The Villager 2016 March

March 2016

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Township highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Fire safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Respect for our local heritage

Washago water tower beautification

By Ellen Cohen Sun, wind, rain, snow, cold, heat. It’s the weather that has resulted in the disintegration of the artwork that has graced the historic Washago water tower for the past 8 years. It’s time to dress up this 110 yearold structure again, give it the attention it deserves, and beautify it in time for Canada’s 150th birthday. As we’ve come to expect, the community has once again rallied together to make this possible.

The first beautification effort 8 years ago, was a project near and dear to Glenys Hepinstall’s heart. Her husband, Basil, looked after the water tower for many years. A well-known community volunteer and Washago Rotary Club member, Glenys said that her club spearheaded the first water tower art installation project, including the management of the art competition.

“Our committee narrowed the choice from dozens down

to 24 artist submissions and then the community voted for their choice, each voter paying a loonie for every ballot. We raised over $2,000.00 from the voters and all that money went towards the total cost of $22,000.00,” said Glenys.

“Rotary will be involved again,” added Glenys. In fact, through Dan Herbert, a local Rotary club member, the Washago Rotary Club officially announced in February that they will donate $5,000.00 to the water tower project.

Kathy Nicholson, a local artist whose artwork has been displayed on the water tower for the past 8 years, is the chair of the newly formed Water Tower Committee. She said that it’s very likely the new committee will follow a similar process in order to choose the artists’ submissions.

“Choosing the art is very important. It will be on the tower for years. But it’s only part of the

Built in 1907 with an 80,000 gallon wooden tank, the Washago water tower is more than just a local landmark. process,” says Kathy. “While the community is choosing the art, the committee will have a lot to do – securing quotes for the artwork wrap, working with the township and CN Rail for access to the tower and, of course, we’ll have to do lots of fundraising.”

Kathy added, “We think the

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cost of replacing the art will be double of what was paid 8 years ago. A tender will go to area printers.” It is believed that materials used for the wrap are much improved from eight years ago and there is hope that the new art will last up to 15 Continued on page 10

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3

Passion becomes reality for Lake St. George resident Stone House Cakes

By Randy Lucenti In the case of Severn Township’s Wendy Hofstetter, the old adage ‘the proof is in the pudding’ should really be re-worded to ‘the proof is in the cake’. In less than four years, the Lake St. George resident has become an exceptional cake artist using simple cakes as her canvas to design sculptures that are almost one-hundred percent edible.

Wendy started Stone House Cakes on a small scale in her family kitchen, piecing together the necessary tools required for intricate cake baking. But, when space and extra hours spent hauling out her supplies and putting everything away before completion to accommodate the goings on of two teens and a husband, it was time to make a move. She needed a kitchen just for her and her cakes.

The solution was just a short stroll from her home, a property that has been in the family since 1927, originally her greatgrandfather’s cottage. Wendy was born in this house and her mother, although spending time south for most of the winter, still lives there. Transforming a small room in her mother’s home

into a fully sterile kitchen was the answer.

“It serves the purpose and gives me the space to concentrate on my cakes, but it’s a ‘catch 22’. It takes me away from my family where before I was right there if they wanted to talk about anything or needed me,” she said while putting on the finishing touches to a creation for her brother’s 50th birthday.

Wendy uses a simple strategy when formulating plans for each cake, some of which can take up to 20 hours to create.

“Anything I wouldn’t feed to my family I’m not putting in my cakes,” said Wendy.

“Also, my cakes are not cheap to make when you consider the ingredients, tools and equipment involved. I want to keep prices as reasonable as possible so I try to buy ingredients when things are on sale, and I also buy locally as much as possible.”

In addition to baking cakes for friends, family and clients through word of mouth, she has donated her baking to a number of local fundraisers, including twenty-dozen cupcakes for an

Wendy Hofstetter of Lake St. George has turned her passion for cake-making into a sideline called Stone House Cakes. The life-long Severn Township resident is an exceptional artist who uses simple cakes as her canvas. Photo by Randy Lucenti. event supporting a family after a life-changing accident, and she bakes cookies for school events.

Wendy leads an exceedingly busy life. She and her husband have two very active boys, both

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involved in a number of sporting activities which often requires Wendy to be the ‘taxi driver’ to events. She also works fullContinued on page 12

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

Kato the dog took her last journey on January 18th. A wonderful and loyal companion for 13½ years, she could no longer be the dog she wanted to be. She is now chasing a ball and swimming somewhere for eternity.

From the Publisher:

The rites of spring Three weeks until the official start of spring. The season of renewal. Rebirth. Reflection.

Reassessment.

Is there anyone who doesn’t get excited seeing the first robin of the spring? Don’t you love the sound the melting snow makes as it trickles down the downspouts? Even the ugly mounds of earth the voles leave behind on your lawn lets you know it’s spring.

Spring is my favourite time of the year. I find that as the calendar moves from February to March, I feel my energy increase, my mood lighten. I am more optimistic than any other time of the year. Even if it doesn’t warm up right away, I’m full of anticipation.

At the beginning of March, the first thing I do is start making a list: clean the windows in the sunroom; freshen the paint on all the doors inside the house; replace the broken bathroom faucet thingy that’s been broken since September; re-pot or toss out the house plants my new kitten has destroyed over the winter; pull out and clean behind the fridge and stove just to make sure nothing lives, or died, there; measure, again, for the 3rd year in a row, the windows in my office and this spring, for sure, go buy window coverings. The list goes on.

Likely the tasks on the list will get done. Well, most of them. As long as we don’t get some of those heavenly warm, sunny spring days. If that happens, the list will be set aside while I will sit on the deck and watch the last little shaded patches of snow melt, or check for early buds on the trees, or lift my binoculars up to my eyes just to make sure I can still identify all the water fowl swimming in the small openings in the ice on the lake.

Of course, it might not be spring-like until April but, now that I’m thinking about spring, I think I’ll go call my friend at Fern Forest and ask her what new plants she’s bringing in this year. Then I can go to my garden notebook and start plans for the new front garden. I should also go fire up my tablet and find my Audubon program that has all the bird songs - just to make sure I will recognize the birds when they visit.

My list can wait.

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

Letters may be edited.

5

New name, new identity for county’s CAS Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions unveiled

By Randy Lucenti Family Day 2016, the annual provincial holiday dedicated to celebrating the importance of family life and connecting people to their communities, was a special day for the former Simcoe County Children’s Aid Society as it marked the official launch of its new name and visual identity as Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions (SMFC).

SMFC is the organization which melds the former Family, Youth and Child Services of Muskoka and the Simcoe County Children’s Aid Society into one. That amalgamation officially went into effect on April 1 of last year.

