ATOTK Fall 2022 issue

FALL 2022

A Taste of the KAWARTHAS FOOD, SHOPPING & CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

Yannick & Shantelle Bisson

Kawartha’s Power Couple Murdoch Mysteries & Shantilly’s Place

Lawrence Gowan Solo Artist & Member of STYX

Bathroom Reno Inspirations

The Great Loop What is it?

The Winning Pie

from Lent Lane

Day Tripping

FREE PUBLICATION - PLEASE TAKE ONE

Fun Destinations with the ATOTK Road Crew!

Contents

FALL 2022

For Online Interactive magazine go to www.atasteofthekawarthas.com

Features 15 A Winning Pie

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Shantelle Bisson

16 Day Tripping

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Yannick Bisson

26 The Great Loop

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Lawrence Gowan

Market In Lent Lane Pie Contest Fall Fun in the Kawarthas What is this and who does it?

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Columns

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Palatable Pleasures 10 Kickin’ Recipes - Chef Brian Henry 12 Chef James Craig - Red Seal Chef 14 Carol’s Kitchen - Warm up with Soup!

15 A Winning Pie - Strawberry Basil Galette Real Estate and Home 42 Real Estate Talk - I Never Knew!

48 Renovate your Bathroom - Inspiration 52 Hiring Tradespeople - What to Do 53 Home Inspections - Fall Maintenance 56 Gardening - Renovating Pots for Fall Pets 58 Pets - Door Manners 4

Shantilly’s Place Marina Murdoch Mysteries

Solo Artist, STYX band

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60

Lifestyle Features 24 Travel is Back - Helpful Tips 26 The Great Loop - The Life of a Looper 32 Shantelle Bisson - Shantilly’s Place Marina 36 Yannick Bisson - Murdoch Mysteries 47 Organize - Fall Chores 54 Home - Exploring Peterborough 60 Lawrence Gowan - Musician in STYX Get Out and Play 12 Day Tripping - Out and About in the Kawarthas 24 Travel is Back - Helpful Tips 26 The Great Loop - The Life of a Looper 34 ATV Trails - The Kawartha ATV Association 54 Home - Exploring Peterborough 56 Gardening - Renovating Pots for Fall

A note From the Editor

Fall is my favourite season. Watching the leaves change colour, brisk weather, feeling alive after so many heat waves! Don’t get me wrong - I love the heat, but I’m ready for a change now.

We are so happy to have Yannick Bisson and his wife Shantelle in this issue! Yannick is a well known actor portraying Murdoch in Murdoch Mysteries and Shantelle is a well known author and the incredibly hard working boss of Shantilly’s Place, a marina on Chandos Lake. Not to mention what a cute couple they make!

We also got to catch up with Lawrence Gowan, solo musician, singer and keyboards for, yes, that famous wellknown band STYX. I have been a fan of Larry’s since my Toronto days in the 70s, hitting the bars to watch his band Rhinegold. It’s a great interview! Success hasn’t gone to his head - he’s just as nice as he was back then!

We have a Road Crew now! You probably saw them scouting out fun Fall places to day trip around the Kawarthas. As you will see, they had a LOT of fun on their journey!

Congratulations to Jay Cooper, our talented Graphic Designer, on winning TWO awards this year for Advertising/ Marketing Agency and Graphic Design Services! We already knew it, but the accolades are so nice!

As usual, we welcome your input and comments and love to hear from you! Keep on sending those emails!

We pride ourselves on not being an advertorial publication. We feature PEOPLE who are making a difference.

Karen Irvine - Editor, Video Editor, Print Editor, Videographer, Photographer & Social Media Diva Email - atasteofthekawarthas@gmail.com Website - www.atasteofthekawarthas.com Facebook - A Taste of the Kawarthas Magazine Instagram - @atasteofthekawarthas Twitter - @atasteofthekaw1 Margaret Swaine Author, Travel, Wine, Golf, Spas & Spirits Columnist Travel & Spirits Editor Karen Laws Ontario Dog Trainer Danielle French South Pond Farms Dr. Kelly Wasylciw Veterinarian Dianne Guzik The Art of Home Inspections

Contributors Carol Turner Carol’s Kitchen Signe Langford Signe’s Kitchen & Lent Market

Chef Brian Henry Chef Extraordinaire & ATOTK Food Editor Jay Lough Hayes Real Estate Broker

Vikki Whitney Gardening

Jay Cooper Musician, Graphics Designer

Angela Beal Health & Safety

Nicole Cooke Organized by Design Stephanie Yankovic Kawartha ATV Association

Publisher - Slither Productions Editor - Karen Irvine Creative Director - Jay Cooper Advertising Sales - (705) 772-8074 Email - atasteofthekawarthas@gmail.com

Photographers

Karen Irvine, KATVA, Jay Cooper, Judy Bambrick, Andrew Clowater, Erin Shannon, Linda Kassil, Shelley Fine © 2021 by A Taste of the Kawarthas Magazine (ATOTK) is a free publication distributed locally an is supported by our advertisers. A Taste of the Kawarthas Magazine or Slither Productions do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced an reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

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Chef Brian Henry Food Editor

Chef Brian is the owner of The Spice Co and Angle Iron Kitchen in Lakefield, Ontario.

Brian has been cooking for over 30 years all over the world. At one point, for three years he followed The Grateful Dead selling pizza!

He settled in Lakefield because he loves the Kawarthas.

He is an active member of the Lakefield Ice Festival and not only has the restaurant and spice company but caters as well. Chef is also a teacher at Durham College.

Brian is married with two girls. thespiceco.ca Angle Iron Kitchen

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Jay Cooper Graphic Designer, Musician & Feature Interviewer

Jay is our Graphic Designer.

We are so proud to say that he won two awards this year for his designs!

He does all the feature interviews for ATOTK. In the past, Jay interviewed international musicians under Slither Speaks for Slither Productions.

Continuing on his creative streak, Jay is a talented musician with four albums to his credit. He plays guitar, bass, drums and piano. He has also produced and edited other musicians albums.

Having done all this, he also designs the covers for the magazine.

Meet Th Danielle French South Pond Home

Danielle French was the founder of South Pond Farms, a destination for authentic culinary experiences, weddings, celebrations and homemade food products. She hosted the television series Taste of the Country formerly on Netflix.

Danielle has started a new adventure called Design your Escape offering help for those wanting to start their own event based business. She comarkets her product line with Walton Wood Farm.

South Pond Home FaceBook

he Writers Jay Lough Hayes Real Estate Representative

Jay is ATOTK’s go-to person for all things Real Estate.

Everything Jay needs to get her through life, she learned in Kindergarden. She says, “Treat others the way you want to be treated. I pride myself in looking after my customers and clients! I work together with my husband, Grant and have been enjoying working with buyers and sellers in real estate for 28 years.” Jay believes Home Ownership is an attainable goal for all Canadians, “I enjoy working with people to achieve their real estate dreams. I have been a member of the Peterborough Real Estate Board for 28 years.

She has served as volunteers on the real estate board in many capacities. She enjoys what she does, and says, “I do what I enjoy!” www.homesinpeterborough. com

Margaret Swaine Travel, Spirit & Food

Margaret is the Global Getaway columnist for Kawarthas Magazine covering travel, golf and food destinations.

Margaret has contributed feature artices for the National Post, Zoomer magazine, Best Health, USA Today, LA Times, ScoreGolf, Foodservice Hospitality, Travelweek Bulletin, Expressions, Arrival, Nuvo, Wine Access, Elle Canada, Hello!

Canada, Fairways, ClubLink NewsLink, WestJet Up! magazine, Toronto Star newspaper, Globe & Mail newspaper, Baltic Air magazine, EnRoute magazine, Ski Press magazine, Chic magazine, national newspaper groups such as CanWest and many other publications. www.margaretswaine.com

Carol Turner Recipes

Carole has been contributing to ATOTK for over a year now with her recipe creations.

She has a deep understanding about what works with what, and her creations are OH SO GOOD! Follow Carol on Instagram for more inspiration! w w w. i n s t a g r a m . c o m / c a r olturner9319/

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Meet Th Nicole Cooke Organized By Design

Nicole is the owner of Organized by Design, a professional organizing company based in Ennismore, Ontario. Her customers include residential clients as well as small, medium and large businesses.

Nicole developed a love for organization and systems throughout her previous careers and saw first-hand how the absence of these impacted people’s stress levels and overall happiness. As a result, she left her job and developed a business that could help people of all ages and backgrounds, as well as businesses. Her goal is to teach people how to bring calmness and productivity to their homes and offices.

Nicole is married with three daughters. She works both locally and virtually. www.organizedbydesign.co

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Stephanie Yankovich Kawartha ATV Assoc.

Stephanie is an avid offroad motorcycle rider and enduro racer. You can follow her on Instagram @dirtridingdames KATVA is a community based ATV club that proudly promotes and offers safe and enjoyable ATVing in the Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough County. Members enjoy dense forest tracts, natural vistas, historic stops, wildlife viewing an majestic outlooks. www.katva.ca

Dianne Guzik The Art of Home Inspections

Diane lives in Millbrook and is our go-to expert for everything to do with home inspections.

She is a retired certified home inspector, and sat on the board of directors for Ontario Association for Certified Home Inspectors.

She is married with six grown children and eight grandchildren.

We have been motivated by Dianne’s knowledge and are thrilled to have her on board.

he Writers Dr. Kelly Wasylciw Veterinarian

Dr. Kelly is a Veterinarian in Norwood Ontario.

We love how much she really cares for animals! Kelly is actually the Vet who Karen Irvine (our Editor In Chief ) and Jay Cooper rely on to look after their Great Dane.

Kelly is very knowledgeable, caring and understanding.

Karen Laws Ontario Dog Trainer

Karen has been working with dogs in some capacity since she was a child.

