The Early Summer 2021 Issue Of Modern Mississauga Media's Interactive Digital Magazine

Early Summer 2021 | modernmississauga.com

Celebrating Summer CELEBRATING 30 ISSUES ARTS

FOOD & DRINK

CELEBRATING CANADA LIFESTYLE

MONEY

TECHNOLOGY

CELEBRATING THE FUTURE MOTORING

TRAVEL

Step into Spring!

Shop Local!

Shopping.

Take Out.

L E V E L S LLA WTIF E L N C E O S M S E

COMMUNITY FOCUSED FITNESS IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL CLASSES

NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS FOR OUTDOOR TRAINING! JOIN THE WAITLIST www.element.fit/join-waitlist

Now Accepting New Members No previous fitness experience required

Exploring & navigating various aspects of our New Modern world through honest conversations. @itsthenewmodern

MODERN MISSISSAUGA | EARLY SUMMER 2021

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LET US PAINT YOUR KITCHEN. SPLASH OF CHARM

Lionsgate Collective Building 2222 South Sheridan Way Unit #118 (416) 672-0588 info@splashofcharm.ca

Click to Follow

@splashofcharm

CLICK HERE TO INQUIRE Services Include: Kitchen Cabinet Transformations Custom Furniture Painting Kitchen Cabinet DIY Course

OWNER/PUBLISHER/EDITOR Jay Kana

ART DIRECTOR Elizabeth Wise (Wise Idea)

CONTRIBUTORS Praveen Amirtharaj

Alex Cibiri Corrie Harding-Keizs Natalie Hart Jay Kana Shai Mandel Jennifer Merrick John Murray Lewis Shane Saunderson

ADVERTISING SALES

sales@modernmississauga.com 416.629.5295

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All images are licenced under Creative Commons Zero unless otherwise indicated.

Cover Photo: Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash Table of Contents Photo: Jonnica Hill on Unsplash © 2021 Modern Mississauga Media Ltd. All rights reserved.

Oh, Canada PAGE 24

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in this

ISSUE EARLY SUMMER 2021

ARTS Visual Arts Mississauga Artist Profile: Chris Baillie Artist Profile: Abhithi TRAVEL Canadian travel destinations How to mooch your way into a cottage TRANSPORTATION 2021 BMW X5 PHEV 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid 2021 Porsche Macan 2021 Toyota Sienna A Road Trip to the Hamilton Rail Trail Mississauga Self Guided Bike Tours FEATURE Slowly returning to a new normal LIFESTYLE Canada Day in Mississauga AM 960 John Lewis’ which COVID-19 vaccine are you Malton Minutes Be Proud Summer in Port Credit TECHNOLOGY iRobot Braava Jet Mop MONEY The importance of a legal will Entrepreneur Profile: Elsinore Blas FOOD & DRINK 3 Wonderful Whiskeys Strawberry rhubarb tart recipe Salsa chicken enchiladas recipe

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Editor's Letter Welcome to the Early Summer issue of Mississauga’s magazine it’s wonderful to have you with us!

This is an extra special issue as it’s our 30th!

What started as an idea at the end of summer in 2015 to today, it’s been a remarkable adventure. From print to interactive digital, and from our loyal supporters to welcoming new ones, Elizabeth and I are truly humbled, flattered and grateful for all of you.

Our world is slowly returning to its new modern version and that gives us a once in a lifetime opportunity to make positive and long lasting changes to ourselves and our community. We’re not fully free from the pandemic yet but we’re certainly moving in the right direction.

I encourage you to interact with this and every issue as there are clickable links and embedded videos. Help spread awareness of our small businesses by sharing this issue with those around you via email and or social media. Our small businesses have weathered the brunt of the storm and with them comprising over 90% of our businesses, it’s crucial to keep them alive and well.

With the utmost of sincerity, I wish you a sensational, safe and superb summer in and around Mississauga. Let’s stay connected, shall we?

~ JAY 12 MODERN MISSISSAUGA | EARLY SUMMER 2021

JOIN US THIS SUMMER!

K I D S

Add Creativity to your Child's summer with flexible ONLINE programming. VAM Kids can register for our daily morning art camp or weekly afternoon art classes throughout the summer. All VAM Kids programs include materials. Cours en français aussi!

For more information visit www.visualartsmississauga.com or email info@visualartsmississauga.com

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Creating a buzz.

@honeyagency.ca

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STUCK IN LOCKDOWN? COME TO THE GOLD ZONE. 5 Reasons why The Studio Paint Bar is The Number One Destination for your Lockdown Activities 1

THE BEST VIRTUAL PAINT PARTIES EVER

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From fully loaded art kits so you don't have to go shopping in lockdown for all the supplies, to providing hours of creative and interactive social fun online- The Studio challenges you to find your inner artist while teaching you a thing or two about painting, art history and more. You won't know you're learning because of all the fun!

Held Every Friday, Sat and some family paint parties on Sundays!

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VIRTUAL TEAM BUILDING AND THEME PARTIES Need ideas to get together while we are apart? The Studio can throw you a private event that will make you all feel like you're partying together. Contact us and we can make any team theme happen and take care of all the details from kit delivery to ice breakers and more!

Add a wine tasting for that certain joie de vivre!

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FULLY LOADED MIXOLOGY KITS AND SESSIONS The Art of The Cocktail has come to fhe forefront as we are all sitting at home with nothing to do. Let The Studio add some Flair to your evenings- literally. Think Tom Cruise in Cocktail the Movie vibes- we mix it up, throw bottles in the air and put on a great show! Host a private session or join our public ones and pick up a fully loaded kit from The Studio! We take care of all the ingredients so all you do is log on and drink up! Non-alcoholic options available.

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THE ONLY PAINT AND WINE PATIO IN THE GTA Be Seen on the ONLY Paint and Sip Patio in The GTA. Last year we featured a Guest Chef every week and had food, wine and painting on our patio all summer long. Facing a beautiful piazza in beautiful Port Credit, you can watch the beautiful people walk by as you sip on a wine slushy and maybe paint a person or two. Live La Dolce Vita on The Studio Patio once we open up..hopefully SOON!

A NEW WAY TO BRING THE STUDIO HOME: THE STUDIO X UBEREATS Not only can you now order our unique wines and beers from the comfort of your own home if you are in our delivery area, but from Thursday to Sunday, 3-8 pm, you can also order AN ART KIT WITH THAT!!!

Yes! The FIRST PAINT AND WINE BAR ON UBEREATS selling art kits! Be part of the innovation and order an Art Kit to your door. You can call the Studio at 6474030952 to set up a same day session if you order before 5 pm.

Or sign up for another day or paint something on your own.

The Studio At Home- more ways to connect you all to The Art in Your Heart!

@thestudiopaintbar Check out our reviews on Google! www.thestudiopaintbar.ca

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MODERN ARTIST:

by jay kana HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A SONGWRITER FOR?

I’ve been writing songs since I was 16.

I started off writing cheesy rock songs with school bands but I’ve been writing more seriously in the last few years. I try to write a little bit everyday and co write/learn with as many people as I can.

AN IMPACTFUL MOMENT IN YOUR MUSICAL CAREER WAS SEEING A VIDEO OF ZAKK WYLDE PLAYING CRAZY TRAIN. WHAT SPECIFICALLY WAS IT ABOUT THAT MOMENT THAT CAPTIVATED YOU?

Ah man, haha! I remember watching a video of Ozzy live at Budokan at 16.

