The Villager 2013 December

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Dec. 13, 2013 – Jan. 31, 2014

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Good Food Box Program a good deal

By Kim Goggins Ever since Jennifer Millar has been enrolled in nursing, she’s been telling her husband how important it is to eat more fruits and vegetables. Much to her surprise, he was actually listening and proved it by signing up for a small food box through the Good Food Box Program.

Offered through Hope Community Church on Cumberland Road, the Good Food Box Program is run by a small group of volunteers and offers small boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables for $10 and large boxes for $15.

Each box contains the basics like potatoes, onions, carrots and apples, as well as a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables.

“We’re actually going to be ordering another one next month. It’s an excellent deal,” says Millar, as she was picking up their order. “I was adding it up for my parents, because I know my parents are going to want to order one, and just a few things came to over $10 if you went to the grocery store and bought them.”

Ron Swaddling, a volunteer with the program, says he is not surprised that Millar will tell her parents about the deal and they’ll want to purchase their own box.

The program has grown by word of mouth.

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Guess who’s coming to town this weekend! The Santa Claus Parade kicks off at 6 p.m. in Washago.

The theme this year is Lights! Lights! Lights! It’s sure to be as spectacular as ever. Afterwards, the kids can join Santa for free hot chocolate and cookies at the Washago Community Centre.

Many of their clients even purchase boxes for other family members.

“I think that’s kind of their way of helping,” adds Bonnie Reardon, another volunteer. “A lot of moms come in and buy for daughters who are single mothers.”

The program at Hope Community Church is officially one year old and according to Swaddling, the numbers have grown from the initial 15 families last November when it started, to between 25 and 30 each month.

But they want to see it grow substantially.

People who participate do not have to belong to the church. They can simply show Continued page 21

Business profile ��������������������������� 5 Villager Christmas ���������������������11 Recipe of the month ���������������17 Community Happenings �������22

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A love story for all time

By Kim Goggins It’s a brilliant autumn day. Sunlight sparkles off the southwest shore of Sparrow Lake, the leaves flash brilliant reds, yellows and oranges, and the earthy scent of the season fills the air. From the top deck of David and Ann Stanton’s home there is a terrific view of the lake and of the former dance hall (now storage building) at Bayview Wildwood Resort where the two first met and fell in love more than 65 years ago.

Ann remembers that night very well. She had just started working at what was then called Wildwood Inn, owned by David’s parents, and the other girls invited her to the dance hall after work. She was 16 at the time.

“I went down with them and Dave asked me to dance and bingo,” she laughs, admitting she liked him right away.

After 60 years of marriage, David admits he was initially drawn to Ann’s blue eyes. “She had beautiful eyes — still does,” he chuckles.

“I think we were destined to be together because we clicked right away.”

Over their five-year courtship, they each went to Toronto after high school, Ann taking Costume Design at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute and David building CF 100 planes, while also getting his commercial flying time in to get his pilot’s licence.

Later, before they were married in 1953, Ann, 19, worked for the Singer Sewing Machine Company, teaching customers how to sew.

David did get his commercial pilot’s licence and flew for Trans Canada Airlines (now Air Canada) from 1953 until he retired in 1981.

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Ann and David Stanton look through their wedding album. The Port Stanton couple’s home overlooks the old dance hall where they first met more than 65 years ago.

For almost 30 years, they lived in Brampton, but their hearts were still in Port Stanton where they had purchased a small cottage on a swampy scrub lot full of poison ivy and weeds.

David smiles when he describes first buying it, the many years of enjoying it as a cottage, and the three summers it took to build the permanent home they still live in. Now, their lot on Sparrow Lake is far from swamp land, except for the area where David cultivates and harvests his own cranberries.

“We’re very self-sufficient. That’s the Stanton way,” he says proudly, noting his father, Walter, built Wildwood Inn in 1931 “with just a wheelbarrow and a loan from the bank.”

A smile takes over Ann’s face when she tells of the day, in 1980, that they finally finished the house. “When we finished shingling the roof, we danced on it.”

As the couple reminisce about their 60 years of marriage, their family, including their boys, Steve, Andy and Paul, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren (with another one on the way), they pull out several photo albums.