In the mid-1980’s Karen connected with her first dog-training mentor – the late Cassandra (Sanna) Carey of Lakeridge Kennels in Aiken South Carolina. Sanna willingly took Karen on as her student and was very generous with her time, her wisdom and her resources. They worked together for many years. She was the first person to show Karen what ‘chunking’ and ‘conditioning’ actually looked like. Karen learned the value of breaking complex concepts into small chunks and repeating each one just enough to provide clarity and to motivate the dog without grinding him down.

Karen was hooked.

Signe Langford Market on Lent Street

Signe is a force of nature. Not only does she run the Market on Lent Street in Port Hope, but she is also a self-taught Chef developer, writer and food stylist. Her articles can be found in the Toronto Star, The National Post and Watershed Magazine, and many more!

In October 2015, her cookbook, Happy Hens & Fresh Eggs: Keeping Chickens in the Kitchen Garden has 100 plus recipies was published. Available anwhere books are sold.

Published by Douglas & McIntyre Publishers. www.signelangford.com

www.ontariodogtrainer.com

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Kickin’ Recipes

GETTING ALL

by Chef Brian Henry Culinary Editor www.thespiceco.ca www.chefbrianhenry.com

Owner of Angle Iron Kitchens & The Spice Co.

FIRED UP!

AUTUMN CHILLING AND GRILLING As the seasons change so does our attitudes and behaviors. Cooler weather will see

many digging out crock pots, Instapots and other kitchen gadgets du jour but that does not mean that our outdoor kitchens are closed.

Autumn is the season of spices, with many going down the pumpkin spice rabbit hole. Aromatic spices are very soothing with their warm rich scents and which are easily added into your fall grilling and barbecuing. Seasonal menus can include grilled pumpkin, sweet potatoes or try using pumpkin beer as a marinade.

The following recipe can be cooked on a gas grill but is best prepared in a wood or charcoal fired barbeque allowing you to cook S’mores over the coals for dessert.

Barbequed Curry Chicken INGREDIENTS:

1 whole chicken 1 cooking onion cut in half 1 lemon cut in half 1 bulb of garlic, top sliced off 1 – 2 tbsp. Curry in a Hurry ¼ cup butter, softened kosher salt freshly cracked black pepper 2 cups chicken stock 10

METHOD:

The night before cooking the chicken, remove any giblets and the neck and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a large glass bowl or baking dish before setting it in the fridge overnight, uncovered as it will dry out the chicken skin so that it cooks up extra crispy. Just make sure that the raw chicken is placed so that no other foods will come in contact with it as to avoid cross-contamination.

The bottom shelf of your fridge is best for this.

Get your charcoal or wood lit so that you can get your coals well set and your barbecue up to 450°f and maintain this temperature for cooking. While your fire is sorting itself out, remove the chicken from the fridge and place it, breast side up, in a wire rack lined roast pan. The roasting pan will be pretty black after cooking so use a designated barbecue pan or a recyclable foil pan.

Stuff the carcass with the onion, lemon and garlic.Tie the legs loosely together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the chicken so that they do not burn.

Stir together butter and Curry in a Hurry.

Liberally rub the chicken all over with the curry butter. Lightly season the chicken

with salt, pepper and a bit of curry powder.

Pour chicken stock in the bottom of the roasting pan.

Place the roasting pan in the barbecue and cook the chicken for 1 -1 1/2 hours with the lid closed, checking the bird every 20 minutes. Baste chicken with the juices in the bottom of the pan. Halfway through cook time, rotate the roasting pan and add more stock to the bottom of the pan if needed.

After one hour, check the internal temperature of the chicken in the thigh. It should reach 180 degrees F. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Use the pan juices as a sauce or thicken them for gravy.

Chef Brian Henry is Owner of Angle Iron Kitchen in Lakefield, and The Spice Co. - Best Damned Chef in The Kawarthas!

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IN CONVERSATION WITH Chef James Craig

By Chef Brian Henry Food Editor, ATOTK

I recently was able to connect with Chef James Craig at Shantilly’s Place on Chandos Lake

(owned by his sister, Shantelle Bisson). His culinary journey started 13 years ago when he was 35 after years of working in IT. Chef Brian (CB): It’s a beautiful sunny weekend many are enjoying the day off. What are you doing today?

Chef James (CJ): I’m working an 1pm to 11pm shift at the Chelsea Toronto.

CB: So why did you choose to be a chef?

CJ: I always enjoyed cooking so I decided to sign up for Second Careers through the province of Ontario and graduated from George Brown and am a Red Seal Chef.

Due to my previous management experience I shot up the ranks pretty quickly. After school I went to the Distillery Corporation and worked at the Old Boiler House now known as El Catrine. From there I went to Scaramouche, one of the best restaurants in the city of Toronto.

CB: Is this where your career started to take off?

CJ: Yes. I learned a lot from Chef Keith Froggett and everything I learned there I have carried forward to where I am today.

CB: Is there any chef that you follow or look up to?

CJ: Not specifically. I try to every couple of months buy a cookbook on a cuisine that I haven’t worked with before.

Most recently I picked up a copy of “My Korea” to explore Korean food. I don’t have a favourite cuisine. I like to dabble in all of them.

CB: It’s one of the things that pisses me off when people ask, ‘what’s your specialty or your signature dish?’ My title is Chef or Certified Cook so technically I should be able to prepare whatever is requested.

CB: So if I came by your home for dinner, what might be on the menu?

CJ: The other night I did a couple of filet mignon steaks for my wife and I with some sour cream and buttered smashed potatoes with yellow beans and a simple salad.

CB: Very simple old school food.

CJ: Exactly CB: Got any favorite foods, cuisines or go to recipes?

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CJ: I love making and I love eating food. My wife and I went to Cancun and did a Ceviche tour. We hopped on a local bus and toured around to 7 different restaurants over 7 days and tried different Ceviche. I’m really into bright citrus flavours.

CB: Ah, I do miss working in the Caribbean for those fresh flavours.

CB: Our profession’s sees the flavor of the week trends and fads that come and go, the very nature of which motivates our industry, how do you keep things real and balance it out with a contemporary approach?

CJ: There are always going to be staples. Like French Cuisine will always be a staple. I’m a fan of combining different techniques with different types of food. I almost said fusion. I really do hate that word.

CB: I was just going to say, please don’t fucking say fusion.

CJ: It’s like this is fusion or that is fusion but I just think of it as cooking and trying new things.

CB: I couldn’t agree with you more. Being of Irish

“You are never too old to follow your dreams!” decent apparently it’s all about potatoes but potatoes originated in Peru. As people and spices were traded and sold around the world, foods naturally travelled with them. Most recipes are fusion cuisine regardless of point of origin.

CJ: Yes, a lot of Caribbean foods are west African. The dinner I did at Shantilly’s Marina was Middle Eastern, because I love their flavours. I spent some time working at Byblo’s (downtown Toronto) and a lot of that is North African.

CB: What makes being a chef worthwhile for you?

CJ: It’s the joy you bring to people. Serving amazing food that people love and is memorable. I love being a part of that. Creating memories for people.

CB: What fires you up or pisses you off in the kitchen?

CJ: Like a typical chef it’s the ridiculous mods (menu order modifications). The general public doesn’t seem to know that when they say they are allergic to something, we take this extremely seriously; we set up a separate station to ensure there is no cross-contamination. People don’t seem to know what a true allergy is versus a dislike and too many people just throw the word around.

CB: You mentioned something about leaving knives in the sink...

CJ: Oh yeah, back at George Brown people leaving knives in the bottom of soapy sink of water not realizing that someone could go into grab something and cut their hand off.

CB: Entering your career at a later age, how did you find the transition?

CJ: It wasn’t easy at first as a lot of people didn’t take me seriously because they thought I was so old. My experience managing teams before, as well as my wife and I having our boys at a younger age I coached a lot of hockey, lacrosse and baseball. Managing fifteen groups of parents will prepare you to manage anything.

(Insert lots of laughter) CB: No doubt! That would prepare you for anything!

CJ: You know everyone’s little Johnny is the best.

(More laughter) CB: I’ve got a soufflé in the oven, as I’m sure you do too. So what closing thoughts can you leave us with?

CJ: You are never too old to follow your dreams!

Carol’s Kitchen

By Carol Turner Instagram @carolturner9319

Curried Cauliflower & Parsnip Soup with Onion Bhajia

As days grow shorter and nights are cooler I crave comfort food. Soups and curries allow me to uti-

lize fresh seasonal produce from our Farmers Market. The Onion Bhajia are optional, but I recommend them as they add great flavour and texture.

INGREDIENTS: 2 tbsp butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, roughly chopped 1 1/2” fresh ginger root, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 medium cauliflower, separated into florets 1 LB parsnips, peeled, trimmed & roughly chopped 1 ripe Bosc pear, peeled, roughly chopped 1 large potato, peeled, roughly chopped 2 tbsp ‘Curry in a Hurry’ spice blend (The Spice Co) or your favourite curry blend 6 C chicken or vegetable stock 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste 1/4 tsp black or white pepper 1 pinch sugar (optional)

ONION BHAJIA 4 med. cooking onions, peeled, halved & thinly sliced 2 tsp salt 1/2 C chickpea flour (besan) at bulk or specialty stores 1/2 tsp curry powder 1 pinch Asafoetida or garlic powder (optional) Vegetable oil for deep frying GARNISH plain yogurt and fresh cilantro

SERVES 5-6 SOUP 1. In a large pot heat butter and oil then sauté chopped onion over medium/low heat until softened without browning, roughly 7 minutes.

2. Add curry powder, ginger root, garlic and sugar (if using) stirring for 2 minutes to combine and coat onions.

3. Add all chopped vegetables and pear and sauté 2 minutes.

4. Gently pour in stock. Bring to a boil adding a bit more stock or water to cover (Spoon off any visible foam) Reduce heat to medium/ low then cover and allow to simmer until all vegetables are soft, roughly 25 minutes.

5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

6. Puree with hand held emulsion blender until smooth Add salt and pepper if necessary and keep warm.

ONION BHAJIA 1. Sprinkle thinly sliced onion with salt and work through with your fingers. This allows onions to sweat and soften. Leave for 30 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, heat oil in deep fryer or large pot to 375 F. I recommend using a thermometer to regulate temperature!

