beach BOOSTER (#207) - September 2023

Proactive Coordinated Actions gave us a Great Long Weekend

See Page 4

It was a beautiful evening with warm temps and calm waters on the bay, as the excitement grew among the crowd gathering on Beach Drive for the Memories of Summer event on Labour Day Weekend. Thousands made their way to the sand, placing beach chairs in anticipation of the great bands about to take to the stage. The VIP area was a sell out and the ticket holders all enjoyed the special viewing areas provided. Beach Drive was standing room only as more and more people filled the area. A line of boats anchored off shore were ready to enjoy the show, with some folks wading into the shallow water to be closer to the action. As the opening act, The Carpet Frogs took to the stage, all were enjoying the fun, friendly beachfront atmosphere. The band did not disappoint, as the evening continued and residents & visitors mingled and

laughed together. When the featured act, April Wine arrived on stage, the well behaved but fun loving crowd erupted in cheers as if to welcome the band to Wasaga Beach. It was a great performance enjoyed by all, as the much loved songs kept people dancing and singing along.

With unofficial estimates of 8,000 plus people attending, this is sure to be a memorable Wasaga Beach event, and we thank all involved in making it happen, plus congratulate the coordinated efforts of so many to keep our weekend fun, safe and enjoyable for all.

Joe Bickerstaff

Stage Photos by Bryan Davies Photography

Crowd Photo by Marty Frampton

or “Oowatanite, everything’ll be alright”

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 905-703-6248 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

Social club for retired or semi-retired men of all walks of life meet for coffee, meetings & guest speakers. Non-fundraising. Nonpolitical. Non-sectarian. Sponsor quests welcome. Contact Rick at 705-351-2096.

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

Friends of the Wasaga Beach Public Library

Date: The 2nd Wednesday of every month

Location: Meeting Room, Wasaga Beach Library - 120 Glenwood Dr.

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

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

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

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.

Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues

Festival

Date: Septmeber 15, 16 & 17

Location: Stonebridge Town Centre, Main Street.

The 11th year for this great 3 day event. See more info at www.wasagabeachblues.com

Wasaga Beach Terry Fox Run

Date: September 17 – Registration 8:30 am

– Start 10:00 am

Location: New BA1 Stage Area at Main st Beach (at 1 Street)

People around the world will put one foot in front of the other in the name of Terry Fox.

Local participants will be collecting pledges and will be running or walking a 10km, 5km, or a 1km route. See info here: run.terryfox.ca/28241

Murder Mystery and Dessert

"Food Is To Die For In Lockhart Hall" presented by Wasaga Beach United Church

Thespians

Date: Sunday September 24 – 2:00 pm

Location: Wasaga Beach United Church, 380 Zoo Park Road

Back by popular demand. this special afternoon show promises to be a lot of fun.

Dessert is also included included in the ticket price. Put your sleuthing skills to the test and see if you could solve this mystery. Tickets are $10.00 each.

Reserve your tickets today.

Call 705-429-7835

We are fully wheelchair accessible and have plenty of parking.

Hootenanny

Date: Saturday October 7 – 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Location: Wasaga Beach RecPlex, 1724 Mosley Street.

Summer may be done but the party isn't over in Wasaga Beach, it's Hootenanny season! In celebration of fall, we bring out the hay bales, don our denim, and prepare for a rootin', tootin', good time! Live music, petting zoo, dog parade, axe throwing and local delights at our vendors market are the name of the game of Hootenanny, October 7th, 2023!

On September 1st, we asked Francine Sioen who was visiting Wasaga Beach from Burford Ontario, to draw the winning entries for our Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues Festival Contest.

The following lucky WINNERS received a PAIR OF WEEKEND PASSES for the 3 day event, PLUS a cool Beach BOOSTER T-Shirt.

Congratulations to:

Andrea Dolegowsk

Lisanne Brumpton

Greg Riddell

Leanne Lai

Chris Maitland

Photo by Beach BOOSTER Media Group

The So Long Summer Red Party was a fun fundraiser held at The Beach Bar, over looking the Main Beach, to celebrate the end of an awesome summer in Wasaga Beach!

Proceeds from evening are to support My Friend's House and the amazing care they provide to so many who need it.

The event was initiated & organized by Deputy Mayor Tanya Snell and Councillor Richard White, to offer local support to My Friend's House. 25% of the client base for the institution and the services they provide come from Wasaga Beach.

Karaoke, amazing music provided by DJ Nation and a Photo Booth kept the fun going, as well as a live auction and some exciting prizes donated by generous sponsors. In support of the fund-raising theme, the fun loving crowd wore their red hats, shirts and pants. The Wasaga Beach Fire Chief and his

Recently, the Wasaga Beach Corvette Club presented 5 cheques to local organizations. Representatives from some of the organizations met with club members at Campbell House in Collingwood for the presentation. The money was raised at the club's annual Spring Fling Corvette Show held at Stonebridge Town Centre in May. The Spring Fling is a fun filled day with over 100 Corvettes to look at, live bands, a BBQ, prizes, and a draw.

This year, with the help of our Corvette Community and our local community, the club raised enough money to donate $1,250.00 to each of the following organizations. My Friend's House, Campbell House, Georgian Triangle Humane Society, Collingwood General and Marine Hospital and the Wasaga Beach Youth Centre.

Planning has already started for Spring Fling 2024. Be sure to mark this great event on your calendars, May 26,2024.

crew tried on their red shoes in advance of the Red Shoe Walk in Collingwood, some stepping out on to the dance floor. The fun decor included giant red flipflops, created with material donated by Home Depot. Over $6,500.00 was raised and will be donated to My Friend's House.

Organizers and volunteers who made this great event happen are committed to supporting My Friend's House and their signature fundraising event, the Red Shoe Walk in Collingwood. My Friend's House continues to provide a safe refuge and outreach support for so many women and children in The Beach and surrounding area.

Bryan Davies

Photos by Bryan Davies Photography

Accepting the cheques are (l-r): Brad Miller & Melissa Davis of Georgian General & Marine Hospital, Jane Truemner of My Friends House, Lisa Stucke of Georgian Triangle Humane Society, Sandra Sullivan of Campbell House Hospice & Megan Haskett of the Wasaga Beach Youth Centre.

Photo by Beach BOOSTER Media Group

We all know by my title this issue, it's time to start preparing for the unavoidable, getting our vehicles ready for the big sleep. In the meantime, let's go for a drive again.

I stop and think to myself just how great the Wasaga Beach Cruisers and it's members have become. I included the word “members” because they are biggest part of the whole statement. I've said it before, our members are

always there when needed to do volunteer duties for our community support. Thanks to everyone who attended the volunteer dinner. Bravo everyone. For those of you who don't know, the year started out with a couple of visits to local retirement homes. A Lilac Tour with lunch in beautiful downtown Primrose, Ontario. More tours planned and visits to retirement homes. The Fun Run was a little wet, but still a great success on the day. See you all again next year.

Moving on down the road, the club had a great Mystery Tour of the country side over to Orillia, with supper at the Regional Airport restaurant Tail Winds. These people sure know how to service their guests. Great food with an awesome view of the lake and airport. I believe everyone left there with smiles on their faces and a happy tummy.

