Caledon Living Winter 2011 by Frontline Media

Living Caledon

WINTER 2011

PUBLISHER KATIE BURCHELL CREATIVE DIRECTOR SIMON BURN EDITORIAL TEAM HEATHER BROADBENT JIM CONNELLY KEVIN “CRASH” CORRIGAN PETER DE SOUSA DAVID K. DORWARD RICHARD KITOWSKI JOCELYN KLEMM DIANA JANOSIK-WRONSKI CONTRIBUTORS KIRA DORWARD ROSE DUPONT ANDREW HIND KIMBERLEY SELDON PROOFREADER SALLY MORELL EDITORIAL DESIGN SDB CREATIVE GROUP INC. ADVERTISING DESIGN & PRODUCTION CAROLINE SWEET, SKY CREATIVE GROUP LTD. ADVERTISING SALES KATIE BURCHELL BARRIE BURCHELL SHEILA BAKER SANDRA MOFFATT frontlinemedia1@sympatico.ca Tel: 905 857 2536 While every effort has been made to ensure that advertisements and articles appear correctly, Frontline Media cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. All material is intended for information purposes only. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Owned & published by Frontline Media, P. O. Box 340, Caledon, Ontario L7E 5T3 Tel: 905 857 2536 Email: frontlinemedia1@sympatico.ca Caledon Living is published 4 times a year (January, April, July, October)

www.CaledonLiving.com © 2011 1735715 Ontario Inc. Caledon Living is a Registered Trademark PRINTED IN CANADA ON PAPER FROM A SUSTAINABLE SOURCE, USING VEGETABLE-BASED INKS. PLEASE SHARE MAGAZINE WITH A FRIEND, AND THEN RECYCLE.

CONTACT US Readers are invited to contribute comments and views. Stories and ideas are always welcome for consideration. Write to us at: Caledon Living, P.O.Box 340, Caledon, Ontario L7E 5T3 Or email: frontlinemedia1@sympatico.ca

WINTER 2011 CALEDON LIVING

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Happy New Year! WOW, ANOTHER YEAR! Now I understand the saying, “The older you get, the quicker time flies.” I, like many, have had my difficulties this past year. You may recall I lost my dad in February, yet it still seems like he is at home in Scarborough, England. I continue to find myself getting up on a Sunday morning thinking of calling him. Now we are in 2011; it’s time to move on. So let’s look forward to embracing the opportunities that come our way over the next 12 months, and take a peek at what’s in store with our winter issue! In our food department this year, we will celebrate some of the nationalities that comprise Caledon. On our editorial team alone, we have individuals from England, Scotland, Italy, Poland, Russia, Cuba, and France. Commencing this issue with England, we have two traditional and authentic West Country recipes to share—hearty enough to provide good winter sustenance. With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, Andrew Hind offers some advice when choosing flowers for your loved one—take note gentlemen! For those with a sweet tooth, we found six delicious, decadent desserts to share with a loved

one, from various Caledon bakeries and restaurants. After dessert, how about having a romantic evening sharing a bottle of wine and some chocolate? Ric Kitowski and Jocelyn Klemm provide excellent tips for such important matters. Heather Broadbent shares her vast knowledge of Caledon heritage with an article about Cheltenham and its history. Diana Wronski looks at the chronicle of lace making, and David Dorward talks to Caledon resident John Tysoe, a sharp and witty ex-engineer who has recently written a fascinating autobiography. Crash Corrigan takes the Infiniti M37x for a spin, and Kimberley Seldon shares more of her great interior design techniques. Of course there’s more, but space runs out quickly in this column and it’s hard to mention everything! Before leaving you to read in peace, I would like to acknowledge that this magazine is made possible by our advertisers. Please give them the chance to show you what they can offer before shopping outside of our diverse area. Shop local, eat local, keep healthy, and have a great 2011!

Katie Burchell, Publisher

Women of Caledon 2010 Just recently the Zonta Club of Brampton-Caledon held its annual Women of Achievement awards, and two amazing local women that I am proud to call my friends were nominated, Lorna Bethel and Rosa Alvares. Neither of them won, but both are such amazing people that I would like to proclaim them Caledon Living’s “Women of Caledon 2010”. Lorna’s involvement with Bethel House is well known and has been covered by all local media. We published an article about Bethel House in 2009 and I popped by her house to drop off some magazines. After a couple of enjoyable hours drinking tea with Lorna, I knew we would be great friends—her spirit is never failing, her determination is amazing, and her energy levels are that of a 20 year old. Lorna, you are a treasure, bless you.

New stores

New showroom

Charity event

Un Peu de Tout Gifts, antiques and more! 16825 Hwy 27, Schomberg www.unpeudetouteshop.com 905 715 6774

Showerhouse 1 Marconi Court, Unit 5, Bolton 905 951 8100

Ski Day, Slalom 4 Kids Thursday, March 3, 2010 For tickets call 905 494 6556 or register securely online at www.oslerfoundation.org. (See ad on page 46)

Lloyd’s Handcrafted Mennonite Solid Wood Furniture Hwy 27 & 9 , Schomberg www.mennonitefurnitureontario.ca 905 939 2899 8

Rosa Alvares, as many of you may know, runs a store in Bolton called Mille Notte Lingerie. Her taste is exquisite, and her bra-fitting skills expert. She is also a certified mastectomy fitter. Rosa founded the Caledon Breast Cancer Foundation, putting a huge amount of time and effort into raising funds and awareness. She created the annual Pink Tie Gala, in my opinion one of the best local charity fundraising events. Rosa also spearheads the Peer Support Group, holding monthly meetings for breast cancer victims. Her integrity, passion and commitment continue to make a significant difference in the quality of life for those living with breast cancer, and their loved ones dealing with the condition. Thank you Rosa, you are one special lady.

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011

CONTENTS

Winter 2011

INTERIORS

12 14 26

80/20 rule Staging tips to sell your home The timeless allure of lace

WELLNESS 28 Herbs & medicine FOOD & DRINK

40 43 44

Be mine: our fave 6 desserts Devonshire recipes Wine & chocolate

SHOPPING 34 The perfect Valentine bouquet PEOPLE

43 12

John Tysoe

COMMUNITY

Hockey in a winter wonderland

HERITAGE

19 30

Laced! ”The Top of the Hill” in Cheltenham

MOTORING

2011 Infiniti M37x AWD

Visit us online!

caledonliving.com

COVER

Winter scene in Caledon PHOTO: SIMON BURN, SDB IMAGES

34 10

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011

INTERIORS

80/20 rule BY KIMBERLEY SELDON

“

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011

Neutral interiors crave punctuations of colour.

”

MERGING households, inherited furnishings, well-intentioned gifts that miss the mark and the occasional impulse buy (a 1950’s wastebasket with bejeweled poodle… yes, I bought it!) — all of these contribute to decorating dreams getting “off track.” Alas, you can’t have it all, and calling it eclectic doesn’t help. But you can enjoy some variety in your decorating and still keep the room focused and in balance. Here’s my recipe for getting the mix right. I call it my 80/20 rule and it works like this: as long as 80% of your interior is cohesive (same style, same period and same philosophy), you can deviate with the other 20%. In other words, don’t worry if you inherited a fine antique and your look is ultra modern. It’s the unexpected 20% (the antique) that creates interest when it’s placed within the boundaries of the more modern interior. Unless you are creating a museum or film set, creating a period perfect room—one that slavishly follows a style from the past—is boring and inappropriate for today’s modern lifestyle. It’s far more interesting to limit the featured style to about 80% of the room’s total furnishings. For example, in a living room that is English formal you might find furnishings by Chippendale, Hepplewhite or Sheraton as well as traditional patterns and colours. Including some contrasting elements, say Italian modern lighting and sculpture, actually enlivens the space and lends it personality. Beyond style, there are other instances where the 80/20 rule provides assistance with decorating decisions. Here are some of the most beneficial ways to use this principle.

Mixing patterns and solids As a general rule, contemporary interiors feature about 20% patterned textiles and 80% solid or tone-on-tone materials. Traditional interiors, however, tip the balance in favour of patterns. What does that mean for you? Well, let’s say your family room is a study in neutrals with monochromatic and tone-on-tone fabrics. You’ll really make a statement if you shake things up with a well placed pattern or two; include a pair of large floralpatterned pillows or a lively piece of artwork and see how dynamic these elements become. Conversely, a traditional pattern-filled room requires visual breathing space, which is easily provided by incorporating solid expanses of colour.

Colour Neutral interiors crave punctuations of colour. Accessorize with a striking series of vases in chartreuse or a pair of pillows in cobalt. These “designer” touches transform the mood and personality of the monochromatic room.

Mixing woods When mixing various woods, it’s important to consider the mood of individual species and the degree of formality each suggests. For example, mahogany, cherry, and oak are often considered “formal” woods; therefore they combine well with one another provided one variety is dominant (about 80%). Pine, maple, and bamboo have a more casual attitude, making them compatible with one another but less compatible with more formal varieties.

Cabinetry Save money and create a more upscale look in the bathroom or kitchen by combining 80% stock cabinetry with 20% semi-custom or custom options. This allows you to create one standout focal feature, such as a stainless steel medicine cabinet or Gothic arch valance above the kitchen sink. In addition, incorporate open shelving or specialty glass door fronts on cabinetry to relieve the monotony of endless solid doors in the kitchen. Aim for 80% closed storage, which is ideal for an average sized household and add 20% specialty or display shelving.

Skirts vs. legs When mixing upholstered furniture and occasional tables don’t show too much leg. It’s more attractive to vary the ratio of “skirt” to “leg”. In most cases, 20% skirting (either a soft skirt like the apron of a sofa or a hard skirt such as a block of furniture with no legs) is ideal.

Lighting Finally, don’t rely solely on ambient or general illumination for rooms. Incorporate a 20% ratio of decorative lighting such as sconces, table lamps, art lamps, and library lights to create interest and draw attention to collections and paintings. Remember, it’s this small 20% of lighting fixtures that you’ll rely on when you host your next evening party or gathering.

WINTER 2011 CALEDON LIVING

INTERIORS

Let in the light. Keep windows clean and blinds open.

Bring in large pieces of art for large empty wall areas. Make sure the colours complement the furnishings and décor.

