The Villager 2015 May

May 2015

“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

Inspirational kids. . . . . . . . . . . . page 3 Support local business . . . . . page 16 Village updates . . . . . . . . . . . . page 20 Community happenings . . . page 28

First term councillor ready to meet challenges head on

By Ellen Cohen Councillor Donald (Don) Westcott knew from the start that to be an effective councillor he’d have to learn the ropes - and quickly. Specifically he had to learn what each township department does, learn the terms used in official township documents, and become familiar with the complex municipal rules and the council meeting process. Most would find the learning curve daunting and Don did at first. Thankfully, he says, he found himself surrounded by an experienced team that welcomed him with open arms and made his journey easier. In an interview with The Villager in late March, and after only 5 months on the job, Don feels he’s got a pretty good handle on things and looks forward to the next months and years as a councillor.

“The mayor, deputy mayor and councillors have experience and knowledge that is undeniable. And absolutely everyone on staff has supported me from day one,” Don said.

To further help with his transition, Don attended ‘Councillor 101’ training put on by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), designed particularly for first-time elected municipal officials. He said this training has been invaluable.

Geographically, Ward 5 is the second largest ward in Severn Township. A Severn Township resident for close to 20 years, Don

describes the ward as diverse: waterfront properties on lakes and rivers; pockets of retail areas spread throughout the ward; a large number of successful farms mixed with pockets of rural residential; and some industry, aggregate in particular. Don says each area of the ward has its own unique projects or matters to be addressed.

In Washago, residents are concerned about what can be characterized as a traffic safety issue at the intersection of Muskoka Street and County Road 169. Volume of traffic and a difficult sight line make it particularly challenging to make turns into or out of the village. A traffic study has been arranged, the results of which will determine if there could be traffic lights, a flashing light or any other solution that could either mitigate potential danger or improve traffic flow.

Don is excited about the business growth in Washago and pointed to a few instances: extensive renovations and new storefronts

by Canoe and Canoe Bakery as well as Century 21 B.J. Roth; a move and huge renovation by Washago Family Dentistry; the two new businesses with yet more renovations – R Cottage Restaurant and Hooper’s, both on Muskoka Street; and the Hinton Antiques complete restoration of the landmark barn (although officially in Ramara Township) on the edge of the village.

Centennial Park in Washago, the ‘hidden

Donald Westcott, an almost 20-year resident of Severn Township, is the new Ward 5 councillor. gem’ Don calls it, is a valuable local property.

In the last few years the township replaced the playground with new equipment, installed a large dog enclosure and added an adult workout station. Don and the township recreation coordinator have ideas for even more improvements and will ask area residents for input.

Ward 5 is also home to two community centres, both owned by the township but run almost entirely by volunteers: Washago Community Centre has a board of directors and one part-time staff. The centre offers rental facilities and a multitude of recreational and educational programs.

Lake St. George Community Centre has been run by the same two volunteers for approximately the past 10 years, Heather

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“These kids are my inspiration.”

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By Ellen Cohen Easter Seals serves 700 kids in Simcoe County, many of whom need 24-hour care. Some of those children need to be turned in their bed regularly or need help to get dressed or eat their meals, go to the bathroom or get into a car. Their parents have to lift, and know how to use, what is often heavy and complex equipment.

Those parents have no idea what a full night’s sleep is. They live in a world that revolves around their precious children who rely on them completely.

“The amazing thing is,” says Charlene Myke, “these parents and kids never complain. How can anybody else feel sorry for themselves when they see the lives these kids live and how hard these parents work to keep their (physically disabled) children safe and happy?”

Charlene Myke is the senior development officer at the Easter Seals office that serves Simcoe County and part of Newmarket including, of course, Severn Township. For some details about what Easter Seals does for our community The Villager turned to the Ontario Easter Seals website. This is how they describe their organization: “Easter Seals is a registered charitable organization that helps children and youth with physical disabilities from all ethnic and religious backgrounds. We assist families with the purchase of costly mobility equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, porch lifts and ramps, as well as communication devices, toileting aids and bathing equipment. Easter Seals also helps by providing summer camp opportunities at our two properties, Camp Merrywood and Camp Woodeden. Easter Seals also offers post-secondary scholarships and provides access to information and resources, and public education and awareness.”

What the above description doesn’t tell you is that the average cost to a family raising a child with physical disabilities is $40,000 per year. Except for rare circumstances, insurance companies do not cover all of the equipment that would help to make a child more mobile or more comfortable and allow them to thrive. Charlene says the cost can be such an enormous financial challenge many families have actually sold their GTA homes and moved to Simcoe County where at least housing is more affordable.

Most of us would look at the children Easter Seals helps and see their vulnerability. Although Charlene doesn’t deny they are vulnerable, in her interview with The Villager she said, “When I look at these kids I don’t see a disability. I see potential. I see a future

Charlene Myke, senior development manager of Easter Seals, Simcoe County, with two very happy Easter Seals kids.

Prime Minister. Once I meet these children and their families, they become part of my life. Working with Easter Seals has enriched my life,” Charlene said. “I’ve met (Easter Seal) kids who have been in the hospital half of their lives and still graduate with a 95% average.

These kids are my inspiration.”

In addition to providing equipment that helps both kids and their parents, Easter Seals has two camps. With a 1:2 camper to staff ratio, the camps have state-of-the-art equipment, everything built or modified to be accessible. The staff is professionally trained and they, and the medical personnel, are available 24/7. The 10day overnight program, for example, offers the kids a wide variety of programs including swimming, boating, sports and games, arts and crafts, life skills, environmental studies, leadership skills and more.

Easter Seals not only donates the much needed equipment to their ‘kids’, but they provide several different types of summer camp programs. All of this is cost prohibitive for all but the highest income level households and, since Easter Seals is not government funded, where does all this money come from?

Continued on page 19

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Ellen Cohen Publisher thevillagerpress@rogers.com 705-717-0322 The Villager, a Severn Township community news magazine, is an independently owned and operated publication delivered to households and businesses on or before the first day of every month.

It is mailed through Canada Post north from the Severn Township/Orillia border to Severn Bridge and includes parts of Ramara Township.

In addition to Canada Post delivery, The Villager is distributed each month through high traffic locations along the Highway 11 corridor and in many other select locations in Orillia. For a complete list of locations email thevillagerpress@rogers.com.

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

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

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

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

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

Art director: Cathy Cleary, www.cathycleary.tel

Crocuses, or croci, blooming in the early spring near Washago.

From the Publisher:

Garage sale ads free in The Villager Garage sales are an amazing example of free enterprise. Also known as yard sales, there’s almost no expense incurred. You might put a small ad in the local newspaper, buy some Bristol board and make up a few signs to nail or tape to hydro poles and, maybe, you’ll buy a big box of Timbits to share with the earliest bargain hunters.

Typically the merchandise consists of a table or two of unwanted ‘stuff’, things you haven’t used for years, gifts you’ve always hated, clothing you’ll never squeeze into again. You spend hours getting ready the night before and get up at some unholy hour in the morning to be ready for those die-hards who, it seems, get to every garage sale before anybody else.

