Fine Lifestyles Kingston Fall 2014 by Fine Lifestyles

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SHANNON TWEED AND DAUGHTER SOPHIE SHINE IN NEW REALITY TV SERIES DISCOVER BROCK STREET GENE SIMMONS ROCKS HIS WAY TO CANADA

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FineLifestyles

With Fine Lifestyles editor Katrina Geenevasen

www.finelifestyles.ca Fall 2014 Volume I, Issue IV

he beautiful autumn season is once again upon us. The kids are back in school, routine is established and we’re all bracing ourselves for the busy holiday season that is just around the corner. Throughout this issue, we embrace the changing of the seasons.

It may be getting colder, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your style; holiday parties mean elegant dresses and chic hairstyles. We spoke with a few experts to get you started on finding the perfect look for your big night out. Are you trying to find alternate ways to manage pain? Be sure to check out the second part of our three-part series on the vast world of alternative health. If you’re a fan of reality television, you’ll love our piece on Shannon Tweed and Sophie Tweed-Simmons, who are now starring in their own series. We also sat down with Shannon’s husband, rock ‘n’ roll legend Gene Simmons, who is opening a new restaurant franchise across the country. Aptly named Rock & Brews, the restaurant will feature affordable, high-quality American food. Our cover story features Cumberland Private Wealth Management Inc., a leading independent investment firm that recently opened its doors in the Limestone City. Providing discretionary investment management services for individuals, families and foundations with $500,000 or more in investable assets, this company is intensely committed to their clients’ best interests. So curl up beside that roaring fire with this latest issue of Fine Lifestyles Kingston; you never know what local treasures are waiting to be discovered throughout the following pages.

Katrina

KINGSTON

Editor Katrina Geenevasen katrinag@finelifestyles.ca Art Direction Amber Moon (Senior), Lisa Redden (Associate) Design Natasha Burkholder, Candace Haiko Staff Writers Courtney Tait, Henny Buffinga, Melanie Furlong, Rebecca Henderson, Tobie Hainstock, Tonya Lambert, Tori Stafford, Trina Annand Cover Photography Stephen Wild Photography Stephen Wild, Jen Fitzpatrick, Amanda Garreau, Matthew English, David Chang, Suzy Lamont Contributing Writers Ashliegh Gehl Associate Publisher Cathie Watson cathie@finelifestyles.ca 613.453.5697 Distribution & Subscriptions kellym@finelifestyles.ca

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Finelifestylesandfinehomesmagazineskingston @finemagkingston Fine Lifestyles Kingston is published by the Group of Fine Magazines Ltd. Fine Magazines is independently owned. Opinions expressed in Fine Magazines are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or advertisers. Fine Magazines does not assume liability for content.

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Jacqui Lysko jacquil@finelifestyles.ca 613.213.3145

Deborah Tindal deboraht@finelifestyles.ca 613.453.9424

“Eventually, your children gr I don’t know how that happe stuff doesn’t bother you. Yo and grow. I’m just glad to be

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Glitz

and Glamour: Achieving A PArty-Perfect Look By Katrina Geenevasen

With the changing of the season, invitations to glamorous parties may begin to arrive. Whether you’re attending a cocktail reception, charity gala or holiday party, Fine Lifestyles Kingston is here to help you master a look that is both effortlessly elegant and excitingly chic.

Dressing the Part

“Q

uality is essential to elegance,” says Janet Comis, owner of Leigha’s Designer Closet. “Good quality is not an extravagance; the effects are timeless.”

Do you favour a minimalist look? A simple gown with very little detailing will work just as well as one with an abundance of it, says Comis, so choose the amount you feel most comfortable wearing. If you opt for one that reflects your personal style, you’ll ensure comfort and confidence all evening long. When it comes to colour, black is always classic and sophisticated, says Christine Bratt, owner of Chris James. “Colour is moving forward, but it’s softer and more muted

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The key to gala makeup? Don’t overdo it. “Many people overdo their makeup when dressing up for an event,” says Barker. “A professional makeup artist will help you enhance your look and help to choose colours that will complement your outfit and your skin tone.” She also recommends bringing in a photo of your dress to help the makeup artist choose the right look for your gala event.

than in the past couple seasons, which make them easier to wear.” Metallics, she says, are always good and easy to accessorize, while green is still a focus, and blues and burgundys are generally good for everyone. However, be wary of tans and taupes. “These tend to be hard colours for people in North America; you have to really know how to pull off that monochromatic look well.”

Party-Perfect Makeup

What about shoes? Much like dresses, footwear should be stylish, elegant and formal. Depending on the style of dress, this may be your chance to add a little bling, says Comis, adding that heels are a “must” for galas. To top off the look, select a compact evening bag made of silk, satin, velvet or brocade that matches or complements the colours of the dress and footwear.

Fall colours range from bright jewel tones to shades that are neutral, soft and romantic. “Using bright shimmers, frosty metallics and flecks of glitter, a soft smoky eye, or neutral tones with soft lip colours are all trends we are seeing for fall 2014,” says Kristine Barker, business manager and owner of Perfetta Skin Therapy & Medi-Spa. Neutral tones, however, look great on everyone, she points out.

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“Gala makeup should always be glamorous, yet elegant,” says Amber Ferguson, esthetician and co-owner of Perfetta Skin Therapy and Medi-Spa. This season, she says, is a great opportunity to play with different looks. “Bold eyes and eyebrows and berry-coloured lips are in — just not in the same look,” she warns.

When it comes to your nails, bypass the typical French manicure, and instead opt for nude or muted shades of polish. “Add a little sparkle or shimmer for an extra touch of glamour,” says Ferguson. “Strong colours should be kept to the eyes and lips this season.”

The Mane Event This year, it’s all about the simple, yet romantic updo. “Everything has more of a relaxed feel than the traditional updos that have happened in the past,” explains Lindsay Goodbody, stylist with Diva Salon and Day Spa. “This is a style that all women can wear for any occasion.” And don’t fall victim to hair that does not hold its style, warns Cynthia Donahue, also a stylist at Diva Salon and Day Spa. She says while many clients want to sport a look that features lose curls, it’s important to style the curls tighter because they will relax throughout the evening.

Beauty Comes From Within Whatever look you opt for, the most important thing to remember is to have fun and be yourself, says Bratt. “A lot of times, we get caught up in what the event is, and what others will be wearing. I find it’s a time to put a little spin on it in your own way, so you have that little hidden smirk. Wear sexy lingerie under your dress so it makes you feel super sexy; wear rubber boots under your ball gown to be a little “unhitched”; wear those heirloom earrings that you never have the opportunity to — they will all make you smile inside. Confidence is beauty. If you are comfortable, there is nothing that can outshine that. It allows your personal style to shine through, and you’ll glow.”

Getting Ready For a Big Night Out

Lou Petrie (L) & Marie-Claude Tetrault (R)

owners/operators

ECHO Hair Salon 334 Bagot St., Kingston 613.542.5069 echo@echohairstudio.com echohairstudio.com

I want to show off my shoulders. What’s the best way to wear my hair?

Wear your hair back – by sweeping your hair off your shoulders and away from your face, you’ll exude confidence and sexiness.

Your style should always suit your hair texture. If your unruly hair tends to frizz, wear it up for more control.

I have a short neck. How can I make it look longer?

I’m not sure where to get started on my look for this special night out. Do you have any suggestions?

Try selecting a dress with a deep neckline. You’ll visually lengthen your neck with this simple trick. How can I style my hair to make my large nose look smaller?

f you have a big night out coming up, you may be wondering where to start. Here are some industry tips to help you look your best for any special event this fall.

I want to look taller, what’s the best way to style my hair?

If you wear your hair above your shoulders, you’ll trick the eyes of everyone else in the room and you will look taller.

I have long hair that tends to frizz after a few hours. How can I deal with it?

Try wearing bangs and placing the volume in your cut or style directly in line with your nose and the back of your head. I want to brighten/shine up my hair. What treatments are available?

Have your stylist apply an all-over gloss and/or get a few strategically placed highlights. I want to accessorize my hair for my big night out. What are some of my options?

Bring your stylist some of your favourite clips and/or a few clip-in extensions.

Take advantage of complimentary consultations to help you find a unique, glamorous look you’ll be eager to rock on your big night. If you want to do it yourself, book ahead of the event for a blow-dry or updo lesson. Keep in mind, however, that most parties are long affairs; having your hair done professionally can secure it from inclement weather, fast dancing and late nights. Just bring your stylist a photo of what you are wearing — the garment’s neckline and shape can help your stylist determine what style to suggest. I need some inspiration. Do you have any ideas?

Take a look through current bridal magazines for some ideas. Just keep in mind that being loyal to your own sense of style can keep you from feeling conspicuous. If you never wear your hair up, don’t go there. You won’t feel like yourself.

FineLifestyles

Kingston

DISCOVER DESIGNER DRESSES IN A TUCKED-AWAY BOUTIQUE By Courtney Tait Photos Stephen Wild

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f you have a holiday party or gala event coming up this winter, chances are you will be searching for the perfect dress. While the allure of a designer gown is tempting, the selection available in Kingston can feel limiting, and the prices for a highend dress, both online and in larger centres such as Toronto, can deter even the most fashion-conscious from making a purchase. But what if you discovered a shop filled with designer dresses and other classic pieces, all priced at least 50 per cent lower than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price? At Leigha’s Designer Closet — a tucked-away boutique owned by proprietor Janet Comis — racks are filled with elegant pieces from such well-known brands as Badgley Mischka, Valentino, Gucci and Chanel. “My store has been referred to as‘New York style brought to Kingston,’” says Janet. “There is no need to travel to Toronto, Montreal or New York; it’s are here in Kingston at my boutique. What’s more, I offer incredible value, competitive prices and a high level of personal service in a relaxed and private setting!” Launched six years ago, Leigha’s Designer Closet is the product of Janet’s long-time love of fashion, and was created as a one-

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Clients can visit the boutique by simply booking their appointment via phone, email or website, and once arriving, enjoy a relaxing shopping experience with as much or as little assistance as they wish. Clients who choose to share their sizes and purpose of their shopping trip with Janet ahead of time can enhance their visit by having specific options available when they arrive. While the notion of a private appointment can raise concerns for some women, Janet says her boutique is no different than any other in that regard. “Other than being in my home and by appointment, it’s the same as any other retail establishment,” she says.

stop shop for women. Along with stunning cocktail wear, shoes, handbags and jewelry, Leigha’s features everything from jeans, tops and sweaters to suits and dress pants in sizes four to 24. Aside from the pre-loved Chanel and Louis Vuitton handbags, every item in the store is brand new, with an emphasis on classic, elegant designs. “One thing I have focused on with stocking the store is that I want to make sure it is unique from anything else in the area,” says Janet. “Quality is essential to elegance.”

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While Leigha’s clothing, accessories and prices set the boutique apart, there is another aspect central to its unique shopping experience. Leigha’s is open by appointment, with times arranged at the convenience of the client. The location? A 1,200-square-foot designated space in Janet’s home, with views of the Bateau Channel. Running the business out of her home, rather than leasing a separate space, allows for low overhead costs, enabling Janet to offer the competitive prices appreciated by her clientele.

Janet welcomes clients to bring friends or family along, and says people enjoy the quiet, relaxed atmosphere and old-fashioned customer service. While many women who visit Janet’s boutique focus on finding a gown or other piece of fine designer clothing for a specific event, Janet’s wide selection delights customers who often purchase other essential fashion items. Shopping with an entire store to yourself, rather than in a crowd of strangers, can make for a more enjoyable and calming experience. “I have ladies who visit the boutique after a stressful day at work,” says Janet. “It’s relaxing; there is music and refreshments and they de-stress while they are here.”

Though retail staff at most clothing stores is typically available to find sizes or offer opinions, getting professional one-onone service like the kind Janet offers is rare, unless you are paying a fee for it at a high-end department store. “I think it’s important people address their personal style, regardless of where they’re going — whether it’s work, a gala, or going out on a daily basis,” says Janet. From helping women find the colours they look best in to choosing items appropriate for specific events, Janet offers a personalized service that has garnered her a loyal clientele. “I have women visit that are going to a conference and will bring their itinerary,” she says. “We will use their itinerary as a guideline to choose items they will need on their trip, items that can be restyled and reused for several purposes while out of town. Women often comment on the personalized experience, and say they had no idea this was available in Kingston.” Client satisfaction is apparent in the many handwritten and emailed thank-you notes Janet receives, some of which include a photo from the wedding, graduation ceremony, or other event for which items were purchased. The classic styles available at Leigha’s Designer Closet make the store suitable for all ages, with past clients ranging from as young as a Gr. 8 graduate to women in their early 90s. A variety of styles, colours and lengths are available in the designer gown selection, from short, knee-length and tea length, to long formal gowns. With plans to renovate the store in 2015, Janet is currently holding a 50 per cent off sale on most items. Do you have a charity gala, holiday party or winter wedding to attend this season? Your ideal dress may be waiting for you at Leigha’s Designer Closet, one of Kingston’s best-kept secrets. Book your appointment for private or group shopping at your convenience. Models Alysha Mullin and Melanie Jones provided by Mode Elle Model & Talent Agency. Photos shot on location at The All Suites Whitney Manor in Kingston.

Leigha’s Designer Closet 613.530.7392 leighasdesignercloset@hotmail.com www.leighasdesignercloset.com

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Like Memories,

Diamonds are Forever By Rebecca Henderson

oss is one of the hardest facets of life. We let go of those we loved and lost, but we never let go in our hearts where their memories live and inspire us every day. We live on, sensing their presence in the most minor things we encounter, but what if there were a piece of them we could physically hold — like a piece of jewelry? With Heart in Diamond, there is. For Kingstonians Michael Tkautz and Regan Campbell, Heart In Diamond’s president and vice-president, the loss

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of their loved ones inspired a desire to create a piece of memorabilia to wear every day of the year. Campbell’s grandfather, Mike Regan, who owned and operated Regan Coach Lines and Tours, passed away in November 2013. When Campbell returned from university, he inherited his grandfather’s diamond ring. “To me, it’s a priceless family heirloom that I can always remember him by. When I was a kid, I remember seeing it as he washed his hands after a long day’s work. Now it’s

with me always and I want to provide this feeling to anyone who desires it.” Tkautz, who was in school for business, lost his father Manfred, a secondary school teacher at Q.E.C.V.I., to stage four cancer in February, 2013. “It was devastating,” he recalls. “It began in his lungs and eventually spread to his liver, spine and hip.” Classmates since Grade 3, the two friends decided to become Heart In Diamond distributors. “We really have a lot of passion for this business, and

we are grateful to be able to honour our loved ones in this progressive way,” says Tkautz. “This is why we wanted to be our first customers — we believe in the product and what it signifies; the beauty in the memory of a lost loved one and beauty in celebration of those that are still with us.” Heart in Diamond cultures these diamonds by using graphite derived from your personal carbon sample. Under strictly controlled conditions, they use temperatures exceeding 200c and over 60,000 atmospheres of pressure to grow your personal diamond. The diamonds can take two to three months to complete, which is the fastest turnaround time on the market. The personalized Heart In Diamond is a 100 per cent real diamond with exactly the same optical, physical and chemical properties as earth-grown diamonds.

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L-R Mike Regan and Michael Tkautz (Photo by Amanda Garreau)

The same four characteristics also apply when grading its diamonds like colour, clarity, cut and carat. Each diamond is created in the vision of the one who wear it — from the colour and cut to the meaning — and linked to your loved one at its very core. “Diamonds are indestructible — like the memories we preserve of our family,” says Tkautz. “It’s a way to cherish the person you lost and be able to feel their presence by looking down at your hand. Losing someone you cared about deeply is a sensitive subject. We always place ourselves in the client’s shoes.” In terms of colour, says Campbell, some choose the colour of their loved one’s eyes, other choose it based on their favorite colour. Each colour represents a different meaning at Heart In Diamond. Red is the warmest of colours, representing prosperity and joy. It symbolizes a passionate love between you and whom you wear it for. Orange is the colour of healing and vitality — a colour meant to reflect the process of moving on and making your heart whole again. Green symbolizes nature, fertility and life. Blue, the coolest colour, represents the sky, ocean and inspiration. White is kindness, ruled by the moon and a symbol of protection for whenever there is darkness present. A colour is a reflection of the one you love, and it should radiate aspects of that person’s personality and character. However, it can also be of your choosing, whether it was a moment you cherished or simply a hue you want to remember them by. When you receive your personal Heart In Diamond, it will have gone through a strict quality control and grading process, and contain an authenticity certificate containing all the details regarding your diamond. The entire process is also carefully tracked and the customer can access this tracking system at any time to see at which stage in the process their diamond is currently in. This is to ensure that the diamond

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can also symbolize birth, celebration, special events and pets. “With these diamonds, it’s a gift that can’t be recreated,” says Campbell. The jewelry is not limited to rings; the diamonds can be set into earrings and pendants, as well. Every diamond can also come in three different cuts — brilliant, which is a circular shape; princess, which is a square shape; and radiant, which is a rectangular shape with curved corners.

you receive is of the calibre you expect it to be. It’s also an aspect that Campbell and Tkautz take very seriously. “It’s critical to hold onto these pieces of life,” says Tkautz. “I’ve created one for my dad and granddad, so I can hold them close to me. It can be a family ring that’s passed down to my kids. For me, it’s also a reminder of why I’m in this business and why family is so important.” With Heart In Diamond, jewelry doesn’t necessarily have to symbolize loss. It

“It’s an extremely timeless and precious thing [to transform] a piece of your loved one into something that is tangible, with real beauty and value that can be passed down from generation to generation.” says Tkautz. Heart In Diamond was founded in 2005 and has since become a leading and world-renowned UK-based company. It employs scientists who continuously follow only the best and most reliable practices to create a diamond worthy of your loved one’s memory. For families looking into acquiring a Heart In Diamond, the director of business will sit down and talk about the company’s options to preserve a loved one’s memory

into a beautiful diamond. The director will then contact Campbell and Tkautz, Heart In Diamond distributors, to begin the preparations to create a one-of-a-kind diamond. “We respect the relationships funeral professionals build with their families, so we don’t get involved with the sales unless the customer requests it,” explains Campbell. “If someone is interested in the product, we are happy to provide the service for them. However, if there are any questions, the family can always call us for support or more information on our certified partners.”

Heart In Diamond Regan Campbell and Michael Tkautz Kingston 1.800.957.6605 info@heart-in-diamond.ca www.heart-in-diamond.ca

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Kimberley Appraisal: Providing Trusted

Appraisals for Your Jewellery Photos David Chang

lorence Kimberley first began in the jewellery industry in 1973 at Kingstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier jeweller, Kinnear dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Esterre. Starting as a sales associate, she began studying and earned her title as a certified gemologist appraiser. When Kinnear dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Esterre closed their doors in 2004, Florence decided to continue the tradition of

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quality and excellence in the Limestone City and began her own jewellery appraisal business. For the past 10 years, she has provided professional appraisals as a graduate gemologist at her downtown studio. The clientele at Kimberley Jewellery Appraisal not only includes the public,

but also financial institutions, probate attorneys and members of the insurance industry. There are many reasons why one would want an appraisal: for insurance replacement, probate, divorce, liquidation or estimates to replace lost items. Florence can assist you with all of these needs.

There are many reasons why one would want an appraisal: for insurance replacement, probate, divorce, liquidation or estimates to replace lost items. Florence can assist you with all of these needs. You can’t put a price on the sentimental value of your favourite ring, but having your pieces appraised can certainly bring you peace of mind. Often, sales slips do not include the pertinent information required to remake that special piece if it were ever lost. In the case of new pieces that are sold, a buyer likes an appraisal to verify all information is correct and complete. It is every jewellery owner’s worst nightmare to find his or her favourite ring or earring has been lost. While Florence is able to calculate the replacement value of

the piece based on a verbal description, having an appraisal means there’s no question as to the value or ownership of a piece. “If you have an appraisal, you can take it to a goldsmith and they’ll know how it was made, the sizes and quality of all the stones, and will have colour photographs to work from to replicate your jewellery,” Florence says. When it comes to older jewellery that has been handed down through the family, Florence says people are often unsure if what they have is costume or genuine. With a visit to her office, she will sort your items, check the claws and let you know what should be appraised and what is just sentimental as a family heirloom right on-site. An appraiser becomes necessary when dealing with estates that include jewellery, as they can quantify the value and ensure everything is divided evenly. “I like talking to people about their jewellery and often they’ll tell me a fantastic story about the piece. I’ll ask them if they’ve written it down. As we know, stories get lost over time. No matter the value, I always encourage people to wear and

enjoy their jewellery, as that is what jewellery is all about.” Recently, Kimberley Jewellery Appraisal has added the sale of vintage jewellery to their services — recycling at its finest. “I’ve always had an appreciation for estate jewellery,” says Florence. “It can be a beautiful Victorian piece or a more modern design, but each piece has a beauty and history all its own, in addition to an affordable price tag.”

Kimberley Jewellery Appraisal 303 Bagot Street Main Floor, Lasalle Mews Kingston 613.546.2261 florence@kimberleyappraisal.com www.kimberleyappraisal.com

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focuses on a few carefully selected pieces that will connect your wardrobe to the season ahead and help you transition effortlessly into fall.

glam to top off your outfit. It should be a piece that flatters your figure and in a fabric versatile enough it can flow through the seasons.

The key to transitional dressing is layering. Tanks, tops and cardigans all work double duty as you move through the day. Just remember to have no more than three levels of layering — otherwise, you risk having the outfit wear you. Add tights under your fun summer dress and layer on a cardigan. Wear your summer top with a great scarf you can use as a wrap if the temperature drops. Mix and match textures and patterns. If you are not sure how, we’ve got a pretty comprehensive guide on our website.

The second essential is a great scarf. I know I’ve said this before, but I love cashmere. It is timeless, versatile and a master of disguise. My favourite scarf is an oversized cashmere/silk blend (che sorpresa). It is thin enough to wear as a voluminous scarf, large enough to use as a wrap and neutral enough to go with any outfit. Scarves allow you to stretch your wardrobe. They add warmth and colour, and you should always have one stashed in your purse, car or office.

Right now, most of us still love our summer wardrobe of dresses, shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops. But soon enough we will find ourselves reaching for that cosy sweater. So, what’s a girl to do? There is a solution to this seasonal stalemate — it’s called transitional dressing. This type of dressing

Because I travel so much, I have two key pieces that I never go without. One of the most important pieces is the blazer. Depending on your life, you may need anything from a jean jacket to a tailored blazer. This is the piece you can pull off at work, or during an evening out over your jeans. The blazer can be your spring/fall coat, or the piece that adds a little bit of

DEFINING CONTEMPORARY STYLE

hen it comes to our clothing, it can be difficult to roll summer and fall into one wardrobe. We wake up in fall weather, but then find ourselves sweltering mid-day, only to finish the evening off with a chill.

There are a few key pieces you should have in your wardrobe to get you through this time of year. While you should have an eye on what is current, you also need to stay true to your own personal style and your wardrobe budget. After carefully assessing your closet, make a list of items you probably need to replace. This will help you stay focused and on task. Transition slowly, but confidently; it’s a long season ahead.

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Eyelash Extensions 101

Paula Foster owner/operator Diva Salon & Day Spa 336 Princess St., Kingston 613.544.4067 www.divasalonanddayspa.com

he practice of enhancing one’s eyelashes through curling and applying mascara is routine for most women. Occasionally, you may decide to apply some falsies, or maybe even add a few clusters you found in a drawer from that wedding you were in last summer. However, the popularity of lash extensions is on the rise, with many women reporting they now include lash extensions as part of their regular beauty regime.

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Lash extensions are designed to not only extend the length of your natural lashes, but also make them appear fuller/thicker and darker. Lashes come in many lengths, thicknesses, colours and textures — from synthetic to synthetic mink to real mink. Keep in mind though, as luxurious as mink may sound, synthetic lashes often hold their shape better and will not cause an allergic reaction. Not everyone is a good lash candidate. Extremely short or missing lashes are hard to correct. If you pick at your lashes, rub your eyes a lot, or aren’t committed to brushing your new lashes and cleaning them thoroughly every day, then lash extensions as a semi-permanent enhancement are not a good choice for you. However, that doesn’t mean getting a new set of beautiful lashes just for a special event is a bad idea. Just remember you need to return to the salon to have them removed if you don’t want to wait for them to grow out. The great thing about lash extensions is the customization — from soft and feathery, to bold and dramatic. Depending on the look you want to achieve, your lash stylist will apply anywhere from 40 to 100 lashes. Each individual lash is applied to each natural lash (never on the skin!) with a special bonding adhesive, hair-by-hair. However tedious this must sound, the results are amazingly natural

and produce long-lasting results. The process generally takes about two hours, sometimes less. The longevity of lash extensions really depend on three things: the overall quality of the lash adhesive, the lashes and the application method; how well the lashes are maintained in between visits; and your overall lash health and growth cycle. On average, lash extensions last from three weeks to six weeks, but we recommend every four weeks to book a “fill” service, where more lashes are applied to the areas that have shed off due to the natural growth process. As demand increases, some salons are jumping on the lash bandwagon, ordering glue from eBay and passing off drugstore brand lashes as professionally sourced extensions. There is a distinct protocol for lash extensions; if not followed carefully, this could put the client at risk. Be very wary of any lash stylist claiming they can do a full new set of individual lash extensions in half an hour, or cannot show they have been professionally trained/certified with industry-recognized lash systems. When it comes to lash extensions, you do get what you pay for.

