ATOTK A Taste of the Kawarthas Spring 2022

Spring 2022

FOOD, SHOPPING & CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

A Taste of the KAWARTHAS

Candice Olson Interior Designer Divine Design

Patrick McKenna

Actor & Funny Guy

Sarah Keenleyside Backyard Builds

Gene Kelly

Family Ties to The Kawarthas

Restaurant Review Kettle Drums

Visit

Fenelon Falls

Poisonous Plants

For Your Pets

FREE PUBLICATION - PLEASE TAKE ONE

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

Admission by donation Check our website for updates on open hours, and what to know before you visit.

300 Hunter Street East, Peterborough ON peterboroughmuseumandarchives.ca Telephone: 705-743-5180

Contents

SPRING 2022

For Online Interactive magazine go to www.atasteofthekawarthas.com

Features 12 Where’s My Coffee

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Roots in the Kawarthas

14 Candice Olson

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Patrick McKenna

22 Sarah Keenleyside

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Pet Safe House Plants

Stories from Women Working 1970’s - 1990’s Divine Design and Interior Designer Backyard Builds Designer

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Columns

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Palatable Pleasures 6 Kickin’ Recipes - Chef Brian Henry 8 Chef Jeff Curtis - Elmhirst Resort 9 Carol’s Kitchen - Grilled Lamb Chops 10 Restaurant Review - Kettle Drums 20 A Balanced Lifestyle - Making it Simple Global Getaways - Will Be Back Next Issue!

Get Out and Play 33 TSW - Trent Severn Waterways 34 Fenelon Falls - Visit the Falls 40 ATV Trails - The Kawartha ATV Association Pets 45 Pet Safe House Plants 46 Pets - 7 Ways NOT to Walk you Dog 47 Vets - Microchipping 4

Actor & Dancer Gene Kelly Actor & Comedian

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Lifestyle 12 Where’s My Coffee - Working Women Stories 14 Candice Olson - Interior Designer Divine Design 19 Spring Cleaning - Brighten up a Room 20 Renovate Your Kitchen - Do It With Style 22 Sarah Keenleyside - Backyard Builds Designer 26 Organize Your Life - Storage Solutions 32 Home - Spring Flowers 36 Patrick McKenna - Actor & Comedian 42 Navagating Alzheimer’s Disease

Real Estate 28 Real Estate Talk - Gene Kelly Connection 31 Home Inspections - Regular Maintenance

A note From the Editor

Finally! The weather is changing! And I’m crossing my fingers that there are no more waves of the dreaded

Covid. It’s been SO hard for everyone to stay optimistic and a learning experience for sure! Some people have learned how resiliant they are, and some have learned that they can live on a lot less money than they thought.

Anyway (sigh) enough! Let’s shake off the cobwebs and get back to living!

There are wonderful events happening this summer and I hope you and your family take advantage of them.

Shows are happening, live music is here again and restaurants are full capacity and are excited to see you. If you are still hesitant about getting out and about and mingling, the Kawarthas are full of amazing places to go where you can be away from crowds. Personally, I love our backyard and plan to utilize it to the fullest as we have done during Covid.

We have a big surprise for you in the Summer issue! I can’t give you details, but I CAN say that this surpirse came to us from Margaret Swaine in her local travels. She sent us an article for the current issue, but it’s just too good not to be the cover story, so we are hanging on to it for the next issue.

We pride ourselves on not being an advertorial publication.

Karen Irvine - Editor, Video Editor, Videographer, Photographer, Social Media Diva & Motorcycle Enthusiast Email - atasteofthekawarthas@gmail.com Facebook - A Taste of the Kawarthas Magazine

Website - www.atasteofthekawarthas.com Instagram - @atasteofthekawarthas

Contributors Margaret Swaine Author, Travel, Wine, Golf, Spas & Spirits Columnist Travel & Spirits Editor Karen Laws Ontario Dog Trainer

Chef Brian Henry Chef Extraordinaire & ATOTK Food Editor

Susan Carboni A Balanced Lifestyle Carol Turner Carol’s Kitchen

Jay Lough Hayes Real Estate Broker

Signe Langford Signe’s Kitchen

Danielle French South Pond Farms

Jay Cooper Musician, Graphics Designer

Emily Hoogsteen Kitchen Renovations

Dr. Kelly Wasylciw Veterinarian Dianne Guzik The Art of Home Inspections

Vikki Whitney Pet Friendly Plants

Nicole Cooke Organized by Design Carolyn Richards Kawartha ATV Association

Michelle Savage Home Staging

Dr. Ingram Dementia Series

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

Photographers

Karen Irvine, KATVA, Brandon Barre, HGTV Canada, Patrick McKenna © 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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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!

ANGLE IRON STEAK DINNER I feel like we are all coming out of an extended two year Covid induced hibernation which I can’t really sugar coat ‘cuz I’m not Willy Wonka and feel like I’ve just come down off of a two year acid trip that had me running blindly through a Rob Zombie house of horrors that has left me stripped, shorn and raw.

It’s been a wild ride but it’s time to come back stronger and tougher than ever… please ignore the eye twitch and new scars.

If anything Covid has taught us anything its best to keep it simple, work with what you have and appreciate life’s indulgences like coffee, chocolate and red wine. These three ingredients inspired me to create the Angle Iron Steak Spice and when proportionately combined with a few other seasonings makes for a decadent tasting steak with that balls out reveals Montreal Steak spice for what it is… expensive flavored salt.

I’m aware that we should be eating less meat and more plant based foods and proteins, but until I find ones that taste and feel like steak I will continue to occasionally indulge in red meat without judgment, just more moderation.

The following recipe makes for a simple but spectacular meal and can easily be adapted to steaks on the barbeque and forgo some of the work. To make this recipe extra debauched serve the meat with a bit of melted butter drizzled over it and remember to indulge once in a while. You will need to quaff bold red wine or dark beer while feasting on this one.

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INGREDIENTS: 2 -3 lb Beef Tenderloin, center cut 2-4 oz Angle Iron Steak Spice* 3-4 oz clarified butter, melted 1 cup dry red wine 2 cups good quality beef or veal stock ½ tsp Kick Ass Cajun Seasoning*

and hot before adding the clarified butter and quickly sear the tenderloin on all sides by turning it in the butter, pressing firmly; to produce a solid brown sear on its outside. Transfer tenderloin to a rack lined roasting pan. Place in the oven for 15 min per lb of meat and allow for 15 minutes of resting for medium rare roast.

*Spices from The Spice Company www.thespiceco.ca

For the sauce, simmer the wine in a sauce pan until it is almost all evaporated.

Add the Cajun seasoning and beef stock and continue simmering until reduced by half. Stir in any juices from the roasting pan into sauce. Strain any juices from the beef into the sauce in the saucepan.

The finished tenderloin can be served in thin slices or cut into thicker steak-like cuts.

METHOD: Pre-heat oven to 425 °f on a roast or bake setting, with no convection fan. Pat tenderloin dry with paper towel before vigorously and evenly rubbing the Angle Iron Steak Spice into the tenderloin.

Pre-heat a large, well-seasoned, cast iron skillet or heavy bottomed frying pan over med-high heat. Make sure the pan is good

Serve with sliced tomatoes from the garden and roasted sweet potatoes.

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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Chefs of the Kawarthas Chef Jeff Curtis

I met up with Jeff at Elmhirst’s Resort. We

By Karen Irvine Editor, ATOTK

had an interesting conversation and I learned a lot about what makes him tick. Chef Jeff is a Red Seal Chef who started working in the industry at a very young age. His mom got him a job at the restaurant she worked at.

He has been a chef for 8 years, and has been Head Chef at Elmhirst’s Resort for the past two years overseeing 12 kitchen staff.

Jeff ’s formal education is in Ancient History and Classical Literature. He laughs, “It’s easy to joke about, but I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t helped. Having formal education and being able to write well and express myself well has really helped me function in a leadership capacity.”

His favourite genre to cook is Barbeque. He says, “I Adore BBQ. We have a lovely hardwood BBQ program. We Smoke our own beef, duck, turkey and even tofu. It’s pretty spectacular.

Also, charcoal is always a delight.”

There’s not much that Jeff doesn’t have a hand in, although he has specialists, such as a pastry Chef.

Guest satisfaction is his highest priority. He says, “It’s wonderful to hear from guests. You want to make sure everything is perfect. It’s connecting with people. We are on a beautiful lake and have a very specific identity, being a family business that has been here for generations. And we have food that’s grown right on the property. We have a sizable vegetable garden and a farm. What I care about is putting our best food forward.”

