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13th Annual Newcomer Recognition Awards honours Community Champions

John Malloy
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13th Annual Newcomer Recognition Awards honours Community Champions

Midhurst/November 14, 2025 – Last night, the County of Simcoe proudly hosted the annual Newcomer Recognition Awards, celebrating the achievements of immigrants, as well, organizations and businesses in our region who champion inclusivity with awards presented in 7 distinct categories.

Chosen through an open nomination process that is overseen by a committee of community stakeholders, this year’s Newcomer Recognition Award honourees are:

  • Small Business Owner – Hakka Zone
  • Newcomer Inclusive Service Delivery – UPlift Black
  • Educator Excellence – Manon Heran
  • Immigrant Artist – Inga Filippova-Williams
  • Ethno-Cultural Group – Olundara Foundation
  • Youth Community Champion – Aditi Sharma
  • Immigrant Mentor – Kanika Gupta

The awards ceremony took place at Tangle Creek in the Township of Essa, where award winners, partners and elected officials came together to recognize the vital impact these individuals have on our communities.

“The County of Simcoe is proud to continue fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming region,” said Warden Basil Clarke. “Congratulations to this year’s Newcomer Recognition Award recipients for their inspiring achievements. I would also like to thank our organizing committee, our dedicated staff, and our generous sponsors. A special thank you goes to Honda Manufacturing of Canada, who has returned as our gold sponsor for the second consecutive year, for helping make this celebration of diversity and inclusion possible.”

About the County of Simcoe
County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.

OJHL 20-YEAR-OLD TEAMS TO PLAY IN SHOWCASE EVENT IN FRONT OF U SPORTS COACHES

John Malloy
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OJHL 20-YEAR-OLD TEAMS TO PLAY IN SHOWCASE EVENT IN FRONT OF U SPORTS COACHES

Game scheduled for Dec. 8 at the home of the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks in Oshawa

November 14, 2025, Mississauga, ON – The Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) is excited to announce a showcase featuring two teams of 20-year-old OJHL players who will face off in front of Canadian university coaches next month.

The game will be played Monday, Dec. 8, and hosted at the Campus Ice Centre – the home of the OUA Ridgebacks – at Ontario Tech University in Oshawa. Puck drop is scheduled for 4 p.m.

Coaches and scouts from U SPORTS schools across Ontario are being invited to attend. OJHL staff will host a meet-and-greet, make a presentation to the university scouts and coaches in attendance and hold a question-and-answer session.  Following the game, a meet-and-greet is also scheduled, giving coaches an opportunity to speak with the OJHL players.

The game is an extension of the OJHL-OUA series launched last season when two teams of 20-year-olds visited Ontario Tech and Toronto Metropolitan University to play the schools’ varsity teams. Nineteen OJHL players who took part in last year’s series are on U SPORTS’ rosters this season.

“We are excited to partner with U SPORTS for a second season with our 20-year-old game,” Chris Vanstone, the OJHL’s Vice-president of Hockey Operations, said. “Ontario Tech again will host the event and they have been great to work with. This event is key to our development for our players through the OJHL Development Pathway. Last year, 19 players who took part in our series with OUA teams committed to play U SPORTS at the end of their OJHL season. We are looking forward to growing that number this year.”

“Our Ontario Tech hockey program is excited to be able to host the inaugural OJHL U SPORTS showcase here at the Campus Ice Centre in Oshawa,” said Curtis Hodgins, Head Coach of Ontario Tech. “This is a great opportunity for all our OUA coaches to come to a central location and watch the best 20-year-olds that the OJHL has to offer. The OJHL has been a great feeder system to the OUA for many years and that is only likely to grow in the coming years.”

The agenda for OJHL players, aside from the game, will include a morning skate, U SPORTS seminar, lunch, facility tour, pre-game warm-up hosted by the staff of Ontario Tech and the post-game meet and greet.

Stay tuned for more news on the event in the coming weeks, including the naming of the teams’ coaching and support staff, rosters, ticket information and other pertinent details.