Focus On Versatility, Function and Quality

Jim Adams Chris James 253 Ontario Street, Kingston 613.541.0707 www.ChrisJamesKingston.com

THE JACKET DECONSTRUCTED The sports jacket is just that: a jacket worn a little sportier. Today, it’s a softer, trimfitted jacket with a little less structure and padding. It features two — sometimes three — buttons, a herringbone or soft tweed pattern, and trim details under the collar or at the sleeve. A trendy inside lining is also common.

DEFINING CONTEMPORARY STYLE

eeling a little edgy when you approach your closet lately? The transition to each season definitely can be difficult. It’s hard to dress for the day not knowing what the weather will be like. In my previous columns, I spoke to a few basics: a great grey suit fitted in a modern, neater fashion, a classic navy blazer that offers both function and versatility, and how a sports jacket can amp up your everyday look.

It’s easily dressed up with dress shirt and tie. For a different look, add a merino wool sweater, vest or cardigan coordinated with a casual brushed-cotton pant, corduroys or even jeans — and you’ve taken that tweed jacket from the office to an elegant evening out.

stripe, banker’s stripe, gingham check and Tattersall check. To start building your wardrobe, get them all in blue. Most important of all, however, is the white shirt. With one of these, you can never go wrong. Whether these shirts are styled with a semi-spread or button-down collar (always appropriately fitted), each and every one of these basic shirts can be worn with your great grey suit, navy blazer or sports jacket with or without a tie.

Today’s tweeds are definitely finer and lighter, allowing wearability for most months throughout the year.

GET THE ADVANTAGE The Chris James “Wardrobe Development Program” embodies all these principles in a cleverly economic fashion, allowing our clients an edgy, yet enduring, modern sense of style.

THE BULLETPROOF SHIRT WARDROBE

Clothes speak.

Every man on the planet could simplify his life by owning the following shirts: a Bengal

What are yours saying today?

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The

VAST

WORLDof Alternative Health Part 2 of 3

BY SARAH VERMETTE

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not uncommon to find certain alternative therapies being offered in hospitals and conventional health programs, such as cancer clinics offering meditation and acupuncture, to help patients manage pain and side effects of treatment. In part two of this three-part series, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking at four alternative therapies that are often used as complementary approaches in conjunction with western medicine. Each of these can also be widely beneficial as stand alone therapies.

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Acupuncture Acupuncture began in China and has been used there for over 2,000 years. It is one of the oldest medical procedures in the world that is still being practiced. Though acupuncture has been used in North America for a few hundred years, it has only become popular in the past few decades. An acupuncturist inserts very thin needles through the skin at certain points on the body to help restore the flow of energy, called qi (pronounced chee). Sometimes the needles are connected to a small machine that emits electrical pulses through the tips. Qi, the vital energy (life force), flows through the body along a network of channels called meridians, and affects a person's spiritual, emotional, mental and physical health. Qi has two life forces, called yin and yang, which are opposite forces that work together to form a whole.

Biofeedback The word "biofeedback" was coined in the late 1960s to describe laboratory procedures then being used. Biofeedback is a technique in which people are trained to improve their health by using signals from their own bodies. Clinicians rely on machines that act as a kind of sixth sense, allowing patients to recognize activity inside their bodies. One commonly used type of machine picks up electrical signals in the muscles and translates these signals into a form, such as a flashing light, that the client and practitioner can detect. The practitioner then works with the patient until they learn how to adjust their internal responses. Clients can be taught relaxation exercises, learn how to identify what triggers their symptoms, and how to avoid or cope with stressful events. Biofeedback helps clients learn how to remedy some physical ailments and empowers them to take responsibility for maintaining their own health.

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Osteopathy Osteopathic philosophy embraces the notion that the body is naturally able to heal itself. The practitioner of traditional osteopathy works with the body to enhance this natural ability to self-regulate and self-heal. Palpation is a diagnostic skill that the practitioner uses to feel or sense the state of the tissues or systems being examined. This sense encompasses the many sensory aspects of touch, such as the ability to detect moisture, texture, temperature and subtle motion. With experience, practitioners learn to palpate not just superficially, but also very deeply within the body. The ability to detect a variety of compromised tissue qualities allows the practitioner to prioritize a patient's course of treatment. It is this sensing of the quality of the tissue, in combination with the position, mobility and vitality of the tissues, that allows the osteopathic practitioner to determine the tissues or systems that need immediate attention.

Reiki Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. Reiki treats the whole person, including body, emotions, mind and spirit, creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and well-being. It is administered by laying on hands, and is based on the idea that an unseen life force energy flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's life force energy is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy. Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.

Be sure to check the next issue for part three of this series, where we will discuss alternative therapies that treat a wide array of symptoms with the use of ingested or inhaled substances.

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Understanding Redox Signaling Products

Lizette Lacoursiere DNM RAc Sahaj Sinfield RN, RMT, DNM Let Go Natural Medicine Consultants 626B #11 Cataraqui Woods Drive, Kingston 613.634.9094 www.letgo.ca letgo@kingston.net

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY BODY AS I AGE? When we age, our bodies produce less and less Redox Signaling molecules in our cells. Cells that don’t get repaired show up in aging skin, memory loss, and the manifestation of disease. WHAT ARE REDOX SIGNALING MOLECULES*? Redox Signaling molecules are created and stabilized outside the human body through a patented Redox technology. The only other source for these molecules are those created within every cell of the

body. These signaling molecules have two specific functions. One is to provide communication between cells, so when there is damage they are either repaired or replaced. The second function is to ‘turn on’ cellular antioxidants and increase their production by 500 per cent. RSM is foundational to cellular health and without them we couldn’t survive longer than a few minutes. ASEA is the world’s first and only RSM product. It’s a unique dietary supplement that’s ‘native’ to the body. This is different from other ‘natural’ products such as vitamins or juices that can be toxic with high consumption. Because ASEA is native to the body and exists in every cell, it has zero toxicity. As we drink ASEA, we are enhancing the body’s ability to heal itself. HOW CAN THIS PRODUCT COUNTERACT THE AGING PROCESS? In younger people, cells repair and replace themselves quickly because they have an abundance of these signaling molecules. That’s why we see small children heal quickly. But as we age, we produce less of these molecules. To counteract aging, we can supplement with ASEA and help create more efficiency within the cells of the body just like when we were younger. CAN IT I M P R OV E MY COMPLEXION?Yes, the same technology found in ASEA can be found

in RENU 28. RENU 28 is a gel that is four times the concentration of the liquid ASEA and when applied topically penetrates five layers deep. Because skin is the fastest healing organ, we can see rapid results and its regeneration within each 28-day cycle. In clinical testing the results were: 23 per cent overall improvement of wrinkles, 22 per cent improvement of skin texture, 20 per cent improvement of skin elasticity and 11 per cent improvement in skin moisture. You can even see its effectiveness when used on other kinds of damage to the skin like cuts and bruises. HAVE THESE PRODUCTS BEEN TESTED? ASEA has been tested for safety and proven to have zero toxicity. RENU 28 was also tested in Germany by Dermatest, a world-leading dermatological institute and gave RENU 28 its coveted five-star clinically tested seal. WHERE CAN I BUY REDOX SIGNALING PRODUCTS? Call Let Go Natural Medicine Consultants at 613.634.9094 for more information or to purchase ASEA or RENU 28. You can also attend their RENU 28 information session on Oct. 20 at 626B #11 Cataraqui Woods Dr. Registration is required. **Redox potential controls the fate of every cellular organism — its survival, differentiation, aging and death.” Dr. A.S. Naidu

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Holistic Health for the Whole Family at

Let Go Natural Medicine Consultants By Melanie Furlong Photos Stephen Wild

or 17 years, Lizette Lacoursiere experienced a common breathing disorder and used pharmaceutical medication to alleviate her symptoms. She decided to experiment using various natural remedies and discovered Redox technology about five years ago. After using the sciencebased product for six months, her breathing issues were resolved. They continue to improve today, and four years later, Lacoursiere — now a natural health practitioner and the co-owner of Let Go Natural Medicine Consultants — is still medication-free.

“That was big for me,” says Lacoursiere. “But Redox technology is not just for lungs. It can be used to repair and replace damaged cells anywhere in the body — skin, gut, heart, kidney, brain, etc. It also activates cellular antioxidants by 500 per cent, thereby allowing the body to heal itself.” Lacoursiere and her partner, Sahaj Sinfield, have been practicing natural medicine in Kingston for 21 years and have been in their Cataraqui Woods Drive location for nearly two years. “Our focus was to create a centre where people could receive holistic modalities that would enhance their lives, longevity, ABOVE Lizette Lacoursiere and Sahaj Sinfield

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knowledge of their bodies and ways to intervene they may not have known about prior to coming to Let Go,” says Sinfield, a registered nurse, registered massage therapist and integrated positional therapist. “Redox technology ties in with our philosophy of self-responsibility for health from a preventative perspective.” Lacoursiere, who specializes in acupuncture, nutritional counselling, oxidative stress testing and quantum biofeedback, says many of her clients come to her to find out where they are on the continuum of health. “Our clients tend to be well-educated, self-motivated, lifelong learners and want to be a partner in their healthcare,” says Lacoursiere. “We teach and empower our clients to do what they need to do for themselves. We use modalities that create independence as opposed to dependence.” Improving a person’s quality of health may require lifestyle changes, supplementation or acupuncture to balance their body systems. If a person is challenged with chronic pain, integrated positional therapy can be very helpful. Sinfield assesses, treats and teaches clients how to be aware of how their day-to-day body positioning impacts their condition. “Through specific exercises, they learn how to alleviate the pain they’ve been dealing with for years, and be pro-active rather than reactive,” says Sinfield. “It’s very simple, effective, and easy to incorporate into your life. People are getting great results with it.” Their practice includes entire families — from young children to grandparents. “When families work together, great results can happen,” says Sinfield. If you’re interested in learning more about how you and your family can take advantage of Let Go’s natural health expertise, contact them at 613.634.9094. Let Go Natural Medicine Consultants 626B #11 Cataraqui Woods Drive Kingston 613.634.9094 www.letgo.ca letgo@kingston.net

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A Holistic Approach to Well-Being

Acupuncture • Acupressure • Massage Therapy • Hot Stone Massage • Reflexology • Far Infrared Sauna

Wellington Acupuncture & Massage wellingtonacupunctureandmassage.com

242 Wellington Street 613.541.0321 info@wellingtonacupunctureandmassage.com

wellington Acupuncture FLK Fall 2014.indd 1

Come here to get there

153 613.531.8731 || wellingtonfx.com 153 Wellington Wellington St. St. Kingston Kingston || 613.531.8731 wellingtonfx.com

14-09-02 5:07 PM

Your Total Comfort Dedicated to helping breast cancer survivors reclaim a positive body image and restore confidence. Bea`s Mastectomy Boutique is conveniently located in All Hair Alternatives Studio, providing one-stop shopping for persons living with cancer. Products and services include prosthesis fittings, bras, lingerie, swimwear, post-surgical camisoles and post surgery options, all in the comfort of your private fitting room.

613.547.3262 1334 PRINCESS ST KINGSTON, ON

Your Style is Our Business Welcome to our studio for hair styling and hair replacement. Personalized services for men, women and children includes hairstyling, hair pieces, hair extensions, hair additions, such as ponytails and falls, ready-made or fully custom-designed human or synthetic hair wigs and hair systems. Head coverings, such as turbans, hats and scarves in a range of styles and colours are available.

613.536.0180 aha-studio.com

1.888.331.9928

The Value of Retreat

Carly Stong owner Life Yoga 235 Gore Road (The Rideau Town Centre)

4 Cataraqui Street (The Woolen Mill)

613.546.5100 carly@thisisyourlifeyoga.com www.thisisyourlifeyoga.com

his past month has been one of the busiest of my entire life as I prepared to open a second Life Yoga location while running on less and less sleep. This was not the week to check out, but I had already booked myself for four days off the grid at Northern Edge Algonquin, a retreat centre six hours away. Life Yoga is planning a retreat to this space in November, so part of my planning process included visiting the centre in order to get a better sense of

the surroundings, the protocol, the staff and the facilities.

woman is unaccustomed to the sound of silence and her own spirit whispering to her.

Leading up to my departure, I was caught up in a flurry of planning, coordination and productivity. Once I was on site in Algonquin, being nourished by organic and locally-raised food, inspired by handcrafted surroundings designed in harmony with nature, and completely cut off from email and phone, I realized just how rundown I was.

While it may be difficult to organize initially, undergoing a period of spiritual incubation will have untold benefits to you and all those that surround you. You will receive a new perspective on your life and the spiritual strength to make difficult decisions upon your return. The whole world benefits from your time away.

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think we have the language to adequately express how much sensory stimulation we are exposed to. With marketing campaigns designed to infiltrate our consciousness and so many competing forces clamouring for our attention, we are bathed in an information soup that we are ill equipped to constantly handle. Is it any wonder why we have difficulty connecting deeply with ourselves and others, being alone, or even being still and quiet? Retreating this weekend taught me the power that comes from time away spent in quiet reflection; time away to concentrate on those things that you know are so important and time away to connect with your deeper self. Bombarded with sound, the modern

Following this retreat, I feel more empowered to come back to my day-today life. I see this retreat, not as a way to escape from the realities and challenges of life, but as a momentary time away to seek a path of discernment â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to find meaning and guidance to live everyday more fully. The magnificence of this special place is not from running away from the reality of the world, but learning to master life in balance. Northern Edge Algonquin is, for me, a place to connect or reconnect with the spirit that guides me everyday as I live authentically. Retreats like this empower the participant to remember her purpose in life. It can be a way of renewal when the path is hard, to refresh the soul and to renew commitment to a goal.

ABOVE Northern Edge Algonquin

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Kingstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first sports medicine stor e Supporting Client s Since 1993

ABOVE: Vicki Campbell, owner and certified fitter (middle) with certified fitters Kim Compton and Rebekah Spafford.

Specializing in orthopedic appliances & sports medicine products Fitting specialists with over 38 years of combined, professional fitting experience With a full line of sports medicine products and friendly, qualified staff to assist you, we offer a large selection and clear understanding of the support clients are wearing and certainly a proper fit to receive the maximum benefit. With our extensive knowledge and years of experience in the sports medicine field, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve come to be one of the most trusted authorities in helping athletes get back to their sport or activities. We provide custom supports through professional, one-on-one consultations so we can target and treat your unique ache or pain.

Health Supports & Fitting Services Ltd. 328 Queen St., Kingston 613.545.9767 healthsupports.ca

Battling the Depths of Depression

the doctor as a teen with my symptoms, which included thoughts of suicide, I was told, “You are depressed” and was handed a sample package of anti-depressants and a prescription. “Is that it?” I asked. “Yes,” my doctor replied.

Cheryl Hiebert Certified Wellness & Personal Growth Coach Sacred Journeys 654 Barnsley Cres., Kingston 613.634.8220 www.cherylhiebert.com www.sacred-journeys.ca

Medication, as it turned out, didn’t work for me. During my search for the answer, I read books, saw early herbalists and homeopaths (hard to find in those days), went for Reiki sessions and hired a counselor. During this search, I found my calling in life. In the end, the depression, anxiety, etc., was a true gift. I had found a way to help others like me heal. With one third of people experiencing depression or anxiety at some point in their lives, it is an epidemic. Many see it as a weakness. However, it is often caused by trying to be strong for so long.

he death of Robin Williams shocked the world. We all wondered how such a brilliant and successful man could end his life this way. It scared a lot of us who have suffered with the debilitating disease of depression. I can relate to Robin. My journey to wellness — and my eventual career as a coach — began with healing myself from depression. Depression is a multi-layered disease with no easy answers. When I went to

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With my work, we talk and work things through. Here are a few ways a good coach will assist you: • Help you change the way you look at things. It’s like looking through a different lens with fresh new eyes. • Authentically believe in you. This activates your brain to create a state of mind that transcends your usual way of thinking, and positively affects your life in all areas, so you feel motivated to grow, heal and change.

• Seek to understand your story, but gently move you away from it so you can move forward. Each time someone repeats the same story, it literally reinjures them again and again. Like playing a record over and over again, you can stay stuck there. A good coach will help you choose a new song. • Help you move toward change. We tend to resist change, but it is constant and inevitable. Here’s why: we develop neural pathways each time we repeat a thought, word or action. It takes time to create new neural pathways that show up as change. • Help you recognize small changes as big ones. Small changes lead to big changes. Small, incremental steps help you feel successful and continue to move forward. • Help you understand where you are going. They have a plan with goals, intentions and an array of tools to help you get there. • Assist you in creating your own answers. It is far more powerful than trying to tell you what is best. • Help you discover what it is you want, need or desire in your life. They will help you believe it is possible. You can then simply move forward with the end in mind, knowing you are not alone.

Are you

stressed, depressed or in chronic pain?

Are you

seeking balance, or a change in career?

Are you

ready to live & lead as your authentic self?

1 2 3

Certified Wellness & Personal Growth Coach, Speaker, Trainer, and Author 613.634.8220 | info@CherylHiebert.com | www.CherylHiebert.com

Back to school? Say “Eye”

Nathaniel Della Vedova, O.D. Kingston Optometry 11–2395 Princess Street, Kingston 613.767.5996 kingstonoptometry.ca | | |

utumn is one of my favourite seasons. The days remain warm and sunny and the nights are cool and crisp for sound sleeping. You can still tend to the barbecue and enjoy driving amid the kaleidoscope of coloured leaves. If you’re anything like me, you’re wound up for the return of football. Go Gaels! For those with children, it’s also the advent of the always hectic ‘Back to School’ season. Parents want their children fully prepared to learn at their best. Countless time and money is spent in retail stores to equip

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children with the tools they need to get a great start to the new academic year. While the hottest new computer may be buzzworthy, the greatest learning tool our children have is their vision. Did you know 80 per cent of our learning occurs visually? Did you know less than 15 per cent of kids have eye exams before they start school? This latter stat boggles my brain. Deficiencies in visual acuity or in the efficiency of our visual system can affect learning potential and classroom behaviour. Our eyes not only need to see well, but work well together to perform at their best. In many cases, learning disabilities and behavioural issues are merely visual problems that have gone unidentified. Children may report issues with their vision once they’ve returned to the books or the computer, but many do not. Symptoms such as eye strain, headaches or difficulty focusing may present themselves, but sometimes

visual issues are less obvious. Be on the lookout for signs such as eye rubbing, lack of attentiveness or poor reading skills. Would you like to know the best way to ensure your children are learning at their best? It’s easy and it’s free. Get them to annual eye exams done by a Doctor of Optometry. Due to their importance on childhood health and development, these exams are covered through OHIP. Many schools offer vision screenings, but it’s important for parents to know they do not replace the need for annual eye exams. Their results are often inaccurate and omit major components of a true eye exam, such as an ocular health evaluation. Would you like more information? YouTube the video, “20/20 Isn’t Everything – A Child’s Vision is critical to learning”. It highlights visual deficits and learning in the classroom wonderfully. I recommend it for all teachers and parents.

Helping Your Dog Maintain a Healthy Weight

their weight is more than 30 per cent above the ideal. Studies indicate one in three dogs seen by veterinarians are overweight. So why do some dogs have a weight problem?

Dr. Tim Keller Veterinarian Cataraqui Pet Hospital 1183 Midland Ave., Kingston Located in Cataraqui Pet Centre 613.384.0986 www.cataraquipethospital.ca

ust as with their human counterparts, obesity in dogs is on the rise. Being overweight can cause a number of other problems and is the underlying reason for many visits to the veterinarian. Dogs are considered overweight when their weight is more than 15 per cent above what it should be, and obese when

NUTRITION Nutrition, of course, plays a big role. The number of meals and treats given, and whether the dog is fed table scraps can contribute to weight gain. Interestingly, a study showed obese dogs were more likely to be fed a higher volume of cheaper brand foods than premium brands. Commercial foods high in carbohydrates are a less expensive way to meet caloric needs, but do not provide optimal nutrition. Oftentimes, well-meaning pet owners follow the suggested guidelines on the package according to the dog’s current (possibly excessive) weight, rather than the weight they should be. AGE Age is also a factor that can contribute to weight gain. Just as when we age, dogs lose lean body mass, which reduces their caloric needs — particularly when activity levels decrease, as well. If you continue to feed your dog the same amount as he ages, he will gain weight because his energy needs are not what they once were. NEUTERING Following neutering, sex hormones are reduced, which in turn can

slow metabolism and affect the brain’s ability to determine when the dog is full. However, you can prevent post-surgical pudginess. Food consumption can increase in dogs that are allowed to graze freely. In general, the amount you feed your dog should be decreased by about 20 per cent. RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY The potential consequences of obesity in dogs are significant and can include a decrease in longevity, increased likelihood of developing osteoarthritis, an inability to tolerate exercise or heat, increased dangers when undergoing anesthesia, diabetes, hypothyroidism, urinary incontinence and an increased chance of developing cancer. As much as your dog tries to convince you he is starving, it is very important to maintain a healthy weight. Enlist the help of your veterinarian if the pounds are stubbornly refusing to come off. Prevention is the best medicine. If your dog is currently at a healthy weight, do your best to maintain that. Pounds can creep on slowly and one day you realize your dog is “fluffier” than he should be. Dr. Keller has been providing experienced, skilled and compassionate care for companion animals in Kingston since 1985.

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THE SPIN DOCTOR

By Rebecca Henderson Photos Stephen Wild

ith a chic downtown studio, 25 of the latest Spinner® Blade spin bikes and a stateof-the-art sound system, Apex Indoor Cycling offers one of the best 45-minute full-service workouts in Kingston. “Everything we do here helps you to focus on why you’re here,” says owner Jeff Farmer. “We want you to leave your stress at the door and sweat on the floor.” Apex is Kingston’s first and only exclusive indoor cycling studio. For Farmer, it was a crossroads transition from his corporate job to running a specialized fitness facility in the Limestone City. Farmer’s wife is an avid runner and both of

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his daughters participate in sports. “I fell in love with spin a few years back and got addicted to the healthy, positive nature of the activity and the people who were involved in it,” says Farmer. “I wanted to create a place that people could come and reset their bodies and minds and get involved with a community of like-minded people. It has been life changing for me.” Apex Indoor Cycling is located in the old Smith Robinson building — a 200-year-old character building in the downtown core. Inside, Apex is reminiscent of a New York City sports facility with a comforting ambiance that’s perfect to relax in after a revitalizing workout.

Farmer says he wanted to create a totally different experience with Apex. First and foremost, he says, “It’s about Indoor cycling and doing it right with a focus on form, technique and Spinning®. Secondly, it’s about creating a community of people who enjoy healthy lifestyle activities.” Indoor cycling often has a reputation of being a grueling, high-intensity workout meant for race-bred cyclists only. “Not so,” assures Farmer. “The beauty of Spinning® is that it’s low impact on your joints and caters to a wide range of fitness levels and ages for both men and women. Our certified instructors will pace you through a challenging 45-minute

cardio session, but it’s your workout and the level of resistance and intensity are ultimately yours to choose.” Apex’s 45-minute classes are interval-based with approximately 70 per cent aerobic zone work and 30 per cent anaerobic work to develop endurance, sprint muscles and burn calories, explains Farmer. Apex also provides cycling shoes, which clip into the pedals, giving clients the workout benefits of a more efficient power pedal stroke. Furthermore, all spin classes are done in low lighting so members can focus on their mind/body reset, and personal workout.

At Apex, the first ride is complimentary. There are 25 classes a week, with four to five classes a day from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays at 9 a.m., Apex Indoor Cycling offers an introduction class for those new to Spinning®. “For the first 15 minutes, one of our certified instructors will walk you through basic bike set up, riding positions and proper pedal stroke,” says Farmer. “After that, you’ll go through a 30-minute moderately-paced session focusing on technique and rhythm. It’s a great way to work into higher intensity sessions.”