Elmhirst’s is a Feast On Certified property, which means we are part of the Canadian 8

Culinary Tourism Alliance. Elmhirst dedicate themselves to representing Ontario. 49% of the food served is grown in Ontario, 25% is grown on their property and 95% of all alcohol is from Ontario. Having the farm makes it a truly organic experience. “We are very passionate

about Feast On certification. We raise our own beef, duck and turkey on the farm. It is an integral part of what happens at the resort. In the near future, the culinary team will be more involved in that, and will be involved in the cattle round up. The cattle are Angus and are very well loved and taken care of. They are finished sustainably in a local operation who have an ethanol plant and they use the spent cooked corn used to make ethanol at the cattle finishing plant. The beef is AAA and has very nice marbling. It is dry aged for three weeks, then wet aged for three weeks.

Chef Jeff is very enthusiastic about his work and says this is his dream job. He says, “Please come visit and enjoy some farm-raised beef, duck and turkey.”

It’s the perfect year to visit and use your Staycation Tax Credit that the Ontario Government is offering!

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Carol’s Kitchen

By Carol Turner @carolturner9319

Grilled Lamb Chops with Mediterranean Salad

Nothing says spring like the first BBQ of the season! Tender grilled lamb loin, generously seasoned with (The Spice Co.) Plate O’S Greek Seasoning, paired with a colourful vegetable salad makes for a fast and flavourful meal. Serve with your favourite red or white wine (or beverage of choice!).

Serves 4 INGREDIENTS: 2 Lbs trimmed lamb loin chops 2 TBSP Olive Oil (plus 1/4 Cup for basting while on the grill) 3 TBSP (The Spice Co.) Plate O’s Greek Seasoning * SALAD 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped 1 English cucumber, chopped 1 Yellow pepper, chopped 1 Small red onion, chopped 2 Ripe avocados, chopped just before serving 1/3 C Kalamata olives (pitted or whole) 1/3 C cubed Feta cheese VINAIGRETTE 3 TBSP red wine vinegar 1/2 clove garlic, finely chopped 1/4 TSP lemon zest 1 TSP honey 1 TSP dried oregano 1/4 TSP Dijon mustard 1/4 TSP each, salt and pepper

3. Prepare vinaigrette by whisking all ingredients except olive oil in a large bowl. While continuing to whisk, slowly add olive oil until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Set aside.

4. Set grill to high direct heat and lightly oil grate.

Grill chops until medium-rare, roughly 3-4 minutes per side. Baste with olive oil once or twice. Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes.

GARNISH Fresh oregano and lemon slices DIRECTIONS 1. Brush lamb chops with olive oil and season with Plate O’s Appetitive Greek Seasoning (The Spice Co).

Refrigerate until ready to grill. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling to bring to room temperature.

2. Combine all salad ingredients except avocado and feta cheese. Refrigerate.

5. While lamb is resting - add vinaigrette, chopped avocado and feta to salad and gently toss.

6. Serve lamb and salad on individual plates and garnish with fresh oregano and lemon slices. *Plate O’s Greek Seasoning can be purchased at www.thespiceco.ca or at Angle Iron Kitchen, 15 Charlotte St, Lakefield (705) 875-0428

Follow Carol on Instagram @carolturner9319 10

Restaurant Review

By Karen Irvine Editor

Kettle Drums

Kettle Drums is is one of my ‘go to’ meeting spots in Peterborough. The consistency of delicious food along with great service makes for an enjoyable experience.

The appetizers are good portions, so keep that in mind if you are having a full meal! My favourite dish is their thin crust pizza with ample toppings, including the gluten free option. The pasta choices have excellent sauces and the perfect serving size. Mouth watering deserts fill the menu - the bumbleberry crumble with ice cream finishes a meal perfectly. Or the cheesecake is just like mom makes AND you can order a full size cake to WOW any party!

Prices are reasonable and portions are large, so enjoy the experience!

Where's My Coffee?

Stories from women who worked in the 1960's - 1990's

For women who worked in the 1960’s -1990’s, you know exactly what these stories represent. We fought our way to equality, and even decency, in the workplace. My story is from the late 1970’s. Every day, my boss would walk in and say, ‘Where’s my coffee?’ After 3 weeks I had had enough - I politely told him that the coffee was down the hall and around the corner where it has always been. I was fired.

Here are stories from other women who were treated like this, and worse. We’ve come a long way, baby!

‘For my first job as a secretary, we had to have a medical before being hired. I got the job because I passed the medical, but the girl before me got let go because she failed it – she was overweight.’

‘I worked as a Law Clerk in Toronto in the 80’s – I had a lot of pant suits. I was told I couldn’t wear pants, I had to wear skirts or dresses. We weren’t allowed to show our arms – no short sleeves or sleeveless.’

‘I wasn’t allowed to wear pant suits at a large corporation in the early 80’s. When I was setting up for a product demo, I bent over to load the photocopier.

This creep of a manager tried his damnest to look down the front of my dress, then moved to see if he could look up my dress. I asked what he thought he was doing. He went straight to my manager and complained that I was insubordinate. My manager was a woman and when I told her, she went to HR. I have no idea if anything was done, in those days you were never told the outcome. Today he would be in serious trouble.’

‘I was a radio broadcast News Director & morning show co-host. The company created gold rings with a purple setting that depicted a broadcast tower. I was considered middle management but was told that men on staff could earn the ring but the women had to purchase them. One female manager complained that it was totally unfair the way women were treated. A male manager came in with a ring wrapped in a tampon box and threw it on her desk.

He said, ‘this should shut you up’. I bought one of those rings, it was a keepsake of my radio days. It cost me $100, which was a huge expense in those days. The nasty male managers who had no regard for women were in the business for years afterwards and never changed.’

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‘The boss called me in his office after 8 months. I thought I was getting a raise as I was doing a really good job. Instead he told me I had to start making coffee and wear dresses/skirts. I said no and got fired. After that I got a great job. One door closes and a better one opens.’

‘Unfortunately, my initial experiences were nasty and my only resort was to get out – without risking a career, a degree, or life. My thesis advisor at Carleton University for Journalism shut the door and pulled out his penis when I went to discuss my progress with him! I left immediately and tried again a few weeks later. Same result. I switched my thesis and thus my advisor after that. He was there another 10 years before the culture changed enough that students complained and he was charged and convicted.’

‘On my first day at Parliament Hill as a special assistant to the cabinet minister, the deputy minister of the department called and told me in extremely sexually explicit detail what he wanted to do to me. He said if I reported the call to anyone, no one would believe me and that he had the contacts to have me ‘disappear’ if I made a fuss. It was my first full time job so I put up with the daily harassment – and it got worse – for 2-1/2 years before I left Ottawa for good with a work record to land an excellent job in Toronto. These are stories of survival rather than triumph. On a lighter note, regarding not wearing pants to work, I wore a jumpsuit on the first date with a guy I was really keen on. We went to the top of a swanky hotel in Ottawa to dine. They refused to let me in because of the pants. He took me home and that was the end of that.’

market bakery butcher restaurant fresh...

baked bread & pastries quality meats produce home decor ONEFINEFOOD.COM PHONE: 705-742-6200 800 ERSKINE AVE, PETERBOROUGH, ON K9J 5T9

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Photo by Brandon Barre www.brandonbarre.com

CANDICE OLSON Divine Design

By Jay Cooper

Candice was born in Kenora, Ontario and raised in Calgary, Alberta. Having attended university in Calgary, she went to Ryerson University for Interior Design in Toronto and set her roots here in Ontario. Having lived a colourful life, Candice has done everything from national sports to television design shows. She continues her career in Interior Design to this day.

Jay Cooper (ATOTK): Hey Candice, thrilled to have you in the magazine. You are the second tallest woman I’ve ever interviewed.

Candice Olson (CO): Ah really! Who is number one?

ATOTK: Monika Schnarre.

CO: That’s funny! We spent time at a family cottage and she has one across the lake on the sunny side while ours in on the shady side. Taller and sunnier I guess, damn her (laughs). I used to play on the National Volleyball Team and I was the shortest one.

My roommate was 6’3” I believe and her boyfriend was 7’1”, so when we all went dancing back in the day, they would be spinning the disco ball and the disco ball barely cleared their heads! (laughs).

ATOTK: You are a mother, wife, author, a beloved TV celebrity and extremely successful entrepreneur.

