What's Up? Georgian Bay - January 2024

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January 2024

Better-for-You Family Meals (Family Features) Setting out on a mission to eat healthier starts with creating goals and working to achieve them with those you love. To help make nutritious eating more manageable, call together your family and work with one another to create a menu everyone can enjoy while staying on track.

Connecting an array of recipes that all can agree on starts with versatile ingredients like dairy. Gathering at the table with your loved ones while enjoying delicious, nutritious recipes featuring yogurt, cheese and milk can nourish both body and soul.

For example, the key dairy ingredients in these recipes from Milk Means More provide essential nutrients for a healthy diet. The cheese varieties in Feta Roasted Salmon and Tomatoes and 15-Minute Weeknight Pasta provide vitamin B12 for healthy brain and nerve cell development and are a good source of calcium and protein, which are important for building and maintaining healthy bones.

To find more nutritious meal ideas to fuel your family’s health goals, visit MilkMeansMore.org.

Feta Roasted Salmon and Tomatoes Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS Nonstick cooking spray 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or dried dill weed 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, divided 1 1/2 pounds salmon or halibut fillets, cut into four serving-size pieces 1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Line 18-by-13-by-1-inch baking pan with foil. Lightly spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

2. In medium bowl, toss tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano or dill weed, salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

3. Place fish pieces, skin side down, on one side of prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining pepper. Lightly press feta cheese on top of fish. Pour tomato mixture on other side of prepared pan. Bake, uncovered, 12-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with fork.

4. Place salmon on serving plates. Spoon tomato mixture over top.

15-Minute Weeknight Pasta Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS 6 quarts water 16 ounces linguine or penne pasta 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 cup thinly sliced onion 1 cup thinly sliced carrots 1 cup thinly sliced sweet bell pepper 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 1 cup reserved pasta water 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest 1/2 cup smoked provolone cheese, shredded 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional) Parmesan cheese (optional) DIRECTIONS 1. Bring water to rolling boil and prepare pasta according to package directions for al dente texture, reserving 1 cup pasta water.

2. In large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in onions, carrots and sweet bell peppers. Saute vegetables about 5 minutes, or until they brighten in colour and begin to soften. Add tomatoes, salt, pepper and garlic. Cook and stir 1 minute to allow tomatoes to release juices.

3. Pour reserved pasta water into skillet, stirring well. Bring sauce to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 3 minutes. Taste sauce and adjust seasonings, as desired.

4. Transfer drained pasta to skillet along with lemon zest and smoked provolone cheese, tossing well to coat. Serve immediately with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

United Dairy Industry of Michigan

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What’s Up? Georgian Bay

Publisher ’s Note Our community is important to us and we take pride in being part of the community. We want you to be involved and to continue to send us your stories and pictures.

JOHN ARMSTRONG, Sales Representative john@armstrongs4u.com Cell: 705-351-2767

Thank you to all of our readers, contributors and advertisers for your continuing support.

and THE ARMSTRONG TEAM! Brenda - Cell: 705-828-4571 Candy - Cell: 705-817-1007

Happy New Year!!

Publisher

Victoria Ledden

John and Nickel

(his unlicensed assistant)

Collingwood Office:

330 First Street Collingwood

Wasaga Beach Office:

1249 Mosley St. Wasaga Beach

Happy New Year 2024

Kim Dadswell, DD

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January 2024

3

Lighting the Way for Young Readers A group of fireflies is also known as a sparkle. That’s one way to describe meeting Carolyn j Morris. She shines in many ways, passionate in all.

Morris may begin with her interest in early literacy and the passion she has for Railfence Books. Beyond her books, she can light up a room with her enthusiasm for life with a contagious smile. Her lifestyle and work ethic are inspiring and leaves this reporter wondering if or when she sleeps!

Carolyn j Morris grew up on a family farm southwest of Collingwood.

Chores before and after school were simply a part of life. She was a successful 4-H member who showed at several agricultural fall fairs with her three sisters and her brother.

Memories of her childhood were tucked away somewhere when, at eight years old, her mother died. “I don’t have memories of my mom and for a long time that really bothered me. However, in retrospect, writing my first book Mourning Dove, was very therapeutic. In fact, writing the entire set of four Spruce Valley novellas was extremely meaningful.”

In the Spruce Valley novellas, illustrated by Anne Brolley, you’re introduced to young Billy Robinson who comes to stay on his grandparents’ farm after the death of his father. In each of the books, Billy returns to the farm and readers will immediately recognize that the storyline rings so true.

The novellas are infused with genuine love and genuine storytelling.

“I love those characters,” Morris smiles. “There’s a little bit of me in every single character, but one day it just happened, it was time to move to a new series–a series for younger children.” That brought her to create the Railfence Bunch. Morris continued to teach kindergarten while writing, which is where she found her next inspiration. Every year, she’d arrange to bring baby chicks in April and ducklings in May to her classroom to the delight of her young students.

“This was a lot of fun,” she recalls: “The ducklings imprint on me and often follow me around and they love to swim! I think its safe to say that chicks and ducklings make everyone smile. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to help children experience gentleness and self-control.”

Imagine the extra delight on the children not familiar with these farm animals.

It inspired her next series, The Railfence Bunch, about friends Chick and Duckling. Written for younger readers, the nine books use rhyme, rhythm and repetition to engage little ones–still on the themes of farm and country life.

“I realized a few years ago that I write children’s books the way I like to read to children. A book must be fun and engaging to read. A book must be as fun for an adult to use as a read aloud as it is for a child reading independently.”

Artist Richard McNaughton paints charming watercolour illustrations in each of the fourteen books.

