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Current events from our area for AUGUST 2010
Support The Pines at gala evening
Fine food and wonderful music will be the focus of Pines 2010 Gala, an annual fundraiser for the Pines Long Term Care Residence in Bracebridge.
“It was very successful last year. We had rave reviews,” says Mary Lodge, staff liaison for the Pines support committee, the not-for-profit group of volunteers that does fundraising for the Pines Long Term Care Residence operated by the District of Muskoka. “Tickets are going faster than last year.”
It will take place on Aug. 28 at the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst. The gala begins at 5 p.m., with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Morandin Fine Foods of Milford Bay will be providing the dinner and appetizers.
Music will be provided by a harpist, fiddle player and classical pianist, who have all studied music at university in Toronto.
The event is a fundraiser that will feature a silent auction. The auction will be open at the Pines for two weeks leading up to the gala, but will conclude prior to dinner.
“Silent auction items are coming in fast and furious,” says Lodge. “There is artwork, sport paraphernalia and jewelry.”
Limberlost artists open their doors for annual tour
Spend the weekend of Aug.14 and 15 exploring eight different studios on the scenic Limberlost Road, just east of Huntsville.
The Artists of the Limberlost is a collective of eight artists and craftspeople who are opening their galleries and workspace to the public for a special weekend. Visitors can see the work but also learn more about the creative process by meeting the artists and seeing them in their creative environment.
Guests will see a variety of artistic mediums during the tour. Brenda Wainman Goulet, known for her bronze sculpture work, will be showing a new collection of bronze and stone jewelry this year. The fused and stained glass work of Susan Higgins expresses themes of nature in bowls, plates and window panels. Brian Markham has a large selection of turned bowls and platters from both local and exotic woods and burls. Catherine O’Mara, working with the ancient medium of egg tempera paint, has created several new landscapes. Jeff Miller’s oil and acrylic paintings express the energy of nature in his exuberant style. Driftwood is transformed into sculpture by Jerry Friedman. Sharon Stock Feren has a collection of mosaics, mixed media and photography. New with the tour this year is painter and graphic artist Mark Kulas whose stylized acrylics depict wildlife and wilderness.
This year 13 guest artists are also taking part, exhibiting their work at some of the studios. The tour runs from Hillside Crescent, on the south west end of Limberlost Road, all the way northeast out to Hart Lane just off of Billie Bear Road, with all studios open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The tour is free and everyone is welcome to visit.
Fun is on tap at beer festival
Craft breweries from across Ontario will be showcased at the second annual Muskoka Beer Festival.
The event features all craft breweries and is set to return to Annie Williams Park in Bracebridge.
Organized by Curt Dunlop and Jed Corbeil, owners of the Griffin Gastropub in Bracebridge, the Muskoka Beer Festival will run from noon to 8 p.m. on Aug. 28.
Dunlop and Corbeil came up with the idea to host a beer festival after positive feedback about craft beer served at The Griffin.
“We started serving Ontario craft beer,” says Dunlop. “We really liked the response from the people who were drinking the beer and coming and being patrons, and the response we were getting from the industry. That pushed us to try a festival and see if it would pan out here. It went great first year.”
After about 1,000 people visited the inaugural event, Dunlop and Corbeil are expecting even more people in attendance this year.
Between 75-100 different beers representing 21 breweries will be showcased. While it is mostly Ontario-made beer, there are out-of-province breweries signed up as well.
In addition to the many types of beer available, local chefs will partner with a local farm and a local food producer for some Muskoka creations throughout the festival.
“The food this year is going to be done in partnership with Savour Muskoka,” says Dunlop. “They’ve got four chefs lined up.”
Apart from beer and food, other forms of entertainment are on tap for the day.
“Last year we had a wakeboard show in the river,” says Dunlop. “I think we’re going to do that again.”
As well, a line up of musical acts is set to provide solid tunes for the masses. Laganza, the Chris Chambers Blues Band, Diesel Dog and The Avenues will be rocking the stage.
Enjoy Shakespeare under the stars
Dramatic arts teacher and thespian Robin Clipsham is gearing up to bring Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night to the Muskoka community, beginning on Aug. 10.
