After supporting Muskoka Beechgrove through last year’s campaign, the two Gravenhurst locations announced their intention to support local schools over the following four years. K.P. Manson Public School, Glen Orchard Public School and Gravenhurst High School will receive support in the coming years, but this time around, the spotlight is on GPS. Prices for the Smile Cookies have increased to $1.50 plus tax, but all the proceeds will still go to local charities selected by franchise owners across the country. This year’s campaign will also run from May 1 to 7 instead of the usual timeframe in September.

“We’re teaming up with another amazing elementary school in our community, Gravenhurst Public School, and I am excited to see their personality come out within this program,” said Ashley Hrinkanic, operator of the Gravenhurst Tim Hortons locations.

Hrinkanic’s daughter goes to Muskoka Beechgrove, so it was great for her to see the excitement amongst her daughter’s friends and peers last year as the school made updates to their outdoor recreation area. It was particularly special for Hrinkanic to experience it as both parent and franchise owner, so she’s looking forward to carrying that excitement through the next few years.

She’s been working with her general manager Kristina Brownlee and the school’s parent council to put together decorations and prepare for the start of the campaign. She’s already blown away by the support they’ve received from GPS as well as past recipients.

“It’s really humbling to see people giving back when they have received before,” Hrinkanic said. “Those people know how much of an impact that Smile Cookie program made for them and for them to be able to give back to the next group is fantastic.”

The community response to last year’s announcement was been emotional and exciting to witness, she said. People from across Muskoka and even down in the city have expressed their admiration for supporting local education and the enthusiasm from parents has been particularly evident.

Hrinkanic wants to thank every single person who has supported Smile Cookie in Gravenhurst. The program wouldn’t be what it is today without every bit of their volunteer time and donations, and all of it is treasured by their staff.

“Christina Hunter and her parent council group is organizing volunteers to come in, but by any means, if anyone else who is in the community would like to volunteer to help decorate cookies, come on in and let us know,” she said. “We really can’t do this program to the extent we do it without the help from the community.”

Christina Hunter, chair of the parent council at GPS, said they’re well aware of how extensive the Smile Cookie program is, so they’ve already gotten their ranks ready to help decorate. It’s a great activity for families and children, though they do ask that kids be Grade 5 and over to participate.

“We know it’s a huge undertaking, so we’ve reached out to the community, not just parent council but to parents and grandparents and guardians, neighbors and friends, to help us decorate the cookies because we know it takes a lot of work, so we’ve got a bit of a schedule going,” Hunter said. “I’ve been thrilled at the response so far of people just making themselves available to help out.”

Hunter has two children at Gravenhurst Public School, one in Grade 5 and one in Grade 8. She’s been chair of the parent council since 2020, and the group is absolutely thrilled to be the recipient of this year’s Smile Cookie funding.

After seeing the success that Muskoka Beechgrove had in the fall, they’re hoping the community will rally together again for GPS. Similar to Beechgrove, they also plan to use the money to improve their playground and outdoor recreation areas.

“Last year, we used our funds for the kindergarten playground, so we upgraded a few of those equipment pieces, and now we’ve moved on to the main yard playground for the older kids to use,” she said. “It’s been years in the making, that playground, so it’s time to upgrade it. But recognizing that it is a huge undertaking and it will take quite a few years to raise the money to complete the work, we’re going to be doing it in a few steps.”

The parent council and school staff are currently looking at upgrading some of the existing equipment and creating an outdoor education space with plans to do further improvements in the years to come. With so many great causes to choose from in Muskoka, Hunter said it’s fantastic to see such a fun and youthful campaign supporting local children. 

She and the rest of the school are grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Smile Cookie program, and they look forward to grabbing some piping bags and getting started decorating.

“We hope that the community comes out to support,” Hunter said. “We’re happy to work hard and roll up our sleeves and help out as we can.”

