Grey-Bruce Kids Winter 2023-24

A FREE MAGAZINE FOR 

PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS 

WINTER 2023/24 • Volume 13 Issue 4 • greybrucekids.com 

EYE SPY 

Good vision 

key to good 

overall health 

LOVE, PEACE 

AND UNITY 

in troubled times 

CONCUSSIONS 

Recognize the signs 

FREE!

FROM THE PUBLISHER 

Enjoy the season! 

Somehow it’s winter again in Grey/Bruce. Each year the holiday season seems to creep 

up on me more quickly. 

CONTENTS 

4 Concussion awareness 

10 Sharing your memories 

While I’m well aware winter always comes after fall, I’m always surprised by the first 

snowfall (which happened on Halloween this year, a cruel joke!), leaving me, like many 

others, scrambling to get snow tires on, finish raking leaves, put away patio furniture 

and then think about the long list of Christmas duties that lie ahead. 

Many of us – especially those Moms who want everything to be just perfect for their 

family during the holidays – find this time of year exhausting. Though it’s easier said 

than done, we should all take a step back and remember that our loved ones aren’t 

going to remember every perfect little detail of the holiday season, they’re going to 

remember the warmth and comfort they felt, the laughs the family shared, and the 

feeling of togetherness more so than the decorations or presents. 

Give yourself a break, take a breath, and be sure to savour every minute with your 

family, as they grow up so quickly! 

Regardless of whether or not we are ready, the holidays will be over and we’ll be left 

with the snow and cold, so we might as well enjoy it, check out the activities at the 

local arena, hopefully get the snowmobile out, play in the snow with the kids or 

hunker down with a good book or movie and wait it out until spring. 

14 Eye health 

18 Cultural celebrations 

22 Postpartum fathers 

26 Resources 

30 Recipes 

In this issue we have an informative article about a very important and seemingly alltoo-common 

topic of concussions, by physiotherapist Kyle Kortegaard. We also have 

health stories on the importance of vision screening by Grey Bruce Public Health and 

what postpartum depression looks like in men around the holidays, contributed by 

Chanel Wainscott. 

Writer and memory keeper Arlen Wiebe also writes about the importance of keeping 

the past alive and recording the life story of both yourself and your aging loved ones. 

Chandrashekhar Tripathi also shares an 

article about cultural diversity in Grey/Bruce 

and how holidays are celebrated in many 

different ways. 

I hope you have a safe and healthy holiday 

season surrounded by those you love, and 

all the best in 2024! 

Amy Irwin, Publisher 

WINTER 2023/24 

Publisher 

Amy Irwin 

amy@greybrucekids.com 

Magazine Design 

Becky Grebenjak 

Advertising inquiries 

amy@greybrucekids.com 

Grey-Bruce Kids welcomes your feedback. 

EMAIL amy@greybrucekids.com 

PHONE 519-524-0101 

MAIL P.O. Box 287, Ripley, ON N0G 2R0 

Grey-Bruce Kids is distributed for free in Grey and 

Bruce counties, and is published each March, June, 

September and December. Distribution of this 

publication does not constitute endorsement of 

information, products or services by Grey-Bruce Kids, 

its writers or advertisers. Viewpoints of contributors 

and advertisers are not necessarily those of the 

Publisher. Grey-Bruce Kids reserves the right to edit, 

reject or comment on all material and advertising 

contributed. No portion of Grey-Bruce Kids may be 

reproduced without the written permission of the 

Publisher.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS 

CONCUSSIONS 

WITH HOCKEY SEASON UPON US, IT’S IMPORTANT 

TO KNOW THE SIGNS BY KYLE KORTEGAARD 

4 GREY-BRUCE KIDS • WINTER 2023/24

Another hockey season is well underway. Those of us with young children 

get to see them develop their skating skills, as those with older kids start 

to see the transition toward contact hockey. 

In either case, we are likely to witness some falls, trips, and collisions; and 

inevitably, some injuries. There’s one injury that can happen to any player 

at any time out on the ice – concussion – and we parents and coaches need 

to be on lookout for them. 

WHAT IS A CONCUSSION? 

A concussion is an injury to the brain and is often referred to as a mild 

traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Don’t be fooled by the word “mild,” as every 

concussion should be taken very seriously. Concussions are not always obvious 

like other injuries we see in sports. They cannot be seen on X-ray, CT scans, or 

MRIs. A concussion can change how a person thinks, acts, and feels. 

HOW DO CONCUSSIONS HAPPEN? 

In sustaining a concussion, we often think of a direct blow or impact to the 

head. However, indirect blows to the head, where the head and neck are 

quickly whipped around as the result of a hit to the body, can also cause 

a concussion. In either case, the brain is moved quickly within the skull, 

imparting a rapid stretch and strain on nerve fibres within the brain, leading to 

a brain injury. The stress on the brain cells causes an immediate shift in their 

chemical makeup. The brain starts correcting this imbalance, but it takes an 

enormous amount of energy (glucose or blood sugar). At the same time, there 

is a reduction in blood flow to the brain, further limiting the supply of glucose 

to the brain. This leads to an “energy crisis” as the brain tries to heal itself, 

which can last seven to 14 days in adults, and up to 30 days in children and 

adolescents. 1 

HOW TO RECOGNIZE CONCUSSION 

Concussion should be suspected following any direct or indirect blow to the 

head. Checking in with your child, even after what may appear to be a minor 

bump, collision, or fall, is always warranted to identify a potential head injury. 

Some common signs and symptoms include: 

• Headache 

• Nausea or vomiting 

• Dizziness 

• Balance problems 

• Fatigue and drowsiness 

• Sleeping difficulties 

• Sensitivity to light/sound 

• Irritability 

• Difficulty concentrating and/or remembering 

• Feeling “foggy” mentally 

• Visual problems 

• Sadness and depression 

• Nervousness and increased anxiety 

greybrucekids.com • 5

Symptoms may present immediately following the injury or may be delayed in their onset, so it 

is important to watch for any signs or symptoms in the hours or days after a potential concussive 

injury. One sign or symptom is enough to suspect concussion. 

If you suspect this is the case, they should be assessed by their doctor as a first step. The physician 

will help determine the severity of the head injury, rule out potential serious injuries, and direct 

you in next steps of management and treatment. If your child is experiencing a progressively 

worsening headache, excessive confusion or disorientation, significant unsteadiness or coordination 

issues, weakness or tingling in the arms or legs, or repeated vomiting, they should be taken to the 

emergency room as these features may indicate a more serious, medically urgent, injury. 

EARLY MANAGEMENT FOLLOWING A CONCUSSION INJURY 

Knowing some basic management strategies in the first few days following a concussion can 

drastically change the trajectory of recovery. Our visual system often gets wrapped up in 

concussion injuries due to extensive connections between our eyes and brain. Therefore, visual 

stimulation should be avoided in the acute stages (first few days) of concussion. This means no 

screens – TV, smartphones, tablets, computers, and video games – and no reading. This can be 

very challenging in today’s tech-heavy culture. Listening to audio books or sports games on the 

radio (at a tolerable volume) is a temporary, recommended alternative that won’t overwhelm your 

child’s healing nervous system. 

Current consensus guidelines recommend one to two days of complete rest, followed by a 

gradual return to activity. 2 Research now supports getting back to light activity within a few days 

post-concussion as opposed to strict rest until symptoms resolve. In fact, one study found that 

those who undergo prolonged, strict rest have a higher symptom burden and slower resolution of 

symptoms, 3 while other studies have found no difference in recovery outcomes. 4,5,6 

Early return to light aerobic exercise at a sub-symptom threshold, such as going for an easy walk, 


is safe and encouraged, so long as it does not aggravate your 

child’s symptoms (or if symptoms do worsen slightly, they should 

return to baseline fairly quickly). There is no cookie-cutter 

approach to concussion recovery – each concussion is unique, and 

management should be individualized to each person. 

Your child may be referred by your doctor for rehabilitation after 

a concussive injury. Health care professionals trained to assess 

and treat concussions include physiotherapists, occupational 

therapists, chiropractors, athletic therapists, and osteopaths. 

They will help educate you on the nature of concussions, your 

child’s specific presentation, and management strategies during 

healing and recovery. 

Specific exercises are often prescribed to help integrate the visual 

and balance systems so that they can work in unison again. 

Optometrists and ophthalmologists may be involved to assess 

the health and function of your child’s eyes. Vision therapy can 

be another compliment to concussion rehab when the visual 

system is not integrating well with the rest of the brain. 

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS 

Myth: It’s not a concussion if the person didn’t lose 

consciousness or get “knocked out.” 

This is a common misconception, and in fact, the majority of 

concussions occur without a loss of consciousness. 7 Recovery 

may be lengthier and more complex if the person loses 

consciousness, but it is not needed to cause a concussion. 

Myth: You shouldn’t sleep after concussion. 

In the past, it was thought that falling asleep soon after 

concussion increased the risk of slipping into a coma. That is not 

the case with concussions as there is no bleeding of the brain or 

structural damage that would cause complications like a coma. 

As mentioned above, if your child is displaying any signs or 

symptoms outside of those consistent with concussion and more 

consistent with a serious injury to the head, seek immediate 

medical attention. 

Myth: You can’t get a concussion if you don’t hit your head. 

Another common assumption is that if there was no direct 

impact to the head, there cannot be a concussion. This is also 

incorrect. With indirect blows to the head, where the body is hit 

or moved suddenly causing the rapid acceleration/deceleration 

of the head, the brain can be quickly shaken within the skull, 

causing a concussive injury. Some examples of this are being in 

a rear-end or side-swipe car accident, being cross-checked from 

behind in hockey causing the neck and head to be whipped 

backward, or slipping on ice and catching yourself before 

actually falling to the ground. 

