What's Up Bracebridge Gravenhurst - Whatsupmuskoka.com

WHAT’S UPJuly 2010MUSKOKA’S NEWS SOURCEBRACEBRIDGEGRAVENHURSTwww.whatsupmuskoka.comEngineering teambuilds to win Page 26Children’s booktakes flight Page 25Terry Fox’s visitremembered Page 5Hosting the worldMuskoka welcomes the G8 SummitSee page 10MUSKOKA AWARDSNominate Today!See pages 30 & 31

2 July 2010 www.whatsupmuskoka.com

THIS SUMMER’S BLOCKBUSTER HOME FURNISHINGS EVENT!®[ $1199]4 PC. WALL UNITINCLUDES DELIVERY[ $799 ]YOUR CHOICE!EA.MOTION SOFA OR LOVESEATRECLINE, RELAX AND BE AMAZED!This leather look, chocolate microfiber motion sofa is perfect for your very own home theatre!The loveseat with built-in cupholder console keeps drinks close at hand while relaxing.18The available Panasonic 3D Plasma TV will add a whole new dimension to your viewing experience!269-30910 / 378-54847[PLUS] DON’T PAY FOR MONTHS!NOMONEY DOWN!*0% INTEREST!NO MONTHLY PAYMENTS!*O.A.C. All applicable taxes, disposable surcharges where applicable and a processing fee of $79.95 (Eg. $1500 purchase with $79.95 PF equals an APR of 3.55%) are due at the time of purchase. Balance is due 18 months from the date of purchase. All items available while quantities last. Prices, terms andconditions may vary according to region. Selection may vary from store to store. Pick-up discounts not available on some items. No extra charge for delivery on most items if purchase amount, before taxes and any fees, is $498 or more. See store for delivery included areas. Not applicable to previous purchasesand markdown items. See store for other convenient payment options. All first time buyers in Ontario must put down a 15% deposit on any financed pick-up purchase over $1,000.

Define Your Space with...Superior CanadianCrafted FurnitureThe enduring quality of Mennoniteand other fine Ontario pieces youwill be proud to show.We borrow many motifs from the past, creating a solid,familiar look that has lasting appeal and value.Every piece offers unique hand craftsmanship, preciseconstruction and attention to detail.R eflectingthe beauty andserenity of theMuskokan landscape.Where the customer feels at home195 Wellington StreetBRACEBRIDGE (Across from Monck Public School Yard)645-8183Locally Owned & Operatedwww.muskokafurniture.netWide Selection of TopQuality FurnitureFor Every Room In YourHome & CottageQUALITYMENNONITEFURNITURE

Remembering Terry Fox’s visit to MuskokaBy Chris OcchiuzziRetired OPP constable John Lennoxhas fond memories of two days in thesummer of 1980 when he met anextraordinary young man who capturedthe hearts and imagination of the nation.On July 29 and 30 of that year,Lennox was honoured to be a policeescort for the lateTerry Fox on the 26-mile Muskoka portionof his Marathon ofHope.“It was amazing,”says Lennox, who wasselected because it washis turn to work theday shift. “I was reallyamazed when I firstsaw him. Spendingthose two days wasincredible. It just sohappens I was workingday shift and gotassigned to it. It wasn’tuntil he passed away Irealized I had metprobably Canada’sgreatest Canadian andgreatest athlete.”Lennox eulogi zedFox at a memorial service held on July 2,1981 at Trinity St. Alban’s AnglicanChurch in Bala. Sixty people attendedthe service.“Now when people hear the word cancerthey will be reminded of Terry Foxand his conviction that a cure is possible,”he had told them. “Terry Fox startedthe Marathon of Hope. Terry Fox isgone now. It’s up to us to finish it. TerryFox has given hope and inspiration topeople suffering with this disease and totheir loved ones. Terry has shown us allnot to give up. He has also taught us allto face up to our problems by his“He told mehe wasn’tdoing it forhim. He wasdoing it forthis, and hepointed to hisartificial leg...”demonstration of courage and outlookon life filled with numerous setbacks. Iwon’t forget him.”Lennox will forever remember theevents during Fox’s journey throughMuskoka. Lennox sensed a real thrill asFox ran through downtown Gravenhurst.It was jam-packed with well wisherscheering in support.“And it’s almost likehe picked up fromtheir enthusiasm andhe picked up hispace,” says Lennox,who was in the leadcar.During breaks,every two miles,Lennox was able tospeak to Fox andbecame quite in aweof the man’s passionfor his cause. As Foxwould refresh withwater and oranges, heand Lennox conversed.“He told me hewasn’t doing it forhim,” says Lennox.“He was doing it for this and he pointedto his artificial leg and he said that ‘I feltthe pain and I’ve seen the pain in kidsand I’m making this run because Ibelieve that a cure can be found and Iwant to raise money to help find a curebecause the hurting must stop.’”For those too young to remember ortruly understand who Terry Fox wasand what he achieved, Lennox sums itup with one phrase: “He was Canada’sgreatest Canadian. There will alwaysbe politicians, there will always besports celebrities, but there’s only oneTerry Fox.”Terry Fox shakes hands with John Lennox, the OPP constable whoescorted the national hero through Muskoka on his Marathon of Hope.Photograph: courtesy of John LennoxAuthor and artist team up for book sequelBy Kate BeirnessTo the delight of readers youngand old, author Susan E. Ross andillustrator Bonnie Bews are releasinga new book featuring the popular storybookcharacters, Zelda & Esmeralda.Zelda, Esmeralda and the Big BlueSea is the second adventure for thetiny fairy and her best friend, a brightred dragonfly. The sequel introducesTimothy Bendinbeak, a grey seagull,who accompanies them on their journeyto the ocean.This is the third collaboration forRoss and Bews. Their success withthe first Zelda and Esmeralda tale,which won a coveted MoonbeamChildren’s Book Award, is an incrediblestory itself, considering theauthor and illustratormet by chance.“I was showing mywork at the GravenhurstFarmer’s Marketin 2007,” recountsBews, a hinterglasartist with a studio atWalker’s Point.“Susan approachedmy booth and reallyliked my work. Fromthere we started talkingabout this storythat she had writtenyears previously, but had never beenable to find artwork to fit.”“The idea for Zelda and Esmeraldacame to me sitting on my cottageveranda one evening,” adds Ross,who is a seasonalresident in Beaumaris.“I waswatching a lot offantastic dragonfliesand noticed abright red one inparticular. Ithought – theremust be anenchanting worldout there in mygarden that I don’teven know about . .. and there must bea fairy living there too.”The popularity of the first bookcompelled Ross to write a new adventurefor Zelda and Esmeralda, andshe hopes to write a third as well.“With the help of her friends, especiallyEsmeralda and now TimothyBendinbeak, Zelda has the courage tomake her dreams come true. That isthe message of these books,” saysBews. “That you should go for yourdreams, and that friends can help youalong the way.”Ross is also considering a new lineof books, especially for boys.“I just had a grandson,” she sayswith obvious pride. “I think I mighthave to write something with a slugfor the main character – somethingboys might like!”Ross and Bews will be signingcopies of Zelda, Esmeralda and the BigBlue Sea on July 24 at the HinterglasCastle at Walker’s Point from 2 p.m.to 5:30 p.m.www.whatsupmuskoka.com July 2010 5

Help is close to home on the road to recoverySpecial FeatureHeath and WellnessBy Chris OcchiuzziFinding products or services to aid in rehabilitationand recovery from surgery or injury is easier than ever inMuskoka. From outfitting one’s home with necessaryequipment to laser therapy and everything in between,Muskoka has it all.ProActive Rehab & Sport Injury Centre in Huntsvilleoffers a wide range of services to get people back on trackwith their health. A thorough assessment is conductedwith any new patient to find out what type of treatmentis required, according to Leslie Tempest, owner/operatorof ProActive Rehab. From there she will recommend thebest course of treatment, which could include acupuncture,laser treatments, ultrasound or aquatherapy.“We can do massage therapy, which would providehands-on soft tissue release and stretch as well as circulatorystimulation and stress reduction,” says Tempest. “Aswell as cranial-sacral therapy, which is a hands-on interventionaimed at normalizing energy flow within thebody to facilitate normal and effective healing.”In Bracebridge, Somaura Health and Wellness is tryingsomething a little different, according to AmyOpavsky, co-owner and registered massage and lasertherapist.“We opened about a year and a half ago and it wasmainly to expand my business as a massage therapist toinclude laser therapy as well,” says Opavsky, who says thelaser and massage combined therapy has proven to be asuccess.“We were one of the first to bring rehabilitation laserAmy Opavsky, co-owner of Somaura Health and Wellness, gives a patient a massage treatment.therapy together with massage therapy in the Muskokaarea. And from there we grew. Now, we even have aholistic nutritionist on staff.”The laser used in therapy is low intensity, safe and doesnot damage the tissue. It is designed to regenerate newhealthy tissue at a cellular level.“It works great on tendinitis and repetitive straininjuries,” says Opavsky. “And chronic pain, low backPhotograph: Sandy LockhartWellpath Clinic is a family wellness center that is dedicated to helping youimprove and maintain the quality of your health. Our Doctors use a naturalapproach to wellness that is safe and effective in treating the root cause of illness.Dr. Kathryn Nobrega-Porter specializes in prevention and providing the knowledgeto help you and your family to live an optimally healthy life.We feature a variety of weekly healthy living seminars, yoga classes,as well as healthy lifestyle products. Local and seasonal clients are welcome.Muskoka - 705.765.6060105 Maple StreetPort Carling, Ontario P0B 1J0Toronto - 416.972.0770170 Bloor Street West Suite 1106Toronto, Ontario M5S 1T9www.wellpathclinic.com6 July 2010 www.whatsupmuskoka.com

pain – pretty much everything.”Muskoka’s various health and wellness services don’tjust address rehabilitation and recovery from injuriesand illness, but also prevention. A little prevention goesa long way to preventing future trips to rehabilitationcentres or even hospitals.“Generally people arrive to us with an existing injuryor limiting physical issue,” says Tempest. “The initialgoals usually include improving or resolving this. However,as physiotherapists it is also our mandate to educatepeople on injury and how they can prevent it. So as partof an active treatment program we will spend timeteaching clients what to do to help decrease the chanceof further or re-injury. This gives them more controlover themselves and any pain they may have. We alsolike to try to get the opportunity to educate people oninjury prevention before an injury even happens. It isgenerally easier and more successful to prevent beforethan to fix after so let’s do that if we can.”Richard Porter, founder and general manager of theWellpath Clinic in Port Carling, has made healthy livingthe primary focus of his business. It strives to providecomprehensive health and wellness solutions with afocus on prevention of injury and disease, and quality oflife for each person.When injuries do require rehabilitating and healing,Porter says there are a number of treatments to ensureproper recovery.“Injury is a physical trauma that directly impacts thestructure and releases chemicals in the body,” says Porter.“We support each phase of the healing process (acute,sub-acute and chronic) through targeted therapeuticstrategies. A combination of topical applications, nutritionand supplementation support and physical treatments,such as acupuncture and mobilization, are usedto assist the healing mechanisms and provide effectivesolutions for each phase of the rehab process.“When the time is appropriate, movement classes,such as NIA – non-impact aerobics – yoga, stretchingand strength training classes, are provided through WellpathClinic that can help individuals stay active andmoving without a high risk of injury. Together, ourapproach at Wellpath Clinic provides a safe and effectiveapproach to injury recovery, prevention and long-termwellness care.”Sometimes people recovering from injury or surgerymay require equipment such as wheelchairs or exerciseballs to facilitate the healing process. Stores such asHeather’s Home Healthcare in Bracebridge can providealmost any product needed for the purpose of gettingbetter or even living with an injury or disability.“We have tubing and exercise fans; foam rollers fordoing exercises; hand exercisers,” says Heather Mahon,owner/operator of Heather’s Home Healthcare. “Wehave peddle exercisers, which are just the peddles of abike which you can sit on a chair and do it or you canput it on a table to exercise your shoulders. We even havegrab bars for hopping in and out of tubs or off toilets.There’s an active ankle brace, which gives mobility ifsomeone has torn ligaments. Abdominal binders for hernias,hernia belts for males with lower hernias.”For those needing extra care, a full-service home maybe the option. Located in Bracebridge, Carolyn’s ComfortHomes Inc. offer custom homes for 24-hour convalescentand palliative care.“Throughout the stages of my life I have always beeninvolved with helping seniors in one capacity or another,”says Carole Fallon, owner/operator of Carolyn’sComfort Homes Inc. “I fondly remember helping oneparticular senior in the last stages of his life. In the endhe died in his own home with no one around him. It wasquite sad. At the present time I am helping another seniormaintain stability in a long-term care facility. I hadan extra house, which I thought would suit the needs forour seniors and convalescent, palliative care people intheir time of need. It was my relationship with my seniorfriends that gave me this idea.”Included in these units are a home care bed with a sixfunctionelectric hand control, wheelchair accessibleslide-in bathtub with heat and jet massage, leather liftchair with heat and massage, an on-site nurse’s quarters,on-site laundry facilities, and a heat recovery ventilationsystem, which provides fresh air throughout the home.“Carolyn’s Comfort Homes is still in its infancy. As itgrows and matures, so too will the service to Bracebridgeand Muskoka,” says Fallon. “As you know, with hospitalcutbacks and closures, the need for convalescing and palliativecare grows. Cutbacks and closures create an economicloss to Bracebridge and Muskoka. Carolyn’sComfort Homes will offer doctors, nurses, personal supportworkers the opportunity to utilize their skills in amuch needed way.”Should you require services or products for rehabilitationor recovery, the options in Muskoka are plentiful,meaning one less thing to worry about on the road torecovery.andMedical SupplyMuskoka Mobility2 BRIGHT NEW SHOWROOMSFOR YOUR SHOPPING PLEASURE• Sales • Service• Rentals • New & Used950 Muskoka Rd. S., 687-4796GRAVENHURST230 Manitoba St., 645-2177BRACEBRIDGE (Beside Walk-In Clinic)www.muskokamobility.comLow Intensity Laser TherapyRegistered Massage TherapyRegistered Holistic NutritionDetoxification TherapiesLooking beyondHealth CareInstitutionsOur compassion and dedication toserve the spirit, mind and body ofthose suffering from an illness ordisability, surrounds every detail ofour home. We are committed topreserving the dignity and qualityof life of our guests.1-705-706-HOME (4663)For More Info Visit Our Websitewww.carolynscomforthomes.cacarole@carolynscomforthomes.caChronic Pain & Acute Injury TherapyNutrition to Improve Healing and RecoveryPost Surgical TherapyCervical & Lumbar Pillows that workStop Smoking and Weight Management645-60039 Ann Street, Ste. B, Bracebridge Professional Hands you canCarolyn’s Comfort Homes Inc.www.whatsupmuskoka.com July 2010 7