“It just made sense to harmonize the services of the two groups covering the region of Muskoka and Simcoe County and bring them together as one agency,” said communications manager Anne Burgess.

The name may have changed, but the mandate for the CAS remains the same.

That means working together within the community to provide child protection services as set out in the Ontario Child and Family Services Act including: to investigate allegations and/or evidence

In 2013/2014, almost 11,000 children in Simcoe County and Muskoka were served by the CAS. that children, who are under the age of 16 or who are in its care, may be in need of protection; to protect, where necessary, children who are under the age of 16 or who are in its care or under its supervision; to provide guidance, counseling and other service to families for protecting children or the prevention of circumstances requiring the protection of children; to provide care for children assigned or committed to its care; to supervise children assigned to its supervision; and to place children for adoption -

all of which are to be performed according to prescribed standards, procedures and practices.

The fiscal year for the organization begins in April and the region will be brought up to date on the numbers served by the agency at that time, according to Burgess.

Until then, the staggering numbers from stats released in 2013/14 show the everincreasing need for the agency with a budget in the millions of dollars (more than $41 million for the year starting April 1 and

ending March 31, 2013) and staff in the hundreds.

The stats from 2013/14 as shown on their website include: 6,556 total calls to the agency; 4,753 total families served; 10,933 total children served; 2,868 protection investigations; 185 children admitted into care; 424 children in care at year’s end; 193 total foster and kinship homes; 39 total adoptions; and 140 volunteers.

The goal of the recently combined organization is to keep kids safe and healthy, build strong families and one that is a collaborative and compassionate community partner.

“This visual identity is an exciting step for our newly amalgamated organization as it unites our histories, cultures, communities and services,” stated executive director Susan Carmichael, in a press release.

“Our new name embodies the relational, social, family, cultural and health connections that are all a part of the safety and wellbeing of children and families the purpose of our work.”

The name and colorful new symbol of the combined group is a result of the input of many over the past 10 months and Continued on page 22

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Keep me at home

By Sandra Crawford, Past President The Washago and District Lions Club dinner meeting on February 8th, 2016 featured guest speaker Amy Pritzker, Community Engagement lead for Hospice Orillia, a division of the North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network.

Amy explained that Hospice Orillia offers practical, emotional and spiritual support to those in our community coping with advanced illness, death and bereavement. The volunteers and staff serve clients and their loved ones of all ages and backgrounds with compassion and respect, while honouring their choices and supporting them through their life journey.

Volunteer visiting services are designed to offer practical and emotional support to individuals and their families

in their own home. Home is defined as wherever the person resides, whether that is their own house or apartment, the hospital, a long-term care facility, or a retirement home.

Community education is available from Hospice Orillia upon request. Area residents may contact Amy directly at amy@hospiceorillia.ca to learn about The Keep Me Home program, advance care planning and grief and bereavement.

Or visit their website at www.hospiceorillia.ca.

The Washago Lions Club Amy Pritzker of Hospice Orillia was the guest speaker at the February thanks Amy for her enlightening 8th Washago Lions Club meeting. (Photo submitted by Leslie Stead, presentation. She made us all Washago Lions Club.) aware of the help available for JAM NIGHT each and every one of us.

Don’t forget Dougie’s Jam Night at Washago Lions After Amy’s presentation, we Hall, Wednesday, March 16th at 7:00 p.m. all enjoyed a fantastic dinner, Everyone is welcome. scrumptious dessert and coffee.

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Paddling down Muskoka Street

By Ellen Cohen Those familiar with Orillia’s Streets Alive! annual outdoor art event will be excited to hear about a new exhibit in Washago.

Streets Alive! started in 2009 with displays of large, colourful banners, followed in 2010 by 7’ tall guitars. Every year since then, local artists have displayed their creativity on chairs, sail boats, doors and more – all on Orillia’s main drag, Mississaga Street. Each year, the event is well-promoted, increasing the incidence of tourists visiting the city.

Now it’s Severn Township’s turn. Not for Streets Alive! but Councillor, Donald Westcott told The Villager Deputy Mayor Judith Cox had a similar idea – canoe paddles hung on hydro poles/light standards along Muskoka Street.

It’s a timely initiative because Ontario’s Lake Country has taken on the task of mapping and marketing our area as a great location for low impact waterway usage which includes canoes, kayaks and row boats.

Marketing begins in mid-March and local shops and restaurants will have marketing materials in plenty of time for the start of the season on the May long weekend.

The Severn Township Village & Hamlet committee approved the expense for the cost of the wood to build the canoe

In Orillia – The Sunshine City Councillor Donald Westcott created 24 large canoe paddles and turned them over to the Washago art club paddles, and Donald Westcott was so excited about this project he volunteered to make them twenty-four of them made from pine 1x12’s, 6 feet in length.

“The display won’t be as large as Streets Alive! But certainly large enough for the village. I can’t wait to see what the artists create,” said Councillor Westcott.

He added that because there is often so much negativity going on in the world, it’s great to just have some fun.

The canoe paddles were turned over to local artist and art teacher, Doug Cooper. Doug will have a competition among his student artists. Those chosen will paint the paddles that will eventually by hung along Muskoka Street in Washago.

The goal is to have all paddles painted and hung by the long weekend in May.

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Washago grows again!

By Ellen Cohen Only nine months ago The Villager wrote about two new businesses opening in Washago, Hooper’s Café and Gallery, and R Cottage Restaurant. Those two businesses comprise part of the transformation that’s taken place on the main street. First, Rod and Mary Harth transformed the old liquor store and convenience store into what became Canoe, where residents and cottagers happily line up for their grocery and specialty items. Not long after Canoe opened, Century 21 B.J. Roth Realty moved to the main street, and Jack Calvert opened his shoe shop, Jax Bootery.

The Villager is happy to report that we can all look forward to more business growth.

A new physiotherapy practice, run by Jenna Welch, is set to open on March 1st. And, due to demands for her classes, Melanie Rimkay, owner of Green River Yoga, is expanding her business and moving into a larger space, also on March 1st.

Please join us in welcoming Jenna Welch to our community and congratulating Melanie Rimkay on her business expansion.

Green River Yoga Company – business expansion One of our local business success stories is Green River Yoga, run

by Melanie Rimkay who lives in a charming home on Muskoka Street in Washago. It was there

she opened her home-based business four years ago. Melanie has led her clients through their yoga training in a lovely, quiet newly-renovated second floor

loft. Business has been so good that Melanie must respond to the great interest and high demand for her services.

“Ideally, teaching fourteen classes a week works well for me and for my clients. However, the demand for my services has gone beyond my capacity. I have limited space in my home and, in order to accommodate everyone, although not ideal, I have often had to squeeze in 18 classes in one week,” said Melanie.

In March, Melanie will move her business into a much larger space at the historic Washago Hotel at 3374 Muskoka Street.