A large mirror above, or leaning on, a fireplace mantel makes a room look larger and lighter. Give life and colour to a room with strategically placed plants and vases of flowers.

Books, candles and throws are commonly used by stagers, to give a casual feel that isn’t untidy or too cluttered.

If your furniture looks tired or old-fashioned, consider renting something more modern. Area rugs make hardwood floors warm and cozy. Make sure all carpets and rugs are clean, and odour-free if you’re a dog owner.

Staging tips

to sell your home BY KATIE BURCHELL • PHOTOS BY SDB IMAGES

Thinking about selling this year? Spring is traditionally a good time to list, and is only a few months away, so here are some ideas to help you start getting things ready to impress prospective buyers. A well presented house can add thousands to the final sale price, and help you sell quickly. Many real estate agents will go the extra mile and hire a stager to help with the selling process. This can range from having someone move a few things around and unclutter for you, to replacing your furniture and belongings with rental items, re-painting and undertaking minor renovations. The truth is, much of what a stager does is really common sense, and can be achieved easily if you put aside time and the willpower to do it. Here are our top tips... 14

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011

Blinds and curtains, open for maximum light.

Wedding photo above the bed? Change it for some art.

Ensure walls are fresh and clean. Paint dark or colourful walls in light neutral colours.

The beds should be neatly made. Bed linen should be crisp and new looking, just like a luxury hotel room.

All bedrooms and washrooms should be clear of personal items such as laundry, photos and toiletries.

Replace all your halogen light fixtures with bulbs of maximum wattage, and keep all lights on for showings.

Hide away personal items, including family photos and trophies. You want buyers to think of the space as theirs, not yours.

Store all your countertop clutter and leave just a couple of nice pieces. A bowl of fruit or vase of flowers is a nice touch.

Tidy

First impressions count. Keep everything neat, from lawns to laundry. Store away as many things as you can.

Freshly brewed coffee or cinnamon cake in oven always works well to give wholesome aroma.

Fresh

Clean floors, windows, walls, fixtures and appliances. A fresh coat of paint works wonders, particularly light neutral colours.

Make sure all stainless steel fixtures, particularly the sink and stove, are free of stains and shiny new looking.

Edit

Minimalize furniture and accessories, and store away all personal items such as trophies, family photos and toiletries.

Attractive

Bright and sunny sells. Use lightbulbs with maximum wattage, open curtains/blinds, clean windows. Display vases of fresh flowers.

Clean the fridge door of all magnets, notes and the kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; drawings.

Senses

Get rid of smoke and pet odour. Open windows to ventilate. Soft relaxing background music sets a mood. WINTER 2011 CALEDON LIVING

Open windows for 10 minutes before a showing to ventilate rooms. This is more effective than artificial deodorizers, that can smell like chemicals and be offensive.

Hide away DVDs and computer consoles.

Clean and clean again, table tops, fireplaces and TVs.

Place a nice tablecloth over badly scratched and stained tables, or rent a new one.

Hallways are often overlooked. A bright and tidy one is essential for creating a good impression.

Light and neutral colour schemes are elegant and buyers can picture themselves living in your home comfortably.

Even if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use your dining room, make it look like you do. A well presented dining room projects a happy family environment.

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011

Keep all large pieces of furniture neutral if possible, and limit colour to small items such as a vase and pillows.

A hallway area rug on cold stone or wood flooring adds warmth.

The photos to illustrate this article are of a Caledon home that at the time of going to press was listed and staged by The Bill Parnaby Team at Royal LePage RCR Realty Brokerage in Bolton. Many thanks to Bill and his team for helping arrange the shoot for us, and to his client, Mark, for his kindness and patience.

HERITAGE

BY DIANA JANOSIK-WRONSKI

Can you imagine a commodity so prestigious that entire estates would be sold to possess it? That was the world of lace, only two centuries ago!

PHOTO: PETE PATERSON

What is lace? Most readers are familiar with lace as some sort of fabric and/or trimming with “open” ornamentation, which is accomplished with the very threads of the fabric itself. It also needs a pattern or design to be produced. “Lace” is far older than what we see produced today, and no singular place has an undisputed claim on its origin. Nets and snares were made in prehistoric times, and the word itself is thought to come from the Latin word laqueus, meaning noose or trap. Even Egyptian tombs were found with samples of netting and cutwork textiles, and the ancient Chinese made netting. Precious and other metals, and silks, were also used for early laces in several cultures. Modern “true” lace is generally traced to Flanders (spanning the border of today’s France and Belgium) and the great art centres of Italy, as early as the fifteenth century. These two areas were known to have much contact with each other via sea trade (overland through France was very risky then) and shared ideas. By the 15th century, lace making was taught in the convents and schools of Belgian provinces by royal decree. There it was intended to replace embroidery, so the decoration could be transferred easily between dresses as styles changed. A major industry, it became an important export item and it supplied huge revenue for some nations. Laws, in fact, were passed in each country to protect its product! It is not surprising that the taste for, and production of, such a luxury product should develop in two primary trade centres of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, which also spawned the likes of Michelangelo and Caravaggio, and Van Eyck and Black dress with cream lace neck (B025-1-1 AB) Dufferin County Museum and Archives

WINTER 2011 CALEDON LIVING

Vermeer, who depicted lace in their portraits. Vermeer even produced an important work entitled “The Lacemaker”! Lace making spread from these two centres to the rest of Europe, while techniques and materials also arrived in other places via such sources as the Moors. Catherine di Medici, for example, took one of the best Italian lace designers, as well as lace itself, from her native Florence when she married Henry II of France in 1535. Copying Venetian laces, Spain, England and France joined the trend. However, while these periods were characterized by the proliferation of trade and wealth and a rising middle class, only the clergy and nobility were allowed to actually wear lace, a sign of privilege. The Church became the principal customer for this luxury clothing embellishment for centuries. In England, Henry VIII and Queen Mary both restricted its use to knights and barons (and their wives). Elizabeth I and her court wore abundant lace (a first for an English monarch), but no one “lesser” could. It went into men’s fashion, too, in the 17th and 18th centuries. Charles I ordered about 1,600 yards for his nightwear, and collars and cuffs. No wonder he was executed and Puritan leaders forbade lace in the New World! Lace making provided employment for thousands of people, and especially women for whom it was often the sole source of income. Lace was very costly due to the enormous amount of time and labour needed to produce it—one square inch can take two hours to make. However, at the end of the French Revolution the handmade lace industry had declined, as many lace makers had met their end at the guillotine along with their extravagant patrons. By the end of the 18th century, the fashion for lace ruffles on women’s sleeves and the ‘cravat and ruffles’ for men had ended, and it was no longer a status symbol for the nobility. The development of machines in the early 19th century meant that lace was more available and affordable. In the modern world there are no “named” lace designers like the one who went to France with Catherine di Medici, and actual makers of lace who are keeping the art alive are scarce indeed.

Camisole

1915 C, after 1910, the lower cut corset required women to wear a camisole-like bandeau that loosely covered the breasts. This item replaced the corset cover of earlier years. (1989.059.094) Peel Heritage Complex.

Nightcap

White lace, blue satin trim. Darned pattern on front and back with satin french knots. (1977.165.003) Peel Heritage Complex.

Lace & place Types of lace are varied and, for handmade lace with whose styles we are familiar, much depends on where it was made. Linen, silk, cotton or wool may be used. “True” lace is usually only considered to be that made by using bobbins or a single needle. Belgium is often considered the “cradle of lace making.” Bobbin lace, still practiced by about 1,000 older women, is a specialty of Bruges, an amazing historic trade city and art centre. Thread on a multitude of bobbins is twisted around pins on a pillow to make a set pattern. A second type is “needle lace” which can cross over into the realm of embroidery. The Italians lay claim to inventing it, although it had been produced elsewhere throughout history. Embroiderers of the 15th century cut patterned holes (cutwork) and drew out horizontal threads while working on the remaining ones (drawnwork) to enliven plain white embroidery, and Venice became a flourishing centre of this art. They later were rivalled by the needlework laces of France, and the French became the

Baptismal gown

Very intricate white silk, lace and tucked trim.

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011

(1978.021.001) Peel Heritage Complex.

CONTEST

Name the Millcroft Restaurant Caledon Living has partnered with Vintage Hotels to help find a name for their rustic yet elegant restaurant situated within the converted heritage building of the Millcroft Inn. Do you have any ideas? If so, go to www.caledonliving.com and fill out our online entry form. It's that simple!

650

value

Grand prize

One night accommodation at Millcroft Inn & Spa + one three-course dinner for two + breakfast for two

1. The “Name the Millcroft Restaurant” Contest (the “Contest”) is sponsored by Vintage Hotels and is administered by Frontline Media. 2. Participation in the “Name the Millcroft Restaurant” Contest constitutes the entrant’s full and unconditional agreement and acceptance of these Official Rules including the decisions of Vintage Hotels which are final on all matters relating to the Contest. 3. By entering the Contest, entrants give us permission to send them administration emails throughout the length of the Contest. If the entrant opts out of these administration emails, their entry into the Contest will be removed. The entrant will have the opportunity to opt out of future special offerings from Frontline Media and Vintage Hotels without penalty. 4. Vintage Hotels or Frontline Media does not and will not sell or rent users’ non-aggregated specific personal information to third party companies. 5. All entries must be received by February 1, 2011. 6. The Contest is open to all residents of Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 21 years of age and older. Void where prohibited by law. 7. No purchase is required for entry into the Contest. 8. There is one prize to be won.

