Welcome to the Thanksgiving 2024 edition Navigate between pages using the☜ previous and next ☞ page iconsat the top and bottom of each page.Click the issue title “Thanksgiving—October/November 2024”(at the top of the page) to go to the table of contents for this...
Truth, Reconciliation and Thanksgiving
The day this issue goes live is Canada’s National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. And two weeks later, it’s Canadian Thanksgiving.Summer is over, but there are still some lovely days left. Winter is coming, and that can be cold and grey… Fall certainly is a...
A Beacon of Support in North Simcoe for over three decades
Green Haven Shelter for Women:A Beacon of Support in North Simcoe for over three decadesFor over 30 years, Green Haven Shelter for Women has been at the front lines of gender-based violence in our area, providing essential resources, support and safe spaces for women...
Long-running artist studio tour back again on Thanksgiving weekend
Images Thanksgiving Studio Tour 2024 —by Sylvia Stark — Oro-Medonte Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Executive Director As the autumn leaves paint the Township of Oro-Medonte in rich shades of crimson and gold, the Oro-Medonte Chamber of Commerce and Tourism invites...
Will this mom and her family survive her going back to school? Stay tuned!
Your Mom Goes to College —by Hillary Handy In the 2004 indie comedic film “Napoleon Dynamite”, one of the characters Kip, throws, a diss at his brother Napoleon, saying “Your Mom Goes to College.” It was meant to be an insult like a classic “Your Mom” comment and...
Memories of Trunk or Treat — Don’t Miss it this year!
—photos by Deb Halbot Thanks to Deb Halbot for capturing these great photos of last year’s’ Trunk or Treat at ODAS Park in Orillia.NS life will also be a trunker in this year’s event, on October 26 from 1 to 4 pm, again at ODAS Park in Orillia.For more information and...
Cellphones in schools, addiction treatment hubs, energy procurement and more
Jill Dunlop MPP As we welcome autumn, the changing leaves and cooler temperatures signal a season of transformation – both in our communities and across Ontario. As MPP for Simcoe North, I’m excited to share the progress our government is making to improve the lives...
School happenings, travel to Spain and traffic lights in Warminster
Warminster Write-Up —by Hillary Handy Stop the presses! The long-awaited traffic light in Warminster is here! Hooray! Please drive and walk with caution as everyone gets used to this important safety measure. Thank you to everyone who was instrumental in making it...
The Mariposa House Hospice Autumn Concert In The Barn
AUTUMN CONCERT IN THE BARN Sunday, October 27 2024 2pm • The Braestone Farmfeaturing The Good Lovelies & Zachary Lucky benefittingTHE MARIPOSA HOUSE HOSPICE “CUDDLE BED” CAMPAIGN GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!The rich complexity of life is the emotional focus of their...
Mindfulness, gratitude, trust, openness, key to living generous life
Mental Health Journeying —by Zoe Fysikoudi Cultivating a grateful, compassionate and mindful approach in our busy livesAs we are going through the Thanksgiving season, I’ve been reflecting on the meaning of gratitude and its impact on well-being. What happens when we...
Letters from an octogenarian on life and love
Digressions by D’reen —by Doreen Uren Simmons Hi guys: Guess why I just Googled the origin of the phrase Indian Summer. You’re right. I’m writing this in the middle of September, in gorgeous weather. As usual, Google gave a lot of information but not a lot of clarity....
Coldwater Communique
Coldwater Communique —by Lois Rooney-Giurin Breaking News! The Coldwater Steam Punk Festival will return to Coldwater! STEAMPUNK RETURNS TO COLDWATER IN 2025. This is a quote from the “Coldwater Steampunk and Oddity Days” Facebook page: “Volunteers Energized to Revive...
Young Community Hero is exceptional and special in every way
Community Hero: Rylin —by Hillary Handy Our community is so blessed to have some incredible members who do remarkable things. Thus far, we have told the stories of adults who have an extensive resume and significant community involvement over time. We love that and...
Free event features programs, support on aging well for older adults
Aging Well Expo in Orillia —by submitted Lakehead University and Age-Friendly Orillia will host a free Aging Well Expo this fall. Funded in-part by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Expo will be a day of energizing and informative...
Arts… and Crafts!
Rugby Country Store and Marketplace in Support of Rugby Hall —submitted Rugby Country Store and Marketplace in Support of Rugby Hall-submitted A pop-up shopping experience featuring local artisans and entrepreneurs with seasonal décor, pottery, quilting, cards, soap,...