CO: Oh yes, I am so-ooo fabulous! If this were inperson I would ask that you not make direct eye contact and refer to me simply as HRH! (laughs). I kind of did things backwards. I jammed out my career and, as the clock was ticking, I kind of grabbed the cutest guy at the bar and said, “Lets get married”. (laughs). My mother always said you’ll never meet a nice man in a bar and she was right. Well, we’ve been married twenty years and have two great kids, so I guess Mom’s not always right!” I had both kids pretty late in life while filming my shows so that was a juggle that continues today. We’re a very active sports family and always running between rinks, fields or the slopes it seems. With the kids getting older I made a conscious decision to dial things back and focus more on family. The time

I spend designing my home fashion collections is more flexible time where I’m not always at the mercy of client or contractor schedules.

ATOTK: Your connection to the Kawarthas?

CO: Oh gosh, I’ve been there many times and have tubs of Kawartha Diary Ice Cream in the freezer right now. But are you offering me a nice property for doing this? You’re too kind (laughs).

ATOTK: Heads up, we have Sarah Keenleyside in this issue also.

CO: Oh my gosh! I love her to bits! She’s fantastic!

You know, with Divine Design we had the best and worst of times. It was a lot of hard work and we flew by the seat of our pants. One of the things I miss is wonderful people like Sarah.

ATOTK: You went to the University of Calgary and then took Interior Design at Ryerson in Toronto?

CO: Yes, Calgary was where I played on the National Volleyball Team along with going to school.

It was such a life lesson of how to manage your time and push yourself. I then went to Ryerson for design. They had a really great internship program with a year-end show where everyone shows off their work. A lot of alumni from the program that were already working in the field come to check out the new talent and I was picked up by a big design firm. I never really looked back after 8 years being overworked and underpaid. I finally ventured out on my own specializing in retail, hospitality as well as residential design. I’m known for my lighting which I attribute to my years working in retail design. With the right lighting techniques Continued on page 16

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CANDICE OLSON a $10 blouse can look like $10,000 and the same techniques apply to the home. It’s amazing how you can transform and elevate a space with good lighting!

ATOTK: Advise for like-minded people starting out?

CO: Well, I get asked that a lot. Questions like “How do I follow in your footsteps” and my answer is, get ready to work your ass off. Probably not what you wanted to hear (laughs), but it starts with hard work.

ATOTK: So your business Candice Olson Design was established in 1994?

CO: Yes, I’ve been in the design and building biz for almost 30 years - I’ve seen it all and weathered the ups and downs. Even though I’ve earned my “expert” stripes my kids just think this longevity just adds cred to my geezer status!

on-camera - yikes, did NOT get that memo! Imagine a female Mike Holmes but not as pretty - that was me that day! Well, I stumbled and fumbled my way through it all - even let a few F-bombs fly as I recall…not good at all! When I got a call from the producers asking if I would like to do a few live show segments I honestly thought they had called the wrong number. Anyway, that kicked off a 7-year stint as a regular on both the Monday Reno-focused show and the Thursday Design show showcasing some of the projects I was working on. I also met my future husband at this time. - remember cute guy at the bar?! We started

ATOTK: You won a National Design competition?

CO: I did. It was put on by House and Home. It was a project I had done with an old abandoned house we had renovated and the best thing was, I won a trip to Greece and took my mom with me.

ATOTK: How did you get into TV? CO: Well, it was one of the producers of Home Day on City Line who saw the article from House and Home. The day of the filming I received a call from the crew asking if I could possibly come over and tour them through as the on-camera host had an emergency to attend to. Rather than cancel they wanted some footage and a sense of the project to help justify re-booking the shoot with the producers. This could not have been worse timing! We had half the city’s homes ripped apart it seems, I hadn’t slept in days trying to juggle it all and I was on a site coordinating a demo in 30C heat. Since they only had a few hours booked I headed straight over in dirty jeans, a sweaty T and work boots. As it turned out “touring” the project meant doing so 16

Photo by Brandon Barre www.brandonbarre.com

“Well, (Divine Design) would showcase real design solutions to real design problems.” to work together and brought some of those projects to viewers, taking them from the initial teardown right thru to the flower-in-the-vase phase.

This seemed to really resonate with viewers.

ATOTK: HGTV or W Network next?

CO: Well, I had received a few offers to do my own show but the concepts ran along the lines of “You’re going to redo your neighbours bedroom - you’ve got 24 hours, 20 bucks and a bag of dryer lint to do so…!” I guess it was the genre of knock-and-shock design TV at the time but it was not design, not what the profession was all about and certainly NOT for me! At that time W Network was just launching and they were looking for a flagship design show. I met with a very smart producer who said “We know you don’t want to do your own show but if you DID, what would it look like?” Very crafty approach! Well,

the show would showcase real design solutions to real design problems. I wanted to celebrate talented trades as they’re my calling card; to show how design can transform not just a home but lives and to do it all in a fun and irreverent way! And so Divine Design was born! It aired first on W Network and the following year on HGTV in the U.S. where it quickly went to #1. Everyone on that show poured their heart and soul into it and it was apparent on the screen - I’m so very proud and grateful at the same time!

ATOTK: We feature articles on decluttering. Is this the first step when you get into a new project?

CO: Residential design is part design, part therapy, psychologist and marriage councilor. You see people that have been in their home for decades where they acquire things and don’t want to let go. It takes Continued on page 18

Photo by Brandon Barre www.brandonbarre.com

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CANDICE OLSON a third party to come in and see what you can’t see.

The home might have good bones but you can’t see the forest for the trees so to speak and it’s an exercise we always go through. Whether the kids have left the house or your looking to sell, it’s something that has to be done, including spouses sometimes (laughs).

ATOTK: What’s another thing we don’t know about you?

CO: When I turned 50 I picked up tennis and I will make it to Wimbledon in my mind (laughs). It’s such a great sport and compliments the recreational side of what we do because my husband loves golf. I have met so

many great friends from tennis and, being from an athletic background, it’s the perfect fit for me.

To see more of Candice’s work and to find out what she has coming up next go to www.candiceolson.com.

And she ends the interview with her lovely bubbly, infectious laugh. It was joy to have her spend two hours of her time with me.

Candice had me in stitches throughout the conversation.

FaceBook @candiceolsondesigninc Instagram @candiceolsonesign Website www.candiceolson.com

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Twitter @candiceolson

spring cleaning

how to brighten up a room

By Michele Savage Our Uncluttered House

There’s something about spring that breathes new life into me and spills over into our home.

Not only do I enjoy spring cleaning, I love doing simple things to lighten and brighten up each room.

Changing out your curtains is an easy and affordable way to give your rooms a spring look I buy all my curtains from Ikea. They are perfect for 9 foot ceilings, or if your ceilings are lower, hang your rod at the ceiling, it will achieve the same look!

Swapping your duvet cover or comforter for something lightweight and light coloured is also an easy change. Change up your throw pillows with affordable pillow covers. Even changing your towels in your bathroom!

I also keep decor pieces in storage so I can also change up darker, heavier pieces in the spring. If you don’t have a stash like me, head to the thrift store, you’ll be surprised at what you find. A new vase for fresh (or faux) flowers or stems always does the trick!

And last but not least, give your laundry room a good spring cleaning because if you’re like me, you spend a lot of time in there during the spring cleaning process, washing all the things.

Blankets, throws, rugs, curtains….and if we’re lucky, the sun is shining and we can hang them outside to dry!

(This is our recent laundry room renovation we completed on a budget, you can find a breakdown on my website at www.ourunclutteredhouse.com).

A little before….

As always, reach out if you need help with yours.

Happy Spring!

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renovate your kitchen

By Emily Hoogsteen Lindsay Design Centre Kitchen Designed by Gary Russell

A kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, because it’s a space where you gather with

your loved ones to make and share food; something we all have a special place in our heart for!

A kitchen is also a way to reflect one’s personal style while being functional, and this kitchen is a great example of both style and functionality coming together to make a beautiful space.

This kitchen uses warm tones and soft touches to create a very calming environment. The homeowners carefully considered each element of their kitchen to make sure that their dream came alive and was a space that they will love for years to come. The painted wood cabinetry with gold accents in their faucet, light fixtures and cabinet hardware, along with the solid surface countertop with soft veining throughout created a timeless design. Easily transitional elements such as décor on the countertops and patterns in towels and artwork displayed, ensures that this kitchen stays fresh and inviting. The functionality is displayed in the cabinetry, with large drawers, perfect for tucking away kitchenware and small appliances, as well as a variety of drawer inserts that make the items you use every day easily accessible, while keeping the workspace clear. The warm sunlight shining through the large windows highlights the warm and welcoming atmosphere of this kitchen and helps to remind you that there truly is no place like home.

