What's Up? Georgian Bay - June 2023

PET R E FLEXOLOG Y

As hley Sajdik, RCRT, C P R

AB O UT TH E R E FL E XOLOG Y

Pe t Re fle xo lo gy i s ho l is t ic ca r e f o r a l l animal s g re a t an d sma ll F r om cats and do g s t o ho r se s an d g o at s, we ar e her e t o p r ov i de a c a lm i n g expe ri e n c e fo r y o ur an i mal a nd th eir ne e ds W het h er it ’s hype r s t r e ss, s e pa r a t io n a n xie t y , j o in t p r ob le m s or r e l axat i on, Pe t Reflexo l og y c an h el p you r p e t l i v e t he i r bes t li fe

Benefits Include:

cir c ul at io n

r e l a x at io n j o i nt pa i n reli e f s epa ra t i on a n xi ety

Incre ase e n e rg y

l e v e l s

b r a i n fun c ti o n h ea ling of s o r e s o r

surg e ry woun d s

PE T

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 Father’s Day!

Front

- Inukshuk at Sunset Point Park, Collingwood

Photo by: Victoria Ledden

A Tasty Brunch Recipe Worth Waking Up For

(NC) Lazy Sundays will never taste better than with these crispy rosti cakes with avocado and smoked salmon. The potato pancakes are ready in under 30 minutes, leaving you enough time to whip up another round of lattés for you and your guests.

Crispy Potato Rosti

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: about 10 minutes

Serves: 4-6 portions

INGREDIENTS

Garnishes, to taste:

2 avocados peeled, pitted and sliced

Minced chives

Minced dill

Sour cream

Smoked salmon or gravlax

Rosti cakes:

4 potatoes, peeled, grated and squeezed to remove excess liquid

2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

1 onion, peeled, grated and squeezed to remove excess liquid

1 egg, beaten

¼ cup (60 ml) parsley, chopped

¼ cup (60 ml) all-purpose flour

Salt and pepper

Vegetable oil for frying

Dad and I checking out our new home.

If your Dad simply doesn’t need anything, consider a donation to Habitat for Humanity’s Build program?

When you make a donation in your Dad’s honour, you can help a father turn his family’s life around by providing the shelter that offers strength, security and stability.

DONATE TODAY

705-446-9740

Tuesday to Saturday 9 am – 4:30 pm

restore@habitatgeorgianbay.ca

PREPARATION

1. For the rosti cakes, mix all the ingredients in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Shape into patties.

2. In a pan, heat oil on medium heat and cook the rosti cakes for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown.

3. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with paper towel to remove excess oil.

4. When ready to serve, top with sour cream, avocados, smoked salmon and herbs.

What’s Up? Georgian Bay

Tips for Choosing Your Next Favourite Grill

Ready to get back to barbecue?

(BPT) - There’s nothing like sunshine, a warm breeze and the smell of delicious food on the grill. If you’ve been anticipating getting back to grilling, wait no longer! According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, May 27 is National Back to Barbecue Day - the perfect opportunity to celebrate everything you love about outdoor cooking. If you already have a grill, this is a great time to upgrade, so you can cook more dishes for bigger gettogethers, or to try a different kind of grill, letting you experiment with new techniques like using a smoker.

What kind of grill is best for you?

It depends on your space, what you like to cook and how you like to prepare it. First, ask yourself the following questions:

How much time do you want to spend cooking?

If you’ve got a busy schedule, you may prefer the convenience of gas or electric grills. However, if you love spending time perfecting the perfect outdoor meal, you may enjoy a charcoal grill, smoker or kamado grill.

How much space do you have?

Do you host frequent large gatherings? Go big on your barbecue size to optimize these special occasions. For a big backyard, a larger grill with a kitchen island can create a focal point for entertaining. But a premium portable or compact grill is your best option if you live in a condo or apartment, or for a cabin or other vacation destination with limited space.

What do you love to cook?

Many grills offer extra features for particular foods. Think rotisseries if you love roasted chicken, or side burners for soups and stews. Crave the ‘za? Consider a grill with ample space for pizza stones.

To help you discover your next favorite grill, here are the features of five major grill types to consider when making your choice.

