Visual Poetry: Fine Art Photography
Meet Mike Bailey, a talented Fine Art Photographer and owner of A Shoebox Of Memories. With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in capturing stunning landscapes, wildlife, and still life moments. Mike also teaches photography and provides top-notch printing and framing services for the local arts community and his customers.
For the past seven years, Mike has split his time between Severn, Ontario and sunny Arizona. His photography showcases the mesmerizing landscapes of the American Southwest and the seasonal changes in Ontario. What sets Mike apart is his unique ability to capture the true essence of what he sees and feels. He has a keen eye for simple yet breathtaking images that hold their own unique beauty.
Through his artistic vision, Mike
breathes new life into his subjects, creating captivating stories with each photograph. He loves sharing these stories with his customers and loyal followers.
Most of Mike’s work is one-of-a-kind, which has earned him several awards including the recent Government of Ontario Award. One of his winning pieces was a photograph of a decommissioned jail’s rotunda, which was later purchased as a retirement gift for the Deputy Minister of Corrections.
Mike’s work is cherished by many repeat customers who proudly display it in their homes, offices, or give it as memorable gifts. He regularly participates in the Images Tour to showcase his unique art style and had a successful solo show at the Nomad Gallery in Orillia.
Publishers
Jiun Liao and Mikaila Bolzonello
Art Director
Marleen Walz
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From The Publishers
Here we are! In print again! We are so excited to have hit this milestone. It has been months of planning and testing, and more planning, and a few backwards steps but we did it. Progress isn’t linear and I love that it isn’t because boy do you learn a lot.
Each month that passes by becomes more and more encouraging as we continue to meet such wonderful people in our community. We are so proud of this issue and are starting to feel like we are finally providing the content we had hoped for.
As much as we feel accomplished with the last few issues, we feel like we still have a long way to go. There is quite a bit of content that we haven’t even had a chance to add and sections of the magazine we want to expand.
One addition to the magazine that we are very excited about this month is our partnership with the Orillia & District Arts Council. Our covers, from now on, will feature art from local artists and an editorial about them inside the magazine as well. Go ahead, have a look at the cover again…
A huge thank you to all of our incredible advertisers and contributors this month. We are so excited to have you and can’t wait to see what more we can do together! Without all of you supporting us, we wouldn’t be able to support the community in this way.
And an extra special thank you to our distributors for supporting our return to print by allowing us to take up some of your space.
We have been so overwhelmed with kind words from our readers as well - it means so much to us. Here are a couple snippets of emails we received recently:
“Just happened upon this little publication and think it is great!”
“What an absolute delight it was to read The Villager this morning. I read your August issue cover to cover and enjoyed every page.”
We have also started an winstagram account to compliment our facebook page so if you are someone who engages more with social media - go ahead and follow us!
Instagram @thevillagermagazine
And now, to go get our 7 month old from his nap. He woke up way too early so I guess my thoughts end here…ah parenthood.
Enjoy the read!
- Mikaila (and Jiun)Made in Gravenhurst: Muskoka Fire Pits
By Jiun LiaoThere is something comforting when you sit by a fire surrounded by people. It’s hard to describe, but it feels like you’re part of something. Everything is dark and quiet, except for the friendships. It brings people together.
Nobody knows this more than the Garrido family, owners of Muskoka Fire Pits. A family run business in Gravenhurst that makes beautiful fire pits and accessories out of recycled materials. I met with Lea Garrido not long ago, current owner of the business, to help me tell their story.
It all began around 2008 after her father Pascal was laid off from his job, and was looking for work. He had started a few side projects, and making fire pits became one of them because of uncle Roger, as Lea calls him. Uncle Roger asked Pascal to build him a fire pit, and as luck would have it, Pascal remembered someone making a fire pit online using a propane tank, so he decided to give it a go.
The propane tank fire pit was an instant hit. Neighbours and extended family members, captivated by the unique design when they came over to uncle Roger’s house, began requesting their own. Soon after, local businesses like Country Produce in Orillia approached the family to sell these unique fire pits. Their home operation was no longer enough to handle the growing business. With decommissioned propane tanks filling their garden and workspace running out, it was clear that a change was needed. In 2009, they opened their first store near Webers. They quickly outgrew that space, and moved to their current location in Gravenhurst.
