“It started as dealing with things like fighting with my siblings or my parents divorce, then eventually it changed to boys until I finally got into writing about rejection and all of that stuff,” she said. 

Writing wasn’t the only way Dasilva channeled her creative side. She started playing piano at the age of six before getting a guitar in the eighth grade. From there, her music career took off. 

“I kind of started putting the music and lyrics together in the eighth grade. Then in high school I started doing coffee houses and open mics and they seemed to like what I was doing so I kept making more. That’s when I was really sharing my own songs on youtube and it just kind of evolved from there.” 

Dasilva went on to apply to Berkley on a whim for their songwriting program and was accepted. While her path took her a different way educationally, she didn’t stop making music.

“I ended up going to school for audio engineering and recording to learn that side of things. It actually proved to be pretty beneficial because those skills are very transferable into writing and recording. At the same time I was writing, doing songwriting camps and also recording my own music, and it all just kind of spiralled from there.”

Since the release of her breakout single “Unsolicited Contact” in 2021, Dasilva has amassed over seven million career streams. Her debut EP “Enough” received recognition from EARMILK for its vulnerability. In 2025, Dasilva was selected for the inaugural SOCAN Foundation x TuneCore Nashville Residency, where she expanded her creative network. 

“I’ve spent a little time writing in Nashville and every time I go there I feel inspired by everything going on and just the way music is there,” Dasilva said. “It feels like the song is what comes first and what’s most important.”

Dasilva said that she got to stay at the SOCAN house during her time in Nashville which she described as a “great little spot.” There she was able to make even more connections in the world of music and even got the chance to play at a legendary cafe.

“I had already made some connections which was great. A friend of mine actually invited me to play at the Bluebird Cafe which was a bucket list item of mine so that ended up being a really cool experience.” 

Childhood Idols And Present Day Inspirations

Like many others, Dasilva grew up a Swifty. She said she remembers hearing Taylor Swift’s music for the first time and realizing in that moment that you could talk about vulnerable topics in songwriting. 

But that wasn’t the only musical influence Dasilva had in her life. She said she would also listen to John Denver, Shania Twain, and even Cher, meaning she was exposed to a wide range of different music. 

“I think that was important because it helped me find what really inspired me, which was lyrics,” Dasilva said. “My parents had quite a vast CD collection and I would just lay on the living room floor and read the little booklets or read the lyrics. I just found that part of it so neat which is probably why I’m such a lyric oriented writer.”

In her more recent writing, Dasilva has found inspiration from the raw storytelling and organic sounds of the female singer-songwriters from the 90s to the early 2000s. 

“Recently I’ve been leaning into artists like Cheryl Crow, Liz Phair, and Alanis Morissette. Basically women who are putting it all out there and writing about their stories,” she said. “Those stories need to be told and you know there’s a reason so many people like them because they can speak to the female experience.” 

Letting Experiences Become The Story

Dasilva’s newest single “Never Saw Me Naked,” which was co-produced by Toronto producer-songwriter duo thankyouthankyou, is another example of a story about the female experience. 

After running into her ex-boyfriend at the local fair and having to pretend like everything was fine, Dasilva knew she had to make a song about it to tell the story.

“It’s a funny thing being in a small town because you do run into a lot of people, and occasionally you run into someone who maybe at one point or another saw you unclothed,” Dasilva said. 

“Pretending I didn’t have that past with someone was so jarring I knew I had to write about it. While writing it we all kinda in the room were like ‘oh yeah that’s such a crazy experience’ and I wasn’t the only one who’s had it, so there’s got to be more of us.”

While some may think interacting with an ex like they’re any other old friend is normal, Dasilva said she feels the complete opposite. 

“I think it’s this expected thing, especially in a small town, to be cordial and something to be proud of that you’re [still] great friends, but I could never really get past it. This song is about that person making small talk and that feeling of ‘is it casual to you? Does it really mean nothing because I don’t know how you’re talking to me normally.’”

Dasilva said that after not putting out any music since her last EP in 2024, she is excited to be releasing something new for people to hear. 

“It’s taken me a while to kind of find my sound and figure out where I wanted to go next. I’m glad I took the time because I think I’ve really gotten down to the kind of music I always saw myself making and I’m excited to share that with other people.”