9. Grand prize must be taken on or before June 30, 2011. Holidays are excluded, and some restrictions apply. 10. A representative from Vintage Hotels will select the winner from the Contest entries collected on February 8, 2011. 11. Unless otherwise specified, the prize does not include airfare, meals, telephone charges and incidentals. The prize has no cash value. Award is void where prohibited by law. No purchase of products is necessary to participate in the Contest. This offer is made in compliance with the laws in the jurisdiction in which it is made. 12. The selected entrant will be contacted by telephone and email. Attempts will be made to contact the selected entrant between 9am and 9pm EST for a period of 10 working days. If a selected entrant cannot be contacted within the allotted time, he/she is no longer eligible to win and another entrant will be selected and the process of contacting the new selected entrant will then be repeated. The selected entrant will be required to complete, sign and return, within 7 days of the receipt of same, a declaration which provides personal information and a release of Vintage Hotels & Frontline Media, its affiliated companies, advertising and promotional agencies from any

liability resulting from the awarding of the prize, confirming acceptance of the prize as awarded, and giving permission to Vintage Hotels and its agencies to use the winner’s name and photograph without further compensation in any upcoming publicity. If a selected entrant fails to complete, sign and return the release form within 7 days, Vintage Hotels reserves the right to void that entry and select another eligible entrant for the prize. 13. The prize must be accepted as awarded, and no substitutions, transfers or conversions will be allowed, unless at the discretion of Vintage Hotels, which may substitute a prize of comparable or greater value. All entries become the property of Vintage Hotels and will not be returned. Vintage Hotels and Frontline Media assume no responsibility for lost, invalid, delayed or misdirected entries. 14. By entering, entrants agree to abide by the Contest Rules and the decisions of Vintage Hotels and Frontline Media, which are final. By accepting the prize, the winner authorizes Vintage Hotels and Frontline Media to announce and publish the winner’s name, voice, comments and photograph without compensation, in any publicity carried out by Vintage Hotels, and Frontline Media.

Lace bobbin

Wooden bobbins in various styles.

(1990.001.080-094) Peel Heritage Complex.

Elaborate half apron

1890 C, white muslin apron; lace panel in front, lace edging and waistband trim. (1989.038.001) Peel Heritage Complex.

trendsetters by the late 17th century with examples such as Alençon (still the most popular style today, some say) and Argenton, both localities with their own stylistic characteristics. Needle lace can get very complex as all kinds of treatments are possible. For example, Brussels lace is made using a single needle and often features a rose with extra “3D” petals. These techniques migrated elsewhere in Europe. Chantilly lace, for instance, is bobbin lace whose manufactory was established in the 17th century by the Duchess of Longueville at Chantilly, north of Paris (now near Charles de Gaulle Airport), and she brought workers from Havre and Dieppe. Honiton is a type made in Devonshire, England, and reached its high point between 1780 and 1820. Netting is one of the oldest techniques in making lace and originally it was done with bobbins by hand. “Network” (the net base is referred to as “lacis”) was decorated to make everything from coverlets to altar pieces. It could be embroidered with any number of stitches and materials using the mesh. Entirely handmade lace gradually disappeared after the rise of machine-made tulle, about 1835, and tulle has since been used as a base on which handmade lace and other treatments are applied. Irish lace is an example of such ‘mixed lace’ and so is Battenberg lace tape from the U.S. Besides embroidery and bobbins, crochet, knitting, weaving and macramé (remember those flower pot hangers of the 70s?) can all produce lace. The lines between these crafts and lace can become very blurry indeed!

Lace & Caledon The period we often associate with the romanticism of lace is the Victorian age, just about when it evolved into mass pro22

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011

duction. It is also the time when Caledon was being settled. Both the Peel Heritage Complex and The Dufferin County Museum, where you can go and see examples from Caledon and the area’s past, own many examples of period lace in clothing. In the Heritage Complex, there are samples of lace that was handmade in Peel, and bobbins brought over from the old country. The increased availability and affordability of lace meant middle classes, as well as upper classes, could wear it but ‘ordinary’ women still dressed in a more subdued way. If you were wealthy in the Victorian period, conspicuous consumption was the catchword and good etiquette also meant you dressed for your age and station in life. Nevertheless, the new middle class access to lace made it very popular in women’s clothing and this was highlighted by designers such as Worth in Paris. For instance, in the 1850s, the deep “bertha” neckline revealed the neck and shoulders in the evening and may have included three to six inches of lace. No working class woman at the time would be that exposed. Even the newfangled sewing machine only ensured more ornamentation could be added to Victorian clothing and didn’t bring the cost down at all! Lace had always been part of wedding trousseaus from Renaissance times, but it was Queen Victoria who sealed its use for bridal wear. She was enamoured with Honiton lace and, instead of the traditional silver for royalty, she chose to wear a white gown and a lace veil to show off Honiton lace’s richness, and changed worldwide wedding fashion forever! From this period on, European families would buy the best lace veils they could afford. One Caledon family is lucky to Fan

White lace, painted flowers and butterflies.

(1974.034.030) Peel Heritage Complex.

WINTER 2011 CALEDON LIVING

own a twelve-foot early twentieth century example of handmade lace applied to machine net, made in Paris. Such veils are usually only passed down as heirlooms, and the reputable Paris dealer from whom it was bought said she had only seen three for sale in her entire career. Caledon fashion would have followed world fashion through the ages, but Caledon pioneers were likely more interested in sheer survival and practicality during much of this time. Examples of early black and dark coloured wedding gowns are on display in the Dufferin County Museum and Archives (DCMA). Because early residents could not fathom spending all that money on a dress to only be worn once, it had to be practical for daily use. White wedding gowns only came into local fashion by the 1920/30s. But, as time passed and people prospered, they were able to spend more on such luxuries. By the early 20th century even children wore lace, and some Caledon women were fortunate to be able to shop in France for clothing trimmed with lace, judging by DCMA holdings donated by local families.

Lace & you Lace has had its ups and downs in fashion, depending on circumstances. But, as Coco Chanel said, “Unlike many other precious objects which, owing to industrial progress, have lost much of their luxurious quality, lace, adapting itself to the economic and industrial requirements of our age, has kept its main characteristics: precious elegance, lightness and luxury.” Today’s lace is widely available on apparel from blouses to lingerie, and it’s especially popular around this time of year for Valentine’s Day. So, regardless if you are a man or woman, think of your Sweetie and go shopping. We have plenty of Caledon and area shops carrying lace that is fabricated or confected in many wonderful ways!

PHOTO: DIANA JANOSIK-WRONSKI

RIGHT Lacemaker in Bruges, Belgium, 2010.

Diana Janosik-Wronski is a communications and project management consultant with extensive experience in a variety of industries, and an interest in many subjects. This article was drawn from her travels into corners of Belgium and France! Diana also thanks the Dufferin County Museum and Archives, and Peel Heritage Complex, for their assistance. She may reached at wroni@sympatico.ca

The Dufferin County Museum and Archives in partnership with local artists, volunteers and sponsors is mounting a major juried exhibition called Stitches across Time. It includes contemporary fibre art pieces inspired by historic pieces from the Museum’s extensive textile collection. The exhibition opens 27 May 2011 and runs until 21 August 2011 and various events are being planned. Call for entry deadline is February 28, 2011. Visit www.stitchesacrosstime.com for details.

Caledon lace mystery Caledon resident Mary Caylor’s grandfather, Robert Percy Rogers, was an accomplished lacemaker. Robert was a descendent of United Empire Loyalists from the Woodstock area. According to family history, he was an engineer and went over to Europe to serve in an engineering regiment in World War I (1914-1918) as a Colonel with the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) which was posted to Flanders. Somehow he learned to make bobbin lace and continued it as a hobby afterwards. His lace bobbins are still in the possession of the Caylor family. The author surmises that he likely picked up the bobbin lacemaking skills in Belgium, as significant battlefields like Ypres and Passchendaele are close to Bruges. After the war, Robert worked at a silver mine in Northern Ontario. Tragically, he later died in a cabin fire there and his obituary was printed in the Cobalt paper. But he left his family with a wonderful legacy of a now rare art. While some pieces, such as an amazing lace stole from the ‘30s, have been generously donated to the collection at the Dufferin County Museum and Archives, some still remain as family heirlooms. This amazing story about a lacemaker fits anything but the expected mould!

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011

INTERIORS

The timeless allure of lace BY JIM CONNELLY

THROUGHOUT HISTORY lace has been a luxury item adorning nobility as the ultimate accessory in clothes, and used as rich flowing window coverings and luxurious bedding. Fashion designers introduced lace and showcased its luxurious appeal on the runways in Europe. Ladies lingerie today is most likely one of the largest consumers of lace, incorporating it into their garments, capturing its feminine and comforting appeal. In the eighteen hundreds the French royal court was famous throughout all of Europe as the leading edge in fashion. If you look at the paintings of that period, both men and women were wearing grand brocades trimmed with the most spectacular lace. In today’s society lace has refined its appeal to the feminine and is not seen very often in men’s apparel.

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011

Babies’ clothing, christening robes, little girls’ party dresses, dolls’ clothing and the grandest of all, the bride’s dress and veil, are all about lace in all its beauty and expression of purity. Growing up in Scotland, my mum was a big fan of lace curtains. They were starched, crisscrossed and pinned with satin ribbon bows to create the most glamorous window treatments. It was a very serious undertaking and competition along the street was fierce! Every neighbour, although not admitting it, was out to have the most admired windows! In the world of decorative painting, my business partner Peter and I are constantly asked to create special finishes such as lace. Walls can be made to look like shimmering lace by using the actual lace fabric as a stencil. Venetian Plaster, being very fine in texture, can be pushed through lace. This process is very labour intensive for the artist and requires skill.

The project Our latest project was a small vintage dressing table, a flea market find, and a decorative screen that we made from three inexpensive hollow doors. The first step was to prime the screen’s surface with an oil primer. When dry we applied an ivory tinted latex paint. We had purchased a large plastic tablecloth with a nice open lace pattern for the screen. The dresser was daintier and needed smaller pieces of lace so we bought four table runners, also made from plastic. When applying this technique it is very important that you do it in a space with good ventilation and wear a mask. Our next step was to position the lace on the screen and the top of the dressing table. We then used a canister of spray paint to lightly spray over the surface of the lace. For this technique it is best to spray three or four passes of paint very lightly. If applied too thick, the paint will bleed and the image will be untidy. We chose a light tea colour to complement the ivory base; this effect makes a very soft Victorian lace finish. The edge of the dressing table and original handles were finished with silver leaf and sealed with an oil varnish. This dressing table had a glass top to protect the finish. A protective varnish would have been applied if there was no glass top.