The space is a room that many years ago was the hotel’s elegant dining room. With 12 foot ceilings and a huge fireplace, Melanie is excited about offering her clients a larger and very beautiful location for their classes. More space also means her clients can be more spontaneous and not

Melanie Rimkay is the owner of Green River Yoga, a successful Washago business expanding on March 1st. necessarily book in advance.

In addition to yoga classes, Melanie offers a popular session, yoga/meditation/tea and conversation. She is also specially trained in ‘chair yoga’, particularly helpful anyone who has difficulty kneeling. Melanie explained that chair yoga is

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9 much less taxing to the body and is of great benefit to seniors or those with post-surgery needs.

Melanie will host an open house at her new location on the main floor of the Washago Hotel on Saturday, March 5th from 12 noon – 4:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

On Sunday, March 6th Melanie will offer free yoga.

Choose from either a 10:00 a.m. or a 1:00 p.m. start time. And, during the month of March, she will offer an introductory price of $75 for unlimited yoga.

NOTE: Melanie’s background includes event planning and she’s found a way to incorporate this with her love of yoga and Iceland, a country she says is spectacularly beautiful. Melanie will host a trip to Iceland on May 9-17. All details of the trip will be managed for her clients, including daily yoga and guided tours from a local expert.

Visit www.greenriveryoga.com or call 705-721-2799.

Physiotherapy and massage – new business Jenna Welch, a physiotherapist who earned her BSc from Western University and a Masters in physiotherapy from Ottawa University, is ready to serve our community. Since graduating, Jenna has worked for established physiotherapy practices in Toronto and Barrie.

She’s now ready to branch out and start her own practice.

Through her current position at a physiotherapy practice in Barrie, she met Phil Azzopardi, the owner of some retail properties on the main street of Washago. He told her about a vacancy in the small building that had been leased to Washago Family Dentistry before they moved to a larger building. Jenna says Phil ‘put a bee in her bonnet’ about running her own practice. The timing was perfect for Jenna and her new business was born.

Physiotherapy is appropriate

for the treatment of almost any kind of pain: low back pain; over-use injuries i.e. constant use of a computer mouse, swinging a hammer all day long; sports injuries; postsurgical pain; broken bones; nerve impingements; arthritis; sciatica; headaches and neck pain; general sprains; ligament issues; and dislocations.

Jenna says her treatments are very hands-on and she also offers cupping, a treatment for those who may be very sensitive to other types of physiotherapy.

She will be open for business in her new practice on March 1st, offering appointments two mornings and one afternoon a week. Saturday appointments will be available when the need arises.

An invitation is extended to the community to attend Jenna’s open house on Saturday, March 12th from noon – 3:00 p.m.

Jenna Welch will open her new physiotherapy practice on Muskoka Street in Washago.

Refreshments will be served.

Contact Jenna by calling 705796-3877 or email jennawelch@ hotmail.com.

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Respect for our local heritage Washago water tower beautification Continued from page 1 years.

The task of raising what is thought to be approximately $40,000.00 has begun. In addition to the $5,000.00 from Washago’s Rotary Club, Deputy Mayor Judith Cox says that included in the township budget are five grants of $5,000.00 each, one for each ward. She believes that because the water tower project is targeted for 2017, Canada’s 150th birthday, the project will meet the granting criteria.

“The rest of the money we need will come from community fundraising initiatives, local business owner contributions, private donors and granting organizations,” said Kathy.

The committee will publish regular updates about this project.

Water tower history: The historic Washago water tower is more than just a sentimental landmark. Its large tank of water supplied steampowered trains for generations and provided the community of Washago with clean, potable water for over 40 years.

Originally a wooden tower constructed in 1907, the 80,000 gallon facility was the largest of all 53 water tanks in Ontario.

The Washago tower, with water pumped from Dam D at the nearby river, supplied steampowered trains. Trains going both north and south stopped in Washago to fill up with water and to take on a load of coal.

Also historic, the original coal tower still stands adjacent to the tracks in Washago.

In the early 1930’s, Washago representatives met with Canadian National Railroad to talk about the tower becoming the main water supply for the village. This resulted in the birth of the Washago Water Commission. At this time, the

owner of the local feed mill, Sam Langman, took over the daily operation of the water tower under the direction of the first water commission chair, Gene Smith.

As steam-powered trains disappeared, the water tower’s only job was to supply Washago with clean water. The water supply, tower and pumps needed to be maintained and in the 1950’s local resident, Basil Hepinstall took on this responsibility. His job was to look after the pump, chlorinate the water and generally ensure the community’s water supply was safe. Although Basil originally said he would do this work ‘for a while’, he did it for 32 years and for that he was paid the handsome sum of $1.00/ day.

Although, says Basil, the metal base of the tower will likely last another century, the old wooden water tank had aged and become so worn it was leaking with no possibility of repair. In the 1970’s, Severn Township replaced it with a metal tank. It was used as the community water supply until sewer and water lines were installed in 1984.

Today the water tank is empty but the structure still stands tall and straight, a reminder of times long ago.

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The Villager will support the beautification of the Washago water tower project with regular updates.

Let us know about upcoming water tower project community fundraising events and we’ll help you with marketing and promotion. The deadline is the 10th of the month for the following month’s publication.

11

A very busy recreation committee in Severn

By Pat Harwood, recreation coordinator The Township of Severn Culture & Advisory Committee is fortunate to have both council representation and volunteers who work together representing township residents on recreation issues.

This committee makes recommendations to council on matters concerning recreation programs, activities and properties within the township.

The committee also deals with correspondence from the public, issues that pertain to recreation interests.

At their regular meetings, the committee receives deputations and funding requests, some of which will be recommended to council. As well, when grant opportunities become available, the committee reviews the

opportunities and recommends Presently the committee is some to council or to local reviewing and recommending groups involved in recreation. long-term park plans for the Washago Centennial Park and Coldwater Fairgrounds The Uhthoff Trail is also the responsibility of the Culture & Advisory Committee. They ensure its maintenance, promote the trail, and investigate the trail’s recreational development with local groups and volunteers.

Deputy Mayor Judith Cox is the council representative on the Severn Township Culture & Advisory Committee.

The committee is also responsible for, and makes recommendations to council for the culture and historical needs of the community.

Members of the committee are: Deputy Mayor Judith Cox; chair, Vicki Ball; vice chair, Grace Smith; and members Barb ClarePowell, Bill Harvey, Richard Weese and Steve Zeidler.

If you have any recreation issues or concerns, please call the township offices at 705-3252315 ext. 253 or visit our website at www.townshipofsevern.com.

Do you have an upcoming event?

Notify us by the 10th of the month for the following month’s publication.

thevillagerpress@rogers.com

Please include your daytime phone number in the email.