3. Drain off all onion juice from bowl and squeeze onions gently with paper towel to remove excess liquid.

4. Sprinkle 1/4 cup chickpea flour over onions and rub lightly with fingers. Add Asafoetida or garlic powder if using. Continue adding flour until onions begin to hold together.

5. Gently lower clumps of onion, by the heaping teaspoon, into hot oil and fry in batches until crisp and golden, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season with coarse sea salt (optional).

TO SERVE Ladle soup into shallow bowls, top with 3-4 Bhajia then garnish with a drizzle of yogurt and fresh cilantro.

(Soup and Bhajia can be made ahead of time and reheated although the Bhajia will not be quite as crisp) 14

Signe’s Kitchen

By Signe Langford www.signelangford.com

Bakers and Judges and Pie - OH MY!

The Market in Lent Lane hosts a good old-fashioned pie contest in downtown Port Hope. 20 talented

bakers handed over pies, tarts, and galettes to a panel of discerning judges, Yours Truly, among them.

The theme was pies with a Canadian vibe using local ingredients. The competition was stiff and tasting 20 pies was tough, but hey, somebody had to do it, right?

There were three top prizes and two honourable mentions- Prettiest Pie and Most Fun. There could be only one First Prize, and that is Claire Holloway Wadhwani for her beautiful, seasonal Strawberry Basil Galette.

“The kitchen is my happy place,” says Claire. “I love feeding people, and the joy that comes from gathering around food. I’m generally more of a savoury cook – my father was a pie guy. After he passed away, our tradition to mark his birthday and anniversary of his death by baking his favourite desserts. ”

CLAIRE’S STRAWBERRY BASIL GALETTE PASTRY (Makes two galettes or one two-crust pie) INGREDIENTS 2 C all purpose flour 1 C cold salted butter – diced ½ tsp salt 6-8 tbsp cold water 1 egg, well-beaten + 1 tbsp milk-reserve for assembly DIRECTIONS 1. Add the flour and diced butter to a large bowl.

2. Use fingers to mix, until resembling a course oatmeal texture with some larger pieces of butter remaining.

3. Add cold water a splash at a time, gently mixing into the flour and butter mixture until it comes together into a ball.

4. Wrap in a beeswax wrapper and chill in fridge for at least 30 minutes.

FILLING (adapted from recipe at bakingtherapy. com) 3 C fresh Ontario strawberries – greens trimmed and halved ¼ C sugar 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp corn starch 1 tbsp basil – finely chopped Add strawberries to a mixing bowl.

Add sugar, lemon juice, corn star and basil, then very gently stir until combined.

Chill filling for 15 minutes.

STREUSEL TOPPING ¼ C all purpose flour 1 tbsp sugar 2 tbsp cold salted butter 1 tsp basil – chopped

Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl using fingers to create a crumbly texture.

TO ASSEMBLE 1. Pre-heat oven to 400F 2. Onto a sheet of parchment or silicon pad, roll out dough into a large round, approx. ¼ inch thick. Trim around the edges to create a smooth edge.

3. Pile the strawberry mixture in the centre of the round, leaving a 2-inch edge.

4. Carefully fold up the edge of the dough to cover the outer edge of the strawberry mixture.

5. Use a pasty brush to gently brush the egg and milk wash over the entire crust.

6. Sprinkle the top of the strawberries with the streusel.

7. Transfer to baking sheet and bake for 45-55 minutes or until nicely golden brown and bubbly.

8. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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OUR FANTASTIC INSTAGRAM PHOTOGRAPHERS WENT OUT AND ABOUT IN THE KAWARTHAS! THESE ARE ATOTK’S PICKS FOR FUN DAY TRIPS! THE PERFECT WAY TO CELEBRATE THE FALL SEASON! FOLLOW OUR ROAD CREW ON INSTAGRAM @kawartha_kaptures @kawartha_girl @shelleytoronto

EL PATIO

Local food, global flavour plus music, plus art! Farm fresh food, coffee, craft beer, curated wines, signature cocktails, and legendary lemonade.

58 Bolton Street, Bobcaygeon (705) 738-1500

ONE FINE FOOD

RANNEY GORGE SUSPENSION BRIDGE

A shopping and food experience unlike anywhere else. The unique sourcing of ingredients, the sights and smells of house-made products and the open kitchen with a wood fired pizza oven.

Open year round & located in Ferris Provincial Park. A great destination for a hike and picturesque views. Hovering 30′ above the Ranney Gorges, make your way across the 300-foot-long bridget.

800 Erskine Ave, Peterborough (705) 742-6200

KAWARTHA BUTTERTART FACTORY & BAKERY

Ferris Provincial Park 474 County Rd. 8, Campbellford

Specializing in traditional and decadent tarts, tea biscuits, pies, breads, cookies, muffins, squares, and fritters.

17 Indacom Drive, Douro-Dummer (705) 313-4190 1135 Lansdowne St W, Peterborough (705) 775-8278

TRENT SEVERN WATERWAYS

Trent Severn Waterways locks are a historic navigation system. Of course, the Peterborough Lift Lock, the Kirkfield Lift Lock & Big Chute Marine Railway are highlights.

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EMPIRE CHEESE CO-OP

Owned by local dairy farmers, their cheese is made traditionally in open-style vats gives the cheese and curd a better flavour.

1120 County Rd. #8, Campbellford (705) 653-3187

Day Tripping Around

the

Kawarthas SHANTILLY’S PLACE MARINA

KAWARTHA COUNTRY WINES

Owned by Shantelle and Yannick Bisson, this is a great place to stop and grab a bite while day tripping.

Family-owned winery specializing in innovative fruit wines, ciders, vinegars, and gourmet preserves. Complimentary wine tasting bar!

77 Narrows Road, Apsley (705) 656-2262

2452 County Road 36, Buckhorn (705) 657-9916

FENELON FALLS BREWING CO.

Not just a Craft Brewery, but a place for people to gather, to sit a while, and to have a stress-free, amazing experience. Do a tasting and enjoy a flight of their beer.

4 May Street, Fenelon Falls (705) 215-9898

#daytrippinginthekawarthas For more photos and videos, read online at www.atasteofthekawarthas.com/magazine LANG PIONEER VILLAGE

A combination of both indoors and outdoors. The Village is fashioned similar to a 19th-century hamlet so the buildings are separated by lanes and pathways.

104 Lang Road, Keene (705) 295-6694

BIGLEY SHOES

BARN AND BUNKIE

Everybody LOVES Bigley Shoes & Clothing, Bigley’s Beach House, Bigley’s Little Shoppe & Bigley’s Cottage! Over 40,000 pairs of shoes! - and much more! Brand names clothing & footwear, bathing suits, jewellery, accessories, even home decor and kitchen gadgets!

Unique, bespoke, home and cottage merchandise! We could spend all day shopping here!

41 Lindsay St, Fenelon Falls (705) 887-0304

35-45 & 50 Bolton St. Bobcaygeon (705) 738-2522

LIFT LOCK CRUISE

Explore the beautiful Trent Severn Waterway aboard The Island Princess. Discover the unbelievable beauty of this remote region of the Kawarthas. Our season operates daily from Mid-May to Mid-October.

(705) 742-9912

PETROGLYPHS PROVINCIAL PARK

The largest known concentration of Indigenous rock carvings (petroglyphs) in Canada.

Visit bright blue/green McGinnis Lake – one of only a few meromictic lakes in Canada.

2249 Northey’s Bay Rd, Woodview (705) 877-2552

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PETERBOROUGH MUSEUM AND ARCIVES

See the exhibits, check out the playground & discover the beauty of Armour Hill. Offering exhibits and events all year round that all members of the family can enjoy. Permanent exhibition of the history of Peterborough.

300 Hunter Street East, Peterborough (705) 743-5180

YOUR THANKSGIVING DESTINATION Dinnerware, decor, hostess gifts, gourmet food & much more!

OPEN DAILY 9AM-6PM

39 Bolton St. Bobcaygeon, ONT

WWW.BIGLEYSHOES.COM

Follow us on Instagram @bigleyscottagekitchen

#daytrippinginthekawarthas For more photos and videos, read online at www.atasteofthekawarthas.com/magazine KYOTO COFFEE

On your way to Lakefield, stop for the best coffee in the Kawarthas! Drive-thru for your convenience. Famous for its great service and friendly staff.

2621 Lakefield Rd, Selwyn 705-745-7329

BURLEIGH FALLS INN

CENTRE AND MAIN CHOCOLATE

accommodations and dining on scenic Stony Lake, Ontario. This Year Round facility is your Gateway to the Kawarthas and it’s amazing adventure, and scenic areas.

handcrafted small batch chocolate creations in her gallery-style boutique at the corner of Centre and Main Streets in the designated arts village of Warkworth.

50 Centre Street, Warkworth (705) 868-2068

4791 Hwy 28, Burleigh Falls (705) 654-3441

THE CHEESY FROMMAGE

Dine In or Take Out a Cheese and Charcuterie Board with Artisan Ontario Wines or Craft Beer! No reservations required.

25 Queen Street, Lakefield (705) 908.3027

ANGLE IRON KITCHEN -THE SPICE CO. Creating spice blends in house while serving light lunches and prepared meals. Also offering catering services, cooking classes and private dining with a sense of humour and adding an edgy panache to everything they do!

15 Charlotte St. Lakefield 705-875-0428

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BOBCAYGEON INN & PATIO

Warm up by one of their 3 fireplaces. A relaxing “cottage like” atmosphere, enjoy homemade food and exceptional service.

Enjoy the view on the Royal Moose Grill and Waterfront Patio.

