Christmas Day Feast in Collingwood

It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas! The fifth annual Christmas Day Feast, Tuesday, December 25th, 1 p.m. at the Collingwood Curling Club is coming together with tremendous support from local business owners, individual supporters and over 100volunteers. Chairperson, Marg Scheben-Edey said, “We are grateful for the continuing support of the community to make this event possible.” The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Collingwood!

The planning committee, made up of 12 elves, has been hard at work since September planning logistics, fund raising, arranging rentals, food, entertainment and organizing volunteers.

Community Partners to date include The Rotary Club of Collingwood, Collingwood Curling Club, Men with Knives Catering, Chef Simon Bailey, Northwinds Brewhouse & Kitchen, Giffen’s Country Market, Tim Hortons, Sobeys, Eggsmart, The Print Shop, Meridian, Community Connection and Ace Cabs. Many more have provided financial support and resources to make this event memorable for all who attend!

The event is FREE and ALL are welcome to the Community Feast! Whether new to town or far away from family, Christmas can be a lonely time, and for others, financial or emotional barriers may make it difficult to put together a Christmas dinner. Some people simply want to enjoy holiday cheer with others in the community. The event is non-denominational and

open to all ages. Reservations are required as we are limited to 140 seats, and can be made by calling 211 (Community Connection).

The main attraction, “the feast” will include a home-style meal with all the trimmings, seasonal entertainment, activities for children and a little something for the adults to take home.

For more information: www.CollingwoodFeast.com

www.facebook.com/ChristmasFeastCollingwood

Canadian Pet Connection: Grey-Bruce’s Pet Health Experts

Pets can enrich our lives in unique, and irreplaceable ways. Whether it’s a dog, cat, guinea pig, or mini pig, pet lovers everywhere can attest, there is no substitute for the bond shared between people and their pets.

As the saying goes, “Do something you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life”. That’s why, in 1993, Lorne Forder left his career in Toronto’s financial district, and started Canadian Pet Connection - one of Canada’s first pet health food stores, located in Oakville, Ontario.

Lorne’s passion for the pet industry started with his black Labs, whom he adored, trained and competed with in dog training and agility events. In an effort to find healthy products to help his dogs perform at peak levels, Lorne became frustrated with the lack of high quality, human-grade pet foods and supplements available in his area. In fact, many people in the professional dog-showing community were travelling south of the border to purchase better quality foods for their furry friends.

Lorne believed healthy pet products should be available to all pet owners. Canadian Pet Connection began with one retail location in Oakville, and grew into two brick-and-mortar stores, complete with professional grooming facilities, as well as a distribution centre. 2017 brought many changes, and with that came a new business model embracing the growth of ecommerce. The assets of those locations were sold to allow the business to relocate to the small town of Meaford, Ontario.

Over that last 30 years, Lorne, alongside his son Brandon, have acquired extensive knowledge pertaining to pet health. This includes pet diet and nutrition, supplementation, and holistic approaches to treating a myriad of animal health ailments. Brandon and Lorne have established themselves as experts in pet problem solving: everything from food allergies and sensitivities, to unwanted behavioural problems, including leash aggression, barking, anxiety, and more.

Canadian Pet Connection’s retail outlet in Meaford is located right beside the Meaford Factory Outlet. There, they offer high-quality, human-grade pet foods, supplements, treats, toys and accessories. They also offer free delivery from Collingwood to Owen Sound, and all the areas in between.

Since moving the business to Meaford, this small family business has shifted their primary focus to e-commerce. In fact, their online store, found at www.canadianpetconnection.ca, is quickly becoming one of Canada’s largest, and fastest-growing e-commerce pet retail sites.

Do you need expert pet health and nutrition advice? Call or visit the pet experts in-store today!

One-of-a-kind Creative Clothing Alteration Shop Opens its doors to Collingwood Community.

One-of-a-kind Creative Clothing Alteration Shop Opens its doors to Collingwood Community.

Livinlove Alterations & Creations announces the official grand opening of their clothing alteration studio, and art boutique, on Thursday, November 1st 2018 from 4pm-6pm, located at 17 Spruce Street, (just down from Skiis and Biikes) entrance parallel to the walking trail. You’ll see the bright yellow painted bee mural, and the welcoming glass door entrance. Come celebrate the newest, most unique and colourful clothing alteration shop in town, offering services in hemming, mending, patching, repairs, taking in, letting out, custom creations, and embellishments.

Livinlove also offers one-of-a-kind, originally designed fabric art creations in her boutique, and silk screening studio, such as, ethically sourced organic bamboo t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, kids clothes, all printed with Livinlove’s original designs, pouches, hats, patches, cards, pillows, and buttons, made from recycled scraps, cuttings from alterations, and donated materials. This is a perfect place to shop local for one-of-a-kind gifts, or inquire about a custom creation, any time of the year. There are new designs being created daily. Visiting Livinlove’s studio is an experience of its own, as you are greeted with the warmth of colourful, creative energy, and a friendly smiling face. There is no end to the creativity within these walls.

Founder of Livinlove, Jill Sosnowski, moved to Collingwood three years ago, after living abroad, and previously owning a successful clothing alteration shop in Nelson, BC., she eventually found her way back to the Ontario roots, from once she came.

“As a nature lover, I am passionate about providing a service which recycles and reuses your garments and materials, as there is such an immense waste left over from the fast fashion industry. As an artist, I provide one-of-a-kind wearable and usable art, that elevates, inspires, and encourages a unique sense of style. As a lover of Collingwood, Ontario, I want to be of service to the beautiful community which I have chosen to make home. The epic nature and vast beauty of Georgian Bay constantly inspire me, and has become my greatest muse.”

