April 2013
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Boaters to navigate fee hikes By Kim Goggins It’s not uncommon to see Glenn and Rosalind Watson cruising along the TrentSevern Waterway most summer weekends with their beagle ‘Ruby’ earnestly looking out from their boat. “It’s the best time we have as a couple, working as a team out on the boat,” said Glenn. Boating on the Trent-Severn is a privilege that many in this area have grown used to in the summer, but significant fee hikes proposed by Parks Canada may see more boaters staying on their dock and many businesses seeing a decrease in traffic. Boaters who use the TSW and businesses along the system have not been pleased since Parks Canada announced in January that changes to the fee structure were coming to help them capture an additional $1 million in revenue each year. Initially, they set out a plan to take away the payment system as it is now — along with one-day, six-day and season passes — and introduce tickets. But due to the negative feedback they received even before the consultation process came to an end on Feb. 18, 2013, the government department withdrew its initial ticket structure suggestion and posted a proposal for a direct cost per lock system that will continue providing season passes, as well as one and six-day passes. Despite these concessions, Watson and others say the proposed fee hikes are still too high. Last summer, a season’s pass to go through the locks and moor his 25-foot Sea
and 45 in this area) it will be 60 cents per foot and 90 cents per foot for one-way passage through a Level 2 lock (Lock 44 in this area). The cost for a one-day pass will increase to $2.40 per foot, the six-day pass will increase about 43 percent, from $5.05 per foot currently, to $7.20 foot, and the Season Pass will increase about 70 percent, from $8.80 per foot to $15 per foot. Initially, the one-day pass was taken out, but according to Genevieve Patenaude, media relations officer for Parks Canada, it was reintroduced into the fee structure proposal, following a review of the suggestions by Canadians throughout the consultation process, where they heard from more than 800 people. Continued page 9 Photo: Ros Watson ‘Ruby’ enjoys some board time when stopped for a swim.
Ray would have cost him $464, but these proposed increases will have that number jump to $875 by 2014. “It’s going to affect our boating quite a bit,” he said. “Right now, for overnight mooring, it’s $22.50 for my boat and it’s going to go to $31.25, and that’s with no real services. There’s no hydro to hook up to. At some of the locks, there are no roads in or out. So you’re just there for the night, running off your battery.” The Parks Canada proposal will see a 33-to-50 percent increase in lockage fees. For one-way passage through a Level 1 lock (locks 42, 43
Westshore growth ��������������������� 3 Business profile ��������������������������� 5 News in review ���������������������������10 Recipe of the month ���������������14 Community happenings �������18
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Careful planning key to Westshore By Kim Goggins Along the western shores of Lake Couchiching there lays an eclectic mix of homes and cottages that stretch just over three miles, from Wilson Point to a branch of the Severn River, at Highway 11. Each of the neighbourhoods within these boundaries is unique in its own right, but together, they form what is known today as Westshore. For many years, people have escaped from the City to this part of Severn Township on the weekends, and retired here because they fell head over heels in love with the area. John Fortune is one of those people. After years of avid boating in the region, he and his wife moved to Grayshott Drive in the fall of 2010 to escape the bustle of Oakville in their retirement and enjoy the quietness and ‘small town feel’ of the Westshore area.
Holly Wiles and David Davies enjoy the warmer weather by walking ‘Seth’, ‘Missy’ and ‘Gus’ down Turnbull Dr.
“The people are always friendly and it’s very quiet where we live,” notes Fortune. “I can see the stars at night and there are always birds at our feeder.” Fortune’s home is one of about 900 in the close-knit community that is considered the smallest ward in the township, geographically, but will soon be one of the largest in population. Bordered by the lake on one side and Highway 11 on the other, the amount of homes in Westshore will essentially double over the coming years with an estimated 900 residential units planned through various subdivision agreements. Preparation for the expansion began 10 years ago with the development of the sewer and water infrastructure through most of the area. Severn Township Councillor Ron Stevens says the expected growth of the community over and above the 900 new homes will require expanding the capacity of their sewer and water plants even further. “These are things that need to be looked into and will be looked into in the future if we’re going to have growth like this in Westshore,” he said. As more residents come to the area, the township is keeping up with other services, too, such as policing and recreation opportunities. An OPP Community Policing Office will soon open in the Highview Mall beside Sunshine Kitchens and Stevens sees this as a positive for the youth in the area, for which he has big plans. “The last time there was a community policing office there was a policing committee to plan events for the kids. It’s my intention to see that happen again,” he said. “Hope Community
Construction of the homes in the gated community at West Store Beach Club is just getting started.