31 Main St, Bobcaygeon (705) 738-5433

DAY butcher TRIPPING @onefinefood.com PHONE: 705-742-6200 restaurant

bakery

market

lounge

cafe

patio

800 ERSKINE AVE, PETERBOROUGH, ON K9J 5T9

• Admission by Donation • Playground • Free Parking • Barrier-Free Access •

S Making a p l a s h for 100 Years @PtboMuseumArchives @PtboMuseum @ptbomuseumarchives

300 Hunter Street East, Peterborough www.peterborough.ca/museum Telephone: (705) 743-5180

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Burleigh Falls Inn Gateway to the Kawarthas THE CHRISTMAS MARKET & TEA

Textiles, Stain Glass, Jewelery, Custom Wood Creations, Sustainable Vendors, Handbags, Apparel, Home Décor, Wreaths, Urns, and more...

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CAMPBELLFORD TOONIE

The present two dollar coin or Toonie, was built in 2001 to recognize the efforts of a local artist who created the polar bear that was used on the coin.

Old Mill Park, Campbellford (705) 653-1551

www.burleighfallsinn.com

4791 HWY 28 • North Kawartha • 705-654-3441

Having a special event at the cottage?

Group Rates • Weddings • Rehearsals • Birthdays • Anniversary

IMPROS VS JOES LIVE THEATRE

A 120 minute live stage show by Linda Kash.

A two act, live and improvised comedy show starring some of Canada’s preeminent improvisers... as well as some Joes. Shows are held the last Friday of every month.

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CENTRE & MAIN CHOCOLATE 50 Centre Ave, Warkworth

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International award winning chocolate celebrating a taste of place

Travel

IS BACK!

by Jennifer Gaskell Pink Palm Travel

MAKE YOUR NEXT GETAWAY A BREEZE

Want to extend that carefree summer feeling but worried about the current travel landscape?

It’s no secret that these days even a quick getaway requires a fair bit of planning and a lot of patience.

The good news? Here are some tips to make your next getaway a breeze.

Check your passport before you book There are significant delays with passport processing. Even I’ve been affected by this, so I know how stressful it can be!

Before you start looking at destinations, check your passport’s expiry date. This will relieve anxiety leading up to your getaway and you can relax. You’re not searching for it the night before you depart for paradise.

Travel tip: Always ensure that your passport expires long after your planned return date— ideally, no shorter than six months before travel.

Consider packing only carry-on Save on checked baggage fees, skip the baggage carousel line and no stress about lost luggage!

Packing light will save time in the airport (just think—no baggage drop-off or pick-up!) and gives peace of mind knowing you have everything physically with you.

Travel tip: Wear your bulkiest clothing on the flight and pack solid-coloured clothing to make the most of your wardrobe in destination.

Use airport fast-track service Save time and feel like a VIP! If you’re heading to Jamaica, consider using Club Mobay. Their arrival/ departure service have a price point of about $100 per person. You are escorted through private lines at security and customs and can end up in an exclusive lounge sipping a rum punch!

Make the most of every moment before returning to Canada in their all-inclusive departure lounge, complete with Red Stripe and beef patties.

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Travel tip: Book this service early—it often sells out months in advance.

Pre-arrange private transportation from the airport Save time and get to your destination faster by booking private transportation to and from your accommodations. You can say buh-bye! to waiting, get to your resort faster.

Travel tip: Find reputable transportation through referrals—ask family, friends or a travel advisor.

Use tech to your advantage Smartphones provide valuable tools. Store boarding passes or check-in online via the resort app.

Travel tip: Before you leave home, download your airline and resort app and the ArriveCAN app.

Give yourself extra time—and patience Planning and building buffer time into your schedule is essential.

Travel tip: Book the first flight in the morning.

Protect your trip Purchase trip insurance if you have a lot of money invested in your getaway.

Most travel insurance plans include coverage for trip delay, missed connection, lost or delayed baggage, medical expenses, and more. Not only that, but 24-hour assistance services can be included to help the traveller with emergency medical assistance, lost baggage tracking, emergency cash transfer, emergency or last-minute travel arrangements, and assistance with replacing lost travel documents.

Travel tip: If you’re a frequent traveller, consider multi-trip insurance plans for the best value.

Now…go plan that getaway With the proper planning, you can enjoy your getaway. Most importantly, have fun and be safe.

Bon Voyage!

Jennifer Gaskell is a Peterborough resident and a home-based travel advisor. Her agency, Pink Palm Travel, specializes in Caribbean travel for solo travellers, couples and families.

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The Great Loop What is it and Who does it?

By Karen Irvine

The Great Loop is a continuous waterway that recreational mariners can travel that includes

part of the Atlantic, Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, Canadian Heritage Canals, and the inland rivers of America’s heartland. Anyone who completes the journey is then named an official ‘Looper’.

While watching the boats go by through the Trent Severn Waterways, you may have noticed an AGLCA flag on some of them. It stands for America’s Great Lakes Cruisers Association. Who are these boaters who go for it - pack up their lives for a year or more and meandering their way around North America, living their dreams?

Their sense of adventure is a powerful message to others that anything is possible if it’s important to you.

I’ve been following the boat TrEding Water (whose home base is Armada, Michigan) and got a chance to speak with Tressa and Ed Genord while they were moored in Fenelon Falls.

Why did they choose to travel the Great Loop?

Tressa said, “About 5 years ago Ed, who grew up on the water, was researching the Great Loop. I was more hesitant than he was, but after watching some of the millions of videos about it on YouTube, I said, we can do this.” And in 2019 they bought a 48 foot SeaRay sedan bridge diesel cruiser. The plan is to take two years to complete the loop, wintering the boat if it’s too late in the season to continue and then picking up the Loop where they left off.

Tressa is a preschool teacher on sabbatical, and together they own a prefabrication business, so Ed can work while they travel. They go home about every 6 weeks, and Tressa says, “When we would go home, after two or three days we were ready to get back to the boat! We are relaxing and we have seen so many incredible things.”

While in the Kawarthas, Tressa and Ed met so many wonderful locals along the way. “The 26

people have been so wonderful! The Lock Masters have been so welcoming, giving us lots of information of where to go and what to do, and explaining the lock system to us. People say Welcome to Canada.”

“While at Lock 20, the Lock Master let me work the lock – it’s a manual system there. That was fun! The lock staff enjoyed it because I did the work for them (she laughs). Peterborough Lift Lock was so interesting!” says Tressa.

“We are looking forward to getting to Georgian Bay. Other Loopers say it’s amazing and the Canadian portion of the Loop is the most beautiful place to visit,” she says.

They are behind the bulk of Loopers, but they still meet others. “Because we went to the Bahamas, we are about three weeks behind. We were broken down in the 1000 Islands, for three weeks as well. Most of the others are heading Continued on page 28

The Great Loop “The Canadian portion of the Loop is the most beautiful place to visit.” ing down Michigan now. We’d like to spend two or three weeks in Georgian Bay, but it depends on how quickly we can get up there,” she says. The Big Chute Marine Railway was broken for about a week, so that also slowed down some Looper’s progress.

They have been enjoying the food scene along the way, “We’ve really enjoyed this portion of the trip. I had a butter tart at Doohers Bakery in Campbellford, and a peameal sandwich in Hastings, I had finally had poutine at the Canoe and Paddle in Lakefield. We ate at the Full Cup Café in Bobcaygeon and they have the best burgers I’ve ever had. We have to try all the Canadian stuff (she laughs).”

Once they get home how will they acclimatize themselves back into the real world after such a surreal journey? Tressa says, “They actually call it going through ‘re-entry’. (she laughs) To try and get back on a schedule will be a challenge. As a pre-school teacher on sabbatical, there will be a job to go back to. But if a position is not available right away, I’m kind of getting used to not working (she laughs). Because Ed owns his company, he will have to step back in where he left off.”

Of course, the high cost of gas affects their predicted budget. When they left a year ago, gas was $2.75 per US Gallon (their tank holds 500 gallons). They have paid as much as $7.25 per US Gallon. Not a trip for the faint of heart!

TrEding Water TrEding Water

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YouTube Facebook

Follow up: Tressa and Ed are now home after 416 days on their boat.

TrEding Water

AGLCA on Trent Severn Waterways

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The Great Loop MV Solstice Dream, Miami Maria Cardenas “My husband and I are doing the Great American Loop and we are so glad we chose the route with the TrentSevern. Visiting the canal side towns has been so much fun for us. We have enjoyed talking to all the people we have met at the locks and in the towns.”

MV Solstice Dream, Miami Maria Cardenas 30

Shantelle Bisson Actor, AUTHOR, shantilly’s place

By Jay Cooper Contributor, Graphic Designer, & Musican

I had the chance to sit down with Shantelle and Yannick Bisson at their business, Shantilly’s Place Marina, on Chandos Lake to hear the story of their journey to be cottagers and marina owners.

How did Shantelle and Yannick Bisson find Chandos Lake? Shantelle explained, “My best friend from high school grew up on Chandos. We never thought we’d have a cottage because Murdoch Mysteries shoots in the summer. The only thing we knew about cottages was the Muskokas.”

Yannick added, “Being trapped on Hwy 400 was never going to work with my filming schedule. I’d get up there by Saturday night and come home Sunday afternoon, so it was impossible. But we were stunned that Chandos was just a two hours drive from door to door. Sitting at our friend’s cottage with the sun setting perfectly due West and a few cocktails later, I asked about the shack next door to them. They were looking for a family member to buy it and since we are considered family, I bought it that weekend and we became cottage people very quickly (laughs)”.

Shantelle Bisson photo credit: Jay Cooper

They bought it in 2017, totally rebuilt it and moved in July 1, 2018. How do you go from buying a cottage to buying a marina? Shantelle jumped in, “We were just getting our bearings on what was around us and West Bay Narrows Marina came up for sale. We had no clue how important a marina is to a lake but my friend keep telling me to buy it. I needed that like a hole in my head, so I bought it (laughs). Four summers later and just crossed being open 365 days in total. But the amount of money we’ve had to put into this is incredible. The fuel tanks had to be replaced, the septic wasn’t up to by-laws, the roof, the decks, docks - it’s still a work in progress but we’re getting there”.

