The Villager 2014 December

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Santa Claus IS coming to town

By Kim Goggins Back by popular demand and with the help of Washago resident Stan Hope-Smith, Santa Claus will be clearing his schedule to participate in the Washago Santa Claus parade on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014.

In its November issue, The Villager reported that the Santa Claus parade would not take place in Washago, after three successful years, because no one person or group stepped forward to organize it.

But long-time Washago resident Hope-Smith couldn’t let that happen. He has recently stepped forward as Parade Marshal.

“I think the community needs it,” he says.

“It brings people into the village and it’s for everybody. I think the kids need it, too. They don’t get that much here. It’s something to look forward to.”

Hope-Smith approached Mary Harth, the person who organized Washago’s first Santa Claus parade in 2011, and she helped with the paper work to send to the township. Rose Petit has also been helping out by collecting the registration forms from participants at the Washago Community Centre.

Float operators and walking groups must fill out a registration form, which can be picked up at the community centre or Canoe Fresh Food Market. Forms can be emailed ahead of time to wccc@rogers.com or dropped off at the community centre up until parade time.

The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. when the lights

The streets of Westshore will be alive with sirens and flashing lights on Saturday, Dec. 6, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., as Severn Township volunteer fire fighters (including Cheryl Dewetering and Ryan MacDonald, seen here) will be collecting non-perishable food for The Sharing Place Food Bank. If you wish to participate, please leave your bag(s) of food at your front door. and sounds of Christmas will parade down Muskoka Street. Get there early to grab a good spot on the street.

Afterwards, the kids can visit with Santa and enjoy hot chocolate and treats at the Washago Community Centre.

In Hope-Smith’s opinion, the Santa parade is even better than the Canada Day parade, despite the snow.

“I don’t care about snow. I’ve had my share of snow in my day,” he laughs. “It’s so much bigger and better than the one on the first of July. It’s something that the kids come out to.

It’s standing room only on the main street.”

Business profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Christmas section. . . . . . . . . . . 15 – 20 Recipe of the month . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Community happenings . . . . . . . . 30

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Every man’s mayor

By Kim Goggins His car is a 1980s-something Volkswagen that lacks air conditioning and a sturdy side mirror ever since he knocked it off trying to squeeze onto a path that doesn’t accommodate cars because some residents said it could. He often goes out of his way to see people’s side of things.

Every day, he will joke with the staff behind the counter at Tim Hortons on Highway 11 until they are all smiling. He loves to make people smile.

He is adored by his mother who still makes him lunch every day in the kitchen attached to Muskoka Wrench that she used to run as a restaurant with his father for 50 years. A family man, he has been married to Melodie for almost 21 years and is the stepfather of two sons.

He is Mike Burkett, Severn Township’s mayor, about to move into his second term after a landslide victory of 3,051 votes to 565 for his competitor, former mayor Phil Sled. Sled held the position for the 10 years prior to Burkett coming on the scene in 2010, filled with an earnest desire to change the way Council and the township worked.

What you see is what you get with Burkett, who doesn’t believe in pretense. Born and raised in Washago with a brother, three sisters and three step-sisters, he says what he means and means it when he shakes your hand and makes a promise. He admits it drives him crazy when other politicians don’t follow the same rule.

“I’m very trusting. That’s the problem,” he admits, noting that he doesn’t like it when they shake his hand, look him in the eye and tell him ‘stories’. “It’s not right. If I give

Mayor Mike Burkett, seen here in his mother’s kitchen that is attached to the auto repair shop he owns with his brother, was re-elected in a landslide victory on Oct. 27, 2014. my word, I’ll do it and if I can’t do it for some reason, I’ll explain to whomever I promised why we can’t take that route. But then I’ll try to find another way to do what needs to be done.”

His way of doing business has won him a lot of loyal supporters, but he expects the same in return and that doesn’t happen often with higher levels of government, he has found out. Take the Ministry of Transportation, for example, and the issue at Atlantis Drive/Fairgrounds Road and Highway 12. Along with the mayors of Orillia and Oro-Medonte, Burkett has been fighting for traffic lights there since he came into office in 2010.

“It’s been four years of fighting and going to see Ministers (of Transportation) and handshakes and telling me stories and (the result)? Now, it warrants a set of lights.” He

smiles and shakes his head. “Now they’re telling me there’s no funds so that’s going to be my next fight.”

The word ‘fight’ doesn’t seem to fit with Burkett because he really is an easy-going guy. But there have been battles with other levels of government, too. Parks Canada is a good example. The first issue was over a road in Severn Falls that runs from the liquor store to the bridge that crosses the Severn River. After months of phone calls and meetings, Parks Canada has finally agreed to give $70,000 to fix that road, which is actually owned by the federal government.

But there has been no word on what Parks Canada (Trent-Severn Waterway) will do to fix the unstable blue swing bridge that crosses the Severn River at this end of the

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sacred flames and roiling flags Oct, 22, Ottawa. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Corporal Nathan Cirillo stood there, beneath the red and white Canadian flag on Parliament Hill, guarding the sacred flame of the Canadian nation that represents Canadian freedom, and Canadian respect for those who gave their lives to protect those freedoms.

We remember. And we keep alive that remembrance. It stretches across time—1914, 1939, 1950, 1990, 1998, 2001—and across space—from Vimy, Ypres, Passchendaele, Dieppe, Sicily, Juno Beach, Korea, Kuwait, Kosovo and Kandahar to Ottawa.

Shots ring out. He falls.

October 24, southern Ontario, Highway 401 from Ottawa to Hamilton.

Corporal Nathan Cirillo returned home, under that same red and white flag, another in the long column of Canadians, Canadian soldiers who gave their lives for that sacred flame of Canadian freedom and nationalism.

Bridge to bridge and along the roadsides, Canadians lined his path to Hamilton, in the moment, respecting Corporal Cirillo. Reflecting on what had happened.

For hours we waited for him to pass. From bridge to bridge we waited—in Ottawa, Brockville, Kingston, Belleville, Port Hope, Oshawa, Toronto, Hamilton. Facing east, our red and white flags roiling in the wind. On each bridge, we too were linked in time and, across the kilometres, in space.