To support Gravenhurst Public School through the Smile Cookie campaign, visit the Gravenhurst Tim Hortons locations at 150 Talisman Drive and 2329 Highway 11 South from May 1 to 7. To pre-order cookies, click here.

The post Gravenhurst Public School Up Next In Multi-Year Smile Cookie Campaign appeared first on Muskoka411.

This year’s theme is “Learning in the Great Outdoors”, which encourages families to make outdoor time fun family learning time all while enjoying the wonders of Canada’s Great Outdoors. Spending time in nature provides many benefits, not just for bodies, but for minds too.

Scientists suggest that exposure to nature improves a child’s ability to learn and can even improve grades, especially in disadvantaged children. Experiments indicate that teaching in an outside setting using traditional methods improves retention. This retention is effective across a broad student population and can occur in a variety of subject areas, such as biology and math.

After two difficult years spending much time indoors physically distancing, this year’s Family Literacy Day theme encourages Canadians to get outside and exercise both their minds and bodies together as a family.

“Literacy and learning as a family should always be made a priority, since spending time together daily as a family can help increase the literacy skills of both children and adults,” says Elizabeth Robinson, Director of Programs at ABC Life Literacy Canada. “There are many opportunities for teachable moments when spending time outdoors. Whether it’s learning about a tree on your street, calculating the distance on a walk, or using snow to conduct a fun science experiment, learning is all around us.”

Created in 1999 by ABC Life Literacy Canada, Family Literacy Day aims to encourage reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family. Each year, groups across the country take part by hosting events that include fun-filled learning activities.

Award-winning Canadian author and modeling clay illustrator Barbara Reid is once again acting as Honourary Chair of Family Literacy Day. Reid will be hosting a virtual event for families across the country that will include a demonstration on how to use clay to create a picture. Families can register for the event here.

“I am very excited to partner once again with ABC Life Literacy to spread the word about the importance of family literacy,” says Reid. “Taking time to read together each day helps to improve your skills. However, don’t forget the endless learning opportunities right on the other side of your front door. This year’s theme is a great way for families to learn something new together while exploring Canada’s Great Outdoors.”

For those who want to take part in Family Literacy Day, simply visit FamilyLiteracyDay.ca to access free learning activities and materials, or to find a local event. Here are a few of the events taking place across the country:

• Literacy New Westminster in New Westminster, BC is hosting a free event open to the public, including kids of all ages and their parents. Kids will receive a free book and participate in an outdoor story walk while parents will gain useful tips and tools to promote literacy with their children.
• Centre for Family Literacy in Edmonton, AB is hosting a virtual event complete with story time, scavenger hunts, fun yoga musical activities and more. The whole family can join in the free, fun activities centered around the theme “Learning in the Great Outdoors”.
• The Community Association for Lasting Success (CALS) in Vegreville, AB is hosting outdoor games and winter family fun at the Lion’s Club Splash Park. Activities include horse drawn wagon rides, hot chocolate, warming fires with the Vegreville Fire Department, and much more – all in celebration of family literacy in the great outdoors!
• Prince Albert Literacy Network in Prince Albert, SK is asking residents to come walk to the mall as you read the story, “When the Trees Crackle with Cold”, by Saskatchewan author Miriam Korner. Join the Mann Art gallery for a book inspired art project. When complete, see the friendly staff at the Prince Albert Literacy Network for your take home kit filled with ideas to go and “Learn in the Great Outdoors” as a family.
• Moose Jaw and District Literacy Network in Moose Jaw, SK is challenging children and their parents and caregivers to take part in 20 “challenges” throughout the month of January. Participants are asked to email photos of them overcoming the challenges with recognition and prizes to be awarded January 27.
• Guelph Public Library in Guelph, ON is celebrating Family Literacy Day with Guelph Firefighters. Join a special online storytime that is all about playing safe in the great outdoors.
• Literacy Lambton in Sarnia, ON is partnering with Lambton County Library and EarlyON Centres to host Lambton County’s Great Outdoor StoryWalks, which will highlight ways to build literacy in the great outdoors. Watch for a Pop-Up StoryWalk in downtown Sarnia’s McGibbon Park featuring “It’s a Mitig!”
• Monica Place in Waterloo, ON is encouraging participants to bundle up and ‘walk and roll” with their young families in their own neighbourhood, while identifying and talking about everything they see. Scavenger hunt ideas will be provided. Following the walk, there will be a virtual Zoom group for stories and songs with a related theme.

