The Villager 2021 April

BUYING OR SELLING A HOME? CALL:

April 2021

Township update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 jeanpaullogiacco@rogers.com

Art club event. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Ward 5 councillor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Lions Farmers market . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Let’s put this pandemic behind us

By Bruce Stanton, MP for Simcoe North I hope this April Issue of The Villager finds you all in a hopeful mood as we put the brunt of winter behind us and usher in the spring season. The Trent-Severn has already begun their regular reports on the spring runoff, something you can sign up for by emailing Ont.TrentSevern@pc.gc.ca.

Request their Water Management Update.

Of course, the greatest issue in our lives this spring is the roll out of Covid-19 vaccinations in a phased approach for our entire population. Starting now in our region, and for what will be many weeks to come, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is providing clinics for COVID-19 vaccinations. They started with people age 85+ years a few weeks ago and have already moved to the next youngest group of 80 years and up at the time of writing. As more Simcoe North residents become vaccinated they will take the next youngest group in blocks of 5 years and proceed by age in this way, to vaccinate thousands of residents across the County.

You can stay up to date with the vaccination program locally in Simcoe Muskoka by visiting www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.

There you will find the latest information on the continuing measures to prevent, or least minimize, a 3rd wave of the COVID-19 virus, and which priority groups are open for vaccination.

© Can Stock Photo / Choreograph

Ontario has moved to a 16-week interval between the first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. This is based on guidance from Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunizations and aims to maximize the number of people benefiting from the strong protection provided by a first dose of the vaccine. Extending the dose interval to four months allows us to offer protection of a much larger segment of the adult population within a shorter timeframe. The race for wide-spread immunity is also boosted by the Health Canada approval of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, bringing the number of approved vaccines to four.

The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and the surest way to put this

pandemic behind us. We owe it to the workers who’ve been laid off, the businesses that have been curtailed, and our friends and neighbours who’ve been at risk from contracting COVID-19.

When it is your turn to receive the vaccine you can learn about and book your appointment on Ontario’s new vaccination rollout page - https://covid-19.ontario.ca/ covid-19-vaccines-ontario.

As always, you may contact my offices if you need any help or have questions – (705) 327-0513. We’re just picking up messages right now, but will return your calls promptly. You can also reach us directly by email – Bruce.stanton@parl.gc.ca. Our offices will reopen for in-person visits when our district opens to level orange.

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3

Time for bears to awaken

By Ron Reid

If you live in the Washago area, chances are good that you have seen a black bear, perhaps raiding your garbage bin or bird feeder. But you won’t be bothered by bears in winter, for they are cozied away in a den for this hibernation period.

We used to think that bears were completely asleep and immobile during hibernation, but recent research which involved putting a video camera into the den showed that they actually wake from their slumber several times a day, especially females with cubs. Most of the time they lower their body temperature and breathing rate, and they don’t eat or expel wastes for the entire winter. But they do wake to give birth, usually to two or three cubs, and to rearrange their leafy nests or move away from drips during thaws.

Hibernating bears have been called “metabolic marvels” because they are able to recycle both their urine and other wastes back into their bodies, to place waste calcium back into their bones, and to draw the water they need from their fat.

Humans and other mammals don’t have this ability, but bears can emerge after six months of hibernation groggy but still able to function quite well.

For a mother bear, Job 1 is to lead her cubs to a large pine tree that they can easily climb, and cache them there while

she goes off to snack on fresh vegetation.

The cubs will still nurse for the next month or two, and they remain with their mother all summer and through the next winter. In their second spring, they are pushed away to independence after a month or two when their mother again feels to urge to mate. She wanders widely at this point to attract willing males. This two-year cycle of reproduction continues regularly unless food supplies are short, in which case females are unlikely to breed.