His motorcade comes in sight, red and blue strobes flashing. For 30 seconds, it is in our sights and they can see our flags. Mindfully, with our own thoughts, we stand in respectful silence as he passes below us. Then his flame is united with the emotion of the patriotic Canadians at the next overpass, now he is under their flags.

But he is not forgotten. The sacred flame never dies in our nation or in our hearts.

Jean Richardson Peterborough, ON Letters to the editor are welcome and may be emailed to villagereditorial@rogers.com.

Letters may be edited.

5

Artech comes up to 30 years

By Kim Goggins Clive Ness fully admits that he and his wife Bev were inexperienced and didn’t quite know what they were doing when they first came to Orillia, 30 years ago.

“When we moved here, I had a houseboat, a half-ton truck and a credit card that was over the limit. I got rid of the truck, I wish I still had the houseboat, but I still have the credit card – and it’s still over the limit,” jokes Clive, who very clearly is not in the same financial situation as he was as a 25-yearold guy just starting out.

Originally from Campbellford, Ontario, Clive and Bev moved to Orillia after her father suggested they get into the promotional t-shirt business with him in the mid-80s.

“So we came to Orillia and I’ll admit back then, I was afraid. I was scared,” says Clive. “I was 25 years old and it was move to Orillia and start a new company and I didn’t know anybody. I didn’t have family here. I had nothing. We were just parachuted here and I started making calls and went from there.”

Within a year, he and Bev left the partnership with her father and started Artech Promotional Products. But it wasn’t easy during the first few years. A newly married, young couple with the first of their two children already born, they were making it on their own without anyone’s help.

Their first big purchase – a $70,000 embroidery machine – was within the first four years of starting up. Up until that time, they were doing silk screening out of a 1,400-square-foot location on Mississaga Street. Without room in the small space, they decided to build an embroidery production

Family business: Clive and Bev Ness started Artech almost 30 years ago when they were also just starting a family. department in their home’s basement and kept it there for four years, until the volume they were doing outgrew the space.

“I had a girl come to the house and run the embroidery machine every day and we had a second shift,” recalls Clive with a chuckle. “We might have had a third shift because we were doing a lot of embroidery back then. That was when my wife said one night – when there was a problem with the machine and I had to wake her up at 2 a.m.

– “That damn machine goes or I go.” So, I knew it was time to get a bigger location, get a bigger machine and get everything under one roof.”

So they moved to the building that currently houses Pizza Hut on Memorial Avenue.

With 5,000 square feet, they grew the business over the next five or six years, to the point where they needed to buy a 12head embroidery machine to join the fourhead machine they already had, in order to keep up with the work coming in.

By their 15th year in business, they had

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purchased their current location on West Street. Using about 15,000 square feet of the 17,000 square-foot building, everything is on site, from the showroom that boasts everything from ball caps to sweaters and a huge selection of jackets, to the administrative offices and the production space in the back where manual, semiautomatic and automatic machines do pad printing, silk screening and embroidery.

“Everything is done on site. Our competitors send their jobs to Toronto for cheaper than what I can do it in-house,” he says.

“Sometimes I lose some (quotes) because of that and it’s frustrating. But we’re employing local people and that’s important to us.”

From the beginning, Clive and Bev have always made a great team. When it was a small operation, Clive was on the road selling the products and Bev helped out with the colour and designs of logos. Clive proudly recalls that it was Bev’s work with Continued on page 21

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OPP costs will increase taxes

By Kim Goggins Before any Severn Council member even sharpens a pencil to take a look at the 2015 budget, property taxes will have already increased by 3.48 percent for the municipal portion.

That is before any road is looked at, any money is set aside for villages and hamlets and any

vehicles are considered for purchase. Before anything.

“That’s simply the increase from the OPP contract alone,” explains Andrew Plunkett, Severn Township’s director of corporate services. “We are starting off with 3.48 percent (increase) before Council even looks at budgeting.”

The cost for OPP services budgeted for the Township in

Thank you from Mayor Mike Now that the hustle and bustle of the municipal election is over, I would like to take a moment to give a big THANK YOU to all those who helped me during my re-election campaign. Thank-you for your time, hard work and commitment to me and the entire campaign team.

I am happy to say that the residents appear to be pleased with the performance of our 2010-2014 council and the progress we made. Even though there are sometimes controversial decisions to be made, we do our best to represent all Severn residents. With the exception of Ward 5 where no incumbent ran in the election and Don Westcott was elected, we are all back to serve you for the next 4 years!

Also, congratulations to everyone who threw their hat in the ring and ran for municipal office. It takes commitment and hard work.

As I move into my 2nd term of office as your Mayor, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support. Together with our strong council members and staff, I will work to ensure that Severn Township has a bright future while we remain an open and transparent municipality. We will continue to set goals that will make Severn a great place to live, work and play.

2014 was $1,554,594 but the estimated 2015 cost will increase significantly to $2,276,659.

With a cap of what the municipality has to pay in place, the 2015 cost will be set at $1,780,956 and based on an estimate of two percent inflation for 2016 and 2017, phased in costs for those two years will be $2,071,835 and $2,368,657, respectively.

“This represents a 52 percent increase in OPP costs in the next three years for the Township of Severn,” Plunkett wrote in his Oct. 28, 2014 report to Council.

As a result, the municipal levy increases, just for OPP services, are estimated to be 4.48 percent in 2016 and 4.57 percent in 2017.

For Severn residents with an average home assessment of $250,000, it means an increase of $40 per year and that amount will be shown as a separate line on the municipal levy portion of the tax bill. County taxes and school board taxes are separate

on the tax bill.

According to Plunkett’s report, the new OPP billing model reflects input from the Auditor General and municipalities to more fairly and transparently distribute policing costs.

There are two components: base policing costs such as crime prevention, proactive policing, officer training and administrative duties; and cost for reactive calls for service.

Base policing will account for approximately 60 percent of the bill while reactive calls will be 40 percent.