I have a friend like that. She wakes up on a Saturday morning, wipes the sleep from her

eyes and gets on the road, garage sale list in hand and her route planned. If you have a garage sale this year you’ll know who I’m talking about – she’ll be standing in your driveway before your garage door opens!

The Villager wants to help you out with your garage sale. Send us your garage sale ads and we will publish them free of charge.

Based on space available each month, we’ll run as many garage sale ads as possible.

First come, first served. This is especially a great opportunity for those of you who plan your garage sales well ahead of time – we’ll need your ad by the 9th of the month for the following month’s magazine.

The Villager will inform you by email to let you know that we have received the ad and if we have space to publish it.

The details: • Only emailed ads will be accepted. Please put ‘GARAGE SALE’ in the subject line of your email. If you don’t have email, ask a neighbour, family member or friend to send it to us on your behalf.

• Number of words: your ad can be up to 25 words • Please follow this format for the wording of your ad: DATE, ADDRESS, TIME, description of goods you are selling.

Sample ad: Saturday, June 6, 1250 Sandcastle Court, 7 a.m. – noon. Great selection of used clothing & books; tools, garden items; some dishes & pots.

• Email your ads to: thevillagerpress@rogers.com • DEADLINES: your ad must be received by The Villager no later than the 9th of the month for the following month’s publication. The deadline for our June magazine is May 9th.

• Only private party garage sales will be considered for publication.

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

Letters may be edited.

5

Survival of the human species

By Mark Bisset

The Couchiching Conservancy protects wild landscapes for all sorts of good reasons, but perhaps counter-intuitively, most of those reasons involve the benefit of humans.

That runs contrary to some of the stereotypes floating around out in the ether. Some would have you believe conserving wild lands is about keeping people out; about restricting rights and putting wildlife and their habitats ahead of human needs. Nothing could be further from the truth.

At its heart, conservation is about the survival of species, most importantly the human

species. We need a healthy natural landscape to thrive just as much as any other species.

We count on it for clean water, for clean air, for mental stability, for medicines and a host of other resources.

In our current strategic plan, The Couchiching Conservancy has a goal of encouraging the use of the properties under our protection. These properties, held in trust, are yours, providing you respect the natural features of the site, take nothing and leave nothing. It’s a pretty good bargain.

One of the ways we’re trying to realize that goal is through a new program called Passport to Nature. Passport to Nature is a series of outdoor activities held on properties protected by the conservancy across the region.

Over the course of eight months there will be hikes guided by

Get your free Passport to Nature and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities on local conservancy protected properties. expert naturalists, a canoe and kayak event, a wilderness painting expedition, and a bike and hike event for those looking for multiple dimensions to their recreational activities.

The Washago area is going to play host to two of the most interesting events on the roster.

In July, a group of canoeists and kayakers are going to be led on a journey into Roehl Wetland, one of the conservancy’s most inaccessible properties and also one of its’ most beautiful.

Bill and Dave Darker donated this 29 hectare property in 1995 in memory of their grandparents. This scenic site is bisected by Deadman’s Creek, which flows into Deep Bay on Sparrow Lake. This part of the Trent-Severn Waterway is one of

the richest areas in Canada for aquatic plants. Participants will paddle up Deadman’s Creek, visiting a series of beaver ponds which maintain the property’s beautiful wetland habitats.

Paddlers will also see some of the most beautiful granite uplands scattered with forests of white pine, red maple and red oak.

Another event in the series will see cyclists led by Washago residents Gayle Carlyle and John Challis travel area roads on bike, then stop for a hike at two properties. The Alexander Hope Smith Reserve will be the primary focus of this adventure and cyclists will be invited to switch from bikes to hiking Continued on page 27

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Announcing Ontario Trillium Foundation grants

By MPP Garfield Dunlop It was an honour to be part of Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) grant announcements and presentations recently in Penetanguishene and Orillia.

The recipients are: Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre ($100,000 over three years), the Ontario Senior Games Association 55+ (OSGA) - District 28 ($14,700 over one year), Couchiching Conservancy ($125,000 over one year) and the Orillia Vocal Ensemble ($14,000 over three years).

I’m pleased to see that these organizations have received grants that will help make their projects and programs possible.

Ontario Trillium Foundation funding is important in helping these groups reach their goals to enhance the communities they serve.

The Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre will be using its grant to hire a fundraising manager to help develop new fundraising strategies that will support office relocation and increase available services in the area for cancer patients and their families. The grant will enable the centre to address its fundraising and capital campaign goals for the next three years as they face the challenge of finding and funding a new home for the centre.

The OSGA 55+ is excited about their summer games coming to Midland on

August 26, 2015, which will help promote active living and recreational activities.

Funds from the grant will be used to support volunteer recruitment and training, as well as help with some of the event costs.

The Couchiching Conservancy will be using its $125,000 grant to increase energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of the Grant’s Woods Centre in Orillia. Visitors, staff and community groups will benefit from roof and building accessibility upgrades, increased meeting and storage space, new solar panels as well as a geothermal heating system and water filtration system.

The Orillia Vocal Ensemble will be using its three-year, $14,000 grant to continue building on its growing community profile and focus on long-term sustainability by hiring a choir manager to develop new promotion and member recruitment strategies and to build new sponsorship opportunities.

A leading grantmaker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in communitybased initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities. I encourage you to learn more about the Ontario Trillium Foundation by checking out their website at www.otf.ca.

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Shown from left to right: Frank Steeve, Ontario Trillium Foundation volunteer; Fred Smith, Orillia Vocal Ensemble; Mark Bisset, Couchiching Conservancy; and MPP Garfield Dunlop, Simcoe North.

7

Local business owner hosts community fundraiser Severn Township resident, Mike Davenport, owner of Davenport Subaru in Orillia is known for his generosity. To date, Mike and his associates have raised $387,000 for children’s charities. This year, his goal is to raise $50,000 for the Child Advocacy Centre of Simcoe Muskoka.

To help reach his goal, Davenport Subaru will hold a community garage sale on May 16th from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. There will also be a BBQ from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mike is asking his community to dig in and help. Besides attending in support of this great cause, take a little time to clean out those previously

Severn Township Mike Davenport

resident

loved items and drop them off at Davenport Subaru, 385 West Street South in Orillia

by May 8th. All donations of items in good condition will be appreciated.

If you have any questions, please call the dealership at 705-329-4277.

About The Child Advocacy Centre Of Simcoe Muskoka A new and important addition to our community, the Child Advocacy Centre of Simcoe Muskoka focuses entirely on creating a safe and neutral place for children and youth to tell their story, when they are ready. The professionals who work at the centre know that when a child or youth has experienced sexual or physical abuse, the disclosure process can be frightening, confusing and overwhelming.

The centre is a warm and peaceful environment created to help children and youth feel comfortable. It is a neutral space where police officers and child protection workers conduct forensic interviews; pediatricians provide examinations; and child advocates support and assist the child/youth and the family throughout the process.

Regardless of the outcome of an investigation, the Child and Family Advocate can provide continued support to the child/youth and their caregivers.

