The Villager 2013 September by Villager Community News

September 14 – October 11, 2013

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Ramona Fair 124 years strong By Kim Goggins As Eileen Cronk thumbs through the aged photo album, it reveals yellowed newspaper clippings of happy memories made at the Ramona Hall. There is fondness in her eyes as she turns each page. “These kids are all grown up now ... he’s not with us anymore … she’s still with us … they still live around here,” she murmurs, pointing to various people captured on film. This album, and many just like it, sit under the counter of the kitchen at the hall. They sit in stacks alongside journals that chronicle every special event, including pancake suppers for the firefighters, annual bazaars and various fundraisers, but none more special than the Annual Ramona Fair. The popular fair, held at the Ramona Hall on Fairgrounds Road in Ramara Township, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. until the popular horse pull event is over at about 8 p.m. While there is a horseshoe tournament on Friday evening, most of the fun takes place on Saturday with good food, kids’ games and events such as the open horse draw competition, interactive heavy horse display, logging demonstrations, Junior Fair Competition,

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The livestock competitions are a favourite event at the fair.

livestock exhibitions, and so much more. There has never been a more appropriate tagline as the one they have chosen: ‘Come as a neighbour … leave as a friend’ because new friendships are formed every year. “It’s a time of celebration. You see people that come in from the surrounding areas that you haven’t seen since the year before and it’s a time for visiting and catching up,” says Cronk. “It’s our big event of the year and we look forward to it.” Organized and run by the Ramona Agricultural Society, the first fair took place in 1890 in Cooper’s Falls, but its significant Continued page 21

Business profile �� 5 Local photographer �� 7 News in Review �� 13 Recipe of the month �� 15 Community Happenings �� 22

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Sassafras brings folk to Washago By Kim Goggins When Peter Harbocian was growing up in the Catskill Mountains of New York State much of his musical influences came from those we now know as legendary folk performers, but who were young and inexperienced then. “Bob Dylan and Joan Baez and all of these people that turned out to be incredible were in their early 20s and they were playing at all of these little pubs and coffee houses,” he recalls, noting that he started playing guitar at about 13, listening to these sounds, but was also influenced by the bluegrass music that was so alive in the area. His family moved back to Canada when he was in his early 20s and he formed his own band, and started getting to know musicians in the Essex County area. But as it often does with things we love to do, finding a ‘real job’, starting a family and life in general, caused him to put aside his guitar for quite a while. It wasn’t until his daughter, Laura, took an interest in music that he started playing again. “My daughter brought me back into music,” he will tell you, noting that for the last four years he’s been going to open mike evenings and song circles, meeting musicians and seriously playing again. Meeting singer/songwriter Beth McKean, whose music is also influenced by the folk legends, and forming Sassafras has allowed him to fulfill his dreams, musically, by being able to play at Coffee Houses such as The Bakery in Canoe, Apple Annie’s in Orillia, as well as other intimate locations, but also

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Sassafras with guitarist Peter Harbocian, lead singer/songwriter Beth McKean and former bassist André Paraskevas (new bassist is Jim Harris).

to introduce audiences to other talented performers. “Our sound is kind of folk, boogie blues, kind of a hint of blue grass,” he says, noting that the blue grass is inspired by his upbringing in New York State. Sassafras has been together for about 18 months and just recently brought in bassist Jim Harris to replace André Paraskevas who started the group with them. While Harbocian has experienced and played music all over, he says that nowhere is better than right here in Washago, inside Canoe’s bakery. “There’s not too many of these kinds of places to play in anymore,” he says of the intimate space that resurrects itself into a coffee house on the evenings that Sassafras and their guests play. Each time, the audience is so captivated, there are no other sounds than the performers. “The performers all say, ‘I don’t play many gigs where I can hear a pin drop while I

play.’ They also comment on the community that’s going on as things are changing and moving around. They comment about all of that stuff. It’s just a magical little place that transforms a working bakery into a night of music once a month.” On these Saturday nights, Sassafras pulls together a good mix of acoustic performers and Sept. 21 will be no different when they welcome to the Bakery Coffee House the talented Charlie Quick, Ron Belanger and the Cole Mendez Trio. While the guest performers are not always from the area, this night will be an exception, with Harbocian and Cole Mendez who both live on the Green River, Quick who lives on the Black River and Belanger, McKean and Harris from Orillia. Doors open at 8 p.m., and there is a cover charge of $12 per person or $20 per couple with all of the money going to the performers.