Just seeing him in front of the wall

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of Marshall amps and letting that solo rip! I had no idea anyone could make a guitar sing like that; he just seemed larger that life on that stage. To this day I’ll watch clips from that show and still get goosebumps. Zakk Wylde is still a huge influence on me.

DO YOU WRITE LYRICS OR MUSIC FIRST?

That seems to be an ever changing thing with me as you never know where inspiration is going to hit. I always have a huge list of potential song titles on my phone and it comes in handy especially if I’m going into a co-write. Recently I’ve found myself coming up with melody ideas and matching its vibe to a chord progression. Once i have the framework, I usually try and work on the chorus, find the hook, then work on the verses once I know what the chorus is going to say.

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO START A SOLO CAREER AFTER YEARS IN A BAND SETTING?

It’s something that’s always been in the back of my mind. I received encouragement from someone who’s been in the industry for 30+ years who said I should consider trying to do the solo artist thing. That’s what I used that as motivation. You have to push yourself out of your comfort zone to grow as a musician.

LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR NEW SINGLE, ONE MORE MINUTE; HOW WAS THE SONG WRITTEN AND WHO/WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION FOR IT?

My producer, Mark Schroor, pitched the song to me a year ago.The first time I heard

the demo, I was floored. I knew right away that this song would be relatable to almost everyone. It’s a song that takes you on a walk through life and hits on major emotions almost everyone goes through: love and loss. It makes you think of those moments, whether it’s with your significant other, family or friends, that you wish you could just spend one more minute in.

HOW HAVE YOU KEPT MUSICALLY ACTIVE DURING THE PANDEMIC?

Everyone is trying to do their best to try and keep the ball rolling through the pandemic. Without having the privilege of playing live, being able to use social media platforms has become even more crucial. One of my favourite things that

has come out of this is all the co-writing and having virtual writing sessions with people from all over the country and world, all from my living room.

WHAT DO YOU REALISTICALLY FEEL YOU'LL ACCOMPLISH OVER THE NEXT YEAR?

I hope to be able to get back out and play as I really miss the feeling of being on stage. I hope to release more music and keep pushing One More Minute to as many listeners as possible.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

I’ve always been a self-motivated person but I’d be lying if i told you that I don’t get

fired up seeing the things that some of my favourite artists are doing. This motivates me to keep my head down, keep working hard at my craft and seeing how far I can ultimately take it.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU'D CHANGE IN YOUR MUSICAL JOURNEY SO FAR?

To be honest, not really. There was a period of a few years where music took a bit of back seat in my life. In hindsight, I wish I didn’t push it away as much as I did. That being said, so many amazing things happened in that period that I wouldn’t change for the world! chrisbailliemusic.com

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MODERN ARTIST:

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by jay kana

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME AN ARTIST?

I have loved performing arts ever since I can remember, but I kept it subdued growing up in a conservative South Asian culture. When I went through a burnout phase in my established physician career, I turned back to performing arts as physical & mental therapy. Thereafter, there was no turning back because I finally found the balance between material and spiritual happiness. I began investing in formal training towards becoming the professional artist I am today.

YOU'RE AN ARTIST WITH MULTIPLE TALENTS - SINGER, DANCER, ACTRESS, MODEL, WRITER. WHICH DO YOU ASSOCIATE MOST WITH AND WHY?

Singing because it comes natural to me and it can be practised no matter where I am. The content for my original music is endless because it comes from my interesting life experiences.

Of course, I have to work hard at delivering an impactful endproduct, but I love the whole process from beginning to end.

YOUR CURRENT ALBUM, BLISS, TALKS ABOUT FINDING THE BLISS WITHIN YOURSELF. WHY IS THIS MESSAGE SO IMPORTANT TO YOU?

I aim to share different paths to spiritual happiness.

My latest and third track in this EP is titled “I”. It describes the path that lies within oneself - the one that eventually helped me evolve beyond materialism. It is important to connect with everything in this world to become whole.

However, connecting with oneself is the most important as it guides one towards the happy life that is meant to be and not towards meaningless existence.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CREATIVE STYLE USING SIX OR LESS WORDS?

Outside the box empowerment

YOUR MUSIC SMARTLY BLENDS A VARIETY OF STYLES AND INFLUENCES. WILL YOUR NEXT ALBUM FOLLOW A SIMILAR STYLE?

Yes, because such a blend is the real me. I am not about conforming to a stereotypical or niche genre , I am about creating my own.

WITH DANCE BEING THERAPEUTIC IN YOUR JOURNEY TO RECOVERY FROM OBESITY, PHYSICIAN BURNOUT & DEPRESSION, WHAT OTHER ARTISTIC ELEMENTS HAVE YOU UTILIZED ON YOUR JOURNEY AND HOW HAVE THEY HELPED?

Belief in oneself, creativity, regular practice, discipline, perseverance and networking are key elements for an artist to be sustainable. Understanding and utilizing these have become second nature to me after years of singing, dancing, acting, modelling, emceeing and writing. I am an efficient multi-tasker. Every artistic field has its own unique therapeutic elements; together, they make my life in general more wholesome.

IF YOU COULD ONLY POST TO ONE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM, WHICH WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

Instagram is my favourite social media platform and here’s why: My artistic creativity is stimulated as I have to formulate content that maximizes impact through minimalism. I am able to connect better with my global audience. It is easier to network with other artists.

I have secured more gigs here.

WHAT SUCCINCT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR UP AND COMING ARTISTS?

Define success for yourself and work hard towards it. Embrace failure and persevere. Create your own opportunities.

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

Although many, Beyonce is my biggest inspiration because she embodies empowerment - it is not just about her voice or multi-genre music, it is about her whole platform.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD CHANGE ON YOUR CREATIVE PATH SO FAR?

No, because my struggles helped me to grow - the resulting creative path has been a life changing journey.

WHAT DO THE NEXT 12 - 18 MONTHS LOOK LIKE FOR YOU AS AN ARTIST?

I have more tracks lined up as I look forward to completing my EP. abhithi.ca

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Spring Fling at the Club.

20 Newly Restored Suites • The BaNk Gastrobar • Rooftop Patio Book a luxurious stay | frontenacclub.com | 613.547.6167

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B R E AT H TA K IN G V IE WS

1000 Islands PLAN A STAYCATION 1000 IslandsTourism.com

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OH CANADA!

A Travel Tribute to Our Home & Native Land by jennifer merrick

| photo by canadian tourism commission

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With our wings clipped this past year, travel memories have taken on an even greater importance.

I’m exceedingly grateful for

all those pinch-meI-must-be-dreaming moments that travel has blessed me with over the years.

In honour of Canada Day, I’d like to share with you six places in Canada that hold a special place in my heart. I’ve deliberately left out some of the more popular destinations. Of course, Vancouver is beautiful with its ocean and mountain views. Magnifique describes Montreal and Quebec City, known for their French flavours, festivals and combination of old world and modern ambience. Banff and Jasper national parks in the Rockies are

wilderness wonderlands as are the rugged lakes and forests of Northern Ontario.

All wonderful places to visit, but if you wander off the beaten track a little, you’ll be rewarded with beauty without crowds and a chance to discover a little more about the place we call home.

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Trinity, Newfoundland

Our son was six months old when we visited Newfoundland, Canada’s easternmost province and incidentally the last to join confederation in 1949. Carrying him in a backpack (now at 6’1”, he could almost carry me), we hiked the trails near the fishing village of Trinity. Though high season, there was hardly a soul on the towering cliffs that hugged the coast and looked out onto the Atlantic. We spotted whales in the water; and when we stopped to watch them, an eagle glided in front of us – a truly magical moment.

