuff is very folky and a lot of it can be rock and roll, almost. I think she’ll be a surprise for people.”

The high-energy and edgy Elephant Revival is another band that Hill believes will wow audiences as the musicians will incorporate elements of Scottish/Celtic fiddle tunes, original folk pieces, traditional ballads, bluegrass and jazz in their Friday and Saturday performances.

But it’s not just about the music, points out Pam Carter, president of the Mariposa Folk Festival Foundation and chair of the organizing committee.

“There are festivals within the festival,” she

says. “Our Folkplay area is a good example of that with a full schedule of programs for children of any age. All you have to be is young at heart.”

The Studio Point Painting workshop taking place between 2 and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday will be led by local renowned artist Travis Shilling and provides an opportunity for the public to watch artists craft their artistic works and even join in with available materials.

The Artisan Village features up to 50 crafters selling their own creations amongst the trees and along the shore of Lake Couchiching.

Two pub tents and about 20 food vendors offering everything from traditional festival fare to healthy choices will ensure that all appetites are satisfied.

Perhaps just as important as each enjoyable experience is the work that goes on behind the scenes by organizers and about 600 volunteers to ensure that everyone has a good time in a safe environment.

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Located in Canoe Fresh Food Market

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Kim Goggins Publisher, Editor-in-Chief thevillager@xplornet.com 705-689-5398 Ellen Cohen Publisher, General Manager thevillagerpress@rogers.com 705-717-0322 Register for the most current Severn news – delivered regularly

www.severnnewsonline.com The Villager, a Severn Township community news magazine, is an independently owned and operated publication delivered to households and businesses by the first of each month. Our delivery area is north from the Orillia/Severn Township border to Severn Bridge and includes parts of Ramara Township.

The Villager is also available in select retail shops and restaurants along the Highway 11 corridor from the north end of Orillia to Severn Bridge, including Washago.

Editorial and advertising material is protected by copyright. Reproduction of any article, photograph or graphic is forbidden without the express permission of the publishers. 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.

Advertising, editorial and community event submissions are due on the 10th of the month for the following month’s publication.

Advertising inquiries: contact Ellen Cohen at thevillagerpress@rogers.com or 705-717-0322.

The Villager P.O. Box 5 Washago, ON L0K 2B0 Art direction and logo design: Cathy Cleary, www.cathycleary.tel

Another Bald Eagle sighting Upon reading about Mr. Fred Cahoon’s Bald Eagle sighting on Feb. 16, 2014, we thought you might enjoy ours of March 17, 2014 in the mid-afternoon.

My husband and I were out in our driveway when he turned and looked to the south, spotting a large bird coming in our direction, making large, lazy circles as it flew.

It took a moment to see the white head and then the tail feathers to confirm it was a Bald Eagle. We stood in awe and watched until the eagle was out of sight. It never deviated from its course!

Neither of our cameras are working but that would have meant running inside to get it, anyway. Wishing you and Ellen all the best.

Trish Platt Washago

Record crowd at Ramona pancake supper A huge crowd attended Ramona for the All-you-can-eat Pancake Feast.

This was the biggest yet, according to Janet McDonald and Isobel Cronk who greeted folks at the door.

It was wonderful to see so many of our Firefighters in the kitchen doing dishes and cooking.

The group of young volunteers who worked so hard cleaning off tables and serving coffee & tea outdid themselves.

Thank you to Rod and Mary at Canoe for the great service and donation.

Ramona thanks everyone who made it a success.

See you next year.

Eileen Cronk Ramona Letters to the editor are welcome and may be emailed to thevillager@xplornet.com.

Letters may be edited.

5

Davenport Subaru celebrates 15 years

By Kim Goggins Mike Davenport was raised to believe that if you want something you have to work for it. So from the age of 10, he has always had a job of sorts, and the work ethic he learned so early has been with him his whole life.

“My dad taught me how to work and my mother taught me, I hope, how to be a good person,” he reminisces. “Not a day goes by that I wish I could share (my success) with them. They saw 10 years of the success of the Subaru dealership. I always tried to make them proud.”

Davenport Subaru recently celebrated its 15th Anniversary and there is no doubt that his dad, Bob, and his mom, Doreen, would be very proud of his and his wife Cindy’s accomplishments and of their granddaughter Skye, who has managed the Davenport KIA dealership since it opened across the street in 2012. These new car dealerships join Davenport’s used car lot and detailing shop on West Street South.

The 55 new Subaru cars sold in the first year is a far cry from the 350 new and 400 used they are on track to sell this year, making them one of the top dealers in Orillia for total volume and the top dealer for new import sales.

All this in less than 20 years - but, it wasn’t always easy. Mike and Cindy saw their share of struggles when they were young and just starting out. When Cindy was pregnant with their first child, Mike was without a job and his vehicle had just broken down.

When he saw an ad for a sales position with

Severn Township resident Mike Davenport is well-known for his philanthropy. a GM dealership in Stirling, Ontario, that came with a free vehicle to drive, he knew it would solve their problems.

By the time he was 23, he and Cindy had moved to Lloydminster, Alberta where Mike worked as a sales manager at a Toyota dealership for 15 years. When he started, he thought he was taking a step backwards after working for a North American car company but that didn’t last long.

“I never really looked back. It was an incredible product, an incredible company,” says Mike. “I was with them when they were at the bottom and I watched them grow and I experienced that same thing with Subaru.”

By 1995, he decided to break away from the comfort of working for someone else and follow his dream of going out on his own.

They moved to Orillia and Mike opened a used car lot on Atherley Road. The entire

office was no larger than his current office at the Subaru dealership, but he and one employee were able to sell more than 300 vehicles that first year.

“There’s no better high than making the deal with the customer walking away with a smile,” he grins. But he acknowledges that he could never have expanded his business without keeping his customers happy.

“A good salesperson can sell a car to anybody if they put their mind to it but if you want to sell the second, the third and fourth and fifth and sixth car, and get their grandkids and children and their friends and neighbours, you have to have good service,” he notes.

Over the years, the Davenport name has become synonymous with more than good service and cars. Mike will proudly tell you Continued on page 21

Get the gardening done.

We’ve got a huge inventory of – • soil, mulch, fertilizers • gardening tools & wheelbarrows • seeds, bulbs & more

And then go fishing!

We carry all the fishing essentials – • Rod & reel combo’s • Lucky Strike & Live Target lures • Even worms!

