Orangeville Living Summer 2011 by Frontline Media

SUMMER 2011

contents

HERITAGE 11 Orangeville railway station 15 Fisher-Price Toys 33 Kid Curry and the Philippine–American War (1899–1902)

28 27

FOOD 19 Summer super food: Avocado WINE CONNOISSEUR 22 Wines of summer SHOPPING 24 Store profile: Orangeville Furniture HOME 27 Kimberley’s guide to summer style COMMUNITY 28 Youth music fills the hills 37 Shining in their own way

MOTORING 41 Road Test: Kia Forte OUT + ABOUT 8 Community news and events COVER

Photo by Simon Burn, SDB Images

See chicken, avocado and bacon burger recipe on page 21

PUBLISHER'S PAGE

Hurrah, summer is almost here! The Farmers’ Market is back, my garden is in bloom and looking healthy, and there are lots of great outdoor events to attend this summer. Let’s just hope the rain eases up so we can enjoy these, and many other activities and pleasures over the coming months! Did you know that Fisher-Price toys were manufactured right here in Orangeville? Kira Dorward did, and sheds light on this interesting fact on page 15. Mentioning toys leads me to children and Diana Wronski’s article on the Dufferin Youth Festival of the Arts (page 28). This festival encompasses music, dance, drama and visual arts. Further in this vein, Theatre Orangeville has introduced a new program called the Theatre Arts Recreation Program (TARP) to help children with developmental disabilities to explore the wonders of performing arts (page 37). For those who enjoy heritage articles, we have two this issue. Richard Vaughn investigates Orangeville’s railway station, and David Dorward tells the tale of locally born Kid Curry and his part in the Philippine-American War. Crash Corrigan test drove the Kia Forte and tells how this exceptionally well priced car performed. Our Orangeville Living test kitchen shares some healthy California-inspired recipes that will surely impress your patio party guests, on page 19. Doyen of design, Kimberley Seldon, shares some tips to inject a little summer into your space, and we visit Orangeville Furniture—one of the largest and most impressive stores around—for this issue’s store profile. I highly recommend you stop by, if you haven’t already. We were impressed. On a personal note, for the past 12 years I have supported the Children’s Wish Foundation by working on the organizing committee and helping to raise money through the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament in Palgrave (called Tournament of Champions prior to 2009). We have raised more than $550,000 in total, and this year we are introducing a tombola to help raise funds. When you buy a tombola ticket you are sure to win a prize—but we need help with the prizes. If any of our marvellous local businesses would like to get involved and donate something that retails $10 – $200, please contact me at 905-857-2536. You will be helping a child with a life threatening disease, by making a wish come true. All that is left for me to say is, “Have a really great summer, get out in the garden, have some deck parties, enjoy yourselves and spend time quality time with your family and friends.”

PUBLISHER KATIE BURCHELL CREATIVE DIRECTOR & PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHER SIMON BURN EDITORIAL TEAM KEVIN “CRASH” CORRIGAN DAVID DORWARD KIRA DORWARD DIANA JANOSIK-WRONSK RICHARD KITOWSKI JOCELYN KLEMM CONTRIBUTORS RICHARD VAUGHN PROOFREADER SALLY MORELL EDITORIAL DESIGN SDB CREATIVE GROUP INC. ADVERTISING DESIGN CAROLINE SWEET, SKY CREATIVE GROUP LTD. ADVERTISING SALES KATIE BURCHELL BARRIE BURCHELL SHEILA BAKER MYRNA BRAYFORD 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, 15 Hewitt Street, Orangeville L9W 3A2 Tel: 905 857 2536 Email: frontlinemedia1@sympatico.ca Orangeville Living is published 4 times a year

(March, June, September, December) and delivered via Canada Post.

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

Katie Burchell Publisher

Myrna Brayford Our new advertising sales representative

our online edition at { Read www.orangevilleliving.ca } 6

ORANGEVILLE LIVING SUMMER 2011

Readers are invited to contribute comments, views and events. Stories and ideas are always welcome for consideration. Write to us at: Orangeville Living 15 Hewitt Street, Orangeville L9W 3A2 Or email: frontlinemedia1@sympatico.ca

SUMMER 2011 ORANGEVILLE LIVING

OUT + ABOUT

211 service launched locally Orangeville residents can access information about community, social, health and government services through a new program launched recently by the County of Dufferin. When you don't know where to turn for information 211 helps you find the right service. Calls are free, confidential, and answered year-round 24 hours of the day. Trained information and referral specialists answer 211 calls, assessing the needs of each caller and linking them to the best available information and services. In many instances, 211 is available in more than 150 languages. 211 refers callers and website visitors to information on child care, language classes, employment services, housing assistance, health services, family counselling, seniors' services, emergency shelters, home support, legal assistance, financial assistance, social and recreational programs, newcomer services and more. The service can be accessed by calling 2-1-1 or www.211ontario.ca

SUMMER EVENTS Saturday mornings, throughout the summer

Orangeville Farmers’ Market www.marketonbroadway.ca

Sunday mornings, throughout the summer

Hockley Valley Resort Farmers’ Market www.hockley.com

May 27 – August 21 Stitches Across Time

The DCMA main exhibit for 2011, featuring a wide range of textiles specifically selected from the Museum’s extensive textile collection. Dufferin County Museum. www.stitchesacrosstime.com

May 28 – July 10 Time Frame

Juried exhibition that celebrates Heritage Caledon’s 35th anniversary, and explores Ontario’s cultural and natural heritage through art. Alton Mill Gallery. www.altonmill.ca

July 1 Orangeville Canada Day Celebrations

New business Running Free Footwear, clothing and accessories for athletes of all levels. 88 First Street, Orangeville (in the Staples Plaza) www.facebook.com/runningfreeorangeville 519 307 7867

Live entertainment, food, children’s activities, and firework display. Orangeville fairgrounds. www.orangevillehighlandsrotary.org

July 1 Shelburne Canada Day Celebrations Live entertainment, fun, and fireworks. www.townofshelburne.on.ca

July 8 & 9 Orangeville’s Annual Founders’ Fair

Sidewalk sales, buskers, kiosks, and street activities. www.discoverbroadway.ca

July 22 – 24 2nd Annual Orangeville Rotary Ribfest

A family event packed with live entertainment, a ribber’s contest and vendors. And lots of food! www.orangevilleribfest.com

July 23 Along The Garden Path Winner of our Spring issue cookie contest, Andrea Brown, dropped by our office to pick up her prize, a Hamilton Beach Classic Hand/Stand Mixer. Happy baking Andrea! 8

ORANGEVILLE LIVING SUMMER 2011

Self-guided tour of 10 gardens sponsored by the Orangeville & District Horticultural Society. 519 938 8659 or eandgcoish@sympatico.ca

August 3 – 7 61st Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Championship

Competing musicians, entertainment, parade, beer garden, market, pork BBQ www.shelburnefiddlecontest.on.ca

HERITAGE

Orangeville railway station BY RICHARD VAUGHN

THE VICTORIAN ERA was a time of momentous growth in Orangeville. The community was riding high from being officially incorporated as a town; its population had soared to 2,000 souls and was buoyed by unprecedented commercial and industrial growth. This rise in fortunes was largely the result of the railroad, which had reached Orangeville a generation earlier and facilitated the town’s development as a hub for Dufferin County. In recognition of its importance, in 1906 the CPR built an attractive station to serve the community. It remains standing today as a reminder of Orangeville’s past, a rare example of early twentieth century railway station architecture.