A Balanced Lifestyle

By Susan Carbono Healthy Lifestyles

Making Weight Loss Simple

I’ve been searching for a lifestyle that I can actually live with - not short term, but for life. The

Mediterranean Diet is not for me. Too much time in the kitchen is spent preparing dishes. I just don’t have the patience for it. (from the Winter 2021 issue).

I have lost 45 pounds so far, but I’m getting bored.

I’ve decided to work with a balanced lifestyle instead. I know that’s what Dietiticians have been saying this is best, but honestly? I’m usually too busy rebelling what is good or me to listen! Maybe this will be what I can live with long term? We will see!

I know I spoke about the psychology of eating and figuring out why I love food so much. I concluded that it stems from when I was a child. We would eat meals together at the table as a family and enjoy each others company while hearing

how everyones day went. The conversation would be lively and keep us together as a family.

Now that I’ve got the psychology figured out (I hope!), I’m going to work on cooking as a family again. It will be easier now that Spring is here. We can hang out on the deck, barbeque, enjoy the weather and each other’s company!

I buy Butcher Box products. We are still supporting local farmers, as Butcher Box beef is from the Kawarthas. All their products are amazing! Let the journey continue!

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Sarah Keenleyside B

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HGTV Designer on Backyard Builds

Sarah Keenleyside is an incredible designer, with the knowledge and work ethic to get a

project to it’s completion. Not only is she funny, charming and talented, she learned from the best - Candice Olson. For goodness sake, her Grandfather was an industrial designer who made sleeping bags and tents – they were actually used by Sir Edmund Hillary to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Enough of the intro! Welcome to Sarah’s world!

Jay Cooper (ATOTK): Thank you for the quick chat yesterday to get acquainted and I thought after about my hair choice as you asked me, and it’s a cross between Dave Grohl and early morning Rob Zombie (laughs).

Sarah Keenleyside (SK): Fantastic! Now this interview just got a whole lot cooler (laughs).

ATOTK: You are a beautiful, talented, mother and wife (to singer/songwriter, Juno award winning Justin Rutledge) and I know I’m chatting during your baby’s naptime. I’m guessing it’s just the kids and not Justin?

SK: No just the kids. He can look after himself (laughs).

ATOTK: Congratulations on the newest edition to the family.

SK: Thank you, we have Jack, who is 2-1/2 years old and Louie, who is 3 months.

ATOTK: You mentioned your connection to the Kawarthas.

Can you expand why you love the area so much?

SK: I grew up in Ottawa with a family cottage in Quebec, so when I moved to Toronto, the Kawarthas were new to me.

It was through friends and new acquaintances that I started visiting their cottages and fell in love with the area. It’s Canada at it’s best in so many ways. I’m a girl that went to summer camp and on fishing trips with the full portage. The Kawarthas are that landscape where I feel one with nature.

Like Head Lake or Salerno Lake where I spent many summers in a log cottage built over a hundred years ago. It gave you that real heritage feeling.

ATOTK: So did you ever go to the Kinmount Theatre?

SK: Yes, of course. And the Kinmount Fair is my favorite. Being a designer, I love to go antiquing on the drive to a friend’s 22

All Photos from HGTV Canada

cottage. I frequently visited Lambs and Ivy, which is a converted barn run by a lovely couple. It’s attached to Norm’s Smoke House who have amazing food. I have found so many amazing pieces there. Half of the house is furnished with things that I found there.

ATOTK: History lesson. You had a very interesting journey so far to get where you are. Lets go for upbringing to education.

SK: As a kid I always loved drawing. My family understood that I had a talent for fine art, whether it was drawing, painting or crafting. When it came time to go to high school there was an Art High School, that I had to audition to get into and I was accepted into the program. In grade 13 I had to make a choice of what the next step would be and I really didn’t want to try and make it as a painter, but still wanted to be creative. I was lucky enough to have parents that were cool to let me backpack for 2 years on my own dime. I lived in Switzerland for a year, backpacked around Europe then moved to China and taught

English, then to Thailand before coming back to Ottawa with my mind blown of the adventure I was on. Trying to decide what to take in University I discovered this show Divine Design with Candice Olson, which was the first interior design show I had ever seen. So I enrolled at OCAD University in Toronto in the Environmental Design program.

ATOTK: You actually ended up working with Candice Olson after that?

SK: After I graduated I worked for a Commercial Interior Design firm. My best friend told me he was working for Candice Olson on Divine Design at the time and they were looking for someone. She said I should interview for it. Low and behold, 2 years after graduating I was working for the woman that inspired me to get into this field to begin with as the Design coordinator. Such a crazy full circle moment, I have so much gratitude that the stars aligned and I am where I’m supposed to be. I worked there for 4 years and was approaching the Continued on page 24

Sarah Keenleyside

age of 30 and decided that I should take the plunge and start doing this myself as I was behind the scenes. We were doing 24 different projects every 6 months, which is design boot camp so to speak.

I learned so much from Candice and you couldn’t ask for a better or cooler Mentor.

ATOTK: Is that when you started your own firm?

SK: Yes, she gave me enough confidence to start Qanuk Interiors and run it for a decade. But while doing that, I sort of fell back into the world of TV. My work was getting some serious traction and featured in House and Home and other magazines and I met a Producer at a party that worked on the Steven and Chris Show on CBC. She asked if I would be interested in going on the show as a design expert and I thought it would be great to have my company logo underneath and the awareness and publicity it would bring. I became a repeat guest featuring my designs and my phone started ringing from production companies asking me to audition for a show idea. I stupidly kept saying no, as I was only doing it to promote my own firm. The third year I was turning down these auditions, I finally said wait a minute, this is tunnel vision and why don’t I just try it and open a few more doors.

ATOTK: I’m assuming that Backyard Builds was your next path?

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SK: That is the one that I really took seriously with the concept, as it really hadn’t been done before and I thought it would be fun to push my interior design outside where I wasn’t that familiar with and a great learning curve for me.

ATOTK: I like the show. A lot of people don’t utilize their backyard to increase the footprint of useable space.

SK: Living in The Kawarthas you have the luxury of space, but when you live in an urban setting like Toronto your yard might be the size of a postage stamp. You need to use that space, especially during a pandemic, where you feel safe and comfortable. It’s interesting, the projects we were doing pre-Covid are all the rage now. We were creating outdoor offices and many people have been put in the situation of working from home. You don’t buy or renovate a house with 2 offices in mind, which makes that outdoor space so valuable to expand on. Nothing makes me happier then getting messages from past clients that say “Oh my god this has changed our lives especially during the pandemic”.

ATOTK: You also changed up your backyard?

SK: Finally! Oh my gosh Jay, this is my dirty little secret where I’m turning other peoples backyards into these beautiful show stoppers and ours was

“The projects we were doing pre-Covid are all the rage now.” completely neglected. Here I was this workaholic with a firm, TV show, getting married and having kids, and the backyard was something I never had any time with. Like the saying, the shoemaker’s kids have no shoes and that’s a common thread with designers, as they have no time for their own home. The silver lining of the pandemic was the show had halted production and I had time, which I hadn’t had in 20 years. I’m so thankful that we did. Designed, ordered everything and was the project manager for the conversion and our oldest is out there playing basketball for hours a day. So it all worked out.

ATOTK: You have hosted a lot of different shows like Movie Date/Countdown to Christmas. What’s your favorite show you were on or do you like them all the same?

SK: Well it’s not something I sought out to do, like camera work. I fell into it from being a designer. If you just want me to be me, I can do that. But if your asking me to act, I’m definitely not your girl. I can not act. Grade 10 drama was the only acting experience I have (laughs).

They just run the cameras and I do what I do.

It has opened new opportunities for what you mentioned. But also in the HGTV family, doing multiple seasons of Home to Win and a newer one last year, Family Home Overhaul, just being me. I mean, they’re going to pay me for that I’ll do it (laughs).

sticker and so I would call my design’s uniquely Canadian, working with the resources we have like material and color from The Canadian Shield.

ATOTK: Anything you want to do and haven’t?

SK: Buying a piece of land in the Kawarthas and building our dream A-Frame. I have most of the design and interior touches already on my computer.

ATOTK: Contact info for you if people want to reach out?

SK: Instagram is my jam, which is @sarahkeenleyside.

That is the window to my world (laughs).

By the way, I love that Candice is in this issue! If you had told me 15 years ago that we would be in magazines together, I wouldn’t have believed it! (she laughs)

ATOTK: How would you describe your design style?

SK: It was traveling that helped establish my design mantra and esthetics in many ways.