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Summer day camp in Washago

By Rose Petit

Calling all children, ages four to 12. Join the summer day camp for a great summer of fun activities, swimming, crafts and healthy exercise. Summer camp at the Washago Community Centre operates July and August from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday with the exception of holidays.

Come for a day or stay for the summer! We have two qualified counselors, with at least one having Life Saving certification, to keep

children safe, busy and having fun.

Camp prices are available by calling the community centre at 705-689-6424. We offer a family price for two or more siblings and a discount for any child who attends a minimum of six weeks of camp.

Summer Day Camp has been operating at the Centre for approximately six years and we guarantee fun, friendship and excellent care.

Check out the camp program on our website www.washagocommunitycentre.com.

Tennis anyone?

If you are interested in having a tennis league for the summer months and would like to utilize the rink at the community centre, please contact Rose Petit at the centre at 689-6424. The nets are available but the rink would require the appropriate lines to be painted and would also need a volunteer to be responsible for tennis activities.

For information about our Canada Day activities and annual parade on July 1, please check our website.

Stunning Home! 7650 Birch Drive

Nestled in the trees, this is a stunning home with soaring ceilings and huge windows. The kitchen is the envy of any cook. Designed for family living, this home includes a self-contained in-law suite. Six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a Great Room, walkouts to the back deck and a wrap-around porch. Lots of outdoor living spaces as well. The in-floor radiant heating and excellent quality windows make this a home you will fall in love with. MLS# 587010559. $479,900.

For further details regarding this or any of my other listings be sure to visit www.lyndahepinstall.com or call Lynda, direct 705-323-4211.

Library users will have to pay full amount upfront

By Kim Goggins A plan to have Severn residents pay only 50 percent of the cost upfront to join the Orillia Public Library has been nixed by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

Severn residents will now have to pay 100 percent of the cost of the membership and be reimbursed 50 percent by the Township.

The $150 annual membership came into effect on May 21, 2014. At The Villager’s deadline, township staff did not know if the fee would be pro-rated for the months left in 2014, from May 21 to Dec. 31, or if the annual fee would start on May 21.

Residents will have to show proof of residency and fill out a form when they purchase their membership at the Orillia library. The library will keep the forms and send them in batches every month to the Township of Severn. Once township staff have verified residency they will send out a cheque for 50 percent of what was paid.

It’s an idea that doesn’t sit well with members of Severn Council because the financial burden may be too much for some families.

“To deny a child or someone access to a library is just wrong,” said Severn Mayor Mike Burkett. “It’s a WEDDINGS • WAGON RIDES • SLEIGH RIDES service that should be provided to everyone.”

Severn Township does have a public library in Coldwater that is free for all residents to use.

TWIN MAPLES FARM

705-689-0182 or 705-330-1198

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Continued on page 21

E-resource centre in Washago Accessing library services will become easier with the use of a proposed electronic resource centre in the Washago Community Centre.

Deputy mayor Judith Cox will serve as the township liaise and will work with the community centre board and an ad hoc committee.

With assistance from both the Simcoe County and Severn Township e-library services, the vision is to give computer and e-book access to children, adults and seniors along with instruction and assistance from an experienced library technician.

The goal is to have the centre up and running within one year’s time.

Volunteers with IT, fundraising, marketing, library technician and accessibility skills will be required.

More to follow.

Suites up to 977 sq. ft., some with solarium or patio.

• Three elegant dining rooms – restaurant and buffet style service • Lounges; main floor bar • Patios, sunrooms, games rooms • Library; arts & crafts room; theatre • Exercise room; putting green • Aesthetician services; hair salon

Call Melissa McKee today to book your personal ‘tea & tour’.

298 Forest Ave North, Orillia, ON L3V 0C3 • 705-329-3887 • www.jarlette.com

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Annual homes tour raises scholarship money The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) is committed to improving the status of women, promoting quality public education, and advancing human rights, justice and peace.

CFUW Orillia is part of a national and an international organization of women. The Orillia Club has a record of 57 years of involvement in the community and continues to actively promote education by awarding scholarships and building strong partnerships with Orillia’s secondary and post-secondary institutions.

In 2013, the Homes Tour raised over $14,000 that was entirely dedicated to funding 23 scholarships for young women graduating from Orillia secondary schools. Recipients are selected through a rigorous application and selection process. The deserving students

meet CFUW Orillia’s criteria of academic ability, integrity, love of learning, leadership, as well as school and community involvement.

This year’s Home Tour takes place on Sunday June 1, from noon to 5 p.m. Particpants have the opportunity to tour five beautiful homes located in Orillia, Hawkstone and Severn Township. In addition, the sumptuous tea is again being served by last year’s scholarship winners, between 1 and 4 p.m. at the Best Western Couchiching Inn. Passports are $25 each and available at the following local stores: Beauty Supply Outlet; Flowers by June; Hudson’s Kitchen & Homewares; Mariposa Seasons Shop; Patilero; Simply Special Originals in Washago; Street’s Flower Shop; and W.J. Shaw Jewelers.

Tourism Information: 705-326-4424 or 1-888-326-4424

info@orillia.com • orillia.com

June 6-8: Spring Boat, Cottage & Outdoor Show

New & pre-owned private and dealer boats; cottage & outdoor product displays; marine safety demonstrations; variety of vendors & more! Port of Orillia & waterfront parks.

June 6-8: Orillia Spring Blues Festival

Exciting live blues at Orillia restaurants and pubs plus waterfront park main stage & beer garden.

August 8-9: Orillia Waterfront Festival

Fun for all ages! In-water boat show, cottage & outdoor products, vendors, water ski shows & more! Hilarious Cardboard Boat Race Sunday at noon. Port of Orillia & waterfront parks.

Along with the tour, fundraising includes a raffle for the following prizes: a framed watercolour painting by Marlene Bulas; a framed pastel painting by Kelley Hampel; a Leacock Mseum Curator’s Afternoon Tea Special for Six; Bayview Wildwood Resort overnight getaway; Home Hardware Building Centre Gift Certificate; Signature Homes Tour organizer, Janet Interiors Consultation and two Doering is seen here with home owner, Dr. Laura Grant of custom down-filled pillows.

Arborvitae Naturopathic Clinic.

Remodel . Make-Over . Renovate Kitchen, Bath, Flooring, Paint and more all made easy.

Look Inside Our Front Door!

Everything for your home projects is now beautifully displayed in one area of the store for your convenience.

• Displays for kitchen, bath, fixtures, flooring, lighting, doors & windows.

• A new PPG Voice of Colour paint station with on-screen ‘paint mixing’ to help you choose the best for your home.

