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The Voice of Wasaga Beach Since 2010 Locally Owned and Operated | Christmas 2023 | Complimentary Issue | No. 210

Concerning & Questionable Actions of the Former Mayor, Council and CAO Revealed Evidence of wrongdoing & record destruction in the hands of the OPP Page 3

Local Artists

Bring Vibrant Transformations to Wasaga Beach Skate Park

Holiday Season Kicked Off with Fun & Festive Events

Photo by Bryan Davies Photography Although it was a chilly late November weekend, residents & visitors came together to enjoy some Holiday Spirit as Wasaga Beach kicked off the special season. With lights, entertainment, fun, shopping and more, the lighting of the community Christmas Tree, our first ever Holiday Market, Santa Claus Parade and so much more, the entire weekend was filled with festive fun. See story & photos on page 6

From the entire team at Beach BOOSTER Media Group, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year. Looking forward to working with you in 2024 and making it the best year yet!

Georgian Bay Coin & Stamp Club Date: 3rd Thursday of each month – 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Prime Time Club, (RecPlex), 1724 Mosley St. Please come & join us. For more info: www.geobaycoinstampclub.com Brown Baggers in the Beach Meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous Date: Tuesdays at 7pm & Thursdays at 12pm Location: United Church, 380 Zoo Park Road For more information contact 416-829-8259 or email Francine0464@rogers.com. Visit website at https://brownbaggerssecularaa.com Wasaga Beach Parkinson's Support Group Date: 1st Thursday of each month 12:30 – 2:00 pm Location: Wasaga Beach Public Library, Meeting Room. All Parkinson's patients & caregivers welcome. For more information contact Phil Bender 905-703-6248 or bender.philip@gmail.com The Georgian Bay Photography Club Dates: meets every 2nd Thursday of the month via Zoom Location: Zoom meeting Register by Zoom link GBPC promotes the appreciation & enjoyment of photography, providing an opportunity for photographers to meet & exchange ideas, exhibit their work & advance their skills. For more info please email: communications@gbpc.ca The (Men's) PROBUS Club of Wasaga Beach Date: 2nd Thursday of each month 9:30 am – noon Location: Wasaga Beach RecPlex, 1724 Mosley Street Social club for retired or semi-retired men of all walks of life meet for coffee, meetings & guest speakers. Non-fundraising. Non-political. Nonsectarian. Sponsor quests welcome. Contact Rick at 705-351-2096. Beachcombers PROBUS of Wasaga Beach Date: Every 1st Tuesday of the month 10:00 am Location: Wasaga Beach Recplex, 1724 Mosley Street Regular meetings for retired and semiretired people who value & appreciate opportunities to meet others, enjoy hearing Guest Speakers & attending interest groups, visit places & organizations. For information please email: newsletter@beachcombersprobus.com

Friends of the Wasaga Beach Public Library Date: The 2nd Wednesday of every month Location: Meeting Room, Wasaga Beach Library - 120 Glenwood Dr. Please come and join us. For more information on becoming a Friend, email us at fotlwasagabeach@gmail.com, follow us on Facebook at Wasaga Beach Friends of the Library or call the Library at 705 429-5481 PROBUS at the Beach (Wasaga Beach) Date: Every 4th Thursday of the month – 10 am Location: Wasaga Beach RecPlex, 1724 Mosley Street Meetings are for retired & semi-retired women who are looking for fellowship, friendship and fun. We invite Guest Speakers and have additional interest groups. Organized trips to various places or interest & organizations. More info email: probusatthebeach@gmail.com Prime Time Singers of Wasaga Beach Date: Every Monday – 10:00 am – Noon Location: Prime Time Club at the RecPlex, 1724 Mosley Street. “If you can sing in the shower, you are good!” Come and join the fun. Wasaga Artists Date: Every Tuesday 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – September thru June Location: Wasaga Beach RecPlex, Oakview Room – 1724 Mosley St. Enjoy the weekly meetings to paint, draw, socialize, learn & have fun.