WHAT’S UP MUSKOKAEDITORIALMuskoka provesitself to the worldMuskoka has often been called a world-class destinationbut now the G8 Summit has come and gone,the people and amenities of Muskoka have theproven experience of welcoming the world.Muskokans have demonstrated they have what ittakes to host even the largest event, and host it well.Muskoka’s communities were welcoming and localfacilities and services received accolades. We can nowmarket that track record to the world. Imagine whatother large-scale events await. Muskoka’s tourismleaders need to take this experience and run with it.Throughout the lead-up to the G8, $50 million ofinfrastructure money resulted in many G8 legacyprojects being built in Muskoka communities –buildings like the Canada Summit Centre and theAnnie Williams Memorial Park Pavilion.Not to diminish the $50 million in infrastructurespending but the experience and exposure of the G8will provide a legacy worth that much, and manytimes more, over the years. Thanks to the G8,Muskoka is a step ahead of many other areas andready to meet the future.The legacy of Muskokans being known as excellenthosts who welcome government leaders and officials,international media, police officers, military personneland guests is invaluable. We hope those involvedin the G8 Summit, whatever their capacity, willreturn on holiday or, at the very least, tell othersabout this great destination.Despite the best efforts of naysayers and ne’er dowells to undermine the efforts of G8 planners, theevent was a huge success. Now, it doesn’t hurt tothank those who’ve done a great job – Tony Clement,Sanjeev Chowdhury, Claude Doughty, Joseph Klein,Kelly Haywood and a whole host of others. After all,we all stand to benefit from the positive images ofMuskoka generated by the G8.Grandmothers saythanks for supportOn behalf of the Muskoka Lakes Grandmothers, Iwish to thank you and your staff for the significantattention you have given our group throughout ourfirst successful year.Special thanks to Maria Duncalf-Barber for hercomprehensive description early on of our campaign ofthe Stephen Lewis Foundation, and to Wendy Oke forher invitation just recently to our National Walk honouringAfrican grandmothers walking for the basicnecessities of life for their grandchildren.With the huge cutbacks in government spending, itis vital now more than ever that non-governmentalorganizations such as ours increase our efforts to helpturn the tide of HIV/AIDS in Africa. We hope foryour continuing interest and support.Barbara PowerBracebridgeThe full story about HabitatThank you to What’s UpMuskoka for covering thegroundbreaking ceremony andpublishing the article on ourHabitat for Humanity Muskokaproject in Bala!This is in reference to JackHutton’s article, Bala Habitathome well underway. I loved theway Jack started his article aboutthe spirit of the people in Bala.We, in the Habitat for HumanityMuskoka organization hadheard that the residents of Balawould be great supporters of ourprogram and they are provingthat! We are excited about thisbuilding project, our ninth andtenth!I was happy that he includedPatricia Arney and Patty Parson’searly commitment to this idea. Iappreciated that the partner familieswere introduced, and thecall for help and the announcementof fundraisers were added.However, in one sentence Jackmade some errors which maycause problems for HabitatMuskoka because some peoplewill form the wrong impressions.He wrote, “Habitat homes arebuilt with volunteer labour,including at least 500 hoursfrom the new owners, and thensold at cost to those families.”Yes, we build with volunteerlabour but must use licensedcontractors for certain parts ofthe project. Some people,including contractors are underthe impression that our homesare second-rate because we use“volunteer labour”, or in theireyes, people who can help butdon’t really know what they aredoing.Our projects are supervised byvery experienced volunteers witha wealth of construction knowledgeunder their hard hats.Habitat for Humanity homes arewell built as the still-standingHabitat homes in Haiti provedafter the recent devastatingearthquake. We follow all codesand bylaws and hire licensedcontractors when necessary.Often contractors donate theirtime which is very much appreciated.Any donated buildingContinued on page 9Donald 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 applicable taxes.Two years $45 including applicable taxes.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:Jan PitmanHuntsville/Lake of Bays:Jan Pitman00 July 2010 www.whatsupmuskoka.com

Habitat for Humanity builds are complexContinued from page 8material or labour allows us to keep ourcosts down and therefore we can helpmore families. Our Habitat Muskokahomes are built with all new buildingmaterials, are inspected at each phase andcarry a Tarion Home Warranty.Our designated partner families arerequired to volunteer 500 hours withHabitat Muskoka but not all the hoursare fulfilled on the build site. Since thesevolunteer hours must be completedbefore the family moves in, they mustbegin before the building project starts.Some of the family’s 500 hours hoursmay be volunteered in other locationssuch as our ReStore, at our fundraisers,MuskokaFashionwith other agencies or perhaps at a parentingcourse. Our aim is to do morethan just house families.In regards to the statement in the articlethat the homes are “sold at cost tothose families,” we do sell the homes tothe partner families, but we are notallowed to sell them at cost. The familiespurchase the homes with a no-interestmortgage from Habitat Muskoka but theprice cannot be set by us. We are requiredby Revenue Canada to have an independentagent give us a figure which representsthe estimated fair market value forthe home. This amount is what we mustuse on the mortgage agreement with thefamily.As most people understand, this estimatedvalue greatly affects the taxes ahomeowner pays. Single homes havehigher estimated fair market value andthus higher taxes; semis and multi-plexeshave lower estimated fair market valueand thus lower taxes. Habitat Muskokatries to build semi-detached homes onour building lots (if there is enoughspace) in order to keep the cost down forour partner families.Furthermore, we must follow Habitatfor Humanity’s guidelines which statethat our designated partner family’s costof housing (mortgage, taxes, and insurance)must be under 30 per cent of thefamily’s income. That is a challenge forour family selection committee, familysupport committee and all on our volunteerboard of directors, but a worthy goal.Some of our partner families have previouslypaid 50 per cent or even more offamily income on housing when renting!That doesn’t leave much for all the othernecessities of life for a family!We have to select families with lowincomes to follow our charitable guidelinebut the families must be able toafford a no-interest mortgage, which isreviewed annually and adjusted accordingto the family’s income. As we say, weoffer “a hand up, not a handout.”Thank you for this opportunity toclear up some facts. I appreciate yourongoing support of Habitat for HumanityMuskoka and in particular the PattyParson’s Habitat build in Bala.Linda Acton-Riddle, PresidentHabitat for Humanity MuskokaPamper yourself at Elements Salon & SpaEstheticians Nicole Brown and Katie Smith, owner and stylist Monica Dureen and stylist Amanda Plackowelcome clients to Elements Salon & Spa. It offers a wide array of services in a relaxing environment.Organic skin, hair and body careAlways a Friendly AtmosphereNow at ourNEW LOCATION!23 BALL’S DRIVE31 Dominion St., Bracebridge(705) 645-9600www.elementssalonandspa.ca• Creative Colouring •• Corrective Colour • Mani’s & Pedi’s •• Ion Cleanse • Tanning Bed • Waxing •• Ear Candling • Make-up Applications •• Specializing In Long Hair Updo’s & Cutting •(705) 645-8574www.sunbursthairdesign.ca85 Manitoba StreetBracebridge, ONP1L 2B3645-4441www.beautycomesnaturally.ca • beauty@vianet.cawww.whatsupmuskoka.com July 2010 9

Muskoka takes its place on the world stageBy Sandy LockhartThe 2010 G8 Summit is now overafter two years in the making, but organizersand key players say it will continueto have a positive impact on Muskoka foryears to come.The conclusion of the G8 Summitmeans Sanjeev Chowdhury, the directorgeneral of the Summits ManagementOffice, has moved back to Ottawa aftermoving to Muskoka in May of 2009 toprepare for the big event. The SummitsManagement Office will remain openuntil the end of August.“I’m relieved that it went so well. I’mvery proud that a community that Iworked in responded in this way. It iswhat makes this G8 stand out,” he says.“This was a real model of federal andmayoral partnership. I couldn’t haveasked for better co-operation or betterfriends. I can’t think of an assignment I’drather have than to be in Huntsville,” hesays. He adds, “And I’m sure glad I’m notin Toronto.”Deerhurst Resort general managerJoseph Klein is looking forward to buildingon the success of the G8 Summitheld in Huntsville. “Definitely, the eventwill bring attention to our flexibility andbroaden the attention of Muskoka as adynamic setting,” he says.Klein says there is no better publicityavailable than the media reports of howsuccessful the event was and how welcomingthe people of Muskoka were.“Muskoka is a relatively unknown jewelto anyone outside Ontario, especially theGTA,” he says.“We’ve developed a reputation at beingvery good at servicing very large events,”he says. “The G8 was a very large, verycomplex event but other than the security– it was different – other than that, itis like every other event at Deerhurst.”He brought in a few extra senior staffcooks for the G8 but other than thatdepended on his regular staff.”Those visiting Deerhurst will not beable to see much evidence of the G8 takingplace just a short time ago, as muchof the work was temporary. Temporarypower and video feed were added but thevast majority of the work was creatingnew space within Deerhurst. The chairswere rentals and have been returned andKlein says the G8 table, used inKananaskis for the G8, was brought infor the event, but has now been returnedto storage.“There have been a few questions,” hesays. “People are asking, ‘Where is everything?’”Now Klein is determining how to besthold onto the afterglow of the event. “Wewant to remind people how it happened,”he says, noting he plans to placesome photos of the world leaders at recognizablespots.Huntsville Mayor Claude Doughtysays the G8 will have a positive longtermimpact on the community butnotes it has also helped in the shortterm.World leaders took a walk along the paths at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville during the G8 Summit. No detail wasoverlooked at the resort. Even canoes were strategically placed along the water’s edge.“We’ve bridged through the downturnin the economy with the G8 coming,”he says.“The businesses that I’ve talked to inHuntsville, the majority by far, havefound sales to be up significantly this yearover last year,” he says, listing the obviousfood, rental and hotel service businessesbut also furniture and design businessessaw increased sales.Doughty is happy with the way the G8turned out. “My worst nightmare wasthat what happened in Toronto, wouldhappen here,” he says. “We were preparedfor the worst and got the best. Wehad fire people bored to tears. That is ahallmark of success.”Muskoka will take the attention generatedfrom the G8 to try and market thearea to conference organizers fromaround the world.“The Town of Huntsville will be amajor player in that, in conjunction withDeerhurst and other resorts as well,” saysDoughty.Klein, Doughty and Huntsville Lakeof Bays Chamber of Commerce generalmanager Kelly Haywood recently metwith some international event plannerswho deal with worldwide organizations.“Now that we’ve proven ourselves witha G8, and done it well and safely with asupportive community, we can go afterthose groups to hold their event here,”says Doughty.Parry Sound-Muskoka MP TonyClement thinks the G8 was not onlypositive for Muskoka, but for theworld.“I think it was a huge success. Anumber of communiques were released.The one that I think will have the mostdifference is the Muskoka Initiativefocusing on maternal health.”By adding the private donations, contributionsby other countries and Canada’spromise of $1 billion, a total of $10billion is dedicated to improving the outcomesfor new mothers and children.“That they called it the Muskoka Initiativeis the icing on the cake,” he says.Clement says the immediate positivefinancial impact to the community alongwith the long-term benefits of theincreased exposure are very tangible benefitsof the G8 Summit.“We are starting to total up the mentionsof Muskoka in the internationalmedia. We are at about 100 now,” he says.He will be working with FedNor andMuskoka Tourism together to marketMuskoka to conference planners aroundthe world.Clement had the opportunity to talkwith delegates from all around the world.“They were smitten with the beauty ofthe place,” he says.He was able to meet the leaders as theirhelicopters landed in Huntsville onThursday night and Friday morning.“They were low enough so they wouldsee Muskoka as it appeared,” saysClement. “Many leaders, including PresidentObama, commented on how wonderfulit was.”G8 specialist Ella Kokotsis, whogrew up in Bracebridge and is thedirector of external relations for theUniversity of Toronto’s G8 and G20Research Group, has attended 14 G8Summits in the past and spent mostof this summit in the G8/G20 mediacentre in Toronto, where most of theaccredited journalists were posted.She says the format of this G8 wasquite different as the majority of themedia were stationed in Toronto whilethe leaders met in Huntsville.“Only those journalists brave enoughto get on a coach bus at 3 a.m. and departfrom Toronto to Huntsville had access tothe smaller media centre set at Deerhurst,”she says. “The rest watched theevents unfold at Deerhurst via live feedson giant TV screens set up throughoutthe media centre. This differed markedlyfrom previous summits where leaders andthe media were in closer proximity,allowing the media better access to theleaders and their delegations.”Kokotsis spoke with a few journalistswho went to Huntsville. “Although theyonly had a chance to see a very small partof the region, it seemed to spark an interest,”she says, adding that other journalistsat the centre were interested in knowingmore about the region as theywatched the images being beamed infrom Deerhurst and area. “Journalistsalso had an opportunity to sampleMuskoka cuisine in addition to local beer– something they clearly enjoyed andcommented favourably on.”She believes hosting an internationalevent like the G8 will go a long way inpromoting the Muskoka brand.“I think Muskoka will always beremembered as the place summit historywas made,” she says. “Never in thehistory of summits have a G8 and G20been hosted back-to back. I think thesignificance of this will be rememberedfor a long time.”Photograph: Jan Pitman10 July 2010 www.whatsupmuskoka.com