Myth: Your child can return to their sport as soon as they 

feel better. 

Once your child’s symptoms have resolved (clinical recovery), 

it does not necessarily mean that their brains have completely 

healed yet (physiological recovery). Symptoms may abate within 

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a few days to a week post-concussion however, it has been 

suggested that physiological recovery may take up to 30 days 

in children and adolescents. 2 Therefore, a cautious approach 

should be taken when returning to sport and it should be based 

on functional recovery (ie. no symptom exacerbation during 

sport-specific tasks, normalized balance, concentration, reaction 

time, etc.) rather than symptom experience alone. Following 

concussion, the brain is left more susceptible to cellular injury 8 

and, if another head injury is sustained within the window of 

healing from the original concussion, more severe damage to 

the brain may occur. This was the case with Rowan Stringer, a 

17-year-old rugby player from Ottawa, who tragically died in 

2013 from what’s called “Second Impact Syndrome.” 

ROWAN’S LAW 

In the week before her last game, Rowan Stringer was hit twice 

during play and was believed to have sustained a concussion 

with each hit. Afterwards she knew something was off by the 

way she was feeling, and she had let one of her teammates know, 

but did not tell her parents about her symptoms. In her final 

game a few days later, she sustained another hit which caused a 

catastrophic secondary brain injury because her brain was still 

in a vulnerable state from the previous recent concussions. She 

sadly succumbed to her injuries four days later. 

In 2018, new legislation called ‘Rowan’s Law’ was introduced 

and passed by the Ontario government, and set out a framework 

for concussion prevention, detection, and management within 

youth sports. Rowan’s Law applies to every sport organization 

in the province, and requires that all coaches and officials 

review concussion awareness resources prior to the start of 

their respective seasons. 9 The law also requires that each sport 

organization around the province develop and follow a returnto-sport 

protocol following concussion injuries. Concussion 

awareness resources have been developed and made available 

to the public. Every parent of a child in sport is encouraged 

to read these resources and know where to access them. They 

can be found at www.ontario.ca/page/rowans-law-concussionawareness-resources. 

With return-to-sport and return-to-school protocols in place, 

parents and health care providers can follow a stepwise, 

graduated plan to ensure kids recovering from concussion can 

return to their activities safely. The Rowan’s Law e-booklet 

(found at https://files.ontario.ca/mtcs-rowans-law-bookletages-15-and-up-en-2019-05.pdf) 

lays out common steps in 

graduated return-to-sport protocols which are consistent with 

current international consensus guidelines. 2,10 There should be 

a minimum of 24 hours between each step and if the athlete 

experiences any symptoms they must return to the previous step. 

We as parents, coaches, and trainers have a responsibility to 

ensure our children’s and players’ safety above all else. It is always 

better to err on the side of caution if you suspect your child may 

have sustained a concussion. Recognize the signs and symptoms 

of a concussion and remove the athlete from play, even if they 

insist they feel OK. Remember, competitive kids often do not 

want to take themselves out of the game, so we need to be very 

direct in our communication with them. 

Get your child assessed by a physician or nurse practitioner, 

then follow a graduated return to sport (Rowan’s Law, 2018). 

Reach out to a trained allied health professional if you need extra 

guidance in managing a concussion injury. Most concussions in 

children will resolve within one to four weeks. Recovery requires 

patience and an understanding on how and when to ease back 

into usual activities like school and sport. Please take advantage 

of the free concussion awareness resources that are out there – 

they could save your child’s life. 


References 

1. Haller, S. and Walter, K. (2023). Best Practices in Concussion 

Management. Shift Concussion Management. https://www. 

shiftconcussion.ca/training 

2. McCrory, P. et al. (2017). Consensus statement on concussion 

in sport – the 5th international conference on concussion in sport 

held in Berlin, October 2016. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 

51(11). 

3. Thomas, D., Apps, J., Hoffman, R., McCrea, M., & Hammeke, 

T. (2015). Benefits of strict rest after acute concussion: a 

randomized controlled trial. Pediatrics, 135(2); 213-23. 

4. De Kruijk, J., Leffers, P., Meerhoff, S., Rutten, J., & Twijnstra, 

A. (2002). Effectiveness of bed rest after mild traumatic brain 

injury: a randomized trial of no versus six days of bed rest. Journal 

of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, 73(2); 167-72. 

5. Gibson, S., Nigrovic, L., O’Brien, M., & Meehan, W. (2013). 

The effect of recommending cognitive rest on recovery from sportrelated 

concussion. Brain Injury, 27(7); 839-42. 

6. Buckley, T., Munkasy, B., & Clouse, B. (2016). Acute cognitive 

and physical rest may not improve concussion recovery time. The 

Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 31(4); 233-41. 

7. McCrory, P. Meeuwisse, W., Echemendia, R., Iverson, G., 

Dvorak, J., & Kutcher, J. (2013). What is the lowest threshold to 

make a diagnosis of concussion? British Journal of Sports Medicine, 

47(5). 

8. Signoretti, S., Lazzarino, G., Tavazzi, B., & Vagnozzi, R. 

(2011). The pathophysiology of concussion. The Journal of Injury, 

Function, and Rehabilitation, 3(10); 359-68. 

9. Rowan’s Law (Concussion Safety) (2018). https://www.ontario. 

ca/laws/statute/s18001 

10. Patricios, J. et al. (2023). Consensus statement on concussion 

in sport: the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport– 

Amsterdam, October 2022. British journal of Sports Medicine, 

57(11). GBK 

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COMMUNITY 

Saving Your 

Memories 

THE “WHY” AND “HOW” OF SAVING YOUR PRECIOUS RECOLLECTIONS 

BY ARLEN WIEBE 


People have always been captivated by a compelling story. 

Since the birth of language, people from all cultures have 

been telling stories that both instruct and entertain. 

Long ago, people gathered around a fire at the end of a long 

day to hear myths, legends, fables, epic poems, proverbs, 

chants, rhymes, and songs. Storytellers preserved and passed a 

community’s stories down the generations. 

A big shift occurred when people created written language to 

record spoken words. People weren’t completely dependent on a 

community storyteller to preserve the oral stories anymore. With 

the printing press, books could be easily mass produced, and 

more people learned to read. 

Today, another huge shift has occurred. Instead of a communal 

experience around a living fire, families now congregate facing a 

glowing electronic screen. The storytelling task seems to be taken 

over by filmmakers and television writers. 

WHY ARE STORIES SO POWERFUL? 

It’s incredibly fortunate that stories are both instructive and 

entertaining. While it might be possible to commit bits of 

knowledge to memory if we try hard enough, stories help us 

engage with our history, traditions and values much more easily. 

Stories help us to create order and make sense of our lives. They 

help us appreciate how other people think and feel. Stories use 

language in a way that is unlike our everyday way of speaking 

and writing. Stories fashion ordinary words and events into 

extraordinary dramas. 

SHOULD YOU RECORD YOUR 

PERSONAL STORIES? 

Yes! Our personal stories can be extremely valuable to ourselves 

and our families. We can preserve important family stories 

for our children and grandchildren. We can gain insight into 

our struggles and choices and share our wisdom. We can find 

direction for the rest of our lives and heal, especially if our lives 

have been shaped by pain or tragedy. We can connect names and 

stories to old family photos or add details to the family tree. 

Have you ever thought you’d like to know what your ancestors’ 

lives were really like, in their own words? Consider how your 

own life will be interesting to your descendants. Even people 

that don’t know us may be interested in our stories. Many people 

enjoy reading the personal anecdotes, stories and essays in the 

“First Person” section of The Globe and Mail. Maclean’s magazine 

publishes “My Arrival: The Lives of New Canadians” on the last 

page of each issue. CBC posts personal stories and experiences in 

its online “First Person” columns. 

I’ve started writing about my own childhood experiences and 

coming to terms with how they have affected my adult life. 

A CANADIAN BOY IN CALIFORNIA 

I could see my boyhood coming to an end when I was 12 years 

old. The curious warmth of springtime in Winnipeg had come 

back like a long-lost relative returning from a freezing and 

miserable journey. Light green leaves were budding once more 

on ancient elm trees as I walked south along Arlington Street, 

turned west onto Wolseley Avenue, and begrudgingly arrived at 

my weekday destination, Laura Secord School. 

Like all boys of school age should be, I was in a terrible hurry 

for the unbearable monotony of the daily academic ordeal to be 

done for the year. I was exhausted from trying to speak and write 

in my teacher’s funny foreign language. Pourquoi apprenais-je 

le français when my forebears spoke Plautdietsch, Nederlands, 

or Russki yazyk and wrote in Hochdeutsch? Other kids in my 

class came from families that spoke even more exotic languages. 

Why were we all being forced to learn a language not one of our 

families had ever spoken and likely never would? 

And why this inanely prescribed schedule? All this writing, 

reading, presenting, doing, and going here and there at the 

same time every day. Had the adults who ran the school given a 

maniacal villain permission to set up a labyrinth of torture? Why 

were we tested for our ability to remember the random order of 

letters in words or how numbers changed themselves when they 

met the funny symbols on the page? 

Once the clock on the classroom wall was finally persuaded to 

place a short stingy hand on the number three and its longer 

hand on six, I fled the prison and quickly reversed the route I 

had slowly walked that morning. 

Once at home, I put on a blue jersey, white pants, and cap 

and held my baseball glove in my hand. I finally felt free of all 

restraints. My mother had mercifully signed me up for a team 

through the R.A. Steen Community Centre, located on the far 

end of the field behind my school. We played our games in a 

sunken double baseball diamond circled by a gravel walking and 

biking path, near Omand’s Creek. 