To this day, the entire operation is family run. Lea said that every family member who could wield a screwdriver has worked there at one point or another. Bringing them together like nothing else has. They all have their own fire pits, and often gather around one of them for family cookouts.
Muskoka Fire Pits buy old decommissioned propane tanks that
sit in the fields of large gas companies because it’s cheaper for them to store them than to melt them down.
These propane tanks are meticulously inspected and cut into usable parts. Each tank, typically made from 3-inch-thick steel, is repurposed into two fire pits. The tanks are sourced from all across Canada, while any additional steel required is procured locally from Ontario.
The Garrido family’s dedication to sustainability doesn’t stop at just repurposing old propane tanks. They even recycle the dust produced from grinding and cutting the tanks. Their fire pits can even be fully customized to any design you like for your backyard. There are so many things I could say about their fire pits, but they’re almost an experience unto themselves. I wouldn’t want to ruin your first encounter with them. Once you’ve seen one and felt one, you’ll know what I mean. Visit their website to learn more about them at muskokafirepits.com
“We don’t like wasting anything; nothing goes to the garbage.”The Garrido Family enjoying their fire pit outside their workshop.
Checking the Pulse of our Real Estate Market
...HERE IS THE BEAT...
Readers may find it interesting to see the way average sale prices of homesin Severn Township have fluctuated over the past 4 years. The Month of JULY has shown a continued increase in value.
The following outlines monthly Real Estate Market’s sale price information* based on residential free-hold, non-waterfront properties:
Hello Villagers! I’m Hillary Handy, a Mom with a spirit for adventure and a love for all things local. I hail from the quaint little hamlet of Warminster and have lived in Simcoe County my whole life! I would say I’m a Jill of All Trades, Master of None. I love people and their stories. I love this area we live in. With my two little ones in tow, along with the dog, and hubby, we love to get out and about and enjoy all the cool things that are unique to our region.
My dream is to highlight some of our travels as a family so you, too, can find the hidden gems of our area. We also love to attend local festivals and events, so you can read about those as well. Some adventures have a cost associated with them, some are free or inexpensive. I am always dreaming and scheming of new places to explore and things to check out. So often, we look elsewhere for these opportunities, but I’ve come to realize that so many fun and unique places and experiences exist right in our own backyard. Please enjoy this adventure diary of ours as we explore through the seasons.
As summer is fading into fall, we are all ‘falling’ back into a routine. But we are still reminiscing on the times we had, particularly in the Coldwater area. Here are a few of our Summer in Severn Memories:
2
The Fairy Garden
Villager Ventures: Summer in Severn 1
The Coldwater Fairgrounds Park
This is, in my opinion, one of the nicest parks in our region. Everytime we go, there is virtually no one there! The grounds are always in immaculate shape. The adorable and clever design is suitable for all ages making this a fabulous place to visit 3 of the 4 seasons.
Local Sylvia Cameron worked hard all summer on her Fairy Garden on Main Street, making it open to the public. We were able to pop by to see all the cute details and even add a rock to contribute to Darcy the Snake’s tail. This is a public art installation which allows anyone to add their handiwork to the piece. So cool. There are so many hidden elements within the garden, that you can spend so much time trying to find them all. Sylvia is so happy when littles pop by to enjoy her creative and whimsical space.
Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum
We went for Woodrow Family Farm Day and enjoyed being transported back in time, learning about this historic site in our region. The museum is a staple to the Coldwater Community. You can also see a Barn Quilt Square on the property and old machinery, for all the motorheads in your family.
Summer is our season and we had a blast. We are excited for what fall fun will come our way. Stay tuned for more tales from this Villager!
The Eternal Appeal
of Maps
By Courtney BakerThere is something bewitching about maps. They begin to captivate the imagination when we’re small while there is promise of pirate treasure if we can just find a map with a big red X! As we grow older, maps retain their appeal and can still mean adventure - after all, you only look at a map if you’re going someplace new. Young or old, the pleasure remains.