In the 19th century, everyone knew railways were the key to a community’s success. Those served by a railroad were assured access to distant markets, opportunity for commercial development, and a prominent role in the region. A village blessed with connection to a railway would grow at the expense of its neighbours. Those that were bypassed, on the other hand, would atrophy and diminish in significance. As early as the 1860s, residents of Orangeville were clamouring for railway service to their village. Initially the talk was about building a tramway with horse-drawn cars running along a rail line linking Orangeville to Brampton, where it would connect with the Grand Trunk Railway. Businessmen endorsed and financed the concept, a route was surveyed and several tracks were laid south of town. Work had barely begun before the enterprise began to unravel, undermined by the Toronto, Grey and Bruce Railway (TG&B). The TG&B Railway, chartered in 1868, was intended to permit exploitation of lumber and agriculture to the north and west of Toronto. The line would run from Toronto, through Bolton, Caledon, and Alton before reaching Orangeville, and then would continue on to the Lake SUMMER 2011 ORANGEVILLE LIVING

IMAGES COURTESY DUFFERIN COUNTY MUSEUMS & ARCHIVE

Postcard circa 1913. P.1166.993a LEFT

Station view with cement works to the right. P.2947

BELOW

Early 19th century colour tinted postcard P.3929.007

Huron ports of Kincardine and Owen Sound. Construction began in 1869 and tracks reached Orangeville on April 20, 1871. The first locomotives, Kincardine and A.R. McMaster, both decorated with evergreens and flags, pulled into town around 5pm that day. Celebration reigned in Orangeville, with virtually the entire community out to witness the trains’ arrival to usher in a new era in the town’s history. Sidney Dickens, eyewitness to the exciting event, wrote that Orangeville was decorated with “triumphant arches and streamers bearing inscriptions such as ‘Goodbye to the Old Stagecoach’, ‘Look out for the Train’, and ‘Welcome, the Iron Steed’. Evergreens gaily decorated the town hall together with flags and drapery and the walls were studded with mottos and with the names of the chief promoters of the railroad.” Everyone looked to the future with unbridled enthusiasm, anticipating that the railway would alter life in town. They were correct. The population doubled, new businesses catering to travelers, such as hotels and taverns, emerged and Orangeville began to develop a thriving industrial base. The town was an important divisional point for the railway where crews changed, water was taken on from a trackside tower, tenders filled with coal funneled in through long chutes, and where engines could be turned around on a round-table. As many as eight of both passenger and freight trains passed through town each day. In 1884, TG&B Railway was amalgamated along with other lines under the control of CPR. 12

ORANGEVILLE LIVING SUMMER 2011

The first Orangeville railway station was an unassuming, almost barn-like structure that did nothing to suggest the prosperity of the community it served. The only thing noteworthy about the building was the spectacular manner of its demise. “At 12:30 o’clock this morning the CPR station caught fire and two hours later it was a complete wreck,” reported the Orangeville Sun for May 3, 1906. “Night operator Ben Tansley Jr. discovered the roof of the building to be in flames and he first carried out the books then gave the alarm. A spark from a passing train is thought to have been the cause.” When the ashes had cooled and the smoke cleared, CPR took stock of the situation. A replacement station would clearly have to be built, and it was decided that the new building should be impressive, something the community and the railroad alike could be proud of. This seemed appropriate since Orangeville was one of the most important and most profitable points on its lines. The design ultimately selected was widely hailed as the handsomest station on the line, most notable for its

distinctive conical roof, resembling a witch’s hat. The waiting room was round and, in common with many stations of the day, had separate sections for male and female passengers. Another unique characteristic was its wood-shingle siding. Beside the waiting room there was a modest restaurant serving sandwiches and coffee, a luggage room, and an office for station employees. For the next half century, the Orangeville Station remained vibrant and busy, providing the economic backbone and heart of the community as its link to the outside world. Things began to change in the 1950s, however, with the rise of the automobile era and the decreasing importance of railways as a mode of transportation in Canada. The last passenger train left Orangeville on October 30, 1970, leaving the station without purpose and in danger of being demolished. It was a very real threat, too. Railway heritage has long been neglected in Ontario, despite the importance that the ‘Iron Horse’ played in the development of the province. As a result, of the estimated 3,000 train stations that once served as lifelines for communities across Ontario, less than 10% now stand after decades of abuse and neglect. Thankfully, the distinctive Orangeville Station was destined to be among these lucky few. In 1998, the building was sold with the intention of moving it to another location and converting it for commercial use. When it was moved trackside to its new home at 35 Armstrong Street, throngs lined the route to watch the spectacle. It was a historic, memorable day for the community. In 2004, the station very nearly met the same tragic fate as its predecessor when fire broke out again. Quick reaction and heroic efforts by local firefighters saved the structure but the interior was gutted, destroying the benches that lined the walls and the original tongue-and-groove boards on the walls and ceilings. Painstaking restoration preserved what remained and returned the building to a close facsimile of its original appearance. In the years since, it served as The Train Station, a pub-style restaurant, and currently houses Rebekah’s restaurant, famed locally for its Sushi and pleasant atmosphere. For over a century, first as a railway station and later as a pair of popular restaurants, the heritage Orangeville Station has played a prominent role in the community. This distinctive building is considered an architectural and historic treasure, an attractive reminder of the Victorian era, and of the railroad’s function in shaping Orangeville. The train may not stop there anymore, but the station has a future as bright as its storied past. SUMMER 2011 ORANGEVILLE LIVING

Fisher-Price Toys

HERITAGE

BY KIRA DORWARD TOYS COURTESY OF DUFFERIN COUNTY MUSEUM & ARCHIVES

Toy bus, made in Orangeville 1966. O A99-131-1-1

FOR THOSE of a certain generation span, the name Fisher-Price is synonymous with brightly coloured plastic, smiling faces and commercial jingles, incantations of long ago Christmases and birthdays, and the fondest memories of childhood. For those of one generation in particular, FisherPrice evokes memories of postwar industry and emerging affluence in the town of Orangeville. The rationing and deprivations of the war period were over, and Ontario was booming. The province was gearing itself up to be a centre of industry and international trade, focused on attracting companies from the Chicago and New York areas to churn out finished products for export.