Dear Beach BOOSTER. Just giving you a two thumbs up on the beach BOOSTER. It gets better and better each issue. You carry all of the Wasaga Beach news that is happening or has happened. The creativity of the paper has soared as well. Each page draws my attention and seems to give our town more life. Congratulations! Our Wasaga Beach paper could top any other local paper. I'm so proud of all of the work you do. It's my pleasure to read your paper! Thank you! Karen W.

The following letter was sent through Canada Post delivery, dated November 1, 2023. The much appreciated “donation” was in turn given to the Wasaga Beach Ministerial Food Bank in the name of the writer. To Joe Bickerstaff. Please find enclosed a donation for your very much appreciated beach BOOSTER publication. I look forward to receiving it every month. The written word is very important to me and I hope my small donation allows your paper to continue to thrive & provide very valuable and honest information to the residents of Wasaga Beach. My Best Regards, Fran N. Wasaga Beach

Marlwood Dart League Date: Thursdays 7-9 pm, Jan to April. Location: Lions Den. The Rec Plex, 1724 Mosley St. Fun Night of Darts. Play as a spare or join a team. $5.00 per night To register or for more info email: marlwooddarts@gmail.com or call Ellen: 416-909-6229 Many GREAT Town Events! See pages 17, 18, 19 & 20 of this issue.

Joe Bickerstaff Owner | Publisher | Editor | Advertising p. 705-241-9762 e. Joe@beachBOOSTER.com w. beachBOOSTER.com Richard Sioen Creatve Director p. 705-88801542

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Public Presentation Reveals Evidence of Concerning & Questionable Actions of the Former Mayor, Council and CAO Comment/Opinion from the Editor:

2022 - Business Park land transaction

Although I personally, like so many residents, want to move on from the past while looking forward to a rewarding future, I do feel I have the right to take this opportunity to share my thoughts about the following story, which may be just the tip of the iceberg… The four years, between 2018 to 2022 were a challenging period for our community. During that period, and despite a weaponization of Town Hall against my company by the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor, some members of Council and the CAO of the Town of Wasaga Beach, beach BOOSTER attempted to be a positive voice for our community. During that very challenging time, I continued to publish, with the help and dedication of my valued contributors, the very real concerns as to what was happening at Town Hall, while attempting to engage readers, and encouraging residents to be aware of those concerns. I am deeply troubled by what transpired during those four years and I am reminded of an old expression, “Everything works for either love or money”... I can suggest there was very little “love” at Town Hall for those years... and I'm wondering... where's the money? - Joe Bickerstaff

Town hands evidence of wrongdoing & records destruction over to OPP while Council approves motion to request that Attorney General investigate

The Town has evidence that in August 2022, the previous Council was misled by the CAO about the benefits of the Business Park land transaction and that elements of the deal may have been illegal. The estimated cost (loss) to the taxpayers of Wasaga Beach is $16 million to $30 million. 2022 - Destruction of records

Town of Wasaga Beach CAO, Andrew McNeill made a presentation to Council on November 30th, and alleges emails and other documents were destroyed, questionable decisions made regarding new arena and beachfront properties during the term of the previous council (2018 – 2022). He laid out what he alleges was a series of improprieties committed, allegations he says have been taken to the Ontario Provincial Police. McNeill provided a detailed update to the public and Council on the findings of the internal investigation, that includes four areas of concern. 2019 - New arena/library land purchase

Questionable discussion by the CAO about selling the municipally owned corner property (former Chamber of Commerce building) to the adjacent landowner prior to the town's purchase of the entire site in August 2019 for $5.44 million. The property had a recent appraisal value of just $3.5 million. 2021 - Beachfront land appraisal

Following the October election, and prior to the new council taking office, despite a request from Mayor-Elect Smith to preserve records, hundreds of thousands of files and electronic records were destroyed under the direction of the previous CAO and Chief Information Technology Officer. This included the permanent destruction of all Council emails from 2018 – 2022, with the exception of the one remaining, serving member of Council. The mass, permanent destruction of email records in this manner is outside of town policies, agreements, the Municipal Act. After the presentation, Mayor Brian Smith stated; “the Town has evidence that a large number of municipal records were destroyed in 2022, in the days following the municipal election. We also have evidence that a number of land transactions completed between 2018-2022 may have broken the law or violated the Municipal Act, and cost the taxpayers of Wasaga Beach up to $35 million”.

