The Villager 2023 May

Saying goodbye to my labour of love

This is the last issue of

By Ellen Cohen

The Villager

Dear Readers, Advertisers, and Contributors:

In March of 2013, the first issue of The Villager magazine was published . It was placed in the mailboxes of Severn residents from Severn Bridge in the north, south to the Orillia boundary . We delivered in Washago and area, dipped into a small part of north-western Ramara Township, went to every home in Cumberland Beach/West Shore, and Silver Creek Estates and area, and found every main road, side road, lakeside road and every farm we could .

Despite the risks, given the changing world we live in, it turns out that publishing The Villager was a good decision! What a thrill to hear the response from readers, advertisers, and community groups who loved the content, design, and the ease in which it could be read ‘cover to cover’.

From the beginning, The Villager has published township news and information that was not easily available elsewhere To meet the needs of readers every month, we included extensive Severn Township news, policies, new by-laws, and township planning information . Important contributions from the Couchiching Conservancy and Ron Reid shared insight into the challenges, projects, and sometimes the heartbreak regarding nature and local

conservation efforts The local MP and MPP submitted articles to inform readers about provincial or federal laws, policies and initiatives that impacted Simcoe North residents Our resident Chef célèbre Becky Lennerton shared recipes she created specifically for Villager readers And not an issue went by without a list of local events as well as comprehensive articles about major events in the region

Because of reader loyalty, advertisers continued with us, issue after issue, enabling The Villager to continue publishing

There are many businesses in this issue who have advertised every month since issue #1; established local businesses who had faith that The Villager would help them maintain or grow their clientele Dozens more advertisers came to us through the years, many of those choosing this magazine for their marketing, sometimes their only advertising vehicle

Thank you to all advertisers for both your excellent service to our readers and for your support of The Villager .

It is my heartfelt hope that, from the first issue to this, the 114th, readers will remember The Villager fondly and as relevant and meaningful to them For me, there was never a month when I didn’t feel great satisfaction, indeed

on page 11

Continued

© Can Stock Photo / Romas

Put your senses to work

By Ron Reid

Over the past 10 years, I have crafted my monthly columns in The Villager in ways that reveal something about local nature that you may not have known before, or perhaps cause you to think differently about our place in the world . From the many positive comments you have made, that seems to have been working; my thanks for your feedback

I’m sure at least some of the time you must have wondered: “How does he know all that?” Surprisingly often (at least surprising to me) it comes from over 70 years of poking about in nature, reading about nature, listening to presentations and hopefully retaining some of their content . Other times, I may start out with an idea for a topic, and then do my poking about on the internet instead . Don’t think I’ve ever done a column on wild leeks, but even five minutes online provides dozens of links on their ecology, how to order seeds, and lots of concern about conservation because of over-harvesting . Did you know, for example, that leek harvesting is illegal in Quebec?

Wild leeks are a great example of putting your senses to work in the natural world If you step on a patch of leeks at this time of year, the distinctive onion-y smell identifies it in an instant . Plucking a leaf or even the

top of its root can bring your sense of taste into play – there is no other flavour like the bitter tang of wild leek . You do have to use caution with the sense of taste, because some plants in this area are poisonous Smell is often more useful On the summer plains of the Carden Alvar, an attractive purple flower is called bergamot – the bloom or crushed leaves will remind you of Earl Grey tea

Of course, sight and sound are the most frequently used senses in the wild, especially at this time of year when migratory birds return to set up nesting territories . Most of the male birds moult their feathers twice a year – once during the summer as their nesting is complete, and again on their southern winter spots to deck out in their colourful spring finery All the better to attract a mate, and to scare off any competitors for choice nesting habitat as their dull-coloured mates tend to the nest As a rule, the males are the colourful ones, but in this area there is a notable exception – if you see a belted kingfisher with a rusty band across its chest, that is a female; the males lack this added decoration

The sounds of birdsong are often used as a tool for identification . Even the best of us have to spend some time each spring brushing up on birdsongs, but now there is also a shortcut: an app called Merlin can be loaded on your phone (it’s free) Point your phone towards a singing bird, and within seconds its identification will appear! We old-timers might

consider that cheating, but it has introduced a whole new element of birdwatching to younger generations

On a final note, let me touch on one more sense that is essential for anyone who loves nature – the sense of outrage! We humans, together with nature, face an enormous challenge from climate change . Our politicians and their buddies in the fossil fuel industry talk a good game, but Canada ranks the worst among G7 countries in actually reducing emissions Doug Ford and his henchmen (and henchwomen) have been systematically destroying environmental protection programs in favour of poorly-planned development . To me, that’s an outrage, and I hope they pay a steep price as more and more of us come to share that view

