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FALL 2026

A Taste of the KAWARTHAS

FOOD, SHOPPING & CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

Jason McCoy

Singer/Songwriter Solo Artist The Road Hammers

Kickin’ Recipes Autumn Bulalo

Keeping it Local

In Uncertain Times

Fall Fashions Seasonal Self-Care Real Estate Finding Home

Fall In Love

with your Kitchen

Randy Spracklin Builder, TV Host ‘Rock Solid Builds’

FREE PUBLICATION - PLEASE TAKE ONE

Home Reno

Safety

Home

The Smell of Fall

FA LL 2026

Contents PA L ATA B L E P L E A S U R E S 06. KICKIN’ RECIPES Autumn Bulalo

08. CAROL’S KITCHEN

Cranberry Braised Turkey Legs

10. FALL EVENING WARM UP DRINK Harvest Hearth Botanical Cider

12. UNCORKED Wines

19. ROASTED GARLIC CHICKEN Danielle French’s Favourite

K AWA R T H A T R E A S U R E S 14. FALL FASHIONS From Bigley Shoes & Clothing

16. JASON MCCOY

Singer - Songwriter / The Road Hammers

18. HOME

The Smells of Fall

20. DESIGN TIPS & TRENDS

Is Your Space Speaking to You?

24. KITCHEN TRENDS

Fall in Love with your Kitchen Again

26. SEASONAL SELF-CARE RITUALS The Wisdom of Autumn

28. REAL ESTATE TALK

Finding Home in the Kawartha Lakes

32. GARDENING Mums, Asters & Seasonal Colours

34. RANDY SPRACKLIN Contractor, TV show - Rock Solid Builds

38. KEEPING IT LOCAL

Supporting our Businesses

40. WORKPLACE SAFETY Home Renovations

41. PETS

Fire Safety for Dog Owners

Online Interactive magazine with bonus video and photos at www.atasteofthekawarthas.com

Editor’s Note - Weathering the Storm

Now more than ever, with the tariff war affecting trade, supporting local Canadian businesses is important. Tariffs can increase the cost of imported goods and create challenges for both businesses and consumers. By choosing Canadian products and services, Canadians can help strengthen the economy and support their communities.

One of the easiest ways to support local businesses is by shopping at Canadian-owned stores, restaurants, and markets. Consumers can also look for products made or produced in Canada. When Canadians spend money locally, more of it stays within the community, helping businesses grow and maintain jobs.It also benefits workers and families by providing employment. This creates a cycle where supporting one business can benefit many others. Canadians can also support local businesses by recommending them to friends, leaving positive reviews, and sharing their products online. It means making thoughtful choices whenever possible. During economic uncertainty and trade tensions, choosing Canadian can help protect local jobs, strengthen communities, and build a more resilient Canadian economy. Your continued support is what makes A Taste of the Kawarthas possible. We don’t just choose our stories with care — we also choose our advertisers based on how well they align with our mission. Please support them, because without them, this magazine wouldn’t exist. We are honoured to be nominated for three categories in the Award of Excellence in the upcoming PK Chamber of Commerce - Tourism, Advertising and Marketing, & Local Focus. This is exactly our mission. Karen Irvine - Editor, Videographer, Photographer & Social Media Diva E-mail - atasteofthekawarthas@gmail.com Website - www.atasteofthekawarthas.com Facebook - A Taste of the Kawarthas Magazine Instagram - @atasteofthekawarthas

CONTRIBUTORS Margaret Swaine Author, Travel, Wine, Golf, Spas & Spirits Columnist Travel & Spirits Editor Karen Laws Ontario Dog Trainer Danielle French South Pond Home Amanda Willett Ritual Cart of Sage & Soul Collective

Angela Beal Health & Safety Specialist Angela Jones Principle Designer Jennifer Boksman Wine Specialist Vikki Whitney Gardening Carol Turner Chef

Chef Brian Henry Chef Extraordinaire & ATOTK Food Editor Jay Cooper Musician, Photographer, Interviewer & Graphics Designer Kelli Lovell Kelli & Co Realtor

Publisher - Slither Productions Editor - Karen Irvine Creative Director - Jay Cooper Advertising Sales - (705) 772-8074 E-mail - atasteofthekawarthas@gmail.com Photo Credits - Jason McCoy, HOME Network, Carol Turner, Angela Jones, Danielle French, Amanda Willett, Vikki Whitney © 2026 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 and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Kickin’ Recipes

by Chef Brian Henry Culinary Editor

Owner of The Spice Co.

www.thespiceco.square.site

GETTING ALL

FIRED UP!

T here are certain kitchens where even a chef knows when to get out of the way. My mother-

in-law, Lola, or most affectionately “Ma” is one of the best cooks I know and one of the very few people for whom I willingly surrender the kitchen to, and keep my mouth shut, other than catching up on family chimis. Lola is the knowledge keeper of our family’s traditional Filipino recipes and the undisputed master of creating family feasts. Over the years, she has taught me many of those dishes, but one of my favourites is Bulalo . Bulalo is Filipino comfort food. This light stew-like meal is made from braised beef shank, slowly simmered with ginger and fish sauce to create a mild broth with corn, cabbage and potatoes. Before anyone goes off about fish sauce, it may smell like something died at low tide but grow a set of taste buds because when used properly, it delivers salty, savoury depth, some of you may call it umami, regardless skip it, and your cooking will deserve the blandness it gets. Bulalo is particularly associated with Tagaytay, a cooler, elevated city south of Manila which most Canucks will appreciate this as autumn sets in, and the cooler days triggers us to eat heartier meals. Personally, the combination of beef, broth, cabbage and potatoes seems more Irish to me, it’s the ginger and fish sauce that sets this apart. Filipino food delivers a collision of sweet, sour, salty and savoury flavours all in one punch while reflecting generations of family tradition and cultural influences. If Filipino cooking hasn’t made its way into your kitchen yet, Bulalo is a forgiving place to start without the intimidation of Lola standing over your shoulder to pull it off. A slow cooker works beautifully, while a Dutch oven gives you the old-school option of letting everything gently simmer away for a few hours.

Autumn Bulalo Bulalo isn’t complicated food. It’s patient food. Give those beef shanks enough time to surrender, let the marrow render and keep the seasoning simple. Then grab a bowl, find a chunk of marrow and understand why, when Lola starts cooking, I know enough to get my ass out of the kitchen. INGREDIENTS: 2-4 tbsp. cooking oil 3-4 lbs beef shank 2 medium sized Spanish onions, diced 3-4 cloves garlic, minced 2-3 inch knob of ginger Water

3-4 cups of green cabbage sliced thin 2-3 cups baby bok choy cleaned, and cut into ¼’s 4 ears of corn, cut into 4 equal sized rounds ½ tsp. ground black pepper 3/4 cup Green onions, sliced in 1” lengths 6-8 tbsp. fish sauce Lemon wedges and rice for serving

METHOD: Pre-heat a Dutch oven or heavy bottomed stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the oil and add the shanks, cook the shanks for 3-5 minutes until browned on both sides. Add the diced Spanish onions, and let them cook until soft, add the garlic and ginger. Pour enough water in to just cover the meat and bones. Reduce heat to med-low, cover with a lid and let the shanks simmer for 2 hours. Do not let it boil. Add the cabbage and let and let the mixture simmer for another 10 minutes. Add the corn and let it go for another 5-7 minutes. Finally add all of the remaining ingredients and remove from heat. Let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve plain or over rice with the lemon wedges and fish sauce to season to taste. Serves 6-8 people.

