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...
Looking back and looking forward… with gratitude
Well friends, another year is coming to an end. First there is the fun and frivolity of the holiday season, the excitement of looking ahead on New Year’s Eve, then the reflection and turning inward of a new year.This year, I think more and more I have an attitude of...
A December of Hope: Green Haven’s Candlelight Vigil, Holiday Fundraiser, and Year-End Giving Campaign
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 raises funds for regional cancer centre, museum and more
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,...
Gifts for gardeners on your holiday shopping list
Oro-Medonte Horticultural Society Updates —by Lynne Melnyk I am one of those who like to purchase gifts for my friends and relatives throughout the year. But as the holidays approach, if I still have a list of gifts to purchase, I get a little panicky. I also find...
Do you want to build a snowman?
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...
History, care, stories about Trumpeter Swans in the Orillia area
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...
How patience and being ok with being uncomfortable can help you achieve your wellness goals
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...
Eady: Christmas memories, hall business, church services and fiddling!
Eady News —by Bonnie Smith My goodness, what a beautiful fall we have had this year! I do not ever recall a time when we have had absolutely no snow in the air or on the ground come the middle of November. We sure cannot complain about the weather this fall. While the...
Guest choirs perform holiday favs at concert band show
Orillia Concert Band presents two Christmas concerts December 7 —submitted Buckle on your Santa Suit and harness up the reindeer! The Orillia Concert Band is now rehearsing for our annual Christmas Concerts. We have wonderful programmes in the works for you all this...
Winter Seed Sowing, Overwintering Plants and Spring Garden Plans
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
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...
December message from MPP for Simcoe North Jill Dunlop
Jill Dunlop MPP As we approach December and the festive season, I want to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to everyone in Simcoe North. Christmas and New Year are a time for reflection, gratitude, and spending time with those we care about, and I hope this...
Santa Comes to town, holiday market at school
Warminster Write-Up —by Hillary Handy We left the last issue with a brief update that we have finally received our stop light! It is such a wonderful addition to our community. With mixed opinions and reviews on the situation, the safety improvements are quite...
Oro-Medonte Township News – December 2024/January 2025
Township News December 2024/January 2025Regularly scheduled Meetings of Council for the months of December and January 2025 will take place on the following dates: Council Meetings:Wednesday, December 11th – 3:00 p.m. Public SessionWednesday, January 8th – 3:00 p.m....
Annual pond hockey tourney raises money for cancer centre
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...
Porcupines in an animal sanctuary in Severn
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...
Hawkestone Hall has music, sewing, pottery, socials, fitness and more!
Hawkestone Happenings —by Rebecca Rodgers Our regular programming continues to offer something for everyone, including fitness/wellness classes, recreation, sewing, pottery, music, Thursday afternoon socials, and more. We've had a fantastic time with our Euchre...
Dreams — A Poem …and photos from Gypsy
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...
Thoughts on community, holidays, fundraisers, food banks and more!
Horseshoe Valley Kaleidoscope —by Valerie Thornton This past year really has flown by, or does this always seem to happen, the older one gets? Another Christmas/holiday season is upon us, immediately after the pumpkin and Halloween antics which occur after the...
Deb Brown, Glass Artist and longtime resident of Sugarbush
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,...
Musings on aging, 9th decade, neighbours, family, and gratitude
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...
Memories of motherhood, swanky holiday parties and mishaps!
Holiday Memories —by Gail McIlroy Christmas was approaching, Toronto was lit up like fifth avenue in New York City, the Bay Street parties were in full swing. So, I sit here in awe of all the wonderful experiences in my life. Some great, some not so much. One bit of...
Hiking and Snowshoe into 2025
Oro-Medonte Ganaraska Hiking Club Winter 2024/2025 Events —submitted Anyone is welcome to join in on any of the following events. Please bring drinking water on all hikes.background photo by Deb HalbotSunday, December 15⇒EASY 4:00 pm Meet at 2056 Brown Rd,...
Fiddling Fundraisers and Protecting the Land
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...
Canada’s role in wars and climate crisis
Sustainable Simcoe North — by Madeleine Fournier of Green OrilliaWho pays the price of war? Canada has historically prided itself on its role as a global peacekeeper, an identity stemming largely from its contributions to United Nations peacekeeping missions and its...
Prioritizing Mental Well-being Through the Winter
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...
History of the Clowes Women’s Institute, including future projects
Edgar Clowes Community Information —by Patricia Shellswell The weather in November has been fantastic for golfers and people who don’t care for the cold. Skiers are hoping for snow! 100 years and still going! On November 21, 1924 a group of mainly farm women held its...
Wildlife dos and don’ts from a wildlife expert
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...
Busy rural hall hosts private events, holiday markets, art and more!
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...
Nominees and winners of sixth annual Orillia Regional Arts and Heritage Awards on November 27
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...
Santa Claus parade, Lions Club, library doing in Coldwater
Coldwater A Village by the River —by Lois Rooney-Giurin Here we are approaching the busy season and preparing for 2025! Coldwater has continued to be a busy spot with lots of craft sales, bake sales, and other activities leading up to the Christmas holidays. Those...