While the new model eliminates the large differences in amounts municipalities were charged, smaller municipalities, like Severn Township, are seeing a large increase to policing costs.

While the OPP is billing each municipality per household, Severn Township bills its residents for policing services based on assessment.

I look forward to working with many of you in the next four years. Together we can make it happen.

Your mayor,

Mike Burkett Severn Township

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Coun. Ron Stevens and his wife of 25 years, Karen, have three daughters between them, an adopted daughter in Cuba and a niece in Newfoundland who they consider to be a daughter. Their dog Gretel also brings them much joy.

What’s best for residents at forefront

By Kim Goggins You simply can’t discount the years of experience that Ron Stevens has had in politics. Since 1978, he has sat on Council in Orillia Township, Severn Township, the City of Orillia and Severn Township again.

After years as a councillor with Orillia Township, Stevens became the first elected mayor of Severn Township once it was created in 1994 and he stayed as mayor for two terms. He then made the decision to run for the position of Orillia’s mayor in 2000 after being approached by several people. He won that election and two more to become Orillia’s longest running mayor before deciding to return to his roots in Severn Township, running for and winning the seat of councillor for Ward 4 in 2010.

With this experience, it’s not surprising that Stevens won handily by a vote of 529 to 254 in the most recent municipal election. He is, in fact, the

longest serving member on Severn Council.

But those who know him agree that it’s not just his experience, it’s his passion to do what’s right for residents that continue to get him elected. Regardless of how controversial the issue, Stevens is known for doing his homework, talking to people on both sides of the issue and sticking with what he believes is best for the community at large.

It’s not always the popular thing to do, he admits.

“You have to look at the issues on the basis of what is best for the community. There’s an old saying, you do what you truly believe to be right and the voters will tell you at the next election if you were right or wrong,” he says with a chuckle.

Although he was the Mayor of Orillia at the time the water and sewer plant was built in Westshore, he had a large role in the planning of the facility Continued on page 27

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Practice fire safety over the holidays

By Dianne Kyle, Fire Prevention Officer

The Christmas season is here and thoughts of family gatherings or maybe even just getting away to some place warm are in the minds of many. Dinners are arranged, gifts are bought and

wrapped, the car is tuned up and ready for a road trip. Thoughts of fire safety may be the last thing on our minds with so much to do. Think again!

This is the most important time of year to think about fire safety.

We bring out the Christmas candles and tree decorations.

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We move furniture around to fit the tree and maybe even block one of our exits because of this rearranging. We have overnight visitors or go to someone else’s home overnight. Do you explain your home fire escape plan? Do you ask about the plan when you visit someone else?

For travelling to that someplace warm or just staying in a hotel do we ever consider fire emergencies and what the procedure is for your fire escape?

Every hotel room includes a map, usually on the inside of the door, showing the location of all fire exits near your room.

When you enter the room for the first time, study the routes to the exits. Then, walk the route to each fire exit. As you walk, choose one side of the corridor and trail your hand along the

wall, counting the doorways between your room and the exit door. With this knowledge, you could find the exits even in the dark or in a hallway filled with smoke.

Back in your room, look out the windows. Is there an outcropping of roof on a lower floor that you could jump to, if you absolutely had to? What is directly below your window?

Would it be possible to alert rescuers of your presence from that window?

Either way you spend your holidays ensure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are operating and review your home fire escape plan with your family.

Severn Fire & Emergency Services wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

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Get fit and have fun in Severn Township

By Pat Harwood, recreation coordinator The Township of Severn is embarking on a new initiative in partnership with The Villager to inform and promote recreation in Severn Township.

The 2015 Winter Recreation Brochure has been announced on the Township’s website at www.townshipofsevern. com. The focus of recreation programming is to offer programs through the Township for all ages. New and/or back by popular demand for the winter session is Tai Chi, Creative Fly Tying, Pilates, Booty Boot Camp, Great Moose Adventures, Sports Sampler offering a variety of sports for younger sports enthusiasts, Co-ed Basketball for teens and more!

Instructors are certified in their specific program to ensure

quality programs for residents and visitors alike. All instructors have First Aid/CPR training and have completed the Vulnerable Sector Check and/or Criminal Record Check to ensure the safety of all participants. All programs are open to residents and non-residents.

Recreation partnerships include Georgian College, providing qualified instructors from the Personal Service Workers and Early Childhood Education Programs for children’s programs.

The Simcoe County District School Board, Matchedash Heritage Community Centre Board and Lake St. George Board also provide quality spaces for programs throughout the week.

Adult outdoor fitness

equipment was installed in Washago Centennial Park and the Timberline park area in late spring. Each group of equipment has one accessible piece of equipment offering a physical activity for everyone.

Before year’s end, a new pavilion will be erected in the park between Timberline Avenue

and Shadow Creek Road to enhance the park for activities and provide shade on those hot summer days.

At any time, suggestions for new programs and ideas can be made to me at 705-325-2315, ext. 253 or pharwood@ townshipofsevern.com.

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Helping chickadees make it through the night

By Ron Reid

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Even on the coldest of winter mornings, Black-capped Chickadees are out and about, flitting busily from feeder to tree, often the only sign of life in the snowy landscape. It’s hard not to think of chickadees as cheerful. But in fact they are highly specialized cold-weather survivors, pushing the limits of extreme weather tolerance.

A thick coat of feathers helps, of course, as well as an amazing memory for where they have stashed nutritious seeds, or where your feeder is located. Chickadees also have the unusual ability to lower their body temperature at night, which allows them to conserve enough energy to make it through to the morning. So their early morning forays are actually a desperate search for high-energy foods to rebuild their fat reserves. The black oil seeds or suet mix that you provide can be a life-saver on the coldest mornings.

Another strategy for coping with the cold is their choice of overnight roosting sites, in a tree cavity or nest box, often huddled close with other chickadees and nuthatches to share their warmth. These days, tree cavities are in short supply in most backyards, so building a simple roosting box is a great winter project. I build mine with 1x6 pine lumber; about 8 feet is needed for each roost box.