Manufacturing history in Orangeville In 1964, Orangeville was also on the rise. Fisher-Price opened its first Canadian manufacturing plant at 81 John Street, employing approximately ninety people, mostly women. This was a relative period of growth for the town, following three other large-scale industrial operations coming to the area after substantial marketing efforts from the Chamber of Commerce, offering tax and water benefits to companies that would set up operation in the industrial park. As a result, the Orangeville Banner could â&#x20AC;&#x153;confidently predict accelerated growth and prosperity to far exceed even the greatest expectations of our former editor as he surveyed the prospects for Orangeville in January of 1963.â&#x20AC;? Though it has only been a publicly traded company since 1991, when it was emancipated from the umbrella of Quaker Oats, Fisher-Price has been around since 1930. Established by Herman Fisher, Irving Price and Helen Schelle, the name of the company bears the surnames of only its male founders, a testament to the times, and to the low wages that women were being paid even thirty years later to manufacture their toys. The first toy sold by Fisher-Price was the 1931 Mr. Doodle, a device appearing in reincarnated forms in most childhoods as a pallet board that used magnets to produce SUMMER 2011 ORANGEVILLE LIVING

,, Fisher-Price’s historical

significance in the town of Orangeville is more complex than simply being the site of their first Canadian manufacturing plant.

erasable images. Subsequently, Fisher-Price became known for its Little People® toys which make up a large part of their products in the present day. The inspiration for Little People® came in the 1950s when two of Herman Fisher’s toy makers designed the “Looky Fire Truck” with two miniature fireman permanently affixed to the truck itself. This was followed in 1959 with the “Safety Fire Truck,” an experiment in toy figures that could be removed from the wooden vehicle. In the1960s the first “Play Family” was brought to life, at the same time FisherPrice ran its first magazine ad. It was during this period that Fisher-Price came to Orangeville. With economic progress came social revolution. Women all over North America, in offices, services and manufacturing settings, were demanding wages on par with their male counterparts, or at least a fair increase. In Orangeville, there were also murky issues surrounding a “closed shop” that employed only union members. The predominantly female workforce of the Fisher-Price factory engaged in an eighteen week long strike that led to the closure of the manufacturing plant in 1968. This caused huge controversy, with the town resenting the national exposure and the potential reputation incurred in turning away business. The August 15, 1968 front page editorial in the Orangeville Banner made this clear: “It is...

unfortunate that this community must undergo the embarrassment of national publicity resulting from such a contract dispute… WHEN WE GET A GOOD ONE LIKE FISHER-PRICE WE WANT TO KEEP THEM.” Fisher-Price had initially responded to the controversy with its own ad in the Banner saying: “Under the proposal to the union, all female employees who are presently employed will receive at least $1.86 per hour within eighteen months. (In some cases this represents more than .65c per hour increase). This offer is the maximum we can afford at this time and continue to manufacture in Canada. This represents an annual payroll of well over ½ million dollars that is, for the most part, being spent in Orangeville and district. Fisher-Price is not anti-union. The above wage proposal is only part of the substantial offer which has been made in good faith and rejected by the union. It is up to the employees of the Orangeville plant whether we re-open for manufacture.” It is hard to determine all the facts from the perspective of 1968, fully a year before the famous Woodstock music festival and the ‘summer of love,’ from old newspaper headlines. But it is clear from them that the subject was

ORANGEVILLE LIVING SUMMER 2011

LEFT Toy camera, made in Orangeville circa 1967.

ABOVE Toy radio, made

O A201-102-1-1

O A99-269-1-1

in Orangeville circa 1965.

one of great local controversy, with the social issues of the day competing with economic interests. There was no right or wrong as a result, only the failure of labour and management to reach an agreement amenable to both local employment and a conglomerate toy company. In any event, in 1968 Fisher-Price decided to close up shop in Orangeville and continue its manufacturing operations in East Aurora and New York State. However, many families that relocated to Orangeville for jobs in their local factory stayed in town long after it closed, linking some of today’s residents to those of nearly three generations ago. After the Fisher-Price company was sold in 1969 to Quaker Oats, the “Play Family” continued to evolve until 1993 when the brand became part of Mattel (most famous for Barbie™). With Fisher-Price and Barbie™, Mattel virtually monopolized the North American toy market and in 1997 Mattel took

the step of marketing all preschool products under the Fisher-Price name, leading to instant recognition of their brand right up to today. Fisher-Price’s historical significance in the town of Orangeville is more complex than simply being the site of their first Canadian manufacturing plant. It is a testament to the era, to the varied tensions evocative of the 1960s in both the social conflicts that led to the structure of contemporary society, as well as the rise of industry as king in North America and, indeed, the Western hemisphere. The Fisher-Price factory represents Orangeville’s own history in the debate and clamour of the 60s, its share in the larger issues of the day that still resonate and lead the town into the twenty-first century.

SUMMER 2011 ORANGEVILLE LIVING

ORANGEVILLE LIVING SUMMER 2011

Local photographer and creative director Simon Burn knows his food, having travelled across the continent, in fact the globe, on dozens of food related magazine assignments. He works with it, lives it, breaths it... and then eats it! Here he shares two recipes influenced from recent travels.

Summer super food: WORDS + PHOTOS BY SIMON BURN

Avocados are packed with essential nutrients Inhibit the growth of prostate cancer, help prevent breast cancer, and destroy oral cancer cells. High carotenoid lutein protects against macular degeneration and cataracts, two age-related eye diseases. High in beta-sitosterol and oleic acid, shown to lower cholesterol levels. Help regulate blood pressure and guard against heart disease and strokes. Potassium content helps fight depression and fatigue. Acts as a nutrient booster when eaten with other veggies, like carrots and spinach. Excellent aid to prevent aging.

FOOD

Avocado ON A RECENT FOOD AND TRAVEL editorial assignment in Santa Monica and Beverley Hills/Hollywood with a national magazine, I couldn’t help but notice the vast array of healthy foods available there, and the general well-being of everyone. America’s obesity epidemic appeared to have come to a grinding halt at the California state border. Salads were everywhere; and fish, chicken and veggies pushed away red meat and the usual junk food to the sidelines. I was impressed. The main ingredient that cropped up continuously was avocado. OK, so it’s not grown locally, and we all love to promote locally grown produce, but it’s packed with so many nutrients, vitamins and goodness, it really contributes to one’s well-being, and shouldn’t be ignored. It’s the perfect partner in fresh summer salads, sandwiches, and of course, it makes the best dips. And... it’s sooo creamy and tasty! Now is the time to head out to the farmers’ markets and purchase all the lovely fresh veggies and meats to make wonderful food for summer entertaining. Adding avocado into the mix will provide a healthy and tasty Californian twist, and is sure to impress your guests!

AUTUMN 2010 ORANGEVILLE LIVING

Avocado, egg and salmon salad A salad that is very filling, packed with protein and goodness great as a healthy

breakfast alternative – try it!

I N G R E D I E N TS avocado 2 large eggs 2, free-range & organic salmon approx. 200gm lettuce 12 leaves, we used Boston arugula 1 handful sunflower seeds ¼ cup to spinkle, raw extra virgin 5 tbsp olive oil lime 1 dijon mustard 1 tsp, we used whole grain sea salt/pepper a pinch of each parsley freshly chopped sprinkling AVO C A D O D R E S S I N G Cut up one of the avocados, and place the scooped out flesh into a blender. Add in the olive oil, dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and squeeze in the juice from the lime. Blend until creamy and smooth. SALAD Bake the salmon, with a dash of lemon juice if you wish, and hard boil the eggs. These can be done the day before to save time, if you’re entertaining. Wash your lettuce and arugula, and pat dry with paper towels. Take the second avocado, cut into quarters lengthwise, remove the stone, and then slice into thin strips. Lay three lettuce leaves on a plate, a few pieces of arugula, and then arrange four or five slices of avocado. Break into pieces a quarter of your salmon for each plate and arrange, then add slices of hard boiled egg. Add a generous dollop of avocado dressing, a sprinkling of sunflower seeds, and throw on freshly chopped parsley. You’re ready to serve! 20

ORANGEVILLE LIVING SUMMER 2011

Prep time Dressing: 10 min Salad: 15 min Cooking Salmon: 15–20 min Eggs: 3–4 min Serves 4 people

try adding ginger or cayenne

spice it up! for some extra zing!