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One of Apex’s higher-intensity sessions includes Apex Core. It’s their signature ride, incorporating flats, climbs, sprints and intervals to bring you the most from your 45-minute class. Single drop in classes are available. Alternatively, class packages of 10 and 20-pack increments will allow you to visit as your schedule allows, and don’t expire for a year. For more frequent riders, one-month, six-month and 12-month unlimited memberships are also available at frequency-reduced rates. BOTTOM RIGHT Jeff and Pauline Farmer

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“Realizing peoples schedules are not all the same, we looked to provide options for everyone,” says Farmer. Apex uses a convenient online reservation system that ensures your bike is ready and waiting for you when you arrive. Register your profile, book your favourite class and show up. It’s that easy. Included in Apex’s rates is its full-service lounge with free Wi-Fi, water bottle re-fill service, complimentary fruit, coffee and tea, lemon/lime water and smart TV for presentations or casual television. Men and women’s change rooms include fullservice showers as well as towels and

assorted toiletry products available to help members start their day. All instructors at Apex are indoor cycling and CPR-certified and Farmer’s daughters as well as his wife help out in the facility. For more information on Apex’s rates, amenities, online reservation, class scheduling and special student and senior discounts, visit www.apexindoorcycling.com. Apex Indoor Cycling #104 27 Princess Street www.apexindoorcycling.com 613.766.7777 apexindoorcycling@gmail.com

ExpErt Advice Tackling Chronic Pain with Aquatic Therapy

LOGOTYPE

Joe Stilwell Kinesiologist and Owner Hydrathletics Aquatic Therapy and Sports Therapy 235â&#x20AC;&#x201D;1353 Midland Avenue Kingston jstilwell@hydrathletics.ca www.hydrathletics.ca A Q U AT I C T H E R A P Y

AND SPORTS TRAINING

! ! ! ! ! !

ne in five Canadians suffer from chronic pain, which can come in the form of joint pain, generalized muscle and nerve pain, or pain from a past or recent injury. Many people suffering from chronic pain go undiagnosed, and are therefore unable to understand why they are experiencing discomfort. People can also suffer from chronic pain without any injury or evidence of body damage. ÂŠ2012 TESS EDWARDS

Relaxation and exercise are both major factors in controlling chronic pain. But

when you are living with this condition, the level of pain can intensify to the point where relaxing and physical activity are almost impossible. Aquatic therapy helps people with chronic pain to not only move in ways they are unable to while on land, but the relief from the pain is therapeutic and allows the body to relax. At Hydrathletics, our therapy pool is kept at 92 degrees to increase these benefits. The warm water helps to relax muscles and joints and helps take the pressure off the body, allowing free range of motion. With decreased weight on the body, pain can be diminished. When this happens,

exercise is now possible. When in the water, body weight can decrease by as much as 80 per cent, which allows people to exercise without pain. Exercise also helps to release endorphins, which can help to reduce pain and heal the body. In many cases, a therapy session in the water is the one hour out of the entire day when our clients do not experience pain. This has an incredible effect on both their physical and mental health. If you are suffering from chronic pain, our warm therapy pool might just be the answer you have been looking for.

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Putting a Stop to Breakouts

Amber Ferguson Esthetician & Spa Co-Owner Perfetta Skin Therapy & Medi Spa 725 Arlington Park Place, #2 Kingston 613.389.2226 www.perfettaskin.com

together into a plug that gets infected with bacteria, resulting in swelling. This forms the beginning of a pimple. What cauSeS acne?

cne can be a very frustrating skin condition, but there are ways you can minimize and control outbreaks. Firstly, we need to understand what acne is and what causes it. What iS acne? Acne is a skin condition that involves the oil gland at the base of the hair follicle. The skin cells, sebum and hair clump

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There are certain factors that trigger acne such as puberty, your menstrual cycle, anxiety, stress, diet and genetics. Dairy products and a diet high in the glycemic index are now linked to acne, according to a new study published in the journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A high glycemic diet is one that raises blood sugar to the point where it triggers the body to produce more insulin. High insulin levels create the ideal conditions for acne formation by making skin thicker and by raising levels of male hormones. Who doeS acne moSt commonly affect? Acne most commonly affects adolescents and young adults. Although

acne affects men and women, young men suffer from it longer because of higher levels of testosterone, which can make acne worse. What are the oPtionS availaBle for treating acne? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that we treat acne from the inside out. Consulting with a skin care specialist to determine the proper products for both acne and your skin type is crucial. Using laser therapy can be very effective, as well. Also, switching to a low glycemic diet, trying to eliminate dairy products and using organic skin care products are, in my opinion, the best options and are truly effective to help clear your skin. Maintaining a routine with cleansing and moisturizing, in addition to using serums and masques that penetrate deeper into the dermis level of the skin, are essential in maintaining beautiful healthy skin.

Corporate Wellness: Focusing on Trends Within the Workplaces to Deliver Results We are seeing “wellness” help employers to engage and retain employees, increase productivity and job satisfaction, balance multiple generations within a workplace, and now to focus on specific trends within workspaces to help gain traction on employees’ health outcomes. We see a trend emerging in the workplace wellness space that is changing our perspective on “wellness.” Employee wellness programs have started focusing on total employee health, not just the physical portion of it.

Pascale Mapleston Mapleston Benefits Consulting 807 Blackburn Mews, Kingston pmapleston@maplestonbenefits.com www.maplestonbenefits.com

ellness is changing. Organizations are moving away from offering employees traditional packages such as discounts on gym memberships, to having on-site wellness committees, disease management programs and focused communications based on their actual claims data.

Physical wellness, psychological wellness, financial health and social wellness Wellness programs are most effective when they are thoughtfully designed, launched and have management support. As employers continue to invest in the health of their employees, integrated claims data can be used to point to other wellness decisions about preventable health conditions where risk is present in a population. In 2013, a survey of Health Promotion and Workplace Wellness Strategies was conducted by Buck Consultants at Xerox. They found the world’s employers are strongly committed to creating a

workplace culture of health to boost individual engagement and organizational performance. Their key findings also pointed to the fact that employee wellness communication — with personalization of employee messages — is closely linked to healthcare cost trend reduction. One hundred per cent of U.S. companies reporting a lower healthcare cost trend of six or more percentage points send their employees targeted wellness emails. The use of wellness mailings to employees’ homes is also on the rise, recognizing the influence that household members have on one another’s health. We see the Employee Wellness communication and targeted messaging on the rise in Canada, as well. By analyzing data for health trends, and then using the results to focus key communication strategies to address trends such as heart disease, stress, depression, etc., will help employers reduce their cost — and more importantly help to keep employees healthy. The statistics are real. Information, education and communication are powerful allies in our quest for wellness in the workplace and in our individual lives.

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SHOP BROCK

Discover

Brock

street:

A Trove of Shopping, Business and Culinary Treasures in Downtown Kingston

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By Tori Stafford Photos David Chang

There is an unmistakable sense of whimsy in downtown Kingston — the historic architecture, storefronts beckoning to passers-by and the buzz of people make it one-of-a-kind.

ith an abundance of qualities that make it unique, one thing that truly sets downtown Kingston apart is Brock Street — also known as the Brock Street Common. Beginning at the waterfront and surrounded by some of the city’s greatest attractions, Brock Street is uniquely Kingston in many ways: it is home to Crawford Wharf, where countless locals and tourists depart and cruise through the Thousand Islands; it flanks Confederation Basin and Kingston City Hall, where a myriad of events take place each year; and it also sits alongside the Kingston Public Market, the oldest and longestrunning market in our province. Heralding the undoubtedly “local” feeling one finds when walking along the cobbles of Brock Street are the dozens and dozens of stores, restaurants, and services. Almost all these businesses are uniquely Kingstonian, as well, explains Michele Langlois, general manager and director of marketing for the Downtown Kingston! Business Improvement Area. “It is important to keep Brock Street in mind as one of the premier destinations for shopping and services here in Kingston, precisely because all of the businesses are local,” says Langlois. “Supporting local businesses is proven to be the best way to support your local community, your local economy. Plus, they’re all great businesses!” Indeed, the fact that a vast majority of the businesses on Brock Street are locally-owned and operated, and that some of the most elite boutiques, delectable eateries and esteemed services call it home makes it easy to enjoy all this mainstay has to offer. Brock Street boasts an eclectic array of restaurants, cafés and pubs to tempt tastebuds and satisfy cravings during a day downtown. The array of shops offering high-end clothing, jewelry, accessories, specialty foods and luxury spa and gift items is a shopper’s dream, and the quaint-yet-quirky surroundings inspire and excite — no matter the season. “I think what makes Brock Street outstanding is the eclectic mix of local businesses combined with gorgeously restored heritage buildings, each with interesting and unique elements — like the passageway next to Le Chien Noir that leads through to Chez Piggy; [there are] lots of intriguing things to look at and explore,” says Langlois. “Having that stretch of street full of vibrant and interesting businesses makes it very enjoyable space.”

It is a street full of one-of-a-kind experiences, boasting the perfect mix of new and exciting businesses to discover as well as those stores that have remained the go-to places for many a discerning shopper. It is a street where locals and visitors alike can all find amazing foods, many of which are locally sourced. It is also the place to get things done, from filing your taxes with a reputable accountant to filing your nails at a favourite spa — you can do it all on Brock Street. It may be one of the oldest streets in Kingston, but Brock Street shows no signs of becoming obsolete or bored anytime soon. This bustling hub in our downtown core sews together many things that make this city both novel and vibrant.

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Kingston Olive Oil Co.: Purveyor of the Best Olive Oils and Vinegars By Katrina Geenevasen Photos Suzy Lamont

fter being inspired by a recent trip, Shaun Finucane and his wife Julia Hayhoe knew they wanted to open an olive oil tasting bar in Kingston. And so, last May, Kingston Olive Oil. Co opened its doors on Brock Street, seducing the senses of many a Kingstonian. Boasting a premium selection of extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars and gourmet salts, this small-but-mighty store has quickly established itself as a Limestone City gem that allows customers to taste over 60 different oils and balsamic vinegars, enjoy the many available flavours and bring home their favourites. “We are proud to carry some of the freshest olive

oil in the world,” says Finucane, gesturing around him at the rustic wooden shelves filled with endless gourmet temptations. “Olive oil is similar to freshly squeezed orange juice — over time, it starts to lose its health benefits and taste.” To avoid this problem, Finucane and Hayhoe simply follow the harvest. “Currently, we’re switching back to the southern hemisphere,” explains Finucane. The focus this fall will primarily be oils from Australia, Peru and Chili. “Typically, by the time an extra virgin olive oil is bottled, it has a shelf life of about 12 to 14 months, so we rotate the hemispheres every six months to give customers the longevity and the highest quality extra virgin olive oil possible.”

Olive oil itself is something the couple is very passionate about. “We totally believe in the product,” says Finucane, pointing out that recent data in the New England Journal of Medicine has shown consuming extra virgin olive oil is a key component of a healthy diet. “As far as lowering cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease and cardiovascular disease, it has been well researched.” Whether your palate veers towards more adventurous options or prefers to play it safe, Kingston Olive Oil Co. has something for you. Are you a fan of garlic? Try the California Infused oil. Do you like your food to have a spicy kick? You might opt for the Baklouti Fused Green Chili oil.

OPPOSITE Shaun Finucane and his wife Julia Hayhoe

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The No. 1 selling olive oil product at Kingston Olive Oil Co. is Tuscan Herb — an Italian-infused olive oil with sundried tomatoes, garlic, basil and oregano. Is your mouth watering yet? The traditional, aged balsamic vinegar at Kingston Olive Oil Co. piques the palette in its own special way. With nearly 30 varieties to choose from, including the Mission Fig Balsamic Vinegar and Cinnamon-Pear Balsamic Vinegar, customers are hard-pressed to find something that does not appeal to them. Hailing from Modena, Italy, the vinegar is gluten, additive and preservativefree. “It’s just the raw fruit or spice that’s infused in these balsamics,” explains Finucane. After you choose your favourite oil and vinegar, it’s time to discover the wide variety of gourmet salts that come from all over the world. From Black Truffle Sea Salt to the Smoked Bacon Cajun Sea Salt, you can have endless fun experimenting in your kitchen. Regular chef demonstrations held at the store are designed to give ideas on how to use all of the flavours. For more inspiration, visit the website for tempting recipes. Whether you’re drilling down for culinary inspiration, perusing fresh meal ideas, or looking to enhance a favourite recipe, with Kingston Olive Oil Co., you’ve struck liquid gold. Kingston Olive Oil Co. 62 Brock Street, Kingston 613.546.5483 kingstonoliveoil.com

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The Sisterhood of Fine Fashion in Kingston By Tori Stafford Photos Stephen Wild

f there is anyone who can describe House of Angelis Fashion Emporium with exacting perfection, it is Maria Angelis.

Maria, along with the integral support and efforts of her mother, Vaso, has been the driving force behind Cybil Scott Boutique for over a decade. She has thought through what it is she, her mother and her sister, Joanne, have created in bringing together three of Kingston’s most opulent women’s boutiques under one roof. “I think the best way to describe us, our stores and our services is ‘bespoke,’” Maria suggests. “That is, tailored; made to fit the individual.” She is not just referring to the fact three specialized services within House of Angelis offer an in-house tailor, who can customize everything in the store to fit — be it hemming a Versace gown, shortening the straps of a

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Prima Donna bra, or perfecting the length of a Michael Kors purse strap. What Maria is referring to when she says ‘bespoke’ describes not only what she, Joanne and Vaso offer, but also the experience customers both new and returning rely on at House of Angelis. “Everything surrounds them and their experience is tailor-made to what they want and need,” she says. “Everyone that comes in, it is like their own little, personal boutique.”

The Women and Their Legacy in Kingston As lifelong Kingstonians, Joanne and Maria have spent much of their lives upholding the tradition of a boutique atmosphere on Brock Street, where two of the three prestigious and glamorous shops the sisters began here took root. At just 16 years old, Maria began working at Cybil Scott, Kingston’s renowned high-end women’s

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ABOVE L-R Joanne Angelis, Vaso Angelis, Maria Angelis and Claire Rivoire.

wear boutique. After some time abroad working as vice president of a beauty and fashion firm and as a stylist in London, England, Maria returned home. Almost a decade after she’d taken her first job at Cybil Scott, Maria, with Vaso’s support and an undying passion for fashion, purchased the boutique and reopened the doors in 2003. Joanne, who was attending Queen’s, also began working at Cybil Scott and the Angelis family not only maintained, but enhanced the reputation the boutique had always upheld: being a haven for the professional working women and fashionistas of Kingston to find designer clothing and exquisite attire. As Joanne completed her bachelor of honours in economics, the youngest Angelis realized the corporate world was simply not her calling. Having stuck

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her toe in the waters of high fashion, she recognized that, like her mother and sister, she, too, had an affinity for designer fashion. Becoming partners was a natural step for both sisters, who worked together to expand into accessories and footwear in an effort to help the women of Kingston “outfit” themselves effortlessly. Joanne, having found a niche that fit her like a Stuart Weitzman stiletto, felt the women of Kingston needed a place to find the perfect accompaniments to the clothes Maria and Vaso were selling at Cybil Scott. That’s when Catwalk, the much-loved footwear and accessories boutique on King Street opened its doors. The phrase ‘if the shoe fits’ doesn’t even begin to describe how Joanne took to this trade, offering some of the very best and most exclusive names in footwear and handbags. The way the two Angelis sisters work

together perfectly, so too did their stores, allowing each other’s clientele to find clothing and accessories that worked well together. It may seem as though they had every woman’s need covered, but these forward-thinking women with an eye for quality and design knew there was one thing that makes every outfit complete they could not yet offer their clients: fine lingerie. With that, Coquetta Lingerie opened, offering luxurious French lingerie, as well as those body-contouring undergarments and expertly-made bras essential to making any outfit perfect. It was a final stroke of genius and a perfect opportunity that led to House of Angelis and the amalgamation of all three stores into one fashion emporium. With the store beside Cybil Scott vacant, the Angleis’ opened up the wall between the two, and brought their pieces of the

great fashion puzzle together under one roof. “Now, we can literally offer a woman everything she needs to create the perfect outfit or wardrobe,” Joanne expresses. “It is so nice for us, because we have always worked very closely with one another, and it is wonderful for our clients, because they can come to one place and know everything will be taken care of — right down to the tailoring.” It’s the epitome of a “bespoke” experience in women’s clothing — one store where four knowledgeable and well-traveled fashionistas can lend their styling advice to suit a woman’s size, shape and personality; one store where three different services mean every aspect of an outfit is custom-fit and expertly paired to suit the clients’ needs and tastes; one store unlike any other.

Welcome to House of Angelis That final point in what makes their store so poignantly bespoke is one the Angelis sisters pride themselves on. With the help of store manager, Claire Rivoire, the fashion team provide fine women’s apparel and an experience that is exceptionally unique. They work tirelessly to ensure their clients always find something different, and what they have in store is essentially a gallery of the items they’ve curated from top brands and designers from around the world — a collection unique to their store here in Kingston. “This isn’t Toronto, this isn’t Montreal, this is Kingston,” says Maria. “People in Kingston want quality products and they want exceptional service, but they do not want to see another person walking around with the same outfit as them.”

“We care that our clients look and feel wonderful when they leave here,” Joanne continues. “That is why they come back!” For all three Angelis’, being able to offer women the very best in clothing, accessories and service is something they love to do; it’s a role they fill like no one else in the city. “We value the relationships we’ve built with our customers, and there is nothing better than knowing we’ve helped to make a woman look and feel her best.” Models Megan Dunbar and Sydney Miller provided by Kingston’s SoHo Management.

House of Angelis Fashion Emporium 63 & 65 Brock Street Kingston 613.544.9721 info@houseofangelis.ca www.houseofangelis.ca

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Care as Natural as a Mother’s Touch By Melanie Furlong Photos Jen Fitzpatrick

ou don’t need to board a plane to escape to the Caribbean this winter. Kingston’s own CherMère Day Spa will transport you to the lush and verdant isles of Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados with its brightly coloured décor, tropical scents and rejuvenating treatments. Cher-Mère Day Spa client Carly Stong says, “Once in Cher-Mère, I am always welcomed like a friend. Instantly, the stresses of my day melt away as I am

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transported by subtle scents from the products, calming music, and beautiful décor of the space.”

coworkers staring at me and commenting that they’re not quite sure what’s different about me, but it looks great!”

Stong has treated herself to facials, paraffin treatments, massages and more at Cher-Mère; she says each service technician is as professional and qualified as the next. “Most recently, Rory’s steady hand and incredible eyelash extension process means I get to roll out of bed each morning looking ready for the day,” says Stong. “I have had many friends and

As an environmentally-conscious person, Stong says she loves knowing CherMère’s line of products are handmade, organic and natural. “I buy and use them at home because they work,” she says. Emily Roantree, another Cher-Mère Day Spa client, has been using their products for a few years. “I love how supple they make my skin feel,” she says. “I also

like that the products are made with all natural ingredients. They have such a beautiful aromatic scent that I receive compliments on how subtle and lovely my perfume is — when in fact, I’m not wearing anything but Cher-Mère Body.” Cher-Mère Day Spa was brought to Kingston by Dr. Aba Mortley. There are also four Cher-Mère Spas in Trinidad, one in Barbados and distributed in the UK, Guadeloupe and Montserrat. Mortley’s mother, Cheryl Bowles, formerly the chief biochemist for Nestlé, started the 27-year-old company. “My grandmother, Merle, was an aesthetician and told my mom there weren’t a lot of natural beauty products on the market,” says Mortley. “That was 27 years ago, before it was a cool thing to have natural and organic ingredients in hair and skin products. Bowles then went on to produce premium products using the best ingredients available within the Caribbean and internationally. All are free from parabens, sulphates, colour, alcohol and animal testing. Cher-Mère started with one hair product and now manufactures more than 40 products in its Trinidad plant. The product range includes skincare for men and women and babies and toddlers.

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SHOP BROCK They also offer body products. There are Caribbean elements in each product, including sea moss, aloe, cactus, cocoa butter and passion fruit. One of their top-selling products is the Oatmeal Face Wash Cleanser, which is made with cucumber and passion fruit. “When clients come in for their facial with this treatment, which includes an oatmeal mask, they say they want to eat it as it smells so good,” says Mortley. “Body scrubs with almond and sea moss are also very popular, as well as our Brazilian waxes for which we use both hard wax and sugaring.” A favourite product with their male clients is the aftershave. Sam Rogers, a regular user, says, “The Cher-Mère aftershave is the only aftershave I will use. It provides comfort without leaving a strong odor. I also like the fact that it is made with natural ingredients.” Cher-Mère’s Baby Organics line –which includes natural baby lotion, de-tangler, moisturizer and baby oil — is gaining momentum with Kingstonians, as well. Client Lindsay Fielding says, “My son has never had one diaper rash from using the baby oil after every diaper change and he has the softest skin from the lotion. I love feeling confident that I’m using a clean, organic product for my baby. I would recommend it to anyone.” Stong says, “If you are driving by or walking quickly, engulfed in a conversation or otherwise distracted, you might miss this gem in the heart of downtown; however, as I and many of my friends have discovered, once you visit Cher-Mère, you’ll be back again and again.” The Cher-Mère Day Spa on Brock Street has seven private treatment rooms for pedicures, registered and relaxation massages, waxing, body treatments, facials and eyelash extensions. If you’d like to try it with friends, let Cher-Mère throw you a party that includes a manicure, make-up application and a three-course meal at one of the fabulous restaurants in the neighbourhood. Cher-Mère offers complimentary parking at the back of the spa for all its customers. Call now to book! Cher-Mère Day Spa 68 Brock Street Kingston 613.767.6652 www.cher-mere.ca

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A Fresh Take on Italian Cuisine Inspired by Kingston

n old Italian proverb says, “At the table with good friends and family, you do not become old.”

Perhaps this is why walking into Atomica Gourmet Pizza and Wine Bar always seems so fresh and exciting upon each visit. This chic, classic-yetmodern, European-inspired restaurant might be over 10 years old, but it offers new, market-inspired menu items to experience on every visit and a fresh take on traditional Italian dining. Opened in 2003, Atomica has become a favourite restaurant for many Kingstonians. Owned and operated by

By Tori Stafford Photos Suzy Lamont

Black Dog Hospitality Group, Atomica uses as many locally sourced products and ingredients as possible. Bringing many fresh ingredients in from the Kingston Public Market, which is only footsteps away, Atomica’s menu of classic Italian dishes changes seasonally to ensure all of the best local ingredients can be used. Those ingredients that aren’t regional are those the chef and team at Atomica import from the country that inspires their cuisine: Italy. For the pizzas the restaurant is known for, Atomica uses Italian 00 flour, extravirgin olive oil and spring water to create authentic Neapolitan crust, as well as imported San Marzano tomatoes.

With a menu that has expanded over the years to include pasta dishes and a full range of entrees, it is no wonder why Atomica has as unique way of bringing in clientele of all ages — for lunch with the family, a romantic dinner date, or exploring the seasonal cocktail menu with friends after dark, Atomica is a slice of Italy that is uniquely Kingstonian.

Atomica Pizza and Wine Bar 71 Brock Street Kingston 613.530.2118 info@atomica.ca www.atomica.ca

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Pan-Seared Wild Salmon Risotto, Chefs Grace Genter-Knight and Andy Kirby, Chicken Parmesan, Bespoke Cocktails at the Bar FineLifestyles

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Local Food, French Flair and an Appetite for the extrAordinAry By Tori Stafford Photos Suzy Lamont

Inside, the aromas of fresh herbs, bread and French cuisine envelope the senses and invite you to sit down, relax and enjoy. It’s an experience many Kingstonians relish — and one you’ll only find at Le Chien Noir Bistro.

With its close proximity to the Kingston Public Market, it was only natural the chef at Le Chien Noir would develop close ties with the farmers bringing fresh, regional produce into the city. Now, it is common to see chef and co-owner, Derek MacGregor, walking through the market, a little red wagon in tow, collecting fresh ingredients for the feature menu of the day. “Simplicity,” MacGregor says of his cooking philosophy. “Letting high quality, local ingredients be the star of the plate.”

Known for their farm-to-fork cooking, Le Chien Noir opened in 2000, offering a taste of classic French bistro-style cuisine and a flair for the unique and exciting.

This relationship with producers and the growing enthusiasm for locally-sourced food here in Kingston, is the basis for what makes the food at Le Chien Noir so

ust up from the waterfront and along the cobblestones of Brock Street sits a bistro that mirrors the European-influence of the historic streets and buildings that surround it.

ABOVE P.E.I. Mussels

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outstanding. “The number of farmers in the market has grown dramatically since we opened,” explains Tim Pater, co-owner of Le Chien Noir. “We have been lucky to be able to be a part of the evolution of the local food movement in Kingston.” Le Chien Noir is known for their classic French bistro dishes, such as mussels, steak frites, and duck confit. Over the past few years, the restaurant has also become known for their adventurous nose-to-tail cooking, offering new ways to enjoy favourite meats and cooking styles to the growing number of ‘foodies’ in Kingston.

While the feature menu remains committed to pushing the envelope and daring to explore the less-common delicacies and specialties, Le Chien Noir’s main menu has recently gone back to the French roots that inspired it originally, bringing new and classic French bistro dishes to the many Kingstonians who frequent this Brock Street mainstay. What makes their dishes, as well as their extensive menu of wines, craft beer, and spirits so enjoyable is the fact so much of what Le Chien Noir has to offer comes from in and around the Kingston area, Pater explains. “Using ingredients sourced from eastern Ontario is very important to us for many reasons. For one, regional, fresh products simply taste better,” he says, noting the menu at Le Chien Noir is constantly changing with the season and the products that are available are at their prime. “We are also keeping money within the community and helping to support purveyors and farmers and a whole network of people, which we feel really good about,” Pater continues. “It gives our clientele an opportunity to participate in that same experience. It is an all-around feel-good thing knowing the great food on your plate comes from a local farm.” Le Chien Noir Bistro 69 Brock Street Kingston 613.549.5635 info@lechiennoir.com www.lechiennoir.com TOP LEFT House Made Feature Dessert RIGHT Duck Confit, Steak Frites, co-owner, Derek MacGregor, Owners Tim and Katrina Pater FineLifestyles

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T h e R o oT

Approach By Rebecca Henderson Photos Jen Fitzpatrick

ew patients of the Nova Health Naturopathic Centre are surprised by the many different options naturopathic medicine offers to treat their ailments. “We look at root causes of all diseases and conditions,” says Dr. Kimberly Oxbro, who opened Nova Health Naturopathic Centre four years ago. “And we aim to teach the body to heal itself naturally.” Dr. Oxbro completed her undergraduate science degree in biology and psychology at Trent University; she received her master’s degree in pharmacology at Queen’s University. Upon completion of her master’s degree, Dr. Oxbro entered the four-year Naturopathic Medical Program, obtaining her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine in 2008. “During school, I realized there was too much reliance on pharmaceuticals,” says Dr. Oxbro. “I find that often my patients’ goals are to get off of their medication. Others find they are not getting what they need from western medicine and are looking for different treatment options.” It’s no surprise then that Nova Health Naturopathic Centre derives its name from the Latin term, Nova, which stands for change, discovery, advancement, movement, transformation and continuously expanding possibilities. Naturopathic medicine is similar to western medicine, but diseases and other conditions aren’t treated with pharmaceutical drugs. Instead, Dr. Oxbro educates patients on holistic body healing through diet, neutraceuticals, herbs and minerals. Nova Health Naturopathic Centre provides primary medical care — including full physical examinations, blood work on site, intravenous therapy for the treatment of cancer and other chronic diseases, acupuncture (for pain

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ABOVE Dr. Kimberly Oxbro

management and fertility), diabetes management, nutritional guidance for weight loss, and botanical and neutraceutical therapies. “With these different types of therapies, my patients see good and long-lasting results.”

highly specialized medical treatment. “I have a special interest in cancer and heart disease,” says Dr. Oxbro. “And I offer treatment and prevention through diet and lifestyle changes, as well as intravenous therapy.”