Basically, the design is a tall narrow box, about 16 inches long, with a waterproof roof and a floor that can be unscrewed once a year to clean out any debris. I like the look of a gable roof, but a flat one would work just as well. Make sure the joints are sealed tight to eliminate any drafts. Put a block of foam board insulation just below the roof to help keep in the heat. The entrance hole, 1 ¼ inches in diameter, needs to be near the bottom, just above the floor, so that any heat is trapped above it.

The other essential part of your roost box is its perches on the inside. So before you start assembly, drill holes in the side boards part way through, and glue in pieces of wood doweling about 2 ½ inches long. You have to make sure these are offset so that they fit

together in a sort of ladder effect inside the completed box.

Hang your roost box securely on the side of a tree or fence as high as you can reach, preferably facing it towards the winter sun if that is possible.

A simple roosting box allows chickadees to huddle close with other chickadees and nuthatches through the night to share their warmth.

Once your chickadees start using your roosting box, you are unlikely to even know for sure. No bird wants to advertise its roosting location to whatever predators might be nearby, so they will sneak in to roost at the edge of dark, and dart out again on the edge of morning. But when you hear their cheerful calls at the feeder, you will know that the food and shelter you provided has helped them through the winter night.

A regular contributor to The Villager, Ron Reid is a natural heritage consultant and the cofounder and former executive director of The Couchiching Conservancy. He has written more than 30 magazine articles and co-authored three books. He lives in Washago with his wife, Janet Grand.

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Severn Council’s newest member

By Kim Goggins On the campaign trail, Donald Westcott used one of the oldest tricks in the books to make people comfortable. He made them laugh.

“My approach was, ‘Hi. Have you seen this guy around?’ And I’d be holding up my brochure with my picture on it. ‘He’s a wannabe’. You should have seen the look on some of their faces,” he laughs. “’That’s you,’ they’d say. From there, they were talking to me and before they knew it, laughing.”

Some could say it’s Westcott’s 30 years’ of experience as a police officer that gives him the tools to put people immediately at ease, but those who know him will tell you that it’s really his easy-going nature and sense of humour that people warm up to

right away.

Retired now, he spends much of his summer working on his extensive gardens with his eldest daughter, Christina, and volunteering with the Washago Garden Club to keep the community gardens lush in front of the CN Railway Property on County Road 169.

The father of three adult children is also an active participant in the Washago Canada Day and Santa Claus parades, and is the director and treasurer of the Ramara Historical Society.

A self-professed ‘farm boy’, Westcott was actually born and raised in Ramara Township but he fell in love with Severn after living in the Township for 18 years, the most recent six years near the Village of Washago.

Getting into local politics

Donald Westcott and his wife Cathy have lived in Severn Township for 18 years and on the Green River in Washago for the last six years. would seem an obvious calling for him because his father and grandfather were both involved, but it wasn’t until his friend Glenys Hepinstall asked him if he would be interested in running for the Ward 5 Council seat that he gave it any serious thought.

If he had any doubts, the rush of support he received quickly quelled them. In fact, he won against the other two

candidates by 618 votes to 169 and 51 votes, respectively.

Quite a significant margin when you consider that Ward 5 had the most candidates in the Township.

“I couldn’t have pulled this off without the support I got,” he says, noting that friends from all corners of the ward helped him in his campaign. “Even if I didn’t win, with all of the support I got, Continued on page 27

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12

Every man’s mayor Continued from page 3 municipality. Burkett has talked to and met separately with Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton and Parks Canada’s manager of waterways, Jewel Cunningham, numerous times, but not to a favourable conclusion so far.

“What I’ve learned and what people need to understand is that there are things that we just can’t do. We’d like to do it but our hands are tied from

upper levels of government,” he says. “There are rules we need to abide by. Everything has a process and I appreciate and understand what they’re trying to do but if I want something done (as a private citizen) I just go out and do it. But because it’s in the public eye and we’re dealing with public money we have to follow procedures and I respect the way it needs to be done.”

He admits this realization and other issues added to a steep learning curve when he first became mayor in 2010 but he credits his fellow Council members and Township staff for their work as a team.

There are many successes to celebrate, such as the work being done to beautify the villages and hamlets throughout the Township, the work to ensure that almost every road in the municipality is paved, the planning for a recreation facility and large park in Westshore, and the money they’ve been able to put aside in reserves (there is approximately $22.5 million in

reserves). There have also been numerous residents that have been helped with individual concerns.

“Every person is entitled to talk to me and I’m very approachable. That was my whole premise on running for the first time, was that Council was going to be transparent,” says Burkett. “If you want to see me, I will do whatever it takes to meet with you to listen to your concerns because as a rate payer and as a resident of this township, I need to hear what’s wrong. And if we can fix it as a Council, we will. This Council is exceptional.”

Due to the holiday season

DEADLINES FOR OUR JANUARY ISSUE ARE EARLIER THAN USUAL January events or other editorial information must be received no later than Friday, November 28th, noon.

705-259-1607, villagereditorial@rogers.com New advertisers for January issue – book your advertising space by Monday, December 8th, noon.

705-717-0322, thevillagerpress@rogers.com

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Scholarship deadline approaches

13

By Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop

I would like to take this opportunity to let you know that The Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade is now accepting applications for the Hilary

M. Weston Scholarship. The deadline for applications is Dec. 15, 2014.

This program will grant two scholarships to students who are, or plan to be, enrolled during the 2015-16 academic year in a graduate-level, social work program at a publicly-funded university in Ontario.

Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in, and commitment to, mental health

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issues and must be a resident of Ontario. All applications will be reviewed and recommended by an independent selection committee. Each recipient will receive a one-time scholarship of $7,500. Application forms and more information are available at www.ontario.ca/ honoursandawards, or by phone at 416 314-7526, toll-free 1 877 832-8622 or TTY 416 327-2391.

NEWS YEAR’S LEVEE: I would also like to remind you about my upcoming Annual New Year’s Levee, taking place on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015 from 1

to 4 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion in Coldwater.