The Town has evidence that in April 2021 the previous Mayor and previous CAO had access to a significantly higher appraisal for beachfront lands that was withheld from Council. The higher appraisal was valued about $8 million higher than the one presented to Council. It was noted during discussion, that only one member of Council at the time (Councillor Belanger) questioned the numbers presented, and that included a council member who boasted over 40 years experience in real estate transactions.

CAO, Andrew McNeill added; “The Town has received legal advice and we understand we have a fiduciary duty to investigate, report to Council, and take appropriate action. In this case, the Town has handed all information and evidence over to the Ontario Provincial Police to determine next steps.” The Town of Wasaga Beach has handed evidence of wrongdoing and records destruction over to the Ontario Provincial Police, and following the presentation, Council approved a motion to request that the Attorney General's office investigate. www.beach B O O S T E R .com

Wrapping Up A Busy Year of Cruiser Fundraising & Fun The summer car season may be over, but activities continue for the Wasaga Beach Cruisers as their community efforts for local charities take place year round. The Wasaga Beach Cruisers and their efforts support My Friend's House, the Wasaga Beach Ministerial Food Bank and Hospice Georgian Triangle.

At the Wasaga Beach United Church, the membership had a great dinner with a capacity crowd. As always, Nica's Catering served up a scrumptious delight of turkey and ham with more sides that one can only imagine. Everything was delicious.

Wasaga Beach Remembrance Service, November 2023. On behalf of the club, Russ Philp laid a wreath in respect to our lost or fallen men and women who paid the ultimate price, so we can stand for them today.

The club's November General meeting was presented to a packed house. I believe it was 140 members plus. The Club would like to thank Deputy Mayor Tanya Snell and Andrew McNeill for speaking and taking questions. We look forward to be working with the town on several levels in the coming months.

Before dinner, members enjoyed some Silent Auction action. Exclusive membership entitles one to purchase items donated to the club for bidding. Special thanks to the efforts of Russ and Sandy Philp and many volunteers have once again set the bar high. The club has donated $6,000 to the Ministerial Food Bank this year, with the dinner/auction raising $2,600.

December 2, 2023. The Wasaga Beach Cruisers Annual Member's Dinner/ Silent Auction night which raises funds for the local food bank has become our largest fund raiser of the year. Generous sponsors including Canadian Tire Wasaga Beach, Napoleon Home Comfort and club members donations help make this event very successful.

Breakfast With Santa Another Huge Success Wasaga Beach Lions enjoyed hosting another great Breakfast with Santa

Scarlet, age 2, had a great visit with Santa as he listened intently to her Christmas wishes

www.beach B O O S T E R .com

Well, that's all for this issue.

Damien, age 9 and Peyton, age 2 were enchanted with meeting a very jolly Santa Claus

Santa Enjoyed Greeting Local Kids of All Ages

Photos by Lion Janice Campbell

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Our next General Meeting will be in February 21, 2024 at the new Wasaga Stars Arena & Wasaga Beach Library. The Wasaga Beach Cruisers look forward to making this our new General Meeting place for the extended future.