The process starts by selecting the base colour to be painted and applying it to the wall surface. It is better to have more than one piece of lace. We are always on the lookout for old tablecloths or rolls of lace in fabric stores. Once the base colour has dried, you place the lace onto the wall with push pins. Next you apply the Venetian Plaster over the surface of the lace by using a spatula, similar to spreading butter onto a slice of bread. The Venetian Plaster doesn’t have to be applied thickly, just enough to cover the lace. After skimming it thinly over the lace you peel the lace from the wall, leaving the lace pattern. This process is continued around the room wall surface. After four applications, the lace will become clogged by the plaster and it must be rinsed off in water. Having more lace makes the process easier.

Lace finishes are perfect for nurseries and little girls’ bedrooms. A modern twist would be to paint the walls to look like soft light blue denim and apply soft white lace panels on top of the blue. Peter and I have painted headboards, armoires, lamp shades, cotton drapes and the most beautiful dining rooms to look like luxurious lace. A very popular design tip is to do only one feature wall with the lace design and paint all the other walls with a complementary colour. If you are hooked and eager to try this technique, now is the time to shop for old tablecloths and curtains, but resist the urge to use Great Grandma’s wedding dress or the family heirloom tablecloth! When on the hunt for lace, go to Church bazaars and secondhand stores such as Goodwill, Value Village or Aladdin’s Cave for lace remnants. Old curtains and tablecloths are the ultimate prizes. Happy hunting!

“

Walls can be made to look like shimmering lace by using the actual lace fabric as a stencil.

”

WINTER 2011 CALEDON LIVING

WELLNESS

Herbs & medicine BY ROSE DUPONT

HERB: a seed-producing annual, biennial or perennial that does not develop persistent woody tissue but dies down at the end of a growing season. A plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savoury or aromatic qualities. Merriam Webster dictionary Adding a sprig of parsley to a simmering chicken broth, or tearing a few leaves of basil to place on top of a freshly sliced tomato from the garden, are just two ways to enjoy the taste of fresh herbs. Herbs are associated primarily with food, almost exclusively in North America today. Yet few people know of the long, rich history that herbs have in providing wellness in just about every traditional culture in the world. As the earth’s population increased, so did the discovery of the beneficial and healing properties of herbs. Plant by plant, the ancient civilizations assimilated the medicinal components of each species. One such species, the yarrow plant, was discovered along with 7 other plants in a 60,000 year old burial site of a Neanderthal man in Iraq. Although we do not know the reason why these plants were placed in the site, we can assume that they were important to early man. The yarrow plant is still used today by modern herbalists. Susan Elliotson, a Registered Herbalist and Caledon resident, declares yarrow to be, “my absolute favourite herb because of its versatility…the healing property is still valued today for both internal and external damage. Possibly the most notable of the herbs used in ancient times are garlic, aloe and peppermint which have been excavated from the Egyptian pyramids.” The Asians were one of the first cultures to understand the medicinal importance of many of the herbs that grow in the world. They, in turn, passed down their knowledge by word of mouth, and then by the written word. Many of the earlier civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans benefited from the very early Asian manuscripts. In fact, the earliest known book devoted to herbal preparations was written over 5,000 years ago by the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung. It is documented that he spent a significant part of his life tasting and testing various herbs to be included in his book called, “The Pen Ts’ao.” As a testament to their effectiveness, the Chinese still use herbs in their medicinal formulas today. Research continued as different cultures developed around the world. Formal herbalist schools existed in Egypt as early as 3,000 B.C. In the 4th century B.C., Hippocrates, an early Greek physician considered to be the father of Western medicine, used herbs extensively to treat and prevent diseases. In the 16th century the English botanist, Nicholas Culpeper, wrote an expansive and informative book on the practice of herbal medicine titled “The English Physician.” In what could be the first “self-help” book ever written, Culpeper encouraged the reader to use the information and preparations in his book to 28

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011

“… preserve his Body in Health, or cure himself when sick.” Today the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges that 80% of the world population still rely on herbs and herbal preparations for their wellness. In North America, however, we are somewhat fragmented from traditional herbal medicine. What brought this about was, in part, a report published in 1910 by the Carnegie Foundation. The American Medical Council requested help from the Foundation to analyse the quality of the medical schools throughout the U.S. The Flexner report, as it was called, suggested amongst other things that the homeopathic profession lacked scientific credibility. This was also a time of immense interest in pharmaceuticals and scientific reform. Although the thrust of the report was well intended, large foundations such as Rockefeller, Kellogg and Ford sealed the fate of many herbal based practitioners when they jumped on board and gave substantial contributions to the medical schools that supported the suggestions in the Flexner report. Many schools languished as a result, bringing the total number down to 31 from over 150. It is also estimated that 80% of the

“

...over the long haul, the results are more lasting because the root of the problem has been addressed rather than just the symptoms.

”

homeopathic, naturopathic and herbalist schools suffered the same fate. The long reaching effects of this report can be witnessed in the strong relationship between the medical profession and pharmaceutical companies that still exists today. Happily, there has been a resurgence of interest in North America for natural, herb-based healing in recent years. As Susan Elliotson states, “…the wonder drugs did not turn out, in the long run, to be so wonderful …herbs have a gentler action so may take longer to achieve the wanted effect but, over the long haul, the results are more lasting because the root of the problem has been addressed rather than just the symptoms.” Considering the centuries that herbs and medicine have been entwined, balancing the scientific and natural remedies should be a priority in the health sciences today. Ms. Elliotson points out, “The term ‘complementary alternative medicine’ really means different types of therapy working together, complementing each other for the benefit of everyone.” With thanks to Susan Elliotson, R.H. She may be contacted at elliotsone@sympatico.ca or 519 941 2134. Her website is www3.sympatico.ca/elliotsone/

WINTER 2011 CALEDON LIVING

HERITAGE

“The Top of the Hill” in Cheltenham BY HEATHER G. BROADBENT

CHELTENHAM IS A VERY SPECIAL VILLAGE in the history of our Town. Growing up around a grist mill site and on a river like so many other settlements, with a permanent saw mill following shortly afterwards, this one still has members of the founding pioneer family living in the community. Charles and Martha Haines left the United Kingdom for New York in 1817 with their children Charles, Sophia and Frederick, and stayed there for about a year. On the transatlantic voyage the family made important friendships that were to last for the rest of their lives. Perhaps that was the reason they moved to Toronto where the Judge they had met was residing in the early Court House, and Martha became his children’s governess and teacher in exchange for their lodgings. Earlier Charles had served his apprenticeship (in two parts) as a millwright and he easily found work constructing mills on the southern part of the Credit River, and in Flamborough and Etobicoke. He was also employed for a while by Jesse Ketchum, well known in the history of northern Peel and southern Dufferin Counties. During that period the family lived in the Toronto Court House where their third son, Ebenezer, was born. In 1818/19 survey on the northern part of Peel (present day Brampton and Caledon) had started after the Native Treaty signing in October. Charles probably had excellent connections and was in a good position to apply for a lot. He and his family were successful in receiving Lot 29, West Half Concession Four W.H.S. Chinguacousy. During the following years it appears that, in addition to the early grist mill, Charles built two homes closer to the river as his family, and the community, grew. Eventually a permanent grist mill was constructed in 1827 (unfortunately no longer in existence), plus a permanent saw mill in 1847 (the present saw mill is now a Caledon Heritage Designated structure), and finally a larger house (also Heritage Designated). Cheltenham now boasts more Heritage Designated structures than any other Caledon village. Early photographs of Cheltenham show very steep slopes and second growth trees where the original ones had been cut to feed the early movable saw mills or the homestead fires, and a cluster of small wooden buildings. Even today many of the his30

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2 Top of the Hill B&B

3 Heritage Structure

RD ON ST AT I

ED IT RIV

JOHN ST

MILL ST

Cheltenham General Store 4

toric buildings are made of wood provided by the Haines saw mills, while others are built from locally available clay bricks and Credit Valley stone—the latter types usually after the wooden ones were lost to fire. The last Haines home, in spite of several alterations over 175 years, is the spectacular one still standing, and so aptly named, at the “Top of the Hill.” By the time of its construction Jehoida, Paul, Horatio, and twins Martha and Mary had been born and when the boys grew to adulthood they took over various businesses in Cheltenham while Ebenezer ran the mills with Charles senior. Ebenezer also built the first store, and then another to rent out. Most of the second and third generations lived and worked in the buildings they had constructed. Grandson Theodore eventually ran the saw mill, in the more recent past. Before Confederation they also had the mail distribution point in the mill. “Our” Cheltenham was very fortunate. When the Federal government decided that no two places or mail distribution points could have the same name anywhere in our Dominion, this one (named after Charles Sr.’s birthplace of Gloucestershire UK) was able to retain its name. Over the years the Haines family has always been very generous to its community; for example, the second generation donated the land for Cheltenham’s Cemetery. Seekers of Cheltenham’s history have been very fortunate

1 TO CALEDON RAIL TRAIL

Several years ago the Regional Councillor for Ward Two, Caledon, Murray Judge, received an American visitor, Joe Adams, at his home. Joe came from Cheltenham, a former village and now suburb of Philadelphia, where they were planning a celebration for the 300th Anniversary of establishment. Caledon subsequently received an invitation to officially attend the celebration and Grand Parade. Murray (as Regional Councillor for Ward Two and therefore of Cheltenham) was appointed and he and his wife, Valerie, were able to attend. They learned that there are as many as thirty-three ‘Cheltenhams’ throughout the world and were very pleased to note that, as the Grand Parade progressed and each representative introduced received very polite applause, but the representatives of Cheltenham, Ontario, Canada received a huge cheer. Murray still notes with much amusement that he was frequently introduced as the “Mayor of Cheltenham”, even to the Governor of Pennsylvania.