There relationship is easy–Morris knows her strengths and this allows McNaughton to use his artistic abilities to paint phenomenal watercolours; they complement her stories so wonderfully.

“In our Railfence Books, the illustrations are as important as the written word. My hope is that everyone can enjoy our books. A younger child can chime in with the rhyme on each page or read it independently while an older child struggling with their reading can pick it up confidently and read and enjoy the watercolour illustrations without feeling that they are reading a primary book.”

After 33 years, Morris no longer teaches in the classroom.

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“I stopped teaching when it become too difficult to balance teaching and running our company, Railfence Books,” Morris said. “I’m blessed with an extremely supportive husband and many, many supportive family members and friends. At the end of the day, I believe, its better to do one job well and then move on. I don’t miss teaching because I have several classroom visits each year reading and sharing agricultural facts.

I also visit markets, bookstores, libraries and senior residences. My life is full!”

As for her writing process, Morris usually makes notes or writes a few sentences immediately following an idea popping into her mind. She says ideas come and go for days or weeks. She writes ideas on scrap paper, in a notebook, leaves herself text messages or even on a napkin.

“When the manuscript is written, I send it to my editor. At that point, depending on the topic, I meet with an expert in the field to review facts.”

Morris introduced the Railfence Bunch Kids books in 2020. These four books not only are an engaging story but also have facts and definitions included on the last two pages. Who doesn’t love learning a few animal facts? Paisley’s Pumpkin, Allie’s Alpacas and Lucy’s Lamb include female farmers, allowing the stories to portray today’s agricultural world.

“We’ve been on a super-fun journey which takes a lot of work. Sometimes you win and sometimes you learn”, she admits, about launching her own publishing company, Railfence Books. “When we receive wonderful feedback and families continue to buy our books, we know we’re doing something right!” Asked how long she intends to keep writing, she replied, “Probably the rest of my life! Richard is illustrating the next book and it’ll be released in a few months.”

Where does Morris find inspiration and motivation, she laughed and quickly responded, “My mind is busy, but seriously, farming and farm animals are of interest to me. Therefore, I’m passionate about children learning information about farm animals. Once I start writing a manuscript, I’m highly motivated to continue the process. The process is exciting and gratifying. It is very rewarding to read my books to a group of children and to hear or see a child reading one of my books independently.”

For those of us prone to being sticky about grammar, it is with a nod to her young students that she leaves her middle initial j lowercase. Her students learn to write lowercase letters first, as most of what they read will be lowercase. Consider it a symbol, if you wish, of the crucial time she has spent with children on their earliest days of their marvellous journey of reading.

Flashes of fireflies remind us of the sense of wonder. Carolyn j Morris has an enchanting light with sparks of curiosity and imagination we can all capture and share with our children. Her books are sold in over 70 stores including farm markets, boutiques and independent bookstores. There is an online store and lots of information at www.railfencebooks.com .

There are some delightfully simple games for children on the website http://www.railfencebunch.com/ involving some of the characters in her books and even a puzzle of the map of Canada. Perhaps there is someone in your house who would like to learn about farm animals and the sounds they make!

Submitted by Don Beaulieu

What’s Up? Georgian Bay

Decadent Desserts Creamy Raspberry Mocha Parfait

CHALLENGE YOUR TASTE BUDS

Franchising Opportunities Available

(Culinary.net) Nearly anytime can be a good time for a decadent dessert. This Creamy Raspberry Mocha Parfait, which combines the flavours of instant coffee, chocolate and raspberries, can be a perfect nightcap to almost any meal.

STEAK CAJUN SCHNITZEL

Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons hot water 1 tablespoon instant coffee 1 packet chocolate pudding mix 2 cups milk 1 carton whipped topping 1 cup heavy cream 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups raspberries whipped cream, for topping chocolate powder, for dusting

theironskillet.ca

BARRIE . WASAGA BEACH . COLLINGWOOD

DIRECTIONS

1. In small bowl, mix hot water and instant coffee. Cool completely.

2. In medium bowl, mix milk and chocolate pudding mix until blended and thickened. Add cooled coffee; mix well. Add whipped topping; mix well. Chill.

3. In large bowl, add heavy cream, cream of tartar and vanilla extract. Beat mixture to form peaks. Gradually add sugar. Continue beating mixture until stiffer peaks form.

4. In four parfait glasses, layer chocolate pudding mix, whipped cream mix and raspberries.

Top raspberries with additional chocolate pudding mix, dollop of whipped cream, another raspberry and dust with chocolate powder.

Rocky Road Cookie Pizza

(Family Features) Pizza and dessert are two things nearly any crowd can agree on. Combining classic rocky road ingredients – chocolate, marshmallows and peanuts – on a giant cookie crust makes for a sweet treat that’s perfect for a crowd and can be sliced and eaten with your hands.

INGREDIENTS

Nonstick cooking spray 1 roll (16 1/2 ounces) refrigerated sugar cookie dough 1 cup miniature marshmallows 1/2 cup salted peanuts 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1/3 cup caramel topping

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 350° F. 2. Grease 12-inch pizza pan with nonstick cooking spray. In pan, break up cookie dough.

In bottom of pan, evenly spread cookie dough to form crust. Bake 12-17 minutes, or until light golden brown.

3. Sprinkle marshmallows, peanuts and chocolate chips evenly over crust. Bake 8-10 minutes, or until toppings are melted. Drizzle with caramel topping. Cool completely, about 1 hour. Cut into wedges.

