DECEMBER 2020
A CONDO LIFESTYLE BEYOND ORDINARY A True Four Season Condo
• Granite countertop in kitchen with extended upper cabinets & stainless steel appliances. • Good size balconies or terraces facing Beautiful Joe Park and river. • Laminate flooring throughout the unit. • Five minute walk to waterfront, downtown, shops, restaurants, library and Meaford Golf Course. • 15 minute drive to Blue Mountain and 30 minute drive to Owen Sound and Collingwood. • Beautiful long walking & biking trails, boating, skiing & beaches. • Guaranteed low cost heating and cooling for 30 years using Geothermal energy. • Low monthly maintenance fee between $299–$399. • Dining room, swimming pool, gym and party/conferance room.
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GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
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A note for December T’is the season for gatherings, but just like most of 2020, we know our holidays will have a much different feel this year. Maybe this year is the time to embrace the downtime for yourself and your close friends and family. In previous years, all the planning, cooking, hosting, and shopping often took over our lives.
Have a Merry & Sweet Christmas! Gifts for everyone on your list with a sweet tooth
Find the silver lining in smaller to-do lists and fewer parties and events to attend by getting outside to enjoy the winter wonderland we are lucky to call home, build a fire and cozy up by the fireplace, test out a new recipe, discover a new podcast, shovel your neighbours driveway, or even just binge-watching your favourite shows or just take a nap. This may be the year you start some new traditions and find ways to connect with friends and family while keeping everyone safe. T’is also the season for giving. This issue is full of articles submitted by some of the many, many organizations in the South Georgian Bay area working diligently to help make our communities amazing places to live, work and play. They need your support now more than ever. Have you started your holiday shopping? Or are you already finished? The importance of shopping locally is even more crucial now as so many small businesses have experienced unprecedented setbacks all year. By supporting small businesses, you can help them regain stable footing. Let us help you stay connected by subscribing to our e-newsletter “Georgian Life - BE A PART OF IT!” You will be the first to know about upcoming contests, featured events, special offers, and more!
645 Hurontario St, Collingwood 705-445-2400 • candyfactory.ca
As always, stay safe out there, have a wonderful December, and happy holidays from the team here at Georgian Life. See you in 2021! What are your New Years Resolutions going to be?
OWNER: Selena Blais 705.445.6887 | info@georgianlife.ca AD SALES: Victoria Ledden: H: 705-429-0761 | C: 705-994-3301 | vledden1@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Dave West | Bryan Davies GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Alyshia Laube No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisers’ claims or for the accuracy and use of the photographs and descriptions provided for publication, and reserves the right to edit supplied photos and content. © 2020 Georgian Life Media Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
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Breaking Down Barriers - supporting individuals with disabilities Celebrating 35 years of service, Breaking Down Barriers, ILRC provides supports, services and programs enhancing opportunities for individuals with diverse disabilities to live independently. Based in South Georgian Bay, in the Town of Collingwood and serving Simcoe-Grey-Bruce Counties, we envision community access to resources that enable these individuals and their support network to fully participate in society without barriers. Like many organizations, COVID-19 has dramatically disrupted our operations with the cancellation of in-person programs, activities and one-on-one consultations. For our clients who rely on the essential services, structure and socialization our programs provide, these restrictions have amplified the social isolation and disproportionate challenges of living with disabilities.
Season’s Greetings We wish you joy, peace, health and happiness this holiday season. From the residents & staff of Balmoral Place
To maintain a visible, accessible presence, we transitioned our inperson programs to virtual ones on social media platforms. Our LIVE Facebook programs, pre-recorded and interactive online activities are supported by a heightened level of email communication, newsletters and daily check-ins by staff and volunteers to encourage participation and address the anxieties that could undermine our client’s physical and mental well-being. It has been gratifying to see people of all abilities in our community respond to our initiatives by actively engaging in our virtual activities. This affirmation that barriers can be overcome and interests shared goes to the heart of our vision for those in our community challenged by disabilities. We are mindful not everyone in need of support has internet access or the ability to navigate within it. To reach those still struggling in isolation, we have envisioned an additional approach that would see our programming livestreamed to clients’ homes and senior care facilities and with safe DVD dropoffs as an alternative, if needed. This will require the acquisition of equipment and specialized software that considers visual and hearing impairments. With the impact of restrictions (on our fundraising activities) the realization of this investment depends on the generosity of a caring community. It is difficult to ask for support during trying times like these when even the prospect of a family gathering at Christmas remains uncertain. As we struggle with the upheaval and stress of restrictions in our own lives, the true value of personal connections and a life lived without social and physical barriers resonates with renewed meaning. Your help in expanding our reach and programming now will help us bridge these uncertain times for our clients. It will also lay the groundwork for enhanced support for those with disabilities so that when life returns to “normal”, they too can share fully in a community that recognizes the value of all its members. We truly believe that in adversity, the heart of a community shines. Thank you for the light your support brings into their lives.
To donate, please visit: www.breakingdownbarriers.ca
8 Harbour Street West, Collingwood 705-444-9898 BalmoralPlace.ca Retirement Suites • Assisted Living • Seniors Apartments
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GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
Submitted by: Lucille Dalziel 234 Ste. Marie St. Collingwood, ON (705) 445-1543 www.breakingdownbarriers.ca BDBCollingwood breakingdownbarriers bdbcollingwood
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Offices in Port Elgin, Owen Sound, Collingwood, and Toronto. Serving communities in Bruce, Grey, and Simcoe counties. Special gifts for anyone on your list Celebrate the season with a wide selection of gifts from talented local artists at the Winter’s Gift Show and Sale presented by the Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts (BMFA). Items in the sale include pottery, jewellery, woodwork, glassware, textiles, sculpture, clothing, metalwork and painting. The show continues until January 2nd, 2021 at BMFA 65 Simcoe St., Studio 4 in Collingwood. For current hours check www.bmfa.ca. Photos/Story: www.mycollingwood.ca
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GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
Ted Yoannou: In Your Corner “No Dear, We Know What’s Best For Youâ€? Judges in our criminal courts often tell drunk drivers they’ve just convicted, “Ma’am, please remember, it’s not a crime to drink, but it is one to drink and then get behind the wheel of a vehicle.â€? Â
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With the not unsurprising rise of domestic assault-related charges in this maddening COVID year of 2020, judges are likely now saying more and more often, “Sir, it’s understandable to be frustrated and angry, but to lash out physically is criminal and not acceptable.�
We’re with you from beginning to end.
Domestic violence is generally defined as occurring when one partner in an intimate relationship abuses the other. Under Ontario’s domestic violence strategy, the police have a mandatory charging policy in such cases. The police must lay criminal charges against the partner they deem to be the main aggressor (“the defendant�) if they have reasonable grounds to believe that violence has occurred, regardless of whether the other partner (“the complainant�) wants any charges to be imposed.
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Domestic violence cases often fit into one of these three broad categories: 1. The allegations are serious and may include visible injuries, a history of prior abuse, dangerous emotional instability within the defendant, and/or a power imbalance in the relationship. 2. The allegations are relatively less serious and occurred during one particularly stressful or unusual incident, with no prior history of violence. 3. The allegations prove to be false or significantly diminished. The complainant lied or grossly exaggerated to the police for reasons that often involve anger, jealously, spite, desire to seek advantage in family court proceedings, an/or emotional instability.  When the police charge a defendant, Ontario’s policy regarding release conditions generally dictate that they include terms that, while the case is ongoing, the defendant is not to have any contact whatsoever with the complainant and is not to attend at the complainant’s residence, which is very often a shared home, meaning the defendant needs to find somewhere new to live.  The defendant is then provided with a first court date, which is typically about eight weeks later. This is the first court date, not the final one. After that first court date, a domestic violence case can take anywhere from a few more months to well over a year before it is ultimately concluded. This usually means for a defendant with a spouse, children, and shared matrimonial home, they are required to stay away with no contact whatsoever for several weeks or months before their release conditions can be changed or their case resolved. However, in many instances, there is a complainant telling anyone who will listen that they want contact, wish to reconcile, and are legitimately not feeling fearful, threatened, or intimidated. These complainants do not want to be forced away from their long-time partners for weeks or months, forbidden to have any contact at all while the proceedings are before the courts.  There’s a better way. Instead of just one uniform set of release conditions that apply to all, let’s come up with a number of different sets of conditions, with varying degrees of restrictions, and apply them fairly and responsibly, as the unique details of each individual case dictate. Still not a perfect system, but getting there.
 � ��
Our current “one policy fits all� approach does not fit at all and often causes more harm than good to relationships and families. In these instances, it is offensive and wrong for the state to take the position, “no dear, despite what you say or want, just listen to us, we know what’s best for you.�
Submitted by: Ted C. Yoannou, B.A., LL.B. The Law Firm of Ted Yoannou, Professional Corporation 16 Huron Street, Unit 2, Collingwood 705-888-6230 x 243 Ted@TorontoCriminalLawyers.com www.TorontoCriminalLawyers.com
GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
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Building self-reliance and stability through affordable home ownership Habitat for Humanity brings communities together to help families build strength, stability, and independence through affordable homeownership. Habitat knows that the most important way for families to gain stability and self-reliance is when they own their own homes. Caught in punishing cycles of unpredictable rent increases, overcrowded conditions, living in unsafe conditions, families live with a constant burden of uncertainty, stress, and fear, struggling to keep a decent roof over their heads.
Affordable homeownership frees families and fosters the skills and confidence they need to invest in themselves and their communities. The outcomes can be long-lasting and life-changing. With a little help, Habitat homeowners can achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves and their children. Stay Home. Shelter in place. How many times have we said or heard statements like these this year? Many are grateful to have a home with a quiet place to work, reliable WIFI, natural light, heat, or AC. Home has never been more important, yet for many across our region, home - if it even exists - is anything but safe or comfortable, let alone a place conducive to work, homeschool children, or spend quality time with family.