The Wasaga Beach Cruisers enjoyed being a part of the Gathering of the Classics at the Edenvale Aerodrome. The club supported the museum by organizing the car show for them. The rain date was used and we had a turnout of 350 vehicles. Our volunteers made the day run smoothly.

Then there is the Grey Hair Tour of 2023. Port Elgin was our destination. Along the way, we stopped for two garage tours on the first day. An evening out, we had dinner at a local golf club with our guest speaker, Mr. Steven Plunkett. Mr. Plunkett has an extensive collection of G.M. production vehicles. Some are one ofs.

Mr. Plunkett brought along his 1936 Cadillac Pheateon. This is an open car (no side windows). As elegant as the car is, I'm sure you would be wrapped up in a fur to keep warm. Thanks Steven. I'm sure the club will meet with you again.

Day two we were off on a Poker Run through the country side. Dinner was at Charlie's trailer park. Happy tummies here for sure. Some great entertainment supplied by our roaming Midland Tour Group. They are an awesome group.

True colours are flourishing all around us. It's a wonderful time of the year for a colour tour. Members can look forward to another unique ride, maybe a lunch stop. Only the event coordinator knows for sure. Stay tuned, it will be a good time for all assured.

Coming up soon will be the club Christmas Party. Date to be set. Will let you know next month.

Members have more fun. Come and join us.

Although the long Labour Day weekend started out with many anxious about the threat of yet another unsanctioned car rally taking place in Wasaga Beach, we were all relieved when the weekend progressed as a happy, fun filled long weekend to mark the unofficial end of summer

Some road closures took place as early as Wednesday and some check points were set up by Thursday prior to the weekend. Some residents in town, who perhaps were not aware of the mayhem that took place during the previous illegal rallies, questioned the cooperative actions taken by the OPP, Town Bylaw and others. Others criticized the actions as hurting our image as a tourist town.

On the Sunday of the weekend, the day of the eagerly anticipated Memories of Summer event at our Main Beach, featuring The Carpet Frogs and Canadian legends, April Wine, Town Hall issued a much welcomed Media Release.

We were informed that in the early morning hours of Sunday, thanks to a highly coordinated effort, approximately 500 vehicles that had met in a neighbouring community to take part in the illegal and unsanctioned rally here in The Beach, were proactively dispersed. Although a small group of vehicles were able to enter the town, any illegal activity was safety and quickly addressed.

Fire Chief and Municipal Emergency Operations Centre Director Craig Williams said; “the coordinated efforts of the municipality & OPP prevented a large number of car rally participants from entering our community,”

Mayor Brian Smith, on behalf of the Town and Council is also thanking local residents, businesses and visitors for their continued cooperation. “Any time the Town of Wasaga Beach and our law enforcement partners become aware of illegal activity that may be heading our way, Wasaga Beach residents, businesses and visitors can be assured we have a plan to keep our residents, visitors and first responders as safe as possible,” the mayor said. “Last night, that plan worked thanks to incredible teamwork and coordination between our municipal law enforcement officers, fire department, Simcoe County Paramedics, OPP and Ontario Parks wardens, and to the incredible cooperation, patience and understanding of our residents and visitors on one of the busiest long weekends of the summer.”

As one of the many who witnessed the previous rally weekends and the wanton destruction of private & public property, including police vehicles, and the dangerous, smoke filled, tire squealing actions in multiple parking lots throughout town and on our streets, I can assure you of the terror of many during those “take over” events. No town wants or deserves these selfish and inconsiderate actions to take place, especially a town with a history of being a fun family place. I too applaud the cooperation of the many who helped keep our town safe, in order for so many residents & visitors to enjoy a truly wonderful long weekend of fun in The Beach.

Joe Bickerstaff

Communication Stations allow children that are verbal, nonverbal, or speak a different language to express their wants and needs

th On August 10 , members of Council, Staff, the public and the Accessibility Advisory Committee were in attendance at the Mills Park Municipal Playground to unveil the new Communication Stations which will be placed at all town owned playgrounds in the coming weeks.

“On behalf of the Town and Council, I want to thank the members of our Accessibility Advisory Committee for the important work that they are doing to help us build a more inclusive, diverse and complete community. I also want to thank Ms. Jennifer Harvey for bringing this idea to our attention,” said Mayor Brian Smith.” By incorporating these stations into our community's outdoor play areas, the Town of Wasaga Beach and Council hopes to foster a more inclusive environment, where children with diverse backgrounds who speak different languages or face other barriers to verbal communication, can interact and enjoy playtime together.

The communication stations allow children that are verbal, nonverbal, or speak a different language to express their wants and needs to whomever they're engaging with on the playground. By pointing to a symbol or a series of symbols, a communication partner is able to convey meaning and engage in a conversation.

There are 13 public/municipal playgrounds within Town that are covered under this initiative including:

- Batteaux Park (Oxbow Park Drive)

- Blueberry Trail Central (Blueberry Trail)

- Chase Family Park (Sunward Drive)

- Deer Trail Park (Fernbrook Drive)

- Glendale Park (Glen Eton Road)

- Mills Park (Town Hall)

- Oakview Woods Sports Park Complex (Mosley Street)

- Red Oak Park (Knox Road West)

- Redberry Park (Meadowood Drive)

- Wasaga Estates Park (Leo Boulevard)

- Wasaga Sports Park (Klondike Park Road)

- Wasaga Village Park (White Sands Way)

- William Arnill Memorial Park (Wasaga Sands Drive)

About the ACC:

The Town's Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) is committed to advising and assisting the Town and Council in promoting, developing and facilitating a barrier-free community with a goal to improve the quality of life for those with disabilities. The AAC promotes accessibility within the community to increase education and awareness.

MassiveAnnualCommunityYardSaleAnotherGreatSuccess

With everything from Christmas décor to a snow blower, to custom made bird houses, it was hard to find a space that wasn't overflowing with donations at the Wasaga Beach United Church. Tables were laden with glassware, jewellery, purses, household items, books, DVDs and much more.

The day prior to the big event, over 30 church volunteers unloaded, sorted, and set up hundreds of items for the massive yard sale Saturday August 12th. Volunteers stood by to assist shoppers as they sought out treasurers on Saturday morning.

It's not only a church activity, but also a community activity. The Wasaga Beach United Church Yard Sale was well attended again this year, and people were lined up ready to come in at 7:30 a.m. that morning for the sale, which began at 8 am. The rain didn't damper the approximate 500 individuals who came out and supported this successful fund-raising event which raised approximately

$4,600. Proceeds from the yard sale helps with needed renovations and supporting outreach programs such as Embers, AA, and Alzheimer support groups.

Any items that didn't sell on Saturday were donated to other charities such as the Humane Society, Kidney Foundation with bedding and linens donated to overseas charities. There was nothing that went to landfill.

The following Monday, the church hosted their monthly dinner to 127 guests. For $20.00 dinner included chicken kebabs, potato salad, coleslaw, bread, dessert and tea and coffee. These dinners are open to the community every month and are enjoyed by everyone.