Recipe adapted from Pillsbury

January 2024

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The Search & Rescue for 3 Loree Loose Llamas Annette Sandberg has 20 years search & rescue volunteer experience but searching for llamas was a first. On Friday, November 10, the gate at the llama farm near Victoria Corners was accidentally left open, and the three llamas that lived there, Lluka, Todd, and Llewis, escaped and headed towards Loree, near the Blue Mountains, only about three kilometers away.

As the Search Coordinator for this incident, I will explain as simple as I can how it was put together.

First and foremost, safety for all is a priority for not only the return of the llamas unharmed but also for people and other animals such as dogs and livestock.

Since the llamas were sighted the first couple of days in Loree Forest, including travelling on the popular Bruce Trail, I called the Town of the Blue Mountains to discuss closure of that area. If you’ve never been there, I can tell you it’s filled with hikers and their leashed/unleashed dogs on any given day. A busy area like this can cause the llamas high stress which can result in them moving further away. Also, an encounter with a llama and dog can turn out deadly for the dog and risky for the owner. The TBM’s and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) agreed and the area was closed for safety.

Nancy, a local tracker, set up cameras and followed the llamas tracks. With that and other sightings on individual days, we were able to form a grid section of their travels.

I could then place community volunteers in their cars on the perimeter to check for sightings and to keep the interior calm and quiet for the Llamas to be found and returned.

Lead Search Co-ordinator Annette Sandberg with assistant Kathleen Knowles wait at one of the access points to Loree Forest south of Thornbury.

It was important to keep people and their pets from inadvertently spooking the llamas which were reported to be in the area.

On the videos, we could see that the llamas had crossed over early in the morning looking for the perfect grazing field. Being surrounded by apple orchards and streams also provided all of the elements for survival. The biggest threat were the coyotes in the area seeing them as prey. The greatest defence for the llamas was for them to stay together as it was unlikely that even a pack of coyotes would attempt an attack. Llamas have a powerful kick that can take down even the strongest of coyotes.

Each day that the llamas weren’t retrieved, we had to start the process of finding them all over again. The owner used a helicopter initially. The Drone Team was used throughout but on bad weather days, they couldn’t fly. We lost one drone due to high winds. Professional trackers walked the trails looking for the llamas, one went out even in rainy miserable weather. Owners of local properties called in sightings as well. Daily, volunteers would come to help and the community support was amazing.

These folk braved all sorts of weather to achieve the safe return of three escaped llamas in the Town of the Blue Mountains.

But just because you see the llamas doesn’t mean you have secured them. Professional cowboys and their well-trained horses were hired to wrangle them in. When all conditions aligned, they brought the three back home, although on two separate days. Tuesday, the 14th, we were able to get within a couple of feet of them but they started to run. With speeds up to 40 km/hr, they prove to be impossible to catch.

On Thursday the 16th, two were corralled at a nearby farm on the 2nd line. Initially, all three were caught, but Llewis, the most untamed one, crawled under the fencing and ran off. To lure him back, we took recordings of the other two, Todd and Lluka, and played them on a loop. On Sunday, November 19, Llewis was seen wandering down the road and into a fenced in apple orchard on the 10th line where OPP contacted the owner to lock the gate. The next morning, the Flesherton cowboys came in with their well-trained horses and wrangled Llewis without harm and put him in the trailer and headed for home.

This is a simplified version of OPS (operations) and event, but there was nothing simple about it. It took a community effort for 10 days and everyone is to be commended for a safe and happy return of the Loree llamas Llewis, Todd, and Lluka.

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Cowboy’s view of Llewis safely roped. The careful diligence required brought a happy ending and all three llamas home, safely and unhurt. We can imagine the stories they shared for a few days, back in their home barn.

What’s Up? Georgian Bay

Rescued llamas Lluka and Todd, safe at home but likely wondering about their pal Llewis as the search continued for the less tame of the trio.

Lluka the llama shows gratitude for his safe return with a kiss for search co-ordinator Annette Sandberg of Collingwood.

Submitted by Don Beaulieu

Upcoming Shows & Events

For more information and to purchase tickets: MIDLANDCULTURALCENTRE.COM/EVENTS January 2024

7

Nurture Our Community - Shop Local (NC) Supporting local businesses is more important than ever. The onset of the pandemic forced many Canadians to witness the direct impact of their spending after watching numerous small businesses in their communities close their doors. Now, Canadians understand that supporting local businesses is vital in helping generate revenue that stays within their communities.

If you’re interested in supporting local and don’t know where to start, here are some small ways you can support your community today.

ORDER TAKEOUT DIRECTLY FROM THE RESTAURANT It can be tempting to use food delivery services when looking for something to eat. But ordering directly from the restaurant – and picking it up instead of having it delivered – will put a lot more of your money into the restaurant itself, and your hometown Mom and Pop shops will thank you for it.

Butternut Squash Soup with Sage

culinatry.net

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 1/2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes 2 medium Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced

1 large onion, chopped 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 3 cups chicken broth 1 tablespoon butter OR margarine 12 fresh sage leaves

PREPARATION 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Heat oil in saucepot over medium heat. Add squash, apples and onion and cook until almost tender. Stir in sugar, coriander and cayenne pepper.

Cook and stir 2 minutes.

Add broth. Heat to a boil. Cook over low heat 10 minutes or until squash is tender.

Place cooked squash mixture in food processor, using a slotted spoon. Cover and blend until smooth, adding enough cooking liquid to make soup of desired consistency.

Heat butter in small skillet. Add sage and cook until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels. Reserve butter in skillet. Divide soup among 4 bowls.

Drizzle each with sage butter and garnish with fried sage leaves.

TAKE THE GUESSWORK OUT OF SHOPPING LOCAL There are plenty of tools to help us become better shoppers. An app like One Red Maple helps you find your favourite everyday items in locally owned stores, so you don’t have to turn to big box chains.

