Fine Lifestyles Kingston Summer 2014 by Fine Lifestyles

FineLifestyles SUMMER 2014 | VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3

KINGSTON

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FIRST WORD

FineLifestyles

With Fine Lifestyles editor KATRINA GEENEVASEN

Editor Katrina Geenevasen katrinag@finelifestyles.ca

ummer in the Limestone City… is there anything better? While Kingston has its many year-round charms, there’s just something extra special about the warmer months. Whether dining alfresco at one of our amazing local restaurants, watching boats sail across the lake, or wandering downtown from store to store, there’s no end to the things we can see and do during the summer months. Whether you’re reading this latest issue of Fine Lifestyles Kingston over a cup of tea on your patio in the morning, or over a glass of wine on your dock at night, you’re sure to discover plenty of hidden gems that can be found throughout the city. Our cover story features RedTrain, a branding and marketing agency that “builds brands and inspires action.” Their goal is to help your business — whether new or established — to flourish in its target market. As you flip through the pages, you’ll find more and more exciting content to devour. Are you looking for a new favourite place to dine? Look no further than our Delectable Dining feature.

KINGSTON www.finelifestyles.ca Summer 2014 Volume I, Issue III

Art Direction Amber Moon (Senior), Lisa Redden (Associate) Design Natasha Burkholder Staff Writers Courtney Tait, Henny Buffinga, Melanie Furlong, Rebecca Henderson, Tobie Hainstock, Tonya Lambert, Tori Stafford, Trina Annand Cover Photography Stephen Wild Photography Amanda Garreau, Stephen Wild, Suzy Lamont, Tiffany Richards Contributing Writers Ashliegh Gehl Associate Publisher Cathie Watson cathie@finelifestyles.ca 613.453.5697 Distribution & Subscriptions wayne@finelifestyles.ca Printed by Transcontinental Printers in Winnipeg & Montreal

Wondering how to expertly style your little black dress for the wedding season? We’ve got that covered, too. You’re sure to find something that piques your interest between the covers of our fabulous summer edition. Keep it on the coffee table at the cottage or on your home’s bookshelf and enjoy reading the issue all summer long!

Katrina

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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All rights reserved. ©Fine Magazines Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. For reproduction requests, please call 306.540.3320. Canada Post Publication Agreement #41818060. Return undeliverables to 3440 Balsam Grove, Regina, Sk, S4V 1H1

Cathie Watson Associate Publisher cathie@finelifestyles.ca 613.453.5697

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Jacqui Lysko jacquil@finelifestyles.ca 613.213.3145

Deborah Tindal deboraht@finelifestyles.ca 613.453.9424

CONTENTS STYLE ..................................................... 6 HEALTH AND WELLNESS ................ 25

DINING ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT ..............................48 SPORTS, RECREATION AND TRAVEL ...................................... 74 BUSINESS ........................................... 80 WHEELS ..............................................101

The Little Black Dress ........................... 6 The World of Alternative Health ...... 25 Special Feature: Delectable Dining ................................ 53 RedTrain: Branding and Marketing Agency (Cover story) .........................90

53 “It’s about effective and very real marketing, because then you get real results.”

l - R Jon Allison, Sarah Witiuk, Joanne Reid, Bruce White, Josh Hartson, Alex Munroe

backgrounds that we have, is that we want to help small businesses grow and develop... by finding the best ways to market them.” The way they do that is by making effective branding and marketing attainable to all businesses in the community.

always a plethora of new ideas and innovative creativity coming from more than one mind. This means each client ends up with a strategy and plan as unique as they are.

The number of small-to-medium-sized businesses in the Kingston area is staggering. The makeup of Kingston’s business scene is eclectic and varied; a mix of older, wellestablished businesses and innovative startups, says Reid. And while each business is unique and needs to be marketed as such, there is one thing they all have in common: the need to communicate to their target market and to develop their own identity.

However, as Allison points out, the goal remains the same. “We measure the success of what we do, and that is what is most important – ‘Does it work?’” he asks, pointing out that branding, marketing and advertising are no longer about manipulation or convincing an audience to buy something. “We properly understand our clients, get to know them, and then we inform their market, and inspire that market to action,” Allison continues. “It’s about effective and very real marketing, because then you get real results.”

One of the benefits of working with an agency is having an entire team there for you – an array of different people from different backgrounds, with different interests and ages. As opposed to going to a freelance marketer or designer, with RedTrain, there is

With three exemplary post-secondary institutions churning out a new crop of graduates each year, there are a number of Kingston businesses that can benefit from creating a solid strategy and building a strong identity. Similarly, those businesses that have

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As VersAtile As You Are By Tori Stafford

here is no fashion staple as trusted and timeless as the little black dress. Praised for its versatility and its ability to turn heads, the LBD is something every woman should own at least one of – though the variety of shapes, drapes, cuts and fabrics make nearly every LBD unique. Still, a simple cut that lands just above the knee with a conservative neckline can be worn over and over for an entire decade without seeming dated. With the right accessories, the LBD can make your go-to garment a sophisticated statement piece, time and again. NeckliNes aNd Jewellery If there’s anything we’ve learned from classic beauties like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O., it’s that a simple black dress with a stunning necklace can be the epitome of timeless elegance. Conversely, these same icons demonstrated that a simple silk kerchief tied casually around the neck can dress down the LBD, making them look approachable, but still chic and sophisticated. Taking a page from these iconic muses, the 2014 runways sparkled with heavy gemstones, encrusting everything from handbags to chokers. While bold, bright crystals in statement jewellery are the perfect way to add your own style to the LBD, keep in mind the advice of the great

Coco Chanel: look in the mirror and remove one accessory before leaving the house. Less is more when it comes to accessorizing. With heavy metal accessories making a comeback in a huge way, a broad belt in shiny metallic is a great way to make an on-trend embellishment to a simple LBD. Similarly, chunky bangles and bib necklaces are a simple one-item fix for glamming-up your basic blacks for a night out on the town. Forget everything your mother told you about mixing metals – be it bronze, brass, gold or gunmetal, layering different metals is encouraged this season, so dare to break the rules. coveriNg Up While it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the warmer season, getting caught without something to cover up once the sun has set is far less exciting. Covering up to cut the chill of the night air (or an overactive air conditioner), is a constant throughout the season, so donning the LBD is a surefire way to know you can layer something on without clashing colours. This year’s calming and cute pastels are a perfect way to bring a sunny vibe to your outfit. Additionally, with sheer fabrics everywhere, covering up doesn’t necessarily have to cover much – an oversized sheer button-down shirt is a luxe way to make shielding shoulders a breeze. With power suits and structured blazers also playing a major role this season, a fitted jacket is a stylish way to wear what you have while being fashionably formal. Conversely, fringe and stud embellishments are also a trending way to make an impact, making a bomber jacket an ideal solution to mix classic formal wear and stellar street style on a colder day. If flowers are more your thing, a pretty punch of floral is an easy way to breathe an air of summer into your classic LBD for anything from patio nightlife to afternoon weddings.

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THe LITTLe BLACK DReSS FineLifestyles

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Celebrating 23 Beautiful Years!

Complementing Your Little Black Dress With Style

Lou Petrie (L) & Marie-Claude Tetrault (R) owners/operators ECHO Hair Salon 334 Bagot St., Kingston 613.542.5069 echo@echohairstudio.com echohairstudio.com

he Little black dress (LBD) suits all ages and figures. Even one of our stylists Alison – who is eight months pregnant – rocks the LDB in the above photo.

Black, although bold, is not always the best “tone” for every woman’s skin. To help with this, employ bold lips, a striking scarf, a strong necklace and of course, beautifully coloured hair. WHAT HAIRSTYLES ARE ON-TREND WITH THE LBD THIS SPRING? Pair your LBD with any hairstyle. Simply do some research with magazines or ask your stylist of course to see what’s in style and then play and experiment. Examine how your style can complement the neckline and whether or not your dress commands texture or smoothness from your hairstyle. HOW DOES ECHO KEEP UP? ECHO makes education a priority. We conduct weekly in-salon classes with our juniors. The Schwarzkopf Colour Academy in Toronto is a frequent training ground. Our exclusive boutique line called “Unite” originates and has a wonderful academy in San Diego. We travel to Europe Annually and further our fascination with the world of style.

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The Essentials

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

DEFINING CONTEMPORARY STYLE

here are things in a man’s life that are functional. There are things that are versatile. There are things that are cool. Granted, every man needs a well-fitted dark suit, great white shirt, silk tie and special timepiece. The absolute essential, however, is the navy blue blazer. Simple, timeless and always appropriate, the navy blue blazer is functional, versatile and very, very cool.

ThE BLAZER LEGACY In 1837, the Captain of the British frigate HMS Blazer was inspired to create a new uniform jacket for his crew in honour of Queen Victoria’s visit to his ship. The classic navy blazer has changed little over the centuries, remaining a versatile and functional “must have” for any man’s wardrobe. In varying shades of blue, including navy, sea blue, or true blue, the fabric, which is traditionally navy blue uniform serge, has evolved into many weaves, including hopsacks, twills, knits. It is available in yarns of wool, cotton, linen, silk, and combos of each, allowing versatility for all-season wear. Being universally accepted as an appropriate basic has allowed for many interpretations of its application. The jacket, traditionally worn with grey slacks, is now worn with almost any colour of slacks, from tan to white, khaki to denim

and even pastels or brights. “Wear-ability,” function, versatility and flexibility have made the blazer one of the most important purchases any man can make. A SpoRT CoAT GivES A MAn ‘SupERpowERS’ The easiest way for a man to amp up his style is to wear a sport coat. Dress it up or dress it down. It’s appropriate for almost any occasion that doesn’t require a suit. Choose from almost weightless cotton jackets in the summer to weighty tweeds in the winter. It can be paired with a shirt and tie, T-shirt, turtleneck or simply a shirt with a pair of jeans. The sport coat can elevate any man’s look, giving tremendous value for the money and superpowers. Now choose from our huge assortment and save $100, sizes 36 to 50 including tall and short, trim and classic fits in a variety of fabrics including wool, linen, silk and cotton.

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Look for the Latest Fashion Eyewear at Marc F. Raymond Opticians Ltd. By Henny Buffinga Photos Stephen Wild

yewear is more than just another accessory; it’s an important part of your every day look. That’s why finding the right pair is more than just finding the best deal. Located in a beautifully renovated, historic building in the downtown market square, Marc F. Raymond Opticians has all the latest trends and the best customer service in Kingston. Marc F. Raymond Opticians is owned and operated by Courtney Raymond, a thirdgeneration optician who followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. His father, Marc, started the company in 1972 and Courtney has been working there since the 1980s. The family-owned business sells highquality frames and follows all the latest

trends in eyewear. “We choose to sell a better product,” says Raymond. “We price fairly and supply the best products available and at the cutting edge of fashion. Fashion starts in Europe and moves to other large cities like New York, L.A., and Montreal, and filters from there. We try to keep up with the larger cities in terms of style and selection.” Marc F. Raymond Opticians pride themselves on providing expert work and excellent customer service. They have rigorous quality control with every pair of glasses, prescription sunglasses and contact lenses, checking on the process every step of the way to ensure your vision is optimized. “What sets us apart is our attention to detail,” says Raymond. “Almost anyone can put a lens in a frame,

but getting it right and making it look good is something else entirely.” With three full-time employees, the staff at Marc F. Raymond is small and very close knit; two of the staff have worked there for more than 35 years. There is always a familiar face to help with finding a new look or getting a repair. “We like to build a relationship with our customers,” says Raymond. “We recognize our customers and try to remember names. We like to get to know them. It’s all about the people.” The staff doesn’t work on commission, so customers never feel like they are being rushed into a sale. They are also very involved in community fundraising for charities, hospitals and sports. Raymond stocks mostly European frames in the store, as they are ahead of the fashion

OPPOSITE PAGE Dianna Black, Courtney Raymond and Richard Langlais

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curve and made with superior materials, stronger hinges and tend to last much longer. They also feature recognizable names such as Oakley, Silhouette, Vanni, Tag Heuer, Rodenstock and William Morris. They offer many popular brands in sunglasses as well, including Maui Jim, Serengeti Eyewear, Adidas and Ray Ban, and they are always adding to their selection. The variety at Marc F. Raymond is excellent. “We have different products,” says Raymond. “We like to bring in something for everyone, and sometimes we bring in unique-looking glasses because there’s always someone who will look great in them.” This year’s look is a return to the cat eye shape for women, according to Raymond. In addition to glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses, Marc F. Raymond also sells Bushnell and Celestron binoculars and telescopes. “When customers come to us, they know they will receive the highest quality of service and the best products,” says Raymond. Marc F. Raymond Opticians 324 King St. E, Kingston 613.549. 2020 www.raymondoptics.com

A Jewel in the Crown of Downtown Kingston By Tori Stafford By Stephen Wild

f diamonds are a girl’s best friend, then Roula Vekios is every woman’s fairy godmother, capable of making dreams come true when it comes to jewelry.

For over 30 years, Roula and her team at Fiancée Jewellers have welcomed and satisfied countless grooms-to be, discerning diamond divas, and little ones eager to shower mom with love and beautiful gifts. But what really makes Fiancée Jewellers a mainstay in Kingston happens after the customers leave smiling: “It is so rewarding when a client sends a card or flowers to say

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thank you,” Roula says. “At the end of the day, I want all of our customers to be happy. When they go so far as to write a note, or drop by to let us know how a proposal went, I know I’m doing my job right.” Indeed, doing her job right is something Roula takes very seriously, from greeting every customer with a friendly smile, to personally designing and crafting jewelry with focused attention to detail. For Roula, quality is paramount, and she personally selects every gemstone or piece of jewelry before it is sold in the store or used in

designs. Highly sought after for her custom work, Roula is a true artist who can recreate pieces from photos her clients bring in, or work with a customer’s vision to create stunning, unique pieces that will be worn for generations to come. Jewelry as cherished heirlooms or timeless showpieces is something Roula holds very dear. She won’t create a piece that will not stand the test of time, and prides herself on ensuring her work will require as little maintenance as possible.

“Like anything, it is all about the foundation. If the foundation is good, then it is going to last,” she says. “Clients have rings they have purchased here over the years, and they will wear them for the rest of their lives. And I know that because when I build them, I build them well.” Beyond the outstanding quality assured at Fiancèe, the store itself sparkles with warm, friendly faces eager to greet those walking in from Princess Street, where the business has stood since 1982. All staff members at Fiancèe share a sense of camaraderie, as well as Roula’s knowledge and passion for jewelry. Her son, Evan, who has grown up in the store, now works behind its glass counters. The Fiancèe team is happy to help each customer, whether his or her needs are simple or elaborate, he confirms.

“We strive for quality, [both] in our pieces, and in our level of customer service,” Evan says, noting that the variety Fiancée offers is constantly changing with new inventory. Always abreast of current trends and what customers want, Fiancée is also Kingston’s only source for PANDORA, a popular European line that has updated the time-honoured charm bracelet and features hundreds of charms and matching jewelry to capture and symbolize life’s most significant moments. “There is always something different, and something to suit everyone’s different tastes,” Evan says. “We can always find that special something a person is looking for.” Fiancée Jewellers 216 Princess Street 613.542.8112 fianceejewellers@bellnet.ca www.fianceejewellers.ca

Cathy Weatherdon, manager, Roula Vekios, owner, Patricia Vanerwaardt, production specialist, Evan Vekios

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RETAIL DETAIL

DOWNTOWN KINGSTON By Tori Stafford

trolling through our downtown core is a popular pastime in the Limestone City, and one that can prove lucrative for a seasoned shopper or retail enthusiast. Local stores with beautiful window displays and unique wares call to the shopaholic in each of us.

Fashion, literature, art, music, home décor, toys, electronics and gourmet foods are all available within walking distance, with over five million sq. ft. of commercial space to explore. Bar none, it is the place to go to shop locally and support the community we all call home. “I think it’s extremely important to support our local merchants,” says Michele Langlois, marketing manager for the Downtown Kingston! Business Improvement Area. “I think there is a growing awareness that the strength of our downtown and of our local businesses benefits us all. The businesses support local producers, as well, so it’s the place you’re going to find local art, local food, local designs and local authors.” There are a wide variety of things that make downtown Kingston special, but ultimately, “it’s the specialized customer service with high product knowledge and the real willingness on the part of store owners and their employees to help you find what you want,” she continues. “All of us shop when we need things, but a lot of us enjoy shopping when we have an experience – I think downtown Kingston offers that experiential shopping.”

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Do You Need An Eyebrow Intervention?

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

aving your eyebrows professionally shaped is one of the most effective beauty treatments available.

Beautiful eyebrows are a feature everyone instantly recognizes and appreciates. They not only frame the eyes, but emphasize our facial expressions. The simple raise of an eyebrow can indicate feelings of surprise, happiness, sadness or anger. Eyebrows balance the face and subtly direct others to look at our eyes when in conversation. A well-shaped, strong brow line provides a finished, polished look and visually gives an instant lift to the eye.