Church is putting an addition on and is very interested in participating. Hopefully, we’re going to be able to work in concert with them to provide these programs where the policing community was doing it before. I think they will both be very acceptable to having that happen and if (the township) can help them, we will.” Westshore will also be home to a new 10-acre park in the future, through an agreement with a residential developer. OMC Development Corporation has a number of development proposals in and around the Westshore area and each of the subdivision developments requires a parkland dedication that is equal to five percent of the total area. Rather than smaller parks dotting the landscape, the company has entered into an agreement with the township to provide 10 acres of land for Continued page 13
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Kim Goggins Publisher, Editor-in-Chief kim@severnnewsonline.com Ellen Cohen Publisher, General Manager thevillagerpress@rogers.com 705-689-5398 Register for the most current Severn Township news – delivered daily
www.severnnewsonline.com
The Villager, a Severn Township community news magazine, is an independently owned and operated publication delivered to households and business by the middle of each month. Our delivery area includes: north from the City of Orillia/Severn Township border to Severn Bridge and parts of western Ramara Township. The Villager is also available at Orillia Square Mall and in select retail shops and restaurants along the Highway 11 corridor between Severn Bridge and the top of Orillia. 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 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 the 22nd of the month for the following month’s publication.
Letters from our readers Well done!
Conservancy says thanks
I have received and read your inaugural edition of The Villager. Well done! The presentation is very effective and you have done a terrific job of collecting and communicating a remarkable amount of information that is of interest and pertinent to me as a resident of Severn Township. I look forward to your next issue and following the news and events on line as well. Congratulations and best wishes! John Forrest
Congratulations on a very nice publication. We were thrilled to see The Couchiching Conservancy featured in your first print edition. Kim Goggins did an outstanding job capturing, not only the hard facts about the success of our land trust, but also the less tangible side of our work. It looks like you may have hit on a winning formula with your website backed up with this monthly print edition. Washago and area will be well-served by that combination and I hope you take it far. I wish you the best of luck with this initiative going forward. We received The Villager in our mailbox Mark Bisset, on Friday. Congratulations on publishing Executive Director, a great magazine! We read it from cover The Couchiching Conservancy to cover. Wilma Carter
Cover to cover
Advertising inquiries, email Ellen thevillagerpress@rogers.com
The Villager P.O. Box 5 Washago, ON L0K 2B0
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Letters to the editor are welcome and may be emailed to kim@severnnewsonline.com. Letters may be edited for length
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Treasures plentiful at ReStore By Kim Goggins Innovative, creative, smart — these words are often used to describe the avid treasure seekers who frequent the ReStore on a regular basis, looking for ordinary items they can repurpose into something remarkable. Every day, there is something new to choose from to make the imagination run wild — an old church divider as a footboard, big blue recycle bins as containers for horse feed, a large medical lab fridge for use in a catering business — the ideas are endless, limited only by the customers’ level of ingenuity. “Our customers repurpose many things and often we don’t even have a clue what they’re going to use them for,” chuckles store manager, Ivan McArthur. “But if they can get some use out of it, it’s that much better for everyone.” This non-profit home renovation and building centre in Severn Township celebrated its first anniversary in January and in the short period of time it’s been open has certainly attracted its share of regulars, as well as a steady flow of new customers discovering the value of shopping for home and renovation items at heavily discounted prices. From construction items like doors, sinks and cabinetry to items for the home such as antiques, furniture, electronics and lighting, it’s here, and new donations arrive daily. They even carry some assistive devices such as walkers and shower chairs. For decades, ReStores like the one on Highway 11 North have been providing an inexpensive way to furnish or renovate the home, while raising money by selling donated items to help build homes through Habitat for Humanity. All of the profits from this location go to the Orillia Lake Country
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ReStore manager Ivan McArthur says there is something for everyone.
Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, which serves Orillia, Severn, Ramara and OroMedonte. “It’s a fundraiser,” said McArthur. “All of the profits go to the builds.” The ReStore was recycling before it was cool, with the first retail location in the world opening in Winnipeg in the 70s. Seventy-plus stores later and here we are in Severn Township where the welcome has been warm. In fact, the store has been so successful they were able to give $90,000 toward the most recent duplex construction in Brechin in their first year. Often people are so blown away by the quality and low prices that they will throw in a little extra as a donation, says McArthur,
adding that the donation jar by the door always has something in it at the end of the day. “It’s heartwarming, at times. It reaffirms your faith in humanity.” He is quick to agree that it’s the people of this community that makes the store the success that it is. Without the continued donations, volunteers who provide customer service and help in the workshop, as well as the customers, it wouldn’t be possible. Those who wish to volunteer, even four hours a week, can drop by the store to fill out a short application when it’s open, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday. Donations can also be dropped off during this time or by appointment.
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Junkyard Symphony at the Orillia Opera House The Orillia Opera House welcomes Junkyard Symphony, for its Earth Day presentation, as part of the continued Live Learning Educational series. Students and teachers will get a chance to see this unique performance on Wednesday, April 17 at 10:30 a.m. Junkyard Symphony strives to promote environmental health and awareness through educational entertainment by reusing ordinary objects that would otherwise be destined for the junkyard. To Junkyard Symphony, these objects are terrific treasures that can be reused for an even greater purpose — making music. Students will laugh and learn from this unique high-energy program. Get ready to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rock. Now at the end of its third school season, this in-theatre school program has welcomed close to 5,000 elementary school children who have benefited from these live learning shows.
“It’s not just another show,” says Opera House General Manager Krista Storey. “Each performance is carefully selected to fit into the curriculum and the students get to see a live performance in an actual theatre in a historic facility.” Ardtrea-Cumberland Beach Public School has been a regular participant of this program over the past three years and plans to bring its entire student body of 350 to the April show. Rama Central Public School also participated in the recent Black History Month Celebration performance of Ballet Creole’s Tounkande and has reserved seats for the Earth Day show, as well. Tickets for Junkyard Symphony at the Orillia Opera House Gordon Lightfoot Auditorium are on sale now for $7.50 per student with one free adult for every 10 students. To book your class for this performance, email booking@omnibuspa.com. For more information visit www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.
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County offers more waste management services By now, Washago and Ramara residents know that their garbage is being picked up on Tuesday morning instead of Wednesday morning. Those in other parts of Severn know to have their trash put out by 7 a.m. on Wednesday. For those of you who had a central pickup point, you now have a garbage truck coming by your driveway or you have been given a pass to take your waste to the dump yourself. As of April 1, waste management services have changed somewhat in this region, but here are some changes that you may not have experienced yet. The County’s Solid Waste Management Department has launched a Waste Collection Calendar Tool on its website at simcoe.ca that will allow residents to view, download and print their personal collection calendar, sign up for weekly reminders via email, phone or twitter, and add a schedule to your personal e-calendar. In addition to the website tool, real-time
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GPS tracking has been installed in all collection vehicles to assist customer service in responding to resident complaints. The contractor will even stack the waste containers at curbside, once they are emptied. The County’s leaf and yard waste service will also be expanded to provide four collections in the spring and five collections in the fall for all serviced households. Residents will also not have to wait an extra day to have their waste collected after a holiday, except for Christmas and New Year’s Day. And, they can put out one extra bag of trash on their collection day after the Victoria Day Weekend, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The bulky item collection has changed, as well. While some residents may not appreciate the fact that they now have to pay $35, call in and set up an appointment to have five large items taken away, the list of bulky items that can be collected has expanded. During the initial weeks of the new collection, some problems may arise, and
Wilma Bureau was one of several County of Simcoe employees on hand to ‘talk trash’ at public information sessions throughout Simcoe County in March.
the County is assuring residents that if, for some reason, their waste isn’t picked up one week, both bags will be collected the following week. For more information, check out simcoe.ca and click on the Waste Management icon.
