On the Easter Long Weekend, it was rewarding to see a local family enjoying just one of the many community parks and playgrounds in Wasaga Beach. Mom and Dad Krissy and Cody, were at the Mills Park playground (located at Town Hall) with their 4 very energetic kids. Aged from 1 year to 9, Vaeda (youngest) and her brothers (left to right) Levi, Link & Lyle were actively enjoying the very creative playground equipment. Both Mom and Dad attended Birchview Dunes as kids, as do (will) all 4 children.
Community playgrounds play a vital role in promoting the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of children, while also enhancing the well-being and cohesion of communities. Town Council continues to renew community playgrounds and parks, while also creating new ones. This aligns with Council Priority #26 (Park Rehabilitation + Development).
SEE FULL STORY ON PAGE 15.
Brown Baggers in the Beach - Meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous
Date: Tuesdays at 7pm & Thursdays at 12pm
Location: United Church, 380 Zoo Park Road
For more information contact 416-829-8259 or email Francine0464@rogers.com. Visit website at https://brownbaggerssecularaa.com
Wasaga Beach Parkinson's Support Group
Date: 1st Thursday of each month - 12:30 – 2:00 pm
Location: Wasaga Beach Public Library, Meeting Room. All Parkinson's patients & caregivers welcome. For more information contact Phil Bender 905703-6248 or bender.philip@gmail.com
The Georgian Bay Photography Club nd
Dates: meets every 2 Thursday of the month via Zoom
Location: Zoom meeting – register by Zoom link
GBPC promotes the appreciation & enjoyment of photography, providing an opportunity for photographers to meet & exchange ideas, exhibit their work & advance their skills. For more info please email: communications@gbpc.ca
The (Men's) PROBUS Club of Wasaga Beach
Date: 2nd Thursday of each month – 9:30 am – noon
Location: Wasaga Beach RecPlex, 1724 Mosley Street
Social club for retired or semi-retired men to meet & have coffee, hear interesting & informative speakers, & have fun. Also to have monthly social outings to which partners are usually included. For further info call Rick at 705-351-2096 or email: mensprobuswasagabeach@gmail.com.
Beachcombers PROBUS of Wasaga Beach st
Date: Every 1 Tuesday of the month – 10:00 am
Location: Wasaga Beach Recplex, 1724 Mosley Street
Regular meetings for retired and semi-retired people who value & appreciate opportunities to meet others, enjoy hearing Guest Speakers & attending interest groups, visit places & organizations. For information please email: newsletter@beachcombersprobus.com
PROBUS at the Beach (Wasaga Beach)
Date: Every 4th Thursday of the month – 10 am
Location: Wasaga Beach RecPlex, 1724 Mosley Street
Meetings are for retired & semi-retired women who are looking for fellowship, friendship and fun. We invite Guest Speakers and have additional interest groups. Organized trips to various places or interest & organizations. More info email: probusatthebeach@gmail.com
Wasaga Sunbirds PROBUS Club
Date: 3rd Thursday of the month from 10:00am to noon
Location: Wasaga Beach RecPlex, 1724 Mosley St.
Retired and semi-retired women are welcomed in order to socialize with others by taking part in activities such as trips, theatre outings, cards, book clubs, golf, walking & listening to different speakers each month. For more information contact: Barb Sutton – 705-4299702
Wasaga Beach New Waves PROBUS
Date: 1st Thursday of each month – 10:00 AM
Location: New Wasaga Stars Arena - ReMAX Room
An association of retired and semi-retired women from all walks of life looking for fellowship and friendship from like minded women. We invite guest speakers, have various outings and many special interest groups such as euchre, bowling, book club, dominoes and lunch group. For more information please email Sue Payne: nwpmembership@gmail.com
Georgian Bay Coin & Stamp Club
Date: 3rd Thursday of each month
– 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Prime Time Club, (RecPlex), 1724 Mosley St. Please come & join us. For more info: www.geobaycoinstampclub.com
Friends of the Wasaga Beach Public Library
Date: The 2nd Wednesday of every month
Location: New Wasaga Stars Arena/Library –ReMAX Room
Please come and join us. For more information on becoming a Friend, email us at fotlwasagabeach@gmail.com, follow us on Facebook at Wasaga Beach Friends of the Library or call the Library at 705-429-5481
Prime Time Singers of Wasaga Beach
Date: Every Monday – 10:00 am – Noon
Location: Prime Time Club at the RecPlex, 1724 Mosley Street.
“If you can sing in the shower, you are good!” Come and join the fun.
Wasaga Artists
Date: Every Tuesday 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm –September thru June
Location: Wasaga Beach RecPlex, Oakview Room – 1724 Mosley St. Enjoy the weekly meetings to paint, draw, socialize, learn & have fun.
Marlwood Dart League
Date: Thursdays 7-9 pm, Jan to April.
Location: Lions Den. The Rec Plex, 1724 Mosley St.
