Backstage Scoop – By Linda Belcourt, Editor
The Show: Beehive, King’s Wharf Theatre at Discovery Harbour, Penetanguishene.
This performance was a collection of great musical talent. I loved the timeline of the 60s moving into each year highlighting the fast change in music culture relating to women’s rights at the time. The influence of female musicians had a powerful impact on free-spirited young women. Their music felt relatable and helped bring women together to stand up for their rights. This musically brought that to the surface. Well done!
Kelly a resident of Penetanguishene commented, “Really good show. I am a little younger and didn’t know some songs but I loved it”. Brian thought, “It was too much musical and needed a more play narrative.” Final Call: Thumbs Up
Have You Spotted a Lanternfly?
By Cathy Krar, Master Gardener
Mar 25, 2025 – Yet another invasive insect is on our doorstep, pushing its way to our border at Niagara Falls. This time, it’s the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) threatening fruit trees, vineyards, our wine industry, agricultural crops, and ornamental plants. If we have a clear idea what can happen, we may be able to effectively fight back.
So far there are no established Lanternfly populations in Canada, but in Pennsylvania and New York, they are trying a variety of methods to eradicate this menace.
There are 5 instar phases to the Lanternfly life cycle: Egg, larva, early-stage nymph, late-stage nymph, and adult. Egg masses vary in size but are quite noticeable as the female secretes a white waxy substance over 30 to 50 eggs. It resembles grey mud or cement when it dries.
Lanternflies have piercing mouthpart that suck up sap, like feeding through a straw. They excrete a sugary waste that attract bees, wasps, and other insects, leaving behind a sooty mold and black coloured fungi at the base of trees. This causes stress to plants and trees, decreasing health and potentially killing them.
The adult lanternfly especially enjoys ‘Tree of Heaven’ trees (Alianthus), resulting in Alianthus populations needing to be cut down. They also attack maple, birch, willow, sycamore, staghorn sumac, and black walnut.
How to Combat These Insects?
An old plastic credit card could be used to scrape the egg masses from the trees into a bag or container with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer inside. A putty knife can be used to smash the nymphs and adults when you see them.
Our southern neighbours have resorted to approved insecticides to treat infected trees. They have tried sticky tape placed around tree trunks to trap nymphs that walk up the tree. However, sticky tape can prove problematic for our birds and beneficial insects too.
Home-made circle traps can be made by cutting plastic tops off milk containers, taping them together and attaching a mesh bag below. When tied to a tree, it creates a small tunnel that the adult lanternflies can walk into but cannot get out.
Lanternflies are plant hoppers and they like to jump toward you. Another simple and effective way to catch them is to use container filled with soapy water. Use the lid to get the lanternflies to jump inside.
Please make use of hotlines that have now been set up to report any sightings (www.inspection.gc.ca/pests).
CONSIDER THIS:
Check all vehicles and equipment when returning from travelling or camping in the U.S., as accidental transport is possible. In this case, knowing of the potential problem in advance, allows us to prepare.
This series of gardening articles is brought to you by the Simcoe County Master Gardeners, member of the Master Gardeners of Ontario. For more information, visit www.simcoecountymg.ca.
Jo Knows Nutrition
by Joanne Nijhuis
THAI-INSPIRED SATAY WITH PEANUT SAUCE
HOT OFF THE GRILL!
When you’re craving big flavour without the fuss, this Thai-inspired chicken or tofu satay delivers irresistible smoky, nutty and slightly sweet notes straight off the grill. Featuring chicken breast or vegetarian tofu, all-natural peanut butter, and a splash of lime, this satay is light, protein-rich and just about perfect for a summer cook-out.
Did You Know?
Satay is a popular skewered and grilled meat dish that originated in Java, Indonesia. The word satay refers to the skewered cooking method and not the meat itself as satay is prepared with chicken, beef, goat, lamb, seafood or tofu. Satay was likely inspired by Middle Eastern kebabs and is today extremely popular throughout Southeast Asia, with each country developing its own unique version, including Thailand.