Dr. Oxbro is a primary care practitioner and specializes in IV therapy, which delivers high doses of vitamins, minerals and neutraceuticals directly into the blood stream to provide rapid and effective healing and relief of symptoms related to cancer, diabetes, heart disease and chronic Lyme disease just to name a few. Unlike medical doctors, naturopathic doctors require additional training and experience to perform this

In many cases, insurance companies cover naturopathic medicine appointments and naturopathic doctors can complement your health care with natural treatment options. “Naturopathic medicine is about an individual’s experience and their specific condition by treating it in a more natural, sustainable way.” Many medical studies and research articles from medical journal publications

support natural therapies in comparison to pharmaceutical remedies. Using centuries of traditional medical knowledge backed by modern scientific research, Nova Health Naturopathic Centre draws on the best of both nature and science to achieve optimal health. It’s the highest level of medical care. Nova Health Naturopathic Centre is accepting new patients. The centre is open Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nova health Naturopathic Centre Dr. Kimberly oxbro 67 Brock Street, third Floor 613.546.9995 www.novahealthnaturopathic.com

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K-Town Kups

Brings Kingston Coffee, Conveniently By Melanie Furlong Photos Stephen Wild

f you love using your Keurig machine, you’ll be delighted to discover downtown Kingston’s K-Town Kups. This new store offers 180 varieties of Keurig-compatible coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino and Nespresso compatibles in a wide range of brands, flavours and roasts. “It makes coffee lovers feel like kids in a candy store,” says Cindy Shelley, co-owner. The pick-and-mix store allows customers the flexibility to try new flavours without investing in a whole box. “It’s a great

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way to try a new coffee or tea. People love the variety,” says Cindy. “Here, you can choose as many as you like of your own favourites, and your clients will feel special when they find you’ve remembered them and brought in their favourite coffee or tea.” K-Town Kups opened during the summer to a wonderful reception from both Brock Street merchants and the community. “They’re very excited to see the renovated store, but they’re even happier with the convenience of having our store

nearby,” says Brian Shelley, co-owner and store manager. Brian started the business months ago as an office delivery service. “My customers kept asking me where my store was,” says Brian. “It resonated with me and I’d been looking for a storefront for quite a while before I found this one.” The historic building’s exposed limestone walls and creaky, uneven floors provide the perfect urban chic backdrop for the K-cups and accessories. But if you don’t have time to come in, don’t worry: K-Town Kups

BELOW Brian and Cindy Shelley

still offers next day office delivery service anywhere in Kingston.

producing great work and we’re really happy to be able to showcase it.”

K-Town Kups carries commercial grade Keurig office and mini-brewers. “We sell the brewers, but if you buy K-cups from us,” says Brian, “we’ll lend you the large machine for your office events and can supply everything to go with it down to the sugar and stir sticks. We want to offer convenience to our clients.”

A personally chosen handmade mug filled with K-cups, chocolate covered spoons and cookies makes a perfect gift. “We’ll help you find something for that someone who has everything — and at a reasonable price,” says Cindy. “In addition, you can expect to see locallyproduced chocolate, cookies, artwork and gift items on the shelves.”

At K-Town Kups, convenience means more than offering single-serve beverages. “With a name like K-Town Kups, we had to have coffee mugs,” said Brian. Taking ‘Shop Locally’ to heart, they sought out potters within a 100-kilometre radius of Kingston and now have a lovely selection of handmade, locally-produced cream and sugar bowls, mugs, wine cups and serving dishes. “The pottery scene in Kingston is part of the city’s fabric,” says Cindy. “There are wonderfully talented people who are

“K-Town Kups is about single-serve convenience, but it’s also where tourists, travellers and local residents can find a little piece of something authentically made in Kingston to take home,” says Brian. K-Town Cups 82 Brock Street Kingston 613.484.1587 info@ktownkups.com Ktownkups.com |

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SHOP BROCK

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Kingston

Cooke’s Fine Foods & Coffee: Charming Kingston Since 1865 By Tori Stafford Photos Jen Fitzpatrick

Like a fine wine, or an artisan cheese, some things just get better with time.

n a city that celebrates a unique and rich history, one Kingston mainstay that embodies both has proven time and again some things are better left unchanged. At Cooke’s Fine Foods and Coffee, the way the staff interacts with customers is as time-honoured as the floorboards that creak under your feet when you enter the store. Standing on Brock Street, this tall, limestone building has served as a place to purchase fine, imported foods and beverages since 1865. Just a year shy of its 150th anniversary, the business was built by William Begg to provide the ever-growing population of Kingston the finest foods, wines and liquors in a classic English-style shop. The business had exchanged hands twice, from Begg to the Henderson Brothers, and then to Hugh G. Cooke. Cooke, who had worked for the Henderson Brothers for 14 years, purchased the business in 1924, and it has remained in the Cooke family for the 90 years since. While Kingston may have changed a lot over nearly a century and a half, the oldworld charm that began long ago remains the hallmark of Cooke’s Fine Foods and Coffee, says Susan Cooke, owner. “A lot of things about the business haven’t changed, because they didn’t need to change,” she says with a smile, gesturing to the worn floorboards and the wellused shelving that remain as they were in those first days of business. The longevity of the business itself speaks to the way generations of Kingstonians have counted on Cooke’s for their favourite treats, specialty cheeses and gourmet cup of coffee every morning — as well as dependable, friendly service on each and every visit. Many of the products they stock share a deep history with Cooke’s Fine Foods and

Coffee, and the business has operated a large mail-order service since the early 1940s. Like many of the products and services Cooke’s provides with pride to their customers locally, nationally and abroad, their mail-order gift baskets came about largely due to customer need. During the Second World War, Cooke’s served as the place Kingstonians would depend on to send care packages to loved ones overseas. Today, Cooke’s still creates and sends out thousands of these gift baskets each year, delivering fine jams, nuts, chocolates, biscuits, spreads, sweets teas and coffees to happy recipients. Through the years, Cooke’s has adapted to ensure their customers’ needs are met, adding two locations to conveniently serve those in Kingston’s west end and in Picton, but otherwise the principles of the business remain the same. While their standard of service may be as old as their punched-tin ceilings, so is the love those loyal customers have for it; a visit to Cooke’s is certain to inspire the palette, delight the senses and leave you feeling the magical old-world charm the business embodies. “Like one of our customers once said: we serve a modern world in an old-fashioned way,” says Susan.

Cooke’s Fine Foods and Coffee 61 Brock Street Kingston 613-548-7721 2395 Princess Street Kingston West 613-767-6645 280 Main Street Picton 613-476-2888 www.cookesfinefoods.com

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SHOP BROCK

Experience

an Authentic Italian Trattoria By Trina Annand Photos Stephen Wild

n Italy, pasta doesn’t come out of a box or get thrown at a wall to see if it is done. It is created fresh using the best ingredients, fashioning more than a meal, but an experience. This experience of epicurean delight is something chefs Stev George and Deanna Harrington have dedicated their lives to. At their restaurant Olivea, the duo have reproduced the authentic feel of a trattoria with rustic Italian faire showcasing the best local foods.

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“Growing up, I always loved going to restaurants — there was something magical about it,” says George. “Behind that door, all kinds of things were happening, it was like theatre. Transforming ingredients into a completely new flavour really is magic and it has the power to make people happy.” Expertly crafting traditional Italian food with local flair is just another day at the office for these chefs. Using local ingredients whenever possible allows Olivea to

offer fantastic seasonal dishes like the caprese salad, which features Forman Farm beefsteak tomatoes, fresh basil and buffalo mozzarella. Sourcing all of their beef through Enright Cattle Company lends a distinct flavour to the restaurant’s famous beef cheek ragu, which graces not only freshly-made pasta, but a new twist on a Canadian classic: poutine. Another crowd-pleasing favourite is Olivea’s Seafood Linguine, which is

bursting with flavour. A spicy tomato sauce brightened with capers and olives is combined with the bounty of the sea — shrimp, calamari, scallops, muscles and clams — to create a dish that will convince you you’re vacationing on the coast of Italy. “We want people to feel comfortable here, to feel like they are at home; that’s why we have a slightly more casual atmosphere,” says George. “Family is very important to us at Olivea. We make genuine connections with our guests.” Being family owned and operated is the key to the restaurant’s welcoming feel. The chefs’ three children can often be found helping out at the restaurant. A dedicated team of warm and welcoming staff help make Olivea possible every day by creating a truly family feel. The restaurant’s name itself is a permutation of one of George’s daughter’s names, combining Olivia with the classic Italian flavour of the olive. “There is something special about local, family- owned businesses; that’s why we support others in the community,” says George. Much more than an awe-inspiring meal, Olivea offers evening entertainment on certain nights of the week, whether it is Tuesday Night Jazz or the return of the popular dinner and a movie; food and a movie are paired to complement one another through a partnership with The Screening Room. The restaurant is also dedicated to building a better community, whether it is through supporting local food producers or brightening days with a great meal in a warm and inviting atmosphere. “We buy the best possible ingredients, freshly make as much on site as possible and do as little as possible to the food to truly showcase the ingredients. I got into this business because I love great food and making people happy. Food brings joy to people’s lives and I am honoured to share my passion with them every day,” remarks George. Olivea 39 Brock Street, Kingston 613.547.5483 ext. 1 www.olivea.ca

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Gene Simmons’ Restaurant is

Rockin’ itS Way to canada Writing & Photos Heather Fritz

“We’re coming to Canada in a big way,” says veteran concert tour manager Dave Furano.

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urano has worked with the biggest names in rock and roll, including The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead, The Doors, the Allman Brothers, George Harrison and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, among others. His current venture heralds a new restaurant concept that will delight families and classic rock and roll fans alike. Co-owners, and KISS front

men, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are behind the burgeoning franchise that has opened several locations in the last two years. Simmons’ wife, Shannon Tweed — a model and actress — is a Canadian girl whose mom and sisters live in Saskatoon. Tweed connected the dots between the restaurant founders and Saskatoon entrepreneur Vaughn Wyant for the first Canadian Rock & Brews location.

LEFT Simmons with Rocking Hot Wings, Spicy Maui Wowie Pizza, Strawberry Fields Salad and the Ultimate Burger RIGHT L-R Dave Furano, Michael Zislis, Gene Simmons, Perry Mann

“I told Vaughn we want this to be great and even though Saskatoon is small, we want this to be the first in Canada,” says Furano. “I want to have retractable glass roofs so even in winter, you can feel you’re outside with snow falling. We’ll have fires going. I know it gets cold up there!” The ConCepT Rock & Brews is “an energized dining and entertainment concept” featuring affordable, high quality American comfort food, including wings, salads, burgers, sandwiches and pizza, along with a variety of diet-conscious, gluten free and healthy options. There’s a broad selection of international and craft brews, and guests enjoy a family-friendly rock ‘n’ roll experience. The restaurant caters to “li’l rockers” too, with a special menu and crayons to colour placemats. The Lore In the summer of 2010, highly respected concert tour manager Dave Furano, his brother, concert merchandising industry pioneer Dell Furano, and restaurateur/hotelier extraordinaire Michael Zislis got together for a KISS concert. While backstage, enjoying a cold beer and visiting with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, Dave said, “What’s better than rock and brews?” Brainstorming ensued — engaging the diverse talents and creative energy of the five friends bound together by their love of concert rock — and Rock & Brews was born. The roCk God KISS bassist and singer Gene Simmons sat down with Fine Lifestyles this summer in Los Angeles to talk about the restaurant and share some sage advice about business, success, life and even love. “My favourite thing at the restaurant,” he begins, “depends on whether I come here to do some real damage. You can’t beat the burger. You cannot wrap your lips around the burgers; they’re so big! We’ve got gluten free beers and pizzas. I have to watch my girlish figure so the salads are out of this world. Everything is tasty, so you can’t lose. Food’s got to look good, then smell good, then it’s got to taste good,” Simmons says.

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LEFT Simmons eating Purple Rain Drops. Six chocolate filled French donuts, drizzled with raspberry sauce and served with a side of whipped cream for dipping.

Simmonisms: Gene on business: “It’s the Santa Claus Business Model. Make a damn list. Forget doing it on the computer because it will crash. Get a piece of paper and a pencil so you can erase it, and make a list. Prioritize. Check it twice; find out who’s naughty and nice. Don’t go to a supermarket and decide there what you need. Think about it before. A simple plan will work little and it’ll work big…Without doing the small first, you’re f-----d.” Gene on his best business mentor, his mother Flora, who was freed from Auschwitz by the American military: “I had a business mentor who didn’t really do too well in business herself, but the wisdom my mother raised us with cuts through the bulls---t. She believed that when you’re running the race, you can’t keep looking to see who else is running the race. Stop looking behind you because that impedes your forward momentum. That’s a fancy way of saying just never mind what everyone else is doing, just do the best you can.” Gene on living a successful life: “Look, approach life with the following proviso: God gives you only one day of life, 24 hours. What are you going to do? Are you going to watch I Love Lucy reruns and wait to die? Or are you going to go out there and take life by the scruff of the neck and do some good, leave your mark, take care of your loved ones and make a lot of damn money? And that’s a good thing. A lot of people don’t realize that the one per cent makes life possible for a lot of people. It is the rich who create jobs. Nobody poor ever gave me a job.”

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Gene Simmons Wants to Marry You!

vidently Gene Simmons — rock god, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, restauranteur and business genius — is all that and can officiate weddings, too.

co-owner and Gene's partner at Rock & Brews, of the impending opening of the Saskatoon location, which will be its first in Canada.

He married his first couple in May to the tune of KISS’ Rock and Roll All Night at a wedding ceremony at Rock & Brews in El Segundo, California. Despite having balked about his own wedding for years, Gene might be getting the hang of it.

“We’re going to work out some way for people to submit their requests, maybe have a contest. The first one he did here was really special. Shannon was there and he said, ‘You know, it’s taken me a lifetime to know the importance of this reunion.’ Shannon’s bawling, I’m bawling, the whole place is bawling. It was really special.”

Couples planning their nuptials might want to take note, especially if they’re KISS fans. “The plan is for Gene to perform weddings at the grand opening,” says Dave Furano,

Hiring for the restaurant will be extravagant, too, says Furano. “When the word goes out that we’re hiring, I want it to be like American Idol. I want the lineup around the block!”

SEPTEMBER 24TH–28TH KINGSTON WRITERSFEST Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront, Kingston SEPTEMBER 26TH ART AFTER DARK Downtown, Kingston

events K I N G STO N

SEPT–NOV

SEPTEMBER 27TH GEORGE CANYON – DECADE OF HITS TOUR The Grand Theatre, Kingston SEPTEMBER 28TH WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY The Grand Theatre, Kingston OCTOBER 4TH OLIVER JONES TRIO The Grand Theatre, Kingston

OCTOBER 5TH RUSSELL PETERS Rogers K-Rock Centre, Kingston

OCTOBER 16TH THE OFFICIAL BLUES BROTHERS REVUE The Grand Theatre, Kingston OCTOBER 19TH DEREK EDWARDS: BALONEY & WINE The Grand Theatre, Kingston OCTOBER 25TH KINGSTON SYMPHONY FASHION SHOW Minos Village Restaurant, Kingston OCTOBER 26TH MOZART & BEETHOVEN The Grand Theatre, Kingston NOVEMBER 15TH BRAD PAISLEY The Grand Theatre, Kingston

NOVEMBER 22TH POPS1–JOHN WILLIAMS AT THE MOVIES (KINGSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA) The Grand Theatre, Kingston

The

Diamond Duo:

Shannon Tweed and Daughter Sophie Shine in New Reality TV Series

By Heather Fritz Photos Heather Fritz and Austin Young

hen the A&E reality show Gene Simmons’ Family Jewels premiered in 2006, fans began a voyeuristic love affair that lasted seven seasons. We laughed, cried, gasped, raised our eyebrows and shook our heads in disbelief as KISS rock legend Gene Simmons, actress and former Playboy model Shannon Tweed and their two children, Nick and Sophie, bared their all for our reality viewing pleasure. The show ended in 2012, but fans can now get their Tweed-Simmons reality kick as the ‘diamond duo’ of the famous family star in their own show, aptly called Shannon & Sophie.

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Fans watched little Sophie grow up in the front of the camera; now that she is entering a more independent period of life, she and her mother thought bringing the old Family Jewels fans along for the ride might be fun.

attended college and stepped out of her parents’ shadow with a short run on the TV music competition series The X Factor. Her Surrey-based charity, Sophie’s Place, is part of an outreach centre treating nearly 4,000 abused children a year.

“It seemed like a natural continuation,” Shannon says at home in the TweedSimmons mansion. “We ended Family Jewels kind of abruptly so there are a lot of fans sort of wondering what we’re all doing now.”

When Sophie wondered out loud about a show that focused on the motherdaughter pair, Shannon pitched it to Force Four Entertainment. Eight episodes were produced and the show premiered in May on the W Network.

What are they doing now? To say they’ve been busy is an understatement. Gene tours with KISS and is heavily involved in production and charity work. He has also recently taken on the rapidly expanding network of ‘family-friendly rock ‘n roll experience’ restaurants called Rock and Brews — the first Canadian location is coming soon to Shannon’s hometown of Saskatoon. Shannon’s doing voice over and television work, has a hand in The Smartest Person in Canada game show and works with the Canadian Cancer Society. Nick finished college with a degree in English and World Literature, is a writer, voice over actor and musician. Sophie

“I think there is a lot of reality TV out there that focuses on the drama and fighting; I thought maybe people would just like to see a mom and daughter being happy and enjoying life,” says Sophie. “I honestly don’t know a lot of mothers and daughters who are as close as my mom and I.” Shannon & Sophie is billed as a reality show, and for the most part, that’s true. “Of course we know we’re being filmed,” she adds. “So we’re very conscious that whatever we’re doing is permanent. If something happens, we just deal with it, get over it and go on with life. It’s a reality show, but it’s our life,” she says.

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“Eventually, your children grow up and become smarter than you. I don’t know how that happens! The beauty of getting older is that stuff doesn’t bother you. You just want your children to flourish and grow. I’m just glad to be a part of that.” For her part, Sophie is nonplussed about wading into another reality show with all the television cameras intruding in a good portion of her life. “I grew up in the entertainment industry, so having cameras around is normal for me,” she shrugs. “Yeah, it’s kind of annoying they film everything but it’s nice to have those home movies we can look back on.” It’s clear Shannon admires and respects the woman her daughter has become, perhaps with tougher skin than she had at that age. “For Sophie, maybe it was good to get that public humiliation out of the way early,” Shannon laughs. “I mean having parents like us, having your baby pictures and your awkward growth phase up there for everyone to see. She’s stronger than I thought she was and can handle more pressure than I probably could have at that age,” she says. “When I made mistakes when I was 24, they were private. Now you do anything and the world sees it and judges you.” Shannon interjects, “We might not chew with our mouths open, but what you see is really what you get!” Best friends mom and daughter have “always hung out a lot” but as Sophie is growing up and away, Shannon sees a bit of a role reversal. “Now without the boys in it, I’ve become the idiot and she’s the smart one,” Shannon laughs. “Before, Gene was the idiot and the rest of us were smart! The juxtaposition is completely reversed and now I’m getting a taste of what he went through.” She’s philosophical about parenting children who are adults themselves.

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As the producers wait for the show to be picked up in the U.S. and Canadian markets, Shannon and Sophie are happy to be sharing authentic lives with new and old fans. “I’m not interested in mothers and daughters who don’t get along. I think we see enough of that on TV, and we see enough fake interactions,” Shannon says, and suddenly studies her daughter closely. “Hey, you’re wearing my pants!” she says. “Yeah? Well, you’re wearing my shoes,” Sophie replies without missing a beat.

Everyday Butcher

Premium Meat and Premium Service At the Pig & Olive, we handle everything from veal, lamb, ox tail and poultry, to grassfed and organic beef, store-made sausages, seasoned burgers and marinated chicken stir-fry all year round. We are a unique business providing a large selection of fresh meat, conveniently packaged and portioned for singles, couples and large

Two locations Open seven days a week!

families. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to assist with cooking instructions and endless meal ideas. This fall, try our store-made apple and apricotstuffed pork roast. We also provide a variety of locally sourced meat products and seasonal produce.

224 Wellington St., Kingston (Corner of Queen and Wellington) 613.546.4747

La Salle Park Plaza (1689 Bath Rd., Kingston) 613.634.3232

Sommelier SecretS to Food and Wine Pairing By Kim Meathrel

here is a lot of discussion in magazines about food and wine pairing. Why all the fuss? The basic goal of food and wine pairing is to create a culinary experience that is greater than either the food or wine would create on its own. In order to create this synergistic experience, we need to go beyond just considering the flavours of the food and wine, and consider the structural elements. So what are these structural elements? In food: sugar levels, acid levels, salt, chili

Photo by Suzy Lamont

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heat, bitterness and umami (a savoury taste found in many Asian foods). In wine: sugar, acid, astringency (that drying sensation you feel on your gums with highly tannic red wines) and alcohol levels. Our tastebuds change how they perceive tastes depending on what they just tasted. High sugar foods will decrease the sweet, fruity taste of a wine. A wine starting off with little to no sugar can seem unusually acidic and will loose its fruit flavours when consumed with a high sugar food. Sugar in food can also increase the burning feeling in high alcohol wines, and increase the tastes of bitterness and astringency

in some heavily tannic red wines. Therefore, when matching a wine with a sweet dish, it is important to select a wine with more sugar than the dish. Acidity in food has the opposite effect on wine by increasing the sense of sweetness and fruitiness in the wine, and decreasing the sensation of acidity in the wine. If you choose a low acid wine, it can seem flat or “flabby” and out of balance. Acidity in food can also help bring balance to an otherwise high acid wine that lacks fruitiness. Of course, low acid foods — such as thick, creamy sauces and dishes — will have the opposite effect. Salt is a very wine-friendly structural element in food. It decreases the perception of acidity, bitterness and the astringency of big, full-bodied highly tannic red wines. Chili heat is a subjective sensation that varies between individuals. Chili heat increases the burn from high alcohol wines and the bitterness, astringency and acidity in wines. It decreases the taste of sweetness and fruitiness. Therefore, pairing a hot dish with a sweet, fruity wine will bring balance, but pairing it with a heavy red wine will be out of balance. Bitterness in food will increase bitterness in wine. This effect is very subjective and a matter of personal preference, but a bitter green salad would best be paired with a light, fruity wine. Umami is a difficult taste to isolate and is usually found with other flavours. Foods high in umami in isolation increase the perception of bitterness, astringency, acidity and alcohol burn in wine, and decrease sweetness and fruitiness. Therefore, high umami foods should be paired with sweet, fruity wines. Try to illustrate these principles yourself at home. Once you understand the foundation of structural elements, you are ready to move on to the next level of pairing. Have fun experimenting! Kingston’s Kim Meathrel is a sommelier and the owner of Decantress Wine and Spirits.

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Bonnie Brooks “Dawn” (24 x 36 acrylic) at Gallery Raymond

The Importance of Appraisals

Kamille T.H. Parkinson, PhD, ISA AM Upper Canada Art Consulting 613.888.3184 ucac@kingston.net www.uppercanadaartconsulting.com International Society of Appraisers Accredited Member – Fine Art

hy is it important to have an appraisal done for your fine art? The main reason is simply so you know what you have. A qualified appraiser has the expertise and training to help you determine just that. There are many reasons why someone chooses to have their artwork appraised. Most commonly, appraisals are done for the purposes of insurance, estate

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planning (including wills, equitable distribution and probate), resale or liquidation and donation. The purpose of the appraisal drives the type of value the appraiser seeks while conducting value research, with the value often varying depending on the type of appraisal being done.