Gas Charcoal Pellet Electric Kamado

If you want convenience and faster meal prep, a gas grill may be right for you. As with your kitchen stove, your food can be ready to cook in 10 minutes - and it’s easy to regulate cooking temperatures.

If you love being hands-on with the nuances of outdoor grilling, a charcoal grill may be the choice for you. Some say charcoal provides the best flavour experience. You can use your charcoal grill for classic low and slow cooking - and high heat searing.

This is a great option for people seeking optimal flavour. With available pellets in hickory, mesquite and oak, you can enjoy a truly flavourful cooking experience.

If simplicity appeals to you most, an electric grill may be your best bet. Designed to produce constant heat and operate without an open flame - without charcoal or propane - they’re especially suited for apartment or condo dwellers.

For people who love cooking all styles and who keep grilling yearround, Kamado Grills’ excellent insulation works perfectly for both grilling and smoking. They’re very versatile, use wood and charcoal, and can also roast or bake.

Few products come in as wide an array of price ranges as grills, so almost anyone who wants a grill can find one that’s within their budget. But remember - a more premium grill offers many more features to enjoy and tends to last longer, providing a stronger return on your investment.

The Master Gardener’s Corner

June Garden Tips - It’s Summer!

• Summer is really here! Lots of sun and much needed rain. Get your annuals & veggies planted now. Add a little general-purpose fertilizer and water well.

• Fertilize perennials, roses, shrubs and vegetables using a balanced fertilizer, not the one for your lawn, it has too much nitrogen. Pull back the mulch (that should already be there) from the perennials. Dig the fertilizer in lightly around each plant and replace the mulch.

• Start cutting your lawn higher/longer and leave cuttings on the lawn as fertilizer.

• Prune spring blooming shrubs and trees (forsythia, lilac) after they have flowered.

• Prune evergreens and hedges now, not later in the summer.

• Finish removing all daffodil and tulip flower stems. Leave the leaves to mature and feed the bulb for next year’s bloom. Only remove them when brown. Add a little bone meal around bulb clumps to promote bulb growth for next year.

• Stake or cage tomato plants, dahlias, gladiolas, peonies & delphinium plants.

• Thin vegetable seedlings and plant successive crops. (Plant a second crop as the first is maturing e.g., lettuce, spinach, radishes.)

• Seed flowering cabbage/kale into garden rows for later transplanting.

• Plant seeds of fast-growing flowers such as cosmos, marigold, calendula, etc.

• If desired, move houseplants outside to a protected area.

• Deadhead (cut off) faded blooms on plants such as petunia, rose, verbena, etc. This will promote continuous blooms & bushy plants for later in the summer/fall.

• Weed and water garden beds as needed.

• Add at least 2” of mulch to suppress weed growth and hold in moisture.

• Cut back by a third, late bloomers such as mums and asters. This will make the plants bushier and give them a mounded shape and more blooms in the fall.

St. George’s Famous Garden Party

FISH FRY

Saturday, June 17 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm

166 Russell Street E., Clarksburg 519-599-3047

Cash Bar with Beer & Wine operated by the Beaver Valley Legion

FISH, HOMEMADE SALADS & LOCAL PIES (gluten free fish available - order ahead 519-599-3047)

Tickets: Adults $25 / children (10 and under) $12

Please bring your own plate and beverage cup. Cutlery supplied.

Tickets available online at parishofthebluemountains.ca

St. George’s Tues - Thurs 9 -12 or call 519-599-3047 and Thornbury Pharmasave

• Turn compost regularly and check moisture level, not too wet, not too dry, just right, like Goldie Locks.

• Take cuttings of perennials, shrubs, roses, etc. for rooting, for next year.

• Watch for local plant sales.

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.

Submitted by John Hethrington

Summer Activities Kids and Dads Can Enjoy

(NC) Thinking of ways to entertain the kids all summer can be intimidating. Why not get them engaged in the environment while soaking up the summer? Eighty-five per cent of Canadians feel a responsibility to future generations to protect the planet, so here are five ideas on how to step up for sustainability while enjoying summer fun.

