Lifestyle Magazine - September/October 2023

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October 1, 2023 • 11am - 4pm

When renovating, it’s important to use a Certified RenoMark Renovator who will complete your renovation right – the first time!

This year’s parade will be held in-person after a pivot to virtual parades in the last few years. The full parade program and map are due to be released in September across LHBA social media channels and media outlets. We expect a range of renovations to be featured including full home renovations, bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor spaces, and more. Visit www.lhba.on.ca for more details as they are released.

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EDITOR’S note

Carter: “Forty-five years goes by pretty fast.”

Edward: “Like smoke through a keyhole.”

FROM THE MOVIE THE BUCKET LIST

Iprefer the term ‘life list’ to ‘bucket list.’ It seems a bit grim that the two main characters in the movie of the same name are on a quest to fulfill Morgan Freeman’s character’s wishes before he dies. To me, a bucket list is checking things off a list rather than fulfilling lifelong dreams, seeking places/people/things that make you feel alive. To me that’s a life list. But I’ll concede, the phrase bucket list caught the zeitgeist after that movie in 2007, and the term became embedded in our collective consciousness.

Writing about something really forces you to think about a subject in a deeper way, so my husband and I have started to rework our individual and collective life lists. The pandemic derailed some plans, but we’re making up for lost time.

During a recent trip, an Alaskan cruise, I overhead many saying, “We’re checking one off the bucket list.” And I must agree, gazing on the majesty that is Glacier Bay is list worthy (whatever term you use), and I can recommend its addition to yours. (Bring a sweater!)

I love the idea of having a written list for one’s remaining life goals, no matter the intent, at any age. That way they can easily be prioritized and reprioritized as circumstances change and goals are reached.

On a side note, the goal of the media is to report the story, not be the story. Well, while I was researching this story, we became the story. Angela Roberts, read more about her on page 36, said that my initial email, asking for an interview about the importance of having a bucket list, prompted her to

ask her team of researchers to add this as a question when they are interviewing participants in the SuperAgers study. I was quite flattered and am happy to have done a small service to science.

Having a long and illustrious career is (or was) on many bucket lists and its one that Lifestyle Magazine’s auto contributor Clare Dear has ticked off. Clare and I previously worked together at the London Free Press, and I consider him something of a mentor. He generously assigned me freelance stories when I was just starting that part of my career. He was always supportive and positive with his feedback. He’s made considerable contributions to many publications and many will miss reading his words. Thank you, Clare; we wish you all the best.

At the same time, we welcome Ben Forrest. Ben and I have also worked together on another publication, and he’s well known in the business, writing on a variety of subjects. Thank you, Ben, for giving us your insight on new automobiles starting on page 43.

On one of these cooler fall days, will you settle back with a warm beverage and a pad of paper to begin your life list? I’d be interested to know what some of your top to-do items are.

Here’s to living each day like it’s an item on our life list,

Jill Ellis-Worthington

(AN EXCHANGE BETWEEN THE TWO MAIN CHARACTERS PLAYED BY JACK NICHOLSON AND MORGAN FREEMAN)

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BIG CHANGE

Custom touches help family feel right at home

By Ellen Ashton-Haiste

The Mackenzies used the plan for Vranic Homes’ Hillcrest model – a two-storey, four-bedroom home – customized to fit their tastes and lifestyle.

Ayear ago, Brenda and Justin Mackenzie made a significant lifestyle change. They exchanged their suburban life for one in the small town of Ilderton. The couple and their three daughters couldn’t be happier living in their new home, built by Vranic Homes in the Clear Skies neighbourhood.

“It was the first time we built a home, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat,” Brenda Mackenzie says. “There’s absolutely nothing I would change.” She credits this success to builder John Vranic. “He’s definitely not the norm as a builder,” she says. “He’s completely

hands-on and pays close attention to detail.”

The Mackenzies used the plan for Vranic Homes’ Hillcrest model, a two-storey, four-bedroom home customized to fit their tastes and lifestyle. Here Vranic’s attention to detail was an asset, Mackenzie says. “I’m a designer, so knew what I wanted, and everything was done to our specifications and to suit our needs.”

A major customization was finishing the basement. This added a fifth bedroom, along with a three-piece bath and a large recreation room, including a nook converted to an office space for Justin.

OPPOSITE PAGE

On the main floor, the kitchen is bright and airy, with custom cabinets.

LEFT The comfortable, adjacent dining area echoes the white and gold palette.

ABOVE LEFT

A custom oak staircase is finished to blend with the home’s hardwood flooring.

ABOVE The kitchen is open to a spacious great room.

LEFT AND INSET

Justin and Brenda Mackenzie and two of their daughters, Olivia (left) and Aubrey love their new home and new small town lifestyle.

“The main floor is a showstopper,” Mackenzie says. Stretching across the back of the home, the open-concept great room, which encompasses the kitchen and dinette, is airy and bright. It is finished in a palette of white with gold accents, offset by dark oak hardwood flooring. Custom cabinetry was provided by London Kitchen Studio, showcasing product from leading Canadian manufacturer AyA Kitchens. This company promotes its offerings as old-world craftsmanship and attention to detail combined with high-tech manufacturing. The Mackenzies particularly appreciate an added walk-in pantry and a range hood designed to match the cabinets. The countertops are Vranic Homes’ standard quartz.

Vranic notes that the homes he builds include a number of standard features that are often offered as upgrades. These include paving stone driveways, Coni-Marble shower bases and triple-pane European tilt-and-turn windows from Raven Windows.

The Mackenzie home also includes a custom oak staircase from the basement to the upper storey. The original plan called for carpeted stairs; since they didn’t want carpeting in the house, it was switched out for oak treads stained and finished to match the hardwood throughout the rest of the house.

The exterior features stone and Hardie board siding on the front and vinyl siding on the upper-level sides and back. Mackenzie likes the variation in colours that set it apart from neighbouring homes.

Vranic, who has been involved with Clear Skies from the outset and is now building in its third phase, promotes the benefits of small-town living, where buyers are close to nature yet just minutes from North London’s shopping and entertainment district. The Mackenzie family has come to appreciate this juxtaposition.