Being a cottage kid myself growing up, I can Photo credit: Shelley Fine 32

“Who wouldn’t want to get their nickname from Rick (Springfield)?” tell a good vibe and feel of my surroundings and I was very impressed. Yannick continued, “Since we landed here Shantelle has created this atmosphere, gives jobs to so many kids and captured the essence of what it means to the community.

You’ve got locals hanging out here, cottagers, day boaters and fishermen, so all aspects of cottage life.” It’s easy to see why Shantilly’s is a frequent stop. It’s much more than just a marina for gas or a boat launch. There is 31 flavors of Kawartha Diary Ice Cream, Grocery supplies, subs, pizza and a celebrity chef on long weekends in the summer.

I asked Shantelle how she juggles all of this with an already busy schedule? “I’m involved daily.

Friends tell me they don’t see me much anymore.

I may not be on site everyday but I’m working on it full time. I’m always looking for different ideas

to keep it fresh. I don’t want anyone to get bored with anything.”

The name of the marina comes from Yannick’s pet name for his wife and he clarified, “Yes, it does and when Shantelle is a lot to handle, she becomes Shantilly (both laugh). But I think my best friend, Rick Springfield, actually came up with it before me”. Shantelle added, “Well, who wouldn’t want to get their nickname from Rick? Good god, he’s got Jessie’s Girl and now Shantilly (laughs)”.

Stop by, say hello and enjoy a delicious meal on their ample deck with seating and a picturesque view. Tell them Jay Cooper sent you!

Shantilly’s Place 77 Narrows Road, Chandos Lake, Apsley.

Shantillysplace.com

Dirt Bike TrailS IN THE KAWARTHAS

By Stephanie Yankovic Kawartha ATV Association katva.ca

KINDRED SPIRITS

If you happened to be perusing the stalls at the Kinmount Farmers Market or walking

along the Victoria Rail Trail around 9 AM on Sat, Aug 13th, you might have been surprised to see over 30 dirt bikers gearing up and getting ready to ride in the neighbouring Victoria County Forest, commonly referred to as Somerville Forest. Perhaps even more surprising was that all 30 riders were women.

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“Women bring a very different perspective to riding.”

Dirt biking and off-road riding is often misperceived by the public as a male dominated sport yet women and children are the future. By involving the whole family, we can slowly change the outdated optics and add legitimacy to our sport. This not only helps to diversify our riding community, but it also lends validity and credibility to our voice when we lobby for the preservation of our existing riding areas and the reclamation and development of our trail systems.

Women bring a very different perspective to riding and although we can be thrill-seekers and competitive just like the guys, female riders are typically very social. We foster an atmosphere of encouragement, comraderie and community, that goes beyond the actual activity of riding.

This was never more apparent than at the 2nd Annual KORMA Ladies Thrill & Chill Ride that was held on Aug 13 in Kinmount. Hosted by the Kawartha Off-Road Motorcycle Association, this is the second year for this all ladies, femaleguided event and we saw a 50% increase in attendance from last year. Over 30 intrepid dirt biking women gathered under blue skies for a funfilled day of riding. Somerville Forest is a multiuse forest known for its diverse trails typified by miles of fast, flowing singletrack, scenic lookouts and more challenging terrain. Steeper ascents and descents, water crossings, and the rooty and rocky ‘gnar’ of the Canadian Shield in the area draws dirt bikers like moths to a flame, and makes for some pretty epic action shots.

The diversity of the terrain was mirrored by the range of skill levels of the ladies in attendance and we broke off into several groups based on the aptitude of the riders and their appetite for a challenge. I’ve said this before but something almost magical happens when a group of female riders get together. Our enthusiasm and joy is infectious and although some of us often experience some pre-ride jitters and nerves, the anxiety quickly disappears and this amazing

synergy takes over when we realize that we’re in a judgement free environment and we all share the same love for dirt biking. Everyone bands together to help one another over the more challenging obstacles encountered on the trails.

The purpose of the Ladies Thrill & Chill ride is to create a safe, supportive environment where women can challenge themselves (the thrill part), hangout and connect with one another (the chill part), and grow the moto community, while enjoying the amenities offered in Kinmount and bringing some tourism and trade dollars to the local community. Being able to stage this event in the beautiful and bountiful Kawarthas area is the icing on the cupcake. After our morning ride, the ladies headed back along the Victoria Rail Trail to the pavilion for a delicious catered box lunch, before heading back out and hitting the trails for the final afternoon loop.

As the day drew to a close, everyone returned safely, bodies and bikes intact, tired but elated, wearing dirtstaches and grins. Strangers came back as friends. Contact information was exchanged. And just like that, our moto community got a little bit bigger and a little bit better, and the Somerville Sisterhood was born.

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YA N N I C K B I SS O N Ac t o r, D i r e c t o r, Hu s b a n d & Fa t h e r Murdoch Mysteries

By Jay Cooper

A lot of people have asked me, ‘When are you going to have a feature on Yannick Bisson

(Detective William Murdoch)? The fact is, he is a very busy man with a schedule that is over the top. He and his wife Shantelle graciously invited me to their marina (Shantilly’s Place) to have a chat and give our readers a look into the man himself. Actor, Director, Renovator, Husband and father he truly is an amazing individual - From Hockey Night, High Tide, Casino Jack to Murdoch Mysteries and of course the Intact Insurance commercials to name a few.

JAY COOPER (ATOTK): Thank you for taking the time on your lunch break. Just wolfing some food down like the movie you were in, Wolf Cop (laughs).

YANNICK BISSON (YB): (laughs) Well there you go.

No worries, I was dragging on so I thought I’d better catch a bite.

ATOTK: You’re always so busy. What’s it like to be so in demand?

YB: Well I’m extremely grateful that we’ve traveled this far down the road and people still want to watch the show and gobble it up around the world.

ATOTK: You were born in Montreal but moved a lot through out your youth?

YB: Yes, I was traveling because of my father’s work or between households as my parents had broken up. When I ended up as a teen in Toronto and starting to work as an actor, I knew they were still going to be moving around. I told my father that I really just wanted to stay put. I had these opportunities and he encouraged me to purse them. So he set me up with family and friends and I just try and cover the rent for the next forty years (laughs).

ATOTK: You sold your dirt bike to help further your acting classes?

YB: I was 13 when my father relocated to Toronto.

Prior to that I’d been in Texas and Florida and I had this great dirt bike. There was nowhere to ride in Toronto, and certainly not legally or safely, so I sold it to help pay for the classes I was already taking. I guess it’s cliché but it paid off (laughs).

ATOTK: You decided to leave High School in Grade 11?

YB: I didn’t have a plan but I couldn’t keep up with attendance-based education and pursue the opportunities that I had. Those endeavors could just go away and knew I could always go back to school. That day has never come and I’m extremely self-conscience about it. On the other hand, it’s not for everybody. I’m happy it all worked out, but I wouldn’t and don’t recommend it.

ATOTK: You also met your future wife, Shantelle, at an early age?

YB: We were introduced through a mutual friend at the age of 15 and then a few years later I was able to approach her at an audition. Funny enough, I didn’t know that we were with the same agent. I asked her out and she said yes.

ATOTK: After that it blossomed into a family quite quickly?

YB: Oh yes, absolutely very fast. It just seemed to be, this is it and I like her and she likes me and we’ll make it work. You have to re-evaluate what you think you believe at that age as you don’t envision your self as a husband and parent, so you set out to do it better than the people that brought you up and try to make as few mistakes as possible and pursue your dreams at the same time.

ATOTK: You’re still together after all these years and you have this fantastic business with Shantelle’s name incorporated into it. (Shantilly’s Place) Continued on page 38

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YANNICK BISSON

Continued from Page 37

YB: Shantilly is the nickname I have for her. But I’m not sure if I or my best friend, Rick Springfield, came up with that (laughs). I think it works well for the vibe of the place and it’s quite cool.

ATOTK: Murdoch Mysteries seems like the go to show for actors that ATOTK has featured. Peter McNeill, Jonny Harris, Patrick McKenna and Derek McGrath.

YB: It’s like 6 degrees of Toronto (laughs). It’s always been about having the cream of the crop on your show and at this point we’ve had 1900 guests come through. That speaks volumes of just how much talent is here in Canada. We have a fabulous infrastructure and industry that sees the value, as we are a large part of the economy. We are always grateful when these seasoned actors want to be part of it. We can’t always afford some of their rates, but they do it because Murdoch has a good reputation and I try to get them home at a reasonable hour (laughs).

ATOTK: When you auditioned for the role of Wil-

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Photo credit: Jay Cooper

liam Murdoch, there was a decision between an older actor and a younger one?

YB: That’s right (laughs), it was kind of a weird moment where I should have seen that coming. It was a bit of a humbling thing but definitely funny when I thought I was the young guy. You have to adjust your attitude and be grateful that somebody wants to work with you.

ATOTK: I never realized the magnitude of site locations that you use. Do you revisit certain ones?

YB: We do use a lot of our favorites over again but I’ll tell you, Jay, the big thing is access. We come into town with a fleet of trucks and hundreds of people and where are we going to park all of that? Sure, you may find one building but where are you going to put everyone and paint out all the electrical cables that weren’t around at that time period and the advertising and satellite dishes etc. A lot of times it’s, how does the location look, how can we make it look, how much of our resources do we Continued on page 40

Yannick, Shantelle and her brother James Craig Photo credit: Jay Cooper

YANNICK BISSON have to make it work. When we go to Hamilton, Dundas, Port Credit or Cobourg there is a reason for it - we have places for people to eat, to get gas and, ultimately, they want us there.

ATOTK: There is also a sound stage that you use the same as The Good Witch has?

YB: We were at a converted glass factory on Kipling that shoots that show and then down the road from there. People are pretty smart converting these good size buildings into studio space - it’s in high demand. We come in and fix it up for them.

We do have our principal studio in Scarborough at Warden and Eglinton, which has a back lot that helps supplement our exterior shots and bridge the content.

