The Villager 2020 March by Villager Community News

March 2020

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Young, successful local entrepreneurs by Ellen Cohen It all started as a bit of a lark late last summer. Adelle and Audrey’s grandfather, Tony Parisi had several canoe paddles in his sunroom at his home on the Black River. One day, he asked his granddaughters if they would paint two of them, one each for him and his wife. Once painted, the paddles were so beautiful, he told his granddaughters they could probably sell some. Well, his idea worked. Adelle and Audrey painted three more paddles and posted photos on Facebook. Within an hour, they were sold. In fact, the buyer boated along the river right up to Tony’s dock, paid the girls and took possession of the beautifully painted paddles.

That wasn’t the last business transaction. More people responded to their FB posting and more paddles were sold. A new business was born, now officially called Oar You Kidding Me. With the help of their grandfather, they bought another 6 paddles, then 10 more, and finally purchased 60 in total. During the winter, they kept their business alive by using Facebook. They also rented a table at a craft sale and sold 18 paddles in one day. Their business has since evolved. They still paint paddles of their own design but they also take custom orders. They’ve painted an Iceland flag for one customer and another The surprise in this story is the age of was designed specifically for a restaurant. these two successful entrepreneurs. Adelle is 11 years old and in grade 6. Her sister, Audrey is nine and in grade 4. When they’re not busy with their new business, Adelle takes art classes and loves to ski, and Audrey is a dancer who also skis. They both enjoy playing outside with their French bulldog, Molly. There is no question that their business, Oar You Kidding Me was an inspiration of their grandfather. But it’s been Adelle and Audrey who have proven to be good business owners and wise beyond their years. They latched on to a good idea and added their creativity, energy and determination. They serve as an example to others who might otherwise hesitate when presented an opportunity. Congratulations to Adelle and Audrey.

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Harry Lumsden, founder of the Ontario Trumpeter Swan Restoration Program, attended the February 17th event in Washago. With Harry is Susan Best, local trumpeter swan expert and protector.

Harry Lumsden Many say he is a legend. Although it seems highly unlikely he would use that word to describe himself, there is no doubt that he is proud of the results of the Ontario Trumpeter Swan Restoration Program he began in 1986. By 2004 his goal was to achieve a trumpeter swan flock of 500. Today there are 1,200+. The species is no longer on the endangered list thanks to his initiative 34 years ago. Mr. Lumsden, a recipient of The Order of Canada, is now 96 years old. He attended the Washago trumpeter swan event.

Trumpeter swans in Washago – an extraordinary sight On February 17th, Susan Best, a wellknown expert and caregiver of trumpeter swans, along with a group of like-minded volunteers hosted an event that provided a unique opportunity to learn more about trumpeters, their behaviour, and how a dedicated program has brought them back from sure extinction. This restoration program, which began in 1986, was started by Harry Lumsden, a biologist with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). He started by releasing captive-raised trumpeter swans into historically documented habitats. When he retired from MNR, he got their blessing

to continue to manage the program as a volunteer. Today, that program is managed by a group of volunteers across the province, most of whom were at the recent Washago event. Approximately 200 people of all ages gathered at the Washago Centennial Park dock on the 17th. It was a cold afternoon but there was a perfectly clear blue sky and brilliant sunshine which emphasized the white of the swans on the dark, cold water. While Mallard and Black ducks swam among the dozens of trumpeter swans, cameras and phones clicked, everyone trying to get the perfect shot for their own

lasting memory of a beautiful sight. To warm up hands and bellies, hot chocolate, hot cider and cookies were available to all attendees. The event organizers are grateful to Canoe Fresh Food & Bakery for their generous donation.