About the OJHL – “League of Choice”

The Ontario Junior Hockey League is the largest Junior ‘A’ league operating under the auspices of the Canadian Junior Hockey League with 24 member clubs. A proud member of the CJHL and Ontario Hockey Association, the OJHL was originally named the Ontario Provincial Junior ‘A’ Hockey League and it was formed out of the Central Junior ‘B’ Hockey League in 1993-94. With a long and storied history of developing players for the next level, including U SPORTS, the NCAA, CHL, minor pro ranks and the NHL, the OJHL had more than 135 commitments in 2024-25, including 54 to NCAA Division 1 and 29 to the Ontario Hockey League. In addition, the OJHL had 39 OHL Affiliate Players who played 152 OHL games.  Thirty OJHL alumni are playing in the NHL at the start of the 2025-26 season.

For more information on the Ontario Junior Hockey League, please visit www.ojhl.ca

Meaford’s “Christmas On The Bay” starts on Thursday, December 4th | Traditional Outdoor Christmas Market

John Malloy
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Meaford’s “Christmas On The Bay” starts on Thursday, December 4th | Traditional Outdoor Christmas Market

We invite you to come and experience the magic.

A Traditional Outdoor Christmas Market

12 Nelson St East, Meaford, Ontario

Come and immerse yourself into a welcoming world of delightfully decorated wooden market stalls, twinkling lights, fire bowls, beautifully adorned Christmas trees, music, and live entertainment. Stroll through the market and experience the sights, sounds and, scents of the season. Shop for the area’s finest locally made foods, artisanal products, and hand-crafted gifts.

In celebrating diversity, Christmas On The Bay™ strives to be a welcoming, inclusive, and safe space creating a sense of belonging for all. Everyone is encouraged to be a part of this magical event.

Christmas-Market-shop

Explore and discover Meaford as well. Local retail, and dining seasonal features can be found throughout the Meaford downtown area.

about our Market

Market Hours of Operation

Thursday, December 4: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Friday, December 5: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday,December 6: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday, December 7: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Call for Applications for Public Appointment to The Blue Mountains OPP Detachment Board

John Malloy
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Call for Applications for Public Appointment to The Blue Mountains OPP Detachment Board

The Town of The Blue Mountains is seeking applications, in the form of letters of interest, from members of the public for an appointment to fill a vacancy with The Blue Mountains OPP Detachment Board. The Board appointment will be in place for remainder of the 2022-2026 term of Council:

The Blue Mountains OPP Detachment Board is a five-member Board, with two Members of Council, one Provincial Appointee and two Public Appointees.

  • One (1) member of the public being sought.

Applicants are encouraged to include background information and any special qualifications or interest related to The Blue Mountains OPP Detachment Board. Information regarding the Board is available on our Town’s website

NOTE: Applicants shall be qualified electors within the Town of The Blue Mountains. The successful applicant will be required to complete a background check.

All Applications should be submitted no later than Wednesday, November 26, 2025, by 1:00 pm to:

Town of The Blue Mountains
Attention: Town Clerk
32 Mill Street,Thornbury, Ontario N0H 2P0
[email protected]

For any general inquiries please contact: 
Clerk’s Office
519-599-3131 ext. 219
[email protected]

Personal information provided by the applicant is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001 and will be used for the purpose of candidate selection. The Town of The Blue Mountains is an equal opportunity organization. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

More Information

County of Simcoe Paramedic Services Launch 23rd Annual Food and Toy Drive – Give a little, help a lot

John Malloy
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County of Simcoe Paramedic Services Launch 23rd Annual Food and Toy Drive – Give a little, help a lot

Midhurst/November 14, 2025 – County of Simcoe Paramedic Services is proud to launch its 23rd Annual Food and Toy Drive, continuing a long-standing tradition of supporting children and families in need across our region during the holiday season.

Financial contributions can be made online at CanadaHelps. Additionally, new, unwrapped toys, non-perishable food items, and gift cards (please indicate the gift card value) are welcome to be donated at the designated drop-off locations listed below. 

Over the past 22 years, the Food and Toy Drive has made a significant impact, collecting 130,831 toys, 88,970 lbs of food, and $289,321.57 in monetary and gift card donations for families in need across the county.

“Our County of Simcoe paramedics continue to show us what community service looks like, with compassion, generosity, and a deep commitment to the well-being of our residents,” shared Warden Basil Clarke. “This campaign brings hope and joy to families across Simcoe County, and we’re grateful to our incredible paramedics who give so much of their time, and to the countless businesses and individuals who continue to support this drive year after year.”