• Best of all – expert staff. Count on them to advise, recommend and find what you need.

Drop in and see for yourself.

The ‘NEW’ Washago Timber Mart We deliver to all of Simcoe County & Muskoka

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P: 705-689-2626 • F: 705-689-8671 • 1-888-260-6324 • www.timbermart.ca

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Call us today and speak to one of our experienced professionals.

11

Coffee giant will expand in Westshore

By Kim Goggins Tim Hortons is moving up the highway and up in size.

According to a report by Andrew Fyfe, Director of Planning & Development with the Township of Severn, plans are underway to redevelop the former Lauer Plaza at the corner of Grand Tamarack Crescent and Highway 11 North to replace the existing structure with a 3,000 square foot restaurant with drive-through, as well as provide for a second fast food restaurant in the future.

“I don’t know what the construction program is, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them do it this year,” said Fyfe.

“They’ve cleared the building they’re moving to and they’re just going through the approval with MTO and (the township).”

Due to Ministry of Transportation (MTO) regulations, the entrance into the plaza, off of Highway 11 North, will be removed in order to accommodate the traffic that will be generated by such the restaurant.

“That’s a very high traffic generator and one of the big concerns is the drive-through to make sure you don’t back it up onto the highway,” said Fyfe.

“They had to work very closely with MTO to make sure it would improve, traffic-wise, not make it worse.

The entrance will be off of Grand Tamarack Crescent, which is good news for local residents, says Coun. Ron Stevens.

“It think it’s a tremendous.

People can come in from the Cumberland Beach/

This Tim Hortons near Webers on Highway 11 North will close once a new, larger one is constructed at the former Lauer Plaza.

Bayou Park area and come right into the restaurant (from Grand Tamarack) without having to come down the highway and

come back up again. It will be a time saver for residents and I think the restaurant will benefit from the year-round business.”

Be well-advised

at every stage of your life.

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Lisa Ferry

Financial Advisor

www.assante.com • lferry@assante.com • 705-325-7743, Ext. 227

Quality Imports with the Colour and Energy of Mexico

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WELCOME TO “QUIET WATERS” This well-maintained home is picturesquely situated in a sheltered cove on Lake Couchiching. Charming open concept great room with gas fireplace opens to a beautiful sunroom with walkout to deck overlooking the lake. Other features include two bedrooms, den, refurbished bath, main floor laundry. Attached garage with loft storage.

Pretty patio, deck at water’s edge and dock, all add to the enjoyment of waterfront living. Asking $395,000. MSL#586090014. Please call me for an appointment to view or visit at www.7694oakpointrd.com.

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Leah C. Cavanaugh Sales Representative

705-325-1366 1-800-498-8775 www.century21.ca/leah.cavanaugh leah.cavanaugh@century21.ca

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Thursday, May 1 ~ Thanksgiving Monday, October 13, 2014

Drop in today to see our new products!

Hours: Thurs. Fri. Sat. 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sundays & Holidays 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or by appointment HAMMOCKS . HAND PAINTED FURNITURE CERAMIC POTTERY . TIN MIRRORS CHIMINEAS . GLASSWARE DECORATIVE GLASSWARE STEEL WALL ART . CLAY POTTERY HAND LOOMED RUGS . COPPER

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Lioness/Lions come together

By Lioness Anna McDonnell We have just enjoyed a great weekend at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville. It was our Multiple District “A”/ District A-12 Convention – entitled “Muskoka Rocks”. This was the first time, the two conventions were combined, with between 500 and 600 Lions, Lioness and Leos present.

An “In Memorium” was held Sunday morning with Lion Stu Cobbe of Orillia Lions Club and Lioness Olive Smith of our Washago Lioness Club being honourably mentioned.

For the first time, the 97th International Convention will be held in Toronto, from July 4 – 8 with expectations of 30,000 to 40,000 Lions, Lioness and Leos from all over the world attending. Imagine the parade!

Next year, our own District

A-12 Convention will be held in ‘Cottage Country’ at the JW Marriott Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa, April 24 – 26, 2015.

Many thanks are in order to everyone for supporting our ‘Court Whist’ card parties and our ‘Health and Wellness Fair’.

A special thanks goes out to Lioness Estelle for organizing the fair.

The winner of a great gift from the Severn Fire Department free draw was Rosemary Warboys of Rama Road. We look forward to seeing all of you on July 1 at our table on Muskoka Street that will feature with lots of homemade goodies and sale items. Don’t forget to purchase your 50/50 ticket from us. Last year’s winner was Doris Middleton

On June 12th Re-Elect Garfield The Lioness table at the Canada Day festivities always has a lot of goodies.

Authorized by the CFO of the Garfield Dunlop campaign.

13

CiaoChowCiao opens another location

By Kim Goggins Those who regularly frequent CiaoChowCiao at the back of Canoe Fresh Food Market in Washago know the long hours and hard work that owners Todd Frenette and Theresa Filicetti have put into their wood oven pizza bistro since they opened in 2012.

But knowing the couple, it’s not surprising that they’ve decided to add another eatery to their business, just in time for summer.

“We get bored very quickly and even though we get tired from the work we put in here, we always want to take on more,” says Frenette. “Our customers have been so supportive. We have a very good following on social media – rave reviews – people just love our food.

That’s why we got into business.

We always said if we could make a living that would be great. Anything beyond that would be gravy. Now, we’d like to acquire the real estate that we’re occupying and feed more people.”

Although there will not be a wood pizza oven in the first phase of the take-out eatery at the new location on Highway 12 West at Line 15, there will be the same quality Italian sandwiches, salads and the take-away dinners that have become so popular, along with scooped Kawartha ice cream. The new location will also boast fresh baked sweets not currently offered at the Washago location.

“We will be constructing the (second phase) over the course Continued on page 19

Theresa Filicetti and Todd Frenette have the recipe for success with another location on Highway 12 West at Line 15.

coming soon to washago

Hinton Antiques

We are carefully restoring this beautiful historic landmark, preparing a home for our array of spectacular antiques.

while we prepare for our public grand opening sales are available by appointment only.

705-325-9666 • www.hintonantiques.com

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Dan The Wood Man Tree Removal Junk Removal Demolitions

Unisex Hair Care

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705-689-2223

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www.danthewoodman.ca

cell: 705-323-7808 danthewoodman@hotmail.ca

Now Open on Rama Road!

5882 Rama Road, Rama, Ontario

Inside Rama General Store/Shell Gas Station, across from the Casino

705-327-1401

Catering services available.