Eyebrows can become a distraction, however, when tweezed into unnatural shapes. We often see brows that do not suit a client’s face shape or cause permanent expressions of surprise or anger. Similarly, unruly and overgrown eyebrows can make eyes appear droopy and aged. Sometimes an eyebrow intervention must happen. Stop tweezing! We know seasonal trends can suggest a certain thickness or thinness of eyebrows, but ultimately, you must stick with what is best for your face shape and lifestyle. It takes an average of 64 days for an eyebrow hair to grow in after tweezing – sometimes longer if the hairs you want to grow back are in their resting phase. Different parts of the body have variable rates of hair growth, and at any time, 90 per cent of the hair on your body is in a resting phase. This explains why it takes time for eyebrows that have been overtweezed for years to come back. But with a little patience and a few tools, you can still create the perfect eyebrow. Arch placement and tapering are the two most important things to remember if you’re re-shaping your eyebrows. Eyebrows that are the same thickness from

beginning to end can’t show expression; eyebrows that are thick and round at the corner and start arching right away draw the eyes down and make you look angry. For close set eyes, eyebrows should be thicker at the corner of the eye and gradually taper out towards the outer corners with the highest part of the arch just peaking over the outside of the iris. If you have wide set eyes, apply the same strategy, but this time, have the highest part of the arch peak over the inside of the iris. Do not forget the middle of the eyebrow. Start eyebrows an eye width apart, not just from the corner of the eye. Eyebrow tinting or shading with pencils or shadows are a couple of options if you are looking to change your shape immediately, or if your eyebrows will not grow in. Eyebrow tinting provides amazing results, because it stains fine hairs not visible to the eye, creating a fuller, more natural appearance. Or, try a combination approach, using a pencil with powder. This is especially helpful if you have bald spots in your eyebrow or need to slightly extend the end of your brows so they frame your eyes better.

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

A Sparkling

SucceSS By Katrina Geenevasen Photos Tiff Richards

f you want to dress for success, you have to bring on the bling. On April 30, nearly 200 women came together for Bring on the Bling in

support of Dress for Success Kingston, which officially launched in the Limestone City last fall.

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The second annual event, hosted at the Renaissance Event Venue, raised $6200 – each dollar of which will go towards helping women in need find better, brighter futures. Founded in New York City in 1997, Dress for Success — which exists to “promote economic independence to disadvantaged

women” — has served more than 700,000 women around the world. Right here in Kingston, the numbers are already adding up. “We have dressed 64 women,” says Tracey Greenwood, director of operations for Dress for Success Kingston. “We’ve gotten some traction and are moving forward, which is exciting.”

So how does Dress for Success Work? Each Dress for Success client receives one outfit before an interview, and can return for five more outfits if they’re offered a job. “The outfits cover two weeks of work,” explains Beverly Hills, director of fundraising for Dress for Success. “It’s from head to toe; so [they get] whatever they need.” While helping women look and feel beautiful in their clothes is a huge part of it, it’s about way more than that. It’s about helping women feel confident, worthy and independent. Just ask Kingstonian Katie McNeill. “The whole experience was really special,” she says of the help she received from Dress for Success. “It had been so long since someone had taken care of

me, that at one point, I turned to Karen Burnett [DFS boutique volunteer] and told her I could just cry I was so happy.” McNeill says Dress for Success helped her start her life again. “I am working in a job where I need to look great every day and be wearing clothing that fits me. Dress for Success has done that, leaving me free to focus on bettering myself at my position in the company and helping me worry less about my financial situation.” Jan Gallinger Huff ’s life has also been turned around with the help of Dress for Success Kingston. A recent business graduate, Gallinger Huff found none of her professional clothes fit when she landed

a job at a local bank. That’s where DFS Kingston stepped in. “I was overwhelmed with the kindness and respect [shown to me,]” says Gallinger Huff. “I felt like Cinderella. Finally, [I knew] I was going to be able to follow through with my career change, feeling and believing I belonged in the business world.” She says because of the help Dress for Success offered, her dreams and goals became a reality – allowing the next phase of her life to begin. “The little voice of doubt was finally fading into the background, letting Jan Gallinger Huff emerge with strength, wisdom and courage,” she says.

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The mother to four girls, Greenwood herself knows just how important it is to encourage the development of self-esteem in women. “[I will do] anything that I can in my power to help…to just give someone a chance, to believe in them,” she says. “That’s fundamentally at the root of what we need to do to everyone we meet in our life. We need to see the good in them, believe in the good in them. And [recognize] the fact that there’s a lot more to women than what meets the eye and to look for that positive, to achieve it…to just let them know that someone believes in them.”

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Bringing the Bling Organizers are heralding the event as a smashing success. But let’s be honest — you can’t go wrong when you mix women, wine and jewelry. Inspired by a similar event in Ottawa, Bring on the Bling sees local businesses donate unique pieces that amount to more than $50. The night of the event, women

view all the donated items and write down their top selections. When their number is drawn, they get to pick out their favourite piece to bring home. “It’s a win-win,” says Greenwood. “You pay $50, get a nice piece of jewelry, get to mingle with phenomenal women, and you get to support the women of Dress for Success.” To learn more about Dress for Success and upcoming fundraising events, visit www. dressforsuccess.org.

ExpErt Advice Five Days of Easy: The Business and Pleasure of Summer Dressing

Christine Ray-Bratt Chris James 253 Ontario Street, Kingston 613.541.0707 info@ChrisJamesKingston.com www.ChrisJamesKingston.com |

DEFINING CONTEMPORARY STYLE

he sun and warmer weather has finally arrived. While I dream of spending long days on patios and cool summer evenings relaxing with friends and family, the reality is that most of us have to continue to work while fitting in summer living. Summer work dressing can be tricky to navigate. Different workplaces will have their own corporate culture and policies on their dress codes, which tend to relax

through the summer months. A good rule of thumb is to wear what the boss wears. Some of us will always have to wear a suit, blazer or jacket of some kind, but there are lots of ways to ease our wardrobe into a warmer season. Fabrics become lighter and colours play more of a role — cotton suiting instead of double-knit fabrics, tops in soft fabrics that flow with body movement still look professional and appropriate, and softly constructed garments in fabrics that don’t show moisture. I am a big fan of the dress in the summer (well, any time of year really), as there is no simpler way to get dressed and be ready to go out the door in under 10 minutes. Some staples for a summer wardrobe are a great pair of summer pants that you feel are office appropriate (our Brenda Beddome machine washable pants are our clear winner), some colourful little tops that you feel comfortable in, a couple of great jackets that offer movement and flexibility to pair with a pant or a dress, lightweight cardigans

in a variety of colours and some dresses that offer versatility and comfort while allowing you to still feel “dressed” for work. Keep in mind that fabrics are key. Lightweight fabrics that can be worn to work and then continue on into evening make life easy. I love synthetics for this. They wick moisture, travel well, wash easily in the machine and generally don’t show sweat. If you can find great staples in these fabrics, it’s a good opportunity to stock up. I recently organized a portion of a client’s summer closet into a “grab and go” system. Each hanger holds an outfit she can throw on when her day begins before she’s ready. She has the shoes hanging under the outfit, along with the accessories all ready to go. If she wears an item with a different outfit, she just replaces it on the correct hanger when she’s done. Just five outfits. That amounts to five days of easy – and we could all do with a little more easy.

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Make Bathing Suit Shopping Fun Again at Kahiko Bay By Henny Buffinga Photos Stephen Wild

athing suit shopping can be a real challenge. Not everyone can wear the typical itty bitty spaghetti strap bikini that you find in many stores. Between the inconsistent sizing from brand to brand and the different ways various styles fit, finding the right swimwear to suit your shape can be difficult. Kahiko Bay hopes to change that. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff, relaxed atmosphere and wide selection of specialty swimwear will make your shopping experience seem like a walk on the beach. Located in the Frontenac Mall, Kahiko Bay is a new, year-round swimwear and

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accessories shop that has something for everyone. They carry bathing suits for women, men and children, and also stock a number of accessories such as cover-ups, beachwear, sandals, hats, bags, goggles and bathing caps. “When you go into a typical swimwear shop, you are suddenly surrounded by posters of perfectly shaped models wearing tiny bikinis and the selection of suits is often dominated by smaller sizes,” says Wendy Leonard, owner and manager of Kahiko Bay. “This can really hurt the average person’s self-esteem, and be very discouraging. I want to change that image and make shopping for swimwear fun

again. I want people of all ages to feel at ease when they come in, and see a wide range of styles, colours and sizes that are suitable for all sorts of body shapes. I want all of our customers to feel confident that we can help them find something that will be flattering, functional and comfortable. Everyone deserves to go home feeling good about themselves and their purchase.” Kahiko Bay opened on December 14, 2013. This brand new store is so bright and cheerful you can’t help but feel the sunshine when you walk through the door. Kahiko Bay carries a number of popular brands, such as Miraclesuit, Body Glove, Skye, Jantzen, TYR, O’Neill, Coco

ABOVE Wendy Leonard, owner

Reef, Penbrooke, Gabar and Beach House. Their selection is constantly growing. Although mastectomy suits and suits made to fit larger bust sizes can be incredibly hard to find, Kahiko Bay has several selections in stock. Chlorine-resistant suits, rash guards, women’s plus sizes, and men’s racer bikinis and jammers are also available. Special orders can also be arranged. “Buying a bathing suit is a real process, and it takes time to find the right one,” says Leonard. “The key is to not give up, and to be open to suggestions. Plan on spending some time with us, and be willing to try new styles and colours. Sometimes the suit you would never think to try on is the one you will end up liking the most.” The staff is happy to help customers find proper sizes and styles, and can make suggestions as to what might work well for you, based on experience and knowledge of products. Take the time to discover Kahiko Bay. It’s Kingston’s only year-round destination for quality swimwear and accessories.

Bay ko

Kahi

Kahiko Bay The Frontenac Mall 1300 Bath Road, Kingston 613.507.SWIM (7946) info@kahikobay.ca www.kahikobay.ca

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The

VAST

WORLDof Alternative Health Part 1 of 3

BY SARAH VERMETTE

n recent years, the landscape of health has changed. As more people explore options outside of traditional western medicine, the benefits of alternative health modalities become more wellknown and accepted. Just as western medicine is an umbrella term that encompasses diďŹ&#x20AC;erent types of doctors, such as physicians, specialists, optometrists and so on, alternative medicine is an umbrella term that encompasses a large variety of modalities. This three-part series is a summary of some of the more popular and readily available forms of alternative modalities. In this issue we'll review those modalities that are considered complete systems, each in their own right.

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BodyTalk The BodyTalk system was developed in the 90s by an Australian doctor. This modality addresses the whole person, overlooking no aspect of the human psyche, be it emotional, physical or environmental. With the use of a variety of non-invasive techniques, BodyTalk practitioners refocus the body's natural healing response to establish better communication within the body to bring about lasting changes. BodyTalk techniques provide insight to the areas of your body that need attention. What might seem like an obvious problem to you is not necessarily the one your body wants to address first. Ultimately, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;bodymindâ&#x20AC;? knows best how to heal itself in a holistic way.

Ayurveda

BodyTalk is designed to integrate all fields of healthcare

Ayurvedic medicine, first recorded in Sanskrit 5,000

This includes referring a client onto another healthcare

years ago, is considered to be the world's oldest healthcare

practitioner or field of healthcare when necessary. While

system, and is India's primary healthcare system. The

the BodyTalk system is relatively new, there are already a

Sanskrit word Ayurveda means the "science of life."

few insurance providers that recognize the system under

Ayurvedic medicine is entirely holistic and strives to create harmony between the body, mind and spirit, maintaining that this balance prevents illness, treats acute conditions and contributes to a long and healthy life. Ayurveda is tailored to each person's unique needs, taking into account nutrition, exercise, personal hygiene, social interaction and other lifestyle elements. Following daily and seasonal regimes helps users of Ayurveda attain robust physical health, as well as mental and spiritual harmony. Ayurvedic treatment begins with a consultation and treatment can include dietary advice, herbal detoxification, toxin elimination, yoga and meditation, Ayurvedic massage and shirodhara, and a treatment of herbal oil dripped on the forehead to regulate the brainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s physiological equilibrium.

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to create a complete approach to health and well-being.

their health coverage plans.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), rooted in the

in which the various organs, tissues and other parts have

ancient philosophy of Taoism, originated in ancient China

distinct functions but are all interdependent. In this view,

and dates back over 5,000 years. TCM treats the individual

health and disease relate to balance of the functions.

and has a theoretical framework that includes the yin/

TCM practitioners use a variety of therapies in an eﬀort

yang, as well as the vital energy or life force, qi.

to promote health and treat disease. Herbal remedies and

TCM views are based on the ancient Chinese perception

acupuncture are the treatments most commonly used

of humans as microcosms of the larger, surrounding

by TCM practitioners. Other TCM practices include

universe — interconnected with nature and subject to its

moxibustion, cupping, massage, mind-body therapy and

forces. The human body is regarded as an organic entity

dietary therapy.

Be sure to check the next issue for part two of this series, where we will discuss alternative therapies that are more commonly used as complementary forms of healing.

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— THE VERSATILITY OF —

Coconut T Oil

Coconut oil can be just what the doctor ordered to reinvigorate moisture-stripped hair and skin.

By Rebecca Schneidereit

hanks to its antiviral and antibacterial properties, coconut oil isn’t merely a grooming product, notes Leisa Seipp, manager/owner of Nutter’s Bulk & Natural Foods. “For psoriasis, or eczema, it works awesomely. Even for people who have cuts, it helps with healing, because it will help kill the bacteria.” A fat that aids weight loss? That’s not necessarily too farfetched, explains Laura Stark, doctor of naturopathic medicine and founder of Thrive Naturopathic. “MCTs [medium-chain triglycerides] get preferentially burned as fuel and increase our metabolic rate,” she says, “so we end up burning more calories from eating coconut oil than from other fats.” MCTs can also sharpen your mind, she continues. “The breakdown of MCTs produces ketones: super-fuel for our brains. We get a boost in mental clarity, ability to concentrate, and overall energy, and these effects are actually powerful enough to have therapeutic benefit in brain conditions like epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease.” Plenty of coconut-oil delivery methods exist: everything from soup to smoothies or supplement capsules. “Whenever I’m sautéing anything, coconut oil goes in my frying pan first,” Stark says. Hotter temperatures won’t diminish coconut oil’s healthier qualities, Seipp points out. “It has a high smoke point, so if you want to wok a vegetable, you can take it up fairly high without changing the oil’s molecular properties.” Coconut oil doesn’t seem to be a mere trend. “It’s such a good staple, it will always have its place in the diet, I think,” Stark says. “There’s no alternative in its category. It’s an oil that stands by itself.”

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ExpErt Advice Don’t Let Life Take Your Breath Away

Carly Stong owner Life Yoga 235 Gore Rd., Kingston 613.546.5100 carly@thisisyourlifeyoga.com www.thisisyourlifeyoga.com

itting in one of the first yoga classes I ever took — prepared for a workout — the teacher started the class with five minutes or so of inhaling and exhaling. “Consciously exhale through your nose,” she said, “then inhale slowly through the centre of both nostrils.” “What is this?” I asked myself, waiting for the “real yoga” to begin. I wondered, “Have I actually just paid this person to tell me to breathe?” Breathing happens whether you think about it or not, so it didn’t make sense to me that I “practice” breathing. Before I did yoga, I had no idea that yoga and breathing

were related. I always understood that breath is necessary for survival, but it’s taken several years to discover the connection between my breath and my emotional and mental wellness. Along this journey, I have come to realize just how vital my yoga practice is to every facet of my well-being. Have you ever been engrossed in a suspenseful movie, then, when it was over, suddenly felt yourself exhale and realized you were holding your breath? In the practice of yoga, this is the kind of awareness that we cultivate through daily practice. Without awareness, it’s possible for some people to go through their whole lives without taking a full breath. Without practice, even seasoned yoga practitioners can fall into the habit of holding their breath or breathing shallowly. Yoga recognizes the power of breath, and gives it the prominence of its own special practice called pranayama. Shallow, irregular breathing can increase your heart rate, raise your blood pressure, speed up your mind and knock your nervous system. In contrast, learning to regulate your breathing using pranayama can bring all of these aforementioned things into balance. If you haven’t before, stop by a local studio and experience a yoga class for yourself.

If you’ve been practicing yoga for a while now and the concept of pranayama is foreign to you, ask your teacher to integrate breathwork into your next practice. You can practice the pranayama you learn in yoga classes at work to help you manage stress. You can use breathwork at home to help you be a less emotionally reactive, more empathetic parent or partner. Pranayama can also be an effective way to counter insomnia. The practice of regulating your breath is a powerful tool. It isn’t just one of those things you do in a yoga practice or on those rare occasions when you have some extra time on your hands — it becomes a lifestyle. The most powerful benefit of focusing on your breath is that it helps you reside in the present. The power that yoga has for transformation off the mat doesn’t lie in mastering complicated physical postures. It’s about experiencing life unbiased by past or future, existing fully in the now. As you practice yoga consistently, you discover it is less about learning something and more about creating a space where we give ourselves permission to let go of responsibilities, “to do” lists, distractions and expectations. When we practice present moment awareness and cultivate mindfulness, we change as people.