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Kim Goggins Publisher, Editor-in-Chief thevillager@xplornet.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 businesses by the middle 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 22nd of the month for the following month’s publication. Advertising inquiries: email Ellen Cohen at thevillagerpress@rogers.com

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

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Letters from our readers The Villager is correct forum for politics I have to admit that I, too, was surprised to see Mr. Dunlop’s comments in the June issue of The Villager. I thought to myself that perhaps this was a ‘one off’, maybe to gauge reaction to a political piece, and I wondered what would be presented next. In the August edition, Mr. Allan Millard questions if The Villager is the correct forum for politics, but having read more from Mr. Dunlop I suggest this is EXACTLY the place for our local MPP to make known what his party has been up to! And, I hope Mr. Dunlop sees fit to continue in forthcoming editions. I suppose, if our MPP was from a different party (heaven forbid) we would expect to read whatever their misguided ambitions might be. John M. Fortune

Firefighters help food bank The Severn Township Firefighters Association (Station 1) had a fantastic car wash on Aug. 24. We were busy right until 3p.m. and washed over 70 vehicles. We raised just over $1,000 and around 50 pounds of food for The Sharing Place. A point of interest, several motorists pulled up and donated money for the event without getting their cars washed. On behalf of our association I would like to thank Severn News, (The Villager’s sister news site), for your assistance in helping this event be successful! I am sure that your advertising played a part in so many people attending. As well, we would like to express or thanks to the residents and visitors that came out to support this event. We have already thought about how to make it bigger and better next year. Craig Wood Association President

Letters to the editor are welcome and may be emailed to thevillager@xplornet.com. Letters may be edited.

13-09-05 11:13 AM

“I was baby fed with a shoe horn”

By Kim Goggins Jack Calvert is certainly a Prince Charming of sorts. You won’t find a more amiable fellow than the 85 year old who owns Jax Bootery in Washago; and it just so happens, he is looking for women who have just the right-sized foot (size 6 or smaller) to fit into his collection of vintage shoes. Most of these name-brand beauties date back 40 years or more — some from the 1920s — and many are still stylish, today. That’s because every eight years, there’s a feature of ladies’ shoes that comes back in style, says Jack, who got into the shoe business in Edmonton, after World War II ended, 65 years ago. “Stiletto heels — they were being sold 70 years ago,” he notes, holding up a similar pair to what he had in his Orillia shoe store in the 50s. “(This style) was really popular at that time. (Over the years), the heels kept getting bigger and bigger and then all of a sudden, they started getting smaller again.” Jack smiles as he handles the different shoes and boots in his store. He can tell you the material of which each is made — ostrich, bison, calf, kid — and fondly recalls when and where he bought each one and how much he paid at the time. How he came into possession of more than 5,000 vintage shoes is as interesting as the man himself. More than 40 years ago, he bought the footwear in bulk from the largest shoe store in the State of Virginia. He thought he had a buyer from Albany, New York for them, but when the deal fell through, he decided to keep them. “At the end of the sale, we had to get the shoes out by midnight or the landlord would have taken them,” recalls Jack. “… I walked down the street and rented a Ryder

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Jack Calvert also offers new shoes like this light-weight Travel Walker

truck and I loaded all 5,000 pair and brought them back to Orillia.” Over the years, he has sold about 4,000 pairs through multiple sales across Canada but there are still about 1,000 left. He did once have larger women’s sizes, but five years ago, a vendor at the Kensington Market in Toronto practically cleaned him out of women’s sizes 10–12. “When he came back to finish paying for them, he said, ‘Jack, you’re going to see your shoes on TV.’ I said, ‘What do you mean?’ He said, ‘I sold all those women’s shoes for the Pride Parade in Toronto.’ I didn’t see them on television but I presume they were there,” he chuckles. The only problem Jack would have with that is that it’s unlikely the women’s shoes fit the men properly, and Jack is all about the shoe fit. In fact, as a practipedist and graduate of the Footwear Institute of Canada, he specializes

in custom orthotics, custom shoes and foot appliances. When he owned Jack Calvert Shoes on Mississaga Street in Orillia, he did all of the orthopedic work himself. “What’s in style is what fits you,” he says. “It doesn’t matter whether you pay $1,200 for a pair of shoes; they’ve got to fit you, otherwise they’re no good to you.” With this philosophy in mind, Jax Bootery opened on July 2, 2013, and Jack is back in the shoe business at his 500-squarefoot shop at 3381 Muskoka Street, offering vintage name-brand shoes as well as current Canadian-made boots and shoes, helping people get the right fit, and even repairing footwear. Retiring doesn’t appear to be an option for him. “… My daughter said, ‘Dad, why don’t you just retire?’ But I was baby fed with a shoe horn so I can’t get away from it,” he laughs.