Carol’s Kitchen

By Carol Turner Instagram @carolcooks9319

Cranberry Braised Cajun Turkey Legs with Black-Eyed Peas

When I think ‘turkey’ I envision holiday dinners featuring a whole roasted bird, several sides, and hours

of work. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy those labour-intensive meals but sometimes I just want to enjoy a comforting turkey meal on a smaller, easier scale. This recipe combines the bold flavours of Cajun spice with the classic holiday pairing of turkey and cranberry. If you’re not a fan of black-eyed peas, serve the legs with rice or garlic mashed potatoes. Adjust the quantities of Cajun spice and cranberry sauce to achieve your perfect balance of sweet and spicy! Serves 4 INGREDIENTS: 4 skin on turkey legs 3-4 tablespoons Cajun seasoning 4 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil, divided 1 celery stock, chopped 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 4 sprigs fresh thyme, or ¼ teaspoon dried ½ cup dry white wine 3 ½ cups chicken stock, divided 1 teaspoon brown sugar, packed 1 tin whole cranberry sauce, divided 1/3 cup dried cranberries

½ lemon, juiced 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil 1 small Spanish or red onion, chopped 1 medium green pepper, chopped 1 teaspoon garlic, minced 1 1/2 10 oz tins black-eyed peas, rinsed 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, or to taste Salt and pepper to taste 2 green onions, chopped Fresh thyme sprigs and edible flowers (optional) for garnish

DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. 2. Rinse turkey legs and pat dry. 3. Brush legs on all sides with one tablespoon canola oil then generously coat each leg with Cajun spice, ensuring all surfaces are covered. 4. Heat 3 tablespoons canola oil in a large oven proof skillet over medium heat just until shimmering. Add turkey legs and gently brown on all sides being careful not to burn the spices. Turn down heat if spices are browning too quickly. This will take roughly 8-10 minutes. Remove turkey from pan and reserve. 5. If any large brown bits remain, remove them from the skillet and discard. Add onion, celery and dried thyme (if using) to the remaining oil and sauté until vegetables are soft, roughly 8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. 6. Add white wine and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until reduced to ¼ cup, then add 3 cups chicken stock, brown sugar and 1/3 cup cranberry sauce. 7. Return turkey legs to pan, cover and bake in 300 degree oven for one hour. 8. After one hour, remove skillet from oven and flip turkey legs over. Return to oven and cook half an hour, uncovered, basting occasionally. 9. Once turkey legs are tender, remove legs from skillet and cover lightly to keep warm (or place in 200 degree F. oven) until ready to plate. 10. Strain braising liquid, discarding solids, then return the liquid to the pan and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce until slightly thickened. Once beginning to thicken add dried cranberries and continue to simmer until sauce lightly coats a spoon. Add 1 tablespoon reserved cranberry sauce, or more if you want a sweeter sauce and fresh thyme, if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in a squeeze of lemon juice. 11. While turkey legs are braising prepare black-eyed peas. In another sauté pan, heat 1½ tablespoons olive oil over medium heat and add onion and green pepper. Sauté just until vegetables are starting to soften. 12. Add 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and ½ teaspoon garlic. Stir until well combined. 13. Add black eyed peas and remaining half cup chicken stock. Bring to a simmer and stir over medium heat until all ingredients are combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 14. To serve, divide black eyed pea mixture onto four plates or shallow bowls and top each with a turkey leg. Drizzle reduced cranberry braising liquid over turkey and black eyed peas. (you can also serve the remaining canned cranberry sauce on the side as a sweet complement to the finished dish) 15. Garnish with chopped green onion, fresh thyme sprigs and edible flowers

For more delicious recipes, follow Carol Turner on Instagram @carolcooks9319

A Fall Evening Warming Drink Harvest Hearth Botanical Cider

By Amanda Willett @theritualcart | @sageandsoulcollective

A warming, alcohol-free botanical drink perfect for cool autumn evenings. INGREDIENTS 2 cups local apple cider 1 cinnamon stick 3 thin slices fresh ginger 2 whole cloves 1 star anise 1 strip orange peel 1 teaspoon dried chamomile 1 teaspoon dried lemon balm Local honey or maple syrup, to taste Fresh apple slices and rosemary for garnish

DIRECTIONS 1. Combine the apple cider, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, star anise, and orange peel in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer for 10–15 minutes. 2. Remove from the heat and add the chamomile and lemon balm. Cover and steep for five minutes before straining. 3. Sweeten with local honey or maple syrup if desired. Serve warm with a fresh apple slice and a sprig of rosemary. RITUAL MOMENT Before your first sip, pause. Inhale the aroma. Feel the warmth of the mug in your hands. Take three slow breaths and ask yourself: “What can I release this season to make room for what matters most?” Sometimes the most powerful ritual begins with a single mindful breath. 10

Uncorked

with Jennifer Boksman

Well, that’s a wrap, another summer under our Canadian belts! Now we wait for the white stuff! However, before ‘it’ arrives, we will have a glorious, colourful fall. Shorter days and cozy nights, possibly by the outdoor fire pit. Cool nights are perfect for star gazing under a blanket, in your favourite chair, without bugs. When preparing for those marshmallow roasts with the kids or exploring a quiet night with your significant other, you might be contemplating a beautiful glass of wine to accompany the evening. If it’s s’mores you will be “building” at the fire, then I suggest a beautiful glass of Moscato d’Asti. This sweet, sparkling wine compliments the sugary flavors of s’mores, allowing you to be a kid and a grownup all at once! What fun! If you find yourself at a wiener roast over an open flame, you know the one with the stick and hoping every second that the chunk of meat won’t fall into the flames and ash, a red, light bodied wine such as Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice. As the fall progresses, you find yourself preparing, in more ways than one, for the Thanksgiving feast. The menu requires planning, the good dishes retrieved from storage, the fall decorations scrounged out from the attic. You will find them in the plastic tub, that every year you forget to label ‘fall decorations’, you know what I mean, three Christmas bins are pulled out before you find it. After the search, you start to think about the menu. Canadians have their traditions: turkey, ham, stuffing, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and apple pie etc., but one must think about the wine list. For some people the wine that is chosen adds to the taste of the meal. For others, and you may laugh, you need a glass or two to get through dinner. Uncle Fester and dear old Aunt Eugenia can be a handful. Add to that a Rottweiler named Harvey, who is under the table being handfed by the kids. Ring bells?? Wines such as Zinfandel go with ham or Reisling pairs well with turkey. Or if you prefer a Caber12

net Sauvignon, or a Pinot Grigio, drink it, after all, you did all the work! Enjoy the season, it is a great time to be outdoors and drink wine!. Chat soon, Jennifer

Fall Fashion with Bigleys Shoes & Clothing 14

Bold & Beautiful

Fun & Sassy

Colourful & Cozy

Ready for Fall

JASON MCCOY

Singer, Songwriter, The Road Hammers

By Jay Cooper

Today, I’m joined by a Canadian country music favourite, Jason McCoy. From his success with The

Road Hammers to his celebrated solo career, Jason has built a remarkable legacy in Canadian music. We chatted many years ago in a studio with The Road Hammers. Thought it was time to reconnect, catch up, and have a few laughs along the way. He’s a talented singer, songwriter, performer, and storyteller—and he has plenty of stories to tell. JAY (ATOTK): Thanks for calling in. I really appreciate it, my friend. I’m not getting any younger; I thought I’d better catch up now. (Laughs) JASON: No worries. Thank you for taking the time. It’s been a long time, and I remember that. That was way back. And yeah, same here. I’m like, “So I’m not a kid anymore.” I thought I was still a kid. (Laughs)

We’ve got all of these guests on the show. We’ve got Aaron Pritchett, Chad Brownlee, Gordie from Big Sugar, Sully Burrows, who’s from Parry Sound. All these artists to raise a lot of awareness for the work that World Vision does. Song coming out October 1st. As I said, they’re gonna be travelling with us on the tour.

JAY: I’m still based in Peterborough, and the only difference from then to now is we expanded the magazine to print form. I went in reverse of everybody trying to give up on print. JASON: You know what? It’s such a weird time, eh? Right now, the music business is just swimming. I was just talking to a few artists. They’re selling CDs at shows. I’m like, “Where did that come from?” I would never have thought that in a million years. It seems to be working. It’s awesome.

JAY: That’s so cool. Tour dates: When you have solo and then with The Hammers, how do you figure out what show goes where? JASON: Whatever it says on the contract. (Laughs) I always get the question, “What do you prefer, being in a band or being solo?” And you know what? I actually have the best of both worlds because you don’t have to make all the decisions yourself in a band, which is the best thing about it.

JAY: Latest tour, you’re covering quite a bit of Canada in the fall. JASON: ‘Great Canadian Road Trip’ is coming up. So yeah, that’s gonna run October 20th to November 22. Michelle Wright, Doc Walker, myself. We started this about four years ago just as a little, one-off thing of the three of us, and it’s just been going gangbusters. It’s just this condensed night of awesomeness. I’m working on a new project. We did this song in 2020. It was during the pandemic and called ‘We Are One’. It was to support the Unison Fund for artists. But we rewrote the words, and now we’re releasing this in support of World Vision. I was just over in Zimbabwe and seeing the work they do, and they’re gonna come out and support us on the Great Canadian Road Trip this fall.