The diversity of this country is it’s beauty, when you travel and experience different cultures you figure out we have all of that right here. We’re not all antlers and maple leaves, like a bumper 25

Organize your life STORAGE PROBLEMS? solutions made simple

Nicole Cooke Organized by Design

The most common question I am asked is, “What are the best storage solutions?” There are so

many options and people feel overwhelmed when they start searching. Below are a few of my standard go-to’s that are versatile and cost-effective.

COMMAND HOOKS Experience the wonders of Command Hooks!

They are non-permanent and used to hang pictures, coats, purses, dog leashes, you name it!

The secret is the double-sided tape that adheres the hook to the wall, window, door, etc. The tape is extremely strong, but is easily removed without damaging paint or wallpaper! Simply pull the tab on the tape down and the tape disconnects.

Available in dozens of styles and sizes, from tiny to large hooks that can hold 10lbs. There are primarily made of durable plastic, but some also come in wire/metal versions. Try using the wired hooks to mount Ziploc bags on the inside of a cupboard door!

OXO POP CONTAINERS These clear food storage containers have a pushbutton pop top to keep food fresh. Stackable and durable, they come in dozens of shapes and sizes that can hold small amounts or a 2lb bag of flour. Be sure to buy the square/rectangle versions and not the round - round wastes space in your cupboards. Also available with stainless steel lids.

MAINSTAY ‘S’ HOOKS These versatile metal hooks can be hung on virtually any closet rod and keep belts, purses, duffle bags, grocery bags, etc. from cluttering the floor of your closet! Available in packs of 5.

TURNTABLES Also known as Lazy Susans, they are highly underrated! They come in various sizes (and heights) and are made of either soft plastic, acrylic or wood.

Some of the most common uses are: spice containers, condiments/oils, crayons and other craft supplies (use the tall-walled style), and under the bathroom or kitchen sink. Simply spin, grab and go! The beauty of turntables is that you will never lose track of what’s in the back of your cupboard again! iDESIGN STORAGE BINS/FRIDGE BINZ These open, stackable acrylic bins can go in cupboards, fridges and freezers and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Buy the longer versions for the fridge (they run the full depth)! Short versions are great for upper kitchen cupboards.

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

Turntables

‘S’ Hooks

PEGBOARD Pegboard is back in style! Garages, craft rooms, utility spaces and playrooms all benefit from pegboard storage. It can be installed on the ends of metal shelving units to create additional storage for tools, paint supplies, etc.

OXO Pop Tops

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iDesign Storage Bins

Real Estate Talk ROOTS IN PETERBOROUGH

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

Selling real estate for 36 years, I consider myself so very fortunate to have been allowed into

some of the most interesting homes in Peterborough. Gene (Eugene Curran) Kelly, (Hollywood actor, dancer, director and so much more) has his roots right here in Peterborough. After digging through records, this is what I have uncovered.

Great Grandfather John Kelly, who was married to Catherine Hearey, came to live in Peterborough (or Irish Town as it was known then), in about 1833. John, a Blacksmith by trade, obtained a land grant in 1842 for town lot 14 along the south side of Sherbrooke St near Reid St. He later built a home there and is the row houses owned by the All Saints church.

He purchased other properties along the north side of Sherbrooke St. totalling about 2 acres.

The dentist offices are now on the north side of Sherbrooke - a single dwelling next to Dominion Lending office on the corner facing Rubidge Hall and what I remember as Dale’s Meat Market. John & Catherine had 6 children by 1849.

Mary, Ellen, Michael, Patrick, John Jr. and Eliza.

John bequeathed a quantity of his land holdings to his son John Jr in 1869. Lot 14 consisted of ½ an acre on the north side of Sherbrooke St, broken lots 16 & 17 south of Sherbrooke and west of Reid. John Kelly Jr. married Catherine Barry in Hastings in 1863. They had 14 children, 9 survived to adulthood (six boys, 3 girls), 1 being Patrick James Joseph. John & Catherine prospered in Peterborough. He worked as the Superintendent of Little Lake Cemetery from 1879 to 1883. He developed homes on his properties while he continued to run his store with the help of his children. Toward the end of his tenure, John & Catherine are thought to have moved to their home at 257 Rubidge. Both 251 & 257 were constructed around 1880 by John Kelly as single family homes. Both are still stand28

ing there today (as triplexes) .

Both John & Catherine are buried at St. Peter’s Cemetery along side their 5 young children.

Ownership of all the properties remained with the 9 children until the early 1940’s when the Dale family bought the store and adjacent property at the corner of Rubidge and Sherbrooke. In 1893, Patrick James Joseph Kelly, now 18, went to work for Canadian General Electric until he moved to Buffalo in 1897. In 1907, Patrick met & married Harriet Curran and together they had 5 children - Harriet Joan, James, Eugene, Louise and Frederick. Patrick urged the children towards sports, flooding the family backyard into a hockey rink but mom urged the children into arts and dance.

And so, In 1932 the family opened the Gene Kelly Studio where Louise and Fred worked as teachers and their father was the bookkeeper. Louise taught ballet and the beginner students while Gene taught the more advanced students.

Gene Kelly & his Father

“Gene Kelly, Hollywood actor, dancer & director has his roots in Peterborough.”

BR LR Mary Anne, George, Jack (John 3rd) Madge, Michael Barry, William Henry and Dr. Thomas Kelly FR LR: James Patrick Joseph and Agnes May

258 Reid Street - Lot 16 & 17

335 Sherbrooke Street - Lot 14

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Home Inspections

Regular Maintenance Projects

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

Spring is around the corner! Whether or not you are putting your house up for sale, doing regular maintenance is key to protecting your investment.

Some people who are ready to sell start pouring money into cosmetic changes to get more money - a well maintained home stands out.

Of course, you may need to upgrade decor and such to keep it up to date. But protecting the envelope, or the skin and bones as we call, makes more sense. A smaller amount of work now can save a more costly repair down the road. Not sure where to start? You can call a home inspector to do a maintenance inspection and prepare a schedule. They will do a thorough inspection and catch things before they become bigger issues. Or you can go online to the CMHC website - they have a basic maintenance schedule for home owners. It’s easier if to plan on a seasonal basis.

You can break it down more to a monthly, or even a weekly, plan. It doesn’t need to be burdensome. Some things only take a few minutes while you can plan for the more timely seasonal jobs.

the PT valve could release excess pressure and hot water could destroy your stored items. As far as under the basement stairs go, it is not uncommon to find leaks in that area. If you store items there, check from time to time and clear it out before the inspector comes in.

When it comes time to sell, it is a well maintained home that shows pride in ownership.

Storage of seasonal decorations, sporting equipment, tools etc is a part of normal living, so be mindful of where these items are kept. Often times, items are placed in front of electrical panels, furnaces, hot water tanks, sump pumps and under stairs. Not only is this a problem for the inspector but a concerning safety hazard. In the case of an electrical fire, the home owner needs access to shut off the panel electrical supply quickly.

A furnace is a heating appliance and should never have flammable items around it and you need access to change furnace filters. If the hot water tank has a pressure build up, 31

HOME

Spring Flowers

by Danielle French South Pond Home

I sense a change of season. Here, in this part of the world, Spring is eagerly awaited after months of cold, snow, mud and ice.

I do love winter and have a fond memory of driving

one of the girls home late at night in the cold and depth of winter. Watching the brightest full moon I had ever seen rising over the farm reflecting the snow, giving the impression of daylight. I thought to myself; this is why we live here. It is to experience a raw energy that the earth gives us that we found here on this magical land, complete with its broken and falling down parts. Then slowly and sputtering, the sunshine is here. The days are longer, the earth warms up and green sprigs emerge.

The Farm Our family loved all that filtered into our lives - the animals, the fields, the change in seasons and, each new challenge we encountered we loved all the more. Together we put in a garden and planted vegetables, flowers and herbs so that we could connect directly with the food we prepared in our kitchen. making delicious and simple meals.

Hidden Messages Flowers, herbs and of course birds are the first signal of spring. Chives, daffodils and tulips shoot up. I think after a long bout of winter, we are hungry for the beauty of fresh blooms on the table. I gravitate to old fashioned, English garden varieties and heritage flowers. In my days at the farm, I looked for seeds all winter to start in the greenhouse. I learned that flowers have meaning and in Victorian times, flowers were used to convey hidden messages to one another. When I made up bouquets for weddings at the farm I thought about this in my creations.

In former times, flowers conveyed love and specific meaning when the display of love was awkward or not permitted. For example purple lilac represents the first signs of love, roses symbolize love, sweet pea means delicate pleasure and the herb sage I always use in my bouquets symbolizes long life and health, good luck and protection against evil, baby’s breath represents innocence.