PRISM, a theatre group for youth, ages 13 to 30, has been rehearsing since May to recreate one of William Shakespeare’s most famous comedies, and will be holding their performances in the new outdoor theatre by the river in Bracebridge’s Annie Williams Park.
Sponsored by Muskoka Futures, the Town of Bracebridge and theheartofmuskoka.com, Twelfth Night is Clipsham’s third production since the inception of PRISM in 2008. Over the past two years, summer crowds have already been delighted with A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Tempest.
Twelfth Night, the bard’s rollicking commentary on the illusions and delusions of love, is full of mistaken identities and romantic triangles, with a hilarious dose of cross-dressing thrown in for laughs and good measure.
Clipsham’s young actors have a penchant for Shakespeare, and have enthusiastically thrown themselves into the colourful roles of such well-known characters as Viola, Olivia, Duke Orsino, Malvolio, and Sir Toby Belch.
Performances are set to take place Aug. 10-13 and Aug. 17-19, and will begin at 7 p.m. Bring a picnic, and a chair or a blanket, and come out to enjoy theatre under the stars with your family and friends in Annie Williams Park.
Art exhibit gives new perspective to the horizon
Interpretations of landscape by two separate artists will be on display at the Muskoka Place Gallery in Port Carling during the month of August.
Horizon Line, featuring artists Cheryl Mount and Susan Tremaine, runs from Aug. 4 until Aug. 30. The two artists, who have cottages in Muskoka, paint large-scale contemporary landscapes and abstract works in oil. They focus on the horizon, with metaphorical and literal interpretations.
“Both their work will hang well together,” says Gayle Dempsey, gallery owner and artist in residence. “They both have a wonderful interpretation of the landscape with a similar feel but each artist has a distinct and unique style. You can tell which piece belongs to each artist.”
Tremaine and Mount will be at the opening reception on Thursday, Aug. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Hospital Auxiliary launches charity tournament
The Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary is hosting its first annual Golf Classic at Deerhurst Highlands on Aug. 23.
Scheduled for a 10:30 a.m. shotgun start with a four-person scramble format, the tournament is raising funds for the purchase of digital mammography equipment for the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital.
Four holes are to be designated with hole-in-one prizes, including two cars from Jason Armstrong’s Honda and Hyundai dealerships. The other hole-in-one prizes being donated are from RBC, one is $10,000 and the other is a golf vacation.
A unique part of the Golf Classic is the poker round, where the best five-card hand at the end of the day wins.
“What you’ll do is buy five cards as you go around the course,” says Auxiliary volunteer Eric Spinks, who is co-convening the tournament with Dave James. “Whoever has the best poker hand will win a prize. There will be people set up around the golf course selling playing cards.”
The registration fee includes an 18-hole round, dinner prepared by Deerhurst executive chef Rory Golden and a chance at prizes. The reception will feature both live and silent auctions.
Awards honour those who make a difference
Mark your calendars for the second annual Muskoka Awards in August, celebrating individuals and organizations that care about Muskoka and its residents.
The gala dinner presentation will take place on Thursday, Aug. 26 at the The Rosseau, a JW Marriott Resort & Spa. Well-known author and journalist Roy MacGregor will be returning as emcee for this year’s Muskoka Awards. He grew up in Muskoka and still has a cottage in
the area.
Both seasonal and year-round residents nominated for various categories including the arts, natural environment, community advocate, humanitarian, sports and recreation, youth and community organization will be recognized at the gala.
The Muskoka Awards showcase the efforts of those who have made a lasting difference, honour personal achievement and thank those who have championed causes to improve our lives.
Tickets for the event are available by contacting the Muskoka Magazine office at (705) 646-1314 or visiting www.muskokamagazine.com
Discover antique treasures at annual summer sale
Bracebridge’s annual summer antique sale is returning to the Agricultural Building of the Bracebridge Fairgrounds on Fraserburg Road for the 27th consecutive year this August.
The doors will be open to the public on Friday, Aug. 27 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bill Gerbrandt, one of the organizers of the event, says that approximately 1,800 people attend the sale every year.