JAY: Growing up, was your family musically creative? JASON: My dad played a few chords. But wasn’t a serious musician by any stretch. He and his brother would get the guitars and accordions out at Christmas time, and I thought that was cool. But really, it was more about my dad singing around the house a little bit, and he’d play a little bit, and then he’d take us to country shows. I got to see George Jones, Conway Twitty, Merle Haggard, all the great ones. It was quite a great upbringing, and I’d fall asleep with a cassette playing Don Williams and that kind of stuff. I’ve been really blessed to have country music as part of my upbringing, part of the palette of my youth. Continued on page 42

HOME The Smells of Fall

by Danielle French South Pond Home www.southpondfarms.ca @howyouplaythegame Podcast

Fall is such a wonderful season. Now, when I wake up at 6 a.m., it’s mostly dark. That is the sure

sign that we are in for short days, winter is coming. I make a coffee, the house is quiet and the dogs settle in for a second sleep, I open all the windows to let in the fresh air and, I admit, sometimes cheat a little by turning on the gas fireplace. Gone are the mornings at the farm when I filled the wood stove and listened to the kindling crackle while I waited patiently for the kitchen to warm up. But oh, that smell of wood fire. The mornings are cool when I head out with the dogs, then the day warms up and I’m back in a t -shirt and by evening it’s time to pull on a cozy sweater and sit outside for a while. Fall used to be an especially busy time of year for me, getting the girls organized for the start of school when they were little, later helping them settle into university apartments, and I was busy harvesting the gardens, and putting food away for the winter. I was much more conscious of preparing for the colder months ahead, making sure the freezer and pantry were well stocked. It was a deeply satisfying ritual, though one that required a tremendous amount of work. I appreciate seeing a homemade jar of pickles or tomato sauce and the endless hours that go into preserving. Garlic is one of the great rewards of the harvest season. I used to grow a lot of it, pulling the bulbs out and laying them out to cure in the barn between fall events. Then when the harvest is over, planting begins, one clove pointed down in the

soil covered with straw and in the spring, garlic scapes rise up in beautiful snake like shapes that are ready for use in salads, pesto, soups or grilled. At the farm, I kept some of the garlic for my own kitchen, while the rest was braided and sold. Now that I’m in town, I buy bunches from the market and am able to keep them through the winter and well into spring. One of my favourite things to do is roast a dozen or so bulbs at a time in the oven, crowded in a pan with olive oil. Once they’re soft and golden, I store the cloves in a glass jar covered with olive oil in the refrigerator. Having roasted garlic on hand makes it so easy to add a dollop to soups, stews, and pasta dishes, or simply smear it over a piece of toasted baguette. There’s something about garlic that adds just a little extra comfort to almost anything, much like a cup of cinnamon-topped coffee in the afternoon. I use garlic often in my everyday cooking. What better aromas to warm the house on a cool fall day than roasted garlic in the oven and apple cider gently simmering with cinnamon? I love those smells. They bring back memories of so many family meals around the kitchen table. There is something wonderfully comforting about the

“What better aromas to warm the house on a cool fall day than rosted garlic in the oven...” familiar scents of fall, the kind that make a house feel like home; a scented fall candle burning helps too, when you don’t feel like cooking but love the fire smells. Garlic has a way of adding depth in the flavor of a recipe, I think that’s one of the reasons I love cooking with it so much. While I appreciate it may not be everyone’s favourite, for me it has a way of transforming ordinary ingredients into something special without demanding much effort. Roasted chicken with garlic has always been a family staple. It’s one of those dependable meals that never lets me down and is so simple to prepare, easy to make ahead, and always welcome at the table. I use whole bulbs of garlic for this chicken recipe and as it roasts in the oven, the garlic softens and becomes sweet. The pan juices are flavoured as is the chicken. I serve roasted squash and carrots alongside this dish. It’s hard to not love it.

ROASTED GARLIC CHICKEN RECIPE One 3-4 lb whole chicken 2 bulbs garlic cut in half, rough peels removed but leave the rest on. Olive oil Salt and pepper Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Rub the chicken with olive oil and lots of salt. Tuck the garlic bulbs under the chicken if spatchcocked or inside the cavity. Roast for approximately 1 hour or when it has reached an internal temperature of 180 degrees. Let the chicken rest and remove the garlic. Gently push the cloves out and rub over the chicken before serving. Yum.

DESIGN TIPS & TRENDS Is Your Space Speaking to You? 10 Fall Fixes to Help You Listen

Fall has a way of tapping you on the shoulder, doesn’t it? One day you’re chasing summer light, and the

next you’re reaching for a sweater and suddenly very aware that your front hall closet has opinions about your life choices. Before you light the pumpkin candle and call it cozy, let’s talk about something I believe every single day in my design career: your space is always talking to you. The question is whether you’re listening. This is actually the premise of my new book, Space Speaks: Are You Listening? — and this season felt like the perfect time to bring that idea home (pun very much intended) with a checklist you can actually use this weekend. Grab a coffee, walk through your house, your yard, even your office, and ask yourself these questions as you go.

First, Do a Listening Tour (Tips 1–3) 1. Is it overcrowded? Stand in a room and notice: does it feel like the space is holding its breath? Overcrowded spaces don’t just look busy, they feel busy — and that feeling follows you into your mood. Start with one surface. Clear it completely. Notice how much lighter the room feels before you’ve touched anything else. 2. Is it tired, or is it energized? Some rooms perk you up. Others quietly drain you and you can’t say why. Tired spaces are usually the ones nobody’s touched in a while — dated lighting, faded cushions, a colour palette that stopped exciting you around 2019. Energized spaces have life in them: fresh greenery, a pop of colour, natural light doing its job. 3. Is it run down — and are you bumping into things? This one’s practical and a little bit funny: when’s the last time you walked through your own hallway without sidestepping something? Run-down or poorly flowing spaces create friction you don’t consciously register, but your nervous system absolutely does. Walk your home, your yard, and your office the way a guest would, and be honest about what trips you up — literally or otherwise. Once you’ve done your listening tour, you’ll know exactly where to focus. Now let’s talk about turning those answers into a space that speaks comfort and joy this fall. Then, Give It Something to Say (Tips 4–10) 4. Layer in texture, not just decor. Fall décor should feel good under your hands, not just look good in photos. Drape a chunky knit throw over the arm of your sofa or the foot of your bed. Set a woven basket beside the fireplace to hold extra blankets or kindling. Swap a plain table runner for a linen or waffle-weave one down the centre of your dining table, and add a few mismatched textured cushions to your reading chair — velvet against wool against linen creates that “sink in and stay awhile” feeling instantly. 5. Bring the outside in. A simple bowl of gourds on the kitchen island, a bundle of dried branches or wheat stalks in a tall vase by the front door, or a few stems of eucalyptus tucked into a bathroom vanity vase do more for a room than an entire big-box seasonal display. Try a low centrepiece of pinecones and cinnamon sticks for the dining table, or a small pumpkin trio staggered on your porch steps — odd numbers and varied heights always read more natural than a matched set.

By Angela Jones, Owner & Principal Designer of Lakeshore Designs 705-748-3875 | 2968 Lakefield Rd, Selwyn, ON www.lakeshorehd.ca

6. Light it like you mean it. Swap a few bulbs in your most-used rooms for warmer tones (soft white, not daylight), and add a lamp to any dark corner that’s currently doing nothing but collecting mail. Place a cluster of candles — varying heights work best — on your coffee table, mantel, or bathroom counter. In the entryway, a single warm sconce or plug-in lamp instantly changes how a home feels the moment you walk in from the cold. 7. Create one “gathering corner.” It could be a reading nook by a window with a small side table for tea, a bar cart in the corner of your dining room stocked for cider and mulled wine, or a cozy bench near the fireplace with a basket of blankets nearby. Comfort lives in the corners we curate on purpose — pick one underused corner in your home and give it a job this season. 8. Edit your entryway. It’s the first sentence of your home’s story — make sure it’s saying “welcome,” not “we’re renovating, sort of, eventually.” Add a bench or a small stool for shoe changes, a tray by the door to catch keys and mail, hooks at two heights for coats, and one seasonal touch — a wreath, a small pumpkin, a bowl of pinecones on the console table. Five minutes of editing here changes how every single person feels the moment they step inside. 9. Add one meaningful object. A piece with a story, a photo that makes you smile, or something that reflects who you’re becoming, not just what’s on trend. Place it somewhere you’ll actually see it daily — your desk, your nightstand, the shelf across from where you sit each morning — not tucked in a corner where it disappears into the background.

Continued on next page

DESIGN TIPS & TRENDS

Continued from previous page

10. Give your yard and office the same love. Comfort doesn’t stop at your front door. On the porch, add a weatherproof basket or bin with an outdoor throw for cool evenings, and flank your entry with two matching planters of mums or ornamental kale. At your desk, bring in a small lamp, a warm-toned mug for tea, and one plant or object that makes the space feel like yours instead of just functional. A space that supports you in every room — including the ones you work and relax in outdoors — is a space that’s truly speaking your language.

