May 2017
•
In Print, Online & On Social
FREE - Thank Our Advertisers!
CELEBRATING SUMMER COTTAGE COUNTRY'S AWARD WINNING LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
POTS & PLANTING WITH VIKKI
HOT-LIST OF ATTRACTIONS & DESTINATIONS
FISHING ADVENTURE GETAWAYS
Since 1994
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
3
CONTENTS MAY 2017
YOUR GUIDE
08
HOME & COTTAGE PAGES 2 - 35 CONTRACTORS CORNER PAGE 13 PETS & VETS PAGES 36 - 37 FOOD PAGES 38 FOR YOUR HEALTH PAGES 39 - 41 AUTO PAGE 42 BUSINESS PAGES 43 - 45 KIDS CORNER PAGES 46 - 47 THE HOT-LIST OF ATTRACTIONS & DESTINATIONS PAGES 48 - 54 EVENTS IN COTTAGE COUNTRY PAGES 55 MARKETPLACE PAGES 56 - 60
55
08 Fishing Adventure Getaways in Cottage Country 21 Five Reasons to Hire an Expert to Build the Deck of Your Dreams 23 Fun in the Water with Jay Poole 29 Pots & Planting with Vikki 48 The Hot-List of Attractions & Destinations 55 Events in Cottage Country
23
13
EVENTS
NOTARIZED CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION Cottage Country Connection has Notarized Confirmation of the Current Circulation of the Magazine. 17,000 printed copies. Readership of 102,000 per issue calculated at 6 readers per copy. Canada Post Targeted Mail Circulation at 11,450 copies. Pick up locations at 5,550 copies. Proof is available to all of our readers and advertisers. You may request a full copy in PDF format by emailing publisher@cottagecountryconnection.com Original documentation is available for inspection at Miskin Law Office, Suite 263, 380 Armour Rd. Peterborough.
4
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
Discovering Cottage Country
Since 1994
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
5
CLICK 4
MORE!
2016 Business Awards of Excellence
Entrepreneur Innovation
From the
Recipient
Publisher "You Don't Need Therapy... You Just Need Cottage Country" Lets face it life is busy. We all struggle to maintain that delicate balance between work and time to rest and recharge. Welcome to the pages of Cottage Country Connection, a little country lifestyle living therapy for your soul. Here you will find the popular destinations and attractions, events and articles of interest for every member of the family. Monthly through September, we are your source for all things cottage country this summer. A place to hunker down for a good read for 40 minutes and be entertained, educated, and inspired. Please thank our wonderful advertisers who enable us to come to you free in print, online and across numerous social platforms. Have a fantastic summer! Donna Matthews Kelly Welsh Murray H Miskin
MARKETING & PROMOTION Distribution from Peterborough to Haliburton & from Fenelon Falls to Campbellford. Volume 24 • Number 4 Publisher: Cottage Country Connection, A Division of 240362 Ontario Inc. 459 George St. N., Peterborough, ON K9H 3R6 705-731-0808 • 705-652-8777 www.cottagecountryconnection.com #CottageCountry
Donna Matthews Editor, Sales & Publishing 705-652-8777 cottagecountryconnection@gmail.com Kelly Welsh Art Director & Publishing 705-657-7413 connectionartwork@gmail.com Murray H Miskin Supporting Editor & Publishing connectionedit@gmail.com
twitter.com/ConnectionNewsP twitter.com/KawarthaSocial twitter.com/connectionedit facebook.com/cottagecountryconnection facebook.com/donna.matthews.705 Pinterest @KawarthaCountry linkedin.com/pub/donna-matthews/60/472/932 Instagram at cottagecountryconnection
Cottage Country Connection - 2017 Print Schedule DEADLINES
JUNE
Booking FRIDAY Deadline May 19
JULY
AUG
FRIDAY June 23
FRIDAY July 28
SEPT/OCT NOV/DEC FRIDAY Sept 1
FRIDAY Oct 27
Online/ MONDAY MONDAY MONDAY MONDAY MONDAY Circulation June 5 Sept 18 July 10 Nov 13 Aug 14
6
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
Discovering Cottage Country
CLICK 4
MORE!
Peterborough Museum & The year was 1967 and Centennial fever gripped the nation. Canadians looked for ways to celebrate the past while they boldly prepared for the future. Centennial projects were undertaken at all levels – from personal studies of family history to the larger scale construction of parks, monuments and museums. In the Peterborough area, three major projects marked the occasion – the construction of the Centennial Fountain which rises majestically over Little Lake in downtown Peterborough, the opening of Lang Century Village (now Lang Pioneer Village) in Keene, and the opening of the Peterborough Centennial Museum & Archives (PCMA). Though the ‘Centennial’ has since been removed from its name, the PMA will forever be linked to our country’s birthday celebrations. And this year, on Sunday July 2, the Museum will be offering tours of its
new collections storage facility as part of a huge, city-wide, four-day Canada150 celebration. Similar to nearly all Museums, the PMA can only display about 1% of its collection at any given time. The other 99% is kept in storage. This, of course, helps ensure that these precious objects can be preserved for many years to come. The original Museum building that opened in 1967 was supposed to accommodate about twenty years worth of collection growth. But by 1969, it was already recognized that more space would be needed. For nearly 50 years, the PMA’s collection continued to grow – carefully but steadily – and is now estimated to contain well over 40,000 objects. When the Museum’s new storage facility was completed in 2015 and the objects that had been so densely packed in the main building were given proper storage space, the result was impressive. Not only is the collection now contained all in one building, the objects are easily viewed at a glance. Featuring textiles and toys, art and architecture, tools and technology, dishes and dressers, and everything in between, the PMA’s collection is a large time capsule of Peterborough’s past. And what better year to step in a see what Peterborough’s past was all about than during Canada’s 150th birthday year? On July 2, the PMA will also be opening its big summer exhibition, Made in Canada – Really! which features dozens of objects that were made in Canada – many of which were produced right here in Peterborough. For more details on the exhibition, the behind-the-scenes tours, or any of the many other exciting events and activities happening in Peterborough throughout the Canada150 celebrations, follow @Ptbo150 on Facebook or visit www.peterboroughmuseumandarchives.ca
Since 1994
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
7
Fishing Adventure Getaways Photo Credit Cindy Bartoli
by Tracey Allison
Round up your family or friends and plan the best fishing getaway ever! Taking a fishing trip is a bonding adventure that can be your summer vacation, a daytime activity or a weekend away. Getting out on the water, enjoying fun times, and kicking back to relax all while making memories together. Some of the world's best freshwater fishing is found in Ontario, and cottage country offers the perfect destination for your fishing experience! Whether it’s boat-in or drive-in adventures, there are several great destinations for both day and charter trips. You can choose from cabins, resorts, lodges, or remote camps. Getaways just aren’t the same without fishing!
year-round. This cottage resort retreat is just 20 minutes from Peterborough. Rice Lake offers calm and relaxing fishing and the fish species include: largemouth bass, muskellunge, panfish (perch, crappie), walleye, blue gill and sunfish. Check with the resort for more details on their Rice Lake Fishing Getaway Package they offer.
Here are a few destination ideas in cottage country to plan your next fishing trip.
Beachwood Resort
Blue Pigeon Resort
Quickly becoming the premier Kawartha cottage resort destination, nestled on pristine Pigeon Lake in the famous town of Bobcaygeon, Blue Pigeon Resort provides some of the best fishing opportunities in Ontario. 16 newly remodeled cottages of varying sizes offer a haven of relaxation and peace to guests on the lake's secluded shores. Pigeon Lake is particularly well known for its bass fishing but also offers walleye, muskie, and panfish, such as black crappie, bluegill, and perch. Visit their website to learn more about boat rental at the resort.
Elmhirst's Resort
Located on the beautiful shores of Rice Lake, which is recognized as one of the best fishing areas in Eastern Ontario, Elmhirst’s Resort has waterfront cottages for a great fishing experience
8
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
This beautiful Ontario resort is located in the heart of cottage country in Kawartha Lakes. Offering separate cottages, condos and lodge rooms, you’ll stay where you can enjoy great fishing on Lower Buckhorn Lake. There you can fish for carp, largemouth bass, muskellunge, panfish (perch, crappie), smallmouth bass and walleye. For more information on their Three-Day Fishing Adventure, contact the resort.
Southview Cottages & RV Park
Experience Rice Lake Carp Fishery at Southview Cottages, where they pride themselves as being one of the top fishing trip destinations in Ontario. There you can stay in housekeeping cottages and fish from any dock along their 1600 feet of shoreline with a boardwalk, along with three fishing piers with benches that are lit at night. Located on the north shore of Rice Lake, fish species include: carp, catfish, largemouth bass, muskellunge, panfish (perch, crappie), smallmouth bass and walleye.
Discovering Cottage Country
Offering two, four and six-hour musky (muskellunge, muskie) and pan fishing (bass, sunfish, pickerel, crappie, perch) excursions on Chemong Lake (with access to Buckhorn and Pigeon Lakes). They say Chemong Lake is the hidden gem of the Trent System. Enjoy award winning fishing in a relaxed family atmosphere with other fish species including carp and walleye.
Catch More Resort
Head out for an awesome vacation on the Trent River, which they say boasts some of the best fishing in Ontario! There you can fish for muskie, pike, walleye/pickerel, small and large mouth bass and pan fish. Catch More Resort offers a relaxing fishing getaway with seven housekeeping cottages, seasonal trailer sites, boat rentals and 15 miles of lock-free river!
Williams Outfitters
For a great day trip out on the water, Williams Outfitters offers both traditional and contemporary methods of fishing. This aboriginal owned and operated company is located on the Curve Lake First Nation in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes region. The company’s owner is Ojibwe First Nations guide Michael Williams. His goal is to revive the art of the 'Native Guide' and he promises a comfortable fishing adventure where he can pass on his traditional knowledge and fishing secrets of the area. Species include carp, largemouth bass, panfish (perch, crappie), smallmouth bass and walleye.
Buttermilk Falls Resort
Located on Boshkung Lake and adjacent to Buttermilk Falls, this Haliburton cottage resort offers a fantastic fishing destination. In the summer, they have great fishing and the falls attracts many fish species which come to the base of the falls to feed in the fresh clear water cascading into Boshkung Lake. You can fish for bass, lake trout, whitefish and pan fish and stay in fully equipped cottages overlooking the beautiful lake. They offer rental motor boats and fishing vacation packages.