The number of people experiencing homelessness in the South Georgian Bay area is increasing, and the COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the situation, further stressing the limited resources available. It has highlighted the need to make adequate shelter a basic human right. The majority of lower-income households don’t have the option of working from home. For them, work is serving customers, cleaning long term care homes, delivering food, and parcels to our front doors. Add to the mix having a family member who tests positive for Covid, and home becomes challenging. It is impossible to self-isolate in a two-bedroom apartment that is home to a family of five or in a one-bedroom apartment shared with your aging mother. There is a serious shortage of social and affordable housing in our communities. Real estate demand for our region is exploding, and many rental properties are being sold. As overwhelming as these challenges seem, Habitat for Humanity offers an important piece of the puzzle. Each time we build a Habitat home, there is a ripple effect: • The rental unit previously occupied by the Habitat family becomes available for another family. • Families realize financial independence, avoiding the trap of second generational poverty. • Mortgage payments, increased income taxes and property taxes paid by these families help build stronger communities across South Georgian Bay.
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For those inspired to do so this holiday season, we would really appreciate folks directing their charitable giving to Habitat for Humanity South Georgian Bay, be it a one time donation, a monthly or tribute gift or legacy giving, stocks or securities.
Submitted by: Joy Fleury, Executive Director
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GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
Habitat for Humanity South Georgian Bay 705-446-9542 Habitat for Humanity ReStore 705-446-9740 info@habitatgeorgianbay.ca habitatgeorgianbay.ca habitatgeorgianbay 155 Sandford Fleming Drive, Collingwood, ON
A case for a cause with paws Georgian Hills Vineyards held a special socially distanced outdoor wine tasting to celebrate the launch of their Case for a Cause fundraiser to support the Georgian Triangle Humane Society Pet Support Services Programs on November 14th. $24 from a half case (6 bottles) and $48 from a full case (12 bottles) goes directly to supporting individuals and families in our community in times of crisis through Emergency Medical Assistance, Emergency Boarding, Pet Pantry, and low-cost GTHS Animal Hospital Services. Savour the flavour of local wine and change the lives of pets and people in our community this holiday season with code GTHS2020 in store or online https://shop.georgianhillsvineyards.ca/ upon purchase. Photos/ Story: Dave West Photography. See more photos on www.georgianlife.ca
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Downtown Collingwood sparkles with the Christmas spirit! Holiday magic is in the air! And, there is nothing quite like fairy lights on winter nights! While sadly we will not enjoy the traditional Santa Claus Parade this year, have no fear, the spirit of Christmas is alive and well in downtown Collingwood. Thanks to the Collingwood Downtown BIA, member businesses, Collingwood Public Works Department and wonderful community partners like Reliabuild, the heart of our community is beautifully adorned for the season with awesome lights and a simply stunning Christmas tree beside the Service Canada building. It has been rumoured that at some point over the coming weeks, Santa will be making appearances downtown, so keep your eyes open. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season in downtown Collingwood and of course, be sure to support local when doing your holiday shopping! Photos/Story: Dave West Photography. See more photos on www.georgianlife.ca
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Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season! From all of us at Blue Mountain Manor
Come in for a tour today! 705.428.3240 GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
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Holiday
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THESE ADVERTISERS HAVE ALL DONATED TO A LOCAL TOY DRIVE GET CHRISTMAS CRAFTY WITH HOMEMADE ORNAMENTS
• Residential • Commericial • Construction • Maintenance
Merry Christmas from the Staff of
DON MEHARRIE
Master Electrician, Owner/Operator
705-818-3854 Serving South Georgian Bay and area donmeharrie@gmail.com • www.dsm-electric.ca
Handmade gifts, trinkets, and treats help make the holiday season special. Although cookies and other baked goods are some of the most popular homemade creations this time of year, gift-givers young and old can put their talents to use with various craft projects. Ornaments and decorations are one such idea. Here are some clever and not-too-time-consuming craft projects to try this holiday season. • Popcorn garland: Garland made of popcorn is a classic handmade holiday project. For a new twist, toss the popcorn with food colouring and allow it to dry before stringing for some bright colour on the tree.
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• Photo ornaments: Print out several different photos that you love. Purchase round or square thin wood pieces from a craft store and attach the photos with Mod Podge®. When dry, drill a hole through the top and thread with twine. • Wooden snowflakes: Have children collect small twigs from outdoors, as well as holly leaves and some sprigs of evergreen. Arrange similarly sized twigs in the shape of snowflakes and glue them together, or tie with twine. Embellish with stickers, glitter, dried berries, and more. • Dough ornaments: Anyone can have fun molding their own ornaments, letting them dry, and then painting them. Use cookie cutters to get perfect holiday shapes. Craft stores sell various types of modeling clays and lightweight modelling materials. Or, make your own salt dough. • Reindeer bottle topper: Put to use any wine corks you have lying around. Attach googly eyes and a small fuzzy nose to the front of a cork. Insert twisted, brown pipe cleaners to make the antlers up top. Add ribbons, small snippets of faux fur, or any other extras you desire. • Sweet sentiments: Use old Scrabble® letter tiles to form a favourite holiday phrase, like “Joy to the World.” Glue the tiles together and hang from the tree on a piece of ribbon.
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Happy Holidays 950 River Road West, Wasaga Beach (705) 429-2517 • www.wasagadist.ca
Specialty cleaners of rugs and upholstery
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705.446.5428 email: info@packleaderconstructionltd.com GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
GIVING
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THESE ADVERTISERS HAVE ALL DONATED TO A LOCAL TOY DRIVE Wasaga Beach Kinette Club: Serving the Community’s Greatest Need “I’m a Kinette” we say to people when we are out in the community. They ask, “you’re a what?” The Kinette Club may not be a household name like other clubs, but we have been involved in many activities throughout our 45 years in Wasaga Beach since our charter in 1974. Derived from Kinsmen Clubs, we serve the community we live in and try to make it a better place. Our Mission Statement: “Volunteer members impacting Canadian communities through service, leadership, fellowship and personal development.” Our Motto: “Serving the Communities Greatest Need” Our National Partners: Cystic Fibrosis Canada and Canadian Blood Services
The Kinette Club of Wasaga Beach continues to work for the development of community spirit and an enhanced lifestyle despite the challenges of 2020. We wish to commend you!
Being a service club in 2020 has been a struggle not only for our members but for our community too. We are not able to go out around the town to fundraise with the pandemic restrictions put on us and that really hurts us as a club. We enjoy going out for meetings and see what projects we can do and socialize while doing so. Meetings over computer conferencing or phone calls just aren’t the same. We have streamlined our meetings and help at Blood Donor Clinics. Our annual fundraiser for cystic fibrosis is our yard sale which we had to scale down but were able to donate a nice amount. Many projects that would allow us to donate locally to our schools, library, food bank and hospital, to name a few, are on hold so we may not be able to donate as much or anything to them this year.
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We are doing our Toys for Kids project this year and we are very proud as a club to be able to carry this project out for as long as we have. Every year, mid-November, we start putting our toy donation boxes around town. We are thankful for the businesses and people in our community as they are so generous in donating toys and gift cards for the kids. We receive many monetary donations as well so we can fulfill all those wishes. Without the donations and the hard work of our volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to give the children of our community a Christmas. Yours in Kin, Debbie Stavinga, President Kinette Club of Wasaga Beach 705-795-3969
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If you would like more information on how you can donate, volunteer, or join our Club, please email wasagakinettes@gmail.com go to kincanada.ca or like us on Facebook! GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
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FOR THE LOVE OF ANIMALS These advertisers have all sponsored this page in support of the Georgian Triangle Humane Society Thinking of Buying or Selling in Wasaga Beach and Area? JOHN ARMSTRONG, Sales Representative DIRECT: (705) 351-2767 john@armstrongs4u.com
CALL FOR A FREE MARKET EVALUATION!
WASAGA BEACH OFFICE
1249 Mosley St., Wasaga Beach ON
(705) 445-5520
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2020 has been a challenging year for all of us. This holiday season we would like to thank our team of extraordinary volunteers who have gone above and beyond to support our charitable work. Thank you to the 300+ individuals who have helped us weather this storm.
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We are truly grateful for their generosity, commitment and dedication to helping the pets and people of South Georgian Bay. Wishing everyone a safe holiday season with their human and furry family and the very best in 2021.
Comprehensive dance training for aspiring dance professionals and for those who want to master dance for fun. Offering professional and inspiring dance classes in a range of genres. Dance examination and competition classes available.
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549 Tenth Line, Collingwood | 705-445-5204 | www.gths.ca Georgian Triangle Humane Society @GTHumaneSociety gthumanesociety
GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
Cancer Chat The motto at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre is ‘We will conquer cancer in our lifetime’ and the banners decorating the buildings read ‘Why is in our DNA.’ Dr. Daniel De Carvalho, a Senior Scientist at PMCC and professor in the Department of Medical Biophysics at the University of Toronto, is looking to our DNA for new understanding of how gene activity in cancer can lead to innovative therapeutic approaches. Akin to a real-life Indiana Jones, Dr. De Carvalho refers to himself as a ‘genome archaeologist’ set out to identify the function of DNA relics that his work has determined can be reactivated to stimulate our immune system to fight cancer. In October, Dr. De Carvalho’s most recent findings were published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature. The work described the discovery of ancient regions of DNA known as short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) that, when activated, mimics infection, and instructs the body to initiate an anticancer immune response. Whereas the SINEs are normally silenced and thus inactive due to an epigenetic modification on DNA called DNA methylation, the research found that inhibition of the epigenetic mechanism using a new class of drugs called epigenetic therapy can reactivate SINEs in cancer cells. Dr. De Carvalho comments, “Humans acquired a series of ‘silent’ repetitive elements in our DNA over millions of years of evolution, but it has been unclear why or what purpose they serve.” The new research showed that epigenetic therapy reactivated the SINEs, which lead to the expression of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). The response is called viral mimicry. The dsRNA molecules are typically found in viruses and are a ‘red flag’ that notifies the immune system of an infection. Production of these ancient dsRNA from SINEs mimics those observed following viral infection, which ultimately triggers an innate immune response against the cancer. The research demonstrated that an epigenetic drug called 5-AZACdR, can trick colorectal cancer cells into mounting an immune response as if they had been infected with a virus, thereby stopping them in their tracks.
