Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine - Cottage Country Connection - Spring into Summer 2020 Issue

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SPRING INTO SUMMER 2020

Cottage Country

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CONTENTS SPRING INTO SUMMER 2020

FEATURES 08 Strickland Descendant loves the view from his 126-year old cottage 11 Building the Deck of Your Dreams Monaghan Lumber 12 Those Were The Days "Special Day" Russ Sanders 13 Forest Bathing in Cottage Country 15 St. Peter's On-the-Rock Moves its Services from Waves to the Web 16 Entice more fish to your dock with what you find on shore 17 Mother Nature's Medicine Pro Angler Mike Williams

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19 Your Dream for Peaceful Living Haven on the Trent 21 Artist Spotlight Two Fishes Pottery 22 Crafting Through Corona Joanne Clark 25 Off to the Cottage, in the Past The Peterborough Museum 27 Building Raised Gardens with Pallets DIY with Dave

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St. Peter's On-the-Rock Stoney Lake

28 Outdoor Living Nortech Windows, Doors & Sunrooms 29 The Lilacs in Lakefield Triple T Holdings 31 Got Weeds? Weeds B Gone 32 Kickoff to Cottage Season Virtual Vendor Show 37 Recipes Weekend at the Cottage 38 Daytripping Feature 43 Rileys Thinks Outside of the Box Rileys Bar + Grill 46 Pet's & Vets

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Spring Into Summer 2020 ~ Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine

49 Frog Songs Jacob Rodenburg - Camp Kawartha

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Welcome to the Spring into Summer Issue of Cottage Country!

PUBLISHER & DESIGN Kelly Welsh, Owner COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Emily Ireland

Here in Cottage Country, we are all feeling the effects that Covid-19 has brought to our region. Small businesses are closed and times are uncertain for many. So, we here are Cottage Country Magazine have made it our goal to support as many small businesses as possible – both in print and online! As you may know, we planned the second annual Kickoff to Cottage Season Show in Lakefield for this coming June; at this time, we have made the tough decision to cancel the show to keep everyone safe. In support of the vendors who were counting on the show for promotion we have put together a small ‘virtual’ vendor feature in this issue so we could bring to you some of the vendors you would have had the opportunity to chat with at the show. Marinas and boat launches are slowly opening, and we might still see a tourist season in our area – although it will be different than other years, we will be happy to see a return to semi-normal. The residents of Cottage Country are strong folks, and we will bear whatever this summer brings and roll with the changes as our businesses who rely on tourism resume. Together we can do this, Cottage Country! We here at the magazine know that small businesses and their owners are the lifeblood of our communities and we have seen such an outpouring of support for those struggling. We commend you, Cottage Country – together we are strong. We thank all the frontline and essential workers who have carried us through this dark time and we look forward to our chance to give back to the community at large. In this issue, you will find lots of crafts and activities to keep you busy during this time of social distancing. Perhaps you have made it to the dock – or maybe, you are dreaming of when – take this issue with you and enjoy a cold drink while reading through – just try to ignore the blackflies! Our communities are strong when they work together and we know the region of Cottage Country can withstand almost anything. If Cottage Country Magazine can be a help to you or your business – message us, we would love to share your information online. How businesses operate is changing daily; we are here to support you.

ADVERTISING SALES Deb Mahoney & Belinda Wilson SOCIAL MEDIA & DISTRIBUTION Tania Moher & Moira Gale

CONTRIBUTORS

Russ Sanders, Emily Ireland, Belinda Wilson, Lois Tuffin, Joanne Clark, Mike Williams, Dave Linkert, Don Willcock, Kawartha Chamber of Commerce, Fenelon Falls Chamber of Commerce, Janice Ecclestone & Emily Cook

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Volume 27 • Number 3

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www.cottage.rocks Cottage Country Connection - Your Cottage Lifestyle Magazine is published 6 times a year by Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine Inc., 705-313-2245, PO Box 8, Buckhorn ON K0L 1J0. Printing 18,000+ per issue and distributed by Canada Post (to Cottages, Homes & Businesses) and distributed to over 130 drop locations. Also promoted and viewed Online. In Print, Online and on Social. Copyright 1994-2020. All rights reserved.

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Strickland Descendant loves view from his 126-year-old cottage

By Lois Tuffin

Since 1950, Ward Strickland has admired the stunning skies over Stony Lake from the same spot.

Ward, 73, considers it priceless, based on its history and its location on a deep channel with a great view.

The 240-degree vista gives him a great view of storms, brilliant sunrises and sunsets, plus the friendly waves from long-time neighbours, some who have been here almost as long as he has. But his roots go back much deeper.

“For me, that area is my roots on

The Stricklands owned much of the land around lower Stony Lake from the middle to the late 1800s. Col. Sam Strickland, often credited as the founder of the Village of Lakefield, had 13 children with his second wife, Mary Reid, including Ward’s great-grandfather John Percy in 1840. The island slipped out of the family’s hands in 1911 when the owner, who resided in Chicago, sold it off. When it came up for sale in 1950, Ward’s father Gerald (son of John’s son Walter) snatched it up for $2,000. The cottage has sat on the same chunk of rock - a forested postage stamp of an island - since 1894.

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my father’s side,” says Ward. “I have lots of memories on Stony.” Originally, the cottage sat on a 1.5-acre peninsula of Fairy Island. Then the Trent-Severn Waterway was built, raising the water levels around 1904 and filling in the low area with more than four feet of water. Now it is an island with the main cottage and an onshore area with two guest cottages, built in 1945 by the Dunfords and 1964 by Howard Hamilton. Both are accessible to the island via a footbridge. The cottage started out as a one-room getaway with open verandahs on all four sides. Over time, its owners have added rooms inside those spaces, but it remains intimate and cozy.

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Old photo at Strickland cottage

Gerald and Ward Strickland 1960s

John and Ward Strickland on Stony 1950s

Early in the 20th century, it was known as Honeymoon Cottage for the newlyweds who would come up on the steamer ships to vacation there after their weddings. Subsequent owners Dr. McWilliams and the McKibbons called it JanJuli.

Old lamps remain hanging from the ceiling of the main cottage, casting warm light on the wooden interior.

Ward’s family calls it Sepi-Mikwam – home by running waters – as a tribute to the indigenous heritage of the area.

This summer home is a piece of heaven for Ward, his wife Leesa Knott and his daughters Morgan, Alexandra and Bethany. They are surrounded by cottagers whose connections to the lake also go back three to five generations.

One of the most striking parts of the structure is the pink granite and quartz chimney, built by contractor Orville Bolton in the late 1930s, using local stone.

“I love everything about the place – the people, the scenery, the heritage and the freedom of being up there and in a relaxed state,” Ward says.

A coal-miner-type crank phone once connected the mainland cottages, but a windstorm three years ago took out a big red pine, knocking the lines beyond repair.

“On arrival, my shoes come off, and I breathe deeply the essence of pine and water. For these things, I am forever grateful.”

Since 1994

Footbridge from mainland to island

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Building the

Deck of Your Dreams As we welcome spring and summer to cottage country we begin to assess what our homes and cottages need to make the most of outdoor living. This means deck and dock building season is upon us! Whether you need a new build or the products to make an older build look new again, Monaghan Lumber can make the project a breeze; they have knowledgeable staff and the latest products to make your plans a reality. When choosing materials for your porch, deck or dock Monaghan Lumber suggests a few key options to consider. Cedar and pressure treated decking is definitely less expensive to purchase, and Western Red Cedar is easy to work with, dimensionally stable and the most environmentally conscious choice for decks, docks, siding, fencing, roofs, benches, and much more. Over time, however, UV rays from the sun will fade the wood to a grey colour without the application of a protective coating. Ideally, a penetrating stain with added pigment is utilized to maintain the desired appearance, so make sure you consider this when choosing a product. Monaghan Lumber carries many brands like Sansin, Cutek, Timber Pro, Sikkens and Woodplus. While wood decks offer an unmatched combination of beauty and texture, many homeowners are drawn to composite decking products which are engineered for everlasting enjoyment because there is little to no maintenance required. By