Photo Credit Cindy Bartoli
Since 1994
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
9
Discover Cottage Country HOME & COTTAGE
Chemong Lake Fishing Charters
Cottage Country
Fishing
Peterborough, the Kawarthas and the Haliburton Highlands are the perfect destination for fishing. With many cool and warm water lakes and rivers, and a variety of fish species to catch from pan fish to sport fish, it all happens here. Although fishing is meant for pleasure and fun, in Ontario there are rules to follow while taking part in this pastime/sport. You’ll need to get a fishing license, and learn the open seasons, catch limits and fishing zones before you head out to the water. Here’s a handy guide for fish by species. When to go Here are the regulations for what dates you can fish for each species. Peterborough and the Kawarthas are in Zone 17 and for full details, check out www.ontario.ca/ document/ontario-fishing-regulations-summary. • Walleye and Sauger 2nd Saturday in May to November 15 • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass 3rd Saturday in June to December 15 • Northern Pike - Open all year • Muskellunge 1st Saturday in June to December 15 • Yellow Perch - Open all year • Crappie - Open all year • Sunfish - Open all year • Brook Trout 4th Saturday in April to September 30 • Brown Trout 4th Saturday in April to September 30 • Rainbow Trout 4th Saturday in April to September 30 • Lake Trout 4th Saturday in April to September 30 • Pacific Salmon 4th Saturday in April to September 30 • Atlantic Salmon 4th Saturday in April to September 30 • Lake Whitefish 4th Saturday in April to November 15 • Lake Sturgeon - Closed all year • Channel Catfish 4th Saturday in April to November 15
10
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
Discovering Cottage Country
Since 1994
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
11
Discover Cottage Country HOME & COTTAGE
OMG I Saw a BEAR! by Tania Moher
In the 28 years since my family moved to the Kawarthas, I have never seen a bear – aside from behind a safe barrier at the zoo or watching those cute videos of bears scratching their backs on trees – but never in the wild. A bear’s entire life revolves around food so they spend most of their time looking for it. When bears find food (garbage, pet food, or bird seed) near peoples homes, cottages, or campsites they continue to return as long as the source of the food is available. I think we have all heard of the common practices to keep bears away, but what do you do if you encounter a black bear while enjoying the great outdoors. If you encounter a black bear you need to stop and remain calm. Much easier said then done I’m sure. You need to determine which type of encounter it might be – sighting, surprise or close encounter. If it’s a sighting or surprise encounter DO NOT try to get closer for a better look or a picture, be sure to always watch the bear, and then slowly back away until the bear is out of sight. DO NOT scream, run, turn your back on the bear, kneel down, make direct eye contact, climb a tree or try to swim – bears can climb and swim much better than us! If it’s a close encounter make noise, yell, blow a whistle or air horn, throw things, wave your arms and try to make yourself appear bigger. If the bear keeps coming towards you STAND your ground, use bear spray if you have it or anything else you can use to threaten or distract the bear. Fight back!!! Hopefully, it never comes to that! Black bears will often demonstrate behaviors or warning signals that are also good to be aware of. Bears do not want to have contact with humans and they want to get out of the situation as much as you. So giving you warning signals lets you know you are too close. If a bear stands on its hind legs it’s not aggressive behavior, bears do this to get a better look or smell. If the bear feels threatened by you, it may make huffing, moaning, clacking, or popping noises with its mouth. A bear might also swat at the ground or charge towards you. Normally the more noise a bear makes the less dangerous it is, it’s a tactic to scare you off – so be sure to listen and back away!! Photo Credit Trudy M
12
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
Discovering Cottage Country
You Need Done Right Summer is here and it’s time to get your projects moving. Should you do it yourself or hire a professional? Hiring a contractor can be more stressful than the project itself. Follow these simple tips to ease your stress and enjoy your project. Draft your plan. Write out a scope of the work and the responsibilities right down to the clean up. Educate yourself first. There are great web sources available at your finger tips. Check into all permits needed and be aware of any set backs that may come into play. Each quote should be based on your plan. Apples to apples, so hire a contractor that specializes in that trade. Use local trades where possible and just make sure they have a solid reputation and have been in business for some time. When you get a written quote (not an estimate!) make sure to check: Materials and labor are all in the quote. If using multiple trades, ensure all Insurance and WSIB are current for each trade being used. Set a schedule with a start and end date and ask about a warranty. Set a clear payment schedule. It is very critical to set a payment schedule and down payment amount. Only a small deposit, if any, should be required. Contractors, good reputable ones, all have accounts to buy materials. Payments should be based on stages in the project to completion. NEVER pay up front and never pay in full until the project has been completed and agreed upon by all parties involved in the initial quote. What If…? Determine how any unforeseen problems will be handled and an alteration to the contract should be made if needed.
Sub Trades: If sub trades are being used, determine who is paying them, you or the contractor you have hired (as they are the sub trades being utilized by the main contractor). A contract with a description of details on materials, labor and the process for the project will be necessary for any sub trades. Tips to find the right contractor: • Ask trusted friends and family members for recommendations • Post on Facebook asking for recommendations • Look for local and specific knowledge trades, most good contractors are busy, so be prepared for that. • Ask potential candidates that you are considering to share before and after photos of similar projects • Ask if they supply the materials or labour only? • Ask who is responsible for getting permits and how much? • Ask if drawings are needed and if so is there a charge and who pays? • Make sure you get a Quote and not an Estimate. • Have a clear time frame with your contractor and a schedule commitment • Get three quotes and remember cheap is not always the best choice • Keep track of progress and payments based on stages of completion • Do a PDI (pre-delivery inspection upon completion of the project) If you follow these steps, your project should be all that you hoped it would be. By Dave Linkert Site Supervisor, Marshall Homes Port 32
CONTRACTORS
CORNER Since 1994
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
13
Discover Cottage Country CONTRACTORS CORNER
Contracting Work
Discover Cottage Country HOME & COTTAGE
EXERCISING DESIGN-BUILD CREATIVITY Lifestyle Sunrooms
Susan Preston put a great deal of thought into the function of her new sunroom. She wanted a bright area that could be used as an exercise space. With a large family, she also wanted a favourite gathering room. And, she wanted a place to relax and enjoy her morning coffee. Susan envisioned a sunroom that was made of full walls of glass with no visual barriers. Her sunroom needed to maximize the view to her pool and landscaped backyard. “Susan had some unique requests which
14
we were very happy to accommodate,” says Keith Carroll, co-owner of Lifestyle Home Products. “This room, like many of our sunrooms was to be multifunctional. The first step was to create plans that would meet Susan’s needs in every aspect.” One of the features that Lifestyle incorporated into the 220-sq.-ft space was to build a very large “hidden” closet that spanned 10 ft. x 7 ft., providing the storage needed to accommodate a multi-use room. Another unique aspect
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
was a row of transom windows along the wall of the sunroom that was attached to the house. “We designed this 18’ x 3’ ft. feature to bring even more light into Susan’s home,” says Keith. Lifestyle sunrooms have R-values suited to the Ontario climate. This means they function as well in hot summers as they do in cold winters. With the Susan’s backyard pool now open, the seasonal backdrop for her sunroom has changed. Keith says, “Homeowners love the fact that they can stay cool when the sun is
Discovering Cottage Country
Discover Cottage Country HOME & COTTAGE
“Homeowners love the fact that they can stay cool when the sun is hot, and also avoid the bugs at night.”
CLICK 4
MORE!
hot, and also avoid the bugs at night.” From concept to completion, Susan gives Lifestyle sunrooms top marks. “Every person with Lifestyle was phenomenal. Their attention to detail – whether it be the electrical, the guys pulling the place together, or Brian who oversaw the entire project.” She adds, “I absolutely love my Lifestyle sunroom. It is absolutely amazing.” Lifestyle Home Products, www.lifestylesunrooms.com Sunrooms, Metal Roofing, Windows & Doors
Since 1994
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
15
16
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
Discovering Cottage Country
Discover Cottage Country HOME & COTTAGE
Can You Have a Campfire in Your Backyard? Sitting outside by the fire is a beloved pastime that we as Canadians so long for after a lengthy winter. Many people are asking, “Are outdoor fires allowed?” This question is of particular interest to city dwellers that have neighbours close by. Each municipality sets their own regulations for open air burning so check with your local fire department for clarification on the bylaws in your area. In Peterborough, under the Ontario Fire Code (2.6.3.4.), open air burning is not permitted except for the purpose of cooking food on a grill or BBQ. Once the food is cooked the fire must be extinguished. In accordance with the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, an individual convicted of an offence for contravention of the Ontario Fire Code is liable to a fine of up to $50,000 and/or one year in jail. The next question is “If I can’t have a wood burning fire, can I use a propane or natural gas fire pit or fire table?” As long as the fire pit or fire table is listed and regulated by TSSA (technical safety
Since 1994
standards association) you are okay to use it. These appliances do not constitute the definition of “open air burning” and are listed for use in the outdoors. The risk of fire is eliminated when the appliance is shut off so the City of Peterborough would permit using these appliances as designed. So if you are purchasing a fire pit or fire table that is not listed you will want to be sure to ask your local fire department to seek clarification for its use in your particular municipality. Be safe and considerate of your neighbours, and enjoy your backyard fire this summer. Submitted by Michele Kadwell-Chalmers, fireplace consultant at The Original Flame Inc. www.theoriginalflame.com 705-742-9452, 982 Hwy 7 East, Peterborough, ON Photo Credit Tonya Cowle
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
17
Discover Cottage Country HOME & COTTAGE
Unplugged at the Cottage by Tracey Allison
Have you considered spending more time at the cottage unplugged? Getting back to nature and quality family time without the distractions of electronics. Back in the day, cottage life was spent almost always outdoors. Most people did not even have a television at the cottage. These days, families head to the cottage equipped with all their gadgets. This summer as you arrive at your cottage getaway, put your phone down and give the ipad a rest as you unplug and unwind. Too much screen time has become a concern this day and age and there is no better place to put the focus on spending time unplugged then when you’re away at the cottage. Taking a break away from too much technology is good for our minds and spirit. It’s also good for our health as we will naturally spend more time outdoors, getting extra physical activity. There are so many ways to keep the whole family entertained without relying on electronics to occupy your time. Of course there will be times like on a rainy day when your children can wind down with a movie etc., but in general spending less time on electronics is refreshing for everyone. It can sometimes take a little more thought and creativity to stay unplugged, but the fun family memories you will create will be worth it! So here are some ideas to keep busy while you are unplugged. Explore nature - there are endless opportunities all around you in nature that will keep your family busy - go for nature hikes, catch frogs or insects, go for a bike ride, birdwatch, do a scavenger hunt and collect items such as rocks, shells, etc. Outdoor sports - try having a family match of volleyball, badminton, playing catch, or bocce ball. Water activities - especially if you have a waterfront cottage or you can go to the closest beach. Swimming, boating, canoeing, fishing, water skiing/tubing and paddle boating. Indoor activities - arts and crafts such as drawing, painting, finger knitting or bracelet making, etc. Play board games, cards, do puzzles, or have a dance party! Relax! Remember to kick back and listen to the silence or beautiful bird calls and really try to enjoy the slower pace of being at the lake. Sit on the dock or read a book in a hammock, any way that you can just enjoy the simplicity of being outdoors. Spend the evening cozied up by the fire enjoying s’mores and singing songs. And if the sky is right, enjoy stargazing before bed.
18
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
Discovering Cottage Country
by Tracey Allison
Boathouses traditionally were simple buildings on the edge of the water designed for the storage of boats, but today they can be so much more. These multi-purpose spaces are for storing, playing and even living. They are no longer just a place to store boats, they come in all shapes, sizes and uses such as a vacation home or outdoor entertaining paradise.
industrial, beach style, traditional, modern, rustic, and so on.
As you take a tour around the lakes in cottage country this summer, you can see how beautiful, extravagant and endless the boathouse design possibilities are. From cozy and quaint to modern and luxurious, you can design something that really captures your family’s style and needs.
Boathouse ideas are not limited to the exterior - think interior design as well. If you are desiring your boathouse to double as a guest room, extra living space or vacation home, there are many home design features you can include. To help achieve a beautiful interior, add features such as a giant ceiling fan, a stone fireplace and a small pocket sized kitchen, to name a few.
Using a variety of materials, colours, layout and dĂŠcor, you can create a designer boathouse that is sure to wow. It can be
Since 1994
These interesting structures can be a fixedpier boathouse or a floating structure and have a very wide price range, depending of course on how extravagant you go. There really is no limit to the type of decor you can bring to your boathouse design.
Many people want their boathouse to be the ultimate outdoor entertaining space.
It can have a roof top patio, a large wrap around porch with glass walls to take in the breathtaking views or a multi-level deck, which gives you lots of extra space and offers different views of the lake. Gear up for entertaining with an outdoor bar, a beverage refrigerator, grill and comfortable patio furniture, including loungers for sunbathing. Add some fun elements for the whole family - like a waterslide, rope swing, or even a waterfall off the upper deck into the lake. Even as a garage for your boats, things have advanced with custom hydraulic boat lifts, automatic doors and so many other options with new boater-friendly technology. Now you have a safe place to house your boat and you can sit back and take in breathtaking views and enjoy your boathouse, the perfect water sanctuary.
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
19
Discover Cottage Country HOME & COTTAGE
Modern Boathouses
20
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
Discovering Cottage Country
Discover Cottage Country HOME & COTTAGE
CLICK 4
MORE!