Fun Night of Darts. Play as a spare or join a team. $5.00 per night
To register or for more info email: marlwooddarts@gmail.com or call Ellen: 416909-6229
Cribbage
Date: Tuesdays – 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Location: RecPlex - Prime Time Club, 1724 Mosley Street
All Cribbage players welcome. Please join us for a fun afternoon. New players, if you wish to learn how to play we, can make arrangements to teach you.
Weigh to Go (promoting a healthy lifestyle)
Date: Every Friday morning – 9:15 - 10:00 am
Location: Wasaga Beach Community Presbyterian Church (meeting room) - 208 Mosley St.
Please come and join us. For more info, phone Sue: 705-606-0577
Wasaga Senior Men's SloPitch TeamLooking for new players
Date: Tuesday mornings (Mid-May thru to September)
Location: Wasaga Sports Park – Klondike Park Rd.
We are a men's over 55 SloPitch league. Home games are played at Sports Park, away games played at several Simcoe County parks.
Experience playing baseball is a must. Contact by email: jfthomas7@yahoo.ca
Shoreline Clean-Up – Wasaga Beach Climate
Action Team
Date: Sunday April 21 – 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Beach Area 2 – Parking at Municipal th Lot - 5 Street N.
Coffee With A Historian – Presented by the
Archives
Date:Saturday, April 27 - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Wasaga Beach Archives, 140 Main Street
Stop by the Archives for coffee & to share stories with a local historian and enjoy the exhibits. Coffee provided. For info email: archives@wasagabeach.com or call 705-300-0203.
Archive Hours: Thursday & Friday 9:30 am4:30 pm, Saturday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Wasaga Beach Horticultural Society
Date: Upcoming monthly meeting May 7, 2024
Location: Clearview Community Church, 800 Sunnidale Rd., Wasaga Beach New members welcome - Introductory visit FREE
For more info contact: wasagabeachgardenclub@gmail.com
Art in the Park
Date: June 29,2024, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Location: Wasaga Beach Recplex Gazebo. See Artists in Action. Buy original art by local artists.
Art, Music, Demos and Fun for all!
2nd Annual Central Ontario Arcade & Pinball Fest - presented by Pinball Medics & Pinballrom st Date: Open to public June 1 – 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Location: GNE Grounds - Exhibition Hall - 2220 Fairgrounds Road N. “Play by the Bay!” Cost is $20 per person, cash only at the door day of the show. Kids 10 & under are free. Games are set to free play and included in the admission. Special until May 10: Pre-order/Pre-paid tickets -4 admissions for $60. Order and e-transfer: ontarioarcadeandpinballfest@gmail.com
Great Events & Activities – The Town of Wasaga Beach
See Pages 12 & 13 for all the details.
At a recent town council meeting, (March 28) Town Clerk Nicole Rubli reported to council & residents in attendance and watching remotely, the exciting news of an investment of almost $880,000 in provincial funding that is being awarded to the South Georgian Bay Ontario Health Team, which will support local primary care teams and help increase the number of nurse practitioners providing services at the Town's municipally-operated Medical Clinic.
The funding comes as part of a larger provincial investment of $110 million that aims to support and expand primary-care teams across Ontario.Funding will ow from the Ontario Ministry of Health to the South Georgian Bay Ontario Health Team (SGB OHT), and support a partnership between the SGB OHT, South Georgian Bay Community Health Centre, Georgian Bay Family Health Team and Town of Wasaga Beach to deliver services at the Town's municipallyoperated medical centre and after-hours clinic. The Town's clinic is a fully equipped, turnkey medical ofce featuring six patient examination rooms that was ofcially opened earlier this year, and has continued to expand services and its hours of operation each month.
It was back in June 2023 that Council directed staff to move forward with plans to re-establish a community medical centre and after-hours clinic located at 160 Beck Street that would be funded in part through the municipal portion of proceeds from the local Ontario Lottery & Gaming Commission (OLG) Playtime Casino. A retiring family physician generously donated his Beck Street medical clinic and equipment to the Town of Wasaga Beach, something he calls an "opportunity to give back. It is badly needed. It's a fairly large community that we have, and we have a limited amount of family physicians around, and we need more," said Dr. Joe Greyling.
The fact that the Medical Centre was re-establised by Council, no doubt gave us the opportunity to gain the new nancial support. Specically, the brand new provincial funding will create a “clinic within a clinic”, leveraging the Town's investment in creating a Wasaga Beach Medical Centre and After-Hours Clinic. This will increase the number of nurse practitioners working at the Townoperated facility and introduce new, expanded services including social worker services, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy. The increased stafng and services will continue to support unattached patients from Wasaga Beach and neighbouring communities.
Mayor Brian Smith stated; “the Town of Wasaga Beach welcomes this funding that will support access to primary care in our community. This type of investment signals the ministry's acknowledgement and recognition that primary care clinics are an innovative, essential part of any solution to access-tohealthcare issues that communities across Ontario are facing, including Wasaga Beach. It is also validation for our Council & the Town of Wasaga Beach has been a trailblazer in this regard, launching our municipally-operated Medical Centre and After-Hours Clinic last year, to help deal with a lack of access to family doctors and primary care that impacts so many of our residents,” said Mayor Brian Smith.