You can stream “Never Saw Me Naked” here.

The post Orillia-Based Singer-Songwriter Cassie Dasilva Releases Newest Single “Never Saw Me Naked” appeared first on Muskoka411.

1. Educate Yourself

Take some time to connect with organizations and resources to learn more about the community and people’s lived experiences. Some ways to do this are:

• Engage with the dwarfism community on social media
• Learn about organization’s missions, values and ongoing initiatives and see where you can play your part
• Participate in self-guided learning, leaning into resources (movies, series, novels, etc.) that showcase the community

2. Learn The “Lingo”

Across the dwarfism community, many terms have been deemed acceptable/unacceptable.

Know what’s appropriate:

• “Person with dwarfism” or “little person” (LP) are most commonly used, but each individual has their preference so it never hurts to ask

Know what’s inappropriate:

• The “M” word is an ABSOLUTE no
• “Dwarf” can be offensive to some as it projects their condition (dwarfism) as their entire persona, whereas it’s only a part

3. Don’t Stop And Stare, Say Hi!

Here’s some useful DOs and DON’Ts when engaging with LPs:

• DO say “hi” and speak and treat LPs like you would anyone else
• DO always ask before assuming as there’s over 400 types of dwarfism and no two experiences are or will be the same
• DON’T stare, point, or make jokes/comments about a person’s height
• DON’T take photos or videos without permission

4. Don’t Ignore Inaccessibility 

Accessibility in public spaces has become a growing conversation. Here’s your challenge:

• When you’re at a store, restaurant, your workplace, school, public transit or any public space, ask yourself: “Can a LP of different heights navigate this space comfortably?”
  • If the answer is no, think of ways the space can be adapted, and if/when appropriate speak up and take action! Even something simple like reporting broken accessibility push buttons helps.

5. Don’t Standby, Speak Up

You don’t have to be a LP or know a LP to challenge rude comments about the community. Speak up and be an active ally!

If someone makes an inappropriate joke or uses a derogatory term, simply say “that’s not really appropriate” or “someone’s disability is not the ‘butt’ of a joke.”

Sometimes simply saying something does so much more than saying nothing.

6. Learn From Them, Not Just About Them

Representation is a big pillar in the dwarfism community as it is in its realest and most authentic form when it comes from LPs. So this October:

• Engage with film, television, books, and other media created by little people
• Amplify the voices of LPs by sharing their work with your circle and community
• Connect with content creators from the LP community

7. Spread The Word

Now that you’ve learned a bit more about little people and the dwarfism community, share your knowledge with the rest of the world!

• Talk to your school, workplace, and community about dwarfism and actively engage them to promote more inclusivity for the community
• Share your learning with your network and showcase your support both in-person and online

October 25th is Dwarfism Awareness Day, and everyone is encouraged to wear green in support of the dwarfism community.

To learn more, you can visit the Little People of Ontario website.

The post 7 Ways To Learn, Support & Be An Ally During Dwarfism Awareness Month appeared first on Muskoka411.

For years, children living in the area have used the Leo Heritage Trail to commute to either Gravenhurst Public School or Gravenhurst High School. This year that is not possible as the trail remains blocked by downed trees. 

Janet Manion, whose children live alongside James Street and attend school nearby, said everyday presents a growing concern for the safety of those walking to school.

“My children, along with many others from neighbourhoods like Fernwood Dr., Pratt Cres. and Watson Rd., are expected to walk to and from school, facing unsafe conditions amid inclement weather,” Manion said. “The path that was once a safer alternative for our kids has been obstructed and is often impassable, particularly during the harsh winter months.”

Manion said that the winter months make the walk more dangerous for children, citing that snow and ice accumulation creates hazardous conditions that force children closer to the roadway than they already are. 

“It increases the risk of accidents,” Manion said. “Those narrow road shoulders are simply not safe enough to guarantee the safety of our young pedestrians.” 

According to the National Safety Council, pedestrian injuries can rise up to 18% during winter months due to poor conditions and reduced visibility. 

