GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015

SUMMER 2015

GOODLIFEMAGAZINE.CA

greaAt L LOC finds

into the woods HOCKLEY VALLEY

Beekeepers

fun things TO DO

IN THE KITCHEN:

Daniel Fletcher

Kelly McCague Sales representative

BEAUTIFUL 86’x167’ LANDSCAPED LOT

INVITING BUNGALOW WITH LOFT

www.kellymccague.com kmccague@royallepage.ca Visit my website for additional photo and virtual tours.

‘BELLINI’ BUNGALOW WITH BASEMENT WALKOUT

offers treed privacy to be enjoyed from the covered deck & fully fenced yard. 3 bdrm brick bungalow features a 4 pc bathrm, 6 car driveway, 2 finished levels with walkup to garage.

& open, airy design in popular Briar Hill. fantastic eat-in kitchen, 7 appliances, 2+1 bedrms, 4 bathrms including 2 ensuite, walkout to deck, 2 gas fireplaces.

to private court yard setting. Hardwood & ceramic flooring, interior garage entrance door, 2.5 bathrms including ensuite, spacious working kitchen, 2 gas fireplaces.

Offered at $359,500

Offered at $389,900

Offered at $384,900

MLS# N3128505

GREEN BRIAR BUNGALOW

MLS# N3180485

THE PALLISADES OF BRIAR HILL

MLS# N3203604

97 ACRE CORNER FARM

ready for you to enjoy in sought after golf course/lifestyle community. Hardwood & ceramic flooring, 2 bathrooms, 6 appliances, 5 new windows, gas fireplace in family room.

offers a comfortable golf course liesure lifestyle from this open & spacious 1425 Sf, 2 bdrm, 2 bathrm condo with long scenic Ne views, hdwd/berber/ceramic flrs, 2 underground parking spaces & 2 storage lockers.

86 ac workable. Prime location in sought after location & minutes to Honda of Canada Manufacturing. 4 bedrm character farmhouse with wrap around verandah & long southerly views. detached 3 car garage with loft.

Offered at $299,900

Offered at $315,000

Offered at $1,395,000

MLS# N3195277

MLS# N3150398

MLS# N3198383

705.435.3000

toll free 866-772-5368

Royal LePage RCR Realty, Brokerage

Independently Owned & Operated

south simcoe Publisher Ian Proudfoot Regional General Manager Simcoe - Muskoka Shaun Sauve Editors Lori Martin Elise Allain Advertising Sales Manager Amanda Smug Director of Production Kent Feagan Graphic Design Luanne Turner Jennifer Dallman Nick Bornino Advertising Sales Representatives Beth Wink Colleen Feheley Shalani Ingham Debbie Booth Christine Murray Stacy Rand Patti Young Mary March Angelika Crisp Photography Contributions Ellie Kistemaker Bart Card Louise Ferguson Bob Gundu Mike Guilbault Photography Editorial Contributions Katherine Elphick Bart Card Maija Hoggett Dawn Ritchie Kathryn Mooij Gord Stimmell 169 Dufferin St., Alliston, ON L9R 1E6 Phone: 705-435-6228 Fax: 705-435-3342 For advertising inquiries please email asmug@simcoe.com or call 705-435-6228 ext. 222 DIGITAL EDITION: www.goodlifemagazine.ca follow us twitter.com/goodlifebarrie

Statements opinions and point of view expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher, advertisers or GoodLife South Simcoe. GoodLife South Simcoe is published four times per year: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.

For further information regarding all our products we invite you to call us at 705-435-6228

4 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 â&#x2013;

Wendy Small Sales Representative

wendysmall@royallepage.ca www.wendysmall.com

Call me for your complimentary home evaluation!

This beautifully appointed Vermeer with a loft and multiple upgrades is too good to miss! The wall of windows is a highlight of the main floor which features the bright, open concept kitchen and living room, cathedral ceilings, a fireplace, upgraded light fixtures, crown moulding, hardwood flooring and a walk out to the large deck! The main floor master bedroom offers a 4 piece ensuite, and walk in closet. The stunning loft, overlooking the living room, could also serve as the master or a gorgeous guest bedroom - offering his/her closets, a 3 piece ensuite and a sitting area. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget the main floor laundry room and garage access directly into the home! The attractive lower level boasts a large and inviting family room with fireplace, a guest bedroom, 3 piece bath, office area and more. Offered at $ 474,900 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this home shows 10++

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 5

contents 10

16 42

33 42 50 Portfolio 53 56 Travel 60 66

In the Kitchen

Daniel Fletcher: Sirenis Fish & Chips - family owned and operated restaurant with a cozy and comfortable atmosphere

Beekeepers in Hockley Valley

A family-run apiary sweet on unpasteurized, raw honey in its most natural form

Profile

Colleen Rideout: breathing new life into everything she does

10 Rich Cottage Dreams 16 22 Backyard Farming 30

Shop Local Cool finds for summer at some great local businesses

A couple converts a ’70s cottage to beauty, on a shoestring budget

Home Tour Illuminated, open concept, Collingwood home offers restful view of nature

The kitchen garden has become fashionable as more people embrace the farm-to-table movement

6 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 ■

Paper, rock, scissors Vivian Wallace

Events

Music, events and entertainment for the whole family right here in Simcoe County

It’s worth the drive to The Lodge at Glendorn

In the Crowd

• Taste of the Town • 47th Annual South Simcoe Home Show

Sasek’s Imports & Gift Boutique Clothes from Around the World and Gifts For Every Occasion

Desigual, Tommy Bahama, Stephan Baby, Coco Bella, Frederick Ian, Arvanti

Purses from The Florence Leather Market – Italy

Mokasins – Eugene Clothier

Stone Wall Kitchen , Wildly Delicious and European Chocolates available

588285Cty Rd 17, Mansfield, at the North th East Corner of Mansfield • 647-992-6862

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 7

editors note

hether you prefer the windswept trees and laid-back sandy beaches of Georgian Bay or the rocky shorelines of Muskoka, everyone I speak with seems to have fond memories of a summer well spent at a cottage.

This issue, we bring you a taste of the summer cottage experience with a feature tour of a family cottage in Georgian Bay, where the family transformed this simple, dated property into their own piece of paradise. With budget in mind, the end result is a cosy escape in a colour palatte of whites, creams and blues, complete with and a beachfront cabana to enjoy stunning sunsets with family and friends. We then explore a home in Collingwood, situated among trees and nature, designed to feel like an upscale vacation property. As summer quickly approaches and the flowers are in bloom, the honeybee captures pollen, allowing honey farmers to create this sweet sticky treat. Complete with sweet and savoury recipes, food writer Katherine Elphick shares the stories our local producers.

Editors

If you are looking for a great dining experience, you must try Sirenis Fish and Chips located in Thornton. They offer amazing fare, gluten-free options and so much more than you’d expect from a fish and chip place. Finally, find out what’s new from local businesses, meet local artists, discover local happenings and more in one complete package only found in GoodLife! Enjoy!

EliseAllain

General Manager

goodlife@simcoe.com

Elise Allain

You should be forewarned that after reading Katherine Elphick’s In The Kitchen interview with Sirenis Fish and Chips you may find yourself in Thornton. That’s what happened to me after reading chef Daniel Feltcher’s comments about his approach to the dish. “It’s an extra crispy, thin batter,” he said. “And it’s my special secret recipe. We also cut our fish off loin, so they are thick steak cuts with big flakes.” It was delicious fish and chips; I loved it and encourage you to Sirenis too!

Lorimartin Editor-in-chief

8 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 ■

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10 11 photos by Louise Ferguson 1. Pelican $74.99 | 2. Fishing lodge birdhouse $29.99 3. Custom birdhouses, starting from $399 | 4. Bird bath $39.99 5. Purple/blue frog | 6. Hunter original clear midi tote $249.99; Hunter boots $119.99 to $224.99 | 7. Yellow bike $44.99 8. Watering cans $34.99 | 9. Red bench $229.99; pillows $24.99 each | 10. Red rooster $64.99 | 11. Owl

10 | GoodLife South Simcoe - Summer 2015 â&#x2013;

Taylor’s Jewellers All Pandora: PANDORA DISNEY Princess Collection Sterling Silver Bangles & Bracelets starting at $75, Charms starting at $25. PANDORA Summer 2015 Leather Bracelets starting at $50, Rings starting at $65, Necklaces starting at $125. Charms starting at $30.

photos by Louise Ferguson 1. Maple leaf diamond “Eternal Flames” ring $2,999 | 2. Shelly Purdy seasons “Summer” maple leaf diamond ring $3,799 | 3. Maple leaf diamond engagement ring $3,999 | 4. Maple leaf diamond engagement ring $5,995 | 5. Semi mount diamond ring $3,335 | 6. Shelly Purdy seasons ”Fall” maple leaf diamond ring starting at $5,999 | 7. Black diamond band starting at $799 | 8. Morganite set in rose gold diamond ring starting at $4,555 | 9. Carlex luxury diamond band starting at $4,549 | 10. Crownring white cobalt and rose gold band starting at $429 | 11. Chocolate diamond necklace starting at $399 | 12. Pulse Infinity diamond necklace starting at $229 | 13. Italgem stainless steel and carbon fiber bracelet starting at $90 | 14. Harley Davidson leather bracelet starting at $90 | 15. Fossil watch white leather starting at $155 | 16. Movado watch rose tone bangle starting at $495 | 17. Citizen Eco drive radio controlled watch starting at $795

17 Victoria St W, Alliston 705-435-6460

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 11

shop local 1

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12 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 ■

Victorian Charm Antiques, Gifts & Collectables

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5 8 10

photos by Louise Ferguson

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 13

Photo Credit: Nat Caron Photography

AMAZING RESULTS Come From a Diverse Team

Madison Taylor wants to stress something she feels very passionate about regarding her home and commercial design build firm. While the firm carries her name, the company works as a team. “It’s more than just one person,” Taylor says. “It’s a company. We are a team.” Madison Taylor Inc. is a skilled team of six, offering “leading edge, full service, commercial, hospitality and residential design/builds, with user-driven design and architectural services.” The hand-picked team focuses on a highlypersonalized approach with its clients, ensuring all of their needs are met and the end results are beautiful, timeless, and of exceptional quality. Taylor says the company has been molded to design full scope projects, whether for new homes or renovations. Each project begins in the team’s architectural technologist’s hands. Next comes the interior design aspects, then the exterior design. “Every inch has been mapped out completely.” After the design process is complete, Madison Taylor can then build the homes themselves, or offer the projects to other contractors, depending the client’s wishes. In addition every new home built comes with warranty coverage back by Tarion and the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act.