“We could not have done it without our incredible partners, including the South Georgian Bay Ontario Health Team, South Georgian Bay Community Health Centre, Georgian Bay Family Health Team, and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation,” added Mayor Smith. “As demand for services at the Town's medical centre continues to grow, this provincial funding is going to help a lot of families in our community and in neighbouring communities.”
For more information on services & hours of the Medical Clinic, please visit: wasagabeach.com/clinic
Although any of us who have visited the new Wasaga Beach Public Library has to be impressed with the amazing facility, it was indeed rewarding to hear the numbers presented to council & the public by Pam Pal, CEO, Director of Library Services, WBPL at a recent council meeting,.
The library had staged a short soft opening weekend on January 27-28 from 15 p.m. The soft opening offered both free skating as well as basic library borrowing services. It provided residents with an opportunity to explore the new building. The electronic counter recorded approximately 3,500 people visiting during the eight-hour period.
Although the library ofcially opened on January 29, work continued to complete the set up of full furnishings, signage, and special features. Working with Town staff, the library developed a number of programs for all ages as part of the Grand Opening Breaking the Ice celebration from February 10-19. Three special musical performances and children's entertainment were organized, as well as school and group tours to bring people to the new building. Visitors were also given the chance to see and experience the new lab spaces and equipment. To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Wasaga Beach, WBPL set up special historical displays in special cabinets. The four displays feature hometown hockey hero Jason Arnott; sports and leisure fun through the years; the history of the town; plus planes, trains and automobiles that set the town apart.
The community's curiosity and interest in the new library facility, services and programs resulted in more than 14,000 visitors to the library in February, a remarkable 241% increase. During the month WBPL gave out 720 new cards, which is 56% of the total number of new cards assigned in the full year of 2023. Staff and community partners offered 89 program opportunities that engaged more than 2,500 people. There were also hundreds of residents, especially families, who took advantage of the self-directed crafts and activities offered in both the children's program room and learning lab. The library's performance in February is an auspicious start to what promises to be an eventful year!
The beach BOOSTER continues to provide community space in every issue for the library to share current news & updates with residents and visitors. See page 17 of this issue.
Joe Bickerstaff
April 15th, 2024
5:30pm - 8:00pm Calling
A new season is upon us, even though the current weather may not feel like it. Let's hope we can get our rides together early this year. “Blue Thunder” is ready
The Cruisers had a wonderful breakfast at The Hive Restaurant on March 13th. Wow, another great turnout for the cruisers I believe it was close to 50, or maybe more.
A really big thank you to The Hive (formerly The Georgian Circle) for opening the doors early for the members. A good time was had by all and the food & service was excellent.
Russ bought the 1963 Chevy Nova SS from Doug Higgs in April of 2018 in Newmarket, Ontario. The car needed some minor corrections. Russ made a few changes to the car, all new body panels, Detroit locker rear end with ratio 3:73.
He rebuilt the 700r4 transmission, replaced the 350 engine and dropped in a 327 with Fitech fuel injected producing about 325 HP. A new gas tank was added to accommodate the Fitech throttle body fuel system. Now with all that power, regular brakes just wouldn't do. Power brakes were a must have, plus new aluminum racing rad with electric fans. The custom interior and that sweet paint, which is one of a kind done by Jerry's Auto Body in Stayner, Ontario. Jerry's Auto Body also did all the fitting of the new panels. Very nice job, Gentlemen!
Russ thinks it's bit of a sleeper but, “Gumby” is a get up and go car. He's not fooling anyone with that sleek lines of that SS era muscle cars. Oh, I almost forgot to mention, Russ did keep the original roof, hood and truck lid. Well done, Russ.
The Nova SS, “is looking fast and is as fast as it looks.” The car is a great cruiser when we are out on the road. (I hope Blue Thunder can keep up this year.)
Well, that's the short version of how “Gumby” came to be living in Wasaga Beach. You can visit “Gumby” every Monday night at Cruisers Corner starting May 13.
April showers bring May flowers and also brings out the Wasaga Beach Cruisers and their finest rides. With over 200 members we invite all to come and enjoy the season with the No. 1 Car Club in Ontario. Monday nights, starting May 13 at Cruisers Corners (formally Stonebridge Gazebo) until Labour Day weekend.
There goes the dinner bell. Talk to 'you all' in May. Things are heating up for the Cruiser's this season. Stay tuned.
“Keep the rubber on the road”
Blue Thunder
A Leap Year baby, also known as a 'leapling', is unique because they are born on February 29th, a date that occurs only once every four years. This rarity sets them apart from individuals born on other days of the year and often leads to a sense of novelty and intrigue surrounding their birthday
At Barrie's Royal Victoria Hospital on Thursday February 29, 2024 at 3:10 pm, baby boy Connor Benson was born, weighing 8 lbs on the dot.