The colourful historic buildings of the town itself looked like they belong in a movie set. In fact, Trinity has been the location of quite a few films, including the Shipping News, starring Kevin Spacey and Julianna Moore.

Prince Edward Island

photo: jennifer merrick

Canada’s smallest province, a 140-mile-long island in the Atlantic, is known for potatoes, red soil and as the home to our most beloved of heroines – Anne Shirley from Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic children’s book, Anne of Green Gables. As a huge fan of the book, I was worried that PEI couldn’t possibly live up to the idyllic description Montgomery penned; but as soon as we crossed the Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick the island charmed us.

Anne was everywhere. At least her spirit was, which lies in the young girl’s exuberant zest for life and in her ability to wonder at the beauty around her. So we found Anne not only in the Cavendish tourist sites like Green Gables Heritage Place and Avonlea Village, but also when we were biking the Confederation Trail, where every turn revealed new views of the sea or fields edged with wildflowers, and when we were cooking giant clams on the red sands of Boughton Island.

Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

photo: dick killam

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Nova Scotia conjures up images of majestic tall ships, lighthouses, and views of craggy cliffs plunging into the Atlantic Ocean. And while you’ll certainly find all that, you may also come across some unexpected finds. A rich Acadian history, the world’s highest tides and fine wines were some of the discoveries we made on a visit to Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, a 150 km stretch of fertile land known for its natural beauty and bountiful harvests. Don’t miss the Grand Pre National Historic Site, where a commemorative church stands as a memorial to those who were exiled in the 18th century, along with a statue Evangeline, the romantic Acadian heroine who inspired Henry Wordsworth Longfellow’s famous poem. A stone throw away from the interpretation center is Evangeline Beach, which at low tide offers a panoramic vista of red sand stretching far out to the receded water. This landscape was shaped by the powerful Bay of Fundy tides, which produce the highest tides in the world, reaching up to 54 feet. Every day, approximately 100 billion tons of seawater rush in and out of the bay, more than the flow of all the freshwater rivers of the world combined.

Saguenay Lac Saint-Jean, Quebec

photo: yves ouellet

C’est Géant is the catchphrase for the Saguenay Lac Saint-Jean region, located 125 miles north of Quebec City. Literally, it means ‘It’s Giant’, but it doesn’t translate well. In French, it encompasses more, referring not only to the vast glacially-sculpted landscapes and the deep fjord edged with 350m-high cliffs, but also the region’s personality. A strong sense of place exists here, and you can see and feel it in the area’s culture, history and people. Some gigantic adventures and sights to take in include Val-Jalbert Historical Village, one of the best preserved ghost towns in Canada, Fjord-du-Saguenay Park and the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. At the latter, you can observe the most famous of the region’s giants –whales. Thirteen species, including the endangered beluga and the blue whale, migrate in summer to feed off the rich krill found where the fresh water of the fjord meets the salt water of the St. Lawrence.

Manitoulin Island, Ontario

Growing up in Northern Ontario, we always referred to Manitoulin simply as ‘the island’. At over 100 miles long, it’s the largest freshwater island in the world with close to 100 lakes within it. The island has a spirit and light of its own, so much so that I’m hesitant to even write about it in case crowds spoil it. But I’ll make an exception for you.

The best way to get to Manitoulin, located along the northern shore of Lake Huron, is via the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry, which departs from Tobemory on the Bruce Peninsula (yet another gorgeous place to visit). Once on the island, visit Bridal Veil Falls, hike the Cup and Saucer Trail or experience its rich First Nation. culture.

photo: canadian tourism commission

Golden, British Columbia

The small town of Golden, British Columbia, situated in the Columbia Valley between the Rockies to the east and the Columbia Mountains to the west has no less than six national parks within a two-hour drive: Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier and Mount Revelstoke. After a recent visit filled with hikes, wildlife sightings, friendly people and most of all, the ever-present mountains, it was hard to even think about getting on a plane home. Golden highlights included a visit to Glacier, Canada’s second largest national park and home to the historic Rogers Pass, a route discovered in 1881 through the ‘impenetrable peaks’ that now connects our nation from coast to coast. Kayaking the Columbia Wetlands on water so still it reflected the mountains around us was an unforgettable moment as was the view from the top of Kicking Horse Resort, which is also the location of Eagle’s Eye, Canada’s highest restaurant. Lastly, don’t miss Yoho National Park with its natural attractions like Takakkaw Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in western Canada, and Lake O’Hara and Emerald Lake, famed for their shimmering jewel-like colours.

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5 Easy Steps to

Cottage Mooching by shane saunderson

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If you’re like me and love the outdoors but wasn’t born rich, you know that few things are more valuable in this world than a generous friend with a cottage. Though I’ll never complain about sitting lakeside on the porch of a multi-million-dollar, four-season Muskoka property that stretches the definition of the term “summer home”, I’m also just as happy sitting by a run-down shack on an algae-ridden lake that took me a day to drive to.

What matters is that after being cooped up in the city for over a year thanks to COVID-19, we all could use a bit of time lakeside.

And if you want to ensure that you get a coveted golden ticket lakeside this summer, I thought I’d put together a few recommendations for increasing your odds of an invite and ensuring that you’re asked back. As someone who has just put these steps into action, I can vouch for their effectiveness and confidently say that I should be escaping the GTA summer heat with a smile on my face, a beer in my hand, and my feet dangling in the lake.

1) Provide the Wheels “If you can’t be the destination, be the journey.”

Simple math here folks: if they’re hosting for the weekend, then the least that you can do is be their chauffeur. If you don’t own a car like me, get creative! I write car reviews with Modern Mississauga as a sneaky way to get wheels out of town whenever the mood strikes me. My most recent win-win scenario was taking a 2021 Subaru Forester up near the lakes North-West of Algonquin park.

I’d never driven a Subaru before, and while my first inclination was to force my passenger to go full rally mode, I was quickly reminded that she’s not much of a navigator and I’m not much of a driver. More importantly, while the Subaru handled well, I was far more impressed with its luxurious comforts and smooth-as-silk suspension. Whether cruising along the 400 or romping through the back woods, the car seemed to adjust to my every need. It had all the bells and whistles to make a long drive infinitely more tolerable – active cruise/lane assist, wicked sound system, and more buttons than a robotics engineer could figure out in a weekend – and was able to gear up the torque when I needed to do some slightly more aggressive hauling through the lake back roads. My only gripe was that the Forester’s alarm system was beeping at me so frequently that I began to ignore it, and was quickly reminded of my time studying alarm fatigue in digital health systems.

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continued...

2) Complete a PMP Certification “Even one missed thing can mean planning failure. Especially if that thing was beer.”

3) Make Yourself Indispensable “No one likes doing the dishes.

This is when you strike.”

Though we all glorify long weekends for being moments of escape and relaxation, the reality is that they require a great deal of planning to run smoothly. Whether coordinating food, drink, beds, equipment, or activities, a lot of work can go into planning even a few days by the lake. If you’re with a group, even monitoring who bought what, collecting receipts, and following up on who owes who what can be a real pain |in the ass. A quaint little weekend escape with four people could mean nearly a week of planning, coordinating, and following up.

A good mooch helps with planning, a great mooch owns planning.