Come celebrate this unique, new small business in our community. There will be door prizes, snacks, friendly faces, and of course, a whole lot of inspiration.

Livinlove alterations and Creations
17 Spruce Street
705.994.2958

Black Harvest Returns

The tradition of Halloween and the Black Harvest Festival continues in historically Chilling Downtown Collingwood this October, with Witches (and Warlocks) of the ‘Wood taking over the town. Mark Saturday October 27th on your calendar and prepare to come downtown to see what is brewing.

As the toe of newt and the eye of frog are added to the cauldron of Halloween festivities, the downtown streets will be decked out in all things frightening…. from Pumpkins and creatures of the night, to the feature attraction, Witches and Warlocks. The spirit of the season has also taken over many of the businesses; check out all the windows to see who has been put under the spell of the spirits.

Starting at 11 a.m. activities will begin along Hurontario Street to put even the most skeptic of creature into the haunted mood; awaiting is a cauldron of activities. You can also create your own spine- chilling Halloween craft to take home or watch as balloons are twisted into ghosts. As the town hall clock strikes 1 pm all good little Witches and Warlocks and their friends will gather at the town hall for a costume contest for various age categories…. Judged by the Head Witch and Warlock!

Of course, our downtown merchants invite all the costumed good little girls and boys children to come for some early trick or treating….. just look for the Orange ‘Witch’ signs on the door or window to find out who has treats inside!

This family orientated Halloween day is a Collingwood tradition, join us, or else....

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

Blue Mountain Whisky Tasting - Tickets now on sale

BLUE MOUNTAIN WHISKY TASTING 
NOVEMBER 10, 2018 7PM - 10PM GRAND CENTRAL LODGE 

• 100 + Whiskies
• Food • Cocktails • Music
• Whisky and Cigar Pairings

Join us for an evening of Whisky tasting at the Grand Central Lodge, 156 Jozo Weider Blvd, Blue Mountain Village, The Blue Mountains, ON

Enjoy this unique opportunity to try whiskies and experience the stories behind the wee dram.

$85 Ticket Includes:

• Entry and access to over 100 Whiskies 7:00 pm to 10 pm
• A FREE Glencairn Souvenir Tasting Glass
• Gourmet Tables ~ Chef Lussier, The Dam Pub
• Live Music from Canadian Trad Trio NUA

$125 VIP Ticket Includes:

• All the above, plus three Masterclasses starting at 5:15 pm
• Early Entry Tasting at 6:30 pm
• Access to VIP Room for Specialty Pouring at 8:30 pm

Masterclass 1: Bill Somerville, "Speyside Travels" - 5:15pm - 5:45pm
Masterclass 2: Davin de Kergommeaux, "The Audacity of Rye" - 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Masterclass 3: Blair Phillips, "Cigars and Whisky" - 8:00PM - 8:30PM

Aberlour • Ardbeg • Auchentoshan • Benromach • Bowmore • Buffalo Trace • Blantons Single Barrel • Canadian Club • Caol ila • Cardhu • Dalwhinnie • Eagle Rare • Forty Creek • Gooderham & Worts • Glenmorangie • High River • Highland Park • Hepburn’s Choice • Johnnie Walker • Jim Beam • Kavi Reserve • Knob Creek • Lot 40 • Laphroaig • Makers Mark • The Macallan • Oban • Pike Creek • 1792 Small Batch • Talisker Storm • The Glenlivet • Toki • Wiser's

Disclaimer: Excessive drinking and intoxication will not be tolerated.
Patrons who show signs of either will be asked to leave.

Click here for hotel accommodations. Use Promo: GB00000914

Celebrate Thanksgiving in Apple Country!

From October 6th to 8th, celebrate Thanksgiving weekend with fall fun in the Blue Mountain Village, Thornbury, and Clarksburg! There’s no better way to enjoy Thanksgiving weekend and the beautiful fall colours!

Fabulous fall colours, crisp autumn air and even crisper apples. These are just some of the ingredients of the ultimate Thanksgiving experience, and you’ll find all this and more at the Apple Harvest Festival from October 6th to 8th in the towns of Thornbury, Clarksburg and the Blue Mountain Village.

Awarded the Top 100 Festivals designation by Festivals and Events Ontario for many years, the Apple Harvest Festival features free family events and activities to enjoy as you venture from one charming town to the next. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride, enjoy live music from dozens of talented local artists, take part in guided hikes, apple pie eating contests, cidery tours, art studio tours, caramel apple decorating, Applelicious, interactive family groove dancing, the John Deere Kids Zone, hand-painted apple ladders, and more!

On Saturday, October 6th at 8pm, make your way to the Blue Mountain Village for the Town of The Blue Mountains’ 20thAnniversary Fireworks display! The breathtaking fireworks show will take place over the mountain to celebrate 20 years as The Blue Mountains.

Find the full schedule at www.AppleHarvestFestival.ca

How can we be better Canadians?

Answer that question and you can help George Czerny with the content for his new book idea.

People work hard to better their bodies and their minds, but what do they do to become better Canadians?A Collingwood, Ontario, man aims to find out. George Czerny has sent letters across Canada to selected government, First Nations and Inuit leaders asking them the question: What can Canadians do to be better Canadians?

Czerny, who is retired, is seeking feedback in connection with a book idea he has and he would like your comments too. The working title of his book is “Kiss The Ground You Walk On, Canada” and in it he wants to convey the message of how we can all be better Canadians.

He is looking forward to responses from across Canada. Anybody who would like to comment can send him an e-mail at:ilovecanadatoo@gmail.com