Connor is not only a Leap Year Baby, but indeed a “Beach Baby”, with Mom Laura Borland as our Deputy Clerk at Town Hall and Dad Ryan Benson working with the town's Facilities Department.
Leaplings often celebrate their birthdays in unique ways, embracing the novelty of their rare birth date. Some may hold grand celebrations every four years, while th st other might choose to celebrate on both February 28 and March 1 in non-leap years.
Overall, being a Leap Year baby adds a layer of uniqueness and intrigue to an individual's identity, shaping how they perceive themselves and how others perceive them.
Congratulations to Laura & Ryan, and we welcome the arrival of baby Connor
Joe Bickerstaff
You want to start a garden, but the question is, where does one begin? Choose your gardening space wisely – keeping in mind the type of soil (clay, sandy?) and the amount of natural light and water. The kinds of plants you want to grow will also determine the space and size needed – is it a vegetable garden, or a ower garden?
You've found the perfect spot and want to get going, but there is stuff growing there already! Rule of (green) thumb: Find out what those plants are, then transplant or work around the keepers. You'll have fewer regrets this way … well, so we hear
Once selected, you can choose to dig over the entire area (back breaking work) or you might try the “lasagna method “of gardening. Simply grab some clean cardboard or newspaper and start by layering the cardboard or newspaper over the entire space selected. The cardboard/newspaper starves the covered plants/weeds of light. No light, no photosynthesis. No photosynthesis, the plants die. The paperbased covering is fairly permeable to water and air, helping to keep the soil organisms healthy. Do not use plastic.
Start with a small area if you've never gardened before. Moisten the cardboard/newspaper thoroughly, then loosely top with 20 cm. (about 8 inches) of good planting soil and then top it off with some organic mulch. While the paper/cardboard disintegrates, the underlying plant material (weeds) will decompose, leaving you with weed free ground. Over the next two or three weeks water regularly. One might also start this procedure in the fall in preparation for spring planting. During this time, you might do some research on what plants will grow best in your location.
Which plants to choose? Wasaga Beach, not surprisingly, has very sandy soil, except in the area where an ancient lagoon once existed; there the soil is marl. Whether sand or marl, these soil types require special consideration when choosing plants. Internet advice is easy but won't guarantee that the plants you want are a good match for our conditions.
The best thing to do is come talk to local expert gardeners and shop for plants at our Celebration of Spring and Plant Sale on May 25, 9am to 2pm, in Oakview Woods at the RecPlex. The event is put on by the Wasaga Beach Horticultural Society, which welcomes new members all year round.
Email: wasagabeachgardenclub@gmail.com
Facebook @ wasagabeachhorticulturalsociety
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wasagabeachgardenclub
Congratulations to the staff of our local Scotiabank branch!
JoeBickerstaff
Over ten years ago, Rotary President Elizabeth de Groot spearheaded The annual Easter Hamper project to provide healthy Easter food to local families in need. Since The Wasaga Beach Ministerial Food Bank has been unable to provide Easter meals, The Rotary Club of Wasaga Beach stepped up and worked in concert with The Food Bank.
The Rotary club purchases all the food from local suppliers and gathers with Rotary family members to assemble the hampers the day before distribution day. This hands-on service project allows everyone to get involved and contribute to making a difference in our community
The Wasaga Beach Ministerial Food Bank is one of twenty-five local charities which receives funds from The Rotary Club 's Corvette Lottery, to help them serve their clients throughout the year
The Rotary Easter Hamper project is a wonderful example of how The Rotary Club of Wasaga Beach provides Hope in our Community
Bryan Davies
The children of Wasaga Beach may nally be getting a break. Local students could have the choice of attending a small to medium size catholic school in a few short years. Generations of their predecessors did not have that choice and were forced to spend hours each day on yellow school buses. In a few more years, they may have a second choice if the public board also receives approval for their proposal. The two high school scenarios would almost guarantee that our kids will never have to attend large factory-style high schools plagued with violence and chaos. That is why the approval and successful completion of the bold partnership for the community hub is such a critical development for our community
For several years, the Simcoe County District School Board Has indicated that it has a plan to build a school for more than 1000 students in the distant future. Hundreds of studies conducted over the past 50 years have concluded that schools with more than eight or nine hundred students are bad for students. Researchers embarked on these research projects in the seventies because our society was genuinely concerned about high dropout rates and low graduation rates among high school students throughout the English-speaking world. Some scholars spent most of their professional lives immersed in longitudinal studies on this one subject. Their unanimous conclusions should not be ignored! Instead of focusing on building smaller schools as the research suggests, our decision-makers chose another option. They bought into the idea that "bigger is better." The proponents of this notion believed that the large schools offered the opportunity of more options for students. By offering up to 350 course options when a graduation diploma requires 30 successful course credits, every student can study topics that interest them and that they can succeed in. There are obvious problems with the pursuit of relevance for all - the main one being that a diploma loses credibility with the loss of predictability. Two students with the same diploma can have widely different skill and knowledge levels.