With each turn of the page, they uncover impeccably kept photos with neat writing underneath that tells the story of their lives over six decades. The photos capture their adventures, from building and flying small planes (and a runway, too), to constructing their home together. They show the lives of two people who are clearly in love.

With every glance at each other, every smile they share, and every memory relived, it’s obvious that this is a love that is even stronger, now, than when it first ignited at that dance hall.

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Kim Goggins Publisher, Editor-in-Chief thevillager@xplornet.com 705-689-5398 Ellen Cohen Publisher, General Manager thevillagerpress@rogers.com 705-717-0322 Register for the most current Severn news – delivered regularly

A word in edgewise

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

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

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

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

Advertising, editorial and community event submissions are due on the 22nd of the month for the following month’s publication.

Advertising inquiries: email Ellen Cohen at thevillagerpress@rogers.com

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

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Season’s Greetings! Ellen and I wish you all a wonderful season, however and whatever you may celebrate.

There is always something to celebrate, isn’t there? The Villager has been fortunate enough to be involved with a remarkable group of Washago residents who call themselves Santa’s Helpers. Their main goal is to ensure that about 200 local children on their list receive a toy this Christmas. Through fundraising events and toy drop off spots, I have seen the generosity of this community and that is definitely something to rejoice!

Here, at The Villager, we are celebrating the end of a really wonderful year for us. We want to thank you for the warm embrace we have received in the community since launching our little publication in March 2013. It’s hard to believe this is our 10th issue!

That said, we will be making a few changes — some noticeable and some seamless — in the new year. One big change is that starting in February, we will be out at the beginning of the month, rather than the middle. To prepare for this, we will not have a January issue but please look for our next issue in your mailbox and at our popular drop off spots by Feb. 1.

As always, we invite letters to the editor and information about your upcoming community events to include in The Villager.

Please remember to use this publication as a guide for all of your shopping and service needs. Without our remarkable advertisers, we wouldn’t be able to support our community organizations or bring all of the community news to you so please show your appreciation by calling on them for service or shopping with them.

All the best to you this season and in 2014!

Kim Due to our special Christmas section in the December issue, News in Review will not be included in The Villager. For all of your local news, visit www.severnnewsonline.com.

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

Letters may be edited.

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It’s a dangerous business but he loves it

By Kim Goggins Ken Hepinstall keeps an eye on the weather.

Always. It’s imperative for the business he’s in. When a storm is coming, he knows his towing company is going to be busy and he needs to be prepared because it could be a matter of life or death.

When most of us heed police warnings and stay off the roads when they are dangerous, Ken is in the fray, assisting motorists as well as police and other first responders by getting the scene clear of disabled vehicles.

Often, visibility is limited and the roads are slick with precipitation.

“A lot of the stuff I have to do is done in the dark,” says Ken, who has owned Ken Hepinstall Towing & Auto Salvage for eight years. “I gear up and make sure I’m ready for what I have to do. I’m a member of the Orillia Towing Dispatch Service and I’m dispatched by the OPP. So I have to be ready to go 24/7 to respond within 20 minutes.”

That means laying out weather-appropriate clothes each night so he can quickly jump into them if he’s suddenly called to duty.

“I’m all about layers,” he laughs. “I do get wet in my job so I take extra clothes with me in my truck.”

Those extra clothes couldn’t help him about a month ago, when he was called out in the pouring rain to a side road in Severn Township at 3 a.m. After making sure the occupant of the vehicle was safe, Ken attempted to hook up his chains and cables when he slipped and slid down the four foot ditch into water that was above his waist.

“It was really dark and I could hear the water running,” he recalls. “We had so much rain that week and I could hear the water but I didn’t

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Ken Hepinstall has operated his towing and auto salvage business from Muskoka Street in Washago for eight years.

realize the ditch was that close to the vehicle.”

Yes, it can be a dangerous business — 22 tow truck operators are killed in Canada each year — but he loves it.

In fact, he’s always had a fascination with tow trucks, even as a licenced mechanic for the past 30 years. When he and his partner decided to close G&H Auto Service after 10 years, Ken purchased a flatbed tow truck to add to the tow truck he already had for auto salvage and registered his new business.