The Wasaga Beach Lions Club organized the annual Breakfast with Santa that took place as part of Funderland at the RecPlex in November. Hundreds of pancakes and sausages were served to 266 adults and 248 children who were eager to enjoy the breakfast and have a chance to meet Santa. Mayor Brian Smith, Councillors Richard White, Faye Ego, Ellen Timms and Joe Belanger all pitched in to help the Lions who were busy in the kitchen and at the serving tables.

www.beach B O O S T E R .com

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Holiday Market, Tree Lighting, Parade and more Creates Community Holiday Spirit

Photos by Bryan Davies Photography Oakview Woods Park and the RecPlex became a fun, festive place over the weekend of November 24th. The community came together to enjoy the amazing display of lights, tasty treats, great entertainment and activities for fun loving residents & visitors of all ages. Non-stop entertainment performing at the brightly lit Oakview Gazebo kept the crowds happy as did the colourful Holiday Market, a first time event and Wasaga Beach's newest holiday tradition. The market was inspired by international holiday markets, from Munich to Manchester. The crowds meandering through the brightly decorated tents, enjoyed the close to 20 vendors displaying their unique offerings. The Wasaga Beach Brewing Company was on hand and offered refreshments at the large and welcoming beer tent, organized by the Wasaga Beach Kinette Club. The Friday evening events were capped off when Mayor Brian Smith wished everyone in the crowd a “A Very Merry Christmas” and threw the switch to light up the giant Christmas Tree. Kids of all ages were thrilled to see the many coloured lights.

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Late Saturday afternoon, the annual Wasaga Beach Santa Claus Parade started rolling along Mosley Street, making it's way to the RecPlex. The streets with lined with happy, smiling faces as the wonderful display of brightly lit, flashing, decorated floats went by. Local businesses, organizations, clubs and service groups participated and created a wonderful, joyful spectacle for all who came out to enjoy the festive fun. Sunday, pancakes were served up in the Lions' Den at the RecPlex as the Wasaga Beach Lions Club hosted their annual Breakfast With Santa, and the weekend of fun continued indoors as Funderland took place in the main hall. The entire weekend kept locals and visitors entertained and in the Holiday Spirit and we thank all who participated and sponsored the many festive events. Special thanks to the hard working and very creative team in the town's Special Events Department. Merry Christmas to all.

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Design by Beach BOOSTER Media Group

Good News Indeed

Our spirits are high rejoicing the future of our beautiful little town of Wasaga Beach. So many things to be thankful for as we move forward in the new year. It is wonderful to see our legacy carry on with the renaming of the new arena/library from the Cortellucci Zancor Centre back to Wasaga Stars Arena and the Wasaga Beach Public Library. The public have spoken loud and clear. It was ludicrous to hand over the naming rights to any developer for a mere million with nearly half of the money given in increments over the years, or to add a personal developer's name (Cortellucci) to a public building . Opportunity for many more sponsorships will follow, as credibility is given to a name that is inclusive of the community as a whole. Public discussions have also begun with FRAM regarding the development of the beachfront and it is exciting to hear all the positive responses. The new public school is moving forward on Sunnidale along with the proposal put forth for a Catholic public and high school in a community hub beside the new Arena/Library. And Wow! We have so many festivities planned for the New Year and our 50th Anniversary of being a town that you can read about right here in our beach BOOSTER. Let's remember the season by giving back to those in need this Christmas. Fill the shelves at the food bank and make sure the little ones have that special Santa gift under the tree, and please don't forget a senior that may be alone this Christmas. Let's celebrate Christmas and the New Year with hope for peace and kindness to take hold. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Community ad space provided by Beach BOOSTER Media Group

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Keeping Our Pets Safe & Happy Over the Holidays During the holiday season, keeping our pets safe is essential. Here are some seasonal tips to ensure their wellbeing:

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Secure Decorations: Keep Christmas decorations, such as tinsel, ribbons, ornaments, and lights, out of reach. Ingesting these items can cause intestinal blockages or injuries. Pet-Friendly Plants: Some common holiday plants like poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe can be toxic to pets if ingested. Keep these plants away or opt for artificial versions. Safe Feasting: Be mindful of holiday feasts. Avoid feeding pets table scraps, especially bones, chocolate, grapes, onions, and other foods that are toxic to them. Quiet Retreat: The holidays can get noisy and chaotic. Create a quiet, safe space for your pet to retreat to if they're feeling overwhelmed or stressed.