The second point made by proponents of the large school is that larger entities create economies of scale and are therefore more cost effective. That point has never been proven and is always open to debate. For example, when large schools in large school boards experience a high rate of violence within their student body, they proudly point to the many resources they call upon to address the problem. Last year, a neighbouring school board received negative publicity when a gang of girls assaulted a fellow student. School ofcials called in their social work and psychology team to assist staff. These professionals are part of that board's Caring and Safe Schools Department. These positive steps no doubt bring relief to the beleaguered school community and support for the students who need it. But if there were indeed cost savings by building larger buildings, is the cost of these services factored in? What about the human cost? If the smaller school is more successful in preventing such incidents from happening, is that not the crucial factor?
The lived experience of so many of us who worked in education for many years is that the smaller school is more governable. Children have a greater sense of belonging and are more likely to have a positive self-image. In the debate over school size, some will say that they or their children attended large secondary schools and thrived in that environment. The studies afrm that fact. Most students succeed in any school environment. But a greater percentage of students thrive in smaller schools. The good news for Wasaga Beach is that the approval of a catholic school will almost guarantee that our children will eventually have a choice of two schools with fewer than 1000 students in each. Once the rst high school is up and running, the public board will have to scale down its project because fewer students will be available for recruitment. Furthermore, the competition for students between the two schools will pressure both to produce a better product. The partnership between our municipality and the Simcoe-Muskoka Catholic District School Board could not have come at a more opportune time. Let us work together to ensure the successful completion of these projects. Our kids deserve the best after so many years of waiting.
Note: Your comments are appreciated. The column on the origins of the term “Beach Kids” elicited responses which confirmed my personal research and observations. Those were gratefully received. Every effort will be made to respond to your letters. (tochuckandrews@gmail.com)
The Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) had the privilege to attend the Worsley Elementary School for a mini tournament against the girl's volleyball team here Wasaga Beach.
In March, the two teams squared off in a very closely scored match consisting of a best two out of three series. Both teams went point for point with the first game narrowly going to the guest OPP team, which consisted of officers of all ranks.
The Worsley Brigade team took over the second game, ramping up the momentum. The OPP were not able to match their solid play which led to a win for the Brigades and resulted in a tiebreaker
The third and final game ended with the OPP on top due to the girls' kind generosity and incredible sportsmanship.
The outcome was a huge success thanks to the efforts of all who attended and participated, especially the friends and family cheering everyone on.
The Huronia West OPP would like to extend their gratitude for being included in such an incredible event and look forward to the rematch.
Go Brigade!
In October 2013, Andrea Koenigs of Wasaga Beach attained her license as a Paralegal with the Law Society of Ontario, marking a significant milestone in her legal career journey. With a passion for justice and a keen eye for detail, she embarked on her professional path, equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of the legal system.
th Fast forward to March 14 of this year as Andrea celebrated the official Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of Expedited Paralegal & Notary Services in council chambers, with members of council gathered to commemorate this momentous occasion. It was a culmination of years of
dedication and hard work, a testament to her unwavering commitment to providing exceptional legal services to the community
As she stood amidst the well-wishers, she reflected on the journey that led her to this point – the late nights spent studying, the challenges overcome, and the invaluable support of her mentors and peers.
With Expedited Paralegal & Notary Services now open, she looks forward to serving her clients with professionalism, integrity, and efficiency, continuing to uphold the highest standards of legal practice.
Andrea chose the name "Expedited" Paralegal & Notary Service as a reflection of the service she continues to provide. With same-day or next-day appointments available, she pledges to let her clients know that they are her main priority. Her motto, "Can't come to us, we will come to you," signifies her all-inclusive nature and dedication to meeting her clients' needs.
Andrea can be reached at her Wasaga Beach office by calling 705-279-7332 or by visiting: www.expeditedparalegalandnotary.services
In June 2023 I was on the phone with a girl I'd never met for only 4 hours, and we decided to go on an adventure to India (Feb 5 – March 3, 2024) where we would share a room! We were both chasing the opportunity to see leopards, lions, tigers, and snow leopards in the wild.
th We met on Feb 4 and the next day on our drive to the airport we spotted a snowy owl before embarking on what was soon to become a truly blessed trip, that my bank account will hopefully recover from one day
I want to thank everyone who donated, bought a book, came to paint night, bought a photo, and gave me positive vibes for this trip. I will get into more detail about some of the stories in later articles, but this trip started with a visit to the Himalayan mountains where we found a snow leopard hunting, a mother with two cubs and a mating pair. Six snow leopards in the wild. WOW! I only wished they were closer, but this was an epic start to our trip.