Since 1994

combining recycled plastic and wood fibers into a deck board Trex has removed tons of waste from landfills, engineering a material low maintenance, durable, fade and stain resistant and environmentally friendly. Colour is another very important element to consider when designing your exterior living space. While wood can be stained almost any colour, Trex composites are offered in a carefully selected colour pallet with 23 colour options. In order to make the best choice for your project It can be helpful to have a sample or pictures of other exterior materials to match when shopping for decking. Handrails are often required on decks which are raised off the ground as well as on stairs, and can be constructed from wood, aluminium, PVC, glass or steel. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks - maintenance, appearance and cost are important elements to contemplate during the planning process. Monaghan Lumber has the latest styles in handrails, helping you make the best choice for your project. Make your handrail a statement with bold and contrasting colours selected by designers or make the railing nearly vanish from sight with the latest tempered glass or cable systems. Classic black and white aluminium handrail systems by Century Railing are always in-stock and DIY friendly. They are

easy to install, maintenance free and offer appealing style which compliments nearly any design. Last but not least are the accessories! A few carefully placed accent lights can take your deck to the next level and are easier to install than you may think. Added drainage systems are perfect for walkout homes, allowing the space underneath the deck to be used as a dry patio area, screened in porch or storage area. The decking experts at Monaghan Lumber are ready to answer any questions you may have; contact them to start your deck or dock build off right! Visit the Showroom 2129 Davis Drive Cavan-Monaghan (Peterborough) Monaghanlumber.com 705-742-9353 info@monaghanlumber.com

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THOSE WERE THE DAYS

“Special Days”

We have a large photo of my parents hanging prominently in our home, it was taken on their sixtieth wedding anniversary many years ago, in the photo they are pictured dressed in that era’s finest, holding hands, the way they always did throughout their marriage. The large framed picture is eerie yet a loving compliment, no matter where one goes in the entire room, both my mother and father’s eyes follow as if they are still watching over us. I suppose some would say I am in need of a rubber room but I am sure many would smile and understand when I admit I look at the picture every night without fail and quietly say, “ good night Mom, good night Dad, I love you”. The memories of various Mothers’ Days and Fathers’ Days throughout the years are many, some during very happy times and since we were a family of nine, some that drew tears of sadness. I prefer to reflect on two of the happiest. I had been working steadily for Wonder Bakeries earning the handsome sum of $1.10 an hour and being sort of thrifty, saved up a few dollars. Mom and Dad had been married since the middle 1920s and in all that time Mom had never owned a vacuum cleaner. There were veterans trying to eke out a living after the war doing vacuum cleaner home demonstrations in hope of making a sale, Mothers Day was one week away so I called and made an appointment. He arrived late just as I was heading out the door, Mom and Dad were sitting on the sofa anxiously awaiting the demonstration when I shocked them all by signing the contract before the demo even began and asked Mom to pick out the best vacuum she wanted, then I literally ran to catch a bus. Mom chose her very first vacuum cleaner; a surprised veteran made a sale and the smile beaming across Dad’s face said it all. Although Dad had sailed across the ocean, tested dangerous rides at the Port Stanley midway and painted a huge water tower all by himself, he had never flown in an airplane. On Fathers Day I prefaced by explaining to Dad if he did not want the gift I was about to present, I would understand. I had purchased flights for two from Windsor to Toronto, time to tour the big city and have dinner then fly home. Dad made a few excuses about his ears and hummed and hawed but finally said yes, this would be his only chance to ever fly. The flight had everything, we flew through and above heavy billowing clouds then a clear sky circling Toronto. We asked the cabbie to just drive around to sightsee then we enjoyed a scrumptious dinner. On the way home it was dark when we landed back in Windsor and Dad marvelled as he viewed the sparkling city lights so far down below saying the experience was one of the highlights of his life. Mom, Dad and six of my siblings are gone, I am the only one left to recall those special memories. Good night Mom, good night Dad, I love you. By: Russ Sanders epigram@nexicom.net

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“Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better” ~ Albert Einstein

Forest Bathing in Cottage Country

By Moira Gale

Cottage Country nature lovers instinctively know what 'forest bathing' - or 'ShinrinYoku' – is, and many have been doing it intuitively for years. For those who aren't sure, the term originates in Japan and literally means 'taking in the forest atmosphere for one's well-being'. An alternative description could be 'nature therapy' which has likely existed in all cultures around the globe since the beginning of time.

“Nature itself is the best physician” ~ Hippocrates During the 1980s, the Japanese studied and developed the practice of visiting a natural area and walking in a purposefully relaxed manner in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the activity as a therapeutic tool. Shinrin-Yoku has since become an integral part of healthcare in Japanese medicine.

Since 1994

Scientific research from the study revealed the following benefits: •

Reduced blood pressure

Increased ability to focus, even in children with ADHD

Decreased cortisol (stress hormone) levels

Boosted immune system functioning

Increased energy levels

Improved sleep

Ability to heal faster from surgery or illness

Tips for Forest Bathing: Try not to have any goal in mind other than to slow down, relax and immerse yourself fully in your surroundings. Let your intuition guide you as you wander

through the forest but also take time to pause and sit for a while when desired. Let your body settle into a state of calmness while also paying attention to the sights, sounds, aromas, and sensations around you. It doesn't matter whether you go alone or with others, but if you do have company it's a good idea to agree on silence during the forest bathing session and leave your phone behind. Simply try and connect with the natural surroundings and allow Mother Nature to work her magic. Stunning natural areas are in abundance here in Cottage Country, so next time you're feeling stressed and need a break from this busy world why not try 'bathing' in the healing magic of a forest near you?

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St. Peter’s On-the-Rock

Moves its Services from the Waves to the Web By Lois Tuffin

On sunny summer Sundays, up to 160 parishioners would skip across Stony Lake to St. Peter’s on-the-Rock and greet June and Mark Cooper, who would park their boats.

Betsy McGregor will assemble crafts and songs for Sunday School students, while priests Don Aitchison (July) and Matthew McMillan (August) offer sermons to the congregation.

This year, June - as church warden - is leading the charge to have them surf to services instead, via the worldwide web.

June and her committee are also planning to collect images from family around the lake so people can give personal updates usually shared during post-service visits.

With churches forced to close to prevent the spread of COVID-19, June and her committee are building a virtual experience so parishioners can still stay in touch and worship together. They are taking the key pieces of Sunday services and posting them online. Helen Batten and Bob Trennum will still play heart-stirring music. June envisions a dockside video of Helen playing bagpipes while boats sail by.

Since 1994

“We’re doing as much as we can to involve people and keep it light,” June says. How are they doing all this? Students who usually work on Juniper Island are sending in their resumes to work as webmasters on the project. They have grown up on the lake and understand the feeling the church is trying to share, June adds.

“I could barely use email before,” June says with a laugh. “Now I’m in Zoom and Facebook. It’s making us think outside the box.” While the church building must remain closed, the island will remain a welcoming place for visitors. Volunteers will “pretty it up” with benches and flower boxes, June says. “It can be a place for people to come for solitude,” she says. Gone are the days of the church sitting open during the day with its guest book awaiting fresh entries of names and comments. Five weddings are also cancelled but rescheduled for summer of 2021. Watch for updates via the church newsletter and Facebook page.

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Entice more fish to your dock with what you find on shore By Lois Tuffin A short dive under the surface of a rocky lake taught Jamie Hueston a valuable lesson about how to make fish more welcome to your dock. While snorkeling in Winona Lake, near Haliburton, he saw very few fish, until he swam near a spot where a beaver had stockpiled a collection of branches. “The number of fish around it was astounding,” Hueston says. “It was like a coral reef. I saw bass, perch and minnows, but there was nothing else around.” A light bulb went off. For 30 years, Hueston had worked as a wildlife and fish habitat technician with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, then the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. What he witnessed in Winona Lake reinforced his understanding of what makes fish thrive and how lakeside property owners can help. “If you have a dock in front of your cottage, you want to add tree branches underneath to give small fish a place to hide and large fish a place to feed. It’s the chain of life.” He suggests collecting branches of native plants from shore then securing them to the dock moorings with wire or zip ties. “You have to look at the lake as the fish’s house,” Hueston advises. “The shelter within the branches is their living room and the kitchen is where they feed.” This method works best in rocky lakes in the Canadian Shield, such as Stoney Lake or those north of there. Weedy lakes like Pigeon already have adequate vegetation. His approach doesn’t interfere with people swimming or boating. At the end of the season, simply remove the branches with the dock. If your dock stays in year-round, simply leave the branches there for the next season. Hueston reminds property owners that shoreline work, like installing new docks, may require approval by MNRF, Parks Canada or the local conservation authority, depending on which waterway you face. However, adding branches after installation does not.