It was a bit of an adjustment at first, says Mackenzie. “But we are enjoying it. As one of the first houses on the street, we’ve been meeting new neighbours as they move in and have been making friends. And we like the smalltown atmosphere. There’s a real sense of community.” 

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POLISH YOUR PARIS STYLE

By Jill Ellis-Worthington

Cool, collected, refined, understated –some of the words that help define French style. But more than that, it’s the ineffable look of ‘not trying.’ To reflect this timeless charm, ‘not trying’ to be elegant is the sum of its classic elegance.

It’s easier to say what it’s not: not loud, not colourful, not brash but not demure, either. Its boldness is exhibited in a reserved confidence. Carrying oneself with an assurance that allows one to mix casual and dressy pieces for both day and evening. Slow fashion is very French, summed up in knowing your worth and buying fewer quality garments over cheaply made, trendy items.

When putting some Paris into your wardrobe, arm your closet with a selection of these French-forward pieces.

What would you do without cardigans? Perfect on planes, for the office when the air conditioning is running overtime or in

7 THE

10

8 WHITE TENNIS SHOES A newer addition to the must-have list, white tennis shoes complement dresses, trousers, jeans and shorts.

11

Nothing

1 THE SILK SCARF Nothing says French style more than the neck-tied silk scarf.

2 THE CLASSIC BLAZER Classic blazers can be worn with jeans, slacks, skirts, shorts or on their own (if you dare).

3 SUNGLASSES Jackie O might have defined sunglasses for a generation in North America, but where do you think she got them?

4 THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS Right for any occasion, the LBD is one of France’s greatest contributions to fashion.

5 BOLD STRIPES Perhaps the most maligned fashion statement, stripes can be worn by anyone.

6 THE WHITE T-SHIRT Worn year-round, with jeans and a blazer or with a skirt and scarf, the little white T-shirt is a must-have.

CARDIGAN

autumn when temps plummet.

9 OXFORDS Spectator Oxfords run a close second to white tennis shoes in their versatility and comfort.

BUTTON DOWN SHIRT Another effortless dress-up/ dress-down item is the button-down shirt.

WIDE LEG JEANS

defines casual elegance like the right pair of jeans.

Your skin will thank you for this

~ Continued on page 25 

12 THE COATIGAN Paris, France or Paris, Ontario –keep autumn’s chill at bay with a coatigan.

13 THE CROSS-BODY BAG Large or small, keep your hands free with a cross-body bag.

14 THE LEATHER JACKET Say oui to a little black leather jacket.

15 THE TURTLENECK Worn baggy over leggings or tidy with a belt and a skirt, a turtleneck is always right in autumn.

16 THE TALL BOOT AND THE ANKLE BOOT Boots, boots or boots – can you really have enough?

17 THE CASHMERE SWEATER

cashmere sweater.

We have hundreds of beautiful designs to choose from for engagements, anniversaries, Valentines and general expressions of love. • Canadian Diamonds • Quality

OF REBELS, ROYALS and magical rascals

EXPLORE

SCOTLAND

BY RAIL

by Jill Ellis-Worthington

Chugging along in a train along the same track and seeing the same lush countryside as Harry Potter does on his first trip to Hogwarts – what more could a J.K. Rowling fan want? Well, if they are also a fan of the Outlander series or a monarchy maniac, they would be in heaven because this same trip offers a tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia and takes in some of Claire’s important stops. Not meant solely as a trip for cinephiles, this rail tour illustrates why the beauty of the highlands is such a magnet for TV and movie producers.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Glenfinnan Viaduct • Tourists visiting the Urquhart Castle, overlooking the Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. Founded in the 13th century and partially destroyed in 1692, now it is a protected monument and open to the public. • Holyrood House (sometimes referred to as Holyroodhouse Palace) is occasionally used for state banquets and, historically, as a palace for royalty. Nowadays it is mainly an office building. • Edinburgh Castle from Princes Street Gardens, with the Ross Fountain in the foreground. • Colourful houses line Skye Island Portree Harbour.

Anne Darling, of Ellison Travel and Tours, has been a travel agent for 40 years and is originally from Scotland. She enjoys returning to explore its beauty and history. Darling recommends this 10-day rail tour as a great introduction to the beauty and history of this part of the British Isles.

Outlander fans will enjoy following in the footsteps of 18th century Scottish rebels on the Jacobite steam train and fans of the Harry Potter movies will recognize the Glenfinnan Viaduct as the bridge that the magical rascals transit on their first journey to Hogwarts.

Starting in Edinburgh, you can retrace Claire’s meanderings at Holyrood House (former royal residence), Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Fans will enjoy exploring Fort William before catching the Jacobite steam train. It takes you to Inverness (with an overnight stop in Glasgow),

From Inverness, explore the field where the Battle of Culloden took place, Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.

which Darling says is the “gateway to the Highlands.” Chugging through the verdant highlands is a feast for the eyes, even if you’re not a fan of either form of fiction.

From Inverness, explore the field where the Battle of Culloden took place, Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. A side trip to the Isle of Skye is also part of the tour.

Circling back the journey ends in Edinburgh. When in a new city, a hop-on/hop off bus tour is a great idea to get an overview. Darling enjoyed taking a self-guided tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia (where some scenes in The Crown were filmed) docked in nearby Leith.

This is not a touring travel group, but rather a predetermined itinerary that travellers can enjoy on their own or as a couple. Conversely, wouldn’t be fun to put together a small group of friends who want to make their favourite pieces of fiction come alive while exploring the Scottish Highlands, and maybe enjoying some of that country’s famous libations? 

Jacobite Steam Train Tour Includes

l 3-nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Edinburgh

l 2-night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Fort William/Glencoe

l 1 -night hotel accommodation in Glasgow

l 3-nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Inverness

l Rail travel in standard class throughout

l 48-hour Edinburgh sightseeing pass including hop-on/hop-off pass

l Skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle

l Palace of Holyrood House entrance

l Royal Yacht Britannia entrance

l Roundtrip journey on the Jacobite Steam Train

l Loch Ness cruise including Urquhart Castle

l Isle of Skye day trip from Inverness

EVOLVING WITH THE TIMES

Hangar9 wins national award

By Jill Ellis-Worthington

Of all the negative fall out of the pandemic, one bright light shines for a local fashion retailer. Hangar9 won the eBay E-Commerce Business of the Year Award last spring.