The Town of Gravenhurst announced the closure of the Leo Heritage Trail extension “until further notice” back in April 2025. In the notice, the town said that “Pedestrians attempting to access Gravenhurst High School or Gravenhurst Public School using this access point should find an alternative route.” The extension, which connects the above mentioned neighbourhoods to the portion of James Street that has a sidewalk installed, crosses through private property. 

Mike Gennings, who is the Manager of Communications and Engagement for the Town of Gravenhurst, said that the town is aware of the parents’ concerns. 

“Staff are aware of the concerns regarding Leo Heritage Trail and have been communicating with stakeholders, including the private property owner, and look forward to sharing information with the public when appropriate.” 

When asked if the town had any solutions for those needing to walk along James Street, Gennings said that the town is actively looking into some.

“The town is currently looking at how it can improve James Street, with more detailed planning expected to take place in 2027,” he said. “Once that occurs, and a budget is approved, we anticipate work starting in 2028/2029.”

Gennings said that without the proper planning or funding in place, it is impossible to advance the project any earlier than the anticipated timeframe. 

For Manion and many other parents, this is still not enough. 

“We propose the immediate removal of the obstruction blocking the entrance to the Leo Heritage Trail on James Street. If this cannot be accomplished, then we are requesting a bus for students who are hindered.”

According to the Trillium Lakelands District School Board, James Street is the “designated safe walking route” for those living in the area. The transportation guidelines set out by the board states that the walking distance threshold for elementary students is 1.6 kilometres, with the threshold for secondary students being 3.2 km. This means that those living in the affected neighbourhoods would not qualify for traditional bus services. 

Manion has started a petition on Change.org, asking both the town and the school board to find a solution for this issue, even if it is a temporary one before a more permanent solution can be found. 

“Securing a safe walking pathway is not just a precaution but a necessity for the children of our community. Their safety should not be compromised due to inadequate infrastructure or erratic weather conditions.”

The post Gravenhurst Parents Voicing Concerns Over Lack Of Safe Walking Path Along James Street appeared first on Muskoka411.

Harris was among more than 3,000 athletes from a wide range of sports who participated in free local qualifier events across the country earlier this year. At events athletes, whose ages range from 14-25, perform core speed, strength, power and endurance tests in front of Olympic talent scouts.

Participants aim to either find the sport that they are most suited for, or earn a funding boost in their existing sport based on their raw physical abilities. 

The top 100 athletes from across the country deemed to have great Olympic potential will now compete in the RBC Training Ground national final which will occur on Oct. 3, 2026 in Toronto. From there, 35 athletes will earn funding, a spot in the national development program with one of 16 partner National Sport Organizations, and an accelerated path to the Olympics. 

“Ryker has embraced the pursuit of high-performance goals and has shown clear improvement across canoe, kayak, and kayak cross events this season,” said James Cartwright, Senior High Performance Manager & Coach Development at Canoe Kayak Canada. “He participated in several international races in Europe, consistently progressing toward the top third of the field in his U16 age group. We’re excited to see him compete at the RBC Final”

Harris finished 16th in the MC1 event at the Junior World Championships. 

During the RBC Training Ground National Final, athletes’ speed, power, strength and endurance will once again be tested against sport-specific, high-performance benchmarks under supervision of program sport partners. An athlete’s anthropomorphic measurements (height, wingspan, etc.), sport-specific testing that happened during regional qualifiers, and competitive sport history also play a role in who is selected for funding. 

The finalists will be joined by RBC Training Ground alumni and several Olympic medalists.

The 35 athletes selected for funding will be announced in the weeks following the final. The funding is administered by the participating National Sport Organization bringing the athlete into its system, and is used for things like coaching, transportation, travel, equipment and nutrition. 

“I’m super excited to compete for the second time and I’m ready for redemption,” Harris said in his national final acceptance registration. “The funding of being an RBC athlete would allow me to pay for my travels to competition events and training camps, giving me a higher level of coaching. 

The complete list of finalists is available on the RBC Training Ground website.

About The Program

RBC Training Ground is a nation-wide talent identification and athlete-funding program dedicated to finding and supporting the next generation of Canadian Olympians. Since its inception in 2016, the program has tested 23,000 athletes at free local events across Canada, while also offering flexible virtual opportunities to participants unable to attend qualifiers in person. In 2026, more athletes registered for RBC Training Ground than in any other season.