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‘Buy local’ is key message at business expo By Kim Goggins Ken Forbes knows a good thing when he sees it. As a member of the Orillia Business Association, he saw how popular the Orillia Business Expo was when it was first held two years ago, and knew that it would only grow bigger and better. He was right. The 3rd Annual Orillia & Lake Country Business Expo is much bigger than it ever was, more than doubling the number of vendor booths and expanding its list of sponsors and supporters. The event, being held at Casino Rama this year on Oct. 22, during Small Business Week, has not only expanded in numbers but in scope, as well. Businesses from Oro-Medonte, Ramara, Severn and Rama, as well as Orillia, will show off their services and products at the event that will run from 3 to 9 p.m., and the general public is strongly encouraged to attend. “The intention, when we started out two years ago, was for it to be more of a networking event to help out the people

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from the Business Entrepreneurial Resource Network (BERN) group,” explained Forbes, current president of the Orillia Business Association. “Last year, we did a bit of marketing to try to attract the general public and this year, the real push is to bring the public out and we’re encouraging all of the exhibitors to sell as much as they can.” Vendor booths are $100 for the day and the public is admitted for free. It’s a great opportunity for both groups, he notes. A show program will be available at the event and will indicate to visitors what business are featured and where their booths are located. “This is an opportunity for the public to see what businesses are right in their backyard that they may otherwise not see,” said Forbes. “Orillia is blessed with a real good variety of smaller home-based businesses mixed with the larger businesses and there (will be) a good representation of everything from soup to nuts, here.” He added that people told him they were quite surprised at the mix of businesses as well as the unique artisans that were

featured in last year’s show. “There was a fellow there last year who builds guitars. This year, there’s a fellow that does woodworking and makes oldfashioned jewellery boxes and boxes for pets’ ashes,” he said. “The workmanship is unbelievable.” Strong partnerships have already been built through the organizing of the expo with organizations sponsoring the event such as Casino Rama, the Orillia Business Association, Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Orillia & District Chambers of Commerce, the Orillia Area Community Development Corporation (CDC), the Business Enterprise Resource Network (BERN) and the City of Orillia Economic Development Office sponsoring the event. Businesses have until the end of September to register and forms are available on the event webpage at www.orilliabusinessexpo. ca. For more information contact Ken Forbes at 705-329-1084 or by email at info@ orilliatrim.com.

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Washago area influences photographer By Kim Goggins The cooler morning air did little to rejuvenate Trent Woods, whose uneasy sleep the night before turned into an early, pre-dawn journey towards the Spruce Bog. It was the beginning of his fourth day inside Algonquin Park, where he had already carried his camera equipment about 35 km to find the right surroundings to take his photos. When he reached his destination, a layer of fog had settled over the marsh but the sky was still dark. And then he realized he wasn’t at the right angle for the sun that was about to start its ascent at any moment. A quick backtrack to the start of the boardwalk got him where he needed to be … just in time. “I got there just when the light went ahhhhhh,” laughs Woods, his voice elevating to a high pitch. “Angels were shining down

5% 7 R

and camera up, fire, fire, fire. In the span of 10 minutes from the time I started shooting until the time I got out on the board walk the fog had gone to this really nice mist, into this jet stream that was maybe only two feet wide across the whole bog.” He called this one and only ‘keeper’ shot he

got on the trip, ‘Spirit of the Morning’, and it marked the first of his work to be displayed publicly when it was featured in the 2012 Franklin Carmichael Landscape Exhibit at the Orillia Museum of Art and History. Since 2012, he has exhibited and sold his Continued page 19

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Trent Woods says the hobby ‘geocaching’ got him back into photography.

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Neighbours rocked at Music Fest By Candy Potter

Wow! What a perfect day. The Rotary Club of Washago and Area Centennial set out to provide an awesome community event and the weather cooperated. Hundreds of people from of all ages came from Orillia, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and of course our own back yard to enjoy the Washago Music Fest. The ‘vibe’ was amazing, with people relaxing, listening to a variety of great music all day long, eating fantastic food, perusing cool vendors and hanging out with their neighbours. And the setting was perfect: our beautiful centennial park with the lake backing the stage and as the sun went down, the moon rose. We wanted to showcase our businesses, our musicians, and our neighbourhood, as well as give something to our neighbours. The bonus is that because of the generosity of our sponsors and our guests we raised a few thousand dollars for Rotary, which will go right back into the community! Watch for our fun events all year. In the fall, we will have a ‘Meet and Greet’ wine and cheese event and our 2nd Annual Guy Fawkes bonfire night. Every year, Rotary has a theme, this year it’s Engage Rotary — Change Lives, meaning when you get involved you make a difference. At our club, we want to engage with you, I’m grateful for where I live and I

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Toronto Indie Folk Rocker Sam Cash had the crowd rocking.

