Happy Holidays!

Welcome to the Christmas/New Years2024/2025 edition Navigate between pages using the☜ previous and next ☞ page iconsat the top and bottom of each page.Click the issue title “Christmas/New Years—Dec2024/Jan2025”(at the top of the page) to go to the table of contents...

A December of Hope: Green Haven’s Candlelight Vigil, Holiday Fundraiser, and Year-End Giving Campaign As the year draws to a close, Green Haven Shelter for Women is inviting the Orillia community to participate in two significant December events and to consider...

Community Hero: Ted Markle —by Hillary Handy Another year is wrapping up. It has been a pleasure to connect with and celebrate some of the incredible people in our community. North Simcoe is home to some fantastic humans who teach us new things, celebrate diversity,...

Toddler Tourist —by Hillary Handy More often than not, I get Disney songs stuck in my brain on repeat. They are so catchy and little earworms that never really go away. One song is “Do you want to build a snowman?” from Frozen. Like, in all seasons. It probably sticks...

Trumpeter Swans —by Joy Poyntz Trumpeter Swans are native to the entire North American continent. They were extirpated from Ontario and much of North America in the 1700-1800s. Hunted for their skins as well as food during the fur trade era, The Hudson’s Bay Co. sent...

The Wellness Column by Matt Spencer of Crossfit Orillia Change is Uncomfortable… “Whether you think you can or you can’t, either way you’re right.” - Henry Ford Now I am the first to admit that quotes can be a little cliche but the above one from Henry Ford resonated...

Gardening with Gail —by Gail McIlroy There really is something magical about December and January! After Christmas, you can see the days are getting longer and most definitely brighter. You would be amazed by what there is do in terms of preparing for spring in the...

Orillia & Lake Country’s Guide for Slow-Down Experiences with Loved Ones This Season It’s easy to get overwhelmed at this time of year: checking off mile-long lists of presents, dinners, and parties - while all lovely in moderation - can leave you feeling...

Braestone Winter Classic —submitted The Braestone Winter Classic is returning in February 2025 to Oro-Medonte. The 3-on-3 charity pond hockey tournament plans to have all games played on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025 – Family Day weekend – at the Braestone Farm. Since its...

Speaking of Wildlife —by Jamie Proctor Welcome to the eighteenth column describing the animals of Speaking of Wildlife – Ontario animals that can’t be released back into the wilderness of Ontario due to permanent injuries or over-habituation to humans. Today we’ll be...

Photos from the Mariposa Arts Theatre (MAT) production of GYPSY: A MUSICAL FABLE  —photos by Deb HalbotDreams —by Natasha Claire Skates hit the iceA flurry of metal and snow...

Coulson Past and Present —by Anne WalkerGlass artist Deb Brown has made her home in Sugarbush at Coulson for over 30 years. She is renowned for her fused glass sculptures and panels, stained glass art, and glass and metal sculptures. Her work is earth-oriented,...

Digressions —by D’reen by Doreen Uren Simmons Hi dear people: I'm writing this on a beautiful sunny day in the third week of November and the leaves are still on the trees in our backyard, lifting our spirits with their beautiful colour. It's hard not to appreciate...

Help The Couchiching Conservancy create a new 200-acre nature reserve! —submitted The Couchiching Conservancy is proud to announce it is working to protect its 58th property! Nestled south of the Black River, this remarkable landscape features a rich blend of granite...

Mental Health Journeying —by Zoe Fysikoudi As we move into the colder months and the busy holiday season, it’s a good time to reflect on the importance of our mental health. When we’re physically sick, most of us know to reach out to a doctor, rest, and take steps to...

Living Harmoniously with Wildlife —by William McIntoshGreetings from Kirkfield, a small town nestled in the heart of Kawartha Lakes. My name is William McIntosh and I am excited and pleased to introduce myself to the readers of North Simcoe Life. I am a Wildlife and...

Carley Hall Happenings —by Kelly Skinner-MeyerThe frost is glistening on my willow tree out front and winter is slowly creeping towards our doors. The corn in the Carley Valley has been cut and the fall harvest is complete. Now we look forward to getting the winter...

Orillia Regional Arts and Heritage Awards Another Success —submittedThe sixth annual Orillia Regional Arts and Heritage Awards was another successful event, celebrating those in our midst who uplift arts and heritage! Eighteen people, events, and organizations were...