Literacy Council brings the Bling to Fundraising!
Literacy CouncilBrings the Bling to Fundraising! —submitted The Orillia & District Literacy Council (ODLC) is having a special fundraiser, Blingo Night Out on Oct. 19. This enjoyable evening is being held at the Hub Atrium, 250 West St. N., Orillia, from 6 to 10...
Mariposa Arts Theatre’s production of GYPSY: A MUSICAL FABLE
Everything’s Coming Up Rosesfor Mariposa Arts Theatre’sproduction of GYPSY: A MUSICAL FABLE“Let me entertain you!” can be heard echoing through the rehearsal space for Mariposa Arts Theatre (MAT) for their upcoming production of GYPSY: A MUSICAL FABLE. Coming to the...
On love and loss and the legacy of a special dog
Lucky’s Legacy —by Louise Calvert-Dale When you lose someone you love, it’s like losing a limb. Or having someone stab you in the heart. It hurts. It’s hard to navigate life. There is a deep weighted sadness that comes and goes. Sleep is impossible. Appetite...
Hikes in Midhurst, Tiny, Ardagh, plus an overnight in Algonquin Park
Oro-Medonte Ganaraska Hiking Club Fall 2024 Events —submitted Anyone is welcome to join in on any of the following events. Please bring drinking water on all hikes; hiking boots and poles are recommended.background photo by Deb HalbotSunday, October 6⇒MODERATE ⇒ 2...
New Area Clinics for Children and Patients Without a Primary Care Provider
Relieving pressure on local emergency rooms Children’s Clinic Opening in Orillia —submitted The Huronia Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic (HNPLC) and the Couchiching Ontario Health Team (COHT) are proud to announce the opening of the new Children's Clinic, made possible...
Fascinating local history of the Beaton farm, now Horseshoe Valley Health Care Centre
Coulson Past and Present: Health Care Centre on the Former Beaton Farm —by Anne WalkerThe folks at Coulson are fortunate to have a health care clinic right on their doorstep. Dr. Susy Lee, owner of Horseshoe Valley Dental, has been practising dentistry here for 24...
Whose land are we on? The Williams Treaties First Nations and Truth and Reconciliation
Sustainable Simcoe North —by Madeleine Fournier of Green Orillia At the time of writing this, we are coming up on the 4th annual National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. This designated federal holiday and ongoing government campaign feels rather hollow and empty...
Oro-Medonte Township News – October/November 2024
Township NewsOctober/November 2024Regularly scheduled Meetings of Council for the months of October and November, 2024 will take place on the following dates: Council Meetings: Wednesday, October 9th – 3:00 p.m. Public Session Wednesday, October 23rd – 3:00 p.m....
The Roost Expands: Kawartha Lakes Welcomes The Roost Market with Local Farm Products, Ready Meals, and a Charming New Airbnb
The Roost Expands: Kawartha Lakes Welcomes The Roost Market with Local Farm Products, Ready Meals, and a Charming New Airbnb —submitted The Roost Farm is thrilled to announce the opening of The Roost Market, offering a wide array of local farm products and fresh,...
Pickleball, cornhole, fitness, bagpipes, choir and more in Hawkestone
Hawkestone Hall Happenings —by Rebecca Rodgers We’re thrilled to kick off another fantastic fall season at our wonderful local Hall! The excitement is building with a range of activities designed to keep everyone engaged, healthy, and connected. Our weekly programs...
Rama Pow Wow
—photos by Deb Halbot We are very happy to present this splash page of Deb Halbot’s fabulous photos from this year’s Rama Pow Wow. It was an incredible event, and we are thankful that Deb captured so much of it for your enjoyment![gallery...
Grandfather Teachings and supporting at-risk youth with art
Applications open for ‘Seven Grandfather Teachings’ art display Calling all Indigenous artists —submitted The City of Orillia is seeking Indigenous artists to submit artwork for consideration in an upcoming art exhibit at the Orillia Recreation Centre. The theme for...
Connecting Youth Job Seekers to Local Employers
Pathways to Employment 2.0 Connecting Youth Job Seekers to Local EmployersCDC staff is excited to announce the return of its beloved Youth Employment Program, Pathways to Employment (PTE). This project has been in the capable hands of CDC staff since its conception in...