Eleven RBC Training Ground graduates competed for Team Canada at the recent Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games: an exciting culmination of a decade of finding and funding future Olympians. Since its inception in 2016, RBC Training Ground has identified potential in over 23,000 athletes and helped 28 Canadian athletes become Olympians across four different Olympic Games. These alumni have contributed an impressive total of 14 medals to Canada’s Olympic legacy. 

A new season of RBC Training Ground will be launching in early 2027. Visit RBCTrainingGround.ca for a complete schedule and details.

The post Huntsville Athlete Selected For Second Olympic Talent Search National Final appeared first on Muskoka411.

Not long after, the police came to Jeff’s door with the news that Scott and Leaira had been killed in a car accident, with Ryker having to be airlifted for emergency surgery due to his injuries. 

They had been hit by an impaired driver.

Now Jeff, who is a personal trainer and owner of Rusted Iron Fitness, is setting out on a 450+ km solo bike ride in support of MADD Canada while also honouring his brother and niece.

The ride will begin on September 9 at Brooks Falls in Emsdale, a place that holds special meaning from when Jeff and Scott were growing up. From there, Jeff will continue making his way towards Dorchester, where both brothers attended high school and where Jeff and his family called home before recently moving to Katrine, Ont.

On September 12, Jeff will complete his journey by riding through Dorchester’s Cornfest before continuing on to the cemetery where Scott is buried. 

“I use, and have always used, physical fitness and working out to help me through grief and anxiety,” Jeff said. “I always find some sort of healing through it.”

For Jeff, this ride is his way of honouring Scott and Leaira while raising funds for MADD Canada. It is also his way of continuing the conversation around the devastating and completely preventable consequences of impaired driving. 

While the family hopes to raise more than $10,000, the biggest goal of the ride is to bring awareness to just how much impaired driving can affect others.

If you would like to make a donation in support of the ride, you can do so here.

Additionally, Rusted Iron Fitness merchandise will be available for purchase at Dorchester’s Cornfest, with all proceeds supporting the fundraiser.

The post Local Man Cycling 450+ Km In Support Of MADD Canada appeared first on Muskoka411.

“The event began in 1976 when my father, Fred McFadden, invited a few friends to join him for an end-of-summer run from the Crestwood Motel back to our family cottage on Cooper Point, Lake Muskoka,” said Tim McFadden. 

Over time, the run turned into a cherished annual tradition called the Crestwood Run, marking the close of the cottage season before Labour Day weekend. After the run/walk each year, participants continue to gather for coffee, muffins and conversation, with a different neighbour hosting the post-run celebration annually.

In 1980, the Crestwood Run also became a charitable fundraiser, originally supporting Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope. Over the years, donations from the small community event have raised more than $50,000 for local and national charities. 

“For the 50th, we’ve raised close to $4000 for the Terry Fox Foundation,” said McFadden. “We are hopeful that we’ll exceed our goal of $5000.”

Some of the other charities that the run has supported  include: South Muskoka Hospital Foundation, Andy’s House Hospice Muskoka, Sick Kids Hospital, Run for the Cure, Campfire Circle, Canadian Blood Services, Heart and Stroke Foundation, and several local volunteer firefighting organizations. 

After Fred McFadden passed away in 1993, the event was renamed the Fred McFadden Cooper Point Run in his memory, and it has continued across multiple generations of cottage families and neighbours. 

“Being able to continue this tradition while celebrating and honouring my dad at the same time means so much to my family,” McFadden said. “We are very excited for our run/walk tomorrow, and we are really quite proud that we reached the 50th anniversary!” 

What has remained most meaningful over the years are the three pillars that have always defined the event: fitness, community, and giving.

This year’s event will take place on August 29th and will start at the old Crestwood Inn & Restaurant, located at 177 Medora St RR 1, Port Carling. Walkers depart at 8:30am with runners following at 9am.

The post 50th Annual Fred McFadden Run Happening This Weekend appeared first on Muskoka411.

