With the weather starting to cool down and the days getting shorter, it’s easy to start to feel those early signs of winter blues coming in – a little harder to get up in the morning, a little less motivated at night, and the burning desire to cuddle up on the couch with a blanket and cup of tea. And while that is an option, there will be plenty of time for that in January and February. Instead, soak up the positive vibes of the city as you read about all the great things happening right in our own hometown!

Killarney Mountain Lodge

On October 10^th, the Killarney Mountain Lodge will play host to culinary greatness as they highlight food creativity from chefs in Michigan. The lodge will host chefs from the famous Riverside Inn in Leland Michigan, and the talented foodies will prepare a menu of pan-seared venison with coffee roasted carrots, parsnip puree and house-made demi-glace. Afterwards the chefs will come out to explain the inspiration and concept behind their food and meet with the dinner attendees.

Riverside Midrise

Wondering what is happening at Peel and Collings Streets? The city has a shortage of rental housing availability, and the need for property continues to grow. To answer the demand, Dunncap is developing an apartment complex at the precipice of these streets, and is targeting the upper end of the rental market. Dunncap president Larry Dunn, says the complex will “help with the shortage of product in Collingwood and surrounding area,” and he feels this is an ideal location due to its proximity to downtown, a park and trail, as well as on a bus line. This is just one of the projects Dunncap has put forward to try to help ease the rental issues within the city.

Ontario Public Library Week

The third week of October is Ontario Public Library week, a week encouraging residents of Ontario to take advantage of their local library and get involved in their community. In Collingwood, the week starts early, on October 12^th – 14^th, with the Big Book Sale. The largest annual book sale, most books are priced at $2 or less, making reading accessible for everyone. The week will seek to support local foodbanks as well, allowing library members to bring in a non-perishable food item and be forgiven their late fees in return. Finally, the week ends with a great book battle, and Georgian Bay Reads is back on October 20^th from 7-9pm at Meaford Hall.

Whether it’s good food, reading and education, or a bit of a cheers to increased available rental property, there’s no need to let the weather put a damper on your spirits. Quite the opposite: there is lots to get excited about in Collingwood over the next several months.

For anybody who has gone online and listened to a TED talk, you know how inspiring, raw, and uplifting they can be, speaking real truth from the heart that pushes into your own heart in return. And if you like what you hear online and finish every talk with a new outlook on life, imagine what it would be like to see it in person in your own community.

TEDx is a variation on TED talks which is constituted by an independently organized TED event. In other words, a particular area, town, organization or group decide they want to have a TED event and then organize it on their own, creating a unique TEDx experience.

The city of Collingwood first hosted and organized a TEDx event in 2017, to an overwhelming amount of support. The interest and enthusiasm from the residents of the city and from all across Ontario and further allowed thousands of people to come together to learn, support and educate each other through this powerful experience. The event showcased 13 speakers who presented on everything from money and rights, to tech startups, having less food and spending time in jail. The information was invigorating, the stories inspiring, and the interaction and support of a community rousing and stimulating.

And this year Collingwood will do it all over again.On October 5^th, taking place downtown at the Gayety Theatre, the city will play host to a growing number of speakers, including entrepreneurs, mental health experts, artists, performers and more. Organized by a group of three entrepreneurs from the city, these three go-getters are working to create a conference experience, open to everyone, that aims to “inspire conversation.”

The theme for the conference is Pause for Perspective, with the hope that the conference and theme will help advance entrepreneurial energy and support in Collingwood, boosting the entrepreneurial spirit. As entrepreneurs themselves, the three organizers know the hustle all too well, but indicate that as a curious, progressive city, that is always looking for new information, TEDx and a supportive theme present an incredible opportunity to inspire minds while supporting the community and it’s inspiring people.

While speaker applications have closed, there are still options to apply to be a volunteer at the event, and of course tickets are on sale for purchase. Book soon however, as the event is sure to sell out and is one you don’t want to miss.

If you aren’t familiar with the TED series, one inspiring talk later and you’ll be hooked. Start your TED journey by looking up videos to watch online, and then get ready to learn, grow, laugh and cry. Don’t delay: get your tickets now to attend the 2018 TEDx conference in the heart of Collingwood, supporting your community and learning at the same time.

While summer may be winding down, there’s nothing to be disappointed about with fall soon to follow. In fact, fall brings with it its own set of unique characteristics and exciting opportunities, not the least of which is delicious fall foods.  From apple pie to pumpkin soup, freshly roasted vegetables, and pear crisp. The season’s produce offering is delightful and it presents a great opportunity to support your local community and farmers, not to mention, to try something new.  Here are some of fall’s must try foods!

