What's Up? Georgian Bay - February 2023

Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes

(Family Features) If the way to your loved one’s heart is through the stomach, there’s no better way to start off this Valentine’s Day than with a homemade breakfast prepared with love.

Whether you’re whipping up a breakfast for a spouse with a sophisticated palate or trying to tempt the taste buds of your littlest loves, explore these ideas to get inspired.

Red is the colour of love, so build your menu around fresh strawberries or raspberries, which pair perfectly with French toast or crepes, and can even dress up a simple cereal.

For a more sensible menu, opt for a fruity berry smoothie or a parfait layered with fresh fruit, low-fat yogurt and granola. Add a hint of loving indulgence by sprinkling dark chocolate shavings on top.

Show your affection with a plate of these colourful CocoaKissed Red Velvet Pancakes featuring rich 100 percent cocoa, buttermilk and fresh berries. Heart-shaped cookie cutters lend a special touch to these fluffy, flavourful pancakes. Add sweet garnishes like powdered sugar and berries for a sensational way to say “I love you.”

Recipe courtesy of Nestlé Servings: 10 pancakes

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons Nestlé Toll House Baking Cocoa

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 large egg

1 cup reduced-fat buttermilk or low-fat milk

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon red food colouring

heart-shaped pancake cutters or cookie cutters (optional) butter, for garnish (optional) powdered sugar, for garnish (optional) maple syrup, for garnish (optional) fresh berries, for garnish (optional)

In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; stir well.

In separate large bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, unsalted butter, vanilla extract and food colouring. Add to flour mixture; stir to combine. Allow mixture to sit 5 minutes.

Heat nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush with oil or butter. Add about 1/4 cup batter to skillet. Cook about 2 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on top. Flip and cook 1-2 minutes, or until bottom is lightly browned. Serve immediately with butter, powdered sugar, syrup and berries, if desired.

Tip: If using pancake or cookie cutters, be sure to coat with oil so pancakes don’t stick. Place cutters in skillet and pour batter into cutters. Remove cutters before flipping.

Publisher’s Message

February - “Love, Love, Love”. It makes me think of The Beatles song! February - A time to think about all of the things that I love (in no particular order lol.) Music, chocolate (every month), my cat, Sonny, family, good friends and good neighbours.

As we go to print on our third issue of What’s Up? Georgian Bay, it’s an exciting time for us. As a new print magazine finding our path, we are so thrilled that the community has embraced us, taken the time to peruse our pages and welcomed us into their home. It’s very much a labour of love for us to put this magazine together. Selecting a cover photo each issue is one of my new favourite things to do. With each issue, I find more to love about the magazine… and I hope you will too!

As always, we appreciate all the new advertisers who have reached out to us, and all the readers who have taken the time to send us compliments. We love that you’re interested in our new publication and as we continue to develop What’s Up? Georgian Bay, want you to continue to be involved. Send us your story ideas, tell us what you love, and what you’d love to see more of!

And Happy Valentine’s Day! (Have you hugged your pet today?)

Publisher

Victoria Ledden

OWNER/ PUBLISHER/ AD SALES

Victoria Ledden | 705-429-0761 | vledden1@gmail.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joy Fleury | joyfleury@gmail.com

DESIGN Project 818B Marketing | kim@project818b.com

MAILING ADDRESS 2-291 Main Street, Suite 434, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 0E8 whatsupgb.com

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The Grey Grannies

The Grey Grannies will do almost anything for donations to the Grandmother’s Campaign supporting African grandmothers raising their orphaned grandchildren. Last year in 2022 we partnered with Rotary on a couple of occasions; to hand out water for their Turkey Trot running race, and to stuff food bags for the Lobsterfest.

For the Thornbury plant sale we set up a table and sold a huge variety of plants, cuttings from garden plants as well as seedlings. After gathering hundreds of books we held a couple of book sales enthusiastically attended by many community members. The makers in our group kept the knitting needles and sewing machines humming creating a variety of lovely crafts for sale.

Throughout May, The Stride To Turn The Tide (of AIDS in Africa) enabled the walkers/swimmers/cyclists among us to commit to daily tracking of activities reminiscent of the longs walks some African women and girls are compelled to do in search of water, food, and medicine.

In solidarity with other groups across Canada, the Grey Grannies from Collingwood, Thornbury and Meaford partner with dozens of groups in 15 Sub Saharan countries to bring civil rights and economic opportunities to these older women and girls.

Reach Out Mbuya celebrates the power of grandmothers. Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World, the United Nations’ theme of this year’s International Day of Older Persons, perfectly captures the leadership and roles grandmothers have around the world. To celebrate the day, Reach Out Mbuya (ROM), an SLF community-led partner in Uganda, gathered members of their grandmothers groups and the wider community together. Grandmothers spoke to their community about their entrepreneurship skills, and the impact peer support has on their life journeys.