Your Space Is Talking. What’s It Saying? Every room in your home, your office, and even your yard is sending you a message — about your energy, your priorities, and how ready you are for what’s next. This fall, I’m inviting you to actually listen. If this resonated, my book Space Speaks: Are You Listening? dives deeper into exactly how to read the messages your space is sending and turn them into a life that feels as good as it looks. Find it on Amazon. And if you’d rather have an expert eye walk through it with you, I’d love to help — whether that’s a design consult in your own home, or bringing this message to your event as a speaker. Sometimes the fastest way to change how a space feels is simply to have someone else point out what it’s already been telling you. Happy Listening, and Happy Fall. Angela Jones is the founder of Lakeshore Designs, an award-winning renovation and turn-key interior design firm based in Ontario, proudly serving clients since 2004. With over three decades of design experience, Angela has built a reputation for transforming homes into spaces that feel as good as they look — blending timeless design with feng shui principles and an intuitive understanding of how environment shapes wellbeing. Angela has served as Cottage Designer for the Princess Margaret Lottery, helping raise millions for cancer research, and has appeared on television as a design host and industry expert. She holds certifications as an NLP Master Practitioner and Feng Shui Practitioner, bringing a whole-life approach to every project. Her latest achievement is the release of her book, Space Speaks: Are You Listening?, which explores how our homes reflect and shape who we are. Lakeshore Designs offers full-service interior design, renovation, and turn-key project management, along with a curated furniture showroom, for clients locally and internationally. Angela also volunteers actively in her community, believing beautiful spaces should be accessible to everyone. Her mission: helping people create homes — and lives — that truly reflect who they are.

When It’s Time to

Fall In Love With Your Kitchen Again

By Gary Williams, President ~ Kitchens Depot Peterborough

Peterborough homeowner Colleen Shipley shares how she transformed a well-loved kitchen into a space that feels distinctly her own.

all has a way of drawing us back home. Dinners linger a little longer, friends pull up a seat in the kitchen, and we spend more time in the spaces where everyday life happens. For Colleen Shipley, that space has always been the kitchen. Colleen and her husband had lived in their home for a few years when they decided it was time for an update. Two families had lived there before them, and the kitchen was showing the wear and tear of a space that had been well loved over the years. “The kitchen, like in most homes, was the hub,” Colleen recalls. “It showed a lot of wear and tear, and that good times had happened in the kitchen.” Colleen was ready for a change. She wanted to brighten the main living space and create a kitchen and adjoining butler’s pantry that felt fresh, elevated and more reflective of their style. When it came time to bring that vision to life, Colleen visited a number of kitchen companies, exploring everything from entrylevel to luxury options. Among all the places she considered, Kitchens Depot stood out.

“

Nobody had the feeling that Kitchens Depot did.

For Colleen, it was the combination of customization, high-end design and personalized service. She felt confident that she wasn’t choosing a kitchen off the shelf, but creating one that would work for their home and feel like theirs. Today, the kitchen has a completely new look, but it’s still very much the hub of the home, a place to cook, gather, entertain and simply spend time together. Yes, a kitchen renovation is about beautiful cabinetry, finishes and thoughtful design. But it’s also about creating a space you genuinely enjoy living in every day. As fall brings us back to cooking, entertaining and spending more time at home, Colleen’s transformation is a reminder of just how much the right kitchen can change the way a home looks, feels and lives.

SEASONAL SELF-CARE RITUALS The Wisdom of Autumn: A Season for Returning Home

There is a quiet wisdom woven into every season. Spring asks us to awaken. Summer encourages us to expand. Autumn gently reminds us to gather in. Yet many of us continue living at the pace of summer long after nature has begun to slow. We fill our calendars, push through exhaustion, and wonder why we feel depleted. The truth is, our bodies are designed to respond to the rhythms of the natural world. Traditional herbalists understood this. So did our grandparents. As daylight shortens and temperatures cool, the body naturally seeks warmth, nourishment, and rest. Rather than resisting this shift, we can embrace it through small, intentional rituals that help regulate the nervous system and reconnect us with ourselves. I like to think of rituals as ordinary moments made meaningful. A ritual doesn’t require hours of free time or expensive products. It simply asks us to be present. This autumn, consider creating a few seasonal anchors. Begin your morning with a warm botanical infusion instead of rushing straight into the day. Step outside before the world wakes, breathe in the crisp morning air, and notice the changing colours around you. Bring the outdoors inside by decorating with dried grasses, cedar, pinecones, or branches gathered on a weekend walk. Nature has a remarkable way of reminding us that letting go can also be beautiful. Swap cold drinks for warming herbs and spices. Cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, and apple are more than comforting flavours - they’ve long been celebrated for bringing warmth and comfort as the seasons change. In the evening, dim the lights a little earlier. Light a candle. Put away your phone. Read a chapter of a favourite book, stretch gently, or simply sit quietly with a cup of tea. Even ten intentional minutes can help signal safety to an overstimulated nervous system. Perhaps the greatest gift of autumn is permission. Permission to rest. Permission to simplify. Permission to release what no longer serves us. Nature doesn’t apologize for slowing down. Neither should we.

By Amanda Willett, Founder of The Ritual Cart at Sage & Soul Collective 905-244-8030 | 4 Union St, Millbrook, ON www.sagesoulcollective.com

Follow Amanda’s seasonal wellness journey: @theritualcart | @sagesoulcollective

Real Estate Talk

Autumn Comforts: Finding Home in the Kawartha Lakes

By Kelli Lovell, Kawartha Kelli & Company 705-738-2110 www.kawarthakelli.ca

There is something about autumn in the Kawartha Lakes that makes the idea of home feel especially

inviting. As summer fades into cooler mornings and golden afternoons, the region settles into a slower, more comforting rhythm—one that encourages us to linger, explore, gather and enjoy the simple pleasures of the season. For those considering buying a home in the Kawarthas, fall offers more than beautiful scenery. It is a wonderful time to imagine what everyday life could look like here, from crisp morning walks to cozy evenings by the fire. The season has a way of showing prospective homeowners not just houses, but the lifestyle that comes with putting down roots in this welcoming community..

Crisp Walks and Colorful Days Autumn invites you outdoors. A brisk morning walk along a local trail, through a quiet neighborhood or beside the lakes can become one of those small daily rituals that makes a place feel like home. The air is crisp, the leaves are turning brilliant shades of red, orange and gold, and the pace feels refreshingly unhurried. Whether you prefer an energetic walk to start the day or a leisurely afternoon stroll, the Kawarthas offers countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors close to home. For homebuyers, these everyday experiences matter. A beautiful kitchen and spacious living room are wonderful, but so is knowing that you can step outside your front door and enjoy nature whenever you wish.

Bringing Autumn Home Fall also provides the perfect excuse to make your home feel warm and welcoming. Think soft blankets draped over a favorite chair, textured cushions in earthy tones, seasonal flowers, natural wood accents and a few carefully chosen pumpkins or gourds. You do not need to completely redecorate to embrace the season. A little warmth goes a long way. 28

Candles, wool throws and rich autumn colours can transform a space into a cozy retreat where you want to spend your evenings. And perhaps that is one of the joys of buying a home: creating a space that reflects the way you want to live. Whether it is a charming cottage, a country property or a home in town, the right space gives you a canvas for the traditions and comforts that make each season special. Comfort Food and New Connections Autumn is also a season for gathering around the table. As temperatures drop, comfort food becomes even more appealing—hearty soups, warm breads, slow-cooked meals and classic dishes shared with good company. Moving to the Kawarthas can bring another welcome ingredient to the table: new friendships. Local cafés, restaurants, markets, community events and neighborhood gatherings offer natural opportunities to meet people and become part of the community. For many buyers, finding a home is about more than square footage or a particular street. It is about finding a community where they can build connections and create a sense of belonging. The Kawarthas offers plenty of opportunities to do exactly that. Seasonal Self-Care Fall encourages us to slow down and take care of ourselves, too. A visit to a local spa can become a welcome seasonal ritual—a massage, facial or quiet afternoon devoted to relaxation can be the perfect antidote to a busy week.

“Finding a home is about finding a community where they can create a sense of belonging.” There is something wonderfully restorative about making self-care part of your routine, especially when you live somewhere that makes it easy to embrace a slower pace. In the Kawarthas, wellness can become less of an occasional indulgence and more of a way of life. For those searching for a home, it is worth considering not only what the property offers, but what the surrounding community makes possible. Walkability, recreation, local businesses and wellness experiences all contribute to the feeling of truly being at home. Books, Fires and Quiet Evenings Then comes the quintessential autumn evening: a favorite book, a warm drink and a comfortable chair beside the fire. After a day spent outdoors, there is something deeply satisfying about retreating indoors as the evening grows darker. A crackling fireplace creates an inviting focal point, while a good book provides an opportunity to disconnect from the pace of everyday life. For many Kawartha Lakes homeowners, these quiet moments can become some of the most treasured parts of the season. They are the moments when a

house becomes a home—not because of its finishes or features, but because of the memories created within it. Your Next Chapter in the Kawarthas Autumn has a special way of reminding us what we value in a home: comfort, community, nature, connection and room to slow down. The Kawartha Lakes brings all of these elements together in a setting that feels both peaceful and full of possibility. If this fall has you dreaming about a place of your own, working with a knowledgeable local real estate professional can make the journey easier and more enjoyable. Kelli Lovell can help you explore the Kawartha Lakes market, understand your options and find a property that suits the way you want to live. After all, buying a home is about more than finding four walls and a roof. It is about finding the place where your everyday rituals become traditions, where new friendships take root and where the seasons are something to look forward to. This autumn, perhaps it is time to discover what coming home to the Kawarthas could feel like.