1 The Mill

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in that the second Charles, probably due to the teaching of his mother, could read and write. He also became a proficient carpenter (often making coffins for local families) and assisted his father and brother with the mills, eventually taking them over. This Charles undoubtedly had a good command of the English language, but unfortunately his hand writing leaves a lot to be desired. It is hard to decide whether it is his handwriting, or the inability to spell the words he was capable of using, coupled with total lack of punctuation, that causes the most problems. Nevertheless, we are fortunate that the family has his writings. There was a large impact on the village in the early 20th century when the Cheltenham Brickworks were built during the summers of 1912 and 1913. Builders and then workmen lodged all over the area and in boarding houses in the village. Many years ago, while working on a project for the Niagara Escarpment Commission, this writer had the good fortune to meet Carmen and Blanche Delutis. After eight years away, they accompanied me to the site. Blanche’s mother had run one of the boarding houses and, as a small child, Blanche had accompanied her to the site with the men’s packed lunches, and later she had taken them herself. She said it was so noisy and dirty that she was terrified. Later she married Carmen, who eventually became Superintendent of the Brickyard. They had lived in the largest of the fourteen houses the International Brick Company built on the site, and reared three children. There were so many children from the Yard houses that another schoolroom had to be built next to the original. Blanche described how her laundry rarely came in from the line as clean as it had gone out, and she admired the wild flowers and bright shrubs that now covered the abandoned site. But Carmen described it as ‘awful, ugly and disgraceful’, saying it had been ‘lovely’ in the past, an outstanding example of ‘in the eye of the beholder’. Today the seventh and eighth generations of Haines live in the house on the hill. Shelley Lyons Craig, a direct descendant of Haines and another founding family, has lived there with husband Steve and family (daughter Courtney and previously her brothers Andrew and Jeremy) since 1988. Shelley is a music teacher, and organist at her church, so the home is often a ‘school of music’. Over the many years it had stood, the small basement, foundations and an addition had deteriorated while the main building was fine, so they decided to temporarily move the main house back from the foundations and rebuild them. There was not a lot of room between the original rear wall and the top of a very steep slope down to the Credit River, and many people including the family and this writer were relieved and pleased on the day the house was rolled forward to its new foundations. Since 1996, in addition to their family home, Shelley and Steve have run it as a popular Bed and Breakfast establishment near the Caledon Rail Trail, the historic village and the Niagara Escarpment. The period restored home lends itself very well to this use and people come from far and wide to enjoy the home, the village and Caledon’s wonderful landscapes, walks and other amenities.

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011

Provided for the earlier ‘Peel County ‘ (and many others in the 1850s and 1870s) were three maps and Atlases. One covering a larger area was made by Rottenburg in 1850 (mainly for Military purposes), and then the George Tremaine Map dated 1859, and the Walker and Miles Atlas, first printed in 1877. One fact about these publications, not always clearly understood, is that they were created to make money for the publishers, and anyone who was included in a portrait, business and building illustration, or biography had paid a considerable sum for the privilege. Also many of the biographical notes were written by the subscribers themselves, so their inclusions only meant that they had paid for them, and not that they were the only prominent citizens in the County. Also, as our Region’s history is better understood, it is amusing to note that some previous inappropriate support of, for example, William Lyon Mackenzie, is somewhat glossed over, and that self promotion is often very obvious. It is also noteworthy (in keeping with the, fortunately now long gone, era), that the fifty-two people recognized in the bibliographical notes are all males. One wonders, yet again, in light of the fact that almost all were married and most had very large families, how they thought they could have managed to achieve what they did without the full and laborious support of their wives and mothers. These woman worked just as hard as their partners on the earlier and difficult land clearing, settlement duties and chores, plus they had numerous babies, kept house, fed the family, made clothes, looked after livestock and had absolutely no official status. They frequently died (probably of exhaustion) long before their husbands and passed into history with only their children and friends remembering them. Usually the only time they get mentioned is if their father was regarded as ‘important’. This writer notes that even one of her own pioneer families was equally guilty although, in her case, the couple enjoyed seventy-one years of marriage in spite of Jane bearing twelve children. Both the second Charles Haines and my own relative subscribed to the Walker and Miles Atlas.

The historic Haines’ family background was provided by Shelley Craig, Proprietor of “The Top of the Hill” Bed and Breakfast Inn. Her help was much appreciated. Heather Ghey Broadbent was the first Heritage Resource Officer for the Town of Caledon, is a former President of the Ontario Historical Society, a former Director of the Ontario Heritage Foundation (now Trust) and presently a Director of the Multicultural History Society of Ontario, Vice Chair of the Humber Alliance and Honourary Director of the Caledon Heritage Foundation.

WINTER 2011 CALEDON LIVING

SHOPPING

The perfect

Valentine bouquet

“

Men will often pick up a bouquet of flowers at a grocery store, but that simply says, ‘I was picking up eggs and milk and saw some flowers’

”

BY ANDREW HIND + MARIA DA SILVA

AS VALENTINE’S DAY grows near (one of the few almost universal holidays), women all over the world begin to look forward to receiving bouquets of flowers as a symbol of affection. At the same time, men begin to feel the growing pressure of expectation; the flowers have to be special, to make their beloved’s day memorable. Men have to realize that it’s not as difficult as they might think to purchase that perfect floral gift. As beautiful and symbolic as flowers may be, it’s also about making the woman you care about feel attractive, vibrant, and special. Remind her once again of the love you have for her.

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011

“Men will often pick up a bouquet of flowers at a grocery store, but that simply says, ‘I was picking up eggs and milk and saw some flowers,’” cautions Rita Quayle, owner of Flower Workshop. “That’s the wrong message, and that’s certainly not what a woman wants on Valentine’s Day.” For those guys trying to impress their mates, it’s certainly not what they want either. You should give flowers from the heart, to make them mean something special. Flowers without meaning and thought miss the point. This year, go that extra mile and get a perfect Valentine’s Bouquet. Here’s how.

Roses The typical dozen long-stemmed roses might seem like a cliché, but they’re timeless and elegant. Roses are some of the oldest flowers, and have been a traditional sign of love since time began. In fact, when King Tut’s tomb was opened in the 1920s, archeologists found roses left there by his grieving widow. “Roses are the traditional Valentine flower,” says Shelley Cormier, owner of Hilltop Flowers in Bolton. “They represent love, romance, and lust.” Some customers are balking at the high cost of roses, believing in error that flower shops are fleecing them during the holiday season. That’s simply not the case. As Cormier points out, almost all roses have to be flown in from South America at considerable cost and, because Valentine’s Day is celebrated globally, there’s competition for the limited supply. The price is set by market conditions, not greedy store owners. “Long stem roses are tall and beautiful and their heads tend to be larger, so that explains why they are the traditional favourite for Valentine’s Day, and why they cost more,” continues Cormier. “Because cutting the stems every few days can extend the bloom significantly, longer stems can mean your flowers may last as much as three weeks.” It’s recommended that you pre-order roses several weeks in advance. Shops have to place their Valentine’s orders in January, so they only have a limited supply at the last minute. To get the best variety of roses, the pick of the crop so to speak, approach your florist well beforehand. Otherwise, you’ll be left choosing from whatever stock remains on hand. “To be safe, pick up the flowers yourself,” recommends Quayle. “Valentine’s Day is our busiest day of the year; it’s just crazy. If a mistake is going to be made, or if there’s going to be a delay in delivery, it’s going to be on that day.” Want to try something different with roses? Try partnering red roses with flowers of similar size and opulence, such as brilliant red amaryllis, ranunculus, or even red tulips. Then ring the arrangement with creamy white calla lilies, creating a beautiful contrast of colours. For a finishing touch, wrap the vase with wide ribbon of a complementary hue. A single rose can be made special as well. All you need is a vase with a cork stopper. Fill the container with water, imbed the rose stem in the cork, and then place the cork so that the bloom hangs suspended upside down in the water. It’s so unique it oozes thought.

Custom bouquets To really show your wife or girlfriend how dear she is to you, shower her with the affection of a custom-made bouquet using flowers that have special meaning to you both. Every flower has a meaning or has come to symbolize a certain emotion. For example, a fragrant bouquet of stocks is a good Valentine’s choice because the scent communicates undying love and affection. Because every flower sends a message (see the attached sidebar for the meaning of some common

Flower meanings Flowers represent certain traits or expressions of affection. The meanings of some popular flowers are: Carnation = Fascination Chrysanthemum = Friendship Daisy = Loyal Love Orchid = Love and Beauty Red Rose = Romantic Love Pink Rose = Secret Love Yellow Rose = Friendship Sunflower = You are splendid Lily = Purity and Innocence White Rose = Innocent Love

flowers), select those that seem to best say how you feel about your partner. Also, try to incorporate flowers that you know she likes; it shows how well you know her. You don’t need to worry about whether the flowers you’ve picked work well together, the florist will be able to advise you and make alternate suggestions when warranted. Chances are, however, your mate won’t know exactly what the flowers in the bouquet represent. So tell her in the gift card, and express why you chose those particular varieties. Again, the extra effort will show. “Don’t order through an online order-taking company like FTD. They simply take your order, place it through a local flower shop and, after they take a cut of the profit and the wire service takes another cut, you end up getting less for your money,” explains Quayle. “You’re better off going online to find a local flower shop, cutting out the middle man.”

Trends & tips Selecting the bouquet doesn’t mean your job is done. If your goal is to make her feel great, give the flowers in a special way. Why not deliver them yourself and show the world that she is the love of your life? Or send them to her workplace. She’ll love showing off her flowers, and the sweet man who thought enough of her to buy them. “Gerbera daisies are becoming increasingly popular for Valentine’s Day, and so beautiful that they make for a gorgeous bouquet,” says Carmela Scoles, owner of Hummingbird Flowers and Gifts in Caledon East. “We’re even doing gerbera weddings —that’s how popular they are.” Orchids are the newest ‘in’ flower for Valentine’s Day. In fact, many shops in Toronto no longer offer roses for this occasion, opting to focus on orchids instead. But you don’t need a florist if you want to go this route. Buy a large potted orchid and select a unique container to transplant it into. Ensure the container WINTER 2011 CALEDON LIVING

is slightly larger than the plastic growing pot the orchid came in, so that the plant doesn’t quickly outgrow it. Tip the pot, knock the sides to loosen the orchid, and remove it carefully. Use snips to trim off any dead roots; healthy roots are firm and white inside, dead ones are soft and brown. Replant the orchid in a moistened bark mix, available commercially in most flower shops and nurseries. Stake the plant to hold it upright and mist regularly until the new roots are established. Complete the gift by wrapping the pot with a bow…and add a lovely card. Spending the time to perfect the presentation will impress your loved one.