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Dr. De Carvalho analogizes this response to an ancient dagger that can be used against cancer. His pioneering work in epigenetic therapy has discovered that inhibition of DNA methylation results in a state of viral mimicry in which treated cancer cells response by turning on viral defence genes and potentially expressing neo-antigens that are recognized by the immune system. “These findings open up a new field of cancer therapies,” says De Carvalho. The SINEs reactivated by epigenetic therapy are a substrate for an enzyme called ADAR1. ADAR1 targets dsRNA via a process called adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing, which causes destabilization of the dsRNA. In response to epigenetic therapy, the cancer cells attempt to fight back using ADAR1 as a weapon against the dsRNA to block the anticancer immune response. Dr. De Carvalho’s team discovered that when the cancer cells expressed ADAR1 they escaped the immune response induced by viral mimicry. The result suggested that epigenetic therapy would create an ADAR1 synthetic dependency. In other words, if ADAR1 function is inhibited, the cancer cells should become more sensitive to the epigenetic drugs. Indeed, the study found this was exactly the case: depletion of ADAR1 in patient-derived cancer cells potentiated the efficacy of the epigenetic therapy. “Since the ADAR1 activity is enzymatic, our work provides an exciting new target for drug development efforts and lays the foundation for a completely new class of drugs that are able to exploit these ‘ancient weapons’ in our genome” says Dr. De Carvalho. Underscoring the importance of the work, Dr. De Carvalho recently announced on LinkedIn that Technology Development and Commercialization at UHN would collaborate with Pfizer to translate his findings into novel cancer therapies. The advancement of cancer immunotherapy research will lead to new clinical trials combining epigenetic drugs with immunotherapy, which promises to impact patients’ lives rapidly. Submitted by: Dr. Oliver Kent, Scientific Associate and cancer researcher at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. I would like to hear from you. Email (kent.uhn@gmail. com) or text (416-707-6546) your questions or ideas for the next Cancer Chat.
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13
Join a team of dedicated individuals proud of their workmanship and expertise; fabricating state of the art windshields with the latest technologies.
Pilkington Glass of Canada, part of NSG North America is a world leader in Auto Glass.
The work involves continental schedule (3 days week one; 4 days week two) and offers: • A generous pension plan
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• Shift premium
• Overtime opportunities
If these roles meet your aspiration and interests, please email your resume to HRPILKINGTONCA@NSG.com We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
“Educate, Enable, Empower!” These three words echo around the halls of every E3 Community Services’ building and are the guiding force in everything we do. E3 Community Services is a local non-profit that offers support to adults with developmental disabilities, youth, and children throughout the South Georgian Bay area. Our primary service responsibilities are to support both adults and children in getting full value as participating citizens in the community. We embrace the principles of inclusion, integration, individualization, and community acceptance, and our success depends on meeting and anticipating individual and community needs. The ongoing pandemic has altered the day-to-day lives of both the individuals we support and our staff members. For the individuals we support, the events of this year have drawn their household closer together. Our Direct Support Professionals play a crucial role in the health of the people we support, often supporting their integration into community living or assisting them in daily living activities. The creativity of our staff members has also shined during this time, by organizing tropical-themed parties and holiday celebrations to keep the people we support entertained and, of course, happy!
been quick to support us with clinical responses as needed. If you’re reading this and would also like to support, we are welcoming donations of new gender-neutral winter gear (including hats, gloves, scarves, boots and socks) for our young adults ages 14 and up. We’re always grateful for local businesses who may be interested in sponsoring meals, and of course, we’re always looking for ways to thank our amazing staff members! If you’re interested in supporting, please reach out to Tracy Nancekivell at 705-441-6868 or email tnancekivell@e3.ca. At E3 Community Services, we value the uniqueness, dignity, and worthiness of each individual we support. We believe that a healthy community only exists when the contributions, needs, and aspirations of EVERY individual, no matter their differences, are recognized, acknowledged, utilized, and appreciated.
We’re wishing you a safe and happy holiday season from all of us at E3 Community Services!
We’ve been overwhelmed and so grateful for all the support we’ve received so far from community members and local businesses including Cob’s Bread, Roadrunner Foods, Second Harvest Food Rescue, RBC Wealth Management, Christie’s Clothing, Dadswell Denture Clinic, and the Collingwood Youth Centre. Recently, the Toronto Foundation surprised us with a generous monetary donation that will be used for enhancing the lives of those we are so proud to support, and the South Georgian Bay Family Health Team has always
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GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
Submitted by: Meghan Harwood, Manager of Marketing and Communications www.e3.ca @e3communityservices @e3communityservices e3@e3.ca
We don’t want Santa singing, “I’ll have a Blue Christmas without you,” do we? So, to help Santa avoid the blues, be sure to visit Blue Mountain Village Saturday afternoons (Dec 5 through 19, 1-4 pm), where he and his helpers have already been spotted riding in his amazing horse-drawn wagon. If you’re fortunate enough, you may even have the opportunity to have a quick physically distanced pic with Santa… following the COVID-19 safety protocols, of course, which include masks and physical distancing where necessary. Photos/Story: Dave West Photography. See more photos on www.georgianlife.ca
Thank you to all of our customers for a great year!
Merry Christmas and best wishes for a
Happy New Year! STORE HOURS Sun 9AM-6PM | Mon to Fri 8AM-9PM | Sat 8AM-7PM SERVICE CENTER Mon to Fri 8AM-8PM | Sat 8AM-5PM | Sun 9AM-4PM
89 Balsam Street, Collingwood
Store: 705-445-4161 Service: 705-445-4169
HOME OF TONY’S FAMOUS SCHNITZEL
Your Hometown Restaurant since 1991 Quality dining at Hometown Prices BOOK YOUR NEW YEARS EVE RESERVATION Call now to make your reservations Smokin’ Tuesday – in house specials $5 Canadian Bottles Happy Appy Hour 2:30 – 5:30 Monday to Friday ½ price App’s & $6 Pints Sunday Eggs Benedict, Brunch and $5 Caesars (the drink)
Daily Features
49 Huron Street Collingwood 705-444-5804 GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
1531 Mosley Street Wasaga Beach 705-429-5804 15
Hospice Georgian Triangle has a vision: Excellent palliative care for ALL Through our mission of supporting individuals, and their caregivers, in their journey with a life limiting illness to live the best life possible, Hospice Georgian Triangle is guided by the values of Inclusion, Compassion, Accountability, Respect & Dignity, and Excellence (I CARE). We are here to serve everyone in Blue Mountains, Collingwood, Wasaga Beach and Clearview Township. Covid-19 has presented many challenges for charities and Hospice Georgian Triangle is no exception. We are limited in space and our current offices do not allow for physical distancing. The need for offsite space has been illuminated by the pandemic. Within Campbell House, we are working to ensure patients and families can still visit safely. The way we do business looks different on the surface, but the care and compassion provided by our exceptional team cannot be disguised by masks and gowns.
You will get a special email from us on your birthday (and some amazing offers from local businesses) It’s our way of saying ‘thanks for being you’ on the best day of the year!
Sign up on our website:
georgianlife.ca/birthdayclub
We are working on expanding our community support services to our new location at 186 Hurontario Street in Collingwood, to help address the issue of social isolation of our seniors and vulnerable population. This new location will allow services to continue with physical-distancing requirements in place, it will provide the space to grow our current services including oneon-one and small group counselling, and to begin new children and youth grief and bereavement programs and a new Palliative Pain and Symptom Management Clinic. Hospice Georgian Triangle relies on our community for support through both our beloved volunteers and our generous donors. The decision to expand our programming during a pandemic is based on a need to be more accessible, but it comes with increased costs. Through our year-end campaign for 2020, we are inviting our community to “share the Spirit of Home” with Hospice Georgian Triangle. With your donation, you can decorate our Holiday House and send it to us, along with your favourite holiday memory, and we will proudly display the decorated houses in our new home at 186 Hurontario Street. Watch your mailbox after November 15th for your “Spirit of Home” package or download one at www.hospicegeorgiantriangle.com. Then, take a walk downtown after December 1st to find your House in our window! And, don’t forget to drive by Campbell House at 240 Erie Street in Collingwood to see the beautiful lights! Thank you for your support.
Sending our warmest wishes for your holiday season from everyone at Hospice Georgian Triangle. Submitted by: Trish Rawn, Hospice Georgian Triangle Interim Executive Director and Janet Fairbridge, Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation Director
@HospiceGT and @HGTFvoice @hospicegt @Hospice.gt www.HospiceGeorgianTriangle.com
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GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
Blue Shores shines a light on Christmas Since the long cold COVID-19 winter is fast approaching, two neighbours in Blue Shores (on the north side of Hwy 26 east end of Collingwood across from the Pilkington plant) decided to change that dismal outlook. They distributed a flyer to every household (203) and invited their neighbours to join them and put up some warm white LED lights around the pond and at the street side of their homes. Their mission was to make a magical “deLIGHTful” warm and friendly neighbourhood. The mission really caught at one household with 2550 lights on the front of the house. Stay safe, stay healthy, and shine brightly. Thank you, Blue Shores residents, for this beautiful holiday initiative. Photos/Story: Dave West Photography. See more photos on www.georgianlife.ca
habitat for humanity restore
Your discount source for Lights, Windows, Doors, Furniture, Appliances, Building Materials and more!