ATOTK: I think most viewers think the show is filmed just as they are watching it, like scene to scene.

YB: No, everything is totally out of sequence and edited later and that’s driven by the availability of actors, site locations and weather. We do limit it to doing two episodes at one time, where you could be doing outdoor shots for show one and two and then indoor shots for two and one.

ATOTK: You were on the show High Tide with your best friend Rick Springfield and the movie Casino Jack (among others). Was the focus on TV or film in the beginning?

YB: Well, you can do a critically acclaimed film, which is wonderful and love to do more of them, but you have to piece those together to get the same recognition and money that you get from a series. I’ve learned my craft over the years from doing TV shows and now I’m also a Director and have other projects in the works and that’s great.

ATOTK: Did you think a time period show like Murdoch was going to be such a hit?

YB: At the time Murdoch seemed like a long shot for me. There was no period stuff on the air, so I wasn’t sure how it would work out. I thought probably a couple of years and I could use the work. I liked the 40

Continued from Page 39

concept and story but I didn’t realize that the tone would be different than the 3 movies they had already made. I thought two seasons and now we are in season 16, through my 30’s, 40’s and now 50’s.

I’ve run out of B plans, Jay (laughs).

ATOTK: The show is loved around the world, where do you think it’s most popular?

YB: I know they love it in France and Iran has a huge fan base. It’s interesting that Murdoch is seen in 120 countries, it’s a clean cut show, so that most likely contributes to it’s popularity. We are extremely grateful for the chance to be in peoples homes.

Sixteen seasons and still counting.

ATOTK: You have a passion for doing renos. Was it out of necessity or the love of DIYing?

YB: A bit of both. I’m a very house proud person, and Shantelle is as well, with the want to change and improve our surroundings. My father was never shy about putting tools in my hands as a kid and letting me go crazy or showing me useful tips.

Sometimes I had to do what I could to make a living. I did a lot of contracting work as a framing carpenter, tile setter and painter. Some for clients, for myself or flips but I don’t have the time now. I feel bad for the people that work for me as I’m on top of them with attention to detail. I will be right back (the dock needed attention) and we can carry on with Shantelle about the marina and cottage life.

Read Shantelle’s story on page 24 Instagram & Twitter @yannick_bisson

Real Estate Talk

The Fairweather connection

By Jay Lough Hayes, Peterborough Realty Inc. 705-772-1025

I have worked all my life. First, as one of 5 children to a farming life in the Ottawa Valley but

by 20, I married, moved to Ottawa and secured a part time job at Fairweather Department.

Today, Fairweather is one of Canada’s leading women’s fashion retailers with over 100 stores from coast to coast.

But, did you know the first Canadian Fairweather Store was located here in Peterborough?

William Fairweather, (1832-1885) from the Aberdeen area of Scotland, had been in Canada about four years before coming to Peterborough. With years of ladies wear and dry goods experience from his store in Scotland, William formed a partnership with George Leslie in 1868. Through their business arrangement they operated a Dry Goods Store on Hunter Street and in 1870 moved to the new Dixon Building, a two-storey store near Simcoe Street on the east side of George Street.

In the mid 1860s, William married Agnes Home of Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Early in 1871 they lived in our North Monaghan Township. The family is buried in Peterborough’s Little Lake Cemetery.

row, particularly between 1880’2 and 1930’s.

Later Years By 1883, The Fairweather family lived in a charming house, now 512 Gilmour Street or 48 Gilmour at that time. Unfortunately William Fairweather passed away in 1885 here in Peterborough never really having a chance to enjoy his new home.

The business was thereafter carried on by William’s son, James. In 1891, James’ occupation is given as furrier.

Downtown Business Location Store Employs Many Workers In 1894, Fairweather’s had a number of employees on its payroll. A number of fur finishers and cutters with his son, Robert H. Fairweather as the bookkeeper.

The company continued to have a presence in

The year 1870 was momentous for 48 year old William. He began an independent business venture called Fairweather & Company.

The store flourished well, located on the west side of 361 George Street between Simcoe & Hunter occupying the middle three shops on the ground floor of the now Turnbull Medical Building. This area was considered to be Peterborough’s historic department store Turnbull Building 42

the town of Peterborough until 1901 before it closed as a local business.

This department store row was anchored at Simcoe Street by Fairweather’s and Turnbull’s, and which continued as the location of Zeller’s from the 1930s to the 1990s. At the Hunter Street end, the row was anchored by the majestic Cluxton Building, erected in 1881. Near the Hunter Street end, the block was dominated by Robert Fair’s and Cressman’s Department Stores.

In 1881, the Fairweather store was selling the bankrupt stock of James Delaney at deep discounts. The advertisements were large and bold, and Fairweather’s clearly believed in the value of advertising. However, Giroux and Sullivan’s, a competing dry goods department store, retaliated with large ads proclaiming they did not sell bankrupt stock and old stuff.

They had just moved into the grandest building on George Street, the new Cluxton building at the other end of the block.

This was a prime location for a department store, and over the years, this was the site for Fairweather’s (1870s-1908), Barrie’s (19001913), Turnbull’s (1888-1927), Eaton’s (19271932) and Zeller’s (1934-2004).

Some buildings are steeped in history. The Turnbull Building at the northwest corner of Simcoe and George is one of the best-built buildings in the downtown, now the splendidly renovated Turnbull Medical Building and seems to suit that purpose equally as well, the front door now on Simcoe St. There was a major building on that corner from the 1850s and it served as the home for three successive department stores: Fairweather, Barrie and Turnbull. After a major rebuilding in 1914, the building again served as the home for department stores: Turnbull, Eatons and Zellers. The building was a scene for a fire in 1893 and in 1921, but in 1913 it was the scene of the worst disaster in George Street history. The building collapsed.

Continued on page 44

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The Fairweather connection August 28, 1913 As soon as walls began to shake, most of the 60 people in the store escaped “before the floors went through and the walls crumpled.” Johnston ran out, “the debris rolling out behind him.”

By 9:40 a.m. store clerks had area responsibilities. Shoppers made day trips to Turnbull’s from as far away as Norwood. Construction workers plied ancient trades. Henry Manley who was laying carpet on the second floor, considered himself “one of the luckiest men living,” as he only broke two legs. George Curtis, laying bricks above the door, jumped from his temporary scaffolding. A small boy crawled out a basement window. Olga Mulligan, a second-floor cashier, was trapped in the debris but inspired by a little gleam of light, dug her way out. There were 6 unfortunate deaths.

The 1893 2:30am, the first noteworthy fire. This fire did not reach the first floor, but quite a bit of inventory in the basement was damaged.

According to the Examiner, “A great quantity of laces, gloves, hosiery, ribbons, underclothing and cloths are badly ruined and rendered almost worthless.” Turnbull’s designed quite a few of the fashion items that it sold. There was a large stock of cotton goods in the basement because Turnbull’s had already brought in stock for the spring and summer.

The building at that point was owned by the Toronto Trust and Loan Company, one of the several companies owned or dominated by George A. Cox. (Cox Terrace) The stores on either side of Turnbull’s were J. W. T. Fairweather’s and Thomas Kelly. Kelly’s moved to 365 George and continued in business. All the stores had fire sales.

According to the Examiner, “A great quantity of laces, gloves, hosiery, ribbons, underclothing and cloths are badly ruined and rendered 44

Continued from Page 43

almost worthless.” As with many downtown stores, Turnbull’s designed many of the fashion items that it sold.

Barrie’s built a splendid new building in 1911 south of Charlotte Street (still standing as the Peterborough Inn) and moved out of the building at George & Simcoe where it had been since about 1900. Fairweather’s had been here until at least 1908. Turnbull’s was now in a position to expand to occupy the entire building.

This was a major calamity, and it marked the end of several careers, and the start of more rigid guidelines and enforcement. Some of the new enforcements, such as fire safety regulations, had impact on all the stores between Turnbulls building and Grafton’s.

The major consequence of the collapse on the appearance of George Street was the new Turnbull Building, now the most solid building on the street and a significant landmark. The current building, no longer a major department store, erected in 1914 in the Chicago Style, features solid, steel frame construction, large windows and terra cotta pilasters. There have been alterations to the building over the years, and a wing was added to the west in the 1950s. Other changes included a broad, chrome canopy

with neon signage over a corner entrance that gave the building an art modern appearance.

Turnbull’s Department Store remained until 1928, when Eaton’s made its entrance on the local retail scene, operating here and out of the former Cressman store for four years. The new Eaton’s store opened in a grand two-storey building built to Eaton’s specifications at the corner of George and Charlotte in 1932. Then the building’s ownership changed. Zeller’s opened here by 1934 and remained until 2004, by which time it was owned by Hudson’s Bay Company.

In 2009, Seven Hills Development Corporation completed a sensitive restoration to its original 1923 form and converting it to the Turnbull Medical Building. There were several changes, one of which was the addition of indoor basement parking in what had long been the ship-

ping and warehouse of the successive stores.

Thomas Barrie (1866-1942), Otonabee-born Peterborough businessman, began his business career with the J. T. Fairweather Co. Fairweather’s then at the north-west corner of George and Simcoe, and in 1900 he acquired the Fairweather building. Thomas Barrie was a life member of Peterborough Rotary and of YMCA, a former president of the chamber of commerce. He was survived by his wife and sister in 1945.

The Fairweather name is still used for a chain of mall ladies wear stores; one was in Peterborough in the 1980s. I remember it well.

Many thanks to Trent Valley Archives, The Peterborough Examiner for photos and articles needed.

Jay Lough Hayes has been a real estate sales representative for 36 years and services the Peterborough, Victoria, Durham, Northumberland Counties and all points in between.

705-745-4704

www.homesinpeterborough.com

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ORGANIZE Fall Chores

Nicole Cooke Organized by Design

Some people love the fall and the break from the heat, while others (like me) miss the longer days

of sunlight. No matter what side of that coin you are on, autumn always means there is work to be done! School starts, yards need attention and there are those few weeks when we have extra laundry (yes, we need to wear sweaters and t-shirts in the same day!). Here are a few tips to help make your fall chores a little more manageable so you can enjoy the beauty of the season.