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Bird Feeding Basics By Ron Reid The coming of fall brings a host of seasonal tasks — raking leaves, taking in the dock, winterizing your vehicles. For many of us, it is also the time to stock up the bird feeders again, to attract the cheerful company of chickadees and nuthatches, blue jays and finches galore. If you are a beginner at feeding birds, the array of seeds and feeders might seem confusing, but a little advice can get you easily started. There are two broad groups of basic feeders — the ‘finch feeders’ that dispense tiny seeds and the mixed feeders that offer sunflower seeds or various mixes or larger seeds. A good starter strategy is one of each type. Most finch feeders are clear plastic tubes with tiny holes, although there are variations all the way from metal tubes to cloth socks. The most popular seed for these feeders is black-coloured Nyger, but you can also use multi-coloured finch mixes, which include other small seeds. During the fall months, you are most likely to see only goldfinches at these feeders, but in the winter months you may also attract swirling flocks of redpolls and pine siskins as these species migrate south from their northern breeding grounds. Feeders for mixed seeds are much more variable, although all have larger holes to fit larger seeds. You can purchase hanging tube feeders to match your finch feeder, or wooden hopper feeders that sit atop a post, or a variety of plastic feeders with trays or ports. To a great extent, your choice can be based on personal preference. But if you have problems with squirrels robbing or damaging your feeders, some types are easier to defend with squirrel baffles or wire cages, so that may be a consideration. At one time, many bird feeders were stocked with striped sunflower seeds, but that has been largely replaced with black oilseed, a smaller sunflower variety that the birds much prefer. Black oilseed is a favourite fuel for chickadees, nuthatches, cardinals, and other feeder birds; some people feed nothing else. But seed mixes that add other types of seeds can add to the attraction for your feathered friends. For example, blue jays and woodpeckers love peanuts. A small amount

of millet, which tends to get scattered on the ground below the feeder, provides food for sparrows and juncos. Purple finches and mourning doves love a white seed called safflower; cracked corn will be taken by blue jays, and is also good if you happen to have wild turkeys or waterfowl coming to your feeder.

Blue jays are a colourful addition to bird feeders and love peanuts, cracked corn and black oilseed.

Bird feeders work best when they are placed five-to-10 feet away from some form of cover such as a conifer tree or dense shrub. Keep your cats inside; they are deadly for small birds no matter how cute and cuddly they seem inside. Remember that it may take a few weeks for local birds to find your feeders, so be patient. And keep your feeders clean — wet or mouldy seed is bad for the birds and will clog up small openings. With both feeders and seed, you tend to get what you pay for. Cheap feeders soon become brittle and fall apart; better quality models have durable components and often replacement guarantees. Inexpensive ‘supermarket seed’ is no bargain, as it is heavy on cheap filler and often lacks nutritious elements such as oilseed and peanuts. Watching birds at feeders is a source of fascination and joy for millions of Canadians, and a hobby that appeals to all ages. Fall is a great time to get started. A regular contributor to The Villager, Ron Reid is a natural heritage consultant and the co-founder and former executive director of The Couchiching Conservancy. He has written more than 30 magazine articles and co-authored three books. He lives in Washago with his wife, Janet Grand.

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Is it time to give your storefront a makeover? By Kim Goggins Local business owners looking to give their façades a facelift now have the opportunity to apply for an unsecured loan through the Orillia Area Community Development Corporation (CDC). According to general manager, Wendy Timpano, the CDC has set aside money into a façade Improvement Loan Fund and is offering qualified applicants loans up to $10,000 with competitive interest rates, flexible repayment terms, no legal fees and no early payout fees. It’s something new to the CDC, she says. “We’ve never done this before. We carved out (money) to support this specifically. We were looking forward to something a little bit new and we were looking at ways to meet the needs of the business community and offer a really simple streamlined process in terms of accessing the loan fund.” Timpano said the idea to offer loans specifically for façade improvements came through discussions with CDC board members, their investment committee volunteers and local business owners.

“We’ve done a lot of work over the last few years (with downtown revitalization) in Orillia, Coldwater and Brechin, and we’ve just talked to a lot of business owners who have said that this is something that they had been interested in. So, it’s a way to meet the needs or try to support our community development work in terms of downtown or main street revitalization.” Business owners in Severn and Ramara, as well as Orillia, are encouraged to apply if they have plans to improve the outside of their building. If the calls received so far are any indication, Timpano said she expects to receive applications from the smaller communities and not just Orillia. To qualify for the program, applicants must have been in business for a minimum of three years. Other businesses can apply but may face different loan terms. The deadline is Sept. 30 or until the fund pool is exhausted, but Timpano suggests people apply even at this late date. “We are reviewing the applications on a first come, first serve basis, but they still do have to qualify for the loan,” she said. “In terms of how fast we’ll run out of that money, I

Façade changes like the one Canoe underwent last summer can really add to the streetscape and boost a business.

don’t know but I would say even if (business owners) are hearing about it in September, absolutely give us a call. The process is very straight forward and simple so the timing would be fine to make the application.” Applications can be downloaded from the CDC website at www.orilliacdc.com and applicants are also encouraged to call the CDC office at 705-325-4903 to talk to someone about the program.

