George's Georgian Bay, revisited

A frightening experience for two Danish tourists led Collingwood author-photographer, George Czerny, to write a travel guide "George's Georgian Bay, revisited". The Danish university students were not familiar with Mother Nature's winter blasts, says Czerny, and should really have had more information about Canada before coming here.

Czerny's 214-page book features many stories and colour photographs and also offers information about places around Georgian Bay. The front cover of "George's Georgian Bay, revisited" shows a photograph of Czerny "talking" with John Graves Simcoe, who was the first Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario. The latter is commemorated in a statue at the Rotary Park on Penetanguishene's waterfront. The back cover features an aerial view of the "Village at Blue" at Blue Mountain Resorts in the Town of the Blue Mountains.

When it comes to tourism, there is no place around Georgian Bay which has had as much explosive growth in the past decade as at Blue Mountain Resorts, says Czerny. For more information about the book and the author, click on his website for more information.

Technology Fair

Technology is changing so quickly these days, it’s sometimes hard to keep up. Do you wonder what the Cloud is all about or which Internet security system is best? The Collingwood Public Library is hoping to shed a little light on the situation with a Technology Fair on Thursday, January 14.

The Fair will host a series of six 15 minute technology talks, presented by local experts in Collingwood. Discussions will include topics such as Apple iCloud computing, choosing a new Smartphone, and tablets vs desktop computers.

"I want to address how technology influences our daily routine and why it is important to acquire technology skills at a basic level," says Claire Reyes, Technology Coordinator at the Library. "This event will encourage the community to become more comfortable around technology and meet businesses and schools that can assist and educate them.”

Local experts will be available to answer questions about their services throughout the event. Participants include Adult Learning Centres, Georgian College, Guide on the Side, Learning Centres of Simcoe County, Mountain Goat Films, Nerds on Site, The Source, South Georgian Bay Media Association, Staples, and Total eWorks.

All registered attendees will have a chance to win up to $500 in door prizes. Prizes include one-on-one Apple computer training, one computer system clean up, and a free Kobo eReader.

The event takes place on Thursday, January 14, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on the third floor of the Library. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, but registration is required. Sign up at the Library’s Public Services Desk or call 705-445-1571.

Visit www.collingwoodpubliclibrary.ca for full details on the event or contact Claire Reyes at 705-445-1571 ext. 6221.

New Years at Blue

New Years Eve for the whole family at Blue Mountain Resorts. For tickets visit www.bluemountain.ca or newyearsatblue.ca 

4 New Places to eat around town

We’ve got new places to eat around town and they all offer something different:

Shale Rock CoffeeHouse 

In Craigleith the ShaleRock Coffee House.  Offering light fare, gourmet coffee, tea and frozen delicacies made by Chef Patrick to go. Located in the Mac’s Milk plaza in Craigleith right beside Shan Home and gift.

Gustav Chophouse& Bar. 

As the name suggests Gustav’s offers classic chophouse fare with a modern touch. “We started designing the menu by including the best steaks you can buy, added in 100 years experience from the back of the house and offer professional service and presentation from the front of the house staff.  I’m very excited to be bringing back classic tableside service of Chateaubriand and Caesar salad.’ Says Executive Chef Jeff Anderson. The bar includes an extensive wine list, local craft brews and signature cocktails. Located in the lobby of the newly renovated Georgian Bay Hotel & Conference at 10 Vacation Drive in Collingwood.

BRGZinc.

Delicious Burgers served on Chef Patrick Buns.  Located at 316 Hume Street in Collingwood.  Open 7 days from 11:00am – 7:30pm 

Fish & Sips

A great new addition to Hurontario Street in Downtown Collingwood.  Everything you’d want from a fish and chips restaurant.  Lots of local craft brew on tap, plus a very decent wine list!  Located at 208 Hurontario Street.  

We hope you enjoy your dining experience at any one of these new fine establishments.  We sure did.

Happy Chomping!

Julie Card

Santa Claus is coming to Collingwood’s Downtown!

This Christmas season all kids (big and small) will have an opportunity to visit with Santa in his big sleigh when he comes to downtown Collingwood on Saturday, November 28, December 5, 12 and 19.  It is with great pleasure that we announce that Santa will be available for all to give him their wish lists beside town hall from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the Saturdays leading up to his big night. 

On Saturday November 28^th, December 5^th and 19^th, there will be a special surprise! You won’t want to miss Santa’s reindeer in training, as they will be joining Santa at town hall.  We are never sure who will be there; maybe you’ll be able to tell if they are descendants of Blitzen, Dasher or Donner.  The reindeer trainers will be on hand to answer all your reindeer questions.

After you have given your wish list to Santa, why not take the opportunity to explore some of the eighty plus boutique shops and artisans that downtown Collingwood has to offer.  Bursting with holiday decor and gift ideas, you never know what you will find, even for all those hard to buy for on your list.  Then reward yourself with something to please your palette from one of the more than thirty restaurants.  This holiday season, come downtown, and come home for the holidays.

For more information on events, activities and the businesses in Downtown Collingwood please visit our website at www.collingwooddowntown.com or call 705-445-5595.