Hilda Achayo, Community and Social Support Manager at ROM, says:

The 1 Home:1 Garden project aims to give families a sustainable source of nutrition that will help prevent hunger over the coming months of ongoing employment disruptions and loss of income. The supply of fresh seasonal vegetables, supplied by HACT’s Plant Nursery, will help to reduce food insecurity. The food grown in these gardens will also help to keep immune systems strong and healthy, an important factor for many grandmothers and their young families.

For more information, please visit: thegrandmotherscampaign.org

Submitted by: Marilyn Jones

Grandmothers connected with Reach Out Mbuya celebrated International Day of Older Persons in Luweero District, Uganda. (Photo provided by Reach Out Mbuya/Uganda)

Members of Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust’s Gogo Support Group program in South Africa. (Photo credit: Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust)

“This day reminds us of what jajjas (grandmothers) do in our lives; they are custodians of our homes, raise grandchildren, look after animals and much more.”

Cookies and Cream

Flourless Almond Meringue Cookies

(NC) Whether you’re planning to impress your guests or meal prepping for the week, this five-ingredient recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Not only can you whip up these flourless almond meringue cookies quickly, but they’re also a good option for those looking to satisfy their cravings without compromising on dietary goals.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Servings per recipe: 24 cookies

Serving size: 2 cookies

INGREDIENTS

2 egg whites at room temperature

1 tsp (5 ml) cream of tartar

½ tsp (2 ml) almond extract

½ tsp (2 ml) vanilla extract

½ cup (125 ml) white sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F or 150°C.

2. While the oven is preheating, add the egg whites and cream of tartar to a bowl and beat the mixture until it doubles in size.

3. Then add the white sugar, almond and vanilla extracts, and whip the mixture until it becomes stiff. Look for the “firm peaks” that start forming on the surface, indicating a wellwhipped meringue.

4. Using two teaspoons, scoop the meringue into one teaspoon and slide it onto a parchment lined cookie sheet with the second teaspoon. Keep a small distance between the meringue cookies so they don’t stick together when baking.

5. Bake the cookies for 25 minutes or until they become crisp.

Once the flourless almond meringue cookies are out of the oven and at room temperature, store them in airtight containers to retain their freshness until you serve them.

Strawberry Mousse

(Culinary.net) Recipes that can be made with clean, fresh ingredients in a matter of minutes make some of the best-tasting dishes, snacks and treats. Sometimes keeping it simple is the best route to take as opposed to confusing prep that takes too much time.

This Strawberry Mousse, which is made with families in mind, is a perfect recipe to make with your little ones or for a date night dessert. It’s great to take for an outing at the park, a neighbourhood party or just to snack on throughout the week.

Servings: 6-8

INGREDIENTS

1 cup strawberries, halved

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup powdered sugar

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened assorted fruit, for serving

DIRECTIONS

1. In blender, puree strawberries until smooth. Set aside.

2. In mixing bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until fluffy.

3. In separate mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add strawberry puree to cream cheese and mix until combined. Add whipped cream and stir until combined.

4. Serve in bowl with fruit.

Simple Supper & Decadent Dessert

(Family Features) Flavourful options like mushrooms enhance recipes by extending portions when you use a process called “The Blend.” Blending finely chopped mushrooms with ground meat allows you to extend the volume of dishes like burgers, tacos, pasta, wraps and more.

Simply chop your desired mushroom variety to match the consistency of ground meat, blend the chopped mushrooms and meat together then cook your blend to complete the recipe. This Blended Crunchy Mushroom Wrap is a perfect example of an easy yet delicious way to take your grocery budget further.

Crunchy Mushroom Wraps

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion

8 ounces mushrooms, such as white button, crimini or portabella, finely chopped

1/2 pound lean ground beef

1 tablespoon taco seasoning

6 burrito-size flour tortillas (about 10 inches each)

1/3 cup nacho cheese sauce

6 tostada shells

sour cream

6 mini soft taco-size flour tortillas (about 4 1/2 inches each)

shredded lettuce

diced tomatoes

shredded Mexican cheese blend nonstick cooking spray

INSTRUCTIONS.

1. In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Cook onions 1-2 minutes until translucent. Add mushrooms and ground beef. Cook about 5 minutes, or until beef is no longer pink. Stir in taco seasoning. Cook 2-3 minutes. Set aside.

2. Lay one large flour tortilla on flat surface. Spread 2 tablespoons mushroom-meat mixture on centre of tortilla.

3. Drizzle dollop of nacho cheese over mushroom-meat mixture. Top meat with one tostada shell then spread thin layer of sour cream over tostada shell.

4. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes and shredded Mexican cheese then one small tortilla. Make sure not to overstuff so wrap doesn’t break apart while cooking.