Memories are made behind the scenes at the G8 SummitBy Nancy BealStaff at Deerhurst Resort and a fewlucky business owners in Huntsvillerubbed shoulders with the world’s leadersduring the G8 Summit onJune 25-26.Russian president Dmitry Medvedevpaid a visit to a local restaurant and isbelieved to be the only world leader tohave a meal outside Deerhurst Resortduring the G8 Summit.“I was blown away by how personablethe man was. He was absolutely down toearth, approachable,” says Tall TreesRestaurant chef and owner RandySpencer. “I was rather surprised. Youalways get an image of eastern bloc countriesas being severe – but they’re the sameas us.”Heavy security accompaniedMedvedev and five others in hisentourage who ate at the restaurant. Theroad was blocked off, three or four dozenOPP and RCMP officers were postedinside and around the outside of thebuilding, and another two dozen ofMedvedev’s own security accompaniedhim inside, Spencer recalls.The arrival of Medvedev was predicatedby security hovering in the kitchen,requesting staff to wear gloves and to sterilizethe china. They wanted to knowhow well Spencer knew his staff, if therewere weapons on the property and at thispoint, Spencer didn’t know who wascoming.“Is it the ambassador?” he asked anaide. When he was told it was the president,they asked him if he was concerned.“I said, ‘No – he’s just like youand me’ – and he chuckled.”The president stayed for about an hourand spoke fluent English. He ate fromthe menu – having a venison dish.Spencer brought him out some Ontariocheese to try and later found out fromchef Rory Golden at Deerhurst that heloves cheese.“I helped, but my boys in the kitchendid the cooking,” he says. “It was fun.”Medvedev wrote in the guest book:“Thank you, dinner was very, very tasty.”The Nutty Chocolatier’sowner/operator Nancy Wegner was therewith two employees when U.S. press secretaryRobert Gibbs and White Housechief of staff Rahm Emanuel came in theHuntsville shop for an ice cream. Theyarrived with their entourage.“It was short,” Wegner recalls. “Theywere in and out, very relaxed. Customerswho knew them were totally excited;there was a frenzy and cameras flashing –it was a good way to top off the week.They came in Friday night, late around 9p.m. – four gentlemen and a few officersand their entourage. They had ice creamand the press secretary bought treats forhis young kids.”For Deerhurst Resort’s general managerJoseph Klein and executive chef RoryGolden, it was much more intense, with1,000 guests including the “internationallyprotected persons.”Kim Doughty, the wife of Huntsville Mayor Claude Doughty, receives a hug from U.S. President Barack Obamaduring G8 introductions as Parry Sound-Muskoka MP Tony Clement and his wife Lynne look on.“I would do it again in an instant,”says Klein. “It was a seamless event andan incredibly proud moment, watchingour team welcome the world, watchingwhat they do best: to welcome andserve others.”Klein and his staff got a chance to meetand speak to the G8 leaders.“Our staff got to interact with everyone of the leaders and they stopped andtook the time to interact with ourstaff,” he says.Klein recalls specific staff interactionswith dignitaries: a young man whosefather passed away just before the eventhad a very personal moment with thepresident of the United States; or theexperience of a server as she relaxed andhad “a wonderful time” with the Presidentof Italy, and then was giddy andteary afterward. Some staff memberswere with the British prime ministerwhen he swam in Peninsula Lake and asports attendant shared with other staffthe pieces of the towel she brought PresidentObama for his workout.The only glitch in Klein’s opinion wasthat the landing area used for the arrivalof the leaders by helicopter at the LakesideGolf Club driving range on theDeerhurst property couldn’t be used fortheir departure due to overcast weather.For executive chef Rory Golden, however,there were a few challenges. Workingin a kitchen with armed RCMP officersand Health Canada staff watchingevery move was intimidating at first.“But once everyone got to know eachother, we formed great friendships,”Golden explained.One complication was the complexitiesof the food requests from the leaders.“It took a lot of time and there were alot of room service requests – nothingwas from the menu,” he says.In fact, Dean MacNeil, director offood and beverage, sent his wife intotown to find Darjeeling tea for the GermanChancellor Angela Merkel. Severaltrips to Toronto were made to fulfill thesespecial requests including Obama’s penchantfor organic bacon and eggs.“The Russians were the most complexin their food requests,” says Golden. “Noone could believe how much food eightgentleman could eat – seafood lasagne,cold platters of smoked fish, mini pastries– they particularly liked sweets.”Turning things around on a dime wasalso a challenge for Golden and his staffof 67. Plated meals suddenly turned intobuffets and vice versa, and some dignitariesrequested the final lunch to beboxed up for transport.“I’d have to say to them (my staff),‘We’re about to change everything.’Most people don’t like change andthey’re already overloaded, yet my staffembraced the workload. They deserve alot of credit, same for the front of thehouse.”Add to the leader’s requirements thatthey receive room service at very specifictimes Golden and his staff had to factorin the time it took to fulfil Health Canada’srequirements for samples of eachpiece of food.“Portions are kept for five days,” Goldenexplains, “and if a leader was ill, theycould examine those portions and see if itwas the source.”In some cases, the need to providesamples added an extra 20 to 25 minutesto the preparation process.“So, we realized we have to build samplinginto our timing – we had to have tomove our timing ahead,” he says.But the problem with sampling wasmore than the time it took.“If I bake a cake and they want achunk out of the cake, what do I do? Puta strawberry there to hide it?”Isolating the food into one walk-infridge and plating it right inside thefridge helped simplify the process forHealth Canada’s requirements.“My worst faux pas,” recalls Golden,“is I almost wiped out Obama with a trayof sandwiches. Two of the RCMP aofficers told me they we’re going to haveto take me down if I had hit him!”Golden used local and regional produceat every opportunity and even theleader’s dinnerware was made locally atLindgren Pottery.MacNeil recalls the very first lunch:“There was a horde of media atlunchtime. Obama was in charge andcharismatic. As soon as he walked intothe room he noticed the staff all lined upand he disconnected with the media andmade sure he came through and shookour hands. I had an opportunity to shakehis hand – it set the tone.”One of the biggest compliments forDeerhurst was the praise of the sherpasvia Sanjeev Chowdhury, director generalof the Summits Management Office.“The sherpas were pleased with thefood,” says Golden. “They said it wasthe best food from the last few summits.It was nice to hear – did justice tokitchen staff. Everyone pulled togetherto make it happen; sometimes it wasvery last minute, but we pulled togetherand got it done.”Photograph: courtesy of the Summits Management Officewww.whatsupmuskoka.com July 2010 11

Muskoka artists make gifts for G8 SummitBy Dale PeacockThe G8 Summit was a once-in-a-lifetimeopportunity for a handful ofMuskoka artisans who created uniqueworks of art that were presented as giftsto the delegates.Respected Huntsville potter EricLindgren describes activities around the2010 G8 Summit as “pretty exciting.”Lindgren Pottery was chosen to producethe distinctive square dinnerwarethat he’s been crafting for 30 years forthe G8 Summit at Deerhurst Resort.His work was selected by the Departmentof Foreign Affairs and the SummitsManagement Office following anapplication he made through local MPTony Clement’s office.Once approvals were in, Lindgrenworked with Deerhurst’s chef RoryGolden to come up with the perfectdesigns for breakfast, lunch, dinner andcoffee, as well as several large one-of-akindserving pieces for the event. Theorganizers wanted something that wasn’ttoo delicate and that had a Canadiancountry feeling.“The process began early in the yearbut we only had the better part of threeweeks to make this large order. Ourteam had the kiln going almost nonstopfor awhile there,” Lindgren says.The pieces will remain as a summitlegacy at Deerhurst to be used for specialoccasions. He is thrilled he got torepresent Canada to the world throughwhat he describes as his “buggy whipjob,” referring to the timeless, low-techmethods of making pottery.He muses, “I think that the government’srecent support of local artists’work is somewhat redemptive of itsposition on the arts in general.” Heconcludes, “I only hope that it’s a harbingerof better things to come.”Drawing upon ancient traditions ofweaving, Huntsville resident MarniMartin creates hand-woven tapestriesand wearable art. Martin was excited toreceive a call in January from theSummits Management Office requestinga date to visit the studio. When thesmall delegation visited they informedher Laureen Harper had chosen herscarves to present to the spouses of theG8 leaders.“Apparently, Mrs. Harper was madeknown of my work through people inher office that visited the studio in thefall without identifying themselves,”Martin says. “When they first droppedin to my studio I assumed they werejust a group of friends out shopping forthemselves.”Martin was given full creative freedomto create the scarves and afterresearching the various recipients on theInternet she felt confident she had asense of what to do for each person.She explains, “My natural way ofworking is intuitive and I worked thisway being inspired by the variouscolours and styles of each person.”Huntsville potter Eric Lindgren spent many hours at the wheel creatingthe dinnerware for the G8 Summit at Deerhurst Resort.The thrill in being chosen to createsomething for the G8 was in partbecause she had made no contact withthe Summits Management Office tooffer up her craft.“I was pleased because my work obviouslyspoke for itself during that initialvisit,” she says.Utterson resident Don Thur turnswooden bowls from unique burls foundthroughout Muskoka. Thur wascommissioned to create 20 large highlyartistic and functional maple bowlsfor the world leaders. He also produced10 smaller bowls for later additions tothe summit.“All through February I worked sevendays a week and eight to 10 hours a dayto get the samples ready,” says Thur.“This is the largest single commissionI’ve ever had and it’s not likely to berepeated in my lifetime,” says the 70-year-old.Modestly, he adds. “I’ve been reallylucky.” He chuckles, “As I told my wife,I’m going to bask in the glory for aboutfive minutes and then get back to workgetting enough products ready for theMuskoka Autumn Studio Tour.”Following the visit by a federal scoutingparty in January, stained glass artistCharles Knapp of Huntsville was askedto create a prototype of a glass box thatwould hold the accreditation pin forspouses of the G8 delegates. He sent thesample to Ottawa and once LaureenHarper approved of the design, Knappgot busy making the exquisite containersincluding two with a more masculinesensibility for presentation to malepartners.Knapp’s work ranges from soaringchurch windows to small colourful suncatchers. He’s been commissionedcountless times for projects large andsmall and has published three books ofhis lamp designs.“It was an honour to take part in theG8 in this way and to know that mywork is scattered all across the globe,”he says. “Maybe one of my boxes is sittingon the dresser of a world leaderright now!”Langford Canoe in Dwight crafted25 solid cherry wood canoe paddles forthe G8 Sherpas following a governmentcontact made last November. OwnerSteve McAllister describes the paddle ashaving a small protective resin tip andan otter tail blade with an unfinishedhandle for a natural feel and no slip.The paddles were standard issue exceptthe grains in the wood used in the paddleswere carefully selected, accordingto McAllister.“The only really custom part was thelaser engraved logo and the custommade Sunbrella paddle carrying bagPhotograph: Kelly Holinsheadwith draw string and custom logo,”he explains.The G8 honour comes hard on theheels of being chosen to manufacture aline of canoes using the historic colourschemes and iconic insignia ofHudson’s Bay blankets and jackets,which were introduced in the Best ofCanada Pavilion at the recent Olympicsin Vancouver.Karin Kriekaard, owner of EclipseArt & Design in Huntsville, was theproject manager of a G8 gift proposalthat a group of local artists initiated lastsummer. The complete submission wasn’tchosen but two elements of thepackage – a burl bowl by AlgonquinPark ranger Kirk McEathron and amaple leaf marquetry inlaid box byNick Hally – were purchased as gifts forthe G8 Youth Summit delegates.Port Carling model boatbuilderChuck Allbon also had his work presentedat the G8 Youth Summit.Allbon builds 30 or 40 boats a yearselling them out of his Port Carling cottageand a couple of summer craftshows. At last year’s Dockside Festivalof the Arts a visitor planted the idea ofthe model boats playing some part inthe G8 Summit.Allbon didn’t act on the suggestionuntil it was repeated by a visitor to hisdisplay at the Bala Cranberry Festival.“What says Muskoka more than theSegwun?” Allbon’s wife, Sandi, recallsthe admirer asking.With that prodding, she called TonyClement’s office and was directed toSanjeev Chowdhury at the SummitsManagement Office in November. Amonth later a model went to Ottawafor approval and in March the Allbonsdelivered five handcrafted cedar modelsof the iconic craft to Chowdhury forpresentation to the senior speakers tothe Youth Summit.Deerhurst general manager JosephKlein asked Darla Stipanovitch, ownerof SoapStones in Huntsville to providesoaps, hair products and lotions for theresort’s VIP guests. Klein and his assistantchose the Cold Water fragrance forthe men and the Cranberry HoneyDeerhurst Blend for German ChancellorAndrea Merkel. Beautiful porcelaingift baskets were piled high with productsfor the leaders and a variety ofother SoapStones products were availablein the public spaces.The placement generated plenty ofmedia buzz for the excited soap makerwho says, “It was a scramble to getit ready but this was the biggest thrill ofmy business life. It will be hardto duplicate!”She reports, “After the event, Mr.Klein was kind enough to write me andlet me know that not a scrap of ourproduct remained in the leader suites;they had taken it with them. This iswhat we wanted to hear! They liked it;they really, really liked it!”12 July 2010 www.whatsupmuskoka.com