Since then, he has updated his fleet and has always had a four-wheel drive tow truck — the only one in the region. After living in this area his whole life, he knows it’s imperative.

“If I can’t get in then people are in trouble and there’s not a whole lot of areas I can’t get to,” he says. “I’m very familiar with the roads around here.”

These roads can become dangerous,

especially Highway 11 when other motorists don’t always move over to give him and other responders room to work.

“When you see flashing lights, it means caution, warning. Please slow down and give us a lane because we’re trying to get someone out of the ditch,” he urges. “A lot of people don’t at all. It’s like almost brushing the side of your coat sometimes.”

Ken also recommends that people stay in their vehicle if they put their car in the ditch along the highway and it’s in a safe position because they risk being hit by another vehicle when they stand on the side of the road. Always carry winter boots, coat, hat and mitts in the vehicle, too.

Finally, he advises people to drive according to the road conditions. It’s a message that is often relayed but many people don’t heed the warning and end up needing his assistance.

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Ramara Disaster Relief Committee meets goal

By Kim Goggins It was a miserable, snowy day. Media outlets reported a 60-car pileup on Highway 400 and the snow squalls were severe.

It was Nov. 23, 2013, and a benefit dance featuring Dr. Krane at ODAS Park was set to raise money for the Ramara Disaster Relief Committee. It was to cap off four months of fundraising for victims of record-breaking spring flooding in the township that destroyed many properties.

Once again, Mother Nature was interfering with the plans that Ramara residents had made, but once again, those residents stayed the course and triumphed. Despite the wicked weather, more than $3,000 was raised at the dance, enough to reach the goal of $15,000 set by the five-member volunteer committee.

“The $15,000 equates into $45,000 in payouts that are eligible for (applications) that have already been approved by our project manager,” said committee member, Glenn Spriggs.

“We had set an ambitious goal to raise the $15,000 between the end of July and the end of the year,” he continued. “We did want to close it off by Christmas so that it was a little brighter with those that had to spend (up to) $10,000 out of their pocket.”

Through its Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program the provincial government agreed to give $2 for every $1 raised.

Although the committee would like to be able to hand out cheques

by Christmas, it’s not likely the province will get the money to the municipality by then. However, each resident will have a commitment that they will receive 100 percent of their application.

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The efforts of the community to raise $15,000 in such a short time does not surprise Spriggs and he says the committee wants to thank all of the businesses, organizations and individuals that gave so generously.

“If it wasn’t for the support of those that did give generously and stepped up to the plate and helped, this wouldn’t be possible at all,” he said. “We (the committee) were just the conduit for being able to get the funding in place for these residents to benefit and get back on track with a normality to their life. It’s thanks to the spirit of the community and that’s why communities like Ramara can pull through — and we’ll pull through the next one, too.”

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Lioness Ollie will be missed

By Lioness Estelle Ness

When I sit by my window and see the snow, I remember 15 years ago when I lived on the Severn River. I have nothing but good memories of the nature of the area and the friendly people. However, those pesky bugs got to me and now I live in Orillia. Somehow things seem to have come full circle as I am now back in Washago as a Lioness and loving it.

As I watch the snow fall and listen to the Jays I realize another winter is arriving. At the same time a very good friend is slowly fading away. Lioness Ollie has served the Washago Lioness happily, enthusiastically and diligently for over 30 years. We will miss her presence greatly, but will never forget her.

With the Christmas season approaching it is time for the Lioness to get in gear and start thinking of who is going to need our assistance. For sure there will be families to help with clothing and food hampers. Then there are organizations that need donations to help those in their care. We also have our own retired Lioness to remember as they remembered others. Last but not least we do try to help our four-legged friends this time of year.

To all our friends in the Washago and surrounding area, thank you for supporting all of our events this year; you have made it possible for us to help others. From each and every Washago Lioness we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Lioness Mary Burton is seen here helping to raise money.

Be well-advised at every stage of your life.