5. Fold edges of large tortilla toward centre until completely covered.

6. In hot skillet, generously spray with nonstick cooking spray. Carefully place wrap seam side down on skillet. Cook 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

7. Fill and cook other side until golden brown. Repeat with remaining mushroom-meat mixture, tortillas and toppings.

8. Cut wraps half and serve.

(Culinary.net) The star of your next spread can be hidden away in the refrigerator for a surprise delight for your guests. It’s topped with chocolate syrup and chopped pecans, and your loved ones just may vote it to be their favourite dish. It’s an Arkansas Possum Pie, made with three delicious layers and crunchy toppings for a show-stopping dessert.

Arkansas Possum Pie

Servings: 8

INGREDIENTS:

Crust:

3/4 cup butter

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 cups pecans, crushed

Cream Cheese Layer:

12 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

4 tablespoons heavy cream

Pudding Layer:

3 egg yolks

2 cups whole milk

INSTRUCTIONS.

1. Heat oven to 350 F.

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup cocoa powder

3 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whipped Cream Topping:

1 cup heavy whipping cream

4 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

chocolate syrup

1/2 cup chopped pecans

2. To make crust: In saucepan, melt butter; add flour, brown sugar and crushed pecans. Stir until combined. Press into 9 1/2-inch deep pie plate.

3. Bake 15-20 minutes until crust begins to brown. Cool completely.

4. To make cream cheese layer: In medium bowl, mix cream cheese until creamy. Add powdered sugar and heavy cream; mix until smooth. Spread over cooled pecan crust. Refrigerate.

5. To make pudding layer: In medium bowl, whisk egg yolks. Add milk; whisk until combined. Set aside.

6. In separate medium bowl, whisk sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, flour and salt until combined.

7. In saucepan over medium heat, add egg yolk mixture and flour mixture. Whisk constantly until pudding begins to thicken and bubble. Add butter and vanilla extract, stirring until butter is melted. Pour chocolate pudding in shallow bowl. Cover with plastic wrap touching pudding to keep it from forming skin. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

8. Pour pudding over cream cheese layer. Cover pie with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight.

9. To make whipped cream topping: In stand mixer bowl, add heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip until stiff peaks form. Spread whipped cream over pudding layer.

10. Drizzle pie with chocolate syrup and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Whether it’s a holiday, birthday or reunion, this pie is a perfect conversation starter. It’s sweet, crunchy and filled with creamy, delightful layers of goodness.

From the Editor

While I enjoy February, the cold makes it tempting to hibernate and wish for warmer days ahead. It always brings to mind my Grandmother’s wise advise “don’t wish your life away!” and it reminds me to be present and embrace all that February has to offer.

One opportunity is Valentine’s Day, while it is traditionally about romance, it’s a wonderful time just to spend with loved ones – family, friends, siblings, pets or simply pamper yourself. One of my favourite valentine’s activities is to host a home spa day for friends - facial masks, hand, foot and skin treatments, indulge in finger foods, snacks and ‘feel good’ endorphin producing chocolate treats and sweets. Or simply invite friends over to cozy up with fuzzy socks, giggle over a movie or guilty pleasure TV show while sipping tea, hot cocoa or maybe an adult beverage? Send friends home with a decadent bath fizzie or shower bomb to indulge in when they get home, helps lift everyone’s mood and fight the February blahs.

Valentine’s can also give you the chance to brighten someone’s day with a handwritten note in the mail (how wonderful to receive real mail amid the bills and junk mail.) Spread some sunshine this February, grab a few note cards you’ve got hanging around and write to someone in your life for no reason than to make them smile. Or you could brighten the life of a stranger… an armed forces member, veteran, or senior perhaps?

www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/contact-us/write-troops.html www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/classroom/postcard-for-peace/veteranshealthcare-facilities www.sendingsunshine.ca/

February also brings Family Day and with it, lots of community events to bring families together and strengthen bonds with children, parents, grandparents. Setting aside time for the family to enjoy some winter activities can create memories that last a lifetime. While Family day wasn’t a thing in my day, I do have fond memories of visits to the local skating rink or toboggan thrills on local hills. Sadly, these days my shoulders and knees are not as cooperative to ‘outdoor active’ as they once were, so I indulge in game nights as a way to spend time together.

However you choose to enjoy February, I hope you embrace and spread the love!

Joy Fleury

Editor-in-Chief

Stormy Day in Thornbury

Rigby, my daughter’s dog, loved the snow that arrived before Christmas, as did we!! What a winter wonderland it was!!

Submitted by Lauren & Diane Whyte

What can we do to protect ourselves against rising costs now and plan for the future?

Join us in person or by webcast for an informative discussion on borrowing and investing in a world of higher inflation and higher interest rates.