Can just anyone appraise your artwork or other personal property? In a word — no. Many insurance providers, and Revenue Canada, will only accept appraisals completed by a qualified appraiser. A qualified appraiser has formal education in appraisal theory, principles, procedures, ethics and law. A qualified appraiser will also be up-to-date on the latest appraisal and report-writing standards through continuing education and testing. As well, any appraiser you hire should ideally specialize in the type of property you want appraised. When you contact an appraiser to have your artwork appraised, it’s a good idea to have as much information about the artwork as possible. One of the first, most obvious questions an appraiser will ask is, “Who is the artist?” The answer to this question, if the artist is known, is always useful even if the artist is not immediately recognized by the appraiser (which happens; there are literally thousands of historical and contemporary artists, after all). The next question will likely be, “Is the work a painting or a print?” (or sculpture, as the case may be). Here’s a practical tip: most original paintings done in oil or acrylic will not be behind glass. If your artwork is behind glass, it is most likely a print, though it could be a watercolour, pastel, or other drawing. Not sure? Check to see if there is any

writing or printing along the bottom edge of the image (you may have to remove the item from the frame to see it, and that’s OK). If there is a hand-written notation, you may have a limited edition print. If notations are mechanically produced (i.e.: by a printing press) then you likely have a mass-produced print. Be sure to check the back of the artwork for information, too. There are, naturally, fees associated with the appraisal process. Appraisers who are members of a professional appraisal organization, such as the International Society of Appraisers (ISA), are prohibited by their Code of Ethics from charging a fee based on a percentage of the value of the property appraised. Hourly fees, flat rates, or per-item charges are the norm. The peace of mind you will gain by knowing the value of your artwork — knowing that you won’t let a valuable piece go for a song, or knowing that you’re not paying unnecessarily high insurance premiums — is invaluable, and well worth the price of an appraisal.

Discover Kingston’s Galleries

Heather Haynes Gallery 320A King St. East • 613.767.9090 heatherhaynes.com

Earth to Spirit ~ Explore the Extraordinary! 340 King St East • 613.536.5252 earthtospirit.com ~ facebook.com/earthtospirit

Kingston Glass Studio & Gallery 56 Queen St • 613.547.9149 kgsg.ca

Gallery Raymond 334 Princess St • 613.549.2477 galleryraymond.com

Kingston Frameworks 198 Princess Street • 613.546.1868

Studio22 Open Gallery 320 King St. East ~ 2nd Floor • 613.546.7461

kingstonframeworks.ca

s22.ca

Limestone City Galleries

The ArT GAlleries of KinGsTon:

An Exhibit of A VibrAnt Community By Tori Stafford

For centuries, people have gathered in galleries around the world to take in the artistic works of others. Here in Kingston â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a city rich in history and culture â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the thriving art scene exemplifies this tradition in more ways than one.

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Limestone City Galleries Photos: Kingston Glass Studio

and invigorating. “I am pretty excited about the gallery scene right now in Kingston,” she says. “There are a lot of people who dedicate themselves full-time to bringing art to Kingston, and it’s so good that we are all working together to support each other.” This cooperation creates a network of artists and art enthusiasts throughout the region, which allows Kingstonians and tourists alike a plethora of opportunities to indulge and engage in the arts. From collections of works by local artists displayed for sale to educational art history exhibits, galleries dedicated to specific genres and interactive workshops, the art galleries of Kingston are varied and vibrant. “We are fortunate in Kingston to have all kinds of gallery experiences. Kingston galleries feature art from local, national, emerging, professional, traditional and experimental artists. Therefore we offer viewers a wide range of choices,” says Karen Dolan, executive director of the Kingston Arts Council. “The more choices that are available, the greater the appeal to a wider audience, and therefore more people experience art. As more people become accustomed to walking into galleries, as a regular activity and place importance in experiencing art, the more art becomes a vital part of everyday life.”

ith private, public and commercial galleries all around the city, the Kingston art gallery scene has blossomed into a community and culture all its own. But that is not to say it’s exclusive; in fact, the art community and the galleries we are blessed with here in Kingston are warm, inviting and engaging. “Art is subjective. Enjoy liking and disliking to your heart’s delight. That is all that matters,” says Ally Jacob, board member for the Kingston Arts Council and co-owner of Studio 22. “We tend to intellectualize art because we can. That is not necessary. Just enjoy the experience of taking it in and having a response.” This simple and open approach to art appreciation that Jacob shares is one evident throughout the art community locally. It is also one of the reasons Kingston has such an abundant and eclectic art gallery scene; those who support the viewing, sharing and selling of art pieces and collections also support others with the same mission. “I’ve found events like Art After Dark have stimulated a lot of cooperation between the galleries. We are working together more and more to promote ourselves and that can only benefit Kingstonians,” Ellen Fraser says of the local art tour initiative in downtown Kingston, now in its seventh year. Fraser is the board member for the Kingston Arts Council and previous owner of Cornerstone gallery, which she recently sold. While Cornerstone will remain open and dedicated to showcasing the works of Canadian artisans, Fraser is now opening Print Inuit in the gallery space within the Ontario Street location. Print Inuit will still be home to the Cape Dorest Collection, Fraser explains, but will focus on displaying the works of Nunavut artists and both traditional and contemporary Inuit art. Having spent many years operating a gallery here in Kingston, Fraser says it is refreshing

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Her final point is one echoed by many of those whose hard work and dedication have created such a bustling hub of galleries to experience locally. As the number of artists and galleries in Kingston increases, so does the public interest in art as a whole. A growing interest in the fine arts continues to fuel the cycle of production, display and appreciation that makes Kingston a unique hub of artistic energy — which can only benefit the community, Jacob expresses. “Exploring the local art scene enriches our experience of living, giving us pause in a far too hurried world,” she says. “Taking the time to breathe in artistic expression connects us more deeply to ourselves and our shared experience.”

Owl Nesting by Ningeokuluk Teevee

Cold Kettle by Siassie Kenneally

and Cornerstone announce big changes:

TWO PROUD NEW OWNERS!

Welcome Penny Knapp as the new owner of Cornerstone Fine Arts / Fine Crafts. Penny will be scouting for contemporary work to bring to her new gallery while honouring the Cornerstone tradition of fabulous Canadian craftsmanship and design. She’s thrilled to add to the 30 years of Cornerstone’s history. Ellen Fraser’s new initiative, PRINT INUIT, celebrates her main passion with art from Canada’s north. Sharing the space at 255 Ontario St., Print Inuit will showcase the prints, carvings and wallhangings of Nunavut’s finest artists. The annual Cape Dorset Print Collection, released each October, will be featured at Cornerstone again this year. The release date for the 2014 collection will be Oct. 17, and prints may be viewed beforehand at cornerstone, or at printinuit.ca. Both women are very excited about collaborating in their new roles and welcome you to drop by for a visit!

Cornerstone 255 Ontario Street, Downtown Kingston 613.200.0213 | www.printinuit.ca

KINGSTON WRITERSFEST: Writing the Book on Canadian Literary Festivals By Tori Stafford

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OPPOSITE Joyce Carol Oates during a presentation in 2010. Credit: Bernard Clark CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Lawrence Scanlan; Emancipation Day jacket; Bill Richardson during Speak Easy presentation (2009); On-stage debate – Credit: Bernard Clark; Lauren B. Davis – Credit: Bernard Clark CENTRE A Year of Living Generously jacket

he power of the written word is not limited to those famed pieces of literature stocked in every library, but rather evident in everything from a memoir or a mystery to a blog or a biography. It is for that reason Kingston WritersFest is so celebrated, both by those who participate in the numerous events the annual festival hosts and by those who benefit from the growth the festival inspires each year — economically, socially and culturally. For Barbara Bell, artistic director, and the entire team behind the festival, the fact that Kingston WritersFest has so much to offer so many different people is precisely what makes it an event worth every minute of hard work. “The mark of a healthy city is one

that embraces culture, and we feel it is just critical to provide a festival that allows that,” Bell expresses. Bell worked tirelessly with her team of dedicated staff, the festival’s board of directors and countless volunteers to create the programming for this year’s event. Having worked with the festival since its inception in 2009, Bell feels her growth into the position of artistic director has paralleled that of the festival itself. “It’s been a kind of organic process for the festival, and I have grown along with it — we went from 40 writers and 29 events in 2009 to this year offering more than 60 writers and 57 events,” she says, adding the festival includes events focused on all types of writing — from culinary to creative and historical to humorous.

With more authors, master class workshops, special events and diverse subjects to explore, the 2014 Kingston WritersFest was bigger and better than ever. This year’s headliner, worldrenowned author Wally Lamb, kicked off the four-day festival, discussing “the fictional truth,” the synthesis of his four New York Times best-selling novels and much more with CBC’s Michael Enright. Having internationally acclaimed authors on the stages of Kingston WritersFest events is not new; past authors include Margret Atwood, Naomi Wolfe, Romeo Dallaire and Joyce Carol Oates, just to name a few. But it isn’t just the authors that make Kingston WritersFest a truly unique,

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Steven Heighton reads his own words to an audience – Credit: Bernard Clark; Margret Atwood during book signing – credit: Bernard Clark; Wayne Grady; Iain Reid during a reading in 2010 – Credit: Bernard Clark; Shelagh Rogers embraces Joseph Boyden – Credit: Bernard Clark; Delights from one of the many culinary-based events at Kingston WritersFest – Credit: Garrett Elliott

culturally rich experience. For local authors who have been involved with the festival for many years, it is the interaction with the audience and the inspiration the festival fosters that makes it an event not to be missed. “In the past five years I have participated in Kingston WritersFest, I’ve met dozens of other writers, Canadian and international, who have stimulated my own creative juices and made me feel part of a much larger picture,” says local awardwinning author, Wayne Grady. “Plus, there is the stimulus provided by the many onstage discussions and debates that deal with issues of concern to all writers.” It is this discourse and the sharing of ideas that makes the festival unique, agrees Lawrence Scanlan, himself a local author and editor, whose first book, Riding

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High, became a Globe and Mail bestseller. “Kingston WritersFest has grown to become one of the best literary events in the country, distinguished by the calibre of authors who come, the inclusion of local writers and the level of discourse. And that last item is, for me, the most significant,” Scanlan says. “People in this city crave smart, animated discussion of important issues. The panel discussions at the festival are always fresh and lively, the debates sometimes spirited, packed houses are typical, and the questions from the audience are smart and challenging.” For local authors who have watched the festival grow since 2009, the way Kingston has embraced WritersFest is nothing short of wonderful and inspiring. For Steven Heighton, yet another of

Kingston’s highly revered and celebrated authors, the fact that such a successful festival with eager and excited attendees occurs right here in his city is one of the things he enjoys most. “One thing newcomers [to the festival] enjoy is the sense of excitement you feel when you get caught up in any spectacle in your own city. There’s a special exhilaration you feel when you flow along with a big crowd into a packed room to hear writers, or other artists, perform and talk about their work,” Heighton expresses, noting that discussing his craft with fellow writers and avid readers is not only important, but essential to him as a writer. “Meeting and hearing from readers is a great thing; it’s a heartening reminder that your work is actually finding its way into peoples’ lives.”

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October 2 TO November 1 (Select Nights)

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D ISCOV ER D OW N TOW N

Napanee By Tori Staffordâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;Photos Matthew English

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f you’re craving a little road trip to a downtown destination for some boutique browsing, there is one place that truly defines ‘small town charm’ and promises something for every shopper: Napanee. Parallel to the riverbank, amid stunning, historic architecture, the downtown core of Napanee is a quaint and quiet town; but don’t let the serene atmosphere fool you into thinking it’s a sleepy little village. Downtown Napanee is a bustling hub of boutique hotspots and tempting eateries that has seen nearly a decade of sheer transformation into a truly unique shopping area, attracting those from Toronto to Montreal. Pretty, inviting storefronts frame the main street, offering an array of stores and businesses from jewelry and fashion boutiques to specialty stores and unique emporiums. “Over the last number of years, downtown Napanee really underwent a renaissance,” says Tom Coke, Napanee Business Improvement Area office manager. “Today, the downtown is a very eclectic, shopping-oriented area. All of the items and services you would want in a big city and more, and all in that small town atmosphere.” With such a variety of one-of-a-kind, specialty boutiques, Coke says downtown Napanee attracts those from across

Eastern Ontario looking for the overall experience — unique clothing, home décor and more. It is easy to spend a day wandering throughout the area, which sees new businesses opening all the time. After — or during — your day of perusing, the area also offers everything from coffee to caviar to feed your fancy. Family-style eateries, casual cafes and white linen dining are all available after a boom in the restaurant scene occurred to complement downtown Napanee’s retail outlets. “I like to call 2013 ‘The Year of the Restaurant’ for Napanee,” Coke says with a laugh. “I think we’re at the point now where you can actually come to Napanee and think, ‘Okay, what do we feel like tonight?’ and be able to list several options that are available to you and your party.” Napanee may be a small town, but what it has to offer is more than you could ask for in a day trip or weekend getaway. Also known for its great antique outlets and its gorgeous trails along the waterfront, downtown Napanee is a must for your ‘To Do’ list of local destinations. Even if your feet (and perhaps your plastic) ache after a day of retail relaxation, the setting sun on the Napanee River is always a sight for sore eyes — and the perfect backdrop for an enchanting evening after a lovely autumn day.

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Starlet: Jewellery, Shoes and All That Your Heart Desires By Katrina Geenevasen Photos Jefta Monster

rom the moment you walk through the dramatic double wooden doors, you’re enveloped in what feels like a dream world; handbags, shoes, jewellery and clothing coming together in perfect harmony to create what has become known as one of Napanee’s greatest destinations — Starlet.

a store that more than lives up to its promise to deliver an unforgettable experience. “I love the idea that all women should be treated like a starlet, and should have an exceptional experience, and be made to feel special,” says Cat, carefully placing a spectacular necklace around a customer’s neck.

with great success; and to the delight of many fashionistas, Starlet Shoes opened its doors a couple of years later. Just recently, when the building between the two stores became available, the store expanded yet again. Starlet and Starlet Shoes have now merged into one large shopping experience.

Since opening eight years ago, this fabulously fun boutique — owned by husband and wife team Cat and Jefta Monster — has established itself as

Starlet started out small but mighty; just a few jewellery cupboards lined its cheerful coral and yellow walls when it first opened in 2006. However, it was met

Starlet now rivals the best of the boutiques found in larger urban centres like Montreal, Toronto and New York City. The entire space, which has been lovingly

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restored by the owners back to its original 1800s glory, features soaring ceilings, exposed brick walls and shiny hardwood floors. Collectively, they beckon customers to discover the treasures inside. It goes without saying: The couple has undoubtedly mastered the art of achieving the ‘wow’ factor. “It’s exciting to see the reaction on people’s faces when they first walk in,” says Jefta with his friendly trademark smile. “We have a giant chandelier and their jaw drops because they are amazed. I love seeing their expressions.” While the sparkling chandelier, cheerful coral bags the goods go home in and stunning décor of the store contribute to the overall Starlet experience, it is the staff that makes shopping at this downtown gem truly extraordinary, says Cat proudly. “We have an incredible team. We all love helping people. Whenever I discuss with our team [what it is they love most about their job,] it is helping someone find the perfect gift, or find that perfect piece for their special day.” With hundreds of lines to choose from, any shopper — no matter their style, age or budget — will find something (or many things!) they will love. “We try to choose diverse brands that are going to cater to a broad demographic — from funky to minimalist,” explains Cat, gesturing around her at the shelves stocked with one-of-a-kind pieces. Starlet offers leading Canadian designs, as well as fabulous finds from all over the world. Can’t make it to shop in store? Stay tuned for fabulous finds arriving on their newly launched website. Whether your style icon is Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe or Grace Kelly, you deserve to feel like a starlet. Visit today to get the full celebrity treatment from Cat, Jefta and their entire team.

Starlet 30 Dundas Street East, Napanee 613.354.3665 www.starlet.ca

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Discover the Adventure That Awaits at Explorer’s Market By Katrina Geenevasen Photos Jen Fitzpatrick

or shopping with a distinctly international flair, look no further than Explorer’s Market.

Boasting thousands of unique products, this well-kept secret in Napanee’s industrial area (only two minutes off Highway 401 with ample parking available) offers everything from handmade tribal masks and recycled teak root side tables to gorgeous jewelry, luxurious silk scarves, unique carvings and locally made pottery. “It’s really worth visiting for the one-of-akind products,” says Catherine Arnold, who co-owns this small-town treasure with her husband, Keith.

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The couple, seasoned travellers who have been in the industry for more than 25 years, are passionate about working directly with the artists and artisans overseas who create the products that are in their store. “Our mandate for the store is fair trade,” explains Catherine. “We buy directly from the people that are making it. That, in my mind, is truly fair trade.” When a product is handcrafted and/or fair trade, explains Catherine, customers are happy to buy it. “People know it’s not mass-produced in a factory; this adds to the charming uniqueness of each piece, as well.”

Many of the items you’ll discover at Explorer’s Market have a story behind them, explains Catherine; you won’t find them at a big box retail store. “I can name the person who made the product myself,” she says proudly. “That makes us totally unique. From Belleville to Kingston, there isn’t anything else quite like it.” Equally important to the couple is ecological sustainability. Catherine says they try to ensure the materials used for their products do not adversely affect the environment here or where they are made. The couple conceives of many of the designs themselves, and work with the

ABOVE Keith and Catherine Arnold, owners

artisans — whether their medium is wood, pottery, metal or natural fibres — to ensure the products are marketable in North America. For this couple, it’s all part of the fun, and their eyes sparkle when they speak of trips to Costa Rica, Bali, Thailand and Indonesia. “After working with some of these artisans for as many as 25 years, they have become like family,” says Catherine with a wide smile. If you’re seeking something with more of a local flavour, you’ll find many Canadianmade products, including stunning wooden bowls, plantable note cards and a great selection of locally-made pottery, mugs and more. Not surprisingly, this enchanting store, although it may be ‘off-the-beaten path’ has become a popular destination for shoppers of all ages with all kinds of different interests. “We have many repeat customers, often bringing back a friend or family member to see what they have

discovered,” says Catherine. Looking for that special unique gift or the perfect accent for decorating with? “There is something here for everyone,” she assures. “We cover the whole gamut.” While the delightful store offers truly one-of-a-kind pieces and a marvelous experience, the online store shows the massive scope of inventory that is available. Customers can order online or by phone for pick up or to be shipped. So whether you’re looking for bamboo wood chimes, Haitian metal wall art, or the perfect inspiring banner to give or decorate with, you’ll be able to find it online. Don’t let the location of this hidden-away gem deter you; fantastic finds with an international flair await. Explorer’s Market 27 Kellwood Crescent, Napanee 613.354.5649 www.explorersmarket.com |

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Put a

Touch of Class in Your Wardrobe This Season

Model Christine Harvey provided by SoHo Management.

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By Melanie Furlong Photos Stephen Wild

ust 20 minutes from downtown Kingston and centrally located between Ottawa and Toronto, the picturesque town of Napanee attracts visitors from all three cities. Many of these visitors seek the fashions at Touch of Class Fashion Boutique, a store that’s made Napanee a veritable fashion destination. Owner Teresa Hendrick first opened the women’s fashion boutique in 1991 with a loan of $4,000 from her father. “I didn’t have much money when I started,” says Teresa. “But over the last 24 years I’ve been able to build a business that’s been a great success story from day one.” Teresa attributes her success to prayer, hard work and knowledgeable staff. “We are always changing and re-inventing ourselves, which has also been another key to our success,” says Teresa. “We offer an amazing selection of European and Canadian designs and I am always looking for something new and different.” Colour is equally important to Teresa. “I love colour and I always make an effort to bring a variety of hues into the store,” she says. “Women like variety in their wardrobe and they’ve often commented over the years that colour was something they could always find in my store.” Touch of Class attracts the fashionista aged 25 to 85 with a wide variety of fashion needs. “I’ve focused on dressing the career woman, but we also have a great selection for special events like weddings, mother-of-the-bride outfits, proms and more,” says Teresa. “We have everything from a great pair of skinny jeans to dresses that can go from the office to a cocktail party. It’s a one-stop shop where you can purchase it all, including sunglasses, jewelry, handbags, boots and shoes to complete your wardrobe.”

Many shoppers come to Touch of Class looking for specific brands such as Michael Kors, Elisa Cavaletti, Sandwich, Franco Mirabelli and Simon Chang. Those looking for evening gowns will find designs from La Femme, JS Collections and Adrianna Patell among others. To make sure all their fashions fit perfectly, Touch of Class has a seamstress in all day on Mondays for fittings and tailoring. A little over a year ago, Teresa purchased a beautiful historic building in downtown Napanee and completely remodeled it from the bare brick. Touch of Class is located on the first floor with elegant custom-made fixtures by FJ Cook to complement the historic downtown corridor. Joanne Burke, owner of Touch of Wellness Spa, is located on the second

floor and offers the extra touch with further pampering before or after shopping. If you’d like to take advantage of Touch of Class’s complimentary personal shopper, call to make an after-hours appointment. “It’s a lot of fun for a girls’ night out, especially when it is complemented by a treatment at the spa,” says Teresa. “Life is so busy and we would love the opportunity to make things easier. Take a short drive to Napanee to experience what Touch of Class Fashions has to offer.” Touch of Class Fashion Boutique 2 Dundas St. West, Napanee 613.354.2799 touchofclassfashions.ca touchofwellnessnapanee.com f.j.cook.com

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Travel Wear Made Easy at Sand ‘n’ Sea Swim & Cruise Boutique By Rebecca Henderson Photos Jen Fitzpatrick

ince opening her swimwear boutique in Napanee four years ago, Ellen Johnson has become known as a style maven when it comes to bathing suits. She’s heard the same comment over and over again from clients visiting with their friends: “If Ellen tells you to try something on, do it!”

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ABOVE Model Hanna Neilson provided by Kingston’s SoHo Management

“I think it’s because we are able to suggest a swimsuit they wouldn’t normally try on, and they often really love it,” says Johnson with a smile. After all, the staff at Sand ‘n’ Sea is specially trained to know how different brands fit and how certain styles will flatter different body shapes. Johnson knows plenty about women and men’s fashions for any type of vacation destination — whether you’re bound for the sunny beaches of Mexico, or headed to experience the luxuries of Rio de Janeiro. “We’re always sourcing out new products and staying on top of trends,” says Johnson, who was inspired by her sister’s store with the same name in Thunder Bay. Shopping for the perfect bathing suit can be a dreaded experience for many women, but Johnson and her staff aim to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. And with sizes from two to 24, every body type is covered. “Everyone is excited about their vacation, and we try to maintain that atmosphere in the boutique,” she explains, noting how the swimsuit and lingerie industries are constantly improving to better fit and support women, in both

construction methods and fabrics. “I also make sure to select a variety of styles from over 25 brands, which you can mix and match — because not everyone is the same size on the top and the bottom,” she says. Johnson also learns from her customers and shares which pieces work best in which climates. “Research and talking to our customers is how I’m able to specialize in travel fashion,” she says, gesturing towards the racks of colourful swimwear and clothing. “We’re able to help our customers decide what they should pack and what they can leave behind. It’s a wonderful synergy between staff and customers.” The lingerie department offers A to K-cup sizes from well-known lines like Chantelle, Panache and Fit Fully Yours. New this fall will be Passionata’s younger styles. Sand ‘n’ Sea Boutique also carries a wide selection of women and men’s travel wear; whether the occasion calls for something casual or formal. From cover-ups and dresses that can be easily slipped on for a casual lunch, to tops, capris and shorts that can be coordinated into a versatile

travel wardrobe, Sand ‘n’ Sea has plenty of options. The store also carries Canadianmade Yoga Jeans, which allow wearers to travel in both style and comfort. For men, the shop carries swim trunks, walking shorts and washable silk or natural fibre shirts. “It’s a very efficient department,” she says, “just like the men who shop here!” Most of the clothing lines are designed or manufactured in Canada, while several are Canadian designers who manufacture ethically — like Pure and Neon Buddha, companies that proudly pay higher-thanaverage wages, provide a lunch program and education for their overseas workers. Embrace your love of travel, and visit Sand ‘n’ Sea Boutique today.

Sand ‘n’ Sea Swim & Cruise Boutique 3a. Dundas Street West, Kingston 613.354.3545 www.sandnseaboutique.com

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Everything You Need to “See” By Ashliegh Gehl Photos Jen Fitzpatrick

warm, welcoming smile is the hallmark of customer service. At Napanee Opticians, it’s easy to see how knowledgeable, enthusiastic staff can make shopping for eyewear a breeze. This family-owned and operated gem is nestled in Napanee’s downtown, next to market square. It has been an essential part of the community since 1988. The store’s history begins with Joan Elm and Keith Heywood, two opticians and friends who formed a partnership to open the store.