Ask about our weekly specials!

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ARGOS FOOTBALL SeASOn hOme OpeneR Saskatchewan Rough Riders versus Toronto Argos. Saturday, July 5th.

BASeBALL St. Louis Cardinals at Toronto Blue Jays, Saturday, June 7th.

CAnADIAn InT’L mILITARY TATOO Includes meal at Royal Yacht Club, Hamilton, Sunday, June 8th.

QUILT CANADA • ST. CAThArINeS Transportation & admission. Wednesday, June 11th.

RUn FOR YOUR WIFe King’s Wharf Theatre, Midland, includes lunch at The Library Restaurant. Thursday, July 3rd.

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Black River barbecued leg of lamb with chimichurri Ingredients: • leg of lamb

• 3 garlic cloves

• 1 bunch parsley

• juice of one lemon

• 1 bunch cilantro/coriander

• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil

• ½ cup of mint leaves

• sea salt and cracked peppercorns to taste

• ½ cup of basil leaves

Preparation: Place all ingredients into blender to create the chimichurri sauce (except for lamb and olive oil).

Pulse ingredients while slowly adding olive oil until it forms a liquid paste.

Using 1/3 of mixture coat the lamb leg.

Place in pre-heated BBQ on high (rotate lamb leg to sear all sides).

Then keep half of the BBQ on medium and turn the other half off.

Coat lamb leg with 1/3 of mixture and place on unheated side of BBQ. Roast until medium rare. Use a meat thermometer to test Remove from heat, let rest and carve. Serve with remaining Chimichurri sauce. Enjoy!

Recipe provided by Chef Becky of Black River Food Company.

Dressing the Lady ‘better than 35’ 3363 Muskoka St., Washago 705-689-6603 www.simplyspecialoriginals.com

If you want to know something about jewelry, talk to the man who makes it.

Custom Designed Jewelry

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Free Cleaning & Inspection

17

SCDSB students celebrate Canada at Lakehead U More than 300 Simcoe County elementary school children visited Lakehead University’s Orillia campus on May 9, 2014 to discover what makes Canada a great nation.

Flood damages near $300,000 Jim Watson took this aerial photo of the flooding of the Lake St. John area in Ramara Township. The township launched its plea to the provincial government for assistance for all home owners in the municipality affected by flooding.

Lock 45 will celebrate 100 years Plans to celebrate the Lock 45 Centennial in 2015 are underway and residents in the Port Severn area of Severn Township will soon notice colour banners to mark the occasion.

Registration for business expo is open The fourth annual Orillia and Lake Country Business Expo scheduled for Oct. 23, 2014, has already received an overwhelming response since registration opened on May 1, 2014.

Easter long weekend marred by four deaths A Washago-area man was one of four deaths reported by the OPP over the Easter long weekend.

Several Severn Township New farmers’ market a men charged with impaired success Three Severn Township men were charged with Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle and one Orillia man was charged with impaired while driving in Severn Township during the weekend of May 9, 2014.

Many people braved soggy weather and a muddy mess to find out what the Orillia Fairgrounds Farmers’ Market was all about on its opening day May 3.

Pride flag will not fly at township office A request by Simcoe Pride for Severn Council to proclaim Simcoe Pride Week and to raise the rainbow flag at the township was met with silence and the refusal by every councillor to move the motion. It was eventually agreed to proclaim the week without advertising.

18

Community spirit The snow has finally left and the sun came out in time for the Victoria Day Long Weekend. There were lots of bargains and good food to be found in Washago with numerous garage sales and barbecues. This weekend marked the Grand Opening of the Orillia Fairgrounds Farmers’ Market at ODAS Park with Severn Firefighters serving pancakes and sausage. Frank Cooper, 92, was also at it again with his friends, building a snowman at his General Store in Coopers Falls. It’s been a May long weekend tradition since the 80s.

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CiaoChowCiao opens another location Continued from page 13 of the slower season, during the winter and opening up the entire floor for next spring. That may or may not include pizza,” says Frenette, noting that they have sold about 14,000 pizzas since CiaoChowCiao opened its doors in Washago, less than two years ago. “We may leave our unique wood oven pizza as an anchor point for our Washago location.”

Now open, the new bistro boasts the same earthy, Italian-inspired colours as

the Washago CiaoChowCiao with picnic tables outside, and can’t be missed on the southeast corner of Highway 12 West and the 15th Line, which is about 2.5 kilometres west of Highway 11, just up the road from Bass Lake Provincial Park.

According to traffic studies, more than 22,000 vehicles pass by the site each day, as Highway 12 is the Orillia-Midland corridor and many motorists take Line 15 from Old Barrie Road to avoid Highway 11 traffic.

“The only good problem I think we might end up having is we’ll get very small very quickly because the restaurant will only be about 800 square feet,” says Frenette. “Even though we have a lot of property – 12 to 15 parking spaces – we think we’re going to have to produce a lot of food out of that (space), which is a good problem to have.

At least the property is big enough that we can always do an expansion down the road.”

20

A visit from Mr. Bear

By Ron Reid

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One evening last week, our bedtime ritual was interrupted by a strange twanging sound which seemed to vibrate through the house. Very brief, but then again, just as I headed for the front window to see if I could decipher a source. The mystery was soon solved. A sleek and sassy, full-sized adult bear was standing on its hind legs on our front deck just a few feet away, grasping a bird feeder with its front paws and jerking it downwards. That feeder hangs from a wire running between a nearby tree and the side of the house, and the bear’s tugs made the wire twang like a giant guitar string.

One more jerk and the wire broke, completing the transition from bird feeder to bear feeder. In fact, the next morning showed that the bear had done the rounds, bending feeder poles with his weight and gorging on sunflower seeds and peanuts.

Being in the nature business, we have a LOT of feeders (for product testing, of course), and the tough winter and late spring of 2014 meant they have been busy.

The next night the bear was back again, even though we had put away any feeders within reach. Or so we thought – it turns out we had missed one hanging from an eave, but Mr. Bear didn’t make the same miss. He left muddy paw prints on a window as he stretched up to pluck it down for a snack.

Again, he made himself at home on our outdoor deck, serenely gazing across the yard as he plotted out his next conquest.

Having a bear so close brings a mix of emotions. On the one hand, what a great opportunity to observe a magnificent wild creature close-up. Over many years of wilderness tripping, our encounters with bears have usually been brief and comfortably distant, so having a bruin just outside our window is a rare treat. On the other hand, watching a powerful beast with claws and teeth lounging on your deck, oblivious to lights and all the signs of human habitation, definitely intrudes on your sense of security. The more relaxed and comfortable the bear seems, the less comfortable we are with having him hanging out in “our” territory.