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12 Passion becomes reality for Lake St. George resident Stone House Cakes Continued from page 3 time for State Farm Insurance agent Steve Edmonds. And she helps her husband, Murray, also a State Farm Insurance agent, with his books and payroll.

This last job she manages on her lunch hours or outside of business hours.

Speaking about her parttime business, Wendy admits that if she won the lottery she would turn her passion into a full-time profession. Until that time, she’s quite content with her little operation. She’s able to take a break from the kitchen for such things as family vacations or events, or to relax in a chair at the water’s edge on Sunday afternoons.

a lot of cakes ahead of time so they’re fresh and ready to be served – and eaten!”

You would think someone who enjoys spending time in the kitchen would also enjoy all aspects of cooking, but such is not the case with Wendy.

“I love baking, but not so much cooking,” said Wendy.

“We do a lot of take-out and eating out.”

With a family, a full-time job, a part-time job, and a business to run, it’s not surprising.

Photos of some of Wendy’s This fish cake is one example of the creations made by Stone House creations can be viewed on Cakes. Customers appreciate the freshness and flavour but sometimes Facebook (Stone House Cakes). hesitate to cut into Wendy Hofstetter’s cake art.

You can also reach her through Photo by Randy Lucenti. email: murf.wendy@rogers.com.

Ironically, this cake artist says she can’t draw so she relies on her client’s description of their vision. Wendy then creates a cake from a design that comes from a picture in her head. The result is often so artistically

beautiful that clients don’t want to ruin the cakes by cutting into them but Wendy happily coaches them through this dilemma.

“I make the cakes to be enjoyed,” she said. “I don’t freeze

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Slowww Cooking delicious comfort food

By Chef Becky

What you’ll need: • • • • • • • • •

3-5 lb. beef roast 2 large root cellar onions 4 potatoes 4 carrots 3-4 fresh thyme sprigs 3-4 fresh rosemary sprigs 1 cup good red wine ¼ cup of flour 4 whole garlic cloves

• ¼ cup whole peppercorns • Cracked black pepper and sea salt to taste • 1 cup beef stock • ½ cup cubed butternut squash • ½ cup cremini mushrooms halved • ¼ cup canola oil

Important steps: -pat roast dry with paper towel -season with salt and pepper; dust with flour; knock off excess -bring oil in frying pan to high heat -place beef in pan and sear off roast quickly to seal off meat and start a crust (can weigh it down with another frying pan) -set aside

Directions: • Cut potatoes, onions, and carrots into large pieces, either cut in half or up to 3-4 pieces • Place in crockpot, creating a ‘raft’, or just level on bottom of pot • Sit roast on top of potatoes, onions and carrots • Add wine and stock, should cover up to about 1/2 - 2/3 of roast • Add rest of ingredients except squash and mushrooms • Cook on low for about 2 hrs.

• Add squash and cook another 15 min • Add sautéed mushrooms Serve this dish with a fresh salad, hearty bread & whipped butter.

Cooking times may vary depending on size of roast and temperature of crock pot. Check temperature at 2 hours. At 165 degrees, it is well done. Suggestion: at 150 degrees turn off the heat and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Chef Becky Lennerton is the proprietor of Black River Food Company and a teacher in our region for Loblaw Companies Limited.

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Severn Township Highlights Signage moves into the 21st Century Although plans are not quite final, the Village & Hamlet committee of Severn Township does have a budget of $20,000 for the installation of a new community sign in Washago.

The eight-foot wide state-of-the-art digital sign will sit on township property. It will be remotely populated with messages from the office at the community centre.

The purpose of the sign is to give residents, cottagers, visitors and passersby the opportunity to know what is happening in the community. We should expect to see information about upcoming local events, community centre information, and local church and service group notices. In addition to community notices, advertising will be available to local businesses.

Pat Harwood, the recreation and culture coordinator for the township, has helped to manage the project moving forward, including securing tenders.

Donald Westcott, councillor for Ward 5 Double $$ for student bursaries hopes the sign will be installed by the May The County of Simcoe provides annual long-weekend. funding for bursaries for students residing within the County to assist them with the Beware of water testing requests financial challenges of post-secondary Recently, Severn Township residents education. The bursaries are available to have been approached by a company with eligible candidates from each of the sixteen representatives requesting entrance to Simcoe County municipalities. their home so that they can conduct ‘on-site To enhance this initiative, Severn sampling’ of your drinking water and/or to Township will match, dollar-for-dollar, ‘check the water filter’ inside homes each of the approved bursaries for Severn The township wants residents to know Township residents, essentially doubling that they do not send staff to your house the amount of each bursary awarded.

Applicants are assessed on the basis and they would not ask for access to your of grades, extra-curricular activities, inside water system, water filters, etc.

Deputy Mayor, Judith Cox says it is highly volunteerism, financial need and an essay. unlikely the township would ever need More information is available through the to come into your house and she advises County of Simcoe’s website. residents is to not let strangers into your home. If you are contacted by someone Does your mail box jiggle?

Winter weather is hard on roads and asking for access to your home for water testing or any other suspicious reason, call other infrastructure. It’s also hard on mail boxes which can be damaged from snow the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

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15 Marketing our paddling routes Most area residents and cottagers are very aware of the canoeing opportunities on the nearby rivers and lakes. Now, in an effort to increase low impact water activity in our community – canoes, kayaks, row boats - Ontario’s Lake Country (OLC) is leading the charge to market those routes outside of the immediate community.

Jennifer Whitely, marketing manager for OLC, and Donald Westcott, the Severn Township representative on OLC’s board have announced that starting in mid-March, the routes will be mapped and marketed at large GTA consumer travel shows, through outfitters and other appropriate retailers. The goal is to also create an online component for wider distribution.

pushing against weakened mailbox posts.

If you can shake or jiggle your mailbox, it probably needs maintenance. The township asks that you take the time to make any needed repairs so that is strong enough to survive another winter.

Improper maintenance may delay mail delivery, or worse, may result in having to make alternative delivery arrangements.

Clearing the snow around your mailbox will help prevent damage and will ensure Canada Post has easy access.

If you are moving a mailbox or installing a new one, please visit the Canada Post website for installation guidelines: www. canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/assets/pdf/ personal/rmb_guidelines.pdf.

An ‘older’ age-friendly community The Township of Severn and the County of Simcoe is committed to creating an age-friendly community, putting the needs of our older adults at the centre of future planning. Through a Simcoe County survey, all county municipalities will better understand age-friendly priorities.

The survey results will be included in the planning processes to improve the overall health, well-being and quality of life for older adults in our township and across the region.

Deputy Mayor, Judith Cox encourages Severn residents to go online and complete the survey. Those available to participate in the survey include: those over 65 years of age; a caregiver on behalf of a senior citizen; or a family member on behalf of a senior relative.