“Maps begin to captivate the imagination ... of pirate treasure ... if we can just find a map with a big red X!.”
It is because of their charm that one of my favourite things to do at The Couchiching Conservancy (CC) is look at the ‘Big Map’. If you’ve ever been to visit The Conservancy office at Grant’s Woods, you’ve likely seen it. I work with my back to the big map all day, but when I need a quick break from the computer screen or a bit of inspiration I spin around and examine it.
The map is old, more than a bit faded and rough around the edges, but it is still beautiful. Because it represents the succinct story of your local land trust, The Couchiching Conservancy.
Every time The Couchiching Conservancy acquires a new property or protects a new easement, we add it to the map. We carefully cut out the shape of the new property on coloured foam and stick it on like a puzzle piece (very high-tech.) Since I started at The Conservancy 7 years ago, we have added 11 new foam bits: this represents a whopping 11,500 acres.
The story of the Conservancy keeps growing and keeps changing. Every time a volunteer sees a new species they have a new story. Every time a toddler goes for their first hike at a Conservancy nature reserve it’s a new treasured memory. The Conservancy’s story is far more than the sum of its parts.
The next property the Couchiching Conservancy is working on is the Deverell-Morton Alvar, a 400-acre property. This critical habitat fits snug between the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s North Bear Alvar and the CC’s Wolf Run Alvar (a very satisfying puzzle piece) featuring habitats from wetlands to limestone pavement (alvar). The Deverell-Morton Alvar property, not even on the map, already has a story. It will cement the Corridors Campaign as our most successful fundraising effort to date. But there are several other properties currently being negotiated under the Corridors Campaign umbrella and we need just $93,000 more to push us to our goal. Whenever we add to the
map you can see the corridors vision come together, impossible to see from the ground. A vision of protected places. A physical manifestation of all of our work that is actually fathomable rather than imagining 15,000 acres.
The dollars are essential, but they always miss the heart of the matter, the stories of the bear cubs who wander there, the salamanders whose habitat is now protected forever, or the writer who got the biggest soaker of her life there this past July. When it’s protected, the stories last forever.
A Journey Through Time & Nature
Just like you, I’m a huge fan of immersing myself in the great outdoors, taking a leisurely stroll or an invigorating bike ride down our local trails. It’s a fantastic way to breathe in some fresh air, soak up that Vitamin D, and get lost in my thoughts while appreciating my surroundings. But, have you ever delved into the history and culture that surrounds these trails? Let me tell you, there’s a wealth of knowledge waiting to be discovered.
Recently, we had the wonderful opportunity to meet Ashley from Ramara Township and Analynn Faulkner from the Trails Committee. We embarked on an exploratory journey down a couple of the trails Ramara has available. Hearing about the historical significance, cultural heritage, and the dedication that goes into maintaining these trails was nothing short of a revelation.
Our first stop was the Ramara Trail, nestled just off Highway 12. Spanning 5 km, this walking and biking trail extends all the way to Casino Rama! If you ever plan to avoid the parking frenzy during a popular concert, this trail is your ticket. Safe from highway traffic, scenic, and well-kept, the Ramara Trail is the oldest among the three trails in the township.
The trail starts at the Narrows, home to fish weirs built by the Mnjikaning First Nation people. “Mnjikaning,” an Ojibway word, translates to “the place of the fish fence.” This ingenious method of driving stakes into the bottom of the Narrows to direct fish to
Next on our list was the Lagoon City trail, a haven for herons. Unfortunately, we didn’t spot any during our visit, but we did catch sight of a baby one! This trail also partners with the Ramara Library to create a unique experience for young kids called Story Walk. All Along the trail are small posts with storyboards that encourage you to seek out the next section of the story as you
their nets is recognized as a national historic site – the largest and best-preserved wooden fish weirs in eastern North America. Carbon dating estimates suggest these stakes are over five thousand years old!
