What's Up? Georgian Bay - July 2023

Refreshing Summer Gazpacho

Quick and easy, this is a light, refreshing, delicious fresh tomato recipe to beat the summertime heat. It’s a plus that it makes use of the season’s best ripe produce and comes together in just 15 minutes! (And no need to heat up your oven or stove!)

Makes 4-6 servings

INGREDIENTS

2 lbs Roma tomatoes, ripe, halved, cored, no need to peel (Roma work well, but any ripe, fresh, juicy tomato will do.)

1 small cucumber, (1/2 lb), peeled, seeded

1 medium bell pepper, green, cored

1/2 small onion, red, peeled

2 small garlic cloves, peeled

3 TBSP olive oil

2 TBSP sherry vinegar (red wine vinegar works too)

1 tsp fine sea salt

1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1 thick stale slice white bread, crust removed (run under water before adding or soak in the gazpacho near the end of mixing)

Optional: garnishes of homemade (or store bought) croutons, fresh herbs, olive oil, or reserved bits of chopped gazpacho ingredients. A drizzle of cream or sour cream can be a nice addition, to make it a more substantial meal, you can also top with chopped good quality ham or chopped hard boiled eggs.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine all ingredients together in a food processor or blender. Puree for 1 minute or until soup reaches desired consistency. I like mine super smooth, but your taste will decide.

2. Taste and season with extra salt, pepper, cumin - if needed.

3. Refrigerate for 3–4 hours in a sealed container until completely chilled.

4. Top with desired garnishes and serve cold.

There are many variations to customize your gazpacho. Try adding fruit (watermelon, strawberries, melon), veggies (zucchini, beets), or extra herbs (basil, thyme, chives) and if you’re a fan of spicy things (I’m not) you could add a bit of jalapeno or other spices to give it an extra kick.

Soup can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months (although mine never lasts that long!)

Submitted by Joy Fleury

To Our Readers

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.

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

Happy Canada Day!

Victoria Ledden

Open 7 days a week, 11 am - 7 pm. Ice cream served 11 amsunset. The

will be open until mid September. Happy

Front Cover - The Chipper, located at Sunset Point Park, Collingwood. Owned and operated by James and Carole MacKenzie since 2007.

Chipper

summer!

Photo by: Victoria Ledden

4 Ways to Work Out with Your Dog

(BPT) - Finding motivation on a Monday can be tough. However, there’s no greater motivator to get up and moving like having your canine companion by your side to help you take on Monday - and every day of the week - like a pro. Active dogs and their humans take challenges head-on, and when you consider the ways in which you’ll both benefit from being active together, and getting the fine-tuned nutrition necessary to help keep active dogs strong and energized, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish together.

Tennis pro Venus Williams knows prioritizing her dog’s health through exercise is important to his longevity. “My dog Harry is such a huge part of my life. My dream is for him to have the longest life possible,” said Williams. “When I go to practice, he goes to practice. If I go to the gym, Harry goes to the gym.”

Check out these four, fun ways to get moving with your dog:

1.

TAKE A HIKE

Hiking is a great way to challenge yourself and your dog. Hikes can be more challenging than your typical walk around the block because of the varying terrain, especially if a hiking path has rolling hills. A new environment allows your dog to experience new smells, sights and sounds, which aids in their mental stimulation.

2. GO TO THE BEACH

If you live near the ocean, take your dog to the beach. The beach is a veritable playground of enriching experiences for both dogs and pet parents alike. You can jog along the shore together, play fetch in shallow water or go for a swim. Even if you don’t live near the ocean, you can do these same activities at a lake or river.

3. PLAY SPORTS

If you play sports or want to get back into playing a sport, your pup can help you train. Take them to the tennis court, work on your serve and have your pooch fetch and return the ball to you. If you have a soccer ball, play keep away with your dog or set them up in a goal and try to score.

4. WORK ON AGILITY

Find an agility course at a local dog park or take an agility training course. Your dog will learn how to weave through obstacles, run through tunnels and jump over bars, teaching them new tricks and obedience. Meanwhile, you’ll get a workout running alongside them on the course and issuing commands along the way.