For more information about Family Literacy Day, to access free resources or to find an event in your community, visit FamilyLiteracyDay.ca.

SOURCE ABC Life Literacy Canada

The post Family Literacy Day On January 27 Encourages Families To Embrace The Outdoors appeared first on Muskoka411.

“Staying active is essential to maintaining our physical and mental health. With the current COVID-19 restrictions in place, it’s now more critical than ever to find ways to remain active,” said Mayor Steve Clarke. “In order to avoid crowding and provide more opportunities for residents of all ages and fitness levels to remain active and enjoy our trail system, we are clearing additional trails that are not normally cleared in the winter.”

Trails

In addition to regularly maintained trails, this winter the Lightfoot Trail along the waterfront at Moose Beach in J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park and the Terry Fox Circle at Couchiching Beach Park will now be cleared. This is in addition to a number of other trail sections and loop trails that were cleared beginning in 2021, including the loop trails at Foundry Park, Homewood Park and Walter Henry Park. For an updated list of cleared trails in Orillia, please visit orillia.ca/trails. Additionally, Scout Valley, a 230-acre naturalized park, is a popular area for both snowshoeing and hiking during the winter months.

Outdoor Ice Rinks

With the recent snow accumulation and cold temperatures, Orillia parks staff are preparing outdoor ice rinks throughout the City this week and will be prioritizing opening based on past usage and conditions.

“Outdoor ice rinks require a significant amount of snow in order to create bases, followed by consistent cold weather of -10 C or below for at least a week. The recent snow accumulation and drop in temperatures provides the appropriate conditions to begin the preparation of our outdoor ice rinks,” said Kyle Mitchell, Manager of Source Protection and Operations. “Staff are working diligently to get rinks prepared for everyone to enjoy. We ask that residents please remain off the rinks until they are officially open as early use can compromise the bases.”

Hockey games are prohibited on outdoor ice rinks when they are occupied by pleasure skaters. Skaters should wear helmets at all times. For a list of outdoor rink locations and their status, please visit orillia.ca/outdoorrinks.

Toboggan Hills

In addition to trails and outdoor ice rinks, the City of Orillia has three toboggan hills open for use. They are located at the Couchiching Golf Course (370 Peter St. N.), Clayt French Park (114 Atlantis Dr.), and Homewood Park (68 Woodside Dr.).

While outdoor recreation amenities have no capacity limits at this time, face coverings must be worn when distancing cannot be maintained. Please be aware that there is a risk of people congregating close together and spreading COVID-19.

The following are recommendations from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 when visiting outdoor public spaces:

1. If you are feeling ill or displaying symptoms (i.e. fever, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, sore throat, runny nose) or if you have come into contact with someone who has shown symptoms or has tested positive, you are not to visit the outdoor public space.
2. Read all posted signs, including screening signs at all entrances, and ensure everyone self-screens before entering the space.
3. Maintain a physical distance of at least two metres (six feet) from others at all times and especially while in places where people tend to congregate, such as parking lots, trailheads and scenic overlooks.
4. If physical distancing is difficult to maintain in the outdoor space, wear a face mask.
5. Avoid close contact with people outside your household, such as shaking hands, hugging, high-fives, or games involving shared items.
6. Wash or sanitize your hands as you arrive.
7. Do not share equipment with people outside of your household.

The post Residents Encouraged To Stay Active Outdoors This Winter appeared first on Muskoka411.