The sale features approximately 30 dealers with items ranging from objects of Canadiana to art glass, furniture, jewelry, toys, musical instruments, press glass, and more.
For the 27th straight year, Edie Hentcy will be providing a caning demonstration, showing patrons how to make woven seats and backs to recreate the authentic look of their antique wooden chairs.
Aquatic health on agenda for AGM
The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Lakes Council annual general meeting on Aug. 28 will feature Dr. Stephen Murphy as guest speaker. The meeting will take place at 9:30 a.m. in the community room at Robinson’s Independent Grocer in Huntsville.
Murphy is the newly appointed chair of the University of Waterloo campus in Huntsville and an ecologist with interest and experience in research, the environment and botany. During the meeting, he will be speaking about his future mandate for research in the Muskoka area.
Topics covered will also include aquatic health for Lake of Bays and how this relates to goals and research about land use. He will discuss the realistic expectations of green communities, the pitfalls and what actions are best taken now.
Attendees will then have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss how this ties into Lake of Bays, the environment and the future vision for the community.
The Huntsville Lake of Bays Lakes Council is an association representing several Huntsville and area lakes, with a purpose of identifying and providing a strong single voice to lobby for issues held in common among the lakes, to facilitate lake development, provide education on issues involving lakes and to promote stewardship. The Lakes Council represents about 20 lakes in the Huntsville and Lake of Bays area.
New festival music to the ears of opera lovers in Muskoka
Four very special events for opera lovers – from professional opera singers performing in Bracebridge to a Lake Muskoka cruise – are just part of the first ever Muskoka Opera Festival.
The festival runs from Aug. 24 to Aug. 27 with something different planned on each of the four days.
Opera Highlights, taking place at the Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre on Aug. 24, features an evening of favourite excerpts with professional singers from the Highland Opera Studio. One highlight is baritone John Conlon who sings professionally with the Vancouver Opera Association and lives in Parry Sound.
The Muskoka Opera Festival heads out onto Lake Muskoka on Aug. 25 with Musique au Mer for a noon luncheon cruise aboard the Wenonah II. A special guest will be singing during the cruise, which also features a silent auction as a fundraiser for the theatre.
The high definition broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera production of Carmen will be presented at the Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre on Thursday, Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. The Opera Guild of Muskoka was instrumental in bringing the live simulcast of the Metropolitan Opera productions to the theatre.
The final performance of the festival takes place on Aug. 27 with Stars of Tomorrow featuring a cast of talented young singers who have graced the stages of opera houses in Austria, France and Toronto. The program will include music from Broadway as well as beloved favourites from classic operas. Several local singers will also be taking part, including Port Carling’s Amy Dodington who has been singing with the Toronto Opera and Jennifer Fletcher of Gravenhurst, who is an opera singer and student at York University.
The Muskoka Opera Festival is assisted by a grant from Muskoka Futures. Diane Adamson-Brdar, festival coordinator is pleased with the response so far. “People seem really interested and enthusiastic,” she says.
Foundation picks new golf course for tournament
The Muskoka Heritage Foundation’s annual Golf Classic will be held at Muskoka Bay Golf Club in Gravenhurst on Monday, Aug. 23.
The foundation is a non-profit charitable organization committed to the preservation and conservation of the history, culture, environment and quality of life that defines the unique identity of Muskoka.
It’s a beautiful course,” says organizer Barb Maddock, administration and finance manager for the Muskoka Heritage Foundation.
This is the sixth year the foundation has held a fundraising golf tournament. “It’s one of our key fundraising events of the year,” says Muskoka Heritage Foundation executive director Margaret Gage. It raises about $20,000 each year.
The admission fee includes 18 holes of golf with a cart, lunch, prizes, reception and dinner. The day begins with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m.
Highlands hosts dog guides benefit tournament
A young woman’s “can do” attitude is something that will impress golfers attending the 3rd Annual Muskoka Dog Guides Golf Tournament on Aug. 16.
Michelle Woolfrey will be at the Muskoka Highlands Golf Course in Bracebridge to meet, greet and inspire tournament attendees along with her new best friend Thompson, a standard poodle. Now 19, this beneficiary of last year’s tournament was only 15 when she learned that she was losing her sight.