I tried all the baseball positions in the field but I most enjoyed 

pitching. Standing high on an elevated mound. Controlling the 

start of each play. Deciding where to place the baseball to the 

waiting batters. 

I always held the baseball with the fastball grip. I hadn’t been 

taught how to throw any other kinds of pitches. Instead of 

variety, I tried to throw the same pitch again and again, laser 

focused on the shifting strike zone. Sometimes the ball would 

thread through that invisible rectangle between the elbows and 

knees of the cocky boy poised at home plate. Other times, it flew 

out of control, avoiding that rectangle, and rolling to the chain 

link fence behind our catcher. 

Most of my pitches flew past the boys at the plate. On the 

rare occasion when the batter made contact with the ball, my 

teammates organized themselves around the ball, stopped it, and 

threw it to first base. 

Midway through the baseball season, my mother got an 

emotional phone call. My absent father lay dying in a Regina 

hospital. She and I dropped everything and immediately drove 

600 kilometres west across Manitoba and Saskatchewan to visit 

the man my mother had once given her heart to and that we 

barely knew anymore. When we entered my father’s hospital 

room, I saw a sickly, shriveled man in a hospital gown. He could 


A childhood photo of Arlen 

Wiebe and his mother. 

barely sit up in his bed to greet us. Who was this person? I stood 

there stoically, listening to my parents catching up on years of 

missed time together. 

My father had three brothers. His brother Jake, from B.C., 

came with his wife and two kids to visit in the hospital. Once 

his daughter, Shalom, had seen my father and left the room, 

she started to sob in the hallway. I watched her from my dad’s 

bedside. Why was she so upset? It wasn’t her father dying, it 

was mine. If anyone should be worked up, it should be me. I 

looked inside myself to find something that matched my cousin’s 

emotion but there was nothing there. 

We returned to Winnipeg and the baseball season continued. A 

few weeks later, there was another difficult phone call. We buried 

my father beside a little country church on the Saskatchewan 

prairie. 

Soon after, my mother was very surprised to receive a large 

payment from my father’s life insurance policy that had been 

kept active. This set the gears in motion for my mother’s next 

step. She had always dreamed of studying to become a pastor 

and now she had the money to do it. She wanted to study at a 

seminary in California. All that summer, my mother prepared 

us to move. I was devastated. I didn’t want to live in a foreign 

country without friends or anything familiar. 

In late August, my mother and I boarded an airplane that took 

us from Winnipeg to Minneapolis, then on to Los Angeles. We 

crossed that huge airport to catch a tiny airplane to take us to 

Fresno. We moved into a small apartment on the campus where 

my mother would study the Bible and theology. 

I would attend school as a light-skinned Canadian among a sea 

of black and brown faces. I would travel to Yosemite National 

Park, San Francisco, and Hollywood. I would be forced to adapt 

to many new things as I started Grade 7. My Canadian boyhood 

had come to an end in California. 

WHAT’S INVOLVED WITH RECORDING 

YOUR PERSONAL STORIES? 

Recording your personal stories is a way to connect generations 

and preserve memories. Sometimes called a personal history, it 

could be a memoir, a tribute, a life story, a family biography, an 

oral history, a legacy letter, or ethical will. 

If you work on your own personal history or that of a loved one, 

your only cost is your time and expenses. If you hire a personal 

historian, the cost will range in price from a few hundred dollars 

(audio and/or transcripts for oral history), to thousands of 

dollars (a life story with photos), to tens of thousands of dollars 

(longer or more complex projects). 

WHAT FORMAT DOES PERSONAL 

HISTORY TAKE? 

Personal histories can be recorded in many ways. Here are some 

areas in which personal historians may have expertise. 

Audio recordings/CDs – Recording your stories electronically 

in an audio file or a CD allows your children, grandchildren, 

and great-grandchildren to hear you telling your stories with 

your own voice. Would you enjoy hearing stories told in the 

voices of your ancestors? 

Books – A book can be narrative only or it can feature photos, 

documents, and other illustrations. Books can be paperback or 

hardcover, simple or elegant. 


Art books, scrapbooks, handmade books – These are one-of-akind 

products that can include written stories, photos, drawings, 

scraps of fabric, pressed flowers, jewelry, and any other kind of 

valued memento. 

Photo books, collages, calendars – These products are mostly 

photos or drawings combined with very few written words. You 

could create a beautiful photo book, a poster-sized collage, or 

a photo calendar with pictures of family members included on 

their birthdays, anniversaries, or other important dates. 

Photo videos – You can use photos, home movies, slides, 

videotapes, and other memorabilia to create a memorable video 

set to music. 

DVDs – You can capture a person’s voice, personality, gestures, 

and spirit for posterity on video. This kind of project can be 

simple or complex, include individual or group interviews, and 

range from short tribute to TV-style biography. 

Ethical wills or legacy letters – An ethical will or legacy letter is a 

statement of your personal values, beliefs, life lessons, and a message 

you want to convey to your family, friends, and community. 

Legacy planning – Legacy planning helps you preserve your 

values and heritage for future generations. Tasks might include 

taking care of historical family documents and photos, creating 

an archive, preparing material for an obituary, or memorial 

service planning. 

Family websites – It’s becoming increasingly popular for 

families to create a website to preserve and share family stories 

and information. These sites might include a family tree, 

genealogy, photos, letters, stories, videos, and sound files. 

Unique products – Some people enjoy being creative with their 

precious memories. A special quilt could be made of valued 

fabrics or decorations. Inspiring images and music can lead to a 

painting, drawing, mural, collage, memory box or multimedia 

presentation. Valued recipes could be collected into a family 

cookbook. What else could you imagine? 

TELL YOUR STORY 

People now recognize that reminiscence and life review are 

important life processes. Working through our memories to find 

patterns, meaning, and values are key to a fully examined life. 

Many of us think about interviewing our aging family members 

but put it off until later. When we finally find the time, it may 

be too late, the loved one could be too frail to tell their stories or 

their memories may have faded. Or worse, they may have passed 

away. If recording your own stories or that of a loved one is 

important to you, take the first step today to making it happen! 

ARLEN WIEBE is a personal historian, writer, musician, and teacher 

living in Owen Sound. He enjoys helping people find meaning and 

purpose through writing their life stories, memoirs, and family history. 

You can learn more about him at your-life-stories.ca. You can contact 

him by email at arlen.wiebe.writer@gmail.com or by text/phone at 226- 

668-3352.. 

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EYE SPY 

GOOD VISION KEY TO 

GOOD OVERALL HEALTH 

BY JODY KROEPLIN 


They say the eyes are the window to our soul – the part of the 

body that reflects our true emotions, thoughts, and feelings. 

Our eyes – and, more specifically, our vision – are also a window 

to learning and knowledge, particularly as we grow. 

For children, good vision can play a critical role in physical 

development, success in school, and overall well-being. Children 

who cannot see the board in school, focus on a picture, or follow 

words in a book may struggle to achieve their full learning 

potential, according to the Ontario Association of Optometrists 

(OAO). Vision problems can also impact a child’s hand-eye 

coordination for physical activities and even impact their social 

development. However, many parents are unaware of just how 

important good vision is to their child’s overall health and 

development. 

According to the OAO: 

• Almost three-quarters of Ontario parents are unaware that 

vision problems can cause speech difficulties. 

• Nearly two-thirds of Ontario parents are unaware that 

vision problems can lead to developmental delays. 

• Half of Ontario parents do not realize that a vision problem 

may cause short attention spans in children. 

OVERALL WELL-BEING 

Roughly 80 per cent of what children learn is gained through 

vision, according to the Vision Institute of Canada. However, 

vision problems can go undetected in early childhood because 

children cannot always recognize that they have vision issues. 

They believe everyone sees the world as they do. 

Although many activities in the classroom and at school 

can draw attention to possible vision concerns in children, 

extracurricular or household activities also rely on vision-based 

skills. Many eye health concerns, if caught early, can be treated. 

Some common signs and symptoms of vision problems in 

children include: 

• Squinting. 

• Excessive blinking. 

• Excessive eye rubbing. 

• Tearing, red, itchy, or burning eyes. 

• Holding objects close to the eyes. 

• Headaches or eye strain. 

• Blurry vision or double vision. 

• Eye turn (strabismus). 

• Turning or tilting the head. 

• Covering or closing one eye. 

Other, less obvious, signs of vision problems in children can 

include: 

• A dislike of near work. 

• A short attention span. 

• Daydreaming during work time. 

• Skipping words, letters, or lines when reading or taking 

notes from the board. 

• Using a finger or moving the head to track when reading. 

• Trouble reading, difficulty remembering what was read, or 

poor comprehension. 

• Delayed learning of the alphabet. 

• Persistent letter, number, or word reversals. 

• Not completing assignments on time. 

• Difficulty with geometric shapes. 

• Poor hand-eye coordination. 

• Poor performance in school. 

• Behaviour problems. 

IMPORTANCE OF EYE EXAMS 

As many as one-quarter of children have a vision problem, 

according to the OAO. However, thousands of children start 

school each year without ever having an eye exam. Regularly 

visiting an optometrist is key to ensuring vision issues are 

diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible and maintaining 

healthy vision and overall health. 

The OAO recommends that children have a comprehensive 

eye examination by an optometrist at six to nine months of 

age, two to five years of age, and every year after age five, or 

as recommended by an optometrist. Eye exams performed by 

optometrists look at the structural development of the eye and 

identify any underlying health conditions. 