Since Jo-Ann Fisher started Fisher and Cooper, with a partner Pat Cooper, in the 1980s on Richmond Street, her retail legacy has grown and morphed into two locations (London and Toronto) and a growing online presence that is “a third store,” according to Lisa Ferguson, company spokesperson and co-owner. As many long-time Londoners will remember, the original store became Fisher and Company, when Jo-Ann and her daughter Lisa joined forces, enjoying tenures on Central Avenue and Richmond Streets. Later another entity was added with Accents (bags, shoes and jewellery) as a store within a store.

When Jo-Ann retired in 2018, three of her daughters joined forces under the Hangar9 umbrella. Ferguson oversees the London location, while older sister Denise MacDonald and younger sister Rachael Doak are in charge of the one in Toronto at First Canadian Place. Purchasing stock from fourth sister, Jodi Neichenbauer, the Canadian sales representative for Marie St. Pierre, Dean Davidson and Dorothee Schumacher, keeps it all in the family. “We’re her clients,” explains Ferguson.

They had been planning to build their online presence as part of the overall business plan but having enough time to do it properly was always a factor. “Being closed because of Covid gave us that time,” she says. To keep their already loyal clients abreast of fashion news and trends and to

strengthen those relationships, they did style workshops and trend reports via Zoom. Social media manager Rachel Ryan upgraded Hangar9’s online presence.

Ryan and Ferguson formed a vision and worked together, with the aid of a web developer, to make the website an accurate representation of the type of personal service that in-store clients receive. All of their groundwork paid off and the website has resulted in a nice bump in business. This was further enhanced when it was announced on local and national news that they had been chosen for the prestigious award at a ceremony in May.

“It was an honour to be nominated and a total shock to win. We are so surprised and so pleased that all the hard work has been recognized,”

At the eBay E-Commerce Awards ceremony on behalf of Hangar9 are (l-r) Denise MacDonald, Sarah Murray, Jo-Ann Fisher, Lisa Ferguson, Rachel Ryan and Rachael Doak.

Ryan and Ferguson formed a vision and worked together, with the aid of a web developer, to make the website an accurate representation of the type of personal service that in-store clients receive.

LARGE AND LUXURIOUS

sprawling estate is on the market

By Ellen Ashton-Haiste

In the heart of southwestern Ontario - less than an hour from London, Sarnia and Grand Bend – lies an island of peace, where abundant greenery and a gatedentrance provide a level of privacy that belies its proximity to urban amenities. This 46-acre estate, with 14 acres of lush lawns and garden beds, has been dubbed Evergreen by John Crosby, agent with Royal LePage Triland Realty, who has the property listed at $4.95 million.

Throughout the landscaped lawns are ponds with walking bridges, LED-lit fountains and waterfalls that add to the scenic ambiance while filtering well water for domestic use. A second extra-deep well and pond provide irrigation for the grounds.

The greenery is augmented by a managed forest of 25,000 evergreen and deciduous trees, planted more than a decade ago by the St. Clair Conservation Authority. This serves as both a shelter for the plentiful local wildlife and a potential source of income. “It’s definitely a unique property,” says Crosby.

At its heart is a three-storey, 4,200-square-foot, five-bedroom home that includes a finished basement with walkout to the backyard’s resort-like oasis. With exterior stone cladding and walkways, the house blends seamlessly into its natural setting. Inside, the home is warm and welcoming. The current owners have undertaken extensive renovations over the last several years, creating a new kitchen, bathrooms and a laundry

room, as well as adding numerous updates to the décor throughout.

A spacious, airy foyer sets the stage, leading to an open-concept great room, kitchen and dinette across the back. The kitchen’s focal point is a large island and breakfast bar, highlighted by custom cabinetry, Cambria countertops and sleek Dacor appliances, including a dual-fuel six-burner range and steam oven. The twostorey great room is relaxation central with an 18-foot floor-toceiling stone fireplace, open to the upper floor on both sides, and a full wall of custom shelving surrounding an 80-inch television.

The main floor also includes an office, with built-in desks and cabinets, a separate dining room, powder room and laundry. The primary suite is also on this level,

OPPOSITE PAGE The home’s stone exterior blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings. TOP (LEFT TO RIGHT) Ponds and water features add to the park-like ambiance and filter well water for domestic use. • The backyard oasis is built around a custom saltwater pool. MIDDLE (LEFT TO RIGHT) A spacious entrance sets the stage for a living space that is upscale yet comfortable and homey. • A barbecue patio and seating area overlooks the backyard pool. • The four-season pool house offers hang-out space. BOTTOM (LEFT TO RIGHT) The newly renovated kitchen is anchored by a large Cambria-topped Island and features a dual-fuel range with steam oven. • The two-storey great room has a soaring 18-foot ceiling with full windows overlooking the rear yard and pool.

overlooking the rear yard through oversized windows. Its ensuite bathroom features a custom glass shower with a rainfall shower head and body jets. The walk-in closet has custom cabinetry, installed in 2017 by London’s Nieman Market Design.

A spiral staircase accesses the upper level, which is comprised of three bedrooms and the main bathroom, with a custom shower and a freestand-

ing soaker tub. The latter features remote-controlled Bluetooth speakers and aromatherapy lights.

The lower level, with nine-foot ceilings, includes an additional bedroom and three-piece bathroom, plus a carpeted office/den. It can be reached through the attached three-car garage. An expansive recreation room, with a stone gas fireplace and oak bar, opens to the rear yard.

The home is heated by a geothermal water furnace. In-floor heat throughout the basement, bathrooms and all tiled floor surfaces is also geothermally produced.