With such a high degree of attention to their client’s best interest, the team goes above and beyond, using “innovative building technologies and techniques” to build sustainable projects that are both economical and energy efficient. They take the environmental impact of each project into consideration so their clients can feel good about the process.. “We offer lots of green options,” says Taylor. “We always try to be conscious of the environment.” Their dedication is evidenced by their status as one of very few certified and preferred Tekkhaus builders and designers. Madison Taylor Inc. can build premium, eco-sustainable homes and commercial structures using Tekkhaus’ thoroughly engineered and manufactured state of the art materials, equipment and building systems focused on health, comfort, and eco-construction. The company team is led by the incomparable artistic vision and technical co-ordination skills of its founder Madison Taylor, who was passionate about interior design since childhood, graduated from Georgian College’s Interior

Architectural Technician, Anders Gravel has on-site, working knowledge of building structure that goes far beyond your typical technologist. He has over 15 years of experience in design and production of top-quality new homes. He is BCIN certified, qualified for ‘House’. Amy De Wolfe is the most recent addition to MT, providing support with years of experience in administration. Amy is also an accomplished graphic designer that understands the dynamics of running a business, having also launched, and sold several successful businesses and consulting to help clients launch their own projects. Design program, and whose early career in Toronto found her working on hotel, resort, and restaurant design including the Air Canada Centre and some of the city’s major hotel chain locations. Madison Taylor Inc. was incorporated in 2010, and when Madison returned to school part-time to learn architectural technology, the company’s projects grew from small to large. Melissa Franklin was Madison’s first hire, starting at MTD in 2010 as a Georgian College Interior Design grad where Madison was one of her mentors in her final year. She is Madison’s right hand in creation of the eye-catching and functional design Madison Taylor Inc. is known for. With an Advanced Diploma of Architectural Technology, Lindsay Haggarty is exceedingly experienced

with commercial/retail and interior fitout projects in design, production of detailed working drawings and drawing standard implementation, interior design and millwork package creation, and consultant coordination, quality control management, and job site review. Lindsay’s variety of expertise allows her to be an unparalleled project manager both in the office and on-site. Linda Charlebois is a technologist of rare distinction. She is a veteran of working with luxury custom home builders creating designs and detailed working drawings, including spending three years doing interior design and construction drawings for Toronto’s Ritz Carlton. She has a unique combination of skills in both the technical aspects of a project, and its interior application.

Combining the unique talents of all of the players at Madison Taylor Inc. is best summed up by Madison herself, “We know every inch of the project, from beginning to end,” Taylor says of her team. “We’re not going to cut corners.” This attention to detail is noted and appreciated by customers, and much of MTD’s clientele comes from word-ofmouth referrals by happy clients. madisontaylordesign.com 705.503.2132

madison taylor

Madison Taylor Design is a full service design firm that will build “from scratch or renovate. They were a joy to work with and made the project seem effortless, even from 3000 miles away as we were living across the country. In 5 short months our entire home was transformed. Overall we are thrilled with the quality of the renovation and we were pleased that budget and timeline were carefully managed. If you are looking for a designer near Barrie that is totally reliable, yet fun, innovative and full of fresh ideas and a full service team of quality people then look no further. We could not be happier with our new home where elegance and rustic come together beautifully. Well done Madison and team!!!

“

- Bell Residence

cottage tour|Georgian Bay

Rich

cottage dreams on a shoestring budget Blame it on the sunset. And Italy. Returning from a trip to Italy where life focuses on the sheer joy found in everyday living, this Barrie couple was determined to replicate the “dolce far niente” – the art of doing nothing – in Canada. They decided a cottage would provide the perfect getaway where their family of four teenage daughters could connect and make lifelong memories.

Story P.I. Dilbert

n extensive Internet search unearthed a private sale on Georgian Bay near Parry Sound that had just gone on the market. The couple’s first visit on a cool, grey, rainy day revealed a cluttered, dark, out-of-date cottage on a spectacular beach with views obstructed by mist and fog. The wife was unconvinced, but the husband – who grew up on Georgian Bay

16 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 ■

in Penetanguishene and fondly remembers exploring its 30,000 islands region – remained haunted by the cottage for weeks and urged a return visit. The family next arrived at the cottage late in the day on a crisp fall evening. With little light remaining, they made a beeline for the shore. And there it was. A fireball of a sunset had turned the sky hues of flamingo and melon.

«L ess than 1,000 square feet, the cottage was built in the 1970s and hadn’t been touched since, with psychedelic vinyl flooring, shag carpeting and handmade, burnt orange, particleboard cupboards.

BEFORE

“We sat on the dock and watched this incredible sunset glittering on the still water, slowly dipping behind the offshore islands,” says the wife. “It was magical and it took our breath away. We were smitten.” Discussions with the seller continued through the fall when fate sealed the deal. “We were attending a Christmas party when the conversation at our table turned to cottages. One of our tablemates started telling us about what cherished memories she has of spending

every childhood summer at her grandparents’ cottage. We were touched by how fondly and passionately she recalled her time spent there,” says the husband. “As she continued talking, we realized she was describing the same Georgian Bay location as the cottage we were looking at. In fact, it was the exact same cottage! We felt it was a sign – meant to be – and we put in an offer the following week.” The day they took possession of their new summer home the following spring it was bitGoodLifeMagazine.ca | 17

cottage tour|Georgian Bay

“

A new, reconfigured kitchen features white board and batten cupboards and a beach stone backsplash” BEFORE

E BEFOR

Due to its compact size, and lack of a single closet, most furniture does double duty – the captain’s bed in the master bedroom features large drawers, a blanket box stores linens and doubles as a coffee table, while an ottoman hides the magazine stash.

18 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 ■

terly cold with flurries in the air, but the sunset was just as they remembered – stunning – and then they opened the cottage door… Less than 1,000 square feet, the cottage was built in the 1970s and hadn’t been touched since, with psychedelic vinyl flooring, shag carpeting and handmade, burnt orange, particleboard cupboards. Much of the furniture had been left behind, including the exact side table the wife remembers having in her childhood home in the ’60s, metal shelving for an ’80s stereo system that covered half a wall, and over 1,000 homerecorded videotapes. The bones of the cottage were good though, with a new roof, deck and foundation, and any doubts were erased the second they looked out the windows that stretched across the entire front of the cottage and framed the spectacular western view across Georgian Bay. In a burst of non-stop work, the couple spent every weekend for months transforming the ’70s eyesore into a serene beach retreat. Several coats of white paint over the panelling provided a clean palette throughout, instantly brightening the space, eliminating the cave-like basement recroom feel and providing a blank canvas without detracting from the beauty of the bay. Ceilings were painted a very pale blue to mimic a cloudless sky. Heavy curtains were pulled down and replaced by rattan Roman blinds in keeping with the clean, beach house look. The owners agreed the cottage, with its sandy feet and muddy paws, was no place for carpet so the smelly shag rug was ripped out and replaced with new low-maintenance flooring that teams the ease of vinyl with the warm look of hardwood. A new, reconfigured kitchen features white board and batten cupboards and a beach stone backsplash. Further improvements to the cottage were new windows, electrical panel, water heater, wood stove, enlarged septic system and doors, including an old-fashioned screen door that makes a thwack when closed. “That’s a familiar and comforting sound to every cottager,” says the husband. Before taking possession of the cottage, the couple spent months scouring flea markets and the classifieds searching for perfect finds; driving all over Ontario to collect treasures that filled their home’s garage until they could move in. The husband’s favourite find was a beautiful, but banged-up solid wood dining set for eight that had the harvest table and each chair painted a different colour. He sanded it down and had

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My goal is to help you reach yours. Debbie Hudson, CFP Investment Advisor 705-435-8874 debbie.hudson@td.com Start a conversation today.

TD Waterhouse Private Investment Advice is a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. – Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. ®/ The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or a wholly-owned subsidiary, in Canada and/or other countries.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 19

cottage tour|Georgian Bay

A tree is home to colourful mile marker signs that point the way to the family’s favourite destinations.