Dates: 7:00 pm, Thursday, February 23rd, 2023

Location: The National Bank Branch at 108 Hurontario Street, Collingwood

Please register by calling (705) 445-2402 or e-mail douglas.easton@nbc.ca

Hosted by: Risto Autio, Branch Manager, The National Bank in Collingwood

Guest Speakers:

Cheryl Adamson Mortgage Development Manager National Bank

Cheryl has over 25 years experience as a lending professional helping her clients achieve their home ownership goals.

Shirley’s Secret Ingredient Meatloaf

There are few other foods that scream classic comfort food than meatloaf. It really is nostalgic, so simple to make and a crowd pleaser. The classic meatloaf gets a tasty upgrade from Stove Top Stuffing rather than plain, flavourless breadcrumbs. Stuffing mix is a typical pantry staple (and grocery store sale item after the holidays), it’s handy to keep a few boxes on hand to make this tasty meatloaf any day of the week.

When you’re in a hurry and need dinner on the table faster, try using mini loaf pans or muffin pans – cute and fun, giving each person their own personal portion (plus they’re easier to freeze because of their size.)

Add herbs (Italian seasoning works well), finely diced veggies (onions, celery, mushrooms, bell peppers, yellow squash, zucchini, carrots – sautéed lightly in butter before adding) and your favourite BBQ sauce to make it your family’s favourite meal!

INGREDIENTS:

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 lbs ground beef

1 box Stove Top Stuffing Mix

1 cup milk or water

2 large eggs

¼ cup (8 Tbsp) BBQ sauce

INSTRUCTIONS:

1 Tbsp minced garlic

Medium onion, finely chopped (optional)

1 tsp each, salt & pepper

1 Tbsp Italian seasoning (optional)

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350F; lightly grease loaf pan(s) with olive oil.

2. In a large mixing bowl, lightly whisk eggs, add the ground beef, stuffing mix, milk, seasoning, Worcestershire sauce and cooked veggies (if using) and half of the BBQ sauce.

3. Using clean hands or food safe gloves, combine all ingredients until well mixed, do not overmix.

4. Put the meat mixture into your loaf pan(s), pressing evenly into the pan(s).

5. Spread the remaining BBQ sauce over the top of the meatloaf.

6. Bake in the oven at 350F for an hour or continue baking until meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160F.

7. Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Submitted by Joy Fleury

Douglas Easton, CFA Portfolio Manager & Wealth Advisor National Bank Financial

Douglas has over 25 years experience as a discretionary portfolio manager helping his clients achieve their investment goals.

BANK, NATIONAL BANK FINANCIAL and the NATIONAL BANK logo are registered trademarks of National Bank of Canada.

How to Spot Reliable Health Information

(NC) Sometimes it seems like everyone thinks they’re an expert on health, and many people are quick to offer opinions on health information. How can you be certain you’re finding the best information from reputable sources?

BE SKEPTICAL Take everything you read with a grain of salt. Information circulates quickly online, so it can be easy to think that what you’re reading has been fact-checked. However, that isn’t always the case.

Misinformation abounds because people can post opinions and make comments on health matters without credentials or sources cited. To ensure that you’re accessing the most reliable information, the key first step is to recognize that not everything you hear is true, especially if the information is associated with the sale of a product or service.

ACCESS OFFICIAL SOURCES While you might be inundated every day with information from friends, family, social media, websites and more, you can very easily establish a few key reliable sources for news. You can’t go wrong with trusting official government websites. Health Canada is the leading source for reliable healthcare information that all Canadian citizens can access for free.

Healthcare non-profits can also offer a wealth of information supported by doctors, experts in the field and individuals with lived experience. The Kidney Foundation of Canada, for example, has many resources about kidney disease, such as their website, webinars and social media feeds.

CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER If you feel like there’s a lot of conflicting information online or you have specific health concerns that aren’t being taken into account, bring those questions to your primary care physician. Especially if you feel like you may need to make any changes related to your health, seeing your doctor should be a critical step in any decision-making process.

Following these three key steps will help you find accurate, factbased healthcare information. Before trying any new diet fads, making changes to your drug and health products, or anything else, remember to be skeptical, check your trusted sources and, if needed, consult your family doctor.

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Pro Tips to Save on Your Monthly Grocery Bills

(NC) Inflation has got many of us feeling anxious about money recently. With the rise of the cost of living, especially in food products, we’re all looking for ways to save money and stretch our food budget. Registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator Julie Hutter has some advice for how to stay on budget and save on your next grocery bill.

Give these five tips a try:

Make a shopping list and stick to it. Not having a shopping list can result in overspending on unnecessary items and overstocking your pantry with duplicates. So, before your next grocery trip, make it a priority to write down what you need and stick to the list when shopping.

Shop the sale section and make use of coupons. Most grocery stores have a sale section with heavily discounted items that are usually approaching their expiration date. You can make use of these items by meal-batching and freezing them for future use. Just make sure you use them up or properly prepare them before their expiration date. For nonsale items, check out the store’s coupon flyer for extra savings.