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Mother Nature’s

Medicine

With the world changing daily before our eyes the future seems to be like a stained body of water; muddy, murky and very unclear. Those are the types of fishing conditions can wear down even the most experienced anglers, and often prove to be some of the toughest we face. Like many people, I have found myself wrapped up in the negativity of it all, trying to find any positive on this untraveled path. Homeschooling two children and trying to find ways to keep them busy and occupied is proving to be challenging, to say the least. During these tough times I have found solace and healing through doing the things I love the most; enjoying time spent with my children, pets and, of course, fishing. It may not look like any other fishing season I have ever faced and yet I try to remain a glass-halffull kind of person; believing this tourism season will not be a total loss for everyone who relies on this seasonal business, and hoping to get back to guiding and tournament fishing ASAP. Everyone is trying to find out what all that may look like, and figuring out innovative ways to overcome some of the obvious obstacles this will present. Although the boat launches have been closed for most of the spring, and anglers and cottagers alike have had their boats in an extended state of hibernation after a longer than usual off season, there are signs of positivity that this will gradually get back to some state of normality soon. In the meantime, try to take this opportunity to realize the many positives we enjoy being Canadians and living in these beautiful areas known as Cottage Country. Spend as much time as you can outdoors reconnecting with Mother Nature, learn some new survival skills, teach our young people to respect, savour and appreciate all that we are lucky She provides. Or simply get outdoors to enjoy the fresh air, exercise, re-connect and get back to the basics of life. Whenever in my life I have felt down, not myself or facing uncertainty, I have turned to Her medicine and it never fails to uplift my spirits and regenerate my soul. She does it for me, I know She can do the same for you. Stay safe, stay positive and keep on fishing, By Mike Williams, Pro Angler & Owner of Williams Outfitters in Curve Lake First Nation www.williamsoutfitters.com

Fishing Experience of aLifetime! Professional Guiding Service We can accommodate large or small groups • Over 25 yrs of experience

Servicing all of the Kawarthas & Area Lakes Since 1994

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Haven on the Trent Your Dream for Peaceful Living Looking to make the jump from city living to country landscapes? Many are heading toward Cottage Country in search of peace and relaxation. There is a certain appeal to a country setting, with the peace of living in a forest, but many of us still need conveniences like municipal water and sewers with local services and providers, which can be tricky to find in a rural setting. Picture a custom community, built to suit the nature that encompasses it; now imagine your dream home built on a prestigious lot that fronts on to the majestic Trent Severn Waterway - this is Haven on the Trent. A tranquil setting with breathtaking views, surrounded by forest and located in beautiful Campbellford, ON. Haven is the change of pace you seek. Haven on the Trent is an exclusive waterfront community offering unique key lot concepts, brought to you by Sifton Properties, a company based out of London, Ontario for over 95 years. The deliberate design of these key lots permits an increase in the number of houses with waterfront, while preserving the tranquility between homes. Each building lot uniquely curves to the natural landscape of the property, and architectural building guidelines ensure a cohesive cooperation between land and structure, creating a community with striking character and long-lasting value. With few waterfront and water’s edge properties left, now is your chance to build your dream home on the river. The exclusive Haven on the Trent community includes a 4 acre park along the Trent River offering sprawling views of Ferris Provincial Park. The park grounds also include an impressive looping trail, as well as a sheltered gathering space made for picnicking. If hiking is more to your interest, trails found throughout the community connect to Seymour

Since 1994

Conservation Area where your next journey awaits you. With a serene natural setting at your doorstep, Haven is the perfect setting for the active outdoor enthusiast. Haven on the Trent, conveniently located along the Trent River in Campbellford, allows residents to walk, or ride their bikes to visit the charming downtown. There you will find a thriving arts community, and many one of a kind shops and restaurants. A hospital, farmers market, craft brewery as well as gas and grocery shops offer residents of Haven on the Trent integral services, accompanied by a warmth and hospitality only a small town can offer. The Haven community is a desired retreat for families, retirees and folks looking to embrace cottage living. A second collection of highly sought after woodlots has recently been released, with lot depths reaching 250' and widths of nearly 70', don’t miss the opportunity to own one for yourself. Pick your property and select your own TARION™ certified builder, or use Havens choice building partner McDonald Homes; they offer a lovely finishing package, open concept designs and vaulted ceilings – depending on what floor plan you choose. Woodlot home designs start from the mid 500’s, and will be ready before the end of the year. Haven on the Trent is waiting to welcome you home. Haven on the Trent www.havenonthetrent.ca Sifton Properties- Experience the Difference™

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Two Fishes Pottery By Belinda Wilson

Take a walk along Water Street in Fenelon Falls - it follows the canal past Lock 34 to the boat launch at the mouth of Cameron Lake. Look to your right and you might see the doors of the Two Fishes Pottery Studio open, and the artists, Tim and Linda Kieley, hard at work. It has been a long journey back to the potter’s wheel; they met at the Nova Scotia College of Art, where Tim was majoring in printmaking and Linda was majoring in painting. They had both dabbled in pottery in high school and Linda pursued it in college but then, as she says, “Life got in the way, and we didn’t get back to it for 25 years.” Then, the stars aligned – they moved to Fenelon Falls, and five years ago seized the opportunity to purchase a potter’s wheel and equipment. Getting back into the groove after 25 years was by trial and error, but Linda says working outside the constraints of a classroom setting allowed them to develop their own style. Among their many creations has emerged a pine tree/landscape motif which has become their trademark. Dinnerware, serving dishes and miscellaneous pieces are available in this constantly evolving signature pattern. As with all their creations, each piece is individually created from

Since 1994

start to finish, and the slight variations lend authenticity to each final product. Recently the Kieleys have embraced a new form, called “sgraffito”, which means “to scratch” in Italian, and involves a process of applying a layer of coloured “slip” over a leather-hard piece of pottery and then scratching away the slip to expose the white clay underneath. These one-of-a-kind creations draw their inspiration from their travels (most recently to Africa) and allow the artists to create more complicated designs. Besides selling from their studio, their work is available around the corner on May Street at The Barn & Bunkie, as well as in Gravenhurst and Severn Bridge at the Pioneer Handcraft Furniture locations. Two Fishes has also lent its expertise to Maryboro Lodge: The Fenelon Museum by creating pottery shards for the kids’ archaeological dig, as well as creating reproduction jugs and vases for display in the museum. “Pottery is the canvas for our art,” Linda explains, and the joy derived from their chosen medium is apparent in every piece they produce. www.twofishespottery.com On Facebook @twofishespottery

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Crafting

Through Corona

"We are born makers. We move what we're learning from our heads to our hearts through our hands." - Brene Brown One year ago, in my first article for Cottage Lifestyle Magazine I wrote about the movement towards “handmade is home-made.” I wrote about how the future is about reusing and creating and how the maker movement has gained traction in our time of consumer fatigue. Turns out one year later, this couldn’t be more true faced with our current experience that has tested our communities and ourselves as individuals to the very core of our humanity. More than ever we have been forced to slow down and rediscover the art of craft. We have had to become resourceful, creative and frugal to survive in this new world order. Crafted goods allow for a story to be told. Perhaps that is what has inspired so many of my own crafts lately and those of my friends and family. Perhaps we are telling the story of our very real and raw human experiences through this new history we are now a part of. My social media feed has been bursting with the crafts of current and new makers, all with a story to be told no matter the age or community. This emergence of personality and individuality is encouraging human-made unique ideas as we discover our authentic selves, and begin to tell our stories through crafts. As we move into the dog days of summer, I thought it relevant to share some of these craft projects to incent and inspire possibilities as we begin to connect more with nature, others and ourselves. By Joanne Clark

Natural Wood Stump Side Table

Moss Installation

Here is a relatively easy craft made from your basic campfire stump. These often retail for a pretty high price tag so creating your own side table or stool is a viable option for basically the same look. This is not a new idea so you can source many how to references online. It’s important to let your stump dry out over the course of a month or so inside. Once dry, you can remove the outer bark with a chisel. This will clean up the look of your stump and allow for sanding, staining and sealing. Once the bark has been removed, you can use a palm sander or sand by hand. This project is best done outside, although I will say I did mine inside on a rainy day on a drop sheet as I sanded mine by hand. When you are finished and the stump is smooth to the touch, you can either leave as the natural wood tone or stain to your desired shade. I stained mine for a more refined appearance but you can’t go wrong with whatever approach you take. You can also seal your stump however, mine isn’t sealed. Sealing will take a few coats and if you want to be really thorough you can sand in between the various coats of sealant. Let your stump dry indoors for a day or so and after that you can use it as a side table in a reading nook or even pull it outdoors for extra seating in a pinch.