I hope you will join my wife Jane and I, and members of my staff, as we share refreshments and lunch and welcome in the New Year. The event also features local musical entertainment that I know you will enjoy.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Please circle Feb. 7, 2015 on your calendar. That’s the date of my Annual Pancake Breakfast. The event takes place from 8 a.m. until noon at the Royal Canadian Legion in Orillia. I look forward to seeing you there.

For advertising inquiries

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14

Families getting more tax breaks

By Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton

Since 2006, the Conservative government has provided significant tax relief for families.

In fact, we’ve cut taxes over 160 times saving the average family $3,400 every year. It’s a record that we’re proud many Canadian families have benefitted from. For example, almost a million and a half families have taken advantage of the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit.

And approximately 1.7 million families with young children receive the Universal Child Care Benefit.

However, our government is

always looking for new ways to help. That’s why we’re working to put even more cash back into the pockets of hard-working Canadian families. We’re building on our record with new measures that will continue to help offset the costs of raising a family, such as child care and sports activities.

First, we are introducing the new Family Tax Cut. Since we have had such success with income splitting for seniors, we are now offering a similar initiative for families. The Family Tax Cut will allow the higher-earning parent to, in effect, transfer taxable income to the other parent who is in a lower tax bracket, up to a maximum benefit of $2,000. This will enhance fairness by treating families with the same overall incomes in a comparable way.

We are also introducing an increase and expansion of the

Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB). We are proud that since 2006, the UCCB has offered choice to parents when it comes to child care. We are now increasing the benefit to $160 per month per child under the age of six, or $1,920 per year. And we’re delivering a new benefit of $60 per month, or $720 per year, per child aged six through 17.

About four million families are expected to benefit from the enhancements to the UCCB. We are also increasing each of the Child Care Expense Deduction dollar limits by $1,000. This is the initiative that allows child care expenses to be deducted from taxable income if the child care is due to the parent working, going to school or performing research.

The limits will be increased to $8,000 from $7,000 per child under age seven, $5,000 from $4,000 for each child aged seven

to 16 (and infirm dependent children over age sixteen), and $11,000 from $10,000 for children who are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit.

Finally, our government has previously announced changes to the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit. We are doubling the amount parents can claim for enrolling their children in sports activities to $1,000. And as of the 2015 tax year, the credit will be refundable, increasing the benefit for low-income families who claim it that year and subsequent years.

I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I invite you to attend my Family Skates during the Christmas and New Year holiday season in Orillia on Saturday, Dec. 20, at the West Orillia Sports Complex, Rotary Place, between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.

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15

The Christmas mitten tree

By Sandra Crawford, past president

Look in Your Mailbox for Our Weekly Flyer

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

Excellent Selection of trees, decorations, indoor & outdoor lighting

The Washago Lions mitten tree will collect many gifts for local children in need with the community’s help. Suggestions for donations are mittens, scarves, hats, socks, small toys and of course candy canes.

Lions members will donate many gifts for the tree, and anyone who would love to help

us make it a success can donate by calling Lion Sandy at 705689-9646.

Wrapped gifts for babies to young teens with a note to indicate if it’s for a boy or girl, the age of the child and contents would be appreciated.

Continued on page 16

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16

Santa’s Picks Candles with Care – soy wax candles handmade locally. Body care products, home décor and gift shop.

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

Specials on FB daily.

Georgian Bay Printers – give the gift of personalized cards and calendars from only $10.99.

Hinton Antiques – Canadian historic furniture, accessories & unique gifts. Shop by appointment.

Home Hardware Washago – select gifts and stocking stuffers from their massive inventory.

Jax Bootery – footwear at its finest in this small store with the big heart. Shoes, boots, slippers.

Kiki La Ruse – a gallery and gift shop in downtown Orillia. Vintage clothing and local art.

La Bodega – quality imports from Mexico. Beautiful selection of gifts for everyone on your list.

Manticore Books – book lovers relax and browse in this heritage-style independently owned shop.

Matheson – Lee gives the gift of imagination in her inspiring book Destiny’s Gate.

Orillia Trim & Door – find everything on your list for the handyman/woman.

Huge inventory.

Simply Special Originals – Dec. ladies’ wear sale. Accessories and gifts for any woman on your list.

Southern Comfort Salon & Spa – pamper your body and soothe your soul at this full service spa.

Timber Mart of Washago – freshly cut beautiful Christmas trees. Home décor and handyperson gifts.

Vacuum Centre – central vacuum systems and vacuum cleaners. Quality brand name products.

Windspirit Wisdom & Wonders – tools, treatments and classes for your journey of self-discovery.

The Christmas mitten tree Continued from page 15

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The gifts collected will be distributed to our local churches and Linda Pearce, a local lady who works so hard to make sure children and families in our area are taken care of.

She also donates new and used clothing to women’s shelters.

Our small “Pet Lovers Christmas Tree” is also

looking for donations of pet food, treats and blankets for our four-legged friends. These items will be taken to the Orillia Humane Society and the Kitty Shelter in Orillia.

The Washago and Districts Lions would like to wish you a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year. WE SERVE Garnet Langille, president of the Washago Lions Club, gave a cheque for $1,000 on behalf of the Washago Lions to Tracy and Mike Ball at a recent fundraising event for their family.

17

Christmas at the Orillia Fairgrounds Farmers’ Market There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh baking, the warmth of hand-made items and the joy brought to loved ones with special gifts found at the Orillia Fairgrounds Farmers’ Market.

December is here and so is the much-anticipated holiday season at this farmers’ market with more than 60 vendors offering fresh baking and handmade items.

“There will be a great assortment of vendors with quality products,” says Anne Lesperance, market manager.

“We check out our vendors before allowing them at the market. (The quality of their products) have to be approved by our board of directors.”

The first three Saturdays in December will celebrate Christmas in the Banquet Hall Building (Building 1), in the

good old-fashioned way the Orillia Fairgrounds Farmers’ Market has marked every special occasion during its first year in existence.