Switch to plant-based meals. It’s often much more cost- effective to cook plant-based meals rather than animal-based alternatives. Even if you switch a couple of meals a week, only to plantbased you can notice a reduction in your overall monthly spendings.

Buy ingredients in bulk. You can save a lot of money buying ingredients in bulk such as pasta, rice and flour. Remember to store these ingredients properly and use them up before their expiration date.

Choose larger meat pieces. Opting for bigger pieces and asking the butcher to cut it up for you if needed, will stretch your food dollar. Buying a whole chicken is much more cost-effective than buying legs or thighs only. Not only do you get more meat for your buck, but you can also use the bones to make homemade stock.

Although it might feel overwhelming at first, putting in the work to carefully plan your meals and grocery trips can easily make a difference in your grocery bills. Keep the above tips in mind next time you go grocery shopping and see the difference in your monthly spending!

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Rotary Club of Wasaga Beach

The Rotary Club of Wasaga Beach started the New Year off with an exciting Rotary event on January 9, 2023. After presenting the Paul Harris Fellowship Award to David Foster in recognition of his stellar community service, the Rotary Club donated $142,000 in cheques to 23 Local and Regional Charities. These donations to approved charities were made possible by their annual Corvette Lottery, raising funding to make our communities better.

To learn more about the Rotary Club of Wasaga Beach, find them on facebook or contact them at (705) 441-5448 | rotaryedg@gmail.com.

$142,000 to 23 Local + Regional Charities

Red Velvet Mug Cake

(Culinary.net) Valentine’s Day means sharing with someone how much you care, and it’s difficult to find a better way than to share something sweet.

This dessert has Valentine’s Day written all over it, however, it can be enjoyed anytime throughout the year and is perfect for a late-night snack if you’re craving something sugary-sweet.

Servings: 1

INGREDIENTS:

6 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup milk

2 tablespoons butter, melted

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

30 drops red food colouring

3 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened

1. In 12-ounce mug, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Add milk, butter, vanilla and food colouring; mix until blended.

2. In small bowl, mix powdered sugar and cream cheese until smooth.

3. Drop cream cheese mixture into cake batter. Press into batter until covered.

4. Microwave up to 3 minutes until cake is done.

Photos: Bryan Davies

Submitted by Joy Fleury

Submitted by Joy Fleury

Book Review - Our Voice of Fire

If you don’t believe First Nations are a rising tide between the oceans which border our beloved Canada, you have not read Brandi Morin’s book, “Our Voice Of Fire”. Her book’s cover carries a subtitle of “A Memoir Of A Warrior Rising”.

Having read Morin’s book I can tell you that she is still a warrior rising and so should you be.

When Brandi Morin writes that her life was infused with grief, guilt and gratitude, I know why. By the time you get to those three words – grief, guilt, gratitude – on page 78, you should be rooting for this multi-talented woman who never gave up fighting to educate non-First Nations’ people about the history of Canada’s First Nations. She never gave up on bettering her life situation against seemingly insurmountable odds.

Brandi Morin writes some shocking truths not only about the injustices commited against First Nations, but also about her life as a child, as a teenager and as a young adult. Nobody, anywhere – First Nations or otherwise – should have to go through what this author tells us she experienced at the hands of abusers.

A major turning point in Brandi Morin’s life started when she started writing for a local newspaper in Altona, Manitoba. Her first paycheque was $50.00 as she started her journey in journalism and started to blossom and get a stronger grip on the writing skills of a story-telling warrior. Today, Morin is an accomplished journalist and guest speaker.

“Our Voice Of Fire” doesn’t offer step-by-step instructions about how reconciliation is to be achieved in Canada. That’s why this book is called a memoir. But there are important aspects of Brandi Morin’s writing which should resonate with you as much as they were eye-opening for me.

Morin writes that, according to Canada Census in 2016, First Nations are the fastest-growing population in Canada. She notes that this population is also the youngest population.

“This is the Generation of Fire.” writes Morin adding “we are rising to take our place in this troubled world”.

I was starting to think of the word mutiny until I read further and her next paragraph should get etched into Canadian minds:

“We lead, but we do not do this alone. We are not the only ones in need of healing. Our wounded world cries out for it. Our society calls out for it. If we do not heal the growing divisions between people, we will all be ripped asunder along with our wounded planet,” she writes. Reconciliation isn’t going to happen easily, writes Morin. My take is that understanding isn’t going to happen easily either, but we are getting there albeit slowly. Forgiving is a secret to moving on.

“Our Voice of Fire”, along with “21 Things You May Not Know About The Indian Act” by Bob Joseph, should be immediately installed as required reading at a high-school level in schools across Canada. More communities should have tangible, educational structures which honour First Nations as has been done in Collingwood, Ontario with the Awen’ Gathering Place.

