We’ve certainly experienced some unusual weather so far this winter in Muskoka. According to Environment Canada: “the milder-than-usual temperatures in December did result in lower snowfall accumulations as compared to normal amounts, and few major snowstorms. Instead, there were more frequent freeze/thaw cycles resulting from the passage of cold or warm fronts.”
This freeze/thaw cycle has continued in January, and we were definitely on the freeze end this weekend.
Catharine on snowshoe inspection
It was -26 C, crisp and sunny. We went out to take a look at a cottage by snowshoes – often a mush quicker way to get directly to a cottage. Although there was little wind to speak of inland, out on the lake there was a steady movement of wind from the NW. It was enough to push the perceived temperature well into the -30 – 40 range.
We are very privileged to live in Muskoka where we enjoy healthy forests, with much natural cover.
Although I am a volunteer with the Muskoka Watershed Council, I recognize the current and past work done by all the volunteers and staff of the MWC for 10 years now. With the release of the 2010 Report Card, benchmarks for future Report Cards have been established; best ensuring that we do not lose our incredible resource.
We were proud to receive a message from the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation which included in part: “Thank you for your incredible commitment to helping “put abuse out of commission” in your community”
Then, it was truly a wonderful feeling when Catharine got a message that said: “CONGRATULATIONS on being recognized as a Top 10% Donor!”
“2010 was the Shelter Foundation’s most successful year ever, thanks to you and your colleagues across the country. Through your generosity, we raised $1.8 million, increased the number of commission donors, set new records for our fundraising events, like the National Garage Sale for Shelter, and helped more women and children than ever before!
We are extremely grateful that you are such an important part of the Shelter Foundation family. You have helped us restore hope and provide a safe haven for more than 30,000 women and children each year. In addition, Shelter Foundation supporters like you are working to ensure the next generation won’t experience the devastation of family violence.”
Steve introducing the panel of Muskoka entrepreneurs
It was a pleasure to be the Master of Ceremonies for the day for Innovation Muskoka at the University of Waterloo in Huntsville. Innovation Muskoka was created and hosted by Muskoka Community Futures and Muskoka Community Network.
We had 5 successful Muskoka entrepreneurs present a history of their businesses, the successes and challenges, to the crowd.
They were:
Jan Nyquist of Pipefusion – stable floating docks that last, and anything else you can imagine made from polyethelyne pipe. Amie Colquhoun of Axiom Audio -Loudspeakers; the most exciting, realistic sound experience on the market, designed and built in Muskoka. James Solecki of Integra Lighting – the finest level of lighting design, custom installation and service to the Muskoka marketplace.
Don Waddington of Cottage Spot -Canadian source for the cottage products that you are looking for; with delivery right to your door.
Wendy Hogarth of Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh – Fabulous cranberries, fun destination, fantastic wine.
These presentations were informative and inspirational to say the least. Would-be entrepreneurs in the crowd soaked up many tips and advice offered by these generous people.
In the afternoon everyone thoroughly enjoyed something called the Innovation Sandbox. As it turned out, 13 people qualified for this event. Each had 5 minutes to “pitch” their business ideas and then were questioned and offered advice to a maximum of 10 minutes. Great fun, and some terrific people, ideas, and pitches.
The three with the combination of the best pitch and most viable businesses were awarded prizes ( an IPad, BlackBerry Playbook and a $250.00 Staples gift certificate).
Bentley, our Boston Terrier dressed up as his favourite reindeer, enjoyed the Gravenhurst Santa Claus parade today. While he was fascinated by all the candy canes that were being tossed out, he was really happy with local Muskoka petshops handing out dogtreats.
I was invited by John McCaig Vice President of Probus Huntsville to talk about the work of the Muskoka Watershed Council and detail the 2010 Report Card. We had a good session with many, many questions.
According to the surveys, and as I asked prior to the presentation, there was very little prior knowledge about the Report Card or even the Muskoka Watershed Council itself. Afterward, I was very pleased to see many positive comments about the presentation with most people commenting that their knowledge of the watershed and good stewardship practices was increased substantially. It certainly makes it worthwhile.
Thank you to everyone in attendance, I enjoyed it immensely. -Steve