Assante Capital Management Ltd. 384 West Street North, Suite 1 Orillia, ON. L3V 5E6 www.assante.com

lferry@assante.com

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Lisa Ferry

Financial Advisor

705-325-7743, Ext.227

13-12-05 1:06 PM

Nominate a volunteer

By Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop I would like to take this opportunity to remind my constituents about provincial volunteer award programs and application deadlines that are fast approaching.

Nomination Forms to recognize the accomplishments and contributions made by volunteers in communities across

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Ontario are now available at www.ontario.ca\honoursandawards.

The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards are presented to volunteers who contribute consecutive years of service to a community organization.

Completed nomination forms will be accepted until Jan. 25, 2014.

The Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers is presented to outstanding young volunteers between the ages of 15 and 24 years old.

Completed nomination forms will be accepted until Jan. 31, 2014.

Volunteers play a vital role in our community and this is a wonderful way to recognize them. I encourage residents of Simcoe North to nominate a deserving volunteer.

Please contact my offices in Midland (705) 526-8671 or Orillia (705) 326-3246, 1-800-304-7341, for further information.

New Year’s Levees I would also like to take this opportunity to remind you about my upcoming Annual New Year’s Levees.

The first will take place Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014 from 1 until 4 p.m. at the Coldwater Royal Canadian Legion. The second will be on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014 from 1 until 4 p.m. at the Midland Royal Canadian Legion. I hope to see you there!

Pancake Breakfast My 13th Annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser will take place Feb. 1, 2014. The event runs from 8 a.m. until noon at the Royal Canadian Legion in Orillia. Proceeds from the event go to Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.

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Holiday season can be hazardous for pets

By Dr. Kathy Marchildon The holidays will be soon upon us and we are all looking forward to enjoying the festivities with our friends and family. It is a busy time of year and so it is best to keep in mind that this is also a common time that we see unfortunate illness and accidents with our pets due to decorations, foods and the general chaos associated with the festive season.

There are many dangers to pets during the holiday season. Here’s some information to help keep your pet safe: Holiday plants can be very toxic to pets. Examples include, mistletoe, holly, lilies and amaryllis bulbs. Despite its reputation, poinsettias are not very toxic to pets although they can cause minor digestive upset or drooling. In general, keep these plants out of the way of all pets.

Signs can be mild and self-limiting, such as vomiting and diarrhea, but can also be severe causing kidney failure, even death.

Extra goodies Rich, spicy and fatty foods can cause problems such as gastrointestinal upset and even pancreatitis. Do not overindulge your pet with new and rich foods.

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Chocolate is toxic Baked goods often contain significant amounts of cocoa. Do not leave food or candies under the tree or in reach of pets. Many ingestion episodes of chocolate toxicity have occurred from a dog unwrapping the Christmas gifts early!

Christmas trees and decorations Avoid using tinsel and keep all decorations out of eating reach to avoid obstructions. Ribbon and string are especially attractive to cats and are common causes of intestinal blockage. In addition, liquid potpourri can cause burns if ingested.

Cold weather Take the appropriate precautions for your breed of dog or cat to keep them warm. Booties and jackets help keep pets warm. Bringing pets inside during freezing temperatures is recommended. Insulated houses or pens are a must for outdoor dogs and during extreme weather they should be brought into a heated space. Water bowls freeze quickly outdoors.

Fan belt Injuries To avoid any horrible accidents, bang the hood of your car before starting during the winter months. Cats tend to hide in engines for warmth.

Dr. Kathy Marchildon owns Lake Country Animal Hospital on Soules Road in Severn Township.

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‘Stay’cations are fun in this area All hail the Christmas holidays. The kids are off school for a couple of weeks and you’ve taken time away from work. Now is the time to escape within your own local community and embrace our good nature here in North Simcoe. There are plenty of options to have heart-pounding fun, as well as several ways to relax and regroup — all within a short drive.

Maybe a sunny southern vacation is not in the cards for this

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season, but perhaps you can take a few days to immerse yourself and your kids into winter and family bonding time at a local resort.

Severn and Ramara Townships are fortunate to have BayviewWildwood Resort, Fern Resort and the YMCA Geneva Park within their boundaries and all have inclusive family packages this time of year that offer winter sports and activities, as well as good food and accommodations that are sure to make the holidays memorable for everyone.