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13-09-05 11:13 AM

Area dancers take to world stage By Kim Goggins Three area tap dancers have made it all the way to the Canadian National Tap Team and will travel to Germany in December to compete. Corinna DiLuciano, 13, Paige Rumohr, 10, and Raelan Moonilall, 16, took part in auditions in Mississauga and just learned recently that their hard work — practicing up to five days a week — has paid off. For 16-year-old Raelan, who has been tap dancing since the age of seven, it’s the second time he has been chosen for the team. “We’re pretty proud of him,” says his mom, Rosie Moonilall. “He auditioned again this year and got on the team. Last year, it was an amazing experience for him. When he was chosen last year, we were like, ‘Wow, what an amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’. Turns out it is a twice-in-alifetime opportunity for him.” Corinna has been tap dancing since the age of three and her mom, Cindy DiLuciano, says

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it’s wonderful to see her hard work pay off. “She puts a lot of hours in the studio and it’s nice to see her talent has been recognized,” she said. “It’s pretty amazing.” ‘Amazing’ is also the word to describe Paige, the youngest of the group, who started tap dancing when she was four and has consistently placed high in various competitions. “I’m not bragging but we know she’s good,” laughs her grandmother, Gail McDonald. “She’s quite excited about going. All three dancers train at TAPPS Performing Arts in Orillia and will need to travel each week until December for extra choreography practice. Raelan will tap on the Senior Tap Team, while Corinna will be part of the Junior Tap Team and Paige will represent the Children’s Team. They will travel to Riesa, Germany to participate in the International Dance Organization World Tap Championships.

Corinna DiLuciano, 13, Paige Rumohr, 10, and Raelan Moonilall, 16, seen here left to right, will represent Canada in Germany.

This could be considered the Olympics of dance, as dance is not recognized in Canada as a Sporting Event. Fundraising events are underway to help each dancer with the approximate $4,000 it will take to make the trip to Germany between Dec. 1 and 8, as well as cover other expenses related to the competition. Those who would like to contribute financially can contact TAPPS Performing Arts at 705-326-8761.

13-09-05 11:13 AM

Grant applications available from CDC

Two cases of West Nile virus in Simcoe County

The Orillia Area Community Development Corp. (CDC) is now accepting grant applications for the Community Capacity Building Fund. The CDC has $20,000 to invest in projects.

Recent laboratory tests show two probable human cases of West Nile virus (WNv) infection in Simcoe Muskoka, in the municipalities of Bradford West Gwillimbury and the City of Barrie.

Renewed hope for traffic lights A Ministry of Transportation (MTO) plan to carry out a preliminary design and environmental assessment study on Highway 12 will open the door to talk about much-needed traffic lights at Fairgrounds Road and Highway 12

Scarlet Park celebrates 90 years

Firefighters use hoses to fight hunger

On July 20, Scarlet Park, a cottage community on Lake Couchiching, celebrated 90 years of fun in the sun.

Firefighters from the South Sparrow Lake Road fire hall (Station 1) raised more than $1,000 and 50 pounds of food to help The Sharing Place Food Bank on Aug. 24.

Severn News helps police

Arrest made in cyclist collision

Severn News posted an article about cottage rental scams in the spring and had many comments from people, related Police have arrested a 29-year-old Orillia to one individual who has allegedly man, after a cyclist was hit by a vehicle on scammed them. Rama Road on Aug. 21. As a result, the RCMP contacted Severn News Lakehead Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Golf to get more information to help in their Invitational, which took place at the Barrie Canada-wide investigation of this crime. Country Club on Aug. 19, was a round of success, raising over $94,000 for academic scholarships and initiatives.

Severn Bridge student receives undergrad scholarship

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13-09-05 11:13 AM

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Grilled peach and wild salmon salad with charred cabbage and fennel Ingredients • • • • • • • • • •

2 8-oz wild caught salmon fillets or any firm fish in season sea salt cracked black pepper 1 lemon, halved 3 peaches pitted and halved, skin on 1/4 small cabbage in half slices 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup honey 8 cups rocket (arugula) 1 cup mixed leafy herbs of your choice (basil, parsley, celery leaves or dill) • 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced • 1/2 cup olive oil

Preparation 1. Pre-heat BBQ on high 2. Season salmon with salt and pepper, set aside 3. Place cabbage and fennel slices in bowl and toss with balsamic vinegar 4. Drizzle peach halves with olive oil 5. Grill them until slightly tender with grill marks 6. Remove and cool 7. Place salmon on grill, skin side down, 3.5 minutes per side (salmon should be slightly pink inside) 8. Place all greens in a bowl and lightly toss with olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Divide between two plates. 9. Divide fennel, cabbage and peaches between both plates. 10. Lay salmon fillet on top. Squeeze fresh lemon over top and drizzle with honey 11. Garnish with pea shoots and serve

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Recipes provided by Chef Becky Lennerton of Black River Food Company.