Paramedic volunteers kicked off the drive early this year, thanks to their colleagues at Georgian Manor and Village, who collected 130 lbs of non-perishable food, $109 in monetary donations and a few toys during a recent community event. These donations were delivered to the Georgian Bay Food Network in Midland.

DONATION LOCATIONS: 
County of Simcoe Administration Centre, 1110 Highway 26 in Midhurst between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and at the following County of Simcoe Paramedic Stations, where outdoor drop boxes are available until December 21: 

  • Alliston – 6933 Industrial Parkway, Alliston 
  • Angus – 1 Tree Top Street, Angus 
  • Barrie Simcoe Emergency Services Campus - 110 Fairview Drive, Barrie 
  • Barrie Tiffin – 113 Tiffin Street, Barrie 
  • Beeton – 51 Main Street East, Beeton 
  • Bradford – 480 Miller Park Avenue, Bradford 
  • Coldwater – 1 Firehall Lane, Coldwater 
  • Collingwood – 169 St. Paul Street, Collingwood 
  • Craighurst – 2298 Horseshoe Valley Road, Oro-Medonte 
  • Elmvale – 17 Allenwood Road, Elmvale 
  • Midland – 395 Cranston Crescent, Midland 
  • Orillia – 68 West Street, Orillia 
  • Penetanguishene – 10 Robert Street West, Penetanguishene 
  • Springwater – 1110 Snow Valley Road, Midhurst
  • Stayner – 6993 Highway 26, Stayner 
  • Stroud – 2394 Victoria Street West, Stroud 
  • Wasaga Beach – 23 Oxbow Park Road, Wasaga Beach 
  • Washago – 401 Anchor Drive, Severn 

In addition to the above, many locations across the county will also be accepting donations and pop-up collection points may be in a community near you, including the following: 

Friday, November 14, 2025:

  • Collingwood Walmart ~ 5 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, November 15, 2025: 

  • Collingwood Walmart ~ 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Orillia Walmart ~ 2 to 6 p.m.
  • Collingwood Santa Claus Parade ~ 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Barrie Santa Claus Parade ~ 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Alliston Santa Claus Parade ~ 6 to 7 p.m.
  • Bradford West Gwillimbury Santa Claus Parade ~ 6 to 8 p.m.

Sunday, November 16, 2025:

  • Bradford West Gwillimbury Rattlers Hockey Game ~ Bradford Leisure Centre ~ 7 to 9 p.m.

Photo Caption: During these challenging economic times, County of Simcoe Paramedic Services encourages everyone to remember that even the smallest contribution can make a big difference. When we “Give a Little, Help a Lot,” together, we can make this holiday season brighter for those in need.

For an up-to-date list, visit simcoe.ca/toydrive.

County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.­­­­­­

Where style meets snacking: “Take Your Pick Charcuterie Cart” Launches in Simcoe County

John Malloy
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Where style meets snacking: “Take Your Pick Charcuterie Cart” Launches in Simcoe County

A mobile charcuterie cart bringing elegant, hand-crafted grazing experiences to weddings, events, and celebrations across Simcoe and Grey Counties.

Collingwood, Ontario — November 12, 2025 – Local entrepreneur and event enthusiast Meghan MacLaughlan is thrilled to announce the official launch of Take Your Pick Charcuterie Cart, a mobile catering business that offers a unique and beautifully styled charcuterie experience for weddings, parties, and corporate events across Simcoe County and beyond.

Take Your Pick Charcuterie Cart brings the art of grazing to life with an elegant, fully mobile setup featuring premium cheeses, cured meats, fruits, crackers, and sweets—all beautifully presented in a customizable cart display. Each event is designed to impress, with options tailored to match themes, guest count, and dietary preferences.

“I wanted to create something that brings people together over food, but in a more interactive and elevated way,” says founder Meghan MacLaughlan. “The cart isn’t just about great charcuterie—it’s about creating a centerpiece that guests will remember. The cart is fully health inspected and approved by the Simcoe County District Health Unit, equipped with portable refrigeration to ensure all items are kept at optimal serving temperatures. Whether it’s an intimate bridal shower or a large corporate gathering, Take Your Pick Charcuterie Cart adds a touch of sophistication and fun to every occasion.

