Cottage Country Winter 2021 Issue

WINTER 2021 In Print, Online & On Social

Cottage Country

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Cottage Country LIFESTYLE

Since 1994

Walter J. Hachborn

Store of the YEAR AWARD

CHEMONG HOME HARDWARE BUILDING CENTRE

Take It Outside!

Your Dream Kitchen Awaits Women Making Waves The PRHC Mombassadors

HOME & COTTAGE • EVENTS • DESIGN • LAKES • RECIPES • DIY • KIDS CORNER • PETS & VETS • IN THE NEWS

Cottage Country's Largest FREE Multi Award Winning Cottage Lifestyle Magazine!

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Winter 2021 ~ Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine

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Daytripping in Cottage Country ~ Winter 2021

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CONTENTS

Cottage Country

Cottage Country

WINTER 2021

LIFESTYLE

Walter J. Hachborn

STORE OF THE YEAR AWARD

ON THE COVER

Page 8

Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre 15 17 18 20 21 23 25 27 28 31 32 33 34 34 35 36 37 39 40 41

Think Fisher Excavating for New Builds Creekside Construction Services Make a Sustainable Choice with Monaghan Lumber Special Olympics sets a "Virtual Year" for Snowshoeing!

Snowshoes & Snowshoeing The Jacuzzi Water Experience - Lifestyle Windows and Doors Those Were The Days "Dumb Animals" - Russ Sanders Protect Your Watercraft Investment - R&J Machine Women Making Waves Take a Vacation that Floats Your Boat - Egan Houseboat Rentals Artist Spotlight - Sarah Quick Planning Your Wedding Reenie Brydon Photography Simple Elegance with Burleigh Falls Inn Intimate Gatherings Call for Wine - The Wine Shoppe on Park Mad for Garlic Weekend at the Cottage Recipes The PRHC Mombassadors Kids Corner Diamonds of Water - Beautiful Snow Crystals - Jacob Rodenburg

PUBLISHER & DESIGN Kelly Welsh, Owner

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Emily Ireland

ADVERTISING SALES Deb Mahoney & Belinda Wilson

SOCIAL MEDIA & DISTRIBUTION Tania Moher

CONTRIBUTORS Russ Sanders, Emily Ireland, Belinda Wilson, Joanne Clark, Jacob Rodenburg, Don Willcock & Correne Omland

Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre

YOUR DREAM KITCHEN AWAITS

Page 12 TAKE IT OUTSIDE

Page 10 2020 Platinum Winner - Graphic Design Services Peterborough Examiner Readers' Choice

2020 Platinum Winner - Graphic / Web Designer Peterborough Examiner Readers' Choice

2020 Diamond Winner Best Advertising / Marketing Agency Peterborough This Week Readers' Choice

Volume 28 • Number 1 • 705-313-2245 • www.cottage.rocks Cottage Country Connection - Your Cottage Lifestyle Magazine is published 6 times a year by Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine Inc., 705-313-2245, PO Box 8, Buckhorn ON K0L 1J0. Printing 18,000+ per issue and distributed by Canada Post (to Cottages, Homes & Businesses) and distributed to over 130 drop locations. Also promoted and viewed Online.

In Print, Online and on Social. Copyright 1994-2021. All rights reserved.

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Winter 2021 ~ Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine

2016 Business Awards of Excellence

Entrepreneur Innovation Recipient

MARKETING & PROMOTION

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Home & Cottage ~ Winter 2021 5

Welcome to the Winter Issue of Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine

This issue comes along with the start to a new year. We collectively made it through our first COVID Christmas! I hope you found some new traditions this year and as we usher in 2021, I hope you are thinking about all the wonderful things the fresh start of the year brings with it. It’s a time for renewal and for some resolutions. As we bring in 2021 it’s hard not to reflect on the year past as well as what is happening in our area as 2021 begins.

With lockdowns here in Ontario we are all learning (again) to live a little differently during these times of isolation. One thing we all have to be thoughtful of – and something that is very dear to our hearts here at the magazine – is supporting local businesses.

They need us now more than ever. I know we hear a lot of ‘shop local’ sentiment but this is our chance to put our money where our mouth is and show these small business owners we want them to succeed!

This issue invites you to take a break from all the news of restrictions and illness and think happy thoughts; thoughts about the coming spring and plans for warmer weather when we can all get back to the lake and enjoy the sun. We have a great boat feature with information on new boat lifts, information on the great program “Women Making Waves”, and even information on renting and commanding your own houseboat! Get healthy with some new recipes from Weekend at the Cottage in this issue or get started on planning your wedding! If there is one thing COVID can’t cancel it’s love!

Share this issue with someone you love after you have read it! We hope you enjoy this Winter Issue as much as we enjoyed creating it for you. From the team here at Cottage Country Magazine we wish you all the best that 2021 has to offer!

Be sure to watch for new client videos coming to our social media platforms in 2021, and check out our online directory filled with local businesses to help with your every need at www.cottage.rocks. Make 2021 the year you shop at home, shop local.

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Winter 2021 ~ Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine

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Home & Cottage ~ Winter 2021 7

Walter J. Hachborn

Store of the Year Award CHEMONG HOME HARDWARE BUILDING CENTRE Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre has recently received the annual Walter J. Hachborn Store of the Year Award, the best among the nearly 1,100 Home Hardware stores in Canada. The award was part of the “Proud of My Home Achievement Awards and Celebration” held during Home Hardware’s 2020 Virtual Fall Market last September 13.

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The award was presented to dealer-owners Terry Jenkins, Randy Kingdon, Mike Kingdon and Fred Sweeting, for epitomizing the values on which Home Hardware was co-founded by Walter J. Hachborn more than 50 years ago – value, service and dependability to acknowledge the store’s superior customer service, strong staff performance, profitability, innovation, sales growth, community service, and more.

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“Our staff of 115 employees are the biggest reason we received this award,” says Terry Jenkins. “Their knowledge about the breadth of our products and their friendly customer service are why we’re successful.”

From its opening in 2005, Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre has continued to add new services, including insulation installation, blow-in and spray insulation and in acquiring the company Kawartha Stair and Rail.

“We want to create an environment where we are a one-stop shop for contractors,” continues Jenkins. “Now we can do in-house design, provide construction materials, build stairs and rails, install insulation and more for new homes and renovations.”

Jenkins says that, as with many companies, they were nervous at the beginning of the pandemic. But once they were deemed an essential service, they continued on to have a record year in sales.

The store supports many local charities, including Five Counties Children’s Centre, Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival, Kawartha Food Share, and more.

The store is located at 1699 Chemong Rd. in Selwyn. For more information, please visit www.chemonghomehardware.ca or call 705-748-9111.

Cottage Country Couple Make Their Retirement Dream a Reality Retiring to a custom-built cottage country home is a beautiful dream and an incredibly smooth experience when you work with Beaver Homes & Cottages.

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"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home."

Edith Sitwell

Take It

Outside

Host An Outdoor Winter Party!