The Child Advocacy Centre of Simcoe Muskoka also offers community based child abuse prevention programs.

More information can be found on the centre’s website www.cacsimcoemuskoka.ca or by calling 705-327-0118.

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The way we look after each other

By Ellen Cohen In mid-April, Herta, a woman who has lived in the area as a cottager or full-time resident for well over 40 years, stopped on her way home to pick up a quart of milk at Canoe Fresh Food Market. She was in a hurry and in her attempt to park in Canoe’s narrow driveway, she misjudged a turn and bumped into side of Canoe’s building.

Rod Harth, the co-owner of

Canoe, heard the ‘bump’ and came out to investigate. He told Herta she wasn’t the first person to do this and assured her that everything was fine.

He then offered to take the cash from Herta’s hand, went back in the store, got her milk and brought it to Herta along with the change.

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have her wallet. Back to Canoe she went. She and Rod looked through the entire car – no wallet. So Herta went home again and called the police to report her missing wallet. Later, just as she was going to phone her credit card companies, a vehicle pulled into her driveway.

A man knocked on her door – it was Ken Hepinstall and he had her wallet.

How did he get Herta’s wallet? Apparently, because Ken is known to have regular communication with the OPP in respect to his towing business, someone from the community gave the wallet to Ken knowing that he would know what to do.

Ken said that there was nothing in the wallet with an address on it but he did discover an old blue hospital card with a phone number. A little more online investigating and he

found the address. He got in his truck and delivered the wallet to Herta.

The day could have turned out so much worse for Herta.

The owner of Canoe could have been difficult about the ding in the side of his building but he chose to tell her that everything was just fine. He delivered the milk himself – to her car - and wished her a good day.

Ken, a busy man who is always running out to rescue drivers who need his help, could have delayed doing anything, especially since he couldn’t immediately reach Herta by phone and there was no address in the wallet. Instead, he searched till he found out where she lived and, knowing the angst someone will suffer Continued on page 13

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Improving support for Canadian veterans

their families, our government is introducing new measures to improve the range of services and benefits available. These measures include: • Enhancing the Earnings Loss Benefit for reserve veterans.

• The Retirement Income Security Benefit, to ensure that injured veterans have financial support beyond the age of 65.

• Expanding eligibility for the Permanent Impairment Allowance program to include veterans who have severe and permanent limitation in mobility or self-care.

• The proposed new Critical Injury Benefit (CIB), will provide a $70,000 tax-free award to support the most severely injured and ill Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans.

Continued on page 24

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veterans have access to a robust suite of mental health services in a timely manner.

We have also set out to make accessing services and benefits easier for veterans. We have cut red tape, improved the My VAC Account, and launched a partnership with Service Canada to provide more than 600 points of service across the country.

We doubled the funeral and burial assistance and extended it to modern veterans, ensuring that Canada’s veterans are laid to rest respectfully. And to ensure that the legacy of Canada’s veterans is remembered, our government has invested in numerous national and international commemorative events including the inaugural National Day of Honour.

And now, as we remain committed to responding to the needs of Canada’s Veterans and

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I hear from many of you, often, that we need to continually be working to offer more support to our veterans. Our government has made supporting veterans a priority; we’ve invested over

$5 billion in new funding to support veterans’ programs.

And, we remain focused on building on that strong record, to help ensure that veterans and their families have the care and support they need.

Our government has been investing in new and expanded mental health initiatives. We launched the Mental Health Services for Veterans Action Plan to help ensure that Canada’s

HWY

By Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton

11

169

13 The way we look after each other

By Pat Harwood, recreation coordinator Spring has finally sprung and recreation programs and activities are moving outdoors!

The focus from now until the snow flies again is to have as many programs outdoors and get everyone active. The township offers T-ball, soccer and urban polling/Nordic pole walking, just to name a few.

On Saturday, June 6th “National Health and Fitness Day” will be celebrated with activities to try. More details to follow.

The melting snow also means work on the ball diamonds and soccer pitches. The Coldwater large ball diamond will see a backstop improvement for the safety of the players and spectators. Washago Centennial

Park and Coldwater Fairgrounds will be re-shaped for 2015.

The Township has also applied for a $60,000 grant from the County of Simcoe “Trails Connecting Communities Program” for continuing work on the Uhthoff Trail which includes surface material, trail head improvements, additional amenities and assessments to be completed.

Inside work will involve setting up the new recreation software approved by Township Council to be ready by the fall.

Kayak and paddle board instruction is booked every Wednesday morning at Washago Centennial Park for the eight weeks of summer.

Everything is provided.

For more information on culture & recreation in Severn Township please visit www.townshipofsevern.com.

Continued from page 9 when they’ve lost their wallet, he personally delivered it to her home.

Who knows what would have happened in another community? Maybe lots of rage about the ‘ding’ on the side of a building, even a lawsuit? And the wallet – it may have ended up emptied and tossed in the trash never to be seen again.

Two people in our community made a difference in Herta’s life. When I talked to both Ken and Rod, they were clear that neither is some kind of a hero. It is their opinion that this is what we do in this community. It’s the kind of behaviour we see every day. People simply look after each other.

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14 First term councillor ready to meet challenges head on Continued from page 1 and Barry McIlravey. With help from others for maintenance and cleaning, this centre is largely a rental facility for events although they offer darts from September-April and year-round yoga classes.

At the south end of the township Don says there are two major projects important to Ward 5 residents. Ardtrea Public School is set for demolition and students will be relocated across the highway to Ward 4. The new school will be home to both Ardtrea and Cumberland Beach students. Also, as reported in the March and April Villager, the township is in the early planning stages for a new community or recreation centre, also in Ward 4, the progress of which will be reported in the months to come.

“This new school means Ward 5 students will have to be taken across the highway to the new school. This will impact the children and their families,” Don said. However, he believes the new school will be an improvement and a benefit to all students and the new recreation centre will be an

Some of the sights at Washago Centennial Park, a township property on Lake Couchiching Donald Westcott calls a gem. important addition to Severn Township. He said it will not only benefit Ward 4 residents but all residents in the southern portion of Ward 5.

The township roads plan is alive and well in Ward 5 with many road reconstruction and improvement projects either already started or planned to begin soon: Ego Side Road near Stockdale will be ditched and graded to a gravel surface this year and completed in 2016; work is underway on the Port Stanton by-pass road; and work is planned for 2015 or 2016 on Telford Line, Torpitt Road, and Hampshire Mills Line, a kilometre north of Division Road.

In addition to his council job, Don works with the Washago Community Centre board of directors as the Severn Township representative and he is the township appointee on the Ontario’s Lake Country (OLC) board, a marketing group that helps to promote Severn Township recreation and businesses. Some of his personal time is spent as an active member of the Washago Garden Club. He will be helping the club raise money at their annual spring plant sale on May 16th.

To contact Don Westcott, councillor for Ward 5, call 705-689-3954 or email him at dwestcott@townshipofsevern.com.