10 REASONS TO START CHRISTMAS IN COLLINGWOOD DOWNTOWN

10 REASONS TO START CHRISTMAS IN COLLINGWOOD DOWNTOWN
The Fun Starts @ 10am with the Christmas Market!

Join us in Downtown Collingwood on Saturday November 21st to celebrate the start of the Christmas Season.  It’s a magical day that starts at 10am and goes into the early evening, featuring magical events for the whole family and a great chance to buy some great gifts too.

1.  Christmas Market 10 am – 4 pm

Begin the day by visiting our Farmers’ Market vendors who are joined by local artist and artisans bringing you the last of the seasonal harvest, exceptional meats, preserves and baked goods. It’s the perfect way to stock your pantry and buy some great gifts! The market is located in the public square between the Tremont and the Collingwood Library, just off Simcoe Street – both in European style huts and under the big tent.

2.  Engage your kids’ imagination with FREE activities at the Library 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We’re getting ready to trim the tree with one-of-a-kind decorations.  Add a personal touch to your Christmas tree by making your own ornament. Drop by the FreeSchools World Literacy room (first floor of the library) to warm up and get creative. One ornament per child; while supplies last.

3. Fresh from the Fringe presentation of ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ 11:30 am/1:30 pm The ‘Fresh from the Fringe’ festival continues for its second weekend at the Simcoe Street Theatre with the children’s show, ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’, at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. Tickets are only $10 and are available at the door.

4. Visit with Santa’s Reindeer 1pm – 5 pm

Santa’s reindeer in training will also be joining us for the day as they bring holiday wishes from the North Pole – a delight for both young and old. Located in front of the Town Hall the reindeer and their keepers will answer your questions about Santa’s special training techniques as he prepares for the ‘big night’.

5. Dancing Windows 4 pm – 5 pm

Explore Downtown Collingwood’s window fronts as FleetWood Dance Centre fills them with live ‘Nutcracker’ dancers.  Make sure to check out the specials participating stores are featuring inside.

6. Silver Stick Hockey Tournament at the Arena

The Silver Stick Hockey Tournament is a tradition sure to bring great hockey to town.  Located at the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena, the tournament is an International Regional Qualifier.  Visit http://silverstick.org/Tournaments/1067/Collingwood_Regional  to see the complete schedule.   

7. Sip on Apple Cider Around a Crackling Fire 10:00 am – 4:00pm

This is apple country, and what finer way to start Christmas than sipping on a mug of our very own locally produced cider in company with friends and family, the scent of woodsmoke in the air,  and the warmth of a crackling fire.  Buy your cider at the Collingwood Community Food Co-op at 65 Simcoe and then stroll over to the fire located just beside the Tremont.

8. Santa Claus Parade 5 pm

Santa Claus will be in the Parade so be sure to be ready to cheer at 5 p.m. ! Anticipation begins as the annual Santa Claus parade makes it way north along Hurontario Street from Fourth to First Streets.   This year’s magical theme is ‘Christmas in Motion…. celebrating the fun you have with family and friends during the holiday’. The parade will feature floats and music, highlighting the joys of Christmas celebrations … the warmth and magic of celebrating the special time of the year with friends and family. The Parade will finish with the jolly old elf arriving in town in his very special sleigh… follow behind him as he makes his way down the street towards the town’s Christmas tree.

9. Light Up Your Christmas Spirit

Join Santa at the Federal Building, just south of Loblaw Great Food, and witness the official lighting of our own Town Christmas tree to mark the arrival of the festive season.  Head over to the Federal Building immediately after the Santa Claus parade.

10. Fireworks!

Following the parade, the day’s activities will end with a bang as fireworks fill the sky, marking the official beginning of the Christmas season in Downtown Collingwood. The Fireworks display is presented by PyroWorld and sponsored by Karen Fritz, Mortgage Broker, CENTUM Alternative Mortgages Ltd.

For further information, call 705-445-5595 or visit www.collingwooddowntown.com.

Massive Sale at Christie's in Downtown Collingwood

Massive Sale at Christie’s

In anticipation of an exciting announcement, Christie’s Clothing located in beautiful, historic Downtown Collingwood is holding a massive sale.  Shoppers can enjoy between 30%-70% for the month of November at 91 Hurontario Street.  This is an excellent opportunity to kick start your Holiday shopping.

All summer and fall stock is now on sale including a wide selection of men’s, ladies and children’s clothing, cashmere sweaters, outerwear, sleepwear, shoes, slippers and accessories.  Shoppers can choose from name brands including Lacoste™, Lacoste Sport™, Rainforest™, Acorn™,  Levi’s™, Tribal™, Quartz™, Royal Robbins™, Aventura™, Foxcraft™ and more.

From its intriguing window displays to the comfortable surroundings of the store, Christie’s is focused on satisfying its customers.  For nearly 40 years, this Collingwood family business has provided a wide range of options to the discerning shopper seeking fine quality, interesting fashions offered at competitive prices.

Stop by today for the best selection of colours and sizes.  We look forward to serving you!  We are open Monday to Saturday 9-5:30 and on Sunday 12-4.

Christie’s Clothing, 91-93 Hurontario Street, Collingwood ON 705.445.2761

http://www.christiesclothing.com/