A Taste of the Kawarthas lifestyle magazine are nominated for three categories in the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Business Excellence Awards, promoting the advancement of responsible business leadership and prosperity within the community. Categories are - Tourism, Advertising and Marketing, & Local Focus. This is exactly our mission. Thank you to all of our supporters! Please support our advertisers. There would be no magazine without them.

By Vikki Whitney Griffin’s Greenhouses

FALL GARDENING - Mums, Asters & Seasonal Colour

What a beautiful Summer 2026! It was temperate and sunny, perfect for long, lazy days lounging

poolside or on the dock with a Spritz in hand. It was wonderful for vacationers and sun-seekers. Gardeners also benefited from almost-weekly rain, which kept the soil workable and allowed planting to continue throughout the summer. As September arrives, thoughts turn to decorating and planting for Fall. Garden mums are filling garden centres, and there are a few things to know about these seasonal favourites. Mum varieties are divided into early-, mid-, and lateseason bloomers. Early-blooming mums become available in August, but their blooms usually will not last until Thanksgiving. With regular deadheading and care, they may provide a smaller October display. For beautiful Thanksgiving colour, mid-season mums, available in September, are the best choice. They will often be just “cracking colour” in early September and put on their best display around Canadian Thanksgiving. Late-season mums typically bloom after Thanksgiving and are ideal for October parties or events. Are fall garden mums perennial? Usually, no. Although some are marketed as perennials, massproduced varieties are often bred for optimum colour and compact growth and can struggle through our Zone 4/5 winters. With a sheltered location and generous leaf mulch, they may return, but they are

generally best considered Fall décor rather than dependable perennials. Fall-blooming asters are stronger by nature and more likely to overwinter. Their star-like flowers are wonderfully characteristic of the season. If they establish themselves as perennials, cut back the first flush of growth in June, before they set bud. This helps prevent them from becoming too tall and gangly. Both mums and asters are excellent choices for planters at your front door or patio. Remove tired summer plants while keeping rugged, cool-weather favourites such as ornamental grass, ivy, verbena and alyssum. Add mums and asters along with ornamental kale and cabbage, rudbeckia, hot peppers, calluna (heather), and pansies. With long-lasting mid-season mums and hardy asters, you can extend the life of your containers well into Fall. Add faux cobwebs, a witch’s broom, pumpkins and gourds for a playful seasonal touch. With the right plants and a little creativity, your garden can celebrate the beauty of Fall well beyond summer’s end.

Randy Spracklin Builder, TV Host - Rock Solid Builds

By Jay Cooper

There’s a moment early in any conversation with Randy Spracklin when you realize you’re not talking to

a television personality — you’re talking to a guy who genuinely loves his work, his family, and his home. The star of the HOME Network ‘Rock Solid Builds’ doesn’t perform warmth; he just has it. And that, more than any carefully crafted production detail, is exactly why the show has become one of the most beloved renovation programs on Canadian television. I caught up with Randy on a Tuesday morning. He here, even though my old man kept saying to do was in Newfoundland, where the clouds were gaththis. I think I was just going against the grain.” ering outside his window. I was in the Kawarthas, It’s a familiar story — the reluctant son who resists finally enjoying a bit of sunshine after a stretch of the family business right up until the moment he dreary days. We talked about everything: the show, realizes it’s exactly where he belongs. Randy came the family business, the pandemic, the coffee shop, home in 2008 and went “right at it,” working under and what it really takes to build something that lasts his father and grandfather’s wing before gradually, — whether it’s a house, a legacy, or a television caorganically stepping into a leadership role that no reer that started with an email in his junk folder. one formally handed him. A Family Trade, Three Generations Deep The Spracklin name and construction have been intertwined in Newfoundland for a long time. Randy’s grandfather, father, and uncle were all in the trade together, hustling jobs around town and building a reputation in the community the old-fashioned way — one project at a time. “They were at it for years,” Randy says, “and then my father and uncle started taking on a little more. In 2008, I jumped in full steam ahead and took it where it is now.” But that wasn’t the original plan. Coming out of high school, Randy wasn’t sure he wanted to follow the path his father had walked. He had a love for art — painting, drawing, visual design — and seriously considered going into auto body work, specifically custom car painting. He thought about graphic design. He thought about a lot of things. And then, like so many young Newfoundlanders at the time, he went west. “Everybody was going out to Alberta,” he says with a laugh. “So I said I’d try that.” He spent a year out there. He worked in building maintenance, did some wiring, stayed close to construction even when he was supposedly escaping it. And eventually, something pulled him back. “There was something that kept drawing me back 34

“There was something that kept drawing me back here.”

“I remember going to job sites where they’d be wondering where my old man was,” he says. “I was kinda gradually taking charge of a crew. It just eventually happened by itself. They used to call Father instead of me, and then they started calling me instead. It kinda just happened naturally.” The Art of Building (And the Building of Art) What sets Randy apart from many contractors isn’t just his craftsmanship — it’s his eye. He’s a visual thinker in an industry that often rewards linear problem-solving, and that combination of creative instinct and practical skill has become a signature of the Spracklin brand. “Going through school I would paint pictures,” he says. “I got some artwork I’ve done over the years. A little bit less at it now with the hectic thing, but I love designing and drawing pretty much anything.” That creative sensibility translates directly to how he approaches client work. While many builders struggle to help homeowners visualize what a finished space will look like, Randy uses SketchUp — a 3D rendering tool — to walk clients through the transformation before a single wall comes down. “A lot of people can’t visualize what we’re doing in a space,” he explains. “I’m able to take a picture of a room and add in a window or whatever they’re drawing. It definitely helped set us apart.” Here’s something even his own film crew didn’t know until recently: Randy still paints. Actual canvases, actual paintings. When a new camera operator joined the show this season, he was apparently floored to learn this about the guy he’d been following around job sites. Randy has had his work printed and sold, and somewhere out there, scattered across different locations and who knows how many homes, are Randy Spracklin originals. He’s recently done a screech-in mural — a full, detailed piece — and says it’s something he loves picking away at when time allows. It’s the kind of detail that humanizes a person you might otherwise know only through a television screen.

The Email in the Junk Folder So how does a third-generation Newfoundland contractor end up with his own HOME Network series? You’d expect a story about a talent agent, a lucky audition, a friend of a friend who worked in television. But Randy Spracklin’s origin story is far more Canadian than that. “It was an email in my junk mail,” he says, completely matter-of-factly. “That’s a true story. I still got the email saved.” One morning, while scrolling through the digital equivalent of the recycling bin, Randy found a message from a production company looking to develop an East Coast renovation show. He looked them up, confirmed they’d made other legitimate reality productions, decided they seemed “half legit,” and wrote back. He sent them footage — “the jigs and the reels” — and the rest, as they say, is television history. Rock Solid Builds premiered in 2019 and finished its first season as the number one new show of that year on the network. “It just happened,” Randy says. “Didn’t really even think about it or go looking for it.” Rock Solid in a Pandemic The timing, however, could have been better. Rock Solid Builds launched just before COVID-19 brought the world to a halt, leaving a brand new television show and its cast and crew to figure out how to keep going when nothing else was. Continued on page 45

Keeping It Local Supporting Businesses In Uncertain Times

There are many simple ways you can support local businesses and strengthen your community. One

of the easiest ways is to shop at locally owned stores. Buying groceries from local markets, eating at independent restaurants, and purchasing Canadian-made products helps keep money within the local economy. Another way is by recommending them to friends and family. Word-of-mouth can help small businesses attract new customers and grow. Leaving positive reviews online and following on social media. You can also support local businesses by using their services, such as hiring local mechanics, barbers, plumbers, or photographers. Supporting does not always require spending more money. Small choices can make a big difference. By choosing local whenever possible, we can help protect jobs, encourage entrepreneurship, and build stronger communities. Here are some of our favourite local businesses. KITCHENS DEPOT, 810 Rye St, Peterborough 705-743-3760 Owner, Gary Williams, cares very much about his customers. At the heart is a simple phylosophy, ‘We’re only as good as our last project,’ he says. It’s a mindset that keeps him focused on the details, from the first conversation and design consultation through installation and the final walkthrough. Every project matters because the team cares about each and every customer they serve. Serving the Kawarthas for 7 years. www.kitchensdepot.ca KAWARTHA KELLI & CO. Realtor, 49 King St, Bobcaygeon 705-743-2110 Kelli Lovell, Broker and fonder of and Kawartha Kelli & Company REALTORS® has over 15 years experience serving Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough. Specializing in residential, waterfront, cottage, homes and land. Kelli combines personalized guidance, extensive local knowledge, innovative marketing, strategic pricing, and trusted advice. Her expertise, dedication, and client-focused approach help properties stand out, attract qualified buyers, and achieve successful results in any market. www.kawarthakelli.ca