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Secure the Tree: Ensure that your Christmas tree is securely anchored to prevent it from toppling over if your pet decides to investigate or play with it. Candles and Flames: Keep candles and other open flames out of reach, as curious pets can accidentally knock them over and cause fires or burns.

Watch the Wires: Hide or secure electrical wires for lights and other decorations to prevent pets from chewing on them, risking electric shock or injury.

ID and Micro-chipping: With guests coming and going, ensure your pet's ID tags and microchip information are up-to-date in case they accidentally escape. Gift Safety: Keep wrapped gifts away from pets, especially those containing food or items they could ingest or chew.

Regular Routine: Stick to your pet's regular schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime as much as possible, as this consistency can provide them comfort amidst the holiday chaos. Remember, each pet is unique, so be attentive to their behaviour and needs during the holiday season. Being proactive about pet safety can help prevent accidents and ensure a joyful holiday for both you and your furry friends. Merry Christmas to your entire family.

www.beach B O O S T E R .com

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'Beach Bite' Crew Generate Funds with Great Events Throughout the Year

Beach Bite 'Loving Bowls' fundraiser was a huge success

Wasaga Beach is blessed with many kindhearted and generous people and the Beach Bite crew is a great example. This band of women has made it their mandate to fight food insecurity for our most vulnerable neighbours while bringing the community together through fun, affordable events.

"We were delighted to be recognized but the true reward is the opportunity to come together as a well-meaning group of volunteers and know we have made a bit of a difference in keeping families nourished” said Kelly Kramer, one of the founders of Wasaga Beach Bite.

This past year they have produced six events including a golf tournament and the first big event to be held at the new Beach Bar. In total the group raised and donated over $18,000 for the Wasaga Beach Ministerial Food Bank this year and just short of $35K since 2019.

Two recent Beach Bite events were the successful Oktoberfest held at Marlwood Golf & Country Club, sponsored in part by Beach BOOSTER Media Group, and the annual Loving Bowls fundraiser, where participants choose a hand thrown pottery bowl lovingly crafted by the Beach Potter (aka Dave Timms), then pick a hearty soup provided by several generous local restaurants.

Their ongoing efforts awarded them special recognition from the Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce as a not-for-profit group supporting the community followed by commendations from MP Terry Dowdall and MPP Brian Sauderson.

Find out what's planned for 2024 at www.beachbite.ca or @wasagabeachbite on social media.

The community came together to have fun, while raising funds at the 'Beach Bite' Oktoberfest

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Oktoberfest photos by Bryan Davies Photography

Hundreds of Candy Bags Prepared for Christmas Food Hampers A special festive addition, just for the kids! Again this year, the volunteerism of the Hardy sisters is appreciated, as Helen & Mary Lou have been busy shopping, and creating fun and festive candy bags to be added to the Wasaga Beach Ministerial Food Bank's Food Hampers this Christmas. Wasaga Beach residents Helen & Mary Lou Hardy have always been eager to volunteer and at this special time of year, their Stonebridge by the Bay home is full of candy being packaged for the kids. The hand packed candy bags will be festive additions to the hampers and certainty a special treat for the youngsters. We thank Mark Crowe of Stonebridge Building Group & Hamount Investments for funding the Candy Bag project and Mary Lou and Helen for your continued community efforts. Joe Bickerstaff

Local Group Raises Funds and Collects Much Needed Items for Seniors When the Wasaga Beach Ministerial Food Bank specified a specific need for personal hygiene products for local seniors, in addition to the constant need for other items, a group of ladies from the Parkbridge Country Meadows community in Wasaga Beach took note. Spearheaded by Janice Green, this community minded group took on the task of canvassing for products and selling raffle tickets for a beautiful quilt, hand created and donated by Ann Robinson, raising funds for the local Food Bank. The dedicated group of ladies also kept busy sewing reusable cloth bags and then filling them with the items collected, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, shampoo, razors and shaving cream. A generous donation of chocolate bars was made, and these too were included in the gift bags, plus a Christmas Card, signed by Santa himself, sending greetings to each recipient. Pat Coe of Singhampton held the winning ticket for the beautiful quilt and will enjoy the comfort of it over the upcoming winter months.