Formerly a decommissioned CN rail line, the Ramara Trail is now part of the esteemed Trans-Canada Trail system. The vision is to one day connect the Ramara Trail with the Washago Trail for an unparalleled experience for cyclists and walkers alike.
We owe it all to Analynn! In the early 2000s, after coming across the abandoned rail line, she was inspired to approach the township and convince them to allow her to convert it into a trail for the community. Today, she and her committee members fundraise and maintain these trails themselves. They even installed the benches and built the bridges we cross. They are the unsung heroes who make our adventures possible.
Nature
By Jiun Liaowalk along the trail. I immediately thought of how much my kids would enjoy walking along this trail together discovering section after section of this cute story!
The tranquility of this trail is truly unmatched. It’s level and easily traveled – perfect for families or individuals who may have trouble with inclines. The Township plans to extend this
trail towards Concession 7 as an alternative route for cyclists to bypass Highway 12.
We’re incredibly privileged to live in such a picturesque region. Before winter makes its appearance again, do yourself a favor – explore these trails. You’ll discover parts of our area that you might not have ventured into before!
ODAC: Nurturing Artistic Excellence in Orillia
By Dennis RizzoWelcome to the new publishers of The Villager. The Orillia and District Arts Council (ODAC) looks forward to working with you promote and expand the arts, in all their formats, in our area. But – you may ask – what is it we do?
An Arts Support Organization (ASO) is a local, usually charitable, member-driven group that serves to sponsor and sustain artistic efforts in its selected communities. In the case of ODAC, this is the area in northern Simcoe County, working from Orillia. In this region we have so many wonderful visual artists, musicians, performers, and others who make art their passion. Most can benefit from the assistance of an ASO.
ODAC has collaborated with the City of Orillia to do Culture Days each September/October, has arranged, and manages, the Orillia Summer Parks evenings at local parks, and is the lead in developing several locally based art programs.
One such is A Visual Reconciliation – this is a project funded by the Canada Council for the Arts. It brings four diverse artists to the table to illustrate and demonstrate their interpretation of the seven grandfather teachings of the Anishinaabe.
Another is the drop-in program hosted with St. James Church, which offers mentoring by local artists for seniors living alone or in residence. Yet another is locating and managing artists from around the area to illustrate and decorate bike stations for the County of Simcoe Bike trails. This gave work to local artists and pizzaz to the County trail sites. For 2023, ODAC is also exploring arts and mental health.
The key vision for ODAC, since 1999, has been a strong united creative community working together to enhance culture in our area. In this regard, ODAC collaborates regularly with other arts and performance groups in the area. To achieve this, ODAC’s board and membership strives to empower, advocate for, and celebrate all art forms in our region. As an ASO, we pursue inclusiveness, life-long learning, respect for art and artists, diversity, community, and freedom of expression.
ODAC welcomes new members from any genre of artistic expression. As a member you have access to our displays at local businesses, insurance for your public presentations, and opportunity to design your own programs with assistance to locate funding. We’ll be spotlighting some of our on-going and developing efforts right here, in the Villager.
Visit www.orilliaartscouncil.ca to learn more.
Finding Hope in Today’s Market: The Journey Of Home Affordability
By Mikaila BolzonelloHousing affordability is such a hot topic these days. Whether you’re in the market to buy or rent, it seems like a monumental task for most. And it’s not just those on the lower end of the income spectrum, but everyone is feeling the pinch these days.
Recently, I had the opportunity to have an extensive conversation with Orillia’s Housing Coordinator, Janette McGee. Her role was born out of a growing demand in our community for affordable housing options.
It’s encouraging to see that Orillia is not just acknowledging this issue but actively working on it by creating this new role to collaborate closely with the Affordable Housing Committee and present viable solutions to the Council.
I’m determined to ... uncover the initiatives they’re putting forth to aid our community.
The media coverage on housing can make it feel like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. A lot of people are feeling hopeless about securing their next home, or are worried about how the rising interest rates might impact their ability to keep up with their mortgages. Today’s headlines seem to be all doom and gloom, adding to the stress and anxiety of an already struggling community.
What nobody seems to be covering are all the possible solutions or initiatives to improve the situation.