Whether it’s a fast-paced game of ice hockey or a sleigh ride and bonfire, getting out of the house and into a lakefront cabin is a great opportunity to spend quality time with your family.

With the abundance of fresh snow and ski hills in our area, ‘daycations’ to local ski hills such as Mount St. Louis Moonstone, Horseshoe Valley Ski Resort and Hardwood Hills are also favourite ways to spend time with family.

While dad has the kids out for the day, mom can take some time out for herself and retreat into one of our areas phenomenal spas.

Whether it’s the Balance in Life Spa at Casino Rama, Michelle’s Elegance & Day Spa at Fern Resort, the Resting Spirit Spa on Rama Road or Northern Charm Spa at Bayview-Wildwood, there are plenty of ways and reasons to relax and rejuvenate.

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Step-by-step guide for holiday entertaining • On the day of the party, give your house a once over. Finish The festive season is full of opportunities to get together with last minute cooking (keep it to a minimum). Display food family and friends. Follow these simple rules for a great gathering. on your kitchen island, coffee table, dining table or set up • Create a guest list and invite people at least two weeks buffet tables specifically for food. in advance. Always invite 10–20% more people than can accommodate, keeping in mind that about 75% of people Remember to have lots of non-alcohol choices and be prepared to have guests stay over. who are invited will attend.

• Plan the menu, using recipes that can be prepared in advance so that assembling and warming are done in the hour before guests arrive. Make a shopping list that includes the stores where you will need to purchase the food items and non-alcoholic beverages.

• Remember to create a playlist that sets the mood!

Wickless warmers with • Remember to visit the liquor store to stock your bar. Most 80+ fragrance choices people bring what they want to drink, but it’s nice to have some wine and beer on hand, as well as soft drinks, water, tea and coffee.

• Decorate and arrange furniture the day before the party.

• Finish grocery shopping the day before. Complete as much Christine Bothman ~ bothmancee@gmail.com of the cooking as you can and do prep work for food you have to prepare the day of the party.

ScentsationalAndWicklessWithChristine ~ bothmanc.scentsy.ca

Scentsational Style & Fragrance!

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The kids are winners of chili/euchre night

Theresa Eric won the euchre tournament and donated her $75 winnings to the cause.

Robin Watson came in second and donated her $50 winnings.

Derek Thalen came in third and donated his $25 winnings.

Organizer Karen Barrer with Ken McDonald, who generously donated his 50/50 draw winnings ($145) back to the cause.

Santa’s Helpers raised more than $3,000 for local children.

Santa’s Helpers in Washago raised more than $3,000 to purchase toys for about 200 local children on their list this Christmas. The money was raised in the Washago community through a charity BBQ in October, donation jars set up at Washago locations and through the Chili Euchre Night fundraiser on Nov. 29, 2013.

Almost 100 toys have also been collected.

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Food drive huge success

Severn Firefighters from Station 1, along with Washago Lions Club members and the Scouts and Venturers collected an astounding 5,237 pounds of food on Nov. 23, 2013. Organizer and volunteer firefighter from Station 1, Jeff Dewetering, is seen loading boxes of food in the snow storm that day. The unique food drive saw the group go door to door in the Westshore area to collect non-perishable food for The Sharing Place Food Bank.

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Santa’s Picks Velocity Cycle & Ski: Stocking stuffers — accessories and apparel items for cyclists and cross country skiers. Starting at under $10.00.

CiaoChowCiao: Features include take-away freshly made full dinners. Treat someone with a gift certificate. Available in-store for any budget.

Merry Christmas from The Villager!

Orillia Trim & Door: Handyman or complete novice on your list?

Hand or power tools and all accessories are available with experts in-store to help you choose.

Jax Bootery: Excellent selection of warm, comfortable slippers and quality Canadian made shoes and boots for both men and women.

Timber Mart Washago: Best buy — Harman wood pellet stoves.

Clean, efficient heating alternative that makes an excellent gift for your entire family.

Scentsy from local resident Christine Bothman: Scentsy offers a variety of fragrance products that will fill your home with amazing scents.

La Bodega: Quality artisan products. Home decor items, artwork, lighting, painted furniture, rugs and more. Selection of beautiful Christmas decor.