Since starting with about 40 vendors last May (2014), the market continued to entice popular vendors, reaching about 60 at the height of the summer season. The new market has also attracted a lot of loyal visitors each week, with free, accessible parking and the opportunity to bring dogs along for the fun. (However, when the market is held inside, dogs are not permitted.)

This holiday season will see the tradition of musical entertainment continue, food vendors to enjoy while there and lots of goodies and other handmade items, says Lesperance.

“It’s all make it or bake it or grow it so there will be a lot of

Anna Milligan of Quiet Moments is just one of the artisans that offers unique items at the Orillia Fairgrounds Farmers’ Market. baking,” she says. “Even if you Winter Market will continue on don’t pick up all of your baking Jan. 3, 2015 inside the roller rink at the market, you can place until April. your order for Christmas. A lot The Orillia Fairgrounds Farmers’ of vendors are saying they are Market is held every Saturday throughout the year at ODAS taking orders.”

After the hustle and bustle of Park in Severn Township, from the holiday season is over, the 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Visit www.orilliafairgroundsfarmersmarket.ca

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

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Made-to-order hand painted wine glasses and ornaments One-of-a-kind items made by local artists Gift Certificates available

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

Destiny’s Gate Excellent gift idea this Christmas!

Pick up your copy at Matheson Chiropractic Clinic today!

Call 705-326-4543

Weekly Art Classes at Kiki LaRuse Visit our web site for up-to-date classes and to register.

This New Year make a resolution to be creative!

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20

Help vulnerable women provide gifts this season Green Haven Shelter for Women has changed its Christmas gift program to better meet the needs of a wider range of women and their children.

Last year, the shelter started asking those who wished to donate gifts at Christmas to do so with gift cards, rather than specific items. It was a completely new way to provide for their clients at Christmas, but executive

director Liz Westcott said it was a decision that needed to be made to better support the women they serve.

“The response from the public at Christmas has always been outstanding and significant,” says Westcott. “But we have found that we simply have nowhere to store the immense number of items at the shelter or find a way for the women to get their items to their homes.”

There was also the problem of

sometimes not being able to match some of the donated items with the appropriate people who were to receive the gifts.

Providing gift cards also allows the moms to participate in the joy of finding that perfect gift for their children and take part in the exciting madness that is Christmas shopping.

“It creates the ability for them to participate in the holiday energy,” notes Westcott, adding that the public responded well to the change. “Last year was the first time we tried it and the community really came through, as they always do. We were able to meet the $200 $250 benchmark that we set for each family.”

Typically there are 40 to 50 women that Green Haven assists each Christmas. Their hope is to couple a gift card with a food card so that the women

can purchase food and gifts for the holidays.

Approximately 80 women and 75 – 80 children stay in the emergency shelter each year, with an additional 350 women accessing the outreach and transition support services and other programs that Green Haven offers.

Green Haven recently celebrated 23 years in Orillia but the ‘idea’ of helping women began in the 70s with two local women, Barb Green and Marcia Perryman, asking the City of Orillia for $75, which they added to their own money to rent an apartment to provide temporary shelter to women escaping abuse.

For more information about the Christmas program call 705-327-7383 and ask for Shari. For more information about Green Haven visit www.greenhavenshelter.com.

December Inventory Sale Starts December 2nd!

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21

Artech comes up to 30 years Continued from page 5 their designer that came up with their ‘Cooch Club’ logo that has become quite popular.

Of course now they have almost 20 employees, including their daughter, Raquel, and are able to do more traveling.

In 2007, they received the Gildian Award for Best Design at the Canadian imprint show.

The small trophy still sits in the showroom and their memories of their free trip to

Barbados and bragging rights will last a lifetime.

Although it was his father in law’s idea to come to Orillia 32 years ago, once the partnership ended and Clive and Bev set out on their own with Artech Promotional Products, they wanted to stay in the community that they had grown to love.

Orillia is where their children Raquel and Elliot were born and where their friends are. They continue to give back to the

community whenever they can and also give to the Hospital for Sick Children because both of their kids received medical treatment for serious illnesses there when they were young.

This just shows Clive and Bev’s resilience back then, as a young couple starting out as parents with a new business, to a local family and employer rooted in Orillia, 30 years later.

May the sweet magic of Christmas Not only fill your heart and soul But also spread to those near and dear!

With all my best wishes, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2015

Birgit Hoesterey Sales Representative

Direct: 705-345-4411 birgit@buywashago.com

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May your holidays be filled with joy and good cheer and may the New Year bring you peace and happiness.

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22

We remember The 93rd Annual Remembrance Day Service took place in Rama on Nov. 10, 2014 to honour the men and women who paid the ultimate price for defending our freedom.

This year is also special because 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of WWI. It was a poignant reminder of how much we owe our veterans and military personnel.

This is the time of year when family and friends gather to share new experiences and relive old ones.

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23

Elder mediation can facilitate difficult conversations

By Heather Hill, AccFM As we age there are many decisions in our day-to-day lives that may have long lasting effects on many. When people disagree, they may or may not be able to resolve things through discussion and consideration of one another’s point of view.

However, if agreement cannot be reached and the situation becomes challenging Elder mediation may be one solution.

In these situations, the assistance of a certified elder mediator is very helpful. Elder mediation is the portal to addressing a variety of issues related to aging, ensuring peace of mind for seniors and their loved ones.

The mediator’s role is to facilitate honest and respectful communication and to ensure all voices are heard; the end product of a successful mediation is an agreement that works for everyone involved.

Elder mediators are specially trained about, and sensitive to, the types of issue that are likely to arise for an older person, including: • health care planning and medical decisions • retirement • family business • driving • living and caregiving arrangements (at home, or in continuing care or long-term care communities) • safety and environment • financial matters • relationship issues (including intergenerational relationships, blended families, new marriages) • end of life decisions • guardianship • abuse and neglect • guardianship • estate planning A certified elder mediator has the training and skills to bring

a variety of intergenerational participants together in order to enhance the quality of life for the older person and facilitate conversations that may be emotionally charged or difficult.