What I’ve come to realize is that there’s a significant knowledge gap when it comes to potential solutions
that could be game-changers for housing affordability in our area. These could not only assist those searching for a new home but also provide options for others who are trying to hold on to their homes and avoid being forced to sell. My insightful conversation with Janette was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to exploring shortterm solutions. Some of them being rent to own programs, grants for building second suites in your home, infinity mortgages, down payment assistance, etc. There was information that even I, as a real estate broker, was unaware of. Both the city and county could use some help spreading the word and so, here’s my plan:
Over the coming months, I’ll be taking you on a journey as I delve into discussions with local officials, representatives from Simcoe County, mortgage brokers, and various nonprofit organizations.
I’m determined to get the inside scoop on what’s going on and uncover the initiatives they’re putting forth to aid our community. I’ll gather as much information as possible on making housing more affordable for you and share it every month, hoping it reaches someone who could use some guidance and help.
It’s going to take a village to navigate through this challenging housing situation, but together, we can make a difference!
The Making of A Backstage Pass into Playwriting
By Mikaila and JiunWhat do you remember from the last play you went to see? Maybe the stunning performances, the mesmerizing set design, the perfectly timed sound and lighting. It all seems to fall into place so effortlessly, doesn’t it? But there’s a whole world of incredible effort, dedication, and countless drafts that remain behind the curtain.
This month, I’d like to take you behind the scenes, and see how a play becomes a reality. Not the actors, or the set. But how mere words on paper become the root of the stellar productions you get to see.
I had the pleasure of talking to Trudee Romanek, the creative genius behind Bobbie, the play currently running at the Five Points Theater in Barrie. Even as a professional playwright, it took her years to go from an idea to the stage.
It all started in 2021, when Trudee stumbled upon a figure named Bobbie Rosenfeld and felt an irresistible urge to bring her story back to life. There was a story there that she felt needed to be told, so she started researching and building the backbone of the play.
Trudee dove into old newspaper articles, found and talked to Bobbie’s niece, Rochelle Thompson, and read the only book she could get her hands on that talked about Bobbie’s history.
As Trudee delved deeper into her research, she began to pick up on notes of prejudice and antisemitism — elements that would become pivotal in Bobbie’s story. Trudee collaborated with two cultural consultants from the Jewish community to ensure the script remained authentic and respectful.
It wasn’t until August 2022 when she finally
completed her first full draft script. She had finally reached the starting point of the play.
The theatre wheels were now in motion, and by December, Trudee was invited to take part in the first workshop for her script.
Guided by Theatre By The Bay’s dramaturg, Leah Holder, actors were brought in to read through the script to help find inconsistencies within the story or the characters as well as share their insights. Trudee then spent months continuing to edit and polish the script.
By June 2023, she had just finished editing her fifth draft of the play, and was getting ready to go through yet another workshop.
Trudee mentioned that you reach a point where you feel done with a piece of writing because you have reached the end of your objectivity. Luckily, a script can continue to evolve beyond what you could have originally envisioned thanks to the help and teamwork of all those involved in the production.
Finally, on July 31st, after nine drafts and countless hours spent on every line and direction, the script was ready to get on its feet and involve the aspects of the production that you as an audience member would see on stage.
And that takes us to today. If you picked up your copy of The Villager early this month, there’s still time to watch Bobbie and see the love and commitment of this original theatre production. The play opened on August 31 and runs until September 10. Get your tickets at https://theatrebythebay.com/bobbie.
Presented by: Local playwright Trudee Romanek, creator of “Bobbie”. The play follows the story of Fanny “Bobbie” Rosenfeld, a true Canadian sports icon who fled from the violence and turmoil of Russia to the safety of Barrie. She would then go on to become an Olympic Champion, representing Canada at the Olympic Games in 1928.Community Events
A HIGHLIGHT OF COMMUNITY EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS
--- KIDS & FAMILY ---
PIRATE PARTY
Sept 1-3
On Labour Day Weekend, the Pirates of Lake Couchiching storm the Port of Orillia. This amazing family fun-filled weekend features inwater Pirate displays, a Pirate Village with live re-enactors and demonstrations and a “plank walk” where the pirates send local politicians and business leaders into the water.