20 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 ■

the set professionally spray-painted a calming ivory and sky blue; it’s now the cottage’s centerpiece. Total cost? Less than $400. “It became a fun treasure hunt and a challenge; ‘how inexpensively can we furnish the place?’” recalls the husband. “In total, we probably spent less than $3,000 on furnishings and decor.” Cushy, slipcovered seating, comfy pillows, wicker and antique pine now furnish the sunfilled space. Beachy accents, such as tropical bedding, colourful Fiestaware dishes, jars of shells, vintage cameras, carved birds, a driftwood wreath, candle lanterns and inukshuks the couple crafted from rocks found on the property, reinforce the beach house vibe. Draw-

ing inspiration from the spectacular setting, the decor reflects the calming blue of the sky and bay, anchored by the beige of sand. “Almost everything in the cottage is reused, repurposed or refinished,” the wife adds, pointing to a stump side table made from a fallen tree on the property. “Our priority was to create an uncluttered, comfortable, informal space that is welcoming and invites people to grab a book, put their feet up, relax and embrace the simple pleasures of life on the bay.” Due to its compact size, and lack of a single closet, most furniture does double duty – the captain’s bed in the master bedroom features large drawers, a blanket box stores linens and doubles as a coffee table, while an ottoman

hides the magazine stash. Custom built-in double bunk beds in each of two guest rooms further maximize the space. The well-equipped, organized cottage is very efficient, housing only what the family needs. “It’s not big and it’s not fancy – it’s a cottage. We have everything we need, but it’s only what we need and everything has its place,” says the wife. “Our lives during the week are very hectic and harried. Here we enjoy a different pace and are able to focus on our priorities which are family and each other. The cottage reflects that – it’s peaceful, simplified and uncomplicated.” The cottage is designed to remind family and guests to relax and enjoy life at every turn. For the more ambitious, there’s always a game of ladder golf, ring toss or badminton ready to happen. A tree is home to colourful mile marker signs that point the way to the family’s favourite destinations. Down at the new beachfront gazebo – built of metal to withstand Georgian Bay’s impressive and frequent wind – guests can relax in the Muskoka chairs, or curl up on the sofas for a nap. In the evening, grapevine swags wrapped in solar lights twinkle from the eaves, while candles line the stairs. The words stencilled on the steps leading to the sand capture the family’s philosophy perfectly – “Live well; Laugh often; Love always;” and “Dance like no one is watching”. According to the husband, “There is nothing that makes us happier than making a big breakfast for family and friends, exploring the islands by boat in the afternoon, a seafood boil dinner on the beach and ending the day around the campfire, eating ‘smores and watching for shooting stars. That’s a perfect day.” On quieter nights, the couple is content to sit on the broad swath of beach, dig their toes into the warm sand, sip a lush Italian red and contemplate the vastness of the bay beyond. Each night, as the huge red ball of flame sinks below the Georgian Bay horizon, they ring an old-fashioned dinner bell and toast the day in celebration of a life simplified. For this family of six, the cottage is their refuge; a place where time is measured in relaxation, personal connection and fun, not by the hands on a clock. In fact, when the hands fell off the clock in their cottage kitchen, they left it hanging, simply adding a sign underneath that reads: “Relax. You’re on Island Time”.

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 21

home tour|Simcoe County

22 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 â&#x2013;

INTO THE

Woods by Dawn Ritchie | photos by Mike Guilbault

The first thing that strikes you about 11 Forest Drive in Collingwood is the light. The expansive open concept kitchen, living and dining space is illuminated with a southern exposure from floor-to-ceiling windows on two adjoining walls. The result is a restful view of grazing deer edging their way through the hardwood forest that encircles this 3/4-acre property. Âť

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 23

home tour|Simcoe County

he light was the very thing that drew homeowners Chantal and Anne Lavoie to purchase the home in 2012. “Even on a cloudy day the house is bright,” says Chantal. A remarkable feat given that the property lies right inside a forest. This magic was achieved by the numerous little details that builder, Jeff Becker of Redwood Homes, incorporated – the tempered glass inset of the stairway’s balustrade that allows light from the front of the house to flow unobstructed to the rear; the Mennonite-crafted cedar front door with its curved transom and sidelights; oversized bedroom windows, recessed lighting, white cathedral ceilings that bounce light and double skylights in enclosed areas. Becker wanted to keep as many trees on the property as possible. He lives in this highly desirable community – aptly dubbed The Forest – and has a vested interest in preserving the land’s integrity. “A high-efficiency septic system that is a quarter size of the standard septic is why there are so many trees left standing,” says Becker. “A standard septic would have meant dead trees.” And isn’t it true, that it’s often the unsexy rudiments of construction that most impact what is truly valued. Becker, winner of the 2003 National SAM Award for New Home Construction, also chose to use insulated concrete forms (ICF) as the chief structural component. “We were one of the first in the area to use it,” says Becker. ICF are Styrofoam forms you fill with concrete. As the concrete cures, it sits right inside its own insulation. “It’s soundproof with an R50 insulation rating. The drywall nailing 24 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 ■

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phalanges are built right into the Styrofoam so you can drywall right on top of it. No drafts.” Chantal, a senior level mining executive who values his quiet moments, speaks highly of the soundproofing aspect. When French doors are open to the patio, the sounds of the forest drift in, but once closed, all is a soothing silence. Upon entering this serene home, you encounter the home office on the right. “The wife is an artist,” says designer Catherine Staples of Staples Design Group in Barrie who handled the millwork and design. “She wanted a space that was bright and energetic.” Staples ordered two custom chairs in “Jumper Red” from Lee Industries to liven things up. The room, which doubles as a sitting area, has a charming built-in desk and bookshelves but the showstopper is the unique coffered tongue and groove ceiling with exquisite detailing. To the left of the office lies the mudroom and laundry with direct access to the insulated and fully finished double garage. Down the hall you arrive in the great room where the focal point is the spectacular polished limestone fireplace surround extending from floor to a soaring 18-foot ceiling. The limestone was sectioned with a three-dimensional cut to provide visual interest. The firebox is gas-fired but allows for real wood burning. Since the Lavoies are active people they chose to use volcanic logs for instant on/off convenience. The beamed ceiling above is tongue and groove, with a dramatic rust-coloured iron chandelier in a twig motif from Arteriors hanging»

Maggie MaCMUrCHy

1-877-435-4336 367 Victoria St. East, Alliston www.teammacmurchy.com maggiem@ronanrealty.com

Sales Representative

Marilyn MaCMUrCHy Sales Representative

Dir (705) 440-6314

Office (705) 436-4336

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 25

home tour|Simcoe County

“

I love that everyone’s together while I cook. We often have twenty or more people here.”

The gourmet kitchen is sleek and orderly with all appliances tucked into cream Merillat cabinetry that contrasts perfectly with the espresso-coloured island. A convection oven, separate warming drawer and large microwave are embedded in the cabinetry, as is the professional Frigidaire refrigerator.

The massive granite-topped island that spans nearly ten feet in length with a luxurious three and half foot depth. Above the dining suite hangs the very stylish Beatty Chandelier by Arteriors.

26 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 ■

at the apex. The big upholstery pieces, rug and artwork are all custom by Staples Design Group, which also sourced most of the furnishings, including the rustic console table behind the leather sofa, appropriately named Walk The Plank, from Caracole, and the Lower East Side museum tables with wood top and iron base from Stanley Furniture. The iron mirror above the buffet hails from Arteriors. Draperies are a “Sculptured Cream” cotton/silk blend fabric with a subtle pattern. To ensure the home was comfortable Becker installed in-floor radiant heating on all floors. The main level has scraped espresso oak hardwood that imparts a contoured look. The second floor is carpeted and each level employs separate thermostats. Homeowners can save on energy by lowering the temperature for a level not in use. The master bedroom, situated on the main floor – a growing trend that enables retirees to age comfortably in their own home – also boasts a dedicated thermostat that allows the residents to set a temperature different from the rest of the house as they cozy into their Caracole mahogany sleigh bed dressed beautifully with bedding from Legacy Linens. “It’s a far more efficient system than forced air,” says Becker. Off the bedroom, a spa adventure awaits in the master bath. “It’s the one change we made,” says Chantal, who downsized a gigantic shower stall to allow for a freestanding therapeutic tub. The spa shower still remains (large enough for two) and the on-demand hot water system accommodates all. Another major selling point for the Lavoies was

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the massive kitchen. “I cook a lot,” says Chantal. But no one likes to be isolated in a kitchen when the party’s happening. An open concept floor plan was the answer. “I love that everyone’s together while I cook. We often have 20 or more people here. The doors are open in the summer, the fire is roaring and even though everyone’s doing different things, it feels like we’re all together.” The gourmet kitchen is sleek and orderly with all appliances tucked into cream Merillat cabinetry that contrasts perfectly with the espresso-coloured island. A convection oven, separate warming drawer and large microwave are embedded in the cabinetry, as is the professional Frigidaire refrigerator. The induction cooktop is nearer to the dual basined Kohler sink making the transfer of pots of water to range top a painless operation. The backsplash is a creamy Marfil mosaic marble chosen by the designer. A series of bronze industrial pendant lights illuminate the massive granite-topped island that spans nearly 10 feet in length with a luxurious three-and-a-half foot depth. The granite is by York West in Toronto. The pendants have a nautical style. “We wanted to bring that element in, since we’re so close to Georgian Bay,” says Staples. A prep sink is convenient in the centre of the island enabling multiple cooks to work at the same time. Storage is no issue here. The island itself has so much storage that the Lavoies dedicated the walk-in pantry to wine bar status. A built-in wine cooler and storage rack keeps everything tidy and accessible. »

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home tour|Simcoe County

To ensure the home was comfortable Becker installed in-floor raidant heating on all floors.

“

Just the other day there were eight of us sprawled out on this watching a movie, “ says Lavoie. “And no one felt cramped.”

28 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 ■

Covered at home. Covered at work. Home. Car. Business – Covered.

The Whistle Stop The Lavoies very much wanted a modern look with just a few rustic elements thrown in to reflect their home’s location. The chrome-legged dining table by Regina Andrews of California seats eight comfortably. It had a rough wood surface but was layered with a custom glass top by RCM Glass in Barrie to add ease to elbows. Above the dining suite hangs the very stylish Beatty Chandelier by Arteriors. Up the stairs to the second level we find two more full-sized bedrooms, each large enough for queen beds, and the ever-popular media room that sports a generous lounging sectional in Vienna Café fabric from Lee Industries. “Just the other day, there were eight of us sprawled out on this watching a movie, “ says Lavoie. “And no one felt cramped.” The flat screen TV is a 65 incher, but ample wall space means it could be bigger. Both levels are fully wired for sound and on independent sound systems so music can be enjoyed downstairs while a surround sound action flick thrills all upstairs. Through the door off the media room, the artist’s studio is to be found. Originally planned as a storage area accessible through a drop-down ladder in the garage, it was repurposed as a full-sized working studio with a three-sided see-through vented fireplace, two skylights, cork flooring, dedicated air conditioning system and ample wall space for the artist’s renderings. This is a home built for all the senses and creature comforts. While the Lavoies deeply love this home, they recently put it on the market after purchasing a new lot just around the bend in The Forest and plan to build a new custom home for their retirement with this same builder.