But on balance, that discomfort is a small price to pay for a reminder that we live in a community where the human footprint has not yet stomped out every trace of wild nature. Moose still show up in subdivisions, blackflies mark each spring, and bears can still remind us of ancient fears. These wild creatures were here long before us, and their continuing presence today deserves our respect and understanding.

Black bears are out of hibernation and have been seen in local neighbourhoods. It’s best to keep garbage and bird feeders out of reach.

Living with a bear in the neighbourhood is no cause for panic. Our bird feeders now hang well out of reach in front of a secondstory window, until bear hibernation next fall allows them down again. We are careful about our garbage. Simple steps, but all that is really needed to share “our” habitat with Mr. Bear.

A regular contributor to The Villager, Ron Reid is a natural heritage consultant and the cofounder and former executive director of The Couchiching Conservancy. He has written more than 30 magazine articles and co-authored three books. He lives in Washago with his wife, Janet Grand.

Davenport Subaru celebrates 15 years Continued from page 5 that his staff and family have raised more than $2 million for local charities through special events, including the Subaru Hill Climb, Subaru Ski Days and Rally for the Kids. More than $350,000 has been raised from the rally event in Newfoundland over the last five years, and that money goes to the Ronald McDonald Foundation national charity. Most of the other fundraising dollars raised goes to charities in Orillia and Simcoe County.

He credits his parents for teaching him the importance of giving to others, but it also took a tragedy for Mike and Cindy to fully understand and appreciate the power of a community pulling together.

Soon after he started his used car dealership, their son, Adam, was diagnosed with cancer.

Without the benefits plan he had at Toyota, Mike and Cindy relied on local charities to help them cover costs.

During that time, other car dealers would put used cars on Mike’s lot to sell and allowed him to pay them back when he could. The local community held fundraisers and when Adam sadly passed away at the

age of 17, other car dealers in Orillia got Continued from page 7 together and purchased Adam’s headstone for the Davenports.

Coun. Jane Dunlop told Council on May Mike has not forgotten one kind thing. 15, 2014 that memberships have increased “When you go through that, you give back. significantly this year with 66 new families That’s what I believe,” he says quietly. from Severn and Oro-Medonte signed up Over the last 19 years, Mike has been since January. the recipient of many awards for his Up until 2012, the Township paid about philanthropy and business prowess, but one $100,000 to the Orillia Public Library award has so far eluded him, although he’s annually so Severn residents could use been nominated three times. The Canadian the library, free of charge. Council decided Automobile Dealers Association Laureate to go to a user-pay basis after the City of Award for Ambassadorship is given to auto Orillia requested a 20 percent increase to dealers who show extraordinary service the library contract over a period of five to the community. With approximately years. A 20 per cent increase would have 3,500 dealers and only five nominees in the meant $119,790 going to Orillia in 2013 category for a period of three years, just and compounded, it would have meant being nominated is something to be proud a 150 percent increase by 2017, where of and Mike is currently in his second year of the $250,000 fee would have driven up his third nomination. property taxes by almost three percent.

“It’s quite nice to be recognized for what you do but you know, we don’t do what we do for recognition,” says Mike. “I think Advertising inquiries (giving back) is the most important thing call 705-717-0322 anyone can do.”

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23

Development charges will decrease in most areas

By Kim Goggins Builders of single and semi-detached homes in Severn Township should see about a 20 percent drop in development charges, according to a study completed by Watson & Associates that was presented to Council on May 1, 2014.

However, in Westshore the charges for this type of residential development is expected to increase by about 45 percent, due to the need to add an additional module to the sewage treatment plant to accommodate the exceptional new growth in that area.

“It’s development related,” said Andrew Fyfe, Severn Township’s Director of Planning & Development. “We don’t have to add sewage capacity if no one’s building new houses.”

According to the report presented by Gary Scandlan of Watson & Associates, development charges throughout most of the township should be reduced to $5,622, from the current $7,031. In Coldwater, the amount should decrease to $4,886 from $7,004. In Westshore, the amount should

increase to $10,410 from $7,164 and in Severn Estates, the amount should increase to $12,500 from the current $12,353.

“There are a couple of components that are driving the adjustments. Basically it comes down to two bridges,” said Fyfe, noting that a bridge over Shadow Creek in Westshore that was taken out of the most recent Transportation Plan will take about $1 million out of the township’s expenses.

Although, on its own, that would bring down the development charge, it’s the need for expanded wastewater services that has increased the development charge for that area.

There has also been a change to the plans for the Burnside Line/West Street overpass, across Highway 11, scaling back the once believed need of four lanes to maintaining only two lanes at an estimated future cost of $1.5 million.

“We’ve replaced what was a $15 million-plus project, which the township would only pay a portion of, with some more detailed traffic

studies and interchange improvements,” explained Fyfe. “So we may be able to do some things to get rid of the congestion and that means we can get more cars across the bridge per hour and we don’t have to spend millions and millions of dollars to put on two more lanes.”

The numbers are important to buyers of new homes as builders typically pass along the development charges to those who purchase their houses.

Development charges for non-residential buildings throughout most of the township are expected to decrease to $3.17 per square foot from $5.95 per square foot.

In Westshore, the suggested new charge is $3.27 per square foot from $2.78 per square foot and in Coldwater, it is expected to decrease substantially from $7.13 per square foot to $3.01 per square foot.

The township will use the money collected through development charges for roads and transportation services, fire protection, Continued on page 26

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24

Music festival will rock the park

By Steve Caston, Rotarian

It’s happening again this year. The rockin’ party by the lake will take place on Aug. 17 from 11:30 a.m. until midnight at Centennial Park in Washago.

The festival will feature a host of up-andcoming local bands and some crackerjack acts from farther afield. The audience last year was blown away by the caliber of entertainment - this year will be equally exciting!

Awesome tunes, beer and great food by

the lake in the summer - that’s what this community event is all about. There will be lots of diversions for the kids and shopping and hobnobbing to be had.

Organizers are currently pulling the pieces together - more information will follow soon – so check the website at www.WashagoMusicFestival.com in the next few weeks for updates on performers and ticket pricing.

This festival is a community initiative

created by The Rotary Club of Washago & Area. The aim is to host a local event that fosters community and brings attention to the Washago area.

If you or your business is interested in lending a hand (perhaps you would like to sponsor a band!) - please contact Steve at info@stevecaston.ca.