1. GET OUTSIDE - Teach kids to appreciate the planet by getting out and exploring it. Dad and kids can stay active together on a bike ride or a fun trip on a scooter. There are plenty of parks across the country that offer bike and walking paths to enjoy nature up close. Plus, many cities have dedicated bike lanes, so you can do some urban sightseeing.

2. PLANT A GARDEN - Growing your own food is both eco-conscious and cost effective. No matter where you live, a bright windowsill, balcony or backyard can be your spot to grow delicious fruits, veggies and herbs. Get the kids involved by letting them pick out the seeds and plant it themselves.

3. SOAK SPONGES - Instead of buying water balloons that take eons to break down and contribute to pollution, choose sponge water bombs that are soft and just as fun to throw; a perfect “Sunday funday” Father’s Day activity. Re-use them as much as you want without creating waste. Simply immerse sponges in a bucket of cold water and squeeze the remaining water out when the game is over. Don’t tip leftover water down the drain. Instead, use it to water your plants and reuse the sponges to clean the house.

4. PERSONALIZE NAPKINS - Looking for a great way to teach older kids valuable skills like sewing? Use old material or clothing for a fun activity, making personalized napkins the family can treasure for years to come. It’s a great way to cut down on waste and discuss the importance of upcycling.

5. MAKE BUDDIES WITH BIRDS - Scoop out the inside of an orange for a refreshing summer treat and save the peel to create a bird seed basket. Before tossing apple cores in the compost, try hanging a couple up with string to entice birds and then spot who flies in to say hello.

Ginger Scallion Noodles

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

2 cups (500 ml) scallions (green onions), roots trimmed, thinly sliced (about 2 bunches)

½ cup (125 ml) fresh ginger, peeled and minced

1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil

1 tbsp (15 ml) lower-sodium soy sauce

1 tsp (5 ml) rice vinegar

1 package (2 cups/454 g) uncooked brown rice noodles

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, combine scallions, ginger, oil, soy sauce and vinegar. Let bowl rest at room temperature for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. While sauce rests, cook noodles in boiling water according to package directions, or until tender. Drain noodles and place in a large bowl.

3. Pour half the sauce over noodles and toss gently to coat well.

4. Serve noodles and top with remaining sauce as desired.

TIPS:

• Invite your kids into the kitchen to get involved in planning the meal. Ask them to pick a protein and a vegetable to serve with

• If you don’t have brown rice noodles, try using brown rice. Simply

• Remember, a little salt goes a long way. Taste the food before

(NC) This flavourful and fragrant dish is an easy-to-make side to serve along with your favourite veggies or protein.

Create a DIY Summer Camp in Your Backyard

(NC) Summer camp is sometimes thought of as a rite of passage. It’s a time and place to make lifelong memories, have oodles of fun and develop independence, confidence and new skills. But don’t sweat if your kids aren’t attending this year - there are plenty of easy and affordable ways to create their very own summer camp experience at home.

Pick a Theme

Choosing a theme is great way to get kids excited and it can join separate activities together into a cohesive camp experience – plus it just makes everything a lot more fun. Space camp, magicians, an enchanted forest, under the sea, a pirate ship, theatre camp or your very own Olympic games. Choose a theme your kids will be excited about.

Select Activities to Develop Skills

Once you have a theme in place, pick some activities. Look to inspire fun, encourage play and expand their growth and development. This doesn’t have to be costly or complicated.

Use Online Resources

There are tons of online resources and tutorials that have easy instructions and printouts for activities that work on developing social, physical and behaviour skills. These are fun events that also secretly help kids practice things like hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and balance.

Choose Games to Grow

Host your own Olympics with games such as obstacle courses, hopscotch or throwing a ball to develop balance, coordination and body awareness. Train your child’s brain with a backyard laboratory for science experiments such as a sandbox volcano, water balloon parachutes or solar oven s’mores.

Submitted by Joy Fleury

Camping Recipe

(NC) With fewer tools at your disposal than typically found in your kitchen, camping invites you to be more creative when you cook. It’s easy to fall into the routine of making the same simple recipes for your whole camping trip, so why not pull out your camping stove and elevate the traditional s’mores to a treat everyone will remember for years to come? You can even try this recipe at home in your own kitchen – it’s a great activity to involve the whole family.

