Welcome to our Thanksgiving October/November 2025 edition Navigate between pages using the ☜ previous and next ☞ page icons at the top and bottom of each page. Click the issue title “Thanksgiving—October/November 2025” (at the top of the page) to go to the table of...
Celebrating 20 Years: A Fall of Art and Music
Happy Thanksgiving —by Anna Proctor It’s hard to believe it’s October already…this year has flown by! Only one more issue this year, and then it’s 2026…and the 20th anniversary of Steve and I taking over this local community publication!Yes, 2026 is our 20th...
Coming Events
Welcome to fall! Not only is there an abundance of harvest, there is also an abundance of fall events! From studio tours to concerts to fundraisers to musicals, the North Simcoe area is the place to be if you want to enjoy incredible events right in your own backyard....
Discover Art and Autumn Beauty at the Oro-Medonte Images Studio Tour
Discover Art and Autumn Beauty at the Oro-Medonte Images Studio TourThis Thanksgiving weekend, October 10 through 13, Oro-Medonte comes alive with colour, creativity, and community as the Images Studio Tour returns for its annual celebration of the arts.Hosted by the...
Community Hero: Skateboarding and Philanthropy
Community Hero by Hillary Handy Lucy Goodman In May 2025, Monsignor Lee Catholic School hosted the musical production of The Little Mermaid. It was an incredible, high calibre production that presented as much more sophisticated than the usual you would expect from...
NSVS: Care and Response to those in Crisis
We want to help raise awareness of this amazing service. Please help support their work.Crisis Response ~ Caring Support Providing caring and timely response to those in crisis. Reducing the impact of crime and tragic circumstance. Supporting resolutions.VCAO Services...
Fall gardens, musings on senior years, and delicious soups for the winter
Digressions by D’reen What a fine day to write a column! We have lovely sunshine, warm enough to sit outside and revel in the splendours of the September garden. We have magnificent and long-lasting Iron Weed, some late phlox, a large bush of Maryland Asters, and the...
“The Time is Now” for Mariposa Arts Theatre’s production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
“The Time is Now” for Mariposa Arts Theatre’s production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR This fall, the Orillia Opera House stage will echo with the iconic guitar licks that mark the opening of Mariposa Arts Theatre’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar.Coming off of a...
Annual event celebrates the arts in local area
North Simcoe Art and Culture Awards Nominations Due October 10 The North Simcoe Art and Culture Awards will be accepting nominations for outstanding people, events, and organizations in art and culture from Coldwater, Midland, Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Penetanguishene,...
New funding and screening programs for Ontarians this fall
Jill Dunlop MPP As the vibrant colours of fall arrive across Simcoe North, I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful and safe October. It’s a time to enjoy our beautiful trails, support local farmers at markets and fairs, and spend time with family...
From Melancholy to Magic: Summer Memories in Simcoe North
Toddler Tourist by Hillary Handy Reflections of summer in Simcoe North When I think about this summer, I am very grateful. I am privileged to be able to work my schedule to have lots of time to spend with my children, doing loads of adventures across land and sea....
Coldwater Celebrations: A Season of Magic, Music, and More
Coldwater Communique by Lois Rooney-Giurin The Magical World of Faeries, held on August 15, was a celebration of the beauty of the fey world, with many fairies of all ages attending. The centre was the Fairy Garden, which is a must-see if you love plants, fairies, or...
Understanding Your Teen: A Journey of Connection and Growth
Mental Health Journeying by Zoe Fysikoudi Parenting a teenager can feel like navigating uncharted territory. One day, you're interacting with the child you know, and the next, it seems you're facing a different person entirely. This shift can leave parents feeling...
What’s New at the Orillia Thrift Store?
Orillia Thrift Store Update by Hillary Handy The Orillia Thrift Store is a not-for-profit, 100% volunteer-run social enterprise that’s more than just a place to find hidden gems. It’s a store with heart, purpose, and a mission to give back.What started as a shared...
A Warm Farewell and Upcoming Events in Eady
Eady Updates by Bonnie Smith Well, it is hard to believe that we are already partially through September and what a lovely fall we have had. We had a great summer as well, especially for doing outdoor activities with the dry, hot weather we had. Perhaps a little too...
New art gallery and teaching studio opening soon in the Orillia Arts District
The Maker’s Circle by Hillary Handy 17 Peter Street South is now home to The Maker’s Circle! This is a collaborative art gallery and teaching studio in the heart of Orillia’s Arts District. This space will allow for 13 different creators to showcase their creativity...