Congratulations to all at the Wasaga Beach United Church on your great community events.

Over 30 volunteers from the Wasaga Beach United Church prepared for the big day, sorting, organizing and displaying the thousands of items up for sale.

Photos by Beach BOOSTER Media Group

How to get tourists to not only come to Wasaga Beach, but then want to stay and come back for more? A local Bed & Breakfast (B&B) might have answered that question, offering a style of accommodations that can not be found anywhere else.

Board the Boat B&B offers guests everything one would want in a top level guest experience, and goes beyond in every aspect of a guest's stay to make their memory of Wasaga Beach one that captures their heart.

Owner and operator Cathy Lane is what makes this unique property so special, firstly with her amazing creative design ideas and concepts, then being able to make them happen in the most appealing way, embracing all aspects of the theme, while recognizing history, nature and the beauty of the landscape.

Prior to opening the B&B, Cathy owned Panache Design Works (PDW) which specialized in special event decor. PDW styled both both corporate and private events and was the preferred supplier for Blue Mountain Resorts . PDW was responsible for all outdoor displays, retail operations, streetscapes, seasonal decor, sales events, including the hotel, all public spaces and surrounding residential developments. Cathy was also responsible for the decor at many Fortune 500 company's events and PDW had a long list of private clients including Wayne Gretzky, Marilyn Denis and Andrea Canning. Cathy designed and installed event decor for 20 years before selling her company and then teaching decor in most major cities in the USA. It was her love of the Wasaga Beach area that brought her here, to purchase the B&B property and turn it into a truly unique oasis.

Board the Boat has several “studio suites”, all with a unique theme. Each studio is self contained and well appointed with all the luxury features of a top hotel including private entrances, full kitchen, top appliances and coffee machines, living room with fireplaces, beautiful bedroom, high speed internet, big bathrooms, bathrobes and slippers, luxury linens and towels, towel warmers, handmade soaps, shampoos and lotions.

Guests can jump into a cold plunge pool, soak in a huge Jacuzzi hot tub, BBQ under a covered outdoor dining area with a huge harvest table, have a glass of wine in the grain bin silo, relax by the fountains or roast marshmallows in a fantastic fire-pit. The night is a magical time when the property lights up with different chandeliers and candle lights, all designed and installed by Cathy.

Vintage bikes, lemonade stand, s'more stations, outdoor games, blankets, beach towels are all there for guests to use while enjoying the property and the incredible beach just steps away!

Located in a charming historical neighbourhood, but with easy access to stores, restaurants, beaches, hiking & biking trails and the new Wasaga Beach casino, Board the Boat offers all the luxury one deserves, while providing a visually inspiring design that captures nature and history, and is sure to make fantastic memories of Wasaga Beach that will last a lifetime.

Board the Boat B&B is located at 7 Simcoe Street in Wasaga Beach. Phone # 705-441-0250. See more info and photos at www.boardtheboatbnb.com .

Joe Bickerstaff

The big heart of the Stonebridge by The Bay community was once again on full display this year as over 150 residents gathered mid August for the 10th annual Stonebridge Street Party

Dance by Design is known as the largest and most successful Dance Studio for Children's Dance located in th Wasaga Beach now celebrating their 20 Anniversary

Director Miss Sonia Metheral founded and opened the doors of Dance by Design Studios 20 years ago with one mission, and that was to ensure good solid dance training was offered to everyone who walked through the doors. She kept the outside of the original building the same so it sat uniquely and comfortably in its environment surrounded by lush forests but transformed the inside of the building into studio spaces showcasing a modern and chic vibe for dancers to enjoy. Dance by Design is a fun, creative positive space for children to learn team building skills, how to overcome obstacles and rebuild their confidence through dance.

Understanding that “Anything Is Possible If You Believe Nothing Is Impossible!”

Nearly 150 pounds of food was generously donated by developer Mark Crowe, and community volunteers manned the BBQs for a burger and hot dog extravaganza. There were prizes for best decorated table, music for dancing, a sizeable 50/50 draw and some terrific door prizes donated by local businesses. As usual, all net proceeds (nearly $1,500) were passed on to local charities including the Wasaga Beach Ministerial Food Bank and the Collingwood General & Marine MRI fundraiser. The Stonebridge Street Party has donated in excess of $10,000 to local charities during its lifetime.

Why is Dance by Design so popular and successful? The Faculty! The teachers are incredibly knowledgeable and their quality of expertise combined is unmatched, which is the magic of this locally owned and operated Dance Studio. The owner Miss Sonia was solely trained by the astute Joanne Chapman, a Master in the dance industry, along with Royal Academy of Dance, Dance Masters of America and BATD (British Academy Of Dance). Over the next 3 weeks Miss Sonia will soon receive the highest Certification offered in Dance today and she looks forward to sharing her knowledge with all students.

Dance by Design School of Dance has an increased enrolment of dancers travelling for training at the studio from as far as Midland, Angus, Barrie and a large community of dancers from Stayner and Collingwood looking for strong dance training they join the existing community base from Wasaga Beach, and together the talent is incredible and the dancers growth commendable. The studios Babies & Beyond Kinder Program helps little ones learn their first grooves and find their own independence as they fall in love with dance along the way. Babies and Beyond Kinder Classes are very popular and register full as they are priced economically for families. The Recreational program is fantastic offering a super Theatre Program for children led by an Accomplished Award Winning Theatre Director part of ACTRA & Drayton Theatre.

Wedding dances have been a specialty of the studio choreographing first dances for NHL Conditioning Coach and his wife, a judge in Barrie and over 30 other couples and wedding parties combined in the last year and a half. Why so many? It is the creative edge and focus to detail of each individual couple. As everyone knows you only have one chance to get it perfectly right for that magical day. Consultations are free and price is generally set to fit the couples budget accordingly.

Dance by Design has provided programming for every school in Wasaga Beach, Elmvale, Stayner, Creemore, Collingwood and even Midland and Barrie, and can't wait to get started again this season with the new Adult Classes in Latin Salsa, Tap, Conditioning & Hip Hop Grooves.

If you are interested in dance for your child, yourself, your school or wedding day, and/or have any questions, please contact the studio at 705422-2426 or message direct from website: www.dancebydesign.ca . Dance by Design is located at 471 River Road West in The Beach.

Photos by Gail Nicholls & Jerzy Smierzchalski

Top Georga E.

Bottom Left to right Aria M., Maeve B., Rosalie M., Dance by Design Recreational Acro Group

Lisa has been in the Hearing Health Care industry for over 25 years and believes in the same compassionate and expert care that you have grown to expect at Beach Hearing. Her knowledge of testing, products, programming and troubleshooting is extensive. Combine this with her confident and outgoing personality and patients can expect to enjoy working with Lisa to treat their hearing loss.

Here are some testimonials:

With mixed emotions of joy and nostalgia, I announce my retirement as a Hearing Instrument Specialist after an incredible journey of over 40 years. It has been an honour and privilege to serve this wonderful community, and I am filled with gratitude for the trust and support you've shown me throughout the years.