Entertaining looks a little different this year. As with everything else, we have had to pivot and think of creative ways to still enjoy small social touchpoints. I agree, it takes a little more effort but here’s to hoping I can convince you of the merit of how you can still enjoy your outdoor space. Plus, winter is really long and we need to find ways to not only get through it but to enjoy it!

Heat Things Up First requirement ideally is a heat source. The most cost effective is a good old-fashioned campfire. You can use your current set-up if you already have a campfire space and organize a zone close to it. Or you can purchase a portable fire bowl that will leave you with the option to place it anywhere and to be able to move it around to change things up. In cottage country we have many options to support local for the purchase of your outdoor firepit or chimenea.

A large size fire bowl or in ground campfire pit is going to be the best way to throw the most heat especially as we launch into the later winter months. This is going to come with the requirement for some dry wood delivery but again we are situated in the ideal location to source delivery options. And above all, have your fire cracking before your guests arrive so they can get a feel for your outdoor theme and are comfortable right from the start.

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Winter 2021 ~ Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine

By Joanne Clark

Creating Ambiance If your summer patio furniture won’t suffice this is an opportunity to try a new approach for accommodating your guests. A picnic table is ideal for setting up food and drink and will be easy to stage with a creative outdoor look. If you don’t have a picnic table, you can source an inexpensive table at your local hardware or thrift store or try your hand at making something rustic. You can cover your table with a tablecloth and now the fun begins! This can be a continuation of your Christmas efforts by using greenery, pinecones, candles and outdoor lights to add personality and warmth to your party zone.

It won’t take much to create an interesting and lively ambiance for your guests. Don’t forget blankets and seat covers. Faux fur fabric can be purchased fairly inexpensively and can be re-used even in the shoulder seasons.

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Eat Drink and Be Merry Moving your BBQ to your party zone can help streamline food preparation, and keeping things chilled is not going to be a problem with winter entertaining and will reduce trips to the house. Use thermoses for hot chocolate or mulled wine to further your outdoor theme. Consider serving food in rounds, starting with kebobs or other ideas that are easy to hold and eat without too much effort. Most summer campfire foods can be cycled in like hotdogs, burgers and s’mores for desert also work. Pinterest has some fabulous campfire warm-you-up food and drink ideas like:

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Tortilla roll-ups Cheesy garlic bread in foil Bacon wrapped water chestnuts Grilled foil pack cheesy fries Italian sausage and potato foil dinner Personal pizzas on the BBQ Cup of soup Chili Campfire quesadillas Bailey’s dipped toasted marshmallows Hot buttered rum with apple cider Peppermint schnapps with hot chocolate

I’ll be honest, you will be tired setting this all up, but I guarantee you will want to do it again! I found my guests positive reactions exceeded the effort and attention to detail.

It really is a cozy and fantastic way to enjoy winter. There are so many inspiring ideas and recipes online to help build a further case for outdoor winter entertaining. I think you are hardy enough for an outdoor winter party, after all we live here in cottage country!

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Your Dream Kitchen Awaits The kitchen is the heart of the home even more so now than ever. It is where we prepare our meals, visit with family, and gather with friends to watch the game. It is the command centre of the home (or cottage); a classroom, and for some, it’s the home office. The kitchen is the crowning jewel of our home and it's where many of our most cherished memories are made.

Harwood Kitchens in Peterborough, Ontario was founded by Charles Harwood over thirty years ago. This family-run business has been providing Peterborough and the surrounding area with turn-key kitchens and custom-built cabinetry earning a solid reputation for quality craftsmanship, great customer service, and continually exceeding the expectations of their customers.

Harwood Kitchens takes pride in their work and love hearing the ‘wow’ from their customers when seeing their new kitchen for the first time.

As Charles looks forward to retirement, there has been a change of ownership. The business is in good hands and has stayed within the family with niece Sam Schevers taking over the day

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to day operations of the well-loved company. Having worked closely with Charles, Sam is excited to continue what he started - working hard and providing customers with a superior product and excellent service. If there is one thing Sam loves, it's kitchens!

“There is something special about taking a concept on paper that our designers and clients have perfected and seeing it through to its completion. As I stand in my client’s finished kitchen, I experience that feeling of satisfaction not only for a job well done, but as a result of a well laid out kitchen, knowing we have made life easier for our clients,” Sam explains.

One of the keys to Harwood Kitchens’ success is their passion for

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are renovating. Make notes on what you like and dislike about the space as well as what works and what doesn’t. Share these notes with your designer as it helps develop a design that works for you.

• Have a ‘wish list’ of what you would like to see in the finished space. Wine bar? Extra-large pantry? Decorative display cabinets?

Large island with comfortable seating?

• Appliances - are you keeping the current appliances or are you replacing them? Have the appliance information handy, make and model or dimensions – this will help with designing the kitchen layout and when choosing the appropriate finishes for your kitchen.

design and dedication to their customers which Sam and her team will continue to build on. From the moment you contact them, the staff at Harwood Kitchens is with you every step of the way from selecting your cabinets and countertop to delivery and installation.

Harwood Kitchens does more than kitchens! Other projects they have worked on include laundry rooms, bar areas, entertainment units, fireplace surrounds, bathroom cabinetry, coffee bars, closets and home offices.

Thinking about a new kitchen, laundry room or closet? Sam and the team at Harwood Kitchens have some things to keep in mind when getting ready for your project: • Think about what you want for the space. Inspiration is everywhere! Gather pictures from online sources such as Pinterest and Houzz.com. Don’t forget to visit Harwood Kitchens online gallery to see and get some ideas for your project.

• Sketch the existing layout or take some photos of the space you

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• Know your budget. Knowing exactly what you have available to spend will help when it comes time to design your space. It will guide your decision making in all aspects of your project.

Renovating a space can be daunting and overwhelming. Sam and her team at Harwood Kitchens are here to help make your dreams a reality. Combining the wide selection of cabinet styles, countertops, hardware, and finishes with the experienced designers to tailor a renovation to any budget, you will join the other customers who became part of the Harwood Kitchen family.

Harwood Kitchens 705 742 6241 www.harwoodkitchens.com

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Winter 2021 ~ Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine

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Think Fisher Excavating for New Builds As many of you are aware, Fisher Excavating and Grading is a local excavating company who have been serving the Kawartha Lakes and surrounding area for over 14 years now. They take pride in all of their projects from beginning to end. Dwaine Fisher, owner of Fisher Excavating and Grading has a reputation for his outstanding work crew who also take pride in their work for the company. Fisher Excavating and Grading has built a strong foundation with all their shoreline work, dredging and barging and will continue to focus on those type of projects but would also like the readers to be aware of other areas of Dwaine’s business.