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Lioness community work continues

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By Estelle Ness

Spring has finally arrived and the Lioness are no longer hibernating. However, we are aware that just around the corner come the black flies and mosquitoes. As a group we have been thinking up new ideas for fundraising. Perhaps we should come up with a serum to get rid of those pesky bugs! If we can put men on the moon why

can’t we disable the bugs? Well, before anyone calls me, let me tell you I am well aware of the environment and conservation, and I realize every bug and critter serves a purpose. Spring also brings along lovely things, like buds on trees and flowers and new wildlife. It has also provided our family with a new great granddaughter. We welcomed Tori into our family

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on April 3rd.

If you found the time to attend our first court whist and lunch we thank you and hope that you all had a good time.

Mark your calendar for our next card party which takes place June 10th. For tickets and information please call Carol at 705-689-3333. We provide lots of door prizes and our desserts are out of this world!

Thanks to all the folks who have supported us. As you know from our previous columns, we supported several projects in the fall of 2014. Recently we have been able to donate to four camps and we continue to assist and work with our Lions Club to aid in community projects.

The Lioness also has a new initiative. We have decided to honour our members who have passed away and, in their

Lioness Carol Buckley will greet you at the door of our next Court Whist on June 10th. memory, we are donating two bursaries for local school children. This will begin in the new Lioness year 2015-2016.

If you would like information on how to join us and feel good about what you do, please call Estelle at 705-325-8698 or Carol 705-689-3333.

16

Please Shop Local The benefits of shopping in a local store or hiring local service professionals go beyond a pleasant shopping experience.

Much of the money the owners and their employees earn makes its way back into our community. Besides the fact that they’ll shop at nearby businesses, a local small business owner is more likely to contribute to local charities, service organizations, schools, churches, festivals and events. And, lucky for us, the staff of those businesses are more likely to volunteer with those organizations, enriching the community for full-time residents and visitors alike.

How easy is it for you to make the decision to shop local? Very. Just looking at the immediate area, the short drive from the Severn/Orillia boundary at Orillia Square Mall, north to Severn Bridge, shows you how many choices you have. In the south we have access to a veterinarian – and there’s also one outside of Washago. There are pet groomers and doggie day care; the ReStore, a Karate training establishment and an antique business; a famous burger business, coffee shop, a French fry franchise and two candy shops; a well-established

kitchen and cabinet shop, convenience stores and several gas stations; three full service ATV/boat/snowmobile dealers, canvas repair, a storied fishing and hunting shop; a large fruit and vegetable market; restaurants from pizza to Thai, and all-day breakfast on the highway and in Washago; automotive service and motorcycle sales and service; specialty furniture shops and so much more.

Off the highway towards Washago you’ll find the largest combined beer/wine/liquor store in the province and a new take-out food stand. In the village itself you’ll find everything from dentistry to yoga. There’s a great selection of shops: a full grocery store with a bakery, a ladies’ fashion shop, a convenience store, two restaurants, a gift and coffee shop, pharmacy, shoe store, hairstylists, two large hardware/building/ home improvement stores, and two real estate companies; and at the edge of town a beautifully restored barn filled with antiques.

Then there are the ‘invisible’ businesses, the home-based businesses we don’t see but are numerous: painters, septic dealers &

service professionals, home improvement businesses and contractors, plumbers, heating and air conditioning sales and technicians, lawn maintenance and home or cottage security; artisans/artists of all descriptions; graphic artists, travel planners and publishers.

No, you can’t buy everything in this small strip of the highway, but you don’t have to look much farther than Orillia or Gravenhurst for everything else, including theatre and museums. If you don’t see what you need in the pages of The Villager, ask a neighbour for a local recommendation or search the always dependable ‘father Google’.

Whenever you can find a way to buy from a local business, you’ll reap the benefits.

Whether you’re a permanent resident, or own or rent a cottage, you’ll save time and gas, reduce your ecological footprint, and help to put money back into the important social events and organizations that make this community special.

Muskoka’s Pampered Pets Dog and Cat Grooming Ken Martin 1034 Luigi Road PO Box 1087 Gravenhurst, Ontario P1P 1V3 705-687-0239

3381 Muskoka St., Washago STORE 705-279-3668 JACK 705-321-7749

No seams or rough surfaces • Shock absorbing material Oooaaaahs® Relax insole for gentle support Vegan friendly by-products • Washable

Located on 17 Colborne St.,E. Unit#101 in the City of ORILLIA, ON. L3V 1T4

17

Own or rent a cottage?

Everything you need is right here DENTIST

If you are a cottage owner or you rent during the summer months, The Villager has compiled a list of some of the most necessary services you may require during your stay in our community. So, before you head off to some of the bigger communities, consider this list of businesses all located on or just off the Highway 11 corridor.

Washago Family Dentistry, Dr. Debra Shoniker, 8291 County Rd. 169, Washago, 706-689-6600.

GAS STATIONS

Highway 11, a few hundred meters north of Canal Rd. exit (north of Washago), on the east side of the highway (northbound).

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE

Blaines Automotive, 10950 Hwy. 11 Highway 11, a few hundred meters north of S., Severn Bridge. West side of Hwy. 11, Webers, on the west side (southbound) Repairs& service. 705-689-2291.

Highway 11, immediately between Webers Muskoka Wrench, 3453 Agnew Rd., west and Tim Horton’s; and two more stations side of Hwy. 11. south of Washago. Repairs about 2 kilometers north of Webers. Both and service. 705-689-8377.

Continued on page 18

The month of May heralds the festival and event season Our area is host to a long list of festivals and events that take place in the coming months either in Severn Township, or within a short drive from your home or cottage - music, parades, fairs, art tours, bazaars, boat shows, competitions and more.

In an attempt to help you discover new and exciting opportunities, here are a few websites that should help make your summer planning a little easier: ONTARIO’S LAKE COUNTRY – in addition to a comprehensive list of businesses in Severn Township, Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Rama, this site updates festivals and events regularly. Visit www.ontarioslakecountry.com.

ORILLIA DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – supported by over 600 businesses in Orillia and surrounding townships, look for their ‘festival & events’ tab at www.orillia.com.

SIMCOE COUNTY TOURISM lists and updates events in the greater Simcoe County area. www.experience.simcoe.ca/events.

NOTE: many of the smaller local events may not be listed on these websites.

Please refer to Community Happenings in your monthly copy of The Villager.

Also, like us on Facebook and we’ll be sure to post any updates we receive throughout the month.

TheVillagerCommunityNews

Although a small community, the Washago area restaurants offer diverse menus.

m fro

COMPLETE HOME PACKAGES

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18 Own or rent a cottage?

Everything you need is right here Continued from page 17

McGregor On the Water, new & preowned boats, personal water craft, outboards, sales & service. 3331 McClelland Rd., Washago. 705-689-9935. www.mcgregoronthewater.ca.

stations are on the east side of (northbound) Performance Recreation, personal Highway 11 and include convenience water craft, boats, ATV’s, motorcycles stores. and more. 3363 Buena Vista Dr., Cumberland Beach.

705-689-9267.

GROCERIES & CONVENIENCE www.performancerecreation.ca.