Pat Coe of Singhamption (left) was the lucky winner of this beautiful, hand stitched quilt which was donated for the fundraiser. She is joined by Janice Green who spearheaded a festive community project to help local seniors.

We thank this wonderful group of local ladies who took on this festive project, that will mean so much to seniors in out community. We also thank all who purchased tickets for this fundraiser. Joe Bickerstaff

www.beach B O O S T E R .com

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Wasaga Artists Host Another Successful Fall Art Show

In early November, the Oakview Room at the RecPlex was overflowing with over 20 very talented, local artists, all of them eager to share amazing creations with the public. 10 members of the Wasaga Artists group, donated original works of art to be raffled off at the end of the show. The steady stream of visitors continued throughout the day, while many purchased tickets in hopes of taking home some of the beautiful local artwork. The raffle raised approximately $450.00 which will be used for purchasing supplies to support Wasaga Artists outreach program, including Seniors' Wish Foundation, Kinette's Xmas Art, Embers Girls' Scouting, and Waterside Retirement Home in Wasaga Beach. Supporting local artists is important for several reasons, and it can have positive impacts on both the artists and the community. Here are some key reasons why supporting local artists is significant: 1. Cultural Diversity and Identity: Local artists often draw inspiration from their surroundings, culture, and community. Supporting them helps preserve and promote the unique cultural identity of a region. This diversity contributes to a richer and more vibrant cultural tapestry. 2. Economic Impact: Supporting local artists contributes to the local economy. When you purchase artwork or attend local events, you are directly supporting the livelihoods of artists and the businesses that collaborate with them. This can have a positive ripple effect on the community by creating jobs and boosting economic activity. 3. Community Development: Art has the power to bring communities together. Local artists often engage with their communities through exhibitions, workshops, and public art installations. By supporting these activities, you help build a sense of community and foster connections among residents.

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4. Unique Perspectives: Local artists often offer fresh and unique perspectives that may not be represented in mainstream art. Their work can challenge established norms, push boundaries, and offer alternative viewpoints, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive cultural landscape. 5. Creative Ecosystem: A thriving local art scene contributes to a dynamic creative ecosystem. This can attract other artists, entrepreneurs, and cultural institutions, fostering an environment that encourages creativity and innovation. 6. Preservation of Artistic Heritage: Local artists often play a crucial role in preserving traditional artistic techniques and craftsmanship. By supporting them, you help ensure the continuation of these skills and the preservation of artistic heritage. 7. Access to Affordable Art: Local artists may offer more affordable options compared to established or international artists. This makes art more accessible to a broader audience, allowing more people to engage with and enjoy original artwork. 8. Boost for Emerging Talent: Supporting local artists provides emerging talent with the encouragement and resources they need to establish themselves in the art world. This can be especially important for young or less established artists who may face challenges in gaining recognition. 9. Personal Connections: When you support local artists, you often have the opportunity to interact with them directly. This personal connection can enhance the appreciation of the artwork and create a meaningful relationship between the artist and the audience. In summary, supporting local artists is a holistic investment in cultural, economic, and community development. It helps create a more vibrant and diverse artistic landscape while providing tangible benefits to the artists and the communities they belong to.

‘Tis the Season

The season of Advent is a special time in our schools. Staff and students alike have an extra bounce in their step in anticipation of the Christmas Holiday. Everyone has been working hard for more than three months. They have been through a large portion of the year's curriculum. Tests and projects have been written and evaluated. Report cards have gone home. Parents have been into the school for formal interviews. The school community is ready to celebrate!

Through no fault of our own, hundreds of our students attend school in neighbouring towns. They are simply used to back-fill schools that are otherwise dealing with falling enrolment numbers. While that makes sense to some who are preoccupied with playing an obscene numbers game, it continues to hamper our efforts to build a complete community. While the bible tells us to “forgive them for they know not what they do,” it is increasingly difficult to do so.