The backyard is a resort-style retreat; it is the perfect space for relaxing and fun in the sun. It is anchored by a three-level saltwater pool, equipped with fibre optic lights and self-cleaning jets. A four-season pool

TOP LEFT The focal point of the great room is a floor-to ceiling fireplace open on both sides to the upper storey. TOP RIGHT The main level includes a separate dining room at the front of the house. BOTTOM (LEFT TO RIGHT) The primary ensuite has been renovated with custom cabinets, glass shower and heated tile floor. • Throughout the home, sizeable windows afford scenic views of the property. • A home office showcases custom built-in desks and cabinetry.

house is wired for satellite TV and Wi-Fi. It features a great room with a fireplace and a cedar-lined sauna. The outdoor space includes a hot tub, mini waterfall, fire pit and barbecue patio. The deck, stairs, walkways and patio, inset with LED lighting, are crafted from Eramosa marble sawcut flagstone, quarried in Ontario’s Owen Sound and Wiarton region.

In addition to its idyllic parklike appeal, this property offers the possibility to generate income, with its workshop and storage sheds. A 40-by-60-foot heated workshop LED-lighting and includes a 15-by60-foot addition that serves as an exercise room and houses two 750-gallon insulated steel tanks for domestic water storage. A 2,300-square-foot steel-sided heated and lighted Calhoun coverall structure stores tools and maintenance equipment.

The premiere work area is a massive Robertson steel building, 120-by-50 feet and 30 feet in height with a ceiling beam designed for the operation of two overhead cranes. “I honestly think a skilled pilot could land a small plane in there,” Crosby says. Boasting in-floor heating, a radiant ceiling heater, LED lighting inside and out, electrical service, including a welding plug and an adjacent concrete pad for heavy storage, it’s ideal for a home-based business or storage for RVs, boats, ATVs and other big toys, he adds.

In addition to its proximity to urban centres, this private slice of nature is just eight minutes from Highway 402 and a five-minute drive to the village of Camlachie, with its golf course, post office and grocery/ beer/liquor store. Lake Huron’s iconic beaches are 15 minutes away.

the

best IS YET to come

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO HAVE A BUCKET LIST AFTER THE AGE OF 50

By Jill Ellis-Worthington

Once you’ve passed that half-century mark, it’s all downhill from there, right?

Not so, say ‘SuperAgers’ and Western University professor Angela Roberts. Roberts is the chief investigator for the Canadian site of an international study funded by the National Institutes of Aging called the SuperAging Research Initiative. The study came about as an offshoot of research on dementia, she says, adding that the groups they are looking at are “80 and over who are functioning cognitively like others who are in their 40s and 50s.” To complement the research looking at what goes wrong with brains that shows signs of dementia, this study looks at “what’s right with SuperAgers.”

What unites those in the SuperAger

Travel is on many bucket lists and keeping a prioritized written list of dream trips is a great way to make sure the most desirable ones get done while you have the funds and health to enjoy them. Who wouldn't want to gaze down at the beautiful landscape of the Arno Atoll in the Marshall Islands from a plane's window seat? INSET A backpacker stands in the Plaza del Obradoiro at the end of his Camino de Santiago pilgrimage

category?

“They have extraordinary resilience, self-determination and a positive mindset,” says Roberts. She adds that if you don’t have a positive mindset, you won’t be looking forward and therefore won’t care what the future holds. “This 10-year program (of research) tells us having a bucket list is very important,” she adds.

The study’s scope is worldwide, but Roberts cites one Canadian participant who is 92 years old and has walking the Camino Trail in Europe on her bucket list. “She says, ‘I don’t want to do it the soft way; I want to do it hardcore. I don’t want to stay in hotels. I want to sleep on the trail.’”

Londoner Norma Yau (66) and her partner Roberto Gomez (72) agree that the Camino de Santiago is bucket-list worthy.

The couple completed part of it in the spring, for the second time. In 2014 they walked the French portion and did 700 kilometres in 24 days. In May they did the Portuguese section by walking 300 kilometres in 15 days.

This is just one of the many items on their combined bucket list. “When we got together 11 years ago and compared lists, we were surprised how long it was when we combined them, but we’ve slowly whittled away on it,” she explains.

Yau, a proponent of writing your bucket list(s) down, says she has several categories. In addition to travel, hers includes people that she wants to see and things she wants to do. The pandemic reminded her that it’s important to have in-person visits with people who are important to you, because you’re important to them, too. “As you get older that becomes an important bucket list item

because you don’t have as many years left but they (distant relatives/friends) don’t either,” she explains, listing an elderly aunt and friends who have moved away as people on her to-visit bucket list.

As a retired licensed insolvency trustee, Yau realizes the importance of being able to fund her bucket list. A senior wealth advisor and portfolio manager with Scotia Wealth Management Janice Evans has some comments about that. She says that by the time most Canadians are in their 50s and 60s, they’ve paid off most or all of their mortgage, but if they haven’t doing so would be a good first step in freeing up money to fund the bucket list. Even more important is paying off any longer-term, high-interest credit card debt. With most credit card interest running at around 20 per cent, she says using a line of credit (interest rate can vary but is often prime plus two per cent) could be a good option.

Many of her clients have set aside money over the years to fund dream trips and other bucket list items. Other ways include using money in a TFSA (tax free savings account), since there’s no tax penalty for pulling that money out. This is not true of tapping into an RRSP (registered retirement savings plan). Others use their line of credit to fund trips since the interest rate is lower than credit cards.

According to Evans, some of her clients in their 50s, 60s and 70s have funding a grandchild’s education as an item on their bucket list. A RESP (registered education savings plan) can be set up by grandparents alone or in concert with the parents to save for any form of post-secondary education (college, university, trade or training school). Others want to pass money on to their grandkids in a safer, staged way so they have funds for a downpayment on a home or other expenses; they set up an ‘in trust for account,’ she says. “It can be set up as a staggered approach with payments dispersed in various increments, so they aren’t handed a big sum of money at 18.”

Just as important as funding your bucket list is being able to physically do it. Yau says that they moved up the timing of their second Camino trek because of Gomez’s concerns that he might not be able to enjoy it as much in the future.