Grilled chicken, avocado and bacon burger A tasty and healthy alternative to store-bought beef burgers I N G R E D I E N TS chicken 2 large breasts bacon 2 strips bread 4 buns, or baguette style loaf cut into single serving pieces arugula 1 handful avocado 1 large apple cider 1 tsp, unpasteurized vinegar and organic is best extra virgin 2 tsp olive oil garlic 1 clove sea salt/pepper a pinch of each rosemary & chives freshly chopped sprinkling

Prep time Topping: 10 min Burgers: 10 min Cooking Burgers: 15â&#x20AC;&#x201C;20 min Serves 4 people

AVO C A D O TO P P I N G Cut the avocado in half lengthwise, pop out the stone, and scoop the flesh with a small spoon. Put into a bowl.

Add the apple cider vinegar, olive oil and pressed or finely chopped garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mash together with a fork until well mixed. A thick chunky texture is perfect, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to blend. BURGERS Prepare arugula ahead of time. Thoroughly wash it and pat dry with paper towels. Cut up your chicken breasts into four pieces slightly larger than the bread you will serve them on, to allow for shrinkage during cooking. Grill chicken on the BBQ until done. Do the same with your bacon (or prosciutto, as an alternative), until it starts to appear crispy. Cut strips in half to make four pieces. Lay your arugula onto your bread, add the chicken, then a generous dollop of avocado topping. Finish with a piece of bacon, and a sprinkling of freshly chopped rosemary and/or chives. TIP Make the topping up to a half day ahead of time and keep refrigerated, but if you leave it any longer and it will start to discolour.

we used a more nutritious

artisan

olive ciabatta instead of regular white buns AUTUMN 2010 ORANGEVILLE LIVING

WINE CONNOISSEUR

summer Wines of BY RIC KITOWSKI & JOCELYN KLEMM

IMPROMPTU PICNICS, leisurely patio lunches, and backyard entertaining fill our afternoons and evenings in the warm summer months ahead. As temperatures rise, our tastes shift to foods and drinks that are lighter, simpler and cooler. Think of the tastes, textures and aromas of your favourite summer foods: sizzling steaks, smoky barbecued chicken, grilled vegetables served with sweet and savoury toppings, creamy potato salad studded with green onions, buttery corn on the cob, and chips with spicy dips. While you might think it’s a wine-matching challenge and cracking open a beer may seem simpler, don’t reach for one just yet! There are so many wonderful summer wines to try, no matter your preference. White wines are top of mind in the summer, and for a refreshing wine with citrus and herbaceous aromas reminiscent of fresh pea pods or asparagus, go for Sauvignon Blanc. This wine makes a great match with goat cheese, cold salads, vegetables and lighter grilled meats like chicken. New Zealand is well known for its Sauvignon Blanc, but look also for wines from Ontario, South Africa and France (Bordeaux or Sancerre). Or, for the more adventurous, try a different aromatic white wine like Spain’s Albariño. For a refreshing white wine with more restrained aromas, try lighter-bodied Pinot Grigio. With aromas reminiscent of apples and citrus it complements milder cheeses, lighter salads and white meats or fish. You’ll find many choices for Pinot Grigio from northeast Italy or, for a fuller-bodied style, try Pinot Grigio’s alter ego, Pinot Gris, from the Alsace, Niagara or Oregon. The bubbles and refreshing lift of sparkling wines complement lighter appetizers like sushi and sashimi, and 22

ORANGEVILLE LIVING SUMMER 2011

contrast richer ones like cheese and pâté. Fresh young sparkling wines work well as aperitifs, but are still versatile enough to match to a variety of different food flavours and textures. We especially love Italy’s Prosecco and Spain’s Cava, sparklers that don’t break the bank. In North America, we often overlook a style of wine which is a staple in the south of France—dry rosé wine. These wines marry well with tapas and with grilled vegetables and seafood. Rosés are best consumed young (most recent vintage possible), at their peak of crispness and freshness. Summer brings fresh new vintages from France, Spain, Italy and, closer to home, good choices from Ontario. Fans of red wines get in the game with lower tannin choices that have good fruit character and balancing acidity. While Chianti or Valpolicella fit the bill, our current summer favourite is Gamay, also known as the grape of Beaujolais. These “crossover” wines taste equally great with salmon, burgers or veggie fare. Try them lightly chilled for a refreshing change. When your summertime menu features barbecued steaks, it’s time to uncork a fuller-bodied red wine. The sweet, smoky aromas of grilled meats with barbecue sauce are perfectly matched by Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz (or its namesake, Syrah). Both varieties have enough weight to pair with heavier foods, enough acidity to cut through richness, and enough tannins to mellow the grilled meat proteins. Whether your tastes run to still or sparkling, red or white or rosé, there’s a summer wine to match any summer menu.

Ric and Jocelyn are the authors of the best-selling Clueless about Wine, available at Booklore in Orangeville. Sign up for their newsletter at www.thewinecoaches.com

“

White wines are top of mind in the summer, and for a refreshing wine with citrus and herbaceous aromas reminiscent of fresh pea pods or asparagus, go for Sauvignon Blanc.

“

Chilling out

PHOTO BY SIMON BURN

* * *

Temperature has a great effect on the aromas, body, and taste of a wine, so it’s worth getting right.

Sparkling wines and dessert wines need to be served well chilled, right out of the fridge, about 5–8ºC.

Rosé wines, light-bodied reds, and most white wines should be served chilled, about 10–13ºC. Fuller-bodied red wines are best served at cool room temperature, about 15–18ºC.

To quick chill a bottle of wine, 20 minutes in a bucket with ice and water is all it takes.

SUMMER 2011 ORANGEVILLE LIVING

SHOPPING

STORE PROFILE

Orangeville Furniture

What’s

1 Grey Marly chair $969.

HOT

2 Introduce a touch of bling to your space with a mirrored console $1,649.

GREY+ BLING

We’re making a transition from brown to grey in our homes 24

ORANGEVILLE LIVING SUMMER 2011

Unless you’ve actually visited Orangeville Furniture, you will have no idea that there is such a large and impressive home design centre in Orangeville. Owner Erica Edelbrock started her career in the financial sector, a far cry from the creative world of interior decorating and design. Having spent a few hours at the store, it is plain to see part of Erica’s success is having such knowledgeable and friendly staff—they clearly have a passion for what they do and love working at the 30,000 sq. ft. store. OL: How long in business? EE: 12 years. We opened in 1999.

Best

OL: What inspired you to open the store? EE: Since a little girl, I’ve loved pretty things. My previous career I decided wasn’t for me, I wanted to do something creative.