Though it may feel like a thankless task, the wise cottage owner will recognize the value you bring together with your attention to detail, nagging personality, and OCD-level focus on tasks to be done.

The best part is that even if you don’t get invited back to the cottage, you could always apply for a job project managing multi-billion-dollar aerospace programs.

Beyond the administration and planning required around the weekend, there are countless tasks that everyone hates, which we all view as little more than a distraction from bellyflopping onto your sunburn because you got White Claw wasted. While the urge to be a drunken spectacle is always high at the cottage, true believers know that the first person to get an invite back is the one always willing to take it for the team.

You’ll be the first to jump on dirty dishes, nodding enthusiastically when you’re asked to help put in the dock, swinging an axe at firewood like it murdered your parents, and leading the charge on cleanup on the last day. You’ll also be the top of mind when the cottage owner is thinking about who to bring up next time; the person who got shit done or the person that drank a 24 and passed out on the dock.

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4) Bring a Talent “The court jester is always the last to be killed… unless they’re bad.”

The only exception to my comment above about passing out on the dock is if your host finds your drunken shenanigans entertaining. While you want to do you utmost to help with functional tasks and planning, it is important to remember that you also want everyone to have a good time. This means that when you’re not scrubbing burnt pots or giving up the queen bed for a top bunk, you need to be the life of the party.

I use the term ‘talent’ loosely because it can encompass many things and should be aligned to the desires of your host. If there’s cliff diving, learn how to backflip. If it’s bonfire night, bust out the guitar and campfire tunes.

If it’s a rainy day, come prepared with an endless supply of board games, drinking games, and fun ideas to keep the crew engaged. The only thing better than an organized hard worker at the cottage is one that can do all those things while putting a smile on your face.

5) Make New Friends “A wise mooch always has backups.”

After over a year in lockdown due to COVID-19, most of us likely don’t remember how to be our charismatic, social selves. And though we still must adhere to physical distancing guidelines in place during the (hopefully) tail-end of the pandemic, as arms get vaccines and guidelines loosen, everyone wants to make new friends. When the neighbours are having a morning coffee on the beach, wave hello ask how they’re doing.

When the cute guys across the bay are using tubing as a display of their manhood, applaud vigorously whenever someone gets pulled into a whiplash and flips end-over-end. When you pass another canoer or kayaker on the water, give a solemn, ever-knowing nod to indicate that you understand the weird, shared connection people doing the same activity outdoors feel.

Who knows? One of these interactions might spark up an interesting conversation and form the beginnings of a new friendship. Assuming everyone is being safe around COVID, at best case, you could be making connections with key neighbours at your host’s cottage. In the worst case, you could be making yourself strategic new friends just in case your unappreciative host decides to not invite you back after driving their lazy asses to and from the cottage, planning everything, taking care of thankless tasks, and entertaining the group for the weekend. It’s great to have a friend with a cottage, but a wise mooch always has backups.

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the north beckons.

cabinnord.com @cabinnord

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2021 Elantra Hybrid

2021 BMW X5 PHEV

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modern MOTO RING

2021 Toyota Sienna

2021 Porsche Macan

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the H A M I L T O N R A I L T R A I L This episode of Jay Trips sees me visit the popular, 32 km long Hamilton Rail Trail in a surprisingly spacious 2021 MINI Countryman.

With restrictions loosening this summer, the short drive to Hamilton is worth it to discover/hike/bike/walk the Rail Trail.

Whether you go alone, with family and or friends, or a date, you’ll be enjoying summer in a beautiful, outdoor setting.

"The Escarpment Rail Trail is a multi-use trail developed on an abandoned CN line. The trail extends from above the escarpment near Albion Falls, to the lower city. The trail offers beautiful views of the lower city, the Niagara Escarpment, and the Hamilton Brick Works. The Region developed the right-of-way into a pedestrian / bicycle trail in 1993." www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails/view/escarpment-rail-trail

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Rediscover Mississauga

WITH SELF-GUIDED BIKE TOURS by jay kana

Starting Saturday, May 29, the City of Mississauga will begin to roll out a number of self guided bike routes across the city with the return of its Community Rides program. The Community Rides program encourages residents, families and those new to cycling to explore their neighbourhood by bike and get outdoor exercise. This year, the City will mark out bike routes across Mississauga so that residents of all ages and cycling abilities can enjoy a route in their neighbourhood either solo or with their household, while following COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.

Every two weeks throughout the spring

and summer, a new bike route will become available on Saturday. With the launch of each bike route, residents will be able to use an online map to view the route. During that weekend, wayfinding pavement markings and signage will be set up where needed along the route to help guide riders.

In place of in-person group rides, residents can engage with the Community Rides community by taking photos while enjoying their bike ride and sharing on social media using the hashtag #SaugaCommunityRides.

The rides vary in length and take place on a variety of cycling infrastructure, including on-road bike lanes, shared pathways and

| photo by eder oliveira on unsplash

multi-use trails.

The pavement markings will be colourcoded based on the length of the route that’s been chosen and will be located at each decision point along the route.

Registration is not required, as residents are encouraged to enjoy the bike route at a time of their choosing.

Following the launch of each bike route, the wayfinding pavement markings and signs will be available for the entire weekend. The online map will be available all year so that residents can enjoy the route at their leisure.

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The Slow & Cautious Evolution Toward

A NEW MODERN by jay kana

| photo by engin akyurt on unsplash

As of early June, over 70% of first doses have been received by arms in Ontario, which is a positive sign for the slow and steady march towards “normalcy.” Well, that may be the wrong word; let’s go with “approaching our new modern.”

With summer eagerly awaiting on the calendar, paired with the aforementioned, there’s an increased sense of relief that we can have a somewhat fun summer.

Despite the gross mismanagement by the provincial government, they’re finally making decisions that aren’t absurd.

The three-step reopening plan is scheduled to commence on June 14th, with 21 days between steps.

Local travel should see a massive spike as we’re eager to leave our homes and explore what’s in our proverbial backyard.

Outdoor activities should see a rise with the warmer weather and reduced restrictions.

Patios, restaurants, retail, outdoor gatherings, and more will be available as the steps progress.

Is it exciting and a relief? Absolutely.

Should cautiousness still be present? Of course.

Despite the positive signs and reassurances of vaccines, there’s still a risk, specifically via current and new variants.

I’m not writing this to be Captain Buzzkill; instead, I write this to reiterate that even though we’ve come so far and are close to a new modern, there’s still ever present risk.

Personally, I’m going to keep wearing my mask whenever I leave the house, even after it’s not mandated. This was the first winter where I didn’t get the flu and wearing a mask certainly helped.

Not being around other people contributed as well.

I’m weary of air travel, even after we get the “all clear.” I used

to fly almost monthly and don’t miss it as much as I thought I would. It was a lifestyle change after doing it for nearly three years.

Yes, I’ll get back on a plane one day but there’s no rush because for me, I’d rather rediscover where roads take me opposed to where clouds do.

I’m fully ready to enjoy local patios across our city; it’ll be a while before I’m ready to do indoor dining.

If you invite me to an outdoor gathering, you’ll likely get a resounding yes. Indoor gatherings…. well, it’s not you, it’s me.

I’m in need of new clothes (I buy new clothes once every few years) and it’s one of the things I have to do in person, so I welcome the reopening of retail.

I’ll still go during off-peak times (the same way I do groceries) because, well, I’m more comfortable minimizing any possible risks.