Over my career, I've witnessed the transformative power of hearing aids, not just in improving communication but also in enhancing overall well-being. Your stories of re-connecting with your family, friends and favourite sounds have inspired me every step of the way.

As I enter into this new chapter of my life, I know that the clinic is in very capable hands, and I trust Lisa Simmonds to provide the same level of care and compassion that has defined my practice for so many years.

I look forward to continuing to be an engaged resident of Wasaga Beach by participating in community events, and by continuing to volunteer my time to support causes close to my heart.

Lastly, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family, friends, colleagues, and all the patients who have become a part of my extended family. Your trust and support has been the inspiration for doing what I do and I am forever thankful.

Wishing you all good health, happiness, and prosperity. Remember to cherish the sounds of life and continue being a tight-knit community that embraces and uplifts each other.

With deep gratitude,

John Tindale Beach Hearing

A native of Wasaga Beach, Lisa Simmonds returns to the Beach after establishing a very successful, client-care centered clinic in Cambridge, Ontario.

She brings with her extensive technical and clinical knowledge and will be expanding Beach Hearing's offerings to now include ear wax removal.

“Lisa Simmonds is one of those rare health care professionals who sincerely cares about achieving the best possible outcome for people in her care. With her diligent and caring attitude all our fears were alleviated.”

"Lisa Simmonds provides very professional and compassionate care. She takes the time to communicate with her clients. Her commitment goes above and beyond what is expected.”

While growing up in Wasaga Beach, Lisa attended public school in Elmvale then CCI high school in Collingwood. She is a Hearing Instrument Specialist and an Honours graduate from the University of Toronto, George Brown College and Grant McEwan University. Her son Rowan started high school at CCI in Collingwood this September.

Please call Beach Hearing at 705-352-3200 and schedule your complimentary hearing test. We also offer a program where you can test drive a pair of hearing aids. After two weeks we can check your wearing time and analyze how often your hearing aids have been in different listening environments so we can match your lifestyle to the proper technology level within your budget.

Please join us for an Open House to meet Lisa and extend your best wishes to John.

WHEN: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm. Ribbon cutting and speeches will begin at 11:00 am.

WHERE: BEACH HEARING,1441 Mosley Street

New owner of Beach Hearing, Lisa, takes the sign from John as he prepares for retirement

Jen and John Tindale. John is retiring after 40 years as a Hearing Specialist

“Around The Piano” is an interactive, monthly talk-show that normally takes place around a (grand) piano at The Stonebridge Art Gallery. To take advantage of our beautiful beach and summer weather, our July 2023 edition of Around The Piano was moved to Banana's Beach Club at Beach 1 in Wasaga Beach, and the name was aptly changed to Around The Beach!

Town is entering into an OPP Contract and forming a Wasaga Beach Police Services Board

The Wasaga Beach Community Policing Committee (WBCPC) was formed in 1992 and has been running strong for over 31 years supporting and promoting safety and liaising with the Huronia West OPP within Wasaga Beach. Over the years the WBCPC has seen many members, leaders and contributors that have made a significant impact within the community.

However, the WBCPC is announcing that as of August 2023 we will be wrapping up the Committee. This was not an easy decision, but with the Town entering into an OPP Contract and forming a Wasaga Beach Police Services Board, it was a necessary decision.

The Committee would like to thank all current and past members for their years of support and hours spent within the community. Thank you to the Huronia West OPP for their guidance, support and dedication to the committee, and to the Town of Wasaga Beach for their support and sponsorship over the years.

We have had so many achievements over the years! Here are just a couple of our most recent highlights:

· Jazz in the Park 50/50 Draws – Proceeds from this event go towards Scholarships for Youth from Wasaga Beach entering into police related programs at post-secondary schools. Over the years the Committee has awarded 29 students, with $7,250.00 being sent to the high schools. Additional proceeds have gone to the OPP Kids Camp to assist with sending Wasaga Beach youth to summer camp.

Supporting the purchase of the current speed signs located at many entrances to Wasaga Beach

Seniors Safety Initiatives, Symposium and our Seniors Magazine

· Santa Claus Parade – Collecting food and donations for the Wasaga Beach Ministerial Food Bank

Wasaga Beach mortgage broker and musician David Grossman recently hosted a broadcast / panel discussion at Banana's Beach Club in Wasaga Beach, on July 19th at 11.30 am, and spoke with a variety of experts on how property owners could add rental income / units to their properties. At a time when mortgage rates are at a twenty-two year high, some property owners can consider getting relief from higher mortgage payments by offsetting them with rental income from one or more units they could add to their properties.

In November 2022 the Ontario Government enacted the “More Homes Built Faster Act”, also known as Bill 23. The driving force behind the act is to address a provincial housing shortage. Under Bill 23, property owners can turn a single-family home into a dwelling with up to three legal units, creating a opportunity for property owners and real estate investors to earn income, and to be part of a solution by addressing the shortage of housing in the province.

David hosted a panel with two architects (one local and one from Toronto who has built many laneway houses for his clients), a contractor, property manager, insurance broker, finance and accounting experts, to discuss opportunities, approximate costs and constraints.

You can add rental units to your property either by renovating the existing building ie; creating a basement apartment; for example, or by adding an accessory dwelling unit aka garden suite. Not all municipalities will allow secondary dwellings; in fact, Wasaga Beach doesn't currently allow accessory dwelling units to be added to properties, whereas Barrie and Collingwood do permit accessory dwelling units, for example.

If you would like to watch a video replay of the panel discussion and learn more about options that could be available to you, regardless of where you live in Ontario, go to www.Bill23mortgage.com

For more information call David Grossman at 416-876-2031 or go to www.Bill23mortgage.com

As the Committee wraps up, the all remaining funds will be used for the following significant donations:

· Wasaga Beach Youth Centre - $1000.00 for Youth Programming

· Wasaga Beach Ministerial Food Bank - $1000.00 to continue supporting the community

· Wasaga Beach YMCA - $1000.00 for swimming lessons for local children for those in need.

· Wasaga Beach Public Library - $650.00 for Youth Programming

· OPP Kids Camp - $350.00 to assist with youth from Wasaga to attend camp

· The Friends of Nancy Island - $1000.00 for Youth Programming Worsley Elementary School - $500.00 for Nutrition Program or Field Trip assistance

· Birchview Dunes Elementary School - $500.00 for Nutrition Program or Field Trip assistance

· St. Noel Chabanel Catholic Elementary School - $500.00 for Nutrition Program or Field Trip assistance

· The Town of Wasaga Beach - $1000.00 directed to purchase additional speed signs

· Collingwood Collegiate Institute - $250.00 – 2023/2024 Student Scholarship

· Stayner Collegiate Institute - $250.00 – 2023/2024 Student Scholarship

· Elmvale District High School - $250.00 – 2023/2024 Student Scholarship

· Our Lady of the Bay Catholic High School - $250.00 –2023/2024 Student Scholarship

As we wrap up our committee, we also want to thank our business community and the citizens of Wasaga Beach for all your help and support over the years; the Committee could not have done it without you.