Dwaine Fisher also completes home construction, beginning with site meetings with engineers, septic inspectors and contractors if required. Fisher Excavating and Grading is a licensed septic installation company for all your repairs, additions or new septic installations. Fisher Excavating is able to connect the customer with the appropriate suppliers if a treatment unit is required due to property space or higher water tables. One thing that sets Dwaine and his crew apart from other contractors, is their knowledge of working in and around water sources and how important it is to protect these entities. Fisher Excavating and Grading is a company that has environmental insurance in place to protect not only their business but also the homeowner on their projects. The laws and regulations are continually changing surrounding what type of septic systems are allowed and this also varies by region as well. Dwaine has worked with numerous

Since 1994

septic inspectors in various areas and understands what is expected in each area.

He will obtain all necessary permits to ensure that a septic system is passed and installed without the homeowner having to worry about that process.

Contact Fisher Excavating and Grading for all of your new home/cottage construction.

Dwaine would be more than happy to discuss your project with you at any time.

We also specialize in retaining walls, driveway and culvert placement and final grade on a property. Let Dwaine’s vision become reality in your back yard.

needed) and Trent Severn Waterways. Even if the process is taking a bit longer right now with pandemic staffing issues at some locations, they will get the permits in place.

Call them for your free quote today or even just to discuss a potential future design for your property. Booking for summer and fall 2021 now!

Check out their website: www. fisherexcavating.ca, or contact them at 705-878-3714 (Bus), 705878-6474 (Mobile) or by email at fisherex@live.ca

Over the last two years, Dwaine Fisher has started to work with Steve Durand of Creekside Construction Services. These two individuals will oversee your entire home/ cottage projects from start to finish. They work with the homeowner to ensure their dreams can come to life. When booking your project with Fisher Excavating and Creekside Construction, we can guarantee you will not be disappointed in the level of expertise and professionalism that comes from these two individuals and their crews.

Contact Dwaine or Steve at any time to discuss your ideas!

Fisher Excavating and Grading is always here for all of shoreline, dredging - and not to forget, barging needs as well. They can go anywhere. When there is a will there is always a way. Sometimes you just have to think outside the box to get the project completed together. Fisher still looks after obtaining all necessary permits from local conservation, MNR departments (if

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Winter 2021 ~ Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine

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Creekside Construction Services While a family cottage can be a rewarding getaway for generations, taking the first steps towards constructing a custom build can be

daunting. Perhaps a new work situation has made it possible to work remotely, and a plot of land is waiting for a home to replace the city condo. Creekside Construction Services brings decades of building experience to Ontario, and there has never been a better time to break ground on a new building project.

In 2016, after constructing hundreds of cottages and homes for residents all across Ontario over the past 30 years, Steve Durand decided it was time to build his dream home. He owned a plot of land, and had the capability to navigate permit acquisitions, produce blueprints, and break ground - all while working side by side with the Ministry of Natural Resources to ensure that the local ecosystem was preserved throughout the build process.

As the interior paint dried and the furniture was

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being moved in, it was time for Steve to enjoy a sense of satisfaction at a job well done. But, one question remained - why hadn't he been doing it this way all along? Creekside Construction Services was born in that moment, inspired by the property surrounding his new home.

Steve explains, "I have worked with every type of contractor available in Ontario over the years, and I've been able to build a network of trusted partnerships that allow for my clients to experience a start-to-finish construction management service. My first Creekside client signed our deal on my kitchen counter‌ it's easy to share in a client's dream when they're standing in mine."

Each client is different, which is why Creekside offers a suite of packages with the flexibility to suit the job at hand. Site evaluations, budgeting services and permit acquisition are the first steps in any build, and are covered by the Creekside project management service.

For clients who have existing shell packages, Creekside's construction management services can ensure transparent building services, interior design and amenities, and even septic and well installation. Finally, for clients who come to the counter with a dream and a plot of land, Creekside offers a turnkey package that unites the project and construction services into a start-to-finish build.

"This year has presented different sets of challenges for every industry. Throughout the

adjustments that we've been making to our processes to ensure the health and safety of those involved in our projects, we've actually noticed that more people are breaking ground on new builds. Life outside of the big cities is becoming a realistic choice for many, as folks choose to work remotely."

Construction in cottage country has always presented unique challenges, which is why partnerships with trusted contractors ensure a timely and transparent construction project.

Dwaine Fisher, of Fisher Excavating and Grading, has worked with Steve and with Creekside for several years. The company has been able to leverage its custom fleet of equipment to tackle shoreline and island jobs in the most remote settings.

"That's a great example of the challenges that come with building a cottage. We've helped a lot of clients build their family's dream cottages, and Fisher's relationship with the Kawartha Region Conservation Authority has allowed us to make sure the sites remain beautiful for the next generation".

A partnership with Creekside Construction Services ensures you peace of mind throughout your project, and will put you on a fast track towards the satisfaction of a job well done.

Visit Creekside Construction Services at their website: www.creeksideconstructionservices.com, or contact Steve at 705-927-3609, steve@creeksideconstructionservices.com

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Make a Sustainable Choice with Monaghan Lumber

Air quality. It is something we all know about, but do you think about it in terms of your indoor air quality at home?

As builders and building products become more efficient our homes have become more airtight – great for your heating bill, but not so great for your health. Allergens and harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are trapped in your home and they are doing you no favours as you breathe them in. VOCs are a large group of chemicals found in many products used to build and maintain our homes. Once these chemicals are in our homes, they are released or “off-gas” into the indoor air we breathe.

Ethical sourcing means products are made and manufactured using responsible and sustainable methods – like sustainable forests, where more trees are planted than are harvested. Many overseas companies are cutting corners and offering consumers substandard hardwood products at low pricing. We all know you want a good deal on that new floor – but make sure you ask all the questions about where it comes from, and how the wood is sourced; a reputable company will have the answers to these questions.

Monaghan Lumber has been looking after clients and their renovation needs for many years and now invites you to think about changing out your old flooring for a greener, healthier option hardwood.

Many hardwood flooring companies are looking at greener initiatives with ethical sourcing and forest protection initiatives.

They are also taking into consideration the quality of the finishes on your new hardwood floors and many are switching to products which are free of VOCs and formaldehyde.

Many health professionals now recommend removing carpet - it traps mould, dust mites and unhealthy allergens which bring on nasty allergies and even asthma. Wood floors are a great alternative, with a long lifespan and with modern ethically sourced options available, they are healthier for you and the environment.

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Winter 2021 ~ Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine

“Trust and transparency go hand in hand, and our commitment to verified performance standards, authentic environmental declarations and ethical sourcing and manufacturing runs deep. By sharing information about our quality control process protocols, we

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invite you to make an informed decision.” - Metropolitan Hardwood Floors www.metrofloors.com Monahan Lumber deals with products you can trust to make your home a healthier place. Find brands like Lauzon Flooring, Kentwood Floors and CRAFT flooring who are all working hard to make a green imprint on the hardwood flooring industry by offering ethically sourced materials.

As we learn, we all become more conscientious consumers, and in doing so our population is prompting many companies to re-think their products and where they come from, as well as the longterm affects they have on our homes and environment.