I’ll slowly introduce new people into my bubble as more vaccines meet willing arms.

And if you’re an anti-vaxxer, sure you’re allowed to make your own choices, as am I. And after 18 months and counting of this, I can’t and won’t risk all this progress we’ve made.

If you skipped to the bottom for the wrap-up, here it is: Embrace the progress we’ve made. Be ambitious about summer in and around Mississauga. Spend time outdoors and keep supporting local. Remember what you loved pre-pandemic and smartly find ways to do them again.

Don’t do a 180 prematurely and put yourself and those around you at risk. Triple check all of what you read, see and hear. There’s no one-size-fits-all roadmap for you. Lean towards cautious if you’re undecided on something.

We’ve come so far; we’ve made strong strides forward. Wave four is thoroughly avoidable. Don’t let anyone make you feel inferior for the choices you make, regardless if you agree with their choices.

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TT R R II V V II A A 1. Canada is a bilingual country, but what is the only officially bilingual province? a) Quebec b) New Brunswick c) Ontario d) Nova Scotia 2. How many oceans border Canada? a) 1 b) 2 c) 3 d) 4 3. What is the oldest walled city that still exists north of Mexico? a) Montreal b) Halifax c) Quebec City d) Vancouver 4. What is Canada’s national sport? a) Hockey b) Lacrosse c) Curling d) None of the above e) Both a and b 5. When did O, Canada officially become the national anthem? a) 1880 b) 1920 c) 1950 d) 1980

6. How many points did Wayne Gretzky score in his career? a) 1,876 b) 2,295 c) 2,857 d) 3,204

Answers: 1. Answer: B Canada is a bilingual country, but what is the only official bilingual province? a) Quebec b) New Brunswick c) Ontario d) Nova Scotia The only official bilingual province in Canada is New Brunswick, and Quebec is the only all-French province. Since Canada is a bilingual nation, however, each province provides its people with French schools, French courts, and French federal government services.

2. Answer: C How many oceans border Canada? a) 1 b) 2 c) 3 d) 4 Three different oceans border Canada: the Atlantic, Pacific and the Arctic oceans.

3. Answer: C What is the oldest walled city that still exists north of Mexico? a) Montreal b) Halifax c) Quebec City d) Vancouver

Quebec City is the only city that has maintained its fortification walls, which were first built in 1695. This has earned the Historic District of Old Quebec a spot on United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's World Heritage List.

4. Answer: E What is Canada's national sport? a) Hockey b) Lacrosse c) Curling d) None of the above e) Both a and b Canada has two national sports. Hockey is Canada's national winter sport and lacrosse is Canada's national summer sport. The "National Sport Act" was created in 1994 and states, "An act to declare hockey and lacrosse as the national sports of Canada."

5. Answer: D When did O, Canada officially become the national anthem? a) 1880 b) 1920 c) 1950 d) 1980 O, Canada didn't officially become Canada's national anthem until 1980 - 100 years after it was written.

6. Answer: C How many points did Wayne Gretzky score in his career? a) 1,876 b) 2,295 c) 2,857 d) 3,204 Wayne Gretzky holds the record for most career points in the NHL. He scored 2,857 points in 20 years.

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HAPPY CANADA DAY! Karen Ras City and Regional Councillor • Ward 2 300 City Centre Dr., Mississauga, Ontario L5B 3C1 905-896-5200 karen.ras@mississauga.ca Karen Ras @RasWard2

HAPPY CANADA DAY

Stephen

DASKO M I S S I S S AU G A WA R D 1 CO U N C I L LO R

300 City Centre Drive, 3rd Floor, Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1 Telephone: 905-896-5100 • Mobile: 647-289-2922 stephen.dasko@mississauga.ca

@DaskoWard1 MODERN MISSISSAUGA | EARLY SUMMER 2021 41 www.StephenDasko.ca

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modern L IFEST Y L E

RICHARD SYRETT

HAS A STORY TO TELL YOU…

by praveen amirtharaj Unbowed. Unbent. Unbroken.

at all. I see a return to small, family-owned operations. Radio is about story telling and humans have an innate need for stories.

Our phones and eventually an invisible implant will replace the countertop Philco. The mode of delivery will evolve and change but there will always be the story.

Radio talk show host Richard Syrett wraps his daily radio program with them, and he lives by them. After 30 plus years in radio on both sides of the microphone, Syrett is a survivor and a story teller.

He kicked around the Toronto dial as a producer and weekend host before catching on as a regular guest-host on legendary Coast to Coast AM, the most-listened-to, late-night radio show in North America. He also hosts his own syndicated radio program, The Conspiracy Show, heard in 40 markets across North America. Now, Syrett has taken on yet another gig, host of the afternoon drive slot on Sauga960AM. We sat down with the extremely busy broadcaster to get his thoughts on his career, future of broadcasting and the pandemic.

How have you and your family dealt with the COVID19 pandemic?

Sauga960: When did you first know a career in broadcasting was in your future?

RS: Become?

Richard Syrett: When I got a C average in high school math.

I’ve always been a curator of the interesting, the odd, and the unexplained. I spent the first 25 years of my life collecting stories and befriending storytellers and the last 30 years figuring out how to shake it all out of my head and into a microphone.

When it comes to broadcasting, who did you look up to?

RS: I’ve been fortunate to work along side the best, including Ed Needham, an American bloviator of the highest magnitude.

He could captivate, enthral for hours - no guests, no calls.

Gravitas! Fred Napoli, the voice, the words, the music, total enchantment.

Where do you see the future of radio heading?

RS: We’ve been untouched by the virus, thank God. I’ve been social distancing for decades. It’s hardest on my boys.

They should be out cow-tipping until the streetlights come on.

Am I dating myself?

Has Politics become a bad word?

If your car radio was stuck playing the same song over and over, what song would not mind hearing over and over ?

RS: And Your Bird Can Sing by The Beatles.

What piece of advice would you give to someone looking to make a career in broadcasting?

RS: Quit broadcasting school. Travel, Live, Feel, Experience.

Read everything. Talk to strangers on elevators.

The Richard Syrett Show can be heard Monday-Friday 4-6pm on Sauga960AM. sauga960am.ca

RS: I see potential for a new golden age now that the corporate behemoths are failing, as well they should. They’ve turned their backs on their listeners and their communities. They talk at us and past us but never with us. I don’t understand why they’re in radio MODERN MISSISSAUGA | EARLY SUMMER 2021 43

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Which COVIDby john murray lewis |

image by diana polekhina unsplash

1. What's the first thing on your agenda after a good night's sleep?

A) A long hot shower B) Light exercise and a balanced breakfast C) Reliving an argument you lost three weeks ago D) An invigorating cuppa joe 2. What motto do you live your life by?

A) Carpe Diem B) Live Long and Prosper C) [The sound of an insanely jacked wolf howling at the moon] D) Always Fresh 3. Which timeless rock song best describes your last romantic encounter?

A) Stairway to Heaven B) Basically anything from Nickelback's discography (2001-2008) C) Black Coffee in Bed D) Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus) 4. Choose your starter Pokemon!

A) Hamslice B) A shih tzu C) Scrotle D) Garbage Man 5. What's the one colour of the rainbow you couldn't live without?

A) Indigo B) Whatever the V in ROYGBIV stands for C) The luxuriant golden brown of a Tim Hortons Vanilla Cream Cold Brew D) One of the colours only those weird shrimp can see

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-19 Vaccine Are You? AstraZeneca! Pfizer! Moderna! ...The other one!