Buy

Seashore scented votives $6.49 ea. Napkin set $13.99

OL: What makes your business unique? EE: We’re much more than a furniture store. We offer an interior design service, space planning and colour consultation. We have a vast selection of fabrics, and can have furniture custom made, plus we make drapes at the back of the store. We have our own delivery and set-up service also. You can design and furnish your entire home here! OL: What’s hot right now? EE: Grey tones. We’re making a transition from brown to grey in our homes, even mixing browns with greys. We’re more about comfort these days, with traditional elements making a comeback. Natural woods and more traditional fabrics and art are popular. Art is getting away from abstracts, and heading back to natural landscapes. Soft and tactile is big, like down-filled cushions. People are introducing a little bit of glitz into the mix as well, like mirrored furniture. OL: What are your best buys? EE: We’ve got 3,000 sq ft of home décor from which to choose, including tableware, votives, vases, frames—there are lots of great gift ideas to be found! Located at 633419 Hwy 10, Mono Plaza, Orangeville } 519 938 9964 www.orangevillefurniture.ca

SUMMER 2011 ORANGEVILLE LIVING

HOME

Kimberley’s guide to

summer style

BY KIMBERLEY SELDON

Summer style is easy to recognize thanks to its relaxed, carefree attitude, but its casual veneer conceals the hard working materials and furnishings that make it trouble-free to begin with. Although no single style wholly expresses summer’s essence, there are common characteristics that can be employed to give your home that summertime feeling year round.

Though it’s easy to derive pleasure from the sun on your face while strolling outdoors, it’s even more satisfying to enjoy the warmth of sunshine indoors —any time of year.

Indigenous woods such as pine, beech, poplar and maple are frequently stained in light or ‘bleached’ finishes which brighten the summery ambience. Painted wood furnishings inject fresh summertime colours such as mint, coral, icy blue, shell pink and sand into interiors. White is a category of its own, since an infinite variety of shades can be used to decorate the entire house.

PHOTO BY SIMON BURN

Flooring not only has to be quietly purposeful, it also needs to be easy to care for and able to stand up to wear and tear without strain. Varnished hardwoods like maple require very little maintenance beyond sweeping and occasional mopping. Ceramic and stone tile—when paired with rush matting, coir, sisal or my favourite, sea grass— are well suited, as are linoleum and sealed cork. Furniture that is unpretentious—locally made or comfortably worn—is a good choice. Look for items where detail carving is either kept to a minimum or ‘loosely’ done, sometimes with more enthusiasm than skill.

Wicker plays a vital role in capturing summer spirit. Armchairs, settees, tables and benches are readily available, sometimes painted in crisp white or left in more natural honey tones. Iron, especially painted iron, works wonderfully with casual styles. The right fabrics are key to capturing the light, playful feeling so envied in summer style. Faded florals, ticking and cabana stripes, crisp checks, playful plaids and all manner of pictorial cottons and linens are cornerstone textiles.

Cotton and linen slipcovers can effortlessly disguise heavy winter fabrics such as velvet, brocade, and chenille.

SUMMER 2011 ORANGEVILLE LIVING

COMMUNITY

Youth music fills the hills THE HILLS ARE ALIVE with the sound of music... and dance, drama and visual arts. The Hills of Mulmur and Caledon, that is! In the Orangeville area we are very lucky to have such a creative culture surrounding us, especially one with the vision to involve children. With institutions including Theatre Orangeville and its youth programmes, Hockley based DARE Arts engaging “children at risk” in a positive way “empowering them to become leaders by harnessing the core power of the arts,” and CACY (Caledon Arts and Crafts for Youth) holding high quality summer art programs led by local artists for over fifty years, there has been much for children to explore in this realm. Besides developing the brain and encouraging creative thinking, the arts teach other important life skills like discipline, accountability and responsibility. The Dufferin Youth Festival of the Arts (DYFA) is a unique, major annual spring multi-day event which now involves over two thousand students throughout Dufferin County. This year it took place from May 2 to 6, and more students than ever before participated. In fact, it is the only arts festival for students that spans elementary and high school arts over the public, separate, private and home schooling sectors. The DYFA celebrated its 14th year, yet very little is known or even heard about the event by the general public.

A celebration of our youth The festival's emphasis is on supporting current school programs and gives children a real chance to come together and showcase their accomplishments along with many talented teachers in the area. It also allows everyone to see what the others are doing! This festival is not just music, but all branches of the arts including dance, drama and visual arts. A true “festival” of youth and their achievements, DYFA organizers are quick to point out it is distinctly 28

ORANGEVILLE LIVING SUMMER 2011

BY DIANA WRONSKI PHOTOS BY SDB IMAGES

non-competitive and not about ‘solo divas.’ The festival encourages everyone to come and share their talents and skills, and it’s all about “assessing needs sensitively, suggesting appropriate support strategies and making good ideas happen.” This showcase is all based on Ontario’s Ministry of Education curriculum. The students come from the elementary and secondary divisions of the Upper Grand District School Board, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board, and private schools (Montessori and Christian), as well as children who are home-schooled. It’s a big deal and embraces absolutely everyone! “Arts Matters” is the DYFA’s on-line newsletter which is available to all schools, administrators, staff, parents and students. It invites them to brag about the great arts activities happening in their schools, setting the tone for what the festival is all about. “We want to hear from YOU!” it states boldly at the top. For submission, it asks questions such as: What arts activities are happening in your school that you are really proud of? What staff member(s) would you really like to thank for enriching your school community through the arts? What activities do you have coming up that might inspire others to try new things in the arts? Do you have a great story to share about an experience in the arts in your school community that the rest of us would enjoy? Students, staff, administrators and community members are encouraged to express their opinions and feelings about the arts through Arts Matters. Sometimes the submissions include a collective response from an entire class following participation in the festival. Others are simply updates of school initiatives and activities. Drawings and sketches may be included.

Who is behind the festival? The people behind the festival are closely tied to how it started. The festival did not, and could not, happen without its volunteers. As most parents of school children

ABOVE Students

The DYFA celebrated its 14th year, yet very little is known or even heard about the event by the general public.

at The Maples Independent Country School during band practice.

SUMMER 2011 ORANGEVILLE LIVING

RIGHT Student work on display at Orangeville Baptist Church. BELOW Artwork by Meghan, a grade one student at Princess Margaret Public School, Orangeville.

Besides developing the brain and encouraging creative thinking, the arts teach other important life skills like discipline, accountability and responsibility.

are aware, when periodic Board of Education budget cuts occur, the arts programs are most often the first to go on the chopping block. In one such year, 1998, a conversation started between neighbours about band instruments that were collecting dust at a local elementary school. Music and art teachers alike were demoralized by cuts to programs and profiles, and a music festival had not been held in Dufferin for over 10 years. A ‘possibility thinking community forum’ was held which helped interested people to realize there was a way for parents to contribute to a strategy and bring some excitement and meaningful energy to school-based arts. So instead of expecting any one stakeholder in education to attempt an event of this size, scope and diversity, the communities, parents and school councils organized a festival and then asked for each school’s participation. The principals, teachers and students were all enthused to give it a try, and not just in the first year—more students have come every year since! The Sum of the Community is Greater than its Parts “If we build it, they will come.” the DYFA website states about its history and especially those first years. “The teachers, principals and administrators of Dufferin share a special place in this unique and powerful story of bringing energy and opportunity to the students of Dufferin.” An almost final act of the Dufferin school board before amalgamation with the Upper Grand School Board was 30