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A Gift It is truly a sign of the season when we can pick a few blooms from the side of the road, field or garden and appreciate their simple beauty. Now living in town, I don’t feel as surrounded by nature as I did at the farm, but I watch for the moon and feel grateful to be connected with the earth, even without my flower garden. I go out of my way to have fresh flowers in the kitchen and am reminded by what is growing. Think about the meaning of flowers when you pick your next bouquet, maybe send a secret message to your loved one or just to yourself.

Travel the Trent-Severn Waterway Past the cottage, through the wetlands, beside the farms and into the heart of downtown… For

more than a century, the Trent-Severn Waterway (TSW) has been a thread connecting communities and country from one Great Lake to another. This season, join a tradition with fellow travellers who come every year to enjoy this wondrous waterway. Bring your boat, rent a kayak, or pack a picnic and come experience one of the finest travel routes in the world.

The ‘TSW’ at a glance: - 386km of navigable waterway - Connects Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay - 42 historic lockstations along the way - Operating season: mid-May to mid-October What is the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site?

The Trent-Severn Waterway (TSW) was completed over a 100 years ago in pursuit of a navigable route to connect Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay. The waterway follows routes that originate from First Nations that have used them long before the construction of the modern navigational waterway began. Locks along the TSW were constructed between 1833 and 1920 to overcome differences in water elevation. Over time, the waterway of industry became a waterway of recreation. Today, Parks Canada maintains and operates the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site, tending to complex water management duties and offering visitor services and information during the annual navigation season (mid-May to mid-October).

How a lock works ‘Lockage’ is the process of raising or lowering boats from a lower or higher water elevation into connecting sections of the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Boats, canoes and kayaks enter the lock chamber which then closes and begins to either empty or fill. Once complete, the gates open and release the boats back into the canal on the other side and the next group takes their turn. It’s historic engineering you have to see for yourself. Things work a little differently of course at the awe-inspiring Peterborough Lift Lock or Big Chute Marine Railway.

stops to make. Paddlers have even more flexibility to explore its length, with put-ins and take-outs around every corner. Parks Canada lockstations provide basic facilities (like washrooms and potable water) and lock staff are on hand to provide lockage and visitor information. With various overnight stay options available, either at the locks or in local towns and villages, there’s no end to the trip planning potential.

TRENT-SEVERN CHECKLIST Don’t miss these top experiences for any visitor!

1. Spend the night mooring with fellow boaters 2. ‘Lock through’ in a canoe or kayak 3. Sleep in an Ôasis or oTENTik 4. Take a selfie at the Peterborough Lift Lock 5. Ride the Big Chute Marine Railway 6. Stop by each of the Trent-Severn Trail Towns 7. Photograph osprey, turtles and other wildlife 8. Cycle to a rural lockstation 9. Pitch your tent and have a campfire 10. Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon PLAN YOUR VISIT www.pc.gc.ca/trent-severn Twitter: @TrentSevernNHS Facebook.com/TrentSevernNHS

Best way to travel Boating is by far the most popular activity here, with so much water to cruise and so many great 33

C

elebrate Spring with the return of the 36th Annual Kawartha Lakes Country Living Show, April 22nd to 24th, in Fenelon Falls. As the premier show of the season it’s the perfect place to reconnect with friends, neighbours and your favourite businesses while you enjoy the wide open spaces of the Fenelon Falls Community Centre.

Thanks to our generous sponsors admission is FREE so you can spend a day or the whole weekend!

Explore the Artist Grottos and enjoy the beautiful, creative work of local artists and artisans. The Community Group area is just the place to find a new creative outlet, volunteer opportunity or recreational group. What a great way to meet new people, stay active and get connected or reconnected with your community.

If you’re just setting down roots in the area, the show offers one stop shopping for; skilled trades, boutique businesses, recreation dealers and specialty services who can help you make this your “Home Sweet Home”.

We are so excited to announce that the Barn & Bunkie’s Spring Sale is joining the show again this year.

Just steps from the arena floor you’ll find the community room filled with local makers selling a wide range of unique items just perfect for you or gifts for those friends you haven’t seen in awhile.

Fenelon Falls

If all the shopping and visiting saps your energy, sit and relax at our on site restaurant hosted by the team from On The Locks. Enjoy a light meal and refreshing beverage to refuel and quench your thirst or stay awhile and catch up with old friends and neighbours. You probably have a lot of stories to tell and memories to revisit.

Join us at this year’s show to remember what we’ve been missing and get excited for what is to come!

For more details about the show, the vendors and current health and safety protocols visit www. countrylivingshow.ca or check us out on Facebook @Kawartha Lakes Country Living Show or Instagram @kawarthacountrylivingshow.

See you at the KL Country Living Show!

Fenelon Falls Community Centre 27 Veterans’ Way Friday, April 22 - 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 23rd - 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 24th - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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Patrick McKenna

The fantastic Mr. McKenna granted me an hour of his time.

By Jay Cooper

As an Actor, Comedian, Writer, Producer, Husband and father, Patrick is best known for his work at Second City, The Red Green Show and Traders. Winning Multiple Gemini awards in one night in different Categories is the stuff of greatness. He will be back in Peterborough with his Improv skills at Klusterfork with Linda Kash on April 1st at Market Hall. One thing most people don’t realize is that The Red Green show is a huge hit in the USA. Starting with the expansion to PBS stations to having thousands packed into a baseball stadium, wearing costumes depicting the characters.

Raised in a construction family, Patrick had a difficult time coming into his own. “I wasn’t a fan of school, nor was it of me. My ADD kept me busy at that time. No one else in my family had a creative side, but I went to a live show at Second City and it was hypnotic. I was hooked from that day on. That whole gypsy world was perfect for me.” Moving from high school to College for business he took a job at the place he loved, Second City, to work as a door man to help pay for tuition. While watching the brilliant performances he decided to give it a shot and audition. “They had an open audition day and, being the door man, I was the one that set up the theatre. When they called out for six more people to come up I joined in. When it was all over I was one of two remaining and the other guy was Mike Myers.

Now touring with the SC Troupe, another twist came to get into stand up comedy. “We were finishing up a show in Vancouver and was told the ride is over, so I became a stand up comic for 3 years. I loved stand up, as you are on your own and at that time stand up was huge. I was touring Toronto and Andrew Alexander, who owned Second City, came to see one of my shows and invited me to join the main cast. I accepted as we had a child by then and I really didn’t want to be on the road constantly.”

Now a part of the main stage group, fate brought him fame with a character he created called Harold.

Patrick says, “Wendy Hopkins and I were working on a scene that looked like a grade school presentation that morphed into us being politicians in the House of Parliament. The character had to be super nerdy and out of control. People were laughing, so every night I would push it a little more until you have this wild

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“Fate brought Patrick fame with a character he created called Harold.”

The Red Green Sow

character that you couldn’t rein in. Harold was so powerful in that room that I could do anything, like twitch a leg, and the laughter would be thunderous. Steve Smith had an idea for a new show called The Red Green Show. He watched a performance and thought Harold would be great as a side kick to his Red Green”.

This little show reminds me of the Little Engine That Could, starting with CHCH in Hamilton.

Patrick explains, “We did 26 shows in one week, which sounds crazy, but the portions I had to do were like 3 segments with intro, end and middle, so I would shoot all of these pieces not knowing how it would be put together. Steve had all these other parts but there was no audience, just the camera operators. And we didn’t even know if it was funny or not.”

The station wasn’t happy about this project and decided to cancel it. He says, “But it was the fans of the show that saved it. Steve put a hockey bag on the table of the executive cancelling

the show and told him to reach in and grab any letter in there and read it. He opened and read multiple letters and realized how much the show meant to people - and not Hamilton or Toronto. It was the rural audience that got the show. It was hard for them to acknowledge that there were more people than those living in a big city. It turned out to be the longest running live comedy show in Canada.”

Still unconvinced after a year, the show bounced from network to network. “Yeah CHCH, YTV, CTV, Global and ended up on CBC, with the help of the Royal Air Farce who demanded our show before theirs. It set the audience up to make a transition at that time slot. The numbers were great, but CBC never wanted us to be part of their brand. But it worked with the new studios and bus loads of people coming in dressed as our characters, it was an exciting time.”

Being a fan myself of Canadian TV, I asked Patrick if there were people who think the location Continued on next page

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Patrick McKenna The Red Green Show

of Possum Lodge is real. He answered, “I do get surprised when people ask where Possum Lodge is. I answer, it’s just a studio, you’re in it, but they persist. Like we say, it’s 400 beer stores north of Toronto (he laughs). It’s not unlike Sunnyvale Trailer Park or Mayberry that people believe in, and that’s a good thing. They’re buying into the premise of the show and want to belong in it”.