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705-717-0322 The Villager, a Severn Township community news magazine, is an independently owned and operated publication delivered to households and businesses on or before the first day of every month. It is mailed through Canada Post north from the Severn Township/Orillia border to Severn Bridge and includes parts of Ramara Township. In addition to Canada Post delivery, The Villager is distributed each month through high traffic locations along the Highway 11 corridor and in many other select locations in Orillia. For a complete list of locations email thevillagerpress@rogers.com. Editorial and advertising material is protected by copyright. Reproduction of any article, photograph or graphic is forbidden without the express permission of the publisher. The sentiments of our columnists do not necessarily reflect those of The Villager. The Villager’s liability to advertisers for errors is limited to the portion of the advertisement in which an error occurs and only if the error is the fault of The Villager. Community event submissions and prearranged editorial contributions must be received by the 10th of each month for the following month’s publication. Advertising space must be booked by the 10th of each month in order to appear in the following month’s publication, with 5 business days thereafter to complete the advertising artwork and proof approval process.

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

From the Publisher:

Is it all about the kids? With any luck, by the time this issue of The Villager is published, the government and the teachers’ unions will have signed an agreement. Unfortunately, the latest reports haven’t left me particularly hopeful. There is no doubt there is rhetoric on both sides. Union leaders are as adept as politicians at this type of communication. All during this strife, “It’s all about the kids” comes out of the mouths of both parties. But is this true? Full disclosure: I am for education. Full stop. That means I’m for whatever it takes to make sure all children have an equal opportunity to learn, to be successful, to follow their dreams, to become good, productive, tax paying, happy and engaged adults. For the first few years of our education, my twin sister and I attended 2A Public School, a one-room red brick schoolhouse located on a dusty rural road in the middle of nowhere. There were 8 grades in a single classroom. I was fortunate. I learned easily and loved listening to and learning from the teacher as she spoke to the more senior grades. Others weren’t so lucky. Some were left behind because, at the time, there was no understanding that some children might have learning disabilities. In fact, I don’t think there were even words to describe this problem. Some children just muddled along until they learned, on their own, how to manage with their dyslexia or other challenges. Some never could and, sadly, completely disengaged and dropped out of school as soon as possible.

Imagine this: 35+ kids, eight grades, one teacher. In one day, every day, all year long, the teacher had to cover lessons for all of us. What was missed? How many kids were left behind? We’ll never know, but I remember clearly every year some kids ‘failed’ their year. They suffered humiliation. It didn’t seem to matter much to most of us though, because surely they were just ‘the stupid kids’. Fast forward to the 21st Century. We’ve learned that one-room school houses, though quaint, did not provide the best education. We’ve learned that too many kids and not enough time is not good for education. Yet, here we are. There are those in charge who believe our children, the future of our province, can be more successful if we place them in classrooms with more kids, rather than less. There are some who believe that instead of staffing up to give students more one-on-one time, taking them away from teachers and adding an online component to their school work is a good idea. Are we asking too much if we suggest the goal of the government should be to make Ontario’s education system the most successful in the country? Instead of pulling back from the kids and their teachers, could we suggest they embrace education? Instead of looking at education as a cost, ask them to look at it as an investment, a way to produce competent adults who ultimately help to boost our economy and make Ontario the envy of all Canadians. If it was ‘all about the kids’, they would do this, and more.

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

Don’t be late – register now By Pat Harwood, Manager of Recreation & Facilities While we wait for spring to come, there is work to be done and already fun to be had! In Coldwater, hockey playoffs have started and we’re ready for the annual ice show on March 7th performed by the Coldwater Figure Skating Club. Spring Recreation Program registration begins March 2nd including the children’s outdoor activities TBall and Little Kickers. Many speciality programs are being offered for kids: In the Mix Dance Program, The Director’s Cut, Kindermusik, Babysitting, Stay Safe!, as well as karate and gymnastics programs. There is also a wide variety of adult programs including the most popular variety of forms of yoga for adults and seniors. Ball season is fast approaching. Check out websites for Coldwater Minor Baseball, Coldwater Adult Mixed Slo-Pitch and Simcoe Rural Fastball League. Coldwater ball hockey is now available for registration. Contact coldwaterbhl@hotmail.com. Ball hockey time will also be available on the outdoor rink in Washago. The township website will have all the details. Gearing up for the spring and summer, the pickleball organizers have published information on their website. Visit www.pickleballwashago.com. For those energetic folks who roller skate, the South Simcoe Rebel Rollers are looking for ladies to join. Visit www.rebelrollers. ca. Practices are held weekly in Coldwater on the arena floor. Do you have a Buck & Doe, a wedding reception or a birthday party planned? We have the perfect hall space at both the Coldwater & District Community Centre and Washago Community Centre. Book facilities or see details for our recreation programs, visit www.townshipofsevern.com. Then call 705-325-2315 to make it happen.