Monaghan Lumber, 2129 Davis Road, Cavan Monaghan (Peterborough) Toll Free: 1-800-354-3195 Phone: 705-742-9353 www.monaghanlumber.com FB @monaghanlumber IG @monaghan_lumber info@monaghanlumber.com

Since 1994

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PRECISION. PUNCTUALITY. PROFESSIONALISM. New Beginnings Contracting Services is a well-known, experienced and professional All-In-One contracting company, based in the Kawartha Lakes.

We provide clients everything they need from start to finish because we employ all trades to get the job done.

From Electricians to Plumbers, Framers to HVAC and everything else above, below or in-between.

We cater each clients specific project needs and management requirements, and all at the most competitive rates.

CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY MANAGMENT Customized to Your Preferences

ELECTRICAL DESIGN & INSTALLATION High Voltage. Commercial. Residential

Special Olympics sets a “Virtual Year” for Snowshoeing!

Across Ontario Special Olympics has named February as “Snowshoe Month” with participants registering online with Snowshoe Kawartha.

Fenelon Falls-based Snowshoe Kawartha has considerable experience and in 2018 successfully hosted the largest Canadian snowshoe events in Canada’s history. With COVID-19 deeply affecting our ability to gather, a new plan was required for 2021 and Special Olympics have endorsed Snowshoe Kawartha’s “Virtual Event” on Saturday, February 6th.

The Kawartha-based organizing committee have agreed to the Special Olympics approach. Special Olympics athletes require course distances of 500, 1600 and 5000 metres (which will be prepared in Fenelon Falls). Each participating athlete registers, sets their course(s) and tracks their performance. Participants can post their photos on Snowshoe Kawartha’s social media pages and on Special Olympics.

Special Olympics athletes attended the Fenelon Falls event in 2020 with impressive results. But the event is not just for Special Olympics; any outdoor enthusiast will have an opportunity to participate and raise money for Special Olympics. The snowshoe course in Fenelon Falls will be posted for people of all abilities and allow everyone to enjoy the “Best Snowshoe Course” in Ontario.

Register early to receive your “Event Kits” before February 6th which include a Bib Number and a Snowshoe Kawartha Buff at www.snowshoekawartha.com. Photo Credit Fred Thornhill

BUILDING DESIGN & MAINTENANCE It’s All in the Details

www.newbeginningscontractingservices.org 705-344-4613 • info@nbcservices.org 405 Cedar Glen Rd., Dunsford K0M 1L0 20

Winter 2021 ~ Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine

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SNOWSHOES & SNOWSHOEING

When I was growing up in rural Hamilton Township on the south shore of Rice Lake, winter was a season of beauty, play, adventure and exploration.

On weekends and school holidays – when not playing shinny on the frozen lake – I, my brother, my cousin, and our friends could be found traipsing the farmlands and woods (with owners’ permissions) which surrounded our village. We were in search of animal tracks and signs, activity in a beaver pond where we built an observation “blind”, birds, or any other “neat things” that we might come across. We would pack lunch (usually cooked over a small campfire – sandwiches tended to freeze on cold days) and make a day of it. My favourite means of getting around in winter was snowshoes.

It is believed that snowshoes originated in Central Asia around 4,000 B.C., and were brought to North America by migrating peoples from there.

Indigenous North Americans have used snowshoes extensively for hunting, trapping, and travelling. They adapted designs to suit the conditions of their territories: “beavertails” worked well in open woodlands and rolling terrain; “bearpaws” (circular) were good for mountainous or heavily wooded regions and deeper

Since 1994

snow. Europeans adopted snowshoes soon after arriving in North America.

Traditional snowshoes were made with hardwood frames (usually ash or birch) which were soaked or steamed into shape and fastened. Within each frame, a criss-cross pattern of rawhide string (“babiche”) provided weight-dispersal for the wearer. A leather harness and a boot-holder were attached in the centre. Most modern commercial snowshoes have aluminum frames with nylon or plastic webbing.

In the mid-1800s, snowshoeing in Canada gained popularity as a recreation, which resulted in the rise of snowshoe manufacturing. Canoe makers – including Peterborough Canoe Company – easily branched into this product line because it required much of the same equipment and techniques as canoe building.

After serving two generations of Willcocks, my trusty wooden beavertails are retired. They still provide me with fond memories of my youth in the woods, but I don’t think I have the heart to “replace” them with a metal and nylon pair. Although…

By: Don Willcock The Peterborough Museum & Archives, 300 Hunter St E, Peterborough, 705-743-5180 www.peterboroughmuseumandarchives.ca

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Winter 2021 ~ Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine

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Cottage Country Experts are Open for Your Cottage Country Fun! Be sure to watch for new client videos coming to our social media platforms in 2021 • Home & Cottage • Boating - On the Water • Cottage Country Lifestyle Check out our online directory filled with local businesses to help with your every need at www.cottage.rocks

Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine is the Largest Free Multi Award Winning Magazine in Cottage Country Since 1994

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Explore Cottage Country

Protect Your

Watercraft Investment A new boat can be a big investment, something you would normally insure. But consider another type of insurance for your investment as well; the insurance which comes with assurances, like longer lifetime protection from the elements and even theft.

A boat lift does all of that.

Rough waters and storms can really do a number on your vessel; banging against the dock and causing it to take on water in a harsh wind can damage your boat, and strong waves can wear and break your tie downs. There is nothing worse then having your boat sink at the dock – or float away. And think about the damage to your boat’s gelcoat. With a boat lift you can avoid having your boat in the water when the storm hits, which means no bumps and bruises for your hull.

Your boat will be dry when you want to use it, with no cracked and faded seats.

R & J Machine wants to help you install the perfect boat lift or cover to suit your needs. They have been providing cottage country with quality waterfront products for over 45 years and are knowledgeable experts in their industry. With lifts available for everything from small PWC’s or a little tin boat to something larger - up to an 8000lb capacity – there is definitely one to suit your waterfront and give you peace of mind, knowing your investment is protected.

R&J Machine www.rjmachine.ca 705-652-6731

Boat lifts are also a good theft deterrent. When your boat is stored on a lift you are able to chain the boat to the lift, or cut the power to an electric winch so that the boat cannot be lowered. This offers great peace of mind if your boat is being left at a cottage for weekend and holiday use.

If you are thinking about a new boat and you already have a boat lift, ensure that the new boat fits the weight capacity and width of the lift – you may need to adjust or change the bunks to accommodate the new boats dimensions. You also need to consider where you are parking your boat – will a new boat draft more water? If the new boat sits deeper in the water, you’ll need to make sure you have the same minimum water depth to operate the lift properly.

Adding a cover to a new or existing boat lift is also added value. A cover protects the boat from harmful UV rays and water damage – and you are able to leave the boat cover off more frequently.