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More than a decade later, Heywood retired and the store’s current owner, Lori Morris — who had been working in the shop since it opened — took on extra responsibilities. In August, 2003, when Joan suddenly passed away, Morris adopted the business. “Long before I took over the business, I started doing the buying for the store, so I have 20-plus years experience as a buyer,” says Morris. “I try on all the frames before I buy them to ensure the frame is comfortable to wear.” Today, Morris works with Caitlin McDonald, her future daughter-in-law. “When it comes to buying frames for the

store, Caitlin and I work as a team,” she says. “Her youth is an advantage because she sometimes sees frames from a different perspective than I do.” One of the perks of being a family-owned business is its signature touch. Unlike a large chain store, where products are passed down by head office, Morris selects her stock by hand. She determines what frames to sell and what lenses she’ll use. What most customers don’t know is that there are dozens of suppliers of progressive lenses, and there’s often a notable difference in the quality of the lenses. “I personally try out new lenses on

the market and only sell the ones I feel offer the best performance and vision,” she says. “The greatest reward is the excitement of seeing people put on their new glasses and love their new look or be excited about how good their vision is in the progressive lenses we recommended for them.” Since every item is personally selected, Morris and her staff are acutely knowledgeable about all of the products in the store. They also know what products work best for certain lifestyles. Lori and her staff take pride in providing the best customer service possible and often consult as a team during the frame selection process. It’s how she helps her customers feel confident about their choices. Morris and McDonald, as the opticians, enjoy working with young children and take the time to allow each child to become comfortable with them, ensuring their experience is pleasant and fun. From Fysh UK, Kliik Denmark, Perry Ellis for men, and Elizabeth Arden, Napanee Opticians sells a wide variety of beautiful eyewear. They also have sunglasses from Oakley, Maui Jim, Adidas, Guess, and Spy on hand. “We have often been told that we have the best frame selection in the area,” says Morris. There’s a sign on the wall of the store that says, “It’s OK to have too much fun.” It’s a message Morris and her staff takes seriously. They take time for laughter and make memories with each customer who walks in. RIGHT Lori Morris, owner & Caitlin McDonald

Napanee Opticians 118 John Street, Napanee 613.354.3744 napaneeopticians@gmail.com napaneeopticians.com

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Synergy Artisan Gallery An Artistic Fusion of Fire, Water, Earth and Air By Tori Stafford Photos Jen Fitzpatrick

“

he word 'synergy' implies the sum of many parts is far greater than any of those parts individually,” says Tawlia Chickalo. “Because our store is bringing together an eclectic group of artists and artisans, Synergy seemed to be a very good fit.”

of love, Chickalo spent years planning for and designing Synergy Artisan Gallery, a showroom featuring of an array of wares from artisans throughout Canada. From paintings and sculpture to handcrafted candles, jewelry and personal care items, Synergy offers the works of dozens of talented artisans in one store.

This is how Chickalo describes finding the perfect name for her business when she opened Synergy Artisan Gallery in Napanee just a few months ago. A labour

An artisan herself, Chickalo and her son, Tahn, own and operate Pheylonian Bee Works, as well — and Synergy is the flagship location for the wide variety of

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candles and products made from 100 per cent pure cappings beeswax Pheylonian Bee Works manufactures. “We have built our company for over 40 years and we sell to hundreds of stores across North America,” Chickalo says of their company. “We handcraft dozens of different sizes and types of candles from pure beeswax, which emit negative ions when burned, eliminating odours, toxins and dust without the pollutants common of traditional candles. At Synergy, we

offer all of our Bee Works products, along with other wonderful one-of-a-kind wares from over 40 artisans, with more coming in the next month.” The large, open gallery space is in an historic 165-year-old building, and features an amazing limestone interior, ideal for showcasing the gorgeous and intriguing items made by potters, woodworkers, painters, sculptors, metalsmiths and glassblowers. Synergy also carries a variety of handcrafted sweets, treats, foods and beverages, as well as aromatherapy oils, lots of crystals and natural body care products. “Our tag line is, 'A gallery of artistic impressions united by fire, water, earth and air,” Chickalo says of the elemental origins of the products at Synergy. “All of the products boil down to the earth's substances... reflecting a lovely, balanced energy.” Tapping into the energy of the store, Synergy offers a workshop, presentation and lecture space in their back room, hosting events on various topics, such as arts and handcrafts, well-being and holistic lifestyle. This allows likeminded individuals and those with interest in alternative, natural and holistic approaches to the betterment of body, mind and spirit to gather and learn. A schedule of upcoming events is available on the gallery's website. “I have people coming in who will be doing lectures and workshops on a myriad of topics,” Chickalo says, noting the number of those who are interested and educated in overall wellness and alternative means of self-betterment is growing all the time. “There are so many intelligent, creative and brilliant people in this area who are knowledgeable in various levels of alternative information in relation to health, spirit, ecology and the environment,” she says. “I think it is great to have a place where all of these things can come together... and I love having it here in Napanee.”

Smokey Quartz Cluster

Amethyst Geode

Pheylonian Bee Works Beeswax Candles

Mystic Glass by Brendesign

Wooden Bowl by Stinson Studios

Synergy Artisan Gallery 3 Dundas Street East Napanee 613.308.9332 www.synergy-gallery.com contact@synergy-gallery.com Muskoka Bay Pottery FineLifestyles

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THE WATERFRONT RIVER PUB Offers Warm Hospitality in a Unique Setting By Tobie Hainstock Photos Jen Fitzpatrick and courtesy of The Waterfront River Pub

f you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience in a distinctive setting, visit the newly opened Waterfront River Pub and Terrace. Charming and sophisticated, but still comfortable and relaxed, The Waterfront is located on the banks of the historic Napanee River. Serving up delicious dishes in one of Napanee’s original limestone buildings, The Waterfront offers a unique blend of old and new. Abandoned for many years before undergoing a complete restoration in 2013, the building was originally constructed in 1857 by Thomas Taylor. It served as a brewery for many years under numerous ownerships before being sold to the Dominion Bank in 1884.

Throughout the next several decades, it was used by a power and electric company, a gas company and a marina before sitting vacant for many years. Owners Jane Adams-Roy and Alain Roy appreciate the building’s history. The limestone was restored to maintain as much of the original character and ambiance as possible. Today, the stylish Waterfront Pub is a licensed establishment that serves traditional Canadian pub-style comfort food as well as mouthwatering, leading-edge cuisine. “We call it a pub plus,” says AdamsRoy, explaining the restaurant boasts a classic pub environment with both traditional pub offerings as well as upscale choices on its menu. Sarah Traviss, Chef

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ABOVE TOP LEFT Roasted Button Mushroom Soup, TOP RIGHT Maple and Whiskey Salmon, CENTRE Waterfront Perogies, BOTTOM LEFT Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake, BOTTOM RIGHT Smoked Salmon Terrine FineLifestyles

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They also offer fantastic local entertainment and special events such as Trivial Pursuit evenings, car rallies and treasure hunts. “We have a beautiful location here with a patio and a lovely park just across the river,” says AdamsRoy. “Since we opened, we’ve seen a lot more river traffic and folks taking advantage of the town docks and pier.”

Chef Sarah Traviss and her talented kitchen staff prepare a broad array of delicious items all made from scratch. Tantalizing lunch favourites include The Waterfront Double Stack Burger, The Loyalist Steak Sandwich and their Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Brie. The dinner menu offers delectable dishes including Chicken Parmesan, Brandy Blushed Penne and Steak au Poivre. The Waterfront also serves a variety of tasty appetizers, savoury soups and fresh salads that will please your palette. A gluten-free menu is also available for guests with special dietary needs, as well ABOVE Jane Adams-Roy, Owner

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as several vegetarian options. “You can have our awesome Fish and Chips,” says Adams-Roy with a smile, “but you can also have Ravioli Duxelles with Scallops or our Maple and Whiskey Salmon.” Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy such temptations as Crème Brûlée, County Cheesecake or a Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup. The Waterfront has also gone leadingedge in its tap, wine and cocktail offerings. Choose from 18 draft taps and the largest selection of craft beer in the area, as well as a variety of wines and top liquors.

The Waterfront Pub is also the perfect location for special occasions. “Our Upper Pub is an attractive area with a beautiful fireplace that provides privacy and ambiance for any occasion,” notes Adams-Roy. Whether it’s a Christmas party, birthday, anniversary or business meeting, The Waterfront is happy to make your special occasion a memorable one. “We’re exceptionally happy and proud to be part of Napanee’s river renaissance,” says Adams-Roy, “and we look forward to seeing our regular patrons, as well as meeting new guests and making new friends.” The Waterfront River Pub and Terrace 22 Water Street, Napanee 613.354.2053 www.thewaterfrontnapanee.com

VACATION Inspiration

ADVE NTU R OUS E S C A PE S By Courtney Tait

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t doesn’t take many days of chilly temperatures before Canadians start dreaming of hopping on a plane destined for somewhere hot. But while a warm getaway typically features white-sand beaches and poolside cocktails at an all-inclusive resort, these vacations can sometimes lack the adventure that makes travel meaningful. “Travel is changing,” says Shawn Fitzpatrick, a manager with Marlin Travel. “People want to see more and do more versus just sitting on the beach.” The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice luxury for experiences that fulfill you. We’ve rounded up three exciting excursions that blend high-class holidaying with activities guaranteed to give you something to write home about.

1. Luxury Safari in namibia and botSwana Visiting the world’s tallest sand dunes, exploring the grasslands of the Okavango Delta and

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spotting game such as leopards and elephants — these are just some of the highlights of a two-week getaway offered by Big Five Tours. Starting in Namibia’s capital city of Windhoek, visitors are flown to Sossusvlei to explore the dunes and grass savannah of the Namib Desert. Spacious lodge accommodations feature shaded decks that look out onto the dunes and starviewing skylights. Next up? A flight along the coastline to Damaraland, where you sleep in a camp on the banks of the Huab River. One of the trip’s most fascinating highlights is a visit to a settlement of local Himba, a semi-nomadic people who inhabit Namibia’s remote Kunene Region. Mid-tour, you’ll spend two days exploring a wildlife sanctuary, experiencing close-up encounters with leopards and cheetahs. Accommodations in the secluded Okonjima Bush Suite include

private air-conditioned bedrooms under a thatched roof and a personal host, chef and guide. From a safari camp in Northern Botswana (which features a 500-bottle wine cellar) you’ll venture on game drives and boat trips in an area known for giraffes, zebras, lions and elephants. The last few days of the tour are spent in the Okavango Delta, exploring the savannah in land rovers and the rivers by mokoro canoes. Little Vumbura Camp features a plunge pool and star deck — so you can gaze at the night sky, free of the city lights you’re sure to see in the Limestone City. 2. fitneSS retreat in St. Lucia When you combine freezing temperatures with indulging over the busy holiday season, it’s easy to pack on a few unwanted pounds in winter. While you could resurrect your gym membership come January, a more alluring way to tone up is at The Bodyholiday — a beach

resort in St. Lucia. With personal trainers offering instruction in everything from yoga and tennis to archery and water sports, a vacation at this Caribbean paradise enables you to gain new skills while you slim down. The resort’s wellness centre features a range of three to seven-day “experiences” including “Lose It, Tone It”, with hiking, body wraps and nutritional advice. While The Bodyholiday offers plenty of fitness options, the resort’s philosophy is to let guests create their own experience, choosing how much (or how little) they want to partake in physical activities. The pool overlooking Cariblue beach, an array of restaurants and ocean-view rooms make relaxing as appealing as exercising. Venture out of the resort to hike through the rainforest and take in the vibrant local culture in towns such as Castries. Sailing, snorkelling and kayaking trips also available through The Bodyholiday enable

you to experience the crystal blue waters surrounding St. Lucia, seeing the island from another perspective. 3. VoLuntour Vacation in coSta rica Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with kids, two weeks in Costa Rica with Hands up Holidays will infuse your vacation memories with meaning. The company’s motto is “Luxury Travel, Lasting Impressions.”Their “Conserving Costa Rica” itinerary includes time at a coffee plantation, canal boat trips in search of sloths and monkeys, whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River and volcano hot springs. But the tour’s biggest highlight is time spent volunteering at an animal rescue centre. Animals who have been injured, orphaned, or illegally traded in Costa Rica are brought to the centre to be cared for. Working alongside local people, volunteers help introduce animals to their

new living quarters, clean cages, prepare animals’ meals, and other tasks that assist in the process to ultimately return animals to their natural habitats. The trip’s accommodations include luxury boutique eco-rooms, an upscale jungle lodge and a homestay with a local family. Massage, rainforest hikes, canyoning and beach time are all available, with an emphasis on creating an itinerary tailored to you. The best part? You will leave Costa Rica not only enriched by the experience, but knowing you gave back to the country and its vulnerable species. www.bigfive.com/tour/ namibia-botswana www.thebodyholiday.com www.handsupholidays.com/tours/ voluntourism-costa-rica

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The Joys of River Cruising

Shawn Fitzpatrick, Manager Marlin Travel Service Guaranteed 645 Gardiners Road, Kingston Suite 114 613.384.4567 ext. 101 www.sg-travel.com

river cruise is a voyage along inland waterways, which often stops at multiple towns and cities along the way. For many travellers, the slower pace of a river cruise is perfect for getting the lay of the land. Sitting on the top deck of a ship, you can gaze on fabled landscapes dotted with castles, villages and vineyards. A flight of stairs down, you have all the amenities of a modern hotel: restaurants, bars, lounges, fitness facilities, spas, Internet access and beautiful staterooms.

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Popular river cruising destinations include Christmas markets along the Rhine and Danube. Travel on the Rhone and Seine in France, the Douro in Portugal, The Po river in Italy and along the Russian waterways that wind from Moscow to St. Petersburg. More exotic cruises include the Yangtze in China and the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. I also don’t want to forget to mention the Mississippi River in the United States or our own Kingston-based St. Lawrence Cruise lines, which offers multi-day cruises of the St Lawrence River. If you wish to explore Ottawa, board the MV Canadian Empress, a 66-passenger replica steamboat. River Cruises have changed over the past few years — some now offer drinks inclusive packages instead of just offering wine with the meals. Do you like a room with a view? Some of the ships now have suites with balconies. Enjoy taking a dip? Some ships boast cool and refreshing swimming pools. Avalon is one of the most popular river cruise lines, as it offers suites with wall-to-wall panoramic windows that transform the living space into a unique open-air balcony. As you cruise along Europe’s finest rivers, you enjoy the fresh breeze and enchanting

scenery from the comfort of your suite. With 200 sq. ft., the Panorama Suite is more than 30 per cent larger than the industry standard, and it gives you the unparalleled opportunity to wake up each morning facing the magnificent passing scenery. Exciting onboard amenities include a complimentary Internet Corner and Wi-Fi access, a well-stocked library, an expanded fitness centre and a spacious sky deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool and delightful bistro. Keep in mind that river cruises are very popular and sell out quickly. Be sure to book one year in advance if possible. Save $1,000 per couple on 2015 Avalon Waterways Book Now Sailings. With Avalon Waterway’s Book Now Sailings, you can easily and affordably take a cruise that includes everything. These cruises give you sweeping views of aweinspiring landscapes every moment of the day and bring you to the heart of small towns and big cities to experience unique destinations. Avalon wants to welcome you to the world of Avalon river cruising; where no matter how long you’re aboard, you’ll be spoiled with a cruise unlike any other. Book Now Sailings are offered for a limited time only and sell out quickly.

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

SKATE WITH

TAYLOR HALL

Four YEArS oF LITTLE SKATErS MAKIng BIg AccoMpLISHMEnTS By Tori Stafford Photos David Chang

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Imagine the feeling children get as they lace up their skates to take to the ice with their NHL idol for a two-hour skills camp. Then imagine the feeling these children experience knowing the efforts theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made are helping other children who are battling cancer. Now imagine all of that coming together in one place, on one day; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one experience no child is soon to forget.

or more than 70 children here in Kingston, there is no need for imagination when it comes to those feelings or that experience. The Fourth Annual Skate with Taylor Hall Skills Camp, presented by James Braden Ford at the INVISTA Centre on Aug. 10, was nothing short of a hat trick of successes. It was a win for those children who worked hard for the opportunity to learn from one of the best in league; it was a win for those who benefit from the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cancer Fund at Kingston General Hospital; and it was a win for the celebrated Edmonton Oilers player himself.

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

fundraising and Skills Camp truly are inspired in more ways than one. For sevenyear-old Eric Watson, who was the top fundraiser in his age group, the pride is evident in his voice when he describes raising money for other children in need by going door-to-door and explaining the Children’s Cancer Fund to people. “It made me feel pretty good... I raised $1,006.10!” he says proudly. Eric’s friend and fellow Hall fan, Zack Carrier, seven, also had an exciting time raising funds to join the Skills Camp; for the second year in a row, Zack had a lemonade stand, and when his parents, Amy and Kris, posted a photo of Zack’s lemonade stand on Twitter, Hall himself took note and retweeted the image to his 328,000 followers. “I think it’s pretty cool,” Zack says of learning about the online activity. “The Skills Camp was fun. We got to skate around pylons and shoot on the goalie.”

When Hall was developing a fundraiser with the James Braden Ford team that would give back to the community he called home during some of his most formative years, he knew it wouldn’t be a run-of-the-mill event. “Different guys do golf tournaments and things like that, but I think it is important for me to connect with the kids, and have that connection with kids in my hometown,” the 22-year-old leftwinger explains. “I’m from here, and I really care about the community, and I think it is special to see and meet the kids here.” At the same time, Hall says, he gets to be a part of kids helping other kids in need, as those who participate in the event raise pledges for the Children’s Cancer Fund at

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KGH. This fund aids children battling cancer and their families with the financial burdens such stressful times can bring. Not only is the charity a worthwhile cause, Hall says, but the event also helps to teach children about the power of fundraising and how they can make a difference. “They are kids that are raising money for other kids that are in need, and that’s something that connects us all,” Hall says. “Everyone involved has been touched by cancer at some point,” he continues. “I am not sure if all the kids understand what the money is being raised for, but I know they will as they grow older, and I know some of them do now, and it is really cool for them.” The children who participate in the

The Skills Camp allows Hall to help foster a love of hockey in local youth, a charge he takes very seriously, but enjoys immensely, he says. “It’s pretty awesome to see the smiles on their faces. Some of the kids are really shy when they first meet you, and then over the course of the ice time, they kind of get a little more interactive... it’s just a special feeling,” Hall expresses. The event raised nearly $24,000 for the Children’s Cancer Fund through pledges, donations for autographs and photos, and a silent auction — a great success and something Hall, the team at James Braden Ford and the young participants look forward to doing again next year. “There are a lot of kids that have been coming for four years and they come back every year. It is a lot of fun,” Hall says. “I take pictures with the kids, and I can just see, in about 15 years, some kid will be playing in the NHL, and he’ll show me a picture of him and me from this day.”

IN LIVING

COLOUR:

Stellar Style For Your Home By Katrina Geenevasen

CICO Books: ‘Creating the French Look’ by Annie Sloan Photography by Christopher Drake FineLifestyles

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f your home is your castle, your castle’s walls must not only exude style and warmth, but also be a reflection of your personality. Don’t know how to get started? We spoke with some industry professionals for their take on finding the perfect hue. “Paint can have a huge visual impact on any space,” says Jen Sutherland, interior designer and owner of Jen Storey designs. “It can clean up a space and transform the overall feeling, including changing the perception of its size.”

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Making design waves right now are shades of grey, turquoise, white and black, says Sutherland. Accent walls and simple colour blocking are also at the top of many homeowners’ design wish lists. But are these colours and trends right for you? “I feel people should make a home their own and consider if a trend fits their lifestyle before using it,” says the design expert. Are you considering painting your ceilings? Sometimes it can work beautifully. “If your room is attic-like, I usually suggest painting it all the same

tone,” she recommends, adding that small powder rooms may also improve with painted ceilings. “I love to make dramatic ceilings in small spaces. It really depends on the ceiling height and scale of the space, as well as the angles of the walls. In general, I say the ceilings can be more fun than flat white!” When it comes to transitioning paint colours from room-to-room, colours should be complementary. “It’s essential the colours you use throughout a house should transition smoothly,” explains Sutherland.

Don’t forget the importance of lighting when it comes to your paint colour, either, adds Sutherland. “Lighting is super important and will change from room to room and house to house. Don’t select the same colour a friend has chosen. It may look like a completely different colour in your home due to natural and artificial lighting.”

tone. However, if you want such details to recede in a space and blend, you would consider painting them the wall tone.”

Sutherland suggests painting a white Bristol board and moving it around the space to see how it may adapt. Be sure to make note of how the colour changes throughout the day and night.

Developed in England by Annie Sloan in 1990, it is called “chalk paint” because of its texture. “While it is primarily used to paint furniture, walls can also be painted with it,” says Elizabeth Harvey, owner of The Melon Patch in Bath. “The beauty of chalk paint is that it can go on any surface — including metal, plastic and wood — without priming or sanding.” It can also be used for floors, she says. “Painting small details with chalk paint will give your home its own personality and make it truly one-of-a-kind.”

If your home features special architectural details like mouldings, now is your chance to let these features shine. “If a home has gorgeous architectural details I want to see them as a feature,” says Sutherland. “Older homes can exhibit the most amazing historical details. I suggest keeping them in a soft white

If you’re feeling creative, you may wish to showcase your painting prowess by making use of non-traditional forms of paint, such as chalk paint, for your furniture.

“If you use a neutral palette, your accent tone should be seen throughout each level of your home.” Creating unity, she says, will open up your space. The biggest mistake many homeowners make? Choosing colour based only on a small store sample. “It is very tricky to look at a small sample and envision the room complete,” explains Sutherland. “The painted room will appear much more intense than a small chip. Choose the tone wisely and ask a professional for advice if unsure.”

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The Benefits of Using a Finding Realtor When the Perfect Looking at Neighbourhood New Home Construction

DeveloPiNg Your Wish list

Tracie Tattrie Tracie Tattrie Sales Representative Sales Representative Royal RoyalLePage LePageProAlliance ProAlliance Realty Realty 640 640Cataraqui CataraquiWoods Woods Drive Drive Kingston Kingston 613.484.0225 613.484.0225 tracie@tracietattrie.ca tracie@tracietattrie.ca kingstonrealestateagentwhocares.com kingstonrealestateagentwhocares.com

are important to you, like a double car

work on the Barr Home schedule for open garage and fireplace. houses and meet many people struggling toThe make an informed about second wish list isdecision just as important building a newtohome. There so many and speaks the type of are neighbourhood considerations to keep mind make a that works best forinyou andto the quality knowledgeable decision — from different of life you are looking for outside the builders andyou neighbourhoods, to costs home. Do like to entertain? Are you and incentives. Working with a personal looking for quiet neighbours without Realtor, you will have access to all this children? Do you like to bike or hike? Is information in a timelier manner. Plus, it important to be able to walk to local they are invested in your purchase and restaurants? If you have children, school want you to make the best decision today boundaries will be important; maybe and for future resale.

your children will have to bus to school.

ingston is an amazing waterfront city rich in history and flavour. Finding the right neighbourhood for you can be overwhelming and involves careful research — especially for those moving in from other markets.

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are considering and see how the homes

QUesTioN: Should I use a Realtor others for after-sales service; this is are maintained and whether or not they live There are two to take into important when looking at newwish homelists construction? information your realtor can up to your standards. Driving at different account when moving. The first list provide to help you make an informed ANsWeR: Yes, of course, and I believe times of day and on weekends versus the considers the features of the home that decision. most realtors feel the same. I currently

Your Realtor also has access to the entire startiNg search landscape of theYour “new build” spectrum. Have you Googled the builders in is A great way to start your search the Kingston area recently? There is the City of Kingston website, which a has wonderful selection of houses from neighbourhood profiles and an prestigious custom builders who work introduction to some neighbourhood closely with you to create your dream associations. home. There are also builders who offer varieties of way designs thatacan modified Another to get feelbefor an area is totoyour liking. Keep in mind thatwhich some will attend a community event, builders better than give youhave a sense of reputations the dynamics of the

neighbourhood. You can also drive through the areas you

weekdays will give you a great perspective

QUesTioN: Why should I use on what it could be like to live there. my own Realtor versus the builder’s representatives? Commuting to work can also be a deal ANsWeR: If some you opt for your breaker for — traffic can be a own game-changer. Realtor, you will have personal Measure the distance of representation. Consider this for a idea of your commute to get an accurate moment: youitwere court, how iflong will in take. would you want your lawyer representing both sides? Probably not. Your homeWork DoiNg YourOnce Realtoryou is more havedetached an ideaand of can what the shed light on the situation from a different community looks like and have decided angle. He or she is working hard to ensure whether or not it addresses your needs you make great decisions and ask the right and wants, then it’s time to do even more questions.

homework.Your realtor can help you

Personally, I have assisted my clients with uncover many more details you might not selections for flooring and cupboards; it’s even consider. not because I am a designer, but because I see what the public is looking for and Researching neighbourhoods should be what is best for resale. My job is to help an independent act, and although Realtors clients make informed decisions and are there to guide you, you still need to do purchase a home that suits their lifestyle, of the legwork on your whilesome making a smart investment at own. the Visit www.kingstonrealestateagentwhocares. same time.

com to find helpful links. Moving to a new locale can be stressful and no one wants to make a mistake.

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Signing a Contract With Your Kitchen Designer: What You Should Know

ready to proceed with the kitchen of your dreams. The exciting and creative part of the design process is complete, but there is still the business side to finish. Before you sign a contract with your kitchen supplier, there are a few items to be aware of.