Advertising FeatureNew animal hospital is state of the artBy Sandy LockhartFish hooks, porcupine quills and stomach upsets are afew of the pet problems that regularly come through thedoor at the Bracebridge Animal Hospital. In addition toemergency services, the veterinary hospital also offersmany other services including digital X-rays, full dentistryand orthopaedic care as well as more routineappointments such as regular vaccinations.The business is owned by veterinarian Jason McLeodwho also owns the Algonquin Animal Hospital inHuntsville.“A number of our seasonal clients prefer to see us forannual care,” he says, explaining they feel they get morepersonal care here than in a larger city. “They are not justa number.”He says clients like the small-town approach wherepeople know your pet and its medical history.“They appreciate that we take the time to talk withthem and they appreciate our knowledge base,” McLeodsays.McLeod’s practice also focuses on wellness and preventativemedicine, including dental care. The dentalsuite is truly a designated dental area in the new BracebridgeAnimal Hospital.“We are very proud of that,” he says. “Very few placeshave a dental suite let alone the dental radiology.”The dental suite has a digital imaging system that issuperior to conventional dental X-rays. “The quality isamazing, “ he says.“When you bring in your pet for a dental cleaning,they are having everything done that you’d have with adentist,” he says. “The difference is that your pet has togo under light anesthetic.”The specialized equipment allows them to take a preventativeapproach and recognize potential problemsand address them before they become a larger healthissue.The Bracebridge Animal Hospital also has the newCuattro X-ray systems, the most advanced system availablein the veterinary market. The clinic was the secondin Ontario to use it.“We decided to invest in that because of the superiorimage quality,” he says. “We did it because of the capabilityof diagnostics. We can solve problems far moreeffectively than with the older style X-ray system,” hesays.McLeod says a pet does not have to be re-exposed tofurther radiation from a second X-ray if the first X-rayisn’t suitable.“We can manipulate the image instead of having thepet face an X-ray again,” he says, noting images are thenkept in the pet’s electronic file.With the advances in veterinary medicine, more referralsand expertise are available.“We can simply send the digital file to specialists anywherein the world,” he says.With X-rays, veterinarians have to wait from five to 15minutes to see the image.“The digital image we see, literally, within two seconds,”he says.As a result, this lessens the time that the pet is uncomfortable,and waiting for treatment. It also drasticallyreduces the time that a pet is under anesthetic, asrequired for some X-rays.A new addition to the Bracebridge Animal Hospital isBracebridge Animal Hospital owner and veterinarian Jason McLeod, with two of his dogs, designedhis new facility to provide the best possible service along with a comfortable Muskoka look and feel.laser therapy used to reduce pain, facilitate healing andreduce inflammation. It also kills bacteria and decontaminateswounds. Already, McLeod is very pleased withthe results.An older feline patient had an orthopaedic diseaseresulting in osteoarthritis.“The mobility of the cat had dropped. It refused tojump on the couch or go up the stairs and it was becomingreclusive,” he explains. “The owner felt the cat wasuncomfortable.”Through a physical exam they determined whichjoints were affected and tried a treatment of laser therapy.“The owner was somewhat skeptical but saw significantimprovements after just one session,” he says. “Nowafter subsequent sessions it is playing again.”That is just one of the many success stories associatedwith laser therapy. McLeod’s own 15-year-oldboxer-bull mastiff has had positive results from laserContinued on page 14Photograph: Sandy Lockhartwww.whatsupmuskoka.com July 2010 13

Advertising FeatureContinued from page 13therapy treatments.The new Bracebridge Animal Hospitalhas a large grooming area for cats anddogs under the leadership of accreditedmaster groomer Janice Enright. A lot oftoday’s popular breeds, such as goldendoodles, standard poodles and goldenretrievers have thick hair with lots ofundercoat and feathers. “For them, agrooming can be a very good thing,”says McLeod.McLeod explains trimming or clippingis often a good choice for an olderor overweight pet with health issues.Many dogs also need the hair aroundtheir eyes, ears and mouth trimmed fortheir comfort, health and cleanliness.Other regular grooming service includehaving their nails trimmed and anal sacsemptied.The grooming area has a large walk-intub for big dogs. “At the end of the bath,you drain it and have them walk out,”he says.During the summer many dogs spenda lot of time in the lake and may develophot spots or ear infections.“They can all be dealt with throughthe grooming services here,” he says.The hospital also regularly assistsboth the OSPCA and the MuskokaWildlife Centre.The Bracebridge Animal Hospitalalternates with Centennial Animal Hospital,performing spays and neutering.“We are always there for their medicalemergencies and to answer disease typeCrystal Jacklin and Ellen Crockford use laser therapy treatment to help ease arthritis pain on an older cat.questions,” he says. “We are involved inanimal abuse issues as well.”McLeod says he often personallyhelps out the Muskoka Wildlife Centreand visits the site to assist with the treatmentof animals. His staff assists withlarger projects, or when animals come tothe hospital.McLeod feels it is important that theBracebridge Animal Hospital is a part ofthe community. While his new veterinaryhospital has only been open for alittle while, already school groups havebeen to visit and interested citizens havecome in to take a look. He welcomesthem all, along with the patients withporcupine quills, swimming hot spotsand more.Photograph: Sandy Lockhart4 Elm Street | Huntsville ON | 705 789 4469 | www.bdo.caCONGRATULATIONS!BDO in Huntsville congratulates Dr. JasonMcLeod and the Bracebridge Animal Hospital ontheir new location.BDO Canada LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership, is a member of BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of theinternational BDO network of independent member firms. BDO is the brand name for the BDO network and for each of the BDO Member Firms.Congratulations fromCAMPESE CONTRACTINGRYAN CAMPESEFRAMINGROOFINGDECKSETC...HOME. 705-636-5801CELL. 705-783-5814440 Ecclestone Drive, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1Z6(705) 645-9827 www.ywcamuskoka.comCOMING EVENTSCOMING EVENTSGirlz Unplugged Summer ProgramsLimited space available:July 26 - 30 at Gravenhurst PS - $150.Aug 3 - 6 at Spruce Glen PS, Huntsville - $125.GOLF TOURNAMENTS SUPPORTING YWCABrian Schaal Memorial TournamentMonday July 26th, at noonDeerhurst Lakeside Golf ClubBracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Rotary Golf TournamentTuesday August 10th, Tee-off 8:00amMuskoka Highlands Golf CourseContact YWCA for detailsWomen of DistinctionWednesday, October 20, 2010Mark O’Meara Club House, Delta Grandview Resort Huntsville5:30 pm Cocktails and Silent Auction6:30 pm Dinner and AwardsNominations are now being acceptedMore information available on our website or at the office14 July 2010 www.whatsupmuskoka.com

Advertising FeatureHospital designed to highest standardsWhen it came time to build a newlocation for the Bracebridge AnimalHospital, veterinarian Jason McLeodwanted to make sure it met the needs ofthe people and pets that would be usingit. He didn’t stop there, though. He alsoaddressed energy efficiency, the environmentand overall visual appeal.“Our goal was to build so we could beaccredited by the American Animal HospitalAssociation (AAHA),” saysMcLeod, explaining that it is the highestaccreditation to which a veterinarianhospital can aspire. Very few in Canadaare accredited.“We are not mandated to follow it,” hesays of the accreditation, “but it establishesa protocol or guideline for notminimal care, but very good care. Thispractice will surpass it.”A visit from the AAHA to BracebridgeAnimal Hospital has been requested byMcLeod and is anticipated in the nextfew months.McLeod is proud that the BracebridgeAnimal Hospital is a focal point for thecorner of Balls’s Drive and Highway 118in Bracebridge.“The post and beam entrance with thestone really makes a difference,” he says,adding that client feedback has beentremendous.“I really wanted a warm, very Muskoka,inviting area,” he says of the receptionportion of the practice.The pine tongue and groove ceiling,maple counters with stone trim andunique maple bench seating in theentranceway help create a Muskoka feel.It was designed so staff can see whenclients are arriving and leaving and canassist them, if needed.Thinking of the environment, manyconstruction materials were selectedbecause of the reduced carbon footprintin comparison to traditional constructionmaterials. The building was constructedusing insulated concrete forms,with a R value of 60, which is muchhigher than conventional construction.This dramatically reduces the need forheating in winter and cooling in thesummer and keeps the building morecomfortable year-round. The windowsJason McLeod, with Annette Ball and Lisa LaBrash, welcome clients to the inviting reception area.also have a higher than standard R value,and even the window coverings aredesigned to prevent heat exchangethrough the glass.Care was taken to ensure the buildingis comfortable with fresh air continuallycirculated and filters to remove odoursand air-borne particles. Designated zonesin the practice allow for pets requiring“With our positive pressureventilation, only fresh air comesinto the surgery room...”isolation and special systems ensure onlyclean, fresh air finds its way into the surgicalsuite.“With our positive pressure ventilation,only fresh air comes into the surgeryroom minimizing the chance of airborne contamination,” he says.This was above and beyond what wasrequired, even for the American AnimalHospital Association accreditation.McLeod selected a special non-slipflooring for the entire practice. It containsno volatile compound, thereforereleasing no off gases or toxins as it iscleaned and polished and is expected tolast several decades.“The staff are very happy,” he says,referring to their reaction to the specialfloor. “It also protects our clients, whomay have wet boots, from slip hazards.”In addition to non-skid floors, the newlarger grooming area features more spaceto take care of larger pets.The practice also has four examinationrooms including a comfort room.“It is a quiet room for consultation orthe unfortunate times when we have toeuthanize pets,” he says, adding that ithas its own separate exit so that peopledon't have to walk back through thePhotograph:Sandy Lockhart▲▲▲▲All the best fromInfrastructureSite SuitabilityLand DevelopmentEtc.▲▲▲Consulting Engineers110 Kimberley AvenueBracebridge, ON P1L 1Z8Municipal EngineeringStorm Water ManagementCivil Works for Golf Courses& Resortspinestone@pel.ca www.pel.caTelephone 705-645-8853Congratulations, on your new location!Proud to be a part of your projectTech Air SystemsGravenhurst, Ontario705-687-6233www.whatsupmuskoka.com July 2010 15