We headed to warmer climates to visit with one female tiger for four hours as she cleaned herself, backed into the water for a drink, and walks towards us on a potential hunt. This is the animal most people come to India to see, and I'm hoping to lead trips there next year
Andrea saw ten leopards but I only saw nine leopards. We were both moved by this one encounter with a mom and her two four-month-old cubs playing. We saw three species of owls, two were a mating pair and we even saw a mom Sloth Bear with cubs. Our trip ended with seventeen lions. It seems most people don't realize that lions live in India. We had a potentially scary encounter with these six lions eating breakfast and a seventh came to try his luck. After a quick battle he left. Shortly after we moved on as well, until our vehicle broke down just around the bend. This could have turned bad quickly, but we did get safely moving eventually
This trip was fantastic. The food was delicious, the people were awesome, and the animals showed up. I was thinking it couldn't get any better... when the opportunity to present to the locals about my wildlife adventures occurred, and this was a blessed moment. I had a lady translate for me to the local language of Gujarati for some, as this presented for kids aged 3 to 80 plus.
We decided to add a day to our cat adventure before we left, and getting to see the Taj Mahal was breathtaking.
There are videos of these experiences and more from this amazing trip on my YouTube channel @JASONGEORGEPHOTOGRAPHY hang with lions as they eat and drink, chill with snow leopards cubs, get close to a tiger, explore the Taj Mahal and so much more.
Subscribe so you don't miss out!! Until next time, stay safe, have fun, and enjoy the wildlife!
Jason GeorgeThe Rain Barrel Solution: Saving Water for a Sustainable Future
Water, the elixir of life, is essential for all living beings on our planet.Yet, despite its significance, freshwater resources are finite and increasingly threatened by climate change, pollution, and overuse. In this era of environmental consciousness, the imperative to save and conserve water has never been more critical.Among the various solutions, the humble rain barrel emerges as a simple yet powerful tool in our individual arsenal against water scarcity and environmental degradation.
Conserving water is imperative for numerous reasons, foremost being the preservation of ecosystems. Freshwater ecosystems, from rivers to wetlands, are delicate environments supporting diverse flora and fauna. By reducing water consumption, we mitigate the depletion of these habitats and safeguard biodiversity. Furthermore, saving water also helps in mitigating the effects of drought, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. Conserved water can be used during dry spells to maintain landscapes, support agriculture, and ensure adequate water supply for communities.
Rain Barrel Fact
Did you know?
One of the simplest and most effective methods of water conservation is the use of rain barrels. Rain barrels collect and store r ainwater runoff from rooftops, which would otherwise flow into storm drains, carrying pollutants and contributing to urban flooding. By capturing this water, r ain barrels not only reduce strain on municipal water supplies but also help prevent erosion and contamination of water bodies.Additionally, harvested r ainwater is free from the chemicals present in treated water, making it ideal f or various non-potable uses such as gardening, lawn irrigation, and washing cars.
Asingle rain barrel can save over 1000 gallons or 3785 litres of water during peak summer months!
Moreover, rain barrels play a crucial role in promoting self-sufficiency and resilience at the individual and community levels. By harnessing rainwater, households can reduce their reliance on centralized water systems, thereby lowering water bills and easing pressure on infrastructure. In times of water scarcity or emergencies, stored rainwater provides a valuable backup source, ensuring continuity of essential water-related activities.At the community level, initiatives encouraging the widespread adoption of rain barrels can contribute significantly to local water conservation efforts and foster a sense of collective responsibility towards environmental stewardship.
Furthermore, the benefits of rain barrels extend beyond water conservation to include environmental sustainability and climate resilience. By reducing the demand for treated water, rain barrels lower energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with water treatment and distribution As climate change intensifies, integrating rain barrels into water management strategies becomes increasingly vital for building resilience against shifting precipitation patterns and water scarcity
In summary, the imperative to save and conserve water has never been more pressing, given the myriad challenges posed by climate change and population growth. In this context, rain barrels emerge as a simple yet effective solution for individuals and communities to contribute towards water conservation efforts. By capturing and utilizing rainwater, rain barrels not only reduce strain on water supplies but also promote environmental sustainability, resilience, and selfsufficiency. Embracing rainwater harvesting through the widespread adoption of rain barrels is a crucial step towards ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Wasaga Beach ClimateAction Team is launching its annual rain barrel fundraising sale: purchase a rain barrel starting at $55.00 and receive a $30 water conservation rebate on your Wasaga Beach water bill.
To order online: go to our website or scan this QR code, and pick-up your barrel at the Wasaga Beach st RecPlex on June 1 https://wasagabeachclimateaction.com/rain-barrel-fundraising-sale-2024
LOCALACTIONS PRODUCE GLOBALIMPACT – ENGAGE WITH WASAGA BEACH CLIMATEACTION TEAM wasagabeachclimateaction.com info@wasagabeachclimateaction.com
Although we boast acres upon acres of beautiful provincial and municipal park space in Wasaga Beach (approximately 30% of our town is part of the Wasaga Beach Provincial Park), it's rewarding to see smaller neighbourhood parks and playgrounds being upgraded, with new ones being created. Playground equipment encourages children to be active, helping them develop motor skills and stay healthy
Smaller neighbourhood parks and playgrounds can enhance property values and attract businesses and tourists to an area. They contribute to the overall attractiveness and livability of a neighbourhood, making it more desirable for residents and visitors alike.