THE CHOCOLATE RABBIT, Bancroft, Lakefield & Peterborough 705-652-8884 Owners Scot and Elaine have 3 locations (Bancroft, Lakefield, & Peterborough), and are the heart of the business, personally making the chocolate for all three locations at their Peterborough factory. Their family-driven approach means every truffle, seasonal creation, and new product receives hands-on care and attention. Family, craftsmanship, creativity, and tradition are at the core of everything they do, creating chocolates for customers’ celebrations, holidays, gifts, and family traditions. www.thechocolaterabbit.ca

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Santa Cruz de Tenerife

KAWARTHA WHOLESALE BAKERY AND DELI, 2 Commerce Place, Lindsay 705-324-7736 Kawartha Wholesale Bakery has been a cornerstone of the Lindsay community for over 25 years, and owner, Jeff Strybosch takes pride in contributing more than just exceptional baked goods. His passion for baking, which began at 12, has driven him to support countless local initiatives including donations to food banks, team sponsorships, and charity events. Kawartha Wholesale Bakery is here to serve not only great food for you to enjoy, but also to foster a spirit of togetherness and generosity. Once you try their baked goods, you will be a customer for life! www.kawarthawholesalebakery.ca CENTRE & MAIN CHOCOLATE, 50 Centre St, Warkworth 705-868-2068 Angela Roest is the founder and head chocolatier of Centre + Main Chocolate. Her path to chocolate was circuitous, but once she began, she noticed something peculiar: using local food was everywhere in food culture... except in chocolate. As a devoted shopper at farmers’ markets, she knew that much local flavour was simply overlooked. Since starting her own business 9 years ago, she’s collaborated with dozens of farmers and food producers to highlight local flavours in chocolate. www.centreandmainchocolate.com EMPIRE CHEESE CO-OPERATIVE, 1120 County Rd 8, Campbellford 705-653-3187 Empire Cheese is owned by local dairy farmers who hold an election each year to vote in a Board of Directors to run the factory..The Empire Cheese Co-op is the only cheese manufacturing plant operating in Northumberland County and the first one east of Toronto! We are HACCP registered, the top of the heap in food quality standards! The majority of Empire Cheese is sold through the factory store and various outlets in the Kawarthas and surrounding areas. www.empirecheese.ca LAKESHORE DESIGNS, 2968 Lakefield Rd, Selwyn 705-748-3875 Angela Jones is the founder of Lakeshore Designs, an award-winning Ontario renovation and turn-key interior design firm serving clients since 2004. With over 30 years of experience, she blends timeless design, feng shui, and wellbeing to create beautiful, meaningful spaces. Angela has appeared on television, served as a Cottage Designer for the Princess Margaret Lottery, and is an NLP Master Practitioner and Feng Shui Practitioner. Angela has built a reputation for transforming homes into spaces that feel as good as they look — blending timeless design with feng shui principles and an intuitive understanding of how environment shapes wellbeing. She is also the author of Space Speaks: Are You Listening? www.lakeshorehd.ca Continued on next page

Keeping It Local

Supporting Our Businesses

JOHNSTON HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING & DUCT CLEANING SERVICES 347 Pido Rd, Unit 6, Peterborough 705-742-8769 Family owned and proudly serving Peterborough for over 99 years, Brad Johnston is committed to providing professional and affordable HVAC system installation and repair services and duct cleaning services. Brad’s years of experience (and prior to that his father’s) taught him to handle any job in a timely manner, no matter how complicated. Their reputation and good name has been built on the referrals from their satisfied customers. johnstonductcleaning.ca neiljohnstonheating.ca THE ONTARIO DOG TRAINER, 814 Lifford Rd, Bethany 705-761-2159 Karen Laws is a certified professional dog trainer and founder of The Dog Trainer TRIBE Training Academy, powered by Ontario Dog Trainer. Her background spans education, wildlife biology, and competitive field dog work, giving her a practical, no-nonsense read on behaviour and business alike. Karen’s real-world approach cuts through the noise. www.ontariodogtrainer.com GRIFFINS GREENHOUSES, 3026 Lakefield Rd, Selwiyn 705-652-8638 Celebrating 50 years, a family business run by Vikki, General Manager, , Ann, Jack & Kyle - expanded Griffin’s Greenhouses with seasonal workshops and community speaking engagements. Kyle joined as Greenhouse Manager, streamlining operations and enhancing the award-winning Display Garden. Robin joined in 2020 to manage the Barn Store, while Darryl became Office Manager following his education career. Today, grandchildren Ben, Olivia, Jake, and Mitchell help, continuing a true family tradition of gardening, creativity, and community. www.griffinsgreenhouses.com SAGE & SOUL COLLECTIVE, 4 Union St, Millbrook 905-244-8030 Amanda Willett is a leadership coach, business advisor, and Co-Founder of Sage & Soul Collective. Amanda helps people and workplaces thrive, her passion for seasonal living inspired the creation of The Ritual Cart. She creates seasonal wellness experiences rooted in elements of nature. Her forthcoming book, “The Ritual Cart Botanical Almanac” is a seasonal guide celebrating recipes, botanicals, traditions, and everyday rituals. www.sagesoulcollective.com HRS GROUP, 680 The Parkway, Unit 3, Peterborough 705-749-1259 Jay Hennessey, General Manager and Safety Trainer/Consultant, is one of HS Canada’s Top 25 Safety Professionals under 40 years of age. HRS Group are proudly in their 30th year providing Occupational Health & Safety training and consulting services and marking this important milestone with a refreshed brand identity that reinforces their mission, purpose, and partnership-driven approach - Partners in Workplace Safety. www.hrsgroup.com 38 38

CHEMONG LODGE, 764 Hunter St, Bridgenorth 705-292-8435 The Brown family became the fifth family to steward Chemong Lodge when they reopened its doors in 2021. An iconic Bridgenorth gathering place since 1895, its legacy is one they’re proud to carry forward. Today, the Browns are honoured to serve their community through the restaurant and events across the Kawarthas, welcoming more than 40,000 guests each year with exceptional food and warm, genuine hospitality. www.chemonglodge.com BIGLEY SHOES & CLOTHING, 39 Bolton St, Bobcaygeon 705-738-2522 Bigley’s has been family-owned and operated for more than 115 years, starting with a small shoe store into a popular shopping destination. Bigley’s has grown into several stores in downtown Bobcaygeon - the main store, Bigley’s Beach House, Bigley’s Mercantile, Bigley’s Little Shoppe, Bigley’s Cottage Kitchen, and Bigley’s Sweet Treats. Together, the stores have helped make Bigley’s a popular destination for locals, cottagers and visitors to the Kawarthas. www.bigleyshoes.com RINO ANDREOLI, TRENT VALLEY HONDA, 851 Hwy 7, Peterborough 705-304-9230 RINO has been in the auto industry in Peterborough since 1985. He enjoys it as a career and feels like it’s part of his DNA. He says, “Dealing with people can be satisfying and challenging, and that’s what has motivated me over the years. I love the business aspect of the auto industry; I believe it is an important pulse on the economy, cultural shifts, environmental concerns, and other events that have shaped our world. The auto industry isn’t for everyone, but it can be for someone who invests time and effort and has a genuine interest in cars, as I do”. www.tvhonda.com KAWARTHA COUNTRY WINES, 2452 County Rd 36, Buckhorn 705-657-9916 This family owned business. established by John Rufa in 2004. The winery specializing in innovative fruit wines, ciders, coolers, vinegars and gourmet preserves and offer free tastings. John sources fruits and berries directly from family owned regional operations. The winery hosts public events in their dedicated event space. They bring in local musicians to their outdoor space where visitors can enjoy the afternoon while eating wood fired pizza. www.kawarthacountrywines.ca FOUR POINTS CONSTRUCTION 705-740-7706 BIRCHVIEW EXCAVATING 705-652-7084 Four Points Construction & Birchview Excavating was founded in 2013 by Tim Fosbery and Matthew Moore. They met while working on a custom cottage build and quickly realized they would make a great team. They both bring a unique skillset and extensive experience to the table. Tim and Matt pride themselves on their craftmanship and attention to detail. They are always mindful of their client’s timeline and budget and believe in full transparency to ensure a smooth process. They both reside in Peterborough and are committed to building quality custom homes and cottages anywhere in the Kawartha Lakes area. www.fourpointsconstruction.com www.birchviewexcavating.ca 39

workplace safety Home Renovations

By Angela Beal HRS Group (705) 749-1259

As we transition into fall many of us start to think about home projects. Home renovations come in many forms, new gardens, fresh paint on our walls, buying new furniture and simple décor to brighten up our lives. Some projects are more elaborate and complicated so we hire contractors to do the work. These projects often take more time and can be costly. Many do not realize hiring an outside contractor has numerous home owner responsibilities. When planning a large project, home owners are looking for a company that will do a quality job at a price suited to their budget. They also need to ask a few simple questions Do you have a WSIB Clearance Certificate? Do you have Liability Insurance? Is your staff’s Safety Training up to date? Can I see the paperwork? I saw a roofing company working on a neighbour’s house. None of the workers were wearing safety equipment. I spoke with the supervisor asking him why his workers were not protected from potential falls. My query was challenged and laughed at. As a safety professional it was my duty to inform them that they were in contravention of the law. They did not take me seriously.

Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) or any sector regulation. All workers in the construction industry, under sector regulation 213/91, ‘Construction Projects’, are required to have Working at Heights training. The number one cause of deaths in the construction industry are falls from heights. Know your rights and responsibilities before starting your next home project.

This particular company is a legitimate roofing company in the Peterborough and surrounding area; however, they are either not aware of their reMont Verde, Sao Vicente, Cape Verde sponsibly to their workers or they really don’t care. Neither reason is a good excuse under the Ontario Call HRS Group Inc. at 705-749-1259 or go to the website www.hrsgroup.com to learn more about Working at Heights training.

Cozy Season, Safe Season: Fire Safety for Dog Owners This Fall

By Karen Laws www.ontariodogtrainer.com Certified Professional

There’s a particular kind of happiness that arrives with the first cool evening of fall — the kind that comes from a crackling fire, a soft blanket, and a dog curled up contentedly at your feet. After months of long walks in the heat, this is the season dog owners look forward to: slower nights, warm light, and the simple pleasure of sharing quiet time with your pet. But that same cozy glow — candles flickering, fireplaces going, space heaters humming in the corner — comes with real risk.

Every year, more than 1,000 house fires are started by pets. A curious cat can knock over a candle. A dog can bump a space heater or nudge a stove knob. A chewed cord can spark something far more serious. Dogs and cats don’t understand fire the way we do — they can’t recognize the danger, open a door, or call for help. In a real emergency, you are their only plan. The good news is that safety and coziness aren’t at odds. A few small shifts make all the difference: - Swap real candles for battery-powered ones. The same warm glow, none of the risk. - Keep leashes and carriers by the door, so you can move fast if you ever need to. - Test your smoke detectors and set a schedule for battery changes. - Build a grab-and-go pet emergency kit with food, water, meds, and vet papers. - Walk through your home and rethink anything near open flame or exposed cords.

Fall is meant to be savoured — the fire, the stillness, the dog snoring softly beside you. A few minutes of prevention now means you get to enjoy it all without worry, all season long. Karen Laws is a certified professional dog trainer and founder of The Dog Trainer TRIBE Training Academy, powered by Ontario Dog Trainer — the business she’s built over decades of hands-on training, mentoring, and helping dog lovers turn their passion into a paycheck. Her background spans education, wildlife biology, and competitive field dog work, giving her a practical, no-nonsense read on behaviour and business alike. Whether you’re testing the waters with a side hustle, eyeing a full career change, or already working with dogs and ready to sharpen your skills, Karen’s real-world approach cuts through the noise and gets you moving. 41

JASON MCCOY

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JAY: You ended up playing in bands, obviously. When did you decide that you wanted to do this for a living? JASON: I started off playing guitar when I was, maybe 12, 13 years old. I didn’t get serious about it till I was probably 16. My uncle saw an ad in the paper. They were looking for a guitar player for a band called ‘Three Quarter Country’. We started playing the legions and clubs around Midland, all that kind of stuff. That was my first introduction to country, as I never got into rock and roll at all; it’s always been country for me. I loved Randy Travis. I’d always sing the Randy Travis song, and they’d always call me Little Randy. I wanted to be Randy. He set the bar for what country music could be; traditional country could be really cool and popular. JAY: Now, did you ever consider another career? Was there a backup plan? JASON: Music is the backup plan. My dad always had airplanes, so we had a Cessna. I was born in Barrie, but when I was about three, we moved out to Camrose, Alberta, and we moved back, but my first memories are actually of Alberta. And my dad used to have an airplane at an airstrip on the farm. He used to work at the bank in Camrose, and instead of driving the 45 minutes around the lake, he’d just get in the plane and fly 10 minutes. Left a bicycle at the airport, then ride the bike to work and then fly home. He was a rock star. JAY: That is a rock star move right there. That is awesome. JASON: Yeah, and then planes were a big part of our youth, and then my sister got her license. She just retired from Air Canada as a 777 captain. I was gonna be a pilot; I was the youngest licensed pilot in Canada on August 27th, 1987. That was what I was gonna do, but I also recorded some songs at the same time, and it just took off, 42

and I forgot to quit. (Laughs) JAY: Wow. Do you still fly today? JASON: Not really. I got current last year again. My son is taking lessons. He’d like to pursue aviation. I’m certainly supportive of that. But I just found that music took my attention and you gotta be focused on one or the other. JAY: You have to put in the 10,000 hours. JASON: It’s really true, eh? JAY: Achieved a record deal pretty young and had success right out of the gate? JASON: Fairly successful. We released a few songs on our own... just independent. Then MCA Records Canada had a couple of development deal options for me, and we did a test release. I released Playing for Keeps, and we had ‘Born Again in Dixieland’ on it, and that was a real big one for me, and that was game on. JAY: With continued success, did you feel pressure as a songwriter to keep the momentum going? JASON: It didn’t feel like there was any pressure. It was a passion and a pursuit. I was gonna do it anyway, and it just so happened that I got to be successful at it and make a living at it. You’re just always programmed to think a certain way; you might as well do it ‘cause you’re just gonna explode if you don’t. (Laughs) JAY: So back in those days, were there moments you thought, “What the hell am I doing here?” (Laughs) JASON: A lot of ‘em, right? (Laughs) They’re your heroes. Got to open for Merle, Kenny Chesney, been all over the world. More on the songwriter side of things. I got to work with Rory Burke, who wrote ‘Most Beautiful Girl in the World’ for Charlie Rich. A guy named Jeffrey Steele as well, a songwriter. He’s written all the ‘90s stuff. I think more on the songwriter side; that’s really where I see myself, in that chair.

“Music is the backup plan. I was gonna be a pilot.”

JAY: 2004, you start The Road Hammers. How did that come about? JASON: I had just come off a solo record, ‘Sin, Lies and Angels’, and I didn’t know what to do. Country music was going in this super pop, Shania Twain world, but also had George Strait. I was somewhere in the middle. I was talking to my friend who ran CMT at the time, Ted Ellis. I said, “Look I kinda wanna just do a little trucker tribute record, see where it goes, just to have some fun.” He said, “Why don’t we film you making it?” It was back when reality shows were a big thing. Chris Byrne was already in my band, so that was an easy one. Clay Bellamy was playing on the same circuit, but never had radio success. It was a great introduction; he was a fantastic performer and a strong talent. Clay has his own album coming out this fall. ‘Soft Kind of Loud’. Released our first record, and it was number one out of the gate, and it’s just been hammered down ever since, pardon the pun. (Laughs) JAY: I actually just watched you and Clayton on ‘Mantracker’ from Elliot Lake again; absolutely still great stuff, my friend. Encourage everyone to watch it on YouTube. JASON: Isn’t that crazy? It was so much fun. We were playing up in Sault Ste. Marie. And then we looked over, and we said, “That’s Phil from Mantracker, the sidekick.” We’re like, “No way”. We struck up a conversation; next thing you know, we’re on the show. And that was so much fun. I’ve never been so tired, but we beat him. (Laughs) JAY: Now with all of this stuff going on, solo career, Road Hammers, and then you started a radio side career. Was it to stay closer to home? JASON: No, it was gonna be the retirement plan, get off the road. It’s still part of the business, just a different area of it. You know what? It just didn’t work out that way. I’m doing radio, but then we Continued on next page

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keep getting these shows. Radio allows me the time to tour, but I’m kinda burning the candle at both ends, which isn’t smart. At the same time, it’s a wonderful opportunity. I don’t take it for granted, but I gotta pace myself.

and Clay does a rockstar thing, swings his headstock up, and I was leaning in at the same time, and it knocked me right out on stage. Blood everywhere. Lucky, he didn’t take my head off. But that’s rock ‘n’ roll. (Laughs)

JAY: Yet another success on your hands. The Road Hammers are in a new chapter with recent music like ‘Dirty Hands, Clean Money’, ‘Till the Wheels Fall Off’. Killer songs. How did you get involved with Ian Thornley? JASON: That one was Clay. I don’t know how he first connected, but Ian and then Tyler Connolly have always been very close friends in country music. Tyler Connolly from Theory of a Deadman. He’s done some stuff with Aaron Pritchett in the past, and he’s just a great talent, and he just loves music; country music was part of his thing growing up. Actually, just did a show in Rimbey, Alberta, with The Hammers and Big Wreck, and I was talking to Ian Thornley. He’s an artist, right? He’s so fantastic.