Now in her twenties, the Orillia-based country artist has decided to challenge that narrative.

“I’ve always had this really strong desire to go out on my own and travel, but I always thought that that wasn’t in the cards for me,” Frances said. “At some point I just got sick of it and I booked myself a train ticket.”

That ticket was to Montreal, where Frances attended the Folk Alliance International conference. While a six hour train ride doesn’t seem like a big deal to many, for Frances it helped her discover a part of herself that she didn’t even know existed.

“It really challenged my entire belief system about who I was. I ended up performing twice that weekend at the conference, which wasn’t even planned.” 

It was during this weekend trip that Frances began writing her latest song, fittingly titled ‘You Were Wrong About Me.’ She said that the title is for those who constructed the narrative about her fragility, but also how she saw herself.

“It came out of that whole experience [of traveling on my own], which was a huge revelation for me that I am more capable than I previously thought. 

Appreciating The Little Things

Growing up with severe allergies put Frances in a unique position. While most kids her age were out playing games or travelling around, Frances was becoming more and more aware of her mortality.

“It’s not a normal thing to be in contact with when you’re five or six,” Frances said. “But because of having that awareness of death at such a young age, I’ve also always had this very conscious desire to be fully alive in my life.” 

Frances said that much of her songwriting stems from that desire to live life to the fullest. She said that her songwriting tends to focus in on really tiny details that most people would just miss.

“My favourite thing to do is to go back in time and find a moment and blow it up. I have this song called ‘Letterman Jacket’ and in it there’s a line that says ‘You linger with the grocery store freezer door open. Go out of your way to ask me how it’s going’. It’s just those little moments that affected me, and honing in on that sense of aliveness.”

Frances said that being able to focus in on these little, specific moments in this current age of AI is really interesting. She said that having the ability to express something that you can feel from an actual perspective rather than regurgitated information is something that is really special.

“That was something that I really wanted to explore on this album. I’ve been working with the amazing Nixon Boyd over the last year on this EP. I really wanted to look at this whole craft of songwriting, that is, to me, what could be summed up as celebrating our aliveness.” 

From Childhood Idol To Musical Influence

Frances said that much of her recent songwriting has been influenced by The Chicks. But before them, there was a different influence that really kickstarted Frances’ love for songwriting.

“My first favourite artist was Taylor Swift when I was around 6 years old,” Frances said. “I think I heard ‘Love Story’ and I was like ‘What is this?’. At the time I was already starting to write poetry, and I loved dancing and performing, so when I came across Taylor I was like ‘Oh my god you can combine those things?’.

It was in that moment that it clicked for Frances that she could become a performing poet/singer if she wanted to. At the age of 12 she began writing songs of her own, and hasn’t stopped since.

Frances said from that moment on, she relentlessly listened to Taylor Swift’s music, especially her country writing. What she didn’t know was where Swift had gotten her influence: The Chicks. 

“I had never really listened to The Chicks growing up, you know they weren’t my childhood influence. But then I read that in an interview Taylor had talked about being influenced by The Chicks so I started listening to them.”

Frances said that she fell in love with their music. She said being able to listen to this “freedom seeking spunky trio of women” was really inspirational.

“The thing I really love about The Chicks is that they feel like freedom. As a songwriter, when I sit down with my guitar that’s what I’m searching for and I find it in music and self expression. I wanted to work that into this song. I want it to feel like freedom when you listen to it, and I hope it feels like liberation because that’s what it gave me.”

You can stream ‘You Were Wrong About Me’ here.

The post Local Country Artist Bella Frances Releases New Single ‘You Were Wrong About Me’ appeared first on Muskoka411.

On July 17, Bethune Memorial House unveiled a rare original piece painted by Dr. Norman Bethune that depicts his wife, Frances Campbell Penney. 

Parks Canada said that the recently acquired piece is a significant addition to their national collection of more than 31 million archaeological and historical objects. The collection spans over 11,000 years of human history.

Bethune Memorial House site manager Scott Davidson said that the acquisition of this piece nearly 10 years after its discovery is really special. 

“This unveiling has been years in the making,” he said. “It’s really kind of exciting for me, and I think a lot of people, to see it.”