Proceeds from the Habitat ReStore support Habitat for Humanity Builds and programs for local low income families in your community.
you want it. we have it. shop today.
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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE
155 SANDFORD FLEMING DRIVE, COLLINGWOOD 705-446-9740 | HABITATGEORGIANBAY.CA/RESTORE
Healthy resolutions that are easy to keep The dawn of a new year is a great time to take stock of the year that just passed and set goals for the next 12 months. Resolutions focused on improving personal health are especially popular, and for good reason. Improving one’s overall health can have positive implications for years to come. Even with the best intentions, resolutions have historically proven hard to keep. Simplifying health-based resolutions can lead to a higher success rate and a healthier you.
PLANNING ON DOING A KITCHEN RENO?
COME TO NEPSCO! Having been in the industry for years, we have gained the necessary expertise to provide various services and complete projects efficiently. You can depend on our team to assist you with the products and services that you need.
· Walk more. It is easy to get preoccupied with the “10,000 steps per day” mantra that many people follow and that certain fitness trackers promote. Walking 10,000 steps daily, which equates to roughly five miles per day, is a healthy goal, but it may not be realistic for everyone. Take stock of how many steps you currently take each day, and then resolve to walk 2,000 more. As your body acclimates to walking more, add another 2,000 steps, continuing to do so until you reach 10,000 steps. · Spend less time on social media. Staring at your phone or tablet for multiple hours browsing tweets or checking messages might not be the best thing for your physical and mental health. Browsing the internet may take up time that could be better spent engaging in physical activity. According to Dr. Elia Abi-Jaoude, a staff psychiatrist at the Hospital for Sick Children and Toronto Western Hospital, various studies have shown how excessive social media usage can adversely affect relationships, sense of self, sleep, academic performance, and emotional well-being. · Eat more whole foods. Whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fish, contain various nutrients the body needs to function at peak capacity. These foods may help reduce the risk of many diseases and help people maintain healthy body weights. Start slowly by introducing a new whole food to your diet each day. A gradual approach is more manageable than going on a drastic diet.
20% OFF
ALL VOGT KITCHEN PRODUCTS Expires: Dec 30th 2020
· Avoid sweetened beverages. You are what you eat, but also what you drink. Consumption of sugarsweetened beverages, particularly carbonated soft drinks, may be a key contributor in the epidemic of overweight and obesity. Skip sweetened beverages (even fruit juices can be unhealthy if consumed in excess) and opt for more water or unsweetened teas. · Find a physical activity you like. Find a physical activity you truly enjoy and aim to do it a few times a week. Maybe it’s a sport like tennis or recreational cycling with the family. If the idea of a gym membership excites you, then by all means sign up. Avoid restrictive health and wellness resolutions that can be unsustainable. By downsizing expectations and taking small steps en route to your goals, you may be more motivated to stay the course and realize your resolutions.
GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
NEPSCO ELECTRICAL & PLUMBING SUPPLY 1221 MOSLEY STREET, WASAGA BEACH 705-429-0424 | NEPSCOGROUP.CA
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BUSINESS PROFILE:
FEEL BETTER FOR LIFE: MOZOMO ATHLETICS
If you’re unfamiliar with CrossFit, it’s easy to get the wrong idea about this fitness movement and its loyal following. But the concept is pretty simple, variation is the name of the game. Whether you’re an experienced athlete who wants to condition for an upcoming event or a workout newbie looking for ways to get your strongest body, Mozomo is the place for you. Their mission is to help every single person that walks through their door ‘feel better for life’. Workouts here are intense but scaled to your fitness level. Your coaches will get to know you and your fitness goals. They will approach your goals in a way that works for you, in a fun, all-inclusive culture and community. Mozomo has something for everyone. They offer beginner CrossFit classes, regular WOD classes, CrossFit Kids, Cardio Kickboxing, Nutrition Counselling and Personal Training.
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From the first day you walk through the door, we want you to feel like Mozomo is a place where you can accomplish anything. We know how hard it is to take those first steps, but we are here to help you get started, make a plan that gets results and feel comfortable in our community. We’ve had people that have never worked out a day in their life come into our gym consistently and do things they never thought they would do! We use a proven three-step system to help you develop the habits you need to get over the hurdles that keep you from your goals. We start with effective exercises, then we add easy to understand food habits, and we use our coaches and community activities to keep you accountable to your goals. Whether you want to play with your kids more, feel good in your bathing suit – or make it to the highest level of competition – Mozomo will help you get there. You will train hard, you will test your limits, and you will be challenged. And because we’re not crazy people that think the only way to succeed is a million burpees (well, maybe) you will have fun doing it! We keep our class sizes small to monitor each person’s technique and form. We modify activities to accommodate personal fitness and skill levels, and we offer a community of supportive individuals on a similar journey to your own. Let us help you start moving, breathing and sleeping better. Let us help you understand quick and easy meals that are healthy and taste good! Let us guide you through the little steps that add up to the big goals to start feeling better for life.
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Husband and wife power team, John and Michele Smeh, who have always had a passion for physical activity, sports, and fitness opened Mozomo Athletics in 2012 in Collingwood, and have never looked back. Their community of cross-fitters has continued to grow, at first coaching in a room at another gym, to a 2500 sq. ft. facility, then doubling their space to 5000 sq. ft. Michele was born and raised in Wasaga Beach, and feels that the community is missing a gym like Mozomo, so they purchased a commercial building and decided to re-locate and share their passion for fitness in Wasaga Beach.
Mozomo = ‘something or somebody that can cause positive, dramatic change in a short period of time’, which esentially, in a nutshell, is what CrossFit does!! Michele has a strong (and I mean strong) passion for fitness and weightlifting that started in high school. Helping people figure out what they want in life and truly believing they can accomplish anything is what drives her. She feels her purpose in life is to help change people’s lives through movement and she loves making people healthier, happier humans. They have built an amazing team of genuine coaches at Mozomo, approaching your health goals in a way that works for you. These coaches are not only top-level trainers, but they’re busy moms, husbands and real people that understand what it’s like to juggle a demanding schedule and make your health a priority. They know that new habits take time. Each one of their trainers approaches your fitness, nutrition and health goals with the knowledge and experience that will keep you learning and excited about your journey.
DON’T WAIT ANOTHER DAY TO BE ‘READY’ START FEELING BETTER FOR LIFE TODAY
Michele Smeh 60 19th St N. Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 2H5 705-994-2321 | info@crossfitmozomo.com www.crossfitmozomo.com | Mozomo Athletics
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GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
History, art and wonderful gifts for the holidays The first floor of the beautiful historic Tremont Building in Collingwood Downtown has been transformed into a wonderful art gallery. This year more than ever, our local artists need your support. Enjoy a lovely spiritually enriching gallery visit and do a little bit of holiday shopping. at 80 Simcoe St., in Collingwood. Photos/Story: www.mycollingwood.ca
YOUR PLACE OR OURS? Dine out in chalet style or cozy up by your own fire. Open daily for all-day dining and takeout, we've got you covered for everything from après ski bites to holiday feasts. 220 Gord Canning Dr., The Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain 705.444.8680 · obcafegrill.com
GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
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CHRISTMAS IS COMING TO COLLINGWOOD THE CURLY WILLOW EATERY
IDA STUART ELLIS Stuart Ellis Pharmacy is proud to offer compounding services for over 30 years. We specialize in Bio-identical hormones, pediatric, veterinary and pain formulations. From capsules, creams, liquids and suppositories, we have you and your family covered! We also offer a wide selection of Home Health Care products including specialized wound care supplies, bath and safety aids, mobility aids such as canes and walkers, compression stockings and a large supply of in-stock ostomy supplies.
Indoor Dining (all Covid protocols in place) Reservations Only Takeout Available FREE DELIVERY in Collingwood 5-6pm Monday-Friday Lunch: Wednesday thru Friday Dinner: Monday thru Friday 141 Pine St., Collingwood 705-315-1662 www.thecurlywilloweatery.com Like us on facebook for daily features: The Curly Willow
BLUE MOUNTAIN VACUUM CENTRE INC.
169 Hurontario St., Collingwood 705-445-4711 | www.stuartellispharmacy.ca Facebook: Stuart Ellis Pharmacy
FIG & FETA GREEK EATERY
Personalized customer service is our top priority here at Blue Mountain Vacuum Centre Inc. As a family-owned and operated business, we care about what it takes to keep customers for life! Browse our website to learn about our top performing, quality brands, like our Canadian made Cana-Vac central vacuums. Our online and retail stores have everything you need – from machines to replacement parts, to accessories – along with professional knowledge and customer satisfaction guaranteed!
Come and enjoy a unique Greek food experience in downtown Collingwood. Call for take-out, curbside and delivery orders. Greek Market - Ready made meals, frozen vacuumpacked souvlakis, authentic pita bread, house made sauces and so much more. Catering - Pick and delivery for groups of all sizes 705-446-9966 65 Hurontario St., Collingwood
8 3rd St., Collingwood 705-444-1022 | www.bluemountainvacuum.ca Facebook: Blue Mountain Vacuum info@bluemountainvacuum.ca
SEED.
View our menu online at www.figandfeta.ca
FLEET-WOOD DANCENTRE: SCHOOL OF DANCE SEED. Holistic facial and skin care boutique.