Photos by Gordon Montgomery

Wasaga Beach Community Policing Committee

Beach BOOSTER is pleased to welcome Frank Stanisci, aka Candid Frank, to our local publication. Frank is a well known personality with many online broadcasts including Candid Frank Live, CFL Talk, NLL Lacrosse Talk, Leaf Talk and the new Wasaga Wasaga – Candid Frank at The Beach. Frank now calls Wasaga Beach home and has enjoyed being a part of many community events, highlighting the personalities, events, initiatives and places that make Wasaga Beach unique. In addition to Frank's creative video & audio projects from all over town, you can now follow Candid Frank here in print, in your local beach BOOSTER publication (print & digital). Check out Candid Frank on YouTube: @candidfrantkstanisci1030

A while back I was asked to introduce myself to the readers. Rather than make this about me, I hope to open it up to many like me, new, or recent arrivals to Wasaga Beach (4 years for me). Being in Wasaga Beach for many has one common thread - a natural restart.

Finance, purchase, rent or lease a home can be a pipe dream for many in the Greater Toronto area and north. Affordability while relative the past few years, was a possibility in this Simcoe community. Affordability for most is an opportunity to downsize for a phase in life. Many have come here with the hope of abandoning or at least mitigating personal and financial challenges assisted by downsizing.

In the winter a quiet introspective self-check opportunity. In the summer, notably this one, a busy social whirlwind with “very little time to do anything but have fun”. For those of us that did not know Beach Drive as a street complete with parking, the reopening changed the beachfront experience. The life and vitality of the thoroughfare has replaced the serene privacy of the beach. Good or bad, your view respected. As of this summer it is party on and if you enjoy loud music and dance, you are thrilled with the change. If not, without prejudice, there is a very long beach to plant you and yours on if serenity is what you seek.

Many of us have spent our lives chasing whatever we define as a dream or preparation for retirement. In Wasaga Beach, retirement life seems an overwhelming shared experience. The golden age for many of us is buoyed by the greatest quality of the people of Wasaga Beach. Friendly, caring, and thoughtful residents. A refreshing neighbourly community of Wasagans.

There is something to be said for a small town. Big cities have selfexplanatory historical individually held reputations. The charitable nature of the people in The Beach is repeated over and over. There are people in small, large, and, or unknown groups who support the community every day. So many to mention in an article limited to 500 words. Suffice it to say, if you are lonely, hungry and, or homeless there are many who care not only through their words, but their actions who volunteer to ensure life's needs are addressed to varying attainable degrees.

Volunteering is a soft spot for me, that is the strength of selfless charitable, building of our community. A well-earned thank you to all who share their precious and limited time. Volunteers are not limited to people but include groups, enterprises, and businesses. A truly community effort tackling and supporting in filling the gaps in our social safety net. The needs of others is something I have enjoyed witnessing, experiencing and in a small way being part of.

The little about me specifically is for decades I was a volunteer, a media star meeting and shaking hands with people like Mohammed Ali, Co-hosting Lady Di's first visit to Toronto, interviewing Maple Leafs in the dressing room in Maple Leaf Gardens. I sat beside Cito Gaston while Jimmy Key was pitching in the World Series and more.

I have been blessed in my life and thanks to all the positive experiences that helped me survive serious depression. Multiple deaths on my job sites, a vicious divorce, and other emotional challenges were not enough to put me down.

All the future plans will change the face and direction to what will make Wasaga a better place for all of us. For example, the decision to move forward is an opportunity for rebirth. It is a privilege to be a part of this town's opportunity to build on our beautiful beach town. A community that will heal and grow, to be and include everything that gives us a new form of lacking and needed independence.

P.S. Working together to that end does not mean we need to agree, only include listening and be open to positive change without demands. Let's negotiate and try to get what we need and set aside what we want for now

Local business owners celebrate the re-branding of a well known flower shop with friends & family

Although we have enjoyed the great offerings and the wonderful service under the banner of Veronica's Flowers by the Bay for several months now, it was time to finally make the re-branding official with a ribbon cutting by members of council, and a gathering of family and friends.

Recently the staff welcomed all to a special event to officially mark the rebranding of Cathy's Flowers & Gifts to Veronica's Flowers by the Bay. Veronica and her husband David were eager to show the beautiful store and the amazing selection of flowers and unique gifts. It is obvious to all, that the transformation of the interior & exterior of the store, is a true labour of love for them both.

Council members joined the fun and were happy to cut the ribbon to mark the special occasion.

Veronica and her friendly staff are eager to offer some very special and caring service for any occasion. The selection of gifts offers a wide choice of unique gift giving ideas. Our furry friends are also always welcome at Veronica's Flowers by the Bay, and there are usually one or two pooches greeting customers as they arrive.

As the only true walk-in & browse flower store in the area, we are lucky to have such a welcoming and friendly business in The Beach. I encourage everyone to stop in and enjoy a visit with Veronica and her staff, and have a look around. For more information, visit www.veronicasflowersbythebay.com or call 705-429-1112. Veronica's Flowers by the Bay is located at 3081 Mosley Street in Wasaga Beach.

Joe Bickerstaff

Photos by Jason George Photography

These are some of the lyrics of the 1966 song performed by Stephen Stills and his Buffalo Springfield band. This song was prophetic in that the United States was in the first stage of a serious societal upheaval. The warning words in the refrain came to mind lately when contemplating the stress in our education system. In case you missed it, much of North America is experiencing a teacher shortage. The Minister of Education in Quebec recently reported that his province was facing a crisis with the possibility of more than 8,000 classrooms without teachers. In Ontario, last minute province-wide negotiations are underway with four teachers' unions threatening strike action. Throughout the United States, teachers are leaving the profession in droves. What exactly is happening here?

Teaching is a highly respected profession in most quarters. This respect translates into a career opportunity which offers good pay and benefits which include an enviable pension plan along with a life of stability and security. Most importantly, teaching gives dedicated individuals a vocation that allows them to make a powerful positive impact on the lives of children. The fulfillment that comes from that work cannot be measured in comfort or dollars. It is what makes teaching the noble profession that it is.

The pandemic that our society has only recently emerged from has taught us quite emphatically that our children need their schools, their teachers, and their friends. Our attempts at online education were in some instances brilliant and innovative but our best efforts fell short of what the classroom and an effective teacher do for our children. Post pandemic studies are doing deep analysis of the negative impacts of long term lock-downs on our schools. Researchers are examining the emotional impact of isolation on our kids as well as the loss of skill development in specific subject areas. All of this activity only serves to alert us to the fact that something is wrong - we don't yet know what or how to deal with it.

Ontario teachers say that the issue for them is working conditions and not money. The problem with that statement is that working conditions usually cost a great deal of money. It is more complicated in our province because high school teachers have different complaints than their elementary colleagues. Strikes and the threat of strikes are an extreme reaction to a situation that is not clear to the public. By comparison to teacher workload and remuneration in previous eras, teachers have excellent working conditions and earn great salaries. Could it be that our children are now so needy and their parents so demanding that the stress they bring to the school environment is becoming unbearable? All of us who are interested in being part of the solution rather than part of the problem should stop and look around to see what's going down.