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Celebrate agricultural heritage at fall fairs By Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop

Farm families play a key role in all of our lives and recognizing and celebrating their efforts is a most rewarding experience. One of my favourite times of the year is the fall when we are afforded the opportunity of showing our gratitude for the farm community by participating in the many fall fairs taking place across the region. Fall fairs are an excellent opportunity for citizens from both rural and urban communities to celebrate the agricultural heritage of rural Ontario. A visit to a fall fair gives all age groups the chance to see horticultural displays, horse and tractor pulls, livestock displays and competitions, midway games and rides, vendors and exhibitors. They will also be greeted by assorted organizations and tempted by delicious

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food sold by numerous groups. not part of my riding, my wife Jane and I are The Orillia and District Agricultural Society’s pleased to participate in the parade. fall fair took place at O.D.A.S. Park on Sept. As the MPP for Simcoe North, I have a booth 6–8. A great time was had by all. each year at the fall fairs in Oro, Orillia and The Oro Agricultural Society hosts the Oro Coldwater. I hope you will drop by and say World’s Fair at the Oro Fairgrounds during hello to me and my faithful volunteers. If you the weekend of Sept. 13 and 14. have the time this year, I would encourage The Ramona Agricultural Society hosts its you to visit a rural fall fair and thank the fall fair on Sept. 14 in the small community volunteers who donate thousands of hours of Ramona just east of Washago. each year to make our fairs a success. The Coldwater Agricultural Society fall fair will be held Sept. 27– 29 at the Coldwater Fair Grounds. The Elmvale fall fair is set for Thanksgiving weekend, this year, October 10– Brent Bunker, Owner/Operator 12, complete with Pumping Septic & Holding Tanks a parade at noon Pump Replacements on the Saturday. Although Elmvale is 1400 COOPER’S FALLS RD. BUSINESS/CELL R.R.1, 705-689-5991 WASHAGO, ON LOK 2B0

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Ramara pulls together By Kim Goggins Mary Bax is very encouraged — but not surprised in the least — by the outpouring of donations to the Ramara Disaster Relief Committee. As chair of the newly formed committee, she says she has seen generosity from all areas of Ramara, not just the Washago area, where the heavy flooding happened. “This is a community that pulls together,” she told The Villager. “Even the people in the southern part of Ramara Township have been donating. We put out 20 donation tins in the areas where we felt they would have a good influx of people coming through and we just brought in the first gathering of money and I was encouraged to see how much came from all of the other communities. I was very pleased by that.” When the Black River overflowed its banks in April, breaking records from 1928, many full-time residents of Ramara were left devastated by their losses. Homes were flooded, personal property was destroyed and on several roads people had to enter and leave by boat until the water receded. Ramara was declared a disaster area.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (OMMAH), under a program called Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program (ODRAP) will work with Ramara Township to top up the Disaster Relief Committee’s fundraising to the amount that is needed to pay eligible claims over and above the locally raised funds, up to $2 for each dollar raised by the community. The extent of help will cover essential property such as principal residences; basic furnishings and equipment; and main farm/ small business premises. “The province is pitching in up to $2 for every dollar raised,” noted Bax. “If we raise more than one third, then they will only pitch in what is left.” It was not known at The Villager’s press time how many applicants there are or how much money needs to be raised as the deadline to apply for assistance was Aug. 28, 2013. Fundraising efforts will include a charity golf tournament on Sept. 17 and dance in the coming months. Read Severn News online for more updates. The hope is to get the necessary fundraising completed in

Mary Bax says she has been encouraged by the amount of local support for flood victims.

September and October to have the money into the hands of the people who need it by Christmas. “The longer it takes us to raise the money; the longer it takes us to give it out,” said Bax. “We’re hoping to have everything cleaned up before Christmas. We’d love to see everyone have their money by then.”

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Fire Prevention Week By Dianne Kyle Fire Prevention week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This devastating fire lasted 27 hours, killed 300 people, left 100,000 homeless and destroyed more than 17,000 buildings. The burn area was four miles long and about three quarters of a mile wide. Many lessons were learned from this fire. Building codes became a major issue and over the years, improvements and standards were set as the building code became a legislated code nationwide. The National Building Code is the model that forms the basis of the Ontario Building Code. The Ontario Fire Code began as a response to what went wrong in fires. It was designed to maintain the fire protection elements of a building while the building code regulated how and what is required of a particular building. These codes are reviewed and additions are made regularly as a result of inquests due to tragic fires and fire statistics in order to minimize fire spread and decrease life loss. The first Fire Prevention Day in Canada took place in 1919 and soon the entire week that included Oct. 9 was dedicated in communities throughout Canada. Fire department activities increase during this time to remind communities that fire prevention is the best way to reduce the chance of a fire happening.