Stephen Lang Kitchen Designer Countrywide Kitchens 1407 John Counter Blvd., Unit 110 Kingston 613.549.8650 www.countrywidekitchens.com

QueStion I’ve decided to proceed with my kitchen renovation. What other information should I know before signing the contract and placing my deposit?

ongratulations! Your kitchen designer has created the perfect design for you, the selections are made and you’re

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The final package should include an itemized list or detailed floor plan describing everything you are to receive. From the cabinet colour and style to the countertop edge and finish, everything should be written out. This is as much for your protection as it is for the kitchen company. Their goal is to provide you with the best experience possible and with due diligence at the start, this will be accomplished. Your kitchen designer should give you an estimated start date and timeline for your renovation. Cabinets require between six to 10 weeks for production and a lot can happen during that time; weather interruptions, manufacturer delays, permit delays, etc. Your estimated start date is just that, estimated. Your kitchen supplier will confirm the exact installation date about two to three weeks prior. Depending on how extensive your renovation is, the timeline may fluctuate. If you are just changing cabinets and countertops, it might take two to five days. If the entire

room is being renovated — moving walls, adding electrical and plumbing, new flooring, cabinetry, etc. — it could take up to six to eight weeks. An experienced designer is knowledgeable and will be able to give you a timeline and discuss proper expectations. Good preparation should eliminate most problems, but sometimes, unexpected delays happen. As much as the design process and the materials are a major part of your renovation, the after-sales service is just as important. Does your cabinet supplier have their own service department and dedicated staff to handle any and all service needs? What are the warranties of the products you are purchasing? Is there any special care required for materials being installed? It’s better to ask these questions up front than be surprised later. Most kitchen suppliers require a 50 per cent deposit when you sign the contract. At delivery time, a 40 per cent payment is required, which leaves 10 per cent to be paid when the job is completed. Now the paperwork is complete and it’s time for the anticipation. Your new kitchen is on order and all the details are dealt with. Sit back, relax and let the fun begin.

STICKLEY. BUILT FOR LIFE.

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252 Princess Street • Kingston, ON 613-548-3022 or 613-548-3025 jreidfurnprincess@kos.net

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1880 John Counter Blvd • Kingston, ON 613-544-4415 or 613-544-4416

www.jamesreidfurniture.net

Should You Age at Home Or ‘Rightsize’ Your Place?

Chris Lawson Owner

Seniors on the Move 640 Cataraqui Woods Drive Kingston 613.583.5001 www.seniorsonthemove.ca

any older people are able to carry out their daily activities with little effort or difficulty as they reach their senior years. For some, however, the activities that were once routine become a challenge. Although the move to assisted living may be an option, many seniors like the idea of continuing to live independently at home, which can be a less costly and a more welcome alternative to assisted living. It’s a viable option for some seniors at this juncture in life.

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Increasing limitations on everyday activity is one of the most common reasons elderly people move into a nursing home or assisted living facility. Options exist to help seniors modify their current homes and enjoy an extended period of time living in a familiar and comfortable environment. Rightsizing your home is just that; making your home fit your lifestyle, instead of the other way around. With age, our needs change. As we move through life, we accumulate a lifetime of possessions we eventually outgrow. In many cases, the need to manage ‘stuff’

becomes a problem a senior can’t manage alone, which can become a burden on the family. When the decision is made to downsize or ‘rightsize’, oftentimes, the contemplation of dealing with these possessions of a lifetime is overwhelming. Seniors on the Move wants to ensure the senior environment is clutter-free, stressfree, nurturing and relaxing. Their goal is to create a place that allows an individual the freedom to focus on the road ahead, not what they have left behind. Seniors on the Move is here to help manage every step of this process to ensure the transition is as stress-free and positive as possible.

LET YOUR HOME

GO TO THE DOGS Living with pets...

IN STYLE

Urban Paws Cataraqui Pet Centre 1183 Midland Avenue Kingston, ON, K7P 2X8 (613) 384-0987 info@urbanpaws.ca

www.urbanpaws.ca

Urban Paws Downtown Smith Robinson Building 27 Princess Street, Suite 101 Kingston, ON, K7L 1A3 (613) 547-2323 info@urbanpaws.ca

Kingston's Best since

• building contractors • custom built homes • roofing & siding • windows & doors

1977

• masonry restoration • decks & fences • interlock/driveways/patios • insulation

At Kingston's Best, all our contracts are fully guaranteed in writing. We work with residential friendly dumpster company, Bin There Dump That.

110 Railway Street, Kingston 613.544.5222 kb_homes@hotmail.com kbhomes.on.ca

Making Informed Investment Decisions

Managing Your Money Hire an Expert or Go it Alone? By Tobie Hainstock

Whether it’s buying a home, building a retirement nest egg or saving for our children’s education, we all have financial goals of some sort. With so many advisors in the industry, isn’t it simpler to look after your financial investments yourself? How do you know who is trustworthy? Whose advice should you follow?

o matter what you are doing, when you have a job that needs to be done, hiring a professional is the best way to ensure a satisfactory outcome. When we need our car repaired, we go to a mechanic. If we have an illness, we go to a doctor. When it comes time to invest, a trained financial advisor can give you the best service. When managing your finances, you may have some ideas of what types of products you wish to purchase or what level of risk you are most comfortable with, but a financial advisor has the expertise to advise you of trends and market fluctuations. “The level of financial research

will be greater with a financial advisor because we look at the markets every day, all day long,” says James O’Reilly, financial advisor for Raymond James. When it comes to getting your investment portfolio started, O’Reilly says it’s always best to look for a financial planner with Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Certified Investment Manager (CIM) designations. O’Reilly also points out the importance of utilizing an independent broker who doesn’t have an agenda to sell specific products over others. “A broker has access to a larger spectrum of products and will help you find the ones that fit your needs in an objective manner,” he explains.

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Making Informed Investment Decisions

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With years of training and education behind him/her, your financial advisor is the person you can rely on to help you discover the amount of risk you can endure. Your financial advisor will help you define what risk means to you. Each investor has his/her own definition of what constitutes a risky investment. To one person, it could be described as an investment that could lose 10 per cent or more in a year. To another person, it could mean an investment that has a chance of losing any value at all. Once you’ve discovered what risk means to you, it’s essential to work with a qualified investment advisor to gain a good understanding of the risk associated with different types of investments and determine which options may be suitable to you. Rely on your professional to help you choose the best funds to meet your goal and let him/her look after it for you. You don’t have to be a stock market expert and you don’t need to be on the phone telling them when to buy and sell. “There’s more to investing than just buying and selling,” says Jeff Bennett of My Team Financial. “Your financial planner will sit down with you for long and short-term goals.” He goes on to explain a financial planner will analyze each individual client’s situation and customize a portfolio that will manage debt as well as investment. An advisor will also help with other issues, such as estate taxations and business or property ownerships. Once you have your investments set up, O’Reilly advises the best thing to do is relax and let your portfolio manager look after everything. Bennett says a financial planner is sensitive to your comfort level and will manage your investments within that level. Your investments will go up and down in value over time, but it’s always best to trust your financial advisor and let them make any recommendations in that regard. Don’t be fooled by the romantic notion that you will buy a fund and it will split, making you a fortune. Strong, long-term investments typically give back a 10 per cent return for your money. Remember, it’s never too late to get started on your financial plan. Once you do, you will wonder why you put it off for so long.

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COVER FEATURE

Cumberland Helping You Manage Your Wealth With Confidence Photos Stephen Wild

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Connor states, “The opportunity to find two very experienced and qualified people in Art and Jason to establish a long-term presence in Kingston was very appealing to us. We pride ourselves in hiring the best and the brightest. They have had tremendous success to date and we are not at all surprised.” Mr. Trueman is a CFA Charterholder with more than 18 years of investing experience. He graduated from Queen’s University with a Commerce degree in 1996. Mr. Salvalaggio has almost 40 years of financial planning experience and has his Certified Financial Planning designation. Three other portfolio managers from Toronto assist with Kingston’s growing list of clients. One of those portfolio managers is Scott Luik. “Cumberland has been serving a growing number of Kingston clients since 1997 and we saw the need to establish a permanent presence here. Art has the reputation for being one of the best planners in the city. Jason is from Kingston and will be able to provide the longevity clients seek regarding their financial affairs. They have complementary skills and work really well together. Clients will enjoy their personalities while benefiting from their expertise.”

oronto-based Cumberland Private Wealth Management recently opened a branch office in Kingston located at 218 King St. East.

firms. Established in 1997 by current CEO Gerry Connor, the firm now manages assets of more than $2.2 billion for individuals, families and foundations. The minimum investment amount is $500,000.

Cumberland is one of Canada’s most prestigious private wealth management

The Kingston office is led by Jason Trueman and Art Salvalaggio. As Mr.

Mr. Salvalaggio is excited to be with Cumberland at this point in his career. “I made the decision to move to Cumberland for several reasons. First and foremost, Cumberland’s mission is to provide investment management solutions that are intensively focused on its clients’ best interests. The fact that the leadership team and portfolio managers all invest in the same securities as they invest in for their clients is rare in our industry. In addition, the associated discretionary management fees are significantly lower than those of the average mutual fund in Canada and fully tax-deductible for nonregistered accounts. I am very confident in my client’s abilities to reach their financial goals with an investment firm that focuses on capital preservation with superior risk-adjusted returns.”

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COVER FEATURE

ABOVE L–R Alex von Schroeter, Head of Strategic Business & Client Portfolio Manager; Peter Jackson, Chief Investment Officer; Jason Trueman, Client Portfolio Manager; Richard Schulte-Hostedde, Fixed Income Portfolio Manager, Guida Fernandes, Operations Manager; Art Salvalaggio, Investment Advisor; Gerry Connor, Chairman & CEO; Scott Luik, Client Portfolio Manager; Sukyong Yang, Global Portfolio Manager.

Prior to joining Cumberland, Mr. Trueman was aware of Cumberland’s reputation but it wasn’t until he met with Cumberland’s research team when he came to understand why the results have been strong. “I walked away impressed with the level of competence. It’s a smart group of people. Very intuitive and very disciplined with lots of new ideas. Cumberland’s investment committee looks for secular trends, often obvious trends that people see every day but don’t really think much about. Cumberland thinks about these and asks the question:

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‘Which companies will benefit from these trends?’ Then the research starts.” The research is only part of Cumberland’s success. Alex von Schroeter, a portfolio manager who also leads its Strategic Business, explains the investment management process at Cumberland is a multistep process: “The first point of contact clients have with Cumberland is with our client-facing portfolio managers. Our clients are successful people. They expect a high level of service and attention to detail and that’s why we pride

ourselves on having one of the lowest ratios of clients per portfolio manager in the country. When you are dealing with a CFA charterholder like Jason, you are working with someone who thoroughly understands the risks associated with different investment strategies. He will get to know you, your goals, gauge your risk tolerance, while considering important factors like your tax situation, time horizon and liquidity needs. He can then help you set investment objectives to help achieve your financial goals.”

Cumberland has been managing investments for Kingston clients since 1997 and now manages over $2.2 billion in assets.

The second investment principle Cumberland relies upon is that negativity reduces risk. “It is the paradox of investing,” says Mr. Connor. “When investors are fearing bad news, the stock market has already fallen. Then when bad news actually happens it’s already been priced in allowing markets to recover.” The third investment principle is that liquidity trumps economics. As Mr. Connor describes, “We skip the headlines of economic predictions. Instead we focus on the capital flows from central banks and businesses to gauge where we are in the market cycle.” Applying Cumberland’s investment principles to understand where we are in the market cycle is key to how defensively the portfolios are positioned. The investment committee then determines the specific securities to purchase. Peter Jackson is Cumberland’s chief investment officer. He further breaks down the investment process as follows: “This is a very labourious process in which we take great pride. We identify investment themes based on global and industry observations. Once an opportunity is identified, we spend a great deal of time understanding that industry; the key participants, trends, the management teams and which companies are most attractively valued. We want to see two main things: a margin of safety in valuation and significant free cash flows.” Cumberland’s portfolios, although sufficiently diversified, are relatively small in the number of holdings. “We do not want to create an index,” he says. “We want to focus on the best opportunities. We want to own fewer companies that can produce the results we expect.”

10.0

Annualized Returns (%)

Cumberland’s investment philosophy is based on three principles, says Mr. Connor. “The first is that valuations revert to the mean. Neither bull nor bear markets last forever; they will revert to their longer term average eventually.”

Superior reTurnS WiTh LeSS riSk for 15 YearS from July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2014 (15 years) 9.12% per annum cumberland

8.0

4% per annum outperformance 6.0

5.12% per annum 50% TSX/50% S&p500c$

4.0

11.4% less violatility 2.0 10.0

10.8

11.7

12.5

13.3

14.2

15.0

Risk: Standard Deviation CPWM N.A. Equity Composite (Gross)

TSX – S&P500 50-50 Total Return Source: Morningstar

Past performance does not guarantee future returns. 1. Composite of portfolios for Cumberland’s North American Equity mandate, gross of fees and including all costs, in Canadian dollars. Benchmark index/plan policy is 50% TSX and 50% S&P 500 in Canadian dollars. Risk is measured as the standard deviation of annualized total returns over the period.

Cumberland has an impressive track record. Over the past 15 years through March 31, they have outperformed a blended TSX/S&P 500 index by an annual average of four per cent with 11 per cent less risk. Superior performace Through economic receSSionS and markeT criSeS Time period

cumberland north american equity1

Benchmark2

net annualized Total returns % Tech Bubble aftermath Sept 2000–oct 2003

11.6

-9.6

Late 2000’s recession dec 2007–nov 2009

-2.3

-7.1

1. Shows annualized total returns for Cumberland’s North American Equity Composite of portfolios in Canadian dollars, NET of ALL FEES and including all costs. 2. Benchmark shows annualized total returns for benchmark consisting of 50% TSX and 50% S&P 500 in C$.

Cumberland’s contrarian approach has paid off for Cumberland clients as evidenced by the firms’ investments results during the 2000 tech bubble meltdown and the 2008 financial crises.

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COVER FEATURE

To Learn more aBouT cumBerLand, please join CEO Gerry Connor and CIO Peter Jackson for a private presentation and reception: Tuesday, October 21st at 5:30 p.m. 218 King Street East, Kingston Please RSVP to Jason or Art by October 20th

Cumberland Private Wealth Management 218 King St. East, Kingston www.cumberlandprivate.com www.cumberlandprinciples.com

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Investment firms like Cumberland usually stay in big cities like Toronto, Montreal, and New York. As Jeff Garrah, CEO of KEDCO explains, â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the strengths of our economy is innovative and independent businesses, we are proud that a leading investment management firm like Cumberland has chosen Kingston as one of its business locations for the future.â&#x20AC;?

Jason Trueman, CFA Art Salvalaggio, CFP 613.530.0390 613.929.4511 arts@cpwm.ca jasont@cpwm.ca

Why join? Be heard. Make connections. Stay informed. Get noticed. Grow your business.

You can do all of these as a result of your investment in joining the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce.

Events & Networking Chamber events are an important way for you to make new business connections, strengthen existing relationships, raise your profile, and build your business. Advocacy & Policy We continually work for a positive climate for business in Kingston, and act as your voice where necessary. • Actively work with the city and local agencies on matters that impact business in Kingston • Work with our colleagues at the Ontario and Canadian Chambers of Commerce to address business challenges that are of provincial and national interest

Business & Educational Resources Find tools and information to help you navigate through your toughest business challenges. Member Benefit Services • Group Beneﬁt Plans, Fuel Discount Programs, Merchant Services and more Member to Member Benefits As a member you and your employees have access to over 20 member offers to save on member services. Visit kingstonchamber.ca/go/m2m to learn more.

You can be a member for as little as $23 per month! Contact the Chamber office to discuss membership with a Business Development staff person (sales@kingstonchamber.ca) or call 613.548.4453

kingstonchamber.ca

I F YO U A R E TO O, it means you must convert your RRSP to a RRIF and start receiving taxable income from your plan. As a Certified Financial Planner, I can help you with this process, and create a GUARANTEED RETIREMENT CASH FLOW FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. Contact me to receive your complimentary retirement income kit.

Chris Chard MBA, CFP, CLU, FCSI CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER

613-634-4455 chris@stonehousefinancial.ca www.stonehousefinancial.ca

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If we sell the house, should we rent or buy a condo? In what order should I use my investments to minimize taxes? What probate, capital gains and taxes will need to be taken care of when I die? How does spending more in my early years of retirement and less later on affect my plan? How does the plan change (due to taxes and pension changes) if my spouse or I die first?

Though we would be honoured to assist you with your investments, if you’re happy with your current investment advisor but just need a plan, we provide our retirement and estateplanning service to non-clients for a flat fee. Call our office to find out more.

128 Ontario Street Kingston 613.549.8326 info@myteamfinancial.com www.myteamfinancial.com

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Plan to... Dream. Learn. Smile. Succeed. Invest. Nurture. Leave to others. Whatever your goals, plans, our our personalized personalized approach approach to to financial financial planning planningcan canhelp helpmake make them a reality. Let us help you provide for the people you care about... now now and over time. Our approach Our approachisisunique unique individualdifferences differences • Recognizes Recognizes individual • Is Is co-ordinated comprehensiveand andflexable flexible

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Insurance products and services distributed through I.G. Insurance Services Inc. Insurance license sponsored by The Great-West Life Assurance Company. Trademarks, including Investors Group, are owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. © Investors Group Inc. 2012 MP1767 (03/2012)

The Defining Moments

Assante Financial 264 King Street East Kingston 613.549.8602 www.assante.com

were missing the boat. “We need to buy some of those tech stocks and we will be able to retire 10 years sooner!” It is defining moments like these, and how we respond to them, that determine our success as investors. We are bombarded daily by news and opinions from 24-hour news channels, the Internet, colleagues, friends, cab drivers and neighbours. Our natural response is to want to take action — we just can’t help ourselves.

t was a defining moment for Jerry and Eleanor in March of 2009. “We can’t stand it anymore,” said Eleanor, after another bad day in the markets. “It seems as if everything is going to zero. At this rate we will never be able to retire. We need to protect ourselves and get out!” About nine years earlier, the Watsons had a defining moment of their own. Their hard earned savings were quietly chugging along with their existing investment strategy, but, apparently, the world knew something they did not. They

In these gut-check moments, our judgment is sometimes clouded. We need to recognize that our emotions are not telling us what we need to know. Our emotions are in the present; our financial plans are for the future. It is time to take stock. AcknowleDge The PAsT •

•

Recognize that our past experiences shape our financial personality and responses. What were the defining moments in your past? Evaluate the present.

•

• •

Keep emotions in perspective — are your current concerns valid in terms of your daily needs? If uncertain, seek counsel from those you trust — your financial advisor is there to help you anticipate the future. Is this a defining moment? How will your current actions impact your future? Protect your path to future success — do you have a solid financial strategy? Again, if uncertain, seek counsel from those you trust.

In future articles we will continue to dig deeper into these areas to assist you in creating strategies for making rational financial decisions. Dianne Lackonick and Peter Hartel are senior financial advisors with Assante Financial Management Ltd. Together, they have more than 40 years experience developing strategies and helping their clients succeed. Please contact a professional advisor to discuss your particular circumstances prior to acting on the information above.

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Making Informed Investment Decisions

Helping You Plan For What’s Important Photos by Stephen Wild

hen Tania Ashe considers the things most important in her life, family and friends are at the top of her list. “They’re my guiding force in how I live my life and are at the centre of the decisions I make every day,” she says with a smile. As a mother, partner and business owner, Tania understands the importance of creating a realistic plan to achieve both her short and long-term financial goals; whether it’s how to finance her family’s next vacation, or what she wants her retirement to look like.

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Tania has been a Sun Life Financial advisor for the past 21 years, using her passion to help others achieve their life goals. “My team and I at KingsTown Financial Services Inc. take great pride in the many and valued relationships that we’ve built with businesses and members of the Kingston community,” she says, noting her clients include several second and third generations of Kingston families. Developing a financial plan is very personal and each one is unique, says Tania. Understanding how clients live their lives, run their businesses and interact with their families helps Tania to know and appreciate

what’s important to each and every client. Tania makes realistic recommendations that are well rounded and flexible enough to adapt as clients’ lives go through changes. She consults with other professionals, such as lawyers and accountants, to ensure clients have the complete financial picture so they can make informed decisions. After the client puts the plan in place, Tania reviews it regularly with her clients. “As your life and family changes, so will your needs. It’s important to adjust your plan to ensure it continues to support your goals,” she says.

“My wife Barbara and I have had financial dealings with Tania for approximately 17 years. Her knowledge not only of the financial markets but also of her clients is quite reassuring in that she takes the time to learn whether they are risk takers or conservative investors. We have family members as well as friends who are also her clients and, like us, are totally satisfied with her honesty, integrity and advice.” — Long time client and retiree, Bob “I have been a client of Tania Ashe for 17 years. During this time, Tania has guided me through numerous changes in my life. When I have needed advice Tania has always been available to discuss financial issues and regularly puts suggestions to me regarding ways to improve my plan. I am always impressed with Tania's encouragement to engage with my accountant and lawyer to ensure that my overall strategy is sound.” — Business owner, Nancy Graham Jensen TOP RIGHT Tania Ashe

Tania helps clients achieve a lifetime of financial security and plan for what’s important to them and those they love. Along with her team, Tania is pleased to meet with you if you’re looking for additional tax savings strategies while meeting your insurance and investment needs.

*Mutual Funds offered by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2014.

KingsTown Financial Services Inc. Tania Ashe*, CFP ®, CLU ®, CHS Sun Life Financial Advisor CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM 1443 Cottsmere Court, Kingston Office: 613.539.3662 Cell: 613.539.9667 tania.ashe@sunlife.com www.sunlife.ca/tania.ashe

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Making Informed Investment Decisions

TH ÉR I AULT WEA LT H MANAG E M EN T

INVEST IN Enjoying Life By Tori Stafford Photos Amanda Garreau

ABOVE Josée Thériault and Natalie Griffith

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hen looking for someone to help manage your investments, you want someone who is going to work as hard as you did for the money you’re investing. Josée Thériault, and the entire Thériault Wealth Management Team of RBC Dominion Securities work diligently to provide security and peace of mind for their clients. Managing investments, customizing financial planning and helping clients take the right steps in wealth management are just some of the things the team does every day. With nearly 30 years of experience in the industry, Thériault prides herself on providing clients with a hands-on, holistic approach to wealth management. For her, although each client is unique and presents an entirely different financial situation, the end goal for every client is the same. “I want our clients to take the time to enjoy life and to have that peace of mind, knowing the day-to-day decisions are taken care of,” Thériault says. “I want them to enjoy their retirement, take time to travel, take time to read a book, spend time with their family, go canoeing … I want them to be doing what they want to do in life, and not worrying about their investments.” Thériault, a portfolio manager, offers a wide range of services, customized to fit each client’s needs and financial goals. From estate planning and risk management to long-term private investment management, Thériault’s approach to getting each client on the path to financial success begins with one thing: getting to know the client. For Thériault, developing a relationship with her clients is imperative to ensuring she and her team can provide prudent management of their wealth and investments.

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Making Informed Investment Decisions Because understanding the clients’ unique situation, history and plans for the future is so important, taking the time to ensure no questions are left unanswered is something Thériault prides herself on. Each client’s initial meeting with Thériault takes around two hours, she says. “It has to take that time so I can really understand the client and ensure we are the right fit,” she expresses. “I want to know everything. Have you had any issues in the past? What are your goals? What is your family dynamic? Do you have any big life events, like a wedding or a large purchase, coming up? We look at each client very much in depth, with comprehensive reviews.” Once a relationship has been established with the client and his or her family, Thériault Wealth Management Team develops an action plan, with the client’s goals prioritized and clearly laid out. Natalie Griffith, administrative assistant

for the team, also works closely with each client, acting as his or her first point of contact. For Griffith, who joined the team in April, ensuring clients’ questions are answered, and that they’re kept well informed about the processes in place gives them confidence and peace of mind. “Especially for those clients who have recently lost a loved one, or are going through a difficult time, trying to figure out their financial situation can be daunting. It’s so important clients feel comfortable, and so I’m available to help with anything that needs clarifying. I’ll help them navigate Dominion Securities Online, for example, or explain different documents … whatever they need.” Having Griffith there to handle these dayto-day operations has freed Thériault to devote her time to what she does best, and that is manage clients’ portfolios and investments. “My clients come first. That is important for me, and it always has been,” Thériault emphasizes, noting she handles each client one at a time to ensure she is always focused on the individual client’s goals. “I will work with my client’s advisers, such as their lawyers and their accountants, to make sure that I am looking at the whole picture.” This hands-on approach to wealth management is one of the things that sets Thériault and her team apart from others in the industry and makes her job so fulfilling. From helping young professionals, such as doctors or dentists starting out in their own private corporation, to helping plan for the retirement her client has always dreamed of, Thériault takes pride in serving her clients’ needs and helping them reach their goals. “I love my job,” she says. “I have been here in Kingston since 1989 and my family is here, my home is here. I am happy to help my clients and I plan to do so for a long time.” RBC Dominion Securities is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Thériault Wealth Management Team RBC Dominion Securities 366 King Street, Suite 210 Kingston 613.549.6177 josee.theriault@rbc.com natalie.griffith@rbc.com www.joseetheriault.ca

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Why Local Businesses Need Effective Branding

Branding has the power to inspire, connect and motivate an audience. In short, strong branding is the foundation upon which good advertising is built.

Jon Allison Creative Director RedTrain 1044 Gardiners Road Kingston 613.507.5733 jon@redtrain.ca www.redtrain.ca

very day, companies fight to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace where everyone is competing for customers’ attention. Without a solid brand and impactful logo, many small businesses risk fading into the background. It is more important than ever for businesses to invest in building a strong brand.