INGREDIENTS
SATAY – CHICKEN OR TOFU
- 1 lb (500 grams) chicken or firm tofu, cut into cubes
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) natural peanut butter
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) lime juice
- 1 ½ Tablespoons (23 ml) sesame oil
- 1 ½ Tablespoons (23 ml) honey or maple syrup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or ¾ teaspoon (3.75 ml) garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons (7.5 ml) curry powder
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped
PEANUT SAUCE
- ½ cup (125 ml) smooth or crunchy natural peanut butter
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
- 1 ½ Tablespoons (23 ml) fresh lime juice
- 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) grated fresh ginger or ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) garlic powder
- ½-1 teaspoon (2.5-5 ml) hot sauce, optional
- ¼ – ½ cup (63 – 125 ml) warm water to thin
INSTRUCTIONS
SATAY
- For the marinade, whisk together in a medium bowl the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, garlic and curry powder, until combined.
- Add the chicken or tofu to the marinade and cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
- Preheat the BBQ to medium heat.
- Thread the chicken or tofu cubes onto the soaked bamboo skewers.
- Grill on the BBQ for 2-3 minutes per side, basting with the leftover marinade. Grill until the tofu is golden with grill marks or the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred.
- Serve with a garnish of fresh cilantro and peanut sauce (see below).
PEANUT SAUCE
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, ginger, garlic and hot sauce, if using.
- Slowly add the warm water, a little at a time, whisking until the sauce reaches a pourable consistency.
- Serve the sauce with the grilled chicken or tofu satay as a dipping sauce, or drizzle on top before serving.
ENJOY!
Joanne Nijhuis MSc, RD is a consulting, media and culinary dietitian in Simcoe Grey Bruce on a mission to entertain and educate through her love of food. In addition to recipe development and writing for several publications, Joanne offers cooking demos/classes and individual counselling – in person and online via Zoom Health. For more information, email Joanne at jo.knows.nutrition@outlook.com
Sunday Restoration’s Beloved Clothing Swap Returns
By Stepanie Rumball
MIDLAND, ON – July 21, 2025— Mark your calendars! Sunday Restoration’s 4th Annual Clothing Swap is set to return on Friday, August 22nd, transforming the vintage shop’s parking lot into a vibrant open-air boutique brimming with secondhand treasures and community spirit. From 7:00 to 9:00 PM, up to 125 guests will enjoy the thrill of the thrift under the stars, swapping their pre-loved pieces for stylish new-to-them finds.
Launched in 2022, when Sunday Restoration first opened its doors, the Clothing Swap has quickly grown into one of Midland’s most anticipated summer events. This free, after-hours gathering is more than just a stylish evening out; it’s a celebration of sustainability, generosity, and belonging.
Here’s How It Works: Bring in five nearly new items of clothing, accessories, or footwear between Tuesday, July 22nd and Tuesday, August 18th, and receive your ticket to the event. In return, you’ll get to take home five beautiful pieces from a curated, quality-driven selection that includes everything from name-brand dresses to chic handbags, stylish shoes, and statement jewelry.
“People save up their clothing donations all year round to bring the best of the best to our swap,” says Jacqueline Sunday, owner of Sunday Restoration. “It’s so fun to see people who come for the first time shocked at the quality and name brands of the clothing they see on the racks. A lot of the clothing is brand new with tags still on!”
And while the clothing and accessories are undoubtedly a draw, it’s also about the cause. The swap has become a meaningful tradition that supports La Maison Rosewood Shelter, which provides emergency services to women and children in need. Twenty-five spots at the event are reserved exclusively for shelter guests, and when attendees donate an additional five items beyond their initial contribution, they create space for these women to join in the experience with dignity and joy.
“This event has always been free, and it will remain free,” Jacqueline emphasizes. “But for those who’d like to support even further, $20 raffle tickets are available during the evening, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting La Maison Rosewood Shelter. Last year, thanks to the generosity of our attendees and local businesses who donated incredible prizes, we raised $1,200, and we’re hoping to top that this year.”
To ensure a welcoming and well-organized experience, items are collected and sorted for a full month leading up to the swap. “We steam and organize everything in advance so it’s easy to browse, and we work hard to ensure that all sizes—from 00 to 24—are well represented,” says Jacqueline.
Here’s what to know before you drop off your donations:
What To Swap:
- Clothing in excellent, near-new condition (no stains or tears)
- Freshly laundered or new items
- Sizes 00 – 24 welcome
- Accessories, jewelry, and footwear
What Not To Swap:
- Pajamas
- Bathing suits and undergarments
- Workout gear or short shorts
With only 125 tickets available, spots fill up fast, so don’t wait to drop off your items and secure entry to this stylish summer evening! For more information or to donate items, visit Sunday Restoration at 427 King Street in Midland (look for the big blue barn at the end of the driveway).