With that, it’s over and out . It has been a privilege to be associated with The Villager for so long, and I wish you all the best

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

Ellen Cohen Publisher

thevillagerpress@rogers.com

705-717-0322

The Villager, a Severn Township community news magazine, was independently owned and operated . It served the community from March 2013 until it closed down after this issue, its 114th monthly delivery, when the owner retired

The Villager is delivered online to subscribers through villagernews.ca

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

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

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

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

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

The Villager

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

Art Director: Cathy Cleary

From the Publisher:

An addendum to the front page…

On this, the last “Page Four” of my career, it is so important for me to recognize two people who are the reason I have been able to do what I do best (I think!), both consummate professionals: Villager art director, Cathy Cleary and and Villager bookkeeper, Cheryl Lawder

It was my very good fortune to meet Cathy at a Chamber of Commerce event many years ago . At the time, I was running my own marketing company and needed help to design publications for my clients . I had worked with designers throughout my career but little did I know I had just met the finest designer ever!

Cathy and I had coffee soon after the Chamber event and the rest is history Cathy designed The Villager logo and set up the template for the pages In fact, for the past 8½ years as Villager art director, Cathy has designed every beautiful page including the vast majority of advertisements for our dozens of clients . Her extraordinary talent is easily visible on every page, her design taking readers through the pages with pleasure and ease .

Cathy, you are brilliant, funny, kind, thoughtful and patient Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve done and, especially, for your friendship

…and the reason The Villager actually collects payments and manages to pay bills on time is all due to Cheryl .

Years ago, I was spending many hours creating manual invoices It was so timeconsuming and I was so incompetent, I regularly had no idea who had paid and who had not . One conversation with Cheryl Lawder changed my life . During her first month on board, she set up an accounting system, collected outstanding amounts, formalized the account list, and was ready to move forward I never looked back

Cheryl, your exceptional work ethic and steady hand has been an incalculable asset to this business; your loyalty to The Villager, and to me, beyond reproach; and your friendship a wonderful bonus

Thank you Cathy and Cheryl .

In my opinion

Residents in Severn Bridge, Washago, West Shore and all areas adjacent to those communities are remarkable .

Over the years, I’ve had the very great privilege of getting to know hundreds of people who live in this part of Severn Township Some have storied generational connections while others have recently moved here from the ‘city’. All have a love for their neighbours and the incomparable beauty of our environment

Here, neighbours caring for each other and the community goes far beyond borrowing a cup of sugar The deep concern for each other was never as obvious through

the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic but, in my opinion, that stepped-up kindness during that time has not waivered If anything, it is stronger .

What stands out is residents’ thoughtfulness - helping before being asked Sacrificing time and making an effort Time and time again we see a neighbour’s needs or community volunteerism trump personal needs

I know we could find other communities in our country that might meet the standards this one has set However, the search is sure to be long and hard

Spectacular Severn Township sunset photo by Krista Storey, that we published in 2017.

Saying farewell to

The Villager – but not to conservation

By Courtney Baker

It is with gratitude that The Couchiching Conservancy submits its last Villager article The Villager has been a staple in The Conservancy’s communications for years and we are so fortunate to be a part of the community of readers and writers touched by The Villager over the years .

The magazine holds an extra special place for me, as it was the first place I learned about The Couchiching Conservancy After seeing some ads, I became a member, eventually started volunteering and now have made a career in conservation . I am one month shy of seven years . Without The Villager I wouldn’t’ have known my dream job was just up Division Road .

I’m sure I am not the only one who has made friends, found a community, or attended a great event thanks to Ellen Cohen’s efforts .

The lives changed by our local paper haven’t only been human Countless birds have stronger protection thanks to community support for fundraisers like the Carden Challenge An annual event that sees teams race to count the most species in 24 hours . This year’s Challenge is coming up May 26th . Please pick a team, donate and cheer them on, for more information email Tanya@couchconservancy ca

Entire populations of amphibians like salamanders, frogs and newts have been protected by volunteer monitoring

promoted right here in these pages Populations thriving on nature reserves loved by local readers like the Adams Nature Reserve, T C Agnew and Alexander Hope Smith, all in Washago It is part of the Conservancy’s process to reduce emissions by ensuring our volunteers live as close as possible to their monitoring sites, so the people who actively protect these populations live right in your neighbourhood

Let’s not forget reptiles like turtles, mammals like moose, beaver and bears, and insects like endangered monarch butterflies have all benefited from the connectivity of wildlife corridors created by nature reserves such as the Ron Reid Reserve, or the new 400 acre Morton nature reserve we are currently fundraising for . Things are looking good with $355,000 raised and $277,000 left to go! Please donate and help us protect the wild Every dollar helps

Through my tenure as writer for the Couchiching Conservancy I have been able to share thoughts on species decline,

protecting nature, climate change and habitat loss here at home, reconciliation, women in conservation, and of course, perhaps most importantly, our legacy for the future .