ORANGEVILLE LIVING SUMMER 2011

to designate funds for the first year. A presentation by Marilyn Logan, a parent actively involved in the Dufferin Arts Council, Dufferin Parent Council and Dufferin Youth Festival of the Arts, was instrumental to this initiative. The Dufferin Arts Council and the Dufferin County Music Advisory Committee quickly came on board. And so did the whole community! Since the earliest days, “relationships” and “meaningful discussions towards enabling good ideas in the community” have been the catchwords of the Dufferin Youth Festival of the Arts. It has become something much greater than the sum of its parts. A team of volunteers makes it happen, as well as corporate sponsors and the Orangeville Citizen. Every year the volunteer list grows, and many are retired teachers who give of their time generously. Other sponsors include the Upper Grand District School Board, the Orangeville Baptist Church, the Dufferin Arts Council and Theatre Orangeville. Orangeville Baptist Church (OBC), which graciously provides itself as the venue, is a key host location since it not only seats a large audience easily, but also provides the best acoustics of any such facility in the county. They offer their gymnatorium to the festival at no charge. “We are committed to reaching out to the community, to the families and children of our region,” says OBC Pastor, Earl Marshall. A top notch sound technician team of OBC congregation members is on site to handle the equipment for each performance. Visual arts displays are presented in

a variety of unique ways in a designated area. Recently several schools have started capturing student artwork with cameras and then exhibiting them in multimedia presentations to the audience between performances. With fifteen committees listed, this year’s volunteer team is an impressive one, including Theatre Orangeville’s artistic director, David Nairn, as one of the Masters of Ceremony, along with Bernadette Hardaker, a former broadcast journalist for CBC Radio One, and Billy Lenny, vice-principal at Orangeville District Secondary School. Wendy Carter is officially one of the DYFA founding coordinators, and works along with fellow coordinators Sharon Larsen and Mary Runciman. She got involved as a parent volunteer and school council chairperson who attended community forums concerning budget cuts and school board amalgamation concerns. There, reflecting what DYFA is all about, she said, “We invite everyone who loves music and believes in its essential role in education to join us. We are not asking what the Board of Education can do for us. We are asking what we can do together as community partners in education to strengthen music programs in Dufferin Schools.”

The arts DO matter in Dufferin! The passion with which the festival is organized and run and the growing participation of schools on a yearly basis speak volumes about Dufferin citizens’ commitment to the arts. Arts Matters continues to include student submissions, teachers’ remarks and parents' enthusiasm, and underscores the enthusiasm of people who give their all to encourage excellence in the arts. Anyone in the county can submit their arts ideas. The festival is a wonderful experience for students to further their skills as performers and audience members. Very early, a student from an area school confirmed this by writing, “I thought it was worthwhile to go and spend time with Eric Nagler, Jim Betts and you wonderful people. I had a fun time and I thought it was successful. One hundred percent of us students vote that the festival should continue. And I think that the public should be able to come and watch what schools are doing nowadays. I had a great time.” Marshall McLuhan, that great Canadian educator, pointed out, “As the unity of the modern world becomes increasingly a technological rather than a social affair, the techniques of the arts provide the most valuable means of insight into the real direction of our own collective purposes.” Diana Janosik-Wronski lives locally and she had a long career in public and community relations, in a wide variety of areas in corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors. She also is a strong supporter of the arts and, for a number of years, has been on the Board of Directors of Toronto Operetta Theatre (Canada’s only professional operetta, or lyric theatre, company now in its 26th season). She consults in communications and may be reached at wroni@sympatico.ca

SUMMER 2011 ORANGEVILLE LIVING

ORANGEVILLE LIVING SUMMER 2011

HERITAGE

and the Philippine-American War (1899-1902) BY DAVID K. DORWARD

• PHOTOS COURTESY OF DUFFERIN COUNTY MUSEUM & ARCHIVES

Seymour Wallace Benjamin Curry, left, standing with rifle going out on patrol, detailed for reconnaissance. 205

SEYMOUR WALLACE BENJAMIN CURRY was born in Farmington, Dufferin County on June 5, 1878. While quite young he moved to Michigan, never to return to Orangeville, and therein lays a tale or two. The Curry family was Presbyterian, attending St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Orangeville. James Curry, Seymour’s father, ran a blacksmith shop, dance hall and livery stable which appear to have prospered until 1873. At that time the Scott Act was passed and both Wellington County and Amaranth Township went ‘dry’ so the sale of alcohol was forbidden which, no doubt, put a serious dent in tourism and the dancehall business! Around 1882 James, seeking better prospects south of the boarder, moved his family to Michigan when Seymour was four years old. Seymour’s mother, Margaret, died on January 14, 1891 and some time later his sister, Sarah Agnes, left Michigan

to get married in Great Falls, Cascade County, Montana. Both father James and son Seymour followed Sarah to Montana “Big Sky Country” looking for work. During a period of unemployment, Seymour and his best friend Otto Nelson decided to see the world, so they joined the First Montana Volunteer Infantry, the sole infantry regiment from Montana to take part in the Spanish-American War. The unit was mustered in at Helena, Montana, on May 5–10, 1898, leaving the U.S. for service in the Philippines on July 18, and arriving in Manila, Philippine Islands on August 24, 1898. While the First Montana was en route to the Philippines, the Spanish held city of Manila surrendered and an armistice was agreed to, effectively ending the fighting between Spain and the United States. The First Montana remained in the Philippines until August 23, 1899, fighting in the Philippine-American War, which began on February 4, 1899. The unit was disbanded at San Francisco, California on October 17, 1899. During its term of service the AUTUMN 2010 ORANGEVILLE LIVING

ABOVE Seymour Wallace Benjamin Curry in charge of the water detail. 205

unit lost one officer and 20 men killed in action in the Philippine-American War, one officer and 14 men to disease, one man drowned, 10 men deserted, plus nine officers and 111 men were wounded.

Philippine-American war To put Kid Curryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s military service in the proper historical context, the Philippine-American War, also known as the Philippine War of Independence or the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902), was an armed conflict between Filipino revolutionaries and the United States which arose from the struggle of the First Philippine Republic to gain independence following annexation of the Philippines by the United States. The war was part of a series of conflicts in the Philippine struggle for independence, preceded by the Spanish-American War. Fighting erupted between U.S. and Philippine revolutionary forces on February 4, 1899, and quickly escalated into the Battle of Manila. On June 2, 1899, the First Philippine Republic declared war against the United States. The war officially ended on July 4, 1902. However, members of the Katipunan society continued to battle American forces. Among them was General Macario Sacay, a veteran Katipunan member who assumed the presidency of the Tagalog Republic, formed in 1902 after the capture of Philippine President Aguinaldo by U.S. forces. Other Philippine groups, including the Pulahanes people, continued a bloody guerilla war until their defeat at the 34

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Battle of Bud Bagsak on June 15, 1913, 11 years after the war officially ended in 1902! Like Iraq today, there was significant opposition to the war in the Philippines, which some in the United States, to their credit, saw as a naked imperialistic land grab from Spain, the former colonial power. Mark Twain (with whom my wifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Polish great uncle, Jan Szczepanik, an award winning inventor Twain referred to as the Polish Thomas Edison, maintained a long and lively correspondence), the famous author of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, founded the U.S. based Anti-Imperialist League on June 15, 1898 to oppose the fighting and American intervention in the Philippines. The long, brutal Philippine American War and occupation of the Philippines by the United States dragged on and changed the cultural landscape of the islands as the Philippine people dealt with heavy war casualties, disestablishment of the Catholic Church as the state religion, and introduction of the English language, displacing Spanish as the primary language of government and some businesses. In 1916, the United States granted the Philippines autonomy and promised eventual selfgovernment, which came in 1934. In 1946, following World War II, the U.S. granted full independence to the Philippines but still maintained military bases there. Unfortunately few people outside of the Philippines appear to know this sad and bloody history, and it is doubtful that Seymour knew the rights or wrongs of the

CENTRE Right to Left; Seymour W.B. Curry, and best friend Otto Nelson. 204

situation in the Philippines in 1898/1899. He was a young man who wanted adventure, as do many men who go off to fight wars, and he also had a practical reason for volunteering as he had been unemployed at the time.