Mother bears are very protective of their young. If you encounter a young family, she will charge if you are too close, but nearly always she will stop short of actually making contact. Do not turn and run; just back up slowly, speaking softly to show that you are not a threat. I know, easier said than done, but this strategy minimizes the risk that she will swat you down if you flee.

Despite the publicity that bear attacks on humans draws, this kind of contact is incredibly rare. Bears that are being fed or who have learned to associate campsites with food may lose their instinctive fear of humans, making them more dangerous.

Unprovoked attacks are usually from large male bears, who rove around large summer territories. Nonetheless, in more than 60 years of wilderness canoeing and camping, I have seen many bears but never

© Can Stock Photo / jadimages

experienced an attack.

So as bears emerge from their winter slumber in April, just respect their distance, never feed them either intentionally or through careless management of your garbage, and enjoy their presence. They are magnificent and fascinating animals, and we are fortunate to have them as part of our local wildlife.

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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4 From the Publisher:

The beautiful Barred Owl

Ellen Cohen Publisher

thevillagerpress@rogers.com

The distinctive baritone hooting call of the Barred Owl is sometimes described this way: “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?”

If you are filled with awe when you see an owl, it may be because Traditional teachings say the owl spirit symbolizes wisdom, intuition, insight, the messenger, mystery, freedom, secrets, stealth, and vision.

705-717-0322 The Villager, a Severn Township community news magazine, is an independently owned and operated publication delivered to households and businesses on or before the first day of every month.

It is mailed through Canada Post north from the Severn Township/Orillia border to Severn Bridge and includes parts of Ramara Township.

In addition to Canada Post delivery, The Villager is distributed each month through high traffic locations along the Highway 11 corridor and in many other select locations in Orillia. For a complete list of locations email thevillagerpress@rogers.com.

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

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

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

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

The Villager P.O. Box 5 Washago, ON L0K 2B0 Art director: Cathy Cleary

One year later If you’re feeling a little like a spinning top, you are not alone. Just in the past 6 or 8 weeks we were in gray lockdown, modified gray zone, and modified red. Possibly, by the time this magazine issue has been published, we may be in another zone.

The good news is, I believe, is that the health professionals are up to speed every minute of the day. Their only mandate is to help keep us as safe as possible. As frustrated as I get about the constant changes, I feel nothing but gratitude for them.

As hard as it is for the general public, the stress on local business owners must be enormous. From one week to the next, they may have their doors open – or not.

Shopping for their customers and having it ready for curbside pickup is not easy, nor is constantly watching to make sure in-store customers follow the protocols of sanitizing their hands, wearing a mask and keeping distance from other customers. All while they’re managing this, merchandise has to be ordered and unloaded, shelves stocked, and staff scheduled.

As a publisher of a community magazine, part of my job is to help our local businesses as much as possible. I do my best to make sure that all advertisers have up-to-date Covid information in their ads but, because the magazine goes to the printer long before the end of each month, and because Covid-19 protocols and zone designation can change within a few days, this is not always possible.

A Barred Owl in the Hampshire Line area of Severn Township. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Smart.

If you are in doubt about what service is being offered at any of our local stores, please call them. Regardless of the ‘zone of the day’, they’ll be happy to serve you in any way they can. Choices might include shopping in-person; or they’ll do the shopping for you and you pick it up curbside; or look on their website for online ordering. Some stores offer home delivery.

Also, there are dozens and dozens of service businesses in our area. They are open for business and happy to serve.

Plumbing, general contracting, septic service, dock building, machine repair…the list is long. You’ll find many on the pages of every issue of The Villager. Call these service professionals and find out what safe, noncontact service they offer.

Marking this one year anniversary of the pandemic, let’s acknowledge anxiety tops this list of our emotions. Don’t ignore this.

Talk about it. Call your friends. Your doctor.

Get some exercise. Go outside as much as possible.

Lastly, vaccines are here. We will all get our turn. Soon we won’t have to check what zone we’re in before leaving the house.

Happy days will be here again.

