The Villager 2014 November

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On the move in Severn

By Kim Goggins It’s not uncommon to see a group of cyclists enjoying breakfast at the Log Cabin Restaurant in Washago on a Saturday or Sunday.

Besides enjoying the food, they savour the scenery and paved roads in Severn Township and are soon back on their bikes to continue their tour.

Interest in cycling has increased dramatically in recent years and municipalities, like Severn, are trying to get their residents more active as well as draw in tourists.

With the help of a $4,500 grant from the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit, the Township recently extended the contract of a Geographic Information Systems technician who was working on another project to develop maps of different cycling routes as well as launch points for canoeing.

“It grew out of our Transportation Master Plan, which sets out policies to promote active transportation,” explains Andrew Fyfe, director of planning and development for the Township. “There were two thrusts in that.

One is for local residents to ride their bike to work or have recreational rides and the other thing was to use it as a way to develop and promote tourism.”

The idea is to provide different types of experiences, depending on what people are looking for and what their level is. It’s all

Severn Township resident, Bob Ormerod, has been cycling for about 65 years. He believes cycling and canoeing maps are a great way to get people moving. included on one master map that has five routes on it, ranging from about 15 km to 100 km, with short descriptions of each route.

The maps can be found on the Township’s website as well as on cycling app sites such as Mapmyride or Bikemap. Paper copies will also available at the Township office.

The routes are set up as loops, using paved roads, except for the Uhthoff Trail, which runs east to west.

Continued on page 10

Business profile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Christmas section. . . . . . . . . . . 16 – 21 Recipe of the month . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Community happenings . . . . . . . . 30

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Keepers of the gatekeeper’s home As construction continues to bring the Wasdell Falls dam up to current standards so it generates hydroelectricity again, the 100th Anniversary of when the original hydroelectric dam first started was celebrated on Oct. 4, 2014, with a party at the home of Doug and Paddy Taylor, owners of the former gatekeeper’s home. This is the second of two articles The Villager has run to celebrate the Centuryold dam. The first article, found in the October 2014 issue, looked at one of the log cabins that was built to house the workers who built the dam.

By Kim Goggins Jerry Lawrence chuckles like a child sharing a good joke when he recalls the escapades he used to get into on the Severn River at the base of the Wasdell Falls Dam. As the water churned viciously beside him, the eight-year-old sold minnows and suckers to the fishermen that loved the pickerel there, and even fell into the cold water once, when he caught his own fish with his bare hands. He got out but he remembers his dad being none too happy.

But what still sparks fear in his heart, even 65 years later, are the memories of walking across the dam in the dead of winter to get to school.

“You know what? I still have nightmares of being blown off that dam into the water,” he shares, his face turning serious.

For five years in the late-40s, Lawrence lived in the 700-square-foot house at the top of the riverbank with 10 siblings, his mom and his dad, William Lawrence, who was the gatekeeper of the dam at the time.

Paddy and Doug Taylor have lovingly kept the original essence of the home used by several gatekeepers of the Wasdell Falls Dam between 1914 and the mid-50s.

Lynda Reid (Menzies) also has memories of those blustery walks across the dam when she was a young child in the early 1950s and her father was the gatekeeper of the dam at that time.

“My mother held onto me with a death grip,” she laughs.

She also has fond memories of her father, mother and brother living in that same twobedroom house with a boarder who was training to be a dam operator.

“We all slept in one room because the boarder slept in the other room,” says Reid.

“My brother had to walk across the dam to catch the school bus but I was still too young. I would walk with mom to get the mail and it was a horribly long trip.”

The former gatekeeper’s house still sits there, to this day, although admittedly

shinier and more stable than it may have been in the first half of the 20th Century.

Current residents, Paddy and Doug Taylor purchased the home and property that abuts the dam in 1986 as a retreat from their busy lives in Toronto. Paddy admits she has her own vivid memories of the place from when she first saw it.

“It was a rundown, mouse-ridden shack,” she laughs. “It took us a while to make a decision (to buy it) but there was something about it that drew us to it.”

At the time, they didn’t know it was the home of the former gatekeepers, but word of mouth strongly suggested it was so, and then there was the remnants of what they initially believed to be a rudimentary communications system in the basement

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Kim Goggins Publisher, Editor-in-Chief villagereditorial@rogers.com 705-259-1607 Ellen Cohen Publisher, General Manager thevillagerpress@rogers.com 705-717-0322 Register for the most current Severn news – delivered regularly

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

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

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

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

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

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

A word in edgewise You may not be surprised when you look through our November issue to see Christmas sprinkled throughout, but let me tell you, writing seasonal articles and creating festive ads was a tricky deal when still full of Thanksgiving turkey!

Despite that, we quickly got into the spirit and have a great section packed with gift ideas for everyone on your list.

While we are looking ahead to spending time with family and friends over the holidays, November also brings with it a somber reminder of what our veterans had to endure, and as we saw in our Nation’s Capital on Oct. 22, our military personnel still do, while protecting our freedom. Attend a Remembrance Day Ceremony if you can, this month.

One of the most meaningful I’ve ever attended – and as a reporter for more than 20 years I’ve been to many - is right here in our area, in Rama. This year it will take place at the Cenotaph on Rama Road on Nov. 10.

Another reminder that life can be fleeting is the terrible tragedy faced by the Ball family, who lost their 17-year-old son Ryan in a collision at Division Road and Burnside Line on Oct.7. As I write this, Ryan’s brother is still in hospital and will face many months of rehabilitation. It is not an easy road ahead for this Severn Township family but friends are trying to help ease some financial pressures by holding a fundraiser at the Washago Community Centre on Friday, Nov. 7. Everyone is welcome.

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

Letters to the editor are welcome and may be emailed to villagereditorial@rogers.com.

Letters may be edited.

5

Lots of cuddles at Snuggles

By Kim Goggins When Roy and Janette Mainey came to Canada from England, 15 years ago, they fell in love with this country and knew they wanted to make a life for themselves here.

When they were looking for a home to buy in the Peterborough area, they also wanted to find one with a kennel so they could start a business that involved animals, which they loved. But any properties with kennels they saw just showed them what they didn’t want.

“We saw some horrible places,” says Roy. “We knew, from looking at them, exactly what we wanted to do, based on what we didn’t like. It’s (got) nothing to do with Canada; you see exactly the same kind of kennels in England. You put your pets there and you feel sorry for them.”

Their search brought them into this area, where they found a house in Severn Township that also had a kennel on the property and abutted 50 acres of pristine forest.

It was perfect. It was the future home of Snuggles Pooch and Kitty Holiday Camp.

They both knew they wanted to create a haven for dogs and cats where no one would feel sorry for them if they were on vacation here, and they are very clear: Snuggles is not a kennel, it’s a holiday camp.

Within months of taking possession of their home, they retrofitted the existing kennel building for cats and built a new building across from their own house, complete with cameras and an alarm system connected to an outside company.

Each of the 19 self-contained eight-by-

Roy and Janette Mainey provide an experience for their clients that they would want their own pets to have. seven-foot rooms is brightly coloured with a homey border along the top and a standard household door to let the dogs onto their own eight-by-10-foot outside patio. Each room has a bed elevated from the tile floor and a television that plays dog movies during the day. The rooms can accommodate two or three dogs, if requested, depending on their size and if they are from the same family.

There are eight rooms in the Kitty Camp building, ranging from large deluxe rooms with an artificial aquarium or artificial fireplace to rooms with an extension to an enclosed outdoor area.

“They’re away from their owners and their own environments so we try to create a home environment,” says Roy. While the owners of the dogs and cats appreciate the safe and homey atmosphere, it’s the melodic accents of Roy and Janette and the genuine caring natures of them and

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their staff that the animals are drawn to.