Advertising FeatureWe’re Moving!to440 Ecclestone Dr.Units 12 & 13BRACEBRIDGEOffices will be closed: July 29 & 30Will reopen: Tuesday, August 3Our contact numbers are unchanged:Phone: 705-646-1314 Fax: 705-645-6424E-mail: info@muskokamagazine.comWebsite: www.muskokamagazine.comVeterinarian Jason McLeod takes time to interact with a young patient, afour-month-old pug named Boo, and her owner Donna Kreft.reception area.A large central treatment room is thehub of the hospital where outpatienttreatment, preparation for surgery, recoveryand intensive care all take place. Theroom has direct access to state-of-the-artradiology, surgery, dental and isolationsuites.The Bracebridge Animal Hospital iscompletely wheelchair accessible withdesignated wheelchair parking close tolargest examination room, which isdesigned with accessibility in mind.“It has a fold-up examining table sothere will be ample space for both awheelchair and a large pet,” he says.With extensive landscaping and a lowwaterconsumption, programmable irrigationsystem with a rain sensor to keepit all looking its best, the building wasdesigned to be a focal point at the corner.“We selected plants for their hardiness,sun tolerance and those that required littlemaintenance but offered a lot ofcolour,” he says.Ample private parking and green spacewere two other priorities for McLeodafter watching clients struggle with parkingshortages at the previous location.He also wanted a space for clients andpets to relax outside as they wait and aspot to take care of a pet's bathroomneeds.Controlled blasting was used in construction,so much of the rock could beused for a special storm containment system,retaining walls and landscaping.Neighbours thanked McLeod for usingthe less intrusive blasting method.Even the interior and exterior lightingis designed and selected with the environmentin mind. The exterior lights areboth energy efficient and night-skyfriendly.“Our team has been through a greatdeal in the last few years in preparationfor this move,” he says. “Change oftenbrings with it resistance and anxiety.However, our staff were so excited to getinto the new facility change could nothave happened any faster. We anticipatedstumbling blocks and speed bumpsalong the way. Even those we could notsee coming have been met with the typeof enthusiasm required to make thistransition a success. It has truly been ateam effort and everyone deserves fullrecognition for their dedication andfocus to achieve our goal.”Client response has also been tremendous.“Now we have clients expressingamazement with not only the facility butthe general aesthetics of the building andthe environment we have created bothinside and out,” he says. “We even had aclient the other day say to us he has beento literally a dozen clinics all over NorthAmerica and has yet to see one so beautiful,but immediately added that it isour team that makes the true difference.”When McLeod purchased BracebridgeAnimal Hospital in 2005, he hada vision for the future. The practice inthis new state-of-the-art building is theculmination of that vision.Photograph: Sandy Lockhart16 July 2010 www.whatsupmuskoka.com

Advertising FeatureHospital team has a wide range of skillsA strong team of veterinarians, techniciansand support staff help keep theBracebridge Animal Hospital runningsmoothly. Each employee has a true lovefor animals and it is obvious in the carethey give to the pets that are patients atthe hospital.Veterinarian Jason McLeod and histeam of veterinarians, registered veterinarytechnicians and client relations staffcan help with everything from new petvisits and vaccinations to surgery.McLeod, who has practiced as a veterinarianin Muskoka for almost 10years, purchased the hospital in 2005,two years after purchasing AlgonquinAnimal Hospital in Huntsville.Shortly after graduation, he moved toFlorida to work with marine animals.He realized that wasn’t for him so hereturned to Ontario and selectedMuskoka as the area in which he’d liketo work with small animals.“It is not far from a large city so Icould still practice the high level of medicinebut in a smaller community,” hesays.McLeod explains he was not willingto compromise the level of care of medicineby moving too far from technology.In his practice, McLeod has a specialinterest in general surgery, orthopaedicsThe team at Bracebridge Animal Hospital has the knowledge and skills to take care of your pet. VeterinarianJason McLeod (right) owns both this hospital and the Algonquin Animal Hospital in Huntsville.and orthopaedic disease. McLeod worksin both the Bracebridge Animal Hospitaland Algonquin Animal Hospital.“Cruciate ligament disease is thenumber one hind leg injury in dogs –with epidemic proportions,” he says.In the past people have had to see specialistsin the city for this, but McLeodhas been regularly doing these surgeriesPhotograph: Sandy LockhartCongratulations to Dr. McLeod and staff on theopening of the new Bracebridge Animal Hospital.Your coatings solutions company(705) 812-2672www.sustainablesurfaces.caWe’re very happy to have been part of the projectFloyd SuttonESTIMATOR(705) 623-6640Wishing you & your staff all thebest in your new location,CONGRATULATIONS!705.794.2721info@hunterelectric.caCongratulationsBracebridge Animal Hospitalon your new location!Creative Design & Engineering705 • 635 • 9590dan.christian@sympatico.cawww.whatsupmuskoka.com July 2010 17

Advertising FeatureGarden NurseryYOUR MUSKOKA GROWERSSpecializing in:Zone hardy perennialsOrnamental grassesHerbs and unusual annualsNorth American nativesDeer resistant varietiesIMPROVE YOURCARBON FOOTPRINT- BUY LOCALLY GROWN -1728 Muskoka Beach RoadDistrict Road 17(Between Bracebridge and Gravenhurst)705-645-7956Monday to Saturday 9 to 5Sunday 11 to 410% off purchases of $100 ormore on regularly priced itemsas well as other orthopaedic surgeriessince 2003.“With the exception of spay and neutering,I’ve done no other surgery morefrequently,” he says, adding that it iscommon in athletic dogs. “I do oneevery three weeks.”Pets are commonly referred toMcLeod from both within and outsidethe Bracebridge area.He is also very interested in rehabilitationand physical therapy to treatchronic injury related disease in animals.From this grew the practice’s laser therapytreatments.The five veterinarians who work withMcLeod at the Bracebridge AnimalHospital each have their own area ofexpertise.Dr. Melanie Sigetich graduated in1998, and has been with the hospitalsince May of 2005.“She wanted to move to Muskoka,had a cottage here and her experienceand aptitude for exotic animal medicinewould make her an excellent addition tothe team,” says McLeod.Sigetich works with both hospitalsspecializing in pocket pets (rabbits,Guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rats), exoticbirds such as parrots and cockatielsand reptiles and amphibians.Joining the practice as a new graduatein May of 2006 was Dr. Shallen Langley.McLeod describes her as incrediblythorough with a propensity for delvinginto complicated cases and working atthem until she finds a solution.“I truly feel she will become the bestinternal medicine veterinarian in ourpractice within a short period of time,”he says.Dr. Ines Allin, a former veterinaryschool classmate and long-time friend ofMcLeod, joined Bracebridge AnimalHospital in late 2006. She worked forfive years as the chief emergency veterinarianat the Barrie Huronia VeterinarianEmergency Clinic but wanted totransition into regular practice that wasbetter suited to raising her young family.“We’ve all practiced emergency medicine,but she brought in that much moreexperience with treating emergencymedicine,” he says.Early this year, Dr. Janice Mitchelljoined as a locum veterinarian to helpfill in for the maternity leaves at BracebridgeAnimal Hospital. She has ties tothe area through her family cottage andwith her parents just moving here, shethought Muskoka would be a goodplace to work and live.“She is warm and inviting and hadthis contagious laughter and smile,” hesays. “Clients are really taken with herand we hope she will stay and join ourveterinary family.”Dr. Julie Wallace first met McLeodwhen, as a veterinary student, sheattended a lecture he gave in 2006. Shehad always hoped to work for him oneday. She graduated in 2008 and startedat the Bracebridge Animal Hospital in2009.She has both emergency and generalHutcheson, Reynolds & CaswellInsurance BrokersMuskoka’s dependable insurance broker.Trust, Integrity, Choice.• HOME • AUTOMOBILE• BUSINESS• COTTAGE & BOAT• DISABILITY & LIFE INSURANCEBracebridge95 Manitoba St., Unit 8 705-645-8757 • 1-800-263-4619Huntsville27 Main Street East 1-800-668-2333 • 705-789-0101Port Carling705-765-7400Free Online Quotes: www.hrcinsurance.comCongratulations on the new building!Handcrafted Wood & High PerformanceVinyl Windows & Doors7 Mall Dr., Parry Sound - Tel: 705-746-2495 Fax: 705-746-5281www.rosswindowsanddoors.com18 July 2010 www.whatsupmuskoka.com

practitioner experience and works atboth clinics.“She is a very good general practitionerwith some exotics experience,” saysMcLeod.McLeod credits hospital administratorEllen Crockford with keeping everythingrunning smoothly.“I can’t say enough good things abouther,” he says, explaining that she runs allaspects of the hospital, including financeand human resources, in conjunctionwith McLeod.She has been at Bracebridge AnimalHospital since 2005 but has over 25years experience working in the veterinaryfield in Muskoka.“It still makes me smile, to see howpeople want to speak to her, choosingEllen over one of the doctors,” he says.Registered veterinary technicians alsoplay an important role in the practice.Amber Wood-Hurst first worked at thehospital as a student before joining as aregistered veterinary technician.“She has spent her entire career withus and has blossomed into a skilled andsharp technician,” he says, adding thatshe has always shown special care andcompassion to all animals.The first new addition to the BracebridgeAnimal Hospital once purchasedby McLeod was Crystal Jacklin.“She is a very capable, thorough andnaturally talented technician,” he says.Shauna Jensen also started as a student,coming on staff upon graduation.“She is an extremely intelligent, giftedlady and will be very quickly become astrong member of our staff,” he says,adding she is a natural fit with the hospitalteam.Off on maternity leave is registeredveterinary technician Jocelyn Reimanwho also came to the hospital as a studentbut also as a client.“She is a charming, engaging younglady who really fits in nicely,” he says.Annette Ball and Lisa LaBrash, clientrelations staff at the Bracebridge AnimalHospital have been there longer thanMcLeod.Advertising FeatureDr. Melanie Sigetich has experience with exotic animals. She is assessing aCuattro digital X-ray of a sick loon, assisted by technician Shauna Jensen.“I get so many comments about Lisaand Annette’s energy and friendly personalitiesas the major reason why peoplecome to this hospital,” he says.Janice Enright has more than 40 yearexperience in grooming as is a certifiedmaster groomer and has trained manyother groomers.“I think she is a wonderful person anddedicated to being a groomer andlicensed wildlife rehabilitator,” saysMcLeod, adding that many people comefrom miles away just for Enright’sgrooming.Photograph: Sandy LockhartAssisting Enright with grooming isthe newest employee, Amanda Bredner.She just completed six months ofgrooming school and is eager to trainunder Enright. “She is very enthusiastic,”says McLeod.With the move, and the impossibilityof closing the hospital down for morethan a short period of time, the staffworked long hours and stayed late to getit done.“The staff was extremely dedicatedduring the move,” he says.“I know we are doing things wellbecause clients call and ask to speak withour team members not just the veterinarians,”he says, explaining the staff isso well trained and informed that peoplecan, in most cases, call and speak withone of the team to get the support informationthey are looking for. “This isempowering for our team as it allowsthem to utilize the education they possess.”McLeod is pleased the staff is so committedto being part of the veterinaryteam and to helping pet owners withtheir concerns.“It makes me very proud to see themengaged with pet owners because youcan see the joy in their eyes,” he says.Seeing the response from clients andthe interaction between the staff andclientele is very rewarding, says McLeod.“We know we are establishing abond with their family – even if it iswith a little bribery in the form oftreats and pet kisses!”Congratulations!Greystone Project Management wishes Dr. JasonMcLeod and the Bracebridge Animal Hospitalcontinued success at their new location.SIMCOE MASONRY CENTREWOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATEDR. JASON MCLEODAND HIS STAFF ON THEIR NEWFACILITY.WE WERE VERY PLEASED TOHAVE SUPPLIED THE BUILDINGMATERIALS FOR THIS PROJECT.261 CEDAR LANEBRACEBRIDGE, ONT705-645-5296GREYSTONEPROJECT MANAGEMENT INC.Proudly Supporting Muskoka’s Growth8 Crescent Road, Unit A-1, Huntsville, ON P1H 0B3Phone: 705.789.1418 Fax: 705.789.8543Email: greystone@greystoneconstruction.caWeb: www.greystoneconstruction.cawww.whatsupmuskoka.com July 2010 19

The team at Bracebridge Animal Hospital is thrilled to be able toserve you and your beloved animal companions from our new location.Please call to arrange an appointment. New patients are always welcome!Thank you to all those individuals who helped to make our new hospital a reality.MedicineWellness ConsultationsLaser SurgerySurgeryTherapy Laser & RehabilitationNutritional Advice & CounselingDigital Radiology (X-rays)Dentistry and Digital X-raysGrooming17 BALL’S DRIVE, BRACEBRIDGE705.645.5090WWW.BRACEBRIDGEANIMALHOSPITAL.ORGWWW.ALGONQUINANIMALHOSPITAL.ORG