5 Reasons to Hire an Expert to Build the
Deck of Your Dreams There is a lot more to a new deck than just boards and nails. Having the deck you dream of, means hiring the right builder to do the job. Consider these 5 things before you hire: 1. Safety should be the primary concern. Your Professional Deck Builder will design and build your deck with optimum safety in mind. The main areas that typically fail and cause safety issues when not built by professionals are the structural connection to the house, the supports, the stairs, and most importantly the railings. Not done properly, any of these areas could fail and cause injuries and/or costly repairs. 2. Building to Code. An expert deck builder will know how to design and build the deck and stairs to meet the specific Building Code requirements, and will only install railings that are Ontario Engineer Certified and/or approved by the Building Department. They will also work with you to get the proper permits and approvals needed. When you work with a Deck Company that has a reputation for quality and attention to detail, you can rest assured no corners will be cut. 3. Footings, the foundation of the entire project, can be problematic or even fail if not designed and installed by experienced professionals. Many beautiful new decks have heaved or sagged a year or two later, because the footings weren’t done properly. Knowing the soil, the loads, the depths, the footing sizes, and things like choosing screw piles or concrete, is what will keep your new deck flat, level and structurally sound for many years. 4. Materials. There are so many options to choose from, including Pressure Treated, Cedar, Exotic Hardwoods such as Kayu Batu or Ipe (pronounced ee-pay), and maintenance free options like Composites,
Since 1994
PVC, aluminum or Stone. Multiple Railing options can confuse things even more with choices of Woods, Aluminum, Composites, Glass, Stainless Steel, and the list goes on. Your Deck Expert can explain the pros and cons of all the options and help you find a style that you’ll love, but also works with your budget. 5. Added Value. Whether you plan on selling in the future or will be staying put long term, an outdoor living space that is well designed and professionally built will add considerable value to your home or cottage for years to come.
"Steve and his crew were very hardworking and professional. Quality materials were used, and we couldn't be more pleased with the finished product. Highly recommended!" Diane & Heber Hire an expert to build the deck of your dreams. Then you can sit back, relax, entertain and soak up those sunny days of summer on your beautiful new deck! By Steve New, Northwood Custom Decks 705-738-7018 On Facebook as Northwood Custom Decks. Northwood Custom Decks is a full-service deck builder, devoted to quality, craftsmanship, and total customer satisfaction, servicing in and around the Kawartha Lakes Region. Owner Steve New and his crew were awarded “Best of Trusted Pros” for 2015 and 2016 for Decks and Carpentry for outstanding service and customer satisfaction.
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
21
Discover Cottage Country HOME & COTTAGE
A Little Bit of Love for Your Boat Its finally the time of year you have been waiting for, the birds are singing, the sun is out and the lake has melted. Time to put the boat back in! Before you throw the plugs in and set it afloat this is the perfect
time of year to set your season up for success. With a few helpful tips your boating season will be the best it’s ever been. Start with a good clean, giving your boat a solid clean does multiple things, first it makes your boat look spectacular but more importantly it gives you an opportunity to inspect every inch for any possible issues you might have during the season, cracks, unplugged switches, torn tops and loose fasteners will all be revealed and fixing some of these little issues early on will save in the long run. A deep clean also gives you an opportunity to organize and inspect your safety gear, remember lifejackets that are ripped and torn are no longer certified. Be sure that your fire extinguisher is charged and the batteries are topped up and new in your flashlight. Once everything is cleaned and inspected it’s the perfect time to protect
22
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
your boat for the season ahead. Your boat sits in the elements for most of the summer spring temperatures are perfect for applying a coat of wax to the deck and the hull. Marine wax serves two purposes it will help bring back that showroom shine but more importantly it acts like sunscreen and will ensure that your boat stays shiny and doesn’t fade from the harmful effects of the sun. While you are applying protectant to the hull don’t forget to waterproof your canvas, boat tops are designed to be both waterproof and breathable however as dust and debris settles on the top it will slowly lose its water retention properties a spray on marine waterproofing works great but you can also use the same spray you would use for tents or outdoors equipment. Last and most importantly it’s time to check the mechanical systems. Start with the battery and bring it up on a slow charge and tighten the leads with a wrench. Check all fluids oil, gas, hydraulic steering and trim fluid. Check that all hoses are on tight and the prop is damage free and the prop nut is tight. After your thorough inspection, it is best to start the boat on a flush to ensure that there are no water exhaust or fluid leaks before hitting the lake. Inspect the tires and grease the bearings on your trailer and it’s time to head for the lake. Before you launch don’t forget the most important part in your boat - Never forget to put in the drain plug because without it you’re going down! By Jay Poole, Buckeye Marine, www.buckeyemarine.com Jay Poole is one of the many boat gurus at buckeye marine. He is the in the fourth generation of the Poole family and Jay is involved in all aspects of the business in sales service, and is an avid boater and water sports enthusiast.
Discovering Cottage Country
Fun in the Water
MORE!
with Jay Poole
Most often these days you can guarantee that the ice is off our lakes from April to November, that’s eight months. Snowboarders, snowmobilers and Leaf’s Fans would all be ecstatic to be able to pull off an eight-month season. If you are brave, prepared, and dedicated, you can pull off eight incredible months of water sports. Follow these helpful tips to get the most of your water sports season. First and foremost, cold water is no joke. Water pulls heat out of your body about 25 times faster than air. Without proper measures, cold water can have a paralyzing effect on your muscles and hypothermia is a real risk. Water is considered a hypothermia danger as warm as 20°C or 70°F. You shouldn’t ever go in the water without thermal protection below 15°C or 60°F, as when you are below that temperature unprotected water immersion causes cold shock where your body loses control of the breath and causes an uncontrollable gasp which can often bring water into the lungs and threaten drowning. Said plainly, be very prepared. Getting ready for an early or late season watersports adventure can be accomplished safely with lots of preparation and knowledge. The most important piece of the puzzle is thermal protection or wetsuits / drysuits. Although it may sound counterintuitive my preference is wetsuits. Wetsuit technology is moving so quickly that wetsuits older than 5 years old are obsolete. New wetsuits are lighter, warmer, and more flexible than they have ever been. The way you purchase your wetsuit is based on the temperature of water you will be in.
dock. Make sure that there is someone who can come to your aid if something goes wrong. Pay attention to the forecast and be aware of obstacles in the water. If the water is below 20°C use caution at all times and if it’s not fun, it’s not worth it! Jay Poole is an avid watersports enthusiast and is a Waterski Wakeboard Canada Master Coach Developer and National team coach for Wake Canada. He works with all ages and abilities to spread the joys of water sports. Jay works full time for Buckeye Marine and volunteers for waterski wakeboard Canada coaching towed watersports in the Kawarthas. By Jay Poole, Buckeye Marine www.buckeyemarine.com
Just like buying a good winter coat, the more insulation the warmer you will be. 5 millimeter wetsuits are temperature rated between 7°C and 12°C, 4 millimeter wetsuits range from 12°C to 15°C and 3 mil suits are good from 15°C to 20°C. Although an important piece of the puzzle, a good wetsuit should always be accompanied by a certified life vest. Early and late in the season, it is important for not only the rider to wear a vest but also all those in the boat. The best protection from cold water is to keep yourself afloat at all costs. When you go out on the water, plan not only for the time that you are in the water but also the time that you get out. Load the boat with plenty of towels, blankets and a change of warm clothes. Pack a winter jacket so that you can stay warm. Be sure to take a fully charged phone, and let multiple people know what your plans are, where you are going, and when you plan to be back at the
Since 1994
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
23
Discover Cottage Country HOME & COTTAGE
CLICK 4
Discover Cottage Country HOME & COTTAGE
Those Were The Days
Sleepless Nights We have all done it, lay awake at night staring at the ceiling, the only sound is the air conditioner in the summer or the furnace clicking on in the winter. We close our eyes and our mind is like a video rewinding to places we have either never been or have long forgotten. Events in our lives go flitting through our brain like a kaliedescope of life or moreso, tiny vignettes we have not thought of in years, bits and pieces that come and go in our sleepless psychy, some so fleeting we have no time to even dwell on them as a time gone by memory. We hear the clock strike three and we desparately close our eyes and mind but the pictures still come like a fast forward movie but eventually we relax and succumb, accepting the invading memories to run their course. With our eyes closed we have created a black screen and we see places we can not rationally recognize and people we have never met, but once in a while something does jump out, an event so many years ago we thought was buried in the caverns of our mind but all of a sudden there it is. How does this happen? Why does this happen? I was standing with a bunch of school kids all of whom I knew, we were surrounded by thousands of people, everyone was waving Union Jack flags and there were dozens of boats in the nearby river also gathered to welcome the man and woman who had just arrived by train. They stood on the back caboose balcony acknowledging the adoring crowd, what an exciting ....... and then they were gone, the rapidly spinning reel of my sleepless memories had uncerimoniously and abruptly moved on. The following morning I got on my computer to find out what event I had just relived during my sleepless night. Aha, it was 1939 and I do briefly remember. I was five years old in grade one at Marlborough Public School in Windsor, Ontario. King George V1 and Queen Elizabeth were doing their Canadian tour in 1939 and they stopped in Windsor. I was there. I do remember all the boats on the Detroit River honking their horns to welcome the royal couple. I have no idea how I got there or how I got home but I do recall the throng of people pushing and shoving to get a closer look at the visitors. I had always known I had seen the king and queen but I never knew exactly when and where, now by an odd quirk of my insomnia controled mind, the pieces have fallen into place. Hmmm, now if I can only figure out why my father was riding a horse on a beach and my sister running happily along side, well, I can only hope I get to heaven to find the answer to that one. Submitted by Russ Sanders, epigram@nexicom.net
24
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
Discovering Cottage Country
Discover Cottage Country HOME & COTTAGE
Welcome Summer… I welcome your bright early mornings, your rays of sun that shine down on dewy tableclothed picnic tables, and the chill of your night air that hangs low in the grass until late morning. I welcome your bold smells of coffee percolating on the fire, and bacon sizzling on the camp stove. I welcome your squeaks from wet flipflops travelling from the lake up to the tent, as the laughter and squeals of kids playing hide and seek in the forest wake sleeping adults from their slumber. I welcome the smell of sun screened and waterlogged children splashing gleefully in the lake. I welcome the yells of kids jumping off docks, their excitement of catching the first fish of the day and the sound of paddles slapping the water. When the sun begins to set, I welcome the smell of bug spray coated feet and suntanned legs. I take comfort in the cozy sweaters and plaid blankets wrapped around tiny bodies with happy faces that stare into the dancing flames of your warm campfires. I revel in the joy you bring with every sticky Smores’ eaten, every slimy worm caught, every tree climbed, every sleeping bag snuggled in and every shooting star wished upon at the day’s end. Summer, you make great memories. Oh, how you have been missed. Welcome back Summer! By Danielle McNelly Nortech for Windows, Doors & Sunrooms
www.nortechwindows.com
Since 1994
Cottage Country Country Connection Connection ~~ April May 2017 Cottage
25
Discover Cottage Country HOME & COTTAGE 26
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
Discovering Cottage Country
Your Vacation Tool Box Must haves to bring with you
by Tracey Allison
You are looking forward to your cottage getaway, but now it’s time to pack, which can sometimes be the hardest part! You’ll have to get your family organized, pack the car and make sure you don’t forget anything. Start with making a list and bring it with you so you’ll remember what to bring back. Here are some must haves you’ll want to bring on your cottage rental vacation.
to find out what your rental provides. This will save you a ton of packing because many places include the basics you will need. Check for household items such as, sheets, towels, toilet paper, hand soap, hair dryer, dish soap, garbage bags, dishes, utensils, aluminum foil, paper towels, cleaners, sponges, dishcloths, cheese grater and so on.