Snuggles doesn’t offer tiered pricing for services but instead treats every dog or cat the same, with slight variations based on the animal’s needs.

“We started out knowing that the dogs would need to go out at least four times a day, now it’s five times a day,” Roy says.

“They’ll go for lead walks, play sessions, individual play sessions, depending on the dog ... It’s something that we can judge.

We’re fortunate that we’ve got 50 acres of Grant’s Woods behind us, which has four trails and we’re connected to the trails.

When the dogs go for a walk, on (leash) of course, they can be in a safe environment.

It’s just a great mix of play or walk or whatever they need.”

And, there’s always a cookie and cuddle before bedtime.

“We ended up really giving our customers what we wanted for our own pets,” says Roy.

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Mayor of his own town

By Kim Goggins When Ron Roy was a child, he always wanted a train set.

All of his friends had one, but not him. So two years ago, his daughter Shelley, finally gave him the train set of his dreams for his birthday and the retired woodworker soon went to work to create a community for that train to move through.

Every building created in the village, aptly named ‘Ronnville’ has been meticulously built to scale from pictures of real buildings. Great care has been taken to include incredible detail such as lead glass in the church window and little flasks of coloured water in the windows of the apothecary.

Even the train station is an exact replica of the Rama Train Station that was built and then burned down soon after in the early 1900s.

It has taken Ron two years to create and most of the buildings have been named after friends and family that have special meaning to Ron and his love, Mary Black, who he lives with.

For example, there is Bunny’s Brothel, jokingly named after a good friend and neighbour; Dingwall Apothecary, named Ron Roy of Oakridge Drive in Washago has created his own village after another friend and that he and his friends call ‘Ronnville’. It reflects special buildings and neighbour; and Mary’s Buns and people in his life.

Bob’s Meats, named after Ron’s sister and brother in law. Ernie’s Barbershop was named after a dear friend who passed away about a year ago. country furniture & accessories “I even made Mary into a from historic regions in canada saint with St. Mary’s Church,” Ron laughs.

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Children’s fitness tax credit doubles

By Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton

On Oct. 9, 2014, Prime Minister Harper announced the government’s intention to double the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit (CFTC) from $500 to $1000. The maximum amount of expenses that may be claimed for the 2014 tax year and subsequent tax years, and the credit will be made refundable effective for the 2015 and subsequent tax years.

The Children’s Fitness Tax Credit was introduced by the Conservative government in the 2006 Budget. The purpose of this credit is to encourage physical activity among children

by making it more affordable for families to register their children in fitness activities.

Our Government tabled a Ways and Means Motion in the House of Commons today which provides additional information on the proposed enhancements.

Here are some quick facts about the enhancements: The CFTC currently provides 1.4 million families with total tax relief of approximately $115 million per year. Claims must be supported by tax receipts.

Your child must have been under 16 years of age (or under 18 years of age if eligible for the disability amount) at the beginning of the year in which the eligible fitness expenses were paid.

Eligible activities include strenuous games such as hockey or soccer, activities such as golf lessons, horseback riding,

sailing, and bowling, as well as others that require a similar level of physical activity. Fees charged for extracurricular programs that take place in school may be eligible.

The proposed enhancements to the CFTC are in addition to the many measures that our Government has introduced since 2006 to support Canadian families, including the Universal Child Care Benefit and the Children’s Arts Tax Credit.

Families are major beneficiaries of the substantial tax relief that our Government is providing to all Canadians, such as the twopercentage-point reduction in the Goods and Services Tax, broad-based personal income tax reductions and the new TaxFree Savings Account, which helps Canadians, meet lifetime savings needs.

Speaking about the enhancements to this tax credit, Prime Minister Harper said, “Parents know that regular exercise is a key part of their children’s development and gets them started on a lifetime of healthy, active living. Our Government recognizes the impact that expenses for sports activities can have on families, particularly those with lower incomes. That is why we are following through on our promise to enhance this tax credit by doubling the maximum amount and making it refundable.”

For more information on the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit please visit the Canada Revenue Agency website: http://www. cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/ ncm-tx/rtrn/cmpltng/ddctns/ lns360-390/365/menu-eng.html.

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Mayor of his own town Continued from page 6 he said, ‘No.’ Well, I’m a retired pharmacist and I went upstairs and grabbed a picture of the Niagara Apothecary, which is a historical building in Niagaraon-the-Lake. Seven days later, I see this beautiful building. The detail is just amazing.”

Ron says there is not a piece of wood that he has seen that

he hasn’t loved and having run a woodworking shop that employed mentally challenged people for 27 years, he was always doing what he enjoyed.

This is not the first town he has created with his exceptional woodworking skills. Years ago, he lived in Restoule, Ontario, where he created a tiny community called Maple Hill

Village. Unfortunately, he fell ill and decided to sell his collection of buildings, but Ronnville will not see the same fate. Ron is now considering an expansion to the village with a residential neighbourhood nearby. This new development will feature another big bridge, more track and will take about 18 months to complete.

“We’re going to transfer the residential buildings over here and build another three houses.

We need to have a population for this village,” he explains. “I’m building a school house and building my daughter a farm.

For me, I’m going to build a saw mill.”

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Keepers of the gatekeeper’s home Continued from page 3 (they have since changed their minds). When Reid showed up at their door in 1997, it cemented the fact that it was, indeed, formerly occupied by the families of the gatekeepers.

Still, it was just a mild curiosity more than anything, says Paddy, noting that she and Doug were really interested in the hydroelectric plant, itself. They contacted the Ontario Hydro Archives and were supplied with a tremendous amount of information about the dam, which started them on their journey of discovering what it was they had.

The renovations have been extensive since they moved in full time in 1997, but Paddy is proud of the fact that the home still sits on the original imprint that included a screened-in porch at the front and back.

What was once a porch that Lawrence remembers sleeping in with this brothers during hot summer nights, is now a tastefully decorated, fullyenclosed living room that boasts great views of the river through the trees.

The porch that Reid fondly recalls playing in as a child with a floor made of orange crates and heat coming from a battery and tennis ball is currently

the Taylor’s renovated master bedroom.

There is also now a warm and inviting family room with various other rooms and a second washroom in what once was the cellar but was reclaimed when they dug down and put in a new foundation in 1995.

While the kitchen, dining room with fireplace, and two small bedrooms bare the same resemblance, they have also been meticulously refurbished to keep with the original design and character.

It’s been a labour of love, for sure, says Paddy, who even collected the same vintage door knobs found in the house so she could use them in the renovated spaces. “We do appreciate what we have and I think when you look at the original woodwork throughout, even in the renovated areas, we’ve tried to replicate the woodwork both upstairs and down.”

Certainly, some of the former residents of the home, who attended the 100th Anniversary of the original Wasdell Falls power plant, held at the Taylor’s home on Oct. 4, appreciated how they have retained the original character.

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Help us protect nature close to home.

Become a member today.

Thomas C. Agnew Reserve The Couchiching Conservancy helps to protect thousands of acres of wild land. In the Washago area, there are six properties that we care for. You can help us to keep our region beautiful by becoming a member or making a donation today.

Yes! I would like to help.

Name: _________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Email: ____________________________ Telephone: _________________ Membership:  Individual - $30  Family - $50 One-time donation:  $50  $100  $150  Other: $______ A tax receipt will be issued for membership and donations.

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On the move in Severn Continued from page 1 Another pastime that has always been popular in this area is canoeing and the Township has also created a map that pinpoints launch locations throughout the municipality. Two of the four or five locations are marked in Washago and most are intended to be ‘flat water’ not rapidly moving water.

“There is one short section up in Washago that, in the spring, is white water and there are quite

a few people that go up there for that reason,” says Fyfe, adding that some of the routes will take canoeists through Ramara as well as Muskoka.