Kid Curry’s menagerie In 1948 the stockmen of Cascade County, Montana, gave the “Last Man’s Club” the use of their facilities for a banquet and dance. The Last Man’s Club appears to have been a veteran’s club for survivors of the SpanishAmerican War, with 1948 being the 50th anniversary of the American declaration of War on Spain. The report on the banquet, contained in the excellent archives of the Dufferin County Museum, states that 23 SpanishAmerican War veterans answered a roll call of 29, of which “…the youngest is 71 years old…” “Kid Curry,” Seymour’s nickname in the First Montana, tells how he “…left Cqavete (Cavite City?) and moved over to Manila. …I had quite a time moving my zoo. I had three parrots, beautiful bright red and green, and they talked Spanish, and I had two fighting cocks, one of them licked all the fighting cocks on the island. I also had two monkeys, Bob and Gippie. I never had to buy anything. They (the monkeys) would steal anything they could get their hands on. Gippie, the female monkey, was the best. She would steal cream from the officers and bring the little cans of condensed milk to me and I would open (the cans), put a little water with it for the monkeys.

ABOVE First Montana Infantry moving to the next engagement. 206

I nearly always had cream for my coffee when we were tin soldiering, before we went on the line. Never bought anything—Durham tobacco, soap, razors, cards, towels. If anyone of the gang would lose anything, one would say to the other “go and look on Curry’s bunk and you will find it.” I was in hot water about half of the time with all my pets. About 4:00 in the morning, the parrots would start talking in Spanish, at 5:00 the roosters would start to crow and the monkeys would be playing ping pong in the cage and squealing and me with my melodious voice, the gang trying to sleep—well you ought to (have heard) them. They were going to have me court-martialed or shot at sunrise.” “Let’s murder that Curry and (his entire) menagerie!” “Well, I used to average about three scraps (fights) a week.” Fortunately no one in his unit took a shot at Kid Curry and he was discharged on October 17, 1899 in San Francisco. He later met Elise Jane Hanks in Tooele, Utah while building a smelter there. They married on May 12, 1912 in Salt Lake City and had three sons and a daughter. Seymour “Kid Curry” died on November 9, 1967 in Tooele and is buried there. I am told relatives of the Curry family still live in our area. His fascinating war service in a largely forgotten war in a very romantic sounding outfit, the First Montana, allowed him to fulfill a dream of adventure in distant lands.

AUTUMN 2010 CALEDON LIVING

COMMUNITY

Shining in their own way BY DIANA WRONSKI

Chandra Mulder, Collin Simmons and student Michael Williams having fun at TARP.

AS PARENTS of children with developmental disabilities know, finding activities for them, especially ones which provide ways in which they can grow and blossom as people, is very difficult. Enter David Nairn and Theatre Orangeville. In a previous article (the very first issue of Orangeville Living) we described how energetic and full of ideas he is. We also talked about kids being a major focus for the Theatre. Along with the Theatre Orangeville Youth Singers (TOYS), and other Youth Academy activities such as special performances and classes to introduce and excite them about theatre, David has a new third component of his youth programs, about which he is very passionate. Four years into a partnership with Community Living Dufferin, Theatre Orangeville is working with adults with developmental disabilities, helping them to express themselves, and leading to a stage performance.

The new Theatre Arts Recreation Program David’s seemingly boundless energy and enthusiasm for his craft are constantly spinning off new ways to help individuals speak up about the world. “It’s our responsibility as artists,” David comments. A brand new program called the Theatre Arts Recreation Program (TARP) works with children with developmental disabilities as a means of exploring the wonders of performing arts, and has just been initiated as a pilot project. Helping children and youth dream and articulate those dreams is what TARP is all about. The eight week program operates as an after school activity once a week and currently involves about eight to ten children, ages ten to

seventeen. Dufferin Child and Family Services and Kerry’s Place Autism Services were instrumental in partnering with TARP to find the children to participate in the pilot. A ratio of one-to-two support is provided to them as part of the program. By giving these kids the opportunity and enabling them to stand on a stage and say what they want, the TARP program builds important skills such as confidence, as well as helping them form behavioural patterns that allow them to be part of a team. Discovering the positive element of personal interaction with others is what TARP was designed to foster. “Autism is often a hair’s breadth away from genius,” David adds. “All kids are the same in their desires to express themselves. They want, need, deserve and have the right to express themselves in almost whatever form they can do that.” The TARP kids are talented and gifted.

TARP’s deep roots TARP is deeply rooted in Theatre Orangeville’s diverse activities. One might even say it is a clear cut case of ‘activity breeds results’! Theatre Orangeville had partnered with Community Living Dufferin (CLD) on a capital campaign for their new building, recently opened off Highway 9, west of town. “Creative Partners on Stage” was an after-work theatre program also run by Theatre Orangeville to include adults with developmental disabilities. While ‘on the circuit’ to raise awareness for the capital campaign, David Nairn was approached by parents with the question that, while there was an adult program, why was there nothing like it for children with autism. One father had three children, two of them with ‘high functioning’ Aspergers which allowed them into the regular SUMMER 2011 ORANGEVILLE LIVING

“Young Company” program at Theatre Orangeville and he was impressed by how wonderful the theatre experience was for them. But surely something could be done for his youngest and most afflicted son, he argued. Why can’t these results be accomplished by kids anywhere on the spectrum? The answer was ‘ready made’ and David did not have to look beyond the end of his nose to find someone to take charge. Chandra Mulder is very active in Theatre Orangeville’s ‘Academy’ of instructors for children and adults. She is also an actress in theatre and ‘improv’ throughout Ontario. When David started wondering out loud about the TARP program, and finding the person with the skill sets for children with special needs, she had exclaimed, “But that is what I do!” Besides teaching theatre for 20 years, Chandra is professionally an education assistant in the life skills department of an Alliston high school. She is assisted by adult students who have come through the Theatre Orangeville Academy program, have considerable skills, and are progressing to become directors in the new children’s program. “I’m so excited it’s happening!” Chandra says. “Each week they blow me away with their understanding of music, social awareness and other various aspects of performing, and where they can shine in their own way via the stage.” 38

ORANGEVILLE LIVING SUMMER 2011

TARP, part of socially responsible theatre The Theatre Arts Recreation Program is very important in the community, to build bridges between young people and help them find friends. The commonality is their love of theatre and mutual admiration for their talent to perform. TARP also gives children continuity and something to which they can aspire as they follow their thespian dreams via positive, life-enhancing experiences in the arts. But Theatre Orangville’s vision does not stop there. David and his staff see that ‘socially active’ or responsible theatre is addressing specific issues in the community and asking questions on many different levels. The stage is sometimes a forum to speak about things people don’t want to hear and may politely avoid. Plays have been produced for school groups based on subjects such as bullying and eating disorders. Elder abuse is another current topic. TARP is just part of this overall approach to social activism, and a very successful effort to make ‘different’ into ‘mainstream.’ For a complete list of Theatre Orangeville’s Youth Academy Programming visit www.theatreorangeville.ca