Letters to the publisher are welcome and may be emailed to thevillagerpress@rogers.com.

Letters may be edited.

5

Township update COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINIC QUERIES COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics are by appointment only and are only open for those who are currently eligible.

Appointments can be booked online at: www.smdhu.org. A family member or friend can also book your online appointment for you if you are unable to do so yourself.

If you do not have access to online booking, you can call the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520 or tollfree at 1-877-721-7520 and they will assist you in booking your appointment.

Whether by phone or online, you’ll need the following: health card, postal code, phone number and email address. Once you’ve registered, you will be notified of your appointment date and time.

If you book an appointment and are not eligible at that time, you will be turned away at the clinic.

To see who is currently eligible to book an appointment, see www.smdhu.org.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are over the age of 75 and have not arranged for your vaccine, you are eligible. Please book it or have someone help. Or call 211 for assistance.

Challenge, the Heart of Severn and Walk the Ward, activities that engaged residents without compromising safety.

Mayor Burkett said, “We know it can be challenging to find new ways of connecting with the community given the circumstances, but we think these initiatives provide both an outlet for creativity and a source of inspiration for looking at Severn with new eyes,” said Mayor Mike Burkett.

“It’s our hope that residents will participate in these activities independently, with members of the same household, or from a safe physical distance on a regular basis, if only to break up the monotony of a challenging year for all.”

Residents may now get involved in the new April theme – Restore Our Earth, to celebrate the environment, including Earth Day on April 22.

For more information or to follow along, visit Township of Severn’s social media accounts: instagram.com/severnontario or facebook.com/SevernTownship or twitter. com/SevernTownship

APPOINTMENT ONLY The Administration Office continues to be CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT OF SEVERN open by appointment only. You can get full As the pandemic has continued to customer service support at 705-325-2315 affect our township, residents have been and info@severn.ca. Visit severn.ca/covid19 urged to be active through a series of for the latest local COVID-19 updates.

Severn monthly challenges, the Snowman

OFFICIAL PLAN Township of Severn has begun the process of updating their Official Plan and will be providing opportunities for you to give your input. The Official Plan will guide growth, land use and development in Severn for the next 20 years. Stay tuned at severn.ca/officialplan for updates or contact the Township of Severn at 705-3252315 x246 or officialplan@severn.ca to learn more.

SLOW DOWN CAMPAIGN Township of Severn is dedicated to the safety of all road users. You can help remind drivers to be aware of pedestrians by displaying “Please Slow Down” lawn signs on the boulevard in front of your property.

These signs are a way of making drivers more aware of their speed as they travel in residential areas. Learn more at severn.ca/ slowdown.

LOAD RESTRICTIONS The Seasonal Load Restrictions By-Law restricts loads on most township roads to a maximum of five tonnes per axle. This helps protect the structural integrity of our roads during spring thaw when road damage is most likely to occur.

Restrictions began on March 8th and will be in effect until May 31 or until further notice. More details at severn.ca.

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6

The loss of a dear member

By Marylynne White, President either, my hope is that you have found a purpose during these days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Please continue to stay safe.

On March 2, 2021 our dear member, Doreen Philip, passed away. Doreen was a wonderful person, and she will be missed.

Doreen and her husband, Don, joined our Club in 1992. They participated in many of the activities and trips. After Don’s passing, Doreen kept her membership and continued to support the Club. She was elected to the Executive Board three times. The third time she Advice • Preparation • Filing joined me on the board and became Secretary.

She was a ferocious supporter in so many of PROFESSIONAL the decisions made over CORPORATION the past six years.

Doreen was a music TERRY J. HEHN CPA CA master and the Director

Spring is always such a wonderful season to enjoy. Spring buds and flowers are beginning to appear. A time of rebirth.

The past year has been most difficult in many aspects, but also inspiring. There has been more time to reflect on what is important and what isn’t! Such as “do I clean that floor or do I read a good book.”