Often, a third neutral party can facilitate a respectful conversation whereby everyone can be heard. During discussions, the elder mediator may guide the conversation so families can make a plan and follow through to meet the individual needs of the older person, whether that was accessing services or receiving additional supports.

Mediation for seniors is focused on making the sessions elder friendly. Flexibility in the location of meetings, dates and times and participants is a priority.

An older adult may also feel more supported, and thus more inclined, to actively participate in difficult or potentially contentious discussions if others (such as a friend, family members, a member of the clergy or a health care provider) are also involved in the process. It is the mediator’s job to make the sessions private, supportive, non-confrontational, and informal.

Elder mediation can promote family communication skills.

It is a focused, preventative, respectful process that is used to facilitate discussions which focus on the present strengths of the family and older person and assist those participates to state their concerns and wishes.

Our governing body, Family Mediation Canada, supports and promotes consistent standards for elder mediators across Canada. For more information or to book information session with your community group, please contact insighthjh@gmail.com or call 705-330-1133.

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Local MP recalls attack on Parliament Hill

25

By Kim Goggins

Oct. 22, 2014 started off as a typical Wednesday in Caucus.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper was at the podium, addressing the Conservative group before him and Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton was in the audience. It was around 10 a.m.

Then the room was startled by a loud and singular ‘bang’.

Harper paused but then continued speaking.

“And then literally within seconds, there was this other volley of gunfire and he just stopped in his tracks and then

people started to move pretty quickly,” recalls Stanton.

Bullets were flying back and forth in the Hall of Honour, right outside the door of the Conservative Caucus and MPs who were ex-military and expolice immediately started barricading the door with tables and chairs and keeping people away from doors.

Stanton and the others now know that a single shooter – Michael Zehaf-Bibeau – had just come from the National War Memorial after shooting

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and killing Canadian soldier Cpl Nathan Cirillo and was now dead, himself, after being shot by Sergeant at Arms Kevin Vickers inside Centre Block on Parliament Hill, outside their door.

But at the time, they had no idea how many gunmen were out there and who was winning the battle.

“We didn’t know. It turns out, now, much of the volley of gunfire was our own security services subduing this guy but for all we knew, this was multiple assailants opening fire in a public area with the intent of coming to hurt MPs or the Prime Minister or anybody they could. We just didn’t know,” he says.

Stanton admits he was too dumbfounded to be really worried about his safety. He was focused on the gun shots.

“I wasn’t panicky but realized there was an evident danger that was present. I was trying to listen for other activity, other shots,” he explains. “I mean, I know a little bit about gun fire and it occurred to me that the first bang was much louder than what we heard subsequently.

So it was a lighter calibre kind of firearm. Pretty hard to tell but there was a difference. .

As to what that really meant, I didn’t know. I was just trying to process it a bit and I think everyone processes it in their own way. I wasn’t like getting down on the floor or anything like that. I just slowly moved off to the edge.”

Soon after, a House of Commons constable came in another door.

He had a radio and was relaying information to the group, but Continued on page 28

sherry@sparrowstagingservices.com

Have a Blessed Christmas!

May the magic and wonder of the Holiday Season stay with you throughout the coming year.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

26

Winter beet, arugula, fig chevre salad with pomegranate drizzled with late fall honey Ingredients:

• 4 heirloom beets (the more different colors the better) • 2 cups arugula, washed and dried • ½ cup fig chevre (goat cheese) • ½ cup pomegranate seeds • ½ cup natural local honey • ½ cup toasted nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios or whatever your favourite is) • drizzle of olive oil • cracked black pepper • sea salt • ¼ cup fig balsamic dressing

Preparation:

Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Clean beets and remove top leaves and root bottom.

Place on a sheet of tinfoil, drizzled with olive oil.

Seal, place in oven and roast until tender, about 45 minutes.

Cool, then slice each beet into 4-6 wedges, depending on sizes.

Just before serving toss arugula with fig balsamic dressing just enough to lightly coat.

On a large platter or individual plates, lay down a bed of arugula.

Randomly place beets around the bed.

Randomly place small pieces of goat cheese alternately on the plate.

Place almonds next.

Place seeds next.

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27

Severn Council’s newest member

What’s best for residents at forefront

Continued from page 11

Continued from page 7

I couldn’t help but feel like a winner.”

Although he is the only new member of Severn Council, this term, he is aware of many of the issues faced by Ward 5 residents, including the condition and safety of some roads, especially South Sparrow Lake Road; parking, infrastructure and development in the village, as well as Centennial Park.

He says he’s very open to

hearing from residents about other concerns, too.

For now, he’s just looking forward to the new challenges of working for the residents of the Township and with other Council members.

“I see the group at Council, now, as a smooth running machine,” he says. “From what I’m picking up, there’s no grandstanding and there’s mutual respect for one another. To me, they’re a winning team.”

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as the former Mayor of Severn and he recalls taking a lot of heat from residents who were against the project.

“I talked to people who simply did not understand. They tried to but the bottom line of what they were thinking was this is going to cost me something I simply cannot afford. But my argument to that was you can’t afford not to do this,” he recalls.

“If you asked a lot of the people, now, who were opposed to it to start with, they would say it was the best thing that ever happened out there.”

One of the projects that Stevens is most proud to have been involved with took place when he was not a mayor at all. He was a councillor on the former Orillia Township Council when asked to take on the daunting

task of chairing the County of Simcoe restructuring transition committee in the early 1990s.

He didn’t even sit on County Council at the time.

For 18 months, in this position, Stevens helped mould the new boundaries in the County.

In Severn Township’s case, it was created from part of the Township of Orillia, part of Medonte and Tay townships, as well as all of Coldwater and Matchedash.

With all of this experience, and more, Stevens sums up his job as this: “To be a good councillor, you’ve got to be involved. Your job is to become involved in issues that are causing problems for people who are living there and try to resolve it as best you can.”

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Local MP recalls attack on Parliament Hill Continued from page 25

Despite the long day and potential danger.

Stanton says he realizes it is nothing compared to what the family of Cpl Cirillo is going through.