First, look at what you’ll need for travelling to your destination. Especially if it is a long drive and you have children, you’ll want to make sure you have things packed to keep the kids entertained for the ride. Bring some games, music, movies, books, paper and pencils/crayons and headphones are a great idea too. They will need snacks, and keep them handy. Put a garbage bag in the car to help keep things tidy as well as a package of wipes. Pack pillows and blankets if they will nap or just to be cozy. It is always a good idea to have a safety/emergency car kit in the trunk and your GPS. Remember to bring any papers you may need like reservation information including address, access to the cottage - like code for keyless entry, the owner’s contact information etc.
I’m sure you’ll want to limit electronics except the must haves like your cell phone and camera and remember the chargers as well. Bring along activities to enjoy outdoors if they are not already included, like beach toys, volleyball or badminton, books, cards, fishing rods and tackle box etc. If it is a waterfront rental, also check ahead of time if life jackets are provided or if you need to supply your own. Here are a few more things you may not think of: bug spray, aloe, first aid kit, motion sickness medicine, pain reliever, flashlight and batteries, matches or lighter for the fire pit, basic seasonings and cooking oil, and a corkscrew. If the rental includes a washer and dryer keep this in mind when packing as you’ll be able to pack lighter for clothing, and you’ll want to include laundry detergent.
Now to think about what to pack for once you have arrived at the cottage. It is very important
Now that you’re organized, be prepared to sit back and enjoy your vacation!
Since 1994
Introducing the Beach and Weed Rake System that includes two rakes so you can cut weeds, then pull and rake them out of your water area without damaging the shoreline. This rake system also comes with a floater option to remove floating aquatic vegetation, or take the float off the rake head and have it sink into the water to rake weeds that are deep beneath the surface. It’s a safe, cost effective and sustainable alternative to using algaecides or herbicides to kill weeds. When you kill weeds and unwanted aquatic vegetation, the dead weeds just sink to the bottom of the water body and cause more harm than good. There is nowhere for the dead and decaying matter to go so it just accumulates as muck and sludge at the bottom of the water. It also zaps the oxygen from the water and can cause fish kills as the decaying debris begins to decompose. RS Systems (ON) Inc. can also supply and install a windmill or solar aeration system that assists in improving the shorelines water oxygen while reducing your weeds. RS Systems also sells and installs Dock Lighting, add a set of Dock Lights for identifying your location at night. For more information on assistance in preserving your shoreline go to www.rssystems.ca 1-844-391-5753
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
27
Discover Cottage Country HOME & COTTAGE
Raking Weeds from Your Shoreline
Discover Cottage Country HOME & COTTAGE
Waterscapes & Landscaping
Your Own Outdoor Oasis Close your eyes and imagine you are sitting beside a slow-moving river. Listen to the trickle of the water, the bubbling sound it makes as it navigates around rocks and bending plant life. Hear the splash as it falls gracefully over a waterfall. Feel the sun on your face. Revel in that tranquility for a moment. This supreme sense of relaxation can be achieved at home, by bringing the soothing sounds of nature to life in your very own space. With so many physical and mental benefits a water feature becomes a therapeutic tool. Stress relief techniques are a reality in today’s society, and the sound of flowing water surrounds you with a feeling of serenity. In history water features have been incorporated into some of the world’s most architecturally famous temples and gardens, it has been known for ages that this sense of calm fosters inspiration and clarity. We all deserve a space in which to decompress, a space that calms the senses, and deafens the day-to-day bustle. Meet Gerry Overhoff of Overhoff Landscaping. Gerry helps guide you through the process of incorporating a pond or waterscape into your home or cottage space. The addition of a water feature can be environmentally conscious. Consider that you could create a selfsustaining ecosystem in your backyard, this eco system takes less maintenance and chemicals than the family pool, and attracts lots of natural wildlife. Overhoff Landscaping pairs knowledge and skill with endless design possibilities to give you a formula for ultimate relaxation with the scenery we all crave. Aiming to recharge your space, whether large or small, with details which make it exclusively yours. Overhoff Landscaping will look after the details of your property; from removing that worrisome tree, to lawn care along with planting and landscaping. Whether you seek to create a whole new space, or simply maintain the one you have with less stress; peace and beauty can be achieved. Overhoff Landscaping, proudly serving Kawartha Lakes (705) 917-3689
28
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
Discovering Cottage Country
with Vikki
Weather-wise, we don’t know what we’ll get until we get it. That said, we can take steps to be prepared for the extremes. I am sure very few people wish a repeat of the weather and stresses of the Summer of 2016 – it was too dry, too hot and too extreme. In the seven weeks plus of heat and dryness we experienced many of our plants suffered. Plants, especially in small pots and containers, dried out several times per day and, when water restrictions came into effect, it was not possible to water them that often, even if you had the time and energy to do so. This year it is practical to consider replacing small pots (less than 14” in diameter) with larger, deeper pots. BIG pots hold a lot of soil and soil holds water. It’s quite simple: large pots dry out less frequently than small pots. Plants that do not experience the extreme stress/de-stress/stress/de-stress patterns remain lush, in bloom and healthy. Therefore, instead of three or five small pots scattered on the stairs to your front
Since 1994
CLICK 4
MORE!
door, consider one or two large pots (18” +) at the base of the stairs. A visitor’s eye will be instantly drawn to it and its largesse will allow for spectacular and welcoming plant arrangements, with minimal care. In large pots consider planting large plants such as canna lilies, elephant ears, ornamental grasses, ferns or palm plants along with geraniums, dragon wing begonias and even strawberries, tomatoes and herbs. Large plants fill a large pot and give a lush effect for less money than one expects. When possible, consider replacing hanging baskets with large patio pots or large window boxes (30” +). Plants that are “grounded” will dry out 50% less as they will not be moving around in Mother Nature’s “oven”.
environment is windy, add bricks or rocks to the bottom of the pot. This is also a good technique to keep pots heavy to prevent theft in a commercial or business setting. If the need to move the pots easily is priority, then use unused nursery pots flipped into the bottom of the pot or pieces of large Styrofoam. At least 50% of the large pot should be soil to make the moisture retentive soil work in your favour.
A large pot can be expensive to fill with proper Container Soil. Remembering that soil holds moisture, find a balance between using “filler” and topping up with soil. If the
By Vikki Whitney, Owner of Griffins Greenhouses www.griffinsgreenhouses.com (705) 652-8638 or (877) 647-4334
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
29
Discover Cottage Country HOME & COTTAGE
Pots & Planting
Discover Cottage Country HOME & COTTAGE 30
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
Discovering Cottage Country
by Tracey Allison
Your backyard can come alive with beautiful birds and butterflies when you know the right plants and features to add to your garden. Your yard is a place to relax and enjoy, and enhancing it naturally to attract these beautiful species will create your very own nature oasis. Setting up the right environment to attract creatures can be easy to do with a little time and effort. Birds, butterflies, bees and other critters will come to your yard looking for three main things - food, water and shelter. They find this through trees, shrubs, grasses, vines and flowering plants that provide food, shelter and places to nest. The more plants the better! It is important to select native plants for your gardens - meaning plants that naturally occur in the area where you live. Native plants offer some of the best nectar needed by pollinators, including bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. They also require less maintenance than non-native species because they are perfectly suited to the soil and climate. Always refrain from using pesticides, including herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, etc. BUTTERFLIES • Select flowers in red, yellow, orange, pink and purple, as butterflies are attracted to these colours.
Since 1994
• The plants you choose for nectar for butterflies should receive full sun from mid-morning to mid-afternoon as they generally feed only in the sun. • Choose plants that continuously bloom, as butterflies need nectar throughout the adult phase of their life span. • Butterflies need a place to rest and warm their wings for flight, so find a sunny spot to place flat stones in your garden. • Some recommended native plants for butterflies include, black eyed susan, blazing star, evening primrose, swamp milkweed, butterfly weed, wild lupine and bergamot. BIRDS • Birds are looking for food sources, so choose plants that provide fruit, seeds, sap and beneficial insects that birds feed upon. • Place a bird bath in your yard to provide a place for birds to bathe and drink. Birds prefer shallow basins that have a rough surface for good gripping. • Choose shrubs and trees that are dense enough to support nests. •
Provide a spot in your garden for native tall and ornamental grasses to attract several species and leave them to stand into the winter for a supply of seeds. Plant grasses such as Big Bluestem, Indian grass and Switchgrass.
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
31
Discover Cottage Country HOME & COTTAGE
Your Backyard Nature Oasis
Discover Cottage Country HOME & COTTAGE
Tips for the Junior Photographer
by Tracey Allison
Whether it’s with a point and shoot or your first DSLR camera, as a beginner photographer you can achieve great photos with a few key things to keep in mind. First, always be aware of the light. Lighting is everything! See how light affects the environment through natural light, sun beams, reflections, shadows, etc. When possible, take your photos outside early in the morning or later in the day. Less harsh lighting will improve the look of your photos, especially when people are the subjects. Next, keep the composition of the photo in mind. Remember to look at the positioning of your subject as well as the background of the image. Sometimes put your subject off centre using the rule of thirds, which adds interest to the image and try different angles and perspectives when framing your shot. Experiment with your camera’s settings. Read your manual to learn about the different settings it has. Even point and shoot cameras may have more options than you know. By experimenting with the settings, you’ll figure out the different effects you can achieve. Shooting on automatic mode means your camera selects the settings for you, but as you get more involved in photography, you may want to have more creative control over your images and once you feel ready, you can begin to learn to shoot out of automatic mode by using manual settings. There are tons of great resources online to help you learn the basic rules. It starts with getting the correct exposure - how light or dark the image is. This is done through three main basic tools - the shutter speed, aperture and ISO. In short - The aperture controls how much light will enter the camera and is measured by F stops. This also affects the depth of field, which is how much of the image is in focus. Shutter speed is the length of time when the digital sensor inside the camera is exposed to light. And ISO controls the exposure by using software in the camera to make it extra sensitive to light. Find a cheat sheet online to refer to as you learn to understand these tools and their concepts. Take lots of photos! Try to photograph something every day, the more you shoot the better you’ll get! Have lots of memory cards so you can take as many photos as you like. You also might enjoy joining your local photo club, a great place for learning. One of the best tips is to always have your camera handy. You never know when a great photo op will happen. You can get inspired by everything around you and while you’re going through the learning process remember to have fun!
32
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
Discovering Cottage Country
Since 1994
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
33
Discover Cottage Country HOME & COTTAGE
Bird Watching Get out your binoculars, get outdoors and get birding this spring and summer! What could be better than a recreational activity that brings you outside in nature, hearing the beautiful sounds and spotting a new species of birds. And what better place to enjoy this pastime than cottage country! Ontario’s cottage country offers a fantastic opportunity for bird watching with a wide range of habitats and tons of species. Bird watching is the act of watching, monitoring, feeding, filming, or photographing birds and this hobby continues to grow in popularity. It is an experience enjoyed by all ages and helps connect people to nature on a different level. The Kawartha and Haliburton region of cottage country area is a great location for bird watching as it has a little bit of everything from wetlands and highlands, open fields and woodlands. This attracts shorebirds, songbirds, birds of prey, meadowland birds and water fowl. With the warmer weather and the annual spring bird migration, you may be able to spot birds such as owls and songbirds. The songbirds’ unique and varied songs combined with their vibrant colours makes them one you will want to keep an eye out for! According to the Ontario Bird Records Committee, there is close to 500 species of birds that have been recorded in Ontario. A great part of this hobby is keeping a list of all the birds you spot during your time birding. A bonus to this pastime is that it’s inexpensive and can be enjoyed from anywhere - like sitting on your cottage deck or a lovely walk in the woods. Some other species that have been spotted in the Kawartha Lakes district are tundra swans, hooded mergansers, wood ducks, merlin’s, loons, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, woodpeckers, and the list goes on. Purchasing a field guide book for your area, will be a big help as a beginner as it will have pictures of the birds and tips for identifying them. You can also do this online, where many will have the sounds of the birds as well. If you get more involved, you may want to join a local birding club. In Peterborough, you can check out The Peterborough Field Naturalists (PFN), a registered charity and active club. Get out there with nature and as you look through your binoculars almost anywhere in cottage country, you’ll see a new species to add to your list!