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Life Yoga A Community Within a Community By Katrina Geenevasen Photos Sonya S. Siemens

e work to create a space that feels safe for people to let go,” says Carly Stong, owner of Life Yoga. Located in the heart of the Kingston east community, Life Yoga seems to be doing just that. A studio that radiates a strong sense of community, yogis and teachers flutter in and out of the welcoming space with the kind of smiles that only follow a stress-reducing workout.

“

First opened in 2010 by Jennifer Leeder, Life Yoga has established itself as a premium facility for yogis — both beginner and advanced — to practice the ancient discipline that brings body and mind together. When Jennifer passed away in 2011, Carly — who was teaching children’s yoga at the studio — stepped in to continue building upon Jennifer’s foundation. Carly has been at the helm for three years now, and the studio is an integral part of many lives in Kingston. “It has been amazing,” says Carly, who found the practice after recovering from major surgery in her teens. Yoga, she says, saved her — much like it saves many who practice it. “It gives you the opportunity to check in with yourself daily and to develop an awareness about who you are,” she says, as a student leaving Life Yoga breezes out the door after her private class with a friendly goodbye wave. “In my experience, it was, and still is what gets all the other stuff out of the way.” Yoga studios often feature a relaxing environment, but Life Yoga offers much more than that: a strong sense of community. “We’re in the business of building relationships,” says Carly. Carly says Life Yoga and its teachers take a “genuine interest” in the people who walk through the door. “It’s what we do because it’s the heart and soul of what I do. I like to know people and build relationships.” It’s clear the studio must be doing something right. With a core group of regular yogis and new students joining every day, Life Yoga expands regularly, in large part because of the warm atmosphere and friendly smiles. It is also the variety of classes that keep students coming back. “Life Yoga has given me a place to go to where I feel welcome and share common interests with a great group of people,” says “lifer” Kelli McRobert. “Classes are as easy or as hard as you want them to be and you always come out feeling refreshed and ready to face whatever challenges await you. I am proud to be considered a ‘regular’ now and have made it a lifestyle TOP Jennifer Leeder (founder of Life Yoga) MIDDLE Carly Stong (owner) PHOTOS Bruce Zinger

ABOVE Staff at Life Yoga

habit. I highly recommend it if you want to look and feel great, while expanding your social/community network." Being able to share the power of yoga with new and old students alike is something Carly can’t help but love. The power of yoga, after all, is a special thing. “This is the best gift, and every single day, it blows me away,” says Carly, trying to prevent her emotions from getting the best of her. “It can be the smallest thing that you might not even be aware of and then someone tells you how much of an impact it has on their lives. What I hear over and over again is that this space — and this practice — is changing people’s lives.”

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Whatever your reason for beginning yoga, says Carly, you can be guaranteed there’s a class to suit your fitness level and your goals. “Some people love yoga for the intense workout; some people like it because it can quiet your mind. It’s both. It is whatever you want it to be.” The truth of the matter, says Carly, is that becoming the proud owner of Life Yoga is the most profound thing she has ever done. “People are incredible. Everyone has a story and a life outside of Life Yoga. And it’s an honour to witness them as they get to know themselves and to create the space where that starts to happen.” Life Yoga’s influence seems to extend both on and off the mat. Whether you are taking

a class, indulging in a Thai Yoga Massage or Reiki treatment, popping in to browse their extensive retail section, or meeting with an expert about a customized diet and fitness program, it would seem that there are dozens of reasons to stop in. As Carly explains, “What do you have to lose? That’s why we say, ‘This is your Life’, it’s just waiting for you.”

Life Yoga 235 Gore Rd., Kingston 613.546.5100 www.thisisyourlifeyoga.com

ExpErt Advice Underwater Running Benefits

Joe Stilwell Kinesiologist and Owner Hydrathletics Aquatic Therapy and Sports Therapy 1353 Midland Ave., Kingston jstilwell@hydrathletics.ca www.hydrathletics.ca

unning on an underwater treadmill is not just for Olympic or high-level athletes. From a person learning to run to someone looking to get extra miles in without added stress to joints, everyone can benefit from the use of underwater treadmills. Researchers at Brigham Young University in Utah determined underwater running was an alternative method of training to maintain cardiovascular fitness without the weight-bearing demands of land running. Some of the otheR BenefitS of the UndeRwateR tReadmill aRe: •

Underwater running builds strength and power. Running against the resistance of the water enables athletes to build power, using water’s property

•

of viscosity (drag), to achieve a greater workout in a shorter period of time. Underwater running is refreshing and exhilarating. People feel rejuvenated and relaxed when they work out in the water; it has a soothing, calming effect. Warm water also releases endorphins that add enjoyment and satisfaction to a strenuous workout. Underwater running helps athletes recover from running on land. As a cross-training module, an underwater workout allows a runner to log many more miles without getting injured. The joint and pain relief that water workouts provide are beneficial for an athlete at any level. The hydrostatic pressure effect in water causes increased thoracic pressure, which causes superior cardiovascular conditioning. The increased pressure also helps pump the blood through

•

your system, allowing for more metabolic waste to be cleared. Muscle soreness is also reduced. The underwater treadmill allows runners to work on gait patterns through the underwater cameras. You get instant feedback on your running pattern and can quickly change your stride to make it more effective. You can train your muscles and get the most out of your running stride.

One other amazing benefit of the underwater treadmill is the ability to reduce lactic acid and metabolic waste build up after a race. Many runners will come to the pool the day after a big run and run for 30 minutes. This helps flush out the muscles. Many runners say they do not even feel like they ran the` previous day. What a great way to recuperate and get ready for you next race.

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Here to Help You Hear By Tori Stafford Photos Tiff Richards

elen Keller famously expressed that while blindness cuts people off from objects, deafness cuts people off from relationships. For Sherry Whitehorne, preventing and rehabilitating hearing loss has become her life’s work for just that reason. An audiologist with over 19 years experience in the field, Whitehorne owns and operates Limestone Hearing Care Centre here in Kingston, where her goal is to help people

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to hear the best they possibly can — one patient at a time. “Just imagine not being able to hear your loved one say, ‘I love you,’ ” Whitehorne expresses. “I went into audiology because I want to help people hear well. I love what I do, and I think that shows in my care for my patients.” Whitehorne is the only owner-operator of a private audiology clinic in Kingston working as a registered audiologist, so when a patient comes into Limestone Hearing Care Centre, they only see

Whitehorne herself. Being able to create a relationship with each patient (and often their family, too), not only means Whitehorne gets a full understanding of each individual situation, but also that patients aren’t burdened with seeing different clinicians at each step of their hearing test and hearing aid fitting. “Continuity of care is very important for patients. No one wants to tell their story over and over again to different clinicians along the path to being fit with hearing aids,” says Whitehorne. At Limestone, doctors’ referrals are welcome, but not necessary, and wait times for an appointment with Whitehorne are short. The testing, fitting and follow-up all occur with Whitehorne in a comfortable private setting that is easily accessible with free parking at the door. “I can have my patients fit and followed up all within five weeks of the time they are initially seen,” Whitehorne says.

Limestone is also the only hearing clinic from Whitby to Cornwall that offers the Lyric extended wear hearing device — a tiny, undetectable device that sits in the ear canal. Apart from the Lyric’s discreet appearance, it also boasts up to 120 days of battery life, at which time the device is removed and replaced by Whitehorne. This means patients no longer have to worry about dealing with tiny batteries, nor about the appearance of their hearing aid device. A patient can sleep, shower and go about their daily life while the Lyric is in their ear, offering more freedoms than other hearing devices.

knows the up-front costs associated with hearing devices are often a barrier for those who might otherwise seek help for hearing issues, Whitehorne is pleased to be able to offer patients a monthly payment program to reduce that financial barrier. “If I can help a person to hear better, and therefore have a better quality of life, I want to do that,” Whitehorne says. “In this clinic you get my service, my passion, and my management — where the patient comes first.”

Limestone is also proud to be offering a hearing aid rental program. Because she

613.384.4400

Limestone Hearing Care Centre 817 Bayridge Dr. www.limestonehearing.com

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Discover Paradise

at Dolce Bella Spa On the Rideau By Katrina Geenevasen Photos Tiff Richards

oing to the spa is an experience in luxury, relaxation and glamour, so why not choose a spa that offers that experience the moment you reach the front door? Nestled along the serene banks of the Cataraqui River in the historic Woolen Mill, Dolce Bella Spa On the Rideau does just that, offering their clientele an experience that is second to none. With soaring, beamed ceilings and large windows that frame stunning views, the spa boasts an open and airy atmosphere. Meanwhile, exposed brick walls add a touch of historical glamour to the overall

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wellness experience. “We have a mix of history and luxury in one,” says Andy Boyd, owner of Dolce Bella Spa. Luxury, indeed. With a wide array of sumptuous services, including hydrotherapy, registered massage therapy, facials, body wraps, laser hair removal, as well as a full hair salon, Dolce Bella Spa – the only spa in the Limestone City situated on the water – offers that “something extra” for each and every one of its clients. Dolce Bella Spa recently became a member of 5-Star Spas of Canada. This is quite a badge of honour because it’s now the only 5-Star Spa in eastern Ontario. However,

it comes as no surprise. After all, this spa has beautifully perfected the fine art of pampering. Clients visit from Toronto, Ottawa and Quebec to experience all the spa has to offer, with some customers even crossing the border from the United States to enjoy a blissful day of indulgence. PamPering Perfected Private, luxurious and elegant rooms that boast comfortable treatment beds envelop you in comfort and warmth before your service even begins; the dim lighting and soft music enhance the tranquil experience. The scent of superior face, body and hair products, including PHYTOMER and Alterna,

permeate the air, and you’re made to feel like the only person in the spa – despite the fact that Dolce Bella Spa features an astounding 4,000 sq. ft. of serene space. With such care and attention dedicated to each client, all of your cares and worries will melt away. It’s not only the serenely stunning environment and view that make the overall experience at Dolce Bella truly special, it’s also the spa’s employees. “The staff make you feel like you belong, like family,” says Lillian Holder, a regular Dolce Bella client. “You’re well taken care of. The staff here takes their time. It’s a true spa experience.” “Our spa therapists are fantastic, they’re very personable and very detail-oriented,” points out Abbey Payne, Dolce Bella Spa guest manager. “It definitely shows in how the clients leave happy.” When all your treatments are complete, discover fine dining in the spa’s private and comfortable lounge. Or, stay at the spa’s accommodation partner Bed and Breakfast, the Secret Garden Inn. “It’s really an entire experience,” says Holder, sipping a cup of steaming tea. “It never feels ‘hustle bustle,’ it’s always so relaxing here.” Whether you’re booking for a large group or a quiet day for one, make Dolce Bella Spa On the Rideau your first choice for a truly memorable experience. “Time stands still when you let your every need become our concern,” promises Boyd. Models Shannon Currie and Charline Morrison provided courtesy of Mode Elle Model and Talent Agency.

Dolce Bella Spa On the Rideau 8 Cataraqui St., Kingston 613.544.1166 info@dolcebellaspa.com www.dolcebellaspa.com | |

Protect Your Pet: Preventing Lyme Disease

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

Because the symptoms may be vague, if present at all, and the testing is sometimes inconclusive, prevention is the key.

ingston has seen a significant increase in the number of positive tests for Lyme disease; it is widespread throughout our region. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection carried by ticks, and can be transmitted to dogs (and people) through a bite from an infected deer tick. The medical term is borreliosis, named for the Borrelia bacteria that cause the infection. Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose. Some dogs will show no symptoms, while others will exhibit lameness due to painful joints. Less frequently, dogs may also experience fever, loss of appetite and decreased energy. Symptoms, if present, can come and go, can vary in severity and can be misdiagnosed. Lyme disease can become very serious if left untreated, leading to heart disease, disorders of the central nervous system and terminal kidney disease. A veterinarian who suspects Lyme disease based on the presenting symptoms will verify the diagnosis with a blood test. Treatment is four weeks

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of antibiotic therapy, but in advanced cases, further medical treatment may be required. Because the symptoms may be vague, if present at all, and the testing is sometimes inconclusive, prevention is the key. How can you protect your dog? A vaccine is available that kills borrelia, but your pet must receive the annual vaccinations before exposure. Additionally, topical products that repel ticks are important, as there are other serious tick-borne diseases. The most effective contain permethrin, the synthetic version of a natural insecticide. Permethrin products are extremely toxic and sometimes fatal when applied to cats. Too high a dose can have deleterious effects on your dog. Do some research first. Some topical products only kill the tick after it has bitten and potentially transmitted the bacteria. After being outdoors, check your dog for ticks and promptly remove any with a tick twister. You and your veterinarian can discuss the preventive measures that best suit your dog and lifestyle.

EXPERT ADVICE Soaking Up the Sun

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

ummertime. For Canadians, is there a more welcomed season? When the temperature rises, there’s an explosion of outdoor activity. We do all we can to enjoy the summer’s heat and sun. We go out camping, fishing, golfing. Recreation leagues are in full swing. Children rip around on their bikes and play in our parks. And the beach! The beach is bustling. The lakes are a twitter. We love us some sun. We soak it up. There’s a downside to all that fun in the sun. We’re aware of it. Sunburns and skin cancer are at the forefront of our minds every time we slap on the sunscreen. But are we overlooking something? Every time our eyes are open, they’re receiving light. This light contains damaging UV rays that accelerate the aging process. For our skin, exposure causes age spots, wrinkles and cancer. For our eyes, exposure contributes to cataracts, increases risk of age-related macular degeneration and can cause benign growths and ocular cancers. Most vulnerable are our children. Children receive approximately three times the adult dose of UV radiation, since they spend more time outdoors. A child’s lens is also less adept at filtering UV rays.

The World Health Organization estimates 80 per cent of a lifetime exposure to damaging UV radiation occurs by age 18. This early exposure increases risk of disease much later in life. Here’s the good news. We can do something about it, and we can even look stylish doing it. Wear sunglasses all year-round. A staggering 40 per cent of UV exposure occurs outside of direct sunlight and 90 per cent of UV rays pass through clouds. Wrap-around styles are better. We want to block 100 per cent of UVA and UBV light. Impact resistant lenses are a must for children. Polarized and performance lenses offer improved optics and will help reduce glare and improve acuity. Do you wear glasses? Choose an anti-reflective coating that has UV protection. Opt for transitions lenses or prescription sunwear. Contact lenses are a favourite option of mine. Non-prescription sunglasses can be worn over top. Some contacts even have a UV blocker in them. Lastly, keep out of direct sunlight between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the sun is at its strongest. It’s a good time for a savoury lunch and a cold, refreshing beverage anyway!

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Seeing Eye-to-Eye On Optometry By Melanie Furlong Photos Stephen Wild

r. Nathaniel Della Vedova – better known as “Dr. D,” always knew he’d want to live and raise a family in Kingston. “My education afforded me the amazing experience of living in and exploring many regions of the U.S., but home is home. I've always loved the Kingston area and knew that if I started a practice, it would be here.”

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Dr. D attended the Illinois College of Optometry and was then placed in a clinic in Phoenix for one of his fourthyear rotations. This is where he met his future wife and business partner, Dr. Shelly Della Vedova. Both were accepted into competitive residency programs in Boston. A few years later, the two married in Dr. Shelly’s home state of Oregon.

They opened Kingston Optometry just two years ago and have been building both their practice and their family here. Their son, Logan, is one-and-a-half years old. “It has been fun and exciting to start our business from scratch: cultivating our ideas, designing our practice and fulfilling our vision of what a practice should be,” says Dr. D. “New concepts and ideas

are incorporated into the practice as we grow. We are driven by the needs of our patient community, technological and medical advancements and exciting new ophthalmic and optical products.” One example of a medical advancement that's just entered the marketplace is genetic testing for those with, or at risk for, age-related macular degeneration, a blinding disease. “Patients can undergo a simple cheek swab and have their genetics analyzed to assess their risk of disease over a 10-year period and determine what treatment they will best respond to,” says Dr. D. “By the time this article goes to print, we'll most likely have this important service available at our practice.”

Generally their patients are those who are health conscious or have an emerging vision or ocular issue. “Our patients also tend to be a little more fashion-savvy and are interested in quality frames and lenses that’ll help them look and see their best,” says Dr. D. “We’ve welcomed Queen’s University students who are looking for contacts and trendsetting eyewear, young families who want to ensure their children are seeing and learning at their best and professionals interested in quality eyewear that complements their image.” Many of their new patients are emerging presbyopes: adults in their 40s and 50s who are starting to have diﬃculties with their near vision or computer work, those whose arms are no longer long enough

BOTTOM LEFT Dr. Shelly Della Vedova tests a patients vision

to see their reading material clearly. “We educate these patients about the gradual reduction in their focusing system and present options in overcoming this change as best suited to their lifestyle,” says Dr. D. “Many are pleasantly surprised to know that multifocal contacts can allow them to work at the computer or do much of their near work without wearing glasses at all.”

