STORY STORY - Real Muskoka

on the Horizon
Basket Weaving Workshop:
Saturday, November 3 at Muskoka Boat & Heritage
Centre. Instructor Leslie Songer Terry has been a basket
weaver since 1986 and is an active participant in the
Muskoka Arts and Craft Shows. Cost $65.00 includes
all materials. Space is limited, please call 687-2115.
Canvas a Classic Heritage
Canoe Workshop:
November 6, 8, 13, 15 7:00–9:00 p.m. at Heritage Boatworks.
Learn how to re-canvas a classic wood canoe, which
includes the type of canvas, stretching the canvas on the
canoe, the fasteners and filler used, how to apply to paint
& varnish, replace gunwales, stem and keel. Great introduction
to canoe restoration. Call 687-2115 to register.
keeping your Body Healthy:
Tuesday, November 6 1:00–2:30 p.m. at Muskoka
Boat & Heritage Centre. Speaker Dr. Michael Taylor is
a well-established Chiropractor in Gravenhurst and
will discuss the benefits of chiropractic care.
on the Move for Seniors:
Tuesday, November 13 1:00–2:30 p.m. at Muskoka
Boat & Heritage Centre. Speaker Marilyn Hovius from
the Gravenhurst YMCA will speak about the benefits
of exercise and how it will improve your quality of life,
regardless of age. Come and discuss the positive effects
of exercise and what you can do to help yourself.
Black Friday Shopping event:
Friday, November 23 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
at Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre. Start your
Christmas Shopping at our Black Friday Sale.
restore a Classic Heritage
Canoe Workshop:
January 2013 32 Sessions—Learn how to restore a classic
canvas wood canoe which includes paint stripping, replacing
planking, ribs, gunwales, thwarts, seats, steam bending,
hardware and many other construction tips. During the down
time, you will make a canoe paddle and take the paddle home.
Cost: $295.00 for Members; $325.00 Non-Members. Please
call 687-2115 to register for this course—space is limited.
Also makes a great Christmas gift!
Muskoka Wedding Show:
January 12–13, 2013 The third annual Muskoka Wedding
Show will be held at the Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre.
It features over 50 vendors and showcasing everything
for the bride-to-be from sophisticated gowns to
photography and décor. The Muskoka Wedding Show
promises glitz and glamour for that special day. The
weekend will also offer elegant bridal fashion shows,
delicious food sampling and incredible door prizes!
Contact us:
Call 705-687-2115 for more information, or
visit our website at www.realmuskoka.com.
President’s Message:
Now that all of the 125th Anniversary Celebrations
of RMS Segwun and the 2012 sailing season have
drawn to a close, I would like to take this opportunity
to thank everyone involved for your part in making
those events such a success—as organizers, helpers
and by attending. It was indeed a wonderful summer
of celebration for the “Icon of Muskoka,” from the
parade through downtown Gravenhurst, the Salute
fly-by of the Canadian Snow Birds and the flotilla
of Antique Classic Boats escorting RMS Segwun and
Wenonah II on the re-enactment of the 100 Mile
Cruise. Each was an amazing event.
As I write this, my last president’s message, dockside
on the shore of Lake Muskoka, I find myself staring at
the calm waters reflecting the beautiful fall colours,
I too will reflect on the past years as President of
the Muskoka Steamship & Historical Society. In
reviewing my previous 18 President’s Messages, I am
reminded what a ride these past years have been,
many full of interesting challenges, including SARS,
West Nile, interesting weather/tornados, a down
turn in the economy, (all adversely affecting tourism
in the region), changes in the municipal landscape;
shifting Transport Canada regulations and ongoing
financial bank loan obligations. Through it all we
as an organization successfully navigated those
challenges, emerging as a stronger, more diverse
and financially sound Society.
To quote my first President’s message, my two top
priorities would be: “getting the next generation
more involved” and “preserving the financial wellbeing
of the ships and the Muskoka Boat & Heritage
Centre (MBHC).” I believe this first goal is well
underway, with the establishment of the Junior
Stokers initiative, chaired by Austen McMurchy, the
creation of themed cruises and exhibits such as the
Pirate Cruises, Noah’s Ark Cruises, Lego exhibit and
the MBHC Educational Outreach Programs to public
schools in the region, just to mention a few. I have
had the opportunity to see the Society through both
my eyes and those of my son, Austen. This has
confirmed that we indeed have something to offer
for all ages. And involving the next generation is
how we as a Society will stay strong and vibrant.
My second priority was the financial well-being of
this Society. An important strategy in achieving this
goal has been to effectively get the message out
about the Real Muskoka Experience. This has been
accomplished through aggressive marketing and
strategic public relation initiatives. This included
being featured on the CBC’s The Rick Mercer Report,
City TV’s Breakfast Television, CTV 2’s News Hour,
as well as making sure we are featured in all the
appropriate tourism literature of the region and
Canada. All of this has resulted in our Society,
4 Issue 83 • Fall 2012 The Real Muskoka Story