Township News October/November 2025
Township NewsOctober/November 2025Regularly scheduled Meetings of Council for the months of October and November, 2025 will take place on the following dates: Council Meetings:Wednesday, October 8th – 3:00 p.m. Public SessionWednesday, October 22nd – 3:00 p.m. Public...
Fall group hikes in the North Simcoe area
Oro-Medonte Ganaraska Hiking Club FALL 2025 —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 HalbotMonday, October 6⇒MODERATE ⇒ 4 hours /...
From Soccer Fields to School Halls: Warminster’s Vibrant Community
Warminster Write Up by Hillary Handy Summer feels like a distant memory now that we are back to school. It was a wonderful summer, indeed! Warminster Soccer was a smashing success. With a new executive team willing to lead the initiative, the transition from the...
What’s Not to Love About Lavender
Oro-Medonte Horticultural Society Updates and Information by Suzana Wilmot What’s Not to Love About Lavender English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a plant that invites one’s senses to drift into a world of peace and tranquility. This beautiful, 2-3 foot tall...
Expanding programs for older adults in the community
Orillia Joins Ontario’s Seniors Active Living Centre Program —submitted The City of Orillia is pleased to announce its official designation as part of Ontario’s Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) program, a move that will enhance opportunities for older adults in the...
How to get the most out of your house…and make it a home to be proud of
Home Improvements by Amanda Potter When you first get the keys to your home, it feels like the beginning of a brand-new chapter. Fresh paint, untouched floors, that new-house smell—it all carries a sense of possibility. But as time passes, you start to notice the...
Mariposa House Hospice Fall Fundraising Concert Back at Braestone
Autumn in the Barn to Feature Doghouse Orchestra October 19Join us for the 2nd Annual Autumn Concert in the Barn at 2pm on Sunday, October 19, 2025. The 2025 iteration of an incredibly successful 2024 fundraising event for Mariposa House Hospice features live music at...
A Cozy Close to Fall – Orillia & Lake Country
A Cozy Close to Fall: October & November in Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Severn, and Rama First Nation (Orillia & Lake Country)As October’s fiery colours mellow into November’s quiet beauty, Orillia & Lake Country becomes a place to slow down and savour the...
Fall is here, and so are the rats and mice…
Living Harmoniously with Wildlife by William McIntosh Fall is here! With the beautiful colours all around us, and the cooler temperatures slowly approaching, we know the inevitable is coming… snow…ice and all other forms of unpleasant winter weather. Interestingly...
We Are Nature: Explore the Beauty of North Simcoe
Sustainable Simcoe North By Madeleine Fournier of Green Orillia We Are Nature:Explore the Beautyof North Simcoe Lately, I have been reflecting on the role of the natural world in my life. When everything feels overwhelming, whether the state of the world or my own...
The Orillia Horticultural Society now meeting at the Orillia Legion
Orillia Horticultural Society Updates by Pamela Paylor The Orillia Horticultural Society was first established in 1888, and we have been working to beautify the community and educate fellow gardeners ever since. We support programs for all ages encouraging gardening,...
Carley Christmas Craft Sale and activities this fall in Hawkestone
Carley Hall Autumn Update by Kelly Skinner-Meyer Hello readers, it’s been a wonderful summer and transition into fall. The colder temperatures and fall colours have arrived. I always love this time of year, the walks in the Carley Valley are peaceful and picturesque....
Fall garden tasks make the spring easier
Gardening with Gail by Gail McIlroy Fall garden tasks make the spring easier First, a word about leaves. I know the impulse is to rake every last one, but if you can, resist. A thick blanket of fallen leaves is more than autumn’s confetti; it’s shelter. Countless...
Introducing Nagini, Severus, and Scales, our gray rat snakes
Speaking of Wildlife by Jamie Proctor Introducing Nagini, Severus, and Scales, our gray rat snakes Welcome to the twenty-third column introducing the residents of Speaking of Wildlife: Ontario animals that can’t be released back into the wilderness due to permanent...
The Top Three Ways to Optimize Your Fitness
The Wellness Column by Matt Spencer The Top Three Waysto Optimize Your Fitness:Strength Training, Nutrition, Mobility When it comes to your fitness journey, simply showing up consistently will get you some great results. But if you want to make the most of your time...
Random Samplings
...a strange short story with musical accompaniment Random Samplings by Caston