This craft is really up to you as to how big and what the presentation ends up being. The vessel is really going to be part of the showpiece so spend some time thinking about the look you are going for. I used a glass vase for a more elegant look and the silver bowl for the moss ball really elevates a simple craft. This could easily become more rustic using a terra cotta planter, a wood bowl or even an antique pail. I found that the moss in the woods simply peeled off branches and rock surfaces in large sheets. I was able to use an old partially deflated volleyball as the mould for the moss ball and I simply formed the moss around the ball. I think this craft took all of 10 minutes. The vase arrangement took longer sourcing the right shade of wood, length of wood and arranging everything for the right look. You could easily make this a lot smaller. The moss is simply set on each branch at certain areas to add interest and color. I’m sure the moss will fade over time but so far mine are still showing shades of green after a couple of weeks.

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Outdoor Bench Bench: Mark Jenkins Cushions: Northern Patio As a more advanced craft, one can easily decide on a variation of this maker project that is suitable to their skill level. This craft allowed for an interesting way to use a narrow piece of deck. The outdoor bench in this case is 15’ long however you can easily build to scale for your particular area and needs. I wanted a floating base that allowed the bench to feel spacious and airy. We found many ideas online and someone versed in wood working can make recommendations as well for type of wood and style. I needed this bench to weather naturally and to be low maintenance for our northern climate. The weathered white pine will continue to age and lends the appearance of always having been there. You could also forego the cushions, however in this case I used outdoor Sunbrella fabric to withstand the summer elements.

Sour Dough Bread Nothing new here I’m sure for many of you. You can find a ton of recipes online. I think I had more fun staging mine after as I’m not a baker and I was pretty proud that I made this happen to begin with. My neighbor gifted me the starter kit and I was pleasantly surprised as a first- time bread maker, how simple it was and the end result far surpasses effort. Those are my favorite crafts by the way. My end result is wonderfully staged but my loaf not so much. I’m sure many of you have jumped on this corona craze and have turned out something more appealing looking than mine. Continued on Page 24

Since 1994

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Tic-Tac-Toe Set This is a fantastic craft for all ages. My neighbor as you can see has cornered this cute tic-tac-toe set using fun colors and that familiar wood stump craft makes an appearance again. Use exterior paint if you plan on playing this outdoors which can also easily be used indoors as an addition to my wood stump side table idea. This would be really cute in a child’s bedroom, near a campfire or in this case a fun diversion for an outdoor patio seating area.

The Original Painting If “art is expression” then we are certainly in a time where we could all use a little “expression.” Using old wood scraps is an ideal way to recycle and provides a basic artist canvas. Using

leftover interior or exterior paint is also economical and adds to the easy facilitation of a painting zone for all ages. Anyone can grab a brush and immerse themselves in the creative thinking and planning that art allows for. Getting back to the most basic of all crafts, painting can help us make sense of the world. Set up an area and find your inner Picasso. Our outer existence right now is craving an outlet and a way to express ourselves. As much as the hashtag #covidcrafts gained traction, hopefully our quest for self-expression through crafting and making can carry on even after things normalize. Hopefully we are learning as humans to create through the many mediums that we discover during a time when our lives have been reduced to only that which is essential. The tangibility of craft supplies, to hold something secure despite the confusion of the world around us, allows us to be productive through all the waiting. Who knows what new skills and interests may develop out of our new found confidence as a result of what we are able to create.

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Spring into Summer 2020 ~ Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine

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Off to the Cottage, in the Past Tourism has been a part of life in the Kawarthas since the 1800s. Perhaps the area’s first tourists were Royal Navy Captain Basil Hall and his wife Margaret, who visited both Cobourg and Peterborough in 1827. The lakes and woods around Peterborough quickly gained a reputation for great fishing and hunting, drawing hunters and fishermen from around Ontario, other parts of Canada, and even from the United States to the many lodges and camps established in the area.

week, then on Friday evening catch a train to Peterborough, change trains to Lakefield, then be taken by a steamboat to a cottage; he could reverse the trip on Sunday night and be behind his desk or retail counter by opening time on Monday, rested and refreshed by clean lake air and relaxed cottage time with the family.

Gradually, area tourism became family-oriented, especially when the construction of railways and the Trent Canal (now the TrentSevern Waterway) made the Kawartha Lakes more accessible for non-sporting members of the public. In the early 20th century, daily trains delivered cargo and passengers to Peterborough from all points, and steamboats plied Rice Lake, the Trent and Otonabee rivers, and other lakes, to bring guests and supplies to area hotels, lodges, and cottages. Extended summer cottaging became popular for upper- and middle-class urban families. Several weeks, a month, or even the entire summer was spent at a rented or owned cottage. What made long summer stays possible was the reliable rail and water transportation links between Peterborough, and such places as Toronto, Montreal, Belleville, Kingston, and Niagara, which allowed whole families to travel, with luggage and sometimes even furniture, from cities and towns to cottage regions. It became common for families to stay at a cottage or lodge, while men commuted from home to the cottage. For example, a man could work in Toronto all

Since 1994

Times have changed – automobiles replaced passenger trains and now gasoline or diesel engines drive boats instead of steam – but visiting the Kawarthas in the summer is still very popular, as are many activities of the past. By: Don Willcock For Peterborough Museum and Archives, 300 Hunter St. E., Peterborough, 705-743-5180 www.peterboroughmuseumandarchives.ca

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Spring Into Summer 2020 ~ Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine

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Building Raised Gardens with Pallets Making your own raised wood pallet garden bed is relatively easy, inexpensive and helps to create a healthy and organized garden. Growing your own vegetables can be very rewarding. It’s relaxing, you get to spend time outside and enjoy your own fresh vegetables throughout the season. Pallets are readily available at several locations such as garden centers, lumber stores and recycling depos, and many businesses will leave them out for curbside pickup. When selecting your pallets, choose ones that are not chemically treated and generally in good condition; picking pallets that are all the same size can be helpful. You will also need to pick up some filter cloth. It should be a minimum width of four feet and long enough to accommodate the number of gardens you are making.

Raising the garden box to a comfortable height is next. Build four legs with 2x6 lumber (2 per leg) and cut them to length; equal to the predetermined comfortable height for you to have easy access while gardening. Secure two of the 2x6 pieces together to form a 90-degree corner and fasten to each corner flush to the top side. Once your garden box is in place, fill it up with a good quality potting mix, or blend your own soil if desired. Plant your seedlings, allowing for adequate spacing based on the plant, and label your rows. Water and fertilize as required. I am currently working on this project myself and I can’t wait for warmer weather to start my planting.

First, place the skid top side up. Cover this side with the filter cloth using a staple gun and don’t be shy with the staples. Flip it over - this is now the top side.

This is a great little project with a big reward and I hope that you have fun with it. Happy gardening.

If this upper side has continuous slats, then remove enough to allow for spacing of 8”-10”. These become your planting rows and the area to label your seedlings.

Our Resident DIY Guru; Dave Linkert, Port 32 Marshall Homes, Bobcaygeon cottagecountryDIYdave@gmail.com

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Outdoor Living:

Building Connections with Nature and Each Other Connections are what life is really about. Our desire to connect with nature inspires us to slip off our shoes, bury our toes in the grass and turn our faces toward the sun. In these moments we become grounded. We are rooted. We find renewal. We find our balance in nature and our sense of belonging in each other. Outdoor living provides special opportunities to enjoy our loved ones in the beautiful setting of our natural world. Backyard BBQs and twilight dinners are a few of our favourite ways to entertain. We love the quiet morning coffees and the afternoon teas that we serve in our sunrooms. The time we share in our outdoor living spaces provides us with the perfect opportunity to enjoy meaningful conversations and good food with no interruptions from pesky bugs. Adding a Sunspace sunroom or enclosing a porch with WeatherMaster windows will increase your property value and add square footage for bug-free entertaining, but the deeper value of your new sunroom will be that it very quickly becomes everyone’s favourite room in your home or cottage. This perfect setting welcomes us to slow down and enjoy the simple and most cherished things in life. Looking to build your own outdoor living space? Nortech offers prefab Sunrooms by Sunspace that can be easily added to your home or cottage. Looking to convert an existing room? WeatherMaster Windows and Doors by Sunspace are highly customizable and are able to be adapted to transform an existing porch, boat house, gazebo or deck into a sheltered bug free outdoor room. Building a sunroom at your property? These window systems can run from floor to ceiling and span over 30ft wide per opening. The track windows slide down into each other allowing three-quarters of the wall to be open to the air with integrated screens to keep the bugs out without blocking the breeze or view. Nortech can provide professional installation, or if you are looking for a DIY project, or are working with your own contractor, we will be happy to supply this product to you. Nortech Windows. Doors. Sunrooms in Bobcaygeon will happily help you design your new outdoor living space. Drop by and be inspired by our onsite displays. We carry Sunspace Sunrooms and WeatherMaster Windows and Doors that open for 75% bug free screen ventilation and then conveniently close to keep out adverse weather. Nortech can easily transform your existing deck, gazebo, boathouse, or porch into your new favourite room. Let’s connect. Nortech Windows. Doors. Sunrooms 3300 County Rd 36, Bobcaygeon www.nortechwindows.com 705-738-0304