The deadline to complete the survey is before March 22nd. Visit www.simcoe. ca/LongTermCare/Pages/Age-FriendlyCommunity.

Paddling down Muskoka Street Ward 5 Councillor, Donald Westcott says that Severn’s deputy mayor had the idea to display art in the form of canoe paddles on Washago’s main street, and he’s taken up the challenge.

Please see full story on page 7.

Muddy Centennial Park The Public Works department will deal with the extreme wet issues that plague Washago’s Centennial Park. Councillor Westcott says that next year is both Canada’s 150th birthday and Centennial Park’s 50th birthday. He is hopeful that the poor drainage issue will be resolved in time for those celebrations.

Road work The township has confirmed that plans are in the works for Hepinstall Landing in Washago, and Telford line, which runs west off Highway 11, will to be resurfaced/ reconstructed this year.

m fro

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Township office Agendas are available on the township’s website or at the township office.

March 3, 7:00 p.m. – Council March 8, 7:00 p.m. – Culture & Recreation Advisory Committee March 15, 7:00 p.m. – Committee of Adjustment March 17, 7:00 p.m. – Planning & Development Committee March 23, 9 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Corporate Services Committee April 7, 7:00 p.m. – Council Recreation Program – Tax Credit A federal tax credit is available to cover eligible fees for enrollment in a physical activity program for children under 16 years of age. Visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca/ fitness for more information. Please call the township for your Child Fitness Tax Credit at the end of each session.

General information The township website includes a list of all departments. You’ll find contact information for mayor and council as well as department heads and staff.

Details are also available for the township strategic plan and the water financial plan. If you do not have access to a computer, call or visit the office.

Please note that Canada Post has changed mailing addresses in RR3 and RR4 in Severn Township. Please see below. www.townshipofsevern.com 1024 Hurlwood Lane, Severn, ON L3V 0Y6 705-325-2315 Business hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

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16

Pay attention to cottage traffic: it’s telling us something

By Mark Bisset

108 Mississaga St. E., Orillia

705-329-3939

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Every Friday night during the summer, the Washago area is inundated with a wave of people.

Many more pass by on Highway 11 like a flood of humanity moving north. On Sunday night, the flow reverses and, like clockwork, the southbound lanes are jammed as far as the eye can see. It’s a phenomenon you can set your watch by.

We’re so used to cottage traffic that we hardly stop and think about what is actually going on. Everyone who has the means is fleeing the cities to the south and moving as far into the forests and lakes of the near north as possible.

Probing beyond the obvious, what is really going on?

Some time ago, Lori Hunter from the Simcoe County District Health Unit forwarded a paper to The Couchiching Conservancy that holds the answer. It has a meaty title: “Healthy nature healthy people: ‘contact with nature’ as an upstream health promotion intervention for populations”

by Cecily Maller, Mardie Townsend, Anita Pryor, Peter Brown and Lawrence St. Leger.

These authors are affiliated with the NiCHE Research Team (Nature in Community, Health and Environment) of the school of Health and Social Development at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia.

They’ve probably never seen cottage country traffic on a Friday night, but they have some pretty enticing ideas as to what causes it: lakes and rivers and trees make us feel better.

With more than 70 references to scientific research, these academics have summarized research showing that “nature plays a vital role in human health and wellbeing, and that parks and nature reserves play a significant role by providing access to nature for individuals.” The authors argue there is ample evidence to suggest we can help solve some big issues just by improving our connections to nature.

As a land trust, this sort of talk gets us pretty excited. Among the paper’s findings: • Nature helps us recover from mental fatigue faster and more completely than an easy chair; • Given the choice, people universally

• • • •

prefer water, old trees and untouched natural vista to urban ones; People’s favourite places are found in nature, and they find being there makes them feel better; People are more positive at work and have a higher sense of satisfaction when they have access to nature; When we’re sick or injured, exposure to nature helps us heal faster and copes with stress better; Observing nature can restore concentration and improve productivity;

Wild columbine thrives at Alexander Hope Smith Nature Reserve at Washago, only one area sanctuary for nature lovers.

The paper’s authors point out that, while more research is needed, health organizations have massive resources at their disposal to tackle serious health issues.

Yet since that paper was published, along with many others like it, governments have largely failed to make any meaningful efforts to connect preventative health care with the landscape.

But for the Couchiching Conservancy, it underlines the fact that our efforts to protect thousands of acres of wild spaces is not just about sanctuary for plants and animals, it’s also about sanctuary for you and I. Mark Bisset is the Executive Director of The Couchiching Conservancy, a non-profit land trust which protects ecologically sensitive land in the Orillia region for future generations. For more information, go to www.couchichingconserv.ca.

17

CRA Scam Warning

By Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton

My office has received a number of questions about suspicious calls some local residents have received from people claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

I’ve also noted some recent newspaper articles about this issue.

In most cases, the caller requests personal information such as date of birth, social insurance number, and other personal information, and then demands immediate payment for taxes they claim are owed, often with the threat of court charges, jail or other punishment.

If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and alert the Canadian Anti-

Fraud Centre 1-888-495-8501 or got to this page on their website: http://www. antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/indexeng.htm).

If you believe you may be the victim of fraud or have given your personal or financial information unwittingly, please contact the local police.

The phone number that the CRA uses for business-related calls is 1-800-959-5525, and for individuals is 1-800-959-8281.

If you want to confirm the authenticity of a CRA telephone number, call the CRA by using the numbers on its telephone numbers page at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/ cntct/phn-eng.html.

The CRA: • Never requests prepaid credit cards; • Never asks for information about your passport, health card, or driver’s license; • Never shares your taxpayer information with another person, unless you have provided the appropriate authorization; and • Never leaves personal information on your answering machine or asks you to leave a message containing your personal information on an answering machine. For more information on this topic, please visit www.cra.gc.ca/ security, or contact my office by calling 705-327-0513.

Upcoming event Coldwater Passport Clinic, March 14th from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Coldwater Legion, 2 Michael Anne Drive.

If you need a new passport or need to re-new your expired or about-to-expire passport, please plan to attend.

Staff and volunteers will be on site to answer your questions and review your completed application.

There will also be a photographer on site. Photos are available at a cost of $22.

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A weekend with your MPP

By Patrick Brown, Simcoe North MPP and Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario One of my main goals through this column is to educate my constituents about the life of an MPP – the rewards I get from being the Simcoe North MPP; attendance at the numerous events in your riding; and hearing first-hand about issues within the constituency.

This month I’ll share with you an average weekend.

On Family Day Weekend, I had the opportunity to take part in Saturday’s Winterama Parade in Penetanguishene, the oldest winter carnival on Ontario!