Contact: Take Your Pick Charcuterie Cart

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 705-441-4138

Based in Collingwood, Ontario

Instagram: @typcharcuterie

OPP AND WINDSOR POLICE SERVICE SEIZE 46 KG OF FENTANYL

John Malloy
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OPP AND WINDSOR POLICE SERVICE SEIZE 46 KG OF FENTANYL

Estimated Street Value = $6.5 Million

(WINDSOR, ON) -A drug trafficking investigation in the City of Windsor has led to the largest fentanyl seizure ever made by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

Forty-six kilograms of suspected fentanyl have been seized, and two individuals are facing numerous Criminal Code (CC)and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) charges.

The initial investigation began in the fall of 2024. The OPP’s Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG) and the Windsor Police Service (WPS) identified two primary members of a drug trafficking network – both with ties to known criminal organizations. The OPP PGNG and WPS then furthered the investigation, known as Project ROTHERHAM, leading to the record-breaking seizure of fentanyl.

On Thursday, September 25, 2025, three residential search warrants and three search warrants on vehicles were executed in Windsor by members from:

  • OPP PGNG
  • WPS Drugs and Gun Unit
  • Border Enforcement Security Task Force
  • Essex County OPP Community Street Crime Unit
  • Essex County OPP Detachment
  • OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit
  • OPP Emergency Response Team
  • OPP and WPS Canine Units

Evidence gathered through these search warrants led to the execution of another warrant at a residence in Windsor.

As a result of the investigation, the following items with approximate quantities were seized:

  • 46 kg suspected fentanyl
  • 3.4 kg suspected cocaine
  • 1 kg suspected heroin
  • Two loaded firearms and ammunition
  • 4,500 hydromorphone tablets
  • 190 oxycodone tablets
  • 360 morphine tablets
  • 470 benzodiazepine tablets
  • 35 amphetamine tablets
  • Over 181 kg caffeine, often used as a cutting agent when processing illicit drugs
  • A collapsable baton
  • Body armour
  • Master key vehicle programmer and blank keys
  • More than $170,000 CAD currency
  • $220 US currency
  • High-end jewellery
  • 24 cell phones
  • Digital scales and other drug paraphernalia

The estimated street-value of the drugs seized is $6.5 million.

Illicit fentanyl can be imported from other source countries or domestically produced with precursor chemicals in clandestine laboratories. The investigation into the source of the illicit fentanyl in Project ROTHERHAM is ongoing. The fentanyl seized was enough for approximately 460,000 street-level doses – an amount capable of taking the lives of a moderately sized city. This is based on a dose of one point (0.1 grams) of fentanyl. Analysis shows the fentanyl seized through this investigation had been mixed and cut with other substances and was not pure fentanyl, meaning it varied in potency, which has been taken into consideration when estimating street-level doses.

 RESOURCES

Media resources including b-roll video clips, evidence photos and a graphic can be found within the Project ROTHERHAM Media Kit. Information on the accused and their respective charges are included in the attached Addendum of Charged Persons.

QUOTES

“Fentanyl is a national enforcement priority. We are working with our partners across Ontario, and beyond, to stop the flow of this deadly drug into the communities we serve. The seizure of more than 20 cellular devices in this investigation highlights the need to urgently address dated lawful access legislation to protect Canadians from criminal networks trafficking fentanyl. We will continue to lead, to collaborate, and to take enforcement action against those who threaten the safety of our communities. Project ROTHERHAM is a clear example of what we can accomplish when we work together.” – OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique

“Just months ago, the OPP announced the largest seizure of fentanyl in our history. Today, Project ROTHERHAM surpasses that seizure by several kilograms. The prevalence of this dangerous drug is a public safety issue that law enforcement takes seriously, and we will work together across jurisdictions, across provincial borders and even international borders, to dismantle and disrupt those who choose to engage in trafficking this deadly drug. We are united in our enforcement efforts.” – OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart, OCEB.