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backyard farming|Carson Arthur

3 Tips for backyard farming Carson Arthur When not in the dirt with his eco-friendly landscape design company, Carson stays busy building, planting, writing or designing as a featured guest on CityLine. His new show Critical Listing is currently airing on HGTV Canada. You can check him out at carsonarthur.com

s we go through a period of financial uncertainty, homeowners are focused on making sacrifices in order to put a little extra aside. The kitchen garden has become fashionable again with more and more people embracing the farm-to-table movement. Not only is it cheaper and more convenient than a trip to the supermarket, but backyard farming produces fresh food free from artificial hormones or pesticides and more nutritious than the store-bought alternative. Growing your herbs and veggies in your backyard may seem like a daunting task to some folk, but it’s much simpler than you may think. Here are my top three tips for successful backyard farming.

Don’t restrict your vetgetables to plant beds: If you’re dealing with limited green space, backyard farming may seem like a thankless task. The solution? Look for creative alternatives such as raised planters or repurposed containers filled with herbs and vegetables to feed your family. We’ve been growing tomatoes in containers for years, but how about lettuce in a pot? Salads always taste best when they are fresh, and you’ll have no excuse with a beautiful urn filled with gorgeous frilled and colourful leaves. Just make 30 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 ■

sure to choose containers with good drainage that will support healthy root growth. I usually go with a recycled plastic option instead of the traditional terracotta. Terracotta is really good at absorbing water…so good that it often dries out plants faster than other options. Water your garden from under the plants. Vegetables and herbs are very susceptible to different types of fungal infections, often brought on by water on the leaves. Drip hoses are perfect for most vegetables because they keep the leaves dry.

Use eco-friendly materials: It’s really important to choose the right type of material to grow food in. When building raised planters, avoid those tar covered railroad ties and other types of wood that use harmful toxins. Instead, choose products that are both environmentally friendly and durable. I like to use MicroPro Sienna, a pressure treated wood that is perfect for outdoor projects. Sienna is the only treated wood product to be certified as an Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP), among several other environmental designations. It’s an eco-friendly alternative that won’t leach toxins into the soil, resulting in delicious and nutritious produce. Rot resistant, it can stand up to thirsty plants. And its beautiful warm brown colour means no initial staining!

Choose ‘companion’ plants: Companion planting is a lot like creating a seating chart in a wedding. There are some plants that don’t work well with others. Here are a few to be aware of before you take a trip to the nursery:

“

Beans: these guys don’t play nice in the veggie patch. Beware of having beans with any of the onion family: no leeks, no chives, and no garlic near the beans. Peppers are also not a great mix. Tomatoes: this plant is definitely considered the jewel in any vegetable plot but they have lots of specific needs! There are several plants that inhibit the growth of tomatoes including all of the Brassicas family (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussel sprouts). Corn, fennel and potatoes are also all bad ideas near your tomatoes. Instead, plant them with all of the plants that your beans didn’t like. Onions, chives, even basil make tomatoes shine. Herbs: Plant lots of sage and thyme. These two herbs are the popular ones, getting along with almost every other veggie. Just be careful how you plant them as both of these perennials can take over. If you are new to the vegetable garden scene, trust me, do your research! Growing veggies in small spaces and maximizing the amount of produce has become a science. Don’t assume that how your mother grew potatoes is the best way anymore. Make the most of your outdoor space and save a little money doing so. Growing vegetables is going to be some work, but that first salad resulting from your efforts is going to make it all worthwhile!

Plant lots of sage and thyme. These two herbs are the popular ones, getting along with almost every other veggie.”

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Join the Conversation!

ndrew Sharpe wants to be heard – especially by his clients. And since almost 25% of adult Canadians have reported some type of hearing loss, there’s a good reason to listen. Andrew and his wife Tracy opened the Sharpe Hearing Clinic on May 1 at the Bayfield Mall. The clinic offers clients hearing testing, all makes and models of hearing aids, hearing aid repairs and programming, custom hearing protection and custom swim plugs and various assistive listening devices. “It is rewarding to see the difference in people’s lives when they improve their hearing,” says Andrew. “Enjoying the company of family and friends is what life is all about.” Born and raised in Barrie, Andrew is a staunch supporter of community. In fact, for the month of June, Sharpe Hearing Clinic is generously supporting Media for Young Minds, donating a portion of sales toward child and youth mental health at RVH. He also prides himself on providing top-notch personal care to clients by finding out what is important to them. Something interesting to note is since hearing aids are regulated by the Ministry of Health, local operators offer the same products and pricing as larger companies with the difference being the individual service you will receive. “I see the local gaps and being independent allows us the freedom to support each client’s hearing plan as required without trying to perform within corporate parameters.” Andrew graduated from Grant McEwan University and gained his experience by working in multiple capacities in the hearing care field. He works one-on-one with his clients and has provided training to other hearing

professionals on hearing technologies. sharpehearing.ca or call 705-792-9494. Andrew will always provide his clients with “My real passion is working directly honest recommendations based on their with clients, helping them achieve better hearing and lifestyle needs. Sharpe Hearing hearing and providing them lifelong hearing Clinic is LOCALLY OWNED and OPERATED. solutions.” he says. The clinic provides extended evening and Saturday hours “to “it is support our working clients and rewarding working caregivers”. They also to see the provide mobility services for those difference who are unable to come into the in people’s clinic and visit retirement & nursing lives when homes. they improve “We provide straightforward their recommendations,” says Andrew. hearing,” “Maybe you just have some questions and don’t want to feel pressured into a hearing aid that you are not ready for.“ “We are here to educate you on your hearing. For those with normal hearing, it is a chance for us to provide information on Andrew Sharpe hearing preservation.” Hearing Instrument Specialist, Owner Andrew is committed to ensuring each client leaves completely satisfied with the service and products provided. “Our clients can count on seeing me each and every time they are scheduled. Consistency in their care Hearing loss is gradual is key to a successful outcome.” and often your friends and family “To be successful with your hearing aid will notice it before you. relies as much on the product as with the professional fitting it.” Clinic Coordinator Tracy Sharpe looks after office administration as well as client care. She has worked in the health care field directly with patients, supporting family physicians as well as ear, nose and throat and Andrew is encouraging specialists and hearing clinics for over 15 you to ask yourself… years. “My passion has always been to ensure • Do you turn up the volume on the an exceptional client experience, and television louder than others prefer? that will remain our promise to you,” she • Do you have difficulty hearing when continues, “Booking an appointment is easy, having a conversation with one no doctor referral required.” You can find or two people? Sharpe Hearing Clinic at 320 Bayfield Street • Do you have difficulty in the Bayfield Mall or visit them online at hearing in groups? • Are you often asking people to repeat things? • Do you strain to hear when attending meetings? • Do you often not hear or misunderstand what people Tracy Sharpe are saying to you? Clinic Coordinator The only way to determine the level and type of hearing loss is by having a hearing evaluation, or a hearing test.

TAKE THE TEST MAY iS BETTER HEARiNg MONTH

in the kitchen | Sirenis Fish & Chips

•

in the

with

Daniel Fletcher Story by Katherine Elphick Photos by Ellie Kistemaker

hen the Fletcher family decided to open a fish and chip shop in Thornton, their goal was to cast a wider net. “We wanted to offer something beyond the standard English style batter to diners,” explains chef Daniel Fletcher, who owns and operates the 39-seat family friendly restaurant with his mother, Deborah, and wife, Samantha. “Instead, we decided to serve up a unique thin and crispy fish batter along with offering various gluten-free dishes.” To learn more about Sirenis’s version of England’s most popular culinary exports — fish and chips and its wheat-free fare, this GoodLife reporter decided to pay the popular Thornton eatery a visit. »

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 33

in the kitchen | Sirenis Fish & Chips

Daniel’s wife, Samantha and his mother, Deboraha

Gluten Free

Mozza Sticks

Gluten Free

Breaded Shrimp 34 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 ■

HILLTOP ACRES Organic Food Co-op

What led you to open up Sirenis in 2008? Samantha Fletcher: First and foremost — our family loves fish and chips! So, when Daniel graduated from culinary school (Liaison College) we thought it would be a great idea to open up a little family restaurant along with Daniel’s mom, Deborah. Why Thornton? We are all from this area and believe that Thornton is a great crossroads for local diners and travellers, alike. Why the name Sirenis? SF: We picked the name Sirenis because it means mermaid in Spanish. We just happened to be in the Dominican Republic while we were writing our menu and it just seemed to click. How would you describe your restaurant? SF: We’re a family owned and operated restaurant with a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. Everyone is welcome here, and our staff is very friendly and energetic. We serve delicious homemade fare with plenty of gluten-free options. We’re also fully liquor licensed.

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What’s your food philosophy? Daniel Fletcher: As a chef, I wanted to step outside-the-box and offer something different. Our fish and chips aren’t your standard English style batter. Instead, we serve up our very own unique crispy type of batter. And it’s delicious! Beyond that, while giving the choice of eat-in or takeout, our goal is to provide the best quality and value using fresh and local ingredients. Let’s hear more about this special batter. DF: It’s an extra crispy, thin batter. And it’s my special secret recipe. We also cut our fish off loin, so they are thick steak cuts with big flakes. Do you cook everything from scratch? DF: Absolutely! We hand cut all of our fish and chicken and everything is weighed on site. We also hand batter everything. Even our fries, sweet potato fries and coleslaw are hand cut. We also make all of our all sauces, soups and salads from scratch. What are your specialty items? SF: We are known for our fish and chips and our popular gluten-free menu. By offering several gluten-free alternatives, we get an amazing reaction from diners. People who haven’t eaten fish and chips in 25 years (because they have celiac disease or are gluten intolerant) are just» GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 35

in the kitchen | Sirenis Fish & Chips

Pesto Halibut

with Fresh Tomato Salsa PESTO HALIBUT WITH FRESH TOMATO SALSA Recipe courtesy of chef Daniel Fletcher, Sirenis Fish & Chips

PREPARATION

By omitting the bread crumbs and only using almonds, you can turn this recipe into a gluten-free dish,â&#x20AC;? explains chef Daniel Fletcher.