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers the cost of 

a comprehensive eye examination once every 12 months for 

individuals with a valid OHIP card who are 19 years of age and 

younger or 65 years of age and older. Additional vision support 

is available for people accessing Ontario Works, the Ontario 

Disability Support Program, Non-insured Health Benefits 

Program or Interim Federal Health Program. 

‘Eye See… Eye Learn’ is a program made possible by 

participating optometrists and corporate partners Onesight 

EssilorLuxottica Foundation Canada and Modern Optical 

Canada. The program provides Junior or Senior Kindergarten 

students in need of prescription eyeglasses with one 

complimentary pair of frames and lenses. 

LOCAL VISION SCREENING PROGRAM 

In 2018, the Ontario Public Health Standards outlined that, 

in collaboration with community partners, Public Health 

units will provide visual health supports and vision screening 

services. Since the 2022/23 school year, Grey Bruce Public 

Health (GBPH) has, in partnership with District A9 Lions 


Club International, conducted vision screening with Senior 

Kindergarten students in schools within Grey and Bruce 

counties with the goal of increasing awareness of visual health 

and the availability of OHIP-covered comprehensive eye exams 

with an optometrist. 

During the last school year, screening was provided to every SK 

classroom within the Bluewater District School Board, Bruce 

Grey Catholic District School Board, Ecole Catholique Saint- 

Dominique-Savio, and Kikendaasogamig Elementary School. 

During the in-school screening, three vision screening tests 

are used to help assess the most common vision impairments 

in young children. Screening takes an average of 20 minutes 

or less per child and results are sent home with students in 

an information letter. The letter encourages families to book 

a routine, comprehensive eye examination for their child, 

regardless of their vision screening results, with an optometrist. 

GBPH collects screening data for analysis and interpretation, as 

specified by the Ministry of Health. 

This school year, GBPH and District A9 Lions volunteers are 

again visiting public elementary schools in Grey/Bruce. Schools 

will be sending home notification letters with SK students about 

the upcoming screening clinics, issued from GBPH. Following 

the screening, students will be sent home with a letter indicating 

the results of the screening and recommendations for ongoing 

eye health. 

Regardless of their screening results, all children are strongly 

encouraged to visit an optometrist for a comprehensive eye 

exam. In-school screenings do not replace this necessity for eye 

health. If you have any questions about the in-school vision 

program, results from the in-school vision program, or need 

support in finding a local optometrist or vision resources, call 

Grey Bruce Public Health at 519-376-9420 x 3110 or 1-800- 

263-3456, or email schools@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca. 

TIPS FOR PROTECTING VISION 

Eat well – Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables provides our 

bodies with important vitamins and nutrients – many which are 

necessary for maintaining healthy eyes. 

Limit screen time – Uncorrected vision can become worse with 

increased screen time. Protect children’s vision by encouraging 

frequent breaks from digital devices, as well as near-vision 

activities like reading and writing. 

Get a good night’s sleep – Sleep is an essential component to 

our health to allow the body to heal. This includes resting our 

eyes impacted by eye strain and irritants in the environment. 

Go outside – Physical activity and Vitamin D from the sun are 

not the only benefits to our eyes when it comes to outside play. 

Allowing our eye muscles to relax and break from the many 

hours of near-vision activities we do each day is important to eye 

health. 


Put on sunglasses – With outside play comes sun exposure and 

ultraviolet (UV) rays. Wearing sunglasses with 100 per cent UV 

protection will help to protect your eyes from the harmful effects 

that UV can have on your eyes over time. 

Wear protective eyewear – If you play sports or are involved 

in other activities that may cause injury to the eye, protective 

eyewear can prevent about 90 per cent of eye injuries. 

Sources 

Proper Vision & Hearing Identification for Schools, Ontario 

Association of Optometrists (OAO) and the Ontario Association of 

Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. 

Eye See...Eye Learn® Program - Ontario Association of Optometrists 

Keep an Eye on Your Child’s Vision | CDC 

The Eye Exam | The Canadian Association of Optometrists 

Vision Problems and Learning | The Canadian Association of 

Optometrists 

GBK 

JODY KROEPLIN is a Registered Nurse who has worked at Grey Bruce 

Public Health for 18 years. She is part of the School Health Team. 

Jody’s main interest in Public Health work is supporting the community 

with knowledge and skills to promote health and well-being. In her 

spare time, Jody enjoys being with her family and friends, camping, 

the outdoors, and watching her children play various organized sports 

within the community. 


COMMUNITY 

LOVE, PEACE, AND UNITY 

in troubled times 

CORE MESSAGES OF CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS ARE UNIVERSAL 

BY CHANDRASHEKHAR TRIPATHI 


Amidst the ongoing global turmoil and 

strife, the search for messages of love, 

peace, and unity becomes increasingly crucial. 

This article explores how diverse winter 

festivals celebrated in Canada offer a beacon of 

hope during these challenging times. 

Through the lenses of Christmas, Hanukkah, 

Eid, Bodhi Day, and Diwali, we discover that, 

despite their cultural and religious diversity, the 

core message of these celebrations is universal 

– oneness (vasudhaiv kutumkam – whole 

world is one family), acceptance, and the 

spread of goodwill. These festivals inspire us 

to transcend chaos, discover common ground, 

and collaborate for a brighter future. 

In Canada’s multicultural landscape, the 

celebration of diversity is fundamental to 

society. Canadians firmly believe in ‘unity 

in diversity,’ where individuals from various 

ethnic backgrounds coexist harmoniously, 

contributing collectively to the nation’s 

progress. This inclusive spirit is beautifully 

demonstrated in multicultural festivals that 

introduce people to new cultures, languages, 

cuisines, and traditions. For the past 18 years, 

these festivals have been a consistent force 

in fostering unity and understanding among 

communities. 


As we embrace the 

lessons from each 

festival, we find 

inspiration to rise 

above the turmoil and 

chaos that plague the 

world. The message 

is crystal clear – let’s 

work together for a 

brighter future. 

Major local employers like Bruce Power play a significant role in 

bringing together diverse populations, significantly transforming 

communities like Kincardine and Port Elgin into diverse hubs, 

exemplifying the success of multicultural integration. The 

festivals celebrated also play a pivotal role in unifying people, 

promoting forgiveness, and spreading the message of love and 

understanding. 

Christmas – One of the most important festivals of Christians, 

Christmas is observed on Dec. 25 and celebrates the birth 

of Jesus Christ. It is characterized by exchanging gifts within 

families and friends and gifts brought by Santa Claus. Christians 

wear new clothes and attend special prayers in the church 

and light the candles. The churches and houses are lit up and 

decorated during Christmas. The period of celebration varies 

in different countries from one day to several days. In modern 

marketing society, like all other celebrations, this is heavily 

commercialized. People decorate Christmas trees with toys and 

other decorative items, but the message of Christmas being a 

time of joy, peace and sacrifice for others remains. 

Hanukkah (Hebrew) – Also known as the Festival of 

Rededication, Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish celebration 

beginning on the 25th day of Kislev, according to the 

Hebrew calendar. The festival is observed in Jewish homes 

by the kindling of lights on each of the festival’s eight nights, 

one on the first night, two on the second and so on. The 

holiday is called Hanukkah meaning “dedication,” which also 

commemorates the Miracle of the Oil (one-day olive oil used 

to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple miraculously lasted for 

eight days). The history of this festival chronicles the Jewish 

people celebrating the revolution against the suppression and 

assimilation of the Jewish religion. 

Eid al-Fitr and Eid a-Adha – Often abbreviated to Eids, 

these are Islamic holidays. Eid al-Fitr is a feast-breaking that 

marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting (austerity 

for goodness), which is observed on the 10th day of the last 

month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Eid a-Adha is celebrated 

to commemorate Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son 

at the behest of God. It is also called the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’ 

or ‘Greater Eid.’ The celebrations start after the annual Hajj 

pilgrimage to Mecca. Families celebrate both Eids by spending 

time with friends and relatives, exchanging gifts and attending 

services at mosques. 

Bodhi Day – In commemoration of the enlightenment of the 

Buddha, Bodhi Day is traditionally celebrated by Buddhists 

on the eighth day of the 12th lunar month, so this year it falls 

on Dec. 8. It celebrates how Siddhartha Gautama, who was 

born in a Hindu family in India, became the central figure and 

founder of Buddhism. It is said Gautama lived a life of extreme 

discipline and abstained from indulgences, while continuing 

meditation under the Pipal tree until he was able to find the 

cause of suffering and how to achieve liberation from it. Families 

celebrate this important moment in their religion by hanging 

up multi-coloured lights and lighting candles, meditating and 

snacking on rice and milk called Khir, which is the first meal the 

Buddha ate after his enlightenment. 

Diwali – Originating from the Sanskrit word ‘Deepavali,’ Diwali 

literally means rows (avali) of lights (deepa), which is popularly 

known as Festival of Lights. It is regarded as the most important 

Hindu festival of the lunar calendar and is celebrated with great 

excitement across India (Bharat) and by Indians living abroad. 


Celebrations continue over a period of five days, each of which 

has its own significance. The days are named as Dhanteras, 

Narak Chaturdashi, Lakshmi Puja, Padava and Bhaiya Dooj. 

Before the start of the festival, spring cleaning is undertaken 

to welcome the goddess Lakshmi (the giver of wealth). 

Traditionally, rows of clay lamps filled with oil were lit, but now 

candles are used and the celebration starts with prayers, sweets, 

songs and fireworks. This practice symbolizes the vanquishing 

of ignorance (darkness) by knowledge (light) and celebrates the 

victory of good over evil by driving away the evil sprit. 