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of our choir called the Harmony Sounds.

She instigated visits to nursing homes, organized concerts and even gigs for other clubs in the surrounding areas. Along with that, she was the Director of the Washago Ukulele group and the Gravenhurst Ukulele group. She even got us doing fingerpicking patterns on the uke strings. This she did while teaching us on Zoom - quite a challenge for most of us! Doreen was a member of the Gravenhurst Elderberries Choir as well as the Green River Book Club where many times she brought a different and funny perspective to our discussions.

Doreen had an infectious laugh and whatever setting she was in, she made it more fun with her positive and hilarious comments. She was one of a kind and will be missed beyond comparison. I was honoured to call her my friend.

Our sincere condolences to Doreen’s wonderful family.

7

Vaccine access increases

By Jill Dunlop, MPP Simcoe North Spring brings signs of promise for all families in Simcoe North, especially because of the enjoyment we all get from the magnificent outdoor opportunities our communities provide. As I welcome this season, I reflect on the many months of uncertainty and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been difficult and I am very proud of how diligently and carefully our Simcoe North residents have followed the proven safety guidelines.

As we all know, there is an increasing access to vaccinations and, although the commitment to wearing masks and social distancing will remain crucial for some time, we can all welcome the opportunity vaccines will give us to once again gather safely, shop and enjoy more activities.

Please take advantage of the Provincial Booking System at www.ontario.ca/ bookvaccine. You may also use the telephone booking system by calling 888-999-6488, open daily 8am to 8pm.

An additional resource is my vaccination distribution notification alert for Simcoe North residents. The alert will advise you of when you are eligible, by age, to book your appointment through the Ontario portal. Go to my website https://www.jilldunlopmpp. ca and sign up for this alert.

We are working on many initiatives in the province and I continue to engage in several of those including working with business owners who have been able to get support through the website https:// reliefwithinreach.ca/simcoe-north/.

I am actively involved in the introduction of the Combatting Human Trafficking Act which will give law enforcement additional tools to help prevent and deter this atrocity. Also, the Safer School Bus Act is now implemented. Work on this file has been particularly important to me because my father’s seven-year-old sister was tragically killed disembarking from her

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It has been just over one year since WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Since then, 7,000 lives in Ontario have been lost to this deadly virus, lives I honour every day.

And during this most difficult time, you have all encouraged, and continue to inspire me, to keep working hard on your behalf for Simcoe North. You are all heroes in your own right and I am thankful for your spirit. Please continue to stay diligent and stay Simcoe North Strong.

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8

Sharing positive experiences is just so good

By Courtney Baker I remember reading that the best booster for mental health is sharing positive experiences. It made sense to me. It’s a good thing to share joy with friends, family or strangers; release endorphins, create new memories and forge a stronger identity and sense of self through the experience.

I am sure there’s more to it, but I am an environmentalist, not a psychologist. What I do know: sharing makes me feel better.

Today, there is anxiety that comes with the territory of being an environmentalist.

It is called climate anxiety. It comes from worrying that the field across the road that’s favoured by deer could be clear-cut and developed. It is the reason I feel turmoil in my gut when I read updates on melting glaciers. It is definitely the reason millions of youth began marching with signs that

A beautiful red fox kit, an example of the wildlife Couchiching Conservancy helps to protect.

Photo by Toby Rowland. read ‘Can I have a future?’ referencing our climate predicament.

Climate anxiety is real, and damaging, but it can be eased by participating in shared positive experiences and creating new memories. One local event that I know does this is The Couchiching Conservancy’s Annual General Meeting which, despite its virtual format this year, still managed to deliver.

With 330 people registered, and 270 who attended live, we reviewed our minutes and financials, took care of the business of

electing a new board, and honoured our volunteers. We also celebrated, laughed and shared a sense of community that never fails to fill my cup.