The parade was part of the 68th Annual Penetanguishene Winterama which attracts hundreds of people.

I also braved the icy waters of Lake Couchiching and took the plunge as part of the Polar Bear Dip at the Orillia Winter Carnival. Proceeds from this year’s event

go to Habitat for Humanity. I can honestly say Lake Couchiching is much nicer in the summer months for swimming, but an enthusiastic crowd of onlookers cheering me on made the “dip” a lot more enjoyable.

I was proud to be the first one out of the chilly gate.

It was also a pleasure to carry on Garfield Dunlop’s tradition of hosting a Family Day roller skate at ODAS Park in Orillia. Every pair of rollerblades supplied by the Roller Skating Place was in use for this year’s event.

But, being an MPP isn’t all fun and games.

I was also hard at work standing up against proposed cuts to health care services to the Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) drafting a question to ask the Minister of Health in the upcoming Question Period.

While I serve as the Leader of the Official Opposition, my first and most

important job is to the constituents who elected me in Simcoe North. My weekends and weeks are filled with meeting with concerned constituents and stakeholder organizations.

Hopefully this month’s column helped give you a better idea of a weekend in the life of an MPP. It is a busy and tiring job, but serving the people of Simcoe North is a great privilege and honour. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I look forward to sharing more with you about my work in the community in the coming months.

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Washago Community Centre Skating Rink The rink was well used for much of January but the fluctuating temperatures have since made it difficult to maintain the ice.

Hopefully we will have some good skating and hockey weather for a few weeks, but Mother Nature has not been kind to outdoor activities this year. Thank-you to those who have volunteered to assist with rink maintenance - although it hasn’t been a big task to date.

We will keep your names on file for next winter.

Winter/spring programs All winter programs are well underway and we are presently working on finalizing our spring programming. If you have any ideas for an activity that you would like to see at the centre, please call Rose at 689-6424.

Freshly painted!

The community centre has been freshly painted. Many thanks to the volunteer efforts from the residents of Beaver Creek Corrections. They provided the hard work and we provided the paint and good food.

Remote plane/car seminar For those not going south for a March break holiday, we invite children ages 8-12 to attend this new seminar, March 15th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and March 17th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Bring your remote planes or cars with you and learn to fly them in a larger controlled environment. See you there!

Help Wanted - Summer student job opportunity The Washago Community Centre requires two summer students to operate a day camp program for July and August.

Applicants must be returning to school in September and preferably have a background working with young children and an ability to establish and organize a fun-filled program of daily activities. Preference will be given to a student who has their NLS certification in water safety.

Please contact the Centre at 705-689-6424 for more information or send a resume to wccc@rogers.com.

Celebrating a birthday, anniversary, retirement or a wedding?

Call the Washago Community Centre for hall rental information at 705-689-6424. We also provide catering service.

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Clothes dryer fire safety

By Dianne Kyle, Fire Prevention Officer How often do you leave your home with the clothes dryer running? You think it only has a few minutes left and it will just turn off, or it’s a new dryer and you haven’t had a problem with it yet so it will be fine.

Now ask yourself: when was the last time you cleaned the vent or maintained your dryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions? Have you even read the instructions that came with the dryer? Most just set it up or have it installed and begin using it without reading the maintenance part of the manual.

Did you know that according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an estimated annual 15,500 fires, 10 deaths and 10 injuries due to clothes dryer fires? There is also a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from improper dryer vent setups in gas dryers.

A dryer and the attached vent system requires regular cleaning and maintenance, just like your furnace or other fuel burning equipment. Lint accumulation and reduced airflow feed on each other to provide conditions ripe for a fire.

Most people think their lint traps catch all the lint, and that is all they need to clean.

However, a significant amount of lint is not caught by the lint trap and builds up inside the dryer, the vent system and on the heating element. As a rule, a fire starts from a spark in the machine, but improper venting practices outside the dryer can play a key role in this process.

The most common and important dryer vent mistakes are: • Vents are too long or have too many bends. Short and straight is best.

• Use of flimsy plastic or foil duct extenders. Use only metal vents as they resist crushing and allow more efficient lint removal from the system.

• Inadequate clearance space between dryer and wall. Many people create problems by putting their dryer right against the wall, crushing the venting material in the process. This reduces the airflow and results in lint buildup and causes the high temperature limit safety switch to cycle on and off to control the heater. These safety switches were not designed to continuously cycle on and off and, after a period of time, they fail.

You know your dryer needs service if your clothes are taking longer than usual to dry and/or the clothes feel hotter than usual upon removal.

By keeping your dryer clean, not only will you significantly reduce the fire hazard, you will also save money as your dryer will run more efficiently and last longer.

Remember, before you leave the house or go to bed, turn off the dryer.

If you have any questions about a fire safety product or fire safety around the home, please call the Fire Prevention Division at 705-325-9131, ext. 248.

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21

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Seniors planning for an exciting year

By Marylynne White, club president During January, February and March, our club enjoys pot luck luncheons organized by one or more club members.

Because our membership is so large, organizing the luncheons is a big job. But it gets done.

Members bring delicious and nutritious hot and cold food and there is always lots of variety. Our members enjoy this wonderful event, a time for socializing and enjoying new and tasty food.

During these snowy months, we also enjoy a great variety of activity at our meetings - trivia games, fun contests and moving to great songs of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

The music always inspires a few of our members get up on stage and lead us in moving to the golden oldies.

Our motto is “Forever Young” and we take that seriously!

We were also fortunate to have a guest speaker on February 17th, Dennis Flanagan

from Landscape Ontario. He discussed new plant species; the history of the 120 oak trees to be planted on Vimy Ridge to commemorate the centennial of the Battle of Vimy Ridge; tree planting along the Highway of Heroes; and much more. It was a wonderful and most interesting presentation.

At each of our meetings, Susanne Hamilton from Hamilton Tours speaks to our members about our upcoming trips. Future trips our members are planning to take include The Canadian Military Tattoo 25th Anniversary at the First Ontario Centre in Hamilton; and Discover Quebec including Charlevoix, Quebec City, Montreal, and whale watching. Our club also takes many enjoyable day trips and planning for those 2016 outings is underway.

Our club is ready for another active and exciting year.

BRUCE STANTON, M.P. SIMCOE NORTH

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22 A brief history of the local CAS

Among other responsibilities, the newly formed Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions helps to keep kids safe and healthy.

New name, new identity for county’s CAS Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions unveiled Continued from page 5 was chosen to embrace the work of both child welfare and children’s mental health, as the agency provides both services.

“So many important factors were considered,” explained Carmichael. “Like the colours with the purple symbolizing abuse prevention, green is for children’s mental health and blue for the lakes and rivers that geographically tie the regions together.