Non-First Nations’ Canadians must do their part to bring about reconciliation. Brandi Morin bravely put her compass of truth into the hands of Canadians with “Our Voice Of Fire”. Now, we should all join her and make the long, reconciliation journey shorter. We are all each other’s brothers and sisters on this planet. We should all be warriors to make our planet and our respective parts of Canada a better place.

George Czerny-Holownia is the author of “Kiss The Ground You Walk On, Canada!” and, more recently, “Our Changing Collingwood”. He is scheduled to be the guest speaker at the Monday, May 1, 2023 meeting of the Collingwood and District Historical Society.

Thank You! Thank You!

Morrison Pumpkin Farm generously donates a portion of their sales to local charities.

For 2022, Habitat for Humanity South Georgian Bay and YMCA Simcoe Muskoka were so grateful to be chosen as the recipients.

On behalf of Habitat for Humanity, the YMCA and the Morrison Family, we thank Morrison’s Pumpkin Farm patrons for their continued support.

Together we are tackling the affordable housing crisis. Together we are building healthy communities.

Submitted by George Czerny-Holownia

Submitted by Joy Fleury

Dark Velvet Cake

If there was ever a time for a decadent chocolate dessert, it’s valentine’s day! This cake looks quite exotic and could possibly be the chocolate cake of your dreams. With four layers of chocolate cake, filled with silky chocolate black buttercream, who could ask for anything more? By using black cocoa (found online, or Hershey’s Special Dark will do in a pinch), the cake doesn’t need to have a lot of chocolate in it to make a big flavour impact.

INGREDIENTS:

CAKE

1 ¾ cups cake flour

1 ½ cups firmly packed brown sugar

1 cup black cocoa (or Hershey’s Special Dark)

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

2 eggs (room temperature)

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup coffee, expresso or hot water

1/2 cup neutral flavoured oil (avocado, canola, corn, vegetable)

2 tsp vanilla extract

3 ½ oz / 100 g dark chocolate, finely chopped

FROSTING

13 oz / 375 g butter, room temperature

7 oz / 190 g icing sugar

4 fl oz / 115 ml room temperature water

3/4 cup black cocoa (or Hershey’s Special Dark)

1 tsp vanilla extract

DECORATION

black cherries

black berries

raspberries

festive sprinkles

DIRECTIONS:

1. Butter and line 2 – 8 inch (4 in high) round tins. Preheat oven to 325F.

2. Whisk the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda and baking powder in a large bowl.

3. In a separate bowl, measure the buttermilk, oil and vanilla, beat in the eggs and then the water. Mix gently into the flour mixture in 3-4 increments along with the chopped chocolate.

4. Divide among the two tins and bake for 30 minutes.

5. For the frosting: Using a mixer equipped with a beater attachment, cream the butter, sugar and cocoa together on low speed for 1 minute, then increase to medium-low 3 minutes. Add the water and vanilla in at low speed and beat on medium low for 5 minutes or until the sugar does not feel gritty between your fingers.

6. Trim to level the top off the cakes and then slice each cake evenly in half horizontally. Covering and lightly freezing the cake layers will make them easier to ice. Spread buttercream frosting between each layer of cake and then coat with more frosting to finish (reserve some frosting for decoration).

7. Using a piping bag with a fluted tip, fill with frosting and pipe rosettes around the edge of the cake. Then top and decorate with fruit and sprinkles.

CHERYL J. MORRISON, Broker Cell: 705.446.4672 | Office: 705.445.5454 realestate4seasons.com | chestnutpark.com

Chestnut Park® Real Estate Limited, Brokerage

Serving Your Real Estate Needs For 35 Years in South Georgian Bay

Submitted by Joy Fleury

Getting to Know Habitat for Humanity South Georgian Bay

Habitat brings communities together to help families build strength, stability and independence

through affordable homeownership. At Habitat, we believe everyone has the right to a safe and decent place to live, and that it benefits all of society when they do. That’s why Habitat looks beyond the build, to how decent housing transforms futures, strengthens communities and fosters resiliency and stability that can transcend generations.

Habitat for Humanity South Georgian Bay is a non-profit housing organization that works in partnership with the community and local low-income families to build affordable homes. Families selected for the program have already done a lot of things right, but no matter how hard they work, or how much they save, they are still faced with the reality of never being able to afford their own home. The Habitat model provides families with an affordable mortgage, much needed stability, helps them build assets, reduces their dependence on social services. Habitat helps folks who are paying far too high a percentage of their income towards rent and are still living in substandard accommodation. Covid has only amplified the need, causing house prices to skyrocket and affordable rentals to become rare. Local families are working long hours to keep a roof over their family’s head with very little money left over for things beyond necessities.