The virtual platform also gave us the opportunity to host a mini-film festival and increase the number of attendees from out of town, all while decreasing our carbon footprint. We even had guests of honour who were able to attend for the first time, those with fur, scales and feathers!

Continued on page 9

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9 Also, in the spirit of sharing positive things and showing our gratitude to our community, we put together a film festival. If you would like to see some of the creatures our supporters protect, including foxes, bear and moose, viewing this is a must.

It isn’t too late to share in the experience of our AGM or to watch our film festival. Both the AGM and the film festival are on our website. Visit www. couchichingconserv.ca or see the film on our You Tube channel, Couchiching Conservancy.

We sincerely invite you to join us as a member, a donor, or as a volunteer. By becoming part of what we do it may help you to relieve your climate anxiety.

Thank you to our community - our volunteers, supporters, members, donors and all of the people who made this essential work possible in 2020. Now onward to 2021.

‘Washago Letters’ unveiling Saturday, April 24th, 2:00 p.m.

Washago and area residents are familiar with the Washago Art Club and their many outdoor art exhibits over the past several years. This year they’re jumping ahead of their normal May long-weekend schedule to launch a new initiative.

Art club members have painted 3’ high letters spelling out “Washago”. The seven large, bright and beautifully painted letters will be mounted to the north wall of the Washago Home Hardware building. Constructed of weather-proof material and paint, the artwork’s beauty will last for many years.

This project was made possible by the sponsorship of Washago Home Hardware.

Please join Rich Harmer and the Washago Art Club on Saturday, April 24th at 2:00 p.m. for the unveiling. Masks are required and social distancing will be in effect.

Survivors of Suicide Loss Peer Support Program Losing a loved one is always difficult, however that difficulty is amplified when it is a suicide loss.

This FREE 10-week peer support program is offered twice a year: spring and fall.

Meetings are held once a week, usually from 7-9 pm, and are facilitated by trained volunteers who have themselves experienced loss by suicide.

Due to COVID-19, this program is currently being held online via Zoom.

To learn more, please visit hopeequalslife.ca or facebook.com/SimcoeCountySuicideAwarenessCouncil

Courtney Baker is the Administrative Assistant at The Couchiching Conservancy, Protecting Nature for Future Generations. Please visit our website at www.couchichingconserv.ca

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10

A call for volunteers Hospice Orillia, an organization that serves Orillia and the surrounding townships, may be the perfect volunteer opportunity. Volunteers play an active role in the community and find meaning in impacting the lives of others.

Volunteers at Hospice Orillia are there for those who are at a very vulnerable point in their lives. They offer support during what can be a very emotional and confusing time.

In fact, Hospice Orillia becomes a major part

of the client’s hospice palliative care team including while the team helps to guide people through the process of dealing with loss. Together staff and volunteers have open conversations about life and death and assist with their grief, bereavement and mourning.

You do not need prior education or experience to be an effective volunteer you just need empathy, kindness and compassion and as little as a couple of hours a week. Hospice BRUCE STANTON, M.P. SIMCOE NORTH Orillia will provide you 575 West St. S., Unit 12 Orillia, ON L3V 7N6 with education on hospice Tel: 705-327-0513 • Fax: 705-327-8310 palliative care that will bruce.stanton@parl.gc.ca help guide you through www.BruceStantonMP.ca your volunteer role.

Several volunteer positions are available including: visiting volunteers; complementary therapy (massage therapy, Reiki) volunteers; footprints project volunteers who assist with scrapbooking, letter writing, card making, etc.; bereavement support volunteers; and event committee and fundraising volunteers.

“The past year has been filled with change and uncertainty,” Stefanie Collins, Visiting Hospice Coordinator and Social Worker for Hospice Orillia noted. “The silver lining is that we have seen individuals, families and communities come together to support one another in whatever way they can. If you are interested in helping to support those living with life-limiting illness in your community, we would love to hear from you.”