Horseshoe Valley Kaleidoscope
Horseshoe Valley Kaleidoscope —by Valerie Thornton In November 2004 we moved up to Horseshoe Valley in Oro-Medonte. Wow, that 20 years has flown by; I suddenly realized that this is the longest time I have ever lived in one home. Coming to Oro-Medonte was rather...
On Anne of Green Gables, PEI, beaches and being thankful
The Toddler Tourist: East Coasters —by Hillary HandyOccasionally, the Toddler Tourist heads north or south in the summer months to explore our province. This year, we were fortunate to head East to explore Prince Edward Island! For our Thanksgiving issue, I felt it...
Local Author’s Third Book In Series For Younger Readers
Local author on book three of series aimed at younger readers — submitted Dear Reader,My name is Megan Galati, and I am the author and creator of the “Three Pals Tales” children’s book series. The journey of the “Three Pals” began in 2021. As a stay-at-home mother...
Carley Community Hall
Carley Community Hall — by Kelly Skinner-Meyer I hope the summer was the summer you hoped it would be. The trees are already changing, and the autumnal evenings are cool and crisp. The Carley Community Hall has been the place to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays and...
Readying the garden for winter, thanks for Thanksgiving
Gardening with Gail —by Gail McIlroyWell, it occurred to me even at this time of the year there are things that can be done both in the gardens and inside our indoor gardens in our homes. Here are a few tips to share with you. For the die-hard gardeners who are not...
Red-tailed hawks make home at an animal sanctuary in Severn
Speaking of Wildlife —by Jamie Proctor Welcome to the seventeenth column describing the animals of Speaking of Wildlife – Ontario animals that can’t be released back into the wilderness of Ontario due to injuries or habituation to humans. Today we’ll be looking at two...
Eady Events
Eady Events —by Bonnie Smith This morning, I sit gazing out the window at the vast endless sea that lies ahead of me and listening to the sound of the massive waves crashing the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. Together with the strong winds howling outside the windows...
Are you “Active” or “Sedentary”? The answer may surprise you
The Wellness Column —by Matt from Crossfit Orillia As you’re reading this, regardless of whether you work out regularly, you may still be classified as “sedentary”. That’s right. Even if you work out five days a week, you could still fall into that category of...
Explore the Culinary Capital of Cottage Country
Explore the Culinary Capital of Cottage CountryOrillia & Lake Country is home to a world of adventure for the touring foodie! As the harvest season wraps up and the cooler air rolls into the region, we crave the hearty flavours of fall cooking. This makes it a...
Festival celebrating Gordon Lightfoot full steam ahead in November
Lightfoot Days Festival of Orillia —submitted North Simcoe Arts, formally Orillia and District Arts Council, is delighted to assist in providing visual art to accompany the Lightfoot Days event “Memories of Gordon Lightfoot – Stories and Music.” This event will take...
New Monument at Christian Island, Truth and Reconciliation Day
The Medicine Walk —by Jeff Monague On September 30, 2024, once more we will observe a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, otherwise known as Orange Shirt Day. It will be especially important for the Anishinaabeg (Ah-nish-in-aw-behg) of Christian Island as they...
Orillia Naturalists’ Club 2024-2025 Programming
Orillia Naturalists’ Club announce 2024-2025 Programming —submitted The Orillia Naturalists’ Club is excited to unveil its 2024-2025 program, welcoming nature lovers of all ages to join us for a dynamic series of meetings, outings, and activities. Our diverse program...
Behind-the-scenes – Gypsy
—photos by Deb Halbot Mariposa Arts Theatre’s production of GYPSY is coming up fast, Nov. 7 to 17, at the Orillia Opera House. Deb Halbot recently captured these stunning behind-the-scenes photos of rehearsals, as the production comes to life! Get your tickets for...
Edgar Hall rentals, community happenings and more
Edgar Clowes Updates —by Patricia Shellswell The Oro World Fair had another successful year. The weather was great. Congratulations to all of the entrants who made the fair a success. Encourage family and friends to enter next year. Thanks to all the volunteers.The...
Hardiness Zones, the Canadian way
Hardiness Zones, the Canadian way Oro-Medonte Horticultural Society Column by Lynne Melnyk Living next to the United States means that we are exposed to their way of doing things, including their hardiness zone maps. We have all seen US zones on plant tags or the...