Keeping cut flowers longer Sadly, some people are put off by the misconception that cut flowers only last a few days and, therefore, giving a bouquet is a waste of money. That’s not true. While no cut flowers will last forever, according to Scoles—if properly cared for—they can last for weeks. “There are simple ways to increase the lifespan of cut flowers,” she explains. “Remove all foliage from parts underwater, and cut stems at a 45 degree angle. Cutting on an angle increases the surface area for absorbing water. But never cut flowers with regular scissors; stems will get crushed so that no water gets to the head. Instead, use a sharp knife or pruning shears.” Cut stems should be placed in water immediately, as air moves quickly into the water-conducting tissues and plugs the cells. This is why a cut flower that has been out of water more than a few minutes should have a small portion of the lower stem cut off so that water will move up into it freely when it is returned. The water should be cold, since this means the flowers won’t open as quickly and will therefore last longer. Similarly, cut flowers like cool temperatures, so never place them in south facing windows or near warm air ducts. Commercial preservatives will increase the life of cut flowers and should always be used. Their major component is sucrose (sugar), which serves as a source of energy to make up for the loss of the functioning leaves that produce a plant’s food and thereby insures longevity of the flowers. “The biggest problem is that people never change the water, or don’t change it enough” asserts Scoles. “The water should be changed every two days and the stems re-cut at the same time. It’s a simple thing to do, but it literally makes flowers last twice as long.” Also, some flowers will last longer than others. Your florist can point out long-lasting varieties. It might take a bit more time and thought to arrange the perfect bouquet, but it’s worth it…because she’s worth it! With a well thought out floral expression of love, your relationship is sure to blossom.

WINTER 2011 CALEDON LIVING

Rosa Alvarez Founder & CEO of the Caledon Breast Cancer Foundation thanks you and all her guests for making the third Pink Tie Gala a success!

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Be mine! 6 Our fave

desserts

This Valentine’s Day treat your sweetie to a decadent dessert from our local restaurants and shops 1. Decadent chocolate lover’s sampler platter, $16, serves two. The Consulate, 905 584 6286 2. Tiramisu custard & fruit, $3.50. Mercato, 905 857 9040 3. Chocolate Explosion, $6.75. Boston Pizza, 905 951 2020 4. Chocolate fudge, $5.50. Caruso, 905 951 8888 5. Millcroft s’mores, $12. Millcroft Inn, 519 941 8111 6. Chocolate hazelnut pear hollandaise, $14.50/pie. Gourmandissimo, 905 584 0005

PHOTOS: SDB IMAGES

FOOD

WINTER 2011 CALEDON LIVING

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011

Cornish pasty

RECIPES

Typical late Georgian recipe (circa 1800) used throughout Cornwall & Devonshire, England

INGREDIENTS Filling steak potatoes turnip (rutabaga) onion sea salt freshly ground pepper butter

200g 200g 200g 1 medium 1 tsp 1 tsp 20g

Pastry unbleached flour egg yolks lard butter milk water sea salt freshly ground pepper egg yolk (for glaze)

425g 2 70g 70g 100ml 100ml ½ tsp ½ tsp 1

Makes: 4 large pasties

PHOTO: SDB IMAGES

Prep: Approx. 30 min. Frying: 14–16 minutes medium–high heat Baking: 40–45 minutes at 375˚F large mixing bowl large frying pan or wok saucepan baking tray

Sift flour into a mixing bowl, and stir in salt and pepper. In a saucepan heat milk and melt in butter and lard. When solids have melted bring to a boil, and then pour into mixing bowl with flour, gently mixing with a fork or spoon to form a soft ball of dough. If sticky add some more flour, or water if too dry. Knead dough until you have smooth yet elastic ball. Cover with towel and let sit for 20 minutes, then transfer to fridge to cool completely. Peel and dice potatoes, rutabaga and onion into half inch cubes. Chop steak in similar sized cubes and fry in a pan on medium-high heat with 10g of butter for 3–4 minutes, adding half tsp of salt and pepper. Transfer to plate, along with any juices in the pan. Add remaining 10g of butter into pan and fry the onions for 2–3 minutes, before adding the diced vegetables, plus half tsp of salt and pepper, and fry for an additional 5 minutes. Next add the meat back in and fry for further 4 minutes, mixing everything well every half minute. Divide pastry into four smaller balls, rolling out each one to the size of a side plate (approx. 9 inches diameter). Spoon a quarter of the filling into the middle, and generously brush some beaten egg around inner edge of pastry circle. Lift two opposing edges up to meet in the middle, and start to form an eliptical shape as you fold and pinch the edges over and completely enclose the filling (see photo). Glaze finished pasties with egg yolk. Place pasties on a baking try and bake in preheated oven at 375˚F for 40–45 minutes, or until golden brown. Pasties make a great hot lunch, or can be cooled, kept in fridge and eaten cold or at room temperature over the next day or two as a hearty snack.

WINTER 2011 CALEDON LIVING

White-pot (bread & butter pudding) Early Georgian recipe (circa 1720) from Devonshire, England INGREDIENTS fresh white bread organic cream* unrefined sugar organic butter organic egg yolks currants raisins dates ground mace ground nutmeg sea salt

⅔ loaf (approx. 15 slices) ½ litre of 10% 60g 50g 3 25g 25g 40g ¼ tsp ¼ tsp generous pinch

Prep time: Approx. 30 mins

Makes: 6–8 portions

Baking: 60–70 minutes at 350˚F

Large mixing bowl Saucepan Baking dish – approx. 7 x 11 inches

Generously butter one side of each slice of bread. You can cut off crust if you choose, but we prefer to leave on for added texture. In a saucepan, bring cream to a simmer on low to medium heat. Whisk in nutmeg , mace and sea salt. Simmer for approx. four minutes and put aside to cool. In a mixing bowl whisk egg yolks with the sugar until creamy. When cream has cooled, whisk in to this mix. Don’t whisk in cream when hot—it will scramble the eggs. In a baking dish lay down some slices of bread, butter side down. Overlap if necessary to cover bottom of dish. Scatter a third of the currants, raisins and dates and gently pour in some cream. Add another layer of bread, and another third of dried fruit and more cream. Gently squish everything down with back of your hand or large spoon. Add further layer of bread and dried fruit and cream, and then top off with final layer of bread. Pour remaining cream on top and squish everything down further. Scatter small pieces of butter all over top and sprinkle a little sugar. Bake in preheated oven at 350˚F for 60–70 minutes. Serve hot as a tasty dessert! You can accompany it with homemade vanilla custard. To cheat, buy a can of real Devon custard from Zehrs, imported from Devon, England—it’s good!

keep it

authentic

PHOTO: SDB IMAGES

by using fresh and organic ingredients

*you can replace the cream with 2% milk as a healthier option.

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011

WEB EXTRAS

Traditional vanilla custard recipe

WINTER 2011 CALEDON LIVING

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011

t s e t n co

Do you make great cupcakes? We want to hear from you, so send us your most original and creative cupcake recipe and you could win a Hamilton Beach Mixer, plus we will professionally photograph your creations and publish them in the next issue!

Cupcakes will be judged on the creative ★ use of ingredients and decoration skills! ★

win me!

Hamilton Beach® Classic Hand/Stand Mixer Powerful 290 Watt motor 6 speeds with a QuickBurst™ button Traditional beaters, wire beaters & wisk Detachable mixing head, doubles as a hand mixer

The 10 most creative and appealing looking recipes will be made and tested, in order to determine an overall winner. Email your typed recipe and reference photo with your name and telephone number to:

frontlinemedia1@sympatico.ca or mail to:

Caledon Living, PO Box 340, Bolton, ON L7E 1E2

Contest deadline: March 1, 2011 Contest eligibility: All cupcake recipes submitted must be your own original creations, and not copied from a cookbook or other commercial source. Not open to professional chefs.

WINE CONNOISSEUR

Wine & chocolate BY RIC KITOWSKI + JOCELYN KLEMM

VALENTINE’S DAY is a time to treat that special someone to flowers, wine, or chocolate—maybe all three! Chocolate, as an essential food group, goes with just about anything although, when you bring wine into the mix, it can be tricky to match. To avoid ruining the moment, here are a few tips. First, chocolate and wine pairings will always be better

when the chocolate, or chocolate dessert, isn’t super sweet, rich, or gooey. Moderately sweet chocolate and wine make a nice pair, and very sweet chocolate, like ice cream or molten lava cake, is better on its own.

Next, it’s always easier to pair chocolate with higher

alcohol wines than lower alcohol wines, meaning fortified wines like port and sweeter-style sherry are cupid’s favourites. But if you want to try something besides fortified wine with chocolate, there are still some nice options, depending on the selected type of chocolate. Choose a wine that matches the weight and intensity of the chocolate. Will it be mild and buttery white chocolate, subtle and mouth-coating milk chocolate, or intense and bittersweet dark chocolate?

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011

“

Dark or bittersweet chocolate is the most intensely flavoured and fullest bodied, calling for a more robust wine match.

”

White chocolate For sweet, mellow white chocolate, light and fruity sparkling wines like Moscato d’Asti or Prosecco Moscato Dolce, or a late harvest style Muscat dessert wine, all sweeter-style wines with aromas reminiscent of oranges and apricots, give white chocolate the extra zing it needs.

Milk chocolate The richness of milk chocolate calls for wines with increased weight and intensity, such as dessert wines like late harvest or icewine, or mediumbodied dry red wines. Vidal icewine, for example, has aromas of peach, apricot, pear, and apple, while Cabernet icewine has aromas of red and black fruits like plums, berries and cherries—all flavours that complement milk chocolate so well. If you prefer dry red wines, a lower-tannin light red like Beaujolais (Gamay) or Pinot Noir, or even a lovely dry Rosé, are similar in weight to milk chocolate, while the red fruit aromas complement the sweetness of the chocolate—millions of Cherry Blossoms® sold can’t be wrong!