Once you add regular exercise to your routine, ensure that both of you get the proper nutrition to fuel your workouts. Keep your pet healthy so that he can stick by you on all our adventures.”

Do’s & Don’ts of Playing with Cats

(BPT) - Play is instrumental for pets’ overall health and physical wellbeing. However, many cat lovers may not realize that there are positive and negative ways to engage cats in play.

“Positive play can lower pets’ cortisol levels, influence brain development and help them gather information to understand boundaries and different ways of communicating,” said Animal Enrichment Specialist Alex Johnson.

If you’re craving new ways to interact with your cat, here are some additional insights about the value of play, plus do’s and don’ts to maximize your time together.

DO create routines - Cats anticipate what will happen at certain times of day. Try giving your cat 15 minutes of undivided attention at the same time every day, focusing on your cat’s cues. Pet your cat and speak in a calm voice. Connection is the goal, but some cats prefer just hearing your voice as they sit nearby.

DO reinforce positive behaviour - praise good behaviour with treats l. For example, if they like to scratch furniture, redirect the behavior by giving them a toy or object that’s acceptable to scratch.

DO provide mental stimulation - If your cat seems bored, try rotating toys or introducing new activities:

COPYCAT: Mirror your cat’s actions like you’re playing Simon Says. Seeing things from their perspective fuels interactive play, creating new ways to connect with your cat.

OBSTACLE FETCH: Set up items like scrunched-up paper, paper bags or boxes, then toss a treat among the items to encourage cats to seek out the treat. This activity uses their hunting skills, encouraging mental stimulation by providing obstacles they must maneuver around to get their reward.

LOST MARBLES: Cut holes a bit bigger than your cat’s arm on the top and sides of a box. Cut 2-3 holes at floor level, as this will be where the treats come out. Place a few treats and other movable objects inside (balled-up paper, toys, ping-pong balls), letting your cat bat them around to push the treat out of one of the bottom holes. This problem-solving activity gets your cat thinking and activates trial and error.

DON’T forget to encourage their instincts: Cats love exploring, so making blanket forts or repurposing boxes can be great ways to engage with them. They also love exploring textures and smells, so adding different materials like an old T-shirt or packaging paper in the box or blanket fort each week can help keep them entertained.

DON’T betray your cat’s trust: Cats’ relationships are built around trust, which is vital for their sense of safety. Some social media trends prompt cat owners to seek reactions from cats as a means for entertainment, but this could be damaging to the bonds cats have with their owners.

“A great test to check if you’re crossing a line with your cat is to ask yourself if you would do this to a child or a baby,” Johnson says. “If an adult plays pranks, deliberately annoys, hurts or frightens a child - that can cause confusion, stress and feelings of betrayal, and the same concept applies to cats.”

DON’T overstimulate: Watch for signs of agitation: whipping their tail back and forth, biting, hissing or flattening their ears. If you see these signs, give them space. Avoid raising your voice or punishing your cat for being aggressive. While this may seem a logical way to teach your cat to ‘behave,’ it increases your cat’s stress in an already stressful situation - and could increase aggressive behavior.

Following these guidelines, you’ll learn what works best for encouraging active, positive play with your cat, and you’ll likely have just as much fun as they do!

The Master Gardener’s Corner

July 2023

• Watch for the Japanese beetle on your Asiatic Lilies, Roses, Rose of Sharon, Dahlias, Hollyhocks, and numerous other plants. Handpicking and squeezing, combined with a beetle trap, are the most efficient way to limit these ravaging critters. Luckily, the little red devils don’t eat Day Lilies (Hemerocallis)

• Watch for earwigs and Gypsy moth caterpillars. Spray plants with a 40:1 mixture of water and dish soap.

• Ants are also a problem. The ant powder does not seem to work for me. Maybe the ants didn’t read the instructions to take it back to their nest. Try boiling water.

• Trim evergreens, cedar hedges, etc., NOW as needed, not later in the summer.