Cemeteries tell storyof Muskoka’s pastAround Muskoka LakesBy Jack HuttonNow that theG8 and the G20Summits arebehind us, I havea summer challengefor you.Find a sparemorning or afternoonto explore alocal cemetery.The tombstones will teach you a greatdeal about local men and women, forgottenby this generation, who helpedcreate our west Muskoka communities.Joy Davis will be leading a guidedtour of the Port Carling Cemetery onWednesday, July 21, at 7 p.m. The ideaof a tombstone tour in Port Carling didnot occur to her, however, until shelearned that a museum in Smith Fallshas had great success with a candle-littour of a local graveyard every October.The Glen Orchard Cemetery, onWhite’s Road, just off Highway 118above Muskoka Road 169, is anothersplendid example of forgotten historywith names like Church, Orchard,White, Orgill, McColl, Aikens andHall. You’ll find a bench in a quiet cornerof the cemetery, placed there inmemory of OPP Constable AndrewPotts, who many of us knew andrespected before he died far too youngin 2005.The Torrance Union Cemetery,where E.B. Sutton (the Muskoka Bard)and his wife Rose are buried, is afavourite visit for Linda and me everysummer. Elsewhere, don’t forget the St.James Anglican Church cemetery onMortimer’s Point and the St. George’sAnglican Church cemetery at PortSandfield. Private burial groundsinclude the Burgess family cemetery inBala.The Spencer private burial ground,off Hurling’s Point Road outside Bala, isunusual with only one tombstone.Joseph Spencer, a blacksmith by trade,died Jan. 4, 1894, at his MusquoshRiver farm (now the Moon River). Hisson, Charles, made a wooden coffin andburied his father on the farm property.To visit some of these historic burialsites, simply turn on your computer andclick on www.mpsgg.com for the excellentMuskoka Parry Sound GeneologicalGroup site.Go to Muskoka District historywhere you’ll see the tombstone forJoseph Spencer. Elsewhere on that siteburials up until 1974 are listed for theTorrance and Burgess cemeteries.Don’t miss the 100th anniversary ofthe Bala Bay Inn on Saturday, July 17.Show up around 4 p.m. for speeches byMuskoka Lake Mayor Karen Ellis, MPPNorm Miller and MP Tony Clement,followed by birthday cake and popcorn.Bob Sutton, a grandson of the originalowner, E.B. Sutton, will cut the cakealong with Kerry Adams and TonyAdams, two of E.B. Sutton’s greatgrandchildren.The hotel opened onJune 17, 1910, with an all-night partythat lasted until dawn the next day.Keith Metcalfe reminds me that itwas just over half a century ago thatQueen Elizabeth and Prince Philipmade history with their brief walkthrough Torrance on July 4, 1959. Torrancehas been known ever since as theonly Muskoka village with a royal past.Finally, what a great July 4 weekendwe had. The highlight for me was when92-year-old John Ayling showed a BalaSailing Club race how to dump anAlbacore sailboat with what somebodyelse called nonchalant elegance. What aclassy guy! We have launched anothergreat Muskoka summer, living in one ofthe finest spots on the planet.Honouring Bala's first doctor and mayor, Alexander Burgess, is hisdescendant Mark Gidley (second from right) with his family.Photograph: Jack HuttonJOHN CLEATOR, CFPAgent/OwnerJOHN CLEATORINSURANCE SERVICES LTD.3B-295 Wellington StreetBracebridge ON P1L 1P3Bus: (705) 645-8766Fax: (705) 645-7655Home l Auto l LifeInvestments l Group l BusinessAUTO • HOME • BUSINESSSEASONAL • RECREATIONALJohnston & Assoc.Insurance Brokers Ltd.Your Insurance BrokerUnderstands690 Muskoka Road South,Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1K2Tel. 705-687-3451Fax 705-687-7985www.whatsupmuskoka.com July 2010 21

Advertising FeatureGETTING TO KNOW USCustomer care comes firstat Heather’s Home HealthcareHeather’sHome HealthcareMEDICAL SUPPLIES& EQUIPMENTIn Business Since 1919,Serving Muskoka for 20 yearsFCA Insurance Brokers Ltd.72 Joseph Street, Port Carling, ON705.765.6844 / 1.800.285.8607www.fcainsurance.com193 Manitoba St., Unit #3Bracebridge, On P1L 1S3Phone: 705-645-7572Fax: 705-645-2652SUN VOLTS UNLIMITED TMSolar and WindSystems since 1987Great Opportunity!80.2 cents paidfor every kWh of solar electricity you produce20 yr guaranteewith the new Feed In Tariff Program440 Ecclestone Dr., Unit 7Bracebridge(Take exit 182 into Bracebridge.Just 3 kms west of Hwy 11)• • • • •705.646.1354Email: bracebridge@sunvoltssolar.comWebsite: www.sunvoltssolar.com1.800.558.7939Quality Vinyl & Wood ProductsWhen Quality Matters...and Price is Important...Trust the Professionals!www.windowworld.biz705.645.17317311130 Manitoba St. BracebridgeHeather Mahon, owner of Heather’s Home Healthcare, offers awide array of products to assist with independent living.While Heather’s Home Healthcarecarries a multitude of products, it’s thecustomer service – the attention to eachperson that walks through the door –that keeps people coming back.“We work with people whose normalway of life has been taken away,” saysowner Heather Mahon.Whether an individual is facing challengesrelated to age, an accident, illness,disability or other life changes, Heatherhas the products and equipment to helpmake everyday life more manageable.“We try to make living in your homeor residence that much easier,” sheexplains.The Bracebridge-based store carriesproducts and equipment to facilitateday-to-day tasks in order to allow peopleto maintain as much independence aspossible.Heather has seven years experience asa personal support worker and is familiarwith the needs of people requiringcare and support. She has taken advantageof many training opportunities andis certified to fit and sell breast prosthesisand graduated compression stockingsand sleeves.Heather’s Home Healthcare carries afull range of sports injury and physiotherapyproducts, such as fitness balls,exercise bands, braces and more. It alsocarries aids for daily living such as grabbars for showers, bed rails and muchmore. There is a selection of scooters,walkers and other mobility aids andHeather’s Home Healthcare is anauthorized dealer for the Departmentof Veteran Affairs and the OntarioMinistry of Health Assistance DeviceProgram.Other items help improve the qualityof life and dignity for individuals.Large-handled utensils and speciallydesigned attachments for keys and doorknobscan make daily tasks such as eatinglunch or unlocking the door a littlebit easier.“Then I have the items for the peopleproviding care,” Mahon says.Stethoscopes, gloves, mouth swabs,incontinence sheets and special pillowsare just a few of these items. The storealso carries many post-operative products.But Heather’s Home Healthcare ismore than just a store – it’s a place wherethe health and well being of the customertruly matter. Mahon regularlyoffers suggestions to her customers tohelp keep them safe and comfortable.When someone purchases a showergrab bar, for instance, Mahon remindsher to take a cordless phone into thebathroom with her.“Just put it with your robe,” shesays. “You don’t want to get stuck.”Mahon has heard many stories ofpeople who slip in the tub, or run intoother issues and need help. The medicalalert alarm system, Lifeline can bepurchased and installed throughHeather’s Home Healthcare, a brandshe has selected because an actual personanswers the phone when there is aproblem.Heather’s husband, David Mahon, isresponsible for installation of Lifeline.Heather is there to help customersby supplying the products and equipmentthat will help maintain and oftenenhance their quality of life.“The fun thing is when you see peopleget better,” she says. “Then thereare tearful times when you see themget worse but sometimes you can helpthem smile through the tears.”Need Help With YourHOME orCOTTAGE?❑✔Home Staging & Interior Redesign❑ ✔ Home/Cottage Organizing❑ ✔ House Cleaning❑ ✔ Concierge Service705 ■ 644 ■ 3078www.MyOrganizerinMuskoka.com22 July 2010 www.whatsupmuskoka.com

Carry the music of summer in your heartAround BracebridgeBy Maria Duncalf-BarberSummer isa season forliving andgetting closerto nature,walking downtree-linedroads, boating,swimmingin pristinelakes andeating strawberries picked fresh fromthe farm,It’s eating watermelon with the juicerunning down your chin, reading thebook you have been saving, being withfriends and laughing out loud. Summeris a season for sharing beautifulBracebridge with tourists from all overthe world who can see what a paradisewe live in.This year, summer also included theG8 Summit. My friend, TamsenWelcome tosummer inGravenhurst. Julyis making up for acool, damp Junewith swelteringheat – perfect toenjoy swimming!Earlier thissummer I had thepleasure of attending my high school’s50th reunion in Waterloo. Like mostreunions I was amazed at how mucholder everyone was – with the exceptionof me, of course. It was fun to see manyold friends and listen to their stories oflife, some had travelled the world whileothers had stayed close to home for thepast 50 years. I was surprised by two formerfemale classmates who arrived withpictures of me with them at the prom.Tilson, was one of a group of about adozen people from the Parry Sound-Muskoka area who served as informationambassadors for media in Muskokaand Toronto.“I felt so honoured to be there. Itfelt historic to me, like Expo ’67.Reporters were from all over the world– Algeria, France, China, Russia, Japan– many of them with no idea of whatMuskoka-Parry Sound has to offer,”she says.“Everyone I met was gracious, andthey seemed impressed with Muskoka-Parry Sound. The Muskoka chairs andhigh-definition footage of the regionwere a huge hit. Lots of them said theywant to come back for a holiday.”As of June 12, I am excited to say Iam on the board of the new initiativeof revitalizing Chautauqua, a vibrantarts based community. We held a readingcircle launch where author PatrickBoyer spoke about the Muskoka Chautauquaand introduced the HonourableJames Bartleman, who talkedabout his program to provide books toFortunately it was two different proms! Ifyou get an opportunity to attend areunion you really should participate.June was the month to celebrate thecommunity service of both the GravenhurstLions Club and the Rotary Club ofGravenhurst. Each held its annual president’snight to recognize a year of serviceby their members, thank the presidentswho provided leadership and to welcomenew presidents. I hope you enjoy theCanadian flags on our main street everyholiday, placed there by the Lions Club.The Sunday evening concerts on thebarge have begun and on June 15 I hadthe pleasure on behalf of BenjaminMoore of Canada and the MuskokaCommunity Foundation to present toour council with a cheque for $3,500,along with a commitment of $750 ofpaint from Gravenhurst Paint and Wallpaperto assist the Town of Gravenhurstin updating and enhancing the areaaround Music on the Barge for our listeningpleasure.First Nations reserves.On June 20, all across Canada,members of the Grandmothers toGrandmothers Campaign of theStephen Lewis Foundation walked tohonour the thousands of Africangrandmothers who walk many kilometreseach day to get the necessities oflife for millions of orphaned grandchildren.A total of 240 groups hoped tototal the number of kilometres fromthe Atlantic to the Pacific. The Muskokagroup contributed 75 kilometres.Orange African scarves, multi-colouredballoons, and red and blue stars brighteneda blustery morning in AnnieWilliams Park as the Muskoka LakesGrandmothers participated withfriends and families in their firstnational walk. Nationally, $2,085 wentdirectly to the foundation, and over 90per cent of that will be in African grassroots projects by now.“The people who braved the elementsto make a positive contributionto the African Grandmothers in theirselfless labour of love were wonderful,”Another wonderful part of summer inGravenhurst is going on cruises on theR.M.S. Segwun and the Wenonah II. Sofar this month, my family has enjoyedtwo voyages on Lake Muskoka aboardthe Wenonah. Every time I get stopped bythe folks trying to get me to take the testfor my boating licence and they ask if Iplan on boating I respond that yes, theMuskoka Steamship and Historical Societyhave two wonderful boats that I enjoyoften.The Town of Gravenhurst is certainlybusy now that school is out and all thecottagers are back for the summer. WithCanada Day on a Thursday, it was nice tosee our main street and the stores full ofeager shoppers. I know that the BIA andthe Gravenhurst Chamber of Commercehave a full season of activities planned tomake sure everyone has lots to enjoy.The weekly farmers’ market has severalnew vendors who deserve a look somake it your Wednesday tradition to visitthe Muskoka Wharf and pick up somesays member Barbara Power.On June 23, the earth moved – literally.No it wasn’t President Obama’sAir Force One flying overhead or landingat the Muskoka Airport. It was areal earthquake taking place. It wasincredible how many people felt theshaking of Mother Earth.Let’s give the Rotary Club of Bracebridgea round of applause for thespectacular fireworks display they puton for Canada Day. It seemed like thewhole town was there. A sea of red andwhite flags reflected off hundreds ofjoyful faces. My husband Peter and Idrove home in our convertible admiringthe spectacle of stars in the nightsky, once again giving thanks for livingin such an amazing place.As we enter into the heart of summer,the season of the radiant sun andsucculent fruit, don’t forget to look upto see the scintillating stars and celebratethem in all their glory. As youwatch the fireflies dancing to theirown tune, always carry the music ofsummer in your heartThere’s plenty of summer fun in GravenhurstAround GravenhurstBy Gord Durnanfresh produce or handcrafted art.I recently learned that our utilityprovider Veridian Connections continuesto support worthwhile activities in townwith recent gifts totaling $4,250 to K.P.Manson Public School in Severn Bridge,Gravenhurst High School and the SouthMuskoka Hospital Foundation.A reminder that summer also meansthe mid-July curling bonspiel, whichattracts teams from all over the province.This event, along with the four differenthockey schools at the Centennial Centre,brings a lot of families to Gravenhurst.The mayor is also planning his secondannual golf tournament at the MuskokaBay Club on Aug. 9, which will raisevaluable charitable dollars to enhance ourown Gravenhurst Curling Club.Finally once again I have to pay tributeto all the dedicated volunteers with dirtyknees who spend hundreds of hours onbehalf of Communities in Bloom tomake all our community gardens theenvy of all who visit and live here.Summer Sizzler to raise funds for Hospice MuskokaBy Dianne Park ThachGet ready to ignite the dance floor atthis year’s Hospice Muskoka’s SummerSizzler gala fundraiser. After last year’ssuccessful event, the organization isgearing up for another fun evening ofdinner and dancing on Friday, Aug. 13at The Rosseau, a J.W. Marriott Resort& Spa in Minett.For the second year in a row, all of theentertainers have donated their time forthe event and this year, Canadian singerand songwriter Dan Hill, as well asToronto-based band Side 3 will delightthe crowd with their musical talents.Sandy Gordon started Side 3 back in2005, and the group is comprised ofworking professionals by day, turninginto charity event performers by night.Along with band members GerryThroop, Mark Eisen, Steve Diniro, andFrank Heisler, they have raised morethan $600,000 for charities. Playing alarge repertoire of music ranging from‘70s dance, dinner music, classic rock,and current hits, Side 3 has been gettingtheir gigs through social networks andword of mouth.“We do this for the love of music, andfor the love of the charities themselves,”says Throop.Both Gordon and Throop have experiencedthe loss of a parent and recognizehow necessary an organization suchas Hospice Muskoka is to a community.And, as both are summer residents ofMuskoka, being at this event also resonateswith them, says Gordon.“We’re thrilled to have an opportunityto do something with Muskoka, withHospice, and they tie together reallymeaningfully for me,” she says.The night will start with cocktails followedby dinner, and a live auction willalso be featured.Hospice Muskoka is a registered notfor-profitorganization providing nonmedicaland supportive end-of-life care.www.whatsupmuskoka.com July 2010 23