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On The Water~ Winter 2021

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Women Making Waves What keeps you from taking your kids boating, from boating with your girlfriends, or on your own? Is it a lack of knowledge, experience, confidence, or something else? Come join Deborah Lineberry,

president and owner of Paris Marine Ltd. and the creator, and lead instructor for Women Making Waves™, for an open and candid discussion relating to the leading reasons women become the stereotypical “passive boaterâ€?. Deborah has personally trained over 750 ladies in on-water boating instruction over the past 13 years and has proven methods and practices to make you more safe and confident on the water.

For an open conversation about women and boating, and receive free safety handouts and checklists for the coming boating season, register today.

Noticing a trend in the boating industry, Deborah designed and trademarked Women Making Waves in Canada - a course designed to make women more comfortable behind the wheel of a boat.

Women Making Waves began in 2005 and to date has graduated over 750 participants. "Women need to understand the basics of boating and can't learn what they need from being a passenger," she laughs.

"We need to get them behind the wheel, out on the water in a safe, no pressure environment".

find others "in the same boat" - nervous, unsure of where to start, afraid of the unknown. "By establishing a pattern and identifying the stressors involved with boating we can eliminate a lot of our participants' apprehensions".

Paris Marine is proud to be the only FREE training center in Canada for women boaters. Their comprehensive four-hour course covers everything you need to know for the season ahead. Unfortunately due to COVID-19 they have postponed this year's classes, but look forward to getting you back on the water in 2021.

"This program is designed to make women more comfortable with the basics of boating. The program consists of four onehour blocks of training covering trailering and towing, loading and launching, on the water instruction, and boating safety. We provide hands-on, active instruction in a supportive and fun atmosphere. You will leave with the knowledge you need to be a successful, independent boater and an active participant in your family's boating experience. We promise to provide you with the skills and confidence necessary for safe boating for life! Join us!"

Women are often surprised to

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Since 1994

On The Water~ Winter 2021

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Winter 2021 ~ Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine

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Take a Vacation that Floats Your Boat Houseboating is the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and fun.

Take all the comforts of home with you as you travel from lake to lake via the Trent-Severn Waterway Locking System. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Kawartha Lakes as you unplug and unwind.

Spend quality time together; swimming, fishing, kayaking, and exploring. Discover a new island each day, stop off for a round of golf or a spa service. Enjoy the parks, beaches, dining and shopping of the local towns along the way.

By combining the rewards of cottage living with the adventure of travel and the great outdoors, an Egan Houseboat Rental offers something for everyone! You have the freedom to choose your pace, your destination, your activities and just relax, knowing you have all the comforts of a cottage along with you.

Egan Houseboat Rentals, located in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes, has the largest fleet in Ontario. Our smaller style houseboats are designed to host 1-3 couples or 1-2 small families; book with a group of friends or make it a memorable family getaway.

For every challenge 2020 brought with it, there has been a positive outcome.

First, we at Egan would like to thank all of our valued guests for their patience and continued loyalty through all of the changes made.

After a very uncertain start last spring, things really hit the ground

Since 1994

running in early June. Our staff could barely keep up, getting all the equipment ready and making adjustments to every operation to ensure the protection of our staff and guests, and all in less than half the time of a typical year.

Adhering to the guidelines set out by Health Canada meant overhauling many of our previous protocols. We introduced an online training program; these comprehensive videos allowed crucial information to be accessible prior to arrival, as well as revisited throughout the trip as needed. While this was a large undertaking in such a short timeframe, it has drastically reduced our boarding times and resulted in our guests feeling more comfortable and confident in the operation of our houseboats and the rules of the waterways.

We saw many new faces discover the magic of houseboating this past season, in search of something outside the box which would maintain social distancing.

We have been working hard this off season tackling some more interior updates to our houseboats and we can’t wait to share them with all of our guests this coming season!

Egan Houseboat Rentals, 1-800-720-3426 www.houseboat.on.ca

On The Water~ Winter 2021

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THOSE WERE THE DAYS

“Dumb Animals” This column actually started in my head many months ago, long before winter snow covered the ground.

I was driving along a country road and was admiring a beautiful ebony horse feeding in the fenced pasture when all of a sudden, the clouds opened and without warning a torrential rain storm began pummeling my windshield. I had to smile, in fact I laughed out loud, because the horse immediately half trotted to a big tree and snuggled under the “umbrella” branches; making me think some humans do not have the brains to come in out of the rain, but the horse never hesitated.

That simple act by the horse made me wonder about other animals and how their deductive minds adapt to every day life. Take a turtle far away from water and it will always head in the direction of a river or pond or lake; how does it know? Hawks will circle the sky hundreds of feet in the air and still spot a small mouse scurrying through the brush. My bird feeder could be empty for days, but as soon as I fill it with seeds all types of birds and squirrels appear, how do they know?

About four years ago a wild black cat showed up at our back door, he wouldn’t come near me and if I advanced, he would run away. I began feeding him and giving him water, some mornings he was nowhere to be found but when I banged the dish against the cement step and he heard that familiar sound he came running.

We had an orange cat; it came home one day with a fish hook embedded in its mouth. Now this cat never took guff from any other cat or dog so I was leery cutting off the barb and slipping the shaft of the hook through the protruded gum, but all the while I performed the delicate operation he only howled and never moved a muscle. His howling was loud because it must have hurt, he could have carved up my hand with his sharp claws but somehow in his tiny cat brain he knew I was helping him.

Our eldest son was getting married in Hamilton and I drove our youngest son to that city so they could attend the dress rehearsal. I waved good bye and stood on the corner waiting for the light to turn green. That was the only thing I remember, I was hit by a car (a drunk driver) and taken to the hospital by ambulance. We live in Ennismore, Duke was our floppy-eared, faithful German shepherd; my wife said the dog laid down at the front door precisely at the time I was hit by the car and never moved, without both eating and drinking until I hobbled back through the door.

Three hundred kilometers away? How did he know?

My grandmother’s parrot telling the breadman how much bread they needed, our dog learning how to ring the door bell when he wanted back in, and so many stories about hero pets saving human lives.

Dumb animals? I don’t think so.

Russ Sanders, epigram@nexicom.net

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Planning Your Wedding Getting married may be one of the most exciting and important days of your life.

The wedding day itself will be remembered for years to come – and we have some ideas to help you plan the perfect day!

With COVID-19 cancellations and gathering protocols, weddings have become a whole new type of gathering. The thing is, love is not cancelled! Finding new and innovative ways to celebrate love is just what we need during these bleak times.

Here are a few things to take into consideration when planning your COVID-safe wedding this year.

When picking a venue, you need to first decide on the number of guests you will have attending. With intimate weddings at the forefront this year once-too-small venues have become the perfect choice for your private low-key affair.

Naturally you will want to choose a wedding dress that makes you feel like the bride you have dreamed of being; don’t forget about comfort along with style. Proper fit is important so be sure to trust someone well qualified with your alterations

Finding the perfect Officiant is something you will want to check off your list early. You must use a celebrant who is legally registered with the Province of Ontario. This less-traditional option often provides the flexibility to customise a ceremony which celebrates your values as a couple.