Founded in 1994, Fleet-Wood Dancentre has offered dance to thousands of students in The Georgian Triangle. Proud of being honoured with the Inaugural Arts and Culture Award recognizing our history of preparing dancers for professional dance. Also the Robert Kemp Award which funded our first Nutcracker Production. We are known for our family friendly atmosphere. Parents can view classes on a live video feed.
Specializing in Lifting and Sculpting face massage, Micro-Current & Gua Sha Glow - lymphatic drainage dream treatment. Exclusively offering Living Libations’ boundless collection of serums, elixirs and essential oils. Visit us at our newly restored heritage building or shop our on-line store.
Registration is easy: Please contact Sharron Fleet via email: fleetwooddance@gmail.com or text/call 705-446-1568.
64 Hume St., Collingwood 705-445-1454 www.seedcollingwood.com Facebook: Seed Collingwood
Suite 6-65 Simcoe St. | 85 Paterson St., Collingwood 705-446-1568 | www.fleetwooddance.net
DADSWELL DENTURE CLINIC
COLLINGWOOD OLIVE OIL CO. Collingwood Olive Oil Co. is a candy store for grown ups! Their shop features high quality fresh extra virgin olive oils, a culinary line of infused and fused oils, and an entire room filled with barrel aged fruit balsamic from Modena, Italy. Their pantry is stocked full of specialty food including jams, chutneys, and Holy Shipyards BBQ sauce made with their balsamic. 42 Ste. Marie St., Collingwood 705-293-6457 www.collingwoodoliveoil.ca facebook: Collingwood Olive Oil Co. instagram: collingwoodoliveoil
Dadswell Denture Clinic has been providing denture care to the Georgian Triangle area for over 24 years. We strive to be the denture provider of choice for quality and service. We have an on-site lab to help accommodate a wide range of denture related services. These services include implant retained dentures, immediate dentures, relines, repairs, as well as complete and partial dentures. Call to reserve your personalized consultation to see how we can help you. 72 Pine St., Collingwood 705-445-0011 www.dadswelldenture.com
I T ’ S A LL HE RE WA I TI N G FOR YOU ! 20
GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
WHO SAYS CHRISTMAS SHOPPING HAS TO BE A CHORE? Take the day and explore Downtown Collingwood, its treasures, its history, and its wonderful array of unique stores, each one with its own personality. Why travel to the big cities when you can find something wonderful close to home? Support the local community and local businesses, discover something wonderful, and have fun shopping in Collingwood.
MINDS ALIVE Minds Alive! carries a wide range of toys for all ages. Developmental toys for infants and toddlers, Lego, craft kits, outdoor toys, books, puzzles and even party games for adults. Stop by today and check us out and if you need any help picking out a toy for that special someone, our knowledgeable staff are always ready to help. If you can’t make it in, check out our online store. 57 Hurontario St., Collingwood 705-445-6222 www.mindsalive.ca mindsalive@rogers.com facebook: Minds Alive Toy Stores
U-PICK PARTIES Our passion is to make you smile with fun and innovative products and services. Roxann Campbell, the owner of U-Pick Parties, is a professional Balloon Artist and Entertainer. Helium balloons and sculptures are an inflatable way to recognize a special day. Bright and colourful, they’re a treat for both kids and adults. U-Pick Parties retail location is your one stop shop for all your festive party needs, decorations and costumes! 210 Hurontario St., Collingwood 705-445-8887 | www.upickparties.com Facebook: U-Pick Parties
THE CLEVER OFFICE Need a bright and comfortable meeting room for an hour or two, or more? Our 4-person meeting room is furnished with a modern live-edge barnboard table and equipped with a display TV for presentations and a conference phone for crisp and clear conversations with multiple conference call attendees by phone and in person. We’re fully equipped to support your meeting with WiFi, access to a speed printer/copier/fax and fax-to-email and complimentary coffee and tea. 1 First St., Unit 220, Collingwood info@thecleveroffice.ca | www.cleveroffice.ca Collingwood: 705-532-1144 1-844-4-COWORK (1-844-426-9675)
• Shop for Great Gift Ideas from your favourite downtown business and Farmers’ Market vendors • Enjoy the magic of the Living Windows with the Fleet-wood Dancentre • Be amazed by the strolling entertainers – stilt walkers, lighted hula hoops, jugglers and more • Visits with Santa in his big red sleigh
FiSH&SiPS More than just fish and chips. Proudly continuing a family tradition of fine fish & chips, spanning three generations for more than seventy years. Known for our famous batter recipe and award winning homemade Key Lime Pie desserts, FiSH&SiPS is a family run business alongside Olde Yorke Fish & Chips in Leaside, Toronto. Licensed restaurant and patio serving local, craft beer and a good selection of wine. We offer great value and simply the best fish & chips in Canada!
Santa will be back in his sleigh
to visit with the children every Saturday in December until the big day– from 12:30pm to 3:30pm
206 Hurontario St., Collingwood 705-293-7477 | www.fishandsips.ca Facebook: Fish & Sips
WW W.C O LL I N GWO O D D OW NTOWN .C OM GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
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100 + women who care about our local community
ADVERTISE IN THE JANUARY ISSUE OF
GEORGIAN LIFE!
The 100+ Women Who Care South Georgian Triangle (SGT) has reached a landmark $200,000 dollars in donations for charities in our community. And they did it in just twelve hours and without even one penny of overhead! How was this possible? In August, 2017, seven women organized themselves into a steering committee to create the group, using the format of the umbrella Care Alliance organization. The format provides a simple, fun, and impactful way to help the community. Members come together for one hour, each with a cheque for $100, and then combine their donations to give a whopping $10,000+ to a local charity. All donations are tax deductible. The concept is so compelling that by the first meeting the group had over 110 members, and has now grown to 170 members.
9,000 copies are printed every month and distributed in Wasaga Beach, Creemore, Stayner, Collingwood, Blue Mountain and Thornbury at over 60 locations.
Members simply agree to participate for at least one year (four meetings), to nominate local charities with which they are familiar, and to contribute $100 directly to the local charity chosen by the group. At each meeting, three members’ nominations are chosen, and each member will have 10 minutes to make a brief presentation and answer any questions. Members then vote, and one charity is chosen for the group donation. The two charities presented who did not receive a donation are eligible for a subsequent meeting, and in the meantime have raised awareness in the community and even attracted potential volunteers. The other inspiring part of these meetings is that they always begin with an update from the previous meeting’s donation recipient on the difference the $10,000+ made in their charity’s ability to serve others.
0
BER 202
SEPTEM
g a smile
ers are a Sunflow
ays brin t, and alw happy sigh
! ryone’s face
to eve
So long sum mer, time to cele brate the new beginnings foun d in Autumn. OCTOBER 202 0
During this Covid pandemic the needs of many charities have increased - but their ability to raise funds has become more difficult. 100+ Women SGT is committed to continue helping, and has changed their meeting format to online Zoom calls with the advantage of instant polling and video presentations if desired. Nothing beats the satisfaction of knowing you are helping others, and nothing is better than the feeling of empowerment that comes from being together with 100+ other women who feel the same way. As one charity said “Thank you for being the kind of women who, when you see you have more than others, build a larger table, rather than a higher wall.”
DECEMBER 2020
If you, too, want to make an impactful difference, you can join online at
• Looking to grow your business?
www.100womensouthgeorgiantriangle.com
• Want to stay top of mind with your customers? • Looking for cost effective advertising?
Submitted by: Helen Peacock
• All ads are in colour and there is no charge for ad design.
100womensgt 100WomenSGT
TO RESERVE YOUR AD, CONTACT US AT:
100WomenSGT
705.445.6887 info@georgianlife.ca www.georgianlife.ca DEADLINE for the January issue is December 22nd, 2020
22
GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
Remembering them The Town of Wasaga Beach, in concert with area Legions, hosted a Covid safe Remembrance Day service at the Town Cenotaph on Saturday, November 8th, on a beautiful and warm day. The service honoured the military men and women who have kept our country safe. It was also the launch of the Town and the Rotary Club of Wasaga Beach banners, hung on street lamps in Wasaga Beach honouring men who have had outstanding military service. Photos/Story: Bryan Davies Photography. See more photos on www.georgianlife.ca
ENERGIZE YOUR
WINTER! THURSDAYS in January and February
Ski at Private Clubs in the Georgian Triangle • Alpine • Caledon Ski Club • Craigleith • Devil’s Glen • Osler Bluff
Lessons available
• Small class sizes
Beginners to Advanced - Group or Private Highly Certified Instructors
JOIN US!
Details and Registration: Skicousi.ca Established in 1971 Run by Volunteers - Operated as a not-for-profit
50th anniversary | Ski • Snowboard • Snowshoe
Virtual
san ta
Book your visit at stonebridgetowncentre.com
Visits start December 5th
From our family...
Active Healthcare Centre | Bamboo Terrace | Beach Eye Care Beach Booster Media Boston Pizza | Bulk Barn | Century 21 Dollar Tree | Stonebridge Dentistry | EB Games | Global Pet Foods Harveys | KFC | Liberty Tax | My Computer Store | Osmows Sunset Grill | Supercuts | Swiss Chalet | TD Canada Trust Tim Hortons | UPS | Walmart | Wasaga Beach Decorating Wasaga Nail Spa | Wild Wing ...to yours
Thank you for your support throughout the year.
Main St. At Stonebridge Blvd. Wasaga Beach |
GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
stonebridgetowncentre.com 23
Homelessness here in South Georgian Bay WE ARE YOUR LOCAL WATER EXPERTS We install, service and maintain most types of water treatment equipment
OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE TO ASSIST YOU WITH ALL YOUR WATER TREATMENT NEEDS
DON'T FORGET! Drop by the store and check out our selection of gifts for the holiday season!
