Summer 2010
Fern's Only Getting Better
At Fern we know the importance of upgrades and investing back into the resort. In the spirit of continuous growth, 2010 was the year to focus on the Bayshore cottage line. This row of cottages, very popular with the Fern Resort guests, is 
perfectly positioned on the property. Set back only slightly from the lakeshore, they have a tremendous view and a relatively private and tranquil atmosphere. Draped in sun from the moment it peaks over the horizon to the point that it ducks behind Heron and Bird Islands, the decks of these cottages are fabulous places to enjoy the surroundings of resort life. When the sunlight fades, enjoy the lights from Orillia dancing off the rippling waters of Lake Couchiching. When undertaking the challenge of updating these cottages we knew we had to balance the special tranquil cottage atmosphere with a modern and comfortable setting. We also had to tailor the design elements to the unique construction characteristics of each building. Upgrades include new carpeting, bed spreads, mattresses, curtains, chesterfields and chairs, washroom vanities, light fixtures and door hardware, and bright new wall colourings topped off with traditional Canadian artwork from the Group of Seven. We are very pleased with the work of our design team - matching the interior of these cottages with the spendour of their setting.
Tuesday is Retro Night
Fern's Retro Night on Tuesday is sure to keep the entire family immersed in the best of the past decades. Whatever your age, experience or relive The Golden Age of Rock & Roll, peace, love, and happiness! Keep an eye out and a camera ready because you never know what "star of the ages" will be making an appearance for photo opportunities! Join in on a Hot Wheels "pink slip drag race", a game of Twister, or revive a dance craze from the past and gain valuable "retro dollars". Use those retro dollars at Robbie's Old Fashioned Malt Shoppe, purchase some classic sweets, or make yourself a seventies-style friend, a pet rock! Make sure the entire family collaborates on the retro quiz; you will need all ages for this one. However, a sharp ear and a quick hand will really make it pay off! Come as you are or dress for your favourite decade and join NightLife's Gerry Holden, your host for Fern Resort's Retro Night!
The Ultimate Fantasy Circus Family
Thank goodness that Bergwen's does not have a bad seat in the house because you are going to want to see every second of this show. This phenomenally talented family, with children from 6 to 18 years old, perform some of the most loved and exciting circus acts. You will also love their unique humourous and cultural acts. Have the decaffeinated coffee after Monday night's dinner because the fire eating, aerial, and acrobatics stunts being performed in Bergwen's that night will be all you will need to stay awake and on the edge of your seat!
Summer Entertainment Schedule
| Afternoon | Early Evening | Evening | Late Evening | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Waterski Show | Blockbuster Movie | ||
| Monday | Speaking of Wildlife | Candy Bingo Family Game Show |
Ultimate Fantasy Family Circus | DJ Karaoke |
| Tuesday | Pool Party | Candy Bingo |
Retro Night | Retro DJ |
| Wednesday | Staff vs. Guests Mushball | Candy Bingo |
Family Game Show Fern's Got Talent auditions |
Musician Jamie Williams Blockbuster Movie |
| Thursday | Zoo Tek | Candy Bingo Fern's Family Feud Fern's Got Talent performance |
Guest Video Showtime - The Staff Lip Sync Show |
Party in Mary Lou's |
| Friday | Magic Class | Candy Bingo | Magician Stephen Elvay Comedian Glenn Ottaway |
Blockbuster Movie |
| Saturday | J&K Pets | Candy Bingo Marshmallow Roast |
NightLife Family Show | NightLife Performance |
*entertainment is subject to change
Your AM Coffee
If it is a good shot of joe you need to get your day started, you will be pleased 
that we are building a coffee bar in Bertyl's Bar to help with the kick start. Whether you want a special coffee with your breakfast, or to take with you for the morning walk, Bertyl's new coffee bar will suit your morning taste. Double decaf, skinny latte, soy, extra shot, double sweetener, and a French vanilla flavouring... we have your AM caffeine fix ready to brew!