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When to use 911
“9 1 1, police, fire or ambulance. What is your emergency?” These are the words you hear when you dial 9 1 1. You will be speaking with an Orillia Dispatcher located at the Orillia Fire Department. Depending on your needs your request will then be transferred to the appropriate agency. The Orillia dispatchers have two components to their service. They are the Primary Public Safety Answering Point or Central Emergency Reporting Bureau for all 911 calls for the City of Orillia, Township of Severn, Rama First Nation, Township of Ramara and Township of Oro-Medonte. The second component is dispatch for Gravenhurst, Orillia, Rama First Nation, Ramara and Severn Fire Departments. Everyone in your home should know that 9 1 1 is the number to call for emergency help. An emergency is any time you or somebody else needs help from police, fire, or ambulance. When you make the decision to call 9 1 1 this means you need help immediately. The emotions and adrenaline that takes place when you call can cause confusion and it is important to know what to expect. After asking what your emergency is you will be asked your name, address, phone number, and to describe the emergency in full detail. Depending on the emergency, the dispatcher will ask questions and assist until emergency units arrive. Be sure to stay on the line and answer all of the questions the dispatcher asks. Don’t hang up until told to do so, unless a threat to your safety requires you to leave.
By Dianne Kyle, fire prevention officer Calls to 9 1 1 are for emergencies only. warning. Are you prepared? Non-emergency calls to this number can It is important that individuals and families create delays in handling other very serious prepare to be self-reliant for at least three days emergencies that require immediate immediately after or during an emergency. assistance. Emergency preparedness includes The dispatcher electronically receives the developing and practicing a family address and telephone number of the caller emergency response plan and the if you are calling from a land line. If you preparation of an emergency survival kit. are calling for someone else at a different Visit the lobby at the Township of Severn Continued page 9 location be sure to tell the dispatcher. If you call 9 1 1 from a cellular phone your location can be identified to the nearest tower that picks up the call. This is when the location We needed an update for our business letterhead and of the emergency is cards, which did not convey much information other than our extremely important name and phone number. Cathy developed a spectacular to ensure prompt design with a colourful picture and lots of information in a concise and easy-to-read format. We would highly response without recommend her and use her for all our future work. delays. On serious Steve and Pat Tucci medical calls a fire Steven Tucci Masonry & Landscaping truck is dispatched Orillia along with the ambulance. Respect the 9 1 1 system, but do not get intimidated by it. You will be speaking to a live person Contact me today to trained to help discover how I can help! you through your emergency. E m e r g e n c y Preparedness Week is May 5–11. Emergencies can 705-345-3878 cell 705-686-3878 office Art Director occur suddenly and Graphic Designer www.cathycleary.tel without any advance
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9 Boater fee hikes
Continued from page 1 Once approved, the lockage fee hikes will be in effect for the 2014 boating season. For the Watsons, it will mean $120 to get from the family cottage near Wasdell Falls to Georgian Bay and back, without counting the gas it will take ... or food ... or beverages.
… To be honest I do think we can get by.” — Bruce Stanton, Simcoe North MP “It could keep people on the marina dock and not going anywhere,” said Glenn. “It’s not going to promote tourism, jumping up that much.” And, they need to plan to get back to Lock 43 by 6 p.m. during the weekends in the summer because the hours the locks have decreased by an hour at the beginning of the day and an hour at the end of the day. For mooring, the day-time fee will increase this summer by 25 percent, up to 50 cents per foot of boat, while the overnight fee will increase to $1.25 per foot. The season pass for unlimited mooring has increased to $20 per foot. Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton says he understands the toll it’s going to take on boaters, businesses and the local tourism
industry, and he understands their concerns, but he supports what the government is trying to do. “Recreational boating by way of the TrentSevern is a huge economic advantage for us and we’re caught between that reality and the fiscal reality of the government, which is trying to do what it can to keep expenses in line during this time of fiscal uncertainty,” he said. “It’s better than what they first proposed, there’s no doubt about that,” he continued. “To be honest, I do think we can get by. Obviously, we’d prefer it to be different but we can’t keep on this way of putting the only revenue responsibility of the Trent-Severn Waterway on the core boaters that happen to have the necessity to use the locks because we know the far and away greater users of the system are boaters that never use a lock and they aren’t making any contribution to the system, itself.” Stanton and other MPs along the TSW made their own proposal to Parks Email: leah@realestate.orillia.com Canada as part of the consultation process. They believe that all motorized boats that use the waterway, whether they use the locks or not, should be required to pay an annual fee of
Cavanaugh’s o r n e r
about $25 to have a boating permit like snowmobilers do to use the trails. “By putting that permit system in place for all users, you would make sure that everyone is paying a little bit, but you have a fresh base of contributors,” he said. Stanton also noted that they need to get cooperation from their provincial counterparts for this type of waterway change. The proposed mooring fees will be implemented after all approval processes are complete, sometime in 2013. Current fees will remain in effect until that time. Boaters can still purchase seasonal lockage and mooring passes for 2013 at the current fee. All seasonal passes will be honoured throughout the 2013 season at the original purchase price.