JAY: Best gig ever you had? JASON: You know what? We co-headlined a festival with the Scorpions in Tours, France. That was really wild to be on the bill with those guys. It was one of those weird European festivals where it doesn’t matter what genre you are. It was wonderful. We’ve had a lot of great gigs, man. I don’t think we’ve had any stinkers, really, like, too bad. We played in China. We did a five-show, five-date tour in China, and that was a little odd. We were over there with the Canadian Consulate, and it’s not like the crowds knew who we were. It was an oddity, but it was fun.

JAY: What’s on a Jason McCoy rider? JASON: Oh, gosh, bottles of water, and we’ll take what we’re given and be happy for it. Actually, the only weird thing we ask for, and that’s just with The Hammers, is black socks. If you’re on the road for a long, extended period of time and you get black socks, man, it is just awesome. If you need a few socks, it’s hard to get out on your own and get them. JAY: Is there a ‘Spinal Tap’ tour story that’s ever happened to you and the band that you could share? JASON: Yeah, we’ve had a few. (Laughs) I guess just lots of mishaps. With The Hammers, we’ve had lots of tumbles on stage, and I used to get on Clay’s shoulders and do guitar solos, and Sal one night put his tooth through his pants and his leg and blood everywhere. Another night we were playing the Juno Party, I think it was in Newfoundland, and it was after the Junos, and we won. It was a big night for us, and we were playing this after-party, 44

JAY: What does a perfect day look like for you when you’re not working? JASON: We take the boat out in Georgian Bay. Got a 22-foot Bow Rider, and we spend a lot of time doing that. My sister’s got a cottage up there, so we’re up as often as we can. Not near enough, ‘cause summer’s my make-hay season, right? A perfect day for me, and it doesn’t happen often enough, but I think it’s gonna be this afternoon: just shutting my phone off and hanging with my daughter or son. My son’s home today, and maybe we’ll just get working on his truck, stuff like that. JAY: Thank you so much, Jason. Enjoy your perfect afternoon! JASON: Thank you, Jay! Talk to you soon. Instagram @thejasonmccoy Facebook Jason McCoy www.jasonmccoy.com www.theroadhammers.ca YouTube theroadhammers

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Randy was a new dad — his daughter Rhiannon was just six months old when filming began, his son Grady was three — and he and his wife Melissa had just moved into a new house. Then came the pandemic, a new baby, a new show, and a new normal that nobody had planned for. “It was a big head-scratcher,” Randy says. “But it wasn’t just us. The whole world was shut down.” What saved the show, in practical terms, was Newfoundland’s approach to the pandemic restrictions. The province was strict about quarantine but allowed people to return to work once the isolation period was completed. The production company made the unusual decision to relocate to the island entirely, moving the crew there for roughly five months so filming could continue. “Newfoundland was allowing people to come in if you quarantined for two weeks,” Randy explains. “Once you’re through that, you’re able to go to work. It was challenges — a new show thrown into a pandemic — but we got through it.” Season one through two was, as Randy puts it, “a whirlwind.” But it worked. The show didn’t just survive the pandemic — it thrived in it, finding an audience hungry for something real, something handmade, something rooted in a place that felt untouched by the chaos of the wider world. What It Takes to Build a Crew (And a Show) Rock Solid Builds is shot by a crew of four, sometimes five: a producer, two camera operators, and a sound person. There’s no elaborate scripted framework to follow. The plan, as Randy describes it, is to hit record and see what happens. “It’s basically follow us as on every day-to-day job site,” he says. “Other than telling viewers what we’re doing, it’s just: hit the record button, see what happens.” The small crew size is deliberate, and it’s one of the reasons the show feels so immediate and unguard-

ed. A four-person production team becomes part of the furniture quickly. People forget the cameras are there. And when a moment happens — a funny argument between Randy and his father, a surprise complication on a heritage renovation, a kid sledding with the film crew — it gets captured because nobody was performing. “Being a small crew, we got to know them very fast,” Randy says. “They were one of us. Once you’ve got a mic on, you even forget they’re there shooting a TV show. We were just being ourselves and going at the work.” The show’s authenticity extends to the dynamic between Randy and his father, whose on-screen bickering has become one of the most beloved elements of the series. Two men, two generations, two ways of doing things — getting to the finish line the same way, but not always agreeing on the route. “He’s half old school,” Randy says of his dad, with obvious affection. “When me and him are working together, sometimes he wants to do it his way. But it’s a funny thing — that bickering, as you’ve seen on the show.” Fame, Familiarity and What Hasn’t Changed When Rock Solid Builds became a genuine hit — one that reaches viewers not just across Canada but in the United States and Australia — Randy had to adjust to something he hadn’t fully anticipated: being recognized. He remembers the first time it really hit him. He was out somewhere with the kids and a woman came up and started talking to him. He turned to Melissa, genuinely puzzled. “I said, ‘Man, how does she know me?’” His wife’s response was simple: “You were on TV.” Since then, recognition has become part of the routine. He’s been spotted in Florida by someone wearing a Rock Solid sweatshirt. He’s had Australian tourists show up at his coffee shop to tell him Continued on next page

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how much they love the show. His community in Brigus has adjusted too — not in the sense that anything has fundamentally changed, but in the practical sense that his showroom drew 7,000 visitors in the season one year alone, and the town has had the occasional traffic jam because of it. “Everybody’s pretty good,” Randy says when asked if his neighbors treat him differently. “I never changed, so it’s still normal. You go down toward town and you’re just doing your normal thing.”

lighthouse, then to Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America. For those willing to drive a bit further, Trinity and Gros Morne round out his top five — the latter being one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country. The drone footage viewers see on Rock Solid Builds captures some of it, but Randy says that even after a lifetime there, he’s learned to see the landscape through the eyes of visitors who come looking for exactly that.

The Vindicator Press: Coffee, Croissants and Community If you thought Randy Spracklin was busy enough between running a construction company and starring in a television show, he’s recently added a third venture to the mix: a coffee shop called the Vindicator Press.

“We take it for granted, ‘cause we’re living there all the time,” he says. “But when you see the drone shots, it makes a lot of people want to visit Newfoundland, and this summer has been crazy.”

The name, characteristically, comes from history. The Vindicator was an actual newspaper published in Brigus in the 1800s, and Randy had been holding onto the name for years, knowing he wanted to use it for something. He’s always loved coffee. He loves baking. The combination felt inevitable.

Season Four and What’s Coming Rock Solid Builds is currently airing its fourth season, and Randy isn’t slowing down. The new episodes continue the show’s tradition of blending family warmth with genuinely impressive craftsmanship, including a lighthouse project that has already generated considerable buzz. There are personal builds mixed in this season, and Randy promises it gets better as it goes.

“Even before the show, it was something I thought about doing,” he says. “And again, it just happened organically. The building was there, and it was just the right time and the right place.” Ask Randy about food, and his answer is revealing. While a lot of people from Newfoundland might lead with seafood — the province is famous for its lobster, crab, and cod — Randy goes a different direction. “I’m a big pastry lover. Croissants, blueberry scones, that kind of stuff. I would drive probably two hours if I thought somewhere had the best croissant just to taste it and see.” Why Newfoundland Is Worth the Trip For those of us who haven’t yet made it to the island, Randy has a simple message: go. He recommends starting in Brigus, naturally. From there, he’d send visitors out to Ferryland to see the 46

If you go in May or June, he adds, you’ve got a good chance of seeing icebergs and whales at the same time. That alone seems worth the ferry ride.

As for a fifth season — that’s the goal. Randy is 40, he notes, with many building years still ahead of him. The audience is growing, the show is finding new fans internationally, and the family at the center of it all seems to be enjoying the ride. “Thanks for always tuning in,” he says to the fans. “We wouldn’t be able to be doing this without them. Hopefully you’re gonna love season four and keep viewing so we can get a season five.” There’s a phrase Randy uses on the show — mint — that’s become something of a calling card. It means something is just right, exactly as it should be, well done. After spending a morning talking with the man behind it, I can say with some confidence: the show, the family, the work, the story — it’s all pretty mint.

“The last handful of years for me have been a really great reminder of just following your heart.” Rock Solid Builds airs on HOME Network. Season four is currently airing. You can find Randy Spracklin and the Vindicator Press coffee shop in Brigus, Newfoundland.

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