Kingston Optometry 2395 Princess St., Unit 11 613.767.5996 kingstonoptometry.ca

TOP RIGHT Dr. Nathaniel Della Vedova serving a patient

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Find Your Balance

By Melanie Furlongâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;Photos Stephen Wild

T Ayurvedic with

Yoga

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he beauty of an Ayurvedic lifestyle, says Mona Warner, is that it is unique to the individual. Warner, owner of Janati Yoga School and a certified Ayurvedic yoga instructor, says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe everybody needs their own yoga tailored to their own needs. For example, if work is busy and hectic, we would recommend a more calming and restorativebased practice. If someone's work life is sedentary, then we would recommend a movement-based class to stimulate and engage the body-mind. In Ayurveda, opposites are applied to bring harmony where things are out of balance."

Ayurveda recognizes every person is unique in the way their constitution manifests and this is represented by their “dosha”, a Sanskrit word that means constitution. Everyone has qualities from all three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha, which are based on an understanding of the qualities in nature. “Most people are a blend of doshas,” says Warner. It can take years to understand your dosha, says Warner, and it's challenging to determine your dosha through an Internet quiz, especially if you have any existing or long-term imbalances in your body-mind and heart. An Ayurvedic yoga teacher, like Warner, works with individuals to determine their dosha in order to refine their lifestyle and yoga practices to restore balance and harmony. With a strong belief in personalized practice and the integration of the Ayurvedic lens into their offerings, Janati Yoga School offers classes taught with modifications for the participants. “Every dosha can do every pose,” says Warner. “How you do it determines which dosha is brought into or out of balance. The Ayurvedic approach allows us to tailor the yoga practice (poses, breath work, cleansing techniques, meditation and mantras) for our students. It is another tool they can use for their self-care.” The classes are small at Janati Yoga School, with caps that range from eight to 20. They are all session-based, so teachers can connect with their students. “As I get to know the students, I begin to offer different options,” says Warner. “For example, poses for fiery people focus on breathing evenly and letting go of any competitive thoughts. Vata types, who have a hard time grounding, focus on stability and breathing

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into their foundation. If you know the qualities, it is more helpful than knowing your dosha when it comes to harmonizing the body-mind.” Students come away from their classes equipped with self-care practices they can integrate into their lives. “My theory is, when we can take better care of ourselves, we can take better care of each other from a place of love, not resentment,” says Warner. The students at Janati Yoga School are certainly enjoying their classes. Student Sheila Bentley says, “Mona Warner is a wonderful yoga teacher. You never have those moments of thinking, 'What is she talking about?' like with some instructors where you constantly have to look up. That is a real skill. That is how yoga should be.” Bentley says Warner's humour is always refreshing and helps her to take herself lightly, but her poses seriously. “Every word she speaks is with deliberateness and conviction. Her classes are always changing as she learns and grows herself with more retreats and courses. Her soothing voice is the cherry on top.” Janati Yoga School offers various types of yoga classes in addition to the Ayurvedic yoga. For example, yin, vinyasa (flow), hatha, power, prenatal, restorative and even a class for women in 12-step recovery. Warner has also been training yoga teachers since 2007. “Ours is one of the longer standing teacher-trainings in the Kingston community,” says Warner. “We offer 200-hour and 500hour level teacher trainings. Two years ago we revamped both trainings to integrate the principles of Ayurveda into our yoga teacher trainings - as it strongly supports our approach of individualized practice. We're also the only school in Kingston to offer a Yoga Alliance registered advanced teacher training.” Janati Yoga School was recognized as a Private Educational Institution by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) in 2011 for their Yoga Alliance and Canadian Yoga Alliance registered Yoga Teacher Trainings. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) recognized it as a Vocational Institution in 2012. To learn, experience and grow with Janati Yoga School, please visit our website or give us a call. Janati Yoga School 16 Bath Rd., Kingston Second Floor 613.507.5550 info@janatiyoga.com janatiyoga.com ABOVE Mona Warner, instructor and owner of Janati Yoga School

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Sun Safety: Choosing the Right Sun Protection

Kristine Barker Spa Co-owner Perfetta Skin Therapy & Medi-Spa 725 Arlington Park Pl #2 Kingston 613.389.2226 www.perfettaskin.com

fter a long and cold winter, we are all aching to feel the warmth of the sun on our skin. It’s the perfect time to remind ourselves of the importance of using an SPF. Many people don’t understand the difference between sunblock and sunscreen. Sunblock reflects the sun’s rays, thereby blocking them from reaching your skin. Sunscreen, on the other hand, absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation and needs to be reapplied more frequently. There are two types of radiation: UVA and UVB. UVB is the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer. UVA rays deeply penetrate the skin and cause skin damage such as

wrinkling, leathering and brown spots. UVA rays also magnify the carcinogenic effects of UVB rays and are increasingly being seen as a cause of skin cancer on their own. How do you choose a sunscreen that will protect your skin? First you need to understand what SPF is. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a measure of a sunscreen’s ability to prevent UVB from damaging the skin. For example, if it takes 20 minutes for your unprotected skin to start turning red, using an SPF 15 sunscreen should prevent reddening 15 times longer (about five hours). You can also look at SPF in terms of percentages. SPF 15 filters out approximately 93 percent of all incoming UVB rays; SPF 30

keeps out 97 per cent; and SPF 50 keeps out 98 per cent. No sunscreen can block all UV rays. Many products are available that contain SPF, such as moisturizers and makeup, but make sure they are “broadspectrum.” This protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. The rule of thumb is to apply SPF at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours (or immediately after swimming or sweating a great deal) for it to stay effective. Keep in mind you can still get a sunburn on a cloudy day, and if you usually sit by a window, you are not protected from UVA rays. Stay safe in the sun!

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Lead Your Life With Authenticity

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

ne of the buzzwords you will hear this year is authenticity. You may reflect on this and think, “Yes, I’m living this way. My life seems pretty good; I tell the truth and I’m happy.” Perhaps this is true. However, are you truly living and leading your life authentically? Consider these questions: • Are there times when you change who you are to please others, or to be liked? • Do you say yes when you want to say no? • Do you know how not to “snap” when you are triggered by stressful situations? • Can you describe who you are when at your best? • Do you know how it would change your life if you were your best self more of the time?

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When you are true to yourself, you are being your best self – your authentic self. A meaningful career, great relationships, having a family, living in a community you love, being fit, eating well and having balance are a few keys aspects to authentic wellness. However, we are often taught it is more important to be liked and fit in than to be ourselves. Because of this, we may forget ourselves along the way. Setting aside your biggest dreams and deepest desires can only bring sadness and regret. Finding my own bliss took me a long time. I had many challenges with my own personal wellness, but during the search for all the ways to heal, I found my calling. Now my life’s work involves assisting others in finding their true north and helping them move toward wellness in all areas of their lives. When we settle for less than what we truly desire in life,

we may get a wake-up call in the form of depression, heart attack or serious illness. To get to the core of what someone really wants, I ask powerful questions. Then, we devise a plan to implement all of the incremental steps to get there. There are a number of key questions you can explore in order to uncover your authentic self: 1. How do I find my authentic self? Ideally, you want to take the part of you that is “you at your best” and be this person consistently. How do you achieve this? When I work with individuals, small groups or organizations, we explore key areas that create the pathway to get there. I work with them by asking powerful questions, completing exercises for personal clarity and by learning to have more ease in all areas of life. In an individual session or group setting,

people experience deep conversations that allow for tangible shifting of thoughts, patterns and old paradigms. You discover personal clarity and you learn to live each day more consciously. Your life and the way you move through it are changed forever. 2. How do I let go of my inner critic? One of the most unhelpful aspects of personality is the inner critic. This is the inner negative voice that can limit your life. You may still hear the words of a parent, teacher or childhood friend who teased you. It is our interpretation of their reaction that causes us to set up the structure of the internal critical voice. Any negative thought entering the mind is simply just that: a thought that lasts only as few seconds. It is your choice whether you linger on the thought or choose to let it go. Until you pay attention to the inner critical voice (that gets louder in times of stress), you may not realize how deeply

affected your life really is. It is essential to recognize this voice — or voices — as thoughts, in order to know they are not your truth. 3. How do I define my values? Moving toward authenticity requires a good look at values. Values are deeply held beliefs about what is truly important to you: the place of no compromise. Your values might include integrity, passion and being of service. Or perhaps they include time alone, spiritual growth, education, family or wellness. Defining your values is critical in making daily choices and decisions that take you along your desired path – not a path of obligation. 4. How do I find balance in my life? This is an area my clients seem to struggle with the most. Ask yourself, “Am I spending time, money and energy on what I love and value?” Look at your values again. This will help create the balance you desire in your life.

5. My loved ones are struggling with my movement towards authenticity. How do I overcome this? When you begin to live in alignment with your values and move toward balance, you may find not everyone around you is in agreement. Old patterns are challenging to shift. You may find you need to have conversations with your partner, family or co-workers to get the time alone, or to study or travel. The topic of having difficult conversations is an area we explore as we move toward authenticity. Know this as you move toward being more authentic: we tend to resist change. Your brain is wired for repetition. When you move out of your comfort zone, change feels awkward until you develop a consistent new pattern. Authenticity takes time. Guaranteed, you will have many opportunities in life to refine, explore and fine-tune the ways in which you truly want to lead and live your life. Authenticity supports wellness if you stay true to your values and live in a way that is balanced. It’s also true that wellness supports authenticity, as you have resiliency and are able to maintain your truth and perspective when you are well. Authenticity plays a significant and exciting role in living the life of your dreams!

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Uncorking

The County By Tori Stafford

hen thinking about wine, one often conjures up daydreams of sun-soaked vineyards in Provence, or a Tuscan plantation steeped in tradition – after all, the world of wine has an age-old international history. Sparkling amid the regions in the world of wine is our own backyard. Like a bottle of fine wine, Prince Edward County has grown more and more precious with time. Over the last decade, the region has developed into a robust and vibrant part of Canada’s wine culture. Along with the area’s unique flair for artisan cheeses and breads, and its stunning landscapes, Prince Edward County is home to some of Ontario’s greatest treasures. The numerous wineries the region boasts are its crown jewel. A cool-climate wine region, Prince Edward County is perhaps most well-known for producing some of Canada’s best Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris wines, as well as some wonderful sparkling varieties. These and other cool-climate wines are “food-friendly wines,” meaning they pair wonderfully with meals or tapas. This is because grapes grown in cooler climates ripen and accumulate flavour slowly. With well over 30 winemakers in Prince Edward County, it is an ideal destination for a wine-tasting day trip or a weekend getaway to take it all in. The variety of wineries and the beauty you’ll experience on the way make Prince Edward County an ultimate must-visit destination for all wine enthusiasts.

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Wine-Tasting

EtiquEttE Avoid wearing strong fragrances Taking in the different bouquets of each wine is as important part of the tasting. Perfumes, colognes and even scented hair or body products can interfere with the aromas of wine – both for yourself and those around you. This makes it difficult to fully appreciate the sample.

Cleanse your palate before and between tastings Experts from Wine Country Ontario recommend using a cracker or a sip of water – no strong flavours that will linger – to help “reset” your taste buds. This allows you to fully taste a wine and prevent flavours from overlapping.

Order is important To avoid one sample overpowering the next, wines should be sampled by: Strength (sparkling, then white, followed by red, and finally dessert) Sweetness (driest to sweetest) Age (youngest to oldest) When actually tasting each wine, appreciate its qualities and characteristics by sight, smell and taste – in that order.

take your time Swishing and gargling your wine in your mouth helps to introduce oxygen, allowing you to experience the full complexity of the wine, Wine Country Ontario advises. Rolling it around on your tongue and in your cheeks helps your taste buds perk up to different flavours.

Spitting out wine is not like spitting out food It may seem strange to spit out the wine you are sampling, but if you intend on trying a number of different wines, you do not want the effects of alcohol to cloud your judgment. Spitting into a personal or communal spittoon is not only acceptable, it’s advised – besides, that’s how the pros do it.

Tasting Notes

By Tori Stafford Photos Stephen Wild and Suzy Lamont

reating a unique and entertaining experience for guests is always the goal of any host, but for Kim Meathrel, it’s not just a goal – it’s her business. Meathrel is not only the owner of Decantress Wine and Spirits, she is also a sommelier, making her the perfect addition to any social event. Offering her services in a variety of applications, Meathrel promises exciting and

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entertaining education through wine, spirit or beer tastings. Decantress Wine and Spirits works with clients to develop a tasting program that works for them and the experience they are trying to create. From whiskey tasting for beginners to a mini-series of courses on wines from around the world, inviting Decantress Wine and Spirits to your event is a surefire way to generate conversation and a memorable experience unlike any other.

An established plastic surgeon with a cosmetic surgery practice in Kingston, Meathrel’s passion for, and education in, wine and spirits began due to her own personal interest in the subject. Reading and studying winemaking and tasting was simply a pastime she enjoyed, but when she began to share her knowledge with others, she noticed she wasn’t alone in finding the subject matter interesting and enjoyable.

After completing a degree in winemaking through the University of California, and becoming a sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, Meathrel found more and more of her friends and colleagues were interested in bringing her in for wine tastings at dinner parties or social gatherings. “I had a few tasting parties with friends and neighbours, just informally,” Meathrel explains of her first experiences sharing her knowledge with

others. “People loved it and were really excited about it... and the more I thought about it, the more I realized that there really aren’t any services offering this kind of experience in our area.” Meathrel also recognized the growing number of people in the Kingston area interested in experiencing and educating themselves in fine wines and spirits, particularly whiskey. “There are a lot of people in Kingston that are really

enthusiastic about food and drink, and they’re eager to know more,” she says, noting people often assume sommelier education is limited to winemaking and tasting. “Sommeliers are actually trained in all of the beverages – spirits, beer and wine – so I have formalized education in all of those areas.” Decantress Wine and Spirits offers a variety of tasting services, all customizable to suit your event. In wines, Meathrel

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offers an ‘Introduction to Wine Tasting’ course, which outlines the basics of winetasting and explains the how and why of specific flavours and aromas in different types. Meathrel brings apothecary bottles of aromatics to each tasting so that her clients can truly understand that notes in different wines, and how they are interpreted. She also offers courses in the wines of different regions, or can create a wine tasting course around the particular event at hand. For those who have a stronger base-knowledge of wine, Meathrel can create more in-depth educational courses specific to a type of wine. She can even complement a themed dinner party by designing a course around a given nationality or offer beverage pairings with different aspects of a meal. For Meathrel, it is all about creating an experience that is exciting and interesting, as well as educational. Decantress Wine and Spirits offers similar tasting services for different types of spirits, as well as for beers – the latter of which Meathrel says is proving very popular. Meathrel also offers her services as a sommelier both for private functions and to local businesses and events. Her expansive knowledge allows her to perfectly pair food and beverages, or design a wine list for an event or restaurant. For Meathrel, sharing her knowledge in a fun and interactive way is exactly why she created Decantress Wine and Spirits. From wine tastings at a bachelorette party to scotch tastings at a corporate conference, to comparing reds and whites of the same region for a girls’ night in, to sampling craft beers at a backyard barbecue, Decantress Wine and Spirits can truly make any gathering an event to remember. “It’s always different, but it is always a lot of fun, too. Having a tasting at your party or event is definitely something unique and enjoyable,” Meathrel says, noting that she brings the stemware for each specific tasting, saving her clients the time and hassle. “It’s about broadening horizons and experiencing something new, and having a really great time doing it.” Decantress Wine and Spirits 613.929.7190 info@decantresswine.com www.decantresswine.com

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DELECTABLE DINING

COME IN FROM THE COTTAGE,

STAY FOR THE By Tori Stafford

FOOD

hile cooking can be enjoyable and relaxing, it isn’t always something you want to do day after day – and this isn’t something that changes when you’re at the cottage.

DATE NIGHT Just because you’re at the cottage doesn’t mean you can’t take time for a romantic dinner for two. Couples can escape to the city for even just a few hours to enjoy the plethora of tempting dining options in the downtown core. Inherently romantic with its cool lake breezes and whimsical limestone buildings, downtown Kingston boasts an outstanding 100 restaurants in a nineblock area. FAMILY NIGHT OUT Many of Kingston’s restaurants are as well-known for being family-friendly as they are for their fabulous fare. Shake up your time at the cottage with a trip into the city, and make memories to cherish while you dine.

Before or after your meal, be sure to take in some of the exciting events that take place in the city each year. From outdoor performances or shopping in the city, to dinner and a show options available through many restaurants, the choices are endless. Pair your dinner with an activity your family will enjoy and you’ll be smiling the whole drive back to the cottage, with happy (and probably sleepy) kids in tow.

ENTERTAINING WITHOUT HOSTING Cottage life is full of friends and family members dropping by, so give yourself a break and leave the food and entertainment to those in the city for a night. There are an array of cultural cuisines to try, a myriad of tasty tapas for sharing, and an abundance of fine dining options available. And with so many restaurants offering local, organic, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, every palate and diet is sure to be pleased.