Advertising FeatureGETTING TO KNOW USOne Stop ShoppingforMAN’S ULTIMATE GARAGEHelping to optimize lifefor residents of The Pines• Flooring Solutions• Cabinets• Organizing Accessories• Sound Systems• Garage Doors• Car/Motorcycle LiftsPHONE: 645.9028FAX: 645.8499A DIVISION OF WOODMOUNT ENT. CO. LTD.The Pines support committee is responsible for fundraisinginitiatives, such as the upcoming gala on Aug. 28.HUNTER DOUGLAS DUETTE CELLULAR SHADESZcizzorZHair Studio+Walk-in’s Welcome!• Full Service Hair Studio• Manicures/Pedicures• Gel Nails• Waxing• Reflexology• En Vogue Gel Nail SystemTHURSDAYSOPEN UNTIL8:00 PM368 Manitoba St.646-0325Monday - Friday 9 - 5:30Saturday 9 - 3Success begets success. Building onlast year’s incredibly successful inauguralfundraising gala, The Pines supportcommittee at The Pines Long TermCare Home in Bracebridge has organizeda repeat performance at the MuskokaBoat & Heritage Centre in Gravenhurston Aug. 28.“Everyone had such fun at last year’sevent and we expect the same this year,”says Mary Lodge, office manager at ThePines, the major not-for-profit home inMuskoka.The gala will feature live musicalentertainment, a catered meal and liveand silent auctions of items donatedfrom around Muskoka.“A number of people who are supplyingproduct or skill to this event aredoing so at a reduced rate for the benefitof The Pines residents,” Lodge says.“They’ve been so incredibly generous.”The Pines support committee is a relativelynew addition to the Pines family.It has three functions: raising communityawareness, fundraising and recommendinghow those funds should bespent. Organized in June 2009 the coregroup is made up of eight volunteers,many of whom are family members ofpresent and past residents of The Pines.“We strive to maintain a familyatmosphere here and it’s not at allunusual for volunteers to want to holdon to that feeling even when their lovedone is gone,” Lodge says.Funding for The Pines Long TermCare Residence comes through the Ministryof Health, but fundraising initiativeslike the gala give the residentsextras they wouldn’t otherwise enjoy.“The basics are provided through theMinistry funding, but The Pines supportcommittee helps provide some ofthe little niceties that make our homemore comfortable and homey,” she says.Already the committee has purchasedoutdoor shade awnings and a largemovie screen with surround sound.“What the group has done in such ashort time is really impressive,” Lodgereports.Among the extra comforts the residentshave, thanks to the committee, arefive industrial strength towel warmers.“Now each resident gets a cozy warmtowel when they get out of the bath,”Lodge says.This year funds raised at the gala willgo to beautification projects at the frontentrance to The Pines. All donationswill receive a tax receipt and the $100ticket (available at The Pines) will bepartly tax receipted.Anyone who has toured The PinesLong Term Care Home can readily seethat the emphasis is on “home.”“We all feel that we are providing areal home for our residents who areunable for whatever reason to remain intheir own homes any longer,” Lodgeconcurs. “Our vision is ‘Helping toOptimize Life,’ which is linked to theoverall Pines vision statement.”Fun is an important part of fundraising!Buy a ticket to the Aug. 28 galawhere The Pines support committeepromises to deliver plenty of both.“Muskoka’s Specialists”in decorave, insulang andspecialty window shadesVISIT OUR SHOWROOMHours: Thurs and Fri 12:30 to 4:00 or by appointment102 Lindgren Rd. W., Unit #5HUNTSVILLE705-789-1236 or 1-800-561-1351www.muskokaweb.com/windowquiltwqblinds@muskoka.comLen’sCARPET CLEANINGCERTIFIED TECHNICIAN WITHOVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE• RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL •• PET ODOUR REMOVAL •• DUPONT STAIN SHIELD •• AREA RUGS • WATER DAMAGE •• SENIORS’ DISCOUNT •PROFESSIONAL CARPET& UPHOLSTERY CLEANING.WINNER OF READERS CHOICEAWARD 9 YEARS IN A ROW.TRUCK MOUNTED UNITFREE ESTIMATES24 HOUR HOT LINES(705) 645-34931-800-262-5357lenscarpet@cogeco.ca24 July 2010 www.whatsupmuskoka.com

WHAT’S UP MUSKOKAJULYARTS &ENTERTAINMENTP057020CN 11/05There are good reasons toFOLLOW THE CROWDLes Bell Ins Agcy IncLes Bell, Agent46 Ann St.Bracebridge, ON P1L 2C1Bus: 705-646-9995 Toll Free: 877-877-3929 Summer theatre takes the stage in MuskokaBy Chris OcchiuzziSummer is here and Muskoka’s theatregroups are ready to put on a show. There’sa comedy loving British troupe, a trio ofacting brothers, an ensemble of theatreprofessionals and a talented group ofyoung performers.The Dragonfly Theatre group performsin the Trillium Court of theGravenhurst Opera House. It serves upBritish comedy accompanied by dinner.Pru Donaldson and daughter EmmaPhillips were among those who came upwith the idea for Dragonfly Theatre.“We’re all British and love British comedy,”says Donaldson, whose husbandIan is the set builder and co-producer.“We thought, ‘Why don’t we get a grouptogether and see if we can start puttingon a British comedy in the summer toencourage people to come to the OperaHouse?”This year’s play, Pools Paradise, is set inthe vicarage of the small village of Merton-cum-Middlewick.The cast incudes Gregg Evans as theBishop of Lax, Emma Phillips as PenelopeToop, Aussa Penniall as Ms. Skillon,Tim Gassney as the Reverend ArthurHumphrey, Courtney Stacey as Ida themaid, Al Hutchinson as the ReverendLionel Toop and Ross Penniall as WillieBriggs.Pools Paradise will run July 27-29, Aug.3-5 and Aug.10-14. The dinner is to beprovided by chef David Friesen of RiverwalkFine Dining in Bracebridge.On the other side of Muskoka, Playin’Hookey Productions is preparing fortheir performance of The Complete Worksof William Shakespeare (Abridged).The group gets its name from the threeHookey brothers who perform the play:Garrett, Cameron and Mitch.“It’s been a hobby we’ve done on theside,” says Garrett, the eldest brother.“We went and saw a play last year (inRosseau) and noticed the huge amountof support and interest there was in livetheatre. So, we thought what a greatopportunity to take what we really enjoyand we’ve been doing as a hobby andturn it into a summer job for us.”The Complete Works of William Shakespeare(Abridged) will be performed bythe Hookeys through July and August.“The premise of the play is basicallythree goofs who know nothing aboutShakespeare try and take all of his worksand turn it into one two-act play,” saysGarrett. “Everything he’s ever done, allthe comedies, tragedies, histories, everything.Some of the plays are in-depth; wecover Romeo and Juliet in about 20 minutes.But, we’ll cover all 16 comedies inabout five minutes.”Every Tuesday the play takes the stageat the Rosseau Community Hall, withthe Port Carling Community Centrehosting the performance on Wednesdaysand Thursdays. All shows start at 8 p.m.Mirador Productions is preparing forits fifth anniversary production of MooseBloop! This original play is the story oftwo brothers in search of their ancestorsin Muskoka.“It’s a collaborative with the membersof the company,” says co-artistic directorGeoff Kolomayz. “Stevie Jay and myself,Marla Brennan, working in conjunctionwith the renowned Robert Morgan andJerry Silverberg, who will be director.”This year the Muskoka Lakes MusicFestival is co-producing the show withMirador and the Rene M. Caisse MemorialTheatre in Bracebridge is offeringsupport.“Stevie Jay is the founder and co-artisticdirector, he grew up in the Muskokaarea, spending summers at the familycottage,” says Kolomayz.Described by Mirador as a play for allages, Moose Bloop! is being performed intwo locations. The performers will takethe stage at the Port Carling CommunityCentre will have on Aug. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8and the Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatreis hosting the performance on July31 and Aug. 7.Robin Clipsham’s Prism Theatre foryouth is performing Shakespeare’sTwelfth Night on the new stage at AnnieWilliams Park in Bracebridge. Prism utilizesthe talents of young actors betweenthe ages of 13-30.Clipsham, who teaches drama and theatreat Bracebridge and Muskoka LakesSecondary School, is directing her thirdPrism production.“Robin chose Twelfth Night simplybecause it is one of Shakespeare’s funcomedies, complete with love triangles,mistaken identities and a dose of crossdressingthrown in for good measure,”says Cheryl Cooper, a member of PrismTheatre’s board of directors. “Simply put,it will make for wonderful entertainmentin the outdoor, summer theatre in AnnieWilliams Park.”Sponsored by Muskoka Futures, theTown of Bracebridge and theheartofmuskoka.comTwelfth Night is set to runfrom Aug. 10-13 and Aug. 17-19, withall performances beginning at 7 p.m.As these upcoming performancesreveal, there are a variety of theatregroups in Muskoka. Now all they need isan audience to entertain.Brodie Cooper as Malvolio, Billy Wray as Sir Andrew Aguecheek and A.J.Comeau as Sir Toby Belch perform in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.BROTTMUSIC FESTIVALBoris Brott, Artistic Director2O1ODeerhurstBigBandExtr avaganza!SAT JULY 24 8 PMWITH SPECIAL GUESTMICHAEL BURGESSMuskoka’s most anticipatedBig Band blockbuster! Revisit thelong seductive evenings of jazz,swing and Big Band with Canada’sLes Miz superstar Michael Burgess.Join Boris Brott and the 55 pieceNational Academy Orchestraand dance the night away tothe sounds of yesteryear!SINGLE TICKETS: $62 $60 per person*plus taxNational AcademyOrchestr a of CanadaJune 16 - August 20For reservations & info CALL 1-800-461-4393Photograph: Don MacTavishwww.whatsupmuskoka.com July 2010 25

WHAT’S UP MUSKOKASPORTSAdrienne’sFamily Restaurant, Gas Bar & VarietyUnderNEWOWNERSHIP!On Hwy 11 South, Huntsville | 789.6477Early Bird Breakfast Special $5.99Top five finish for engineering teamUWO Formula Racing Team members Charles Dusastre, Ryan Alexander, Matthew Ferguson, Andrew McIlroy and Nick de Koning at the wheel, placedfifth out of 80 teams at a competition in California last month with an open-wheel race car they designed and built.By Chris OcchiuzziBuilding a race car would seem like atall order for most people, but not forNick de Koning and his peers.The engineering student and Bracebridgenative is part of a team competingin the Formula SAE student design competitionseries.The teams form a fictional manufacturingcompany, which is required todevelop a small Formula-style race car.Each team designs, builds and tests a prototypebased on rules, which are thenused to evaluate the vehicle. FormulaSAE explores all aspects of the automotiveindustry, from research and design tomarketing, management and finances.“It’s a group of students from eachschool that basically form the racingteam. You design and build a race car andyou’re judged on the design of the car,you have to do a business presentationand then there’s the racing aspect as well,”says de Koning, who is entering his fifthyear at the University of WesternOntario. “It’s Formula 1 style cars.They’re larger than go-karts, but not asbig as a real Formula 1 car. We use a600cc Honda motorcycle engine. Andthen we design and build all the drivetrain and all the uprights, suspensionmounts and chassis.”Competing under the moniker UWOFormula Racing, de Koning and histeammates finished fifth out of 80 teamsat a June 16-19 competition in California.Not only did they design and build thecar, four UWO Formula Racing teammembers also drove the vehicle, as performanceis also a big part of the event.“They judge on the total aspect of thecar,” says de Koning. “There’s an accelerationrun, a skid pad event, an auto crossand an endurance test. That’s the fourdynamic events.”In order to be ready the car needs to bebuilt at least a month prior to competitiondates. Testing, data acquisition anddriver training on the vehicle are requiredbefore each competition.“This year we went to two competitions;we went to Michigan as well asCalifornia,” says de Koning.In Michigan, 120 teams took part inthe May 12-15 event with de Koning andhis teammates finishing 20th.This series is worldwide, with teamscoming from as far as Japan and India toattend competitions in North America.“There’s teams from Germany, Austria,Australia, all over the world,” says deKoning, who stumbled upon this hobbyin his first year of university. “When Iwas in first year, I saw the guys out testingat night one time. And it’s pretty coolwhen you hear this car that sounds like amotorcycle but it’s even louder. I just sawthem there one night and decided to signup. It’s my fourth year now.”And entering his fifth year of engineering,de Koning is sure to keep going withUWO Formula Racing.“There are different scales of involvement,”says de Koning. “I’m prettyinvolved, but there’s people who mayonly do one thing. There can be up to 40people involved.”While 20 students attended the Michiganevent, only five took the trip to California.The small number of team membersamused one judge.“The people that judge you on designand that govern everything are engineersor they’ve worked with F1 or NASCAR,”says de Koning. “This one judge from F1was really surprised we only had five peoplethere.”But those five students are all de Koningand his teammates needed to get atop five finish in a challenging competition.Photograph: courtesy of John de Koning26 July 2010 www.whatsupmuskoka.com