CLEAN OUT THE GARDENS Sometimes this chore gets lost in the shuffle, especially if you have lots of leaves to deal with. Take few hours on a sunny Saturday and pull out dead plants & trim back bushes. Sort and plant your spring bulbs. Trust me, you will be grateful you did when spring comes and your gardens are ready for planting!

SEASONAL CLOTHING SWAP Fall is a great time to purge your spring & summer clothes.

Does it fit? Did you wear it last season? Do you even like it anymore? Would you buy it today? Pull unwanted clothing out of cupboards and closets and donate. If there is room to store clothing high up in the closet or under the bed, do this rather than packing them in totes and dragging them to the basement. Turn hangers backward when you bring out winter clothing. When you wear an item, turn the hanger forward. This shows you what you wear and what you don’t!

SCHOOL CHAOS We had 3 girls, so I know about chaos caused by permission forms, agenda books & disappearing library books. Designate 1 drawer on the main floor as a “school drawer”. Have children empty books & paper from backpacks into the drawer daily. In the evening, go through the notes, sign agendas and marvel at artwork. In the morning everything can to go back into their backpacks.

LUNCH PREP When bringing groceries in, wash and cut fruit & veggies & store in bins in the fridge. Designate a fridge shelf for lunches. Open boxes of granola bars and other snacks, put them in bins in the cupboard. Allow kids to pack their own lunches from the choices provided. They are also more likely to eat what they pack themselves!

Happy Organizing!

Follow Nicole on FaceBook & Instagram @organizedbydesign www.organizedbydesign.co

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Bathroom Renovation Inspirations

by Emily Geerlinks Home Hardware Design Centre

THERE TRULY IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME. THE LINDSAY DESIGN CENTRE WILL MAKE YOUR EVERYDAY LIVING SPACES BEAUTIFUL. TURNING YOUR BATHROOM INTO A SPA-LIKE GETAWAY IS ENTIRELY POSSIBLE WITH THE PERFECT SOAKER TUB, BEAUTIFUL TILES & FIXTURES WITH OPTIONS TO COMPLEMENT YOUR OWN PERSONAL STYLE. SOURCING LOCAL & CANADIAN QUALITY PRODUCTS IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT AT THE DESIGN CENTRE, AS WELL AS GIVING YOU THE BEST SERVICE TO ENSURE YOU LOVE YOUR COMPLETED BATHROOM RENOVATION. VISIT THE LINDSAY DESIGN CENTRE TO FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR HOME ALL OVER AGAIN!

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Bathroom Renovation Inspirations

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Hiring Tradespeople What you need to know

By Angela Beal (705) 749-1259

From time to time all homeowners are faced with the prospect of having to hire tradespeople.

From roofers to arborists, the list goes on. There are all types of jobs that need to be done in order to keep your property in prim condition or to add upgrades to enhance your home.

As there are all types of projects and tradespeople there are also all types of companies who offer their services. Knowing which one to hire can be very daunting and confusing.

My suggestion is that you do you own research based on the following factors: Reputation: Could influence your decision, so ask around if anyone has used XYZ Company and what they thought of the service. Check out the Consumer Beware List (www.ontario. ca/page/search-consumer-beware-list) and the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org).

Workmanship: Ask if you can see any examples of their previous work and can you speak to the owners of those properties.

Quality: Make sure they not only do quality work, but use quality materials. It may cost a little more but the work will last years longer.

Insist on a written contract before the work commences.

Safety: The most important aspect you need to consider is safety while on the job. Most people

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don’t think of this and just take it for granted that a company will protect their workers and your property. Unfortunately, this is not always true. When hiring a company to work on your property it is essential to ensure that you, the home owner, is not liable for any injuries to workers or damage to your property.

Ensure that contractors have a WSIB Clearance Certificate. You can download one from the WSIB website (www.WSIB.ca). Go to Businesses, quick access clearances. If you can’t find a clearance certificate on-line, ask your contractor for one. Also ask for proof of liability insurance. If they don’t have WSIB coverage and liability Insurance DO NOT use their services. Ensure they have provided Occupational Health and Safety training for their workers. All roofers must have Working at Heights certificates, ask to see them.

For more information about Occupational Health and Safety, call our professional team.

HRS Group Inc. 260 Milroy Drive, Peterborough, ON 705-749-1259 www.hrsgroup.com

Home Inspections Fall Maintenance

When getting ready for winter, giving the leaves one last rake, wrapping shrubs, clearing flower beds, clean out the gutters and down spouts, preferably extending 4-6 feet away from the foundation or directed to a swale. You have to do it again in the spring but I can’t stress enough how important this job is. Also make sure there is a good slope away from the foundation.

By Dianne Guzik The Art of Home Inspection 705-741-8692 aohi2007@gmailcom

usually higher lime content. It may seem that stronger mortar would last longer but it will actually put a greater strain on the stone or bricks and will lead to spalled brick or cracked stone. I can’t tell you how often I’ve come across this issue. It is obvious when the mortar is sticking out but the brick has fallen away.

Ensure no obstructions to your high efficiency furnace venting and all vent covers are in good working condition to keep rodents out.

Chimney flashing is a common place for leaks. If the chimney is no longer in use you may wish to have it removed and caped off. That saves upkeep of an obsolete fixture.

If you still burn wood, get the chimney swept.

It’s not just creosote buildup but birds or other rodents take up residence there.

Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are up to date and change batteries with the time change.

Living in an older home comes with its own issues. When the mortar needs repair, ensure the mix you use is the same content originally used,

As always best practice, let the professional look after it. Now enjoy the fall colours.

HOME Exploring Peterborough

by Danielle French South Pond Home www.southpondfarms.ca

I sold our farm and event based business in Pontypool last year and moved into Peterborough. It

was an adjustment, the first being that our two Aussie Shepherds, Oz and Harriet, were farm dogs and not adapted to regular leash walking. They were used to being able to bark and chase squirrels and geese at their own free will. That was big change for these high energy dogs. We now live across from Little Lake with an abundance of squirrels and geese, ducks, the occasional fox and rabbits to antagonize them!

Dog walking has become nearly a full time job for me. Every four hours, at least 4 - 5 times a day, an average of 14 kilometers or over 20,000 steps. But I love it (most days). I’ve walked through all kinds of neighborhoods and been able to explore the city in ways I would have never had if I didn’t have the dogs. There is always a silver lining.

The smell of baking was one of the first things I noticed when we moved here. I thought my neighborhood was filled with people baking.

The smell of maple syrup andoatmeal was intoxicating as I started early morning walks with the puppers. I was later told that Quaker Oats makes different oat products and depending on which way the wind blows, we could be right in their kitchen. That was embarrassing.

I read a biography of Indra Nooyi, Living My Life in Full, the fascinating CEO of PepsiCo for 12 years and responsible for PepsiCo’s purchase of Quaker Oats in 2000 and wondered how the Peterborough factory fit into the equation.

PepsiCo wanted an “in” to the breakfast world of granola bars and oatmeal cereal to balance out their snack and soft drink products. While Quaker’s headquarters are in Chicago, the Peterborough plant is vital here in Canada and an important part of the Peterborough community.

The Nagel Brothers in the US patented a process of making rolled oats without having to

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“The smell of baking was one of the first things I noticed when we moved here.” steam them separating the groat from the hull and sold this formula to Quaker Oats at the turn of the century. Built in the late 1890’s and called the American Cereal Company, the company changed its name to Quaker Oats once purchasing the rolled oats invention. The Peterborough

Quaker plant was centrally located on the river and rail transportation and was responsible for making rolled oats and producing the breakfast cereal as we know it today. The brand was trusted by the consumer with the elderly “Quaker” gentleman on the outside of the famous round cereal box and a recipe for oat bread on the back.

I love finding out these fun facts about Peterborough and discovering them walking the puppers. I find that the building looks almost like a castle off in the distance - it is a distinctive part of the town’s landscape.

The areas surrounding the plant are beautiful and almost hidden, the trail to the Quaker tennis courts, London Bridge which gave foot transportation for Quaker workers, even part of the Rotary Trail has a lovely lookout on the Quaker Plant.

This year marks Quaker’s 120 years in Canada and to celebrate, one of many items that will be available is an oatmeal air freshener.

Now everyone can feel that they live near the plant and have the comforting smells of cooking oats in their own homes. I won’t have to purchase one of those, I just need to open the windows and let the oatmeal permeate!

Danielle French is the founder of South Pond Farms.

She hosted the tv series Taste of the Country on Netflix.

She has a new adventure called Design your Escape offering help for those starting event based business.

I acknowledge I am living as an uninvited guest on the traditional Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg Territory. We are located on the land associated with the Williams Treaty of 1923 and Rice Lake Treaty #20 of 1818.

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GARDENING Renovating Pots for Fall

By Vikki Whitney Griffin’s Greenhouses

Once September rolls around your patio pots and hanging baskets might be looking a little tired

or you might be tired of looking at them. It’s time to renovate your pots and welcome Fall to your home and garden.

Some plants in your pots might look healthy and be suitable for the cool Autumn temperatures. Plants to consider leaving in your containers: annual grasses, bacopa, nemesia, alyssum, dusty miller, ivy, dianthus, verbena, or any plant that looks Fall-like in its colour and looks healthy. Plants to remove, either due to a too-summery look or to their inability to handle cool temperatures: potato vine, geraniums, impatiens, begonias, marigolds (one of the first plants to be taken by even a light frost) and tropical plants.

Whether you remove one plant or all of them, you will need to freshen the soil before choosing from the abundance of Fall Fill-in Plants: mums, asters, ornamental kale and cabbage, fountain grasses, millet, pansies, asters, ornamental peppers, swiss chard and ivy. Perennials can even be added in: sedum, coral bells, rudbeckia, perennial grass, lysimachia, ajuga or even hydrangeas. To use perennials, either remove a healthy section from an existing plant in your garden (warning, there will be wilt and transplant shock) or purchase a new perennial, add it to your design and then be sure to re-

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move it from the pot and plant in the ground just after Thanksgiving. Perennials cannot over winter when left in pots in our zone; they must be in the ground.