1. Tomato Salsa: Deseed tomato and discard seeds. Cut tomato into dice-sized pieces. Chop onion and cilantro finely and add all ingredients to a mixing bowl. Add white vinegar and a dash of salt and pepper and mix together. Set aside.

Cooking Utensils (1 baking sheet, parchment paper, 2 mixing bowls, cutting board and knife)

2. Halibut: Preheat oven to 365F.

2 red tomatoes 1/2 red onion 2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped 2 (6 oz) portions (12 oz in total) halibut 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs 1/2 cup slivered almonds 1 tsp lemon juice 2 Tbsp pesto 1 tsp white vinegar salt and pepper for seasoning

36 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 â&#x2013;

3. Cut halibut into 2 (6 oz) portions, no thicker than 1-inch thick. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper and season with a dash of salt. 4. In a small mixing bowl, mix together 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup slivered almonds (for gluten-free omit the bread crumbs and use 1/2 cup almonds), 1 tablespoon pesto and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice. Place mixture on top of halibut, making sure to cover all sides. 5. Place halibut in the centre rack of oven and bake for about 12 to 14 minutes. Once the internal temperature reaches 160F, the halibut is finished. Serves 2.

Residential New & Re-Roofs floored when they come here. They can’t stop smiling because they can finally eat fish and chips again! As restaurant owners, it’s very gratifying and exciting to see that kind of reaction. Smiling customers make us smile. What kind of gluten-free batter do you serve? DF: It’s a tapioca-based flour, and it’s my own secret recipe. What percentage of your diners order gluten-free dishes? DF: It’s between 30 to 40 per cent, and the number gets higher each day. We get customers driving to our restaurant from all over because tasty gluten-free fish and chips are hard to find. When people come here, they know they can have a safe gluten-free meal because we are really, really careful about cross contamination and take the issue very seriously. In the eight years that we’ve been open, we haven’t had one issue with cross contamination. Finally, I should also mention that I’m constantly developing new recipes for our ever-expanding gluten-free menu. » How do you prevent cross contamination? SF: We keep everything completely separate. We batter our gluten-free dishes in a completely different area of the kitchen. We also have separate fryers, separate utensils, and so on. Classic fish and chips requires a deep fryer, but I noticed your menu also offers various healthy menu choices, including soup, salads, along with baked and steamed options. Let hear about the baked fish options, which are also available on the gluten-free menu. SF: We have a ‘create your own baked fish’ section on the menu and choices include almond encrusted (encrusted with almonds and roasted with our own house lemon pepper seasoning), roasted almond pesto (slivered almonds infused with in-house pesto), chili lime (seasoned with chipotle chili, lime and topped with pistachios) and coconut macadamia (covered with shaved coconut, lime zest and crushed macadamia nuts). »

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in the kitchen | Sirenis Fish & Chips Breaded

Scallops

Gluten Free

Chicken Strips

Sounds like the gluten-free menu goes well beyond just fish and chips. Can you offer up some of the highlights? SF: Along with the deep-fried, steamed and baked fish options, we serve up anything from gluten-free soups, salads and appetizers (such as breaded shrimp) to various gluten-free chicken dishes (even wings), sides and desserts. What’s your number one fish? DF: Halibut is our biggest seller, but we also offer haddock and cod. It’s interesting because the Horseshoe region sells the most halibut in the entire world. Diners also love our halibut because we offer the steak cut, so you are getting a thick piece of fish with a thin layer of crispy batter. People love to cut into that [smiles]. What three-course meal would you order for me? SF: For a regular meal, I would suggest starting with our Greek salad because it’s really, really good. For the main, I’d go with the land and sea (fresh battered fish and chicken strips) with hand-cut coleslaw and fries. That way, you get to try a bit of everything. For dessert, I’d go with the deep-fried Mars Bar. And the gluten-free meal? SF: I’d start you off with our gluten-free mozzarella sticks. For your main dish, I’d go with our delicious dinner seafood platter (includes 8 shrimps, 8 scallops, 1 piece of hand battered haddock, coleslaw and fries). For dessert, you have to try our gluten-free

38 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 ■

vanilla ice cream topped with our homemade berry coulis. If you enjoy beer, we even serve New Grist, which is a gluten-free brew. What about fare for the non-fish eaters? SF: We have lots of options, such as: soups, salads, chicken strips, wings, chicken parmesan, even grilled chicken on a bun. We also offer fresh cut sweet potato fries, and poutine. Do you use sustainable fish? DF: Yes, we only use Pacific halibut (Hyppoglossus Stenolippis). The west coast between the US and Canada has particular laws protecting fish and their resources, and that’s important to us. Halibut fishing season starts around mid-March and goes until mid-November of the same year. The Canadian and US fishing treaty has been in place since 1923, which controls the total allowable catch weight for fishing boats and fishing zones along the entire west coast. As well, using a long line and hook and following all regulations of catching and releasing all small halibut sustains a resourceful future catch. We have a great supplier that we have used for the past seven years. Do you have specials? SF: We have lots of specials. Every day we offer all you can eat haddock and fries for $18.99 (eat-in only). On Tuesday, kids 10 and under eat free (eat-in only and drinks are excluded, two kids per adult with a combined or single purchase of $16 or more). On Wednesday, we serve a 5oz haddock and fries for $9. Thursday

Come celebrate YOUR

is seniors day, so folks 65 or older receive 15 per cent off (beverages and alcohol excluded). It’s also wing day, with two pounds of wings and one pound of fries for $18 (eat-in or takeout). The wing special excludes the seniors discount. On Saturday, we offer 4 oz halibut and fries for $11. Finally, from Tuesday to Friday, we offer a take-out lunch special from 11 am to 3 pm for $9. (Choices include: 1 piece haddock, Buffalo chicken sandwich, or fish on a bun — meals includes small fries, pop or water). Do you offer take-out? SF: We offer a full take-out menu, but we don’t deliver. What do you cook at home? DF: Anything and everything! The kitchen is really my playground and I love experimenting with different recipes. We have two little kids, aged three and five, so we like introducing them to lots of different types of food. We also love entertaining, and some of my specialty dishes are crab legs, lobster and steak. SF: Daniel has always loved to cook — even as a child. Being a chef is the perfect career for him. Besides Sirenis, what’s your favourite foodie destination? DF: We really don’t eat out a lot, but I like Cordino’s Fine Meats and Deli. It’s a great butcher shop in Barrie, which is owned and operated by chef Michael Cortese and his mother, Nancy. Michael trained me at Liaison College. Any interesting future plans? DF: Our goal is to continue expanding our menu options, especially our gluten-free items. You’ve got the ear of thousands of local diners, anything you’d like to add? SF: Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years. You’ve helped us build our business to what it is today. This restaurant has been a dream come true for us!

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by Janis Ramsay

ocated in the sought-after Woodbridge Highlands in Vaughan, this four-bedroom family home on Thomson Creek Boulevard is quick to charm. With simple front yard landscaping and a stamped concrete entrance, the elegant home is low on maintenance but high on impact. Built by Sir Wynne Homes about 15 years ago, the neighbourhood has established itself as a place for kids to play and many homes have backyard vegetable gardens, including this one. Once inside the grand foyer, the impeccable black and white tiling lets you know this home is unique. It continues up to the main-floor, where the eat-in kitchen boasts a large picture window and modern finishings. The picture window has a mirrored film on the exterior, providing privacy for people inside but allowing plenty of light to soak the interior. “The kitchen is the homeowners’ favourite place because it’s where everybody gathers,” McNeill said, adding it has been professionally redone. From the kitchen, a walkout to the backyard brings you to a stamped concrete patio and open layout with a corner pond, perfect for entertaining. In-ground sprinklers make exterior maintenance easy. Back inside, a formal dining area, office, powder room, living room with fireplace and family room area complete the main floor.

“There’s inside access to the three-car garage with main-floor laundry adjacent and service stairs to the finished basement,” Ronan Realty listing agent Ingrid McNeill said. The laundry has a stainless steel sink and granite countertops. Heading upstairs using the grand wooden staircase, the upper level features easy-to-maintain parquet floors. The master bedroom is very spacious, with an ensuite that boasts double sinks, separate shower and soaker tub, with toilet and bidet. The remaining three bedrooms are also spacious and offer plenty of closet space. And the guest bathroom includes double sinks, leaving room for the kids to share. The basement also comes finished, with Polish porcelain flooring. There’s extra storage under the basement stairs, a gas fireplace and second kitchen. There are built-in cabinets, a wet bar and cantina, because the homeowners make their own wine, McNeill said. Another three-piece washroom with a walk-in tiled shower is also in the basement. The home is in a perfect location, across from Woodbridge Highlands Park and is walking distance from Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School. Plazas and more parks are also within walking distance. To arrange a viewing at 78 Thomson Creek Blvd., call McNeill direct at 647-212-5798 or through the Alliston office at 705-435-4336.

Q U I C K

FA C T S

• 4 bedroom • Stainless steel sink and granite countertops • Across from Woodbridge Highlands Park

feature|Beekeeping

Beekeeping in rural

hockley valley

42 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 â&#x2013;

Beekeepers, Toby and Jen Schmid

By Katherine Elphick | PHOTOS By Ellie Kistemaker

Toby Schmid always wanted to be a beekeeper. “I can’t really explain why,” muses the owner of Three Brothers Honey Company in Hockley Valley. “Bees have always fascinated me. My grandfather was a beekeeper, so my interest might be genetic.” »

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 43

feature|Beekeeping

urns out, until he started beekeeping in 2012, he didn’t know his grandfather had a successful apiary in Germany during the Second World War. “My dad never mentioned it until I got my own hives going,” explains Schmid, an Air Canada pilot, who runs the hobby apiary with his wife, Jen. Located on a rural 20-acre woodlot property, the family-run apiary is currently home to about 14 hives. “Rather than plain old box hives, Toby decided to put a little style and character into the construction. Some of the roofs even have shingles,” explains Jen, referring to the bee village that lines their country driveway. All of the hives are made out of natural cedar. The intention was never to sell the honey. But after the first year of maintaining two hives (a healthy hive can produce upwards of 150 pounds of honey), there was more honey than storage. And so, the family business was born.