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The Lilacs in Lakefield For over 30 years now, Triple T Holdings has been leading the way in retirement “lifestyle” living. Registering over 500 units of condominium within the City of Peterborough, it could be said that Triple T has truly set the watermark for the area. Triple T Holdings is one of the very few companies in Ontario with a 30 + year history of specializing exclusively in planning, designing and delivering condominium developments as their primary line of business. Experience like this, combined with a “Family Business” approach has yielded a tremendous result for the organization and our customers. The Lilacs project in Lakefield will be no exception to this standard, and with services such as grass cutting, snow shovelling and window washing the customers in the Lilacs are free to spend their time as they choose. Some of our customers may go down south in the winter or cottage in the summer, in either case they are free from the maintenance of a traditional home. These Craftsman inspired homes are designed with retirees in mind, emphasizing main floor living. In addition, owners will take

Since 1994

advantage of the wonderful scenery on the 25-acre property including lush landscape, walking trails and a large pond with a fountain and gazebo. The Lilacs development is within walking distance to town and is next door to the Golden Years Club. It is also just down the street from the Morton Medical Clinic. Our first and second phases of the Lilacs have sold out and we have begun the sale of our third phase of homes. There are still some availabilities in Phase 3 that will have homes ready in the latter part of 2020 into the spring of 2021. If you’re interested in one of our new homes, or have any questions feel free to call us at 705 742 3338. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have, or even better- let us know when you can come in and have a look at our model home located at 235 Queen Street in Lakefield. Don’t miss your opportunity to live in the Lilacs, there are a limited number of spots available, so don’t delay - call today. Triple T Holdings Ltd. – The Lilacs in Lakefield TTTHoldings.com Matt@TTTHoldings.com 705 742 3338

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Got Weeds? Long cold winters leave cottagers looking forward to summer and swimming, but as the weather warms up, weeds become noticeable. Aquatic weeds are taking over the shorelines in many Ontario lakes and waterways, and can become so bad that swimming isn’t enjoyable, or even safe. Weeds B Gone offers solutions to eliminate unwanted aquatic weeds with services and products that solve problems like excessive vegetation in water. Over the past twenty years, they have acquired a reputation for delivering excellent customer service, and are very proud of that. Weeds B Gone has made significant contributions to improving water quality by installing continuous laminar flow inversion oxygenation systems; a land based compressor with sinkable tubing running to 5 non turbulent micro porous diffusers.

bottom muck per year; less weeds, cleaner water, more fish and a better overall waterfront experience. The Weeds B Gone Do It Yourself Screening Kit is also a great way to control weed growth on your own. The most immediate elimination of weeds is to have them harvested. Weeds B Gone uses a Mobi-Track to harvest weeds and clean them out of the water; you can be swimming weed-free the same day.

Whether enlisting their services, products, or both, Weeds B Gone works hard to make sure that customers receive the specific results they want. Visit www.weedsbgone.com and learn how the DeMarco family can help you and your waterfront. Weeds B Gone – Enjoy a Weedless Waterfront 905 373 4422

Muck at the bottom of lakes provides perfect breeding grounds for unwanted plants. Adding natural, beneficial bacteria and enzymes to consume the muck works two-fold; enzymes eat the muck, bugs eat the enzymes and fish eat the bugs. Without the adverse environmental impacts of chemicals, aeration systems are the most natural and effective longterm solution to water quality problems - they can result in a 4" to 6" reduction of

Since 1994

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Kickoff to Cottage Season Virtual vendor show

Pillows & Stuff is located in Peterborough Ontario. We offer unique and personalized pillows for your custom décor. Our pillows are blank canvases for your design inspiration, offered in numerous colours and sizes. We are constantly adding to our own design collection, which you can order “as is” or personalize with names, dates or sayings. At Pillows & Stuff quality and affordability are both important considerations when selecting our product lines. Our pillows are all washable and all have a hidden zipper. We are frequently updating our stock, introducing new options, more colours, more materials and sizes. To order a custom design, all you need to do is contact us with the elements or words you would like to convey. Even hints of important elements can lead to fantastic designs. Or send us that favorite picture with any text you would like included and we can take it from there. We will suggest cover colours or create a design that will suit a colour of your choice. Custom pillows make great gifts too! Document weddings, births or any of life’s milestones on a pillow! info@pillowstuff.ca or find us on facebook @pillowstuff.ca

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Hello. My name is Krystal Daskewich and I am the owner of Sign Design, a company which prides itself on making hand painted signs without using stencils. Every sign that comes out of Sign Design is hand made. Our motto is “it might not be perfect but it will always be unique!” If you are looking for a custom sign look no further. I do custom orders and can help design the perfect sign for you. Also, Sign Design makes wooden home decorations such as deco boxes with mason jars, tree stump Santas at Christmastime and even beaver stump lamps when beaver stumps are available. I am located in Havelock and deliver to Peterborough, Cobourg and Lindsay areas. Check out my Facebook page @signdesign2 or email me at sign_design2@hotmail.com

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SOLAR POWERED 2’’ viewing screen, GPS locator, FAST LTE UNLIMITED BATTERY LIFE (Patented technology) PHOTO TRANSMISSION, 0.07 S TRIGGER SPEED 100 FT FLASH RANGE, OUTDOOR SECURITY CAMERA IDEAL FOR THE COUNTRY HOUSE Construction site, lake house, cabin, marina, etc. Mobile LTE surveillance cameras that do not require Wi-Fi No wire, transmit photos on smartphone LTE connectivity 519-501-7431 sales@remoteviewpro.com www.remoteviewpro.com TheOccurrence is a 100% Canadian-owned/operated and unreasonably patriotic jigsaw puzzle manufacturing company located in the Haliburton Highlands. Our work is inspired by our passion for geology, mineralogy and our collective cultural history. Our goal is to appeal to and engage with citizen scientists, fellow art lovers and likeminded nerds. When putting your 72-hour preparedness kit together, we’d like to remind you that Austratian Prime Minister Scott Morrison deemed jigsaw puzzles an ‘essential’ item for its citizens. Just sayin’... Custom puzzles are also available. Find us online at: www.theoccurrence.ca, Facebook and Instagram.

Sandra Clements is a Broker with RE/MAX All-Stars serving Peterborough and the Kawarthas, and she wants to help you find your next perfect property! Sandra has been a resident of the Kawarthas for the last 16 years, making her a knowledgeable associate when shopping for the perfect family home. Originally from Mississauga, Sandra is no stranger to the area as she has spent summers on Chemong Lake since she was a toddler. Her love of real estate is intense, Sandra says she loves everything about it. “The beautiful homes I get to see, the little towns it takes me to, the wonderful people I have met over the years; nothing makes me happier than seeing a buyer find the perfect property or calling a client to tell them their house is sold.” Specializing in residential and waterfront properties, Sandra has extensive experience with relocations, vacations homes and first-time home buyers. She will find properties to suit your needs while helping you navigate the market; she assists with writing and negotiating offers for you and guides you through the buying process right up to the moment you get the keys to your new home. Perhaps you are selling – Sandra will lead you through the sale of your home and promote your property through social media and real estate websites. She believes that professional pictures, virtual tours, brochures, drones and constant promotion of your property are key to a successful sale. Real estate transactions have been evolving over time and with the effects of Covid-19 being felt throughout the industry Sandra works hard to offer electronic signatures, facetime and live tours to suit the needs of her clients while keeping everyone safe. If you are looking for an agent to make your transaction and relocation as smooth as possible, Sandra Clements of RE/MAX All-Stars wants to hear from you!