“And, as a bilingual agency, I am so proud that our new name, Connexions, spelled with an ‘X’, reflects our diversity.”

SMFC provides services to the community out of nine locations and covers more than 8,800 kilometres over the regions of Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka. The head office is in Barrie (60 Bell Farm Road, Unit 7) with additional branch offices in Orillia, Midland, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Alliston, Bracebridge, Bradford and Collingwood.

A new website for the combined group will be launched next month and can be accessed at www. familyconnexions.ca. To contact the agency by phone call 705726-6587 or 1-800-461-4236.

The Simcoe County Children’s Aid Society has been serving the community since 1894.

In February 1894, a Children’s Aid Society was formed in Barrie, followed by the formation of one in Orillia in June of 1894, Collingwood (May 1897) and Midland (August 1907).

These operated primarily as small volunteer committees who met monthly or as required and members would be delegated to investigate concerns about children.

Their work and efforts spread throughout the county and the need for co-ordination led to the granting of a Charter on Nov. 26, 1913 for The Children’s Aid Societies of Simcoe County.

The first shelter was opened in 1914 and its matron became the first full-time employee of the Simcoe County CAS. The placement of county children in a shelter in Barrie continued from 1914 until June 1944 when the use of subsidized receiving homes and foster homes throughout the region became the practice.

The return to decentralization and the formation of branch offices occurred during the 1940’s with Midland forming the first branch office in May 1941 followed by Orillia in May of 1946.

This organization provided more direct service at the local community level and the decision to eventually close these offices was questioned. This did, however, occur during an eight-year period and by 1966 the Society was again being operated from a central office in the old Court House in Barrie.

The office relocated to the County Administration Centre in Midhurst in November of 1973. The process to decentralize was instituted in 1985, as the merits of decentralized services to the children of the county appeared to outweigh those of centralized service.

In October of 1990, the head office relocated from Midhurst to 80 Bell Farm Road in Barrie and with significant increase of staff and demand for more space, the head office moved to its current location at 60 Bell Farm Road.

– CAS Board of Directors 2015/16 –

Susan Carmichael, executive director of the newly formed Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions, says the amalgamation unites our histories and culture.

Anne Burgess, communication manager, says that harmonizing the services of Muskoka and Simcoe County is a good move for an agency that has an ever increasing need.

Executive Members Board President Tracy Fleischmann First Vice President Bonnie Greer Second Vice President Dave MacPherson Secretary Mary Jean Watson Treasurer Lloyd Ferguson Members at Large Jane Kovarikova, Jennifer Costello

Elected Members Tracy Cleland Steve Clement Linda Collins Marlene Ham Patrick King Shannon Landry Andrew Lowe Paul Michaelis Heather Ummels Rick Williams Executive Director Susan Carmichael

Trip of a lifetime for area residents

23

Alison Braun, far right, owner of EarthTreks, with her clients enjoying Washago residents Janet Grand and Ron Reid on one of the guided some water recreation in Ecuador. Submitted photo by Tyler Knight, treks in Ecuador. Submitted photo by Tyler Knight, tkphotography.ca tkphotography.ca.

As The Villager reported in the February issue, Alison Braun of Washago-based EarthTreks, a company that specializes in trips to Ecuador, headed out in February with a group of adventurers. The trip, described as a trip of lifetime, included many Washago and area residents. Also on this most recent trip was Tyler Knight, an Orillia resident and professional photographer who spent his time creating a collection photographs, ensuring the memories made during the

excursion are never lost.

Professional local guides took the small group on a unique deep nature and cultural journey in what Alison says is one of the most stunning countries in the world. And, although the winter of 2015/2016 has been relatively mild, traveling from Simcoe County to Ecuador is a major contrast in all ways.

Ecuador is a country straddling the equator on South America’s west coast.

Its diverse landscape encompasses the Amazon jungle, Andrean highlands and the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands. Quito, the capital and a city Alison’s group visited, is known for its largely intact Spanish colonial centre with 16th and 17th century palaces and churches. The population of this relatively small country is almost 16 million people and the official language is Spanish.

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New Installations and Repairs on Wells and Lake Draw Systems Pump & Electric Motor Repairs Call RICK Today

Just Fix It 705-689-RICK (7425)

Over 27 Years Experience

Licensed by Ministry of Natural Resources

“Proudly serving the local community.”

For All Your Electrical Needs Residential/Comercial Wiring Backup Generator • Automated & Security Lighting Cottage Maintenance, Openings, Closings & Cottage Watch

Muskoka/Simcoe Contracting & Electrical Installations 705-345-3393 License Jeff Sandford #7011037

Master Electrician Electrical Contractor

Fully Insured • W.S.I.B Compliant

Dan The Wood Man Tree Removal Junk Removal Demolitions

• REPAIRS - chainsaws, lawn mowers, riding mowers,

snowblowers. Pick up available.

• SHARPENING – chainsaws, mower blades, scissors, drill bits, household knives and more!

• SALE of chainsaws, parts and bulk chain

FULLY INSURED

705-689-2223

(ABCD)

www.danthewoodman.ca

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

Beau Repairs SERVICE DEPARTMENT OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK Subaru factory-trained technicians.

Call to book your appointment: 705-329-4277 385 West Street South, Orillia www.davenportsubaru.com

“Little Jobs, Little Prices”

Working for Seniors Light Snow Removal - Plumbing - Woodworking - Odd Jobs

Call 705-330-5182

Make Your Home or Cottage More Accessible!

Chair Lifts • Porch Lifts • Platform Lifts Elevators • Wheelchair Access Solutions Quality, reliable service and installations.

As a life long resident of Severn Township, I know the community.

Ask me about my referral program

We’ll work with your contractor, architect or directly with you.

FSCO 12172 *Each office is independently owned and operated

Contact us today for more information:

Phone: 705-323-3961 dixon.s@mortgagecentre.com www.mortgagecentre.com/sharondixon

Boost Accessibility & Installations

www.boostaccess.com | 289-803-4217 | info@boostaccess.com

Karen O’Coin

Investment Advisor & Financial Planner 6 West Street N., 4th Floor Orillia, ON

Tel: 705-326-0891 Toll Free: 1-877-296-6956 karen.ocoin@nbpcd.com www.karenocoin.com

BMO Wealth Management is the brand name for a business group consisting of Bank of Montreal and certain of its affiliates, including BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., in providing wealth management products and services. ® “BMO (M-bar roundel symbol)” is a registered trademark of Bank of Montreal, used under licence. ® “Nesbitt Burns” is a registered trade-mark of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of Montreal.