Canoe Fresh Food Market & Bakery, 3384 Cummins Canvas, boat tops, custom Muskoka St., Washago. Open 7 days. www. boat covers and marine upholstery. 3355 canoefreshfoods.ca or call 705-514-5000.

Armand Ave., Cumberland Beach. 705-6896991. www.cumminscanvas.com.

Muskoka Grocery & Convenience, Muskoka Street, Washago, open 7 days. 705-689- RESTAURANTS – EAT-IN & TAKE-OUT 2272.

Bedrock Café, pizza, burgers & more. 8844 Highway 11. Order take-out 705-689-8920.

PHARMACY

Ben’s Pharmacy, 3381 Muskoka Street, Canoe Fresh Food Market with BBQ Washago. Closed Sundays. 705-689-5515.

Pit, pizza & salads, meals-to-go. 3384 Muskoka St., Washago. 705-514-5000.

POST OFFICE www.canoefreshfoods.ca.

Washago Post Office, 3347 Muskoka Street. Open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Gavin’s Grub take-out burgers, pulled Sat. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. pork, fresh cut fries, ice cream & more. 8299 County Rd. 169 just outside of Washago.

RECREATION SALES & SERVICE Order ahead 705-279-0753.

Bayou Park Marine, new and used ATV’s, side by sides, pontoon boats, UltraCraft Hooper’s gift and coffee shop, specialty boats and Mercury outboards. Service, coffees, teas and baked goods, ice cream. parts, accessories. 8997 Highway 11, Muskoka St., Washago. 705-689-4984 Cumberland Beach. 705-689-5533. www.

Log Cabin, open 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. from bayouparkmarine.com Tuesday-Sunday, all day breakfast. Corner of Muskoka St. & County Rd. 169, Washago. The east side of Severn Township has many businesses with easy access off Highway 11.

R Cottage, a new restaurant specializing in rotisserie fare. Sunday brunch. Muskoka St., Washago. www.rcottage.ca Northland Motel Restaurant,Thai & Chinese, Canadian breakfast. 9603 Highway 11. Menu at www.northlandmotelrestaurant.com.

Washago Village Restaurant, 9620 Highway 11, open 7 days, all day breakfast.

705-689-0782.

Webers at 8844 Highway 11 S., charcoal grilled burgers & hot dogs. 705-325-3696.

TOWING SERVICE

A favourite spot for Washago area residents to meet friends and family.

Ken Hepinstall Towing & Auto Salvage.

Towing, roadside assistance, 24 hours 7 days a week. 3395 Muskoka St., Washago.

705-327-0941.

19 “These kids are my inspiration.”

Continued from page 3 Charlene said they apply for grants occasionally but almost all of the money needed to provide their services comes from private and corporate donors, friends of Easter Seals, people who understand what a difference they can make in a child’s life. To supplement the donations, each office runs fundraising events and because Charlene’s office is experiencing

a significant increase in clients, her fundraising calendar for 2015 includes eight major events.

An example is the Ladies’ Golf Tournament at Hawk Ridge Golf Course in Severn Township on May 27th. Sponsored by Century 21 Don Campbell Real Estate, this event has raised many tens of thousands of dollars over the years and all the money raised is used to help children in this

Homeopathic Medicine & Acupuncture Medical and Cosmetic Acupuncture Homeopathic Medicine Craniosacral Therapy Lifestyle Counselling SERVING THE GREATER SIMCOE COUNTY & MUSKOKA REGIONS

www.greenrivernaturalhealth.com | 705-689-6395

immediate area, something Charlene is very proud of.

Charlene Myke is originally from Dundas, Ontario and moved to Lake St. George because her husband, who was terminally ill at the time, wanted to live on the water. After he passed away, Charlene said she was in love with the beauty and peace in Simcoe County.

Even her deep roots in Dundas couldn’t pull her away from our community. Now living in Barrie, she’s happy and feels her life’s work is with the Easter Seal kids. She said that after a decade in the region she has had the opportunity to see first-hand the extraordinary difference Easter Seals makes.

“Imagine,” she said, “the equipment Easter Seals provides lets these kids travel beyond the confines of the four walls of

their bedrooms, beyond their homes. Some of these children were given a wheelchair and a ramp and their world expanded beyond imagination.”

If you, or anyone you know living in Severn Township, needs help for a physically disabled child or youth, call the Barrie office at 705-797-2675 or visit their website at www. easterseals.org. The website also includes a complete list of 2015 fundraising events or, if you’d rather, you can make a donation. Also, Charlene is very happy to visit individuals, community organizations or service groups.

B.J. Roth Realty Ltd. Brokerage* 3380 Muskoka Street, Washago, ON Office: 705-689-3700 *independently owned and operated.

Tip - Tree Pruning

Because spring is also the time when sap flows, tree pruning should be kept to a minimum. Yet early spring is the best time to deal with tree branches damaged by winter winds. If left untended, these broken branches can fall, tearing off a strip of bark and leaving a large, slow-to-heal wound that is an entry point for disease and insects (not to mention the danger to anything - or anyone - directly below).

If pruning means taking both feet off the ground, it's best to hire a certified arborist. But if the branch is small or within reach, you can remove it yourself. Here's how… Before you start the final pruning, remove the bulk of the broken branch to lighten weight and lessen the risk of tearing the bark (see illustration).

Close to the trunk, but not right against it, the branch should suddenly flare out. This is the branch collar, which contains active cells that will start to grow, sealing off the injury and allowing the wound to heal. Carefully cut off the stub of the damaged branch just beyond the branch collar (out from the trunk beyond where the rough, thicker bark ring is located).

Make a small undercut first, then cut down from above to meet the initial cut (this prevents the bark from tearing). Don't use wound paint; it's been shown to slow healing and increase the chance of infection. Apart from dealing with broken branches, the only other spring pruning you need to do on trees is to remove the water shoots or spouts, which are those fast-growing, thin, vertical shoots without side branches. They appear on many species but are especially noticeable on apples and crab-apples, and most frequently arise on branches that grow almost parallel to the ground.

Rod Harth

Lynda Hepinstall

Birgit Hoesterey

Nancy Humphreys

Neila McQuay

Broker

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Gillian Stockdale Sales Representative

705-984-6100

705-323-4211

705-345-4411

705-796-8877

705-794-8805

705-345-5501

20

Village updates: The latest business news in Washago

R Cottage restaurant will re-invent the rotisserie when they open in Washago on Thursday, May 14.

R Cottage: As we reported in the April issue of The Villager, a new restaurant called R Cottage will open soon on Muskoka Street in Washago. They have now announced their official opening date as Thursday, May 14 at 11 a.m. sharp.

Last month, owners Sarah Valiquette-Thompson and Chef Ian Thompson said that they wanted to wait until her parents

games available to the patrons.

Regarding their menu, The Villager still couldn’t squeeze much more information from Sarah other than the food will be as delicious as what they serve at their other restaurant, Era 67 in Orillia but it will be all about rotisserie food with a cottage flare.

A full menu will be available on their website www.rcottage.ca and you can

like them on Facebook to get regular updates.