Our staff continue to provide safe and reliable service in-store and at your site following all COVID-19 safety measures
10 Keith Avenue, Unit 302, ollingwood 705 446 1330 www.waterstorecollingwood.com
Waste Disposal • Tilt & Load Service 10 to 40 cu yd Bins 705.444.6885 Top Price Paid for Scrap Autos and Metals Used Auto Parts • New & Used Steel Supplier 705.445.4440 1988 - 32 Years of Service - 2020 9325 Beachwood Road, Collingwood
We are Home Horizon, a transitional house working with youth at risk of homelessness in the Southern Georgian Bay Area, servicing Collingwood, Creemore, Meaford, Stayner, Thornbury, Wasaga Beach and the Town of the Blue Mountains. Homelessness is a real issue in our area even if it isn’t visible and has reached crisis proportions in Canada. These youth are also in the process of transitioning into adulthood, and due to challenging circumstances, may not yet have acquired the health, personal, social and life skills that make independent living possible. We prioritize the need to be safe and inside for the night. The first step is to help these youth find a safe roof over their head which could be the Barbara Weider House or other community housing services. We offer access to counselling and social and life skills programs to help our youth successfully rebuild their lives. Our support programs help them learn life skills, create positive relationships with peers and adults, and re-engage with school, employment training, and/or employment. The Barbara Weider House bridges the critical gap between emergency shelter and independent living. Our services address the needs of youth in crisis and provide the support to help them master the tasks of adolescence as well as focus on their education and employment possibilities. We have implemented several homelessness prevention programs including family and youth reconciliation, HOMESHARE: the Home Horizon Host Homes Program, music & art therapy expression, youth justice and mental health awareness and coping skills, along with Your S.A.F.E. (Specialized Access for Everyone) - An Individualized Approach to Youth Homelessness allowing us to reach out to vulnerable youth, both in person and digitally, as part of a COVID response. Due to Covid-19 high youth unemployment, job insecurity, stressful home situations, and little ability to couch surf has more youth in our area sleeping rougher than ever before. Already strained home situations are worsened with social distancing and youth are seeking a safe place to go. Without adequate revenue and with possible soaring unemployment, more vulnerable youth will require Home Horizon’s support and programming.
7159 Highway 26 Stayner, ON L0M1S0 Phone: 705-428-6482 www.BluewaterFishandGrill.ca
Merry Christmas
& Happy New Year! From Lila & Chris
Hours of operation:
DUE TO COVID-19 Monday and Tuesday: closed Wednesday–Sunday: 11am-7pm
Over 200 people gathered last February to walk in the annual event, Coldest Night of the Year, raising funds for Home Horizon and the Barbara Weider House
DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!
Two donors in our community want to inspire others donors to support homeless youth in our area by donating a matching gift offer (up to a maximum of $30,000) doubling the impact of your donation!
EVERY DOLLAR DONATED TO HOME HORIZON WILL BE MATCHED, DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR.
REMARKABLE RESULTS: • 32+ individuals have lived in the Barbara Weider House • 34 youth have been given a bed within the community • 24 have been Reunified with Family • 6 Have been graduated to 2nd Stage Transitional Housing • 12+ have received counselling from Home Horizon and living within the Community • 22 have been helped to ensure their Food Security • 10 have gone through mediation who are at risk of losing their housing within the community (We are their Advocates) • 2 Barbara Weider House residents recently graduated High School • 2 have entered post-secondary education We currently have 46 youth on our waiting list and many more out there in need of our services. Consider a donation, today. We thank you. Just because we don’t see the homeless daily, doesn’t mean they don’t exist in our community. Submitted by: Deb Piggott www.homehorizon.ca 705-888-3636 | 705-444-3636 debajpiggott@gmail.com | debpiggott@homehorizon.ca @home.horizon Home Horizon Transitional Support Program
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GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
A new twist One of Wasaga Beach’s newest take-out restaurants, Twisted Indian Wraps, at 30-45th St. S. hosted their Grand Opening celebration on November 7th. After the Ribbon Cutting by franchisees Nick Knox and Sarah Martin, Mayor Bifolchim and Town Councillors, the first 100 people to line up at noon received a free Twisted Indian Wrap and a piece of cake. Twisted Indian Wraps is the first fast-casual restaurant of its kind in Canada serving fresh, flavourful Indian food made in front of you. Its modern Indian cooking style draws inspiration from around the globe while focusing on the authentic taste of Indian food. Photos/Story: Bryan Davies Photography. See more photos on www.georgianlife.ca
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Superhero athletes raising money for community programs A group of teenage athletes from the Georgian Peaks Ski Club has raised $23,835 for Beaver Valley Outreach (BVO). BVO is a community-based social organization with programs and services to enhance the lives of children, families, seniors, youth, and individuals in The Blue Mountains. The BVO Challenge 2020 was organized by a 15-year old skier, Duncan Armstrong. With the help of 30 Peaks teammates, he organized and led individual and team challenges such as weightlifting, running, planking, skate-a-thons, and surf-a-thons in August and September to help BVO with funds during COVID-19. BVO Board Chair Cathy Innes expressed sincere gratitude for the team’s efforts. “We are lucky to have such a wonderful group of young athletes in our community. They saw a need and challenged themselves to do something about it,” she said. “They are a great example for us all. Thank you, Duncan & Team!” Source: www.facebook.com/beavervalleyoutreach
GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
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Have fun & stay safe this Holiday Season! Thank you for making us the #1 STATION in South Georgian Bay!
Elephant Thoughts - Evolving as it weathers the pandemic Elephant Thoughts (ET) is a local charity whose mission is to ensure children facing barriers receive an excellent standard of education. We work locally, nationally, and in developing world countries. In all of our work, ET strives to reduce racism, inequality and cultivate environmental stewardship by incorporating those values into our programs. Like many charities, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact. From March to August alone, we lost $600,000 in programs and put $500,000 in grants on hold. Without government support programs, the pandemic could have been a crippling blow. Recognizing that this pandemic is not going away soon, a long-term strategy was needed. We evaluated whether significant spending restrictions, perhaps even lay-offs, was the solution. The challenge was that strategy did not sit well with us. Taking people’s jobs and reducing community support when times are tough seemed contradictory to who we are. Additionally, saving a couple of months of funds would not be enough to carry us through, and scaling back would cripple our ability to rebound post-pandemic.
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Hence, we took a very different approach. Our goal was to build organizational capacity to rebound quickly post-pandemic with new innovative programs and increased capacity to attract partnerships. Knowing our strength is our passionate, committed team, and losing any of them would hurt us, we guaranteed no one would lose their job; we would carry them through, no matter what. We recruited strong new talent with the skills we were missing. We invested in infrastructure to build more capacity at our educational centres. At the same time, we wanted to spring to action supporting the community pandemic needs. Our pandemic programming included collaborating with partners to 3-D print PPE for local hospitals and seniors, distributing food to seniors and families, offering free virtual summer camps to kids, and distributing more than $75,000 in toys to families.
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Throughout this challenge we are thankful for our community of support, our team, and our friends. It is them that make us able to weather these challenging times.
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GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
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Lest We Forget Remembrance Day is a time to reflect, remember, and respect. Although COVID-19 safety protocols did not allow for the traditional service where normally hundreds of community members turn out in support, in Collingwood, an intentionally small event was planned for early morning on November 11th. The very brief ceremony kept with tradition as Don Doner played the Last Post and the Rouse on his trumpet, followed by Sheila Stewart of the Beinn Gorm Highlanders who piped the Piper’s Lament. A minute of silence was observed, followed by a prayer by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 63 Padre Rev. Dr. Brian Goodings. Wreaths were laid by Silver Cross Lady Marie Stephenson, Collingwood Legion President Rob Graham, CPO Bryan Grass, Lt. Col. Mike McEachern, Simcoe-Grey MP Terry Dowdall, Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson, Collingwood Mayor Brian Saunderson, and Ladies Auxiliary President Susan Muller. The current pandemic restrictions may have impacted our service of remembrance but did not lessen the importance of reflecting upon the horrors of war, remembering fallen loved ones, and paying respect to those who have served and continue to serve in defense of our country and our freedom on Remembrance Day and throughout the year. Photos/Story: Dave West Photography. See more photos on www.georgianlife.ca
Season’s Greetings STORE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon to Fri 8–9 Sat 8–8 | Sun 9–6 SERVICE DEPARTMENT OPEN Mon to Sat 8–5 | Sun 9-5
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GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
Merry Christmas FROM THE ARMSTRONG TEAM
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Thinking of Buying or Selling in Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Meaford, Blue Mountain or Clearview? BRENDA ARMSTRONG, Broker barm55@outlook.com | 705-828-4571
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27
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Technology has dramatically changed the way people live, and has increasingly changed how they drive as well. While power windows were once coveted as high-tech features, the sophisticated technology available in modern cars and trucks can make earlier tech seem like child’s play. While some vehicle technology is designed to keep you safe, other tech is all about comfort and convenience. The following are five options to consider when purchasing your next vehicle. 1. Telematics: Telematics is a system that can remotely monitor many components of a vehicle’s diagnostics and driver behaviour. While this telecommunications technology already is implemented in delivery, towing and public transportation industries, it can be utilized in the private market to track live weather conditions, traffic, parking lot information, fuel consumption, and battery power. 2. Cooled seats: While most drivers are familiar with heated seats, many vehicles now come equipped with cooled seats as well. These seats can make it more comfortable to drive on hot days and improve air flow in the car as they work in conjunction with vehicle HVAC systems. Cooled seats can be expensive and will add weight to a vehicle, so they may be best for heavy sedans, SUVs and light trucks.