Severn Fire & Emergency Services perform a number of tasks and activities for the entire month of October, from the Alarms for Life campaign, which is a door to door smoke alarm check, to school fire drills, to presentations and setting up an information booth at the Orillia Square Mall. Although fire safety is brought forward during this month, Severn Fire actively participates in programs all year round. For more information please contact the Fire Prevention Division at 705-3259131 for more information.

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19 Washago area influences photographer Continued from page 7

work at the 2012 and 2013 Art on the Severn show in Washago, as well as the Muskoka Arts and Crafts Christmas Show in 2012 and the 2013 Muskoka Arts and Crafts Summer Show. In just a short time, Woods has become known for his nature photography, especially those with water features, and he attributes this to growing up around Washago and the Severn River. “I can’t seem to get away from water. It always comes back to water,” he smiles. “I think it’s because of where I grew up. I grew up right here. I’ve always been around it so it’s just there for me.” Although Woods had an interest in photography when he was

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much younger, it wasn’t until 2004, when he and his wife got involved in a hobby called geocaching (using a GPS to look for containers that have been hidden by other geocachers) that his interest was renewed. “(Geocaching) got me going to these really neat places because the initial drive behind it was that I was going to show someone else something that I think is really cool and maybe only I know about,” he explains. “That got me back into it and I started seeing some really cool things that I wanted to take pictures of so that what was in my head was somewhere that other people could see it.” In 2007, he made the leap to a professional camera and spent about $2,500 on his first kit. And then he realized — he had no idea how to use it. It wasn’t long before he enrolled in photography courses at Georgian College and after 180 hours of class and training time, he got his photography certificate in 2009. People were starting to notice his work and it was the first time that he realized he was really good. “I started getting really good stuff and people went ‘Wow, that’s nice,’ and I thought, okay, can I make a go of this?” Woods didn’t quit his day job (and still hasn’t) but he started collecting bigger, better and faster lenses to go with the Nikon D80 he first purchased in 2007 and still uses. About three years later, he knew he was at the point where he could show and sell his photography. “One of the most important things a photographer can do is only show your best work,” he explains. “You might have a library of 20,000 images but only show the best of the best. Don’t show 10 great ones, 10 okay ones and 10 (so-so) ones just to make a portfolio of 30. When I started going through and I saw that I had 15 that I could show to anyone and be proud of, I knew I was getting close. When I had 20, that’s when I applied to Art on the Severn (in 2012).” Although Woods likes to get away to Algonquin Park for a few days each spring, he stays closer to home when he takes two weeks in the fall to dedicate to his photography and has aptly called his business Simcoe 360. Torrance Barrens, High Falls in Bracebridge, Owen Sound and Brooks Falls north of Huntsville are all places that captivate him. The end of the day is also a favoured time to shoot for Woods, due to the saturated colours and silhouettes. “There’s a sweet spot right around sunset — about an hour before and an hour afterwards,” he says. “The light’s nice and low, you get the really long shadows … there’s all kinds of opportunities.”

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Grey Cup party the next big Lions event By Sandra Crawford, past president

Sept. 9 was our first Lions meeting at the Washago and District Lions Hall after having the summer off. Despite the ‘time off’, we were very busy in July with all of our Canada Day events, including our very successful dance with Grant Fullerton on the July long weekend. Our Grey Cup Party is the next celebration on the list. We are already selling tickets for the Grey Cup Raffle to win a 2013 POLARIS 400 ATV, valued at $7499.00, and the winner gets to choose the colour. The winning ATV ticket will be drawn at our 14TH Annual Grey Cup Party on Sunday, Nov. 24 at 9 p.m. You will find Lions members selling the raffle tickets in the parking area of the Washago Liquor Store and at some of our local fall fairs. Our Annual Grey Cup Party, held at the Washago & District Lions Hall, is always

a well-attended and popular event. Tickets will be sold by Lions members but for ticket information please call Lion Jim Hanwell at 705-689-5629. Your ticket includes a great dinner, snacks and two spots on the game score board. As always, there will be a cash You can win an ATV like this, in the colour of bar, 50/50 draw and auction. Washago your choice, by purchasing a ticket through the Jam Night will also start up again Washago Lions Club. for the season on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at the Washago Lions Hall. The theme is ‘KISS MY BASS JAM’ and everyone SERVICE DEPARTMENT is welcome to this all-ages event. OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK Admission is free.