Hooper’s: The new gift and coffee shop on Muskoka Street in Washago was abuzz with last minute finishing touches when I dropped in on April 16th.

Owners Phil Hooper and Peggie Buchanan told The Villager they were getting down to the finish line and were working pretty much night and day in order to

were back from Florida before setting the final date for the grand opening. Her parents are back and Sarah promptly put her father, an electrician to work and he’s been busy helping with some of the last minute finishing touches.

The décor will make customers feel as if they’re sitting in a comfortable rustic cottage – Phil Hooper of soon to open Hooper’s on Muskoka St. puts some complete with a variety of board finishing touches on the coffee bar.

Protect Your Pets!

Ticks are an emerging threat to both human and pet health.

Lyme disease diagnosis is increasing in frequency in our area.

Talk to us about tick prevention and whether your pet is at risk.

Proactive care helps make a healthy & happy pet.

DR. KATHY MARCHILDON & DR. SANDY DRURY To make an appointment or to learn more about our services:

www.lakecountryanimal.com or call 705-326-4800

Spacious & Charming! 15 Orchard Point Road $287,900 This home has so many charming features! With your choice of marinas within walking distance, this would make a wonderful “cottage” without the waterfront taxes. Spacious living, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths including master suite. Living room, family room, main floor laundry, kitchen with a breakfast bar and a separate dining room. Enjoy the easy to maintain yard, with its back yard “martini” pool, set into the flagstone patio. MLS# 586840214.

For details call Lynda Hepinstall 705-323-4211.

3843 Soules Road, Orillia Hours: Mon., Wed., Thur., Fri. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. • Tues. 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Sat. 8 a.m. – Noon • Evening appointments available.

21 meet their goal of opening the doors to customers before the May long weekend, perhaps even by the time you read this issue of The Villager.

The difference between my April visit and when I dropped by in March was remarkable.

It looks exactly as promised – a gathering place for the community, somewhere to sit and enjoy a speciality coffee or tea, a fresh bakery item or even an ice cream cone.

Hooper’s is also somewhere to find one-of-a-kind gifts and work by talented artists.

Once the hard physical work is finished Peggie said they’ll take the time to meet with some of the local talent. Peggie will be busy getting the walls and shelves filled with treasures.

Canoe Fresh Food Market: with their 3rd anniversary only months away, Canoe is making a change to what they offer, adding a new BBQ Pit and ‘meals to go’ section at the back of the store which will also include

serving but Laurie Buckindale, one of the store managers, asks readers to ‘like’ them on Facebook for more details and to be updated on their menu.

Rod Harth and Laurie Buckindale of Canoe Fresh Food Market organizing their new BBQ Pit and ‘meals to go’ area of the store.

La Bodega Imports: Susan Smandych and George Genno listed their property on Muskoka Street for sale early in 2015.

They had made a decision to relocate their business nearby, Continued on page 27

freshly made pizzas.

The BBQ Pit specialties will include ribs, brisket, salmon and trout. Among other things, customers will be able to add potato wedges and freshly made salads to their BBQ selection and have a complete freshly prepared meal. To prepare for their new BBQ Pit, Canoe has hired a red seal chef who started working at Canoe in April to prepare the menu.

Because The Villager deadline to the printer was April 23rd, there wasn’t an opportunity to get photos of what they are now

Spring into Lake Country!

One per person, when you spend over $15 on any food combination No cash value • Valid only in May, 2015

You Chill ~ We Grill

Open daily from 11 a.m.

Fittons West Plaza | 425 West St. N., Orillia | 705-329-0303 | lakecountrygrill.com

22

Be well-advised

at every stage of your life.

Health, wellness & personal care products

Julie Scott

Arbonne Independent Consultant

juliescott.arbonne@gmail.com

Assante Capital Management Ltd. 384 West Street North, Suite 1 Orillia, ON L3V 5E6

Lisa Ferry

Financial Advisor

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

705-325-6859 one-on-one consultations and group presentations

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

GARFIELD DUNLOP, MPP Simcoe North

Email: Garfield.dunlopco@pc.ola.org Website: www.garfielddunlopmpp.com

ORILLIA OFFICE: 14 Coldwater Rd. W., P.O. Box 2320, Orillia, ON L3V 6S2 Telephone: 705-326-3246 of Toll Free 1-800-304-7341 Fax: 705-326-9579

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MIDLAND OFFICE: 482 Elizabeth St. Midland. ON L4R 1Z8 Telephone: 705-526-8671 Fax: 705-526-8600

BRUCE STANTON, M.P. SIMCOE NORTH

575 West St. S., Unit 12 Orillia, ON L3V 7N6 Tel: 705-327-0513 • Fax: 705-327-8310 bruce.stanton@parl.gc.ca www.brucestanton.ca

23

Lake Country Rhubarb and Leek Chutney with Grilled Ontario Thick Cut Pork Chop

By Chef Becky

CHUTNEY: • • • • • • • • • •

2 ½ cups diced rhubarb 1 cup sliced Vidalia onion ½ cup cleaned and diced leek 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp star anise 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice ½ to 2/3 cup brown sugar or cane sugar Salt and pepper to taste ¼ cup olive oil 1 tsp sugar

Heat oil in pan, add onions, heat for 1 min., toss, sprinkle with sugar and slowly heat so onions caramelize (get golden in colour), add diced leeks to the onions for the last minute of carmelization. Remove from heat and set aside.

Place rest of ingredients into a pot just covered with cold water, bring to a boil, return to simmer, add sugar and reduce liquid by one third.

Stir in carmelized onions and leeks and set aside to cool. Adjust seasoning, if desired.

PORK CHOPS: • • • • •

4 thick cut pork chops Whole garlic bulb 1/4 cup olive oil Sea salt &cracked pepper to taste Local honey

Slice off the very top of the garlic bulb just to reveal clove tips, drizzle with a little olive oil, wrap with foil and bake in 350 oven for 45 min. until golden and cloves are easily pressed out of bulb. Mash cloves with the flat of the knife, combine with olive oil and brush on pork chop. Sear on hot BBQ on both sides for a minute each, lower temp, close lid and cook until med. rare, remove from grill and let rest for 5 min.

Garnish pork chop with the rhubarb chutney and serve with your favourite side dish.

Chef Becky Lennerton is the proprietor of Black River Food Company and a Red Seal instructor at the Liaison College of Culinary Art.

Use local spring rhubarb to create a favourite.

Photo by Arni Stinnissen

CARDEN ALVAR NATURE FESTIVAL June 6, 2015

NEAR KIRKFIELD, ONTARIO

Birding · Plants & Animals Family Activities · Hiking Paddling · Cycling Photography Special guest speaker

Susan Chan Pollinator ExPErt BEE EXPERT

Organized by

Find out more and register at CARDENNATUREFESTIVAL.CA

24

Emergency Preparedness Week

By Dianne Kyle, Fire Prevention Officer To raise awareness of the potential emergencies for your area, Severn Fire and Emergency Services will be at Orillia Square Mall on May 8th, 2015.