• Stake straggly annuals and perennials, or pinch them back to promote new growth and make them bushy.

• Raise lawn mower blades for summer mowing. Grass should be at least 5 - 7.5 cm (2 to 3 inches) high to stay healthy and weed free.

• Prune spring flowering shrubs like Forsythia and Spirea after blooming, If you really want to be picky, remove individual spent lilac blooms.

• Water flower beds deeply and try a second round of weeding. Add mulch again to keep the weeds at bay.

• Mulch your tomato plants. When a ripe tomato drops, it won’t split or get muddy. Mulch holds moisture too!

• Thin, hoe, weed and water vegetables as required. (This is why I stick to flowers)

• Water lawns and beds as deeply as you can. We have had a very dry spring, so keep pouring the water to the grass.

• Tackle weeds now before they go to seed. Save yourself from weeding their offspring next year.

• Stake tall perennials that may be weakened by too rapid growth.

• Turn compost regularly and check the moisture level - not too wet, not too dry,- like Goldilocks, just right.

A big thank you to everyone who turned out for our Giant Plant Sale at St. George’s, the Anglican Parish for the Blue Mountains, in Clarksburg. You bought all 1,114 donated plants. Thanks to the many plant donors TOO!

Things to do in your garden each month taken from the Ontario Master Gardener Calendar by John Hethrington, Past President, Master Gardeners of Ontario. For more information, or your copy of the 11” x 17” calendar of the full year’s tips for a $2 contribution to Master Gardeners, call 519-599-5846.

NOTE: WE HAVE LOST THE MASTER, MASTER GARDENER CALENDAR. IF YOU HAVE A COPY, PLEASE CALL AND RESCUE ME!

Submitted by John Hethrington

Classic Strawberry Shortcake

My favourite summer treat are strawberries, and my favourite way to eat them (other than fresh, preferably while picking) is in a shortcake, loaded with fresh whip cream (or store bought if I’m in a hurry to dig in!)

Makes 4-6 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 lb fresh strawberries, stemmed and quartered

5 TBSP sugar

2 cups all purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

2 TBSP sugar

3/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

FOR WHIPPED CREAM

1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled

3 TBSP sugar

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp freshly grated lemon zest

INSTRUCTIONS

1. If using fresh whipped cream – using a mixer, beat the heavy cream, sugar, vanilla and lemon zest until soft peaks form, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, chill until needed.

2. Mix strawberries with 3 TBSP sugar, chill while juice develops, 30 minutes

3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

4. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, remaining 2 TBSP sugar and salt. Add heavy cream and mix until combined. Pour mixture into an ungreased 8” square pan and bake until golden, 18 – 20 minutes.

5. Remove shortcake from pan, cool slightly on a rack, cut into 6 pieces and split each piece horizontally (in half)

6. Spoon some of the strawberries with their juice on the bottom of each shortcake bottom, top with a generous dollop of whipped cream and add the shortcake top, spoon more berries over the top and serve.

Submitted by Joy Fleury

4 Simple & Sustainable Backyard Improvements

(NC) One in three consumers say they have increased their efforts to incorporate environmentally friendly practices into their daily life, according to a recent Trusted Media Brands survey. Some of the easiest steps toward a more sustainable lifestyle can be taken right in your own backyard.

Create an outdoor oasis with these simple and sustainable tips - no green thumb required.

SAVE TIME - AND WATER - with low-maintenance landscaping. Sow the seeds for a hassle-free backyard by planting perennials or shrubs, which require minimal upkeep. Support your local environment by choosing native plants, as they typically require less watering, fertilizer and pesticides, and they’re beneficial to pollinators. Plus, many native plants can store excess carbon dioxide for better air quality.

COLLECT AND REUSE RAINWATER. Conserving rainwater is a simple way to make your outdoor space more sustainable. Install a reusable drum in your yard below gutter spouts to collect water when it rains. Once full, use the rainwater to water plants or clean exterior surfaces like decking, siding and outdoor furniture.