Hamlet swing bridge open to vehicular traffic A news release issued by Parks Canada dated February 14th said the Hamlet swing bridge is now open. Parks Canada advises that, although the bridge is open for regular daily use, there will be intermittent closures during spring testing. The finishing touches and site restoration will be completed over the next few months. Nearby residents may experience occasional heavier than normal construction traffic as well as noise caused by the ongoing restoration work. For more information about the Hamlet bridge, or the Trent Severn Waterway system, visit the Parks Canada website.

Please be careful

No ice is safe ice. The OPP has been aying this over and over this year. Tragically, not everyone has paid attention to what should be heard as a dire warning. Several lives have been lost recently. This year, the ice is more dangerous than past winters. We’ve had a relatively mild season which means, although the ice is thick enough in some places for activities such as ice fishing or hockey, it only firmed up in early February. A warmer than usual March could melt that ice base very quickly and result in extreme danger. OPP warn that snowmobiles and cars on the ice are always dangerous. Even walking on ice in areas you are familiar with could be dangerous this year. Use caution and avoid tragedy. Think about keeping your activities confined to solid ground.

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Trent Severn Waterway projects updates By Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton With the start of the winter session of parliament on January 27th, Heather and I are back to our routine of weekdays in Ottawa and weekends in Simcoe North attending events and constituency meetings. It is great to get out and meet with residents at the many events, including the 2nd annual Severn Winterfest which was a great success. Many local residents are closely following the Trent Severn Waterway reconstruction projects, part of the $615 million federal infrastructure investment program to the Trent Severn Waterway. Here are some updates: The Hamlet swing bridge is now open to vehicular traffic. Finishing touches and site

restoration will be completed over the next few months. Both bridges (fixed and swing sections) are being replaced with those of a similar look to preserve the historic landscape of the area and will have an upgraded capacity. The work to replace the Lock 42 fixed bridge is also proceeding as planned by Parks Canada. To speed the project, the replacement bridge is actually being built off-site with final assembly to take place onsite by spring 2020. The new bridge will have a lifespan of at least 50 years and will be an improvement for vehicle traffic and reduced annual maintenance. By far, the most major reconstruction project is the Port

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Bruce and Heather Stanton, at Bruce’s official swearing-in-ceremonies for Deputy Speaker of the 43rd Parliament of Canada. Severn dams restoration. Work began in November 2018 and is scheduled to be completed in 2021. Once complete, the life and function of these structures will have been extended for decades, continuing to connect the community of Port Severn between Georgian Bay and Severn Townships. In closing, there is another bit of good news - the coming tax changes tabled on December 9, 2019. Starting this year, 2020,

the Basic Personal Exemption will be raised from $12,069 in 2019, to reach $15,000 by 2023. The Basic Personal Exemption is equal to the amount of income any Canadian can earn before they would pay income tax. When fully implemented, this will leave approximately $300 per year in the pockets of the average individual taxpayer; $600 per year for the average family.