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Continued from page 8 Municipal office during the week of May to prepare and see 5 to find out more information on how a sample survival kit.
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Resort owner still faces opposition
Major park planned for Westshore
For the second time on the same issue, it was standing room only at a public meeting to look at rezoning a piece of property known as the Forest Glen Family Villa Resort on the Severn River. Most of the people in the audience opposed the rezoning.
Plans are underway to provide a 10-acre, multi-use park to Westshore residents, thanks to new residential subdivisions being developed.
Plane goes through the ice on Simcoe
Community policing office to open in Westshore
The 57-year-old pilot of a small plane was able to walk away after his Cessna 150 Residents of Westshore will soon be getting went through the ice on Lake Simcoe in new neighbours when the Orillia OPP moves into the new community policing Ramara Township. office in the Highview Mall in April.
Brighter outlook for solar farm project
Break and enter at Ardtrea gas station
Orillia OPP believe a break and enter at the Esso gas station on north-bound Highway 11 in Severn Township was likely Approximately 45 people showed up to a connected to a robbery about four hours public meeting and information session later in Orillia. regarding a proposal by Mariposa Solar Farm Inc. for a 100-acre solar farm in Severn Township.
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Division Road may go to County
Epilepsy Awareness Month
Severn Council proclaimed March as Epilepsy Awareness Month at its council Township of Severn Council is meeting on March 7 to support Epilepsy seriously considering handing over the Simcoe County. 10-kilometre stretch to the County of Simcoe. The benefit of having the County take over the roadway is that the township would no longer be responsible for the maintenance of it.
OPP warns of ‘ransomware’ The OPP Anti-Rackets Branch says “ransomware” has been around since 2006 but only surfaced in Canada in late2011 as well as in Europe and Australia. This malware is first installed by visiting malicious websites set up by criminals.
Romance Fraud on the rise One of the fastest growing and most devastating fraud schemes in Canada is perpetrated through romance scams, according to members of the OPP AntiRackets Branch.
Claire Island will get trash pickup
Orillia Public Library may cap the number of ‘free’ users The Orillia Public Library Board may make future Severn resident users pay the $125 non-resident fee, if the Township of Severn Library Board doesn’t agree to negotiate the fee it pays for its residents to use the Orillia library.
After weeks of residents wondering if their garbage will be picked up as of April 1, Rob McCullough, director of solid waste management services with the County of Simcoe, confirmed that there will be The number of permits issued by the garbage pickup on the small island near planning department for the month of January was triple to what it was during Washago. the same period the year before.
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Local youth perform at Geneva Park By Karen Bell See My Voice, a Black Light Theatre Production was performed at the Simcoe Community Services Youth Conference that was held March 13–15 at Geneva Park. The conference allowed high school-aged youth, regardless of ability, to come together to learn new skills, make new friends and enjoy an actionpacked time. Black Light Theatre is a style that allows participants to express themselves on stage while eliminating the fear experienced in traditional theatre productions. The youth clothe themselves in black, making them invisible to the audience. Then, they don white hats, gloves and other props visible only by black light to create the message they want to send to the audience. “The youth had such a great time at this retreat,” said Kristi Pitkin, a youth worker with Simcoe Community Services. “The workshops helped them learn new skills and it was a great way for them to make new friends. They especially enjoyed participating in Black Light Theatre.” About 18 youth spent the day with the Black Light team, learning movements to music. To the delight of all, they performed a
Photo: Karen Bell Kristi Pitkin, of Simcoe Community Services, poses with the Black Light Theatre performers at Geneva Park.
unique black light performance on Saturday evening to a standing ovation. The team included students from the Child and Youth Worker, Social Service Worker and Therapeutic Recreation students
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13 Planning key to Westshore
Continued from page 3 one substantial park and an additional 2.2 acres for a smaller park to be dedicated in the future. The park will be at the northerly edge of OMC’s Shadow Creek development, with limited frontage along Highway 11.