They also have a browser plug-in that lets you shop any e-commerce site and real-time price and product compare between chain and local stores.

RECOMMEND LOCALLY OWNED HOT SPOTS Word of mouth is always a great way to build trust in a business.

If you enjoy an experience, talk about it. A post on your social channels or leaving a great review also goes a long way. Your peers are more likely to try a restaurant or coffee shop if they know it’s been vouched for by someone they know. It’s also a great way to support local if you don’t have a lot of disposable income to spend – words are free, after all.

Small businesses are often seen as the lifeblood of communities and supporting them in simple and affordable little steps can offer more help than we realize.

SHOP LOCAL

Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Serves: 4

8

What’s Up? Georgian Bay

Keep Your Cat Happy & Healthy (BPT) - In the company of loved ones, the holidays transform into a meaningful celebration marked by decadent foods, delightful presents and joyous gatherings. As a pet parent, you want to share in this joy with your feline family members. This means enjoying the holiday season with your pets but also keeping them safe and comfortable so all can be merry.

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Extra house guests, new foods and even innocent-looking ribbons decorating presents can be tempting to cats. The best way to keep your feline happy and healthy this holiday season is to take a proactive approach and follow these tips.

1. Understand Litterbox Habits Your cat’s litterbox habits provide important insight into their overall wellness, including if they got into some holiday fun they shouldn’t have. However, inspecting a litterbox is not a cheery chore. Fortunately, this is the golden age of pet tech, and keeping an eye on your cat’s litterbox habits is now as simple as opening an app.

Solutions like the Petivity™ Smart Litterbox System help pet parents better understand their cat’s health by monitoring litterbox habits. Developed by a team of Purina behaviourists, veterinarians and data scientists, the system’s artificial intelligence is able to learn each cat’s unique litterbox patterns and identify subtle changes that can have big implications.

Even small fluctuations in weight, frequency in litterbox visits and the types of elimination can be early signs of health concerns.

Like with all good, smart tech, setup is simple. Monitors are placed under a litterbox to track each cat’s data and habits. Then, if anything requires the owner’s attention, an alert is sent automatically to their phone. It’s a slick process, good to have all year round, and provides excellent insights during the hectic winter holidays.

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2. Be Mindful While Being Merry The holidays are a prime time to pique a cat’s curiosity. From decadent scents and festive foods to sparkling ribbons and jingling bells - there’s a lot to attract their attention. While sharing the holidays with your feline is fun, it’s important to be cautious.

Some potential toxic temptations, like chocolate, are already well known. But some sneakier ones also pop up this time of year. For example, lilies, amaryllis and poinsettias are popular cut flowers in festive decor, but they are toxic to cats who can be tempted to chew on them.

When possible, keep food and plants up high or away where cats can’t reach them. If a cat does eat something and you don’t see it, the litterbox monitoring system can help detect any changes and alert them to you. Then you can determine next steps to keep your feline feeling well and have important information to share if a call to the veterinarian is in order.

Another healthy step pet parents can take during the holidays is to monitor stress. If you’re hosting a holiday event, consider a quiet room where cats can always retreat away from guests. This gives them a safe space to use as needed so they can rest, relax and recharge.

Keep in mind, stress alone from holiday gatherings can potentially cause digestive issues for cats. If the duration and frequency of litterbox visits change, it’s a solid sign that kitty could use some calm. In addition to quiet spaces, some love from their favourite human you - is often welcome during the hectic holiday season.

3. Gift Proactive Cat Health Remember, the best holiday gift you can give your cat or the cat lover in your life is the chance to be proactive about their health. Leverage smart tech, like the Petivity™ Smart Litterbox System, to monitor your cat’s litterbox habits. Also, make sure to schedule your annual checkup for the new year to keep your veterinarian in the loop about your pet’s health.

January 2024

Operating under the umbrella of the Grace United Church Green Team, the TBM Repair Café is open on the 4th Saturday of every month (9am-noon).

Area residents have the opportunity to bring their broken items to the Repair Café, where volunteers from our community use their skills to help repair them for free. We also share some social time with coffee or a nice cup of tea and cookies.

This endeavour brings our community together to help our neighbours, and it also lengthens the life of the items repaired/mended, diverts items going to our landfill and saves taxpayers money!

We are always looking for volunteers to join our repair team. If you like to fix/mend things and would like to get involved with this exciting project, please get in touch with Barry Tatchell at Barry.Tatchell@rogers.com or 416-505-4517.

Grace United Church 140 Bruce Street South Town of The Blue Mountains

Go Green for a better Blue!

9

Meatless Meals (Family Features) Bolstering your immune system during winter, when coughs and colds seem to take control, is a must for the entire family. Supporting your wellness can start in a simple place – with the foods you eat and drink.

Paired with a healthy lifestyle, 8 ounces of 100% orange juice may help support a healthy immune system as an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of vitamin D in fortified juices.

Vitamin C is commonly associated with helping maintain and strengthen healthy immune systems by protecting cells and promoting the production and function of immune cells. Meanwhile, vitamin D also plays an important role in regulating immune response by helping immune cells fight off bacteria and viruses.

Superfruit Breakfast Smoothie

(Family Features) Regardless of your motivation, opting for meatless meals regularly provides plenty of benefits that extend from the health of you and your loved ones to your wallet and the environment.

Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, considering making some lifestyle changes or just want to give an on-trend meal prep strategy a try, going meatless can help reduce your intake of red and processed meats, decrease greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and save money on substitute ingredients like grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes that are often cheaper than meat.