34
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
Discovering Cottage Country
Congratulations!
Facts About Turtles
by Tania Moher
Living in the Country we are blessed with an abundance of wildlife. One of my fondest childhood memories was our driveway full of snapping turtles nesting. Even better was when they hatched, we would run around with a bucket trying to catch the baby turtles and bring them down to the water to watch them swim away. We are so fortunate to have the Turtle Trauma Centre in Peterborough. They care for sick and injured turtles and help to educate us about these amazing creatures. Before researching for this article I had no idea that 7 out of 8 species of Ontario turtles are at risk and that only 1% of eggs make it to adulthood! There is so much more we can learn by taking a visit to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, they have an education centre and offer outreach programs as well. Summer is a busy time for the staff and volunteers at the centre, as injured turtles are brought in on a daily basis. They also have many hours of daily care and maintenance for the turtles that they have already helped. At any given time there can be up to 100 turtles plus hatchlings that need to be taken care of.
On Your First 3 Foals of 2017
Filly by Muscle Mass (2 hours old in photo)
The months of June & July can be tough at the centre; this is nesting season when females look for that perfect spot to lay their eggs – which unfortunately can be in some dangerous places! If an injured female is brought into the centre and dies before laying her eggs, the trauma centre can now extract her eggs and incubate them so the babies do not die as well which helps increase the turtle population. So, if you see an injured turtle, help it out so that all of Ontario’s turtle species are around for future generations.
Filly by E L Titan
Tips for helping an injured turtle:
(1 week old in photo)
• Find a large container with a secure lid and put holes in it (I’m going to keep one in my car) • DO NOT put in any water. If the turtle is unable to hold up its neck it could drown, instead put a damp towel in the bottom of the container. Do not offer it anything to eat • Note the location (road, major intersections, and mileage) where the turtle was found to ensure it can be released according to provincial regulations. • Call the centre at 705-741-5000 for the location to drop off the injured turtle • Make sure to WASH your hands after handling.
Filly by Wheeling N Dealin (1 week old in photo)
Since 1994
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
35
Discover Cottage Country PETS & VETS
Dr. Terry’s Zoo The invasion of the grackles into our garden is the true herald of spring. Plump robins abound to Amigo Habernero's delight. His specialty was pelican chasing on the beaches of Cuba. Now gulls and robins keep his greyhound figure trim. Our neighbor was reminiscing his finding Amigo barking on our garage roof. This Cuban athlete should have played in the majors. Now he gets his cheap thrills from doing body flips off the garage roof to freedom in the adjacent park. A stray red feline took up residence in our garage over the fall. Charlie as he came to be known turned out not to be feral. Temptation treats proved to be the tool for making a new friendship. As the cold days of winter approached we brought Charlie indoors. We found he had fleas and three ticks on his abdomen. Of the 2000 types of fleas in the world, cat fleas are the most populous. Ninety five percent of the fleas found on dogs are cat fleas. One flea can produce one thousand five hundred eggs. In years gone by I inhaled more flea powder than ever reached the pets. Fortunately those days are gone. Today's products are amazing. Topical monthly applications can kill fleas and ticks for three months. Check with your vet for the medication that best suits your pets. Our six felines went on a hunger strike with the addition of Charlie to the ranks. Our friend took a flea free Charlie to a good new home. The first crop of fresh catnip has been harvested to the chagrin of six happy indoor felines. Catnip and a multitude of birds at the feeders make for a great spring day. Dr. Terry Davidson Parkhill Animal Hospital, 1535 Chemong Road, Selwyn, ON K9J 6X2
Lakefield Animal Welfare Society 2887 Lakefield Highway (formerly Hwy28) 705-652-0588 • www.lakefieldanimalwelfare.org
Animal Rescue Krew (ARK) 3307 Lakefield Rd., Lakefield • 705-651-0069
Humane Society Of Kawartha Lakes 111 McLaughlin Rd., Lindsay 705-878-4618 • www.hskl.ca
Peterborough Humane Society 385 Lansdowne Street East, Peterborough 705-745-7676 • www.peterboroughhumanesociety.ca
Home Again Bancroft 613-474-3450 • www.homeagainbancroft.ca 36
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
Discovering Cottage Country
11 Tips to Housetrain MORE! Your Puppy in Record Time Manage expectations. You’re an adult. He’s a puppy. It’s easy to get upset when you find the latest surprise, there are bound to be a few accidents.
Take him out OFTEN. Take him out first thing in the morning, after he eats and drinks, and every 1-2 hours when he’s first home (yes, even at night).
Prepare for accidents. If you are surprised by a squish, the common reaction is anger. If he associates your anger with what he did rather than where he did it, he might try to hide it.
Focus when you’re outside. Potty time is not play time. While you’re training him, take him out, wait for him to do his business, reward him, and take him back in.
Clean accidents quickly and thoroughly. If smells linger, he’ll be attracted back to the same spot. Make it a family affair. Everyone in your family should participate in the training so your puppy learns to go for everyone. Focus on the positives. Reward him with a treat after he potties outside, and ignore the inside accidents. The only time to focus on the incorrect behavior: when you catch him while he’s doing it. Startle him enough to stop (do not scare him), move him quickly outside, and praise him when he goes in the right spot. Set a schedule. Remember what goes in, must come out! Structure his time for pottying AND for eating and drinking, and be sure to connect the two.
Since 1994
Teach him to use one spot. Take him to the right spot every time and reward him when he goes there. Teach him a signal. Hanging a bell or a baby’s rattle near the door. Ring the bell every time as you’re going out to potty, and gradually teach your dog to tap the bell with his paw each time he goes out. Contain him. If you’re containing him for short periods of time keep him in a very small area. It should be just big enough for him to comfortably stand up, turn around, and lie down. If you need to leave him longer put him in a larger area with easy to clean floors, use a litter pan or absorbent puppy pads to show him where it’s OK to go. Submitted by Kathryn Rutledge, Invisible Fence of South East Ontario 1 866 804 1250, www.seoontario.invisiblefence.com
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
37
Discover Cottage Country PETS & VETS
CLICK 4
Discover Cottage Country RECIPES
CREAMY PEPPER PASTA INGREDIENTS ½ Red Pepper ½ Green Pepper ½ Yellow or Orange Pepper Slice Peppers into Long Thin Strips 1 Small Jar of Picante Peppers 1 Jar of Alfredo Sauce 1 Cup Parmesan Cheese (Separated in Half) 2 Small Chicken Breasts - Cubed (Optional) 3 Cloves Chopped Garlic 1 Cup Spinach Olive Oil 3 Cups (approximately) of Uncooked Pasta
DIRECTIONS Sauté chicken in a skillet with a small amount of olive oil, add sliced peppers and garlic. Boil pasta and strain. When chicken is close to being done add spinach and toss around in pan until spinach is relaxed. Add drained picante peppers and alfredo sauce. Once sauce is warmed through add ½ cup of parmesan cheese. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and then mix with cooked pasta. Add the pasta to a greased oven-safe dish. Cover with remaining parmesan cheese. Bake in oven for 5-10 mins or until cheese has melted and contents are warmed through. Serve and enjoy!
VEGETABLE CHEESE
QUESADILLAS INGREDIENTS 1 Tbsp (15mL) vegetable oil 1/2 red or green pepper, diced 1 cup (250mL) fresh spinach, chopped 1 tomato, diced 2 large flour tortillas 3/4 cup (175mL) shredded Cheddar cheese DIRECTIONS (Makes 4 servings) 1. Heat oil in pan over medium heat. Add peppers, spinach and tomatoes. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Put vegetable mixture on a plate. 2. Place one tortilla in the pan. Spoon cooked vegetables onto the tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese. Top with the second tortilla. 3. Heat 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese begins to melt. Flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from pan and cut into wedges. Serve with sour cream and salsa.
38
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
Discovering Cottage Country
As the lead hospice palliative care provider for the City of Kawartha Lakes, the Community Care Health & Care Network's goal is to provide comfort and dignity for people living with illness, as well as care and support for family members. The Network's Palliative Care Community Team (PCCT) can help.
community services you need. How is this different from the health care you are receiving now? PCCT brings together members of your care team from different organizations to meet regularly. The PCCT provides expert palliative consultation to members of a care team, as well as 24/7 on call coverage to support patients and families.
Since 2015, the PCCT has operated from Community Care's Hospice Services, located in Lindsay and serving the entire City of Kawartha Lakes. The PCCT is a partnership among Community Care and How can the PCCT support your family? other local health care providers, and is a centralized approach to PCCT supports families by providing access to support groups, counseling and respite. It can help families better understand their linking patients and families to available palliative care services. loved one's wishes, which can ease the way when there are difficult The PCCT is here to help people who have been diagnosed with decisions to make. a life-limiting condition. The team connects such individuals and their families with services and supports that they need. PCCT Access to care is available 24/7. When hospitalized, program members collaborate to implement shared-care plans, as well as patients are identified and followed through community and assess each unique client case, make referrals and provide access hospital rounds involving all PCCT members. to palliative care and grief support services. The team strives to make the intake process and prioritization of patients as efficient For more information about the Palliative Care Community Team as possible, and to get patients and their families help as soon as for the City of Kawartha Lakes, contact Community Care's Hospice Services at 705-879-4123 (email hospiceinfo@ccckl.ca) possible. In 2016, the PCCT supported 208 different clients. This entailed 1,854 visits with those clients, providing care for the mind, body and spirit. Care begins as early as diagnosis of a life-threatening illness and continues through to bereavement. How can the PCCT help you? By providing education and resources to assist you, the PCCT can help manage the transition between hospital and home. If needed, the PCCT can connect you to a family doctor, and to other
Since 1994
The Community Care Health & Care Network is dedicated to improving the health and well being of everyone in the City of Kawartha Lakes. Hospice provides critical illness, end-of-life and grief support for clients and their caregivers. Contact Community Care at 705-324-7323 (www.ccckl.ca).
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
39
Discover Cottage Country FOR YOUR HEALTH
Providing the right care, at the right time, in the right place.
Discover Cottage Country FOR YOUR HEALTH
Protection & Avoidance of Black Flies & Ticks Black flies are known to be prevalent from mid-May to approximately the end of June. (cold and wet can keep them here longer) Ticks, can be found in many wooded areas and are most active from approximately April to November. Here are some suggestions to help you protect yourself and avoid unwanted bites this year! • Educate yourself about ticks, their bites and black flies.
• The bugs are most active in moist, overcast days, early morning and late afternoon. • Ask at the visitor’s area of recreational parks if there are known risk areas for ticks.
• Leave perfumed products in the city. • Bring light colour clothes with long sleeves and high necks. They say dark colours for ticks but the tics are hard to see. •
Natural fabrics like cottons are best because they breathe. Shirts should be long enough to tuck into pants and pants long enough to tucked into your socks with boots, hiking shoes with closed toes.
• Hats that fit over your ears or bug hats or jackets. • Stay in open areas and stay on the trails. Shrubs, tall grassy meadows and leaf litter increase your chances of being bitten.
40
•
Bug repellents work for both. Many prefer to coat clothing rather than applying directly to the skin. Bug repellents should not be used on children under 6 months.
• Mosquito netting will help protect children in playpens or cribs along with proper clothing. •
After hiking check yourself thoroughly at the entrance to your cottage. Clothes should go directly in washing machine. A dryer will make sure they are gone. Don’t forget backpacks.