Kids Triathlon is a family eventRunning, biking and swimming aresummer pastimes for most children, butfor young athletes who want to raisethose activities to the next level, the RunWell Events Tri Kids Triathlon comes toBracebridge Aug. 7.Kids from ages three years up to 15years can compete in the event whichstarts with a swim in the BracebridgeSportsplex pool, then participants ridetheir own bikes on a closed roadway followedup by a run on the adjacent highschool track.Race director Tara Melville says participantsget a goodie bag, just like at adultonlyevents, containing a race T-shirt, abib with their name on it and some othersponsor surprises.Children in the youngest categorymust swim 20 m of the pool and have anadult in the pool accompanying them.The same adult has to run along accompanyingthe young athlete as they bicycle500 m and run 100 m. The 15-year-oldshave a more challenging event with aswim of 300 m, a 8.4 km bike ride and a3 km run. Melville says the three to fiveBy Karen WehrsteinEnthusiasm is building for Muskoka’ssecond annual Amazing Race, based onthe hit TV show of the same name. It willtake place Aug. 14 along an unspecifiedroute utilizing parts of Muskoka’s extensivetrails system.Due to the problem-solving nature ofthe event, organizer Sandra Beausoleil ofthe Muskoka Trails Council will say onlythat the race starts at the Landscapes inBaysville and will travel through thetownships of Lake of Bays and MuskokaLakes.“Everyone had a great time last year,”says Beausoleil. “It was a tremendousamount of fun. I get phone calls all thetime, people asking, ‘When are youdoing it this year?’”Last year 50 two-person teams participated,completing a course which challengedthem with both physical andmental challenges, required them to usecryptic instructions to follow the route,year-old group usually has strong participation.The Bracebridge race has an afternoonstart so parents can compete in the MultiSport Canada Triathlon in Bracebridgeon the same morning, and then supporttheir kids as they compete in their ownchildren’s event. “We promote it as afamily weekend,” she says.This is the second year that the kids’event is taking place in Bracebridge. Participantsare a mix of triathlon familiesand newcomers to the sport, according toMelville.“It was a really supportive environment,”Melville says of last year’s race,with many volunteers and Sportsplexstaff assisting.Last year, over 250 kids participated inthe Bracebridge event and organizers arehoping to double the turnout this year.“They like it so much, they sign up fortwo or three more in the same season,”Melville says adding many kids return tocompete year after year.This is just one of five kids triathlonsoperated by Run Well Events.Amazing race returns in Augustand provided them opportunities to getahead of or obstruct other teams.“One of the activities last year wascanoeing, but paddling with theirhands,” Beausoleil recounts. Local businessesserve as the checkpoints. This yearthe teams will compete in two divisions:recreational and competitive.“The event is intended to draw nonusersof trails onto the trail system tomake them aware of the trail networks inMuskoka and promote health and wellbeing,”she says.The event is also a fundraiser, with aminimum pledge amount required tocompete. Last year about $10,000 wasraised, with proceeds going to theMuskoka Trails Council to help fundservices it provides as the one-stop shopfor local trails information and support.Race spots, volunteer and sponsorshipopportunities are all still available. What’sUp Muskoka and Muskoka Magazine areamong this year’s sponsors.27thAnnual2010THE AGRICULTURALBUILDINGFri., August 27th Sat., August 28th5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Sun., August 29th10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.ADMISSION: $5.00 Good for the weekend!SELECTED DEALERS: Canadiana • Furniture • Lamps • Jewellery • Coins • Silver • China • Paper Itemsand Advertising • Dolls • Pressed Glass • Prints • Books • Toys • Quilts • Linens • Hats • Musical InstrumentsFEATURING CANING DEMONSTRATIONBill Gerbrandt 1-519-442-6297 Ian Robb 1-519-442-4395www.whatsupmuskoka.com July 2010 27

WHAT’S UP MUSKOKAMARKETPLACE440 Ecclestone DriveBracebridgeHOT TUB WAREHOUSEwww.hottubwarehouse.caHOT TUBS/CHEMICALSPARTS & SERVICEPOOL TABLES &GAME ROOM SUPPLIES705-645-8613Serving Muskoka for over 15 yearsRoofingof all TypesGravenhurst Bay ServicesSPECIALIZING IN FLATS/TAR & GRAVELGENERAL CONTRACTINGALL WORKMANSHIP - 5 YR WARRANTYCOMMERCIAL / RESIDENTIALmistermikevettese@gmail.comCell: 705-641-889824 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICECALL:687-9143SherryABR, SRESRONDEAUSales Representative705-645-5257 Ext. 231800-606-2636Fax: 705-645-1238muskokarondeau@sympatico.cawww.muskokarondeau.ca100 West Mall Road,Bracebridge, ON P1L 1Z1Brokerage, Independently Owned and OperatedSTEVENSONPLUMBING & ELECTRIC295 Margaret St., Gravenhurst, OntYour TotalConceptPLUMBING,ELECTRICALandHEATINGCONTRACTOR705-687-4994 Shop 705-687-7840Fax 705-687-1048www.stevensonplumbingandelectric.comstevensonplumbingelectric@bellnet.caGRAND OPENING!Friday, July 30th 9:00 am• Antiques • Collectibles• Electronics • Toys• Furniture • JewelleryAnd More!A Lil Village Store705•788•206380 Hanes Road, HuntsvilleTues - Thurs 9 to 3 • Friday 9 to 6:30 • Saturday 9 to 3Don’t missour nextad bookingdeadlineJULY 29Book now by calling646-1314Visit us online atwww.whatsupmuskoka.com1-888-735-8704705-788-2326Pumping Concrete Long Distances Into:small jobs • big projects • island workwalls • floors • crawl spacescoloured walkwaysGet in our loop & get connected!Over 500 feet!Complete Concrete Contracting ServicesSince 1990inlineconcrete.comProudly Protecting Muskokaand Area Since 1977C&BALARMSLTD.Providing Quality Protectionfor your Home and BusinessJacqui SemkowMuskoka MortgageSpecialistMuskoka and Parry Sound705-646-4238Fax: 705-646-1810Pager: 1-866-767-5446semkoj@td.comFinancial & Estate PlanningDan WillettMBA, ,CLU,CSA,RHUCertified Financial PlannerP 705-645-7850866-445-785023 Dominion St., Unit #1Bracebridge, ONdan@willettfinancial.ca24 Hour Monitoring24 Hour ServiceBurglar • Fire • CCTV24 Hour Alarm ResponseCall today for yourFREE ESTIMATE!705.645.4630Fax: 705.645.6310Bracebridgecbalarmsltd@sympatico.cawww.cbalarmsltd.comStay connected to Muskoka, visit these websites!Businesswww.northcountrybusinessnews.comReal Estatewww.muskokacottagehomeproperty.comNewsLifestylewww.whatsupmuskoka.comwww.muskokamagazine.com28 July 2010 www.whatsupmuskoka.com

WHAT’S UP MUSKOKASOCIAL SCENE1234657Photograph: courtesy of Janice Feist891. Winners of an art competition honouring the Queen’s Hotel in Bracebridge were recognized atthe opening reception of the exhibit, If These Walls Could Talk, on June 29 at 6 degrees Muskoka.2. Elaine Robbins (far left) and Marie Louise Bechtold (far right) present flowers to the staff of theBlue Willow Tea Shop who donated their time at a fundraiser for the Julie Robbins Memorial Fund.3. A vendor distributes wine at the Flavours of Muskoka gourmet food and wine event that washeld at The Rosseau in Minett on June 29. The event supports Kaleidoscope Arts in Education.4. Lake of Bays Brewery ower Darren Smith takes a break with his sister Michelle Senayah duringa customer appreciation event on July 3 at the Baysville brewery.5. Volunteers gathered at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurt on June 19 to plant native speciesand to help restore the shoreline as part of a partnership project with Muskoka HeritageEmail photo submissions to editor@northcountrymedia.comFoundation and the Town of Gravenhurst.6. Sheila Overbeek from Bedrock Landscaping in Bala presents a cheque for $ 5,095.13 to EllenFrood from Habitat for Humanity for the organization’s Patty Parsons build.7. Heather, Samantha and Rachelle served cake at the Bracebridge Visitor Information Centre onCanada Day.8. Leah Armosow, a young aspiring artist, took part in Bracebridge’s Art in the Heart annualoutdoor art market on July 3.9. Bracebridge Mayor Don Coates takes a moment for a photo opportunity with Parry Sound-Muskoka MP Tony Clement at a business after hours hosted by Muskoka Pioneer Power on June28 at the Bracebridge Fairgrounds.www.whatsupmuskoka.com July 2010 29

Join the celebrationRecognizing individuals and groups who care about Muskoka and its residentsNOMINATION DEADLINEWednesday, July 282nd Annual Gala Dinner PresentationThursday, August 26, 2010at The Rosseau, a JW Marriott Resort & SpaPresented bywww.muskokamagazine.comwww.whatsupmuskoka.com

The Muskoka Awards are an opportunity to celebrate those who havemade outstanding contributions to the well-being of Muskoka and the lives ofthose who live here, permanently and seasonally.The Muskoka Awards- showcase the efforts of those who have made a lasting difference- honour personal achievement- thank those who have championed causes that improve our livesNomination InformationIndividual Nominations: Individuals, who have been permanent and seasonal residents of Muskoka since August, 26,2008, are eligible to be nominated. Eligible individuals are open for nomination in one or more categories.Group Nominations: For group awards, please see the specific criteria of the Community Organization category.Nomination CategoriesAwards to be presented Thursday, August 26, 2010 at The Muskoka Awards Gala at TheRosseau, a JW Marriott Resort & SpaTicketsNOMINATION DEADLINE Wednesday, July 28Arts: This award celebrates individuals whose creativity, personal artistic achievements, support of the arts and/orleadership has had a significant impact on Muskoka’s arts community.Natural Environment: The natural environment is the underpinning of Muskoka’s much-envied lifestyle. Individualsnominated for this award will have shown through their actions what can be done to lessen human impact on thenatural environment. This award recognizes individuals whose efforts have demonstrated a long-term commitment topreserving Muskoka’s well being, not only today but also in the future.Community Advocate: Through words and actions, individuals nominated for this award will have championed a causeor activity that has improved Muskoka and/or the lives of its residents.Humanitarian: Through their actions, individuals nominated for this award will have touched the lives of their fellowMuskokans and/or peoples in other parts of the world. Through their leadership and example, they will havedemonstrated how their lives have made a difference in the lives of others.Sports and Recreation: Through personal achievement, by providing leadership or by supporting the development ofsports and recreational activities, the nominees for this award will have set an example for others.Youth: Individuals nominated for this award are 25 years of age or younger as of August, 26, 2010. The focus of thisaward is the recognition of nominees who have done one or both of the following:- made contributions to improving the community through volunteer service.- demonstrated an ability to have a positive impact on their peers.Community Organization: Nominees for this award will include volunteer organizations, associations, service clubs,businesses or other groups that have undertaken projects and programs that have had significant positive impact onMuskokans. Any Muskoka-based organization, group or business that has been in operation since August 26, 2008, iseligible to be nominated. To be considered Muskoka-based, the organization must conduct its main operations inMuskoka or be the local branch of a provincial, national or international organization, group or business.Tickets are available at a cost of $75 each. Table of 10 – $700. Ticket prices include applicable taxes.To make a reservation, call 705-646-1314 ext. 201For details on how you can nominate or participate in The Muskoka Awards, visit our websites:www.muskokamagazine.com | www.whatsupmuskoka.com

Discover why more people choose Muskoka Window and Door CentreBracebridge 645-3057 1-800-461-5495“Our Business is Satisfied Customers”www.muskokawindowanddoor.caFeaturing qualityAndersen ® products