Health coach and personal trainer

Carolyn Martyn, of Coach Carolyn Wellness, says that the most important element of being able to stay fit enough to do all the things on a bucket list is strength training. “Many women have a tendency to let that be the first thing to drop as they age,” she says. And it’s important to stave off osteoporosis, which studies say is more highly diagnosed in

Why should i get my hearing checked? I can hear just fine.

This is a very common sentiment. Hearing loss is a gradual degenerative process that begins in our 30s and 40s, and we may not notice it worsening over time. That’s why it’s so important to get your hearing checked, especially if you are over 50. The earlier we can detect hearing loss, the more positive the treatment outcomes. It’s not just your ears that are affected by hearing loss; studies have repeatedly shown that hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, which can affect multiple aspects of your overall health including:

Dementia - Adults with hearing loss are up to 5 times more likely to develop dementia.

Safety & Balance - People with mild hearing loss are 3x more likely to have a history of falling than people with normal hearing.

Call

Isolation - Untreated hearing loss can contribute to social isolation, anxiety, depression and cognitive decline.

Depression - Adults aged 50 and over with untreated hearing loss were more likely to report depression, anxiety and paranoia than peers who wore hearing aids.

females over the age of 50 than breast cancer. This is alarming because osteoporosis can affect one’s strength and balance and lead to injuries. “You’re never too old to strength train,” says Martyn.

Though it’s important to do aerobic activities, like walking or swimming, strength training helps maintain the ability to get down and up from a sitting position easily, push or pull a door open/closed, and do other day-to-day activities. Working out in a way that mimics these activities is called functional training.

She adds that it’s important to challenge yourself. Though not a proponent of the ‘if it doesn’t hurt it doesn’t help’ mentality, Martyn encourages her clients to “work to failure.” This means that the weight used should be heavy enough with enough reps that it should always feel like a challenge. “At the end of a set, you should feel like, ‘I can’t do this last rep or two,’” she explains.

Strength training isn’t dependent on going to the gym or having a full set of weights. Body weight can be used by doing squats (done lying on the floor using bands if you have bad knees), pushups and planks.

Martyn says balance is also increasingly important as we age. Practicing yoga or simply standing on one leg at a time can improve balance.

Flexibility also plays into being able to fulfill the bucket list of activities. Martyn recommends taking five minutes once or twice a day to do some stretching, perhaps in the morning after that first cup of coffee when your body has warmed up and then again at night before bed.

Some people want to stay in shape to be able to climb Maccha Picchu, but others have specific physical goals on their bucket lists – doing a 5K fundraising walk or being able to play soccer with the grandkids.

Whether you want to be a SuperAger and maintain mental acuity, travel the globe or run a marathon, having a written bucket list as you pass the half-century mark can help ensure all those desired outcomes are met and your bucket is full.

519-236-4030

SUN, SAND and savoury bites

The Ipperwash Beach Club is your destination for all

By Janis Wallace

Abroad verandah and bright sunbrellas beckon visitors to the Ipperwash Beach Club. Club is an apt name for the hub of the community where locals and seasonal guests gather to enjoy the food, the music and the lake views. Though it’s called a club there’s no membership required, and it is open to the public.

Proprietor Grace Dekker is most proud of that sense of community. “It’s a gem. Everyone is there to support each other.” When she and husband James bought the club in 2016, that was their goal. “We wanted to bring the community together. It’s been hugely successful.” Before, she said neighbours didn’t know each other. Now they meet at the club.

The Dekkers were approached by the building owner to run the business. James was a renovator; Grace’s family had been in the catering business. It seemed like a good fit. “It was run down, but it had character,” Grace says.

“We thought if someone could run it right, it was a little gem.”

Finishing the renovations of the 100-year-old former Ipperwash Hotel in 2017, they opened the ice cream shop July 1, 2017. It features 25 flavours of soft and traditional ice cream, including hand-scooped, gelatos and sorbets, as well as freshly baked snacks, coffee, lattes and espressos.

The restaurant’s signature dishes –pan-fired pickerel, salmon, fish and chips, seafood pasta and wonton nachos – reflect the lakeside setting. It also offers staples, such as pizza, wraps, burgers and steak. “We have different prices ranges. It’s a well-rounded menu,” says Grace.

Local musicians are featured Thurs -

day through Sunday, and artists’ work hang on the walls. The vibe of good fun and entertainment is a big part of the appeal. “People come specifically for the music or their favourite musician. The staff is amazing. They are super friendly and engage with customers. Everyone wants to be there - to be part of it.”

A three-bedroom and one-bedroom apartment offer full kitchens and decks overlooking the lake. Boats and boards are available to rent to make a day at the beach even more fun. 

Enjoying fresh pickerel, while sitting beachside in the shade of a big umbrella, is a summer dream come true at the Ipperwash Beach Club.

2024

autos

BY BEN FORREST

DRIVING MINDFULLY

in the age of electric vehicles doesn’t require deal-breaking compromises. Discerning buyers are finding plenty of sporty hybrid, battery- and gas-powered options.

As the auto industry moves iteratively toward a carbon-neutral future, it’s trying to ensure drivers can still travel affordably and in style.

Toyota’s latest low-emissions vehicle, the Corolla Cross Hybrid, is a promising step in this direction. The all-new fiveseat crossover SUV offers sporty, efficient performance and great fuel economy with approachable styling, all at an affordable price point (starting MSRP $33,985).

With ample seating and loads of cargo space, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is an appealing option for families, young professionals and eco-conscious weekend warriors who may want to stow camping or climbing gear and a surfboard in the spacious rear cabin.

Like its Corolla and fuel-powered Corolla Cross cousins, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is a study in practical, sensible, accessible design. Its 196 horsepower engine steps up from zero to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds, with an estimated combined fuel consumption of just 5.6 litres per

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid SPORTY,

100 km and standard all-wheel drive. In Canada, the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid is available in two new grades: SE and the XSE. The SE model has standard 17-inch alloy wheels, an eight-inch touchscreen, sport-tuned suspension, LED headlamps, privacy glass, paddle shifters, roof rails and smart key access. It also features blind-spot monitoring, rear cross

traffic alert, a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. Key features of the stepped-up XSE include 18-inch alloy wheels, a power moon roof, dual zone automatic air conditioning, 10-way power driver’s seat, a power back door, Softex-trimmed seats and seven-inch multi-information display.