Marina Dock
You already know what is under the boardwalk and fishing dock... along with Shelley the turtle... lots of hungry fish. An old stretch of the dock was getting worn . It has been reinforced and redecked... and our resident fish have a new roof over their heads!
Edgewater Cottages
With the most exclusive location on Lake Couchiching, the Edgewater Cottages are a loved accommodation. We have given them a touch-up with a fresh coat of paint and some TLC.
Glide Ride Platform
To keep you from scraping your knees, we have built a platform that allows you a more comfortable launch as you race your friends or your dad to the finish line of the ride.
Fireside Mattresses
A few years ago we had replaced some of the mattresses in Fireside. We have now completed the replacements so if you are walking by Fireside at night, walk quietly; the guests are enjoying their sleep just that much more.
Fireside Roof
In the immortal words of Mary Lou Downing on the subject of a leaky roof, "When it's raining... you can't fix it and when it isn't... you don't need to!". It seems like almost forever that we have been reporting on the laying down of tar, gravel, and shingles and we hope to be able to report on something that is a bit more fun for Tattler 2011.
Hearthside Lobby
For summer 2010, when you are heading to Hearthside Inn for that special craft class or tea leaf reading in one of the meeting rooms, be sure to have a look around. The lobby has a fresh new look. (However, we ran into a delivery issue and will be receiving the custom artwork for the walls throughout the summer.)
Over the years, the Extreme Area has grown from a single rock climbing wall to an all encompassing sports arena known for extreme sports, rock'n music, rentals, and the sports cottage. With the growth on top expansion we now are cleaning up the area with defined edging and contained fall zones for the high ropes area. We hope you enjoy the new look!
Playvillage
New playground equipment in the Playvillage - last year we upgraded the Playvillage pirate ship in the toddler area and this year we are adding a new piece of equipment for the 4 - 6 year olds. This will be a twirling structure for a total of 9 kids to enjoy together. The Playvillage staff are very excited for this new addition. The staff have also been hard at work creating a garden for the Playvillagers to grow flowers and vegetables in. Everyone is sure to have a green thumb this summer!
Tennis Gazebo Sitting Area
More sitting areas. You asked, and we are delivering. On the comment cards and through our guest interviews we discovered that we did not have enough quiet and comfortable sitting areas. We are upgrading your lounging comfort in the tennis court gazebo with large, plush outdoor furniture in a much nicer way to visit during the highly competitive bocce ball games.
Willow Tree Removal
As much as the property is known for the fern plant, one could make an argument that willows can be just as prominent a feature, from the row of willows along the entrance to our massive Chinese Willows, over 100 years old, that shade the main area. Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to the two largest and oldest trees this year. The arborist had never seen this type of tree grow as old and as large as they did here at Fern. These trees are just like the families that come for their vacations; Fern Resort feeds them well and makes them strong!
Welcome to Our New Sports Pro, Garrett O'Neill
We would like to welcome our newest sports personnel for summer 2010 - Garrett O'Neill. Garrett is our multi-talented sports pro who has taken on the tennis program and has added one better. For summer 2010, Fern Resort, through Garrett, will be offering golf lessons as well as tennis lessons. The lessons will be scheduled in the afternoons to allow for space on the courts and golf course during the busy morning time slots, and to give the lessons more time with less stress. We know you will love Garrett's lessons this summer.
Fern Family Scholarship
2009 was the fifth year for the Fern Family Scholarship, a scholarship for the staff in post secondary schooling. Prospective applicants are asked to submit 
essays for assessment. The winner is chosen through these essays, their performance as a staff member, and by a vote of the other staff. We had several very worthy staff apply for the scholarship of 2009. With the level of excellent staff and extremely favourable response from their peers, it was indeed a very close race. Congratulations to Grant MacDonald, the winner of the $2,000 Fern Scholarship.
Grant is currently working at Fern for his tenth summer. He has worked in a number of departments on the resort: Dining Room, Sports, Maintenance and is the present Club Manager. He is a recent graduate of Lakehead University and is pursuing a career in teaching. Grant recognizes the opportunities and experience he has gained from working at Fern Resort, "I know no matter where I go, Fern will always be there.".