The Mills Park playground at Town Hall, with its recently upgraded, modern equipment, seems to be in constant use, with families and children of all ages enjoying the fun, motivational, and perhaps challenging activities offered.
A newly created, welcoming municipal park and playground at New Wasaga Beach (River Rd. E. at Albert Street) is now more active since the snow has disappeared. Although there are some final landscaping touches to be completed, the activity structures are inviting for children of all abilities and certainly fun for adults to enjoy the laughter and fun being exhibited by all using the playground.
At the recent March meeting of the council, the renewal of William Arnill Park Playground was discussed, and council unanimously voted to move forward. The playground is located at 95 Wasaga Sands Drive and was originally constructed in 2006. There are no financial implications with this renewal project, as the total cost for the playground replacement is within the approved budget amount and aligns with Council Priority #26 (Park Rehabilitation + Development) as the council continues to prioritize and make strong investments in community spaces, such as parkland.
Overall, community parks and playgrounds are essential components of vibrant and healthy communities, offering numerous benefits to residents in terms of physical health, social connections, mental well-being, and environmental sustainability. We applaud the current council for considering these factors as they continue to check off items on their Council Priorities list.
See a list of municipal parks & playgrounds here: https://parks.wasagabeach.com/
Joe Bickerstaff
A group of dedicated individuals has been quietly but steadfastly championing literacy and community engagement for years. The Wasaga Beach Friends of the Library, a non-prot organization closely aligned with the Wasaga Beach Public Library (WBPL), stands as a shining example of community-driven support for education and culture.
The Friends of the Library play a crucial role in enriching the resources and programs offered by the WBPL. Their contributions, both in terms of volunteer efforts and nancial support, have helped elevate the library's offerings to greater heights. From funding library resource acquisitions to sponsoring events and programs, their impact reverberates throughout the community
One of the notable contributions of the Friends of the Library is their support for the TD Summer Reading Club School Challenge, a vital initiative aimed at combating the "summer slide" in children's reading skills. Having contributed over $4,000, they have fueled this friendly competition among local elementary schools, enabling them to provide valuable resources and cash prizes to the top-performing schools – $1,500 for rst place, $1,000 for second place, and $750 for third place, which are utilized to enhance school libraries with new literacy materials. Additionally, individual prizes incentivize top readers, fostering a love for reading and ensuring the initiative's lasting impact extends beyond the competition itself
In addition to their ongoing efforts in support of literacy, the Friends of the Library are preparing for their Mother’s Day Spring Tea event on May 5th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the WBPL's Remax Room, promising sophistication and charm. Guests will enjoy nger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, sweet treats, and ne teas while being serenaded by utist Leslie Joosten and inspired by guest speaker Simcoe County Master Gardener Pat Cook. Exciting games, prizes, and a special gift will round out the celebration. Tickets priced at $30 are available at the Wasaga Beach Library, Veronica’s Flowers, and IDA
The Friends are also gearing up for their annual Spring Book Sale. Set to take place from May 17th to May 19th, taking place at 148 Silver Birch Avenue. This sale promises literary treasures for book enthusiasts. Whether you're searching for hidden gems or literary classics, there is something for everyone. Best of all, every purchase made contributes to the funding of library programs and services, furthering the Friends' mission of enriching the community through literacy
The Friends of the Library will be generously donating a stained glass art installation to commemorate the opening of WBPL’s new facility in 2024. Inspired by the library’s values and mission, the artwork features four panels symbolizing aspects of literacy and modern communication: ‘Handwriting,’ ‘Books,’ ‘Braille,’ and a ‘QR Code.’ This artwork highlights the enduring importance of handwritten communication, the timeless relevance of books, a commitment to accessibility through Braille, and the digital era represented by a QR code. Additionally, it recognizes the invaluable contribution of the Friends of the Library committee to the community and the arts. The installation will be available for the public to view in the coming weeks.
As we celebrate the contributions of the Friends of the Library, let us also recognize the profound impact of their dedication and generosity on the community of Wasaga Beach. Through their tireless advocacy and support, they continue to sow the seeds of knowledge, imagination, and connection, enriching lives and shaping futures for generations to come.
The Wasaga Beach Friends of the Library always welcome community members to join them in their efforts to promote literacy and community engagement. Whether through attending events, volunteering, or becoming a member, there are numerous ways to show support for this invaluable organization.
Kyle Young Community Relations Assistant705.429.5481 x2406
communityrelations.wbpl@wasagabeach.com
My friend Paul Bryce, one of the butchers at the Superstore, introduced me to the technique of rolling and cutting these little gems. The brisket points because of their odd wedge shape, and high fat content are ideal for this recipe. Smaller and thinner than the brisket flats they are often considered less desirable, but due to their smaller size, they tend to have a larger surface area resulting in more carmamelization and browning, which leads to a richer and more intense flavor. They are much easier to portion as well and the cooking time is greatly reduced.
A bit of skill is required in tying the roast so if you are not sure just ask your butcher if he will do it for you.
1 brisket point, about 3 lb.