Bethune completed the painting in 1935, just before he left for Spain the following year to aid in the Civil War. He left the painting with one of his colleagues in Canada, promising to return for it after he finished his work in Europe. 

But history had other plans. After the Spanish Civil War, Bethune travelled to China where he spent the rest of his life. He never returned to retrieve the painting of Frances, meaning that it remained with his colleagues’ family.

After more than a year of back and forth communication with a relative of the colleague, Davidson was able to persuade him that Bethune Memorial House was where the painting truly belonged. 

“I gave him the same message I give people who ask about Bethune’s belongings: ‘Many of Bethune’s belongings, whether it be his artwork or personal belongings, were either sold or gifted to China over the years because that’s where he was most famous. He was there 22 months, but he was in Canada most of his life. We need to recognize him here. We need to have a place where we can be proud of our own heroes.’”

Davidson said that finding a piece like this that is tied to a Canadian figure of national historic significance is relatively rare. He said that he hopes this painting helps people connect to Bethune even more than before.

“We thought this painting, in particular, would allow people to connect with Bethune, to figure out a little bit about how his mind worked and what made him do what he did.”

The Portrait of Frances will be on permanent display at the Bethune Memorial House. Parks Canada said that summer is the perfect time to visit Bethune Memorial House, discover the story of Dr. Bethune, and see this remarkable new addition to their collection.

Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site is open daily throughout the summer. Admission is free until September 7, 2026 as part of the Canada Strong Pass. For hours of operation and to plan your visit, go to: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/bethune

The post Bethune Memorial House Unveils Newly Acquired Painting By Dr. Norman Bethune appeared first on Muskoka411.

The Special Olympics Canada National Summer Games, which are being held in Medicine Hat, Alberta from August 10-16, marks a huge milestone for many on the team as it will their first time taking a major trip.

“This will be my first time travelling this far,” said Jaxon Barton, who is one of the youngest athletes on the team. “It will also be my first time going on an airplane.” 

The Summer Games will be Barton’s first Nationals, an event that he is excited to be attending with his team.

“I find it cool because we get to go to different places, win different medals, and make different friends.” 

Barton said that his favourite parts of playing on the Almaguin team are the coaches and how the team is one big family.

For his mother, Danielle, seeing her son come out of his shell has been really special.

“It’s been an amazing experience,” she said. “His confidence has gone up a lot and he’s made lots of friends, which he struggled with before. They’ve taught him how to work like a team. They’re all just so great and it’s such a positive experience every time we go anywhere with them.” 

Putting Special Olympics On The Map For Parry Sound

For Rori Brownley, it’s not just making new friends or playing a new sport that he loves about being on the Almaguin softball team, it’s also being able to bring awareness about Special Olympics to his hometown.

“In a way, I kind of put Special Olympics on the map for Parry Sound because I’m going to the National Games,” Brownley said. “Before I joined Special Olympics, they didn’t really know Parry Sound other than Bobby Orr.”

Before joining the Almaguin team, Brownley had played baseball, bowling, snowshoeing, and even competed in track and field in Parry Sound. He joined the Almaguin softball team one week after the 2018 Summer Games, meaning this will be his first trip to Nationals.

“It’s exciting that I get to go to Medicine Hat with these guys,” Brownley said. “It’ll be my first National Games in any sport that I’ve competed in, and it will be my first time on a plane which will be fun.”

Brownley, who is currently the only Special Olympics athlete from Parry Sound, said that while he gets some support from his hometown community, he hopes one day it can be more. 

“I’m so glad for the support of the new community I’m with right now because they do a lot of fundraising,” Brownley said. “In Parry Sound, it’s kind of hard to do stuff like that. There’s always support from my teammates, friends and family, but I hope one day my community will be there for me like that too.” 

Brownley said that playing in Almaguin has taught him a lot, and that he has been able to form lifelong friendships with both his teammates and his coaches. 

A Story Of Never Giving Up

While this won’t be the first National Games for Clarista Ardiel, who brought home two gold medals  in Athletics at the 2018 Summer Games, this will be the first time she has gone for a team sport.