In elementary schools, Christmas carols are being played over the public address system. In their classes, the children are practising for their Christmas concert. Some will be singing while others acting in pageants. Some classes are engaged in fund-raising activities to buy gifts for needy families while others are filling food hampers. The joy of giving will be experienced by many. Most of our schools host activities that invite parents and the larger community to attend in a festive celebration. This community-building enterprise is part of the glue that binds us together.

The good news is that better days are ahead for us, and within a few short years, this abysmal situation should be rectified. A new public school is in the works after years of delay. The Separate School Board plans to build a K-12 school in the next few years. This competition could pressure the public board in building a high school earlier than anticipated. In the meantime, let us work together to put a smile on the face of each of our children. They are our best hope for a better future. Our Beach Kids Matter!

We should never underestimate the valuable role our schools play in every aspect of community life. The Christmas Season brings hope and joy to our children and all those they encounter. The sight of happy, smiling kids puts a smile on the face of the most cynical adults. Despite our many blessings and the many positive things happening in our town, Wasaga Beach continues to struggle.

Note: Your comments are appreciated. The column on the origins of the term “Beach Kids” elicited responses which confirmed my personal research and observations. Those were gratefully received. Every effort will be made to respond to your letters. (tochuckandrews@gmail.com)

www.beach B O O S T E R .com

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Waste Management Impact on Climate

Seven Minutes in Heaven

To be in Africa is a dream for a wildlife photographer, and I've been fortunate to visit twice. On this most recent trip, you might remember I was there tracking Cheetahs and working on my book series called Going Deeper with Jason George - Book 3 – Cheetahs, and future books (lions, leopards and so many more potentially). Also, I captured multiple YouTube videos to go with the stories on this trip. We did have a special encounter on a day off from researching with my Global Vision International (GVI) team, as a smaller group of us went to Kruger to see more animals and creatures we might not see as much around base.

The holiday time is a season of joy and giving, but also, unfortunately, a season filled with garbage and waste. Canadians produce about 50 kilograms per person of waste in the month of December, around 25% higher than the other months of the year. Waste management plays a significant role in addressing climate change. The management of waste, particularly solid waste, has both a direct and indirect impact on greenhouse gas emissions and overall environmental health. Here's how waste management and climate change are interconnected: Waste Reduction Strategies: Implementing waste reduction strategies such as source separation, efficient packaging, and product design that considers end-of-life scenarios can decrease the amount of waste generated and its subsequent environmental impact. Circular Economy: Adopting a circular economy approach, where products and materials are reused, repaired, or recycled, can minimize waste generation and the associated emissions. This approach extends the lifespan of products and reduces the demand for new resources. Rethink-Refuse- Reduce-ReuseRepair-Recycle to reduce our impact on environment and climate.

Recycling and Resource Conservation: Recycling reduces the need for raw material extraction and energy-intensive production processes. By recycling materials like metals, plastics, and paper, we can lower energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with manufacturing new products from scratch. Recycle the right items in the Simcoe County Blue Bin: plastic, glass bottles and containers, metal cans, paper, and cardboard but NO plastic bags or film, black plastic, broken glass, tempered glass, polystyrene, or styrofoam. Check the Simcoe County Waste Wizard at www.simcoe.ca/wastewizard