The Vacuum Centre: Featured this season are high efficiency and light weight machines from Eureka and Electolux.

Home Hardware Washago: Need a stocking stuffer or entertaining? Look for the exclusive wine chiller and the wine aerator. Low cost and high quality gifts.

Lake Country Grill: Gift certificates available for mouth-watering meals. Blackened pickerel, ribs, fresh rainbow trout, steak and shrimp and more.

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Milford Bay smoked trout, vodka creme fraiche and crispy potatoes

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Ingredients:

Preparation:

Crispy Potatoes

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Toss potatoes with olive oil and sea salt 3. Spread evenly on baking sheet and cook for 30 minutes until just soft.

4. Let cool slightly and press on potato with back of wooden spoon to squish slightly so they flatten to about 1/2 inch and sides are slightly cracked.

5. Pour canola oil about four inches in a Recipe provided by Chef Becky Lennerton of heavy deep pot.

Black River Food Company.

6. Heat until oil is 350 degrees. creme fraiche (or sour cream) with 2 7. Fry crushed potatoes until crispy. tbsp vodka.

Remove with slotted spoon and drain 11. Whisk vigorously to combine. on paper towel 12. Sprinkle with a little sea salt.

8. Flake trout into bite size pieces.

13. To assemble put a dollop of creme 9. Take shallot rings and dredge in flour fraiche on each potato, top with trout, and fry the same way in canola oil until shallots, chives, radish sprout and golden and crisp. Remove and blot dry thinly sliced tomato. Sprinkle with sea salt and olive oil. Serve.

10. To make crème fraiche, combine 1 cup

• 2lbs Small potatoes, all the same size in a variety of colours • Extra virgin olive oil • Sea salt • Canola Oil or peanut oil for frying

Smoked trout • • • • • • •

1 pkg Smoked trout 1 Shallot, thinly sliced in rings 1/2 cup Flour Sea salt Radish sprouts Chopped chives Sundried tomatoes thinly sliced

Creme Fraiche and Vodka

• 2 tbsp Vodka • Black and red roe (optional) use instead of tomato as garnish

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District Governor comes to Washago

By Sandra Crawford

The Washago & District Lions Club President Garnet Langille and Lion members welcomed our District Governor, Chris Lewis and his wife Lion Marj Lewis, to our dinner meeting on Nov. 11, 2013.

Special guests Veteran Frank Cooper, Darren Bunker, RC 21 Daniel Souci, and Gravenhurst Lions Club Secretary Scott Slater also joined us for a wonderful roast beef dinner.

After dinner, Gov. Chris thanked our veteran Frank Cooper for his service to our country and thanked our Lions Club for our forward thinking and inviting a vet to dinner.

He noted that our Lion’s International President, Barry Palmer’s (Australia) theme was “follow your dream”. It is our goal and dream as Lions to help and serve others.

Gov. Chris also presented Lion Andy Stothers with his Shadow Pin, and congratulated him on receiving the Citizen of the Year Award.

He noted how welcome he feels when visiting our Club, and thanked us for everything we do here and around the world.

New business discussed at the meeting was the “Christmas Parade” in Washago on Dec. 14. Look for our float in the parade. Lion President, Garnet Langille wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Governor Chris Lewis (right) presents Lion Andy Stothers with his Shadow Pin.

SERVICE DEPARTMENT OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK Subaru factory-trained technicians.

Call to book your appointment: 705-329-4277 385 West Street South, Orillia www.davenportsubaru.com

AAAA SANITATION 24 HR Emergency Service

Brent Bunker, Owner/Operator Pumping Septic & Holding Tanks Pump Replacements

1400 COOPER’S FALLS RD. R.R.1, WASHAGO, ON LOK 2B0

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BUSINESS/CELL 705-689-5991

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Christmas Fire Safety

By Dianne Kyle Severn Fire & Emergency Services would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season. This is a joyous time of year as we shop and bake and decorate our homes, inside and out.

However, certain types of fires and injuries associated with holiday decorating are much more common during this season.

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This is the time of year when fire safety should be first and foremost on our minds.

The following are a few safety tips: • If you have a fresh cut Christmas tree make sure to water it regularly to help retain its moisture.