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Ramona Fair 124 years strong

Continued from page 1 growth required a change in venue decades ago to the present location with its former tiny hall. The current 4,000-square-foot hall was built by volunteers in 1977 to accommodate larger crowds. But no matter how large the crowd, there is always a family feel. Ramona is known as a close-knit community and whenever there is someone in need, neighbours swing into action to help one another. Recently, it was to raise money for Scott and Kathy McDonald after their home burned down, but there have been many others who have experienced the kindness and support of this community. “I think we’re so close because people moved in so gradually (over time),” surmises Cronk, who grew up in Gravenhurst but has lived in Ramona since marrying her husband, Wes, in 1964. Wes’ grandfather was born in the area in 1846 and there are many other family names that have been around for more than a century. “Originally there were these hundred-acre parcels of land with one house and one family. And then when they started letting people have lots and development, there would be one new house and everyone would get to know the family and then somebody else would get a lot and it was gradual. We just included them in things.” And for many families, their children and grandchildren have raised their own families in the small community. Even though the old meeting places like the post office and general store no longer exist, the friendships and closeness remains. The Ramona Fair is an opportunity to celebrate that.

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Big celebration

One year and more than 9,000 pizzas after Theresa Filicetti and Todd Frenette opened CiaoChowCiao in Washago, they celebrated their success and thanked their customers, family and friends at a special celebration on Aug. 31. “It’s turned out to be more than we could ever dream,” said Filicetti. “Everything is awesome.” For a $25 ticket, guests enjoyed delicious food prepared by Filicetti and Frenette, a cash bar, organized and run by the Rotary Club, and the music of recording artists Chris Smith (seen in the background) and Turner King.

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Washago Jam

Sept. 13–14, 2013

charge is $12/person or $20/couple with Washago Jam takes place every third The 161st Oro’s World Fair is taking place all of the money going to the performers. Wednesday of the month, from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Oro-Medonte Fairgrounds. Midway, There will also be tea, coffee and baked at the Washago Lions Club Hall. Starts up demolition derby, classic car show, ATV & treats for sale. again Sept. 18. tractor pulls, horse & pony shows, school & Sept. 22, 2013 seniors’ fairs, talent show and more. 7th Line 11th Annual Classic Car Show in Coldwater Sept. 14, 2013 & 15/16 Sideroad East, Hawkestone. There will be an Open House at Severn Sept. 27–29, 2013 Township Fire Station 4 (Matchedash) to Sept. 17, 2013 Coldwater Fall Fair at the Fairgrounds in officially open the new addition. The event A golf tournament to raise money for Coldwater will take place between 2 and 4 p.m. at 2060 those affected by the flooding in Ramara North River Dr., just past Coldwater. Township will be held at the Evergreen Par 3 October, 2013 golf course. The Washago Village Restaurant Plan to attend a very special Halloween Sept. 14, 2013 will serve a light supper to golfers and the party for you and your pets at Lake NEW DATE The Orillia Youth Symphony cost is $50 per person. Anyone interested in Country Animal Hospital, 3843 Soules Orchestra will hold its 1st Annual Canoegolfing, please contact Eleanor at 705-689- Rd. This Farley Foundation fundraising a-thon in Washago at Hepinstall Landing initiative assists people who are in need 9973 or Glenn at 705-689-8881. (behind post office). The event begins at 11 of financial help to care for their pets. Call a.m. and there is a BBQ and entertainment Sept. 20–21, 2013 705-326-4800 for more information, or visit for participants at the Washago Community The 7th Annual Orillia Beatles Celebration www.farleyfoundation.org. Firm date to be Centre afterwards, at 1 p.m. There will also will take place in the city’s downtown announced. be draws and prizes. Each participant must core. This will be a jam-packed festival collect at least $20 in pledges. To register celebrating the world’s greatest rock & roll Oct. 22, 2013 email canoeathon@rogers.com or by phone band. Beatles tribute artists, films, outdoor The Lake Country & Orillia Business Expo 705-689-0950. stages, street dance and much more. Visit will be held at Casino Rama between 3 and 9 p.m. Over 100 businesses will show off www.orilliabeatlescelebration.com. Sept. 13–14, 2013 their services and products. Free admission The 124th Ramona Fair will take place at Sept. 21, 2013 for the public. Booths are $100. Registration the Ramona Fairgrounds, featuring horse The next Coffee House: Afterhours at The deadline for participating businesses is draw competitions, logging demonstrations, Bakery will take place inside the bakery at Sept. 27. Visit www.orilliabusinessexpo.ca ladies nail driving contest, husband calling Canoe Fresh Food Market at 8 p.m. It’s best for more information. contest and games for kids. Friday night to get there early! The host band is Sassafras horseshoe tournament. Register by 6:30 p.m. Trio with guest performers Charlie Quick, Oct. 23, 2013 First 32 teams to register get to play. Cole Mendez Trio and Ron Belanger. Cover Witches Walk in Coldwater

Ava Joy, 2, enjoyed the Washago Music Fest with her parents Jonathon and Angie.

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Brother and sister Chloe Davison-Frustaci, 11 months, and Spencer Hipwell, 12, had fun in the park at the Washago Music Fest.

Those Rotarians always out there raising money and having fun while doing it!

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