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3. Wireless phone charging: Electronic devices have been going wireless for years, and the newest crop of wireless tech is wireless phone chargers. The online tech resource CNET says wireless charging pads have become ubiquitous in offices and homes, but now they’re becoming useful tools inside cars. Portable charging pads can plug into the automobile auxiliary power DC outlet. For example, the X-Doria Defense Helix wireless car charging mount with RoboGrip has powered “robotic” arms that automatically open when you place your phone near the charger and then clamp shut after you dock it. Wireless charging pads are built into vehicles manufactured by Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz, and may soon be standard technology on more cars and trucks. 4. Apple CarPlay: Mobile phone users tend to fall into two distinct camps: those who prefer iPhones and those who rave about Android offerings. Many car manufactures have realized consumers want CarPlay (and Android Auto) built standard into their vehicles. These apps allow drivers to access their most-used apps conveniently without an extra learning curve for manufacturer-specific driver assist apps. 5. Second- and third-row USB ports: USB ports for second- and third-row passengers is essential when moving an SUV full of kids or taking a road trip with the family. Various vehicle tech features can improve comfort and convenience in modern cars and trucks.
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GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
DRIVE SAFE THESE BUSINESSES CAN HELP
Charge up your car battery knowledge Vehicles consist of many essential components to keep them running efficiently and effectively. Car and truck owners should have an understanding of how their vehicles function so they can diagnose and address problems as they arise.
not have a chance to recharge and may not have the longevity desired. There is quite literally a lot riding on a functioning battery. No one wants to be caught stranded by a dead battery, so drivers may wonder if there are any indicators that may signal the battery needs replacement. • Slow turnover: If a vehicle does not immediately start or if the cranking is sluggish and takes longer to start, it may mean the battery is starting to fail. • Frequent, short trips: Drivers who make frequent, short trips may find their car batteries do not have time to fully recharge. This, coupled with overtaxing thanks to a lot of accessory use, may cause the battery and the alternator to have shortened life spans.
Car batteries are an important component of any vehicle. Even though engines are the powerhouse of any car or truck, without a battery, the engine wouldn’t be able to work. According to Firestone Complete Auto Care, car batteries work by providing a jolt of electricity necessary to power all the electrical components of the vehicle. This is achieved through a chemical reaction that changes chemical energy into the electrical energy needed to deliver voltage to the starter. In addition to initially starting the car, the battery also keeps electric current steady to keep the engine running. The battery also works in conjunction with the alternator to power the electronics in the car, according to the automotive information blog Autosessive. While the car is running, the alternator reverses the current produced by the battery, recharging it as a result. This happens during long journeys, so people who drive for short bursts of time may find that their batteries will
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• Low battery fluid levels: If the fluid level is below the energy conductor inside, it is often indicative of overcharging and excessive heat. • Corrosion: Corrosion buildup, dust, dirt, and grime on battery connections may cause performance problems. Inspecting and cleaning the terminals can prolong the battery life. • Odours and leaks: Battery leaks can produce a sulfur odor similar to the smell of a rotten egg. This can become problematic over time, and leaks may indicate an aging or damaged battery. • Age: Most batteries have a finite life span. A wellmaintained battery can last up to five years. Neglect can reduce that life expectancy considerably. • Bloated or cracked battery case: Replace the battery immediately if the case is cracking, as it could be because excessive heat is swelling the battery.
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Understanding how car batteries work can help drivers keep their cars running smoothly.
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GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
29
COMING THIS WINTER, YOUR MODERN MOUNTAIN ESCAPE
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At Blue Vista, you can leave the city behind, for a new community of modern bungalows, singles and semis with beautiful views of Blue Mountain. Nestled between Scandinave Spa and Monterra Golf Course, and only minutes to Georgian Bay. Set on 50-60 ft. lots, Blue Vista will provide bungalows and 2-storey homes, that are designed for modern
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GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
Opportunities to reduce your 2020 tax bill As year-end is quickly approaching, taking some time to review your financial affairs may lead to significant tax savings. Outlined below are a couple of common year-end tax planning strategies. Tax Loss Selling If you have realized capital gains during 2020, you might want to consider selling securities in a loss position, to help offset the gains. A capital gain refers to the profit that results from the sale of a capital asset, such as a stock, bond or real estate (other than your primary residence), where the sale price exceeds the purchase price. A capital loss must first be applied against any capital gains you realize in the current year. Once the capital gains for the current year have been offset, the balance of the loss can be either carried back three years (against gains realized in 2017, 2018 or 2019) or carried forward indefinitely. Investments that are in a loss position and no longer meet your investment objectives might be a good idea to sell for the purpose of triggering the tax loss. Charitable Donations You may hold securities within your portfolio with significant gains. As an alternative to cash donations, you can also donate publicly listed securities in-kind to registered charities without having to pay tax on the realized capital gain. This is a wonderful opportunity to support a qualified charity, while reducing your total taxes payable. Not only do you avoid paying tax on the capital gain, but you also receive a donation tax receipt for the full fair market value of the security at the time of the donation. If you plan on donating securities in-kind this holiday season, ensure you start this process early. The final day to make contributions to a registered charity in order to claim the donation tax receipt on your 2020 income tax return is December 31, 2020. Keep in mind, these type of transactions can take up to a week to process. For more information on the benefits of comprehensive wealth management and the importance of year-end tax planning, contact Elizabeth de Groot of RBC Dominion Securities at elizabeth.degroot@rbc.com or 705-444-4742. This article is supplied by Elizabeth de Groot, CFP, FCSI, CIWM, FMA, Vice-President, Investment & Wealth Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities Inc. Member–Canadian Investor Protection Fund. This information is not intended as nor does it constitute tax or legal advice. Readers should consult their own lawyer, accountant or other professional advisor when planning to implement a strategy.
Holiday magic at Blue Never have we so needed the holiday spirit. And never has that spirit been so beautifully presented as it is by Holiday Magic at Blue. Following the success of the award-winning Blumination Dream Trail the past two years, Holiday Magic at Blue sees the entire outdoor village dressed up in garlands and bows. Holiday Magic by Day offers the opportunity to take the family for a nostalgic stroll along charming cobblestone streets through all the sights and sounds of the holiday season. Enchanted Evenings sees the Village come alive with amazing music and interactive light displays that sparkle through the night. “A quick reminder that the Blue Mountain Village loves masks. So much so that they are required indoors and outdoors while roaming in the Village.� COVID-19 safety measures, including protocols for physical distancing, are in place to ensure a safe and happy guest experience. Make sure your holiday plans include a visit to the Village at Blue Mountain, where you can enjoy a delightful day of shopping, dining, and celebrating the magic of the season! Photos/Story: Dave West Photography. See more photos on www.georgianlife.ca
Rob and his staff believe in patient focused care. We are also big supporters of our community. We strive to provide excellent, friendly customer service.
Come on in and have a look.
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9am-6pm Monday-Thursday • 9am-5pm Friday
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Holiday
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Gingerbread cookies and houses are one of the many symbols of the holiday season, alongside Christmas trees and twinkling lights. In fact, few confections symbolize the holidays more so than gingerbread.
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Even though gingerbread houses can be fun to make, there’s no denying it can be exacting work — especially for those who strive for perfection. Prepackaged kits attempt to take some of the guesswork out of the equation, but those who are crafting from scratch can employ these tips as they build their gingerbread houses.
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• Go for form and not flavor. Few gingerbread houses ever get eaten, so focus on finding a dough that will bake up rock hard as opposed to one that tastes good. • Get the right icing texture. Pastry artist Catherine Beddall says royal icing is the preferred “glueâ€? to adhere gingerbread pieces. Beddall says icing should be thick like peanut butter and not runny. • Mind the dough. Do not roll out the gingerbread dough too thin or it may become brittle after being cooked. Always cut out shapes before the gingerbread is baked. Let the baked pieces sit overnight to cool completely before using them to build. • Patience is key. Allow the icing to dry for at least a couple of hours after adhering each piece and before moving and handling the house, says Beddall. Work in stages so that individual items can be decorated and allowed to dry. Then the walls can be put together, followed by the roof pieces.
from
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• Utilize a template. Free-handing may not be easy. Cut out templates using cardboard or posterboard for various gingerbread pieces.
GeorgianLifeMedia
One of the most important tips is to have fun. Don’t take gingerbread house making too seriously as a novice. Rather, enjoy the experience and the centuries-old tradition.
www.georgianlife.ca
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GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
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The holiday season is a joyful time of year. But, the weeks also tend to be very wasteful. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that household waste increases by more than 25 percent during the holiday season.