Since 1994

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Live your life hands-free with @fortheloveofsash Keep your daily necessities at your fingertips in a fashionable and comfortable manner with the cross-body Sash bag. Its ergonomic design with ten stacked pockets and two built-in wallets with RFID protection allows for even weight distribution throughout the bag, and it feels like you’re not wearing anything at all! It also sits flat on your hip and body, so no more bumping into people and things. You won’t ever leave it behind because it never leaves your side. Shop, travel, drive, dine and use any bathroom in total confidence and security without ever removing it. You’ll honestly never go back to using a regular purse again. Visit www.fortheloveofsash.com to view the collection and shop. EM: sashbagcanada@gmail.com Facebook/IG: @fortheloveofsash Affiliate links: CA: www.tinyurl.com/SashwithFrance USA: http://bit.ly/2YN6WDF

As the seasons change, so do your heating and cooling needs. We are headed into the warmth of summer and now is a great time to think about cooling your home or cottage! Neil Johnston Heating Inc. has been providing Peterborough and area with professional & dependable HVAC Services since 1977. A family owned and operated business, the Johnston family has spent over 40 years in the Peterborough community and they are committed to providing professional and affordable HVAC system installation and repair services. Current owner Brad Johnston started with his father Neil in 1995 and took over the family business four years ago. With six reliable staff members their team is capable of looking after all your HVAC needs. Their combined years of experience have taught them to handle any job in a timely manner, no matter how complicated it is; and they offer convenient 24-hour service for those times you need someone in an emergency. They install and service a wide variety of heating and air conditioning products specializing in residential and light commercial service and installations. If you are in the market for a new furnace, hot water tank, in-floor heating, air conditioning, heat pump or even pool heaters these are the guys to call. Neil Johnston Heating Inc prides themselves on a reputation and good name built on the referrals of many satisfied customers. “My wife and I have used Neil Johnston for a number of years. They have installed my AC, moved some gas pipes for a basement reno. Very accommodating, quick to respond in an emergency and a great price.” Call Brad and his team this season and get an expert quote from them; they are sure to keep you comfortable through all seasons! Neil Johnston Heating Inc., www.neiljohnstonheating.com 705 742 8769

Since 1994

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Doing Our Part to Help Local Businesses Fenelon Falls & District Chamber of Commerce As we look to the summer of 2020 our plans have changed significantly but the mandate of the Fenelon Falls & District Chamber of Commerce remains the same. We continue to support our member businesses, volunteer organizations and the community as a whole as we journey through our new reality together. Early in March we launched the #HeartForFenelon social media campaign and the response has been overwhelming. People are sharing stories of how they are caring for neighbours, how someone has supported them or their favourite things about Fenelon Falls. We also collaborated with the Lindsay, Bobcaygeon, and Coboconk Chambers of Commerce along with the Lindsay BIA to launch the FanSaves gift certificate program. This free program is available to any Kawartha Lakes business. To purchase a gift certificate or donate one to a worker at our local hospital visit www.fansaveshelps.ca where businesses are listed by community. Business owners are telling us that it’s been a big emotional boost to see the support from their customers during these difficult days. Advocacy has taken on a much more important role so we have shared the concerns and needs of our community with all levels of government. Participating in a variety of virtual town halls with our local representatives has been very beneficial as well. The strategic planning for economic recovery has already begun here at the Chamber and across Kawartha Lakes. We will be working hard to connect with a broad range of Fenelon Falls businesses to create a plan that meets the specific needs of our community and to represent those needs at the city-wide taskforce. There is much work still to be done but we are encouraged by the big and small ways in which Fenelon Falls has faced the challenge of this pandemic together.

During these uncertain times, the Kawartha Chamber’s very small staff team have been working remotely while continuing to support our members and all small businesses in our area. A significant project is our Virtual Main Street which was launched to help businesses in Peterborough County sell gift certificates online. The website www.kawarthachamber.ca/shop was built by acorn30 in partnership with the Chamber. It is an easy way for the community to support local business, something that is extremely important right now! Many businesspeople get asked daily to donate to fundraisers, community events, sports teams, auctions and more. Show your appreciation by keeping your spending local – send a virtual gift to a friend, say thank you to a frontline worker or treat yourself. Since mid-March we have maintained an Open, Limited Services, Closed List and will continue to do so throughout the reopening phase. Consumers should remember that while a business may be eligible to reopen to the public, some choose to continue to offer limited services. Keep up-to-date by viewing the list on the COVID-19 page on www.kawarthachamber.ca. Here businesses will also find useful links to resources, relief programs, webinars and more. Our updates can also be found on all major platforms @KawarthaChamber and in our weekly NewsFlash – subscribe on our website. Locally we are participating on the Mayor and Warden’s Economic Recovery Task Force and contributing to municipal discussions. The Ontario and Canadian Chambers are advocating for business at the provincial and federal levels. We encourage members to share their ideas and needs so we can communicate them. The Kawartha Chamber will continue our work to support local businesses and our communities. By working together, we will recover, rebuild and thrive. Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism www.kawarthachamber.ca

Fenelon Falls & District Chamber of Commerce www.explorefenelonfalls.com

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Weekend at the Cottage

Recipes

Tomato Avocado Salad – an easy chop, quick toss and a squeeze of lime, this salad is fantastic! Ingredients For the salad: • 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, quartered • 3 avocados, peeled and cut into chunks • 2 yellow peppers, seeded, cut into chunks • 2-3 green onions, cut down the middle then chopped • ¼ of a red onion, diced • 1 clove of garlic, finely diced • 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill • 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley To dress: • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil • sprinkle of kosher salt • sprinkle of black pepper • juice of a lime

Instructions 1. Prepare all of the ingredients and place them into a large bowl. 2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Squeeze on the lime juice. Toss gingerly to combine. Serve immediately.

HAM AND CHEESE BREAKFAST SANDWICH – extra tasty, you can serve this breakfast sandwich anytime of the day. Ingredients • • • • • •

2 croissants, sliced 4 eggs, whisked together 1 tablespoon of butter 300 g of baked ham, thinly sliced 6 slices of cheddar cheese salt and pepper to taste

Instructions 1. 2. 3. 4.

Preheat the oven to 275°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the bottom halves of the croissants onto the baking sheet. Divide the ham between the two croissants, clustering slice by slice into place. Heat a small skillet on low. When it comes to temperature, add the butter and melt. Add the eggs, followed by a sprinkle of salt. Move the eggs about in the pan to soft scramble. Remove from the heat before they cook dry. Spoon the scrambled eggs on top of the ham, dividing it evenly between the two croissants. Add a sprinkle of black pepper followed by 3 slices of cheese onto each. Place the tops of the croissants onto each sandwich. Transfer to the oven and baked for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Serve immediately.

www.weekendatthecottage.com

Since 1994

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DAYTRIPPING IN COTTAGE COUNTRY

PrimRose

Donkey Sanctuary …a place of healing and love, where actions come from a place of reciprocal love and respect to all within. By Belinda Wilson

So reads part of the Manifesto of PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary, where Sheila Burns is the founder and proprietor, but definitely not the boss. She humbly confers that status upon her first donkey, PrimRose. Following a 38-year career as a flight attendant with Air Canada, Burns found herself living in the country near Georgetown. She explains, “I met a lady who had donkeys, and that’s how I fell in love with them. I got this warm fuzzy feeling talking to her, and she actually found me PrimRose, who has been with me for 26 of her 46 years.” In 2000, Burns moved to a farm near Roseneath ON, bringing PrimRose and her love of donkeys with her. In 2001 PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary became a registered charity; starting out with two animals, the current critter census sits at 55 donkeys, mules and hinnies, 2 goats, 1 sheep and 2 pot-bellied pigs. Donkeys come to the sanctuary through various contacts. “I get

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calls from Humane Societies, from neighbours who have seen donkeys in distress, word of mouth, phone calls – I can’t turn anybody away. There is always room for one more,” says Burns. “I would say they have won the lottery when they come here. There is no more abuse, no more neglect; they are very much appreciated and very well loved.” These stoic, low-maintenance animals are often understood. Burns is quick to point out that ‘stubborn as a mule’ is a misnomer, adding they are simply cautious creatures who will not proceed if they are unsure of where they are stepping, and no amount of coaxing will make them move before they are good and ready. She says they are very patient and polite with each other; they don’t judge each other, and they don’t judge humans. This trait is part of the attraction for some of the visitors to the sanctuary. “I have people who come here with emotional issues, health issues – I give them a brush and tell them to go brush a donkey.