For more information on Hospice Orillia volunteer programs, please visit hospiceorillia.ca/volunteer/ or call Megan Lowrie, Program Assistant at (705) 325-0505 ext. 108.

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Abby T. at last year’s event, shown with her Hike for Hospice painted rock.

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The annual Hike for Hospice helps enhance the sense of community, increase awareness of hospice palliative care, and raise much-needed funds. 100% of the proceeds stay in Orillia and area and directly support the services offered by Hospice Orillia and Mariposa House Hospice, organizations that provide services across the continuum of hospice palliative care, from diagnosis through end-of-life, including bereavement support for surviving loved ones.

You may support these two organizations by registering as a hiker, donating to another participant, becoming an event sponsor, or by simply promoting the event to your friends, family members, and co-workers.

Participants will have the opportunity to hike when and where they’d like. Think of this as a “Choose Your Own Adventure” Hike for Hospice which can take you to Scout’s Valley, Grant’s Woods, the waterfront, your garden, or to your favourite hiking trail.

To register, please visit https://give.charityvillage.com/ campaigns/f1mOFd/register.

Sponsorship information: call Amanda Tevelde, Communications and Fundraising Coordinator at 705-325-0505 ext. 107

www.forsale.com

Some conditions may apply. Special must be mentioned at time of order. ‘Ready to print’ file(s) required. Prices do not include HST.

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13

Words from Ward 5 councillor Jim McIntyre

Councillor Jim McIntyre has now completed his 4th month representing Ward 5, Severn and he is feeling good about the progress he’s made.

“My fellow councillors made my jump into political life easier than I could have imagined. The staff have been amazing. Both groups are, at the drop of a hat, ready to help. Because of them, I am enjoying what could have been a much steeper learning curve,” said Councillor McIntyre.

As soon as he was sworn in,

residents began to reach out by telephone and email. Residents call him about a wide variety of issues: road work in progress and for the future; concerns about speeding, speed control and local safety measures; environmental issues especially concerning local quarries; and the potential boat launch at the end of Cambrian Rd. at Canal Rd., a project that is not in this year’s budget or plan but is in the very preliminary design phase.

Also top of mind for Jim is the work to be done on the Official Plan review and update, a big task. The township’s goal to complete this is by August of 2022.

The Villager interview with Councillor McIntyre also included a discussion about the vertical half-canoe outdoor art installation placed at the point in Washago Centennial

Park. As soon as it was installed, residents complained that the structure seemed out of place on the pristine point and it obstructed the view of sunrises and sunsets.

Jim listened to every complaint and, after discussions with township officials, it didn’t take long for the art installation to be removed.

In closing the interview, Jim said, “In the past year, we’ve had

so much taken away – social gatherings, events, travel. If we all stick together, follow the health protocols, pull on the same rope towards recovery, soon we’ll get there. I would encourage everyone to get the vaccine. Me, I’m getting the jab as soon as possible!”

Councillor Jim McIntyre may be reached at jmcintyre@ severn.ca, or at 705-325-2315.

Customers, neighbours & friends:

Please stay safe during these difficult times. Stay home as much as possible, practice social distancing, wash your hands often, and wear a mask in public.

WE ARE OPEN TUESDAY – SATURDAY, 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. FOR SALES & SERVICE. FOLLOWING PROVINCIAL COVID-19 HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES, OUR STORE WILL HAVE LIMITED CAPACITY FOR IN-STORE CUSTOMER SHOPPING. MASKS ARE REQUIRED.

• Quality vacuums & central vacuum systems • Extensive inventory of lamp shades • Vacuum repairs & expert lamp restoration/repairs

14

Goodbye & Thank You!

Karen Kahle of Fern Forest tending to her beloved plants.

It is with regret that I announce I have decided to close Fern Forest. It was not an easy decision but I can take great satisfaction in having achieved one of the dreams of my lifetime.