There is an exchange of gifts and the distribution of sweets, 

which symbolizes the dispelling of the bitterness of the past and 

renewal of friendship for times to come. It also means to drop 

the regrets of the past and the worries of the future and to live in 

the present. 

When true wisdom dawns, it gives rise to celebration of every 

moment of life. 

In Hinduism, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to 

his kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating the demon king 

Ravana, in the epic Ramayana. It also celebrates the slaying 

of the demon king Narakasura by Lord Krishna. Both signify 

the victory of good over evil. In Jainism, Diwali marks the 

attainment of moksha by Mahavira in 527 BC. In Sikhism, 

Diwali commemorates the return of Guru Har Gobind SinghJi 

to Amritsar after freeing several kings imprisoned in by the 

Emperor, Jahangir. 

Diwali is also the day on which Emperor Vikramaditya ascended 

the throne, and when many Hindu start their New Year (Samvat 

– started 2,080 years ago). 

As we embrace the lessons from each festival, we find inspiration 

to rise above the turmoil and chaos that plague our world. The 

message is crystal clear – let’s work together for a brighter future, 

where love, peace, and service prevail. These festivals serve as 

a unifying force, fostering understanding, and acceptance. By 

embracing these principles, we can transcend the strife and 

create a world where peace, love, and unity flourish. 

I have taken the first step by greeting my neighbours during 

their festivals and sharing our traditions with open doors 

and warm smiles. I extend an invitation to you to join us in 

spreading the message of love, peace, and service. Together, we 

can build a more harmonious and compassionate world. GBK 

Proud supporters 

of agriculture in 

Midwestern Ontario, 

Miller Insurance 

specializes in 

agriculture business 

and farm policies. 

Contact one of our 

offices today. 

CHANDRASHEKHAR TRIPATHI, a holder of a PhD in environmental 

engineering from the University of Toronto, has recently retired 

from Bruce Power. Apart from his professional achievements in the 

environmental field, he passionately champions principles of diversity, 

inclusiveness, and community service. He actively promotes holistic 

wellness and the pursuit of life goals through a balanced lifestyle. 



Connecting 

THROUGH ISOLATION 

A POSTPARTUM FATHER’S GUIDE TO HOLIDAY MINDFULNESS 

AND DISTRESS TOLERANCE BY CHANEL WAINSCOTT 


The holiday season is a time that invokes a multitude of memories, enveloping 

us in a sensory tapestry of sight, sound, touch, taste, and emotion. It’s during 

this time that we create traditions that become cherished memories. The familiar and 

comforting sights and sounds of the holidays can also bring a sense of novelty each 

year, as we become more deeply involved in the festive rituals. 

That warm feeling of belonging, of being part of something greater, is what many 

argue defines the essence of the holidays. However, in the same breath, for some, the 

holidays can be a period of heightened isolation, a time when they feel like they don’t 

fit in or lack a sense of purpose. It can serve as a stark reminder of the family and 

stability they long for but may not have. 

Within this group of individuals, we might find the new father on the challenging 

journey of postpartum life. This person understands the weight of their legacy and the 

responsibilities they now bear. They can share how it feels to be surrounded by many 

but still grapple with a profound sense of loneliness. 

One-in-10 new fathers experience depression, a condition marked by feelings of 

anger, physical symptoms (headache, stomach issues, etc.), and an urge to cope using 

substances. Anxiety often accompanies postpartum fathers’ experience. Unfortunately, 

the stigma surrounding men’s emotional well-being often prevents them or their 

friends from opening up about this common experience. For postpartum fathers, the 

three- to six-month mark is when depression tends to hit the hardest. If this period 

falls within the holiday season, the situation can become even more challenging due 

to the added stressors of dark, cold weather, painful memories, and overall exhaustion. 

It’s common for those with postpartum depression to isolate themselves from others 

during this time. However, it’s important to remember that change can arise from 

adversity. By seeking out rewarding connections and engagement, the momentum 

gained from your efforts can make a significant difference in your mental health. This 

approach is known as behavioural activation. Now, let’s explore two ways to foster 

genuine connections during the holidays. 

PRACTICING MINDFULNESS 

Mindfulness is a powerful way to connect with the reality of the present moment. By 

doing so, you can tap into the goodness in your life and establish deeper connections 

with others and the universe while reducing tension and stress. Mindfulness involves 

neither rejecting nor clinging to the present moment. Rejection takes effort and 


energy, diverting you from what is constantly 

evolving in the present. Attachment, however, keeps 

you preoccupied with the past or future, preventing 

you from fully experiencing the now. The beauty of 

mindfulness is that you can practice it anywhere, 

anytime, and while doing anything. But how can 

you do it? 

The holiday season is a time that can evoke (and 

create) a plethora of memories, engaging all five of 

your senses – sight, sound, touch, taste, and feel. 

One straightforward way to practice mindfulness 

during this period is by observing both your internal 

and external worlds. Take a moment to notice the 

aroma of a delicious dessert, the sensation of your 

stomach excitedly anticipating a bite, the softness 

of your holiday sweater, and the high pitch of 

your baby’s squeals and babble. Once you become 

adept at observing these sensations, you can further 

enhance your mindfulness by describing your 

experience with words and labels. When a thought 

or feeling arises, acknowledge it, give it a name, and 

describe the physical sensations associated with it. 

Here is what these skills can look like as an internal 

dialogue in response to the above observation: “His 

laughter made me think of my childhood and the 

caring parents I never had. I’m feeling angry. I’m 

feeling tense in my jaw.” To make the most out 

of this exercise, it is important not to hold onto 

this experience. Imagine that this observation and 

description is a cloud in the sky – here one moment 

and floating on outside of view the next. 

Throughout this process, immerse yourself 

completely in the activities of the current moment. 

If you’re playing a game with your family and/or 

baby, allow your attention to be fully absorbed in the 

experience. 

DISTRESS TOLERANCE SKILLS 

It’s crucial to acknowledge that the holiday season 

can bring about high stress levels for many people. 

However, it’s essential to remember that this period 

is relatively short-lived. If we can develop the ability 

to tolerate the challenging aspects of the holidays, 

we can navigate through them. You may feel 

24 GREY-BRUCE KIDS • WINTER 2023/24

overwhelmed at times, but there are opportunities to engage 

with others and partake in activities that can significantly benefit 

your mental health by combatting isolation. Here are some ways 

to build distress tolerance skills while remaining connected to 

the people and events around you. 

First, use your mindfulness skills to monitor the signs of 

increasing stress in your body and the thoughts and emotions 

that may drive you towards isolation. When you recognize these 

initial warning signs, it’s a crucial moment to stop what you’re 

doing. Resist the urge to react impulsively and take a step back 

from the situation. Breathe deeply and reconnect with your 

earlier observations and descriptions. Compare these with the 

current situation, and then move forward with awareness. Ask 

yourself, what actions will improve the situation, and which 

might make it worse? 

After evaluating your current state of being, you can name 

that your anger is increasing and you feel like you’re out of 

“mindfulness fuel.” Taking space to yourself would make the 

situation better, but following through with the urge to storm 

out of the house might make it worse. This is a moment where 

you can take a premade sandwich bag of ice water to the 

bathroom and apply it to your forehead as a way to calm your 

nervous system. Returning back to the function, you can offer 

to help a friend or family member set the table for the evening. 

If thoughts of unworthiness or self-doubt arise, practice selfsoothing 

techniques. Play soothing music and retreat to the 

couch and wrap yourself in a cozy blanket. In these moments, 

focus on the positive aspects of your present experience and find 

meaning in them. As you observe yourself returning to a state of 

calm, you can attempt to rejoin the group and fully engage in 

the next activity or conversation with mindfulness and a sense of 

well-being. 

Incorporating these changes into your life may take time and 

effort, but remember that new behaviours must be learned and 

practiced in the situations where they are most needed. It’s not 

just about acquiring the skills but using them effectively when 

it counts. Additionally, it’s important to recognize that change 

requires continuous effort. While doing your best is a great start, 

it’s also necessary to push a little harder for growth. The fact that 

you’re committed to making positive changes in your life is a 

significant step in the right direction. 

As you journey through the challenges of postpartum depression 

and work on enhancing your mental well-being, remember that 

with perseverance and the right support, you can find yourself 

in a better place at the end of it all. You’ve got this, and there is 

hope for brighter days ahead. GBK 

CHANEL WAINSCOTT is a qualifying psychotherapist who specializes in 

perinatal mental health. She can be reached at info@carecultivator.ca or 

www.carecultivator.ca for additional resources and support. 