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The Muskoka Concert Band Neil Barlow, Conductor June 29 The Gravenhurst Bifocals Concert Band Neil Barlow, Conductor July 6 Gino Monopoly Internationally Acclaimed Elvis Tribute Artist July 13 Eddy and The Stingrays 50’s Rock and Roll July 20 The Liverpool 4 Beatles Tribute July 27 Hotel California The Original Tribute to The Eagles August 3 Johnny Cash, June Carter, Tammy Wynette Tribute August 10 The Beckett Family featuring the Award Winning Linsey Beckett Fiddling and Step Dance August 17 The Good Brothers Canada’s Multi-award Winning Country Vocal Group “Music on the Barge” concerts start at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated.

Collections are taken during the concerts and don’t forget to bring your favourite lawn chair and enjoy. Concerts will be cancelled and not relocated to another venue in the event of inclement weather, rain or lightning for the safety of the audiences and the performers.

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Proceeds to the Lions Grey Cup event.

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Always practice safety around fireworks

By Dianne Kyle, Fire Prevention Officer It has been a long winter and now that responsible organization. summer is upon us it brings to mind many If you still choose to have a family fireworks safety issues relating to the season, one of display be sure to follow the regulations which is fireworks. Severn Fire & Emergency pertaining to the handling and discharging Services does not recommend family of fireworks. fireworks or neighbourhood displays but If you are a retailer who is selling fireworks, instead attending public fireworks displays, ensure you are following the Explosive which are advertised annually at locations Act (Canada) for storing and selling these where the display is performed by a articles. Ensure that you have working smoke alarms and fire extinguishers and remember that customers are not permitted to handle any fireworks that are not in consumer packaging until the article has been purchased.

If you have any questions, feel free to call the Severn Fire Prevention Division at 705-325-9131.

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2. Carefully read and follow the instructions on fireworks packaging.

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7. Never re-light “dud” fireworks. It is best to wait 30 minutes and then soak them in a bucket of water. Dispose of them in a metal garbage can.

8. Never give sparklers to children. While sparklers are considered to be harmless and fun, they burn extremely hot and can ignite clothing, cause blindness and result in severe burns. As the sparkler wire remains hot for some minutes after burnout, it should be immediately soaked in water to avoid injury.

9. Never use fireworks during a fire ban.

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26

Lion Jim Rice honoured

By Sandra Crawford, past president

On Monday April 28, 2014, Governor Chris Lewis, A12 District, presented Lion Jim Rice, Treasurer of the Washago and District Lions, the Shadow Award Plaque and Shadow Pin. Jim was voted the person for this award by his fellow Lions for all the work he has been doing this year and in the past. Jim helped build a muchneeded shed with a few other Lions who came to help him.

Jim has also quietly repaired or updated many other things and has helped with many functions at the Washago and District Lions Club of Washago.

On April 26, 2014, Washago Lioness and Lions worked together to host a Wellness Fair that included local service

providers. The Severn Fire Department’s booth had many safety tips, and of course a fire truck and Sparky, their mascot.

Development charges will decrease in most areas Continued from page 23 outdoor and indoor recreation, library services, as well as water and wastewater services. Throughout Ontario, municipalities use a formula based on population growth and what services will be needed to accommodate the growth to come up with development charges.

A public meeting was held during the Council meeting of May 1, 2014, but was not highly attended. Council will review all public input, consider the policies and charges and adopt a bylaw at its June 5, 2014 meeting. It’s expected that the new development charges will come into effect in September 2014.

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Popular studio tour takes place this month There is nothing quite like driving through the lovely rolling hills of the Coldwater and Huronia areas, lush and green in their early summer finery. June wild flowers nod their heads in the breeze along these pretty back roads.

But it’s about to get even better as the 14th Annual Coldwater and Area Studio Tour takes place on Saturday and Sunday, June 21 and 22, 2014.

Stop and browse at any of the14

artist studios featured along the way. You will find some of the finest artists and artisans in this art happy area, including 10 from the Orillia area. The route will take you through Victoria Harbour, Waubaushene, Hillsdale and Orillia, and many spots in between. There will be lots of signs to help you find your way.

The tour also provides an opportunity to meet all 36 artists, including painters,

photographers, fabric artists, metal workers, wood workers, potters, jewelry makers, and more. Chat with them, see where they work, and perhaps find a treasure to take home.

There will be lots of gift buying opportunities.

This all takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.

Brochures with maps are available to download from the tour website at www.coldwaterstudiotour.org.

Visit just six locations and you’ll have a chance to win one of three wonderful art-filled gift baskets.

Ten artists from the Orillia area will be among those taking part in the Coldwater Studio Tour this year. They are: Marlene Bulas, multi-media paintings; John Jacquemain, photography; Kelley Hampel, watercolour and pastels; Allison Ormerod, fabric baskets;

The artwork of Jennifer Houlden will be featured in the studio tour.

Bob Ormerod, woodwork and cabinets; Wendy Lynne Rinehart, multi-media doll art, Doug Symes, Carved Wood Boxes; Debra Shelswell, Mixed Media; Liz Stenson, Metal Jewelry; Arni Stinnissen, Photography.

The Ramara Historical Society

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The Church of St. Columbkille 4993 Highway 12 at Muley Point Road • The Historic Military Establishment of Upper Canada • Demonstrations: logging, blacksmith, quilting, spinning & more • Vintage vehicles, tractors & farming equipment • World War I & World War II artifacts • A Market Square of local artisans • Entertainment by local musicians

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28

“I lead by example” Garfield Dunlop has agreed to call for an interview at 5:30 p.m.

It’s been a busy day of driving around the expansive Simcoe North territory and hammering signs into the ground with his campaign volunteers. He’s tired and covered in dust, but he makes that call from his cell phone at 5:28 p.m. and is fully present for the interview.

Keeping his commitments is important to Dunlop. As the Conservative MPP for Simcoe North since 1999, he prides himself on the fact that he gets along with everyone in his riding, no matter what political stripe.

“That’s the kind of person I am.

I’m not somebody that thinks I’m somebody special,” he says.

“I try to treat everybody with respect.”

It’s this ‘get along’ attitude that Dunlop has that is in stark contrast to how the leader of his party is seen by some. Ontario Conservative leader Tim Hudak has been criticized by NDP and Liberal supporters as not wanting to work with the other parties to make the Liberal minority government work.

“We know where Tim Hudak stands,” says Dunlop. “We know he wants to balance the books.