He promises there will be more to come to support active tourism through these activities.

“These are early days yet,” he says.

To access the maps, visit www.townshipofsevern.com.

Mixed messages from province on traffic light issue

By Kim Goggins Severn Township Mayor Mike Burkett is sick of mixed messages and getting the run around from the province.

He is referring to two communications with conflicting messages he received from URS Canada: one dated Sept. 22, 2014, saying that the intersection of Highway 12, Fairgrounds Road and Atlantis drive doesn’t require traffic lights and an email sent two weeks later, on Oct. 7, 2014, saying that traffic signals are now considered warranted at the location.

Burkett was frustrated after he and other members of Severn Council received the Sept. 22 letter from URS Canada, a consulting engineer and geoscientist firm contracted by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) that said the traffic lights were not warranted.

“Traffic signals at the Highway 12/ Fairgrounds Road/Atlantis Drive intersection are not currently warranted, based on the Ministry’s guidelines, which consider existing traffic and pedestrian volumes, existing operations and the collision history at the intersection,” Tyler Drygas, Manager of Environmental Planning, URS Canada, said in the letter.

At the time, he said that former Minister of Transportation Glen Murray promised him that a set of traffic lights would be installed at the intersection of Highway 12 and Fairgrounds Road and Atlantis Drive.

According to Burkett, he, Orillia Mayor Angelo Orsi and a representative from OroMedonte Township met with Murray last October and that’s when the promise was made.

The Oct. 7 email, sent by Joanne Wang, an environmental planner with URS, said the ministry recently conducted a turning movement count at the intersection in order to capture typical Saturday traffic volumes associated with the new farmers’ market at ODAS Park.

“Based on the recent turning movement count, traffic signals are now considered warranted at this intersection,” Wang said in the email.

URS Canada is the company retained by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to look at Highway 12 improvements from Memorial Avenue to Horseshoe Valley Road.

11

SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS • Difficulty understanding speech

The busy intersection sees school buses attempting to turn left onto Highway 12 from the school on Atlantis Drive during the week and hundreds of vehicles attempting to turn left onto Highway 12, coming from the farmers’ market on Saturdays, not to mention thousands of vehicles that travel that route along Highway 12 each day.

It causes problems in another area of Severn Township, too, said Burkett, pointing out that because there are no traffic lights at that intersection heavy traffic, including gravel trucks, do not take that route and instead take Division Road where there is an elementary school.

“There is very heavy traffic on our Division Road, which should not be going past the school,” he said.

The Oct. 7 email discussed some existing geometric conditions at the intersection that are not conducive to the provision of traffic signals, including a significant skew with Atlantis Drive and Fairgrounds Road intersecting Highway 12 at a 55 degree angle, as well as a vertical crest curve immediately to the east of the intersection that would require opposing left turn lanes in conjunction with traffic lights.

“These geometric improvements will be required at the time of signalization of the intersection to provide safe and acceptable operations,” said Wang. “The current study is reviewing alternatives for the ultimate improvements at this intersection, with options that include both roundabouts and signalized intersections.”

The email noted that the timing of the project would be subject to the availability of funding, securing of any property and completion of required design work, as well as prioritization against other needs across the province.

Burkett said his next priority is to convince the Minister of Transportation Steven Del Duca that the project needs funding immediately.

“My job now is to find money for this project,” he said.

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Tips to follow after the hunt Are you gearing up for hunting season this year and hoping to get a deer?

Whether it’s your first season or your fourteenth, here are a few tips from butcher, Erich Leska, to help you get the most out of your venison.

Once you shoot an animal, skin it as soon as possible so it can cool evenly. When skinning, Leska explains, make sure to slide the knife under the hide and then draw up or out to split the hair follicles instead of cutting through them. Your goal is to keep the hair attached to the hide which prevents it from “shedding,” but

it’s still good practice to keep a bucket of water handy to wash your hands. Leave fat on the animal to protect from bacteria. If you are not comfortable with the skinning process, take it field dressed to a butcher who offers the service.

When field dressing, the windpipe/esophagus may be left in, but remove hemorrhaging and shot damage. Do NOT remove the Achilles tendons, as the butcher uses these to hang the animal when it comes in. Plan to trailer when traveling long distances as exhaust can cause too much heat even for an iced animal in the back of a pick-up.

Continued on page 14

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Simcoe North has benefitted from arts funding

By Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop

For more than 50 years the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) has played a vital role in promoting and assisting the development

of the arts for the enjoyment and benefit of Ontarians. In 2013-2014, OAC funded 1,737 individual artists and 1,095 organizations in 223 Ontario communities, for a total of $52.1 million. Between April 1, 2013 and March 31, 2014, $80,834 was allocated to professional artists and arts organizations in Simcoe North. I wish to take this opportunity to highlight the artists and arts organizations

GravOperaHouse VillAd1 FA_Layout 1 2014-10-15 3:27 PM Page 1

which have benefited from (Arts Service Organizations), funding over the past year in Cellar Singers, Orillia - $5,000 (Choirs & Vocal Groups). Le Clé, this riding.

Penetanguishine - $10,038 (Aide à la diffusion artistique). Mariposa The individual artists: Robin Cameron of Orillia, Folk Foundation, Orillia - $10,800 $5,000 for Visual Artists: (Presenter/Producer). La Meute Emerging. Hillary Hatzipetrakos culturelle de Lafontaine, Tiny of Penetanguishene, $500 for $11,280 (Aide à la diffusion Aboriginal Artists Materials artistique) Mouvement des and Supplies Assistance. Matt intervenants en Communication Macintosh of Ramara received radio de l’Ontario (MICRO), two grants one for $5,000 for Penetanguishene - $550 (Travel Visual Artists: Emerging, and Assistance). Stellula Music in another for $1,500 for Exhibition Schools Inc., Penetanguishene Assistance. Tina Poplawski of $4,500 (Compass).

Tiny Township received $1,500 I’m pleased to see that these for Exhibition Assistance. Joelle artists and arts organizations Roy of Tiny Township received have received grants that will help to assist in the development $360 for Travel Assistance and promotion of their projects.

Ontario Arts Council funding is The arts organizations: Brookside Music Association, very important in helping these Midland - $ 8,000 (Presenter- individuals and groups reach Producer). Canadian Authors their goals and to enrich the lives Association, Orillia - $16,806 of others.

Royal Wood LIVE November 16, 2014 • 7:00 pm • $35 Dial M For Murder November 6 -15 Canadian Guitar Quartet November 21 • 7:30 pm

Dinner 6:00 pm, Show 7:30 pm Dinner & Show: $5350 Adult, $48 Youth Show-only: $2850 Adult, $23 Youth Group Rates Available

1-888-495-8888 • 705-687-5550 GRAVENHURSTOPERAHOUSE.COM

295 MUSKOKA ROAD SOUTH Over a Century of Great Entertainment

14

Tips to follow after the hunt Continued from page 12 Do your research before selecting your butcher. Know the options and services provided: • Insist on NO batch mixing and an on-site manufacturer • All cuts except ground should be vacuum sealed • Products should be packed boneless to prevent seal punctures • Is there a 24 hr service available for delivery?

Erich’s final bit of advice – trust your butcher to let you know what can be made from your animal. It takes skill to get a deer, so don’t ruin all that hard work on bad butchering!

People of all ages enjoyed the Tire Event and BBQ fundraiser at Blaines Automotive. A race simulator and classic cars were also on hand.

CONDOMINIUM COMFORT Welcome to The Westmount Condo, a well-respected and well-maintained condominium complex in Orillia. A rare-to-find main floor unit with walkout out to a pretty patio and lovely grounds. Features include kitchen with breakfast bar, living and dining room with laminate flooring, 2 baths, 2 bedrooms - master bedroom with walk-in closet and ensuite bath - den, laundry, plenty of closets for storage, air conditioning and garage. The building amenities include secure entrance, common room, lobby/mail room, visitor parking, nicely landscaped with fencing for extra privacy. Truly a pleasure to own!