SEVERN BRIDGE COMMUNITY HALL
September 11, 12pm • 1035 Southwood Rd., Severn Bridge. Community Luncheon, including beverage and dessert. $10 per person. All Welcome.
COLDWATER FALL FAIR
Sept 22-24
coldwaterfallfair.com
The Coldwater Fair is a local agricultural celebration held the last full weekend each September. Bring the family to enjoy the Magical Midway, agricultural exhibitions, vendors, entertainment and more!
RAMONA HALL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
FALL FAIR
Sept 15-16 • 2212 Fairgrounds Road, Washago www.ramonahall.ca
Activities and delicious food to enjoy with the whole family daily. Volunteers for setup, fair day and clean up needed. Please contact us at our email; info.ramonahall@gmail.com
--- ARTS & CULTURE ---
HISTORICAL ORILLIA: A GUIDED WALKING TOUR
Sept 1 • 6:30-8:30pm www.orilliamuseum.org/project/ho/ Embark on a journey through Orillia’s rich history on this captivating walking tour. Only $10 per person ($7.50 for members).
BOBBIE
Aug 31 - Sept 10 • Five Points Theatre, 1 Dunlop Street West, Barrie, ON. theatrebythebay.com/bobbie
Bobbie follows the story of Fanny “Bobbie” Rosenfeld, a true Canadian sports icon. She would then go on to become an Olympic Champion, representing Canada at the Olympic Games in 1928.
LENNON LIVE: LOVE IS REAL - JUST “IMAGINE!”
Sept 16 • Orillia Opera House www.lennon.live
Witness the musical legacy of John Lennon come alive in an inspiring tribute concert“Lennon.Live: Love Is Real.” A “magical mystery tour” that traces Lennon’s musical life in the “Fab Four” through to his emergence as a cultural icon promoting peace and love!
THE ROLLING STONES TRIBUTE BAND
Sept 22 Orillia • Opera House www.orilliaoperahouse.ca/en/Events
The Rolling Stones Tribute and the U.K. Invasion Tribute bands team up for this double-header performance!
CASH - WORLD’S MOST AUTHENTIC JOHNNY CASH TRIBUTE
Sept 23 • Orillia Opera House
www.orilliaoperahouse.ca/en/Events
Presented by international award winning Paul Anthony. This is the most authentic presentation and tribute to Johnny Cash!
--- OUTDOORS ---
SIMCOE COUNTY LOOP TRAIL FUNDO
Sept 9, 7:00am-6:30pm
www.eventbrite.ca
Join us on Saturday, September 9th for a supported one-day gravel and road cycling event to celebrate Cycle Simcoe’s 10th Anniversary.
PASSPORT TO NATURE: FORAGING FOR FUNGI PHOTOS
Sept 10 • 9:00am
www.eventbrite.ca
Join naturalist and community scientist David Cowl on a mushroom hunt through Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve to learn why foraging with a camera is a much more sustainable option.
HORSESHOE VALLEY BIKE FEST
Sept 15-17
horseshoeresort.com/events/hv-bike-fest/ Join us for a weekend of mountain biking, entertainment and friends at Horseshoe Valley Bike Fest! All weekend industry partners will be set up in the Expo Area with the latest gear, contests and more! Don’t miss live music throughout the weekend and the Joyride150 Kids Zone!
TOUR DE T1D 2023
Sept 24 7:30am-2:00pm
www.tourdet1d.ca
Large scale outdoor cycling event taking place in the beautiful Horseshoe Valley. Start at the Heights Ski and Country clubs and you have 3 road routes and 1 Trail route to choose from. 25K, 55K and 100K road routes will bring along the stunning vistas of Oro-MedonteMedonte. The Trail ride is an easy 6.5 K look in Copeland forest. Added to bring the younger crowds or those who prefer the forest to the roads. No climbing or descending involved.
For more events happening this month make sure to visit our digital calendar!
villagermagazine.ca/events