To make a Habitat build possible, Habitat relies on many elements:

Donations are always welcome – all funds received go directly into the build program, when families buy the home, they pay an affordable mortgage and those funds are re-invested into future builds. Donations of build materials and services help us keep build costs low to enable Habitat to build more homes for more families. They’re also able to receive donations of land for build projects – if you’ve got vacant land suitable for building, they’d love to speak to you!

Habitat ReStores are great for communities and build the story of home. They provide a convenient place to donate your quality new and used household items. There is power in repurposing excess building materials, furniture, kitchens, unwanted store inventory. When materials are donated, the ReStore resells these goods, helping the community with low cost options for their home improvement projects. We also accept scrap metal and electronic waste. When you support Habitat ReStore, the proceeds help build Habitat homes for families in need.

Habitat ReStore is also a socially and environmentally conscious shopping experience. Find new and gently used household, furniture, and materials for your next project or renovation and the Habitat ReStore at budget friendly prices (you never know what treasure you might discover). Habitat ReStore diverts waste by accepting, repurposing and reselling quality new and used household items and building materials. We all have the power to help build a prosperous, healthy future for our planet.

Habitat ReStore deconstruction program is free and provides non-structural services to help you donate items from your kitchen or home remodel project to the ReStore. ReStore gently removes your appliances, fixtures, cabinets and more and transports them to the ReStore for sale. (They’re also happy to work along with your contractor or kitchen remodel company to receive the donation.) You save time and energy and receive a tax receipt for your donation!

Volunteers are the backbone of Habitat, and are a great place to make new friends, in our ReStore, on our construction site, in our office, on our fundraising team/events, on our construction committee. Habitat is always on the lookout for folks who would be a good fit on their board of directors or family selection & mentoring committee (both by application process).

Habitat builds more than houses, we build stronger communities, healthier families and a stronger economy through homeownership. Affordable homeownership is the key that is not only the keys to a new home, it unlocks the door for local low income families to a new life with endless possibilities.

For more information:

www.habitatgeorgianbay.ca

joy@habitatgeorgianbay.ca

Habitat for Humanity: 705-446-9542

ReStore: 705-446-9740

I N T E R W H E E

5 Myths About Winter Tires

(NC) We know there are many myths out there about winter driving, and they might put you in a tricky situation when the weather turns cold. Here are some misconceptions it’s important to clear up:

I have all-season tires – I don’t need to waste my money on winter tires.

If you frequently face snow, ice or the temperature is consistently near freezing, your tires need the extra grip of winter tires for turning, braking, and accelerating. This is true even if you have four-wheel or allwheel drive. Winter tires have specific tread designs and are made from a specific rubber compound, which combine to provide better grip, traction and braking in extreme weather such as wet roads, snow, slush and ice.

I can just drive slower in the winter and be aware of my surroundings.

It’s always good to slow down in winter and watch your surroundings, the weather, traffic patterns and road conditions. However, this is not a substitute for winter tires. Tires make a difference if you need to brake or steer to avoid a collision because they’re the only part of your car in contact with the road.

Under-inflating your tires will result in better traction.

You should never under-inflate your winter tires. Not only will this degrade grip and stability, it can also damage your tires. You should check your tire pressure before hitting the road this winter for optimal grip, longevity and mileage or battery range.

I don’t need winter tires if the road is clear.

Some people think that winter tires are only needed when the road is covered with snow or ice but forget that winter tires are also needed when the temperature is low and road surfaces are clear.

I only need two winter tires.

“This is a terrible myth and one that shouldn’t be followed,” says Russell Shepherd, technical communications director at Michelin. “For maximum control of your vehicle in cold weather conditions, having four tires of the same size, tread depth and design, and inflation pressure is critical to ensure a vehicle maintains its highest level of stability and control.” vecteezy.com

Family Day Events

Submitted by Joy Fleury

Tips for Planning Winter Getaways

(Family Features) Winter occasions and celebrations equate to increased travel opportunities for many families to see destinations around the globe. Whether you’re planning a trip far from home or taking advantage of nearby attractions during a staycation, you can get more out of your adventures when you plan ahead.

PLANNING

Overall, we spend an average of 14 hours planning their getaway, the majority of which happens online or with the help of apps that provide booking information, directions, localized tips and more. In addition to deciding where to go and what to do once you get there, you may find planning ahead and checking restaurant reviews is especially helpful for those first hours after you arrive. Upon arrival, the first order of business for travellers is often refuelling with a good meal, typically based on reviews they read before reaching their destination. Also research attractions and create a plan of things you’d like to do each day, even if you don’t follow it to the letter. Remember, while many attractions and entertainment options provide flexibility, some should be booked in advance. Check individual websites for events, attractions and more to find details about booking and tickets, if required.

DESTINATION

You may favour travelling to a place where the temperatures soar and you can soak up some sunshine. However, taking advantage of some of those typically warmer destinations outside of peak season can actually provide a way to avoid lineups and enjoy a break from the heat. For example, locals in Orlando prefer to visit the area’s popular theme parks in the winter. Using an option like Go City can help you save and experience more to make your in- or offseason trip even better with access to Legoland Florida, Fun Spot America and Boggy Creek Airboat Tours.