CHOOSE ENERGY-EFFICIENT LED LIGHTING. Replace outdated, energy-draining deck and landscape lighting with energyefficient or solar-powered outdoor lights. LED lights are extremely long lasting, easy to install and use significantly less energy compared to once more-commonly used incandescent bulbs. Not only can you enjoy your yard long after the sun goes down, but you can feel good knowing you are making a sustainable choice.

CONSIDER WOOD-ALTERNATIVE DECKING. Among the greenest products available for the home is composite decking, such as Trex, which is manufactured from more than 95 per cent recycled materials. Unlike wood, composite decking resists fading, staining, scratching and mould, and needs only an occasional soap-and-water cleaning. Since composite decking never needs to be stripped, stained or painted, no environmentally harmful chemicals are required.

These easy upgrades not only benefit the planet but also create an outdoor space that will leave your neighbors green with envy.

Joy’s Signature Potato Salad

This is my take on a classic potato salad recipe - it’s easy to make, has all my favourite flavours – tangy, rich, and spiked with celery salt and dill pickle. It’s a big hit at potlucks and is fairly quick to make – 10 min. prep, some assembly and time to chill.

Makes 6-8 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 3 lbs Yukon Gold or new potatoes, peeled, cut into 3/4“ cubes

• 2 TBSP apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)

• 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise (for a lighter version, sub in some low-fat sour cream or Greek yoghurt for part of the mayo, or omit the eggs and use vegan mayo!)

• 1/3 cup diced dill pickles (or dill pickle relish) – not a fan? Leave them out! Prefer olives? Swap them for some added briny flavour.

• 1 tsp celery salt

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 4 hard boiled eggs, diced

• 2 celery stalks, finely diced

• 1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced

• half of a small red onion, finely diced

• sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings: thinly sliced radishes, extra slices of hard boiled eggs, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, chopped fresh chives, bacon, avocado, fresh herbs

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place diced potatoes in a large pot with cold water to cover potatoes. Cook on medium high until boiling, reduce to medium and continue cooking 5-8 minutes, until fork tender. Avoid overcooking.

2. Drain potatoes and return to pot, drizzle with vinegar and let potatoes rest 20-30 minutes, or until cool enough to handle.

3. Meanwhile, make the dressing – whisk together mayo, celery salt, mustard until evenly combined.

4. Add the dressing, eggs, pickles, cucumber, celery and onion and toss until evenly combined.

5. Taste and season with salt and pepper (as well as a splash or two of pickle juice!)

6. Transfer to a serving or storage container, cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to chill.

7. Serve chilled and enjoy – get ready for the compliments!

NOTES

• There are lots of preferences about mayonnaise versus Miracle Whip, use what you like, I’m partial to real may, but don’t let me sway you.

• I’m also a fan of peeled potatoes, but if you prefer leaving the peel on for extra texture and nutrients, feel free to do so.

• If you’re in a rush and want to cool potatoes faster, run cooked potatoes under cold running water before adding the vinegar to cut down the cooling time.

Potato Salad does not freeze well, but it does keep up to 3 days, well refrigerated in a sealed container.

Submitted by Joy Fleury

Wasaga Beach Denture Clinic

The Benefits of Growing Your Own Produce

(BPT) - If you appreciate the taste and experience of fresh produce, it may be time to consider cultivating your own home garden. Whether you have a spacious backyard or a small balcony, you can grow your own fruits and vegetables and enjoy unparalleled taste, texture and freshness without driving to the grocery store.

Here are the top five benefits of growing your own fruits and vegetables.

Freshness that Can’t Be Beat

Produce can’t get fresher than what you grow and pick in your own backyard! Grocery store produce is chosen for its hardiness because it has to endure long journeys and handling before it reaches the store, where it may sit on display for days. On the other hand, when you grow your own fruits, vegetables and herbs, you control the harvest, so you can pick them at the peak ripeness and enjoy that fresh-off-the-vine taste.