There will truly be no replacement for a magazine that works so hard to promote conservation and we at The Conservancy are privileged to have been a part of The Villager. I encourage you to continue learning about conservation in our region by signing up to our monthly e-newsletter and regularly checking our website for updates, www .couchichingconserv .ca

Finally, with my last article here I would like to use my platform to beg you to join the right side of history Do what you can to help us help the planet . The Conservancy may be signing off here, but we won’t stop protecting nature for future generations

Courtney Baker is the Office and Acquisition Coordinator at The Couchiching Conservancy, and is proud to have had her name published in The Villager .

A Blandings turtle enjoys its protected home. Photo by Cameron Curran.

Wild ramp pesto

By Chef Becky

Ramps, or as may be known to readers, wild leeks or spring onions, are the main ingredient in this pesto recipe Many feel they taste stronger than a leek which generally has a mild onion flavour; ramps are more pungently garlicky than a scallion .

If you haven’t been out ‘hunting’ your own fresh ramp, most grocery stores will have them at this time of year, often identified as wild leeks or spring onion

This pesto recipe is excellent for spreading on crostini but also a wonderful topping for meat or salmon baked in the oven . This sauce may also be the base, for example, for a creamy pesto sauce that you’ll use for a pasta dish

NOTE: If you have extra ramps on hand, don’t let them wilt! Freeze them for use for another meal The white bulb and purple stem can be chopped and frozen as is . The leaves, however, need to be blanched before freezing . Add the leaves to boiling water, covering them well with water Blanch for 15 seconds only; remove, cool and chop before freezing

PESTO SAUCE INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups chopped wild leeks/ramps: before chopping make sure any of the stringy roots have been cut off

• 2 tbsp . pine nuts

• 2 large cloves minced garlic

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

• ½ cup freshly grated parmigianareggiano cheese

METHOD:

Combine chopped ramps with pine nuts and garlic and pulse in food processor until smooth

Slowly add oil to this mixture

Slowly add oil until all ingredients are mixed together . Then briefly pulse in cheese . Serve on toasted crostini as an appetizer or side dish .

Or use on your main course: place sauce on top of any meat or salmon and bake or BBQ as you normally would

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

© Can Stock Photo / bhofack2

8253 Simcoe County Rd. 169

Washago, ON L0K 2B0

705-689-2626 • 1-888-260-6324

Fax: 705-689-8671

www. timbermart.ca

Township update

A reminder to be a Good Neighbour (Bylaws)

Short-term or vacation rentals can present challenges to existing regulations and municipal by-laws Homeowners should be aware of the by-laws in Severn that affect the short-term rental of their property, also referred to as the Good Neighbour By-laws . These include: Noise By-law; OpenAir Burning By-Law; Parking By-law; and Zoning By-law

Severn’s Municipal Law Officers enforce these and other by-laws seven days a week Please be respectful of others and always keep emergency access routes clear . Only complaints submitted using the online form or made in writing will be investigated . Email bylaw@severn ca To file an online bylaw complaint visit: www severn ca/bylaws

Wealsoofferlendingfor regularresidential&commercialfinancing.

Traffic calming measures

Traffic calming aims to prevent high-speed rushed driving by ‘calming’ motorists using visual cues that influence drivers to pay more attention and to change their driving behaviours . Severn’s Public Works team will be out on the roads activating traffic calming methods throughout the community including children silhouette roadside signs and both portable and semipermanent radar feedback signs . Learn more at: severn .ca/slowdown

Fire Prevention Officer available for group presentations, AGM’s, or community events

Fire and Emergency Services staff can attend a variety of community events, such as parades, community barbecues, school open houses, and fall fairs Meet Severn’s firefighters and mascot Sparky at your next event Complete the Public Education request at www .severn .ca .