Honeybees are responsible for the health of over $200-million worth of crops in Ontario each year.

products. “People keep asking for cinnamon and herb infused honey, so we are going to start selling those soon,” says Jen Schmid. “We're also going to start making mead (honey) wine.” Honey aside, no honeybee story is complete without a discussion of bee health and pesticides. Part of the problem stems from neonicotinoid pesticides, or neonics. Poisonous to bees in any amount, neonics are applied to the seed and grows systemically with the plant. Many beekeepers are part of a class action lawsuit against two pesticide companies after their product was found in millions of dead bees. Neonics are said to be partly to blame for the rise in bee mortality rates, worsening the effects of viruses, mites, proper nutrition and long harsh winters (all common problems that beekeepers face). Last November, an announcement was made by the Government of Ontario, which commits

The local beekeeper says it’s critical for the agricultural community to maintain the health of the honey bee.

The Three Brothers moniker refers to the couple’s three young sons, ranging in age from five to 10. “As they get older, their roles [in the honey business] will increase. But for now, they’re more interested in kicking a soccer ball around than helping their old man with the bees,” he chuckles. Three Brothers Honey is unpasteurized, raw honey in its most natural form. It isn't filtered, strained, processed or heated above natural hive temperatures (usually 115 degrees Fahrenheit), a process used in conventional honey that can destroy beneficial enzymes, nutrients and antioxidants. “It literally goes from the hive into the jars,” explains the beekeeper. The rural location makes for delicious honey, he explains. “There are plenty of valleys, meadows, an abundance of wildflowers and flowering trees in this area. We have lots of basswood on our property and our basswood honey is very delicious.” Along with liquid honey, the apiary also sells creamed honey and some health care and skin 44 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 ■

to an 80% reduction in the number of acres planted with neonicotinoid treated corn and soybean seed by 2017. Gideon Forman of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (www.cape. ca) believes the Ontario government should go further and ban the pesticides outright. “Ontario’s current proposal is a great step, but it only covers three neonic pesticides. The science suggests that, to protect bees and other vital pollinators, we need to prohibit the use of all neonics,” says Forman. As for the local hobby beekeeper’s thoughts on the issue? “It’s hard for me to say because my bees aren’t exposed to many pesticides because we aren’t surrounded by corn or soybean fields,” he admits. “There are so many wildflowers and flowering trees around the bees have access to plenty of nector and pollen.” Corn and soybean fields are often treated with neonics. Schmid believes the biggest issue stressing his bees are mites. Again, neonics are said to be

custoM harDwooD Flooring partly to blame for the rise in bee mortality rates, worsening the effects of viruses and mites. Although small, honeybees play a significant role in food, farming and the environment, says the beekeeper. The bees and the beekeeping industry are extremely important to the health and vitality of Canada’s agricultural industry and the country’s economy. Honeybees play an indispensable role in the pollination of our essential crops, in fact, honeybees are responsible for the health of over $200-million worth of crops in Ontario each year. “Honeybees are very, very important to our agricultural community,” he explains. “In terms of fruits and vegetables, upwards of 80 per cent of what’s on your kitchen table has been pollinated by a honeybee.” The local beekeeper says it’s critical for the agricultural community to keep the health of the bees up. “In China, for example, pollution has almost killed off all of the honeybees. As a result, farmers have resorted to manual pollination with literally fields of workers out there with brushes dabbing pollen into the individual blooms of fruit trees.” The health of the honeybee also ensures a strong supply of that sweet liquid gold. A popular spread, honey is also perfect for baking and cooking. And it’s healthier. Raw honey contains nutrients, enzymes and antioxidants. It also contains vitamins such as B1, 2, 3, 5 and 6, and Vitamin C, as well as minerals such as magnesium, calcium and potassium. Raw honey has antiviral and anti-fungal properties which promote body and digestive health and strengthens the immune system. It has also been known to help reduce seasonal allergies and can help remedy skin ailments. As for the local beekeeper’s favourite way to enjoy honey? “Straight out of the jar, or on pumpernickel toast,” he says with a smile. And the beekeeper doesn’t even mind getting stung. “I’ve been stung many times,” he admits. “But it doesn’t bother me. It’s like getting a sliver if you work with wood — it’s going to happen.” Three Brothers Honey Company products are sold at Sheldon Creek Dairy, Hen House Farms, Foodland (Beeton and Tottenham locations) and New Orleans Pizza (Beeton). For more information call (905)729-3663 or visit threebrothershoney.com

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 45

feature|Beekeeping

How sweet it is! Here are some tempting honey recipes to enjoy

THYME HONEY BRAISED

BUTTERMILK POUND CAKE WITH MASCARPONE CHEESE

(recipe courtesy of Three Brothers Honey)

ingredients 3 cups flour 1 tsp salt 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 2 cups granulated sugar 1/4 cup honey 4 eggs 1 cup buttermilk

to finish 1 tub mascarpone cheese Three Brothers Thyme Infused Honey to drizzle

PREPARATION 1. Preheat oven to 325F. 2. In medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Set aside. 3. In separate bowl, using mixer, cream together butter and sugar. Add honey and eggs and mix well. Add dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until well combined (a few minutes). 4. Pour batter into a greased 9-or10-inch Bundt pan. Bake for about 1 hour or until skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. Let the cake rest in the pan for about 5 minutes before trying to remove it. Invert the cake onto a plate or wire rack and cool completely. Â 5. Serve with a scoop of mascarpone cheese drizzled with warmed thyme honey.

A great dessert for coffee time! 46 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 â&#x2013;

feature|Beekeeping

RICOTTA AND HONEY TART (recipe courtesy of Three Brothers Honey)

This recipe requires a 9-inch round tart pan with removable bottom. It uses ricotta cheese, which should be drained overnight, or at least for a few hours.

Crust

PREPARATION

6. Meanwhile, prepare the filling.

8 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

1. For the crust: Place melted butter, sugar, zest, and salt in a large bowl and stir until combined. Add flour and stir just until a soft dough forms, about 1 minute.

7. For the filling: Place the drained ricotta, eggs, honey, zest, and cinnamon in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade attachment. Process, stopping and scraping down the sides of the bowl often with a rubber spatula, until the mixture is smooth and combined, about 1 minute.

1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 Tbsp grated lemon zest 1/4 tsp salt 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Filling 1 lb (454 grams) ricotta cheese (drained — the drier, the better) 2 large eggs 1/2 cup Three Brothers Honey 1 Tbsp grated lemon zest 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted

2. Evenly arrange small pieces of the dough over the bottom of a 9-inch round tart pan with a removable bottom. Using a measuring cup or your fingers, press the dough to form an even layer over the bottom and up the sides of the pan, flouring the cup or your fingers as needed. 3. Cover the tart shell with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 4. Meanwhile, heat oven to 350F and arrange a rack in the middle. 5. When the shell is chilled, prick it all over with a fork and place it on a baking sheet. Bake until golden brown all over, about 20 to 25 minutes.

48 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 ■

8. Spread the filling in the warm tart shell and evenly sprinkle the almonds over top. 9. Bake until the centre of the tart is just set, about 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely on a rack before serving.

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HONEYBEE FACTS

in Hockley Village!

Courtesy of the Ontario Beekeepers’ Association ontariohoney.ca • Honeybees are bred to be very gentle and will only sting to defend themselves, or the colony. More people are stung by wasps and yellow jackets than honeybees. If a honeybee lands on your arm, blow it off ...don't hit it. • Honeybees have been present on the Earth for millions of years. One of the oldest agricultural pursuits known to man is beekeeping. Early settlers to North America had a limited and expensive source of sugar, so honeybees were exported from Europe to establish apiaries here. The honey and beeswax gathered were used for many purposes. Today, many advances have been made in this aspect of agriculture. Some people derive their income from their apiaries while many others keep honeybees as a hobby. • Honeybees are called "social insects" because they live together in a society with adults and young sharing the same dwelling, and they exhibit a co-operative behaviour. No individual honeybee can survive on its own. • An estimated 80 per cent of insect crop pollination is accomplished by the honeybee. Honeybees are highly specialized vegetarians, eating only nectar and pollen which are produced by flowering plants. • Bees live on stored honey and pollen all winter, and cluster into a ball to conserve warmth. Larvae are fed from the stores during this season and, by spring, the hive is swarming with a new generation of bees.

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The little black book everyone is talking about is back! All of the hidden gems, and unique finds in Simcoe County | Grey-Bruce wrapped up in one fabulous coffee table book. Ask for your complementary edition at select retailers or view the digital edition at Simcoe.com Call 705-435-6228 ext. 222 or goodlife@simcoe.com for information on featuring a business

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profile | Colleen Rideout

Story and photos By Kathryn Mooij

it takes a village to raise a child, what does it take to create a great community? Colleen Rideout thinks it takes a lot of caring, trusting individuals who are willing to volunteer. Skilled leaders who really want to make a difference are also essential if any group is going to thrive. Now Rideout is dedicating herself to being an involved member of the Tottenham community.