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DELECTABLE DINING

Fresh and Authentic:

The Cuisine of Curry Original By Courtney Tait Photos Stephen Wild

ombine a talented pair of brothers from Bangladesh, a historic building on the St. Lawrence waterfront, and a menu created with fresh, local ingredients, and you’ve got the recipe for one of Kingston’s most popular restaurants. Opened in 1999, Curry Original is the evolution of Ali and Weais Afzal’s first restaurant in the city, Curry Village. Established in 1985, the eatery was a pioneer of fine Indian cuisine in Kingston,

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and gained a following that continued when the Afzals opened Curry Original. Located in an historic 1938 building, the 134-seat restaurant showcases high ceilings, exposed beams, a patio with river views and Indian-themed art, creating an elegant backdrop for the main feature: the food. Prepared with as many local products as possible, Curry Original’s dishes give guests an authentic taste of Bangladesh and India, featuring rich, flavourful

sauces, tender meats, organic vegetables, roti bread and delicious spices. Everything is made from scratch, including cheeses and yogurt. Items such as naan, shrimp tandoori and chicken tandoori are made in a tandoor oven, infusing them with a smoky flavour. Curry Original’s most popular meat dishes include chicken tikka, a kashmiri lamb dish and the crowd favourite: butter chicken, grilled in the tandoor and cooked with cream, yogurt, raisins,

Below left l-R Ali, Weais RIGHt l - R Sarkar, Subhan, Sitting -Zilani

peanuts, coconut, sugar and clarified butter. “My brother and I make sure the food is the best it can possibly be,” says Ali. “We always keep our eyes on quality and quantity.” A variety of biryanis (basmati rice dishes) are also available, along with spicy vindaloos, kormas, madras sauce, and of course, curries. The restaurant is fully licensed and offers a range of wine and beer (including organic options and gluten-free beer) as well as classic liquors. With such an expansive menu (95 per cent of which is gluten-free), the only challenging part of dining at Curry Original is deciding which dishes to try. But it takes more than excellent food, drinks and ambience to make a restaurant great — the service is essential. Curry Original’s friendly front-end staff has been working there since its early days, and Ali says they are like a family. Either Ali or Weais is always at the restaurant, ensuring customers are enjoying their experience. “The customer is very important,” says Ali, “and the service is very friendly.” Curry Original has been featured in the independent guide Where To Eat in Canada every year since it opened, and is widely considered the place to go for Indian fare in Kingston. One customer loved the restaurant’s cuisine so much she created a cookbook featuring Curry Original recipes. Over the span of a year, Crystle Mazurek watched the chefs prepare dishes, recorded the recipes, tested them and compiled The Curry Original Cookbook, published in 2011. Copies of the cookbook are available for purchase at the restaurant. Ali says people’s enjoyment of the food they serve is what has kept them in business for the last 29 years. “People love it,” he says. “That’s how we have survived. People go to restaurants to enjoy themselves. When they are happy, that is the most fulfilling thing for us.” Curry Original 253A Ontario St. Kingston KZL 2Z4 613.531.9376 www.curryoriginal.ca

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DELECTABLE DINING

Classic, Rustic, Delicious

The Grizzly Grill By Katrina Geenevasen Photos Stephen Wild

entrally located in the heart of downtown lays one of Kingston’s true treasures — The Grizzly Grill.

Boasting a diverse menu that features authentic Canadian fare, The Grizzly Grill — which has been a Kingston landmark for the better part of 20 years — not only serves up mouthwateringly delightful dishes, but also a warm and inviting atmosphere, as well.

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Locally-owned and operated by partners Scott MacPherson, Francois Tonge, Paul Owen and Greg Stevenson, this restaurant evokes memories of time at the cottage, featuring a large, floor-to-ceiling fireplace, a grand wooden staircase and an aroma that can only be achieved with the regular use of a wood-fired oven. With two unique dining settings — a downstairs dining room that features a variety of tables and booths with an

open kitchen and an upstairs section that features rustic accents, warm natural light and an impressive fireplace feature — The Grizzly Grill promises to impress. When you dine at this Limestone City landmark, you’re not just going out for a bite to eat, you’re going for the experience, says Greg Stevenson, managing partner. “Our slogan is ‘Classic, Rustic, Delicious,’” he says, gesturing towards the menu that features a host of local suppliers. “We

L-R Ryan Pitt (Chef), Greg Stevenson (Managing Partner), Korinna Brockman (Manager), Paul Abbott (Manager), Andrew Scahill (Manager)

are not a big box store with a national ad campaign behind us. We are a local company, excited to be involved with other members of our community. We use outstanding ingredients, we offer a wonderful product and we hire amazing people. Our management team and staff have strong ties to this region and they reflect our overall philosophy.” The restaurant has more than 20 local producers and suppliers on the roster. “We want to immerse ourselves in the community and be able to support the local suppliers in this area. Thanks to the efforts of Wendy Banks and Rick Trudeau of Wendy’s Mobile Market, these amazing ingredients are more readily available to

us,” he says, pointing out that healthy and ethical dishes literally go from farm to fork at this restaurant. Aside from that, he explains, the food just tastes better. “The bottom line,” says Stevenson, “is that the products we get locally are simply amazing.” With everything from mouthwatering ribeye to pork baby back ribs and seed to sausage pizza, everyone’s palate is sure to be more than satisfied. After all, chef Ryan Pitt ensures each and every dish is lovingly prepared with only the freshest of ingredients. He is very focused on the local food system and being a major part of it. So is Stevenson. “I listen to the farmers speak about their products on an individual basis…and you get so excited

listening to them talk. They are so passionate about what they are producing, that it translates to our enthusiasm about what we’re doing.” With nearly two decades under their belt, The Grizzly Grill continues to charm both locals and visitors alike, and seems destined to remain a Kingston staple. Says Stevenson, “We’re exited about where we’re at right now, we are a passionate part of this local food initiative, but we’re really looking forward to the future…we’ve just begun to scratch the surface.” The Grizzly Grill 395 Princess St., Kingston 613.544.7566 www.thegrizzlygrill.ca

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DELECTABLE DINING

Old-World Charm at the Trinity House Inn By Katrina Geenevasen Photos Stephen Wild

ust a short 20-minute drive from Kingston, casual elegance awaits at the Trinity House Inn.

Owned and operated by the enigmatic Jacques O’Shea, the Trinity House Inn boasts beautifully appointed, air-conditioned rooms, unique fine dining and beautiful gardens. It’s hard not to feel at ease the moment you enter the inn’s tranquil grounds. For both locals and visitors alike, this historic Gananoque gem, built in 1859, promises an experience like none other. After all, the inn, says O’Shea, is “the pinnacle of hospitality excellence.” “Everything is focused toward customer service. We aim to please,” says O’Shea, sitting comfortably on one of the inn’s luxurious sofas. “We try to make all of our guests feel at home.”

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Having revealed the inn’s new summer menu, O’Shea and his head chef, Taylor Kennedy, are anticipating a busy summer. “Everything is made from scratch right here. And what we do, we do well. I taste everything – and it shows,” he says with a big smile. The young but very talented Kennedy graduated from the St. Lawrence culinary arts program, and spent several years honing his craft at a well-established Kingston restaurant. His talent is obvious the moment you taste one of his dishes. From the Gnocchi Malfatti to the Chicken Supreme, Kennedy has certainly mastered the art of fine cooking. Whether for an overnight stay or an elegant fine dining experience, the Trinity House Inn promises an unforgettable getaway.

Trinity House Summer Menu APPETIZER Soup A daily creation by the chef Pickled Bean Salad Artichoke hearts, pickled French beans, herbed olive oil vinaigrette Caesar Sugar cured bacon lardons, parmesan croutons, garlic chips Gnocchi Malfatti Riccotta, spinach, roasted tomatoes, sage oil Escargot Garlic butter, gruyere, toast points MAIN Beef Tenderloin Roasted potatoes, crushed peas, honey carrots, wild mushroom demi-glace Salmon Baby greens, fennel puree, seasonal vegetable Chicken Supreme Polenta, tomato confit, ratatouille Cannelloni Shrimp, scallop, garlic cream, seasonal vegetable (Half order available) Braised Lamb Shank Roasted potatoes, asparagus, braising jus DESSERT Crème Brulee Stewed berries, torched sugar Chocolate ganache Salted caramel, house made marshmallow White Chocolate Cheesecake Chocolate marble, cookie crumb Tiramisu Semi Freddo Cookie crumb, espresso, chocolate

Chef ’s Special Three Course Dinner $34.95

OPPOSITE PAGE L-R Owner, Jacques O’Shea with chef, Taylor Kennedy CENTRE LEFT Tiramisu Semi Freddo CENTRE RIGHT Gnocchi Malfatti BOTTOM Salmon

Trinity House Inn 90 Stone St. S, Gananoque 1.800.265.4871 613.382.8383 www.trinityinn.com info@trinityinn.com

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DELECTABLE DINING

D Y! E IT NL M O LI E M TI

Perfect Gifts for Dads & Grads.

2014 Simply Sweet Strawberries & Pineapple Box Chocolate dipped strawberries topped with swizzle & micro drops and our signature pineapple 2014 Edible Numbers dipped in chocolate. ®

Local Business is

FRUITFUL All-Star Dad

By Katrina Geenevasen Photos TiffDipped RichardsPineapple

Box

™

Six star shaped pineapple dipped in

chocolate with a variety of toppings. Kingston’s Edible Arrangements franchise. for giving as a gift – or keeping for ith an astounding selection of fresh fruit arrangements yourself, says Chris, expertly slicing a Their mission is to create the freshest, eyeand gourmet chocolatepineapple for an arrangement. Whether catching arrangements possible every time. dipped fruit made to order, for an anniversary, wedding favours, or “We carefully check every single piece of ™ EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS® promises to All-Star Dad Celebration centrepieces, as a sweet “congratulations,” fruit,” explains Rose, adding with a smile not only make your featuring “life a little but Fruit bouquet starsweeter, shaped”pineapple that it’s also important to taste test – to to welcome the arrival of a new chocolate with toppings. to bring&aapples smile dipped to yourinface with each and make sure everything is perfect, of course. baby or even in sympathy, EDIBLE every arrangement. “You get the ‘wow’ of Edible Arrangements®, the Fruit Basket Logo, and other marks mentioned herein are registered ARRANGEMENTS® has the perfect There are more than fresh fruit trademarks Edible Arrangements, LLC. © 2014 LLC. All rights200 reserved. flowers,of but then you get to eat them, ” sayEdible Arrangements, bouquet for whatever the occasion. Chris and Rose Jackson, owner/operators of bouquet options to choose from – perfect

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Confetti Fruit Cupcake with Truffles, Simply Sweet Strawberries and Pineapple, Happy House, Fun in the Sun-Tini FineLifestyles

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Know someone celebrating a birthday, or a special graduating student? The new FreshTini collection is sure to please. Filled with an amazing array of fruits and chocolatedipped apple truffles, the recipient is assured not only a delectable treat, but a big smile, as well. There are six styles to choose from. Available this summer, try the Watermelon Kiwi Summer-Tini. Unexpected and unique, an edible arrangement is a fun alternative to typical floral delivery, says Rose. “I think the majority of people love fruit, and this is a unique way to enjoy it. And a little bit of chocolate never hurts!” Chris says the best part of his job is seeing the smiles on recipients’ faces when they

are handed their sweet surprise. “It’s nice knowing we have a product that is going to make someone happy – and looks good, tastes great, and is healthy all at the same time, he explains. Customer feedback has been nothing short of outstanding, with many clients returning time and time again for new arrangements. “We have had a lot of great feedback,” says Rose, explaining just that morning a customer stopped by to let them know how much she enjoyed receiving such a unique gift. Ordering is simple, whether it’s for pick up at the Kingston store, to be delivered locally, or for delivery from one of over 1200 Edible Arrangements outlets across North America. You can place your order online,

by phone or by coming into the store. Rose or Chris, or one of their staff, would be pleased to serve you. Once the order is placed, rest assured it won’t be made until the day it’s scheduled for delivery – it’s all about ensuring the customer gets the best possible product, explains Chris, adding that the refrigerated delivery van ensures extra freshness. “It’s all about the ‘wow’ factor,” he says. Samples are always on hand, so stop in for one today. EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS® 2395 Princess St., Kingston Centennial Square Plaza 613.542.5252 877-Do-Fruit (877.363.7848)

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Summer Delight The Thousand Islands Playhouse PromIses sTellar 2014 season By Katrina Geenevasen

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ituated on the picturesque banks of the St. Lawrence River, The Thousand Islands Playhouse beckons thousands of theatregoers each year with its rustic elegance, high-quality productions and top-notch acting. This year will be no different. With the 2014 season underway, artistic director Ashlie Corcoran can hardly contain her excitement. “This season will showcase some of my most cherished pieces in the world,” she says enthusiastically. “I’m so excited for each work; I spend a great deal of time thinking about all of them!” The classically poignant Driving Miss Daisy kicked off the season in May. “It’s heartwarming and touching,” says Corcoran. “It will make people laugh and, maybe, shed a few tears. I think our audience is going to be compelled by the story, the characters and the amazing cast we have in it.”

Until the end of June, the Young Company Travelling Production will host Bird Brain, a courageous comedy about choosing to be different. The musical romantic comedy She Loves Me follows from June 20 to July 19. Based on the same story as the hit film You’ve Got Mail, which stars Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, She Loves Me is a Tony award-winning musical. “It’s my favourite musical and I’m thrilled we’re producing it,” says Corcoran. Next up from July 1 to July 26 is Jake’s Gift, a multi-award winning tour-de-force. Based on the story of a Canadian World War II veteran reluctant to return to Juno Beach, Jake’s Gift promises audiences a stunning performance. The classic comedic gem The Importance of Being Earnest takes the stage from July 25 to Aug. 23. “There isn’t a better play, there

TOP Nicola Lipman, Walter Borden. Driving Miss Daisy, 2014. Photo by Jay Kopinski. LEFT Ashlie Corcoran FineLifestyles

Kingston

just isn’t,” says Corcoran with a laugh, who says the play is considered to be one of wittiest plays in the English language.

because it has huge heart and huge ideas behind it,” says Corcoran. “It’s spicy and funny and very clever.”

From Aug. 15 to Sept. 20, the black comedy The Ugly One will touch on beauty, image and plastic surgery. Written by one of Germany’s hottest playwrights, this biting comedy tells the story of a successful (but ugly) engineer who hires a plastic surgeon to reconstruct his face. His life changes for the best — until things take a turn for the worst.

Originally built as the Gananoque Canoe Club, The Thousand Islands Playhouse features two fully-renovated historic venues side by side — the Springer Theatre and the Firehall Theatre. Annually, it attracts more than 44,000 tourists and area residents. “I think the word ‘unique’ can be a bit overused, however to me, the Playhouse is definitively unique,” says Corcoran. “It feels cozy and comfortable — like you’re at someone’s cottage. But at the same time, it’s breathtaking, beautiful and peaceful. I don’t know another theatre like it.”

Waiting For the Parade takes place from Aug. 29 to Sept. 20. “It’s a beautiful Canadian play with five really strong roles for women,” explains Corcoran. Featuring music from the war years, this best-loved play will grab hold of your heart and never let go. Clever comedy Educating Rita will close out the season from Sept. 26 to Oct. 18. Written by Willy Russell, the play is about self-discovery and choices. “I love it

For ticket information, visit www.1000islandsplayhouse.com or call 1-866-382-7020 or 613.382.7020.

TOP Jesse Aaron Dwyre, Naomi Wright. The Ugly One, Theatre Smash 2011. Photo by James Heaslip. RIGHT Driving Miss Daisy, She Loves Me

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LIVE. PROFESSIONAL. THEATRE.

2014

Enjoy live theatre in two historic venues on the St. Lawrence River from May to October.

SEASON

#1 Attraction in Gananoque, ON

.ca

“The theatre with the

most

breathtaking location

in the province.” TORONTO STAR

DRIVING MISS DAISY

MAY 16 – JUN 14

SHE LOVES ME

JUN 20 – JUL 19

JAKE’S GIFT

JUL 1 – JUL 26

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

JUL 25 – AUG 23

THE UGLY ONE

AUG 15 – SEP 20

WAITING FOR THE PARADE

AUG 29 – SEP 20

A Comedy of Unlikely Friendship

A Musical Romantic Comedy

A Journey to Juno Beach

A Sparkling Classic Comedy

A Razor Sharp Black Comedy

A Canadian Classic

EDUCATING RITA

SEP 26 – OCT 18

Cruise & Theatre Packages Depart from our docks and enjoy a boat cruise on the beautiful St. Lawrence River before any of our shows! Cruises range from 1 – 3.5 hours long. Contact the Box Oﬃce or visit our website for package details.

A Clever Comedy

FOUNDING SPONSOR

Box Oﬃce:

SEASON MEDIA SPONSOR

PRIMARY SUPPORTERS

1-866-382-7020 | www.1000islandsplayhouse.com

Debut Album, “Rise”, Made For the Love of Music By Tori Stafford Photos Tiff Richards

Her voice has been described as, “angelic… with a hint of sultry devilishness,” by one of the best in the business, but it is how Emily Fennell describes her work in her own words that shows the organic passion behind it. “My career is literally an extension of my existence,” she says without hesitation. “The end result of my existence on this planet, career-wise, is to make music.”