“I guess being in lockdown all day pales by the kind of things that the family of our 24-yearold soldier Cirillo is experiencing and we are certainly going to miss him. He was one of the fatalities and it’s a bit of an eyeopener for us here in Canada what has happened not just

at that early time in the day, even police didn’t know what they were dealing with and there were numerous and false reports of gunfire at nearby locations like the Rideau Centre, a nearby mall.

The group stayed in the room until about 5 p.m. when they were taken by bus to another government building off Parliament Hill to provide their identification to the RCMP.

Thank you to everyone who helped me on my election campaign.

Your hard work and commitment are very much appreciated.

As the new councillor for Ward 5 in the Township of Severn, I am proud to serve all residents and look forward to working with the mayor, council and staff.

(on that day) but earlier in (that) week.”

Keeping in mind this incredible loss and threat to those at Parliament Hill yesterday, Stanton says the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) must continue and Canada must do its part.

He points out that anyone that specifically targeting a uniformed member of the Canadian Forces is doing so in a politically motivated way. They are attacking our institutions and our democracy, things Canadians hold very seriously and with great pride. And

because of this, he believes Canada must keep up the fight against ISIS. “We at the very least need to share in trying to make sure that organization and that group of murderous people don’t get stronger and it’s in our best interests as a country to make sure that happens, as well,” he says. “So, if we’re on the firing line for that kind of an effort, our way is to share in that responsibility, as much as we regret having our men and women in harm’s way, frankly our public is in harm’s way.”

DONALD WESTCOTT

Please contact me directly at: donaldmwestcott@gmail.com AFTER DECEMBER 1st, visit or call the township office for more contact information. 705-325-2315. www.townshipofsevern.com

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29

‘Tis the season to give

By Lioness Estelle Ness ‘Tis the season for good things happening, like home cooking with the smell of spices and bazaars with all those wonderful homemade items. Then there are the parades with smiles on the children’s faces. But best of all is helping those less fortunate.

The Washago Lioness have been like a group of busy elves, making their famous meat pies, baking up a storm, putting together their crafts and checking their lists twice.

However at the top of their list is an item that says it is time to help those that need a hand up.

What group or individual do they turn to first? All fingers point to a wonderful local lady in Washago, Mrs. Linda Pearce. She makes sure that families in and around

Washago do not go without. So this year, Mrs. Pearce, you are at the top of our list for ‘Angel of the Year’. You dedicate yourself and family making sure those who are less fortunate are not forgotten, you work constantly year round giving of yourself for others.

What would this country be like without folks like Mrs. Pearce and church groups and organizations that reach out to help others?

In my opinion it would be very much like countries we hear about that have no respect for human life. So whether you give a nickel, a quarter or a dollar to give, it is the thought that counts and believe me you will feel good helping others.

Let us not forget those that serve

Linda Pearce (left) is presented with a cheque from Carol Buckley of the Washago Lioness. to keep us free and safe. Check with the local Legion (Orillia Branch #34) to see what you can send to our troops or perhaps you would like to donate locally to the Branch 34 Poppy Fund.

This will help out those in our community and it will be greatly

appreciated.

Last but not least, remember our animals, wild or domestic, that give us so much enjoyment. A few treats go a long way.

Merry Xmas from The Washago Lioness Club.

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30

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

November 29, 2014

A Mom2Mom sale will take place at the November 29, 2014 Washago Community Centre between The Santa Claus Parade will take place 9 a.m. and noon. Gently used children’s in Washago beginning at 6:30 p.m. on clothes. Buy or sell.

Muskoka Street. Afterwards kids can visit with Santa and have hot chocolate and November 30, 2014 treats at the Washago Community Centre. Celebrate Grey Cup with the Washago Lions Floats and walking groups must fill out a at their Annual Grey Cup Party. View the registration form (available at Washago game on two large screen TVs at the Lions Community Centre and Canoe Fresh Food Hall on Hamilton Street. Chili, sausage on a Market). For more information, contact Stan bun and game pool are all included in the Hope-Smith at 705-689-2287. $30 ticket. Bar opens at 3 p.m. and there will be a 50/50 and silent auction. For tickets November 29, 2014 call Garnet at 705-689-3974, Jim at 705-689Marchmont Public School will host its Winter 8075 or Sandy at 705-689-9646.

Sale at the school between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. It’s a day of socialization, shopping and fun. There will be baked goods, craft items by local artisans as well as other vendors.

There will also be a silent auction.

December 4, 2014

Relive ‘good old’ Christmas memories with the Old Tyme Christmas Concert at the Gravenhurst Seniors’ Activity Centre at 7 p.m. There will be lively Christmas carols and Christmas-themed entertainment.

Tickets are $10 per person.

December 5, 2014

A vigil will be held at OPP Headquarters in Orillia to mark the National Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women, beginning at 10 a.m. All are welcome.

December 5, 2014

The Annual Orillia Square Mall Seniors Shopping Day will be held just in time for the holidays. Enjoy senior discounts from select stores, mall gift certificate giveaway (exclusive to seniors) and Christmas carols by the Orillia Vocal Ensemble.

December 6, 2014

The Candle Light Parade and Santa Claus Parade will take place in Coldwater, beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by visits with Santa at the Mill.

A fundraiser for the Ball family had a huge turn out and two donations of $1,000 from the Washago Lions and a group called ‘Paying Severn’s Deputy Mayor Judith Cox gives it Back’. The Washago Lioness also donated Township Clerk Sharon Goerke a big hug in $100. MJ Gaudet and Trish Lashbrook are her excitement on election night. seen here posing at one of the activities.

December 20, 2014

Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton is hosting a free Family Skate in Orillia at the West Orillia Sports Complex, Rotary Place, between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. All are welcome.

Ngwis Plett, 8 and his brother Takoda, 5, stand over a wreath dedicated Courtney Martin and her mother Laurie volunteered to carve pumpkins to their great grandfather Leland Williams who served as a medic for the Haunted House fundraiser at the Washago Community Centre in WWII. on Halloween.

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