Over the years, my husband, Tom and I have taken delivery of tens of thousands of tiny plugs. Using the greatest of care, we planted them in our greenhouses in our specially prepared soil. Throughout the spring months, and with the help of our son and daughter, we watered and fertilized and babied those plugs, encouraging them to grow into healthy, beautiful plants.

To my greatest delight, our everincreasing number of customers took those plants home and watched as they flourished into remarkable beauty, meeting my goal of giving people great joy.

It has been my absolute honour to serve this community. Thank you to everyone who shopped at Fern Forest.

Stay safe. Be well.

Karen, Tom & Family

15

Mayor Mike Burkett in addressing local business accomplishments:

“Give yourself a pat on the back” Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Awards took place in March, 2021. Business owners from Severn, Ramara, Oro, Rama and Orillia gathered virtually celebrate the nominees, runnersup and winners in a total of 14 different categories. The virtual presentation was made possible through a partnership with Lakehead University.

In spite of no in-person celebrations, the event provided much needed camaraderie for 100+ people who took the opportunity to cheer each other’s accomplishments.

Nathan Housser, Vice-President of the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce and owner of Housser’s Paint and Wallpaper in Orillia, chaired the event. He was backed up by a committee that included Alison Braun of Earthtreks, Judith Cox of Severn Township, Frank Capadocia of Lakehead University, Erin Fordham of Alta Vista Planning, John Hammill of Village Media, Jordan Rossman

of Century 21, Corry Ticknor of Gotta Go Travel, Scott Walker of BMO, and Ashleigh Morris of Jim Wilson Chevrolet.

The businesses that were awarded stand out among many in the community that made it through the most difficult year in modern history. Standouts are the tied winners for the new ‘Overcoming Adversity’ award for CrossFit Orillia and Rama Country Market; the new owner of The Bird House in Orillia took home the top award for the ‘Green Award’; and for ‘Company Expansion’, Cavana Ridge Day Spa took home the first prize.

Winners’ videos were played during the ceremony and are available on the Chamber’s You Tube channel.

The complete list of runners-up and winners is on the Chamber site, www.orillia. com.

Severn’s mayor, Mike Burkett was given the opportunity to address those attending

the Business Achievement Awards.

He spoke with admiration and pride for local business.

“Last year was without a doubt challenging for many. If you’re here with a smile on your face tonight and hope for the future, that’s an accomplishment worth celebrating. If you pivoted and found new ways to deliver goods or services during the pandemic, give yourself a pat on the back. If you’re inspired to strategize for what’s next, we can’t wait to hear about it. There is light at the end of the tunnel and your neighbours and friends are eager to show support. Thank you for your resiliency.”

• 7 0 5-71 7-03 2 2 •

• th

e v ill

a g e r p r ess @ r o g e r s. c o

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Dr. Kathy Marchildon 3843 Soules Road, Severn L3V 0V3 www.lakecountryanimal.ca 705-326-4800

Mon., Thur., Fri. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. • Tues., Wed. 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Flea & Tick Season is Just Around the Corner BOOK A PRE-SEASON APPOINTMENT NOW.

New Patients Welcome!

Call us for details about our curbside/no contact service.

Washago Family Dentistry Dr. Debra Shoniker

d 16

Muskoka

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16

Garage sale May 22 & Farmers’ Market coming soon

By Sandra Galloway Crawford, Past-President The Washago & District Lions Club is well-known for the community events they host every year. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has put a halt to almost everything they do – almost everything.

The club has been busy thinking about what they could do safely and they are pleased to announce two upcoming initiatives.

The first is a one-day event. The Lions Garage Sale will take place

on Saturday, May 22nd, 2021 at the Lions Hall, 4343 Hamilton Street, Washago.

If you wish to participate or need more information, please phone Jim Rice at 705-627-3638. Tables are available for $10 each.

The second initiative is the new Washago Farmers’ Market. The market will start this coming June and will run until Thanksgiving weekend. Hours will be 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Lions Hall.