‘Share your personal or family story with future generations’ 

• We record you telling your stories and 

transcribe your words 

• We suggest writing prompts to help 

you recall important memories 

• We research your family history 

• We write and edit your stories 

• We publish a custom-made book or 

other creative memory project 

__________________________________________ 

ARLEN WIEBE 

Personal Historian 

at Your Life Stories 

www.your-life-stories.ca 

arlen.wiebe.writer@gmail.com 

226-668-3352 


RESOURCES 

ABUSE 

Assaulted Women’s Helpline 

Crisis line: 1-866-863-0511 

www.awhl.org 

Bruce Grey Child and Family Services 

(Bruce and Grey Children’s Aid Societies 

amalgamated April 1, 2012) 

1-855-322-4453 

Keystone Child, Youth & Family Services 

1-800-567-2384; 519-371-4773 

kcyfs@bmts.com or keystonebrucegrey.org 

Owen Sound 

Saugeen First Nation - Kabaeshiwim 

Respite Women’s Shelter 

519-797-2521 

cgeorge@saugeenfirstnation.ca 

www.saugeenfirstnation.ca 

Sexual Assault and Partner 

Abuse Care Centre 

Grey Bruce Health Services 

1-888-525-0552 or www.gbhs.on.ca 

Owen Sound 

Victim Services Bruce Grey 

Perth 

Crisis: 1-866-376-9852 

Administration: 1-888-577-3111 

info@victim-services.com 

www.victim-services.com 

Victim/Witness Assistance Program 

Owen Sound - 1-866-259-4823 

Walkerton - 1-866-994-9904 

attorneygeneral@ontario.ca 

http://bit.ly/ujKyeE 

Women’s Centre (Grey and Bruce) 

Administration: 519-376-0755 

Crisis: 1-800-265-3722 

womenscentre@bmts.com 

www.bmts.com/~womenscentre 

Owen Sound 

Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey 

Sexual assault crisis: 1-866-578-5566 

Crisis line: 1-800-265-3026 

Administration: (519) 396-9814 

crisis@whsbg.on.ca 

www.whsbg.on.ca 

Kincardine 

BREASTFEEDING 

Brockton and Area Family Health Team 

1-866-507-2021 or 519-881-1920 

RN/certified Lactation Consultant available 

www.bafht.com 

Walkerton 

Grey Bruce Health Unit 

1-800-263-3456 

publichealth@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca 

www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca 

Owen Sound 

Hanover Family Health Team 

RN/Certified Lactation Consultant 

519-506-4348 

www.hanoverfht.ca 

La Leche League Canada 

Owen Sound; 519-376-5916; www.lllc.ca 

Moms Walkerton 

New Mom support 

320 Durham St.., Walkerton; 519-379-6769 

Support groups 

Southampton, Port Elgin, Paisley, and Tara - 

519-797-2010 

Kincardine, Ripley, Tiverton, and Lucknow - 

519-368-4847 

South-Bruce Breastfeeding Buddies - 

519-881-1920 

Wiarton and Bruce Peninsula - 519-534-0912 

Markdale - 519-369-3381 

Owen Sound - 519-372-1330 

The Mama Nurse 

www.themamanurse.com 

CHILDBIRTH 

Glamma Doula 

Christine Piotrowski, Postpartum Doula 

www.glammadoula.com; 519-477-9985 

Hanover and District Hospital Obstetrics/ 

Family Centred Care Birthing Centre 

519-364-2340 

admin@hanoverhospital.on.ca 

www.hanoverhospital.on.ca 

Jessica Connor Doula Services 

519-580-0612 or jconnor.doula@gmail.com 

www.jessicaconnor.ca 

Midwives Grey Bruce 

519-371-2886 

www.midwivesgreybruce.com 

Owen Sound 

Owen Sound Hospital Labour and Delivery 

519-376-2121 

www.gbhs.on.ca/owensound.php 

Walkerton Hospital Family Birthing Centre 

519-881-1220 

www.sbghc.on.ca 

CHILD CARE 

Acorn Montessori 

705-606-1642 

Thornbury 

Amabel-Sauble Child Care Centre 

519-422-3611 

Sauble Beach 

Beaver Valley Outreach 

519-599-2577 

Bobi’s Playschool 

519-538-5483 

Meaford 

Brockton Child Care Centre 

sbross@brockton.ca 

Brooke Montessori Toddler Program 

519-376-3447, Owen Sound 

Bruce County Childcare Services 

519-881-0431 or www.brucecounty.on.ca 

Walkerton 

Bruce Peninsula Family Centre 

519-793-4100 

Lion’s Head 

Chesley Nursery School 

519-363-9544 

Durham Nursery School 

519-369-6973 

Grey County Childcare Services 

519-376-7324, www.greycounty.ca/childcare 

Hanover Montessori Children’s House 

1-800-906-7036 or 519-364-6455 

Happy Hearts Day Care Centre 

519-376-1284 

Owen Sound 

Inglenook Creche Day Care 

519-371-9471; Owen Sound 

Kids & Us Community Childcare 

and Family Education Centres 

Ayton - 519-665-2022 

Dundalk - 519-923-2182 

Durham - 519-369-9911 

Holstein - 519-334-3132 

Markdale - 519-986-3692 

Osprey - 519-922-2333 

Paisley - 519-353-7220 

www.kidsandus.ca 

Kids Street Nursery School - Port Elgin 

519-389-9050 

Kinhuron Integrated Day Nursery School 

Co-op 

519-396-4532 

Kincardine 

Le Jardin des decouvertes - Owen Sound 

519-371-4411 

Military Family Resource Centre - Meaford 

519-538-1371 x6509 

mfrc.meaford@gmail.com 

www.cafconnection.ca/Meaford/Home.aspx 

Meaford Co-operative Nursery School 

519-538-3854 

Nawash N’Shiime Day Care Centre 

519-534-3909 

Neyaashiinigmiing (Cape Croker) 

OneList – Find and apply for child care 

brucecountychildcare.ca 

greycountychildcare.ca 

Queen of Hearts Nursery School 

109 Balmy Beach Rd., Owen Sound 

www.queenofheartsnurseryschool.com 

Sandbox Daycare - Hanover 

519-506-7263 

Saugeen First Nation G’Shaw-da-Gawin 

Day Care Centre 

519-797-2419 

gshawdagawin@bmts.com 

www.saugeenfirstnation.ca 

Saugeen Shores Childcare Centre 


Tobermory Primary Place 

519-596-2606 

Unity House - Owen Sound 

519-371-8686 


Viola Jean’s Garden Daycare - Owen Sound 

519-416-5633 or 519-371-2362 

Wiarton Kids Den Day Care/Kids Club 

School age Program 

519-534-4434 

Wiarton Nursery School 

519-534-2121 

Wooden Hill Child Care Centre (La Colline 

De Bois) at Notre Dame School 

519-376-6952 

Owen Sound 

YMCA Childcare 

Arran Tara - 519-376-0484 

Hanover - 519-364-4938 

Kincardine - 519-396-9622 

Owen Sound - 519-376-0484 

Port Elgin - 519-832-6225 

Ripley - 519-395-5570 

ymcaowensound.on.ca 

DIET/NUTRITION 

EatRight Ontario 

Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport 

1-877-510-5102; www.eatrightontario.ca 

Foodlink Grey Bruce 

Find locally grown meat, fruit and produce 

www.foodlinkgreybruce.com 

Good Food Box 


519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 



1-800-263-3456 



Owen Sound 


519-506-4348; www.hanoverfht.ca 


1-800-567-2384, 519-371-4773 


Ontario Student Nutrition Program Grey 

Bruce 

www.osnp.ca 

EDUCATION 

Academy of Learning - Owen Sound 

1077 2nd Ave. E., Suite B (2nd floor) 

519-371-6188 or www.academytraining.ca 

Adult Learning Centres 

Collingwood, Port Elgin, Markdale, Owen 

Sound, Walkerton, Wiarton 

www.adultlearningcentres.com 

Bluewater District School Board 

1-800-661-7509 or www.bwdsb.on.ca 

Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board 

519-364-5820 or www.bgcdsb.org 

Conseil Scolaire Catholique Providence 

(French Catholic School Board) 

1-888-768-2219; www.cscprovidence.ca 

Edgehill Country School, Durham 

www.edgehillschool.org 

Georgian Tutors 

www.georgiantutors.com 

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES 

JobsWork 

Aimee Kim, Job Developer, akim@clkd.ca 

519-396-9434 x223 

Leads Employment Services 

1051 2nd Ave. E Owen Sound 

1-866-955-3237 

www.leadsservices.com 

LiveGreyBruce 

www.livegreybruce.ca 

VPI Employment Strategies (Walkerton) 

519-881-4900 or 1-855-260-4900 

jobswalkerton@vpi-inc.com 

www.vpi-inc.com 

YMCA Employment Services 

1450 1st Ave. W., Suite 4A, Owen Sound 

519-371-9222 

employmentservices@ymcaowensound.on.ca 

FAMILY SUPPORT 

211 Ontario 

Online database of services in your area 

www.211ontario.ca 

Aspire Youth Services Inc. 

Ryan McLeod, CPT, RSW, MSW, CYC (BA) 

ryanmcleodplaytherapy@gmail.com 

aspireyouth.ca; 416-417-7098 

Big Brothers Big Sisters 

Owen Sound - 519-376-4449 

www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/bbowensound 

Kincardine - 519-396-3565 

www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/kincardine 

Bruce Grey Child and Family Services 

1-855-322-4453 

www.bgcfs.ca 

Bruce Grey Mentorship 

504 10th St., Suite 2, Hanover 

519-506-5065; www.brucegreymentorship.ca 

Building Gender Diverse Communities 

Karen Houle, 519-377-3171 x238 

2spiritmentor@mwikwedong.com 

https://rb.gy/3qmoe1 

Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation 

- Native Child Welfare - Cape Croker 

519-534-3818 

supervisor.ncw@gbtel.ca 

www.nawash.ca 

Counselling Bruce County 

616 Market St., Port Elgin 

519-266-3674 

www.counsellingbrucecounty.com 

EarlyON Child and Family Centres 

Chesley, Hanover, Kincardine, Markdale, 

Meaford, M’Wikwedong (Owen Sound), Owen 

Sound (East Ridge), Port Elgin, Thornbury, 

Wiarton 

1-800-616-8116 

Family Support Initiative 

519-371-4802; fsi@hopegb.org 

mhagb.ca 

Frontier Therapy 

www.frontiertherapy.ca 

Grandparent Network 

For grandparents raising grandchildren 

Meets first Monday of month at 9:30 a.m. 