ORANGEVILLE LIVING SUMMER 2011

Kia Forte MOTORING

2011

PEOPLE OFTEN SAY, “You don’t get much for your money nowadays,” but perhaps that’s simply because they’ve been looking in the wrong places. I’ve just spent a week in the new Kia Forte 4-door EX and not only is it a pleasurable vehicle to drive, but also fairly inexpensive to purchase, and offers considerably more than one might first expect. Let’s take a closer look at the Kia of today. When the company originally came into Canada, it sold its products much like its sister brand, Hyundai. In fact, for several years the two companies showcased a remarkably similar lineup. I feel this often confused buyers and I’m glad to say that this situation has finally been addressed. Today, whilst Hyundai aims slightly more up-market with products like its Genesis & Equus models, both of which have received highly favourable reviews of late, things on the Kia side of the fence are also looking pretty sweet.

BY KEVIN “CRASH” CORRIGAN

Kia has been busy reinventing its product line and is quickly establishing itself as the sensible choice for the younger generation of Canadian go-getters, and with good reason. The Forte may be priced in the entry-level category (prices start at just $15,995, with the coupe starting at $18,995), but the features included on this vehicle make it a rather tempting option for those looking to “have it all” without paying the price typically associated with that phrase. The entry-level LX gets you a smart looking 4-door sedan with a 6-speed manual transmission. The vehicle is a decent size with a fairly spacious trunk and, although I only sat in the rear seat for a moment or two, simply to test it out, I would imagine it to be pretty comfortable back there, even on a long journey. The interior has been well thought out and, although the new wave of soft touch plastics has perhaps missed a spot or two, particularly on the door panels, I’ll readily admit to feeling suitably impressed. It’s comfortable, with good all-round vision, and the controls have been well SUMMER 2011 ORANGEVILLE LIVING

placed and are easy to understand. In fact, taking into consideration the price of the vehicle, I think the company has done a grand job of making you feel good behind the wheel. In fact, the only exception to what I’ve just said, and perhaps I’m being a little picky here simply because the rest is so good, is that the steering wheel would benefit by a visit from the soft-touch genie. You’ll frequently hear me rant about this on a lot of vehicles, and I won’t stop until the car companies finally take note, but what’s the most important fixture in an automobile? It’s everything you constantly touch, and what part of the car do you touch the most? You’ve got it, the steering wheel. You know, it’s all well and good to make the dashboard soft and luxurious, but when does anyone drive along caressing that? Trust me on this one Mr. Kia; improve the feel of the steering wheel in this vehicle and you’ll be hitting a home run. Moving on, all Forte models are powered by a 156hp 2.0L I4 engine which, I have to say, is quite sprightly for its size and, whether you go for the stick or the automatic, they’re both six-speed versions. Now that’s something which few manufacturers can boast of on a vehicle in this price range! But the good news doesn’t end there. In fact, it’s just the start! Let me list a few of the niceties which come as standard on the 2011 Forte, and I’m talking about the base model here... 6 airbags, anti-whiplash front headrests, 4-wheel disc brakes, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD/MP3 with AUX and USB input ports, voice-activated Bluetooth, steering wheel mounted audio controls, and it even flaunts heated exterior mirrors. Now you have to admit, that’s a lot of what people want, and we’re still only talking of the $15,995 base model! Of course not everyone enjoys playing with a stick shift, so an extra $1,200 will replace the manual gearbox with a modern, super-smooth 6-speed automatic. Summer is coming, or so they tell me, and you may wish to add a further $1,400 to that and have yourself some ice-cold air conditioning for those hot and sticky days. This price also includes keyless entry with the Panic Feature. Moving on up to the top of the range we come to the EX which I was fortunate enough to enjoy for a week. Loaded

ORANGEVILLE LIVING SUMMER 2011

with everything, this model moves the tire/wheel size up to 16 inch, and adds a power tilt & slide sunroof, steeringmounted cruise control, windshield wiper deicer, telescopic steering and, perhaps best of all (I had it during the coldest days of winter), heated seats. And when I say “heated,” we’re not talking of just the bottom pad which you sit on, but the seat backs too! All this and we still haven’t managed to break the $20k barrier! Now that’s what I call real value for your money! This is all very well and good, but if the vehicle drives like a bucket of bolts, it doesn’t matter if these features come gold-plated with a signed autograph of Celine Dion. Well, you don’t have to worry on that score because I’d term this vehicle one of the best rides in its price range that I’ve ever driven. In fact, although I typically receive test vehicles for a week at a time, I don’t often get to drive them much more than a couple of hundred km, simply because of my schedule. However, the Forte came in a week when I had a lot of driving to do, and I piled the miles on it in some of the worst weather we’ve seen this winter. Admittedly, the company was smart enough to fit the vehicle with winter tires (something which, in my opinion, everyone should do), but I was truly amazed by how well-mannered and sure-footed the vehicle performed. The suspension has a firm yet cushioning ride, in many ways somewhat like a European car. The 4-wheel disc brakes prove more than capable of stopping the vehicle, with decent pedal feel. The way I see it, Kia is heading in the right direction with products like this. Over the past year I’ve had the Kia Soul, which I still often rave about, and this week I’m in the new Sportage, which I’m also enjoying! Perhaps it’s because I like to feel that I’m getting value for my money. Whatever way you look at it, if Kia can impress me over and over like this, then it’s probably worth a stop at Orangeville Kia when you’re in the market for a new vehicle.

Pros: A lot of what you want, but without the hefty sticker price. Cons: Some of the plastics could be better.

Rating

86%

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Orangeville Living locations If you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t receive your copy in the mail, or need a spare copy for a friend, you can find Orangeville Living, available free, at the following locations:

ALTON

ORANGEVILLE

Millcroft Inn 55 John Street

Best Western Inn and Suites 7 Buena Vista Drive

BELFOUNTAIN

Booklore 121 First Street

Belfountain Inn 792 Forks of the Credit Road

DUFFERIN Dufferin County Museum Airport Rd & Hwy 89

Orangeville Flowers 78 John Street

ERIN

Orangeville Furniture 633419 Highway 10 North

Erin Gallery 27 Main Street

HOCKLEY VALLEY Hockley Valley Resort 793522 Mono 3rd Line (Off Hockley Road) Hockley General Store RR 5 994227 Mono Adjala Townline

MONO CLIFFS Mono Cliffs Inn 367006 Mono Centre Road

SHELBURNE

Liberty Tax 116 Main Street West

ORANGEVILLE LIVING SUMMER 2011

Liberty Tax 5 First Street

Pear Home shop 185 Broadway Town of Orangeville Townhall 87 Broadway

ROSEMONT The Globe Restaurant Hwy 89 (between Airport Road & Hwy 50)

VIOLET HILL Mrs. Mitchell's Restaurant/ Granny Taught us How Hwy 89 (between Shelburne & Alliston)