Nutritious and Delicious

Homegrown fruits and vegetables are also more nutritious than their store-bought counterparts. That’s because crops begin to deteriorate as soon as they’re picked. The farther it needs to travel, the more nutritional content is lost. At home, you can harvest your fresh ingredients as needed, ensuring your meal is made with the crispest and most nutritious produce possible.

Boosted Taste and Flavour

If you did a side-by-side taste test of a homegrown tomato compared to a store-bought one, chances are you’ll notice the one from your backyard tastes better and is more flavourful. You’ll enjoy a bolder flavour when fruit and vegetables are allowed to fully ripen on the vine. Homegrown produce allows you to experience a crop’s true essence and provides a culinary experience that is sure to delight your senses.

A Feast that Won’t Empty Your Wallet

By growing your own, you’ll save quite a bit of money. While there are initial expenses when setting up your garden for the first time, once you set up a garden, you’ll have the necessary tools to nurture it season after season, creating a self-sustaining food cycle.

Making the initial investment in live plants and seeds will benefit you in the long run, as you won’t have to spend your dollars on store-bought produce that can rise in cost throughout the seasons. To get started, find a reputable brand to buy your seeds and plants from.

Connect with Nature & Reap the Rewards

Gardening is a fantastic stress reliever that allows you to connect with nature and discover the joy of maintaining your own little patch of Eden. You can escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, get your hands dirty and watch your plants grow into robust crops. Take in the soothing sights, sounds and scents of your home garden and reap the benefits.

Planting and nurturing a garden is easier than you think and offers so many benefits to your palate, wallet and well-being. So grab your gardening gloves and spade and start your journey to a rewarding and nurturing harvest.

Try a homegrown meal for yourself.

Lunch: Wednesday - Friday

Dinner: Tuesday - Friday

705-444-1562

141 Pine St., Collingwood thecurlywilloweatery.com

Reservations recommended.

Try This Kid-Approved Veggie Casserole Recipe

(NC) Casseroles are an easy-to-prepare, kid-friendly dinner option. And, if you have a large enough dish, you can get two full meals for the whole family out of the recipe.

WHOLE WHEAT VEGGIE MACARONI CASSEROLE

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Makes: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 cup (250 ml) green zucchini

1 cup (250 ml) yellow zucchini

2 cups (500 ml) broccoli

½ cup (125 ml) red onion

¾ cup (175 ml) red pepper

¾ cup (175 ml) green pepper

2 cups (500 ml) of homemade or jarred marinara sauce

2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil

2½ cups (625 ml) dry whole wheat macaroni (note: pasta will double in size after cooking)

1 cup (250 ml) cottage cheese

2 cups (500 ml) shredded mozzarella (or as desired)

DIRECTIONS

1. Chop all vegetables into approximately 1 inch pieces.

2. Heat oil in a pot. Add all vegetables and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.

3. Add marinara sauce and bring to a boil.

4. Meanwhile, boil a pot of water and add pasta. Cook according to the directions on the package. Drain.

5. Add sauce with veggies, cottage cheese and three-quarters of the mozzarella to the pasta and mix.

6. Pour into a 9 x 13 casserole dish and sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

7. Bake in preheated oven at 350° F (200° C) for 20 to 30 minutes or until bubbly.

8. Allow to cool 5 minutes before serving.

Finding Hidden Gem Campgrounds

(NC) As camping continues to boom in Canada, Parks Canada has released a reservation system designed to allow more people to camp than ever before by aiming to address website failures and limit the number of campsites individuals can reserve. But, did it actually work?

User reviews have been mixed, and spots in Canada’s most popular parks still sold out within moments this year. But even if would-be campers missed the boat on national and provincial park campsites, they aren’t entirely out of luck. Canada has a wealth of privately-owned campgrounds that may have last-minute availability.

Private campground ownership ranges from your typical family business to commercial operators with locations nationwide. When choosing a private campground, campers may find added amenities like pools, private beaches, playground structures, kids’ clubs, family-friendly events and campsites to suit all manner of guests and budgets – from cabins and yurts to RV and tent sites.