This market will feature a variety of fresh produce and other locally raised food, arts and crafts, live music, a 50/50 draw and a BBQ. For more market information, please email Lion Craig Succee at washagolions.farmersmarket@gmail.com. Buskers are welcome to inquire.

Regarding the annual Canada Day breakfast/music in the park event and Oktoberfest, the state of Covid-19 restrictions will determine whether or not they will take place. Watch this space in future issues of The Villager.

Interested in being involved in your community? Become a Lion by call Jim Rice at 705-627-3638.

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17

PET SITTER ORILLIA FOOT CLINIC & WELLNESS CENTRE Your One Stop Spot for Head-To-Toe Health

Tony Young BSc, DCh - Chiropodist Accepting New Patients for Professional Foot Care Services Chiropody appointments available.

Call today for information & an appointment.

333 Mary Street, Orillia 705.259.2838 www.ofcwc.com

My name is Paul, a local resident, retired teacher, and someone who loves animals!

I would love to care for your pet while you are at work, away for the weekend, or on vacation. $20 per visit (which includes walks and/ or spending time, topping up food and water, etc.)

Call or text me for details.

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We’ll keep your pet happy and safe at our large house on 6 acres of fenced property. Young or old. Special needs accepted.

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Stay safe & healthy!

We are designated as an essential business.

See us for your homecare, mobility and other needs.

We are here to help with COVID-19: Gloves • Wipes • Masks • Hand Sanitizer OPEN Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm

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Bracebridge 705-646-8846

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18

Relax and enjoy your time away from your cottage or home!

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19 Think of spring and summer while you prepare this light, flavourful and refreshing dish.

Melon dairy soft cheese salad tower drizzled with herb vinaigrette

By Chef Becky Lennerton INGREDIENTS: • 1 small watermelon • 1 cantaloupe • ½ cup crumbled feta or cubed brie • ½ cup mixed berries • Drizzle of honey

• • • •

¼ cup favourite oil Salt and pepper to taste Juice of one orange Fresh mint or basil. (Consider coriander for a twist) • Fresh shoots

METHOD: Trim melons, remove seeds; cut into 1”x 6” rectangles or squares. Stack them up in blocks on plate (see photo).

Whisk together honey, oil, juice, a touch of salt and pepper, and finely chopped herbs. Drizzle over the stack of melons. Crumble cheese on top and add berries. Top with fresh shoots.

Serve as an appetizer.

Or cut melons into smaller pieces to serve either as a salad or to serve with the main meal.

Chef Becky Lennerton is proprietor of Black River Food Company and a teacher in our region for Loblaw Companies Limited

MUSKOKA DENTURE CLINIC MARK J. FANTUZ, D.D. Denture Specialist

Complete and Partial Dentures Relines and Repairs Mouthguards Free Consultations

Serving Severn, Muskoka & Area for 25 years

705-687-5152 • 1-800-315-5229

455 Muskoka Road N. Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1G3 Email: info@muskokadenture.com Website: www.muskokadentureclinic.net

Always an excellent selection of Roasts, Chops, Steaks, Ground Beef, Chicken

Great variety of Vegetables and Fruit Fresh to create a great meal!

Delicious, freshly prepared take-out Sandwiches • Ask for panini-press Pizza • Salads

CUSTOMERS PLEASE NOTE: in order to help keep everyone as safe as possible, please sanitize your hands when entering our store, wear a mask and practice social distancing. We are grateful for your efforts.

Stock Your Pantry

with our full line of competitively priced groceries!

Freshly Brewed!

Serving only our Premium

Muskoka Roastery Coffee Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, Shag Fog, Chai Tea Latte, Green Tea Latte

Always Daily Fresh Baking!

Pies • Squares • Cookies Dinner Rolls • Bread Buns • Specialty Rolls

Canoe’s Meat Pies