2 cups of beef stock
2 oz red wine
1 onion diced
2 tbsp cracked peppercorns
1 tbsp coarse salt
2 oz balsamic vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch diluted in a tbsp of water
With a knife even out the roast and flatten it out into a square so that it can be rolled. Trim off any excess fat and sinew
Tie the brisket roast off about every 2 inches with butchers twine. ( or however thick you would like your steaks)
Cut the steaks between the twine. Leave the twine on during the cooking process to keep them together. Once they are cooked they will hold together
Rub the Peppercorn and salt on the steaks
Sear both sides in a cast iron pan until the meat is lightly carmalized. Place in an 8" x 8" pan. Add the beef stock
Cover with tinfoil and bake at 280 -300 degrees for 1 1/2 - 2 hours until fork tender
Remove from the pan and keep warm.
In the pan with which you seared your steaks, add the chopped onion and sautee until clear, add the tsp of sugar, 2oz red wine and the balsamic vinegar and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the liquid from your baking pan and thicken with the cornstarch. Adjust the seasoning and spoon onto the meat.
Cabin Fever provided the Wasaga Beach Ministerial Food Bank with $1810 from ticket sales and donations and is a good start to the series of fun planned for 2024.
On March 21st Wild Wing Wasaga Beach became the cabin in Cabin Fever. Event Chair, Gail Bunting told us, "We work hard to put the fun into fundraising, with the ght against food insecurity as the mandate. We also aim to support our local business venues and create a vibrant community through events such as this one.”
Next up - a Nine & Dine Golf Tournament on June 20th and the Biggest Beach Birthday Bash celebrating the town's 50th anniversary on July 25h (rain date July 26th)
More details at www.beachbite.ca
Sports stories from the Georgian Bay
The Georgian Bay Sports Club (GBSC) is thrilled to announce the kickoff of its most extensive summer soccer program yet, starting this May
Spanning from mid-May through mid-August, the summer soccer program is the largest league format in the club's history. It features four 7v7 soccer programs: Competitive Coed, Recreational Coed, Men's League, and the 40+ Coed division. The leagues, which are already 80% full, will take place at Pretty River Academy turf with 12 weeks of league play followed by two weeks of playoffs.
GBSC Founder Chris Brittain told Georgian Sports News: "We are delighted to be back for another year on the field. Our programs are more extensive than ever before and we believe there is a little something for everyone.”
"As GBSC expands, we aim to offer our vibrant community the chance to engage in sports alongside similar-minded adults. We welcome any suggestions or requests for upcoming programs.”
For more details on the program and to secure your spot, please visit: https://www.georgianbaysportsclub.com/summer2024
Mike Miller is a real "Beach Guy", growing up in Wasaga Beach with deep family roots in the area. Mike’s a collector & custodian of news stories, videos & photos of our long & rich history. Follow Mike’s “Memories of my Town - Wasaga Beach” page on Facebook.
In 1968, the Wasaga Beach Minor Hockey Association came up with the idea of building a community-owned arena. When those plans fell apart, a partnership made up of Bob Cameron, Doug Anstey, Jim Arnott, Alf Stone, Archie Gould and Bill Oldfield was formed to fund-raise and create a privately-owned arena. It was estimated that the arena would cost a total of $300,000 to build, which was a huge commitment in the early 1970's for a small village to undertake. But the dream became a reality, and the Wasaga Stars Arena was officially opened on May 12, 1973, with many dignitaries attending including Dr. Gus Mitges, M.P. for Simcoe County, Earl Elliott, Reeve for Flos Township and Wasaga Beach Village Reeve Clair Robertson. The arena was subsequently purchased by the Town in 1977 with the help of grants from the Ministry of Culture and Recreation, Wintario and a huge pledge drive hosted by the Wasaga Beach Lions and Kinsmen.
The excitement of this special Anniversary Year will be heightened with news about the planned Spring Public Information Meeting regarding our future beachfront development, presented by FRAM and the town. We also anticipate positive news from the province regarding the Community Hub, High School, Cultural Centre, and more, bringing us what we've needed for decades, sooner rather than later We'll be sharing the positive results from the Doctor Recruitment process the town staff has been committed to, and introducing you to the new doctor who is looking forward to meeting and welcoming new patients in Wasaga Beach.
The town's Special Events team will have some announcements about an amazing lineup of events and entertainment coming to The Beach this summer, starting with an exciting weekend of fun for the Summer Launch event on Victoria Day Weekend. Other popular events are planning to return to Wasaga Beach this year, including Not So Pro Volleyball and the 2nd Annual Central Ontario Arcade & Pinball Fest.
The Wasaga Beach Cruisers will be starting up their Monday night shows at “Cruisers' Corner” in Stonebridge Town Centre on May 13, and we hope to see another “Beach Cruise” happening on Beach Drive.
Beachfront businesses are gearing up for another year of 'fun in the sun,' and we look forward to some great entertainment and community events happening at the Beach Bar, overlooking our 'World's Longest Freshwater Beach'!
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