• A shower will wash away loose ticks. Please educate yourself how to safely
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
remove if one is imbedded. • Bug sticks don’t smell nice and they do sting, but they will ease itching & swelling. • A lint remover is invaluable for removing any loose ticks on both you and your pets. • Don’t forget to check your pets after being outdoors. • An Epi Pen and a pair of tweezers should be in your First Aid Kit. • Excessive swelling and/or discomfort should be medically treated. Enjoy the summer in beautiful cottage country! Contributed By Carol Dewey, WRD Cottage Rental www.ontariocottagerental.com
Discovering Cottage Country
Discover Cottage Country FOR YOUR HEALTH
Learning Meditation
by Moira Gale
Meditation seems to be a real buzzword nowadays and often conjures up images of sitting in the Lotus position humming or repeating mantras in unfamiliar languages. The truth is there are many different ways to meditate and most of them are very easy.
sitting on a crowded train. Meditation may involve turning all of our attention to our breathing, we could be focussing on a given object such as the flame of a candle, or we could simply be observing our thoughts as they come and go while we carry on with our daily lives.
There are sitting meditations, walking meditations and even laughter meditations. We can meditate with our eyes open or
Why meditate? Meditation can reduce stress and improve concentration, it benefits cardiovascular and immune health, and it can even slow down the aging process. The only side effect of all of this meditating is increased happiness! Mindfulness meditation can be done anywhere – even while washing the dishes. Many people in the Peterborough area whose physician is part of the Family Health Team have received a referral to participate in the Mindfulness Meditation program and been pleasantly surprised by the continuing benefits of this powerful stress relieving practice. The Dharma Centre in Kinmount (near Fenelon Falls) offers many courses and retreats providing an opportunity to experience different methods of meditation and learn from a variety of knowledgeable teachers. Visit their website to find out more: http://www.dharmacentre.org/ Transcendental meditation training (popular with celebrities such as Oprah and Katy Perry) is now available in Cottage Country through the Maharishi Foundation US, with qualified teachers bringing it into the Peterborough area. For information on a free introductory talk on Transcendental Meditation being held at Market Hall on May 13, 2017, you can visit their website: http://www.tm.org/ Meditation is so easy you don't even have to leave your home to do it. Here is a link to a very short meditation, only 2 minutes long, led by Tony Robbins. It's a great introduction to the simplicity and effectiveness of meditation: https://www. facebook.com/droz/videos/10150779796069995/
Since closed,1994 we can meditate in a group, alone at home, or even
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
41
Discover Cottage Country ALL THINGS AUTO
Car Care Tips with Lynn Hill
Summertime is travel time. Even with gasoline prices at an all-time high, Canadians can’t resist the lure of sunny skies and the open road. This means spring - right now! - is the time to get your car ready for taking those summer adventures. Before hitting the road, you can take several simple precautions to keep your family safe and save money at the pump. Extreme heat and long drives can be tough on cars. Cracked hoses, leaky radiators, underinflated tires and dirty filters can significantly lower your fuel efficiency, or worse, lead to a total breakdown. Tip No. 1 – Powerful storms can dump a lot of water on your car. Can your windshield wipers handle the downpour? Winter cold and extreme temperatures make cracks and tears in the rubber that lower the effectiveness of the wipers. If your wipers are leaving visible streaks or take several passes to clear away light rain, they need to be replaced. When replacing a wiper blade, it’s better to replace the whole blade, not just the rubber part. Tip No. 2 – Make sure to check your tire pressure regularly with an accurate gauge. Tires are one of the most overlooked parts of a car. The truth is that an under-inflated, over-inflated, worn down or misaligned tire can be extremely dangerous, particularly in hot summer weather. Tip No. 3 – Check your car’s oil often. Oil is the lifeblood of your car.
42
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
It keeps hardworking engine parts running clean, smooth and cool. Oil change specialists suggest every 3,000 miles (4,828 kilometers) or three months. The fact is, most of us do a lot of heavy driving during the summer when an engine is more likely to overheat. So at least check your oil before you head out on that road trip with the family. Tip No. 4 – If a hose breaks or a belt snaps, your car may overheat. The key to summer driving is keeping the engine cool. The hoses connected to the radiator help pump coolant to and from the engine block, and the belts run the fan that helps cool the system further. If the hoses crack or the belts snap, the radiator will quickly overheat, leaving you stranded so check hoses for cracks, leaks and loose connections. Tip No. 5 – Over the winter, your car’s air filter can get clogged with salt and other thick debris. A clogged air filter can really lower your fuel efficiency. Replacing a dirty or clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. Tip No. 6 – Brakes need to be replaced when the lining on your brake pad or brake shoe is worn. You can have your brake linings checked at any normal service shop or at a brake specialist. Submitted By Lynn Hill, Vice President of Peterborough Kia www.PeterboroughKia.ca
Discovering Cottage Country
Discover Cottage Country BUSINESS
CLICK 4
MORE!
Is There a Road Through Your Cottage Property? Around many lakes in cottage country, there are 66 ft. shore road allowances reserved by the Crown, which are laid out along the shores of navigable lakes and rivers in Ontario. At law, they are considered public highways and today are usually owned by the local municipality. In most cases, these shore road allowances have never been
opened as public highways and are often occupied and enjoyed by the owner of the cottage lot that abut these lands. It is not unusual to find property owners have constructed all or part of their cottages boathouses on these shore road allowances. However, there is a great misconception that if you possess a shore road allowance that you can ultimately dispossess the municipality of its ownership. Adverse possession is not available against any road allowance or public highway. When purchasing a cottage property adjacent to such a shore road allowance, a purchaser should be aware that s/he is not receiving title to the lands that actually front on the water’s edge. The 66' strip of land lying between the lot and the water’s edge will remain owned by the municipality and, technically, since the shore road allowance is a public roadway, it can be used by the public for the purpose of traveling through and back along the shore line. Any buildings or structures that have been located on the shore road allowance are encroaching on a public road and a purchaser should seek a licence or letter of tolerance from the municipality permitting the encroachment. The ultimate solution to shore road allowance problems is to make an application to the local municipality to close and transfer the shore road allowance to you as the abutting property owner. There may be costs involved such as having a survey done of the land and municipalities may charge you a fee to cover their administrative and other costs. While many people purchase cottages subject to shore road allowances, and have never been negatively affected by their existence, one should be aware of the legal realities of such a road allowance and the cost of obtaining title to it in the future. By Staples & Swain www.staplesswain.com 705 324 6222
Since 1994
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
43
Discover Cottage Country BUSINESS
The Nightmare of RRSP Over-Contributions For many years, taxpayers have been able to contribute to special investments called RRSPs (Registered Retirement Savings Plans) which are deducted from taxable income, but taxed when they are withdrawn – typically in retirement years. There is a limit on the amount you’re allowed to contribute: 18% of the prior year’s “earned income” to a maximum defined each year (was $25,370 for 2016). Pension plans affect this limit. Taxpayers occasionally mistakenly make RRSP contributions in excess of their limit. They are not able to deduct the excess amounts from their taxable income, but the funds do benefit from the tax-free nature of these registered accounts – any gains or income earned is tax-free. In this way, they are identical to a TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account); however, any RRSP Over-Contributions exceeding $2,000 are still subject to a 1% per month penalty – a policy that hasn’t changed since 1995. What’s more, when these Over-Contributions are withdrawn, the taxpayer will likely pay tax on them so there’s already a built-in penalty. Over-Contributions can be carried forward and deducted from income in a future year, assuming you continue to generate earned income (for ex, from employment, rental properties, or self-employment), but the penalty can still be assessed. There are several forms involved in the Over-Contribution nightmare: T1-OVP to self-assess the penalty amount, RC4288 to request waiver of the penalty, T3012A to request withdrawal of the over-contribution without tax being withheld, and T746 to deduct any over-contributions you withdrew. This is definitely an area where CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) has fallen behind in its policy-making. Once TFSAs were introduced in 2009 the penalties and processes for RRSP OverContributions should have been amended. Instead they remain in their original complicated and heavy-handed fashion. Gwyneth James, Cody & James CPAs, 705-876-6011 or codyandjames.ca
Business Owners Sharing Solutions Business Owners Sharing Solutions – the Kawartha Chamber’s first B.O.S.S. seminar in March focused on just that. Small businesses teaching and supporting each other. Many business owners have the same questions when it comes to promoting themselves online. This event brought staff and proprietors of local businesses together to answer these questions. Moderator Jeannine Taylor of kawarthaNOW.com led the conversation with panelists; Chris Calbury of Emmatt Digital Solutions, Vikki Whitney of Griffin’s Greenhouses, Rachel Sloan of Trinket & Treasures, and Erin McLean of McLean Berry Farm. Panelists discussed tips, tricks, and success stories relating to websites, email marketing, Facebook, and Instagram. “Great presenters, all with different experience and applications. Thanks for the multitude of information.” One attendee commented. The BOSS format is different from other seminars and workshops. It allows attendees to hear from professionals they can relate to. Panelists delivered clear dos and don’ts based on their own experiences. Following the panel discussion, attendees engaged in table conversations in small groups to discuss challenges they’ve faced with online marketing. “Having the table talk at the end was great,” an attendee noted, “There were great ideas put forward to assist those with challenges.” To read what the panelists had to say visit the Blog on www. KawarthaChamber.ca. Following the discussion, Tracy Logan of Logan Tree Experts, encouraged business owners to support each other online: “A way we can help each other as a community of business owners is to like each other’s pages, share each other’s posts, improve our own community.” The Kawartha Chamber is hosting its next B.O.S.S. seminar in May focusing on Human Resources and Hiring. Visit the Events Calendar on www.KawarthaChamber.ca for details. The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism proudly represents businesses and organizations in Curve Lake, Douro-Dummer, North Kawartha, Selwyn and Trent Lakes.
44
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
Discovering Cottage Country
There was a time that golfing was the bastion of the 'C' suite executives, generally male and usually exclusive, and known as the best place to get the deal done. Nowadays, there is less pressure on a golf game to deliver the deal, there are more and more women on the links, and golf courses are more accessible than ever. Business golfing is now an invaluable networking tool that is open to all. Here's why a few lessons to get your handicap down might get you far: 1. Go prepared. Great networkers need a combination of confidence and practice to be successful. Like any other skill, you can learn how to get better at it but you'll lose your touch unless you keep practicing by attending as many networking events as you can. Brush up on your conversational questions, remembering that your goal is to learn as
Since 1994
much about other people and their business as possible. Always make sure that you are not the one doing all the talking - keep listening. 2. Bide your time. A beautiful golf course on a lovely summer day is one of the best places to be, and people tend to be relaxed and in a great mood. What better conditions to expand your network and make personal connections while enjoying an afternoon out of the office? If you plan on making a pitch to one of your fellow golfers just be careful not to make it too soon. If your idea doesn't fly, it can make for an uncomfortable ride in the golf cart for the rest of the game. Wait until the back nine, and wait till you are near the end. 3. Be strategic. You should have an overall networking strategy that guides where you go and how often you go there, and helps define your goals for every event. Look at a golf game through the same lens and worry less about your golfing score and more about the people
around you. Remember that golf tournaments especially are great for bringing out golfers of all abilities and meeting new faces, with a friendly format and great prizes and contests. Look out for them in your community. I'll resist the strong urge to make a hole-in-one pun here, but I will say that being prepared with your pitch, if you have one, and knowing that this is a great use of your time and resources makes golfing a great networking choice that will serve you well. Can I say a 'slam-dunk'? The Peterborough Chamber Golf Tournament tees off Wednesday, June 7th at Kawartha Golf & Country Club. Register online at peteboroughchamber.ca By Karen August is the Manager of Membership Services for the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at karen@ peterboroughchamber.ca or 705.748-9771 x200
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
45
Discover Cottage Country BUSINESS
3 Ways to Win with Golf & Business
Discover Cottage Country KIDS CORNER
As a Child Spring to Summer As a child, spring meant that summer was on its way and that we were getting closer to our yearly visit to the cottage. A trip to the cottage was my favourite thing to do. I’d spend my time imagining that I would be catching crayfish, having campfires with marshmallows, and fishing off the dock. I’d plan what games, what books and which friend to bring. I’d imagine swimming in the lake, drying off in the sun, and watching dragonflies and fireflies dance through the air. As I look back I have many fond memories around summer visits to a glorious place called “Cottage”. What I recall the most are the tastes, sounds, textures, sights and smells of that visit. I also remember the emotions the accompanied each coming and each going. The days leading up to our drive were filled with excitement, happiness and a joy that couldn't be dampened. The first days were a flurry of
activity and enjoyment while by mid-week we were all relaxing into the simple and comfortable daily routine happening from dawn to dusk. A small niggle of anxiety showed up as time ticked away and finally a sadness as the last day approached. I remember crying at the dock as I said my goodbyes to the cottage for another year.