50 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 â&#x2013;

“

She breathes new life into everything she does... everything she touches, turns to magic."

orn and raised in Toronto, she worked hard to achieve her goals and put herself through university, the first in her family to reach that level of education. Rideout and her husband moved to Tottenham 20 years ago, fulfilling her desire to live in a small community. They have raised three boys in the village and she says her sons are always her first priority. After obtaining her BA in nursing, Rideout worked in emergency rooms before becoming the first geriatric emergency management nurse in a pilot program at Stevenson Memorial Hospital. In 2010, she resigned from a position in long-term care management at Southlake Regional Health Centre. She wanted to start her own business and took the summer off to interview business owners and gain insight into what was needed. Through those connections, she was asked to help with Tottenham’s community event in the spring. "Colleen’s energy is infectious," says Mary Nordstrom, Tottenham Community Week chair. "She breathes new life into everything she does and she not only comes up with great ideas, she executes and implements them. Everything she touches, turns to magic." With Rideout’s vision and input, the weekend event became six days of activities that includes all ages and makes use of several venues in the village. Rideout then decided to enroll in an event management college program. She intended on doing wedding planning but landed a contract with a non-profit organization that needed her to organize their largest fundraiser. Shortly thereafter, she was approached by a new hockey organization, the Tottenham Steam. They needed help forging a path for the junior hockey club in Tottenham. "I knew nothing about hockey, my boys never played it, but I saw it as a challenge to help Tottenham embrace this new team," says Rideout.

She jumped into the position with her characteristic enthusiasm and did everything from marketing to sponsorship; from arranging billets for players from around the world to game day operations and organizing hockey fundraisers for charities. Rideout had a live singer at all 21 home games and is proud of the fact that attendance reached near sell-out numbers. She is now the director of community relations for the Tottenham Steam and is excited about their future. "I don’t know if we would have gotten the crowds without Colleen and I hope we never know," laughs Ryan Wood, general manager and head coach of Tottenham Steam. He says Colleen is very adaptable and has learned the hockey business very quickly. "Colleen is an incredible communicator with a bubbly personality and people flock to her," he says. Accolades from those who know her are endless. Yet, Rideout is quick to credit others who work and volunteer with her. "When someone shares their vision with me, I like to help make it happen, but the only reason I am successful is because I have great people behind and alongside me," she muses. When not working in her business, BFF Event Coordination, or the hockey club and when she is not involved in Community Week, the Tottenham Bluegrass Festival, Christmas parades, the food bank hamper drive, CRIC, or activities at her sons’ schools, Rideout likes to ride her Triumph motorbike or play baseball. She says she loves listening to music, loves to dance and would like to travel more often. When the whirl of activity slows, Rideout enjoys watching comedies with her boys and savours a good glass of pinot grigio. Her brain doesn’t relax though; she says it is always working on finding another way to promote Tottenham and she’ll jump at the chance to find innovative and challenging ways to make her community a better place.

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portfolio|Vivian Wallace

ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS

Story And Photography Dawn Ritchie

Vivian Wallace Artist

here’s an old adage, “everyone has a sack of rocks they’re carrying around,” meaning each of us bears troubles, but for lapidary artist Vivian Wallace, the saying holds a literal connotation. Combing the banks of remote Northern Ontario lakes, Wallace is regularly spotted lugging weighty bags of tumbled beach rocks as she collects prized bryozoans and bone fossils for her functional stone lamp sculptures. “Anything with unique colour or a quartz crystal catches my eye,” says Wallace. “I say, okay, that’s the last one! And then I see another.” Once Wallace found an antique square nail head embedded deep within a rock. That was a find. “I’ve loved rocks ever since I was a kid,” claims Wallace, who awoke with a start two years ago GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 53

portfolio|Vivian Wallace

and a precise design in her head ready to be launched. “I already knew how to do electrical work. So I researched stone drilling and within a month I was selling them.” The drill bits require diamond coating in order to penetrate the adamantine core and she quickly acquired an industrial drill press for the job. “This is really a passion project. In the beginning, I paid as much as $50 for a diamond coated drill bit and it only lasted three rocks.” Since then she’s learned to pace the drill’s bore, while applying cool water to the bit so it won’t burn red hot and shatter. “Admittedly, it’s a time-consuming process,” says Wallace, who astounds the higher-end customers who flock to buy her lamps, with their low cost. “I try to keep my prices affordable. Some people don’t have a lot of money and they should be able to purchase and own original work just as much as the well heeled.” But that’s not her only motive. “The other thing, and this is the honest truth, is that I get such a thrill out of someone owning something I made. The money is just a bonus.” Wallace confides her journey into lapidary arts began 10 years ago, when, during a low point, a friend invited her over to experiment with jewelry kits to boost her spirits. “Growing up, I was bullied,” says Wallace, “so low self-esteem was an issue. I remember just putzing around with the jewelry kits and simply fell in love with it.”

54 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 ■

Wallace’s first creations were merely for personal use. “Something to wear to work.” But once she started incorporating her watercolours and fine art into her necklaces (each is an original signed by the artist) she drew admirers. “Friends and colleagues wanted to buy them. So I started including stone and sterling silver into my designs and suddenly I had a new passion. I set up a little table in a garage at the cottage and, before you knew it, my work was selling like hotcakes. This has really been a refuge for me.” Which brings us back to that old adage about a sack of rocks. Wallace’s adventure in artistic excavation has been a fruitful journey to emotional vigour. Those early days now well behind her, Wallace has gone on to become an award-winning artist, sold her work through 10 different retailers and appeared in six juried studio art tours. What’s next on her horizon? In addition to her lamps, jewelry and paintings, Wallace wants to craft more of her rustic, stone-embellished, solar-powered birdhouses. “They have cathedral windows that light up at night with multicoloured stained glass patterns. The birds just love them.” She’s also currently sketching designs for stone tea lights with hurricane lamps. “And of course there’s my mailboxes. I have so many ideas.” Find Vivian Wallace’s work at www.vtheartist. ca, Alliston’s Gibson Centre, Chatham’s folksy Grandma Lambes, El Con Pottery in Newton Robinson and at Bradford Library’s One Of A Kind Art Show on May 30 and 31.

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events|things to do

things to do

in your community

Four Play: A Showcase of Play Readings June 4-7 South Simcoe Theatre, 1 Hamilton St., Cookstown Every day a different play! Lightly rehearsed readings of different full-length and shorter plays. www.southsimcoetheatre.com.

Boyne River Classic Duck Race June 6, Riverdale Park, Fletcher Crescent and King Street South, Alliston Rubber ducks will float down the river in this five-heat race. There are 25 prizes up for grabs, including the top prize of $1,500. There will be face painting, arts and crafts, the Alliston Community Policing Committee’s Bike Rodeo and Safety Fair, as well as many fun duck-themed activities. Allistonlions.ca

Stitching Among Friends June 6-7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Alliston Curling club, 52 Albert St. W. A Quilting Corners Guild Show featuring quilts, wall-hangings, quilted apparel, bed turning, mini auction, quilt raffle, merchant mall, and tearoom. Admission is $5.

Randy’s Run, June 6, 5 p.m. Riverdale Pavilion, Fletcher Crescent, Alliston A fundraiser for the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation in memory of Randy Jolliffe. There will be a kids’ fun run, adult five-kilometre and 10-kilometre routes, and pig roast. www.events.runningroom.com

Encaustic painting with Dorothy Shelton June 9, 10 a.m. Adjala-Tosorontio Municipal Offices, 7855 30th Sideroad. South Simcoe Palette Club workshop. Seating is limited. For more information contact 705-435-3591 or dianekaczmarek@hotmail.com

Celebrate the Music of The Platters with Norris Vines, June 12, 8 p.m. Gibson Centre, 63 Tupper St. W., Alliston Sit back and enjoy memorable songs like Smoke Gets in your Eyes, Only You, the Great Pretender, and more. Tickets $37. Gibsoncentre.com

56 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 ■

We can help you

Beeton Athletic Association Car Draw Saturday, June 13 Beeton Memorial Arena The grand prize is a 2015 Ford Fiesta from Trillium Ford Lincoln in Alliston. Tickets are $60 each and admit four adults for dinner. Tickets sold at Beeton Foodland, Muddy Water Tavern, Boulton Replay Sports, Beeton Legion, Trillium Ford, and Paw-fect Pets and Supplies.

Battle of the Brushes June 20. A lively, exciting art competition for artists held on Mill Street in downtown Alliston. The talented competitors are given a defined period of time to create their piece, then the public votes for their favourite. Southsimcoeartscouncil.com

23rd Annual Nottawasaga Foundation Golf Tournament, Dinner and Auction, June 26 Golf tournament featuring an open and ladies division, as well as a dinner, and silent and live auction in the evening. Call 705-435-5501.

Alliston and District Humane Society Open House June 13, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Stop by the humane society, located at 5545 Concession 4 (north of Highway 89), AdjalaTosorontio, and meet some of the animals available for adoption. The open house is held the second and fourth Saturday of each month. Allistonhumane.com

Tottenham Bluegrass Festival June 19-21 Held at the Tottenham Conservation Area, this three-day festival is not to be missed for anyone who loves the sweet sounds of bluegrass music. For details on performers and ticket prices. www.tottenhambluegrass.ca

12 13

Community Picnic and Charity Fair, June 28, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Ivy Presbyterian Church, 5067 20th Sideroad, Thornton Stop by for a barbecue, salads and desserts and check out displays of the charities the church supports. There will also be games for adults and children.

TIFF Film Circuit June 28, 2 p.m. Circle Theatre, 19 Victoria St. E., Alliston. Screening of October Gale, an intimate and suspenseful thrillers set in the islands of Georgian Bay. The TIFF Film Circuit is a volunteer, non-profit group that donates to local charities. Admisstion is $10 for adults, $7.50 for students and seniors.