“I’ve always had a love for sports, and being part of Special Olympics has given me the chance to truly shine over the years,” Ardiel said. “I’ve been able to build confidence, develop skills, and form meaningful relationships through my involvement.”

But Covid wasn’t good for Ardiel. Like many others, her mental health suffered during the strict isolation periods. This caused her to go back into her shell, something that she has since worked hard to once again come out of.

“Playing softball was what brought her back out of her shell,” said Christa Ardiel, Clarista’s mother. “We started to see her smile again, and she’s shown incredible resilience and determination in finding her way back into sports which she loves so much.” 

Christa said that being able to see her daughter smile again, even when battling through health issues, has been truly special.

“As a parent, it’s been amazing to watch Clarista grow not just as an athlete, but as a person. Being selected to represent Almaguin Highlands at the National Games in Medicine Hat is a very proud moment for our family.”

Ardiel said that her hope is to be able to once again stand on the podium at the National Games, only this time with her team rather than alone.

Every Team Needs A Group Of Amazing Coaches

What really helped bring Ardiel out of her shell was her coaches. Her mother said that it is because of the wonderful group of volunteers that the team has been able to do what they have.

“Clarista absolutely adores all of her coaches. They are so kind and generous, volunteering their time and their energy to support our team.” 

Fraser Pauley, who is one of the coaches for the Almaguin softball team, says that the work that goes into running the team is well worth it.

“The time and effort, the training that we have to take, the courses we have to take, it’s all just a drop in the bucket compared to the amount of payback you get from just seeing them smile and feel like life is normal for them.” Pauley said.

Pauley said that being able to help normalize the worlds of his athletes is what makes his work with the team so meaningful.

“They get the chance to normalize their world, feel like a place of belonging. You know, something that they wouldn’t have if it weren’t for Special Olympics.” he said. “You see them dancing, laughing and carrying on. It just becomes their world, a safe place at that moment in time.”

Pauley said that for many on the team, being able to compete at the National Games is their version of winning the Stanley Cup or the World Series. 

“It’s a big thing for them. Representing Ontario at Nationals is a big honour, and for many it will be their first time away from home for this long. The independence that they gain from that, that they garner from that, you can’t replicate that.”

Pauley said that while they are a team, to everyone involved with the Almaguin softball team they feel more like a family. His challenge for everyone – to come witness the joy that the family atmosphere brings.

“Anytime you see anything we’re doing, just come out and get an opportunity to witness the athletes in their environment. It’s very cool.”

Anyone who would like to have the opportunity to meet the Almaguin softball team and watch them play before Nationals can come out to their game tonight (July 7). The game starts at 6:30pm, with an autograph session being held beforehand at 6:15pm. The game will be taking place at the Sundridge Ball Park, which is located at 14 Albert St N, Sundridge.

The post Almaguin Special Olympics Softball Team Representing Ontario At Nationals This August appeared first on Muskoka411.

“On June 15, we were reminded exactly why Muskoka 100 People Who Care exists,” the group said. “Each presentation was powerful, heartfelt, and a moving reminder of the life-changing work happening right here in our community. There truly wasn’t a dry eye in the room.” 

The three local charities that presented at the meeting were YWCA Muskoka, Carter’s Forever Rescue and Sanctuary, and Enliven Cancer Care. 

The stories shared, the impact demonstrated, and the passion behind each organization made the voting process incredibly difficult. In fact, only three votes separated the winning charity from the others.

Enliven Cancer Care received the highest number of votes for the evening. The charity will receive a significant donation of $9420 to continue supporting individuals and families navigating their cancer journeys.

But the story doesn’t end there. 

One of the founding members of Muskoka 100 People Who Care stepped forward and, together with her husband, offered to match donations for the two remaining charities through The Mochrie Family Foundation.

Because of their incredible kindness, both YWCA Muskoka and Carter’s Forever Rescue and Sanctuary will receive substantial donations to continue their important work throughout the community.

“What began as an evening of connection and learning became something even more meaningful,” the group said. “It became a powerful reminder of what happens when people come together with compassion, generosity, and a shared desire to make a difference.”

The post Muskoka 100 People Who Care Donates $9420 To Enliven Cancer Care appeared first on Muskoka411.