Asking $236,900. MLS#59346004. Visit www.9westmountdrs107.com.

Leah C. Cavanaugh Don Campbell Real Estate Limited Brokerage*

Sales Representative

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

*Independently Owned and Operated

Steve Verrette 705.794.9269 • www.bigdaddysdocks.com

15

Fundraiser for Ball family A fundraiser will be held at the Washago Community Centre on Friday, Nov. 7, 2014 between 4:30 and 8 p.m. to raise money for a local family.

Ryan Ball, 17, was killed when the car he was driving was in a collision with a dump truck on Oct. 7, 2014, at the corner of Burnside Line and Division Road in Severn Township. His 15-year-old brother, Jamie Ball, was airlifted to a Toronto-area trauma centre where he was still a patient a week later, at The Villager’s press time.

Two other teens in the vehicle were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The tragedy has taken a toll on the families and friends of the four youth, as well as the community.

Jenn O’Brien, whose son is a friend of Jamie’s, has decided, along with her friend Lisa Ferry, to hold a drop-in event to raise money to help the Ball family

pay for funeral expenses and expenses associated with being in Toronto with Jamie who will soon be moved to a rehabilitation centre down there.

“My son is friends with Jamie so I had a hard time with it when I heard and he was quite upset, as well, so I just thought it would be a good idea to help out,” said O’Brien. “There are going to be costs associated with the funeral and travelling back and forth to Toronto for Jamie.”

“They put a rod in his leg and he broke his arm,” she continued. “The sooner he can start doing things for himself, the quicker he can come home.”

There will be food and refreshments to purchase as well as a silent auction.

Everyone is encouraged to attend to show their support.

177 Mississaga Street E., Orillia | 705 327-5151 www.kikilaruse.com www.facebook.com/kikiLaRuseGallery You are invited to our

Open House, Thursday, Nov. 27 5 – 9 pm Just in time for the holiday season.

Come and browse our amazing collection from over 60 local artists!

Enjoy small catered tid-bits and treats by Bistro 179

HOLIDAY GIFT BASKETS Special creations, ideal for business gifting ~ Every item created by local artists ~

Weekly Art Classes at Kiki LaRuse

Visit our web site for up-to-date classes and to register.

Now Featuring Our New Fall & Winter Collection

Sunday Nov. 16, 11 – 3 pm: a special Stained Glass Workshop

OPEN TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY

3363 Muskoka St., Washago 705-689-6603 www.simplyspecialoriginals.com

179 Mississaga Street E., Orillia | 705-323-9656

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

Cozy, comfortable and quality-made.

Men’s & women’s slippers available in all sizes.

An excellent holiday gift for the one you love!

Tuesday to Sunday 8 am - 3 pm Friday and Saturday open for dinner 5 - 8 pm With LIVE LOCAL MUSICIANS

Develop Your Wine and Painting Pallet Thursday, November 13 Sip a wine that matches the medium Reservations required

Call to book for your catering and special event

16

Unique gifts to make everyone smile With the holiday season approaching, we all know that it’s the thought that counts when choosing gifts for our loved ones. So here are a few ideas that show some ingenuity.

The photo cube portable printer for about $150 from RedEnvelope.com is a brilliant idea for those who may not have a computer but do have a smart phone or tablet. Simply plug in this compact photo printer, attach your phone or tablet, and print beautiful colour photos.

At about $13, the Contigo AUTOSEAL Kangaroo Water Bottle with storage compartment makes an excellent stocking stuffer. The seal around the lid makes it 100 percent leak and spill proof and with no cap to remove or spout to open, it

requires just one-handed bottle operation, which is perfect to hydrate while running or walking. This bottle also has a built-in compartment for ID, money or key.

LoveBookonline.com has created a wonderful way to tell people in your life what they mean to you. Everyone will enjoy reading ‘their’ story of what they mean to you. Customizing a book starts at about $35.

Another way to get your special message across is the hidden message focal pendant from RedEnvelope.com. These gold or silver plate pendants can be inscribed on the inside with a message of up to 20 characters.

The circular shape is symbolic of never-ending love for about $65.

To make your home smell great, there is a stylish diffuser that uses essential oils and

water. Priced at about $60, the Metal Ware Aromatic Escape Diffuser adds humidity to the air while dispensing your favourite essential oil scent.

For those on your list who have everything, why not help out a worthy charity? Visit canadahelps.org and purchase a charity gift card for them to donate to their favourite cause.

Finally, check out all of the craft sales taking place around the

area this holiday season. Crafted items that can be found at these sales are always the favourite gifts under the tree. Visit our Community Happenings (page 30) to see a list of local sales in the area. *For more information on gifts in this article, simply Google the name.

Great Food is a Great Gift!

GIFT CERTIFICATES Handpoured Soy Wax Candles

AVAILABLE AT BOTH LOCATIONS

Incense

Redeemable for all lunch and dinner items including our famous hand crafted Neapolitan wood oven pizza; our takeaway freshly made daily meals; and our delicious baked goods at our Bass Lake location.

Kameleon Jewellery

705-514-2469

Unique Gifts Potpourri Premium Body Care Candle Accessories

Housewares & So Much More www.candleswithcare.ca

135 Mississaga St. E., Orillia, ON 705.325.5520 carey@candleswithcare.ca

www.ciaochowciao.com

3384 Muskoka Street, Village of Washago • Famous Wood Oven Pizza Eatery •

8626 Hwy 12 West, Near Bass Lake, Orillia • Lunch , Dinner , Bake Shop •

17

Holiday hazards for pets

By Dr. Kathy Marchildon The holidays will be soon upon us and we are all looking forward to enjoying the festivities with our friends and family. It is a busy time of the year and so it is best to keep in mind that this is also a common time that we see unfortunate illness and accidents with our pets due to decorations, foods and the general chaos associated with the festive season.

There are many dangers to pets during the holiday season, here’s some information to help keep your pet safe: Holiday plants - can be very toxic to pets. Examples include, mistletoe, holly, lilies and amaryllis bulbs. Despite its reputation, poinsettias are not very toxic to pets although they can cause minor digestive upset or drooling. In general, keep these plants out of the way of

pets including cats. Signs can be mild and self-limiting, such as vomiting and diarrhea but can be severe causing kidney failure, even death.

Extra goodies – Rich, spicy and fatty foods can cause problems such as, gastrointestinal upset and even pancreatitis. Do not overindulge your pet with new and rich foods.

Chocolate is toxic –Baked goods often contain significant amounts of cocoa. Do not leave food or candies under the tree or in reach of pets. Many ingestion episodes of chocolate toxicity have occurred from a dog unwrapping the Christmas gifts early!

Christmas trees and decorations - avoid using tinsel and keep all decorations out of eating reach to avoid obstructions. Ribbon, string are especially attractive to

cats and are common causes of intestinal blockage. In addition, liquid potpourri can cause burns if ingested.

Cold weather - take the appropriate precautions for your breed of dog or cat to keep them warm. Booties and jackets help keep pets warm. Bringing pets inside during freezing temperatures is recommended.

Insulated houses or pens are a must for outdoor dogs and during extreme weather they should be brought into a heated space. Water bowls freeze quickly outdoors.

Fan belt Injuries - to avoid any horrible accidents, bang the hood of your car before starting during the winter months. Cats tend to hide in engines for warmth.

Antifreeze – While we are winterizing our trailers and

8253 County Rd. 169, Washago

putting coolant in our vehicles we must be very cautious.