Past emergencies have ranged from floods to tornados and severe storms both spring and winter with heavy rainfall or snowfall. Knowing what potential disasters could happen in your area are key for being prepared. Everyone should have an emergency survival kit that the whole family takes part in building.

This kit should contain: Essentials • Food (non-perishable and easy-to-prepare items, enough for 3 days) and a manual can opener • Bottled water (4 litres per person for each day) • Medication(s) • Flashlight • Radio (crank or battery-run) • Extra batteries • First-aid kit • Candles and matches/lighter • Hand sanitizer or moist towelettes • Important papers (identification, contact lists, copies of prescriptions, etc.)

• Extra car keys and cash • Whistle (to attract attention, if needed) • Zip-lock bag (to keep things dry) • Garbage bags Pack the contents of your kit in an easy-to-carry bag(s) or in a case on wheels; store it in a place that is easy to reach; and ensure that everyone in your family knows where it is.

If you have any questions about a fire safety product or fire safety around the home, please call the Fire Prevention Division at 705325-9131, ext. 248.

Emergency

Preparedness Week May 3-9, 2015

Know the risks

Make a plan

Get a kit

www.GetPrepared.ca Follow us on Twitter: @Get_Prepared

Public Safety Canada

Sécurité publique Canada

TWIN MAPLES FARM

WEDDINGS • WAGON RIDES • SLEIGH RIDES

Improving support for Canadian veterans Continued from page 11 • The proposed Family Caregiver Relief Benefit will provide eligible veterans a tax-free grant of $7,238 annually, to help cover the cost of bringing a professional caregiver into the home.

Canada’s veterans have served our country valiantly and our Government is focused on delivering the services and support they need and deserve.

I would also like to remind you that if you need to obtain a passport, or renew your expired or about-to-expire

passport, please plan to attend my passport clinic on Tuesday May 19th from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Midland Mountainview Mall, 9296 Country Road 93.

Staff and volunteers will be on site to answer your questions and review your completed application for submission to Passport Canada. There will also be a photographer on-site for photos at a cost of $22. If you have any questions please contact my Midland constituency office at (705) 527-7654.

705-689-0182

Christine Jameson: christine@twinmaplesfarm.ca

25 705-345-3491 or 705-706-2130

www.MuskokaLakefront.weebly.com muskokalakefront@hotmail.com • 20+ years experience • Proven success for both buyers and sellers • Ask about my pre-listing consultation

Don Campbell Real Estate Limited Brokerage* *Independently Owned and Operated

Leah C. Cavanaugh Sales Representative

Now is the perfect time to realize your landscape dreams!

Landscape Designs including 3-D layouts Septic Design & Licensed Installation General Excavation Work PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SEE A PHOTO GALLERY AND DESCRIPTION OF ADDITIONAL SERVICES WE OFFER.

www.MuskokaLakefront.weebly.com

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

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

Custom Designed Jewelry

Over 40 Years Experience

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Repairs While You Wait

Free Cleaning & Inspection

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Estate Jewelry

Serving Washago residents for over 10 years.

References available upon request.

Specializing in lake and riverfront properties.

26

AAAA SANITATION

Beau Repairs

24 HR Emergency Service

Brent Bunker, Owner/Operator Pumping Septic & Holding Tanks Pump Replacements

1400 COOPER’S FALLS RD. R.R.1, WASHAGO, ON LOK 2B0

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Call 705-330-5182

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(689-NORM)

“Proudly serving the local community.”

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No Water?

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

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Over 27 Years Experience

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• REPAIRS - chainsaws, lawn mowers, riding mowers,

snowblowers. Pick up available.

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www.danthewoodman.ca

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

27 Village updates

Continued from page 21

a building with more retail floor space, something that would fit with their future business plans.

In the meantime, one of their travel destinations in the late winter was Winnipeg to visit family. Fate, kismet, whatever you want to call it, they came upon the perfect commercial property, exactly the space they’d been searching for and it is literally a few doors away from their family. Their building in Washago is still for sale but they have moved their business

to Winnipeg in time to open for the busy summer season.

On behalf of The Villager, and I’m sure many Washago-area neighbours, I wish them all the best in their new venture.

Washago will feel the loss of their business and Susan and George. Thanks to the magic of the internet, anyone who wants to keep in touch with them can visit their website at www.labodegaimports.ca or ‘like’ them on Facebook.

Survival of the human species Continued from page 5 boots to explore this beautiful gem on foot. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of rare critters like the Blanding’s turtle, a milk snake, an eastern hognose snake and possibly a five-lined skink, Ontario’s only lizard.

More than anything, we’re hoping these events open up new vistas right in your own neighbourhood.

The Passport to Nature series kicked off April 26 at Scout Valley and activities run until October.

There is no charge for the event passport but donations are always welcome. Get your passport at The Bird House on Mississaga Street in downtown Orillia, at the Couchiching Conservancy office or go online to www.couchichingconserv.ca.

Mark Bisset is the executive director of The Couchiching Conservancy, a non-profit, non-government land trust which protects natural landscapes for both today and for future generations. For more information, go to www.couchichingconserv.ca.

VIP 2014 - 2015

Vehicle Graphics Windows & Storefronts Banners & Awnings 3D & Directional Signs Gallery Wraps & Canvas Backlit Signs Billboards Trade Show Displays Business & Personal Stationery Solar & LED Lighting & Printing Of All Kinds

Open Monday To Friday 8am - 5pm

28

A learning weekend

By Lion Sandra Crawford, Past President

Every spring the Lions Clubs in our District A-12 hold a learning weekend for club officers who are starting in their new positions effective July 1st. Other members who are eager to learn about changes in the Lions Club organization also attend.

This year the training was held at the beautiful Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday March 29th.

There is no doubt this resort sits among the most beautiful surroundings in Muskoka.

In order for the new executive to understand and fulfill their new duties, each of them attended a full day session which helped

to train the new president, vicepresident, treasurer, secretary and directors of each Lions Club. Each of them represents the backbone of their individual club.

Keynote speakers included ambassadors from the CNIB who shared their life experiences and talked about their involvement with the agency and with the Lions. There was also a session on diabetic awareness.

Considered an exploding epidemic, information was shared about how to reduce the risk, a topic that needs to be addressed.

Lastly, there was a session for all attendees that addressed time and stress management. How many of us really need a little help with stress in our lives?

The above photo is a symbol of how strongly the Lions Club support their community.

I know I do.

Thanks to our Lions District Learning Weekend for the help we receive every year.

Mark your calendar: Lion Doug’s Jam “BEDROCK” is Wednesday, April 15th at the Washago Lions Hall @ 7 p.m.

JULY 3-5, 2015 Wednesday, May 27, 2015

LICENSED PUB STAGE • ARTISANS’ VILLAGE • KIDS’ FOLKPLAY AREA • AUDIENCE CAMPING

Severn Township

suffers a great loss

We are sad to report the passing of Darrell Morrison, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many.

Darrell Ross Morrison passed away peacefully at the Toronto General Hospital on April 9, 2015 in his 53rd year.