For example, starting with a versatile pantry staple like brown rice can make mealtimes quick and easy. Ready in just 10 minutes without measuring or the mess, the fluffy, nutty, non-GMO rice is free of MSG and preservatives, lending itself perfectly to satisfying and hearty meals like these Baked Vegetarian Taquitos. Or for a twist on a classic dish, quinoa can be layered with traditional flavours in this Mushroom Spinach “Lasagna.” Packed with protein and all nine essential amino acids, the quinoa is a good source of fiber.

To find more meatless meal inspiration, visit SuccessRice.com.

Servings: 2

INGREDIENTS 8 ounces orange juice 4 ounces dark sweet cherries 2 ounces pomegranate juice DIRECTIONS 1. In blender, puree orange juice, cherries and pomegranate juice then serve.

Baked Vegetarian Taquitos Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup brown rice 1 cup shredded collard greens, packed 1/4 cup frozen corn 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed 2/3 cup canned pumpkin puree 1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning 8 flour tortillas (6 inches each) 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded 2 tablespoons olive oil sour cream, for dipping salsa, for dipping guacamole, for dipping fresh cilantro, for garnish

DIRECTIONS 1.

Prepare rice according to package directions; add collard greens and corn to water during last 5 minutes.

2. Preheat oven to 450 F. Drain rice and vegetables; transfer to saucepan. Stir in black beans, pumpkin puree and taco seasoning.

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What’s Up? Georgian Bay

Made Easy 3. Spoon 1/3 cup rice mixture into centre of one tortilla; sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Monterey Jack cheese. Roll up tightly. Place seam side down on parchment paperlined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tortillas, filling and cheese. Brush taquitos with olive oil; sprinkle with remaining cheese.

4. Bake 10-15 minutes, or until tortillas are crisp and cheese is melted.

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5. Serve taquitos with sour cream, salsa and guacamole for dipping. Garnish with fresh Call 705.352.3200 todayandarrange Call 705.352.3200 today and arrange cilantro.

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Mushroom Spinach “Lasagna” Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS

1 cup quinoa 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1/2 cup onion, chopped 1 cup mushrooms, sliced 4 cups baby spinach leaves 3 cups tomato sauce 2 cups ricotta cheese 1 egg, lightly beaten 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

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DIRECTIONS 1.

Prepare quinoa according to package directions.

2. Preheat oven to 375 F. 3. In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onions; saute 1 minute. Add mushrooms and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce and keep warm.

4. In medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.

5. Place 1 cup sauce in bottom of 2-quart baking dish. Spread half of quinoa evenly over sauce. Top with half of ricotta mixture. Top with 1 cup sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

6. Bake uncovered 30 minutes. Serve warm.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Source: Success Rice Warm wishes for a year filled with peace, health & happiness!

January 2024

11

Head Over Heels Physical activity brings health and mental well-being. That’s no secret. It’s especially true for our children; a situation we saw first-hand during the COVID lock-downs; stuck inside, no social activities and increased time in front of computer screens.

A Collingwood business dedicated to providing physical activity and an excellent social scene was also pre-empted and hit hard by the lock downs, almost ceasing to survive. But, through perseverance and perhaps luck, Head Over Heels Gymnastics continues to be a vital part of the Collingwood community.

Owner Terry Warren saw his 10,000 square-foot facility among the first businesses to be shut down and one of the last to open up. But since re-opening, Head Over Heels has been one of the most popular places for parents to bring their children to experience healthful physical activity, through artistic gymnastics. He recalls that upon re-opening “Enrollment numbers went through the roof! Parents realized what that shut-down did to their children and how important physical activity and social time is for their kids; The whole mental wellness phrase is true”.

In addition to the main gymnastics facilities, there is an American Ninja Warrior style area and rock climbing in Climbers Corner. Rock climbing is available 7 days a week for all ages, with gymnastics scheduled for five days a week. The gymnastics classes are geared for 12 years old and under.

Women’s gymnastics training involves artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor. Men’s gymnastics involves vault, floor, parallel bars, rings and single high bar. Children are excited to learn the skills they see on television. Years with Olympic Games are a boon for business, of course.

Many participants are involved in competitive and individual sports as well.

Gymnastics “provides the building blocks of all sports” Warren attests. Skiing gets better, skating and hockey improve, dancing is better, as examples. For children who only do the gymnastics as a regular physical endeavour, it is certainly a good energy burn, with myriad benefits.

Terry Warren’s gymnastics business caters to boys and girls 12 years old and under, with three sessions a year. Sign-ups for the next session begin February 1st. His facility has a space for birthday parties and for parents to view their charges as they challenge themselves on the gymnastics equipment.

Trampoline is a separate entity and is a good beginning skill to learn. In fact, Warren says trampoline is “...one of the greatest training tools for artistic gymnastics. It’s easier on their bones, they can learn aerial awareness before heading to the harder surfaces. It is also easier to spot them.”

Benefits of these activities, being enrolled in a class and spending time with other children, having to wait their turn and perhaps resolve conflicts, not to mention authority figures who are not their parents, does immeasurable good for mental health. Most often a general confidence is gained and applied to other areas of their life. Active children will integrate into different situations much better than their more sedentary friends. Of course, Warren and his coaches also see their students’ confidence grow: “It’s fabulous, and parents notice it. It’s the best bonus”.

Perhaps best of all, many participants say it is their favourite part of the week!

In a community such as we have around Georgian Bay, an active, physically orientated population, this is a perfect complement to set our children up for a wonderful, safe, active and successful lifestyle. We have water sports, climbing, hiking, cycling, skating and so much more to enjoy, at our doorstep.

