What's Up Bracebridge Gravenhurst June 2010 - Whatsupmuskoka ...

WHAT’S UP MUSKOKAEDITORIALG8 criticism willraise Muskoka’sprofile worldwideSince the G8 Summit was announced two yearsago, the people of Muskoka have been anticipatingthe arrival of world leaders on our soil.Just the talk of the G8 in Muskoka has beengenerating attention for the district around theworld. It’s the kind of publicity we welcomed asthe hosts of such a high profile event.Recently, government spending on preparationsfor the G8 has been facing considerable negativeattention from some politicians and the nationalmedia. While one can debate the value of the G8and the resultant expenses, there can be no excusefor the flagrant untruths that are being offered asfact by those who should know better.From inaccuracies on government spending tomisinformation about Muskoka in general, itmust be frustrating for organizers to see suchclouds threatening to rain on our parade. Sobersecond thought and a little reflection, however,tell us we can gain from both the good and thebad publicity.While the G8 is a hot topic, regardless ofwhether the conversation is good or bad, attentionis being drawn to Muskoka and the district’sattributes. When national media sneeringly referto the G8 being hosted in “beautiful cottagecountry” or a “lakeside resort,” are we about todeny those facts? In short, such coverage is promotingour attributes.Long after the G8 Summit has ended, thename Muskoka will still be known around theworld. As a tourism-based community, we mustalways remember to welcome our guests and treatthem well. Of course, part of Muskoka’s stellarreputation comes from our ability to do just that.Those who have a piece of Muskoka, whetheras a year-round or seasonal resident or regularvacationer to the area, know it is something special.Some who haven’t yet experienced it thinkit’s all hype and are quick to criticize. However,through our hospitality and the district’s naturalattributes, we are certain such naysayers can bedisproved.Negative attention related to the G8 has thrustMuskoka into the limelight but that’s not thewhole story. In fact, the district has likely gainedmore recognition around the province, countryand the world than if G8 critics were silent.While it is not the publicity we were anticipating,we will take the good with the bad and hold ourheads high. We know Muskoka is something tobrag about.Send your letters to the editor to:editor@northcountrymedia.comBox 180, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1T6Preserving our heritagePreserving Muskoka’s historyis essential. As a region we needto know where we have comefrom so we know where we aregoing. All too often, importantdocuments, books and memoriesare fading away into obscurity.With their passing we losea piece of Muskoka’s past andits identity. A recently launchedinitiative called Muskoka Booksaims to change that.New editions of out-of-printbooks will see the light of daythanks to Patrick Boyer’s commitmentto Muskoka publishingand history. The publisherbehind the initiative is bringingMuskoka’s past up to speedthrough Internet promotion,online sales and a Bookwikiabout Muskoka titles. His goalis to make Muskoka Books theworld’s definitive source ofinformation for books aboutthe region. Where once Muskokahistory books collected dustin library archives, they are nowaccessible to anyone, anywhere.It’s effectively raising the profileof Muskoka’s heritage andbringing it to the masses.Muskoka Books is doingmore than just reprinting theseold classics. Most books will beupdated with new graphics,covers and more. In the processof updating the works, newreaders will be attracted to, andhave a chance to enjoy, thesebooks from the past.The company will also providean avenue for new authorsto have their works published.While many of these books willinclude information based onnew research about Muskoka’spast, select fiction works mayalso be published in the future.Muskoka’s rich heritage hasbeen well documented in thepast. By making older titlesavailable again and supportingnew authors, Muskoka Bookswill ensure that Muskoka’s historywill not soon be forgotten.Hopefully this is only just thebeginning of finding new waysto ensure a bright future forMuskoka’s past.Donald Smit hPublisherMelissa KosowanEditorSandy LockhartAssistant EditorDonna AnsleyCurtis ArmstrongAlan BruderJennifer CooperLaurie JohleJudy VanclieafAdvertising SalesMarc BonitatibusProduction ManagerAddie CollinsMatthew WalkerDesign DepartmentAngy GliddonKen NortheySusan SmithReader Sales and ServiceWhat’s Up Muskoka is published by CottageCountry Communications, a division of OspreyMedia Publishing Inc. which is a part of:Copyright© 2010, Osprey Media PublishingInc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of anymaterial published in What’s Up Muskoka isstrictly prohibited without the writtenpermission of the publisher. The publisherassumes no responsibility for unsolicitedmaterial. Printed in Canada.Published every month.Subscription Rates:Within in CanadaOne year $25.00 including GST.Two years $45 including GST.Canada Post Publication Sales ProductAgreement Number 40025080Address changes should be sent to theaddress below.How to contact us:Mail:P.O. Box 180, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1T6Street Address:195 Ecclestone Drive, BracebridgePhone: (705) 646-1314Fax: (705) 645-6424E-mail: info@northcountrymedia.comWebsite: www.whatsupmuskoka.comCover PhotoBracebridge/Gravenhurst:Don McCormickHuntsville/Lake of Bays:Don McCormick10 June 2010 www.whatsupmuskoka.com