All 2023 Corolla Cross grades come with Toyota’s integrated multimedia system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Audio, dual Bluetooth phone connectivity and enhanced navigation, plus a long list of safety features. Toyota’s standard safety suite includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist and road sign assist.

As one of 15 electrified vehicles in the Toyota lineup, the Corolla Crossover Hybrid is a sign the future has potential be both stylish and practical, as well as increasingly accessible for budget-minded drivers and their families.

To an attentive driver, in-tune with the unique personality of their car, the daily commute is more than a series of mindless, repetitive actions. It’s a visceral, tactile experience that engages them fully, connecting them with the vehicle’s metaphorical soul.

That said, it’s not surprising to find discerning drivers in the automotive press fawning over the Acura Integra Type S. This brawny-but-refined luxury liftback has drawn massive praise for its powerful, urbane interpretation of its wild-child cousin, the Honda Civic Type R.

“The Integra has taken the nucleus of the power plant and the drivetrain from the Civic and made it into a more sophisticated, more realistic daily driver,” says Paul Jennery, general manager at Acura West. “Everything about the car screams performance handling, but with all the rough edges smoothed off … it’s just a more sophisticated, polished ride.”

The Acura Type S is also a major step up from the base-model Integra, with

Acura Integra Type S

A POLISHED, SOPHISTICATED RIDE

about 60 per cent more torque (310 pound-feet versus 192 pound-feet) and horsepower (320 versus 200) and a turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder VTEC engine.

It has the guts of a track car but none of the obnoxious noise, as the Type S is remarkably quiet and well-insulated,

enabling fulsome appreciation of the vehicle’s 16-channel, 16-speaker, ELS Studio Premium Audio sound system. The system was designed by a team that includes eight-time Grammy Awardwinning producer and engineer Elliot Schneiner and is intended to recreate the intimate emotional experience of a recording studio by immersing the driver and passengers in sound.

Outside the cabin, the Type S has distinctively aggressive, angular styling with a hood heat extractor, red brake calipers, triple exhaust and a rear lip spoiler. Inside, the ergonomic seats are fitted with Ultrasuede/leatherette-trimmed seating surfaces with perforated suede.

The six-speed transmission has automatic rev-matching for smoother shifting and limited-slip differential to balance power between the drive wheels.

“Every aspect of the vehicle really excites the senses,” said Jennery. “It’s literally a car that’s going to put the smile back on your face. From a driver standpoint, it really is.”

From the curb, you’d likely never guess the Audi Q8 e-tron is an electric sport utility vehicle (SUV). Its conventionally elegant styling has many of the same design cues as Audi’s gas-powered lineup, with no gimmicks to broadcast the absence of pistons pumping under the hood.

The same is true of the tastefully appointed cabin, where optional premium Valcona-leather-wrapped front seats tactfully maintain the Audi brand’s affordable luxury hallmarks.

Put another way: This is a refined, low-profile SUV for drivers who don’t need the world to know they’ve gone electric. It makes the right choices without flaunting them, and it subtly raises the bar for EVs while nudging the auto industry toward an eco-friendly new normal.

Audi has positioned the Q8 e-tron as a progressive step in premium electric mobility, with up to 402 horsepower via two asynchronous electric motors, capable of going from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds.

Its 114-kilowatt-hour battery has

Audi Q8 e-tron

459-kilometre range, more than enough for a round trip between the city and the beach or a quick jaunt into cottage country.

The battery recharges quickly on longer trips, going from 10 percent to 80 per cent in about 31 minutes on a public DC fast charger. At that rate, you can return to the road after a short lunch break or a rest stop at the mall.

HD Matrix-design LED headlights are

standard on the Q8 e-tron, paired with sequenced animation turn indicators and safety-oriented features like optional adaptive cruise assist, lane guidance and a pre-sense collision warning system with automatic braking.

An available Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system bathes the cabin in rich, emotive sound and connects seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In the driver’s seat, the futuristic virtual cockpit features customizable digital instrument cluster on a versatile 12.3-inch high-definition screen. Available heads-up display takes convenience even further, projecting driving statistics into the driver’s field of vision.

Aerodynamic features like front air inlets, front air curtain and an active grille shutter minimize resistance and maximize range. The Q8 e-tron also comes in a stepped-up Sportback edition with slightly extended range, all part of an impressive line of EVs moving into a low-carbon future with all the sophistication, power and grace Audi drivers have grown to expect.

NEW HOMES RENOVATIONS & DECOR

Hayhoe Homes

FAMILY FIRST

Hayhoe Homes’ presentation centre in its Orchard Park Meadows community in St. Thomas showcases the builder’s warm modern styling with a variety of family-friendly features. The Turnbock, at 260 Renaissance Drive, is a two-storey, five-bedroom home designed and furnished in a light, contemporary style that projects a bright, airy feeling.

A notable feature, says design and marketing supervisor Shale Gauthier, is that two of the bedrooms include ensuite bathrooms. The primary suite, with a cathedral ceiling and large walk-in closet, features an ensuite with a two-basin vanity and freestanding soaker tub, as well as a glass shower. The secondary bedroom ensuite is a three-piece

bath with shower. Another unique design element, Gauthier says, is the striking black-on-black mainfloor powder room.

The main level open-concept living space also features a cathedral ceiling, and there is a custom entertainment unit in the great room. This area’s highlight is an expansive wall of windows overlooking the backyard. The large custom kitchen and dinette lead to a covered wooden rear deck. This level also includes a laundry and mudroom that opens to the double garage.

The garage has a stairway to the home’s lower level, which with an optional finished basement. It has a large recreation room, an additional bedroom and three-piece bath.

Rembrandt Homes

NATURE IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

An amenity-rich suburban neighbourhood blends seamlessly with an idyllic setting of rolling hills and green spaces in Rembrandt Homes’ new Upper West community. Nestled in the southwest area of London, between the Thames River and Kains Woods, Upper West offers easy access to tranquil natural areas intersected by walking trails, as well as shopping districts, restaurants, golf courses, schools and medical facilities.