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Reducing waste come the holiday season does not mean celebrants have to forgo big family meals or beautifully wrapped gifts. In fact, there are several ways to reduce waste without spoiling the spirit of the season. • Give eco-conscious gifts. The environment may not be the first thing that comes to mind when holiday shoppers are looking for gifts for their loved ones. But, giving reusable gifts can have a positive, long-term impact on the planet. Shoppers also can look for items made from recycled materials, which run the gamut from home furnishings to calendars to clothing, as eco-friendly alternatives to gifts produced without the environment in mind. • Reuse holiday-specific items. Many people only use gift wrap, gift boxes and gift bags during the holiday season. Such items are oftentimes discarded after Christmas morning. But, these items can be reused to cut back on holiday waste. Reusing wrapping paper from year to year can be especially beneficial to the environment. That’s because wrapping paper tends to be dyed or laminated, and many wrapping papers contain non-paper additives that cannot be recycled. Reusing wrapping paper, purchasing only recyclable paper or wrapping gifts in old newspapers or magazines can help holiday celebrants reduce their carbon footprints. • Prepare less food and donate any leftovers. The Worldwatch Institute notes that, during the holiday season, celebrants generate three times as much food waste as they do during other times of the year. Hosts who routinely find themselves discarding leftovers can plan on preparing less food this year. Consider how much guests are likely to eat and plan meals accordingly instead of buying enough food to feed a small army. Donate leftovers to nearby shelters so nothing goes to waste. • Recycle live Christmas trees. Trees put out on the curb for collection after the holiday season has ended typically end up in landfills, but some communities recycle Christmas trees each year. Real tree enthusiasts can contact community officials to determine if they can recycle rather than discard their trees. The holiday season is a wasteful time of year, but there are ways for celebrants to dramatically reduce their carbon footprints between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
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Theatre Collingwood presents new shows to entertain us
The Promise of Christmas
There was a time when Christmas meant that something very good was about to happen. But, as we get older, life gets complicated, and we lose our child-like appreciation of it. Is this time of year difficult for you? We would like you to know that Christmas will come, good things will happen, and the new year is waiting for us to greet it. And, we think that’s something worth looking forward to...
from the family & staff at
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At Theatre Collingwood, it’s our belief that the arts play a key role in the health of communities; Mind, Body & Soul. For nearly forty years, our mission has been to present outstanding live performances in the region, to support our youth through drama education, and to strengthen arts & culture in our communities. 2020 however, has been a year unlike any other and one that we never could have predicted. After two successful shows in February and March, it was extremely disappointing to cancel our annual Summer Theatre Festival. Yet throughout the pandemic we have actively engaged with the community through various platforms including a bi-weekly Facebook Live show. The Stage Door features Executive Director, Erica Angus in conversation with local artists and wellknown Canadian performers. The show has been viewed more than 5000 times since it launched in July! As temperatures start to dip, it won’t be long before the season of good-will and cheer is upon us. While it may feel a little different this year, Theatre Collingwood wants to help you feel festive at home and we are reuniting theatre lovers with two professionally filmed shows that will stream online in December. First up, we invite you to mull the cider, pick your favourite seat at home and tune-in to A Staged Reading of a Christmas Carol. This year marks our second presentation of this dramatic reading with members of the community taking on the iconic roles. The performance will be available to watch beginning at 7:00pm EST Friday, December 18th until Sunday, December 20th at 7:00 pm EST. Next, you don’t want to miss Rockin’ Round the Christmas Tree starring Leisa Way and The Wayward Wind Band. Think back to a simpler time when families gathered ‘round the television to watch their favourite artists perform their Christmas specials, and that’s the kind of nostalgic experience you can create this holiday season! We know you’ll enjoy this wonderful show that’s packed with superb talent and great music. Rockin’ Round The Christmas Tree is available to watch online from December 19th until January 3rd.
at our house or yours !
Tickets are on sale now for online performances. Call the Box Office or visit our website to purchase your show link. Please also consider supporting Theatre Collingwood with a year-end, tax-deductible donation to help us continue to bring professional entertainment to the community. Submitted by: Valerie O’Brien, Business Development Manager www.theatrecollingwood.ca
– TAKE OUT & DELIVERY –
Theatre Collingwood 705-445-2200 info@theatrecollingwood.ca 150 St. Paul St. Suite 201, Collingwood ON L9Y 3P2
COLLINGWOOD
390 First St., Collingwood | (705) 443-8776 34
GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
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www.experiencecreemore.com GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020
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BUSINESS PROFILE:
C O L L I N G W O O D .T H O R N B U R Y.W A S A G A B E A C H
CENTURY 21 Millennium Inc. Century 21 Millennium Inc., Brokerage opened its doors in 1997 in Brampton, by Joanne Evans and Martin Minda. The business expanded to Wasaga Beach in 2005, and more recently, in 2012, acquired the C21 brokerages in Collingwood and Thornbury. An office in Orangeville opened in 2015, making a great corridor from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to Southern Georgian Bay. C21 is one of the world’s largest real estate companies. With a global reach and local focus, they pride themselves on being truly Canadian, with 400+ offices and over 10,000 network members in 272 cities. Kevin Woolham and Josée Rivard have been Realtors in the area for more than 10 years. In November 2019, they took the leap into ownership and joined forces with Joanne and Martin in co-ownership in C21 Millennium Inc., Brokerages in Southern Georgian Bay including Collingwood, Thornbury, and Wasaga Beach. Kevin and Josée are now the operating managers looking after the business’s day-to-day affairs while driving forward new concepts, agent support, and a great environment to work from.
“We’ve always been passionate about Real Estate and want to promote professionalism in the industry. Being an owner in such a large company helps us have a bigger voice. Clients can always expect expert service when looking to buy or sell their home with any of our Agents” states Josée.
Century 21 Millennium Inc. recently moved to 41 Hurontario Street in Collingwood. It is important for them to have a downtown location for all of their offices. This is a perfect example of what they want all of their offices to feel like - a bright, functional space that also brings in a bit of local history and charm. When asked how the Covid 19 pandemic has affected their business, Josée replied “Initially, we were very concerned as we purchased the business in November 2019, then bought the building in December 2019, and completed a full renovation to move in on February 26th, 2020, only to have to shut the doors in March for almost 60 days.” During this time, however, they had a unique opportunity to evaluate every aspect of the business. They implemented several parts of their business plan earlier than anticipated, allowing them to come back stronger, better organized, and more unified as a company than ever before. They have managed to turn 2020 around and are in a strong and positive position to face 2021, whatever that may bring.
To what do you attribute your success? I think it’s still too early to claim success, but I feel that staying positive and always celebrating the small wins keeps us moving forward in the right direction. This is a very competitive business, with an epic range of peaks and valleys. You can’t only be happy when you’re at the top. You also have to make the best of every step that will get you there, whatever your goals may be. This applies to all aspects of life. Try to wake up every day happy and “Just keep swimming.” - Dory :) Kevin and Josée want Century 21 Millennium to be known in the area to have professional Agents that love what they do. Their mission is to provide THE GOLD STANDARD in Real Estate. To do that, they offer fantastic agent support through a concierge program, online training platforms as well as a happy and uplifting work environment.
We are still taking the COVID 19 Pandemic very seriously, and we want to do our best to ensure the health and safety of all our friends, families, clients, and co-workers during this difficult time. As Real Estate is deemed an essential service, all of our offices remain open for business, but local Covid-19 protocols govern walk-in services. We have full guidelines and procedures in place to assist with the purchase and sale of real estate. We are currently offering our valued clients a range of options such as interactive 3D virtual tours, virtual showings, fully electronic paperwork and closings, video meetings, and friendly chats for support anytime. Staying safe and healthy is our priority, and we encourage the same from everyone. If you want to chat about real estate, the community, or our outlook on the market, just call any of our local Agents. Please stay safe and remember, we are here for you.
Kevin Woolham Broker/Owner Josée Rivard Broker/Owner
kevin.woolham@century21.ca josee.rivard@century21.ca
41 Hurontario St., Collingwood ON L9Y 2L7 Office: 705-445-5640 | Direct: 705-888-1219 www.KevinWoolham.com
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Out of The Cold Collingwood provides emergency shelter to those in need
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hanvoe fear,
The COVID 19 pandemic has exposed cracks in social safety nets and this has been particularly true for people experiencing homelessness. It’s one thing for governments to tell people to stay home, but how do you do that when you don’t have a home?
The issue of homelessness is growing around the world, and Southern Georgian Bay is no exception. In its first 10 months of operation, the 12-bed program, Out of The Cold Collingwood, has sheltered 70 participants representing over 2000 “bed nights.” They have provided over 4,000 meals and has made over 700 connections to other community support services. Originally intended to be a regional overnight program only for the coldest months from December to April, the program temporarily pivoted to a fulltime shelter operation in March as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic. Program participants are currently housed in a local hotel where they are able to safely self-isolate, 24/7 while accessing the wrap around services that assist them in moving from unsheltered to permanent housing whenever possible. People enter into homelessness due to a diverse variety of reasons that may include mental or physical health issues, addictions, abuse and poverty. There are people living outdoors and in other precarious situations. Most are suffering dehydration, food insecurity, health issues and exposure as cold weather sets in. “Everyone deserves a home and many of our participants are ready to thrive on their own but where do they go?” asked task force Chairperson, Marg Scheben-Edey. This wide-spread issue is causing shelters to operate at their full capacities while a growing number of people are experiencing homelessness with limited options left to turn to. The supply of affordable housing is virtually non-existent and social housing has waiting lists of ten years or more. Despite this, the program has had some success in moving participants into permanent housing. SchebenEdey says that the regional community has been incredibly supportive in helping them to find things needed to give people a new start. They recently started a Welcome Home Hamper program that provides newly housed individuals with basic essentials such as cleaning, hygiene and firstaid supplies that would otherwise be out of financial reach for participants.
is here.
“The reality is that without creating a needed supply of supportive and subsidized housing, we are throwing a single bucket of water on a warehouse fire that keeps burning. This is no longer just a critical situation, it is an urgent crisis that must be dealt with” said Scheben-Edey. A feasibility study is now underway to determine if a permanent shelter is required in the area but she states that access to housing and housing subsidies is needed right now. To learn more about the Out of The Cold program and ways you can help, follow them on Facebook or view their website at
www.outofthecoldcollingwood.com
Submitted by: Marg Scheben-Edey, Task Force Chairperson Out of The Cold Collingwood 705-446-1762 | margschebenedey@gmail.com www.outofthecollingwood.com | OutoftheColdCollingwood
Book Your Free Consultation (705) 479-0139 digitalmainst@collingwood.ca enterprisecentre.ca/digitalservicesquad
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Read Ted’s article “In Your Corner” on page 7
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GEORGIAN LIFE • DECEMBER 2020