… let’s continue to make it better, not just bigger.” — Ron Stevens, Severn Councillor
The site backs on to Shadow Creek and is immediately left of a proposed Grand Tamarak development. There are plans to have multiple uses on the 10-acre site and the new Grand Tamarak subdivision will also have a trail network
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running through its length, which could have the effect of linking the large park to the residents in central Westshore. “That park is a tremendous thing,” said Stevens, adding that last fall, the township also provided two parks for residents at the bottom of Goldstein Drive and Knight Avenue, each with 66 feet of waterfront. “We did that because when the (new) subdivision opened up, they had no water access,” he said. “At the bottom of Knight Avenue, we’ve grassed it, put trails in, and trimmed the trees back. It’s quite nice. Goldstein Drive was finished soon after that. Beside it, there is an MNR property with beautiful tall pines and we would like to lease that property and put picnic tables in so people can sit there and enjoy the view of the lake.” Still, he knows that a community centre, ice rink and sports fields are needed and those will likely come once the 10-acre park is established. While growth is inevitable, some residents are wary of the increased traffic and noise that comes with more people. “The changes will certainly impact the cottage feeling of (the area),” said Fortune.
Severn Councillor Ron Stevens is pleased that 10 acres has been set aside from subdivision agreements to create a significant park in Westshore. It will complement smaller parks like this one on Timberline Avenue.
Stevens understands this perspective. As a property owner in Westshore since the sixties and a local politician since the seventies, he sees the need to continue planning Westshore carefully. “I guess I’ve been around long enough now, I also have a level of concern to make sure everything is done right,” he said. “That’s what it comes down to, because we’re talking about our kids’ future, our grandchildren. Westshore isn’t going away. It’s getting bigger and better all the time, but let’s continue to make it better, not just bigger.”
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Villager asparagus – three ways Roasted Ontario asparagus soup with chive oil and Quebec Oka crustini • 2lbs fresh Ontario asparagus • 1 large Grenville farms shallot • 2 “Big Ass” garlic cloves (you can get them at the Gravenhurst Farmers’ Market!) • 1 fresh lemon Methodology Chive Oil: (can be done days ahead, which enhances the flavour) Finely chop 1 bunch of chives and place in ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil. Seal in a mason jar and set aside. Roasted asparagus Soup: Pre-heat oven to 350F Place asparagus spread out evenly on baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, a squirt of fresh lemon juice, chopped garlic cloves, sea salt and cracked pepper to taste. Bake until al dente — approximately 20 min. Coarsely chop shallot and place in medium
• • • • • •
3 cups chicken stock ¼ cup heavy cream (if desired) sea salt cracked black pepper ¾ cup olive oil 1 bunch chives
pot and drizzle with olive oil. Sauté until translucent. Add coarsely chopped roasted asparagus/ roasted garlic and chicken stock. Puree in blender, then place back in pot. Season to taste with sea salt and cracked black pepper Add ¼ cup of heavy cream, if desired. Liberally divide Quebec Oka on the four slices of toasted baguette and grill until cheese is bubbling. Divide soup into pre-warmed soup bowls. Float the cheese baguette on top and drizzle with chive oil and cracked black pepper.
• 4 slices grilled French baguette cut diagonal, ¼ inch thick • ¼ cup Quebec Oka shards (a nice melting cheese made by Trappists Monks in Quebec)
Choose firm spears, thick or thin doesn’t matter, but make sure the crowns are tightly formed. Store upright up to four days with stock bottoms wrapped in damp paper towel in open Ziploc bag. Before cooking, snap off the bottom of asparagus where it naturally wants to break. Before using thick stalks use vegetable peeler to remove tough outer skin
BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY AND SAVE!