The experience passes provide access to popular attractions in 30 major cities around the world such as New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Orlando, London, Bangkok, Barcelona, Dubai and more. Cancun is another hot spot; using the All-Inclusive Pass during the cooler months allows you to take advantage of one of the best times of the year to enjoy Xcaret at Night, along with the Cancun Scenic Tower. Other favourites among visitors include the Sky Wheel and parasailing adventures.

PACKING

Smart packing is an often-overlooked secret to successful travel. Not only do you need enough attire for each day, you may also need extras to accommodate special activities or adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day and evening hours. Most travellers pack the night before a big trip but starting sooner can help ensure you don’t forget anything important. Starting a list well ahead of time can help you get a jump on your packing while saving the physical act of fitting everything into your luggage until closer to departure.

EXCURSIONS

Taking advantage of the unique activities and excursions is a smart way to immerse yourself and more fully experience the cities you visit. On average, families participate in five activities and excursions during a single trip; most of the time, those outings are planned from home as much as four weeks ahead of time, rather than upon arriving in the destination city.

If you’re planning to schedule excursions on your trip, explore resources like Go City, which can help you save up to 60% over gate admission prices. Passes can unlock the best a city has to offer, from bucket list attractions and top tours in the United States, such as Universal Studios, Sea World, Shedd Aquarium, Long Beach Aquarium and the Statue of Liberty, or abroad like the Vatican, the Eiffel Tower and more. There are also plenty of hidden gems and exclusive experiences such as a tour of Fenway Park, Texas Ranger Museum, Museum of Us, Coral Crater Adventure Park and even wine and cheese-making classes.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Happy Valentine’s Day February 14

Love is in the Air

I Heart French Toast Casserole

(NC) While flowers are lovely, there’s something very special about a homemade treat from your sweetheart. Waking up to the smell of a delicious meal is a great way to start the day, so treat your loved one to breakfast (or brunch) in bed.

Paul Lowe, food and craft stylist and founder of Sweet Paul Magazine, shares his recipe for whipping up an easy heart-shaped dish of love — perfect for Valentine’s Day or any other day you’re feeling romantic.

To make the recipe just for two, Lowe says to simply reduce ingredients by half.

Prep time: 2 hours and 10 minutes Cook time: 35 minutes Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS:

20 slices of good quality white bread

1 1/2 cup (350 ml) whole milk

4 large eggs

1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start by greasing a baking dish.

2. Cut out hearts in the bread using a cookie cutter and layer the hearts in dish.

3. Beat remaining ingredients until nice and smooth. Pour evenly over bread. Place in fridge and let stand for at least two hours or overnight.

4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, about 35 minutes. Top with berries and whipped cream or syrup and serve.

Tip: To make this into a savoury casserole, omit the vanilla and sprinkle with grated cheese, crumbled bacon and chives.

Submitted by Joy Fleury

How to Green Your Home on a Budget

(NC) Across Canada and the world, people are looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint.

More energy-efficient heating, cooling, electricity and water use can add up to savings that help both the planet and household budgets. Check out these six simple tips to help you save money and energy while living greener.

1. AIR-SEAL AND DRAFT-PROOF TOP LEAK SPOTS

Air leaks force your furnace or air conditioner to work harder, increasing energy use. Seal around door and window frames, electrical outlets and switches, trim and baseboards, fans and vents, ceiling fixtures, fireplace dampers and attic hatches to prevent leaks.

2. UNPLUG UNUSED CHARGERS AND APPLIANCES

Phone chargers, printers, video game consoles, TVs, coffeemakers and other appliances continue to use energy even when turned off. Unplug them to avoid wasting energy.

3. WASH LAUNDRY IN COLD WATER RATHER THAN HOT

Up to 90 per cent of the energy used for washing clothes is used to heat water. Wash with cold water to save energy.

4. SAVE ENERGY AUTOMATICALLY WITH A SMART THERMOSTAT

A smart thermostat learns your schedule then optimizes your heating and cooling to save energy while keeping you comfortable. Many manufacturers offer discounts throughout the year – if you can align your purchase with one of these dates you’ll save even more.

5. RUN THE DISHWASHER INSTEAD

Hand-washing dishes uses more than two gallons of water per minute, while dishwashers typically use between two and eight gallons of water per cycle.

6. TAP INTO LOCAL PROGRAMS

Many electricity and gas providers offer programs to help customers reduce energy use at home. One example in Ontario is the Enbridge Gas Home Winterproofing program, which provides free insulation, draft proofing and a smart thermostat to eligible homes. Both homeowners and renters can find out if they qualify at enbridgegas. com/winterproofing.