Lightening struck twice when he joined the show Traders. “I joined Traders while on Red Green, as I typically shot in April and September with the outdoor shots done in the summer. So my schedule really wasn’t that tough and an audition came up. They didn’t want to see me at all because I was this Harold guy and I didn’t want that - I would never get another job. I persisted and finally they said ‘Yeah you can come in Friday at 6PM’, which we all know is not a good time. Most people are gone home and nobody cares. So there were 7 other guys that looked like me, same age and I thought I don’t have a hope, so I went to the washroom and threw coffee on my shirt, un-tucked it and went out and did the same lines as everyone. I 38

auditioned 3 times and they told me I had the job after the first reading - thank you for my improv training (he laughs). I did the show for five years and shot Traders on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Red Green on Wednesday and Saturday, then learn my lines on Sunday.”

Patrick won two Gemini Awards - for Comedy and Drama in the same day from those two shows. “I know it’s one of those history making things to win for best actor in two completely different genres and I couldn’t believe it. When I won the comedy award I was so overwhelmed that my peers approved and then they called my name for drama and I was like, Oh My God, is there a phone call I have to get to? Why is my name being said as the other amazing actors were on the same list (he laughs).”

He does a ton of charity work for ADD/ADHD and others. “ADD is a hyperactivity disorder where the governor in your head doesn’t tell you when to slow down. Distraction is constant - it could be a squirrel or a flick of an eye and it takes you 20 minutes to get back to where you were. I never knew I had ADD as a child and only got diagnosed as an adult, which for me all the stand up/improv and acting helped me as others sit in a cubicle and wonder why they are getting fired all the time. I go to schools and try and impress upon teachers more than the kids how to communicate, what you say and what they hear, why won’t they sit down, you told them 9 times. I help them communicate to the heartbeat of that child.”

Patrick is currently working on scripts and the production of several projects he has created, with himself covering many roles including producer. Follow Patrick on Twitter or Facebook if you’re interested in what this amazing man is up to.

“Patrick won two Genini Awards - for Comedy AND Drama in the same day.”

Traders

Murdoch Mysteries

ATV TrailS IN THE KAWARTHAS

By Carolyn Richards President Kawartha ATV Association katva.ca

Connecting Communities through Trails

As we all get ready for spring to arrive, it also means that the trails will be opening

soon to motorized vehicles. In anticipation, the volunteers are hard at work behind the scenes getting ready for the season to start. While there are some exceptions, most trails in Ontario open to motorized vehicle use as of May 1st. There are some areas that keep their trails open year round. In many cases the trails are shared use, so for safety reasons the trails are often only open to snowmobiles in winter.

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Trail Partnerships and Land Stewardship This brings us to a very important topic, which is trail partnerships. Most people don’t realize that in our region there is a group that works together very closely to manage and maintain the local trails including those on crown land. This collaborative model is vital to the success of our trail systems. In the Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton regions almost all trails are shared use with a few exceptions. When trails are shared use, partnerships between the trail user groups often form organically to begin with but in the case of Kawartha ATV Association and Kawartha Off Road Motorcycle Association these partnerships have grown over the years as a part of our long term strategy. If an ATV club and a snowmobile club share the use of a particular trail it only makes sense that we share the responsibilities as well. Add more trail users such as dirt bikes and jeeps and it’s even more important that we all make the effort to get along and work together for the benefit of the trails.

In the trail systems that we steward in Kawartha Lakes there are 4 snowmobile clubs, 2 dirt bike clubs, one off-road truck organization and two ATV clubs including ourselves, who operate on these trails.

That’s more than 10,000 snow machines and motorized vehicles using the same trails each year. Just like roads, where there’s traffic on the trails, there’s maintenance to be done to keep the trails in good condition for the riders.

Approximately 11 years ago we formalized a trail partnership between 4 of these clubs to pool our resources and collaborate on how best to manage and maintain our local trails.

Over the years the group has expanded as

we’ve invited other clubs in the area to join us. The more clubs that work together, the more resources we have available to build and maintain this incredible trail system we have in our own backyard. This type of partnership does nothing but benefit all that are involved including the riders. This means that instead of one club struggling on their own to find the funds to fix a trail, we have the ability to split the costs among the many clubs and organizations. This keeps the riders happy and more importantly it keeps the landowners happy. This collaboration is not only successful for maintaining trails on municipal and private property, but it’s also used on crown land trails.

So the next time you purchase a trail pass or head out onto the trails for a ride, regardless if it’s on crown land or private land, give some thought as to how much work goes on behind the scenes by volunteers and how much money is spent to maintain the trails for your safety and enjoyment.

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NAVIGATING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE Stacking the Deck in Your Favour There is usually a moment, an incident, or an event when we suddenly recognize that the issues of short-term memory loss in a friend or family member are a definite problem.

The possibility of Alzheimer’s Disease strikes dread in us all. I am frequently asked if there is a way to minimize the risk of developing dementia. Can the onset be delayed? Can the progression be slowed? Though there is no cure, the answer to these questions is yes!

It’s never too early or too late to make a difference in your brain health.

There are two categories of risk factors to consider. They are referred to as modifiable - the things we can change, and non-modifiable – things outside of our control. The most significant nonmodifiable risk factors are aging and genetics.

We will all get older and, as the saying goes, we can’t choose our family.

Familial or inherited Alzheimer’s Disease accounts for less than 5 percent of all cases where symptoms appear by age 46 on average, with many generations affected. Most people, however, develop sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease where genetic predisposition is less conclusive. The science is evolving to find a reliable genetic test. In Canada, genetic testing is reserved for those with Familial Alzheimer Disease or other rare dementias. Interestingly, some cultures and families seem to be immune to developing Alzheimer’s Disease due to specific protective genes. Genetics are a hotbed of research.

What can we control? Our brains are constantly developing new interconnections between cells. This is described as brain plasticity. Activities such as art, singing, dancing, yoga, writing, cooking, and socializing nurture brain plasticity and create brain reserve. We know we need to exercise our bodies. We also need to commit to 42

exercising our brains.

Cardiovascular health is strongly linked to brain health. We have long been aware of the importance of controlling blood pressure, exercising daily, avoiding smoking, maintaining appropriate weight, and controlling cholesterol and blood sugar. Attending to these things not only produces a healthy heart, it also produces a healthy brain.

The 2020 Lancet Report on Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care identified that modifiable risk factors contribute to approximately 40% of worldwide dementias. Attending to these factors could theoretically prevent or delay dementia for many. The Lancet Report presents evidence that hearing loss, air pollution and second-hand smoke, level of education, head injury, alcohol use, depression, and social isolation are also contributors to dementia.

What can you do today to reduce your personal risk?

1. Keep your blood pressure in check. Midlife hypertension is a significant risk factor for the later development of dementia. Hypertension is defined as a systolic BP > 140 mmHg and/or a diastolic BP > 90 mmHg. Exercise, eat well, and if necessary, see your doctor about medication to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol.

2. Address hearing loss. In a study that tracked 639 adults for nearly 12 years, Johns Hopkins expert Frank Lin, M.D., Ph.D., and his colleagues found that mild hearing loss doubled dementia risk. Hearing aid technology has advanced. New hearing aids are comfortable and unobtrusive.

Make an appoint to have your hearing checked.

By Dr. K. Jennifer Ingram, MD FRCPC Founder and Medical Director Kawartha Centre - Redefining Healthy Aging

3. Avoid air pollution and second-hand smoke.

4. Protect your head. Head injury plays a significant role in the development of dementia. Wear a helmet when taking part in risky activities such as skiing, skating, or curling, riding a bicycle, ATV, or snowmobile.

5. Limit your alcohol intake. Health Canada recommends limiting your alcohol intake to less than 21 units per week, or approximately 1.2 bottles of beer / 1.2 glasses of wine / 2 shots per day.

6. Stop smoking.

7. Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity during middle age (40 to 60 years old) has consistently been associated with a higher risk of dementia later in life. Excess body fat appears to produce hormones and chemicals that promote inflammation and insulin resistance, which can harm the brain.

8. Manage diabetes. There is a strong correlation between Alzheimer’s Disease and high blood sugar levels.

9. Be aware of depression and seek treatment if necessary. The new onset of late life depression always needs medical attention.

10. Be physically active.

11. Maintain frequent social contacts. Covid has reminded us that we all need social connections. To maximize the benefit of brain health, activities performed alone should be adapted where possible to group or communal participation. Instead of reading consider joining a book club. Instead of walking alone, join a walking group. Join online interest groups to maintain your connections to others. It is the interpersonal connection that amplifies the impact of these

activities to enhance brain health markedly.