Jean-Marc Desy is a regional manager at Parkbridge, which owns and operates 37 campgrounds and RV resorts. He has seen many campers make the switch. “The value is unbeatable, particularly in Quebec,” he says. “Our locations near Montreal have pools or splash pads, pickleball courts and a legendary BBQ Festif event.”

Private campgrounds can also be booked a year or more in advance, meaning you can plan well ahead of schedule and skip the early-morning reservation rush to book your preferred site.

Impact of Climate Change on Wildfires in Canada

As of early June 2023, there were 2,300 wildfires active across Canada burning 3.7 million hectares of forest, doubling that of an average year, and occurring much earlier in the season than usual. These fires forced thousands of evacuations, and the resulting smoke diminished the air quality and compromised the health of millions of North Americans.

HOW IS THIS HAPPENING AND WHY?

Climate change has had a significant impact on the increased frequency and severity of wildfires in Canada. Rising global temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, drier conditions and other climate-related factors have created a more favourable environment for wildfires to ignite and spread.

One of the key factors driving the link between climate change and wildfires is the warming trend observed in Canada and globally. Higher temperatures lead to increased evaporation and drying of vegetation, making forests more susceptible to fire and creating a tinderbox effect. As a result, the prolonged periods of hot and dry weather create ideal conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly, and become more challenging to contain, especially in remote areas, as seen in recent years.

Climate change has also influenced precipitation patterns, leading to a shift in rainfall distribution, with more frequent and intense droughts in certain regions, and more intense rainstorms in others. Reduced rainfall and snowfall decrease soil moisture levels, contributing to the drying out of vegetation. Drier conditions increase the availability of fuel for wildfires, making them more likely to occur and harder to control.

Furthermore, climate change has altered the timing and duration of the fire season in Canada, increasing the overall risk and duration of fire events. Climate change has also contributed to the spread of pests and diseases that can weaken forests. For instance, the mountain pine beetle has thrived due to milder winters, killing vast areas of pine trees. These dead trees provide ample fuel for fires, creating conditions for more extensive and intense wildfires.

Large-scale fires have devastated vast forested areas, leading to habitat destruction, economic losses, and threats to human health and safety. The impact of wildfires extends beyond the immediate area affected. Smoke from these fires can travel long distances, leading to degraded air quality and posing health risks for populations far from the fire zone, as it just did from Quebec to New York City and down to Washington State. Moreover, wildfires release large amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to further climate change, creating a dangerous feedback loop, a vicious circle effect.

In summary, the impact of climate change on increased wildfires in Canada is evident through rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, prolonged dry conditions and the release of greenhouse gases. Urgent action to mitigate climate change and implement effective wildfire management strategies is crucial to minimize the devastating consequences on ecosystems, communities, and the overall environment.

Meanwhile please respect the total fire ban which is (or was) in effect in Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, The Blue Mountains and other neighbouring towns, and act responsibly.

Engage with your Wasaga Beach Climate Action Team (WBCAT) wasagabeachclimateaction.com info@wasagabeachclimateaction.com

Submitted by Gerard Dusastre

CURB DISTRACTED DRIVING THIS SUMMER

Technology is your friend: Many smartphones have existing software that can block notifications and send automatic messages to those trying to reach you while driving. You can also manually turn off notifications before driving so you won’t be tempted by your phone.

Put together a playlist: Curate a nice driving playlist for your journey so you won’t have to shuffle the songs in your library while you’re behind the wheel. When you have passengers with you, give them the aux cord or Bluetooth access to take song requests and guide you through the drive.

Eat beforehand: Avoid the distraction of eating and drinking while driving, by fueling up on snacks before you leave your home. You want to ensure you always have both your hands available to stay alert in case you need to make a sudden stop. If you do find yourself getting hungry, pull over to refuel or make a stop at a nearby restaurant before getting back on the road.

Get ready at home: Styling your hair or applying makeup while driving is a lot more distracting than you may think. If you find yourself running late, fix your appearance when you arrive at your destination. Considering keeping a toiletries bag in the trunk with a hairbrush, hand mirror and other essentials, to makes things easy.