Do you need transportation? Hiring a service to look after getting you from point A to point B is important. Read reviews - you want to be there on time. You can rent various sizes of vehicle, anything from a 6-seater sedan, formal limo or classic car.

Will you be hiring a DJ for your special day? If you need use of AV equipment for other parts of your day this could be an important detail. If so, remember to ask if they are willing to cover your ceremony as well as your reception.

Are you planning a meal – or perhaps just passed hors d'oeuvres?

Do you need a caterer or will your venue be able to look after the details of feeding guests?

Your wedding photos are filled with moments you will be reflecting on for the rest of your life; you definitely want the photos to capture and reflect the feelings you had on your special day and you need someone who will take the time to listen to your wishes. Research photographer portfolios, with so many different styles you want someone who is willing to take the photos you want.

Many florals can be sourced locally if in season, and are easier on the pocketbook if they are not special order. A reputable florist will be a great help when it comes to tracking down that special bloom you have your heart set on.

In this COVID-crazy reality, it’s important to focus on what is most important to make your day special. Whatever you and your partner decide, at the end of the day you will be starting out on your new life together. In the meantime, just breathe…

Since 1994

Weddings ~ Winter 2021

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Simple Elegance with Burleigh Falls Inn If 2020 has taught us anything, it is the importance of being with the ones we love, and the importance of finding special ways in which to celebrate that love. Weddings have been a tricky endeavour this year and couples are finding creative new ways to tie the knot.

Reenie Brydon Photography “Letting your personal love story shine through” Reenie O’Neill, of Reenie Brydon Photography, knows you work hard on every aspect of your wedding day, and her goal is to ensure every detail is showcased by helping you create a moment and capturing it perfectly.

By working to make her clients feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera, she creates an atmosphere of fun and intimacy. “I love interacting with couples, and letting their personal love story shine through,” she explains, adding “I believe the emotions of the couple shine through my work.”

Weddings are still happening, and although not the extravagant large affairs of the past, they still remain that special day which marks a couple’s union.

Elopements and intimate weddings are now the thing to do, and with advancements in technology, family & friends can join in on the celebration virtually. Adapting to the new normal does not have to be about unlimited compromises; it can be a beautifully simple event - a wonderful celebration of the

love shared between partners.

Think beautiful ceremonies under a canopy of cedars; an intimate dinner in celebration on an elevated patio overlooking sparkling waters; an evening of romance in a firelight suite. These are all elements of a perfect day, just the way it should be memorable.

The Burleigh Falls Inn offers a host of intimate wedding packages for 2 to 25 people, with emphasis on those special details – inclusive packages so all the little needs are looked after.

As we turn the page on 2020, continue to celebrate your love – we will help you find a way.

Burleigh Falls Inn, 705 654 3441 www.burleighfallsinn.com

Reenie enjoys capturing moments that few get to see, and when it comes to the engagement photo sessions, she told us “It allows the couple to feel comfortable together in front of the camera. It is also an exciting pre-wedding activity in a stress-free environment which shuts out the rest of the world and allows them to focus on their unique bond.”

Her favourite moment of any wedding is the time set aside for the couple to have photos taken of just the two of them. It allows them to take a moment together that isn’t rushed, when Reenie can get the raw emotion and spontaneity of two people embracing their shared love and the beginning of their life together.

Reenie has been known to go to extreme lengths to get the perfect shot; it is not unusual for her to climb, get on the ground or squeeze into a small space to capture a different perspective.

Located in the Kawartha Lakes, Reenie Brydon Photography provides reliable, affordable and professional photography services.

You will find wedding packages to best suit your needs, and Reenie will work with you to ensure your engagement session and wedding day is everything you dreamed of, and more.

Find her online at reeniebrydonphotography.com or email directly at reenie@reeniebrydonphotography.com and let Reenie capture your special moment.

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Winter 2021 ~ Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine

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Intimate Gatherings Call for Wine 2020 weddings are one-of-a-kind in that couples are really rolling with limitations on how they can host guests and gatherings to celebrate their special day. We all think of wine on decorated tables for guests to enjoy when we think of wedding celebrations – and now is a perfect time to craft your own. Wine is a perfect personal touch when selecting the flavour palette for your intimate gathering; and it also makes the perfect take-home favour.

Since 1997, The Wine Shoppe on Park has been proudly serving Peterborough and area with expert winemaking services, highestquality grape juices and top-of-the-line equipment. As Peterborough’s favourite (and busiest) winemaking place, they are proud to say that they have helped their patrons produce almost 3 million bottles of wine!

With stringent COVID-19 protocols in place the Wine Shoppe offers a safe and accessible space to bottle your own brand. You can even order a batch of wine online from their convenient website!

The craft winemaking process is so simple!

Since 1994

With the help of the amazing staff at the Wine Shoppe you begin by selecting your wine from a list of 200+ selections; sprinkle the yeast to start the fermentation, and then leave it with their expertly-trained staff, who take it through its fermentation processes.

When you return in 4-8 weeks to bottle your wine, they have great user-friendly bottling stations and offer guidance from their knowledgeable and friendly staff. Don’t forget; your wine will then need to age.

Different sections (red or white) will need varying times, so order early as some wines need 2-3 months to mature.

Another great option for weddings is offering your guests the most adorable half bottles as favours. Personalise each bottle with custom labels and choose from a rainbow of coloured shrink caps; this individual touch will send home all the best memories of your special day with guests to enjoy later.

The staff at the Wine Shoppe know how much time and planning goes into preparing for a wedding. Remember, the earlier you make your wine the more time it will have

allowing the flavours to fully develop, so the wait will definitely be worth it!

They want to help alleviate some of the stress by assisting you in choosing and making wines to please everyone on your special day. Call today to make your consultation appointment and start the crafting process this winter for your summer wedding!

The Wine Shoppe on Park 392 Brock Street, Peterborough, 705 749 9463 info@wineshoppeonpark.ca www.wineshoppeonpark.ca

Weddings ~ Winter 2021

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Mad for

Garlic Many years ago, I lived in Seoul, South Korea working as an English teacher. Understandably, I would miss the taste of home and would occasionally frequent a restaurant named Mad for Garlic, which specialized in western cuisine. All these years later, the name of this restaurant still stays with me, as it perfectly encapsulates how I feel about this underutilized, yet profound herb.

Beneath the layers of pungency and heat, you will find an herb from which almost every person on the planet can derive benefits. As with other members of the Allium family, garlic is a broad spectrum anti-microbial, fighting against viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa. Combine this with its powerful decongestant and expectorant properties, you have a steadfast winter ally.

If the remarkable list of anti-microbial properties has not won you over, perhaps its ability to support cardiovascular health will! Garlic supports the heart muscle, helps to lower blood pressure and lipid levels and improves the tone of the entire cardiovascular system.

In addition to all of this, garlic also boasts impressive antiinflammatory, digestive, anti-spasmodic and even anti-cancer properties.