Be prepared

The best way to protect yourself and your family during a fire emergency is to be prepared and know how to respond

Because you may only have a few minutes to get out safely, a home escape plan is important Share and practise it with everyone in your home and include a floor plan; set a meeting place outside; call 911 . Test smoke alarms at least once a month . Change the batteries once a year and replace smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old Learn more about Fire Prevention at severn ca/fireprevention

Septic reinspection program visits have begun

To ensure that septic systems in Severn are properly maintained and functioning, Continued on page 11

an annual septic reinspection program is carried out by the Township This program assists in protecting drinking water systems and ensures our lakes, rivers and natural spaces stay healthy and clean for everyone to enjoy

Inspections focus on specific areas each year If your property is selected for the current year, you’ll receive a letter in April or early May outlining the program details and what to expect during the upcoming inspection season .

Due to the large number of properties and limited time, Severn will not pre-book inspections You don’t need to be present for the inspection Residents of the Sparrow Lake and Severn River areas can expect inspections to occur in the spring, summer, and fall of 2023 Email the Septic Inspector at septic@severn .ca or call 705-325-2315 x252 . Find answers to your FAQ and review last year’s program results at: severn ca/septic

Algal blooms

Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) are microscopic organisms that are naturally present in lakes and streams . They are usually present in low numbers but can rapidly increase in warm, shallow, undisturbed surface water that gets a lot of sun They can then form blooms that can make the water look blue-green or olivegreen and may produce floating scum Some blue-green algae produce toxins that can pose a health risk to people and animals if exposed to them in large amounts .

If you suspect an algal bloom call the Pollution Hotline 1-866663-8477

Drinking, swimming, bathing, cooking, or eating fish caught from the lake experiencing an algal bloom can result in illness

According to health officials, boiling the water will not destroy the toxins, and home treatment systems should not be relied on .

For more information on the health risks call a public health inspector at Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or toll-free at 1-877-721-7520 .

When the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) confirms algal bloom Severn will be notified by the health unit Severn will alert residents through severn ca and their social media

For more information visit Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and subscribe to Severn’s News and Notices to stay informed of any water quality issues

Saying goodbye

Continued from page 1

exhilaration, each time an issue was ready to find its way into the hands of Villager readers . So, this is it

As sole proprietor of a business without staff, publishing a monthly magazine has been equally rewarding and challenging And perhaps time limited Now that this issue has been published, I will close the lid on my laptop and clean up my golf clubs .

For readers who may be concerned that this decision seems to be terribly fast, rest assured I am well . It is simply time . Perhaps I should say, rather, that I am well and, therefore, it is a good time to retire, to spend more time with family and friends, and to explore new adventures

Today, despite having written and edited thousands of words since we first ‘met’, I find it impossible to express how important you have been to me How you’ve kept me grounded, involved in this wonderful and beautiful community, and filled with gratitude . You have embraced me and I will miss you

© Can Stock Photo / scottshoots

An algae bloom along the placid shore of a lake.

This panel by local artist, Craig Welbourne, was one of the painted panels on display in Washago last summer. The panels were then auctioned off at the end of August and a record amount of money was raised for the Washago Art Club.

Washago Art Club

There are two things to watch for from The Washago Art Club:

Plan a visit to the Washago Art Gallery

It will open on the long weekend in May . Visit their Facebook page for more details . Keep your eyes open for this year’s outdoor art display along Muskoka Street . The theme is nature The artists are sure to create some very beautiful pieces

Keep up with the art club’s happenings on their Facebook page

The ducks are back!

If you’ve never traveled to Coldwater for the local Lions Club Duck Race, make a point of setting aside some time on May 27th . In fact, set aside the day: pancake breakfast at the Coldwater Arena 8:30-11:00 a m At 12:30 p m watch the duck parade on the main street And the grand finale of the day: 4,000 ducks are released into the river at 2:00 p m behind the Coldwater Mill and the race begins

There are dozens of shops to explore on the main street, pony rides and a petting zoo in the Village Green, and 2-for-1 laser tag in the arena . Visit www .coldwaterlions com/events/coldwater-duck-race com

Music, music, music

It’s hard to believe that the Mariposa Folk Festival can just keep getting better – but it does

This year the main stage features Judy Collins, Rufus Wainwright, Matt Andersen & the Big Bottle of Joy, Feist and so many more Throughout the weekend there are over 100 performances on 10 stages

The festival takes place at Tudhope Park, Orillia July 7-9 . Find more information and buy tickets at www mariposafolk com .