WHEELS

Tie up any loose ends: Make sure all objects are secured so they don’t roll around on your drive and you’re not tempted to grab anything.

Stay well rested: Driving while fatigued is one of the most common causes of accidents. If you ever feel like you need a rest, don’t hesitate to switch drivers or pull into the closest rest stop to take a break.

Pay attention to your surroundings: If you come across an accident, try not to lose focus as you could potentially injure yourself and others around you. Always remember to report an accident if you see one.

Motivate yourself with rewards: You could get rewarded for safer driving. Programs offered by many Insurance companies can help drivers stay on track by rewarding safer driving habits with a personalized discount on car insurance premiums.

(NC) With more and more distractions everywhere, it can be hard to keep your eyes on the road.

While texting is by far one of the most frequent distractions, there are many other bad habits that need to be avoided. Here are some useful tips to keep you and others around you safe on the road this summer.

How to Minimize Stress on a Family Vacation

(NC) Vacations should be the stuff of dreams. But if you’re lucky to travel as a family with kids and maybe even grandparents in tow – along with everyone’s competing wants and needs – then a smooth trip can feel like an uphill battle. Here are some tips to make this adventure your best one yet.

KEEP KIDS IN THE LOOP Surprises are overrated when it comes to vacations. Is it worth the potential meltdowns? Kids have little control over their lives day-to-day and their regular routines help them feel comfortable, confident and safe. Talking through each step of your trip ahead of time can help prepare them for unfamiliar situations and put them at ease. Showing them your route on a map, for instance, can help kids feel involved and get them excited.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FAMILY PERKS Many hotels and resorts have family discounts or special activities for groups. If you’re flying, check with your airline about baggage, as some will let you check strollers and bulky baby gear for no fee. Arriving early and using the family boarding time will also help reduce stress.

PACE YOURSELVES It can be tempting to cram every possible activity into your limited time away, but remember to schedule in some down time too. Constantly being on the go is a recipe for exhausted kids and tantrums. And if you’re travelling with a new baby, accept that your pace will likely be slower than before you had kids. Enjoy your time together and allow for one-on-one side trips with older kids or grandparents too.

PACK SMART AND STREAMLINED You know you can’t pack everything, but some items can make a big difference. For new parents traveling with little ones, look for simple streamlined versions of the tools you need, such as a collapsible stroller, folding booster seat or a collapsible playpen.

It’s also always a good idea to pack snacks, diapers and small activities to keep the kids happy too!

Tomato Chickpea Salad

I am always in the mood for chickpeas, they’re my favourite legume, I add them anywhere I can, which is why I love this fresh summer salad, plus it uses the best of what’s in season – cucumbers and tomatoes. It’s very little work (10 minutes or less), no cooking, great for hot weather eating, and it’s healthy and nutritious – a great source of vitamins, minerals, fibre, and packed with protein – who knew eating healthy could taste this good?

I like it as a meatless main (or work lunch), but holds up beside something off the grill, if you prefer. It’s also naturally gluten free if you’re taking to a potluck, BBQ or family picnic. It also keeps up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

INGREDIENTS

2 1/4 cups diced cucumbers, partially peeled

1-2 cups tomato, seeded and diced (or grape or cherry tomatoes,

1/2 cup red onion, diced

2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1/2 Tbsp fresh parsley, minced

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

½ tsp kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

19 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

140 g container feta cheese, diced

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine all ingredients together and toss well.

VARIATIONS

Add bell peppers and kalamata olives for a Greek inspired version

Add (just before serving) diced avocado for some extra creaminess and healthy fat

Chickpeas not your thing? Swap them out for white or black canned beans!

Use any acid, like lime juice or red wine vinegar, in place of lemon

Make it your own by adding fresh garlic, herbs, celery, peppers, mint, dill, or whatever you’re in the mood for. I love to add artichoke hearts (marinated, jar) to add a tasty twist.