Owen Sound 

Call Mary Nuckowski at 519-371-2498 

Grey Bruce Supervised Access Program 

519-371-5991; pc-superacc@bmts.com 

www.supervisedaccess.ca, Owen Sound 

Kids Help Phone 

1-800-668-6868 (24 hours) 

www.kidshelpphone.ca 

Multiples in Bruce 

http://multiplesinbrucecounty.webs.com 

Nemesis Group Services 

Owen Sound; 519-372-2425 

www.nemesisgroupservices.com 

Parent Help Line 

1-888-603-9100 

Penetangore Wellness 

www.penetangorewellness.com 

PFLAG Owen Sound 

1-888-530-6777 x570 

https://pflagcanada.ca/ontario/ 

owensoundon@pflagcanada.ca 

Salvation Army 

Hanover - 519-364-3450 

Owen Sound - 519-371-0957 

Port Elgin - 519-389-3942 

Wiarton - 519-534-0353 

Trans Lifeline 

1-877-330-6366; translifeline.org 

Victim Services Bruce Grey 

Perth 

Crisis: 1-866-376-9852; Admin: 1-888-577-3111 

info@victim-services.com; 

www.victim-services.com 

Victim/Witness Assistance Program 

1-866-259-4823 - Owen Sound 

1-866-994-9904 - Walkerton 

attorneygeneral@ontario.ca 

http://bit.ly/ujKyeE 

FINANCIAL SUPPORT 

Beaver Valley Outreach (Thornbury) 

519-599-2577; info@bvo.ca; www.bvo.ca 

Bruce Children are Special Foundation 

Directs donations to the children programs 

provided by Bruce Grey Child and Family 

Services (formerly Children’s Aid) 

1-855-322-4453 ext 4133 

Social Services 

Grey County - 1-800-265-3119 

www.grey.ca/health-social-services/ 

Owen Sound 

Bruce County - 1-800-265-3005 

www.brucecounty.on.ca/ontworks.php 

Walkerton 


RESOURCES 

United Way of Bruce Grey 

519-376-1560 or manager@unitedwaybg.com 

www.unitedwayofbrucegrey.com 

YMCA of Owen Sound and Grey/Bruce 

519-376-0484 or ymcaowensound.on.ca 

FOOD BANKS/HOUSING 

Beaver Valley Outreach - Thornbury 

519-599-2577, info@bvo.ca or www.bvo.ca 

Durham District Food Bank 

Monday and Friday, 9 a.m.-noon 

Flesherton and Area Food Bank 

Marian Doyle, 519-599-3576 

Kincardine Ministerial Food Bank 

519-396-2185 or circlek@bmts.com 

Lion’s Head and District Food Bank 

519-793-3860 or helen.rick@amtelecom.net 

Markdale and District Food Bank 

519-986-1432 

Meaford Food Bank 

519-538-4550 

Paisley Food Bank 

Immanuel Evangelical Mission Church 

307 Balaclava St.; 519-353-5270 (Carol) 

Salvation Army 

Hanover - 519-364-3450 

Owen Sound - 519-371-0957 

Port Elgin - 519-389-3942 

Tobermory Food Bank 

519-596-1501 

Walkerton and District Food Bank 

519-881-0168 

Wiarton Food Bank 

519-534-0353 

Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce 

1-866-771-6776 or habitatos@bmts.com 

www.habitatgreybruce.com 

Ontario Tenants Rights 

ontariotenants@hotmail.com 

www.ontariotenants.ca 

Safe ‘n Sound Homelessness Initiative 

519-470-7233; www.safensoundgreybruce.com 

Subsidized housing 

Bruce County - 1-800-265-3022 

www.brucecounty.on.ca/socialhousing.php 

Grey County - 376-5744 

http://bit.ly/vVG1k0 

HEALTH CARE 

ActivEars Hearing Centres Inc. 

Owen Sound, Hanover, Durham 

226-784-3288 

www.activears.com 

Brockton and Area Family Health Team 

1-866-507-2021 

www.bafht.com 

Walkerton 

Canadian Mental Health Association 

Grey-Bruce Branch 

Administration - 519-371-3642 

Crisis: 1-877-470-5200 

jralph@cmhagb.org; www.cmhagb.org 

Collingwood General and Marine Hospital 

705-445-2550; www.cgmh.on.ca 

Connect Rehabilitation, Yoga and Fitness 

1100 16th Ave. E., Owen Sound 

admin@connectrehab.com; 519-372-2121 

www.connectrehab.com 

ConnexOntario Help Lines 

Drug and alcohol - 1-800-565-8603 

Gambling - 1-888-230-3505 

Mental health - 1-866-531-2600 

www.connexontario.ca 

Grey Bruce Health Services (hospitals) 

Lion’s Head - 519-793-3424 

Markdale - 519-986-3040 

Meaford - 519-538-1311 

Owen Sound - 519-376-2121 

Southampton - 797-3230 

Wiarton - 534-1260 

www.gbhs.on.ca 

Grey Bruce Health Unit - Owen Sound 

1-800-263-3456 



Hanover and District Hospital 

519-364-2340/info@hdhospital.ca 

www.hdhospital.ca 

Healthy Babies, Healthy Children 

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 



519-506-4348 or dford@hanoverfht.ca 

www.hanoverfht.ca 

Healthy Smiles Ontario 

Dental for families making under $20,000/yr 

Register through the health unit 

Online: http://bit.ly/JAqJbY 

Honouring Life Network 

www.honouringlife.ca 

HopeGreyBruce - Owen Sound 

Mental Health and Addiction Services 

519-371-4120 or www.mhagb.ca/gbchc/ 


1-800-567-2384 or 519-371-4773 


Kids Help Phone (24 hours) 

1-800-668-6868 or www.kidshelpphone.ca 

Kincardine Family Health Team 

Kincardine - 519-396-2700 

Ripley - 519-395-2601 

www.kincardinefht.ca 

Mino Bimadsawin Health Centre 

57 Mason Dr., Saugeen First Nation 

519-797-3336 

M’Wikwedong Native Cultural Resource 

Centre - Owen Sound 

1-866-202-2068 or admin@mwikwedong.com 

www.mwikwedong.com 

Owen Sound Crisis Pregnancy Centre 

1-888-371-2004; oscpc@wightman.ca 

Pediatric clinics 

Hanover - 519-364-2340 

Kincardine - 519-396-3331 

Markdale - 519-986-3040 

Owen Sound - 519-376-2121 

Walkerton - 519-881-1220 

Penetangore Wellness 

www.penetangorewellness.com 

Poison Control Centre 

1-800-268-9017 

Postpartum depression 

Grey Bruce Health Unit - 1-800-263-3456 

Keystone Child, Youth and Family Services - 

1-800-567-2384 

Ripley Physical Therapy and Wellness 

519-395-HEAL; info@ripleyptandwellness.ca 

https://ripleyptandwellness.ca/ 

Sensational Skills Occupational Therapy 

226 Queen St., Kincardine; 519-270-KIDZ 

ashleysimmonsot@gmail.com 

South Bruce Grey Health Centre (hospitals) 

Chesley - 519-363-2340 

Kincardine - 519-396-3331 

Durham - 519-369-2340 

Walkerton - 519-881-1220 

www.sbghc.on.ca 

South East Grey Community Health Centre 

55 Victoria St., Markdale 

519-986-2222 or 1-855-519-2220 

info@segchc.ca or www.segchc.ca 

St. John Ambulance First Aid training 

519-364-7004 or grey.bruce@on.sja.ca 

Online: http://bit.ly/t3Ye8g 

TeleHealth Ontario 

1-866-797-0007 

TVCC 

519-3370-0777 or 1-866-590-8822 

www.tvcc.on.ca 

LIBRARIES 

Blue Mountains Public Library/ 

L.E. Shore Memorial Library 

519-599-3681 or thebluemountainslibrary.ca 

Bruce County Public Library 

opac.brucecounty.on.ca; 519-832-6935; 