Dark chocolate Dark or bittersweet chocolate is the most intensely flavoured and fullest bodied, calling for a more robust wine match. There are tannins in dark chocolate, calling for a similar style of wine, each complementing the other. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel (or Primitivo if you prefer the Italian version), or Amarone della Valpolicella all have intense fruit character and the tannic structure to match up with the dark chocolate qualities. Fortified wines perhaps pair the best with dark chocolate, and there are many choices—vintage port with its rich fruitcake aromas, tawny port for aromas of toffee and roasted nut, or Banyuls from southern France, offering up black plum and cherry notes, also with the balancing acidity to cut through the sweetness. This Valentine’s Day, be adventurous as well as amorous. Taste a few kinds of chocolate, sip a few different wines, and see what happens! Ric and Jocelyn are the authors of the best-selling Clueless about Wine. Sign up for their newsletter at www.twcimports.com WINTER 2011 CALEDON LIVING

COMMUNITY

Hockey in a winter wonderland BY KIRA DORWARD

EACH YEAR, Caledon transforms into a winter wonderland. Drive through Palgrave in mid-January and the Millpond is a homespun scene from the last century, recalling a very Canadian sense of rustic camaraderie with hot chocolate before a warm fire. Perhaps more uniquely Canadian is the winter activity for which there is a specially designated area on the Millpond where families and friends can play together. Hockey, the great Canadian pastime, does not always require a huge arena and stadium seating. Caledon, on the edge of the Greater Toronto Area, brings the sport of hockey back to its basics in the hinterland. Ken Hunt started maintaining the Palgrave Millpond ten years ago for his teenage children. Warmly recalling memories of his childhood in the GaspĂŠ Peninsula, in Palgrave he saw the potential to recreate those moments for a new generation. Motivated by a sincere desire to provide children with a wholesome activity, Ken expends a superhuman effort to make the pond a safe and enjoyable environment. Spending up to sixty hours a week from Christmas until mid-March, he tends the rinks, making sure to leave sticks and pucks available, building benches for bystanders, and bringing his own generators for lighting. It is clearly nothing short of a labour of love that pilots these lonely sojourns on mid-winter nights. 50

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011

PHOTO: GEORGE DENHAAN

Millpond in Palgrave

Canadian Pond Hockey Championship, Albion Hills Conservation Area

“

...shoveling snow by hand to create a winter scene straight from a Hallmark card, or a seasonal Tim Horton’s coffee cup.

It wasn’t a community effort at first, but grew into one as more people started to lace up and hit the ice. There are stories of Ken bringing out his own plow in the wee hours (after waiting for teenagers to leave the ice), or shoveling snow by hand to create a winter scene straight from a Hallmark card, or a seasonal Tim Horton’s coffee cup. In the beginning, it was only Ken appearing at 2 a.m. to siphon out water for a smoother surface. Then, slowly, as the Palgrave Rotary became involved in donating the basic necessities, it has grown into a civic project, stemming from an almost patriotic love of winter sport. The fastest growing team sport in the country, pond hockey is as close to the original conception of the game as can be achieved. It originated in New Brunswick with the World Pond Hockey Championship. The Kinsmen Club of Bolton (whose motto, “to serve the Community’s greatest needs” aptly describes its function) for several years has been at the helm of an initiative to bring the game to Caledon and the GTA as the Kinsmen Canadian Pond Hockey Championship. Their all-volunteer crew organizes, keeps score, and officiates at the tournament held annually in mid-February in the Albion Hills Conservation Area, in support of various local causes. In the past, they have included supporting local sports teams, donating proceeds to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation, and donating the first defibrillators to Bolton ambulances. The Kinsmen Club, while boasting the best and smoothest ice for pond hockey enthusiasts, is exclusively non-profit and without overhead cost, meaning that all money raised goes directly to charity. The cost of participation in their tournament is $375 per team. The Kinsmen pond hockey tournament is played four-on-four with five player teams. There is no goalie or goal tending allowed, enabling scores to run easily into the teens and twenties. There is no player substitution during a game, so the fifth team member is used in another game to let a tired player rebuild strength. A rink is usually 75 by 150 feet, with only snow banks to define boundaries and no lines, meaning no offside or icing calls. Regulation width nets are only ten inches high, ruling out slap shots. Equipment consists of only skates, sticks and helmets,

”

eliminating the need for expensive and cumbersome padding. This comes in handy as the game requires much endurance and stamina, with tournament finalist teams required to play five games in forty-eight hours. The game has 3 fifteen-minute periods with a strict no-contact rule, which sets it apart from the ‘blood sport’ of the NHL and other leagues, and demands a high level of speed and skill. A player marked with a major penalty (such as inflicting an injury or threats to others) will be banned from that game, as well as the rest of the tournament, and the team will play three-on-four for the duration. For the younger set, pond hockey is available at the Teen Ranch located on Highway 10. Offering a league with levels from age 4 to 13, and running until March 25, the organization describes itself as a Christian “non-competitive league where players are encouraged to develop skills and meet new people.” Last year, Alton Mill held its first charity pond hockey game at the Fire and Ice Festival, something it hopes to make an annual event. Here the Alton firefighters battled it out with the “Caledon Notables” with funds raised benefitting Caledon Youth Services, as well as the Alton Mill Pond Rehabilitation Fund to clean up their millpond so that perhaps, in the future, regular pond hockey games can take place. In recent years, hockey sticks have been prohibited from elementary and high school premises. It is a sad state of affairs that Canada’s national sport is being discouraged in institutions that could be nurturing the next Wayne Gretzky. If the result of last year’s Vancouver Olympics is any indication, Canada is still the number one hockey nation. Our deeply rooted, passionate fans hope to never see the day when either Russia or the United States, or any other country, may take our hockey title away from us. Pond hockey is a return to the ‘iceroots’ of the game, a renewal of something so uniquely Canadian that it takes place in the beaver’s natural habitat. Kira Dorward is a third year history student at Trinity College in the University of Toronto. She is the 2010 winner of the Hart House Literary Contest, and is currently working for the National Magazine Awards Foundation. WINTER 2011 CALEDON LIVING

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

The Fireplace Stop

The Fireplace Stop Hwy 9 & 27 in Schomberg, 1 800 843 1732 www.fireplacestop.com

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011

A hearth recalls warmth and family. It’s the symbol of a nearly bygone era, one replaced by the realities of modern life and the demands of the corporate world. Caledon, with its rustic beauty and small town values, remains an area where the hearth has not lost its charm or its place in the home. Located at the intersection of Highway 9 and 27, The Fireplace Stop has established itself for the last twenty-three years as a family-oriented, referral-based business where personal service provides the best home comfort, front door to back. Andy Leonard, owner and founder of The Fireplace Stop, emphasizes how the employee-driven nature of his business determines the quality of the eventual product. Andy’s long-term and dedicated installers know the high standard of work that is demanded of them and they consistently live up to that expectation. With the increasing amount of custom homes being built in the area, The Fireplace Stop offers a unique service as they carry a full line of exclusive designer fireplaces both in wood burning and gas. Using house plans while working with designers, decorators, and architects, the entire process of a project is overseen by The Fireplace Stop team until it is finished to perfection. Completely avoiding the use of sub-contractors is a hallmark of their very personalized service, meaning that their business retains control of every aspect of a home renovation project, ensuring the most consistent results for the most competitive price. With a focus on a “green theme” and energy star-rated products, The Fireplace Stop carries the best available in wood or gas fireplaces and stoves, chimneys and chimney liners, furnace and air-conditioning appliances, pellet stoves (fuelled by compressed sawdust), humidifiers and air cleaners, all of which provide the best results for operating costs and property investment. For exteriors, there are patio heaters, outdoor fireplaces, patio fires, and high-end barbeques available. The Fireplace Stop also specializes in HRVs, or heat recovery ventilators, which evacuate contaminated air from the interior of a home and replace it with fresh air from outside, preserving the level of heat by an exchange of heating values during the intake and exhale of atmosphere. There are even products specially tailored for clients with respiratory problems. Whether heating or cooling a town or country home, the range and quality of different products combined with the highly personalized quality of service ensures the best system for any need or desire. As winter sets in and the interior becomes paramount, the home renovation spirit begins to take hold. The Fireplace Stop family heads into a busy time of year, but without detracting from the quality of service they offer to every client. The store’s Schomberg location serves a wide geographical area, ensuring great home comfort at home and cottage.

WINTER 2011 CALEDON LIVING

PEOPLE

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011

John Tysoe An adventurous life

in planes, automobiles and sailboats BY DAVID K. DORWARD • PHOTOS BY SDB IMAGES

WE HAVE MANY INTERESTING PEOPLE living in Caledon, or what I call Eden, and John Tysoe is one of them. John Tysoe has had a series of adventures with a myriad of transportation devices and I, for one, envy him immensely! Beyond his life as an educator, where he enjoyed a long career at Ryerson Polytechnic University as a Professor of Thermodynamics, John is a former British trained aerospace engineer. He has resided in Caledon since 1993, after retiring the previous year.

Aircraft John’s personal favourite plane is the beautifully responsive de Havilland Tiger Moth and he “… would take anyone for a flight who would pay half the cost …” However, the airplane he remembered most from his working days was the TSR-2. This airplane was a joint effort of the Vickers Armstrong Company, who did the preliminary front end work, and English Electric, who did the “back end” development. When designing this plane, they were told to use the same engines that powered the Concord supersonic passenger plane, to cut costs. John says his colleagues, with typically dry British wit, referred to the project team as the “Downtown Moscow Redevelopment Corporation” because the main function of the plane was to attack Russia, in those not so distant Cold War days! His task on the project was to develop air conditioning and pressurization to cool an area which otherwise could boil water. The inside of the bomber was to be a comfortable “shirt sleeve environment.” John recalled he made himself intensely unpopular with the project electron-

ics staff when he asserted he was a “mechanical engineer, not a bloody electrician.” It is odd to think of this flying sleek metal tube carrier of destruction as having air conditioning. I have this mental picture of the crew making the necessary adjustments to the temperature before takeoff, to relax in air conditioned comfort while carrying out their mission. The project test pilot, Roland Beamont, a former WW2 Typhoon rocket firing plane pilot, was never able to convince the British Ministry of Defence (MOD). The project was eventually cancelled by the MOD, whose interference with continual design specification changes (shades of the Canadian Avro Arrow!) helped consign TSR-2 to the dustbin of history, never ever to encounter angry Russian fighters defending the Motherland.