There are three sessions of artistic gymnastics each year. Sign-ups for the spring session begins February 1st; The fall session sign-up begins August 1 and the winter session sign-up is November 1. Each session sees approximately 400 students involved. Warren has new coaches in training to allow for more classes.

This interest in physical activity with all the benefits it brings is very encouraging.

Take the time to investigate https://www.headoverheelsgymnastics.ca. It may be one of the best ideas you could consider for your child, or yourself if you want to try rock climbing! Head Over Heels is at 95 Sandford Fleming Drive in Collingwood.

Submitted by Don Beaulieu

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Run as a separate business, he also has Climber’s Corner, a rock climbing space in the same facility which is open to all ages.

The rock walls are popular with adults and with lots of climbing opportunities in the area, it is just the thing for enthusiasts.

What’s Up? Georgian Bay

Brunch Made Easy (Family Features) Gathering friends and family doesn’t need to be fancy. With its prime positioning between breakfast and lunch, brunch is a more casual and lighter alternative to the typical dinner party.

When charged with hosting a mid-day gathering, a little pre-planning can go a long way toward ensuring your brunch get-together is as simple as it is scrumptious.

Get creative with decor. When prepping your tablescape, think outside the box. Opt for unexpected serving dishes such as tartlet tins and vases, and transfer syrups and jams from their everyday containers to glass bowls or creamers. Fresh flowers and produce can add natural pops of colour to the table and a bowl of fruit can make for an eye-catching centrepiece.

Plan a variety of dishes. Make sure you have a mix of both sweet and savoury dishes on the menu that can please a wide variety of palates. Earmarking some recipes that can be made ahead, like pastries and casseroles, can be a simple way to avoid waking up extra early to prepare. Save the morning of your event for dishes that are best served fresh, like this Herbed Spanish Omelette.

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Herbed Spanish Omelette Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced or shredded water 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 cup diced red onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 4 large whole eggs, lightly beaten 2 egg whites, lightly beaten 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives salt, to taste (optional) fresh herb sprigs, for garnish (optional)

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3. Combine whole eggs and egg whites. Stir in parsley, basil and chives. Season with salt, to taste, if desired. Pour mixture over potatoes in hot skillet. Reduce heat and cook, uncovered, about 10 minutes, or until bottom of omelette is golden.

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January 2024

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WINTER WHEELS CAR THEFTS ARE UP. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself (NC) The number and rate of auto thefts across the country has grown significantly in recent years.

One possible reason for this shift is that thieves are now sending the cars they steal directly overseas, where they become harder to track and recover. Fraud has a significant impact on insurance: not only does it pose serious problems for victims, but it also drives up auto insurance costs.

Besides storing your vehicle in a garage, here are measures you can take to help prevent theft and recover your ride if the worst happens.

Be smart about keys Instead of jimmying open a window or stealing your keys outright, many car thieves can copy the electronic key for push-button-start cars from a short distance away. Stay out of the range of robbers’ tricks by storing your key fob(s) away from your front door. Another option is to store them in a metal or aluminum container, which blocks the radio signals thieves use to make the copy and then steal your vehicle.

Install anti-theft devices There are also devices you can attach to your car to deter theft and prevent access to your vehicle. A steering wheel lock is enough of a hassle to break into that many a would-be thief will walk away. You can also install a data port lock, which blocks access to the interface that your dealership plugs into to run diagnostics or program your electronic key. Thieves try to use the port to reprogram your car to work with a key they have ready.

Track your vehicle There are very small tracking devices, such as Tag, that do not connect to your vehicle’s battery, are difficult for thieves to defeat and can help locate your car if it gets stolen. It’s also important to review your insurance policy to ensure you’re covered in the event your car is stolen.

If your vehicle does get stolen, contact the manufacturer or dealership to see if they can track it. Report the theft to police and your insurance company right away.

Find out more about what to do if you’re a victim of auto theft and tips to prevent it at aviva.ca.

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What’s Up? Georgian Bay

5 Ways to Transform Your Home in the New Year (BPT) - Looking ahead to a new year can inspire dreams and ideas for exciting ways to transform your home - but it can also feel daunting to take on a list of new projects. The good news is you don’t need a total remodel to get the home you want, and even small changes can bring new life to your home.

Whether you’re craving a complete transformation or just a few impactful changes, here are some specific approaches to enhance any room in your home:

Shed Some New Light

Lighting isn’t just functional; it’s a mood maker, a style statement. This year, embrace the elegance of recessed lighting. These fixtures blend seamlessly into your ceiling, offering a sleek, modern look that opens up any room. Imagine soft, ambient light that enhances your living space’s warmth and character.

Recessed lighting isn’t just for living rooms; it can transform kitchens, bedrooms, and even bathrooms into sophisticated spaces. Plus, it’s surprisingly versatile - dimmable options can switch your room from a bright, energetic workspace to a cozy, intimate nook in seconds.

Start from the Bottom Up

Floors are the unsung heroes of home design. They set the stage for your entire decorating scheme.

So if you really want to reset the vibe of your home, consider starting with fresh hardwood flooring. LL Flooring’s Bellawood hardwood flooring offers enduring, luxurious floors created from the finest wood species, available in a wide range of tones, textures and styles.

“Few other investments and home improvement projects can refresh and revive your home like solid hardwood floors,” said Jen Meska, Director of Merchandising for LL Flooring. “Hardwood floors are a timeless home décor choice that bring warmth, luxury and comfort underfoot and are built to last generations, and Bellawood floors are the top of the line in both quality and style.”

Learn more about flooring options to transform your home at LLFlooring.com.