In Wasaga Beach, we can work together to complete our school system and build new schools so that our kids are not attending school in overcrowded conditions. Our teachers also deserve safe and comfortable surroundings to work in. Parents have to accept their responsibility to send students to school each day who are not stressed out from their home environment. All members of our community have a role to play in supporting the children and teachers who live in our community.

Our Beach Kids Matter!

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)

May 29 was a very interesting day, it started with me canoeing with JK/SK kids with Free Spirit Tours. Most were excited to go but this one boy in my canoe was very scared just as we took off, so I reassured him that it would be OK and fun. I also told him he could just sit, relax and enjoy the adventure! This seemed to work as he had a blast, and on the way back he actually ended up choosing to paddle himself.

Then I was off to ice hockey to play goalie and get some exercise. In the last few years, I've started to play goalie, as I have been a forward and defense my whole life. I played OK but was more focused on my evening, as I wanted to catch the subway in downtown Toronto, to make it to the CBC Building.

As a kid, I had always heard the name David Suzuki. He was the nature guy and someone who was doing something to help mother nature and the environment. He was the host of 'The Nature of Things' for 44 years and probably helped inspire many others to care for the environment. So, when I was asked by a producer if I wanted to help out with a tribute 'Dear David'. I was in 100%, but I made a small ask, “Could I be present at the event?”

As I entered the CBC Building, I was in awe at the number of people and all the excitement. No one knew who I was, but a few were in awe of my walking stick. David walked by in his signature vest and I got to have a quick chat with him before the event. The music was amazing, the food was delicious but the speeches were powerful, and I was glad to be apart of this event to say goodbye to this legend.

A few highlights for me during the event.

~ They had these tributes from celebrities' – Neil Young and Margaret Attwood to name a couple. Then all of a sudden, this man in a purple shirt came on the screen and I whispered to the ladies in front of me that were kind of looking/talking about me and whispered “Wow, that is one good looking guy?” and everyone around started to laugh.

~ Finally meeting in person, Jeni whom invited me and her 2 amazing daughters. All 3 of them have amazing energy.

st ~ Getting to meet David Suzuki, but not the 1 time. I met him again at the end of the night. His family was walking out at the same time as I was, and we chatted about life. He checked out and gave approval to my walking stick, as we posed for a picture with his cut out.

Until next time, Stay safe, have fun and enjoy the wildlife!

Jason George

Home Energy Improvement Symposium

Do you feel as though the rising cost of living is making it tough for you to make ends meet? Are you worrying about the cost of heating and cooling your home?

We have some good news for you !! There is money available to help you lower your home energy bills. There are 2 forms of assistance:

· Up to $10,600 in grant money in the form of rebates and

· Up to $40,000 interest-free loan

Enbridge Gas and the Canada's Greener Homes Grant have partnered to provide the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus Program. The rebates can be used to:

· insulate your home - your attic, your walls as well as windows and doors.

· outfit your home with a highly efficient Heating and Cooling system

Here are some examples of the rebates – up to:

· $6500 for a Heat pump

· $1300 for a Hot water Heat pump

· $2350 for attic insulation

· $6750 for wall insulation

· $325 for windows

· $175 for doors

· $5000 for solar panels

What is a Heat Pump you ask? Heat pumps are not well-known in Ontario, but they are used all over the world as a less expensive way to heat and cool your home, and there are some heat pumps specially designed for cold climates like ours. They are electric-powered and are about four times more efficient than your gas furnace. Maybe it's not time to replace your gas furnace yet but you can still benefit from installing a heat pump. It can be used in conjunction with your natural gas furnace in order to reduce your monthly gas bills.Aheat pump is poorly named as surprisingly it can cool your house in the summer. It can replace your air conditioner and cut those energy costs as well.

When used in conjunction with a smart thermostat your heating system can choose which form of fuel – electricity or gas – will be most costeffective to run. For example, if electricity rates are low at night or on offpeak times, the system would choose to heat or cool your home with the heat pump; if natural gas rates are lower during a certain period, the system would choose your gas furnace to heat the home. This way the costs of heating and cooling your home could be dramatically reduced. Finally, heat pumps are a much cleaner and greener alternative, generating far fewer greenhouse gas emissions than natural gas furnaces because electricity is a cleaner fuel in Ontario.

To qualify for the rebates, you need to complete a home energy assessment with a Registered EnergyAdvisor before you start your upgrades and after you finish the upgrades. The pre-assessment will help you determine where you are losing most of your heat and where you are wasting your energy dollars. The cost of the assessments is recouped through the rebates.

We know that working with the government and the utilities can be frustrating and complicated. We want to help you through the steps. We are organizing a Home Energy Improvement Symposium so you can learn everything you need to know about these savings. We will have expert speakers to explain the programs as well as local suppliers who provide the services you need to earn the rebates and lower your energy costs.

Join us at the RexPlex on October 19:

6:00 to 7:00 pm Suppliers will be available for individual questions

7:00 to 8:00 pm Expert speakers will be explaining the programs and answering all your questions.

Come out and learn more about these money-saving, energy-saving ideas. We will be serving refreshments and giving away some interesting prizes.

See here for more information and to register for this special event. https://wasagabeachclimateaction.com/home-energy-improvementsymposium/

More information about the Home Efficiency Rebate Program can be found here. https://www.enbridgegas.com/residential/rebates-energyconservation/home-efficiency-rebate-plus.

Engage with Wasaga Beach ClimateActionTeam

www.wasagabeachclimateaction.com info@wasagabeachclimateaction.com

CYCLING CYCLING

AllAboard!

Coach Trips For Seniors

Elmvale'Bakery'Extension

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 37 km

Start: Wasaga Beach RecPlex –1724 Mosley Street

nd

If you have a sweet tooth, Elmvale is the place. Home to the 2 largest Maple Syrup Festival in Ontario and a fabulous bakery downtown.

The Wasaga Beach Public Library's Seniors Cultural Connections program is now in full swing with bus trips happening monthly until November. The program, with support from the Government of Ontario's Seniors Community Grant Program, helps provide older adults in Wasaga Beach with new cultural opportunities including bus trips to various GTA locations along with an upcoming slate of concerts in the new year.

Upcoming bus trips include the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum on September 30, the Art Gallery of Ontario on October 24, and the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) on November 16. The program kicked off in August with a trip to the McMichael Art Gallery where participants were treated to a watercolour painting workshop and a guided tour of the permanent collection consisting of over 6,500 artworks by Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, their contemporaries, and First Nations, Métis, Inuit and more.

Feedback was positive all around with participants sharing sentiments like “I don't have a car, so I enjoyed seeing other parts of Ontario”, and “It was time well spent for inspiration and socializing. It was a great treat which I otherwise would not have had”. One participant shared “I have always wanted to visit but I am physically disabled. Everyone was so helpful. Lovely, just lovely.”

The Art Gallery of Ontario will give participants a guided tour focusing on collection highlights from the museum's collection that spans from 100 A.D. up to the present and exhibits creative expression in all forms, from music to film, graphic art to experiential media, and more. Visitors on the ROM trip will enjoy a guided tour called “Climate Change: History and Hope”. Admission will also include admission to the following special exhibits: “Death: Life's Greatest Mystery” and “Being and Belonging”. The Warplane Heritage Museum trip is already sold out as of this writing.