Tottenham Community Week June 29 to July 5 A week full of community events for the whole family. Tottenhamcommunityweek.ca

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events|things to do

Canada Day in Alliston July 1, noon Alliston Rotary Park Enjoy great food, vendors and crafters market, musical entertainment, games/activities, rockwall, swimming, car show, and more. To cap off the celebration of Canada’s birthday, head to the Tottenham Conservation Area for the fireworks display. Newtecumseth.ca/event/Canadaday-celebrations/

Alliston Potato Festival Aug. 7-9 Get ready for fun. From the time the parade kicks off Friday to the closing concert in the park, there are a lot of sites to take in. The annual festival features a street market, car show, midway, and more. Allistonpotatofestival.com

Tottenham Classic Car and Truck Show July 5, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by the Tottenham Conservation Area for a great day of fun and check out classic cars, trucks and snowmobiles. Tottenhamcarshow.com

Sunday Music

in the Park

rab a lawn chair and head out to Keogh Park in Tottenham to enjoy an afternoon of live music. The free concert series is held weekly in July and August from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. To get there from Tottenham Road, head east on Mill Street (4th Line). Keogh Park is on the south side of the road across from the fire station. The line-up:

July 5 Sean Bourke (Rock/folk) July 12 Slocan Ramblers (Bluegrass) July 19 Willful Blues (Blues) July 26 Nonie Thompson (Folk/Celtic) Aug. 2 Kris Barclay (Country) Aug. 9 Churchville Park (Country/bluegrass) Aug. 16 Good Company (Folk) Aug. 23 Vinyl Groove (Classic rock)

online 58 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 ■

Looking for something fun to do? Check out events on Simcoe.com

travel|The Lodge at Glendorn

60 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 â&#x2013;

The Lodge at Glendorn ... Relais & ChĂ˘teaux with Beretta and Orvis ... what a combination! add beautiful scenery, luxury accommodation and great company, and who could ask for anything more? More time was the only thing missing.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Worth

the Drive by Bart Card

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 61

travel|The Lodge at Glendorn

ravelling the world has afforded me the opportunity to experience many new and interesting pastimes and explore interests that may not have been possible otherwise. Since I was a boy, I have loved exploring the outdoors. With that love comes a fascination of shooting and fishing I have had since I was a child. So when, in the fall of last year I received an invitation to stay at the Lodge at Glendorn, I jumped at the opportunity especially knowing that it is a Relais & Châteaux property and Beretta and Orvis are involved in the outdoor activities. My son –in-law, Kyle, and I share similar interests. When I found out about this trip, I decided who better to have with me than him. I had never heard of Glendorn, but after some quick research I discovered that not only was it a renowned idyllic getaway, but it was also located in northwestern Pennsylvania, only four short hours from my home outside of Toronto. The drive was easy, with no traffic and beautiful scenery. We left early and arrived mid-morning. The first thing we noticed as we pulled onto the property was the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The drive into the property is flanked by flowing streams and rolling hills – an outdoorsman’s dream. Located adjacent to the Allegheny National Forest, the Lodge at Glendorn’s all-redwood main lodge dates back to

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1929. The property is open year-round and offers beautifully appointed accommodations, find dining in a casual atmosphere and world class activities. Famous guests have included Louis Armstrong, Victor Borge, Art Buchwald and Ella Fitzgerald. We parked the car and made our way to the main lodge to check-in. The mostly original furnishings, family heirlooms and redwood panelling set a perfect atmosphere and truly accentuate the history associated with Glendorn. And what a history it has! The property was purchased by C.G. Dorn in 1927 as a family retreat. In 1995, the Dorn family made the decision to share their family getaway with others and opened the doors of Glendorn to the public. When the estate came up for auction in 1995, Cliff Forest and his family jumped at the opportunity and set out to preserve the property’s history and natural beauty. While checking-in, Kyle and I had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie Schafer, director of Hotel Operations and Marketing. Stephanie was exceptionally helpful and provided us with fantastic tales of the property as we walked the short distance to our guest cabin. The property has a total of 12 cabins, all secluded in the surrounding woodlands. John’s Cabin is a larger cabin, featuring a small kitchen, a living room with wood-burning fireplace,

Glendorn’s state-of-the-art kitchen is run by a superb team of culinary experts, led by Executive Chef Joe Schafer. Originally from upstate New York, Joe joined the Glendorn team in 2008. His food is heavily influenced by classical French techniques, while focusing on seasonal ingredients and local products.

an outdoor porch with a sleeping swing that overlooks Skipper Lake. John’s Cabin sleeps up to eight people and each bedroom has its own private bathroom. Each cabin also features an outdoor fire-ring with teak furniture, allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful scenic Pennsylvania mountain scenery. In addition to guest cabins, Glendorn offers guests the opportunity to stay in a suite or room in the Big House. All accommodations, including the guest houses, are furnished with fine linens, towels and Aveda bath products. After a wonderful night’s sleep, we woke rested and ready for the day ahead. Our first planned activity was fly fishing, with the knowledgeable Damon Newpher, sports director at Glendorn. With 1,500 acres, Glendorn is home to Fuller Brook, a crystal clear, spring-fed stream full of native brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout. Glendorn is ideal for the world’s most experienced and most novice of fly-fishers. Being relative beginners ourselves, Kyle and I spent the morning under the astute tutelage of one of Glendorn’s fishing guides. We ended up catching, and releasing, a handful of fish between us and having a wonderful experience in the process. Once we were done with fly fishing, we headed to the dining room for some lunch. The kitchen offers a menu inspired by classical French techniques and infused with regional favourites and fresh local ingredients. The gardens at Glendorn are often the source of many of the fresh flavours that adorn the dishes in the dining room. Lunches at Glendorn are a choice of light fare or a picnic lunch. The wonderful staff will pack a backpack lunch, if you choose to explore the property instead of eating in the dining room of the Big House. In the summer, lunch can be served by the poolside, on the terrace or in the airy sunroom. After a satisfying and delicious lunch, we once again made our way outside to do some skeet shooting. Trap and skeet shooting is a Dorn family tradition. The sport was so important to the family, that a padded telephone booth was installed in the trap house so that family members could conduct business while on the shooting range. The trap house is fully equipped with a restroom, fireplace, built-in-grill, redwood gun rack and a gun cleaning station, ideal if you are there to shoot or just watch your friends or family. »

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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 63

travel|The Lodge at Glendorn

“

Four-course meals are paired with a perfectlychosen wine and the hall is serenaded by a pianist playing romantic music.

Kyle and I spend the entire afternoon shooting and, although we are experienced in the sport, all levels are welcome to participate, even if you have never held a gun before. Once we were finished with shooting, we went back to our cabin to freshen up and then headed to the Great Room of the Big House for dinner. Glendorn’s state-of-the-art kitchen is run by a superb team of culinary experts, led by Executive Chef Joe Schafer. Originally from upstate New York, Joe joined the Glendorn team in 2008. His food is heavily influenced by classical French techniques, while focusing on seasonal ingredients and local products. The Great Hall is the perfect setting for dinner and a sociable cocktail hour. Four-course meals are paired

64 | GoodLife South Simcoe Summer 2015 ■

with a perfectly-chosen wine and the hall is serenaded by a pianist playing romantic music. After a busy day and a fantastic dinner, we made our way back to our cabin and turned in early. The following morning we were up early and, after a breakfast of farm fresh eggs, sausages and fresh squeezed orange juice, we headed to Spring Creek preserve for an entire day hunting upland bird. A wide variety of hunts are available at Glendorn, including wild grouse, wild woodcock, chukar, pheasant and wild turkey. On this particular day, we went in search of pheasant. Pheasant shooting at Glendorn is an experience unto itself. Each guide has his own dog that is perfectly trained for the conditions. This was the first time Kyle had been on

a pheasant hunt and our knowledgeable guide made the experience accessible for all levels of experience. For those who enjoy pheasant, the chef will be happy to prepare it for your evening meal. We arrived back at the cabin just after lunchtime and still had plenty of time left in the day to tour the local Zippo factory and receive some treatments at the spa with spa director Jennifer Herzog. Kyle had never had a pedicure so I treated him. When our weekend came to an end, we were truly sad to leave. Our trip took place in the late fall, but the lodge is open year-round with many people enjoying the miles of hiking trails in the shade of blue spruce, hemlock, and black cherry. The lodge supplies a trail guide to the local trees, shrubs, club mosses, and ferns. Summer activities also include tennis, biking, or relaxing by the 60-foot outdoor swimming pool. Guests can also enjoy berry picking and after-dinner bonfires, with s’mores. In the winter, guests enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, or just relaxing by the fire with a good book. The staff at Glendorn is dedicated to preserving the spirit of a vibrant family, making visitors feel as though they are truly coming home. My only regret is that we did not stay longer. Bart Card is a food and travel writer. (905) 251-1258 or bartcard@rogers.com The Lodge at Glendorn www.glendorn.com

in the crowd

Taste of the Town

It was a sold-out crowd for the Taste of the Town culinary event at the Gibson Centre. People in attendance were able to sample some of the food served up by South Simcoe restaurants. Photos by Reid Heikamp 1. Kevin and Karen Byl 2. Tony and Sandra Phekoo 3. Kevin Hanna and Samantha McCulloch 4. Scott Crosby, Eva Milne, Sharon Crosby and Rick Milne

5. Leo Falcone and Donna Chambers 6. Ken Lawrence, Jean Kaznieczak, Adele Kostiak and Margret Ringland 7. John and Marilyn Gilbert 8. Lynda Mitchell Reynolds and Bob Reynolds 9. Wendy and Elanne Evans

10. Joanne and Peter Mears 11. Lisa Leal and Angelica Carter 12. Rob and Charlene Wilhelm 13. Faye Bradley and Kim Guzzo 14. Ron and Teresa Dekker 9

47th Annual South Simcoe Home Show

Hundreds of people were at the New Tecumseth Recreation Complex for the Alliston and District Chamber of Commerce’s 47th Annual South Simcoe Home. The popular event showcased area home improvement businesses, as well as a farmers’ market, stage presentations, and not-for-profit groups.

Photos by Paul Chambers 1. Shannon Landry, Mirella Bozzetto and Susan Ray 2. Crystal Kellard, Marc Biss, Kristan Barata 1

3. Ruth Schultz, Nancy Hoover 4. Chris Whelan, Paul Addison 5. Tracy Gravelle, Nikki Mann, Milli Sarri 6. Tori McLellan, Olivia NanDorp 7. Christine Jefferson, Michelle Brown, Caitlin Machado

8. Janet, Ivy, Camryn and Norm Depta 9. Kim Ytsma and Joel Roberts 10. Dylan, Sonia and Cirilo Mosquera 11. Carole and Lee McKergow

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