Wow, there's no doubt that COVID-19 vaccines are the must-have medical trend of 2021. And with so many quality options to choose from, you really can't go wrong. But have you ever wondered which vaccine best represents your unique personality?

Take this quiz to find out!

6. Who is your dream pick for Chair of the Greenbelt Council?

A) David Suzuki B) Greta Thunberg C) Several houseplants arranged in the shape of a human woman D) D-list Captain Planet villain Norm Sterling 7. How did you react to the news of the passing of Prince Phillip?

A) Honestly, you thought he was already dead B) While all death is a personal tragedy, politically the death of Prince Phillip is irrelevant to the modern Commonwealth C) You poured one out for that good old boy, whoever he was D) You consoled the Queen with a soothing Tim Hortons Cold Brew 8. You have 24 hours to live. What do you do with the precious time left to you?

A) Party like it’s 2999 B) Sleep C) Take a quiz about vaccines in Modern Mississauga D) Treat yourself to one last decadent Tim Hortons Cold Brew 9. Post-pandemic, what should be the Ford government's number one policy priority?

A) Fix online education B) Paid sick leave C) Overhaul long-term care D) Buck-a-Brew (Cold) 10. On a scale of 1-10, how would you describe the refreshing taste of a Tim Hortons Cold Brew?

A) 10 B) 10 C) 9.5 D) 10

All done? Now add up your responses for each letter!

Mostly As: You're Pfizer, an innovative mRNA vaccine! You live to shoot yourself inside of other organisms, and it shows. Just don't let your dreams outstrip your reality.

Mostly Bs: Moderate, sensible and reliable -- that’s Moderna! You get the job done and you look good while doing it. Not that you'd expect anyone to notice! Try standing up for yourself once in a while.

Mostly Cs: You're AstraZeneca: the kind of vaccine that brings a knife to a gunfight, and still comes out on top. Take it easy sometimes!

Mostly Ds: The dark horse, Johnson &... Johnson, is it? No one knows where you came from, but one thing's for sure: you're here to chew bubblegum and beat COVID-19, and as a viral vector vaccine, you lack the biological capacity to chew bubblegum.

No clear answer? Don't worry! Any vaccine is a good vaccine, and all of them go down easy with the icy blast of a Tim Hortons Cold Brew coffee-adjacent beverage! 4 out of 5 customers agree: the flavour “often surpasses” that of used dishwater. So get your shot, then give Tims Cold Brew a shot. There’s a chance you won’t regret it!

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MALTON MINUTES by natalie hart |

photos by jeshoots & edward howell on unsplash

Summer is on its way! While we are all eager to see a return to normal, we can celebrate the many steps we are taking to get there.

Malton saw several new ways to reach people to get their first doses. With around the clock effort at Doses After Dark, and the Pop Up Clinic at the Malton Masjid increasing access is focused on reaching our community. If you haven’t booked your first dose, check out Book your COVID-19 vaccine - Region of Peel (peelregion.ca) updated all the time it will also guide you through the 2nd dose information.

Looking for things to do safely? Why not consider spending time exploring

Mississauga for a staycation. There are so many things to see and do. Interested in finding out more? Experience Mississauga (visitmississauga.ca) has some great places to start including an amazing Cycling Map. Why not plan a new route around a few tasty treats as a reward?

While we may be still missing the festivals that mark our normal summer, many will be going virtual this year. Allowing us to explore events we may not have attended. Some like Carrassauga are launching options that are ongoing, making them a great option for a rainy day. Why not try one of the cooking lessons online with friends?

INTRODUCING MISSISSAUGA’S CULTURAL DISTRICTS

Mississauga's new Cultural Districts have been identified: Clarkson, Cooksville, Downtown, Malton, Port Credit and Streetsville.

Cultural Districts are distinct, mixed-use areas that attract people because of their high concentration of cultural facilities (e.g. studios, performance venues, galleries, museums) and activities (e.g. events, shopping, dining, and public space activations). These neighbourhoods act as local cultural destinations that invite residents and visitors alike to engage in creative expression, social gathering and community building.

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As always there are some amazing options for supporting Local on #MississaugaMade – Shop Local. Source Local. Support Local.

If you are a small business owner, it is free to be listed! Check out the option to translate the listings in multiple languages that has been added, a great way to reach more of our communities.

Malton is an incredible community, and you can have your say in some future projects!

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

In 2021 we are looking for you to get involved and help us plan for Mississauga's Cultural Districts.

We want to hear from you! Complete the SURVEY, share your insights in the MAP, contribute to the IDEA BANK and submit questions to the Q/A. For everything related to the Districts, upcoming engagement opportunities and information regarding future events and public space activations, please visit: mississaugaculture.ca/districts.

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BE PROUD When it comes to health and fitness as a society we’re constantly looking for the next and greatest life hack. Is there a new diet our friend is raving about that we’re convinced might work for us?

Maybe the new fitness app that’s guaranteed to help us bust through that plateau is the missing key? While we’re at it should we buy that new meal replacement shake or diet tea to help us keep the cravings at bay so we can finally reach our goals this time?

The ugly not-so-secret truth of the health and fitness industry is that more often than not the same people that pitch and sell you all of these products aren’t actually customers. They often have different motivations behind getting you to try the newest products and programs.

Now this isn’t to say you can’t find success with some of these, and also let’s not forget the fact that trying new things is often a great way to keep your brain engaged with the process of building new healthy habits.

This is, however, some low hanging fruit that often gets overlooked when it comes to reaching your health and fitness goals and it’s two words that I feel often don’t get used often enough - “Be Proud”.

Did you drag yourself through a workout that you really didn’t want to do but finished it anyways? Be Proud.

Allow yourself to feel pride when you make small decisions that are marginally better than what you would’ve done otherwise.

Don’t get caught up in the race to be perfect or to be like ‘those’ people you see on social media.

All progress is made with small steps in the right direction and allowing yourself to feel a bit of pride every time you are moving forward is a key component of long term progress.

Be Proud.

BE PROUD - OF ANY SMALL ACCOMPLISHMENTS ALONG THE WAY AND LET YOURSELF FEEL AND ENJOY THE MOMENT. Did you shut down Netflix and go to bed 30 minutes earlier?

Be Proud.

Did you make the decision to skip the wine after work on a weekday and opt for a glass of water with dinner instead? Be Proud.

Did you go for a brisk walk instead of sitting on the couch? Be Proud.

Did you skip ordering in for cooking a healthy meal instead?

Be Proud.

Did you only have two cookies instead of ten? Be Proud.

By Alex Cibiri, Element CrossFit Passionately improving the lives of those around him through an uncannily relatable approach to health and wellness, Element has been a hub in the growth of both CrossFit and the micro-gym industry in Canada. With a focus on creating lasting change through the pursuit of fitness and other meaningful life experiences, Element is changing lives through revolutionized personal and small-group training across both virtual and physical environments.

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Summer In Port Credit by corrie harding-keizs |

image by sanjin avdicevic photography

Summer is here and Port Credit residents can enjoy the beach life and summer activities, only minutes away from their homes. It’s one of many reasons people love Port Credit.

Here’s what else makes it attractive: LOCATION

The lakefront, beautiful swimming spots, parks, gorgeous natural resources and protected landscapes, it’s an oasis for nature lovers. The QEW and Gardiner Expressway are close-by, enabling quick access to neighbouring areas.

You can have your privacy and be well-connected.