There are 78 bungalow, twostorey and multi-level units in this townhome community. They showcase Rembrandt’s standard upscale features and finishes, including vaulted ceilings, upgraded kitchen cabinetry with quartz countertops and luxury ensuites. Living and entertaining space extends into the outdoors with

spacious raised decks off the open-concept kitchen and great room. Exteriors feature contemporary brickwork and harmonious colour schemes. All homes are built to efficient Energy Star standards.

The multi-level Westerdam model embodies Rembrandt’s signature style with a spacious entrance foyer, open-concept kitchen, dinette and living space. The secluded secondlevel primary suite features a vaulted ceiling and spa-like ensuite. In the upper level are additional bedrooms, a three-piece bathroom and convenient laundry closet, with extra storage. There is a finished recreation room on the basement level.

A variety of model homes are open for viewing by visiting the sales centre, located at 22-2261 Linkway Blvd. 

What is ?

The Future of Homeownership with Flex Haus™

The concept of owning your own home is undergoing a seismic shift, and the future belongs to those who can adapt swiftly and creatively. In today’s rapidly changing market, where traditional housing solutions struggle to meet the diverse needs of modern families, a revolutionary concept is emerging – Flex Haus™. This innovative approach to homeownership promises to change the game, making the dream of owning a home more attainable and flexible than ever before.

Flex Haus™ is not just a house; it is a vision, a testament to the power of adaptability. At its core lies the idea that a home should grow with you, transforming itself to meet the ever-evolving needs and lifestyles of homeowners. With Flex Haus™, the mantra is clear – why wait for the perfect home to fit your current situation when you can create one that adjusts to your life’s journey?

The magic of Flex Haus™ lies in its multi-gen design, which incorporates two homes under one roof. This groundbreaking concept allows extended families to coexist harmoniously while still maintaining their individual spaces and privacy. Aging parents can comfortably be accommodated, and young adult children can enjoy their independence without leaving the nest entirely. The days of choosing between living with family or having your own space are over – with Flex Haus™, you can have both.

Furthermore, the additional dwelling unit, or ADU, is a game-changer. This versatile space can serve various purposes, making it a vital resource for homeowners. Need a home office, a studio to explore your creative passions, or an income suite to generate extra revenue? The ADU is there to adapt to your needs, a blank canvas waiting to be tailored to your desires.

flexhaus.ca

Flex Haus™ goes beyond mere structural ingenuity; it represents a shift in mindset, urging us to reimagine what homeownership can be. No longer is a home an immovable and rigid entity. With Flex Haus™, a home becomes a fluid and dynamic space that flexes to accommodate the various seasons of life.

A key aspect of the Flex Haus™ allure is its promise of affordability. In a time when owning a home seems like an unattainable dream for many, this innovative solution paves the way to make it a reality. Offering flexibility and creative utilization of space opens up new opportunities for potential homeowners who were once locked out of the market. Flex Haus™ demonstrates that homeownership is not a privilege reserved for a select few; it is a possibility for anyone willing to embrace innovation and change.

As the housing market continues to evolve, so must our perception of what it means to own a home. Flex Haus™ stands at the vanguard of this transformation, showing us that by rethinking the traditional home and embracing adaptability, we can forge a future where homeownership is not just a fixed destination but a journey of growth and transformation.

In conclusion, Flex Haus™, with its ground breaking design, offers us a glimpse into a future where homeownership is no longer a distant dream but a reality.

”

”

This product is ideal for modern families, offering privacy, flexibility, and convenience. Flex HausTM is truly making homeownership possible.

-Dave Stimac, President of Ironstone Building Company

Quantum Verdi

FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY

For homeowners with a vision, Quantum Verdi Design has a team of experts ready to help make that a reality. “Most people have an idea of what they want but don’t know how to put the pieces together. That’s where we step in,” says Adam Mackowiak, owner of the home lifestyle store and design studio. “We listen to them and help with every angle to create a home that is beautiful and aesthetically in balance.”

This often includes elements the client hasn’t considered, Mackowiak says. An example is lighting, which he says is “the most important and sexy element in the house.” The homeowner may have incredible art, for example, but without the proper lighting, it’s often not fully appreciated. “We discuss with them what they want to highlight and design the lighting for the entire house.”

The designers also help with many distinctive features, from functional wine cellars to state-of-the-art home theatres.

And with the merger, several years ago, of Verdi Design and London’s Quantum, home furnishings and décor retailer, they can complete any space to suit the homeowner’s needs and lifestyle. They will also help source wish-list items from other places or even build custom pieces. 

Prestige Kitchen and Bath

THE WHOLE PACKAGE

Reimagining a drab or dated room to transform it into a stunning, state-of-the-art space is a specialty for Doug Grieve and his team at Prestige Kitchen and Bath of London. “I do 100 per cent full-service renovations of kitchens and bathrooms,” Doug says.

It all starts with a free in-home consultation. Doug works with the clients to design their ideal space, sources product and materials, then he oversees the installation.

This personal approach is something that initially impressed homeowner Melissa* (name changed for

privacy) when she contracted Prestige to remodel her main-floor and basement kitchens. “I was looking for a company that could take responsibility for everything – electrical, plumbing, flooring, painting, adjusting walls and more. From the first day I met with Doug I felt this is the one who can.”

Following discussions with the client, Doug designs a three-dimensional layout. Prestige also has an in-house designer to help with all things creative, including choices of cabinet colours, flooring, backsplash, counters and more. “The number of product choices can be overwhelm -

Prestige Kitchen and Bath of London designed a stylish, elegant, functional mainfloor kitchen for their client Melissa.

ing, but our designer can guide clients through it,” Doug says.

Melissa says she’s grateful for that help “to explore and bring to life my dreams for my new kitchens and to work with me to redesign the structure and choose quality materials and matching colours.”

Doug attributes much of his success to a team of great contractors. “My trades are the best ever,” he says. “I’ve spent years getting the right people, and they really do make me look good.”