Dr. Rudolph Tanzi, from Harvard University, coined the acronym SHIELD - Sleep, Handle stress, Interact with others, Exercise, Learning, and Diet - to describe the factors that delay dementia and nurture brain heath. Focus on these 6 areas may minimize your risk of developing dementia with age.

We can all be ambitious about preventing Alzheimer’s Disease. As Dr. Tanzi says, “Live a lifestyle that keeps your brain healthy.”

Continued on page 44

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ALZHEIMER’S RESOURCES GAIN CLINICS Peterborough Regional Health Centre 705-743-2121 x5021 Port Hope Community Health Centre 905-885-2626 x254 Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes 705-879-4112 Trent Hills Community Team 705-653-1140 x2139 Haliburton Highlands Health Services 705-286-2140 x3400 ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY PETERBOROUGH, KL, NORTHUMBERLAND & HALIBURTON 1-800-561-2588 Kawartha Centre ~ Redefining Healthy Aging (Clinical Trials and Geriatric Medical Clinic) 705-749-3350

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Alzheimer’s Society of Canada – “How can I prevent dementia?” https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/how-can-iprevent-dementia Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission https://www.thelancet.com/article/S01406736(20)30367-6/fulltext Alzheimer’s Awareness: Advances and Breakthroughs on How Dementia Occurs — And What Can Be Done https://www.everythingzoomer.com/ health/2022/01/18/alzheimers-awareness-advances-breakthroughs-dementia-what-can-be-done/ World Alzheimer Report 2021 Journey through the diagnosis of dementia https://www.alzint.org/u/World-Alzheimer-Report-2021.pdf

PET SAFE HOUSE PLANTS

By Vikki Whitney Griffin’s Greenhouses

Fern

Hibiscus

Violet

A nibble on a plant is unlikely to cause health issues, but watch for signs of a negative reaction in your pet. Even non-toxic plants could cause a tummy ache.

The benefits of greenery and houseplants in our homes has been widely documented. They help clean the air of toxins, brighten our spaces and elevate our moods. Our furry friends, however, do not know their benefits. Instead, they can see our plants as toys or food; this may be problematic if you have plants in your home that could harm your adventurous cats and dogs.

The plants listed below are safe for cats and dogs (according to SPCA, www.ontariospca.ca), but it’s best to place all plants out of reach to eliminate temptation. A nibble on a plant is unlikely to cause health issues, but always be sure to watch for signs of a negative reaction in your pet. Even non-toxic plants could cause a tummy ache.

The following indoor flowering plants are safe for cats and dogs: violet, bromeliad, jasmine, lipstick plant, Christmas Cactus (which tends to bloom in November), phaleaneopsis orchid and hibiscus. Blooming plants add a tropical flair or burst of colour to our homes, especially during the dull days of Winter. Hibiscus and jasmine are two tropical plants that perform best if outdoors in the Summer, ensuring you bring them indoors in September through to June.

Foliage plants require a little less care as they don’t need dead heading and specific fertilizer to encourage bloom production. Ensure each plant receives the correct amount of sunshine and considering putting the trailing (fun to bat around) plants in higher up areas to discourage playful attacks from the cat or dog. Trailing plants that are safe to have in the home of a pet-parent include: spider plants, Swedish ivy, Burro’s tail, Boston fern and Inch plant.

Medium sized, non trailing plants sit nicely in decorative pots and add an element of freshness to side tables or kitchen islands. Pet safe options include: bird nest fern, succulents such as echeveria and haworthia, polka dot, aluminium plant, calathea, maranta and peperomia.

Large spaces require large sized plants and pet safe options include: Kim Queen fern, Money Tree, Palms such as Areca, Parlour, Ponytail, Bamboo, Lady Finger and Majesty plus the super hardy Cast Iron plant.

If your thumb is truly brown, consider adopting a pet-safe Air Plant; this unique (no soil) plant requires minimum care (dunk in a water bath once weekly) and can be placed on trays, decorative saucers and even glued to a magnet on the fridge.

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Pets CORNER 7 WAYS NOT TO WALK YOUR DOG

By Karen Laws www.ontariodogtrainer.com

Is your dog allowed to do what it wants on walks? Sniff every pole? Meet every dog? Lunge at

every squirrel? Giving your dog freedom to lead the walk, puts your dog in control, and renders you irrelevant.

Talking with your dog means your dog’s focus is on you - not on every scent or moving thing. Does this sound like you with your dog?

1. Your dog becomes uncontrollably excited when you touch the leash. You respond by frantically attaching the leash and rushing out the door.

- Change this habit by ‘faking out’ your dog: Pick up the leash several times per day, without going for a walk. Your dog will eventually learn to ignore when you pick up the leash.

2. Before each walk you excitedly repeat “Go for a walk?”

- Remain calm, and your dog will be calm. Your calmness (not excitement) is the recipe for a walk.

3. Your dog barges out the door first.

- Create a working state of mind BEFORE you begin your walk. Teach your dog to wait to pass through the door with, not ahead of you.

4. Your dog drags you to sniff everywhere.

- Plan your ‘sniff break’ locations. When approaching the planned ‘sniff spot’ tell your dog to “Go sniff”, step toward the area giving your dog permission to leave your side. Let your dog sniff for a minute, then say “Let’s go” and resume walking. Your

dog will learn to make the most of each sniff break and be happy to follow you when asked.

5. Freeze when you see a squirrel, approaching dog or person. Wait to see what happens next.

- JUST KEEP MOVING to show your dog that ‘you’ve got this.’ Smart dogs won’t waste energy without reward. Keep moving to become sexier than the squirrel. Once you are a comfortable distance away, stop and enjoy a calm moment with your dog. The ultimate reward for your dog is to follow a confident leader – you!

6. Walking your dog when you are having a ‘bad day’.

- Be aware of what you are saying without saying a word. Your dog will instinctively know when you are ‘absent’ from the walk and will ‘dismiss’ you to do what he wants. If you are having a bad day, play in the yard. Go for a walk when you feel better – everyone will be happier.

7. Walking tools NOT to use – Variable length lead (aka Flexi lead).

- The bulky handle is difficult to hold if your dog lunges. The thread-like rope can cut to the bone if you or your dog get tangled. In addition, the constant tension against your dog’s collar is an invitation to pull ahead.

‘Walking harness’ - Triggers your dogs instinct to pull by exerting pressure against the chest. The trade name ‘EZ Pull’ is accurate. Harnesses are for sled dogs.

To enjoy your walk with your dog, contact us at: info@ontariodogtrainer.com.

Visit our BLOG at www.ontariodogtrainer.com/ BLOG/ to learn more great training tips.

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VETS CORNER Microchipping

By Dr. Kelly Wasylciw, Veterinary Services

It is very easy for animals that are normally great on leash or off leash to get a scent in the air and potentially run further away than you, as an owner, would anticipate! Microchipping is a safeguard to ensure that if your furry family member is found, they will be returned to you.

A microchip is a permanent means of identification that is implanted under an animal’s skin between the shoulder blades. The actual chip that is placed beneath the skin, is about the size of a grain of rice.

Microchips are a great identification tool that is permanent for your animal. Even if an animal is always wearing a collar with tags, it is possible for a collar to be removed or lost leaving your animal with no means of identification. Sadly, we must remember that if an animal is stolen, a collar would be removed easily, while a microchip is more difficult and obvious to remove. Places that your lost pet may be taken to such as rescues, humane society’s and vet clinics will check for a microchip.

The microchip has a unique number attached to it that can be read using microchip readers. These readers will display the number and from there the information about your animal, as well as yourself, can be discovered through the company the chip is registered with.

update your information on file for your pet. This also applies to microchips that have been implanted by a breeder. Many times when breeders have microchips placed into their puppies, they will have to give their own information in order to register the microchip. Once you take your new family member home from the breeder, you will need to contact the microchip company and update the information on file for that pet. Remember, when changing information for a microchip from one owner to another, the company may need permission from a previous owner. This is a safeguard in place so that someone cannot call when they have your animal and change the information attached to that microchip without the current owner’s permission.

Contact your veterinary clinic for information and to set up an appointment.

Most clinics will keep a record of their own patient’s microchip numbers and contact you directly, otherwise the company can be contacted.

The information you as an owner have provided to the microchip company (either directly or through your vet) can be accessed. It will be given directly to the person with your animal so they can contact you, or the microchip company will contact you to let you know where your pet is, and that they are safe and waiting to be re-united with you.

One thing that I always stress to my clients is that if your information changes, you will need to contact the microchip company as soon as possible to 47