Pets are attracted to the sweet taste, so please ensure any in your antifreeze in the household it is put away and that all spills are completely cleaned up. Very small amounts will cause kidney failure and death within a very short period of time.

Rodenticides- This is a common time that we see mice coming into the house.

Store appropriately and if put out for rodents, ensure your pets can not ingest it.

Here is to a safe, happy and enjoyable festive season with our furry and not so furry companions!

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

18

Help feed the less fortunate at Christmas It’s getting more difficult to stereotype the people who use The Sharing Place Food Bank in Orillia.

According to Christine Hager, executive director, their client list is growing and people are coming from varied backgrounds, experiences and financial situations. It’s very difficult to pinpoint who needs the food bank now or who will in the future.

“You might see your neighbour or relative at the food bank, literally,” she says. “Situations can change drastically in anybody’s life. You can become ill and have no money; you can become disabled.

There are all kinds of situations and it’s something that can happen to anyone very easily because so many people are just a few pay cheques away from using a food bank themselves.”

When people are struggling to pay their rent and utilities, buying food often takes a backseat so they can retain their housing. When Christmas comes along, the added pressure of buying gifts and a having special meal for that one day

compounds the problem and many families don’t know where to turn.

Last year, The Sharing Place Food Bank provided about 600 Christmas food hampers – 150 to families with children – and Hager expects the number to grow this year.

The need is great, and while they are always appreciative of food donations – peanut butter, canned meat, low-sodium soup or stew, coffee, tea, boxed stuffing and canned cranberries are the most needed this time of year – financial donations help them buy specific items they need in bulk to get a better price.

“Every little bit helps,” says Hager. “Even $30 can go a long way at the food bank.” You can donate by using your credit card on The Sharing Place’s secure website, or by mailing or bringing a cheque into the food bank at 22 West Street.

With about 1,400 visits to The Sharing Place each month, the need is great all year long, but during the month of December, they still provide regular food assistance, which includes a full order and for some in a crisis

situation, an addition few items later in the month. But they also give out the Christmas hampers that contain all of the food needed for the day, from breakfast to a turkey or ham dinner.

The Sharing Place also accepts pet food donations (although they do not purchase pet food) and provides the food to those who need it.

“We recognize that pets are family and there are a lot of people out there that their pets are their only social interactions,” said Hager.

While registration for the Christmas hamper took place throughout October, if you are in need, you can speak to the operations manager in November to possibly get added to the list.

Watch for news of the Severn Township firefighters going door-to-door throughout Westshore to collect for the food bank for one day in December, as they did last year during the holiday season.

19

Santa’s Picks Candles with Care – a lovely heritage shop in downtown Orillia. Beautifully scented (or unscented) authentic soy wax candles handmade locally. Body care products, home décor and gift shop.

CiaoChowCiao – freshly made take-away dinners every day at both locations.

Keep in touch with what’s on their daily menu through Facebook. Call Theresa or Todd about a catered holiday meal.

Hinton Antiques – add to your collection of Canadian historic furniture and accessories or find a truly unique gift. Steve and Wendy Hinton will help you make the perfect purchase, by appointment.

Home Hardware Washago – stuff a stocking with selections from their massive inventory of bits & pieces of hardware. Christmas decorations & lights, kitchenware, giftware. Gift certificates are available.

Jax Bootery – footwear at its finest in this small store with the big heart. With 60

years experience, Jack will fit and select the perfect shoe, boot or pair of slippers. Check out his vintage shoe collection.

Kiki La Ruse – a gallery and gift shop in downtown Orillia. Locally designed and vintage clothing, hand-painted glassware, artisan crafted jewellery, original paintings.

Meet the artists on their website.

Manticore Books – book lovers relax and browse in this heritage-style independently owned and operated book store. Local authors, forthcoming titles, new releases, classics, children’s section.

Matheson – Orillia’s Dr. Kevin Matheson and Lee Bice-Matheson: Dr. Kevin provides caring, professional care and wellness advice; Lee gives the gift of imagination in her inspiring book Destiny’s Gate.

Orillia Trim & Door – find everything for the handyman/woman on your list including a huge selection of both hand and power tools, garden tools, generators and more. 100’s of stocking stuffer ideas.

Southern Comfort Salon & Spa – pamper your body and soothe your soul at this full service professional spa: salon services; esthetics; hand and foot treatments; facials; relaxation massage; tanning.

Timber Mart of Washago – beautiful kitchen, bath, flooring, lighting

and tile displays will show you what you can do to spruce up for the holidays. Great selection of attractive, quality pellet stoves.

Vacuum Centre – full range of central vacuum systems for any home and a selection of vacuum cleaners in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and prices. Quality brandname products. Knowledgeable staff.

Windspirit Wisdom & Wonders – find resources, tools, treatments and classes for those beginning a journey of self-discovery. Crystals, books, jewellery, drums & more. Their website has perfect gift ideas.

We can order any book currently in print.

We will track down any rare or out of print material for you.

103 Mississaga St. E., Orillia

705.326.7776

mail@manticorebooks.ca

www.manticorebooks.ca

20 Neighbours helping neighbours.

Friends helping friends.

A SPECIAL FUNDRAISING EVENT FOR THE BALL FAMILY NOVEMBER 7, 2014, 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm Washago Community Centre 4361 Hamilton Street, Washago On October 7, 2014 Ryan Ball, 17 years of age, died in a tragic car accident. His brother, 15 year-old Jamie, was seriously injured and remains in hospital in Toronto. The Ball family now have the unimaginable task of paying for a funeral as well as a multitude of expenses borne from having to be in Toronto.

Please join your neighbours for this special fundraiser.

• SILENT AUCTION • • SALE OF FOOD & REFRESHMENTS • “Free Will Admission” All proceeds will go directly to the Ball Family.

705-326-0880 15 Mississaga St. W. Orillia www.socosalonandspa.ca southerncomfortorillia@gmail.com

We are excited to announce we’re under the management of new owner, Erin Ricard!

We carry Wella Colour and other product lines from Wella, Sebastion, Milk Shake and Awapuhi.

Tanning Lotions Nail Polish and much more!

Excellent selection of some of the best vacuums ever made.

FINEST QUALITY. COMPETITIVELY PRICED.

21

Washago Lioness as busy as ever

by Anna McDonnell Fall is setting in with many changes. It is my favourite time of year. I had a great car trip recently to “Deerridge Family Camping and Cottages” situated on Deer Lake in Warren, Ontario, not too far from Lake Superior.

Along with Ken and Estelle Ness, we attended a celebration for Lioness Arthemise Lalonde’s 90th birthday. About 92 family and friends attended. It was a perfect time of year to see the beautiful landscapes full of colour.

We had a very informative guest speaker at our last meeting.

Jo-Ann Warren spoke to us about Diabetes. Type I diabetes: you have no control over getting it; there is no cure and you are not producing insulin.

Type II diabetes – you usually are diagnosed with this over the age of 40; you have trouble making your own insulin but it can be controlled through diet or medication. Jo-Ann listed signs to watch for: very thirsty, frequent urination, tired, weight loss, etc. She suggested following Canada’s Food Guide and your dinner plate should be half vegetables, one quarter protein and one quarter carbohydrates.

If your Doctor tells you that you are a pre-diabetic think of yourself as sitting on a cliff. You can get busy and watch your diet, lose weight if advised and follow instructions. Remember once you have it, it is here to stay.

Just a reminder that our next Court Whist card party is being

Look in Your Mailbox for Our Weekly Flyer

GREAT HOLIDAY GIFTS at competitive prices every day in every department!

Excellent Selection of trees, decorations, indoor & outdoor lighting

Lioness Arthemise Lalonde, 90, is seen here at the Lioness’ Annual Christmas Bazaar, last year. planned for Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Washago Lion’s Hall on Hamilton Street.