Spring stuffed bone-in leg of lamb This recipe will work well for a 5-6 lb. leg of lamb, bone-in. By Chef Becky STUFFING INGREDIENTS: • ½ cup freshly chopped herbs: parsley, thyme, basil, mint • 4-5 cloves of garlic, peeled and halved • ½ cup feta cheese • ½ cup cooked Canadian wild rice • Salt & pepper to taste • Butcher twine

Combine the stuffing ingredients in a bowl, mix together well and then stuff the pocket with that mixture. MARINADE: Using the butcher twine, wrap the leg well. • ¼ cup good quality olive oil, salt and Rub the leg with the marinade, wrap tightly pepper, zest of one lemon. Mix together. in plastic wrap and refrigerate 2-6 hours. STUFFING THE LEG: Using a sharp knife, make a pouch in the lamb, using the bone as your guide. Be careful not to cut past either end of the leg of lamb.

Rotate the leg while grilling for 45 minutes or to desired doneness. Remove, let rest covered with foil for 10 minutes and then serve. You may use your oven instead of a BBQ, making sure to cover with foil so as not to burn the bone area. Serve with local craft beer, wine or cider.

GRILLING INSTRUCTIONS: Pre-heat BBQ to 350°F. Remove plastic wrap from marinated Chef Becky Lennerton is proprietor of Black River leg and place aluminum foil around the Food Company and a teacher in our region for exposed bone to prevent it from burning. Loblaw Companies Limited.

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Governor chooses to support Camp Ooch By Sandra Galloway Crawford, Past-president Our meeting on Monday evening, February 10th started with a fabulous pot luck dinner. Served to us by some of our Washago Lions, the dinner fare was, as usual, terrific. At that meeting, we were honoured to have our Lions Governor, Jamie Jones join us. Introduced to the club by Lion

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Governor Jones’ chosen project is Camp Ooch, a camp for kids with cancer that was established in 1983. It is a privately funded, volunteer driven facility. Their programs serve kids and their families from communities across Ontario and it is the only overnight camp in Canada that is able to provide IV chemotherapy and blood transfusions. Lion Mike Diaram, on behalf of the Washago & District Lions Club, presented the governor with a cheque for $500. Also at our February meeting, Lion Mary Rice was awarded the “Reflection Award”, presented by the governor. Lastly, Lions Mary and Jim Rice thanked Lions club members for their pledges for their walk in the fundraiser “The Coldest Night

Lions Governor Jamie Jones (left) is presented a donation by Lion Mike Diaram. The donation goes to a Camp Ooch, an overnight camp for children with cancer. of the Year”. This annual event raises money for awareness about homelessness and is the largest fundraising event for the Lighthouse men’s shelter in Orillia and their Building Hope initiative.

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Couchiching Conservancy annual general meeting March 7, 3:00 p.m., Hawk Ridge Golf & Country Club

about our strategic plan, gain a better understanding about indigenous perspectives on By Courtney Baker, Couchiching Conservancy conservation, and feel more Are you a regular Villager our annual general meeting. encouraged in the face of the reader? Do you love when the Not your everyday AGM, our climate crisis. magazine lands in your mailbox tradition is to engage and inform our audience. We help Courtney Baker is the Administrative as much as I do? If so, then you may have our members and guests Assistant at The Couchiching been reading the Couchiching better understand the very real Conservancy, a non-profit land trust dedicated to protecting Conservancy monthly articles challenges to conservation, and nature for future generations. To The good work of the Couchiching for years. We hope our messages we’ll ask you to help us celebrate learn more about conservation Conservancy helps to keep have served to remind you The Conservancy’s success efforts in our area, visit www. local land forever saved from about the exquisite natural while enjoying a compelling couchichingconserv.ca. development. landscape just outside your guest speaker, Rick Beaver. Rick Beaver is an Indigenous front door. Hopefully we’ve also explained the importance of our artist and biologist from stewardship of 13,000+ acres of Alderville First Nation. He will discuss how weave western beautiful nearby land. ORILLIA FOOT CLINIC & WELLNESS CENTRE and indigenous This month, our article is scientific Your One Stop Spot for Head-To-Toe Health asking you to take a step out conservation practices together. of your comfy Villager-reading- An exciting topic in a world Tony Young BSc, DCh - Chiropodist chair, and into the wild world working toward reconciliation. Accepting New Patients for Professional Foot Care Services Come spend time with of conservation. A world of reptiles, and rivers and bears. like-minded neighbours and 333 Mary Street, Orillia friends. You will learn more Oh my! 705.259.2838 www.ofcwc.com Join us on March 7th for about our important work, hear