TOP LEFT A large hutch, matching the kitchen cabinetry and featuring a three-inch waterfall counter, adds function as well as style. BEFORE

Book your free consultation today and make your dream renovation a reality!

ABOVE AND BELOW Adjacent to a new refrigerator, tucked behind a door matching the cabinets, a walk-in pantry provides additional storage and workspace.

519-203-1224

Showroom • 309 Exeter Rd Unit 28 London admin@prestigekitchenandbathoflondon.ca www.prestigekitchenandbathoflondon.ca

Coni-Marble

A LEGACY SET IN STONE

Brothers-in-law Nick Huizenga and Jack Hemstra were carpenters back in 1969 when they visited a cultured marble manufacturer. The two were intrigued and soon opened their own cultured marble franchise. Three generations and 54 years later, Coni-Marble Manufacturing is still going strong.

A thriving operation, Coni-Marble Manufacturing is headquartered in Thorndale, 10 minutes northeast of London. It’s still located on the same site as the very first plant and now features an expansive showroom, which was built in 2020 to mark the 50-year anniversary. Today the company is headed by Nick’s sons and grandsons, Derrick, Craig, Aaron and Nicholas.

“Working with family presents unique challenges,” says Derrick.

Over the decades, Coni-Marble has offered a variety of products, but cultured marble is still at its heart.

“You’re dealing with different personalities and dynamics. However, family members tend to have your back. You can count on them, which is a huge advantage.”

Over the decades, Coni-Marble has offered a variety of products, but cultured marble is still at its heart. As such, it comprises twothirds of the current business. Cultured marble is a popular product and is used for bathroom basins, kitchen countertops and showers. The company also fabricates quartz products for the building and renovation industries. 

COST-EFFECTIVE COMFORT

Net Zero Insulation can help

By Ellen Ashton-Haiste

The rising cost of utilities on hot summer days and cold winter nights may have homeowners wondering how to maximize the comfort levels of their houses and their wallets. The answer may be right above them and out of sight – the attic. The team of energy experts at Net Zero Insulation is ready to help.

“We’re an attic insulation company specializing in retrofits, most often on homes that need an upgrade to make them more comfortable,” says Steve Kenny who heads up the company with his partner Steve Sponseller. As former certified energy auditors, the pair understands how the house works as a system. “It’s not just the benefits of good attic insulation, but how the whole house interacts with it,” Kenny says. “It’s how doing the attic can help with your roof, your shingles, your air conditioning, your furnace, and how it can make all those things last longer.”

Corresponding savings on utility bills can range, on average, between 10 and 30 percent. That figure can increase depending how poorly the house was insulated to start with. There are also other advantages, such as better ventilation and greater in-home comfort.

The industry experience obtained by Kenny and Sponseller allows them to provide clients with information on available rebates for energy-efficiency improvements. “There are significant government rebates available,” Kenny says. “We know all about the programs and can properly advise our customers.”

The insulation process starts with identifying sources of air leaks and drafts using various technologies, including blower door testing and

thermal imaging. “A lot of drafts come from the attic,” Kenny says. “Some are from doors and windows, but attics are our specialty.”

Fibreglass insulation is blown in, to a depth of 21 inches, covering the entire space. “It’s a good, safe product,” he says. “And it’s forever. It doesn’t deteriorate over time. Unless there’s a roof leak or animals get in, there’s nothing to warrant having it removed.”

Net Zero’s mission is to help homeowners achieve cost-efficient comfort, Kenny says. Steady growth over its first three years demonstrates homeowners’ appreciation for this expertise. Attention to detail and customer service is always paramount with the team at Net Zero Insulation, he says. 

“There are significant government rebates available. We know all about the programs and can properly advise our customers.”

HOW SWEET IT IS

Local orchard offers hard ciders

By Ellen Ashton-Haiste

For more than a century, four generations of the Crunican family have been a regional source of apples and farm produce through Crunican Orchards, north of London. Now, the fifth generation is stepping up to bring something new to the farm market shelves.

Gregory and Colleen, son and daughter of Philip Crunican, who operates the business with brothers Peter and Alf, have launched the Generations Cider Co. with their own brand of hard cider. “It’s definitely a passion project for my sister and I,” Gregory says. “Every generation of the family has contributed in a different way to the growth of the orchard and the farm, and this is our version.”

“It is exciting to see the younger generation come onboard,” Philip says.

Gregory says the venture has been 10 years in the making, starting during his university years, a time when ciders were gaining popularity. “The science behind it, the chemistry, the creativity was all really cool. My sister and I thought, ‘We have this phenomenal family legacy on the farm, and we could grow that legacy, tell that story, through a product like hard cider.’”

He and Philip both took courses through the Cider Institute of North America and the brother/ sister team set about developing their brand and called it Generations. They opted for a dry profile. Unlike many ciders, Generations contains no sugar or artificial sweeteners; the sweetness is derived from the juice of sweeter apples. Consumers like what they’re tasting. Philip says. “It’s getting a lot of good feedback.”

Gregory and Colleen launched their product in March with three blends, named in recognition of the family legacy.

• 1910 Original – a dry and crisp cider with hints of citrus – honours the first trees planted in the orchard in 1910. One still stands today.

• Back Forty is named for an area of the farm edged by a woodland, where the family continues to create memories; this cider is hopped and has tropical notes.

• Fifth Branch – with a fresh, light apple flavour – recognizes the commitment Gregory and Colleen feel to carry on the traditions of the generations that came before them. 

ABOVE Colleen and Gregory Crunican continue the family legacy by producing hard cider with apples grown on the property. INSET Continuing to tell the Crunican story by expanding into hard cider production are (l-r) Colleen, Phillip, Alf and Gregory.

“We have this phenomenal family legacy on the farm, and we could grow that legacy, tell that story, through a product like hard cider.”

THERE FOR EVERY STEP

For over 100 years, the Sifton family has been building communities and lasting relationships. Whether you rent, lease, build or retire in a Sifton property, you are part of our extended family.

Now it’s time to celebrate 100 steps forward .com