Thanking the Volunteers

 Tuesday, the Township of Lake of Bays hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Reception in the Council Chambers.

It is nice to be able to say 'thanks', and we all recognize that volunteers are the glue in all communities.

To help make the occasion special, the Heritage Committee (who were tasked with organizing the event) took a little trip around the Lake, and the end result was that we had snacks and goodies provided by a wide range of our local entrepreneurs. (as an aside, I cannot say enough good things about the Heritage Committee volunteers -- what a marvellous group!)  It was really nice to hear people at the reception commenting on the variety of food we had -- and commenting that they didn't know they could get that in the Township. From the lady who said, 'I had no idea you could get this in Baysville,' to the comment that 'who knew Henrietta's had sandwiches as well as sticky buns?' , to the exclamation 'this pizza is from the Beacon? wow'  it was so well received.  Thanks to our  food experts who helped make the day special!  The Moose Cafe, Erika's Wildflour Bakery, Henrietta's Pine Bakery, The Roadhouse, Webster's Beacon, Fork in the Road, Humble Pie Buttertart and Pizza Factory, Cake on a Stick, Robinson's General Store and Zacharys', we are so very grateful to you.  And not to overlook the beautiful (and tasty) cake by Rebecca, at Cakewalk Catering.  And thanks to the Dwight Garden Centre for providing some huge floral arrangements to brighten up the room.

Volunteers were on hand from most of the Township, including Seniors Clubs, Fire departments, Community Improvement Groups in Dwight, Dorset and Baysville, Lake Associations, Emergency Services, Lions Clubs and many many more.  It is incredible how generous people are with their time and their talents, and because of them, the community of Lake of Bays is a wonderful place to be.

At the Reception, the Heritage Committee unveiled an historic artifact that is on display in the Council Chambers. This is a Great War Quilt, stitched in 1915.  These quilts were made in support of the war effort by the local womens' groups.  For 10 cents, you could have your name stitched onto the quilt, which was then raffled off.  This quilt was donated to the Committee by Doug Stinson and Jean Lois Hood -- and it carries the names of the settlers who were living at North and South Portage during the War.   These are the pieces of our history that we need to protect and preserve, and we are grateful to have this on display.  Jean pointed out that hers is the only name in her family that is NOT on the quilt -- she is too young -- but we found her family 'patch', second from the top, and second from the right, with the names of her Mom, Dad and three sisters.  Now, that is special!

Special thanks to Mayor Bob Young, and to the hard-working and innovative township staff who all pitched in to help make this a big success.  We had almost 70 of our treasured volunteers out, and have heard rave reviews from them about the get-together.

And I would be remiss if I didn't thank Dave and Mike, who braved the tornado warning storm and took down the tents we had put up, with the optimistic hope that we would be able to enjoy some time out of doors -- but the storm but the end to that.  The guys were totally drenched when they were done... so thanks to them for that!

A right Royal Occasion

 We have been seeing plenty of our lovely tiger swallowtail butterflies this spring...




But today was the show stopper.  Today was the day in the back field when I was jumping up and down in glee...


Today was the first day we've spotted a monarch butterfly this year.   This fabulous, fantastic species took an enormous 'hit' last year, with population plunging by an estimated 80%...  There is grave concern that the butterflies won't be able to recover from such losses.   Last summer, we didn't see our first monarch -- and that one was pretty tattered and tired -- until August, so it was awesome to see this one out today.  We hope the monarchs have a bumper year, this summer, and for many many summers to come.  The world would be so much the poorer if we lose this species because we've destroyed their habitat and poured pesticides and herbicides on mono-culture crops.  

Today was the last day we'll be able to mow any of the milkweed in the back field -- that is the monarch's critical food supply, so we'll be letting it be.  If you have any in your gardens, please, at least for this year, just leave it there and enjoy it for its own beauty.

Fast and Furious Flyers

 There is a particularly 'feisty' barn swallow nesting at the boathouse.  Now, that's great -- these birds have taken quite a hit in the past decade, and are now becoming scarce, so we are thrilled to have another nesting pair here.

Swallows, however, are what you might describe as territorial when it comes to their nesting spaces.  If anyone comes close - be that a dog, or a person, or anything that walks - the birds fire up and take to the air, becoming incredible dive-bombers. They will swoop down fast and furious, almost striking with their wings as they whizz past.  Duck... and move out of the way, to leave them safe and unthreatened, that's the best solution.  Although occasionally we do have to be out there on the dock, too...

Noah's Larks Soar

 What a fun night was hosted at the Hillside Pioneer Church by Noah's Larks.


This is a fun group. Truly.  And they have fun together. And that fun is infectious, so the whole place has fun.  Emphasis, you will note, on fun.

After a pioneer style dinner, all in for $12, including two flavours of cake, the Larks took the microphones to entertain with some of the best of the oldies and goodies.



It was a bit of romp across the country, from the happy trails of the far west to bidding farewell to Nova Scotia, with a whole lot in between.






Including wondering, 'Johnny, where's your trousers?'   Charlie is such a great good sport, playing it up in his kilt.





He even gave a glimpse of what is worn under the garment, at least in Muskoka.  Stay calm, this entertainment was suitable for all ages.













The group encourages audience participation, and there's no shortage of clapping and singing along.





And the gents come right into the audience, to hand out a 'Daisy a Day.'









In between the sets, there was spirited action at the Silent Auction -- all for a good cause: the Church at Hillside.







Some of the fiercest bidding came for the buttertarts -- did you know, as an aside, that buttertarts are a very Canadian pastry?  The ones containing raisins drove the bidding through the roof.




There was a separate birthday cake for two of the audience, who were celebrating their own special days -- the whole place joined in the Birthday Song.





And local railroad enthusiast Paul was invited to the microphone for a tribute to the trains...   It is lovely to see such good humour and camaraderie, something which small communities are noted for, and which should be preserved and encouraged.



Napster was honoured when Vonita purchased his print at the Silent Auction. He hopes it brings her great joy, and the Church Mice some funding...

Flowers on your plate

Check out the very un-humble floral cupcakes at Humble Pie Buttertart Factory in Baysville!

Here's the Buzz at Bee-Cuzz

 As if you needed another reason to drop by the Dwight Garden Centre, now you've got one.

Donna has opened her store, Bee-Cuzz, adjoining the Garden Centre. Which makes sense, since the girls are sisters.


There are plenty of funky and fun decorating accents.  And hats. Of which I had to buy one (the red one, in the middle... it was calling my name)  Donna was cajoled into modelling one of them, too.


Cushions, accents, bedding... just about anything you can dream up, so it's really worth poking about in here.


They have done a lovely job on the store -- it is bright and inviting.


Put it on your Stop and Shop List this summer!

Taco Stop

 In Huntsville, looking for a lunch, and tired of hamburgers and sausages? Want to sit by the river, and just let the world wander past?

Check out the newest addition to the menu in town... The Taco Stop, located near the Cottage Bar and Grill, with picnic tables at the water's edge, and a friendly smile from the serving staff.

It makes a lovely summer alternative. Beef, chicken and fish tacos are on the menu, so there's something for everyone.

Cautionary note: the hot sauce? the emphasis is on hot, so go easy, and get it on the side!