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Celebrating Severn agriculture Agriculture in Severn continues to thrive. It’s one of the primary economic drivers of our region. And although we have a small amount of the total 9+ million acres farmed in the province, what we do have is important to the region and beyond. Severn is home to a wide variety of crops, from hay to soybeans. There are 22,773 acres of farmland in our community stretched across 149 farms. Almost 87% of those farms are between 10-399 acres. Only a handful of Severn farms are 400+ acres, with one of those taking up over 1,100 acres. The majority, 57%, of the total

Mark Your Calendar APRIL 23rd The 27th Annual Suicide Awareness Conference at YMCA Geneva Park, 6604 Rama Road, Ramara. The theme this year is “Zaageyweyou Midewigoning: I see a beautiful life coming at me.”

In celebration of Canada’s Agriculture Day on February 11, Mayor Mike Burkett and Deputy Mayor Jane Dunlop raise a fork to the food we love and the people who produce it. farm acreage is used for crops. Other uses include natural land for pasture, woodland and Christmas trees. We also we have cattle farms and other animal production, egg production, and grain farming, among other uses. Take some time to join Mayor Burkett and Deputy Mayor Dunlop to raise a fork to our local farmers. Thank them for the difficult and important work they do.

This is an educational conference for mental health professionals, consumers, family members, police, teachers, emergency service workers and anyone else interested in suicide prevention. For more details, contact Terri Baumer, Conference Coordinator 705-526-3708 extension 280 or email: terri.baumer@kinark.on.ca

Mariposa Folk Festival gears up for 60th anniversary Mavis Staples will grace the Mariposa stage this summer, helping fans celebrate the 60th anniversary of this storied musical event taking place July 3-5 at Tudhope Park, Orillia. Ms. Staples is an R&B and gospel singer, and a civil rights activist. She has been inducted in the Blues Hall of Fame and has won countless awards. She has recorded with Ray Charles, Prince, Bob Dylan, George Jones and many others. Many may remember her as a teenager with her family band, the Staple Singers. Tickets for the festival are available at www.mariposafolk.com.

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March is a month of promise, as the icy grip of winter begins to loosen and hints of spring break through. Well before the first flowers bloom, nature shows the first signs, if you know where to look. Actually, you can start by listening. Those chickadees that come to your feeders suddenly shift to a new vocabulary – a whistled pair of notes that sounds like “spring song”. The few crows that have hung tough all winter are joined by many more, their caws reverberating through the woods. In the open fields, as soon as the first bare patches appear, listen for the tinkling songs of horned larks as they begin their migration. Great horned owls call only at night, but they are already sitting on eggs in twig nests they have borrowed from last year’s hawk or crow. Mammals are responding to the coming of spring as well. March is an especially good time to watch for white-tailed deer in fields along the edge of forests. Deer spend their winters clustered together in “yards” in the shade of hemlock or other conifers that provide a little protection from the coldest nights. These yards are laced with welltrampled paths through the deep snow to allow deer to reach the twigs that sustain them. But the coming of spring melts the snowdrifts from fields sooner than under the trees, so deer emerge to take advantage of the exposed grass or corn. Another sure sign of spring is the emergence of chipmunks from the underground burrows where they spend the winter in semi-hibernation. Often you can spot where they have tunneled upwards through the snow at this time of year, leaving muddy footprints as they emerge to search for food. Skunks also appear in March, though you my sense their odour before you actually see one. Bears will eventually emerge from their winter dens too, but usually later in the spring when more food is available. Even a few insects will push the edge of spring, although it will be another six weeks or more before the hordes of black flies make their appearance. One of the first butterflies seen in spring, the mourning cloak, has

spent the winter sheltered beneath a loose flap of bark on a maple tree. Amazingly, it can survive the frosty temperatures because of the anti-freeze glycol in its veins. On warm days when the sap is running, mourning cloaks can often be seen fluttering through the woods, even though the ground is still covered in snow.