Create an Accent Wall

An accent wall is like the cherry on top of your interior design. It’s a statement, a conversation starter. This year, transform a plain wall into a stunning focal point. Whether you choose a bold paint colour, striking wallpaper, or even a textured material like wood or stone, an accent wall adds depth and personality to any room. It’s the perfect opportunity to express your creativity and individuality. Plus, it’s a relatively simple and cost-effective project that can have a dramatic impact on your space’s overall look and feel.

Refresh Your Fixtures

Sometimes, the smallest changes make the biggest difference. Updating fixtures and hardware is a quick, easy and affordable way to give your home a modern facelift. Swap outdated cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, light switches and faucet handles for something fresh and contemporary.

These tiny details can tie a room together, complementing your overall design theme. Whether you opt for sleek, minimalist designs or something more ornate and eye-catching, new fixtures and hardware can breathe new life into every corner of your home.

Reorganize and Declutter

Embrace the new year with a clean slate by reorganizing and decluttering your home. A well-organized space not only looks better but also improves functionality and reduces stress. Start by sorting through your belongings, keeping only what you love and use. Then, invest in smart storage solutions that keep your space tidy and your items easily accessible. Remember, decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of things - it’s about creating a more peaceful and harmonious environment where you can truly relax and enjoy your home.

Transforming your home for the new year is about making small changes that have a big impact. When creating your project wish list for the new year, keep these design tips in mind to transform your home into the sanctuary of your dreams.

January 2024

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Helping Children Develop Language Skills (BPT) - When it comes to language development in young children, there is no substitute for genuine human interaction.

Whether it occurs within the nurturing confines of home or at preschool, talking and engaging with children in conversation from infancy through school age plays a vital role in their linguistic growth and is an integral part in the curriculum at Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care.

Here are some easy yet effective ways Kiddie Academy recommends that parents can engage their child in conversation at any age: 1. CONVERSATIONAL APPROACH - Talking to infants and young children as if engaging in a conversation can have a profound impact on their language development. By pausing and allowing them time to respond, we encourage their active participation. For instance, noticing signs of fatigue, we might say, “I see you starting to yawn, are you tired?

It looks like it might be time for you to take your nap.” This conversational style not only helps children understand the rhythm and patterns of communication but also instills confidence in their ability to express themselves.

2.. EMBRACING MULTILINGUALISM - Exposing children to more than one language from birth to 3 years old can provide numerous cognitive benefits. Contrary to popular belief, young children have an incredible capacity to learn multiple languages simultaneously. By immersing them in a bilingual or multilingual environment, we not only broaden their cultural horizons but also enhance their cognitive flexibility, problemsolving skills and overall linguistic competence.

3. DISCOURAGING BABY TALK - As children progress into preschool age, it is crucial to discourage baby talk and instead encourage the use of their “big kid voice.” By consistently modeling proper language usage and reinforcing your children’s efforts to communicate effectively, we empower them to express themselves clearly and confidently. Praising their attempts to use more advanced language skills helps them understand the value of articulation and encourages further linguistic growth.

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4. DESCRIPTIVE LANGUAGE - Taking the time to describe the world around children can greatly enhance their vocabulary and understanding. By pointing out specific details and using descriptive language, we expand their knowledge and help them foster a deeper connection with their environment. For example, we might say, “I notice you have your blue shoes with you today. Let’s put them on before we go outside. Let’s start with your right foot, then we will move to your left foot. These shoes are great for running.” Such interactions promote language comprehension and allow children to associate words with concrete objects and experiences.

5. THE POWER OF READING - Regularly reading to children is an effective method for building vocabulary and improving language skills.

By exposing young minds to a variety of words, sentence structures and storytelling techniques, we stimulate their imagination and expand their linguistic repertoire. Engaging children in discussions about the story or asking open-ended questions can further enhance their comprehension and critical-thinking abilities. Making reading a cherished activity from an early age sets the stage for a lifelong love of books and learning.

Remember, every interaction is a chance to enhance a child’s linguistic abilities and lay the foundation for a lifetime of effective communication.

For more information and advice, check out the article, Here’s How to Master Parentese and Leave Baby Talk Behind at msn.com.

What’s Up? Georgian Bay

Enhancing Household Waste Management for a Greener Tomorrow

In a world where environmental concerns are becoming increasingly paramount, individuals play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of waste on our planet environment and climate. One area where everyone can contribute significantly is household waste management. By adopting sustainable practices and making conscious choices, individuals can substantially reduce their environmental footprint.

1.

Embrace Recycling

One of the most effective ways to improve household waste management is to embrace recycling. Separate your waste into recyclables and non-recyclables. Items like paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum, and certain plastics can be recycled. Use the Simcoe County Blue Bins or set up designated recycling bins in your home makes it easier for everyone to participate.

2.

Composting Organic Waste

Organic waste, such as food scraps and yard trimmings, constitutes a significant portion of household garbage and generates methane when decomposing in landfills. Composting is an excellent solution to divert organic waste from landfills. Create a compost pile in your backyard or utilize indoor composting systems for smaller spaces. Composting not only reduces landfill pressure but also produces nutrient-rich soil for your garden. If you don’t want to compost yourself, use the Simcoe County Green Bin.

3.

Reduce Single-Use Plastic Items

Single-use plastics and disposable items contribute significantly to environmental pollution. Reduce your reliance on these items by opting for reusable alternatives. Invest in reusable water bottles and cups, shopping bags, and containers. This simple change can lead to a substantial decrease in the amount of waste generated by your household.

4.

Mindful Consumption

Before making a purchase, consider the environmental impact of the product’s packaging. Choose items with minimal packaging or packaging made from recyclable materials. Opt for products with a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Being mindful of your consumption habits contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle.