Garlic is the perfect crop for new gardeners, those with small spaces and folks who frequent their cottage in the summer months. Planted in the fall and quite literally forgotten about all winter long, garlic requires very little work other than harvesting the scapes and the bulbs later in the summer. So little work with such an impressive outcome is surely worth the investment!

Correne Omland, Clinical Western Herbalist Spiraea Herbal Clinic + Apothecary spiraeaherbs.ca facebook.com/spiraeaherbs youtube.com/spiraeaherbs instagram.com/spiraeaherbs

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Weekend at the Cottage

Recipes

THE PERFECT OMELETTE Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • •

¼ cup asparagus, chopped 1 shallot, diced 1 teaspoon butter salt and pepper to taste 3 eggs, room temperature 1 tablespoon water pinch of white pepper 1 tablespoon butter ¼ cup goat’s milk cheese sprinkle of kosher salt freshly chopped herbs

Instructions 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Crack the eggs in a medium-sized bowl. Add the water and a pinch of white pepper. Whisk vigorously to blend thoroughly.

Melt 1 teaspoon of butter in a medium-sized skillet heated on medium-high heat. Add shallot, cook for 1 minute or until soft.

Add asparagus and season with salt and pepper. Cook until asparagus is slightly soft. Transfer to a small bowl.

Return skillet to stovetop. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and melt. Just before the butter browns, add eggs. Using a spatula, move eggs in skillet gently. As the eggs set around the edge, push cooked portions toward centre of skillet and push uncooked egg towards the edge. When the eggs are almost set, turn heat off.

Add the cooked asparagus onto one half of the eggs, to the edge. Add goat’s cheese in a similar fashion.

Using spatula, fold the unfilled side of the omelette onto filled half. Tilting the skillet towards a plate, gently coax the seam of the omelette to the edge of the pan.

Holding the plate directly against the lip, slide the seam edge of the omelette onto the plate and flip the rolled edge of the omelette over top so that the seam is on the underside.

Sprinkle with kosher salt and fresh herbs. Serve immediately.

EASY HOMEMADE TOMATO SOUP Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • •

1 cup butter, unsalted 2 Vidalia onions, chopped 1 carrot, peeled and chopped 1 yellow beet, peeled and chopped 1½ teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon celery salt ½ teaspoon dried oregano ¼ cup flour 1 cup vegetable broth 3 28oz. cans San Marzano tomatoes ¼ cup half and half cream

Instructions 1. Melt butter in a medium-sized soup pot on medium heat. Add chopped onions. Stir, cover and continue to cook for 10 minutes. Add chopped beet and carrot,

cover and allow to cook for another 10 minutes.

2. Add seasoning and stir. Sprinkle in flour and stir, having the flour to soak up the liquid and coat the vegetables. Add the vegetable broth, stir and allow to

thicken. Add the tomatoes, cover, reduce to low and simmer for 20 minutes.

3. Remove pot from stove. Use an immersion blender to carefully purée the soup. If using a standard blender, purée in small batches, and be sure to remove the

central cap so the hot soup doesn’t burst out of the blender. Stir in half and half cream and serve immediately. www.weekendatthecottage.com

Since 1994

Recipes ~ Winter 2021

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The Lindsay Chamber looks forward to 2021 The Lindsay + District Chamber of Commerce is excited for what 2021 will look like.

We have been very busy during these past months, working from home and keeping our members apprised of the government aid and supports. We have been working closely with the Ontario and Canadian Chambers of Commerce to advocate for our members as well.

Resolve to Choose Local!

Another holiday season has come and gone; another (crazy) year has passed. A lot of plans in 2020 had to be cancelled or reimagined. Here’s hoping 2021 sees much less of that. No matter the year, the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is here to support our local businesses. It is the core of what we do, and we will continue to do so any way we can.

We encourage the community to Choose Local! Winter can be a tough time for business at the best of times so this winter will be even more challenging. To ensure our local businesses survive, be certain to maintain your support of them so come spring they can still provide jobs for your family and friends, support community initiatives, sponsor youth activities, contribute to a vibrant community and stimulate a healthy economy.

There are countless ways for consumers to Choose Local! When shopping online there are many local options making it safe and easy to support them. Many restaurants have pivoted this year and now offer curbside pickup or delivery. What’s better than a delicious meal you didn’t have to make yourself? Just visit KawarthaChamber.ca for a link to local online shopping options and restaurants offering delivery, curbside and/or takeout. With vacation plans postponed or cancelled, you can have a great escape at local accommodation providers and stay safe in your own region while ‘getting away’! We also suggest seeking out small town, rural businesses – those off the beaten path are often hidden gems. The Kawartha Chamber is a great resource for finding local businesses and services, don’t hesitate to contact us for referrals!

We have introduced our new E Learning Portal; our Online Training Centre provides both Chamber members and nonmembers with immediate access to high-quality, affordable training, designed to support safe, respectful workplaces.

Chamber members receive a 25% discount on all training courses.

Also, we have our new LDCC Recruitment Portal, a single solution for connecting your business to growth opportunities and talent. Explore funding opportunities, including grants and subsidies, to grow your business. Grow through better access to trade, export and procurement opportunities.

We have partnered with Get Ready Global. Get Ready is a leading disaster-resilience organization, founded by emergency managers, police, fire, critical care and public health experts providing emergency management, EOC operations, business continuity and pandemic planning to organizations and hospitals for over twelve years. They have developed an app for contactless check in for businesses, we are hoping to see some of our members take advantage of this.

We are hoping these initiatives will help our members to grow their business, and aid them during COVID 19, as we know there will still be guidelines in place in the coming year.

There are so many new things going on in the LDCC, please check our website: lindsaychamber.com for more information. Call us or email info@lindsaychamber.com to discuss how we can assist you and your business.

To encourage local buying we will also be launching a Choose Local! Contest. Watch our social media (@KawarthaChamber) for details! We will have great prizes and a fun way to support local this winter.

Make Choose Local! your 2021 resolution!

The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism proudly serves members in Curve Lake, Douro-Dummer, North Kawartha, Selwyn, and Trent Lakes.

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The PRHC

Mombassadors The Peterborough Regional Health Centre is a central building in our community. We drive by it frequently, there are signs all over the city pointing in the direction of its location.

It is a building that each one of us needs to be in the best possible condition every. single. day. More often than not, people do not make plans to use the hospital. It just happens. Our lives can turn on a dime and we can find ourselves at 1 Hospital Drive.

Making sure members of our community have access to world-class equipment when they need it most is a passion that was "born" when my daughter Ava arrived in the world, all 5 pounds and 2 ounces of her. She needed the support of a radiant warming bed for the first week of her life. I didn't realize at the time, but much of the equipment at PRHC, like the very bed Ava was in, was funded by community donations.

In 2018, when I was invited to join a group of 20 incredible women with similar experiences in the NICU, I jumped at the opportunity. We called ourselves The PRHC Foundation Mombassadors.