Submitted by Joy Fleury

Submitted by Joy Fleury

6 Safety Tips for a Day in the Sun

(NC) A day at the beach, the pool or on the dock is a great way to enjoy some fun in the sun. But when you’re out in the sunshine all day, heat illnesses can come on quickly. They can be incredibly dangerous or even deadly. Fortunately, they are highly preventable with a few simple tips.

WATCH THE WEATHER Tune in to local forecasts or sign up to receive heat alerts on your phone so you know when to take extra care. If it’s available in your area, check the Air Quality Health Index since air pollution is often worse on very hot days. Just as you might plan your day out to avoid rainstorms, consider rescheduling during a heat alert too. You could change your plans to another day or a cooler part of it.

PACK SOME SHADE Did you know that it can be about 5°C cooler under the shade of a tree compared to the surrounding area? It’s worth it to secure a spot in the shade for your next picnic and to bring a big umbrella or sunshade to the beach.

DRESS APPROPRIATELY If the weather forecast is calling for a heat wave, you’re probably not reaching for jeans. But make sure you choose something loose-fitting, lightweight and breathable. This will keep your body cooler and let your sweat evaporate so you can feel less hot and sticky. Don’t forget your sunglasses and a wide-brimmed, breathable hat.

LOAD UP ON LIQUIDS Feeling thirsty is not a good sign of how hydrated you are, especially in hot weather, so remember to drink water or other hydrating liquids before you feel thirsty. Pack a cooler with ice and reusable water bottles for your day out – a double-walled bottle will keep your beverage cooler for longer. Include some fruit and vegetables with high water content in your snack pack too, like watermelon or grapes.

HAVE A BUDDY If you’re out with a group of friends or families –keep an eye on each other to make sure you’re handling the heat okay. You can also help each other remember to keep hydrated and reapply sunscreen. Watch for symptoms including dizziness, nausea, headache, or rapid breathing or heartbeat. Move to a cool place and drink water if you or your buddy have any of these symptoms during extreme heat.

Dear Readers –

July for me means parades, picnics, beaches, barbeques, festivals, outdoor concerts, and of course, Canada Day, which for me, is synonymous with fireworks. July 1st is kind of like Canada’s birthday, which is kismet, since it’s also my birthday. My earliest birthday memories were bundling up to brave the mosquitos with my family to watch the fireworks - along with the rest of the town, coming together to be social and enjoy the wonder and awe of fireworks bursting in the sky. Over the years, my birthday has never felt complete without gathering to view the fireworks display with neighbours, friends and family each year.

As a foodie, I look forward to summer for the wealth of great fresh seasonal ingredients and simple easy food prep, dishes that don’t need a lot of fuss that let the flavour of the fresh garden produce shine. With summer feeling so short, who has time for a lot of complicated cooking anyway? Simple food on the grill, summer salads, fresh berry desserts… it really is the best month for ‘grazing’ – a great charcuterie board is what hits the spot many nights. In this issue I’ve shared a few of my own favourite summer recipes, hope you enjoy making them as much as I have over the years.

I also have great love for foraged foods – morels and puffballs especially. Sadly, I’m not very good at the actual foraging (too busy being distracted by the beauty of nature all around me?) I must depend on the kindness of friends and family to share their foraged finds with me. (Shameless hint, I know. It’s simply because I love morels and puffballs so very much!)

While my camping days are behind me, I do like to explore Ontario with mini-vacations… or sometimes just being a ‘tourist from home’. We do live in the greatest area, with so much to see and do, we welcome tourists from all over the world who agree how beautiful our region is.

We’d love to know what you like best about South Georgian Bay, and also about the magazine. We’re so happy to connect with our community, so if you have a story or pictures to share, we’d love to receive them, maybe they’ll be featured in an upcoming issue.

Happy Summer! Be well, stay safe.

Joy Fleury

ON A WARM DAY, the temperature in a car can exceed 120° in a matter of minutes -- even with the windows partially open.

Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car for any period of time.

DON’T LEAVE your dog in the car.