S’mores French Toast Sandwiches

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS

1 French bread loaf

½ cup (125 ml) hazelnut-chocolate spread

8 regular-sized marshmallows

4 graham crackers (1 sheet)

6 large eggs

½ cup (125 ml) half-and-half

½ teaspoon (5 ml) ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil, divided

1 cup (250 ml) pure maple syrup (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat a Coleman stove to medium-high (about 375°F to 400°F/190°C to 200°C) or fit a grilling grate over the direct heat of glowing embers.

2. Cut the bread loaf diagonally into eight ½ to ¾ inch-thick (1- to 2 cm-thick) slices. Spread one side of each bread slice with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) hazelnut-chocolate spread.

3. Top four slices of bread with two marshmallows and one graham cracker. Cover with the remaining bread slices, hazelnut-chocolate spread side down.

4. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half and cinnamon.

5. In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil on the camping stove or grilling grate.

6. Dip each sandwich in the egg mixture, coating both sides.

7. Add two sandwiches to the hot oil in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Adjust the heat to prevent excessive browning, if necessary.

8. Repeat with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and two sandwiches. Serve with maple syrup, if desired.

The love between a father and a daughter knows no distan

Burger Lovers Unite this Father’s Day

(NC) What makes a burger the ultimate grill champion and a dish that all food lovers can get behind? Whether you’re a beef eater, prefer chicken or are living your best veggie life, there’s a burger for everyone.   With Father’s Day right around the corner, why not create the ultimate burger for dad? This loaded nacho burger is made with a prime rib patty and features a layer of gooey jalapeñostudded Monterey Jack cheese. It’s also loaded with traditional nacho toppings, like fresh pico de gallo, avocado and cilantro crema.   If beef isn’t your thing, it can be easily swapped out for your protein of your choice.

Loaded Nacho Burgers

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

4 frozen prime rib burgers

4 hamburger buns, split

1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced

½ cup (125 ml) pico de gallo salsa

¼ cup (60 ml) cilantro lime crema

4 lettuce leaves

4 slices jalapeño Monterey Jack cheese (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat barbecue to medium. Oil grill.

2. Cook frozen burgers with the lid of your grill down, turning once, until cooked through; about 10 to 12 minutes. If adding cheese, top burgers with cheese in the last minute of cooking.

3. Transfer to plate. Let stand 2 minutes. Meanwhile, add buns, cut sides down, to grill; cook until lightly toasted for about 1 to 2 minutes.

4. Place burgers on bun bottoms and top with avocado, salsa, crema and lettuce, dividing evenly. Sandwich with burger tops.

Tip: Feeling adventurous? Serve tortilla chips on the side with pico de gallo and guacamole.

What’s Up? Georgian Bay

4 Essentials for an Enjoyable Camping Trip

(NC) Whether it’s your first camping trip or you’re a seasoned outdoors person, this affordable vacation will lead you to incredible places. The experience allows you to be one with nature, boost your state of mind and explore what Canada has to offer. Many people who have been camping can tell you it’s something everyone should experience at least once. Here are a few things to remember for the best trip ever:

BOOK YOUR CAMPSITE IN ADVANCE

Don’t leave it up to chance to find the perfect campsite at the last minute. Many campers book months in advance, so get online as soon as you know when and where you want to camp and lock in a site. Make sure you read the amenities each park offers to pick the one that best represents what you want out of your trip and be open to trying new campgrounds.

BE AWARE OF THE WEATHER

Each season requires different planning and different gear. Coleman tents, for example, offer extensive protection from the weather, saving you from making extra adjustments to weatherproof them. Layers of clothing also are key to prepare for changing weather. A base layer with wicking fabric will keep you warm during cooler nights.

FOLLOW A FEW FOOD RULES

When you’re camping, you’re a visitor. Wildlife will be present and will take advantage of any food that’s left out. Never leave food outside or in a tent unattended, and don’t burn food waste in a fire. Always wash your dishes right away. Store food in your car inside your cooler, if possible. Often, parks have rules and guidelines around food storage, so make sure you’re aware and follow these.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TENT

Tents come in different weights, shapes and sizes. How do you choose the one that’s right for you? First, understand how long you’re camping for, how much you need to store and how far you will have to carry your tent to the site.