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The animals will stand completely still for ten minutes or more, and folks tell me it’s very therapeutic. Physical pain leaves them, it clears their mind, and the donkeys love the attention. And they seem to zone in on a person in distress, leaning into them, giving them a donkey hug and some reassurance.” Some of the donkeys who come to PrimRose will never leave, while others are able to find a new home. PrimRose has had good success with adoptions, although there are conditions which must be met. “I don’t adopt out donkeys for guard animals anymore. A new breed of large pack animal - a cross between wolves and coyotes - is able to take down a donkey, whose instinct is to protect its territory.” Prospective families are vetted; Burns wants her animals to be placed in a happy family unit. She checks out their property – condition of barns, shelters, etc. - to ensure a healthy environment. “I like to adopt out locally, so my vet and farrier can continue their care of the animals they have grown to know,” she adds. PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary operates with the help of thirty-three volunteers and has an annual operating budget of about $150,000. Vet and farrier bills, special feed and meds, hay, straw, building maintenance and repairs and special projects all contribute to the expenses. “Normally, day-to-day donations from visitors cover the ongoing costs of feeding and caring for the animals. Our special events generate funds for specific projects like barn repair, new fencing, etc.” Unfortunately, this year COVID-19 has impacted the revenue stream at PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary – it is currently closed to visitors and all major events planned for 2020, including PrimRose’s birthday party in August, have been cancelled. Burns hopes more people will become aware of what the sanctuary does, and in turn do what they can to support its efforts. “We are a registered charity, so we can issue tax receipts. People can choose from one-time donations, ongoing monthly donations and gift donations, which are great for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas gifts, etc.” Information can be found on their website www.primrosedonkeysanctuary.com Despite the current uncertainty, Burns remains positive.

“I am very thankful to be where I am, and so grateful for the wonderful support of our volunteers, our vet, our farrier and the public, who help me give these animals the healthy environment they deserve. It’s where I’m meant to be.”

Since 1994

Mule vs Hinny A mule is ½ horse and ½ donkey, with the mother being the horse. Mules are the size of a horse, with a donkey’s power. A hinny is ½ horse and ½ donkey, with the father being the horse. Hinnies are more representative of a donkey, smaller than mules.

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Fans, To Those Who Love the Jamboree, It was a sad day when they announced “No large gatherings until after Aug. 31st.” We sincerely hoped that the jamboree was going to be the “shining” light amidst all this uncertainty….and we would be celebrating the end of the Corona virus….all together – friends and family – but this was not to be. Not this year.

designing a new brochure and revamping our website – you can watch us “rebuild” the Jam! Our artists are excited! We hope your enthusiasm stays strong…..we are on a new adventure – let’s make it a fun one!! Please, stay connected to us through our social media. Together we stand strong - Together, we will see our JAMBOREE survive this! We need you.

That was the Dream and we were actually quite close to achieving our goals – all of you supported us! – and we forged ahead armed with the knowledge that all of you – did NOT want us to give up! You urged us on ….. you gave us the strength and the courage “NOT TO GIVE UP!” THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!

And what we wish for everyone is this: STRENGTH – AN UNPARALLELED necessity for survival. In challenging times, when it seems we have nothing left, strength is the prevailing quality that somehow sees us through. Some people find it in prayer, others in philosophy – and a lot find strength in our connection to friends and family. It is also found in the MUSIC of our lives…..MUSIC lives in our very souls.

And now, it’s that same strength, that when we were literally knocked to the ground, that when we got up, gave us the courage to dust ourselves off – and start to talk about our “new” plan! And we want to share this with you. Simply put, when you book artists to perform you must show that you are serious in your “offer” to them – so you must make a large deposit to secure their commitment and legal contracts are signed. Once signed, there’s no turning back. So many contracts have been signed – all we can do is pray that these artists are able to commit to NEXT years’ show date instead – it’s a good thing that we are all in this together. Jen, our manager, has been busy on the phones contacting our agents and artists….. and we seem to have good news to report! Everyone seems great with postponing until next year!! So, we’re ON – our commitment now is to 2021!!! We are busy! (from our homes!) – making new arrangements and plans –

Since 1994

So, it’s time for a “new” dance!! Let’s create it together! Just follow the music…… BELIEVE IN THE FUTURE And it won’t be long before you hear those famous words – from the TWIN STAGES “LET THE SHOW BEGIN!!!!!” Happy Havelock! See you in 2021! And please, let’s not blame anyone for what has happened….. no one wanted this. Our local politicians worked so closely with us….they wanted the Jamboree to happen too. Thanks to all of you! We all did our best! And that’s all we can do! Now, we need to STAY SAFE!! STAY HOME!! And STAY STRONG!!! The Jambo Staff

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DAYTRIPPING IN COTTAGE COUNTRY

ATV

Associations in Cottage Country PTBO Trails ATV Club info.ptbotrails@gmail.com, www.ptbotrails.ca Formerly known as the Havelock & District ATV Club, the Peterborough County Trails ATV Club welcomes riders of all skills levels – from brand new to experienced riders of both ATV’s and Side by Sides. Our guided rides feature comfortable speeds, frequent stops, and beautiful destinations within Peterborough County. Singles, couples, men or women, young and old…we promote safety and comraderie to ensure everyone can enjoy recreational riding.

Haliburton ATV Association (HATVA) (705) 457-8780 , info@haliburtonatv.com www.haliburtonatv.com Over 1700km of HATVA Ontario ATV trails; Covering Haliburton, Kawartha, Madawaska, Peterborough & Muskoka regions.

Kawartha ATV Association (KATVA) 705-328-0931, info@katva.ca, www.katva.ca Kawartha Lakes is a year-round outdoor playground with over 600 km of trails and exciting ATV trail riding.

Northumberland District ATV Riders Club (NDATV) ndatv@northumberlandatvriders.com www.northumberlandatvriders.com Northumberland District ATV Riders Club is an ATV club in Northumberland County, with over 330 kilometers of trails to enjoy. Presently, the club has over 300 members and is growing strong. Come explore and be part of the club.

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Welcoming New Members of the

Wolf Pack The Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve offers the opportunity to observe an unsocialized pack of wolves roaming freely in a 15-acre enclosure. Education and research are the focus of this unique wolf facility whose mandate is research and education. Both are important components within the overall framework of Haliburton Forest with its philosophy of integrated, sustainable resource management and land use. The Wolf Centre is no exception. And they have great news! Luna, one of the wolves from the Wild Life Reserve, has exceeded all expectations and given birth to four wolf pups sometime around the 5th of May; two female, two males, three black and one brown! The crew, consisting of Paul, Tegan, Cameron, Pete and Ines entered the Wolf Centre enclosure the morning of May 6, 2020 looking for the den site when colleague Marena informed them that she hadn’t seen Luna since the day before at 7:30 am. What they found was four squeaking balls of fur very deep in their den. As their primary care givers, and since they are captive animals, by vet orders the team must remove the pups from the den, count them, give them a quick look over and administer Strongid, a de-worming medication - and then put them back. The team at Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve are cautiously optimistic, knowing that a litter’s survival rate is 50%. The pups typically don’t make their first visible appearances until mid to late June, so only time will tell. Rest assured that even if you aren’t allowed to visit the Wolf Centre at this time, they will continue to post pictures and videos to share the pups progress. Enjoy the pictures! And make sure to tune into Marena’s live education streams Sundays at 3pm from the Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre Facebook page. Unlike most other facilities of its kind, the Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre is a private facility, supported entirely through user fees. www.haliburtonforest.com

Since 1994

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Rileys

Thinks Outside of the Box Located on picturesque Lock 32 in Bobocaygen, Rileys Bar and Grill offers a unique dining experience for all. Don and Laurie Riley purchased the former Water’s Edge property with a vision of what they wanted the restaurant to become. The formula of second-to-none location, great food, atmosphere and customer service was their key to success. Upon purchase, they took three months to give the building a facelift, including the installation of a new HVAC system, which allowed them to open 12 months of the year. Their good friend Dick Morrison was a big part of the renovations and upgrades and continues to be part of the Rileys Family.