The current government, because they want to cling to power at any cost, they’re putting a $12.5 billion deficit per year on the backs of our great grandchildren and that’s not right.”

Dunlop says he made the decision to never support a Liberal budget after they cancelled the Slots-at-Racetrack Program in 2012 and decimated the horse-racing industry.

“They were looking for somebody to work with them on the (2012) budget. If they would have worked with us and told us what they were going to do to the horse-racing industry

we’d still have (that) industry today,” he says.

There have also been warnings of Hudak’s far right conservatism and likening to former Ontario Premier Mike Harris, but Dunlop points to the fact that Harris had to make some tough and

unpopular choices to balance the books, and Hudak is not afraid to do the same.

“There will be cuts, you can be sure of that,” says Dunlop.

“It won’t be in healthcare or education but it will damn well be in things like the Ontario Power Authority, Hydro One, Ontario Power Generation and areas like that.”

The ballooning cost of hydro is a problem Dunlop says he hears about from people in this riding all the time. His party vows to hold a public inquiry into the cancelled gas plants that cost Ontarians billions of dollars and he would like to see the Ontario Power Authority FeedIn Tariff (FIT) Program stopped, while still honouring existing contracts.

Dunlop’s own personal objective is to abolish the Ontario College of Trades, which he says was brought in with no consultation.

“We’d be in for four years of chaos if Hudak gets in” Liberal candidate for Simcoe North, Fred Larsen, recalls the Mike Harris years well.

As a former high school teacher at ODCVI and Twin Lakes Secondary Schools, he remembers the cuts to education and its detrimental effect on students. In fact, it was one of the things that motivated him to become politically active with the Ontario Liberals.

Ontario Conservative leader Tim Hudak was a member of Harris’ team and Larsen fears that his pledge to slash 100,000 public sector jobs to balance the budget will lead to even worse repercussions than the tens of thousands of jobs that were lost during Harris’ time.

“Very simply, a vote for Garfield Dunlop is a vote for Tim Hudak – and that would mean job losses for Simcoe North residents. To protect those jobs, everyone – and certainly every public servant – needs to vote in the election.”

Larsen readily admits that Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop is a nice guy but he says there will be a steep price to pay for re-electing him.

“I think voters have to remember that electing a Conservative MPP here is support for the provincial party,” he says. “I think we’d be in for four years of chaos if Hudak gets in because I think there’s every indication that he’ll go to war with labour in the province.”

Larsen recognizes there were some problems that arose during Dalton McGuinty’s last couple of years in power, but he is confident in Kathleen Wynne’s leadership and points to the latest Liberal budget as an example of how she is trying to move the province forward while working toward a balanced budget.

“Both the NDP and PC parties rejected a budget that was balanced in approach and would have invested in our communities and strengthened the economy,” says Larsen.

“Ontario needs to be concerned about its financial position, and so the Liberals have a plan to balance the budget, but we should also protect the improvements that have been made in our world-class health and education systems.”

He points to the debt retirement charge coming off residential Hydro One bills by 2017 and increasing the number of people who are eligible for the electricity credit as ways in which the Liberal government is trying to lower electricity costs for people.

He also acknowledges that employment, particularwly for young people, is cause for concern for families in Simcoe North, and he believes it’s the MPP’s job to work with people to bring companies to the area and to encourage, through incentives, the expansion and creation of small businesses.

“People aren’t able to believe government anymore”

Former Tiny Township council member represents Green Party

Doris Middleton is concerned about the lives of every day Ontarians. In her previous work as a caseworker for ODSP and as a union representative, she has seen the quality of lives declining and voices being silenced.

“The gap between the rich and the middle class is rapidly growing and we need to take measures in government to ensure this does not continue,” says the Washago resident, who is the Simcoe North NDP candidate for the provincial election.

And while she will be the first to say that Conservative Garfield Dunlop is a ‘very nice man’, she will also say that the party he represents does not look out for all Ontarians.

“People have to realize that a vote for Garfield Dunlop is a vote for a Tim Hudak Tea Party Conservative Government,” she says.

NDP leader Andrea Horwath, says Middleton, is a better alternative to the extreme right of a Hudak government and a scandal-plagued Wynne government, and she knows that more Ontarians than ever believe that, too.

“We’ve got 21 NDP MPPs who are all very hard working and we’ve done extremely well in the last few years since Andrea has been leader,” she says. In talking with people in Simcoe North, Middleton says she’s hearing the word ‘change’ more than ever. She is also hearing increased frustration over Liberal scandals and increasing utility costs.

“All you have to do is mention hydro to people and they go ballistic for a whole bunch of reasons,” says Middleton. “First

Peter Stubbins’ curiosity about the relationship between humans and their environment began early in his life. The Columbia River Diversion canal, the proposed Pickering Airport and cruel realities of fur farming caught a young man’s attention.

These curiosities led to a Life Science degree from the University of Toronto in 1979 where he received two academic awards and gained a firm understanding of the clash between ecology and human systems.

Two years of travels to remote places made Stubbins aware of the relationship between poverty, corrupt governments and environmental collapse. He took that awareness to heart and ran for municipal office in Tiny Township. He spent two terms as a councillor and then as deputy mayor.

Stubbins pursued a path of slow growth, habitat restoration, fiscal restraint, public access to natural resources and waste diversion.

He co-founded a number of cultural and environmental organizations all geared to opening up our minds to other possibilities.

The Green Party of Canada informed him around 1988 he was the first Green party member elected to public office in Canada. His career as a

of all, the issue of the cancelled gas plants. The other thing is the rising costs and confusion and that there’s really no set solution

in sight and all we’re hearing is that it’s going to increase even more.”

The NDP plan to battle high electricity costs is to decrease the number of corporations involved, discontinue selling power to the United States at a low price and offer a small rebate to consumers.

A lack of higher-paying jobs in Simcoe North is also a concern of Middleton’s and she says the NDP plan to offer incentives to employers to create sustainable jobs will strengthen the local economy and benefit other businesses, as well. She says she is not in favour of the Liberal plan to bring more casinos into Central Ontario because of the negative impact it will have on Casino Rama, an employer of more than 3,000 people in the area.

It’s all a matter of the public and private sectors working together and political parties cooperating in some instances so that government can function to help the people of Ontario thrive, she says.

29

registered physiotherapist, two active boys and a desire to build a low impact home saw him exit politics.

Since 1994 he has kept his hand in green advocacy, and coached numerous soccer teams. His wife Cheryl is a registered nurse and dental hygienist, his father and brother are family doctors and his mother was a lab technician. This has given him some insight into the functions of the medical system. He also has small business experience.