Kabocha Squash

You have likely heard of buttercup squash, and butternut squash, and are fully familiar with the decorative squash variety, more commonly known as gourds. But a less common variety, that you may be interested in trying is kabocha squash. It is distinctive from other varieties due to its orange skin, and when cut and roasted behaves very similarly to buttercup squash.  This makes it a great roasting option, as well as perfect to turn into puree for dinner or for desserts.

Kohlrabi

This firm, root vegetable, available in purple and white varieties has a similar texture to carrots and is high in fibre. It is ideal or enjoying raw, cut up into sticks, making it the perfect addition to your slew of raw veggies which you enjoy every week for lunch or snack.  You can cook it slightly in a stir fry, letting it gently sauté, but it is not at its best when boiled or mashed.

Brussel Sprouts

Perhaps not new, but have you tried these mini cabbage delights? Brussel sprouts get a bad rap, with many people assuming they won’t like them, and yet never giving them a fair chance! This season, make the new vegetable you try be Brussel sprouts! From the same family as kale, broccoli and cabbage, sprouts are full of fibre and B vitamins, and are a great addition to stir fries. They go well when coated in balsamic vinegar, salt, rosemary and a hint of maple, before roasting them in the oven. This season, before you dismiss the humble sprout, give it another chance!

Winter Greens

Getting adequate greens intake is important for iron levels, fibre, magnesium, Vitamin K, Vitamin B and much more. But Instead of relying on your typical spinach or lettuce, mix things up and opt for winter greens options instead. Kale is a hearty green that is great for salads, soups or to steam, while mustard greens are another option to add to a fresh salad with warm pumpkin and sweet potato. Make your own dressing, and serve on a large plate at a dinner party and everyone will be able to take full advantage of the goodness of flavour and health.

Each season presents a new array of vegetables and fruit to try, and choosing in season options is a great way to eat locally. Head to the farmer’s market and ask your local farmers what is in season and then use their advice and these suggestions to craft the perfect fall food selection.

August is almost here, and now that you know about all of the fun events happening in August and what you should be adding to your calendar, there’s one other thing you don’t want to miss: heading to the stage! From the heart of Collingwood to making the trip to Midland for some fun entertainment, there is theatre for everyone to enjoy. Celebrate the last of summer, take advantage of the time as a family, and check out these four performances coming to the stage in the next month:

1)   Lunenburg | Orillia Opera House, July 25th – August 10th

Based on the Nova Scotia destination, that is home to the Bluenose, this play is a comedy by Norm Foster, It explores how American Widow Iris Oulette and her friend Natalie arrive in Lunenburg to the house she has inherited from her deceased husband, who died in the recent months.  Unfortunately however, Iris was unaware of this Canadian home and doesn’t quite know what to expect or what her life is going to entail as she moves into this small town.

2)   The Birds and the Bees | King’s Wharf Theatre, July 25^th – August 11^th

Mother Gail is a beekeeper, who is long divorced, drowning her daily sorrows and pain in honey and bees.  Her daughter Sarah, a turkey farmer, now is splitting from her husband herself and moves back in with her mom as they both try to work together to put their lives back in order. In the process, a grad student Ben, who is interested in studying the declining bee population, enters their lives.

3)   Come Down From Up River | Gayety Theatre, August 7^th – 11^th

A Norm Foster play, this performance is about a man named Shaver Bennet who has lived in northern New Brunswick as a logger in the woods.  A solitary life with minimal outside contact, things change when one day he decides to show up on the doorstep of his estranged sister’s daughter’s house, someone he hasn’t seen in 20 years.

4)   Hairspray | King’s Wharf Theater, August 9^th – September 1

This Broadway classic musical is coming to town! Winner of eight Tony Awards and made into a major motion picture, this musical is set in 1962, where the 50s are out and there is change around town! Tracy Turnblad, doesn’t want much to change though – she just wants to dance.  Winning a spot in the coveted Corny Collins show, she goes from social outcast to the talk of the town, and then just wants to win the heart of your true love, create a television show and become a dance star. Find out what happens when she hits the stage!

Everything is ready to go for you to take in some amazing theatre and performances in the last month of the summer.  It is a great way to support our local Collingwood community, and chances are you’ll love what you see.  Use the links above to book your tickets and get ready to have the best night of the summer!