© Can Stock Photo / kozzi

© Can Stock Photo / dziewul

© Can Stock Photo / devon

May 1

Yes, today is May 1st but it’s still early in the day Get to the Severn Bridge Community Hall by noon and enjoy their special Meat Pie Lunch, including beverage and dessert 12 Noon $10 1035 Southwood Rd , Severn Bridge If you can’t make this event, keep in touch at mgendron@ bconnex net They have a lunch every month

May 6-7 and 13-14

Quayle’s Brewery 2nd Annual Outdoor Spring Market . Over 50 local vendors . Stop in, do some shopping, have a pint . 11:00 a .m . –5:00 p m at 4567 12 Line N , Coldwater www quaylesbrewery com

May 6-14

State & Main’s For Mom, For Women Campaign This Orillia restaurant is fundraising for Green Haven Shelter for Women, donating $10 for every fulfilled Mother’s Day reservation from May 6-14, 11:00 a m -11:00 p m 3281 Monarch Drive Reservations 705-242-4854 . Review menu at www stateandmain .ca

May 7

Hike for Hospice . Don’t miss this most meaningful event Register as a team or an individual and help support Hospice Orillia and Mariposa House Hospice . PLEASE NOTE: this year’s event has moved to Tudhope Park, Orillia 12:30 p m –5:00 p .m . www hospiceorilia .ca

May 13

Fish & Chips Dinner, 4:00 p m – 7:00 p .m , eat in or takeout available Delicious crispy beer battered Haddock, fries, homemade coleslaw and non-alcoholic beverage for $20 . To pre-order call Joan or Larry 705-689-0296 from May 6-12 Presented by the Ramona Agricultural Society at Ramona Hall, 2212 Fairgrounds Rd ., just outside Washago off County Rd 169

May 20

Boating Old Brewery Bay opening event 1:00 p .m – 4:00 p m . Attend the launch of this summer exhibit at the Leacock Museum showcasing historic boats, canoes and model ships Crafts and activities for children, paddling, canoe seat-weaving and other demonstrations and a reading of Leacock’s Sinking of the Mariposa www leacockmuseum ca or 705-329-1908 .

May 23 – August 31

Boating Old Brewery Bay exhibit Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a m – 3:00 p .m . This exhibit features photographs taken by world renowned photographer, Yousuf Karsh Learn about historical boating equipment, Leacock’s own boating treasures . Visit www leacockmuseum ca to book your tour

May 26

The Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition presents Laugh for Lake Simcoe Three of Canada’s favourite comedians: Martha Chaves, Rob Bebeneck and Jon Steinberg 6:30 p m – 9:00 p .m . at the Orillia Opera House . $60/ticket . 705326-8011 www orilliaoperahouse ca

May 26-27

Carden Challenge 2023: Count as many species as you can on May 26-27 100% of funds raised supports efforts to protect nature on the Carden Alvar Please pick a team, donate and cheer everyone on! Email tanya@couchconservancy ca or visit www couchichingconserv ca

Continued on page 15

May 27

Vintage Market in downtown Orillia . 10:00 a .m –5:00 p m on Mississaga St E between Peter and Front St Visit downtown shops, vintage vendors, live music, street animation and much more Free event Interested in becoming a vendor? Call 705-325-3261

June 1-4

Barrie Spring Automotive Flea Market is a car lover’s dream event Everything from collectibles and classic cars to those hard to find car parts 7:00 a m – 7:00 p m Daily admission $10 Event pass $20 Daily parking $5 Or buy an event and parking package for $25 Convenient campground . Buy tickets or book a camping spot at info@thebafm .com or call 705-487-3663

June 3

Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Lighthouse at the Hawk Ridge Golf Club The special annual fundraiser gala will step back in time to the

swing era of the 1930’s Tickets $160 pp Funds raised going to support people experience homelessness offering them emergency shelter, supportive housing, meals and social service assistance . For more information visit www orillialighthouse ca

June 9-11

Spring Boat Show presented by Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce, open noon-7:00 p .m Featuring Green Technology and a wide range

of vendors showcasing what’s new in outdoor summer adventure gear Food trucks on site NOTE: normally this event is at the Port of Orillia but construction in that area may mean a move to Tudhope Park . Please confirm in early June at www orillia com

June 17

TWIN MAPLES FARM

TWIN MAPLES FARM

Celebrate You! in downtown Orillia Celebrate everything that makes you unique A fully inclusive event welcomes all members of our community to celebrate diversity The day includes a market, musical performances and art June is a month of celebrations: Pride Season, National Indigenous History Month, Canadian Multiculturalism Day and more . Events all day from 10:00 a m – 5:00 p .m Interested vendors 705-325-3261

www downtownorillia .ca .