Sharon e. Davison is a facilitator, adult educator and coach. She will be leading a “Practicing Kindfulness” and a “Money, Mind & Transformation” retreat in Ontario in June of 2017. www.sharonedavison.com
Each of us experiences letting go and goodbyes, where seasons change and we have to say farewell. After a time, a new season arises and we feel the excitement of what that will bring, whether a trip to the cottage, time on the beach or hours in our garden. With winter behind us, and as spring turns to summer, I hope that you will pay attention to the richness of seasonal sensations and the emotions that accompany them, for that attention will facilitate new memories and what you will remember for years to come.
VICTORIA DAY LONG WEEKEND WORDFIND
SPRING BLACKFLIES SUNNY WET FLOWERS
46
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
WARM CAMPFIRE RAIN HOLIDAY GARDEN
CAMPING FIREWORKS PLAY COTTAGE MAY
VICTORIA CANADA PLANT CELEBRATE SUMMER
Discovering Cottage Country
Those of us lucky enough to have been on childhood camping trips generally have fond memories of a truly magical experience, one that we want to recreate for our own kids. Camping is the ideal way for families to bond and spend quality time together in nature, away from the distractions of the modern world. Opportunities for camping here in Cottage Country are endless with some excellent campgrounds provided by Ontario Parks, as well as various private facilities to choose from.
One of my family's favourites is the K.O.A. Campground in Marmora. It's convenient to reach by Trans-Canada Highway 7 but far enough away from the highway to allow for a peaceful, authentic camping experience. A family campground, it boasts both an outdoor and indoor pool (with a hot tub for parents to relax in) as well as a mini golf course, fun cycles for rent, kids play area and volleyball courts. One of the many reasons we loved this K.O.A. so much was the mini lake. Within easy walking distance of the campsite, it's where we would go for a moonlight stroll each night to watch the fireflies dancing over the long grass as we listened to the frog calls from the water. The kids remember this experience as one of the highlights of their trip. Emily Park in Omemee is another favourite of ours. With two
Discover Cottage Country KIDS CORNER
Camping With Kids
by Moira Gale
sandy beaches bordering Pigeon River, there's plenty of room for swimming, boating, and fishing, as well as biking on the trails. Whether you choose to camp in a tent, a tent trailer, or take your RV – here are a few tips to make the experience easier when you have young kids: • Marshmallows - they have to be at the top of the list because it wouldn't be camping without S'mores! • Bring books, paper and lots of coloured pencils for possible rainy days (it's also the perfect opportunity to take leaf and bark rubbings) • Pack lots of extra snack bars and drinks for the kids – exploring the woods is hungry work! • First Aid Kit – your little explorers are bound to need a Band-Aid at some point or at very least a bug bite treatment. • Flashlights – there is nothing the little ones love more than having their own flashlight to explore in the dark with. • Waterproof clothes – rain does not usually squash a child's desire to explore – so be prepared. And rope for a clothesline to hang wet clothes to dry helps too!
Dragonfly Snacks This is a fun little spring themed snack for kids to take in their lunches, or to take on a picnic; I’ve even seen them used as party favours. All you need is a clothespin (we used wooden), a snack sized plastic zipper seal bag, glue, a pipe cleaner, paint or markers, small googly eyes and some snacks. Fill half of the bag with one snack, and the other half with another – be sure to leave room to twist the bag in the centre.
Since 1994
Decorate your clothes pin with fun colours, stickers and sparkles work great too. Slide the centre of the pipe cleaner into the opening of the clothespin and twist together to make antennae; add eyes to the opening end of the clothespin. When done decorating, clamp the clothespin over the twisted center of the snack bag. Voila! Dragonfly snacks to go. Emily Ireland
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
47
48
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
Discovering Cottage Country
OF ATTRACTIONS & DESTINATIONS APSLEY
• Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park • Chandos Beach • The Gut Conservation Area • Bumbleberry Folk Farm
BUCKHORN
• Pine Tree Trading Post • Gallery on the Lake • Lew Gallery • Wolf Island Provincial Park
BAILIEBORO
BURLEIGH FALLS
BANCROFT
BURNT RIVER
• ZimArt’s Rice Lake Gallery • Sanctuary Antiques
• Silent Lake Provincial Park • Egan Chutes Provincial Park • North Hastings Heritage Museum • Art Gallery of Bancroft • Vance Farm Park • Eagles Nest Park
BETHANY
Trail Tours Dirt Bike / ATV School Fleetwood Creek Natural Area Pigeon River Headwaters
BOBCAYGEON
• Bigley’s Shoes and Clothing • Kawartha Settlers Village • Lock 32 – Oldest Swing Bridge in the Trent • Severn Waterway • Boyd Heritage Museum • Lakeview Arts Barn & Globus Theatre • Bobcaygeon Beach & Park • London Trading Post
BRIDGENORTH
• Jones Beach • Miller Creek Wildlife Area
CLICK 4
MORE!
BIGLEY’S SHOES AND CLOTHING
• Lovesick Lake Park • Burleigh Falls Inn
• Victoria Rail Trail • Burnt River Off-Road Facility
CAMERON
• Ken Reid Conservation Area
CAMPBELLCROFT
• Tree Top Trekking • Laveanne lavender Fields
CAMPBELLFORD
• Empire Cheese • Ranney George Suspension Bridge • Ferris Provincial Park • Church Key Brewing Company • Seymour Conservation Area
COBOCONK
• Canada’s Smallest Jail • Coboconk Train Station
CURVE LAKE
• Whetung’s Art Gallery & Craft Shop Continued on page 52
KAWARTHA SETTLERS VILLAGE Since 1994
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
49
Discover Cottage Country ATTRACTIONS & DESTINATIONS
PETERBOROUGH LIFT LOCK
Discover Cottage Country ATTRACTIONS & DESTINATIONS
HOT LIST OF ATTRACTIONS DUNSFORD
• Dunsford Nature Trail
ENNISMORE
• The James Gifford Causeway
FENELON FALLS • Red Rock Antiques • Garnet Graham Park • Verulam Park
FORESTERS FALLS • Owl Rafting
HALIBURTON
• Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve • Haliburton Sculpture Forest • SUP North Paddleboard Adventures • Hawke Lake Log Chute • Haliburton Highlands Museum • Rails End Gallery & Visitors Centre • Haliburton Rail Trail • MacDonald Lake • The Ethel Curry Gallery • Algonquin Park • Haliburton Forest Astronomy • Agnes Jamieson Gallery
HARCOURT
• South Algonquin Trails Inc.
HASTINGS
• Oak Road Antiques
HAVELOCK
• Crowe Valley Conservation Area • The Gut Conservation Area
HEALEY FALLS
• Westben Arts Festival Theatre • Wolds Finest Chocolate Factory
HUNTSVILLE
• The Antique Cellar
INDIAN RIVER
• Indian River Reptile Zoo
JANETVILLE
• Pigeon River Headwaters
KEENE
• Lang Pioneer Village
KINMOUNT
• Austin Sawmill Heritage Park • Icelandic Monument • Kinmount Model Railway & Museum • Pumphouse Beach
KIRKFIELD
• Balsam Lake Provincial Park • Kirkfield Liftlock
LAKE ST PETER • Lake St. Peter Provincial Park
ACADEMY THEATRE 50
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
Discovering Cottage Country
LAKEFIELD
• Overstock Liquidation • Lock 26 – Trent Severn Waterway National • Historic Site • Imagine the Marsh Conservation Area
LINDSAY
• Academy Theatre • Lindsay Gallery • Olde Gaol Museum • Ken Reid Conservation Area • Lindsay Square Mall • Lock 33 – Trent Severn Waterway • Lilac Gardens of Lindsay • Lindsay Drive In
LITTLE BRITAIN
PETERBOROUGH
• Peterborough Museum & Archives • Canadian Canoe Museum • Riverview Park & Zoo • Peterborough Lift Lock World Historic Site • Petroglyphs Provincial Park • Art Gallery of Peterborough • Hutchison House Museum • Market Hall Performing Arts • Peterborough Square Mall • Showplace Performance Centre • The OFAH Hunting & Fishing Heritage Centre • Lansdowne Place Mall • Jackson Creek Kiwanis Trail • Beavermead Campground
• Salem Alpacas • MILLBROOK • 4th Line Theatre
PONTYPOOL
MINDEN
ROSEDALE
• Minden Wild Water Preserve • Snowdon Park Preserve • Minden Hills Museum & Pioneer Village • Agnes Jamieson Gallery
NORLAND
• Norland Beach
OAKWOOD
• Country Sampler Antiques
OMEMEE
OVERSTOCK LIQUIDATION
CLICK 4
MORE!
WARSAW CAVES
• Ganaraska Forest Centre
• Lock 35 – Trent Severn Waterway • Kawartha Trading Post
SELWYN
• Selwyn Beach Conservation Area
VICTORIA FALLS
• Carden Plain Important Bird Area
OWL RAFTING
WARSAW
• Warsaw Caves
• Windy Ridge Conservation Area • Emily Provincial Park
WILBERFORCE
OSHAWA
YOUNGS POINT
• Canadian Automobile Museum • Tree Top Eco
Discover Cottage Country ATTRACTIONS & DESTINATIONS
& DESTINATIONS
• Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centre
• Lockside Trading Company • Lock 27 – Trent Severn Waterway
RIVERVIEW PARK & ZOO
Since 1994
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
51
52
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
Discovering Cottage Country
CLICK 4
MORE!
It’s More than Just Shopping … It’s a Destination
Lockside Trading Company provides a one-stop shop all year round. The three-time National Award winning retailer, family run since 1987, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. To celebrate Lockside’s 30th and Canada’s 150th anniversary they are promoting Canadian Made Furniture. This year all Canadian made furniture purchases will be TAX OFF!