5.

Educate and Involve Family Members

Engaging your family in waste reduction efforts is essential. Educate them about the importance of proper waste management and the long term environmental consequences of irresponsible disposal. Encourage everyone to actively participate in recycling and composting practices. The collective effort of a household can make a substantial difference.

6.

Stay Informed About Local Recycling Programs

Stay informed about local recycling programs and guidelines. Different municipalities may have specific rules about what can and cannot be recycled. Understanding these guidelines ensures that your recycling efforts are effective and contribute to a cleaner environment. To make sure what goes- and doesn’t go- into Blue, Green and Black bins in Simcoe County, check the Simcoe County online Waste Wizard at https://www.simcoe. ca/wastewizard

7.

Dispose of Hazardous Waste Responsibly

Hazardous household waste, such as batteries, electronics, and certain cleaning products, requires special disposal. Many communities have designated drop-off locations or collection events for hazardous waste. Avoid throwing such items in regular trash, as they can pose significant environmental risks. Use the Nottawasaga Waste Facility & HHW Depot in Stayner.

Improving household waste management is a collective responsibility that can yield significant benefits for the environment. By adopting sustainable practices, reducing single-use items, and actively participating in recycling and composting, individuals can contribute to a greener and healthier planet. Small changes at the household level can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to follow suit and creating a positive impact on the environment and climate for generations to come.

Engage with Wasaga Beach Climate Action Team wasagebeachclimateaction.com

info@wasagebeachclimetaction.com Submitted by Gerard Dusastre

January 2024

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Happy New Year!

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What’s Up? Georgian Bay

Brains...where’d they come from?

Humans are the only animal with a brain sophisticated enough to think about itself.

That alone can seem rather weird and tempting an implosion of sorts.

This may bring one to wonder what creature had the first brain. This is difficult to answer succinctly. How does one decide what a brain is, or isn’t? Science does not have a precise definition of brain. Oxford and Webster have definitions, but not in the detailed scientific sense. Evolution, by nature, makes specific starting points elusive to non-existent... there is no definitive “here it is” and “there is isn’t”.

We can get a sense of where brains began by eliminating (figuratively) creatures we know who do not have a brain. For example, sponges do not have neurons; so they’re out. Jellyfish and sea anemones have networks of neurons but lack a central area characteristic of a brain.

If we were to go back 600 million years or so, we would find a group of animals with definite fronts and backs. Bilateral symmetry, it’s called. A nervous system developed on the front side; the first cluster or mass of neurons developed along that front side in a worm-like animal. This may be the descendant of a neural structure, or brain.

The world today has many animals with brains similar to humans. Some included invertebrates (no back bone or spinal column). Such brains control perception, behaviour and what are referred to as higher functions, such as memory.

So far, the best our brains can figure is that brains developed from a worm’s clump of neurons. Yeah. Worms.

Asparagus... beyond brain food?

The cardinal rule for preparing perfect asparagus has survived over the ages: don’t overcook it. The difference between soggy stalks and crispy spears is cellulose; the complex carbohydrate that gives plants their structural integrity and breaks down under extreme cooking conditions.

In a research laboratory at the University of Ottawa, Andrew Pelling, a professor of physics and biology, and his multidisciplinary team have been cooking up an asparagus recipe for regenerating nerves.

Neural stem cell therapy is a promising strategy for repairing injured nerves following trauma or disease. The success of cell therapy depends on the cell culture conditions, including biocompatible 3D scaffolds that enable cell survival, differentiation, and axon guidance. “Years ago, I was cooking asparagus at home.

I looked at the ends and noticed all these channels. There had been a ton of work already in bioengineering scaffolds with channels and I wondered whether this could be a viable approach,” Pelling said.

These bundled micro-channels help transport water and nutrients along the length of the asparagus spears. That linear arrangement makes them an intriguing, repurposed biomaterial for regenerating nerves, whose normal architecture consists of linear axon bundles. Cells tend to track along linear structures; channels encourage cells to align and migrate within their inner and outer surfaces. Pelling thought that the naturally occurring cellulose channels in asparagus could be applied to tissue engineering strategies to help bridge the damaged ends of severed spinal cords or peripheral nerves.

“Its an interesting approach using plant-based materials. They would be very affordable and easy to source,” says Dosh Whye, assistant director of Cell Development and Differentiation at Harvard Medical School’s Human Neuron Core (who was not directly involved in this study). “Bioengineering devices that can reflect [native] tissue scaffolding and integration with other cell types would be a wonderful thing.”

In a recent study, Pelling’s team described how they used these naturally occurring asparagus channels to create a 3D scaffold for growing neural stem cells in vitro (in a test tube). The team buys grocery store asparagus and uses a biopsy punch “to [create] cylinders of asparagus tissue,” Pelling described. His team uses detergents to chemically remove the asparagus plant cells, proteins, and DNA, which leaves behind the supportive cellulose microchannel structure. They loaded neural stem cells onto these structures and tracked their behaviour over time. Pelling’s team found that the asparagus cellulose scaffold enabled attachment, proliferation, and differentiation of cultured neural stem cells, making it a promising biocompatible option for future neural stem cell therapies.

Pelling draws some parallels between culinary and laboratory skills. “A lot of cooking becomes instinctual. With experience, you get a sense of what will work and what won’t work. The more time you spend in a laboratory, the more your intuition is honed and that makes a better scientist at the end of the day—the experience of making mistakes and gaining wisdom is the key.

This writer figures he just may be an expert in the kitchen, given the mistakes he’s made over the years.

Submitted by Don Beaulieu

January 2024

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