ORILLIA FOOT CLINIC & WELLNESS CENTRE Your One Stop Spot for Head-To-Toe Health

Chiropody Dental Hygiene Osteopathy Massage Therapy Psychotherapy Wellness Coaching Medical Cosmetic Rejuvenation

333 Mary Street, Orillia 705.259.2838 www.ofcwc.com

We see what you don’t

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RIVER WATCH Customized Cottage Patrol & Services

We respond to alarms and secure your property.

Grass & Snow Maintenance • Open & Close Cottages Call or email Danny at:

705-689-8738 • riverwatch@bell.net

Preplanning made easy and affordable Did you know that there is a payment option to fit everyone’s budget?

We work with you, your wishes and your budget.

Call for a no-obligation quotation today.

Jon Griffiths LFD

Preplanning Specialist Funeral Home - Cremation Centre - Reception/Celebration Facilities 54 Coldwater St E Orillia, Ont. 705-326-3595

www.carsonfuneralhomes.com

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March 1-May 31

Tap Into Maple, a celebration of all things maple. Plan to attend some or all of the 29 stops along the maple route. Producers, restaurants, cafés and museums. Explore route stops and all the maple and Canadiana events.

Download the Tap Into Maple passport at www.ontarioslakecountry.com.

March 6

Intergalactic Fat Bike Championships, 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Hardwood Ski and Bike, 402 Old Barrie Rd. W. Details at www.hardwoodskiandbike.com.

Mar 6-14

2016 Freestyle Nationals, a national snowboard championship presenting the rising stars in freestyle snowboarding from across the country. Half pipe and slopestyle at Mount St. Louis Moonstone, Big Air at Horseshoe Resort. For more information call 1-877-835-2112.

March 14

Subaru Charity Ski ‘n’ Board Day, presented by Davenport Subaru of Orillia in support of the Canadian Diabetes Association. 8:30 a.m.

– 4:30 p.m. at The Heights of Horseshoe. Rentals available. Bring your own helmet. Tickets available online at Davenport Subaru, the Canadian Diabetes Association, Barrie or The Heights of Horseshoe.

705-737-3611, ext. 28.

March 14-18

March Break Fun! Free at Orillia Square Mall. Activities each day.

Fun activities and shows. Contact 705-325-2366 or visit www. orilliasquaremall.com for details.

March 16

Fairgrounds Farmers’ Market, 4500 Fairgrounds Road. Take in events around Tap into Maple. Special Easter Market Mar26/16 with Special Maple displays put on by Simcoe County Museum, sweet maple treats, kids Easter egg hunt, 30 plus vendors, supporting the Food Sharing Place food bank.

March 17

The Orillia Horticultural Society Garden Club will meet at 7:00 p.m. at Swanmore Hall on the grounds at Stephen Leacock Museum.

Come early for a hot beverage and homemade treats. Bring your own mug. Guest speaker Evelyn Wolf.

donated by Apple Annie’s at the egg exchange at the Orillia Opera House. 705-325-3261.

…Until April 10

20th Annual International Women’s Day Art Show, Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH), 30 Peter St. S., Orillia. Honours and celebrates women’s creative expression in both March 20 Christian Fellowship Chapel, 1296 visual and written form. Over 100 Cambrian Rd. Psalm Sunday Service, artists from our region and across 11:00 a.m. Good Friday’s Pancake Ontario. www.orilliamuseum.org or Breakfast (free) from 9:00-10:00 a.m. call 705-326-2159. followed by Communion Service at …Until April 10 10:30 am. Easter Sunday worship at HER STORY – a showcase of 11:00 a.m. contributions of local women to their communities, past and March 26 Easter Scavenger Hunt, 8 a.m. – 1:00 present. The exhibit presents p.m. Orillia Fairgrounds Farmers’ displays, including artifacts, about Market, 4500 Fairgrounds Rd. women from Orillia, Severn, Ramara and Chippewas of Rama 1-877-216-4664.

First Nation. From pioneers to March 26 Great Easter Egg Hunt, 9:30 suffragettes, factory workers and a.m. – noon, Mississaga Street, business owners. Orillia Museum of Downtown Orillia. Bring your kids Art & History, 30 Peter St. S., Orillia. in search of colourful Easter eggs www.orilliamuseum.org or call 705hidden throughout Downtown 326-2159.

Orillia. Trade them for chocolates

Sherry Lawson, a life-long resident of Chippewas of Rama First Nation and one of the local women featured at the HER STORY exhibition at the Orillia Museum of Art & History is right to feel a great deal of pride and accomplishment.

A university graduate, the youngest councillor in Rama’s history, a past Justice of the Peace and current head of the Rama library and culture department, the HER STORY exhibit offers her the opportunity to inspire young people born and raised on any First Nations reserve.

“I hope, that through this museum initiative, young women and men born and raised on a First Nation reserve will see my story and believe that they can accomplish anything they want,” she said.

The HER STORY exhibit runs until April 9.

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No experience necessary

By Estelle Ness, Lioness

By the time you read this article, the Lioness Club of Washago will already have had their first meeting of 2016. The first thing on our agenda is to plan for our fun day of cards to be held on April 13th.

We play Court Whist and you don’t need any experience in the game. Directions are included on the score card. There are always Lioness members nearby to help out. And any of the people who come to play always help those with no experience.

I recently met a lady from Washago at our local Orillia hospital. We chatted for awhile and I found out she had lived in Washago for a long period of time. However, she had never heard of our Court Whist Day.

Maybe there are a few more folks out there that have no idea what we do. So let me tell you.

We start by opening the doors of the Lions Hall in Washago at 10 a.m. when we serve coffee and sweets. At 10:30 a.m. the game is called to order. At approximately 12:00 noon, we serve a very delicious meal - main course, dessert and beverage, and we also do our prize draws. At 2:00 p.m. the winners of the game are announced and prizes given out.

It really is a very pleasant day.

We have fun, eat a great meal and meet delightful people.

The best part of all is we give our profits back to community where it is needed.

The cost of the luncheon, prizes and cards is only $12 per person.

The Lioness Club of Washago and their guests enjoy a day of Court Whist. The club extends an invitation to the community to join the fun on April 13th.

Tip of the day: Don’t throw away the water you boil eggs in. It is full of minerals. Let it cool and use it to water your plants.

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伀瀀攀渀 䴀漀渀搀愀礀 吀漀 䘀爀椀搀愀礀 㠀愀洀 ⴀ 㔀瀀洀

EASTER Roasts, Chops, Ground Beef, Chicken & More

Great variety of Vegetables and Fruit

IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER! • Fresh Spiral Hams • Fresh Turkeys

Always AAA cuts

Fresh to create a great meal!

Accepting orders starting March 1st

Freshly baked breads, buns and sweets

Muskoka Roastery Coffee freshly pressed to each cup!

Double-decker brownies PERFECT FOR EASTER DINNER Place your orders starting March 1st There are always specials at Canoe Fresh Food Market.

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

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