Tickets go on sale at the beginning of each month and have been selling out quickly. Tickets are free and cover your return transportation from the RexPlex, entry fees and guided tours for each experience.

More of a music fan? The Seniors Cultural Connections program has you covered there as well with a series of indoor concerts in the works for the new year. Utilizing the larger capacity of the new Cortellucci Zancor Centre, over 100 older adults will be able to enjoy live music in their own backyard. A committee of seniors involved in the planning of the coach trips and concerts is also working to provide transportation for isolated adults to attend free of charge.

To register for trips and concerts, keep an eye on the Library's social media channels and monthly email newsletters for announcements of ticket sale dates.

Want to know more?

Kyle Young Community Relations Assistant

705.429.5481 x2406

communityrelations.wbpl@wasagabeach.com

This route extends the Iron Bridge route through moderately flat terrain and small valleys, which will take you to downtown Elmvale to grab something sweet mid-ride. Just outside of town fill up your water bottles from a freshwater spring, the freshest, purest water on the planet. Please use caution on the stretch of the road leaving the spring, as this can be a busy .5km section of HWY until you turn off on Flos Rd 11 W.

This route also connects to the “Ontario Lake County” cycling routes if you would like to explore other areas of Simcoe County. With a full belly and full bottle of pure spring water, its just rolling hills, farm fields and views of the Niagara Escarpment on the way back to Wasaga Beach for your Apre ride swim!

See our Digital Issue for a link to a detailed map showing elevations of route. ( www.beachbooster.com/publications )

As many of you know, I just returned from spending almost a month in the Guyanese rain forest at a beautiful area known as Mainstay. Mainstay is a piece of land owned by the Amerindian tribe which is home to Arekunas, an a beautiful lake and rustic resort area. Many Guyanese have fond memories of vacationing here.

Guyanese Pepperpot

The recipe we are offering up today is one taken right from from the area where it all began. It is Guyana's national dish and made famous by the Amerindians. This recipe should not be confused with the Jamaican Pepperpot which is as different as night and day Guyanese Pepperpot is usually always served for breakfast on Christmas morning but most people have come to enjoy it as an everyday dish. The cassareep, which is essential in giving this dish its bittersweet flavour can be purchased at any West Indies grocery. It has a thick molasses like consistency.

The meat

4 lb Meat (I used a Beef Shank cut into 1/2 inch pieces and meat from the outside round.. oxtail also works well)

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp minced garlic

1 tsp white pepper

1 medium onion diced

1 tsp beef soup base

Mix oxtail or shank and the diced meat until they are well coated and every bit of the meat is covered. Set aside in the fridge. If possible let it marinate overnight.

The Pepperpot

1-2 tbsp brown sugar

3 garlic cloves minced

1 onion diced

2 green onions diced

2 tsp fresh thyme

1 scotch bonnet pepper

1 cup Cassareep

3 cups water

1 cinnamon stick

salt and pepper to taste

Using a large Dutch Oven add the brown sugar and cook until caramelized and begins to turn brown. Be careful not to let it burn.

Remove any of the excess coating from the marinade and add the diced beef to the pan and sear. Remove and set aside.

Add the beef shank and brown. Add the onion, garlic, thyme and scotch bonnet ( leave the pepper whole). Continue to cook for about 5 minutes.

Pour in 1/2 of the Cassareep, cinnamon stick, mix and add water to cover the meat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes. Return beef to the pot, add the rest of the Cassareep and more water if necessary. Water should not be above the meat

Cook for another 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until the beef is very tender and the sauce thick. Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper.

Adjust the seasonings and Garnish with parsley. Serve with Naan bread or Roti or and or a little plain rice on the side.

For over 40 years, Wasaga Beach residents and generations of visitors have enjoyed the offerings at Mr. Norm's Nephew. The main location on Mosley Street now offers a variety of goods, including swag and delicious items from their new “grab & go” freezers, including the tasty butter tarts from The Baker's Bench, also in Wasaga Beach.

In addition to the summer Main Street location at Skull Island & the Main Beach location, Mr. Norm's famous products are now available at Collingwood's Eddie Bush Memorial Arena, home of the Mike Jackson Collingwood Blues, with the recognized logo on the ice surface.

Not only is the well known logo displayed on the ice surface, the world famous ice cream & yogurt is served at the venue

A local family has been welcoming people to our Main Beach area for 50 plus years, once offering famous meals & deserts, while providing legendary entertainment

It was 1972 and Wasaga Beach was still a village, as incorporation of the town was 2 years away. A new rink had opened to become The Wasaga Stars Arena (as we now await the opening of the new twin pad arena), the new Wasaga Beach Provincial Park was established and it was the first year of no vehicles on Main Street, as the new pedestrian mall, simply known as “The Mall”, had been created. The population was under 3,000, a village with few sidewalks and no traffic lights.

This is the year Ziggy and Joanna , along with their young sons, Les Kowalik and Stanley, purchased the Georgian Restaurant & Tavern on historic Main Street in Wasaga Beach. The couple's new establishment was known for their classic cuisine with everything being homemade and from scratch. Perogies, veal cutlets, lasagne, cabbage rolls, hot sandwiches and so much more were offered. One can't forget their mile high apple pies, strawberry shortcake, coconut cream pie and fresh fruit tarts. Also on the menu, pizza was available, perhaps a first in The Beach.

Upstairs, the dining room served many memorable guests and became a gathering place for visitors and locals. Great bands played at The Georgian and kept everyone happy. Long time & well known entertainer Ray Sare and his band were regulars at the Georgian, and in later years, none other than a young Brian Smith, now Wasaga Beach Mayor, performed with his band in this legendary venue. Many who remember the fun and great food at the Georgian, have become local residents as the town expanded and people moved to make Wasaga Beach their permanent home.

In 1982, the hard working family expanded their welcoming business by building the Georgian Inn Motel, behind the Main Street building on the other side of Spruce Street. Although a challenging time to invest with interest rates around 18%, the believed in The Beach and it's future. Kowaliks

On a bitterly cold and extremely windy November night in 2007, Wasaga Beach suffered a devastating fire that burned down most of Main Street, including the much loved, Georgian Inn's main building. It was a very sad time for all in town, especially those who had invested so much into the once thriving businesses on Historic Main Street. The Main Street property is still owned and managed as a parking lot by the family, and the Georgian Kowalik Inn Motel remains active year round on Spruce Street.

The recent COVID years were also a challenging time local business owners, including the . During the Kowaliks, but they persevered like so many others th pandemic, the 50 year of the family's dedication to Wasaga Beach passed, and we recognize this milestone now. Joanna, Ziggy and the family have made The Beach their passion for over half a century and continue to look forward to good things happening in the community they embraced all those years ago. Joanna and Ziggy, both 90 years old, are still very active in their business with the help of sons Les & Stanley, and tell us the secret of their longevity has always been hard work, perseverance, love of The Beach and family.