As the Chair, I feel honoured to lead this amazing group of women who share this passion with me. I am often amazed at their dedication, talents and willingness to volunteer their unique gifts and their precious time. It has been quite humbling to watch the PRHC Foundation Mombassadors snowball from our inaugural event to a year-round, full-fledged advocacy group. We run small pop-up events throughout the year, we have merchandise and host our marquee event, “Girls Night Out” just before Mother’s Day.

2020 brought difficult challenges, leaving us with the difficult decision to cancel our events. You can imagine our surprise, delight and gratitude that so many of our sponsors decided to continue their support and we were able to raise just over fifty thousand

Since 1994

dollars in this difficult season. We cannot be more proud of our community.

Since our inauguration just three short years ago, we have raised a whopping two hundred thousand dollars. We have purchased a wireless fetal heart monitor, radiant warming beds, UV Jaundice Treatment Lamp and a ventilator.

These pieces of life-saving equipment have already saved hundreds of babies and put countless parents at ease. We are proud to tell you that the women of the Mombassadors have made it possible for twins to stay in Peterborough instead of being separated and so that local families don't have to incur the stress and cost of travel to Toronto. Through our work and with the help of this amazing community, Doctors and parents don’t have to make the decision which twin gets to use the ventilator because now we have two.

We have a community that came together to make these purchases possible and we are forever grateful. But we are not done yet. After the incredible accomplishment of raising two hundred thousand dollars for the PRHC Foundation, we will take applications in 2021 for a possible new partnership.

Stay tuned for our call for charitable organizations to pitch to our group.

Follow us on social media: Instagram: @prhcmombassadors, Facebook: PRHC Foundation Mombassadors, #myhospitalmybaby

We are proud to tell you that the radiant warming bed we helped to fund allows fragile newborn babies to be monitored for light, temperature and noise. This new warming bed also allows the wonderful staff to work on the baby from all sides if the baby goes into distress.

Home & Cottage ~ Winter 2021 39

Ice Ornaments Spend time outside. Get some fresh air! That is always my goal when trying to create new things for my kids to do.

Recently all the Christmas and holiday decorations came down at our house, and after all the sparkles and bright lights things seemed a little drab. We decided to make some cute outdoor decorations for our front tree. Something wintery and festive that would still greet our guests. Ice ornaments - pretty and wintery!

First we tracked down some plastic containers, then filled them with little bits of nature. We trimmed the tips off our Christmas tree, added some cranberries I had hiding in the freezer, and some red sticks we found in our yard. (This is also a great excuse to go on a nature hunt to search for what you need.) Then fill the containers with water; the trick is to just cover with water the things you have put in your container. Then set them outside to freeze. I find preboiling the water then sitting to let cool before you use it leaves the ice it makes a lot clearer, without the white bits. Keep checking them; once they are half-frozen cut up a drinking straw into short lengths and then stick it into the slush, creating a space for a ribbon to go through once they are completely frozen.

Once frozen, pop out of the containers, string up with ribbon, and hang. They look lovely in the sunlight!

Emily Ireland

Snowman Wordfind

SNOWMAN ROLL SCARF PACK HAT

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Winter 2021 ~ Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine

CARROT BUTTONS FROSTY SNOW TOPHAT

BLIZZARD SNOWBALL BUILD MITTENS EARMUFFS

JOLLY FROZEN SMILE STICKS COAL

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Diamonds of Water - Beautiful Snow Crystals The Story of a Snowflake…It all began 1,000 years ago. A volcanic eruption in the Philippines sent up a cloud of dust and ash skyward 12 kilometers above lofty mountains... For many years one particle of ash tumbled around the sky buffeted by winds, mixing with the upper and lower atmosphere. On one December night, this small particle ended up in a part of the atmosphere that was super-cooled and stable… about -20 C. Moisture in the air gradually increased as winds blew warm ocean air upward over the mountains. A lone particle of ash bumped against molecules of water and a snow seed was born - a microscopic crystal so small even the world’s most powerful microscope would have trouble seeing it. One by one other molecules were pulled towards the growing crystal fusing and becoming larger. Within two hours, the snowflake had grown a thousand-fold, into a perfect hexagon. The snow crystal, now a snowflake, had become so heavy, it began to fall.

Slowly at first, and then gathering momentum, it danced towards the earth. Every layer of air it fell through had slightly different levels of moisture and temperature. And each layer sculpted the flake into an ever more complex and beautiful shape. I was walking with my two children in the first snowfall of the season, tongues outstretched to catch the tumbling crystals from above. One so delicately made, fell upon my daughter’s warm tongue and she smiled as it melted into the tiniest droplet of water, so soft it was almost never there.

single snowflake can be. And yet it is true, every snowflake is different; each flake is a beautifully wrought snow crystal – a diamond of frozen water - and we should take the time to admire its delicate and exquisite beauty.

(from The Big Book of Nature Activities: A YearRound Guide to Outdoor Learning, by Jacob Rodenburg and Drew Monkman)

By Jacob Rodenburg Executive Director, Camp Kawartha campkawartha.ca

With so much white around us on a snowy day, we seldom think about just how magical a

SNOWFLAKE CHART: from www.snowcrystals.com

A snowflake will form on the tiniest particle of dust. As the snowflake tumbles through the air, it forms a complex and beautiful snow crystal.

When first formed, a snowflake is likely to be a hexagonal prism looking like a honeycomb. As it grows larger, arms of crystal form at the corners of the crystal (always six sided) and they begin to take on ever more complex and stunning shapes, often starlike. However, they can also form as needles, plates, sheathes and columns (see below). A fully formed snowflake crystal is nothing short of magic!

SNOWFLAKES

By Sandra Liatsos

They shine like silver butterflies Drifting in the sun, As though they fly on crystal wings That winter cold has spun.

They catch and hold each soft sunbeam And then, without a sound, Turn into sparkling gossamer Before they touch the ground.

How to catch a snowflake: Find some black bristol board and several magnifying glasses.

You can get both at a dollar store. Cut the bristol board into squares about 10 inches by 10 inches. If you can, laminate these. On a day in which the temperature is about – 5 Celsius or about 23 degrees Fahrenheit and it is gently snowing with little wind, go outside. Make sure you have allowed your bristol board (snowflake catcher) time to cool so the snowflakes won’t melt. Catch snowflakes on your board as they fall. Study these through your magnifying glass. Can you find stellar crystals, hexagonal plates, needles or columns?

You can make your own anatomically correct snowflake HERE IS HOW: Using an upside-down glass to help you, cut out a round circle of paper. Fold this in half. Fold this in thirds. Careful, this is a tricky step for some people! You should have three equal sections (see diagram). Fold this section in half and begin cutting. Use the folded part as your spine. The more snowflakes you make, thea more delicate and beautiful your designs become. You need to be brave in your cutting. As long as one part of your spine stays together, you’ll have a whole snowflake. If you like, iron these between two layers of wax paper. Create a Snowflake Mobile or hang your creation on a Christmas Tree!

Since 1994

Kids Corner ~ Winter 2021

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