No experience necessary. Enjoy a buffet lunch of shepherd’s pie, salad, dessert, tea, and coffee for $10. Call Carol for info 705-689-3333.

Coming up is our ‘Annual Christmas Bazaar’ on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014 with an ‘Old Fashioned’ theme beginning at

11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Come and enjoy a delicious lunch of soup, sandwiches, dessert, tea and coffee with Santa for $7. Take time to browse through our White Elephant table (new to you), outstanding craft table, bake table, penny table and lucky draws then sit awhile and enjoy a cup of cider. All are welcome, there is something for everyone.

“Beautifully written, inspiring and moving, Destiny’s Gate questions our faith in good versus evil in a truly unique ghostly suspense for teens.” says international best selling author Cheryl Kaye Tardif.

Pick up your copy at Matheson Chiropractic Clinic today!

Also available online at FriesenPress.com, Amazon, Apple and Chapters.

Dr. Kevin Matheson

705-689-2611

3375 Muskoka Street, Washago

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR YOUR SHOPPING CONVENIENCE

MATHESON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC 36 Albert St. North Orillia, ON L3V 5K2 705-326-4543 www.drkmatheson.com

22

Carbon monoxide awareness important this time of year

By Dianne Kyle, Fire Prevention Officer

On Dec. 1, 2008, O.P.P. Constable Laurie Hawkins of Woodstock, Ontario failed to show up for work. Her colleagues were concerned and upon investigation found her husband and their two children deceased with Laurie barely clinging to life. Laurie died a few days later.

A blocked chimney vent forced carbon monoxide from their gas fireplace back into their home.

The Board of Directors and staff of the Washago Community Centre would like to acknowledge and thank the following sponsors for their generous contribution to the annual Fashion Show, September 18, 2014:

AAAA Sanitation • Blaines Automotive Century 21 B.J. Roth Realty Ltd. Brokerage • Dan the Wood Man Evergreen Golf Course • Frank Cooper Construction Gavin’s Grub • Green River Yoga Miss Bee Haven Quilters • Muskoka Travel Muskoka Wrench • John Preston Contracting Rama Moccasin Shop • Dr. Pat Ryan, Washago Veterinary Services R U Able to Help • Dr. Debra Shoniker, Washago Family Dentistry

This tragedy could have been prevented with education and knowledge about carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is called the “silent killer” because you can’t see, smell or taste it. The initial symptoms of low-level carbon monoxide poisoning include tiredness, headache, dizziness, nausea and shortness of breath and can be confused with the flu.

According to a national Home Safety Poll: • 40% of Canadians do not have a CO alarm • 15% believe CO alarms last forever • 18% believe CO alarms are only needed if you have a gas furnace • 44% do not have their heating or other combustion systems checked annually • 26% do not think they have to replace CO alarms every five to seven years Appliances that are rarely used over the summer months may develop leaks or blockages and cause carbon monoxide to accumulate inside the home. Therefore, it is important to inspect appliances and carbon monoxide detectors when the colder temperatures begin.

Common sources of CO in homes include fuel-burning devices such as: furnaces, gas or kerosene space heaters, boilers, gas cooking stoves, water heaters, clothes dryers, fireplaces, charcoal grills, wood stoves, lawn mowers, power generators, camp stoves, motor vehicles and some power tools with internal combustion engines.

If you have any questions please call the Fire Prevention Division at 705-325-9131, ext. 248.

GARFIELD DUNLOP,

Snug as a Bug Quilting • Washago Home Hardware

MPP Simcoe North

Washago Village Restaurant YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE WASHAGO COMMUNITY CENTRE IS APPRECIATED!

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

Call us to book your special event or visit our website for details on events and programs.

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

705-689-6424

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

www.washagocommunitycentre.com

Call Now to Book Your Next Event!

Parties • Functions • Group Events • Cocktail Parties Fund Raising Dinners • Family and Social Gatherings Book your Christmas Party Today!

Check calendar online for Entertainment Schedule

You Chill ~ We Grill

Open from 11 am • Closed Sundays Fall/Winter

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

23

Plight of the pollinators

By Ron Reid Many of you may remember the controversy in the 1960s about the damaging effects of DDT and other pesticides on wildlife, highlighted by Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring. That outcry kick-started the environmental movement and led to much tighter regulation of toxic chemicals.

But now we seem to be in a re-run of that controversy with a group of pesticides known as neonicotinoids, often shortened to “neo-nics”.

This is not an issue in far-away lands; neonics are used as a seed treatment on nearly 100% of corn crops in Canada and about half of soybean crops, and are sprayed on many fruit and vegetable crops across southern Ontario. Since the 1990s, this pesticide has taken over 25% of the global market, making it the largest single family of pest control chemicals. So as you drive by fields of corn or the carrot fields of the Holland Marsh, you are seeing neo-nics in action.

As use of neo-nics on farms across the globe has grown, so has concern about their unintended effects. Bee-keepers have been in the forefront in sounding the alarm, but other studies are now showing a strong link between neo-nics and plummeting populations of native wild bees, some butterflies, and even some hummingbirds.

There is also concern that birds that eat treated seed may be killed or injured by exposure to this chemical.

What makes neo-nics so damaging? First, these pesticides are systemic, which means they migrate to every part of the treated plants. They are present in nectar and pollen which bees carry back to their colonies, and are even blown in the dust created when treated seeds are being planted. Second, neo-nics are persistent, lasting for three years or more in soils and plant residues.

So in fields that are treated every year, their concentrations accumulate higher and higher. Finally, unlike many pesticides, neo-nics are water soluble, so they show up in ditches and streams draining off treated fields.

In the short term, the big concern is that so many of the insects affected by neo-nics are pollinators. Insect pollination is essential for an estimated 35% of food crops across the world, including most fruits and vegetables, forage crops such as clover and alfalfa, and oilseeds such as canola and sunflowers. The pollinator insects are not just honey bees; in Canada we have about 400 species of native wild bees, and many other flying and crawling native insects also play an important role for specific plants. In the

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’

There is a link between ‘neo-nics’ and the deaths of bees. interest of food security, we simply cannot afford to wipe out the pollinators.

There is considerable resistance among farmers and agri-business corporations to limiting the use of neo-nics, including concern about how to come up with less damaging alternatives. But Europe has already banned neo-nics for a two-year trial period, and the Ontario government is studying its options. The most likely outcome may be regulations to limit the use of this pesticide to situations where they are clearly needed, as an initial step to reduce their ecological damage.

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.

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

24

Seatbelt-related deaths at 10-year low

A 53-year-old man and two women, 51 and 33 were arrested at a Monck Road residence after police executed a warrant on Sept. 26, 2014. Members of the Orillia OPP Street Crime Unit in conjunction with the OPP Drug Enforcement Section (DES), Community Drug Action Team (CDAT) Emergency Response Team (ERT), Canine Unit and members of the Orillia OPP were involved in the warrant execution.

OPP launches Twitter accounts Designated staff in provincial communications centres will now be sending time-sensitive information via Twitter to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Washago Family Dentistry Dr. Debra Shoniker

8291 County Rd. 169, Washago • 705-689-6600 Same Day Emergency Care • New Patients Welcome!

Services include: • Exams • Bonding

Street

n

Street

d 16

Muskoka

Cou nty R

9 Rama Rd

Debbie Balika, Research Assistant at Lakehead Orillia, helped present information about the University’s Lake Couchiching research projects at a public presentation on Sept. 26.

Hamil to

Lakehead U hosts water discussion

Ramara family members arrested for drugs

While getting road users to be 100 per cent compliant with seat belt laws remains a challenging goal, the OPP sees motorists taking a step in the right direction with 2014 seat belt-related fatalities on track to being the lowest in 10 years.