We congratulate Joanna and Ziggy on their 50 plus years of welcoming and making so many people happy with accommodations, good food, entertainment and fun in The Beach.

Photo of the Georgian Inn on Historic Main Street, taken by Joe Bickerstaff of Beach BOOSTER on August 14, 2007, the same year as the tragic fire that consumed most of this iconic street, including the Georgian Inn's main building, on that fateful November evening. Les Kowalik with his Mom & Dad, Ziggy & Joanna

Photos by Beach BOOSTER Media Group

Drivers and Students must be aware of the rules and safety procedures

Safe Behaviour for Students

Be at the bus stop before the bus comes.

Wait in a safe place well back from the edge of the road - don't play in ditches or on snow banks.

Stay out of the DANGER ZONE. If you can touch the bus, you're too close. Use 10 giants steps to take you out of the DANGER ZONE, and make sure you and the bus driver can see each other.

Safe Driving Behaviour for Drivers

Drivers need to pay attention, leave space, and be alert when approaching or passing a school bus.

Watch for flashing amber lights on a school bus indicating they will be stopping to pick up or drop off students. Slow down, prepare to stop.

The law requires all motorists to stop for school buses when the bus is stopped and its overhead red signal lights are flashing and/or stop arm is out.

When driving on a road WITHOUT a median:

– drivers travelling in both directions must stop for a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing.

– when you approach the bus from the front, stop at a safe distance to let children get on or off the bus and cross the road.

– don't move forward until the red lights have stopped flashing and/or stop arm is closed and the bus begins to move.

When Driving on a road WITH a median:

– traffic coming from the opposite direction is not required to stop.

Always cross the road in front of the bus, never behind.

Look all ways and wait for the driver to signal before you cross in front of a bus.

Enter or exit the bus in single file. Never push or shove.

Walk - never run - across the road.

NEVER stop to pick up anything that you may have dropped in the DANGER ZONE. Ask an adult or the bus driver to help.

Penalties School Bus Safety

There are serious consequences for drivers who fail to stop for a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing and/or stop arm out.

First offence: $400 to $2,000 and six demerit points.

Each following offence: $1,000 to $4,000, six demerit points. and possible jail time (up to six months).

Demerit points remain on your driving record for two years from the date of the offence. Note: officers use discretion when laying charges. Possible charges could include Careless Driving, Aggressive Driving or even criminal charges.

Stop Arm Cameras on School Buses

The registered owner of a vehicle illegally passing a school bus that is caught by camera technology or is reported by the school bus driver or other road user, may be charged and fined.

Note: officers use discretion when laying charges. Possible charges could include Careless Driving, Aggressive Driving or even criminal charges.

LocalTeamHolds#1SpotinCanada&LookForwardto RepresentingWasagaBeachatInternationalCompetition

Long time local business is home to the Wasaga Beach Boyz, and has used a Federal Grant to enhance their facility with a premier Speedball Arena

Wasaga Adventure Park has been a part of the community for over thirty years providing fun for adrenaline seekers. They have also had a huge impact on the paintball industry along the way, most recently in tournament paintball. Competitive, high-speed tournaments are held multiple times a year at Wasaga Adventure Park and parks all around Ontario. A grant delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to help local tourism organizations and businesses safely welcome back visitors, recover from the impacts of the pandemic, create jobs and prepare for future growth was received by Wasaga Adventure Park this spring. Our local Adventure Park was one of only 94 businesses in Ontario to receive this grant. Nearly $53,000 was received by them and most of that was used to create a premier Speedball Arena, making it the ideal place to hold a tournament in all of Canada.

Two events held by the Ontario Paintball League (OPL) were held in Wasaga Beach this summer: one in June and another in July. The twoday event brings over 50 teams with rosters numbering 8-10 players. The teams have 12 minutes to play several matches to get as many points as possible with 5 players a side. The new Speedball Arena is an 18000 sq ft grass meshed-in area that has a mirrored layout of blown-up bunkers. A point is scored when the buzzer is pushed on the opposite side of the arena. It takes a lot of strategy, communication, and skill to gain a point.

Wasaga Adventure Park has had a tournament team since the 1990s and has won many trophies over the years. Our local team consists of 43

players, spread over 6 divisions. The highest level of speedball in Canada is called Premier. Our very own premier division team, the Wasaga Beach Boyz have been making quite the wave in the OPL throughout this season. Representing Wasaga Beach at the very top, our premier team currently holds the #1 ranking in Canada. Quite impressive since most of these players began playing just a short five years ago.

This July, a speedball professional by the name of Tyler Harmon from the team Houston Heat, was flown in from the USA to do a clinic with the Wasaga Beach Boyz. Great lessons were given which must have fallen on fertile ground, as the results were seen when the team played the July tournament, and the Premier Division won every single match.

Our local team is eager to take their talents over the border and represent Wasaga Beach at the World Cup at the National XBall League in Florida, taking place in November.

Help support our local team! They are looking for sponsors to help them to get on the world stage and go up against the best of the best. They would love to tell you more.

More information is available on their website: www.wasagaadventurepark.com/beach-boyz-speedball-camp . See our Digital Issue for more info and links. (www.beachbooster.com/publications )

Photos by Invoke Media, Elmvale ON

Speedball professional

Tyler Harmon of the Houston Heat visits Wasaga Beach to provide a training clinic for the Wasaga Beach Boyz.

Our local, winning team, the Wasaga Beach Boyz gather with visiting Houston Heat professional.

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.

Editor's Note: Some great old photos in Mike's extensive collection, showing our famous beachfront over the decades. Wasaga Beach has a long and rich history of making people happy, and our Main Beach areas have been a big part of that FUN for well over a century. We are truly rewarded to see so much family fun return to our Main Beach this year.

1954 - Beach Drive between 1st and 2nd streets

July, 1962 - Beach Drive at the Dardanella.

1940's - Great view from Beach Drive at 1st Street looking north/east.

1950's - Pony rides on Beach Drive in front of the Dardanella. The Hiawatha Inn and West's Drug Store can be seen in the background.

Community ad space provided by Beach BOOSTER Media Group

Community ad space provided by Beach BOOSTER Media Group

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Fitnessnutshavetodoanentiremarathonto feelarunner'shigh.....Ijusthavetobendover andtiemyshoes.

Iwokeupthismorningandforgotwhichside thesunrisesfrom,thenitdawnedonme. IneverwantedtobelievethatmyDadwas stealingfromhisjobasaroadworker.But whenIgothome,allthesignswerethere.

Adrunkwalksintoabarwithjumpercables aroundhisneck.Thebartendersays,"Youcan staybutdon'ttrytostartanything.”

SomeonejusttoldmeIwasn'tasdumbasI lookedandnowI'mconfused,wasitaninsult oracompliment?

Whydobabyclotheshavepockets?

Somepeopleshoulduseagluestickinsteadof chapstick.

I'djustliketocongratulatethepersonthat inventedthewobblyrestauranttable!They're basicallyeverywherenow.

Ilovescrewingwiththemindsoftheforeign techsupportguys."MynameisPerry,not Terry.WithaPasinPterodactyl."