• Be cautious on a ladder when installing and removing your Christmas lights. Prior to installing, inspect your lights for excessive wear. If you have any doubt about the age and safety of your strand of lights, it’s probably time to get new ones. Be power smart and purchase energy-efficient LED lights.

• Use only approved CSA and UL tested extension cords and power bars for all your electrical needs.

• Keep candles away from combustible materials and never use lighted candles on or near a Christmas tree. Don’t ever leave your home or go to bed with candles burning. There are battery operated candles that look real.

• Smoke alarms save lives! Press the test button on your smoke alarm once a month to ensure it is working. If it has a battery, change it twice a year. A good reminder is when you change the clocks, change the batteries. If your smoke alarm is more than ten years old, it’s time to change it. This applies to hard-wired and battery units.

• Spread the word about fire safety and give a gift that may save a life such as a smoke alarm, fire extinguisher or if you know of someone who is deaf or hard of hearing there are several types of alarm systems on the market to enable them to have early warning even without their hearing aids.

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Ode to a Christmas Tree

By Ron Reid We live in a country of trees.

So the long-standing tradition of having a Christmas tree as a seasonal centerpiece in our homes seems a natural fit. A Christmas tree is special not just in its symbolic significance; it is also special in how its natural features allow it to play this role.

Most of our December trees are bare; their leaves weeks ago raked from the lawn or settled on the forest floor. But one group of trees — the conifers — keeps leaf cover all year round. In fact, even these “evergreen” trees shed their needles regularly, but spread the process over the year as they are replaced. The one exception to this pattern is a conifer called Tamarack or Larch, which turns golden in the late fall and drops all its needles for the winter.

Conifer trees are adapted to northern conditions with long winters; the vast boreal forests that carpet northern Ontario and much of central Canada are dominated by spruces and pines. To thrive in this challenging environment, conifers pack extra chlorophyll into their dark green needles, to make the most of the limited sunshine that provides their energy.

Keeping their needles over winter is another essential strategy to conserve energy.

But the biggest challenge for trees in winter is conserving water. Keep in mind that trees “breathe” through their leaves, luckily for us breathing out oxygen, and taking in carbon dioxide. As part of that process, they also breathe out water, pulled up from the roots along with dissolved nutrients and minerals.

In winter, a tree may be surrounded by a deep layer of snow, but all that frozen moisture is unavailable. Not a problem for deciduous trees, since the fall shedding of leaves shuts down their breathing system.

But for the conifers that retain their needlelike leaves, drying out while the ground is frozen is a real risk.

So how do they manage to prevent this moisture loss? Two main factors seem to be at work. First, unlike the broad flat leaves

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of deciduous trees, conifers specialize in relatively small needles with a minimum of surface area to transpire out water. Second, northern conifers have a thick waxy coating on their needles, another powerful tool to conserve water.

These same characteristics, of course,

The Balsam Fir makes a lovely traditional Christmas tree.

make conifers perfect Christmas trees.

Scotch Pines and White Spruces are able to withstand several weeks of transport and display after cutting, their moisture refreshed once they are in the water pot in the stand. Even better are the cut-yourown trees that come directly from the field to your living room with little time to lose moisture. But best of all, in my view, are the sparse lacy boughs of a wild Balsam Fir, cut from a sunny woodland edge and dragged home through the snow. If Christmas is about tradition, this fragrant conifer represents the best traditions of our pioneer fore bearers.

Merry Christmas to all, and enjoy your tree!

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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21 Good Food Box Program a good deal Continued from page 1

Coriveau, try to accommodate their clients as much as they can and often offer more than just food.

“I find being here that it’s more just about listening and they’ll come in and we’ll try to make it very personable,” says Reardon. “I live in the community and I’m a mom and a grandmother so it’s a passion of mine and a community service for me. It’s nice to meet people. I find people just come in and they open up (if they need to). We’re like a family.”

For more information about the program call 705-331-1658.