A good rule of practice is to pick a tent that fits two more people than your party for extra space to store your gear. If you have lots of gear, you may want an even larger one. If you need to carry your tent a long way, choose a lightweight model.

summer WHEELS

FOOLPROOF SEASONAL CAR MAINTENANCE TIPS

(NC) It’s time to take off those winter tires. Summer is right around the corner! While you may be excited and ready for the warm weather, your car likely needs some extra attention after the long winter we’ve had. Besides, you don’t want any surprises.

Before you decide to hit the road, be sure to conduct seasonal maintenance.

See if maintenance is required. To keep your vehicle performing at its best, proper maintenance is important. Check the maintenance schedule provided by your vehicle’s manufacturer to see if any maintenance is coming due (or past due) and have this done prior to setting out on your adventures. This will help ensure you have a trouble-free ride all season long.

Always test your lights. If one is missing, make sure to replace it. Remember to double check your windshield wipers to make sure they are not dried out and are fully functioning on those rainy summer days. For any other concerns, have a mechanic look at it for your peace of mind.

Check your tires. Low tire pressure increases

your vehicle’s fuel consumption and wears down the tread. Regularly checking tire pressure can help prevent you having to buy new ones too often.

Rustproof your car. Lastly, rustproofing is not just reserved for winter and should be maintained all year round. Having your car rustproofed can save you hundreds on repairs and mechanical troubles down the line. Rustproofing can also provide extra protection to the underside of your car, which often gets overlooked.

No matter the season, it is your responsibility to make sure your vehicle is in proper running condition. That includes making sure your insurance policy is valid, up to date and sufficient for your travel plans. If you need to make changes to your insurance policy, now is the time to make those changes.

5 Ways to Savour Fresh-Grilled Summer Seafood

(Family Features) Keep the grill cooking all summer long with a family favourite, seafood, and satisfy taste buds with fresh flavours hot off the grates. While some people assume seafood is challenging to cook, it can actually be an easy meal for home chefs of all skill levels.

To ensure your cookout is an unrivaled success, start with seafood that brings superior taste to the table. From crustaceans to a wide selection of unique-tasting oysters and sea scallops, mussels and clams, there is something for all seafood lovers.

LITTLENECK CLAMS

Heat grill to medium-high heat then place littleneck clams directly on grill grates or in a single layer on a large baking pan. After 5-7 minutes on the grill, clams will begin to open. Without spilling juice, carefully place clams on a serving platter. Serve with melted butter or in pasta. Discard clams that don’t open.

OYSTERS

Place oysters cupped sides down directly on grill heated to medium-high. Cover the grill and cook until oysters open and meat is opaque and cooked through, about 5 minutes for smaller oysters and 8-10 minutes for larger ones. Place on a serving platter, remove top shells and run a sharp knife along insides of bottom shells to detach oysters. Top with garlic butter and serve with lemon.

SALMON

Heat grill to medium-high heat. Pat salmon dry; brush with olive oil and top with seasonings. Place salmon skin side down on grill grates and cook 6-8 minutes, or until meat turns opaque. You can also try a grill-safe cedar plank to infuse added flavour.

HADDOCK

Heat grill to medium-high heat. Pat haddock – flaky white fish that’s sweet and delicate – dry and brush with olive oil. Wrap fillets in aluminum foil with herbs and seasonings; completely seal with seam sides facing upward. Grill 8-10 minutes, or until meat turns opaque.

LOBSTER TAIL

For a delicious twist this summer, enjoy these tender, tasty Grilled Lobster Tacos with vinegar slaw and cilantro lime crema.

Grilled Lobster Tacos

Total time: 25 minutes

Servings: 8

Vinegar Slaw

2/3 cup apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon celery seeds

2/3 cup white sugar

1 cup water

1/2 small head green cabbage, shredded or cut thinly (approx. 8 cups)

Cilantro Lime Crema

1/2 cup sour cream

fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

1/2 cup mayonnaise

4 teaspoons fresh lime juice

1 lime, zest only, minced

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

Lobster Tacos

Extra-virgin olive oil

4 large (4-6 ounces each) Lobster tails, defrosted

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

8 small flour tortillas

pico de gallo

1 lime, cut into wedges for serving

To make vinegar slaw:

1. In small saucepan over medium heat, heat apple cider vinegar, celery seeds, sugar and water; stir until sugar dissolves.