GREAT SCHOOLS

Port Credit is a family community where parents and children feel safe. Parents can also count on a great school system with Port Credit schools being one of the best-ranked in Ontario.

With a strong emphasis on academic achievements and extracurricular activities, children are guaranteed to have all the opportunities to reach their maximum potential.

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FUN IS GUARANTEED

Known as the city’s Entertainment District this is where people come to have fun. Festivals, boat shows, and chic restaurants draw people year round. Shopping here is a unique experience for any type of shopper. It’s home to over 400 shops, offering a diverse range of services and products for all budgets. Finish off your local support, recharge at one of the many cool cafes and restaurants, and enjoy the unique scenery with a cup of coffee and a snack.

PORT CREDIT IS ALWAYS GROWING

Waterfront properties are Port Credit’s trademark that provides an urban and luxurious touch. Many new construction projects are underway, including the master-planned community of West Village which strengthens Port Credit’s status as an upper-end neighbourhood. It offers a cozy lifestyle with endless possibilities that everyone wants to be a part of.

SMALL-TOWN FEEL

Even with the growth, its historic core remains the centrepiece of the community. With many landmarks, small unique stores, historic buildings and heritage conservation areas, Port Credit retains a small-town feel associated with serenity and comfort.

If you are looking for a home in the area and or more information on Port Credit, let’s connect!

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modern technology

THE IROBOT BRAAVA JET ROBOT MOP

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Technology continues to advance at a rapid pace.

From video doorbells, to smart televisions, smart home speakers, robot vacuums and much more, these technologies allow us to spend more time doing things we want to do.

While vacuuming is, for most, a weekly task, mopping is the chore that, for me, gets pushed to the bottom of the list. Why? It’s a multi-step process. Get the mop, get the bucket, get the cleaning solution, fill the bucket, mop the floors, empty the bucket, refill the bucket, mop again. At the end of all that, you’ve got to wait for the floors to dry, which renders the room useless for at least 30 minutes.

With pandemic restrictions loosening, most of us will be spending as much time outdoors as possible, which means plenty of ins and outs of the house. With the increased traffic comes dirtier floors and less time to clean the floors.

The solution to this labour-intensive task? The Braava jet m6.

Ideal for both those in a family setting and those living alone, it’s terrific for sticky messes, spills, and kitchen grease.

The advanced technology navigates around both objects and beneath furniture.

An impressive point is how it learns, maps and adapts from room to room, with the benefit being that you don’t have to babysit it as it cleans.

It’s also versatile as it cleans hard floors including hardwood, tile and stone. Plus, its square shape allows it to clean corners with ease.

The Precision Jet Spray feature disperses the cleaning solution which lifts stains as the mop cleans it.

To keep the m6 from entering unwanted areas, such as rooms without a door, you can easily create an invisible boundary with a Virtual Wall Barrier via the app.

It also searches for obstacles in its path before it sprays to help keep furniture, rugs, and walls dry.

Applying and removing the cleaning pad is quite easy, as is filling the reservoir for the cleaning solution.

Working via WiFi in conjunction with its app, you can easily schedule the m6 to do its work to fit your schedule.

Also, with a smart home speaker via Amazon or Google, you can utilize the voice control feature to keep your floors clean during unexpected messes.

Mapping your home’s floors is done intuitively via their Imprint Smart Mapping technology, where it learns the floorpan and then determines the most efficient way to clean the designated areas.

If you’ve got multiple rooms that need mopping during the same time period, the m6 smartly recognizes when it’s battery is getting low and returns to the charging station,

charges for the amount of time needed to complete the task, and then gets back to work.

The increase in home automation has advanced tremendously in recent years…even in recent months! We’re valuing time more than ever and with the technology available to enable us to have more choice over how we spend our time, it seems like an easy choice to invest in an m6.

irobot.ca

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we bring good ideas to light.

We’ve built our design studio around the ability to explore, develop and follow ideas, wherever they lead.

wise idea.

BRANDING D E S IG N PAC K AG I N G D IG ITAL

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KMB Law: What You Need to Knowing your family and loved ones are taken care of after you pass away is important and the easiest way to ensure this is through a proper, legal will. Simply stated, it enables your wishes to be carried out as specified. With a document this important, there’s key information to know about wills, which will be outlined here.

What exactly is a Will?

It’s a written legal document that allows you to direct how your property is to be distributed after your death. It’s also a great tool to provide for the welfare of your family and ensure your property is managed in accordance with your wishes in a tax-efficient and costeffective manner.

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Can anyone create their own valid Will?

Unfortunately, no. The person writing the Will, called the testator, must be at least 18, and must have the appropriate legal capacity.

What if an individual did not have a Will at the time of their death?

What happens is called intestacy. If you die intestate, your estate is distributed in accordance with the Succession Law Reform Act (SLRA).

The SLRA states that after debts and taxes are paid, the preferential share, currently $350,000, is paid to the deceased’s spouse and the remainder is divided among the spouse and any children according to a set of specific rules.

If there’s no spouse and children, the estate is divided among living blood relatives in a prescribed manner.

If there are no surviving blood relatives, the government receives your estate.

o Know About Wills Who should I appoint as my Estate Trustee?

Who should I appoint as my Power of Attorney?

Your Estate Trustee is the person who gathers your assets after you’ve died, ensures your debts and taxes are paid, and distributes your estate to the beneficiaries. Estate Trustees do not have to be particularly sophisticated in the area of estate administration, as they can get advice from lawyers and accountants, but they should be organized, able to keep proper financial records, and have the time to commit to the administration of the estate. Try and stay away from naming your children as Estate Trustees together for the sake of fairness if they do not get along.

Take extra care in selecting this person as they’ll bear a great amount of responsibility.

On the personal care side, your attorney will be making decisions regarding health and medical care, welfare, shelter, hygiene and life support, among other things. The person you choose should have a genuine concern for your wellbeing.

On the property side, they’ll be making decisions regarding finances, real estate, bank accounts, etc., and can do anything regarding your property that you can do, except make a new Will on your behalf. This should be someone your fully trust will not abuse their power.

If you are looking to create or update your wills or powers of attorney, or have questions regarding your estate plan, we invite you to connect with us.

Our team is here to work with you and looks forward to starting the conversation.

What other documents are important when planning for your future?

Powers of Attorney are crucial as they are used in the event you are still alive, but unable to make decisions for yourself regarding your personal care and management of property as a result of an infirmity or incapacity.

This allows you to select someone, your attorney, to make certain decisions on your behalf.

Suzanna Winsborough swinsborough@kmblaw.com 905-276-0434

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MODERN ENTREPRENEUR:

ELSINORE BLAS by jay kana

| photo linkedin sales solutions on unsplash

In conversation with Mississauga’s creative, driven and inspiring entrepreneur, Elsinore Blas.

What exactly does Splash Of Charm do?

We paint furniture and kitchen cabinets. We have over 15+ years of experience working with all kinds of furniture and love posting the before and after pics on Facebook and Instagram @Splash of Charm.

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?

I became an entrepreneur by accident. I learned to paint furniture for my own home and when my home was filled with white furniture, I started to sell pieces. I had a full time job in IT that I loved, but I loved painting furniture too. I wanted to take a chance on myself and left my corporate job of 18 years to pursue the business full time. Becoming an entrepreneur was a natural progression and have no regrets!

What's the most rewarding part of what you do?