What is BraNdiNg? Your brand is your reputation, a promise to your customers of an experience. Every time a current or potential customer uses your product or service, sees your ads or talks with your employees, they are interacting with your brand. This is why branding is one of the most valuable assets of a business. People don’t fall in love with products, they fall in love with brands; they trust them and, ultimately, become brand advocates. Many large companies have done this very well. Companies such as Nike, Apple and Starbucks are more than a product; they’re a brand, a promise of an experience. You know exactly what you’re getting because their reputation (brand) precedes them. Local businesses can have the same impact on their customers by developing a strong brand that will connect with their audience and drive sales. Why is BraNdiNg importaNt? Effective branding improves visibility and respect for your company; it will attract attention, drive sales and increase margins. It builds awareness and creates customer loyalty because branding is about seizing every opportunity to have a lasting impact on customers.

Doing this effectively requires professionals. That’s why RedTrain exists: to help ambitious businesses strengthen their impact through strategic branding and marketing. thE importaNcE of aN EffEctivE Logo Your logo is the visual identity of your business and a vital part of your brand. People still judge a book by its cover, so our job is to visually communicate your brand through a well-designed logo. Your logo should be unique, easily identified and impactful, yet simple enough to connect with your target market and be easily remembered. However, it doesn’t stop there. The strength of a good logo is in the application. This is why we develop a complete style guide to outline logo usage in every context for the purpose of consistency. When designed properly, your logo will stick in people’s minds and, eventually, everything your brand represents will be associated with your logo. That’s the power of branding! When branding, business owners should trust a branding professional to develop the strategy and design the identity. Doing so will result in effective branding that will produce results. There’s a lot of potential for many local businesses to develop stronger brands that will inspire and connect with their customers, producing lasting results.

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ABOVE Photo David Chang

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT

WEB DESIGN COMPANY

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Ticket to Ride By Tori Stafford Photos Stephen Wild

here is nothing quite like the glossy shine of paint and chrome on a meticulously restored classic car gleaming in midday sun. For those who work tirelessly to keep the beautiful vehicles of yesteryear in pristine condition and navigating the roads with ease, the chance to come together amid a sea of vintage vehicles is more than just a social outing. It is a time to share a passion and pastime and admire other enthusiasts’ personal handiwork.

Here in Kingston, framed by historic architecture and accented by the breeze off Lake Ontario, one such event occurs annually, attracting hundreds to the city on a mid-summer Sunday. But by watching people amass in City Park, at the heart of the Limestone City, it becomes immediately apparent those in attendance share more than just a passion for classic cars — they all have an affinity toward classic cars hailing from Great Britain. That’s because the event is the 25th annual British Car Day, hosted by the

Boot ’n Bonnet Car Club. British Car Day is a classic car show bringing together nearly 200 British vehicles dating back to the early 1930s. The show’s hosts are those dedicated members of the Boot ’n Bonnet Car Club, which was founded in 1990. The club began with 25 individuals, all of whom owned and loved classic British cars. Since then, the club has grown steadily, says Linda Thomas, one of those founding members who serves as the club’s treasurer and organizer of British Car Day. “Our membership probably runs

OPPOSITE TOP Rob and Eric Brunner BOTTOM Rob Breault and Lynn Lenard with a ‘62 Jaguar XKE

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LOWER RIGHT Jack Weller with an Austin Healey BOTTOM Linda Thomas, Boot and Bonnet Club Treasurer

about 225 to 250 people,” Thomas says, noting most members own more than one vehicle, which means the club’s members collectively own more than 250 classic British cars. “We still get new members each year, and actually, we just got a couple of applications in the mail the other day. I sometimes wonder where they appear from!” Boot ’n Bonnet’s membership spans the Kingston, Quinte and Prince Edward County regions and holds two meetings monthly — one in Kingston, the other in Belleville. Those who attended the 2014 British Car Day here in Kingston came from even further, Thomas says, with some even crossing the Canada/U.S. border in their British vehicles. Despite the overcast weather, the event drew some spectacular entrants, including a number of Austin-Healy, MG, Jaguar and Rolls Royce models from years spanning the mid-1950s to mid-1960s. Among those was Boot ‘n Bonnet member Rob Breault’s 1962 E-type Jaguar, a car that’s been in his family since it rolled off the production line some 50 years ago. For Breault and other classic British car enthusiasts, shows like British Car Day not only allow participants the chance to showcase vintage vehicles and the hard work that goes into them, but also the chance to speak with others who understand the plight of maintaining such a vehicle. “I get to talk to people and commiserate with people who understand my unique set of problems that people don’t have these days — finding parts and other car-related issues,” Breault says with a chuckle. “And it is always nice to see what people are working on and what they have done to their cars.” And with this year’s British Car Day featuring marques from 1989 to present, there were also a number of newer British high-end luxury vehicles on site, as well, including a 1985 Lotus Esprit. “It was a different ‘feature marque’ this year, because it isn’t featuring one make of vehicle,” says Thomas, who adds the Boot ’n Bonnet Club has continued to thrive all of these years due to its non-competitive, enthusiastic members who enjoy one another’s company. “We are really lucky to have a very friendly, wonderful group of people... we’ll definitely do it again next year.”

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Classic Automotive Repair

One Great Mechanic

By Tori Stafford Photos Stephen Wild

or most people who own a classic vehicle, that vehicle is more than just a car — it’s a passion.

mechanic that will even agree to work on your car — let alone do that work properly — is one of the biggest downsides. That is, until they meet Steve Hayes.

Those who own and maintain vintage vehicles know they are only as good as the work that goes into them. Thus, these drivers go the extra mile to ensure their cars are serviced and maintained by a knowledgeable and trustworthy mechanic, which is often easier said than done.

Hayes, who has owned and operated Classic Automotive Repair since 2009, says working on European vehicles, specifically British classic cars, comes naturally to him. After all, the licensed motor technician received his licensing in the United Kingdom, where he was born and raised. With more than 23 years experience servicing vehicles, working on those that hail from Great Britain is

For those who own and love European classic vehicles, the challenge to find a

something Hayes is not only incredibly well-versed in, it’s something he prides himself on. As a classic British car enthusiast himself, Hayes is happy to use his broad knowledge base to help others who share his interest and passion. A skilled mechanic with expertise in a wide range of European vehicles, it is easy to see why the British variety are his particular specialty, as working on high-end British vehicles is where his career as a mechanic all began. “As an apprentice in the UK, I dealt with Land Rover, Lotus, Alfa

ABOVE ‘02 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage customers US import Canadianized and upgraded

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LEFT ’95 Land Rover Defender Ex-Italian Police Force converted from petrol to 300 TDI (diesel). ABOVE inside of Aston Martin DB7 ‘02

Romeo, MG, everything like that,” Hayes explains. “So I cut my teeth on them, so to speak. I worked my way up through different garages, working on absolutely everything in European cars.” Hayes began his apprenticeship in 1989, and has been working with cars ever since. After working his way up through a diverse range of different garages — each dedicated to working on different types of British and European vehicles — Hayes became a service manager at a UK garage. It was there he realized he wasn’t as happy working around vehicles as he was working on them. “I decided that I wanted to still get my hands dirty,” says Hayes. He then began working as a hands-on mechanic for Toyota, a position he held for 15 years. It’s the one he still held during and after he and his wife, Nicole, immigrated to Canada in 2008. Hayes was just settling in when he realized

something that would change his career path — and the struggle those locally faced when seeking service for their classic European vehicles. “I just noticed there were a lot of British cars here and I started up,” Hayes says matter-of-factly. “The rest, as they say, is history!” One needs only to look to history to find the reason Hayes has found an everincreasing demand for the services he provides at Classic Automotive Repair. Considering about 500,000 MGB models alone were shipped to North America by the British manufacturer in the mid-to-late 60s, the number of British and European vehicles on the continent is vast. The aforementioned passion shared by those who restore, maintain and sometimes show British classic cars means those who can service these vehicles are in high demand — a need even Hayes finds hard to fathom at times, he expresses. “[The demand]

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is really massive!” Hayes says with animated excitement. “And everybody, including me, is just blown away by how quick word has got around and what we’re doing.” Indeed, those avid in classic European car shows and education need only look at the workmanship provided at Classic Automotive Repair to recognize the skills Hayes possesses are unlike those of most mechanics in the country. But, as the humble Hayes expresses, it is all because it’s what he knows best. “Basically, we are kind of a one-stop shop. We can do anything from an oil change to a full restoration; we can do interiors and upholstery, paint work, part-sourcing... we do it all,” Hayes says. “People bring it in here; they can view the car as the progress comes along and we worry about getting everything done, things cleaned properly and repaired, sent away, whatever they need.” For Hayes and his team, getting the work done right is the most important thing they can do for any customer, he explains. Many garages in Canada will flat

TOP Steve Hayes working on 56 Triumph TR3 ABOVE Steve’s Dream car imported from UK – ‘87 Limited Edition Brooklands - Ford 280 Capri

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out refuse to work on classic imported vehicles. And often, those that will do service and repairs on European vehicles don’t do so to an acceptable standard. This is something Hayes has encountered so often with new clients that his concern for the state of many classic European cars is incredibly high — he has had customers bringing in vehicles that have recently passed safety inspections only to find massive issues with the car’s body, and even holes in the floors. It’s an issue he says is “terrifying,” as many of his new clients presenting him with such vehicles are entirely unaware of the issues. “I’ve seen cars come in that, if they were in an accident, God forbid, they would just fold up!” he exclaims with sincere disbelief. “It’s very scary that there are garages out there that will do this kind of work and allow the cars out the door. This is one of the reasons I bring my customers in and show them the issues with their car, and what needs to be done so that they are getting to know their vehicle while I am getting to know their vehicle.”

With a Rolodex of part suppliers from the UK that can have parts to Hayes within a few days, Classic Automotive Repair is able to service, upgrade and rebuild classic European cars with the right parts, and in a timely manner. Moreover, Hayes is also working to share the love of classic British cars with a younger generation, so as to ensure there will be enthusiasts maintaining such vehicles for years to come. Sister company The Flying Bs is Hayes’ latest project: a company devoted to building state-of-the-art MGBs. “Basically, it’s custom builds. We’re using existing MGBs, which come with the existing VIN plate and everything like that, but we’re totally modernizing them,” Hayes says. “You’re still getting the classic look of the car, but it’s getting modern-day suspension, modern-day brake systems, fuel-injection engines, things like that.” For Hayes, this is not only a means of marrying new technology and the

aesthetic appeal of the classic MGB; building custom classic cars is something he truly loves — much like restoring and maintaining the classic vehicles of his clientele, which keep his garage booked solid. “I love it. It is nice to come to work and enjoy what I am doing,” Hayes says. “I like to share my knowledge of what can be done to improve a car with my customers. I always say the car is the customer’s, so I work for them. They bring it in, I fix it and make it right for what they want and need, and they take it away happy. To me, that’s my job.” ABOVE Nicole Hayes and Son in her personal ‘73 Triumph Stag

Classic Automotive Repair Glenvale Industrial Park Building 2, Unit 2 2800 Hwy. 38 Kingston 613.538.4311 classicautomotiverepair@gmail.com www.classicautomotiverepair.ca

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The Latest in

LUXURY VEHICLES: The 2015 Cadillac Lineup at Taylor AutoMall By Tori Stafford Photos courtesy of Taylor Auto Mall

hile the Cadillac name has always been synonymous with qualitybuilt luxury cars, there’s been an evolution in what a Cadillac delivers.

Evident throughout Cadillac’s 2015 lineup, dependability and driver comfort remain paramount. The changes taking shape in their models have only reinforced this.

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As the world of technology and engineering advances on a near-daily basis, so do the aspects of each and every Cadillac. Wayne Fogel, sales manager at Taylor Auto Mall, points to the restyled Escalade and ATS coupe in the 2015 Cadillac lineup as an example. “These vehicles epitomize how Cadillac has transitioned into a sport/ luxury brand,” Fogel explains. “Today, 70 per cent

of Cadillac owners are new to the brand; what a testament to that evolution.” As Fogel points out, the newly redesigned Escalade is a combination of the luxury Cadillac is known for, boasting the performance of a 420 horsepower, V8 engine. Featuring standard-power folding third-row seats that stow away in seconds and more storage space than ever before, the 2015 Escalade is designed and engineered to fulfill all of today's drivers’ wants and needs. Beyond that, the Escalade offers a variety of features that takes technology, interactivity and safety innovation to the next level. The entire Cadillac model lineup is benefiting from these available features, including the Escalade, ATS Coupe, CTS Sedan, SRX Crossover and the all-new ELR, Cadillac’s first electric car. Advanced safety features, such as the Driver Awareness Package, offer things like Blind Zone and Cross Traffic Alerts — using radar technology, your car alerts you to oncoming vehicles from the sides and in your blind spots using LED symbols; Safety Seat Alerts, which vibrate the driver’s seat on either the left or right, depending on which the side of the car where concern is detected; and Rainsense automatic windshield wipers. Other available options further proving Cadillac’s forward-thinking design include Auto Dry Brakes (“Imagine — brakes that dry themselves every 1.5 seconds when the wipers are on,” Fogel explains); Adaptive Cruise Control, which automatically adjusts to traffic without the driver touching the brakes or gas; and IntelliBeam™ headlamps, which automatically switch between high and low beams depending on traffic. On the other end of technological advancements, Cadillac also offers state-of-the-art navigation and entertainment features through the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) interface, which allows for interactive gesture control over music, smart phone integration and MP3 docking. OnStar with 4G WiFi is also available, allowing you to connect up to seven devices at one time. From reading your text messages to you, to keeping you connected to your friends and family and ensuring you don’t miss the exit to the conference centre, the capabilities of the modern Cadillac are nothing short of outstanding. All this is packaged with the beauty and detail Cadillac is known for — and in a vehicle backed by the premium service Cadillac dealers deliver, which has earned the company the highest ranking through J.D. Power in customer satisfaction with dealer service among luxury vehicles. It makes it easy to see why Cadillac is leading the way in automotive innovation and superior performance. .

Taylor Auto Mall 2440 Princess Street Kingston 613.549.1311 www.taylorautomall.com

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Maintaining Your Vehicle On Your Terms

Jeremy Tinline

owner

Vic’s Automotive 654 McKay St., Kingston 613.389.6585 vicsonmckay@aol.com

et’s talk about vehicle maintenance — what’s right for you and your vehicle and how an independent service provider can help.

Firstly, there is a common misconception among new car owners that only the dealer can maintain your vehicle. This is not true. Your factory warranty remains as long as your vehicle is maintained to the manufacturer’s standards, regardless

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of who performs the service. Only things that are “broken” during your warranty term and manufacturer recalls have to be performed by the dealer. It’s your right to take your vehicle to a service provider you trust. Not only will they provide service that fits your budget and your vehicle’s needs, they will be your advocate to ensure the appropriate work is done properly when an issue does arise. Second, new customers often come to see me because they have been told to wait until the maintenance light comes on before they take the car in for service. The realities of climate, type of driving and frequency of use have proved this can be the wrong approach to your vehicle’s health and your safety. Some people can drive for a year before a light comes on. Your tires, fluids and engine systems need regular attention for worry-free, protected driving. Oil needs to be changed regularly. If it is dirty at 5,000 km and you plan on going to 10,000 km, you may be putting a strain

on your engine. The maintenance light tends to be the worst-case scenario for the average driver. Oil technology has improved vastly in the last 10 years, but even the best oil gets dirty and needs to be changed. Third, ask yourself what your future plans are for your vehicle. Do you want to drive it “into the ground”? Are you looking to maintain its resale value? Most importantly, do you want to be able to trust your vehicle to work reliably and safely? You may finish out a warranty playing the “warning light” game, but what happens when the warranty runs out? With at least two visits per year between 5,000 and 8,000 km intervals, an independent service provider can monitor your car and recommend service to maximize its health and minimize your overall costs. Trust independent service providers to look after your car, keep you on budget and ensure your vehicle’s long term health. Our job is to make operating your car and your service appointments as stress free as possible.

ABOVE Pat, Amanda, Shawn and Patty Stenson

Family Business Celebrates 20 Years in Business Twenty years is a notable occasion for the Stenson family in providing collision repair services for passenger cars and trucks in Kingston and area. In November 1994, Pat and Patty opened their business on Dalton Avenue with a fully equipped shop to repair and refinish vehicles that had been in an accident. "We have continually invested in our building, equipment, training and most importantly our people, to provide high quality, safe repairs for our valued customers,â&#x20AC;? says Pat. Kingston Collision joined the CSN network in Feb. 2013. Today, CSN is Canada's largest network of independently owned and operated collision repair facilities across Canada. Pat and Patty are fortunate to have their son Shawn and daughter Amanda as valuable members of their staff of 18 professionals.

613.546.2818

442 Dalton Ave., Kingston www.csninc.ca/Kingston

Let executrans

Take the Wheel By Melanie Furlongâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;Photos Jen Fitzpatrick

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or Tammy and Trevor Turcotte, owners and operators of E x e c u Tr a n s Corporate Transportation, providing stylish, convenient and fully insured transportation service for their corporate and private clients is paramount. The couple bought ExecuTrans seven years ago and has established a dedicated following who use them to get to business meetings, do airport transfers, provide conference shuttles and much more. For Ken Wong and a number of his colleagues at the Queen’s University School of Business, ExecuTrans has been a lifesaver. “I’ve had them pick me up at the Toronto airport in the middle of a snowstorm when planes couldn’t fly and they got me home safe and sound,” says Wong. “On other occasions, when I had multiple appointments in Toronto or Montreal, they drove me up in the morning, drove me around wherever I needed to go in the city and brought me back home. They always know where they’re going and they’ve really got their act together. There’s endless construction here, but they’re in constant contact with the drivers and they know when to take detours to avoid those delays. At times, these guys really pay for themselves.” Whether you’re travelling for work or leisure, your ExecuTrans airport transfers will make the trip simple and relaxed. “You get door-to-door service,” says Tammy. “You’ll begin your vacation when you step out your door, not when you get to the airport after dealing with traffic, finding parking and making sure the car is secure. And upon your return, your car and driver will be waiting. It also saves you the added expense of hotels before and after the flights.” ExecuTrans travels to all the surrounding airports, including Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, as well as Syracuse and Watertown, which are now becoming popular as they offer daily flights to Philadelphia, a major U.S. hub. Driving clients to the airport or business meetings helps them save precious time. Clients can finish their notes, put final touches on their presentation or decompress after a long meeting or interview. “They don’t have to worry about anything,” says Trevor. “They have privacy to talk on their cell phones and

can even have a business discussion; it’s not like they’re sitting on a bus or train. Many people have their business meetings en route from location to location when they’re in our cars.” Their fleet of sedans and SUVs includes between eight and 13 vehicles that can transport anywhere from one to nine passengers. Every winter, ExecuTrans carries two to three all-wheel drive vehicles and they use snow tires on all their vehicles for safety. “It’s not mandatory by law to use snow tires,” says Trevor, “but it’s our choice.” Their rare custom vintage sedan, a 1937 Buick McLaughlin, is in mint condition after Trevor and his father, Terry, rebuilt it using original parts. “It’s called a ‘survivor’ car,” he says. “The motor was in great condition, but the original interior was quite worn and it still had the original paint on the outside.” Now this showstopping car is used by many to travel in style and grace on their special day. ExecuTrans’ fleet provides elegant transportation for all groups, especially weddings. “We go the extra mile at weddings with packages including light canapés during pictures and a sedan at the end of the reception for the bride and groom,” says Tammy. “One of our most popular bride and groom cars is the vintage McLaughlin sedan that seats up to four people. Most wedding parties need multiple vehicles and we recommend the bride and groom have their own after the ceremony. It’s really nice to have a moment alone in your own vehicle for just the two of you.” One of Tammy’s specialties is the Prince Edward County Wine Tour, which she has been doing for six years. “Whatever kind of day you want is the kind of day I’ll give you,” says Tammy. “We don’t do cookiecutter wine tours. We get in the car and just let the day unfold.” Tammy knows all the wineries in the area well and where she takes clients depends on what they are hoping to see and do. “We can take them to places where they will learn more about the workings of a winery or have more tastings, for example,” she says. “If they want to stop to shop in Bloomfield for an hour, then we do that. There’s so much to do in Prince Edward County with a brewery, distillery, cheese factory and lots of art galleries

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that this can really be much more than a wine tour if the client wants.” Special occasions and events are also an ExecuTrans specialty. “We take care of the worries of the trip to and from your event so you can enjoy your time to the fullest, whether it’s a sporting event, concert or music festival, theatre, or dinner out with friends and family,” says Trevor. “If you’re going to a concert in the city, you don’t want to worry about driving in traffic, gas or parking. When you travel with ExecuTrans, the fun starts when you leave home.” At the end of the night, you won’t have to worry about getting back to the car and driving home. You can actually sleep all the way if you like and be fresh and ready for work the next day. You’re also free to have a drink or two at the event. “At some event venues, we have designated pick-up areas so we’re not stuck in congested traffic trying to get on the road,” says Trevor. The ExecuTrans drivers are a huge part of their business success. All are trained by

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Trevor and chosen for their professional demeanor and courteous driving skills. “We are lucky we have such fantastic drivers,” he says. “We have a large retired professional community to draw from here and our staff includes former OPP, RCMP, paramedics and professors.” “Regardless of the occasion, the service from ExecuTrans has always been exemplary. They’re on time, dependable, the cars are clean and the drivers are courteous,” says Wong. “I can’t say enough good things about these folks.” Whether you would like to be transferred to the Syracuse airport or the New York City cruise port, you can count on ExecuTrans to get you there. “We go wherever our clients want to go,” says Tammy. “We don’t limit ourselves.” executrans corporate transportation specialists 1138 Len Birchall Way Kingston 613.384.8412 info@executrans.ca www.executrans.ca

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A Little Bit of Italy in the West End of Kingston

2015

Models Have Arrived

INTRODUCING THE ROOMY 5-SEAT 500L The all-new FIAT® 500L is the ultimate pick-me-up. It has seating for five. Second row fold-and-tumble seats for storage. And a punchy 1.4L MultiAir® Turbo engine that’s molto powerful and very fuel-efficient. Everyone should know a little Italian.

Starting at $15,985 $110 Bi-weekly - 0 Down at the low rate - OAC

Thompson FIAT 805 Gardiners Road, Kingston

613-389-4426 www.jimthompsonchrysler.com

CHARGE T O P L AY S P O RT Y EL E C TR I C C A R S

By Trina Annand Photos Courtesy of Respective Car Manufacturers

With today’s focus on alternative fuels, environmentally responsible vehicles with the soul of a sports car are beginning to take centre stage, proving that responsible consumerism can still be fun — and anything but ordinary. FineLifestyles

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Hybrid ElEctric It seems all the major car companies — from Mercedes and Bugatti to Ford and Toyota — are clamouring to create hybrid vehicles. Providing superbly fuel-efficient engines with battery-driven options for travel, hybrids offer high performance with low fuel consumption and low emission levels. A true standout in the luxury hybrid race is BMW’s i8, a car so stunning people tend to stare. First featured as a concept car with glass doors in 2009, the car made waves with its unique design. It was even featured on the silver screen, making an appearance in Mission

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Impossible: Ghost Protocol. The impressive carbon fibre structure of the car allows for a 50 per cent lighter frame, reducing drag on the electric engine. This channels the power where it needs to go: performance. With an overall maximum speed of 250 km/h and the ability to go from zero to 100 km in 4.4 seconds, performance is one thing the car isn’t short on. For the distance driver, the vehicle has a range of 600 km before it needs a charge and refuel stop. With tailored leather seating for four and a distinctive style all its own, the BMW i8 is built for the true car enthusiast.

Fully ElEctric With zero engine emissions, it is easy to see why consumers and eco warriors alike are so interested in electric vehicles. After releasing a multitude of sedans and matchbox-sized wonders, the industry has finally perfected their engines enough to offer sporty performance vehicles that perfectly blend form and function with true driving enjoyment. All that’s needed is a home charging station and a sense of adventure to enjoy these electric beauties. Tesla Motors has been making waves in the American automotive industry since its creation in 2003. With a motor based

on electrical engineer and physicist Nikola Teslaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original 1882 designs for an AC motor, the brand is truly rooted in history. The company is currently spreading into Canada and has various locations in Europe and Asia. The Tesla Roadster is famously the first fully electric sports car and the first to use lithium-ion battery cells. In 2010, the Roadster was the first electric car to win the Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally. With an acceleration of 96 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a range of 394 km before charging, stopping at the gas station is a thing of the past.

Scheduled to be in production in 2015, the Rimac Mobilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Concept One may be the fastest electric car ever created. With four magnetic motors at each wheel, the Concept One delivers an unbelievable 1088 horsepower and can accelerate from zero to 100 in 2.8 seconds. It blows away its top-of-the line gas-guzzling counterparts in test runs. Providing an outstanding 500 km range between charges, Concept One is not simply for racing; it is for those who enjoy the ride. What is truly amazing about Rimac is that they have achieved in a decade what most car companies took

a century to do. With a full carbon-fibre body and electronically adjustable ride height, Concept One is literally the car of the future, seamlessly blending modern technology and performance with an elegant chassis. Whether you are in the market for a sedan or a luxurious racing machine, there is much more out there than the standard gas guzzling cars weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve embraced in the past. As with most large-scale cultural shifts, it begins with small changes enacted by people who have a vision for a better future. The future is now and it is electric.

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