• Cleanings

• Veneers

• Sport Mouth Guards

• Crowns

• Bridges • Night Guards • Implants • Whitening • Dentures • Mild Sedation (nitrous oxide/laughing gas)

25

Dock could be brought back Low-cost rabies clinics Coun. Ron Stevens says that Council members may have acted too hastily and should reconsider their options when it comes to removing a private dock from Township land on Thomson Crescent.

A dock has been in place on the lot for years and used by the community without problem. However, after a complaint was made by a neighbour about partying and drinking on the dock, members of Council passed a motion on Sept. 24 to have the dock removed from Township property. A committee of Council has been set up to review the issue.

Veterinarians in Simcoe County and Muskoka hosted low-cost rabies clinics throughout October. It is mandatory for all dogs and cats to be vaccinated for protection against rabies. Pet owners who fail to comply risk receiving a fine.

Severn’s Ward 5 seat deemed vacant Severn Township’s Ward 5 (Washago) councillor seat held by Rob Ferguson was deemed vacant by Severn Council at its meeting on Oct. 1, 2014.

Locks closed for another season The Trent-Severn Waterway (TSW) closed for another year on Oct. 13, 2014.

Parks Canada encourages the public to use caution in and around canal structures and channels. From mid-October to the end of May, the canal’s lock stations are closed and their use is at one’s one risk.

Unmarked hazards may exist, especially as the colder weather progresses.

TWIN MAPLES FARM

WEDDINGS • WAGON RIDES • SLEIGH RIDES

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

705-689-0182

Christine Jameson: christine@twinmaplesfarm.ca

705-345-3491 or 705-706-2130 www.MuskokaLakefront.weebly.com muskokalakefront@hotmail.com

Thank you!

On October 4th we held our Farley Fair Fundraiser.

Thank-you to everyone who attended our event and donated to this very special cause.

We are very grateful for your generosity.

Now is the perfect time to realize your landscape dreams!

Landscape Designs including 3-D layouts Septic Design & Licensed Installation General Excavation Work

The Farley Foundation assists seniors and disabled persons with limited income in accessing necessary treatment for their pets.

Please visit www.farleyfoundation.org for complete information.

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

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SEE A PHOTO GALLERY AND DESCRIPTION OF ADDITIONAL SERVICES WE OFFER.

www.MuskokaLakefront.weebly.com Serving Washago residents for over 10 years.

References available upon request.

Specializing in lake and riverfront properties.

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.

AAAA SANITATION 24 HR Emergency Service

Better Value Plumbing & Heating Inc. • For all your plumbing and hydronic needs •

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

705-689-6676

(689-NORM)

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

BUSINESS/CELL 705-689-5991

“Proudly serving the local community.”

• REPAIRS - chainsaws, lawn mowers, riding mowers, snowblowers. Pick up available.

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

• SALE of chainsaws, parts and bulk chain

Dan The Wood Man Tree Removal Junk Removal Demolitions FULLY INSURED

705-689-2223

(ABCD)

www.danthewoodman.ca

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

Suz’s Painting & Decorating HAVE YOUR HOME FINISHED PROFESSIONALLY - INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

We leave your home clean, neat and dust free!

In-home services include cleaning and organizing sheds, garages, cupboards including garbage disposal.

Call today for an estimate 705-833-1364 or email suzspainting@gmail.com ASK ABOUT OUR SPECIAL RATE FOR SENIORS!

No Water?

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

Just Fix It 705-689-RICK (7425)

Over 27 Years Experience

Licensed by Ministry of Natural Resources

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

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

27

Black River bison stew Recipe provided by Chef Becky of Black River Food Company

Ingredients:

½ cup ½ cup ½ cup

4 tbsp

1 can 4 cups ½ cup ½ cup

¼ cup vegetable oil 2 lb bison stewing cubes

(can be purchased

at Universal Game

Farm in Coldwater) 2 cans Sawdust City Red

Rocket Coffee Spiced Stout 1 cup diced red onion ½ cup cubed turnip

or parsnip

diced carrots celery diced sweet potato or yam, cubed chopped thyme and rosemary, fresh stewing tomatoes beef broth tomato paste unsalted butter

TERRI’S

ALL BREED DOG GROOMING 3831 Soules Road Orillia, ON L3V 6H3

705-329-2440

Ask about our Christmas Specials!

Preparation:

Pour oil in skillet and sear off bison cubes.

Remove from pan and set aside.

In the same pan saute celery, parsnip, carrots and potatoes.

Stir constantly.

Add flour and tomato paste and stir well.

Slowly add beer, tomatoes and stock.

Season salt pepper to taste.

Return seared bison to pan.

Reduce heat and simmer 45 minutes.

Reduce liquid by half, bison should be fork tender.

If still tough add more beer!

Stir in fresh herbs and butter and serve in a hollowed pumpkin or squash with artisan bread.

PLEASE DONATE

FOR A GREAT CAUSE!

Your donation will help raise funds and support three very deserving area youth. Those three will be included in the 180 Canadian youth contingent who will attend the

23rd World Scout Jamboree in Japan in the summer of 2015 – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will change their lives forever.

BradFord GreeNhouse & GeorGiaN Mall, Barrie - November 28 - Demonstrations Girls shoPPiNG WeeKeNds

Rd

EXIT COUNTY RD. 169/ WASHAGO

food and drink. $125 includes transportation, admission and the Big Ben Horse Show.

at the greenhouse and shopping at the mall. $50.

Rama

Donation Bin

a Str eet

LCBO Washago

M uskok

HWY

11 N orth

PLACE YOUR DONATION IN THE SCOUT LARGE METAL BIN IN WASHAGO – see map

Mystery tour! - November 13 - Everything included. $105. royal WiNter Fair - November 15 - A shopper’s paradise with

Coun t

y Rd

Erie and/or Grove City, PA and Auburn Hills, MI multiple November dates. Call today for details!

169

On behalf of the Whispering Pines Scouts, thank-you very much for your generosity.

Special thanks to the Log Cabin for giving us the space on their property for our donation bin.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE AND OTHER TRIPS, PLEASE CALL DARLENE WOODS, 705-689-6636

28

No Santa Claus parade in Washago

By Kim Goggins It looks like there will not be a Santa Claus parade in Washago this year.

As of The Villager’s press time for the November 2014 issue, no one person or group has come forward to organize it.

“It’s not going to happen unless something miraculous changes,” confirmed Rose Petit, manager of the Washago Community Centre.

Although it’s only been running for three years, it will be something that’s missed, says Mary Harth, who organized the first parade in 2011.

She looks back to that first Santa Claus Parade in Washago with fond memories. The event really seemed to pull the community together to celebrate the season.

“We put it all together and the interest was overwhelming,” she recalls. “We had over 30

floats. It was crazy good.”

The year before, Harth, Lynda Hepinstall and Peter Keith made beautiful swags with pine boughs, ribbon and Christmas balls to hang on the telephone poles that lined Muskoka Street. They wanted the village to take on the look of the season after several years without anything.

“There was nothing going on in Washago at Christmas time,” she explains. “There used to be the Victorian Christmas with a candlelight walk to light the big tree down by the CN property but the tree grew so big you couldn’t put lights on it anymore and (that tradition) died away.”

And it seems, so will the Santa Claus parade tradition if a group of volunteers don’t come forward.

“That’s really too bad,” says

Santa flew into Washago on his magical sleigh last year to attend the Santa Claus Parade but not this year.

Harth. “We really need here. Maybe if someone comes something, you know? We forward it would garner interest have a nice little community (from others).”

Attention Residents:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Evergreen Golf Centre is hosting a public meeting to present its Annual Report on Class 9 pesticide use as required by Ontario Regulation 63/09 under the Pesticides Act. The Annual Report summarizes the use of Class 9 pesticides used at Evergreen Golf Centre for the year 2013.