Perhaps the most curious creatures to be seen in early spring are snow fleas – tiny dark specks littered across the surface of the woodland snow on sunny days. You might think those are just bits of bark, but if you look closely, you will see them jump! These are not fleas at all, not even insects. Instead they are part of a class of their own called springtails which live within leaf litter in great abundance. They may be tiny, but their message on the snow is huge – spring is on the way! 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.

Wonderful guest speakers in February By Marylynne White, President We enjoyed another delicious pot luck lunch on February 5, 2020. Our members are super chefs extraordinaire! They always create new, delicious and interesting fare. After lunch, our guest speaker was Susan Best. She is well known in the Severn/Washago area for her keen interest and expertise in the Trumpeter Swans that winter on the rivers and lakes in our area. She showed a slide presentation of these beautiful swans, and pointed out other areas in North America where they can be found. Susan talked about a public event held on Family Day February 17th, at Centennial Park in Washago. The purpose of the event was to educate

local residents about these precious water fowl. Before they move away in the spring, and as long as the water remains open so that they can feed on the bottom of the lake and rivers, there could be hundreds of Trumpeter Swans within view, many at the shoreline. The event on the 17th was so successful cars filled the lot at the park, the dock, and lined both sides of Quetton Street. After her most interesting presentation, we had our monthly business meeting, followed by “A Member’s Story,” told to us by Harris Baker, Let’s Move, Comedy Corner and Share the Wealth. On February 19th, our guest speaker was Susan Douglas.

She is a representative of a Simcoe County Network Grant that focuses on senior living in Simcoe County. She covered many topics that were of interest to our seniors. Afterwards we had our Birthday Social which included cards, games and socializing. As usual, birthday cake, tea and

coffee was enjoyed by all. Other activities our seniors enjoy each month are as follows: Singles lunches, bowling, choir, ukulele, golf, VON exercises, and much more. New members are always welcome. Please call 705-6894719 for more information.

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MPP, Simcoe North ORILLIA OFFICE: 14 Coldwater Road W. Orillia, ON, L3V 3L1 MIDLAND OFFICE: 295 King Street, Suite 6 TD Canada Trust Bank Plaza Midland, ON, L4R 3M5 jill.dunlopco@pc.ola.org

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Home is where the heart is By Dianne Kyle, Fire Prevention Officer, Severn Township Fire safety applies everywhere you go, but home is where it all begins. This is where families gather, celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and more. We all have a bond with our home. It is where we feel safe. Where we can relax. It is where our loved ones are, our pets, personal keepsakes, memories and most importantly it is a roof over our head. It makes sense to develop a plan to maintain your home as a safe environment. In particular, a fire safe place. Developing a regular maintenance routine and an understanding of fire safety is the first step. Keep the three items below in mind for peace of mind. PREVENTION - minimize the risks. • Create a home safety checklist with your family. • Check appliance electrical cords. Limit use of extension cords and only use on a temporary basis. • Ensure the fireplace chimney is cleaned on a regular basis by a certified chimney sweep. • Take fireplace ashes to a container a safe distance from the house. • Use flameless candles, including during seasonal celebrations. DETECTION: install the appropriate alarms. • Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in or in the hallway of each bedroom area and on each level of the home. • Everyone in the home, including visitors, should know the sound of the alarms and what to do when they activate. ESCAPE: develop a plan. • Draw up an emergency plan, involving your family. Post the plan where it can be seen. • Ensure there are two ways out of each room. If the alternate way is a window, make sure it opens easily. • Ensure there is a clear path to and from your home in all seasons. Clear snow from all house exits and have a plan for the second floor escape. • Pick a meeting place that can be used in all seasons. Ensure everyone understands what may happen during an emergency. There is nothing more important than a good, safe, secure home.