At the W. Ross Macdonald School for the Blind, she learned life skills, Braille, orientation and mobility techniques and in general, how to cope with her new situation. Woolfrey applied to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides and, after being assessed and approved, she was matched up with Thompson.
Matching a recipient with a suitable dog that will mesh with their lifestyle is important, says tournament organizer Brenda Paterson. Woolfrey lost a year of school due to her disability and special training and will be attending a mainstream high school to obtain her grade 12 this fall. Next year, she plans to attend university.
“She needs a dog that can be quiet for long periods in a classroom setting,” explains Paterson, “and she’s involved with lots of sports, so she needs a dog who can withstand rigours of a soccer game.”
Woolfrey is also passionate about music and will be taking wood shop, drama and media arts in high school.
“I do everything my sighted peers do – just in a different way,” says Woolfrey.
The all-inclusive cost of the tournament includes a charitable receipt and a future round at the Highlands. Last year’s attendees numbered 50, double from the inaugural year, and Paterson hopes to see the number of golfers double again this year.
“All the people who were there the first time came back the second with their friends,” says Paterson.
Art experience raises funds for Habitat
citing twist, the 3rd Annual Woodland Art Experience is sure to whet the creative appetite.
Wood’s End Studio in southern Muskoka on Sparrow Lake Route D hosts this special event in its scenic gardens, cabins, and courtyards on Aug. 7-8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Twenty-five renowned artists reveal the techniques that transform metal, wood, glass, fabric, stone, gourds, oils, and acrylics into exquisite art pieces. Guests can see artists in varying media at work, and perhaps even try their own hand at an art form or two.
The artistic journey is enhanced by the opportunity to dine al fresco on a delicious lunch available on-site from the acclaimed North Restaurant and Catering.
The scenic gardens and pond are included in this year’s Communities in Bloom tour, and guests are invited to explore the fairy tale settings on the trails of The Enchanted Forest. Admission is by donation to Habitat for Humanity.
Film festival kicks off in Huntsville
Film North’s Under the Stars event, presented by the Huntsville International Film Festival, will take place on Sunday, Aug. 1 starting at dark, approximately 8:30 p.m. At River Mill Park in Huntsville.
The free movie night is open to the public, but reserved seats are available for some of the stadium seating through Algonquin Theatre.
People are encouraged to bring their blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of movie entertainment under the stars.
The evening will feature the documentary Land and Pretty Big Dig, a special presentation by CTV’s Bravo!FACT.
“Our featured documentary, entitled Land – next time you pack your sunscreen, bring your gun – will knock your socks off,” says Film North founder and chair Lucy Molnar Wing, explaining Land is a true modern Wild West shot in Nicaragua.
The films should end by 11 p.m., and will be followed by an after party at the cookhouse in Dwight. This event is a lead up to Film North’s inaugural season that will take place from Thursday, Sept. 23 to Saturday, Sept. 25 in Huntsville.
Hospice Muskoka gears up for sizzling summer fundraiser
After a successful gala event last year, Hospice Muskoka is gearing up to host another Summer Sizzler on Friday, Aug. 13 at The Rosseau, a JW Marriott Resort and Spa in Minett.
The resort is the lead sponsor for the event.
“Their staff has embraced Hospice Muskoka at this event,” says JoAnne Korten, Hospice Muskoka’s director of philanthropy and community outreach.
And for the second year in a row, all of the entertainers have donated their time for the event. Canadian singer and songwriter Dan Hill, and charity event band Side 3 from Toronto will provide the evening’s musical entertainment. Cocktails will be followed by dinner and dancing, and there will be lots of items to bid on at the live auction, including a drum head signed by Beatles drummer Ringo Starr.
Korten says the annual event is important not only for the fundraising, but to also help with raising awareness about the organization.
“It’s a way for us to get the word out to the community about us and what we do,” she says. “We need to market to people who would benefit from having hospice in their lives. Whether that be the family, client, or community, they need to know that we exist.”
Hospice Muskoka is a not-for-profit organization that provides emotional and social support for people who are facing a life-threatening illness.
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