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she is today, happily busy putting the finishing touches on her new album, “Rise.” This debut full-length album under the moniker “Miss Emily” has been a labour of love spanning nearly four years, Fennell discloses. And it is not only one she’s made for her fans, supporters and community, but one she’s made with them.

or Fennell and her many loyal followers here in Kingston, there is no doubt about it. If you’ve ever had the opportunity to see Miss Emily perform, you’ll know, too. There’s a lot of truth to those words from both Fennell and Rob Baker, guitar player with The Tragically Hip, who coined the description above about her voice. If not for her passion, determination and sheer raw talent, Fennell, a Prince Edward County native, would not be sitting where

That’s because the production of “Rise,” which is just now available, was funded with a method that’s proving increasingly popular among musicians the world over: pledges. Using the PledgeMusic medium, fans, friends, supporters and even people she has never met were able to make pledges, starting at $10. These pledges secured Fennell’s supporters pre-orders of the new album, a pre-release download of the album and other exclusives (like having Miss Emily croon Happy Birthday on your special day). At the same time, the pledges ensured the completion of “Rise,” covering some of the many costs incurred during the production of an album. “This project would not have happened without the pledge campaign, without the support of the people,” Fennell says. “I am so incredibly grateful and feel so fortunate the community got behind me.”

“Rise” was an album that came together organically, Fennell says, and one she didn’t even realize would be an album as its pieces were created. In the end, “Rise” is hard to label with a genre, she explains, because it encompasses so many styles. “For this project, I had all of these pieces and I wanted to thread together a quilt of what I have been working on over the past four years,” Fennell says, noting that she really wanted to be able to give something back to her loyal followers, and something they can really “sink their teeth into.” “There is a common thread of soul throughout the entire thing, and there are definitely elements of blues, rock and pop,” she says. “Rise” also features horns, cameos and a couple of a cappella tracks, Fennell says, as well as “a male chain-gang-style chorus” made up of Gord Sinclair, Rob Baker and Chris Koster. “It’s really neat because “Rise” feels like such a community project,” Fennell says with her signature laugh. “It’s people making music for the love of making music... and for the people who love to listen to it.” Miss Emily emily@emilyfennell.com www.themissemily.com

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I sabe l b a d e r C e n tr e f o r t h e Pe r f o r m In g a rt s :

World-Class &

Extraordinary By Ashliegh Gehl Photos Suzy Lamont

Nestled on the banks of Lake Ontario, at one of the provinceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest heritage sites, is a performing arts centre unlike any other in eastern Ontario. The newly constructed Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts at Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University is a blend of remarkable architecture, design and innovation. This inspiring edifice has the stamina to attract world-class artists to Kingston, while providing local talent with an extraordinary venue to harvest ingenuity.

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t will also be an extraordinary facility for learning. The Isabel’s classrooms and state-of-the-art facilities will allow students in the university’s creative arts disciplines — film and media, drama, fine art and music — to hone their skills in a setting designed to encourage creativity and collaboration. Jerry Doiron, director of the Isabel, anticipates the new facility will have a significant impact on the student learning experience at Queen’s. He comes to Kingston from the distinguished Shaw Festival at Niagara-on-the-Lake where he worked as the planning director. Before that, he was the general manager of Toronto’s Necessary Angel Theatre Company and the producer of Theatre

Passe Muraille, also in Toronto. Doiron sees the Isabel as a bridge between Queen’s and the wider Kingston community. “It is going to provide cutting-edge, worldclass facilities for the students to learn in,” he says. “Principally in the film and media department, but it will provide excellent facilities for music and drama students, as well. It will also be a huge addition for the City of Kingston, which has never really had proper concert or recital hall. It will add a lot to the city’s cultural landscape.” This impressive 80,000 sq. ft. centre houses a 566-seat concert hall. Touted as being a “building within a building,” the performance hall features two-ft. thick concrete walls, a design element

that strategically muffles sound from the outside. The walls are curved to cut the echo and enhance acoustics. The hall’s retractable drapes can be used to customize the sound. ARUP Consulting Engineers, a company established in 1980 out of London, England, are behind the first-rate acoustics. ARUP has provided consulting for the City Recital Hall in Sydney, Australia, the Bird’s Nest in Beijing, the Getty Center in Los Angeles, and the BBC Radio Theatre in London. “The hall’s acoustics are designed to be topnotch,” says Doiron. “It’s not only that the city will have a concert hall, but the expectation is really that it will be a world-class concert hall.”

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Even the concert hall’s ventilation system is something to admire: fresh air enters the space from outside ducts, passes through canvas channels and is then quietly pushed through grills in the floor beneath each seat. Acoustically speaking, the music rehearsal hall will serve as a mirror for the performance hall. Musicians will be able to rehearse or warm up in this space beforehand to get a feel for the performance hall’s dynamics. The Isabel also has a 100-seat studio theatre with flexible seating — meaning that seating can be flat or raised to various heights, making the room a blank canvas that can be transformed to meet the needs of each production. The stage manager’s booth is the only fixed design element in the studio. Aluminum tubing crisscrosses the ceiling, allowing stage lights to be mounted and angled in any direction. The 92-seat film screening room has a cutting-edge digital projector that is an intricate computer kept in a dust-free, climate-controlled environment. With multiple speakers around the room, audience members will have the same acoustic experience regardless of where

they sit. The seating is raked, creating a clear, undisrupted view of the screen for all patrons. But most significantly, the Isabel will provide a space for teaching and learning, housing instructional space, faculty offices, editing suites, an art and media lab, a lounge and a resource library for students. It will also provide operating space for the Queen’s Performing Arts Office. The Isabel was designed by Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta in partnership with Canadian firm N45 Architecture. Snøhetta is known worldwide for their work on the Alexandria Library in Egypt and the Oslo Opera House. The Isabel is Snøhetta’s first Canadian building. “What makes their design particularly attractive is the blending of the natural elements of the location itself,” says Doiron. “… both in terms of being on the waterfront and being in Kingston.” The Isabel comprises three buildings delicately integrated to reflect the history of the site and the contemporary nature of the building. Part of the site’s history is the old Morton Brewery. Like most of

the infrastructure from the 1800s, this brewery is no exception and its signature limestone charm has made its way into Snøhetta’s design. The contemporary elements come from the site’s repurposed pine, hemlock, and spruce flooring. This old-growth heritage wood was re-milled and added as a finish in the centre’s lobby. As guests stand on a bit of history, they can look out the atrium glass windows and take in the lake view. To increase the clarity of the windows, the glass has low iron content. Longtime Queen’s benefactors Alfred (Sc’45, Arts’46, MSc’47, LLD’86) and Isabel (LLD’07) Bader made a transformational gift to Queen’s Initiative Campaign to bring the Isabel to life. The facility was inspired by the Baders’ love — of the arts, of Queen’s, and of each other — and is named in Isabel’s honour. Season subscriptions to the Isabel are on sale in June. www.theisabel.ca

LEFT Performance hall ABOVE LEFT Music rehearsal hall RIGHT Jerry Doiron, director of the Isabel BOTTOM LEFT Film screening room FineLifestyles

Kingston

the inaugural season debuts this fall subscription and ticket information theisabel.ca

THE ISABEL ISABEL BADER CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Photo: Suzy Lamont Photography

June 1-14 Driving Miss Daisy 1000 Islands Playhouse, Springer Theatre June 5-21 Who Saw Him Die? The Davies Foundation Auditorium

events k i n g sto n

June/July/August

June 21-July 19 She Loves Me 1000 Islands Playhouse, Springer Theatre June 26 The Kandinsky Effect The Grand Theatre, Baby Grand June 27 Heillig Manoeuvre The Grand Theatre, Baby Grand July 1 Canada Day Celebrations Confederation Park, Grass Creek Park and Downtown Kingston July 2-August 27 Music in the Gardens – Summer Concert Series Lions Civic Gardens July 9 MOKOOMBA – Straight Out of Zimbabwe

The Grand Theatre, Regina Rosen

July 11-14 Kingston Buskers Downtown Kingston

July 25-26 Best of Bacharach & David The Grand Theatre, Baby Grand

August 8-10 Kingston Sheep Dog Trials Festival Grass Creek Park August 21-24 Limestone City Blues Festival Downtown Kingston

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SET SAIL in Scenic Kingston

By Tori Stafford

When you consider that Kingstonians have the ability to look out over one of the largest continental lakes in the world, and a number of sizable waterways, it truly puts in perspective how lucky we are to live here. The fact that Kingston is often referred to as the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Freshwater Sailing Capital of the Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; further shows how fortunate residents are to have access to bodies of water such as Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River and the Rideau Canal.

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vidence of Kingston’s rich history in the world of sailing, and that of an incredibly active, well-established and renowned sailing community, is hard to avoid — after all, Kingston was the host of Olympic sailing events in 1976. Those Olympic Games brought thousands of people to Kingston, including hundreds of world-class sailors, and is the reason we have Portsmouth Olympic Harbour. “Because of the geography, we have dependable, strong winds... It’s actually a thermal wind that rises most afternoons,” says Marianne Davis, executive director of the Canadian Olympic-training Regatta, Kingston (CORK). “If I try to put it in non-sailing terms: It is quite dependable that there will be good sailing wind every afternoon in Kingston.” CORK is the other reason the 1976 Olympic Games chose Kingston as a sailing venue. A non-profit, volunteer-run organization, CORK was established in 1969 by local sailing enthusiasts in an effort to bring Olympic sailing to the city. By the time the International Olympic Committee was planning the Summer Games in Montreal, Kingston had already garnered respect and a great reputation for sailing, thanks to CORK for attracting sailors to the city for training purposes. The organization remained in Kingston after the Olympics and has worked diligently ever since to keep competitive sailing

coming back. The group hosts about 25 competition days every season, bringing sailors and sailing enthusiasts to our shores from all around the globe. Very few places have a harbour capable of hosting such competitive sailing events, says Davis. CORK works with Sail Canada, the national sailing organization that oversees both the Canadian Sailing Team and the national sailing training program, Learn To Sail, which is run throughout the country by provincial partners at yacht clubs and schools. While a majority of Canada’s national sport organizations take up headquarters in Ottawa, Sail Canada set up shop in Portsmouth Olympic Harbour right here in Kingston. Also noting the dependable winds and reputation as an upper echelon sailing destination, the fact that Kingston was already such a sailing hub was one of the reason’s Sail Canada moved here over a decade ago. “We have great bodies of water without very much commercial traffic, which is great for sailing events,” says Samara Crothers, program director for Sail Canada, noting that there are a variety of ways to get involved with sailing in Kingston. Yacht clubs are more than just sailing schools — they become a way of life and home-away-from-home for members. “We like to think of it is as ‘your cottage on the water, right in the middle of Kingston,’” says Chris Walmsley, commodore of Kingston Yacht

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Club. “We have the best location in Kingston... It’s just the greatest spot to be!” Indeed, tucked away at the end of Maitland Street, looking out over Lake Ontario, you’d swear you were hours away from the commotion and clamour of Kingston’s downtown core. A mix of everything from recreational sailing and cruising, to an active competitive racing fleet, the club is a place for people with like interests to meet and socialize, while honing their sailing skills. Kingston Yacht Club counts provincial, national and Olympic champions amongst their students and members. The club also boasts an Able Sail program for those with disabilities, and a program for those with partial or full blindness, where another member accompanies the sailor to act as their eyes. This is all in keeping with the club’s mandate to encourage and foster involvement and enthusiasm in sailing, the commodore expresses. “We want to get people involved in the sport. KYC is a great place to get involved in one of the treasures of Kingston, and we can make it happen in a number of ways,” says Walmsley, noting the social aspects the club has to offer. “All you have to do, really, is show up and show some interest, and we’ll do the rest — we’ll get you out on a boat somehow.” Also a part of the Eastern Yachting circuit, Collins Bay Yacht Club at Collins Bay Marina in Kingston’s west end, shows the same excitement

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for sailing and getting new people involved with the sport. The shelter of the bay creates calm waters, which allows for a perfect learning environment, and lessons are available for all age groups. Collins Bay Yacht Club hosts cruising weekends and day trips, and also has a reciprocal program with the marina that allows Collins Bay members to use slips at 40 other marinas free of charge. The marina, which is family owned and operated by the Buzzis, has 300 slips, and is located adjacent to Lemoine Point Conservation area. Collins Bay is a small, but very social yacht club, and the 32-year-old club doesn’t have a traditional bar — instead, the club hosts events in their floating clubhouse directly on the water. The unique meeting spot makes for the perfect intimate environment, where those who share a love for boating make lasting friendships, says Lee Baker, commodore of the club. “We moved from Toronto six years ago, and we moved here simply because we wanted to sail in the area,” says Baker. “We had a whole new host of friends and you can’t give that up.” CORK and Sail Canada are hosting a variety of national, North American and international regattas and championship events throughout the 2014 sailing season. For a full schedule and details of these events, visit www.cork.org/events/event-schedule.

If only you knew then what you know now. Gerald R. Connor Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Cumberland Private Wealth Management Inc.

Did the 2008 financial crisis scare you? It scared us too. So did the 2011 European crisis, the 2000 tech collapse, the 1987 market crash and the 1974 recessionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all of which presented great investing opportunities. But while most investors sat on the sidelines, our sound investment principles allowed us to capitalize. And looking back, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no surprise that our clients have steadily outperformed the market. Cumberland welcomes the communities of Kingston and Eastern Ontario. Discover our investment principles at CumberlandPrinciples.com Contact us to learn more: Cumberland Private Wealth Management Inc. 218 King Street East Kingston, Ontario K7L 3A6 Jason Trueman, CFA jasont@cpwm.ca (613) 929-4511

Art Salvalaggio, CFP arts@cpwm.ca (613) 530-0390

613-929-1090

ON THE

WILD SIDE A Glimpse of the Galápagos Islands By Courtney Tait

alking with giant tortoises, observing blue-footed boobies perform their mating dance, snorkelling with sea lions, and watching iguanas feast on flowers aren’t the daily activities of a paradise resort. But the Galápagos Islands aren’t your typical vacation destination. VOLCANIC LANDSCAPES AND FEARLESS CREATURES While the archipelago, which includes 13 main islands and seven smaller ones, features a landscape much more raw than you might expect in the tropics, its dramatic mix of cracked lava, rock pools, cacti forests, and fertile greenery display a unique beauty that’s almost as thrilling as the colonies of animals

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and birds that live amongst it… almost. You’ll be struck by how unperturbed the animals are by your presence. The islands were never connected to a major landmass, so all the animals endemic to Galápagos arrived by swimming or flying. Without large predators around (the giant tortoise is the biggest creature to settle there), the animals evolved without learning to fear them. For tourists, this means experiencing a multitude of up-close encounters and incredible photo opportunities. THE HIGHLIGHTS No trip to Galápagos would be complete with seeing the giant tortoises for which the islands were named by early Spanish explorers. Some companies

will take you to a farm in the highlands of Santa Cruz, where you can see these endangered creatures — some of which exceed 1.5 metres in length — in the wild. Isla Sante Fe boasts one of the best viewing spots for land iguanas, while San Salvador is home to hundreds of marine iguanas. Fur seals can also be spotted at San Salvador, and you can swim with them in pools that have formed under stone archways. Watch out for nests built by blue-footed boobies on Isla Seymour, one of Galápagos’ best breeding grounds for seabirds. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a male blue-footed booby showing off his feet in a mating dance. The coast of Plaza Sur is crowded with

alking with giant tortoises, observing blue-footed boobies perform their mating dance, snorkelling with sea lions, and watching iguanas feast on flowers aren’t the daily activities of a paradise resort. But the Galápagos Islands — the South American archipelago where Charles Darwin gathered the data that inspired his theory of evolution — aren’t your typical vacation destination. Made up of volcanic rock, desert-like vegetation, lava formations and forested highlands, the islands are located 1,000 kilometres from mainland Ecuador and draw over 100,000 visitors annually, many of whom come face-to-face with some of the rarest species on earth. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, Galápagos will undoubtedly fulfill your vision of paradise.