Since 1994

When designing the logo, Don wanted to commemorate the importance of his father, Bryan Riley had on the family. His father was always fond of the long-horned steer so it was an easy decision to include this as part of their branding. The opening date of February 1 was also a tribute to Bryan as it was his Birthday. Rileys experienced a wonderful opening and were very humbled by the support of the community. For the first six weeks, the restaurant was bustling with activity and Don, Laurie and their staff were busy planning for their Grand Opening on the long weekend in May. Unfortunately that is where the train stops because COVID and the Province’s announcement to close restaurants for dine-in service directly impacted their plans. Without throwing in the towel, Don and Laurie put on their thinking caps to create an “out of the box” approach to take out and deliveries. First, the purchase of Riley’s Delivery Vehicles to allow local deliveries. Rileys wanted to be part of the solution and help the community when it needed the help to self-isolate. Take out and pick up service at Rileys was done with “no contact”. With the sad news of the situation of Pinecrest Nursing Home in Bobcaygeon, the local grocery stores were also stressed to keep food on their shelves and their

staff and customers safe. Again, thinking outside the box, Rileys offered Food Boxes with No Contact home delivery. This allowed people to get food delivered to their home so they could stay selfisolated. The Food Boxes evolved into a “pay it forward” concept where people would buy boxes and donate them to families who were struggling during this time. Rileys was very proud to be part of this evolution and be a part of helping the community. As the days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, Don and Laurie wanted to give some sort of “normalcy” into everyone’s lives so with the help of James Mahoney, their Chef – they developed weekly specials. This allowed a diverse option of food and also an opportunity to give the local community a taste of the Summer Menu that they hoped to launch when the bans are lifted. Throughout the uncertain times, Rileys offered to employ their staff and bring the servers in for shifts. This was a time to come together and support each other and Rileys is more than a Team, they are family. The Rileys Team hopes to see you all on the patio this Season. In the meantime, stay safe and healthy. www.rileysbarandgrill.ca

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Local Humane Societies

5 Tips to Help Pets Return to their Normal Routines After COVID-19

Lakefield Animal Welfare Society 2887 Lakefield Rd. • 705-652-0588 www.lakefieldanimalwelfare.org

Humane Society Of Kawartha Lakes 111 McLaughlin Rd., Lindsay • 705-878-4618 www.hskl.ca

Animal Rescue Krew (ARK)

3307 Lakefield Rd., Lakefield • 705-651-0069

Home Again Bancroft

613-334-8471 • www.homeagainbancroft.ca

Peterborough Humane Society

385 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough • 705-745-7676 www.peterboroughhumanesociety.ca

To help reduce separation anxiety and unwanted behaviour in pets, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is urging people to start preparing animals for a return to normal routines once COVID-19 subsides. Just as staying home during COVID-19 was a difficult adjustment for many people, companion animals have also experienced changes in their daily lives. With people staying at home, many pets are spending more time with their families, going on more walks, and eating meals at different times. But what happens when people return to work and daily activities resume? To help prevent separation anxiety and unwanted behaviours in your furry friends when your schedule returns to normal, the Ontario SPCA has these five tips for pet owners: 1. Create a consistent daily routine. If your pet only went on three walks per day before COVID-19, maintain that level so when you return to work, your pet doesn’t expect to go on 10 walks a day! 2. Mealtime is the most anticipated event of the day and should be given at roughly the same time daily. If your pet’s meal times have changed since you’ve been home more, slowly start to move the time back to when they would normally be fed. 3. Institute “nap time” or “quiet time” throughout the day. This should be a time for rest, away from you (not under the desk, or perhaps on it, in your home office) to help your pet adjust to more upcoming time alone. 4. Go outside for a few minutes and then return. Animals need to understand that you can leave, and you always come back. That will help reduce separation anxiety. 5. Provide self-entertaining toys, or chew toys, to encourage independent activities. “Major lifestyle adjustments are challenging for all family members, including our furry friends. The easiest way to help your pet cope with these changes is to keep their routine consistent,” says Dave Wilson, Senior Director, Shelter Health & Wellness, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Knowing what to expect, and when, gives our pets a sense of control in their environment and supports their emotional health.” For more tips and resources on animal health and well-being, visit the Ontario SPCA website at ontariospca.ca By Emily Cook

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The Most

Beautiful Thing I Have Ever Seen

Inukshuk Farm wishes all our clients, neighbours, friends and family both safety and good health during these trying isolation times. I am happy to share my granddaughter's essay on what she finds "beautiful”. Perhaps this is a time that everyone can take a deep breath and reflect on what is beautiful in your life. There are seven billion smiles but yours is my favorite. Seven billion laughs but yours is the best. Fourteen billion eyes but yours are the most gorgeous. Fourteen billion hands to hold … but I choose yours. Mom, you are the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen. You are my anchor in this stormy life. You are my best friend, my teacher. Every day I strive to be like my mother and my wish for her is to see herself the way I see her. She faces challenges with confidence and wisdom. She always told me that everything happens for a reason and good things can come out of these bad times. I’ve learned to not question the process, just trust it. My mom and I fight sometimes. But, no matter how many times we argue, or how many times I can’t understand her, or how many times she scolds me, I still know she is the best mom in the whole world. My mom isn’t the type of person to lean on, but the type who makes leaning unnecessary. She could take anyone’s place, but nobody could take hers. My mom is a hard working woman. She wakes up every day and puts the comfort and happiness of our family ahead of her own. Now that I am sixteen, I realize just how strong my mom has always been, but especially when our family went through a really tough time a few years ago. She told us kids that everything was going to be okay, even though she couldn’t have believed it herself. She put a smile on her face and did her best. Mom stayed strong, went to work as a fulltime school teacher, and put me and my brothers first. I know now how hard that was for her.

Since 1994

My mom is my voice of reason. She is a story teller, teacher, partner in crime, shoulder to cry on, a hand holder, confidant, peacekeeper, and my BEST FRIEND. There is no doubt that my mother is, “The most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen!” Excerpts from an Essay by: By Chloe Cooper, Norwood High School Student On Behalf of Inukshuk Farm

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Nature's Paint Brushes This is a fun little activity that makes for an adventure. First I sent the kids out to scavenge for some branches to make the handles and then they collected some handfuls of cedar, grass and pine needles. Once we had everything collected we used elastic bands to tightly hold the greenery to the small sticks. It took lots of wrapping and it was handy to have one set of hands to hold firmly while another set of hands wrapped the elastics. Once the brushes were completed, painting outside as a must - we used large pieces of paper with rocks to hold the corners down and the kids spent time testing which ones worked best. Already we have plans for what might work well the next time we make these!

Decorate your outdoor space and clean up your yard – oh, and keep the kids busy! This craft was multi-functional for the family because it took a few steps to collect and create. First we went for a big long walk to find the perfect stick to build upon. Then we coated it with waterresistant stain (which you don’t have to do – it just lengthens the lifetime of the creation). Then we chose beads and threaded them onto fishing line. This part took the longest and the kids enjoyed picking the colours they wanted to use. They did need some adult help to tightly tie the line onto the stick so it didn’t slide around. Then we used some wire we had kicking around to make the hanger – but if you don’t have something like this you could always use some string, rope or more fishing line. Now we have our beaded creations hanging around the yard in different locations. They look great in a gentle breeze, catch the light really well, and look like a cool rain-chain in the rain! They also make for a great gift!

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Get To Know Your

Frog Songs

By Jacob Rodenburg

To experience one of the wonders of spring, listen to the melodious strains of a frog orchestra, courtesy of the frogs of Ontario performing at a wetland near you. To appreciate these nocturnal songs, walk to a nearby wet area – a marsh, swamp or bog – just as the sun is starting to set. Take your two hands, cup them behind your ears and press your fingers together. You’ve just amplified your hearing by 10 times! Now stop and soak up the sounds of spring as they seep into your extended ears. Listen for the high, melodious peep of the Spring Peeper. Or the trilling bursts of sound from the Chorus Frog. Later on, see if you can identify the low “garomph” of the Bull Frog or the banjo-like strumming call of the Green Frog and the

TYPE OF FROG

throaty croak of the Leopard Frog. To learn to identify your frog songs, go to www.frogwatch.ca Frogs are “bio-indicators.” Because their skin is sensitive to pollutants, any time you hear a wetland filled with the songs of frogs, you know that the water quality is probably quite good. If you ever wondered what frogs are singing about, well, roughly translated, here is what they are saying: “Hey, if you are a girl frog of my species…come on over. If you are another male, just BACK OFF!” It is the male frogs who sing for the same reason that birds do, to attract a mate and to protect their territory.

SOUND

WHEN THEY CALL

High peep peep sound

Early Spring

Deep, resonant “rr-uum” or “jug-o-rum”

Late Spring - early summer

Wood frog

Sounds like a quaking duck

Early Spring

Green frog

“gulp, gulp” deep from the throat

Late Spring - early summer

Leopard frog

A throaty ahhhhhhhhhh….

Early Spring

Chorus frog

Short bursts of trills made with your lips or tongue

Mid- to late Spring

Use your tongue to make “click-click-click” like sounds. Reminiscent of pebbles clicked together; cricket-like

Late Spring - early summer

Gray tree frog

Slow musical bird like trill lasting 2 to 3 seconds. Use your lips or tongue

Late Spring - early summer

American toad

A sustained trill from lips or throat

Early to late spring

Spring peeper American bullfrog

Eastern cricket frog

Since 1994

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COTTAGE COUNTRY MARKETPLACE

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Since 1994

Home & Cottage ~ Spring Into Summer 2020

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