“This operation has a direct impact on the City of Windsor. Removing this volume of fentanyl from our streets saves lives. It’s a powerful example of what we can achieve through strong partnerships – locally and provincially. Together, we are protecting our communities and sending a strong message: drug traffickers will be held accountable.” – WPS Deputy Chief Jason Crowley

PGNG MANDATE

The OPP-led PGNG is dedicated to disrupting criminal street gang activity through intelligence-led, multijurisdictional drug trafficking investigations and reducing the number of illegal firearms in the province of Ontario. The PGNG is comprised of members from 20 police services in both Ontario and Quebec including Windsor Police Service, London Police Service, Waterloo Regional Police Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The Science Behind Morning Depression (And What to Do About It)

John Malloy
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The Science Behind Morning Depression (And What to Do About It)

Explore the science behind morning depression, cortisol’s role, and effective strategies like light therapy and sleep routines to improve mood and mental health.

Learn how to manage anxiety, process trauma, regulate emotions, and build lasting resilience so that you can live a deeply rich and meaningful life! Morning depression is a common experience where symptoms of depression, such as fatigue, hopelessness, brain fog, and difficulty getting out of bed, are at their worst upon waking. This is largely influenced by biological factors, including the cortisol awakening response, where stress hormones spike in the morning, causing a sense of overwhelm or shutdown. Misalignment of the circadian rhythm, due to genetics, sleep disorders, or inconsistent schedules, can exacerbate these symptoms. Additional contributors include inflammation, which peaks for some people in the morning, and underlying conditions like sleep deprivation, insomnia, or physical illnesses such as low thyroid function or anemia.

Treatment focuses on resetting the circadian rhythm and managing cortisol through light therapy, melatonin microdosing, consistent sleep hygiene, and gradually building a positive morning routine. Simple actions like taking one step out of bed, drinking water, or practicing gratitude can help counteract the depressive freeze response. Talk therapy and medication, particularly SNRIs, can also provide significant relief. By addressing these biological and behavioral factors, individuals can create mornings that feel manageable and even uplifting. Small changes, taken one step at a time, can lead to meaningful improvements. Join Therapy in a Nutshell’s membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.co… You’ll get instant access to all 10 life-changing courses, live weekly Q&As, and a supportive community for just $27/month.

FREE Mental Health Resources: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.co…

Check out my podcast, Therapy in a Nutshell: https://tinpodcast.podbean.com/

Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life’s direction.

What Happens When Two Awakened Souls Meet – Alan Watts

John Malloy
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What Happens When Two Awakened Souls Meet – Alan Watts

Discover the profound transformation that occurs when two spiritually awakened people come together.

In this life-changing lecture, Alan Watts reveals why conscious relationships are completely different from ordinary love, and what happens when two complete souls choose each other not from need, but from freedom. 💫 Key Insights:

  • The difference between needing someone and choosing someone
  • Why awakened souls don’t complete each other—they celebrate each other
  • How conscious relationships are free from drama, jealousy, and possession
  • The recognition that occurs when consciousness meets itself
  • Why intimacy deepens when neither person clings
  • How awakened love transforms physical and emotional connection
  • The sacred quality of ordinary moments in conscious relationships
  • Why freedom and intimacy are not opposites but partners

This transformative teaching explores what most people never experience: a relationship based on wholeness rather than emptiness, on celebration rather than compensation, on consciousness recognizing itself in another form. Learn why the deepest love only becomes possible when two people no longer need each other. Perfect for those seeking conscious relationships, twin flame connections, spiritual partnerships, and anyone interested in the intersection of love, awakening, and authentic human connection. 🙏 If this wisdom transforms your perspective on love and relationships, consider supporting us on Patreon. Creating these lectures takes countless hours of research, writing, voice work, and careful editing to honor Alan Watts’ timeless teachings. Your contribution helps us continue spreading profound wisdom to seekers around the world. Link in description.

STOP telling what’s happening in your life | 369 lessons from Shi Heng Yi

John Malloy
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STOP telling what’s happening in your life | 369 lessons from Shi Heng Yi

Discover the profound wisdom of inner silence and self-mastery in this powerful reflection inspired by ancient Shaolin teachings.

Learn why true strength lies in stillness, why restraint transforms energy into power, and how protecting your inner peace leads to unshakable confidence. This timeless guide reveals how to stop oversharing your life, conserve energy, and cultivate quiet presence that commands respect without words.

Perfect for seekers of mindfulness, discipline, and emotional balance, this message invites you to move beyond noise, embody awareness, and live with depth, calm, and purpose — mastering life through silence and inner control. Shi Heng Yi Mindset

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