2. In large bowl, pour mixture over cabbage; cover and refrigerate.

To make cilantro lime crema:

1. In blender, blend sour cream, cilantro, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest and garlic.

2. Season with salt and pepper, to taste; refrigerate.

To make lobster tacos:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

2. Brush grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Using kitchen shears, cut lobster shells in half lengthwise. Place skewer through meat to prevent curling during cooking.

3. Brush lobster meat with melted butter and season with salt and pepper.

4. Grill lobster tails meat side down 5 minutes then flip.

5. Brush meat again with butter and cook 5 minutes, or until opaque throughout. Cook to 140 F internal temperature.

6. Remove meat from shells and cut into bite-sized chunks or leave whole, if desired.

7. Place tortillas on grill 30-60 seconds per side, or until warmed and slightly brown.

8. Add drained slaw to tortillas. Top with lobster meat, pico de gallo and cilantro sauce. Serve with lime wedges.

This is NOT Your Grandma’s Oatmeal

(NC) This simple treat can serve as a tasty breakfast bite or healthy snack throughout the day. It also has some cross-border flare by combining Orange Juice with a Canadian staple - maple syrup. It pairs well with yogurt, fresh fruit or even more maple syrup.

Pumpkin Orange Baked Oatmeal

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 35 minutes

Serves: 6-8

INGREDIENTS

1 cup (250 ml) canned pumpkin puree

¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup

1 large egg

1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract

2 cups (500 ml) large flake or old-fashioned oats

1 cup (250 ml) pecans (optional)

2 tsp (10 ml) pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder

¼ tsp (1 ml) salt

KITCHEN CABINET PAINTING

Refinish your existing cabinetry or install new doors, hardware, sinks, counters, even add to your existing cabinetry.

Visit our Showroom: 1470 Mosley St., Unit 5, Wasaga Beach

705-429-9382 info@georgiangraniteworks.ca

@GeorgianGW georgiangraniteworks.ca

1 cup (250ml) Orange Juice

½ cup (125 ml) milk or milk alternative

Water Truck Services: Filling hot tubs and pools, flushing roads and parking lots, construction compaction.

Powersweeping Services: Removal of winter sand - municipal & commercial, road construction - pre & post paving cleanup, Site cleanup - construction, special events, spills, line painting.

Tri-axle Services: High quality supply and delivery of aggregates, snow haulage.

705-828-4648

www.djhewitson.ca

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Grease a 9-inch baking dish, or 6 individual ramekins. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, maple syrup, egg and vanilla extract.

3. Stir in oats, pecans (if using), pumpkin pie spice, baking powder and salt.

4. Stir in orange juice and milk. Pour into prepared baking dish.

5. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. If using individual dishes, bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

6. Serve warm or refrigerate and serve from the fridge with your favourite toppings such as milk, maple syrup, yogurt and fresh fruit.

What’s Up? Georgian Bay

You Can Self-Publish Your Book

AND THEN THE HARD WORK STARTS

Print-on-demand was pretty much unknown when I wrote my first book, a travel guide, titled “George’s Georgian Bay”. That was in 2004 and after hundreds of hours of work I took my book, loaded electronically onto a disc, to a local printer, paid the price and a short time later took home an inventory of my book to sell. It is not inexpensive to print a book in traditional fashion because there is considerable work and cost to such production, especially if a lot of colour photographs are in the book.

Then, about 20 years ago, along came print-on-demand, a system involving the printing of one book at a time (or more copies at a time, if necessary) through a proprietary printing process that was at one time only available in the U.S.A. Print-on-demand, as I first found it, was with a printing company in Charleston, South Carolina, which offered such service, but respectfully declined my interest in touring their facility because of their propriety technology. That company was purchased by Amazon and operates on the website www.blurb. com.