Situated at a unique location in Young’s Point, in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes at Lock #27 where the Trent-Severn Waterway meets Highway 28. Listed as an Ontario Major Attraction, it is one of the most popular tourist stops in Cottage Country. With over 100,000 people stopping in every year, the store is in constant change offering a multitude of choice from furniture and home décor to unique giftware and casual clothing, plus everything in between. Offering 7,000 square feet of shopping, there are so many great finds here just waiting to be discovered. A shopping destination that needs to be experienced more than once in order to appreciate the vast array of quality goods they have. In addition, did you know Lockside Trading Company also boasts a successful Interior Design Service? Covering everything for your home/cottage/ and commercial space. With their dedicated staff and quality products, they cater to customers on any budget, in any location, with any look and style. Lockside offers FREE interior design consultations when purchasing furniture from them, having all your design needs under one-roof. This FREE service includes in-store and on-site consultations, room layouts, colour and fabric selections. It is a service that works with the customer, giving them direction and confidence to create a living space that they dream of! They offer unique lighting, window treatments from Hunter Douglas, area rugs, quality custom-made furniture specializing in Canadian made. As well as professional delivery and installation service. Located on site is The Famous Steamers Café & Ice Cream Parlor serving the one and only Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream, specialty drinks, latte, cappuccino, and much, much, more! “It’s where friends and family meet all year round!” Visit www.lockside .com for more information. Also find Lockside on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest Lockside Trading Company 2805 River Ave., Young's Point, ON K0L 3G0 shop@lockside.com 1-888-714-0484
Since 1994
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
53
Discover Cottage Country ATTRACTIONS & DESTINATIONS
TOURIST I N F O R M AT I O N Bancroft Visitor Information Centre 8 Hastings Heritage Way,PO Box 539, Bancroft,ON K0L 1C0 613-332-1513 • www.bancroftdistrict.com Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce 21 Canal Street East P.O. Box 388, Bobcaygeon, ON, K0M 1A0 705-738-2202 • www.bobcaygeon.org Buckhorn District Tourist Association 1993A Lakehurst Road, Buckhorn, Ontario, K0L 1J0 705-657-3288 • www.buckhorn.ca City of Kawartha Lakes 180 Kent Street West, Lindsay, Ontario, K9V 2Y6 705-324-9411 • www.explorekawarthalakes.com Clarington Tourism Visitor's Centre 181 Liberty Street South, Bowmanville 905-623-4356 • www.clarington.net Fenelon Falls & District Chamber of Commerce 15 Oak Street,Box 28, Fenelon Falls,ON K0M 1N0 705-887-3409 • www.fenelonfallschamber.com Haliburton Highlands Tourism 12340 ON-35, Minden, ON K0M 2K0 705-286-1777 • www.myhaliburtonhighlands.com Hastings Village Marina & Tourism Office 5 Dit Clapper Dr, Hastings, ON K0L 1Y0 705-696-3226 • www.hastingsvillage.ca Havelock & District Chamber of Commerce 1 Ottawa St. East, PO Box 10, Havelock, Ontario K0L 1Z0 705-778-2308 • www.hbmtwp.ca Havelock Chamber Kiosk (open July to Labour Day) South Side of Highway 7 in the Village of Havelock. Thursday to Monday 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. www.havelockchamber.com Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism 12 Queen St., P.O. Box 537, Lakefield,ON K0L 2H0 705-652-6963 • www.kawarthachamber.ca Kinmount Tourist Information Centre Kinmount Railway Station - May to October www.kinmount.ca Peterborough and The Kawarthas Tourism Centre 1400 Crawford Drive, Peterborough, K9J 6X6 705-742-2201 • www.thekawarthas.ca Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre 353 Hunter Street East, Peterborough 705-750-4950 • www.pc.gc.ca Trent Hills and District Chamber of Commerce 51 Grand Road, Campbellford,ON K0L 1L0 705-653-1551 • www.trenthillschamber.ca
54
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
Discovering Cottage Country
EVENTS in Cottage Country Date
Event
Time
Place & Contact
May 2 2017
Square Foot Gardening with the Minden & District Horticultural Society
7PM
Minden Community Centre, 55 Parkside St., Minden www.mindenhorticulturalsociety.ca
May 3 2017
Bill & Joel Plaskett with Special Guests the Meyhemingways
7:30PM
Academy Theatre, 2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay www.academytheatre.ca
May 5 2017
Ladies Night Out Peterborough
7-11PM
Peterborough Curling Club, 2195 Lansdowne St. W. www.ladiesnightoutptbo.com
12th Annual Ducks Unlimited Minden Chapter Dinner
6PM -1AM
May 5 & 6 2017 Spring Dinner Theatre “Buying the Moose” May 6 2017
6PM 10AM
Walk for Wellness 3KM Hike
Doors Open Peterborough 2017
Spring Revival
Wild Leeks, Edibles & Spring Wild Flowers
Lindsay Farmers Market
10AM - 4PM
Church-Key Brewing Co., 1687 County Road #38, Campbellford www.churchkeybrewing.com Abbey Gardens, 1012 Garden Gate Dr., Haliburton http://www.haliburtonlandtrust.ca
7AM -1PM
(Saturdays) Victoria St. Between Kent & Peel St., Lindsay www.lindsayfarmersmarket.ca
May 9 2017
7:30PM 1PM
Daisies for Donkeys Education Days
1-4PM
Taoist Tai Chi – Open House
10AM -12PM
Moonlight – A TIFF Film Circuit – Academy Award Winner for Best Picture
May 10 2017
7PM
Silent Lake Day of Discovery – Guided Tour Taoist Tai Chi – Open House
2-4PM
Taoist Tai Chi – Open House
10AM -12PM
May 11 2017
“Out of this World” with Col. Chris Hadfield
Taoist Tai Chi – Open House
May 12 2017
Reg. at 9:30AM Celebrations Centre, For info Call: Karen 705-324- 7323 ext 164, or kdowdall@ccckl.ca. Various Locations. www.facebook.com/Doors-Open-Peterborough-262815818179/
11AM -7PM
13th Annual Hike from Hospice 1KM or 5KM Route
Buckhorn Community Centre, 1801 Lakehurst Rd. www.buckhorncommunitycentre.com
10AM - 12PM
May 6 & 7 2017 Kawartha’s Got Talent Weekend! May 7 2017
S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Centre, 55 Parkside St., Minden $45/ticket
9AM - 4PM
8PM 7-8:30PM
undraiser for Academy Theatre, 2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay www.academytheatre.ca Reg. at 12PM Celebrations Centre, For info Call: Karen 705-324- 7323 ext 164, or kdowdall@ccckl.ca. PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary, 1296 Bowmanton Rd., Roseneath www.primrosedonkeysanctuary.com Carnarvon Zion United Church, 1021 East Rd., Carnarvon 2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay www.academytheatre.ca Deep Roots Adventure Hub, 2307 Loop Rd., Wilberforce $150/person Lloyd Watson Memorial Centre, 2249 Loop Rd, Wilberforce Haliburton United Church, 10 George St, Haliburton Academy Theatre, 2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay www.academytheatre.ca Minden St. Pauls Anglican Church, 19 Invergordon Ave, Minden
Rotanza – Fundraiser with the Rotary Club of Lindsay
6PM
Lindsay Central Fairgrounds, 354 Angeline St. South Tickets:$125/pair Call: 705-324-9868
Girl’s Night Out
5PM
Downtown Cobourg – Many Shops Participating
Mark Cullen - The New Canadian Garden
7:30PM
May 12 & 13 2017 Spring Book Sale May 13 2017
9AM -2PM
The Bobcaygeon Choristers with guest artist Deliah Williams
7PM 10AM -4PM
1166 5th Line, Port Hope www.hautegoat.com
Family Fishing Day
8AM -12PM
Seymour Conservation Area, 5754 County Road 30 South, Campbellford Rain or Shine
The Sacred Voice of the Woods
8:30AM -2PM
Spring Plant Sale
8:30-10:30AM Port Hope Town Park & Fall Fair Grounds, 81 McCaul Street, Port Hope
May 14 2017
“Sonic Boom” Concert – La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra
May 17 2017
Bancroft Now & Then
May 20 2017
The Bobcaygeon Farmers Market Opens for the Season Our Place in Canada – A Celebration of Food, Song and Story
The Canadian Firefighters Museum Opens for the Season
The Boyd Museum, Located in the Bobcaygeon Library, Corner of William and Canal St Trinity United Church, 44 William St. Tickets: $15/Door or Call 705 738 2396
Alpaca Shearing Day – Haute Goat Farm
Spring Plant Sale
Academy Theatre, 2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay www.academytheatre.ca
9-11AM 3-5PM 7PM 8AM -1PM 7PM
Westdale United Church, 1509 Sherbrooke St. W., Peterborough $20/Adults $15/Youth 12 & under free Port Hope United Church, 34 South Street Bancroft Village Playhouse, 5 Hastings St. S. http://www.facebook.com/villageplayhousebancroft/ (Saturdays) 47 Mansfield St., Bobcaygeon www.bobcaygeonfarmersmarket.com Academy Theatre, 2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay www.academytheatre.ca 95 Mill Street S., Port Hope www.firemuseumcanada.com
Boyd Heritage Museum Opens for the Season
Midnight Madness Fishing Contest
12AM - 9AM
he Hastings Bridge, Lock 18 at the mouth of Rice Lake. Call: 1-888-653-1556
2017 Art in the Park
10AM - 4PM
Mill Creek Park, Mill Street, Warkworth www.warkworthartinthepark.ca
May 20 & 21 2017 Spring Craft Show
10AM -5PM
Buckhorn Community Centre, 1782 Lakehurst Rd. www.buckhorncommunitycentre.com
May 25 2017
Lakefield Farmers Market
9AM - 2PM
May 26 2017
Murder Mystery Story: The Mummy’s Curse
May 20 & 21 2017
11AM
Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre, 23 York St., Haliburton $50/person
Dinner: 6-7PM Show: 7-9PM $25/each *MAX 100 tickets sold www.settlersvillage.org 1045 Settlers Line, Keene http://www.elmhirst.ca/eastern-ontario-adventure-rally-eoar/
Eastern Ontario Adventure Rally Elmhirst’s Resort
May 27 2017
Annual Garage Sale - Kawartha Ancestral Research Association
Canadian Men’s Chorus
(Thursdays) in the Smith Community Centre Parking Lot, 20 Concession St., Lakefield
6-9PM
May 26 - 28 2017
21 Canal E, Bobcaygeon www.theboydmuseum.com
7:30PM 9AM
730 The Kingsway, Unit 3, Peterborough Call: KARA at 705-743-7668 Academy Theatre, 2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay www.academytheatre.ca
Planting the Town – Minden Horticultural & District Society Plant Sale
Second Annual Native Plant Sale
9AM - 1PM
Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority, 2216 County Road 28, Port Hope
Ganaraska 250 Motorcycle Rally
8AM - 7PM
62 McCaul St., Port Hope email: philgoldsmith@sympatico.ca
Trail Maintenance: KLT Stoney Lake Trails 9AM -2PM May 27 & 28 2017
7th Annual Lilac Festival
May 27 & 28 2017 Apple Blossom Tyme Festival May 28 2017
10AM - 4PM
The Village Green, Downtown Minden www.mindenhorticulturalsociety.ca
Held at Kawartha Land Trust Stony Lake Trails at 105 Reid’s Road, North Kawartha. Register by email: tunrau@kawarthalandtrust.org 40 Main St., Warkworth http://warkworthlilacfestival.ca/ 80 Division St, Colborne www.appleblossomtyme.com
Dandelion Day Festival
11AM - 4PM
Millennium Park, Peterborough http://www.dandelionday.ca/
Kite Day – Friends of Ferris – Make your own Kite!
10AM - 3PM
474 County Rd. 8, Campbellford www.friendsofferris.com
JR. Naturalists: Archery Camp Kawartha
May 29 2017 June 1 2017
Chemung Lake Lions Cruise Nights (Mondays until Sept. 25) Buckhorn Annual Golf Tournament Best Ball Scramble Quarry Golf Course
7:30PM 5PM - Dusk
1010 Birchview Rd, Douro-Dummer http://peterboroughnature.org/events Paul J. English Chemung Lake District Lions Park 710 Red Pine Lane, Bridgenorth 447 Tara Rd, Ennismore www.buckhorncommunitycentre.com
June 2 - 4 2017 2017 Haliburton Home and Cottage Show
Fri: 4-9PM Sat: 10AM-5PM Sun: 10AM-3PM Haliburton Curling Club & A.J. LaRue
June 3 2017
www.all-ways-apsley.ca
All Ways Apsley Motorcycle Rendezvous
Lakefield Lobsterfest and Show 2017
Invasive Species Walk
Country Wild Music Festival
3-10PM
138 Division Street, Cobourg Victoria Park www.countrywild.ca
Menopause the Musical
7:30PM
2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay www.academytheatre.ca
Straw Bale Gardening – Minden Horticultural Society
Since Since1994 1994
5-8PM
Arena 728 & 730 Mountain St, Haliburton www.haliburtonhomeandcottageshow.com
June 6 2017
10AM -12PM
7PM
$60/person Dinner: 5-7PM Band: 8PM Lakefield Fair Grounds William Street, Lakefield Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority, 2216 County Road 28 $10/Person (8yrs & up)
Minden Community Centre, 55 Parkside St. www.mindenhorticulturalsociety.ca
Cottage CottageCountry CountryConnection Connection~~May May2017 2017 5555
MARKETPLACE
56
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
Discovering Cottage Country
Since 1994
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
57
58
May 2017 ~ Cottage Country Connection
Discovering Cottage Country
Since 1994
Cottage Country Connection ~ May 2017
59