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BRUCE STANTON, M.P. SIMCOE NORTH

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Embrace spring in Simcoe North – your home By Jill Dunlop, MPP Simcoe North I am fortunate to have lived in Simcoe County my entire life, a region of four beautiful seasons all of which offer so much to residents and businesses alike. As the provincial representative for Simcoe North, I am fortunate to travel across Ontario, and even at times across Canada, always sharing the pride I have for our communities. I embrace each changing season, often stopping to speak with individuals and families along the way to hear their stories and challenges of living in such a diverse region of Ontario. Spring is one of my favourite seasons, as winter wraps up its roller coaster ride of temperatures and storms, and we anticipate no more snow, fewer cold days, and await the arrival of beautiful colours everywhere as nature does its magic. Spring is a time of transformation as our gardens, waterfronts and storefronts all come alive again with colour and sounds.

We also get a first glance at some of the damage that winter has done to our communities because of heavy ice, frost and snow removal. These issues are not always pretty. They do effect the necessary infrastructure that keeps our communities moving safely and must be well looked after. To help with that work, last month we proudly announced the government’s investment of just over $4m to eight communities in Simcoe North for this purpose: to build and repair roads, bridges, and water and wastewater infrastructure. On another note, I had the privilege of participating in the Main Street Public Art Unveiling in Penetanguishene, celebrating their diverse and rich culture. I also travelled through Simcoe North conversing with families who were taking advantage of the free Family Day Fishing weekend. Throughout March, I invite you to enjoy the last of our skiing, outdoor skating, trails

Jill Dunlop spending time with North Simcoe residents who enjoyed free ice fishing on Family Day in Ontario. and winter events. And look ahead and mark your calendars for the Annual Perch Festival starting in April in Orillia, free family fishing days on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, and March Break activities. All of this will remind you why you chose Simcoe North as your home.

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March 2 Beef Stew Lunch, including beverage and dessert. 12 Noon. $8. Severn Bridge Community Hall, 1035 Southwood Rd., Severn Bridge. Fern at 705-687-4462. March 5, 12, 20, 27 Mixed Darts Nights continue through March on Thursdays, 7 p.m. Severn Bridge Community Hall, $8. For information, call Blaine at 705689-2291. March 16 Down Syndrome Association of Simcoe County, flag raising at the

Orillia Opera House, 20 Mississaga St. W., Orillia. 11:00 a.m. March 17 Get your green on and come celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Coldwater, the largest local celebration in the township – and the only St. Paddy’s Day Parade. The parade on the main street starts at 1 p.m. followed by live music at the Legion with Bruce Naismith from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Dancing and St. Patty’s Day food specials. Draws for prizes and more. 2 Michael Anne Dr., Coldwater.

March 19 Ramara Historical Society meeting. Theme: Vintage embroidery. Guest speaker is Colleen Clark. Also, show & tell – share your own embroidery. 7:00 p.m. at the Udney Community Centre. All are welcome. March 28th Come out to the Coldwater Legion popular meat draw. 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment presented by the band In a Nutshell. 2 Michael Anne Drive, Coldwater.

MARCH BREAK March 16-20 At the time of publication, March Break event schedules were not available or were incomplete. Please check ontarioslakecountry. com; orilliapubliclibrary.ca or orilliamuseum.org. UNTIL APRIL 12 24th Annual International Women’s Day Art Show: On the Edge. 130+ artists share their art and stories exploring their interpretations of the theme. A wide range of media. Visit orilliamuseum.org for more details.

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