Through “Blurb” one can download their Bookwright program for free and use it to create a book. Thousands of people, if not hundreds of thousands, have done that and I am one of those “Blurb” self-publishers. Among the benefits of “Blurb” are the following: It is inexpensive, you only need to buy one book (which you will proofread before going public) and it is easy to do. If I, as a technical-dinosaur can do it, anybody can do it! I now have eleven books on my “Blurb” bookstore site including my most-recent one, “Our Changing Collingwood”. Not only can one purchase an author’s book on “Blurb”, it is also possible to review selected pages of a book.

The print-on-demand system has revolutionized publishing. Now, anybody who puts in the time can self-publish. Yes, it’s almost that easy! But one does not have to turn to a print-on-demand company in the U.S.A., in order to self-publish.

A company called Volumes caught my attention when I was writing “Kiss The Ground You Walk On, Canada!” in 2019. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, Volumes has a web presence at www.volumesdirect.com and offers self-publishing packages that include one at $350.00. Volumes, I found, was easy to deal with and I simply had to provide the text of my book to them on a memory stick. Their staff designed the front cover and back cover for me and set up the inside pages. They printed a proof copy which I reviewed before their process put my book on-line and into the public domain. Volumes is part of a long-established, reputable company, M & T Printing, and thanks to them I am on a bookstore page on their website with my book, “Kiss The Ground You Walk On, Canada!” which retails for $15.00 plus applicable taxes and shipping.

Print-on-demand has an advantage that was not available decades ago. It means that a person can produce a book and buy one (or more) copies within one’s affordability range, while their book is available on-line for purchase. It’s no longer necessary to spend a lot of money on an inventory of books to be sold from one’s home.

Writing a book, whether it is fiction, or non-fiction is a labour of love. It takes a lot of work and persistence. Print-on-demand can satisfy an author’s craving to get published, but then comes the hard work of getting the book into the public’s mind and selling the book.

In my experience, it is almost impossible to get Big City media to pay attention to independent authors who have self-published their labour of love. I once sent a Big City media book editor a postage-paid, self-addressed envelope along with a note wondering why my book (Kiss The Ground You Walk On, Canada!) could not be reviewed by her newspaper. I never heard back!

You can self-publish a book, but then the hard work starts! Fortunately, we have local publications – such as this one – which offer exposure to local authors. Also, we are very fortunate to have the benefit of the Collingwood Public Library and the Wasaga Beach Public Library which, from time to time, hold special sessions at which authors tell about their books.

If you want to self-publish using a local printer, there is good news. We do have local printers who can give you good advice about printing your book. One such printer is Michael Donovan of The Print Shop on Ronell Crescent in Collingwood. Michael has strong experience in the printing industry as well as a penchant for excellence in customer service. Click on their website for more information.

The world of printing books has changed in recent decades and today there are a number of ways through which one can get a book, written by you, into your hands. But, as I wrote earlier, then comes the hard work of publicizing your product and selling it.

Good luck!

Editor’s note: George, as he likes to be called, is a retired newspaperman living in Collingwood. His latest book “Our Changing Collingwood” features aerial photographs – many new ones and many older ones – which show bird’s-eye views of changes in the landscape of parts of Collingwood and parts of nearby Blue Mountains. He describes this book as the “gift for somebody who has everything”. It is only available for purchase on-line.

Submitted by George Czerny-Holownia

Top 10 Greener Gardening Tips for Spring in Georgian Bay

Spring is an exciting time for gardening enthusiasts in Georgian Bay. The warmer weather and longer days create ideal conditions for planting and cultivating a beautiful garden. Here are the top ten greener gardening tips for spring in Georgian Bay:

1. FIRST PLAN YOUR GARDEN: Consider the amount of sunlight your garden gets, the type of soil you have, and the plants that will thrive in your area.

2. START WITH SOIL PREPARATION: Use compost or organic matter to enrich your soil and improve its texture.

3. DO NOT RAKE YOUR YARD TOO EARLY as some insects may still be hibernating, and try to refrain from mowing your lawn for the month of May, as it is still too early and jeopardizes the pollinators’ habitat. Even better, replace a part of your lawn, especially where grass does not grow well, with natural shrub, native plants and great pollinators such as Goldenrods, Sunflowers, Asters, Coneflowers to support our bees, and don’t get rid of dandelions because they are the first food for bees.

4. CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLANTS suitable for your climate and soil type. Georgian Bay has a variety of plants that can grow well, including perennials such as Hostas, Coneflowers, and Daylilies, or annuals such as Petunias, Marigolds, and Impatiens. Consider companion planting which involves planting plants that complement each other in the same bed, such as tomatoes and basil, or marigolds and beans.

5. WATCH THE WEATHER: Southern Ontario can have unpredictable weather, as we have recently experienced with a very early spring, so keep an eye on the forecast in order to be prepared for sudden changes and protect your plants accordingly.

6. WATER YOUR PLANTS DEEPLY AND REGULARLY, but be mindful not to over-water them. A good rule of thumb is to water your garden deeply once a week. Use rain barrels to conserve water and save money on your water bill. Water from rain barrels is also better for your plants as it is free of chlorine and other chemicals.

7. FEED YOUR PLANTS WITH NATURAL FERTILIZER. Natural fertilizers are organic products that have been extracted from living organisms such as plants or animals. These include bone meal, blood meal, mushroom manure, kelp meal, cottonseed meal, horse or poultry manure, and of course your own compost.

8. CONTROL PESTS AND DISEASES: Keep an eye out for pests and diseases that can damage your plants. Use natural methods to control pests, such as planting herbs that repel insects, or using neem oil or soap spray to deter pests.

9. MULCH YOUR GARDEN: Use mulch to help retain moisture in your garden and keep weeds at bay. Organic mulches such as shredded leaves, bark, or straw are best.

10. FINALLY, ENJOY YOUR GARDEN, spend time outside, and share your garden with friends and family.

In summary, these gardening tips will help you make the most of spring in Georgian Bay, and create a beautiful thriving garden that will bring you joy and beauty throughout the spring and summer months.

Besides attracting fauna, gardens help improve the quality of our air and contribute to cooling down built up environments by enabling reverberation and evapotranspiration, therefore enhancing environmental sustainability.

Growing a garden helps to reduce carbon inputs and store more carbon in the soil, while providing a habitat for wildlife, all of which contributes to climate change mitigation.

Enjoy spring gardening and engage with Wasaga Beach Climate Action Team! wasagabeachclimateaction.com

What’s Up? Georgian Bay

A Delicious Express Recipe for Weeknights

(NC) Make room for Spring at the table with this recipe full of sunshine and freshness. Quick and delicious, it will be your best ally on busy weeknights with its exotic spices and avocado from Mexico creamy sauce.

Spicy Rice and Black Bean Bowl

WITH GRILLED SHRIMP AND AVOCADO SAUCE

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4 - 6

INGREDIENTS

Rice and Black Beans

2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil

1 onion, minced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin

1 tsp (5 ml) ground coriander

1 ½ cup (375 ml) rice

2 ½ cups (625 ml) water

1 can (540 ml) black beans, rinsed and strained

3 green onions, minced

Cilantro leaves, to taste

Avocado Sauce

2 avocados, peeled and pitted

¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream

¼ cup (60 ml) cilantro leaves

3 tbsp (45 ml) chive, minced

2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

½ jalapeño, seeded and minced

Zest and juice of 1 lime

½ cup (125 ml) water

Garnishes

2 avocados, peeled, pitted and sliced

1 mango, peeled and sliced

2 beets, cooked and thinly sliced

4 radishes, thinly sliced

12 large shrimp, grilled Lettuce or other greens, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. In a saucepan, heat oil and sauté onion with garlic and spices. Add rice and stir. Add water, reduce heat and cover. Simmer until rice has absorbed all the liquid. Remove from heat. Add black beans, green onions and cilantro. Season to taste.

2. For the avocado sauce, using a food processor or blender, purée all the ingredients and season with salt and pepper. Add water, if necessary, until smooth.

3. Transfer the rice to serving bowls and garnish, to taste. Drizzle with the avocado sauce.

Collingwood Optimists

35th Annual Fish Derby

Saturday June 24, 2023

Collingwood Harbour

45 Heritage Drive

Registration starts at 8am parking lot near municipal launch site.

Children (6 - 11) receive a Fishing rod (one rod per family) and are eligible to win prizes in their age group.

Free Hot dogs and water available for participating children.

Adults are asked to make a small donation on behalf of their children.