happy easter!
April 2022
A terrible loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 9 Lions Club news . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Township update . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 17 Community events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
From local chef to innkeeper by Ellen Cohen Remember seeing a lime green Jeep emblazoned with Black River Food Company on the main street of Washago? Inside was Chef Becky, well-known for her gastronomical creations as well as being a supporter of the community, and a good friend and neighbour. How did she choose this area as her home and what is she doing now? Born in Halifax, her family moved to Ontario when Becky was a small child. They then lived in Toronto for several years and eventually settled in Hamilton. Her mother, a nurse, moved from Toronto’s Sick Children’s Hospital to Hamilton. Her father, an Anglican priest, became head of Theology at Hamilton Psychiatric. “We had all kinds of interesting people at our dinner table as I grew up. I’m glad about that because I think that’s part of what has made me a tolerant, accepting, and adventurous adult,” Becky said. Becky attended college in Hamilton to study social work and eventually took a job in that field out west. But, as (bad) luck would have it, Becky suffered an injury and came back to Ontario. The field of social services was now off her list. She retrained as a chef and decided she’d live anywhere as long it was on water and had winter skiing nearby. “The decision of where to settle was made by looking at a map. My finger landed in
The Sir William MacKenzie Inn, a half-hour from Washago, is where local resident and chef, Becky Lennerton is now innkeeper. Orillia and off I went. I found exactly what I wanted on the Black River outside of Washago, a place I immediately felt was ‘home’.” Over the next many years, she started her catering business, ran a restaurant, bought a food truck she called ‘Rollin’ On the River’, became a vendor at large festivals and events and taught at a culinary college, always expanding her reputation as an exceptional chef. Today, Becky has taken her sense of adventure along with her experience and considerable talents to a new role. She is now innkeeper at The Sir William Mackenzie Inn in Kirkfield, only a ½ hour from Washago. Becky explained, “I manage staff, I plan every aspect of weddings, do marketing, help to open and close for weekend events and, when needed, even help to maintain the grounds. Innkeeper really means doing what needs to be done.”
The inn, now fully booked for the season, can accommodate events with 160 guests outdoors, or 72 guests in the ballroom. There are 13 guest rooms. Their all-inclusive weddings comprise 95% of their business. All meals, including the 4-course wedding feast are freshly prepared using Becky’s farm-totable policy and are paired with local cider and beer. Becky is happily ensconced in her new adventure and wants people to know about the inn, “I encourage people to have a look at Sir William Mackenzie Inn for their wedding, a retreat or event. It’s an absolutely beautiful spot. We are very, very proud of what we offer.” The inn is hiring staff, particularly those who have banquet experience. As well, they are always in search of local food. If you or anyone you know has something the inn could use, please contact Becky through their website www.mackenzieinn.com.
Interest rates are rising and that could change the real estate market. How will this affect your move? Call me today to learn more.
Paul Cleary B.B.A. BROKER
705-327-6002
paul@paulcleary.com