Green Party candidate, Peter Stubbins, did not respond to several requests for an interview from The Villager before deadline.

This information is taken directly from his website.

It’s important to vote

Ontario Election Day is Thursday, June 12 and advance polls will also be held between Saturday, May 31 and Friday, June 6. Your Notice of Registration Card will come in the mail and detail the name and address of the advance poll locations, as well as your election day voting location.

It’s important to be knowledgeable about the issues affecting you as an Ontario resident before you vote. If you have questions about the candidates’ stand on any issue, contact them. They can be reached at the following numbers/email addresses:

Conservative Garfield Dunlop . . . . .

Liberal Fred Larsen . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NDP Doris Middleton. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Green Party Peter Stubbins . . . . . . .

705- 326-3246/garfield.dunlop@pc.ola.org 705-259-9100/info@votelarsen.ca 705-242-9172/simcoenorthndp@gmail.com peterstubbins@gpo.ca

30 I work for you.

Janice Mercer Sales Representative

Direct: 705-330-2019 Office: 705-689-3700

www.janicemercer.com

Send your group’s upcoming community event to thevillager@xplornet.com.

June 7 & 8, 2014

B.J. Roth Realty Ltd. Brokerage

Washago Jam - every third Wednesday of the month, from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Washago Lions Club Hall.

June 1, 2014

CFUW Orillia will hold its Annual Homes Tour to raise money for scholarships that will help local female students going to post-secondary institutions. Taking place from noon to 5 p.m., participants will have the opportunity to tour five homes located in Orillia, Hawkstone and Severn Township. In addition, tea is again being served by last year’s scholarship winners, between 1 and 4 p.m. at the Best Western Couchiching Inn. Passports are $25 each.

June 5 – 8, 2014

The 32nd Annual Spring Automotive Flea Market takes place at Burl’s Creek Event Park and features cars and parts as far as the eye can see.

Collectibles, classics, hard to find parts, car sales corral, auto auction, hundreds of vendors, good food and more will be included.

June 6 – 8, 2014

Exciting live blues will take place at Orillia restaurants and pubs, as well as at Couchiching Beach Park’s main stage and beer garden as part of the Orillia Spring Blues Festival. Friday, 5 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, 1 p.m. to midnight; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

June 6 – 8, 2014

The Spring Boat, Cottage & Outdoor Show features an in-water selection of new and preowned private and dealer boats, cottage and outdoor product displays and marine safety demonstrations. There will be a variety of vendors and more. It all takes place at the Port of Orillia & waterfront parks on Lake Couchiching.

The 8th Annual Carden Nature Festival will take place and include a number of environmental delights. Birding, hiking, biking, paddling, insects, reptiles and more. Family Fun Fest Saturday featuring hay rides, bird house building, live music, exhibits, vendors and dinner with guest speaker David Phillips of Environment Canada. The fun takes place at Carden Plain and Carden Recreation Centre, Lake Dalrymple Road.

Registration with the Couchiching Conservancy required.

June 11, 2014

The Washago Lioness presents Court Whist at the Washago Lions Hall, starting at 10:30 a.m. Buffet lunch. Cash prizes, 50/50 and door prizes. Tickets are $10 per person. For info call 705-689-3333.

June 13, 2014

Ladies Night takes place at the Washago Community Centre from 6 - 9 p.m. This is a free night out with the girls with psychics, Reiki, aura readings and reflexology. Female-led businesses will also be setting up tables with proceeds from the rentals going to the community centre. Call Trish at 705-689-9083 or Heather at 705-689-6147 to book a table.

June 14, 2014

The Ontario Lumberjack Championship takes place at the Brechin Ball Park. Watch professional lumberjacks from all over North America, including local Canadian Lumberjack Champion Cecil Starr, as they compete for $4,500 in prize money. Wood carving demonstration, vendor market, beverage & beer tent, great audience prizes, and evening pig roast with live music.

June 16, 2014

Between 5:30 and 7 p.m. the librarian from the Severn Township Library, located in Coldwater, will be at the Washago Community Centre to sign up Severn Township residents living in the Washago area who are interested in a membership to the library and getting information to access e-books. All Severn Township residents are welcome.

June 19, 2014

Ramara Historical Society will hold its monthly meeting with the heritage theme: Box Car Meeting at Cecil Byers, 4100 Sideroad 20, just east of Uptergrove. Tour the box cars and explore Ramara’s railway heritage on site. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. The public is welcome.

June 21, 2014

Christmas in June will take place at the Port of Orillia. The public is invited to take part in or view the large boater rendezvous and decorated boat contest.

June 21 & 22, 2014

The Coldwater Studio Tour will take place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and include 14 artists’ studios featuring 36 artists, 10 from the Orillia area. Brochures with maps are available to download from the tour website at www.coldwaterstudiotour.org. Visit just six locations and you’ll have a chance to win one of three wonderful art-filled gift baskets.

Cheri Carman took this picture of a moose OPP Const. Jim Edwards visits with guide dog that was wandering through her Cumberland ‘Diva’ at the Lions/Lioness Wellness Fair on Kai Elford, 4, enjoys a hot dog at the Lions/ Beach neighbourhood.

April 26, 2014.

Lioness Wellness Fair on April 26, 2014.

NEW SIGN. SAME WINDSHIELD REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT EXPERTISE. We’re joining forces with Speedy Glass®, Canada’s leader in vehicle glass repair and replacement so you’ll get more great services like on line booking and a comprehensive national warranty. All that, and you still get the same folks you know behind the counter.

Welcome to our new Speedy Glass® service centre.

®

Bill Farewell

This Apple Auto Glass® location is changing to Speedy Glass®

315 West St. S Orillia

705.325.3500 speedyglass.ca

3384 Muskoka Street, Washago

705.514.5000

www.canoefreshfoods.ca Store Hours: Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. | Sunday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Fresh AAA Str iploin Steaks • Thick Cut Pork Fresh Chicken Chops • Freshly Grou n d B e ef Burgers & Sau sages Great Selectio n of BBQ Sauce

• • • •

Fresh fruits & vegetables Huge stock of competitively-priced groceries Deli counter Kawartha Dairy ice cream

• Freshly baked breads, buns and sweets • Double-decker brownies • Selection of fabulous pies • Delicious scones with fresh cream Large selection of fireworks available.

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There are always specials at Canoe Fresh Food Market.

Drop in to see what we have for you this week!