Jennifer Millar, seen here with volunteer Bonnie Reardon (right), says her husband surprised her by signing up for the program. She knows her parents will want to, as well.

up at the church, pre-order and pay cash on the first Monday of each month, between 3 and 6 p.m. and then pick up the box on the third Wednesday of the month, between 3 and 6 p.m. Preorders and payments for the next month can also be made while picking up the current food order.

Reardon can be reached on her cell phone at 705-331-1658 and people can call her if they are going to be a bit late or need to set up another time.

Reardon, along with Swaddling and third volunteer Hilary

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Nancy Powell (right) of Rama Road was honoured recently for her hard work and dedication to Leacock Home Care Centre in Orillia. On Oct. 21, 2013, she was given a special award by coordinator of volunteer services, Lois Blais, for three years and more than 800 hours of volunteer service. Congratulations Nancy!

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Community Happenings Send your group’s upcoming community event to thevillager@xplornet.com.

Washago Community Centre IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT Winter Programs will start the week of Jan. 20. Registration is Thursday, Jan. 9 from 7–9 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 11 from 9–11 a.m. Please note the registration dates on your calendar. You will find a full list of programs at: www.washagocommunitycentre.com

Washago Jam

Washago Jam takes place every third Wednesday of the month, from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Washago Lions Club Hall.

Dec. 1–Jan. 11, 2014

takes place on Muskoka Street in Washago, Dec. 31, 2013 beginning at 6 p.m. Don’t miss the amazing New Year’s Eve fireworks will take place in spectacle of dazzling lights and holiday Coldwater. music. After, bring the kids to visit with Santa at the Washago Community Centre Jan. 5, 2014 Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop’s New and enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies.

Year’s Levee will take place from 1–4 p.m. at Dec. 19, 2013 the Coldwater Royal Canadian Legion.

The Ramara Historical Society will host a Potluck Social at the Udney Community Jan. 9 & 10, 2014 Centre, beginning at 7 p.m. There will Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour be a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and 2014 takes place at the Orillia Opera House at 7 p.m. Features mountain culture and entertainment. extreme sports films. Call 705-326-8011 for Dec. 21, 2013 more information.

Music at the Bakery will feature host band Sassafras as well as featured singers/ Feb. 1, 2014 songwriters Paul Court, Vincent Therrion Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop’s and Laura Bee, who is also a Celtic flute Annual Pancake Breakfast will take place player. Music starts at 8 p.m. in the Bakery from 8 a.m. until noon at the Royal Canadian at Canoe Fresh Food Market. Be sure to get Legion in Orillia with all proceeds going to Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. there early to get a seat!

Walls of Smalls: The Gift of Art! Is a holiday exhibition by Zephyr Art Gallery artists and Orillia Fine Arts Association members, Dec. 21, 2013 featuring small artworks attractively priced at Enjoy a free family skate and hot chocolate $100 or less. Zephyr Gallery, downtown Orillia. with Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton and his family, from 1–3 p.m. at Rotary Place in Dec. 12–Jan. 11, 2014 This is Tomorrow: High School Art Show is an Orillia.

AnnouncementS

exhibition of art by students from Orillia and Dec. 29, 2013 area high schools. It takes place at the Orillia Enjoy a free family skate and hot chocolate Museum of Art & History, downtown Orillia. with Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton and his family, from 12:30–2 p.m. at the Dec. 14, 2013 The theme for this year’s Santa Claus Parade Coldwater Community Centre. in Washago is Lights, Lights, Lights and it

Happy Birthday Tricia!

Love from your family

The Washago Craft Show was a huge success with hundreds of people attending. Heather Longtin of Jewel Kade was just one of almost 25 vendors.

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Andy Stothers volunteers to create the ice for the Washago ice rink at the community centre.

Here’s to another fun season of skating!

Happy Birthday Don and Charron!

Love from your family

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NEW SIGN. SAME WINDSHIELD REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT EXPERTISE. We’re joining forces with Speedy Glass®, Canada’s leader in vehicle glass repair and replacement so you’ll get more great services like on line booking and a comprehensive national warranty. All that, and you still get the same folks you know behind the counter.

Welcome to our new Speedy Glass® service centre.

®

Bill Farewell

This Apple Auto Glass® location is changing to Speedy Glass®

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315 West St. S Orillia

705.325.3500 speedyglass.ca

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