The most rewarding part of my business is meeting so many different people. The projects are always different, whether it’s their kitchen or a piece of furniture that was passed down from their grandparents. There is a huge sense of accomplishment when the project has been completed.

I love feeding off their excitement and energy when I send them a picture of the final product.

What critical lessons have you learned in your entrepreneurial career?

If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far go together. – African Proverb I’m trying to scale my business at this stage of my journey.

I’ve been blessed to have found my business coach Sheriff Thaver, owner of WorldWinn Consulting to help grow my business.

My grown children, parents and sisters are now becoming more involved and our family business is starting to flourish.

Our team is looking to grow further to accommodate all the plans I’ve been dreaming about and can’t wait to share the plans soon!

I am also a proud member of the Lionsgate Design Collective.

There is so much industry knowledge and professional experience shared within our team which ultimately results in a superior client experience.

What motivates you?

My family is everything and all the relationships I continuously build.

What succinct advice do you have for those considering entrepreneurship?

Know your “why” and keep connected with it. When things get tough, this is the only thing that can get you through. Make sure it is strong enough. Mindset is 80% of the game.

What are you most proud of in your entrepreneurial journey?

That I haven’t given up! Being an entrepreneur is so difficult and lonely. There were so many times that I was ready to give up, but something within wouldn’t let me. I am so proud of that.

Instagram.com/splashofcharm

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A Hat-Trick of Wonderful Canadian Whiskies With wine country a relatively short drive from Mississauga, we’re fortunate to have a wide selection of wineries to experience, each with something different to offer.

Gretzky Estates Winery goes beyond wine and has created a Hat-Trick of wonderful whiskies that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, in a cocktail, or in hot drinks.

Red Cask Whisky

As the name indicates, this is finished in red wine casks, sourced straight from the winery. This bright straw-gold whisky has a ruby red hue that shines elegantly.

Notes of toasty new oak, almond, caramel and vanilla emerge from the glass followed by subtle notes of nutmeg and stone fruit.

A touch of water produces notes of sweet spice and dark raisin.

Strong without being overpowering with a silky smoothness, a touch of woody tannin adds structure. This whisky offers a long, lingering finish that is smooth and sweet with flavours of nut and allspice. Experience this via a traditional Manhattan, Highball, or an Old Fashioned.

Ice Cask Whisky

The Niagara region is world famous for its ice wine and this natural progression makes it quite the Canadian classic. With its goldenbronze colour, Ice Cask Whisky is both smooth and robust with a subtle yet present hint of sweetness. It is matured in the Estates’ signature vidal Icewine casks to soak up the residual sweetness of their frozen grapes.

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Taste-wise, top notes include toffee, clove, raisin, caramelized sugar and a hint of oak from soaking in the Icewine barrels. A splash of water develops notes of chocolate, mocha and sweet spice.

Meeting your lips will be a smooth and full-flavoured sip with a smidgen of sweetness from deep notes of baked apple, berries and nutmeg. Finishing flavours include toffee, caramelized apple, smoke and allspice.

Experience this via Whisky Sour, Mint Julep or a Whisky Cobbler.

Maple Cask Whisky

Adding maple to nearly anything results in wonderful results, and this certainly adds to that long list.

With colouring that leans closer to tawny than amber, you’ll savour top notes of caramelized maple syrup, baked nut loaf and cereal grains.

From there, additional notes of baked apple, dark raisin and sweet oak emerge.

Similarly to the red cask and ice cask, the taste is smooth, silky and strong, with the maple producing delicate touches of sweetness, along with deep notes of spice, oak and toffee. The finish is long and lingering with a smooth texture, a hint of sweetness and flavours of candied nut, spice and caramelized maple syrup.

The versatility of the maple flavours allow you to add to this any whiskey based cocktail. Looking for a patriotic pick-me-up?

Add a splash to your coffee or tea. gretzkyestateswines.com

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m oder nFO OD & DRIN K

Summery STRAWBERRY RHUBARB TART by chef shai mandel, founder & CEO of rooks to cooks INGREDIENTS: (Yield: 8 Crepes) SHORTCRUST: • 1 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup granulated sugar • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold • Pinch of salt

FILLING: • 2 large eggs • 1 cup granulated sugar • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract • 1 cup chopped rhubarb • 1 cup chopped strawberries

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DIRECTIONS:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a 9-inch tart pan or an 8 x 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl mix together the flour and sugar. Using a fork, cut in the unsalted butter until the mix resembles corn meal.

Press the shortcrust firmly into the tart pan or square pan. Bake for 15 minutes.

To prepare the filling, in a medium bowl whisk together the eggs and sugar until fluffy and pale. Add in the flour and salt and whisk until just combined. Fold in the rhubarb and strawberries.

5.

6.

Pour filling onto the hot crust and place back in the oven. Bake for 35 - 40 minutes or until filling sets and is light brown on the top.

Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting.

moder nFO OD & DRIN K

SALSA CHICKEN ENCHILADAS INGREDIENTS:

(Yields: 2 servings) • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

1 tbsp vegetable oil 60 g onion, diced 3 cloves of garlic, minced 200 g boneless, skinless chicken breast 50 mL chicken stock 1 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp chili powder 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp salt 100 g black beans, drained 6 small flour tortillas 75 g cheddar cheese, shredded 1/2 x Fresh salsa verde (see recipe below)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a rectangular baking dish with parchment paper, and set aside.

2. Dice the chicken breast, and transfer to a medium bowl. Add the spices and toss to coat the chicken.

3. In a frying pan, heat the vegetable oil. Sweat the onions, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant.

4. Add the seasoned chicken breast to the pan, and cook until browned. Deglaze the pan with the chicken stock to help release any spices that may have stuck to the bottom. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes.

5. Stir in the black beans and 1/2 of your shredded cheese, and remove from heat.

6. To assemble your enchiladas, first spread a thin layer of your salsa verde in the bottom of your pan.

7. Working with one tortilla at a time, spoon some of the chicken mixture into the centre of the tortilla, roll it up and place it seam side down into the baking dish.

8. When all of the tortillas have been filled and rolled, top with remaining salsa verde and remaining grated cheese.

9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese has melted.

Substitutions: 200g firm tofu for 200g chicken breast; 50ml vegetable stock for 50ml chicken stock for vegetarian alternative; and omit 75g cheddar cheese for dairy free alternative.

FRESH SALSA VERDE INGREDIENTS: • • • •

• • • • •

400 g fresh tomatillos 1 jalapeno, seeds/stem removed 2 cloves of garlic, minced 20 g fresh cilantro, roughly chopped 60 g onion, finely diced 100 g fresh spinach 1 lime, zested and juiced 1/4 tsp cumin 1 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F, and line a baking sheet with aluminium foil.

2. Rinse and dry the tomatillos, then roast in the oven for 15 minutes until the skins have begun to brown.

3. Remove tomatillos from the oven and blend with jalapeno and spinach in a food processor until smooth.

4. Transfer salsa mixture from the food processor to a bowl and mix in the onion, garlic, lime juice, zest cumin and salt.

5. Taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

(Yields: 500 mL)

About Chef Shai: Inspired by her passion for food and education, Shai Mandel founded Rooks to Cooks with the goal of teaching kids cooking, life skills, and important lessons they can use both in and out of the kitchen. Her student-centered camps and workshops emphasize empowerment, healthy eating, and fun. Virtual Classes Available.

MODERN MISSISSAUGA | EARLY SUMMER 2021 Visit: www.rookstocooks.ca

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