The meeting will take place at Evergreen Golf Centre 3372 Agnew Rd., Washago 6:00 pm, Wednesday, November 5th, 2014.

Tim Edwards, owner, 705-689-5071

• House & Cottage Cleaning • Office & Store Cleaning • Window Cleaning • Grass Cutting • Painting We are fully insured & bonded.

Vivette van der Horst 9565 Highway 11 N Bus. 705-689-6492 RR3 Orillia, L3V 6H3 Cell 705-330-1376 www.dutchcleaningservice.com

Unisex Hair Care

~ By Appointment Only, Please ~

705-689-9288

3350 Muskoka St. (Main Street), Washago, ON

29

Community centre asks Council to pay for new floor

By Kim Goggins At first glance, the hardwood floor at the Washago Community Centre looks like it’s in pretty good shape for being more than a hundred years old.

But closer examination reveals holes and cracks, as well as a spongy feel underfoot. It’s the concern that someone will catch a heel in one of the holes or actually go through the floor and hurt themselves that has the Washago Community Centre Corporation (WCCC) board of directors appealing to Council members to replace the floor at the Township’s cost.

A number of directors attended the Sept. 24, 2014 Corporate Services Committee meeting where board president, Jim Ferry, gave a presentation to

Council members to ask that the Township pay 100 percent of the cost to not only replace the flooring but to put in a proper subfloor.

Quotes from three different companies were included in the package given to the Township.

The WCCC leases the building from the Township and part of the lease agreement states that the costs for capital improvements to the hall be split 50/50 between the WCCC and the municipality.

“The current board of directors is challenging that replacing the current wood hall flooring, which is in deplorable and unsafe condition, be defined as a maintenance capital improvement subject to the

Make Your Home or Cottage More Accessible!

Thousands of people walk on the floors of the Washago Community Centre every year.

50/50 rule,” said Ferry in his presentation. “We feel this is a serious health and safety issue that should be the sole responsibility of the Township.”

“We would like Council strongly to consider helping us by replacing the floor entirely,” he continued.

Members of Council agreed that the floor needs to be replaced but did not make a decision on how much the Township will

pay because they want to see three new quotes with more extensive information for the work that is needed below the flooring.

“I would like to see more detail (in the quotes),” Coun. Jane Dunlop said at the Oct. 1, 2014 Council meeting. “I would approve the Township paying for it but I would not approve any of these prices.”

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Energy Efficient Home Comfort Systems • 10-year parts warranty • Fast, courteous, expert installation • Tune-ups and service calls by appointment

MORRISON CLIMATE CONTROL Call 705-689-COOL (2665)

email: morrisonclimatecontrol@hotmail.com FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED FOR OVER 10 YEARS

30

Community Happenings Send your group’s upcoming community event to villagereditorial@rogers.com.

November 15, 2014

The Lake St. George Community Hall is hosting a Christmas Craft sale between 9 a.m.

November 1, 2014 Heritage United Church will host a Lasagna and 3 p.m. at the hall, 3239 South Sparrow Dinner prepared by chefs Chuck and Soo, Lake Rd., between Orillia and Washago. along with a wonderful concert featuring Gospel Elvis. It will take place at the Washago November 15, 2014 Community Centre at 6 p.m. Adults $20, The Annual Christmas Craft and Gift Sale will Children ages 6-12 $10, preschoolers free. take place at the Washago Community Centre.

Phone 705-689-2461 for ticket reservations. There will be 25 vendor tables with a variety of Both meat and vegetarian lasagna options gift items for everyone on your list. A hot lunch are available along with Caesar salad, rolls will be served between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and a dessert buffet.

November 7, 2014

A drop-in will be held at the Washago Community Centre between 4:30 and 8 p.m. to raise money to help support the Ball family. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase and there will be a silent auction table.

November 10, 2014

November 22, 2014

The Washago Lioness’ Annual Christmas Bazaar, with an old fashioned theme, will run from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Lions Hall on Hamilton Street. Enjoy a delicious lunch with Santa for $7. Soup, sandwiches, dessert, tea and coffee will be available along with a “White Elephant” table, craft table, bake table and penny table. There will also be lucky draws.

November 29, 2014

Marchmont Public School will host its WInter Sale at the school between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

November 21, 2014 It’s a day of socialization, shopping and fun.

Ladies Night will be held at the Washago There will be baked goods, craft items by local Community Centre from 6 - 9 p.m. Psychics, artisans as well as other vendors. There will Reiki, Reflexology, Crystal Healing and also be a silent auction.

Aura Photography will be available along with numerous vendor tables of female November 29, 2014 entrepreneurs and a silent auction. This is A Mom2Mom sale will take place at the a fundraiser for the community centre and Washago Community Centre between 9 a.m. local toy drive. and noon. Gently used children’s clothes. Buy or sell.

A Remembrance Day Ceremony at Rama November 22, 2014 First Nation will take place at the Cenotaph Grant Fullerton, one of Canada’s premier on Rama Road at 10:30 a.m. guitarists, who has previously played with ‘Stitch in Tyme’ and ‘Lighthouse’, will take November 12, 2014 the stage at the Washago Community The Washago Lioness Court Whist card party Centre from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. with doors will take place at the Lions’ Hall on Hamilton opening at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15/person Street, beginning at 10:30 a.m. No experience and available from Jim Hanwell at 705-689necessary. Enjoy a buffet lunch of shepherd’s 5629 or from Rose Petit at the Community pie, salad, dessert, tea and coffee for $10. Call Centre at 705-689-6424. Tickets sell quickly Carol for more information at 705-689-3333. for this popular event.

Basil Hepinstall (far right) was on hand with Don Westcott and Ken Hepinstall to guide this antique RAM pump into place at the Washago Dr. Sandy Drury of Lake Country Animal Community Gardens, on 169. The pump was Hospital welcomes guests to the clinic’s once owned by CN and pumped water to the Annual Farley Fair Fundraiser. The event water tower to provide for the steam engines. raised more than $2,000.

Basil used to maintain the pump.

November 30, 2014

Celebrate Grey Cup with the Washago Lions at their annual Grey Cup Party. View the game on two large screen TVs at the Lions Hall on Hamilton Street. Chili, sausage on a bun and game pool are all included in the $30 ticket.

Bar opens at 3 p.m. and there will be a 50/50 and silent auction. For tickets call Garnet at 705-689-3974, Jim at 705-689-8075 or Sandy at 705-689-9646.

Paddy (bottom, far right) and Doug (top middle) Taylor, owners of the Wasdell Falls Dam gatekeeper’s home held a celebration to mark the 100th Anniversary of when the dam first started generating hydroelectricity. These family members of the former gatekeepers, seen here with the Taylors, attended the party.

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

Welcome to our new Speedy Glass® service centre.

®

Bill Farewell

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

315 West St. S Orillia

705.325.3500 speedyglass.ca

3384 Muskoka Street, Washago

705.514.5000

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

ken ttened Chic la F • s k a te Chops triploin S ick Cut Pork h Fresh AAA S T • ts s a o Loin R Stuffed Pork

• Fresh Fruits & Vegetables • Deli Counter • Huge stock of competitively-priced groceries

• Freshly made pies every day • Double-decker brownies • ‘Almost Famous’ Butter Tarts • Freshly baked breads buns and sweets daily Please call ahead to order your freshly baked pies & specialty desserts for Christmas

Fresh Turkeys (pre-order only) and an excellent selection of Grade A frozen turkeys.

Spreads & Dips Specialty Cheeses, Smoked Salmon, Chutney Specialty Teas & Coffee Hickory Farms Gift Boxes

Pre-order your custom gift basket for that special someone.