Volcanic landscapes and Fearless creatures When Darwin arrived to Galápagos in 1835, he was initially unimpressed, writing, “Nothing could be less inviting than the first appearance. A broken field of black basaltic lava is everywhere covered by a stunted brushwood, which shows little sign of life.” While the archipelago, which includes 13 main islands and seven smaller ones, features a landscape much more raw than you might expect in the tropics, its dramatic mix of cracked lava, rock pools, cacti forests, and fertile greenery display a unique beauty that’s almost as thrilling as the colonies of animals and birds that live amongst it… almost. Whether you’re watching pink flamingoes searching for krill, sea lions relaxing on rocks, or flightless cormorants stretching their wings, you’ll be struck by how unperturbed the animals are by your presence. The islands were never connected to a major landmass, so all the animals endemic to Galápagos arrived by swimming or flying. Without large predators around (the giant tortoise is the biggest creature to settle there), the animals evolved without learning to fear them. For tourists, this means experiencing a multitude of up-close encounters and incredible photo opportunities. Galápagos was granted World Heritage Status in 1978, and 97 per cent of the area is a national park. Humans inhabit five of the islands, and the growing population (recorded as 25,124 in 2010) is a threat to the archipelago’s fragile

sea lions. Plenty of land iguanas are visible, and the island’s black cliffs are home to various seabirds and the rare Galápagos hawk. The dark-red sand beach of Rábida is a lounging spot for sea lions, while further inland, flocks of pink flamingoes can be seen floating on a lake. Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) is a tidal lagoon where green Pacific turtles mate. Bartolomé features an outstanding view of craters, fields of dried lava and the sharply-peaked Pinnacle Rock. Excellent snorkelling around the rock gives the chance to see penguins as they hunt underwater. On the other side of

the island, observe reef sharks within metres of the waters’ edge. The largest of the Galápagos Islands, Isabela still has volcanic activity, with five cones visible. At Tagus Cove you can hike a path to see the island’s lava fields. Watch colonies of penguins and other seabirds along the cliffs. Fernandina is the most westerly island in the Galápagos. Because it is so remote, it’s also one of the least visited, which makes it even more pristine. Lava flows, the archipelago’s largest colony of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and penguins can all be observed here.

BELOW Sally Lightfoot Crab, Blue-footed Booby, Giant Tortoise

t u r n I n g Yo u r

Passion Into a

Business By Trina Annand

t’s an age-old question: should you do what you love or what will garner the biggest paycheque? Many people today are realizing the potential to do both and are casting off corporate life to pursue their dream career. Both seasoned professionals and Millennials alike are experiencing a disenfranchisement with the traditional modes of employment. In today’s economy, there is no safety net; no job that one can settle into for a lifetime. This reality calls for people to become more flexible and versatile. As a result of this new reality, people are looking for more control and see the value of turning their passion into a business of their own. The first step to successful entrepreneurship is understanding the market. Like any successful venture, it is important to plan well in advance before quitting your day job. It is very important to do your research, and to know the viability of a business before you become too financially invested. Making a profit is what separates a business from a hobby. Looking at economic statistics for a chosen area, but also polling potential clients bases can mean the difference between success and failure. Making the strongest possible business plan will not only make securing funding easier, but provide a valuable compass for tough economic times, as well. Many first time entrepreneurs have a “do it all” mentality, which can cause future problems. Assuming you can handle every facet of the business often ends in

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frustration, because there is no possible way a person can be passionate about every single aspect of a business. As a result, certain things tend to fall by the wayside. Using a team approach ensures each part of a fledgling business has the passionate person it deserves. If you are able to develop a team before starting the business, planning for the future can reach an entirely new level, producing a more balanced approach. For those more cautious about following their passion, a part-time approach might make more sense. Creating a side business allows entrepreneurs the chance to better understand the ins and outs of their chosen field. There are a wide number of support systems and entrepreneurial non-profits that can help people learn the ropes of starting their own business. Like any endeavour, learning is an important part of the process. If a person has an idea or product rather than a business plan, crowd-funding ventures like Kickstarter can provide valuable insight, funding, and even customers, depending on where you live. Not every venture is a success from the start. It is important to remember that starting your own business takes time, dedication and passion. It can be difficult to develop a life/work balance when pursuing your passion as a career, but you should keep in mind that the time you once allocated to a hobby is now your job. If you do what you love, there is more emotional value to your work, making it seem like you are earning more along the way.

By Tori Stafford Photos Suzy Lamont

ike all siblings, Heather, Terry and Whitney Haynes are entirely unique individuals, each with their own strengths and talents. But one thing they all share is the determination and ability to take those strengths and talents and create their own businesses. In doing so, they are carrying on the tradition of entrepreneurialism their maternal family name, Whitney, has brought to Kingston for over a century. Bustling businesses that began five generations ago, both Whitney’s House Furnishings and The Whitney Hotel were downtown landmarks in the Limestone City. To this day, one only need take a stroll down Princess Street to see one of the many marks the family has made on the city – the facade of the building that once housed Whitney’s House Furnishings still bears the name “Whitney’s” in stately letters overlooking the main street. And while Heather, Terry and Whitney each run individual businesses – Heather is a well-known painter and namesake of the Heather Haynes Gallery on King Street; Terry is the proprietor of Whitney Manor, an all-suites, fully-furnished accommodation in Kingston’s east end; and Whitney is the mind and eye behind Whitney Haynes Designs, a unique line of handmade jewelry inspired by nature and fashion – there is something the trio share beyond their bloodline and entrepreneurial flair. These sisters have turned their passions into business here in their hometown, and share a bond that’s been integral in their respective successes.

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Heather Haynes Heather doesn’t deny an entrepreneurial spirit seems to run in her family, nor that Kingston has played a large role in shaping her career. After all, Heather’s first passion-inspired business venture took place in the heart of downtown Kingston, where she designed and sold hats at the Kingston Public Market. Now, Heather Haynes Gallery overlooks the Springer Market Square, exemplary of the growth her career as a fine artist has had since those early days. Having spent the past 19 years working as a full-time painter, Heather has developed a reputation here and abroad for depicting insightful stories of the people she meets. Most recently, Heather’s exhibit Courage, currently on display at her gallery, has given those who view it a glimpse into the lives of women and children – primarily orphans – living in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A part of her ongoing series, Worlds Collide, Heather says her journey to where she is today has taken her to many parts of the world, but it is in Kingston that she cut her teeth and feels most at home. “I feel very lucky to have had the support locally that allowed me to be happy in those first 10 years of working as a full-time artist,” Heather says. “And being in Kingston is natural for all three of us, I think. We all support each other in everything, and share pride in each others’ successes.” Heather Haynes Gallery 320 A King Street East 613.767.9090 heather@heatherhaynes.com www.heatherhaynes.com

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Whitney Haynes For Whitney, the onset of her creative passion didn’t occur as early in life as it did for her sisters. And yet, even while working as a buyer for Costco, she always knew in the back of her mind that she would one day end up in control of her destiny. While she loved traveling around the country, meeting people and developing product lines, Whitney really wanted to find her niche doing so for herself. It was when she took a silversmith course after returning to Kingston that Whitney discovered just how she would do that. Now, Whitney runs Whitney Haynes Designs, creating lines of jewelry and accessories using precious metals, leather and natural fallen birch bark – which was the inspiration for the first piece of jewelry she created for someone else.

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“The first piece I made and I gave was to Heather and it was for her 40th birthday. I wanted it to be something personal,” she says of that first cuff she created from birch bark, sourced from near the lake where the Haynes sisters grew up. “That’s exactly how it started – with a birch bark cuff!” From belt buckles to leather wrap bracelets, inscribed silver pendants, and, of course, birch bark cuffs, Whitney creates wearable pieces of art, sometimes literally using her sister, Heather’s, paintings in her pieces. “I call it my Heather Haynes Line,” Whitney says. “I actually use images of Heather’s paintings in the pieces. Maybe you can’t walk away with one of Heather’s pieces, but you can walk away wearing one!” Whitney Haynes Designs 320 A King Street East 613.540.2645 www.whitneyhaynes.ca whitney@whitneyhaynes.ca

Terry Haynes From a young age, Terry was always drawn to interior design and the aesthetic beauty that comes from architecture. While her friends swooned over glamorous spreads in the latest fashion magazines, Terry found herself reading home décor publications and rearranging her mother’s furniture whenever she had the chance. When Terry returned to Kingston after university and working in a corporate management, she opened a bed and breakfast in Gananoque – something she might not have been able to do without the support of her sisters, Terry expresses. “When I opened my bed and breakfast, I was worried to do so, and I remember Heather saying to me, ‘Terry, why wouldn’t you? You have everything it takes! Just go for it,’” she recalls. “There are some things that, even if others encourage, we need to hear it from our sisters. We know each other so well – sometimes more than we know

ourselves.”When her family announced they were going to sell the Whitney Manor from the estate, Terry didn’t need any persuasion. She and her husband purchased the Victorianinspired, 18th century home, and spent the next decade or so returning the stunning Whitney Manor to its former glory. The Manor now serves as a long-term, fullyfurnished accommodation with five suites in the handsome heritage home just off of Highway 2. More recently, Terry has also begun teaching meditation and mindfulness and runs Kingston Stress Reduction Clinic, both for the general public and those with chronic pain, through the Kingston Orthopedic and Pain Institute (KOPI). All Suites Whitney Manor 8 Starr Place 613.549.7222 info@allsuiteswhitneymanor.com www.allsuiteswhitneymanor.com Kingston Stress Reduction Clinic 613.541.0998

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My Team – Financial

Focused on You By Tonya Lambert Photos Stephen Wild

he financial needs of business owners and retirees are much more complex than those of most other individuals. Such intricate, multi-faceted needs are best met by a team of specialists working together to devise a comprehensive strategy. My Team – Financial is a unique financial company in that it provides financial advice as well as investment and insurance solutions for two distinct groups – business owners and people who have retired or will be retiring within 10 years. After founding his business in 1995, Jeff Bennett, owner of My Team – Financial, rebranded in 2010, choosing to focus on the belief that people are better served when they have access to a cooperative team of dedicated specialists. “Just because an advisor is licensed to provide all products to all people does not mean they should,” says Bennett. “It is hard to find and organize a team of specialists.” Nevertheless, this is exactly what Jeff Bennett has done at My Team – Financial. For example, when My Team – Financial has an individual approaching retirement and contemplating the costs of long-term care, they bring in Jennifer Jacobs, their long-term care specialist. Meanwhile, if a business owner is looking to review or implement a benefits program for their employees, Lorne Curry, an employee benefit specialist, is tasked with the job. My Team – Financial has also established strong working relationships with a wide variety of experts throughout the Kingston region, including lawyers, mortgage brokers, bankers and accountants. Each of their specialists has built their own practice around a particular area of expertise and is recognized as an expert by others in their field. They are also all strongly committed to team-based financial planning. Notes Bennett, “People from different firms and businesses functioning as a cooperative team is what truly makes My Team Financial different.” Recalling an excellent example of this team approach, Bennett states, “Farming clients of ours were considering incorporating their business. To assist them, we brought a lawyer to their home at no cost to them. By putting a financial advisor, a lawyer

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and the family all around the kitchen table together, we were able to accomplish more in one hour than we could have possibly completed in multiple meetings and phone calls.” These arrangements that My Team – Financial has with various external specialists are mutually beneficial. Lorne Curry, an employee benefits specialist, has worked with My Team – Financial on several occasions and has found that not only do the clients of My Team – Financial benefit from his expertise, but his own clients benefit from the advice provided by the specialists at My Team – Financial, as well. Curry states, “Working with My Team Financial gives us access to a knowledge base that addresses insurance situations that are unique to our business owners. This provides me the opportunity to focus on providing customized group benefit solutions to both our clients. We find our clients appreciate dealing with specialists rather than the majority of advisors that try to do it all themselves.”

variety of possible retirement scenarios and choose the one best suited to their needs. Laurie Belisle is one client who has already benefitted from Bennett’s program. “I met with Jeff earlier this year to review my financial situation. Being the professional that he is, Jeff probed a little deeper to gain an understanding of where I saw myself after retirement. He did some projections and presented me with various scenarios. Jeff opened my eyes to the possibilities. He led me through an analysis process that was informative, helpful and stress-free.”

L-R Jon Begg Man GIC Specialist, Tammy De Longhi Operations Manager, Jeff Bennett President, Danielle Williams Client Ser. Rep, Pamela Murphy Client Ser. Rep, Laurie Smith Admin Manager

Planning for retirement My Team – Financial is dedicated to helping their clients find peace of mind so they can enjoy their retirement. “Now, more than ever, it is essential that our lawyers, accountants and other financial advisors are working together in a cooperative manner towards a well-documented plan,” says Bennett. People preparing to retire (or already retired) have a lot of questions that need answers. They are starting a new stage of life and are required to pull together a plan that fits their needs. Bennett felt his clients would benefit from retirement and estate planning software that is not only detailed and powerful, but straight-forward enough to be used directly with (and in some cases, by) the clients themselves. Not finding a suitable program on the market, Jeff`s team developed their own proprietary software program for advanced retirement and estate planning. This program, with its unique forecasting ability, allows clients to explore a

In 2012, Bennett purchased Heritage Group Financial, one of the largest privately owned Registered Deposit Brokerages in the region. My TeamFinancial had been using the firm and its ties with 40 of Canada’s top trust, mortgage and insurance companies and banks to obtain the best possible rates on GICs for their clients. Recalls Bill Hopson, former owner of Heritage Group Financial, “When Jeff approached me about purchasing Heritage Group Financial and combining it with My Team – Financial, I thought it was an excellent idea. I could see the definite advantage to combining the two operations.” As a result of the purchase, says Hopson, the Heritage Group clients have profited from Bennett’s expertise in senior financial planning and his My Team – Financial clients have benefited from direct access to GICs via Heritage Group’s registered deposit brokerage. Jeff Bennett and his team of specialists at My Team Financial in downtown Kingston offer a unique, team-based approach to managing the intricate financial needs of business owners and retirees. By understanding your current situation as well as where you wish to go, their advisors will set about finding the products, services and specialists bestsuited to seeing that you get there. Call them today and see what they can do for you. My Team – Financial... Taking the work out of teamwork! My Team – Financial 128 Ontario St. Kingston 613.549.8326 info@myteamfinancial.com www.myteamfinancial.com

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COVER STORY

Kingston’s Modern Mad Men By Tori Stafford Photos Stephen Wild

f the word ‘agency’ makes you think of a stuffy, corporate enterprise where ever ything is about paperwork, think again – all it takes is one visit to RedTrain to know it’s an agency unlike any other. When they tell you, “The coffee’s always on” at RedTrain, Kingston’s new marketing and advertising agency, they mean it. “Hello! Welcome to RedTrain! Can I offer you something to drink?” exudes the very essence of what RedTrain is all about: being a down-to-earth, approachable branding and marketing agency that truly

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cares about each and every client and their individual needs. For the three people behind the concept that brought RedTrain to fruition, the objective is to help businesses in Kingston flourish and reach their full potential. “It all started with a passion and a conversation,” says Joanne Reid, Vice President of Operations and Public Relations at RedTrain. That initial discussion – which included Bruce White, RedTrain Principal and Copywriter, and Jon Allison, the agency’s Creative Director – was about the

possibility of bringing together the talents and skill sets of these three like-minded individuals, all with the same passion for helping businesses succeed. A shared background in branding and marketing is only one of the things the trio had in common. Another was using their talents to help other businesses grow and reach their goals. All three grew up around small business and have seen the struggles and pitfalls, as well as the opportunities that small business presents. Kingston is a town built on small business, says Reid. “Our passion, because of the

DEPARTMENT

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l - R Jon Allison, Sarah Witiuk, Joanne Reid, Bruce White, Josh Hartson, Alex Munroe

“It’s about effective and very real marketing, because then you get real results.”

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always a plethora of new ideas and innovative creativity coming from more than one mind. This means each client ends up with a strategy and plan as unique as they are.

DEPARTMENT COVER STORY The team at RedTrain has been key in helping our real estate team continue to grow over the last year. From the first day we employed them, their attention to detail in both the design and implementation of our branding has resulted in an increased market share, and increased revenues. In addition, when we’ve asked them to think outside the box in terms of special advertising pieces, they have exceeded our expectations every time. Tim Barber Blakney and Barber Real Estate Team

been passed down through generations and continue to serve our community can often benefit from taking a step back, allowing new eyes and minds to weigh in on marketing objectives and the overall image a business is conveying, Reid explains. Both new and established businesses can overlook entire demographics as possible target markets, and both need to ensure their company has not only a strong brand identity, but also the right brand identity. Successfully marketing a business in today’s world can be a full time job – it can also be the difference that makes or breaks a company. “That’s exactly where we come in,” Reid says with a smile. “We’re a growing city, and there are many businesses here. For business owners, there may be other businesses out there that do the same thing as you, so you need to differentiate yourself from your market competitors and find your specific type of

market for what you offer – what we do is help you customize a strategy for that, and put your best foot forward.” Branding and marketing are essentially perception and communication, Allison explains. While many business owners personally know what they offer and how it would benefit others, it is communicating that message to the correct markets that can be a struggle. That’s why the team at RedTrain gets to know their clients and their businesses before anything else. “No one knows your business better than you,” Allison says. “In order for us to help a business communicate to their market, we need to truly understand that business first and foremost.” From there, RedTrain works with each client to customize a strategy. This strategy can include print, digital, social media and outdoor marketing. RedTrain also designs

websites, manages your online presence and offers one-on-one social media consultations – the key is that the strategy is different for each client. “Every business is different, every business owner is different and every business has something unique to offer,” says White. “What we do is help you tell your story, and communicate that individuality to set you apart from your competition.”