Darrell owned and operated Morrison Climate Control for 15 years and, with the help of his daughter, Krista he became one of the original advertisers in The Villager. Comments about Darrell in the Orillia Packet obituary included “everyone who met Darrell loved him….an honest, talented man with a big heart and a quick mind.”

We can only say that those words express the man we came to know and we extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

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May 2

Meet and greet noon to 2 p.m. with MP Bruce Stanton and MPP Garfield Dunlop. Lunch served. Washago Community Centre.

May 3

Celebrate Group of Seven’s Franklin Carmichael’s 125th birthday, Orillia Museum of Art & History, 30 Peter St. S., Orillia. 1:00-4:00 p.m.

May 13

May 16

Washago Garden Club - annual Washago Community Centre spring sale, Saturday, May 16th, 9 Annual General Meeting, 7 p.m. a.m. – 2 p.m. Get there early for best at WCC. Learn what’s happening selection. 3354 Muskoka Street, at your community centre. All are Washago. welcome. Your input is important.

May 16

May 13

Support and celebrate all women and young women nominees from our region at the Orillia Business Women’s Association Woman & May 9 Young Woman of the Year dinner Community garage sale: Proceeds and awards ceremony. $45/person. will go to the Child Advocacy Best Western Mariposa Inn, 400 Centre of Simcoe/Muskoka. 8 a.m. Memorial Ave., Orillia. Call 705-325– 1 p.m. at Davenport Subaru, 385 6292 for more information or to West Street S., Orillia. purchase your tickets.

SPRING TIME BAZAAR at the Heritage United Church from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3332 Muskoka Street, Washago. Assortment of games, housewares, clothes, tools, etc. New & used. Bake table, tea/coffee and snack tables.

May 22-23

Birders - support the stewardship of Carden’s alvar. Create your team of 4 and register for the 10th Annual May 10 May 16 24-hour bird count. For complete Passport to Nature, spring flower Program registration at Washago information call 705-326-1620 or symphony at Grant’s Wood from Community Centre: Summer visit www.couchichingconserv.ca.

1 p.m.-3 p.m. Take an easy stroll Day Camp, T-Ball and softball May 23/24 through 4 kms of trails. A guided registration at Washago Community Downtown Orillia Mississaga Street walk. Free to attend but registration Centre. 9 a.m. – noon.

May Sidewalk Sale. Shopping, miniis highly recommended. events and entertainment. Visit Call 705-326-1620 or visit www.downtownorillia.ca or call www.couchichingconserv.ca.

705-325-3261.

Tourism Information: 705-326-4424 or 1-888-326-4424 info@orillia.com • orillia.com

May 23

Coldwater annual Duck Race. Events include Lions pancake breakfast at the Coldwater Community Centre, 8:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.; parade at 2:00 pm. Music, petting zoo, bowling and more. Visit http://coldwaterlions. com/events/coldwater-duck-race/.

May 25

Orillia Kiwanis Music Festival, 7:30 p.m. at the Orillia Opera House.

Admission by donation. Call 705309-0786.

May 27

Ladies’ golf to support Easter Seals.

A 9-hole golf tournament at Hawk Ridge Golf Course. Lunch and silent auction included. $90/person. For more information or to book your spot, call 705-325-1366.

May 31

Orillia Wind Ensemble Goes Boom!

A fun & lively concert featuring great percussion music. 7:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Centre, Peter & Coldwater Streets, Orillia. 705-326-8011 or 1-888-674-5542.

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Taking the Next Step

By Ron Reid

108 Mississaga St. E., Orillia

705-329-3939

www.birdhousenature.com

Simcoe County’s Bird Experts Suppliers of BIRD SEED. FEEDERS. HOUSES. BOOKS & MORE.

‘The Other Side’ Garden Art • Bird Baths Home Decor • Nature Wall Art and Nature Lovers’ Gifts for All Occasions Always Free Advice!

One of the joys of writing a column for The Villager is the feedback I get from readers. By far, that response has been positive, with people eager to share their recent sightings of eagles or woodpeckers, or to comment on what they have learned.

Without a doubt, the good folks who live in this area enjoy the natural surroundings and the diverse wildlife that makes north Simcoe special. Many people are knowledgeable about some aspects of the natural world – it might be trees or fur-bearers or waterfowl. But most of us have only a skim of knowledge about those colourful birds that grace the spring mornings with their song, or the amphibians and insects that hide on the forest floor.

Taking the next step, to find out more about the other forms of life that share our properties with us, might seem like a huge challenge. But there are easy ways to follow your interest in nature to learn more about those critters and their lifestyles. One great opportunity is coming up this spring on Saturday, June 6th at the Carden Alvar Nature Festival.

The Carden Alvar is an easy half-hour drive from here, just east of Lake Dalrymple.

The festival takes advantage of the amazing diversity of habitats in this area: grasslands full of bobolinks and sparrows; wetlands with turtles and bitterns; forests ringing with the rising calls of Ovenbirds and the hoarse vocals of Scarlet Tanagers; and of course the globally-rare limestone alvars with dozens of showy wildflowers.

The festival features over 30 field trips and workshops to choose from, each with expert volunteer leaders drawn from across Ontario. But the participants are not experts; rather they are people with an interest who have decided to take that next step to learn more – just like you!

So you could take part in a country walk with Terry and Marion Whittam called Birding for Absolute Beginners, which will solve the mystery of identifying the birds in your neighbourhood. You could learn your ferns with Pat Woodford, or relax on a boat tour of Lake Dalrymple with Paul Laver. Or if you have always wanted to find out a little

more about butterflies and dragonflies, you can spend some time with Susan Blayney in the field. You can even register for a prefestival walk into the darkness with my wife and me, to learn who makes those Voices of the Night.

Some of the sessions are more exotic.

Surprisingly, a popular workshop focuses on spiders, and you can go on a spider hunt with Tom Mason, who recently retired from the Toronto Zoo. Barry Peyton from Washago leads a field trip to visit nesting birds, while Linda Rose will show you common plants that have medicinal uses.

But no event compares to the workshop called Voices from the Dead led by Trent

Prairie Smoke and wild columbine, both stunning spring/early bloomers found growing on the alvar.

University prof David Beresford. A carcass buried earlier will be dug up so you can help collect maggots and insects used to date time of death by forensic entomologists.

Not for the squeamish, but likely a once-ina-lifetime experience!

For the younger generation, the festival also features a free funfest with live animal displays, birdhouse building, horse and wagon rides, and even free ice cream.

Children and grandchildren are welcome, along with adults to supervise them.

Details and registration are available at www.cardennaturefestival.ca, so sign up before events are full. Make 2015 the year for taking your next step to learn about nature!

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.

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• Excellent selection of freshly butchered meats • Fresh fruits and vegetables • Specialty items: cheeses, smoked salmon, spreads, sauces, chutney, dips and more

Bread, buns, croissants • Sweet rolls, Danish, turnovers • Double-decker brownies Date squares, Muffins • ‘Almost Famous’ Butter Tarts • DELICIOUS HOMEMADE PIES Relax in our bakery café & enjoy our French-pressed coffee or specialty tea with a fresh bakery item.

There are always specials at Canoe Fresh Food Market.

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