Automobiles Well, I admit it, I am a James Bond fan, and I remember well the most famous car in the world, the gadget laden DB5 from the best of the James Bond films, to my mind, Goldfinger. During our interview it was delightful to find that John had played a hand, not in developing the gadgets beloved by movie buffs in the Goldfinger Aston Martin DB5, but in something much more mundane yet necessary, the DB5’s air conditioning (AC) unit. In his book, he recounts meeting the Aston’s Chief Engineer who wanted the AC unit “… sorted out before the delivery deadline set for his latest customer, George Harrison” (of Beatle fame). He met the deadline and I hope the air conditioning unit didn’t get in the way of the machine guns and revolving license plates of the movie car! WINTER 2011 CALEDON LIVING

Sailboats John did something most of us secretly dream about but never put the plan into action. He built his own sailboat and sailed it to the British Virgin Islands. He modestly recounts his wife’s suggestion to “… build a yacht, get it down to the British Virgin Islands (BVI), charter it out until we are ready to retire, then move down there and live on it.” He adds, “After I had recovered consciousness, all the standard responses sprang to mind (ie) ‘Are you nuts? Totally out of the question … Absolutely impossible!’” With the drive, determination and abilities of his beloved but now sadly deceased wife Inge, who was a complete and equal partner in every project John undertook, Inge II was launched from Bronte Harbour, Ontario, arriving safely in Virgin Gorda on June 25, 1980. I have only been to the BVI once, sailing on a 1980’s Windjammer Cruise aboard Flying Cloud, but it was heavenly. I unreservedly admire the determination to not only build their own boat, but to realize the dream of sailing it to that part of the Caribbean and living the life there! This was made possible by John working part time at Ryerson, allowing him to live and sail full time for half of the year in the BVI. Unlike most of us, Inge and John had the pluck and intestinal fortitude to make it happen, not just daydream.

Memoirs There are many other adventures John experienced with planes, automobiles and sailboats; but to learn more you need to read the book, as they say! We are indeed fortunate to have such a nice gentleman, possessed with that impish dry British humour, who has had a hand in so much engineering history from the mid 20th century living right here in Caledon. To obtain a copy of John’s memoirs: Nuts and Bolts; Chronicles of a Wayward Engineer, and his second volume, Sweeping Up the Bits; Further Chronicles of a Wayward Engineer, contact John through tysoechronicles@griffonabbeye.com. David K. Dorward resides near Caledon East on a very small working farm, while having a day job teaching business and human resource subjects at George Brown College and Humber College as well as the Human Resource Professional Association (HRPA). He can be reached at dkdorward@sympatico.ca

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011

WINTER 2011 CALEDON LIVING

Infiniti M37x AWD MOTORING

2011

BY KEVIN “CRASH” CORRIGAN PHOTOS BY LENA DIAZ

INFINITI IS A BRAND which occasionally likes to push boundaries, and one only has to look at its FX crossover vehicles to see this in action. Those models blend utility with more than a healthy dose of performance, at the same time oozing luxury from every pore. They are huge fun to drive, and the same goes for their slightly smaller stable mate, the Infiniti EX. Although I’ve enjoyed the Infiniti crossovers for quite some time, I’ve never been truly thrilled by cars which the company produces. Yes, the Infiniti G-Series has earned a fantastic reputation, and many now compare them to BMW models, but in my opinion they’ve never really had the wow factor that is in

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011

some of the other Infiniti products. Of course, that was then, and this is now, because I’ve just spent a week in the 2011 Infiniti M37x, and the vehicle has actually started to win me over. Admittedly, it may not appear as aggressive from the outside as perhaps the FX/EX models. And, if I’m totally honest, I find the exterior of the M37x a little too similar to the lower priced G-Series. However, slide behind the wheel of the vehicle and you can’t help but feel that you’re in something rather special. For a start, the interior simply oozes quality and refinement, and the features available for this model are pretty amazing. Xenon headlights and front fog lights come standard on the

M37, as do 18 inch alloys and power folding heated mirrors. It gets even better on the inside, with leather-faced seating, DS & PS 10-way power adjustable heated seats, and a memory system for the doors, mirrors, and the leather wrapped steering wheel. For those who enjoy more creature comforts, there’s a power moon roof, intelligent key system with push button start, Homelink, Bluetooth, XM Sat Radio/CD/USB connect and steering wheel audio controls. All of this is standard equipment on the base M37x model. However, my test vehicle came with the optional Deluxe Touring & Tech package ($5,100) which includes Bose® Studio Surround® 5.1 with 16 speakers, power rear shade, intelligent cruise control, lane departure warning & prevention, eco pedal, Blind Spot Intervention™ System², and a Forest Air™ system. Also added is a rather unique genuine silver-metallic wood accent trim. While metallic and wood may sound a little strange, it certainly looks impressive! I was also fortunate to have the Premium package ($3,800) added to my tester, including a 9.3 GB music hard drive, HD navigation system with an 8 inch colour touch screen, voice recognition, Bluetooth streaming audio, climate controlled front seats and a heated steering wheel. Now these two packages add an additional $9,200 to the base price of the vehicle ($54,900), which means it tops out at $64,100, and then there’s still nearly $2k of freight and PDE before you’re presented with the final bill. Whereas I would normally say at this point, “Save your money and go for the base model,” I’m actually going to venture in the opposite direction and suggest stepping up and treating yourself. My reasoning is simple...while $9k in extras might seem a lot of money, especially in today’s economy, yet compared to what some of the German companies are charging for these types of add-ons, it’s actually quite reasonable. This is a driver’s vehicle in every sense of the word and I can foresee buyers trying to save money at the offset, only to wish they had opted for the extras down the road. After all, if you’re going to purchase a high-end vehicle, and this certainly falls into that category, then why wouldn’t you make the most of it and truly enjoy the experience of luxury?

Of course, more toys mean more weight, and that requires additional power. Fortunately, Infiniti has already figured this out and the M range features two power plant options for 2011, a 5.6L V8 and the 3.7L 24v DOHC V6, the engine which powered my tester. Now I’m going to pretty much forget about the V8 model, as I truly don’t see the need for any more oomph than the 330 HP supplied by the V6. However, what makes the M37x truly world-class is the superb 7-speed automatic transmission which funnels this power out to the 4 wheels. (Yes, the M range is available in either 2WD or the AWD x model.) Shifting is super-quick, at the same time being extremely smooth, and it really does make the most of the power on tap. However it’s not all about high performance, as the M37 comes with selectable drive options, including an Eco mode. I found this little knob quite fascinating, as a quick tweak retires Dr. Jekyll and unleashes Mr. Hyde. A lot of vehicles nowadays have this feature but it actually makes a difference in this car. Fuel economy figures for the M37x are quite acceptable at 12L/100km (city) and 8.3L/100km (highway). In summing up, I believe that Infiniti has finally come up with a car which I would like to own. Fair enough, its exterior styling is perhaps not as in-your-face as some other high-end manufacturers’ products, but is that necessarily a bad thing? I don’t believe it is. True luxury in an automobile is not all about having the fancy emblem to view through your windshield. It’s more about the feeling you get while driving the vehicle, and in this sense the M37x ticks all the right boxes. The interior meets and, in many ways, surges ahead of several others in its price range. The available options put a few competitors to shame, and then there’s the superb power plant. Yes, it might have taken a while for the company to convince me, but I’ve finally come round to their way of thinking. I really like the Infiniti M37x.

Pros: Not as in-your-face prestigious as some, but a very nice car. Cons: In some ways, perhaps a little too much like the G-Series

Rating

80%

WINTER 2011 CALEDON LIVING

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011

CaledonHomes The finest properties in Caledon and surrounding areas |

WINTER 2011

Caledon, $1,275,000

Stuart Sinclair, Sales Representative Re/Max West Realty Inc., Brokerage www.stuartsinclair.com

WINTER 2011 CALEDON LIVING

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011

WINTER 2011 CALEDON LIVING

The Directory

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ARBORIST

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Equestrian cushions for your home

French antique print on cotton blend cushions. Available in beige, grey & brown. Individually crafted in Caledon area.

$100

Pur Sang Cushions 905 584 5840 â&#x20AC;˘ pursangcushions@bell.net

The Directory

INSURANCE

YOU too can be a Michelangelo! Evening & Weekend Workshops for Do-ItYourselfers

Caledon Living locations

Learn the latest faux finishing techniques with: Tattoowall™ glazes venetian plasters metallic finishes crackle paints wood graining marbling

If you didn’t receive your copy in the mail, or need a spare copy for a friend, you can find Caledon Living, available free, at the following locations:

ACTON

CALEDON EAST

Leathertown Lumber 264 Main Street

Inspirations 16078 Airport Road

ALTON

Caledon Town Hall Customer Service Centre, 6311 Old Church Road

Alton Mill 1402 Queen Street Millcroft Inn 55 John Street

www.MADA-masters.com 647 346 3870

BELFOUNTAIN Ascot Room 17228 Mississauga Road Belfountain Inn 792 Forks of the Credit Road

Guyfer Auto Recycling 15925 Centreville Creek Road

CHELTENHAM Cheltenham Country Store 14386 Creditview Road

DUFFERIN Dufferin County Museum Airport Road & Hwy 89

Sutton Headwaters Realty Inc. 792 Forks of the Credit Road

ERIN

BOLTON

The Weathervane 74 Main Street

Aspen Fine Custom Cabinetry 19 McEwan Drive West

INGLEWOOD

Caruso Pizza 334 Queen Street South Forster’s Book Garden 55 Healey Road Klementine 19 Queen Street North

Inglewood General Store 15596 McLaughlin Road

KING CITY Rose Gallery 18 Doctors Lane

ORANGEVILLE

Mille Notte Lingerie 4 Queen Street North

Orangeville Best Western Inn & Suites 7 Buena Vista Drive

RE/MAX West Realty Inc. 1 Queensgate Boulevard

Orangeville Furniture Mono Plaza, Hwy 10

Royal LePage RCR Realty 12612 Highway 50

SCHOMBERG

Skylark Framing & Fine Art 256 Queen Street Soup Du Jour 170 McEwan Drive East

Divada Kitchens 17380 Hwy 27 The Fireplace Stop Crossroads Mall

VICTORIA Coffee Bean Café 15499 Hurontario Street

CALEDON LIVING WINTER 2011