libraryinfo@brucecounty.on.ca 

Cargill - 519-366-9990 

Chesley - 519-363-2239 

Kincardine - 519-396-3289 

Lion’s Head - 519-793-3844 

Lucknow - 519-528-3011 

Mildmay - 519-367-2814 

Paisley - 519-353-7225 

Port Elgin - 519-832-2201 

Ripley - 519-395-5919 

Sauble Beach - 519-422-1283 

Southampton - 519-797-3586 

Tara - 519-934-2626 

Teeswater - 519-392-6801 

Tiverton - 519-368-5655 

Tobermory - 519-596-2446 

Walkerton - 519-881-3240 

Wiarton - 519-534-2602 


Collingwood Public Library 

519-445-1571; www.collingwoodpubliclibrary.ca 

Dundalk/Southgate Public Library 

519-923-3248; http://southgate-library.com/ 

Grey Highlands Public Library 

Flesherton - 519-924-2241 

Kimberley - 519-599-6990 

Walter Harris Memorial Library (Markdale) - 

519-986-3436; greyhighlandspubliclibrary.com 

Hanover Public Library 

519-364-1420 or www.hanoverlibrary.ca 

Meaford Public Library 

519-538-1060 

www.meaford.ca/meaford-library-home.html 

Owen Sound and North Grey 

Union Public Library 

519-376-6623; www.owensound.library.on.ca 

West Grey Public Library system 

www.westgreylibrary.com 

Durham (main) branch - 519-369-2107 

Elmwood and area - 519-363-3321 

Neustadt - 519-799-5830 

Ayton/Normanby - 519-799-3242 

MUSEUMS 

Billy Bishop Heritage Museum - Owen Sound 

519-371-0031 or www.billybishop.org 

Bruce County Lighthouse Museums 

Cabot (Lion’s) Head - 519-795-7780 

Chantry Island (Southampton) - 866-318-8889 

Kincardine - 519-396-3468 

Point Clark - 519-395-2494 

Bruce County Museum, Cultural Centre & 

Archives - Southampton 

519-797-2080 or www.brucemuseum.ca 

Bruce Peninsula Visitors Centre 

519-596-2233 or http://bit.ly/rQQFf6 

Tobermory 

Bruce Power Visitors’ Centre 

519-361-7777; www.brucepower.com 

Chesley Heritage & Woodworking Museum 

519-363-9837 

Craigleith Heritage Depot - Thornbury 

519-599-3131 

www.thebluemountains.ca/Craigleith-Heritage-Depot.cfm 

Grey Roots Museum & Archives 

1-877-GREY ROOTS; www.greyroots.com 

RR4 Owen Sound 

Meaford Museum 

519-538-5974 

www.visitmeaford.com/meaford-museum.html 

Owen Sound Marine and Rail Museum 

519-371-3333; www.marinerail.com 

Paddy Walker Heritage Society - Kincardine 

519-396-1850 

www.walkerhousekincardine.com 

South Grey Museum - Flesherton 

519-924-2843 or museum@greyhighlands.ca 

www.southgreymuseum.ca 

St. Edmunds Township Museum - Tobermory 


http://bit.ly/vEdicK 

Tobermory Maritime Association 

519-596-2700; www.tobermorymaritime.ca 

Treasure Chest Museum - Paisley 

519-353-7176 or http://bit.ly/1PjTS1D 

NEWCOMER SERVICES 

Grey Bruce Settlement & Langauge Services 

519-371-9222 or settlement@osgb.ymca.ca 

ONLINE SUPPORT 

www.211.ca 

LGBT YouthLine: www.youthline.ca 

www.mentallyfit.ca 

www.pathwaysawareness.org 

www.shelternet.ca 

www.targetyouth.ca 

www.thehealthline.ca 

www.wesforyouthonline.ca 

PLAYGROUPS 

Grey Bruce Play 

Monthly inclusive playgroup 

Greybruceplay@gmail.com 

EarlyON Child and Family Centres 

Chesley, Paisley, Kincardine, Port Elgin, and 

Wiarton - 1-800-616-8116 

Hanover, Markdale, Meaford, M’Wikwedong 

(Owen Sound), Owen Sound (East Ridge), and 

Thornbury - 1-866-483-7774 

SPECIAL NEEDS 

Autism Ontario Grey Bruce Chapter 

226-787-0333 or marti@autismontario.com 

http://bit.ly/tO6kam; Owen Sound 

Autism Parent Support Group 

Community Living Kincardine & District 

519-396-9434 or www.clkd.ca 

Bruce County Children’s Services Resource 

Program 

1-800-265-3005 or www.brucecounty.on.ca 

Walkerton 

Bruce Peninsula (Wiarton) Association 

for Community Living 

519-534-0553 

Community Living Kincardine & District 

519-396-9434; www.clkd.ca 

Community Living Meaford 

519-538-4165 

Community Living Owen Sound 

and District 

519-371-9251 or communitylivingowensound.ca 

Community Living Walkerton & District 

519-881-3713 or www.clwalkerton.org 

Georgian Riding Association 

for Challenged Equestrians 

519-372-2721; grace@log.on.ca 

Wicklen Stables, RR5 Owen Sound 

Hope Haven Therapeutic Riding Centre 

519-986-1247; www.hopehavencentre.org 


Owen Sound; 1-800-567-2384 


PRANCE Therapeutic Riding Centre 

519-832-2522 or prance@bmts.com 

Miramichi Farms, Hwy. 21 Port Elgin 

Reading Rescue Ontario 

519-794-4745 or soehner@bmts.com 

www.readingrescueontario.ca 

Holland Centre 

South Grey Bruce Youth Literacy Council 

519-364-0008 or info@sgbyouthliteracy.org 

www.sgbyouthliteracy.org 

Hanover 

Special Therapy and Education 

Program of Saugeen (STEPS) 

519-797-1935 

info@stepsahead.ca; www.stepsahead.ca 

Southampton 

TVCC 

519-370-0777 or 1-866-590-8822 


United Way of Bruce Grey 

519-376-1560; unitedwaybg@bmts.com 

www.unitedwayofbrucegrey.com/ 

Owen Sound 

SPEECH/LANGUAGE 

Bruce County Childcare Services 

1-800-265-3005; www.brucecounty.on.ca 

Walkerton 

Closing the Gap Healthcare Group 

Rehab Express Grey Bruce 

1-866-990-9901 or www.closingthegap.ca 

Owen Sound 

South West Community Care Access Centre 

In-Home Services 

Owen Sound - 519-371-2112 

Walkerton - 519-881-1181 

www.sw.ccac-ont.ca 

TVCC 

519-370-0777 or 1-866-590-8822 


VOICE for Hearing Impaired Children 

Support, speech and language therapy 

Grey/Bruce chapter is free to families 

www.voicefordeafkids.com 

WISH PROGRAMS 

Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada 

1-800-267-9474 

on@childrenswish.ca or www.childrenswish.ca 

Ajax, ON 

Make-A-Wish - Southwestern Ontario Chapter 

519-471-4900 or www.makeawishswo.org 

London, ON GBK 


RECIPES 

Soup season! 

TURKEY BARLEY SOUP 

This soup is rich with the flavour of roasted 

turkey. You can make this hearty soup with a 

fresh turkey leg or leftover turkey. 

ROASTING TIME: 25 MINUTES 

PREPARATION TIME: 35 MINUTES 

COOKING TIME: 2 HOURS 

INGREDIENTS 

500 g turkey leg or 4 cups turkey, cooked and diced 

1 cup barley (pot or pearl) 

1½ cup carrots, diced 

1 cup onion, diced 

1 cup each fennel root and celery, diced 

1 tbsp vegetable oil 

6 whole black peppercorns 

1 bay leaf 

1 tsp salt 

4 cups sodium-reduced chicken broth 

2 tbsp fresh parsley and thyme leaves, chopped 

Fresh thyme sprigs 

INSTRUCTIONS 

Place turkey leg on parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheet. Roast 

at 375 F for 25 minutes. 

Meanwhile, in medium pot, cook barley in 3 cups water until tender, 

about 25 to 30 minutes or according to package instructions. Drain and 

set aside. Remove turkey from oven, set aside. 

In large pot, combine, carrots, onion, fennel, celery and oil. Cook over 

medium heat until vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes. Add 

peppercorns, bay leaf, salt and turkey leg. Add broth and 1 cup water; 

cover and bring to boil. Reduce to simmer, cook for 1 hour. Remove 

turkey leg from pot, dice meat discarding skin and bones. Add barley 

and turkey to pot. (If using cooked diced turkey add it here.) Add 

parsley and thyme; simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, or until heated through. 

Ladle into soup bowls and garnish with thyme sprigs. 

Tip: Pre-cooking barley prevents it from absorbing too much broth when 

adding it to the soup. 

POTATO SOUP WITH CHEDDAR CROUTONS 

PREPARATION TIME: 15 MINUTES 

COOKING TIME: 25 MINUTES 

INGREDIENTS 

1½ tbsp butter 

4 cups yellow-fleshed potatoes, cubed and peeled 

2 carrots, chopped 

1 large onion, chopped 

4 cups water 

1 tsp salt 

¼ tsp pepper 

1 cup milk 

2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped 

1 tbsp white wine vinegar 

CROUTONS 

2 tsp butter, at room temperature 

4 slices whole wheat bread 

4 slices cheddar cheese 

INSTRUCTIONS 

In large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add potatoes, carrots and 

onion; cook covered for 8 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in water, 

salt and pepper, scraping up any bits from the bottom; cover and 

bring to boil over high heat. Reduce to medium-low and simmer until 

vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. 

Croutons: Meanwhile, heat large skillet over medium heat. Spread 

butter on one side of each bread slice; place 2 slices buttered side down 

in skillet. Top with cheese to fit bread and remaining slices of bread, 

butter side up. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until bread is 

toasted. Cool slightly and cut into cubes. 

In blender, purée soup in batches until smooth; return to pot. Stir 

in milk. Heat over medium heat just until steaming. Stir in dill and 

vinegar. Ladle soup into bowls and top with croutons. GBK 

Recipes courtesy Foodland Ontario 


Learn how we make clean energy and medical 

isotopes at the Bruce Power Visitors’ Centre. 

Wonder. 

Explore. 

Discover. 

www.brucepower.com/visit 

3394 BRUCE ROAD 20, NORTH OF TIVERTON, WEST OF HIGHWAY 21. T: (519) 361-7777 

OPEN HOUSE 

Thursday, January 13 th | 6 p.m. 

Inclement weather date: Thursday, January 25 | 6 p.m 

ÉCOLE CATHOLIQUE 

SAINT-DOMINIQUE-SAVIO 

800 23 rd Street East, Owen Sound 

519-371-0627 

CONTACT US OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE TODAY! 

MyFrenchSchool.ca 


More possibilities, 

made in South Bruce. 

Canada’s plan to safely isolate used nuclear fuel in a 

deep geological repository will have long-lasting benefits 

for the host communities and region. 

Improved infrastructure and community services; 

More local, high-value job opportunities now and 

for generations to come; and 

World-class innovation and research at the 

Centre of Expertise. 

Explore the possibilities for South Bruce. 

Discover more about the project today. 

www.nwmo.ca/SBProjectBenefits 

@nwmocanada 

/company/nwmocanada

Grey-Bruce Kids Winter 2023-24

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