Fun, decorative accents can make your new Fall Arrangement unique. Add in a scarecrow, pumpkin accent, even a witch broom. Colourful ornamental corn or gourds can be set beside your pots – even a straw bale. Saying good bye to Summer is hard to do, but when you have fresh Fall planters to look forward to, it lessens the blow.

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Pets CORNER Door manners

By Karen Laws www.ontariodogtrainer.com

Door passage is something we do every day. How would it feel to know that your dog will never dash out the door to chase the neighbour’s cat? You can do it by playing the Fruit Game.

Playing the Fruit Game at each doorway will teach your dog to: WAIT calmly at the door, before you open it, SIT, WAIT AND WATCH while you open the door, MOVE through the doorway only when they hear their name and.

STOP AND SIT immediately on cue!

WHAT YOU NEED TO START: Leash – 6 foot long, attached to a properly fitted collar on your dog.

Treats/food for rewards.

Your calm state of mind and the name 3 fruits!

THE PROCESS First, teach them to wait before crossing through a doorway. Practice this skill at different places around your house, so they don’t just learn that waiting means only when they’re going through doors!

Next is the fun part - at the door say the name of 3 fruits, or names that sound different from your dog’s name, pause and then say your dog’s name.

Finally, be sure to have your dog sit as soon as he “comes” to you, and just like that, you have a well-behaved dog at the door.

Once you have mastered these three steps, put them together and practice!

MORE THAN ONE DOG? Whether you have one dog or several, the process is the same - Remain calm, be consistent and repeat the process each time you pass through a doorway.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, have fun! If you aren’t having fun, neither is your dog!

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For more free training tips visit www.ontariodogtrainer.com/BLOG For a video to learn how to play the Fruit Game, go to this link! www.facebook.com/reel/1073520063538010 Join our social media pages! Follow us on TikTok for more videos like this, FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM community for daily content and training tips. We are constantly posting new videos so make sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel and ring the bell for the videos that you like!

Lawrence Gowan Singer - Songwriter - Styx

By Jay Cooper Contributor / Musican

What hasn’t been written already about Larry Gowan over the years? I’m pretty sure I have

uncovered more than enough in our fabulous chat recently. Rhinegold, Solo Artist and a member of Styx - he has done it all. Because he is over the top talented, charismatic and down right hilarious, it made our time so enjoyable. Enjoy the read!

Jay Cooper (ATOTK): You played a show here in Peterborough Ontario in early July. Did you enjoy it?

Lawrence Gowan (LG): (laughs) Yes, I remember it and it was great!

ATOTK: I looked at the bill for tonight’s show in Dallas Texas with Loverboy, Styx and REO Speedwagon and I thought, WOW, what a flashback.

LG: It’s a great tour. It’s the most successful tour we’ve had since I’ve been in the band. We are always in the top 50 touring acts every year that we go out on the road. It surpassed the past tours with every single venue being jam packed with four straight hours of classic rock. I can’t believe the wide age range this summer - half of the audience weren’t even born when these classic albums were made and they just embrace it as a part of their lives.

ATOTK: Does it bother you that other classic acts are out there when their vocals have diminished and it’s kind of half-assed?

LG: (laughs) I’m going to let you quote yourself on that one Jay (laughs). The beautiful thing about playing music in your life is that it’s the greatest addiction you could have and sometimes artists remain on a stage a little longer than they should have (laughs). The great thing about Styx, Loverboy and REO is that we are our own worst critics. There is nothing someone could write about us that is negative that could come close to how 60

Photo by Judy Bambrick

“Half of the audience weren’t even born when these classic albums were made.”

hard we are on ourselves. On this tour there is a healthy competitive spirit where each band is still able to perform at peak capacity. Every day the rock gods smile down on us is a great day.

ATOTK: So after all these years you attack the show like you did years ago?

LG: We connect to the feeling of being 15 years old again when we are on stage. The next morning I feel every single day of my age (laughs). But once we get out there something takes over and you forget about those little aches and pains.

ATOTK: You were born in Scotland and raised in Scarborough. I interviewed one of my teen idols from Scotland, Les McKeown, (RIP) of The Bay City Rollers and thought you should have joined that band (laughs).

LG: Oh, you know something? I didn’t know that he passed. So very sad. These days it’s hard to keep up with who’s still got the oxygen habit and who’s given it up. Most of my relatives still live in Scotland and when The Bay City Rollers hit, my Manager had a music store in Toronto. I was rehearsing in the store and they came in. They were playing in town and came to pick up a few things. I told my mom and she phoned the relatives in Scotland and they

said “Oh you have to join that band immediately!!” (laughs), I just said, I don’t think they want a Canadian and I have other plans (laughs). I thought it was great with the tartan thing and embrace your heritage. I wear a kilt in my solo shows.

ATOTK: You’re known for your keyboard skills but you do play guitar. I’m assuming you started on piano?

LG: Yeah, I play guitar mostly in my solo shows and the guitar was my first instrument at 8 years old. At 10 I was playing my mom a song and she said, “You know the guitar is alright but if you want to play a real instrument, play the piano.”

I love the fact she called the piano a real instrument but my response was, “Well we don’t have a piano, so how the hell am I gonna do that?” (laughs). She said if I took lessons for a couple of years then maybe we would get one. So I started lessons and if you didn’t have a piano there was this cardboard foldout with real size keys on it to learn lessons. But after 2 years we had a recital and my teacher met my parents and said, “Your son has a really good aptitude for this, what kind of piano do you have?” and the answer was Continued on page 62

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Photo by Andrew Clowater

that we didn’t have one yet. He says, “You mean he learned all this stuff on the cardboard? You better get him a piano.” (laughs) And the next day we had one.

ATOTK: I started playing piano at the age of 5 but at the age of 10, I really wanted a drum set.

LG: You know, I believe the instrument chooses you.

For example, my son suddenly at the age of 11 said “I want to play drums.” Now he is my drummer in my solo band. At first I said no, no we’re not drummers.

Then I found a picture of my grandfather in Ireland playing the drums and I thought, holy shit, this is kind of weird. I never knew that’. He is an excellent drummer and got exposed to a lot of great drummers I have and do play with.

ATOTK: Rhinegold had a huge impact on our Editor, Karen, back in the day. She followed your band all over the GTA. She loved a song called Two Love Birds or something?

LG: Wow! Yeah, it was Two Cage Birds. That’s really nice to hear - it was never recorded. Rhinegold was 62

very similar to Styx. We were a theatrical, progressive rock band but everything is about timing - we came together in 1976 when Disco and Punk became the new flavor. We had a career for 5 years playing clubs in Ontario, Quebec and down east but no serious record deals came out of it because of the musical climate at the time. It’s amazing to me that so many people remember it and we never made an album. But I do dust off a few of those old songs and perform them. That’s lovely that Karen remembers that, they were special times.

ATOTK: Those days, being young and on the road playing six nights a week, I remember fondly myself.

LG: You were the 80’s and it’s a drag that it all fizzled out. I took a walk in Austin Texas the other night and there were bands playing in every venue and it felt like I was right back in the 70’s. That beautiful smell – a mix of stale beer, barf and the amazing food from a food truck, which is, OMG, that smells fantastic and OMG that’s horrible and OMG it’s not, kind of like the carpet in the Gasworks

“I got a good deal from Columbia Records to go solo with the first album coming out in ‘82.” (laughs). You have to have all those smells together on a hot summer night and bottle it (laughs).

ATOTK: You had a very successful solo career but you joined Styx in ‘99?

LG: To encapsulate it, after Rhinegold I got a good deal from Columbia Records to go solo with the first album coming out in ‘82. The record was not a commercial success but they thought a second was merited from the strength of the material. Next was Strange Animal, which went triple platinum. A total of 6 albums, a greatest hits compilation and a live album that was recorded in Quebec. Promoter Donald K. Donald said “You’re playing on the same night as Styx and I’m dealing with both, so why don’t you open for Styx at the new Forum in Montreal”. My tour manager said “Why would you want to do that - you haven’t opened for anyone in 14 years.” But I thought, it’s a new building and I’ve never seen Styx live and it turned into almost a Hollywood scripted night. Styx’s manager came up to see if Donald was out of his mind to have a completely solo artist open. I had multiple encores from the audience - they were singing along and knew the material. By the last couple of songs, Styx was standing at the side of the stage and Tommy Shaw said, “We have to do this again” after my set. When they called in ’99, I thought they wanted me to open again. But they asked for me to join Styx and now it’s been 23 years.

ATOTK: Did the fans accept you as Dennis DeYoung’s successor?

LG: That’s a better way to put it - it use to be the term ‘replacement’ and I’m very uncomfortable with that because no one replaces anyone on planet earth. First off, they put Criminal Mind in their set and never wanted me to emulate Dennis in any way, just said to bring my own tools and personality into the band. Thousands of people are on their

Photo by Judy Bambrick

feet after every show. It’s a group effort after all and people are accepting of the band, not one individual. We are at a point now that a good number of people only know this version of Styx.

A perfect example of a new member of a band is Ron Wood. I saw the Stones a couple of years ago and it dawned on me that he is every bit a Rolling Stone than Mick and Keith are. And he’s the third guitar player they had and he never played on some of those classic songs. Spirit of the band has to be authentic even with a member change.

ATOTK: Tommy Shaw is in my top five list of guitar players. You are blessed with that.

LG: Thank you for saying that. Everyone knows him for his vocals and songwriting. But we were playing in LA and there on the side of the stage was Eddie VanHalen just watching him play. I will tell him that, Jay. ATOTK: Hope the tour continues to be over the top. www.styxworld.com Instagram @gowan FaceBook Lawrence Gowan 63