RedTrain 1044 Gardiners Rd Kingston 613.507.5733 info@redtrain.ca www.redtrain.ca | Note from the publisher: A special thank you to the following local businesses for their collaboration on the cover shoot: Leigha’s Designer Closet, Chris James, Hotel Belvedere, The law offices of Heidi Bergeron, Diva Salon and Day Spa

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King's Town School Discover • Create • Grow • Care By Alyssa Rudyck

child’s education is a precious thing. It should be handled with care, especially during their formative educational years, which serve as the building blocks for their future academic success.

offer enriched academic programming for preschoolers and Grades 1 through 8, and provide children with the tools, attention, life skills and experiences to prepare them to approach the world with wonder, confidence and compassion.

King’s Town School, a not-for-profit, charitable organization, exists to provide children with the venue to cultivate a wellrounded educational foundation. They

Celebrating their 10th anniversary in their downtown location, the King’s Town vision continues to be supported by four central didactic principles: Discover;

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Create; Grow; Care; ideologies that King’s Town principal, Roxanne Garwood, notes are “instilled in all aspects of the school.” “Parents really feel there is a very good foundation here,” adds vice principal Martha Thomson, who heads King’s Town’s revered Montessori Preschool Program, for children two-and-ahalf to six years old. “The Montessori program offers an enriched environment

OPPOSITE PAGE Student performs at KTS Spring Arts Show (PHOTO courtesy Tiff Richards) THIS PAGE - CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT A Montessori student exploring with the Pink Tower and the Brown Stair; Junior students compete in a cross country meet; A prize winner at the Heritage Fair; A Montessori student making her own map of Canada

that gives children the opportunity to explore, discover and fulfill their potential development,” says Thomson. “It is a combination of a practical approach to education, a philosophy centered around freedom for the child, and the belief that all children are motivated to learn, but need the right environment at the right time to do so.” For mother Sabena Islam, co-president of King’s Town School Board of Directors, it was the lack of options for her son’s academic enrichment at their former school that lead her to seek out alternative educational options. “We were looking for a place that would challenge [our son], and make sure that he was reaching his potential,” says Islam, who notes that, although she and her husband chose King’s Town based on the

strong academic programming, they soon discovered the school had much more to offer. Along with extremely effective math and vocabulary programs, Islam was impressed by the fact that her children would also learn to speak French, play musical instruments and develop research, presentation and leadership skills. Garwood explains one of the most profound advantages to a King’s Town education is the individualized attention students receive with small class sizes and an extremely supportive teaching staff. “They are very dedicated professionals. They will spend extra time with students during their personal time and are very good communicators with parents,” says Garwood. Islam attests to this, explaining how much she appreciates the in-depth progress

reports from teachers that not only speak to how the children are doing academically, but to who they are as individuals. “Everybody is good at different things, and they really take the time to know all the students and help them achieve their goals. The overall atmosphere at the school encourages students to be the best they can be, and there is an extraordinary sense of community.” Visit King’s Town School online for a more in-depth look at their academic programming, extracurricular activities and application information. King’s Town School 66 Rideau St., Kingston 613.546.5123 www.kingstownschool.ca @kingstownschool King’s Town School

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Happy, Healthy and Productive Employees

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

have had the privilege of working with hundreds of employers across the country over the last 15 years, and what’s striking — in terms of inspiring loyalty and culture with their employees — is that it looks different for each workplace. What gets people excited about where they work? Well…I was thinking of conversations I have had with employees over the years to find a commonality. What became apparent during my self-induced f lashback is that for a company it’s more about being genuine and giving back to your people in whatever capacity works for you. We tend to get stuck in tradition — both as employees and employers — because we feel we need to create a package that looks like the workplace next door.

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This past winter, I had inspiration where I didn’t expect to find it. I was at a restaurant in Kingston and the bartender was pouring me a glass of wine from a winery in Tuscany. This particular winery held a special place in the heart of the bartender, as she was about to embark on a journey there with all of her coworkers. The restaurant owners were about to take their key staff to enjoy a week in Italy to sample wine, eat food and experience the Italian culture firsthand. With that experience, the owners also created a culture of employees who felt privileged to work in an environment that appreciated them enough to give them an experience that is both unique and inspirational. Did the owners inspire loyalty and a sense of worth in their staff with this investment? Absolutely. We can’t all go to Italy, but we can create some inspiration in our own workplaces. Here are some great ideas to start you on your path to creating inspiration with your staff, while helping to get your employees healthy, happy and productive. IdEas to EncouragE PHysIcal fItnEss durIng work Hours: There are many innovative ways to motivate employees to make their health a priority. Allowing employees flextime to exercise during work hours

is a great perk for busy employees trying to balance work and family. This can be a cost-neutral way to provide your employees with the means to take their health seriously.

Invest in healthy and fun lifestyle choices Buy a community bike for employees to share. They can take a break or spend their lunch hour biking around your community.

cook it off Have a cook-off at work by creating teams and bringing in local judges. Give them a key ingredient to keep the meal healthy.

(Paid) Volunteering opportunities Triple bottom lines (a focus on profits, people and the planet) are becoming more and more commonplace for organizations, and employers are recognizing personal fulfillment is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to employee satisfaction. That’s why organizations are more frequently offering staff the chance to participate in volunteer activities on company time. Email me and tell me how your workplace is great. I would love to feature your local business in my next article.

Investing: It’s Not Easy!

Over time, markets move in cycles and challenge us at every step.

Dianne Lackonick and Peter Hartel Senior Financial Advisors Assante Financial 264 King Street E. 613.549.8602 www.assante.com

he reason that investing is not easy is because our natural tendency is to react from emotion. The chart below mirrors the cycle of the market and shows our typical state of mind at each point. Even the most seasoned investors are not immune to the impact of this rollercoaster. In order to withstand this ride, we need to equip ourselves with the right tools. Among the most important are:

•

Maintaining a big-picture, long-term outlook

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Set realistic goals and expectations

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Build a defined financial plan

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Resolve to stay focused and patient

Working with a dependable and trusted advisor will help to ensure that you have the best chance of success. Dianne Lackonick and Peter Hartel are Senior Financial Advisors with Assante Financial Management Ltd. Together, they have more than 40 years of 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.

Cycle of Market Emotions

Leading the Way

in the Kingston Real Estate Market By Deborah Melman-Clement By Amanda Garreau

he technological revolution is touching every part of our lives – including how we buy homes. “It’s nice to sit with a coffee and flip through the real estate section of the newspaper,” says Royal LePage ProAlliance realtor Tracie Tattrie, “but these days serious home buyers rely on the Internet.” Tattrie is leading the way among Kingston realtors in using the Internet — particularly video and social media — as a sales tool. It’s a natural evolution for Tattrie, who worked for years in the television industry and ran a small video production company in Toronto before

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moving back home to Kingston in 2007. Once she was back, she learned about real estate from one of the best in the business, veteran realtor Louise Tait, who just happens to be her mother. It turns out that sales is a dominant gene in the family. Not only did Tattrie inherit her mom’s passion for real estate, she also inherited her legendary work ethic. “My clients need to know that I’m here to look after them,” she says. “If you can’t rely on your realtor, it means they aren’t doing their job.” Today Tattrie is using her video prowess to earn the trust of clients from the moment they launch their first Internet search.

She’s developed a YouTube channel to showcase the homes she lists as well as local neighbourhoods, businesses, events and tips on buying and selling. She plans to aim her videos at newcomers to the area, giving them short, but detailed introductions to the features, amenities and price ranges of each neighbourhood. “I want to be the person that people come to for information,” she says. “Video is such a powerful communication tool, and I feel it offers a lot of value.” A big piece of that value is that Tattrie is able to provide her clients with the most current information possible. “There are

many times when the houses advertised in the newspapers are already sold by the time the public reads about them,” she says. In addition to the YouTube channel, Tattrie makes effective use of Facebook and Twitter. When she’s conducting an open house, it’s not unusual for her to take a short video and post it or tweet it to her followers. “These videos get attention right away,” she says. “Having a visual of a house is a great way for potential buyers to get a feel for the home.” All those high-tech tools are just a small part of the service Tattrie provides for her clients. She’s also a big believer in oldfashioned hard work — and teamwork. Tattrie collaborates with a team that includes her assistant and client-care representative, Lee Anne Young, as well as a trusted network of mortgage specialists, lawyers, painters and other professionals who take care of every aspect of the homebuying experience.

Because she understands buying and selling a home can be stressful, Tattrie goes out of her way to make it as easy as possible. Not only does she work closely with her clients through every stage of the process, she also stays connected afterward. “I like to keep in touch even after my clients are in their new homes,” she says. “I want them to know that I don’t disappear and my business is not transaction-based.” Between the high-tech communication tools and the old-fashioned work ethic she inherited from her mom, Tattrie is always on the move. She expects the next few months to be among her busiest ever. “We’ve just come out of a very sleepy winter,” she says. “We went from having 20 listings a day to between 45 and 90.” Tracie Tattrie, Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty 7-640 Cataraqui Woods Drive, Kingston 613.484.0225 www.kingstonrealestateagentwhocares.com |

OppOsiTE Louise Tait and Tracie Tattrie abOvE Tracie Tattrie and LeeAnne Young FineLifestyles

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Premium Knitting Yarns

Wool

Hand-painted Needlepoint Canvases

Wellington

157 Wellington Street, Kingston, Ontario | 613-549-5546

Timeless classic baths with modern day opulence

Plumbers on staff for service and new home projects. Specializing in complete bathroom renovations and custom glass shower enclosures

PLUMBING PLUS Connecting style and price with good advice www.plumbingplus.com

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Kingston 655 Arlington Park Place 613-389-5724 Belleville Northland Centre Hwy 62 613-968-3461

The

ClassiC Convertible By Rebecca Schneidereit

axonomically, the label “convertible lover” encompasses a range of people and passions. There are hard-top lovers and soft-top fans. There are those who value a vintage pedigree, and those seduced by straight-off-the-lot sparkle. There are domestic devotees, and acolytes of glamorous imports, and owners who pride themselves on paint jobs in a thousand shades. But all of them are “convertible lovers.” They love the way a convertible looks and feels, its inimitable combination of Hollywood glitter and heartland bravado. For confirmed convertible lovers — and those just discovering their charms — Fine Lifestyles offers this retrospective: a glance at the convertible’s origins and the current state of affairs.

Way Back When European auto artisans, Peugeot, smashed the metaphorical bottle of champagne on the prow of the convertible; their hard-topped 601 Eclipse hit the streets in 1934, and for nearly 40 years afterwards, demand for convertibles was both extreme and enduring. From the first models to the modern era, the convertible’s desirability was uniquely democratic. Unlike the limo or pickup truck, its allure crossed class and gender. Ingrid Bergman drove a convertible in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1946 nail-biter, Notorious; Patrick McGoohan manned a model in 60s spy drama deconstruction, The Prisoner. From Grease’s Danny Zuko to Mad Men’s Don Draper to Barbie herself, the convertible never ceased to transcend boundaries.

ABOVE Late 50s Merceds Benz 300SL RIGHT BMW Z4, Chevrolet Corvette Stringray

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CLOCKWISE 58 Buick Limited, 2003 Ferrari Spider 360, 1969 Chevrolet Camaro, Astin Martin DB9

Throughout the 50s and 60s, a number of celebrated convertible masterpieces (including the Alfa Romeo Spider and Chevrolet Corvette) were unveiled. The period’s playfulness was reflected in the vehicles’ shape and detailing: the Austin-Healey Sprite was all but anthropomorphic, and Janis Joplin (who penned cappella 60s anthem “Mercedes Benz”) possessed a Porsche Type 356 C so extravagantly ornamented it’s now a museum piece. Unfortunately, disco wasn’t the only disaster convertible lovers had to endure in the 70s. What was arguably North America’s most decadent decade paradoxically saw steep deterioration in convertible marketability. However, popularity catapulted again in the 80s, with the 1982 Chrysler LeBaron among comeback forerunners. The LeBaron isn’t universally beloved: Web2Carz’s Tim Healey proclaimed models up to 1985 among the “Top Ten Worst Convertibles of all Time”. Nevertheless, CAKE’s 2001 hit “Short Skirt, Long Jacket” demonstrated that the LeBaron had garnered suﬃcient household recognition to be namechecked in a pop song two decades later. The “second wind” of the 80s and 90s fueled successful convertible designs capable of rivalling mid-century models, and nowadays, it may be mostly the nostalgia factor separating “new school” convertibles from their forbearers’ legendary status. But the clock’s always ticking: at this point, even nostalgia can’t be far away. IF yOU WanT One If you’re considering purchasing a convertible, well — congratulations on your timing. A variety of exciting models, crafted by numerous manufacturers, are offered for 2014. Price points vary, as always, but turning the plunge into a splurge ensures you’ll

make a splash. Here are a few options that live up to the convertible legacy. BMW. This German creator’s 6 Series Cabriolet is decked with extras, from LED lights to Bang & Olufsen acoustics. But it’s the Cabriolet’s artistry (“inspired by the elegance of flowing water”, according to BMW) that’s unforgettable. Ferrari. The 458 Spider has received umpteen commendations (from the Robb Report’s “Best of the Best Convertible” to Top Gear China’s “Best Driver’s Sports Car,” both 2012), so we’re not ashamed to confess what really sold us: the custom-matched travel bags. Mecedes-Benz. Whoever names Mercedes-Benz’s inventions has a sense of humour. The roofless heater is dubbed the “AIRSCARF”; the tint mechanism is the “MAGIC SKY CONTROL”. Both features (and more) are attached to Mercedes-Benz’s SL-Class and SLK-Class convertibles. Vintage. Like the violin, the convertible’s prestige can escalate with age. Apply the usual rules for purchasing pre-owned: find a trustworthy source, and confirm that your chosen vehicle is safe and reliable, even if it looks flawless. You don’t want a car so cool it takes a smoke break on the highway. Those who look askance at “pre-owned” may want to reconsider in the case of convertibles. With convertibles, the universal second-hand slam — “you don’t know where it’s been” — is part of the point. Did your roadster sail down the freeway, Beatles on the radio, beach day-bound? Was it served milkshakes and French fries by skated waitresses at an original drive-thru? Did it ferry a business mogul, musician or athlete to deals, gigs or games? A tinge of mystery is the finishing touch on a car that’s already irresistible.

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Plants & Pots

FLOWERS & FINE GIFTS 500 Gardiners Road Gardiners Town Centre Kingston 613.547.4882 | 800.461.2981 www.plantsandpots.net

Join us for our GARDENPARTY O N TH E WATER

IN SUPPORT OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY KINGSTON Local wineries, music, appetizers, special guests, silent auction, welcoming gift, arrive by boat. An all white attire event. $100.00

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SUNDAY JULY 20, 2014 2pm - 5pm Tickets are limited Contact Kelly Squier to purchase your ticket at volunteer@habitatkingston.com All proceeds help to build dreams for local Kingston families.

ExpErt Advice Getting your Car Ready for Summer

Jeremy Tinline owner Vic’s Automotive 654 McKay St., Kingston 613.389.6585 jeremytinline@aol.com

fter a long, cold and snowy winter, everyone is excited to get out and enjoy the nice weather this summer. Is your vehicle up to the challenge for that first road trip? There are a few important challenges the hot weather brings and items that need to be addressed for the warmer season ahead. Here are five significant ones to consider: 1. When working properly, the air conditioning system means ice-cold air blows from your vents on those hot days. However, the under-hood components that make this happen generate high heat. The compressor runs at high temperatures and cannot afford to be low on refrigerant. Additionally, the condenser located in front of the vehicle’s radiator should not be plugged up with road debris, which is crucial in removing

heat from the AC system. Without the function of the condenser, the whole system is vulnerable. A failure of one part can cause the compressor to overheat and fail, which becomes extremely expensive, and requires much more service. A simple vehicle check can prevent this costly repair. 2. Ever notice a musty smell coming out of the vents when you first turn your AC system on? That smell is bad for you. It is mould spores that are growing in the AC casing. Sometimes you will be lucky and it will go away on its own, but other times it needs special attention. Don’t take a chance with your health: have the AC box cleaned. 3. Engine coolant is just as important during the summer as it is during the winter months. It keeps seals and hoses from deteriorating, and keeps the thermostat and internal coolant passages from gumming up. Coolant can become acidic and eat away at head-gaskets, hoses and seals – many of which are expensive to replace. 4. Do you tow a boat or trailer? This adds stress to every system in your vehicle, especially the brake fluid, which is critical for safety. Brake fluid absorbs moisture, and can

become contaminated over a few years of driving. There’s a simple tool to check the moisture level, and a visual check can verify condition. In most cases, brake fluid should be almost clear – not brown or green. Moisture in the brake fluid can lead to a fading brake pedal when under the heat of heavy braking, and dirty brake fluid contaminates expensive ABS components, hoses and seals in the system. 5. Tires must be checked for the proper pressure, tread-depth and physical condition, and thoroughly inspected if more than five years old. All tires should be the same brand and, if your vehicle has been serviced properly, should have similar tread-depth. Tire pressure sensors have a nonserviceable battery, and an approximate seven-year lifespan. We are starting to see the failures of these batteries, but more so we are seeing the deterioration of some of the sensors’ alloys. This causes leaks, and sometimes, complete failures, resulting in flat tires very quickly. A good visual inspection will see this, and most shops have specialized tools to measure these battery strengths.

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KINGSTON

BUSINESS