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Charred asparagus pesto • • • • • •
1lb fresh Ontario asparagus balsamic vinegar sea salt 1 fresh lemon 2 tbsp freshly chopped dill cracked black pepper
Methodology Pre-heat BBQ on high. Place trimmed asparagus in bowl and drizzle with balsamic vinegar, sea salt and pepper. Slice lemon in half. Evenly place asparagus on hot grill for 5 minutes. Rotate for another three minutes to evenly cook. Place one lemon half flesh side down on grill. Coarsely chop and place asparagus in blender, along with chopped dill. Set the blender to pulse, while drizzling olive oil through top enough to lubricate and enable asparagus to become a smooth paste. Drizzle with the juice of the grilled lemon half and season to taste. Seal and place in mason jar and refrigerate.
Use as a spread on flatbread, top grilled chicken or fish, or toss with fresh new potatoes.
Grilled asparagus, sweet red pepper and toasted almonds (side dish) • • • • • •
1lb fresh Ontario asparagus 1 halved and seeded red pepper White balsamic vinegar sea salt cracked black pepper ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds
Methodology Pre-heat BBQ on high Place asparagus and red pepper in bowl and toss with vinegar, salt and pepper Grill until charred and tender — approx Remove and place on warm serving platter. Sprinkle with almonds and serve. If desired top with shards of your favourite Parmigiano Reggiano.
Recipe provided by Chef Becky Lennerton of the Black River Food Company.
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Beaver travels from Barrie to Washago
On March 13, the Rotary Club of Washago & Area – Centennial hosted a breakfast for a busload of 28 Rotary members from The Rotary Club of BarrieKempenfelt at the Washago Community Centre, as part of an Inter-Club Visit program organized by the two clubs. This get-together was the second time the two clubs shared their meeting since October. During the meeting, the Kempenfelt Rotarians explained how their club operates, as well as how they run their fund raising projects and community service programs. At the end of the presentation, the Kempenfelt members presented the Washago members with a large beaver sculpture professionally painted by Barrie artist, Renee Yake, to depict the Washago area. The Beaver is wearing a white tee-shirt with the Rotary International logo on the back, a tartan quilt, and is holding a log
Kempenfelt Rotary President Greg Ferguson (left, in suit) and Washago President Darren White (right, in green hat) were joined by members of both Rotary clubs at the Washago St. Patrick’s Day meeting.
painted with the familiar Washago mill and train bridges. The base of the sculpture illustrates a map that includes the junction of Highways 169 & 11, rivers and lakes. In October of 2012, the members of the Washago Club travelled to Barrie to attend the Kempenfelt Club meeting. Washago Rotary president Darren White
said, “Kempenfelt Rotary President Greg Ferguson and I conceived the idea of doing a Rotary exchange last year when we met for training in North Bay. We (Washago members) were simply blown away when we were presented with this fantastic sculpture. The exchange really served to bring our two communities together.”
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Lions welcome new members By Sandra Crawford, club president Husband and wife, Dave and Eileen Wise, became new members of the Washago and District Lions Club on March 25. Dave, an electrician, and Eileen, a school principal, were sponsored by husband and wife, Vice-President Garnet Langille and Membership Chair Linda Langille. Anyone wishing to become a member of the Washago and District Lions can contact Linda at 705-689-3974. We are now approaching a very busy time with many events on the horizon. Watch The Villager and Severn News Online for upcoming events. This month, the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides is having an open house at its Oakville Centre on April 20. This tour is open to Lions Club members as well as the general public. It’s a great opportunity to learn, first hand, about Guide Dog programs,
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tour the facilities, see demonstrations and learn about the volunteer and foster puppy programs. A coach bus will leave Washago Lions Club at 4343 Hamilton St. in Washago at 8:30 a.m. but arrangements can also be made to make stops along the way for passenger pickup. The cost is $20 per person to cover the cost of the bus. A stop for lunch will be made on the way home. Editor’s note: In the last issue of The Villager it was stated that the Washago Lions Club organizes the Scottish Festival. In reality, the Washago Lions assist the Orillia Legion with their organization of the event. We regret the error.