Photos by Jason George Photography

We spotted this beautiful male leopard walking towards us. WOW, this majestic cat coming directly towards me as I was on that side of the jeep and I managed to get a couple of pictures as he walked down the rock face. He then walked through the grass and lay down ahead of us by some trees, as we settled in to watch him. This leopard was just so powerful and awesome, and without a care in the world, he proceeded to get up and cross the road vanishing into the tree line. What an awesome experience! These seven minutes will always be special to me and give “7 minutes in heaven” a different meaning to me. This 7-minute encounter was soon followed up by a much scarier encounter back at the GVI base. The next day we were out on a morning research drive doing an erosion survey, when suddenly, we heard a noise. Our guides quickly got back to the vehicle and then saw a large male Leopard (born 2011) walking in the brush close by, but with no actual danger to us. Soon after, I turned around and spotted my another Leopard. This wasn't just any Leopard, but a one-eyed leopard born in 2013. This was pretty awesome for me to get to see how well this cat has adapted to the difficulties life presented. Hopefully, I get to see some cats in India soon. Subscribe to my YouTube channel @JASONGEORGEPHOTOGRAPHY as I take you through the experiences like above, and more. Come spend 7 minutes in heaven with me, watch a squid in my face, or swim with newly hatched critically endangered Hawkbill turtles on their first journey. There's still time to sign up for the JGP PROWL adventures in 2024! Check the website www.jasongeorgephotography.com or contact me directly for more information. Until next time, Stay safe, have fun and enjoy the wildlife! Wishing everyone a very happy Holiday Season. Jason George

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Methane Emissions: Organic waste, such as food, pet and yard waste, decomposes in landfills and produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that is significantly more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide. To reduce methane emissions, landfill management practices need to include proper covering, gas collection systems, and alternative waste disposal methods like waste-to-energy or recycling. Other waste management practices, like composting and anaerobic digestion, can help capture methane emissions and convert them into energy or valuable byproducts. Use your Simcoe County Green Bin or your own composter. Energy Generation: Waste-to-energy facilities can convert non-recyclable waste into energy through incineration, reducing the need for fossil fuels. This can help decrease carbon dioxide emissions and contribute to a more sustainable energy mix. The future Simcoe County Environmental Resource Recycling Centre in Springwater will produce biogas and finished products from organic waste and generate revenue while reducing emissions. Economic and Social Impacts: Poor waste management can lead to environmental degradation, affecting natural resources, air quality, and water bodies. This can contribute to climate-related disruptions that impact communities' resilience and overall well-being. Make sure to leverage appropriately our Simcoe County waste management system. E-Waste and Toxic Emissions: Improper disposal of electronic waste (ewaste) can lead to the release of toxic substances into the environment. By managing e-waste responsibly, we can prevent these pollutants from contributing to climate change and harming ecosystems. Be sure to put your e-waste in the blue bags provided by Simcoe County for collection. Consumer Behaviour: One mission of the Wasaga Beach Climate Action Team (WBCAT) is educating and encouraging individuals and businesses to reduce waste, reuse items, and recycle properly which can have a substantial impact on overall waste generation and recycling and its environmental consequences. In summary, effective waste management practices are crucial for mitigating climate change. By reducing methane emissions from landfills, increasing energy generation from waste, promoting reuse and recycling, and adopting a circular economy mindset, we can significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering a more sustainable future. Think and practice “The 6Rs” for a more sustainable planet: Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle. Engage with Wasaga Beach Climate Action Team: www.wasagabeachclimateaction.com info@wasagabeachclimateaction.com

A Meditation On The Value of Libraries In our fast-paced digital world, libraries prove they're still essential as community hubs and innovation hot-spots. More than just places for books, libraries bring people together, share information, and spark creativity. Community Spaces Libraries are more than book collections—they're lively community spots where different people meet. From storytelling for kids to book clubs for seniors, libraries host events for everyone. They adapt to what the community needs, offering workshops on digital skills and help for job seekers. The cozy spaces in libraries, with reading corners and places to work together, create a friendly environment for learning and sharing. Access to Information Libraries make sure everyone can access information. They offer free resources, from traditional books to online databases and ebooks. This helps bridge the gap for those who might not have their own computers or reliable internet access, making sure everyone has a chance to learn. Innovation Hubs Libraries don't just keep up with the times—they lead the way in innovation. Makerspaces with cool tools like 3D printers turn libraries into places where anyone can try out new ideas. They also support local businesses and startups, providing workshops and connections to boost the community's economy.