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“Good Job!” By Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop
One of the many treasures in my riding of Simcoe North is the Village of Washago and area. This is where permanent and seasonal residents alike enjoy living in one the most popular tourist destination areas. It is an ideal setting for enjoying the many services and businesses that are offered and for taking part in some amazing social events, gatherings and attractions. It gives me great pleasure to extend heartfelt congratulations to Ellen Cohen and Kim Goggins for launching this terrific new publication. The Villager will keep everyone up to date on community news, services, businesses, and people that make a difference in this part of Severn Township . I look forward to contributing messages in future editions of The Villager.
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Community happenings
Ann Marr enjoys working on her art and networking with other artists at The Art Club on the fourth Friday of every month at the Washago Community Centre.
Washago Jam
After Hours at the Bakery rocked March 23 at Canoe Fresh Food Market with ‘Hardly Herd’ and ‘Sassafras’. The next performance is on Saturday, April 20, featuring the host band, ‘Sassafras’ as well as ‘Don Bray and the Flying Wyatts’.
April 18, 2013
Every third Wednesday of the month, from The Ramona Agricultural Society and the 7 to 11 p.m. at the Washago Lions Club Hall. Ramara Township Firefighters will host their 31st Annual Pancake Supper at Ramona April 8–27, 2013 Hall from 5–7 p.m. This is all you can eat for Students of all ages will perform at the $7 per person. All proceeds will be donated Orillia Kiwanis Music Festival at the Orillia to the Ramara Firefighters Association. Opera House and other venues. For more information, visit orilliakiwanismusicfestival. April 19, 2013 com. 32nd Annual Orillia Perch Festival Opening Ceremonies at Odas Park begins at 7 p.m. April 12–14, 2013 with draws and prizes to kick off the festival. The 20th Anniversary of the Simcoe Spring Home & Cottage Show at the Barnfield Pt. April 20–May 11, 2013 Recreation Centre, Tudhope Park. For more 32nd Annual Orillia Perch Festival takes information, visit orilliahomeshow.ca. place on lakes Couchiching and Simcoe. Headquarters are set up at Tudhope Park on Send your group’s upcoming community Atherley Road. For more information visit event to kim@severnnewsonline.com. Orillia.com/index.php?id=22.
April 25–28, 2013
Orillia Opera House Dance Festival will see students of all ages compete on stage at the Orillia Opera House. For more information, visit orilliaoperahouse.ca.
April 27, 2013
The Washago Rotary Club will host its Annual Wild Game Dinner at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased from Rod Harth at Canoe Fresh Food Market.
May 11, 2013
Join Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton and MPP Garfield Dunlop for a meet and greet at the Washago Community Centre between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sandwiches and refreshments will be provided.
Announcements
One year to go until the big 5-0! Happy Birthday Clyde! Love from your family.
Garry Tait... We think you’re Grrrrrr8! Happy 65th Birthday! Love from your family.
Advertise your special occasions in The Villager from as low as $17.95. Contact us at thevillagerpress@rogers.com for complete details. Our magazine is distributed the middle of each month. The deadline is the 22nd of the month previous to your published announcement.
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Ryder Shaw takes a break from tobogganing.
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Fresh Produce • Delicious Baked Goods & all of your everyday Grocery needs! Exceptional Service Every Visit!
Sikorski Smoked Meats Milford Bay Smoked Trout WEDNESDAY FEATURES: • Fresh Local Ground Beef • Fresh Fish & AAA Beef Home of the Almost Famous Butter Tarts!
Selling only the Best!
Delicious Relishes & Chutneys Vinegars & Dip Mixes And an extensive line of Kawartha Dairy Products We carry a full line of Muskoka Roastery Coffee Relax in our bakery & enjoy a cup French-pressed to order.
Our Monthly Coffee House
Every month we transform our bakery into a Coffee House. The next event is Saturday, April 20. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Music begins at 8:00 p.m. The host band for the evening is the Trio Sassafras and the feature performer is Don Bray & The Flying Wings. Visit www.canoefreshfoods.com for complete details.
3384 Muskoka Street, Washago. • 705.514.5000 Visit our website: www.canoefreshfoods.com Villager_201304_final_130405.indd 20
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