PEI Living Magazine Summer 2020

PEI LIVING HOME & COTTAGE | STYLE | FOOD & DRINK | FAMILY | BUSINESS

WE'VE HAD A MAKEOVER! Same Great Magazine Same Local Content Still Free to Pickup

VOL 4 • NO 1 | SUMMER 2020 www.pei-living.ca | FREE COPY

JESSIE INMAN Commitment to Success A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

SHOP LOCAL

WILD ROSE HORSE SANCTUARY

Why Choose a Maple Leaf Home?

• Maple Leaf Homes are one of the most energy efficient homes in Canada • Maple Leaf Homes has been manufacturing modular housing for over 30 years.

• Your home can be built any time during the year – spring, summer, fall or winter – regardless of the weather!

• Maple Leaf utilizes a computer aided design system (CAD) to allow them to customize any of their standard layouts

Residential Styles • Cape Cod, Chalet and Two-Storey • Cottage Series • Recreational Park Models

• Bungalow / Ranch • Split Entry • Mini Homes

Commercial Styles • Commercial / Industrial • Global Accommodations • Container Sized Modules

Contracted Services MacKenzie Builder Services is the official construction firm for on-site installations.

w w w. l e g a c y h o m e s p e i . c a Legacy Homes PEI Ltd. • 12745 St. Peters Road • 902.676.3200 • Darren: 902.969.0425

FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

NEW ADVENTURES Well, we made it! It’s summer here on PEI; a magical time of year filled with visits to beaches, patio drinks, beautiful parks, and time with friends and family. In many ways, this year is just like all the others; it’s easy to forget all the craziness in the world right now when the sun is shining, and socializing outdoors is second nature.

In this issue we focus on the “new normal.” While some aspects of the everyday have changed, one thing remains true: the people who serve the public every day are the cornerstone of life here on the Island. This issue is a reflection of that. We aim to celebrate the beauty and resilience of Island businesses, and thank not only them, but also the Islanders who support them. As well, I would like to introduce you to our new Food & Drink Editor,

Jackie Herbert. Jackie has been working in the industry for many years, and we’re excited to welcome her to the team and see where this new role takes her.

We’re also thrilled to announce the birth of our new publication – HFX Living. We’ve decided PEI Living needs a sibling, and Halifax seems like the perfect place to put down new roots. As my second home, I’ve spent much of my life there, and being able to focus on the lifestyle and what makes the city so special is a dream come true. Look for HFX Living this fall.

▲ Story with Ira and Wren.

(Photo: Kristen Maria Photography)

Story Sheidow, Editor-in-Chief story@pei-living.ca

But until then, grab a towel, find a nice quiet spot on your favourite local beach, open a kombucha and jump into this, our biggest issue yet!

Read PEI Living Magazine online: www.issuu.com/peilivingmagazine

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

3

ON THE COVER JESSIE INMAN

36

Adventure runs in Jessie Inman’s blood. “I’ve jumped out of planes, sailed on a tall ship to Antarctica and run businesses around the world,” she says. Inman has visited seventy countries and every continent. Her sense of adventure has pushed her along the way, but her driving force is commitment. “The first time I sailed to Antarctica, the name of the boat was Commitment,” she says. “I’ve always said ‘you can do whatever you want to do. Just choose. There is neither a right nor wrong decision, just make a commitment.’”

Cover photo by Jenna Keenan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PEI LIVING

Volume 4 • Issue 1 Summer 2020

FEATURES 8. Wine Trends Cheers to Local 10. Business Business, Stress & the New Normal

64. Home & Cottage A Breath of Fresh Air 114. Style Easy Street, Keepin' it Casual 58. Business Inspiring Entrepreneurs 127. Family Wild Rose Horse Sanctuary 110. Women in the Spotlight McGregor & Currie Jewelry

160. Meet the PEI Living Team Susan Snow, Home Editor

Little Bird Publishing 29 Valley Street, Unit 2 Charlottetown, PE C1A 4H9 902.394.7499 www.p ei -l i v i ng.c a Read PEI Living Magazine online: www.issuu.com/peilivingmagazine

156

PEI LIVING PUBLISHER Little Bird Publishing EXECUTIVE CEO Jacqui Chaisson Editor-in-Chief Story Sheidow E D I TO R I A L T E A M Food & Drink Editor Jackie Herbert Home Editor Susan Snow Style Editor Kimberly Rashed

64

127

FOOD & DRINK

HOME & COTTAGE

10. Picnic Island-Style Get Your Basket From Local Chefs

74. Sunny Side Out

12. Will Travel for Wine

88. The Sky's the Limit

Maritime Small Town Sipping

16. Good Eats Seafood Tacos 18. Good Eats Surf & Turf Burger 20. Good Eats Lobster & Seafood Chowder

Exploring PEI's Backyard Lifestyles

Solar Power on PEI

94. Three Weekend DIYs

STYLE 102. Shop Local PEI

Summer Fashion from Local Shops

FAMILY

26. Haskap Berries Berry Delicious

120. DIY Face Masks

32. Buch...Please!

140. 10 Things...

Kombucha and the SCOBY

BUSINESS 40. The Momentum HR Project Supporting You and Your People

HEALTH & WELLNESS 58. Restore and Destress With Yoga Find the Right Yoga For You

Easy Face Masks You Can Make at Home

Island Staycation Ideas

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 150. The Book Report Dystopian Lit

152. Artist Profile Photographer Patricia Bourque

WHEELS

Copy Editor Rebecca Spinner Contributing Writers: Brianne Hogan Kristen Johnson Laura Jean Grant Clara Deacon Katie Ingram Susan Snow Kimberly Rashed Darren MacKenzie Leslie Quinn Jackie Herbert C R E AT I V E T E A M Graphic Design Jacqui Chaisson Photography Evan Ceretti Photography Sara Bakker Omar Broderick Jenna Keenan Alaina Rashed Stephen Harris Kimberly Rashed Photography Susan Snow Story Thorburn Photography PEI Living magazine is published quarterly by Little Bird Publishing. Little Bird Publishing is independently owned and operated. Opinions expressed in PEI Living magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or the advertisers. PEI Living magazine does not assume liability for content.

All rights reserved © Little Bird Publishing.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. For permission contact the publisher.

Printed by

156. Road Trip?

Are You and Your Vehicle Ready?

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

5

FOOD & DRINK EDITOR

RAISE A GLASS TO GOOD FOOD & GOOD FRIENDS With my business, HOP|SIP|SWIRL Tasting Tours, I have an opportunity to visit Island food and drink establishments, try out new beverages and indulge in some of the Island's best culinary delights. In my new role as the Food and Drink editor for PEI Living magazine, I'm excited to share all that's charming and delicious in the Island's culinary world. We'll explore the best places to eat, get to know the people behind your favourite food and drink, and discover the latest kitchen gadgets and recipes that will make entertaining a breeze.

picnics: Island-style, where we visit local chefs and profile their take on the perfect picnic basket. We're heading down some country roads to try PEI's trendiest and tastiest gem, the haskap berry, sure to become an Island delicacy.

Summer in PEI is the season that gives Islanders an opportunity to see their home as visitors do—with its amazing restaurants, wineries and craft breweries that make it easy to understand why we're called Canada's Food Island.

In upcoming editions you can look forward to a new feature where I'll spotlight a local chef and their favourite recipe.

In this issue I'm taking some time to get back to the basics. We're welcoming a little nostalgia with a feature about

Included in this issue are recipes, courtesy of Canada's Food Island, created from the Island's favourite food —lobster! We'll also celebrate both local wine and Maritime wine and everything you wanted to know about kombucha.

To me, summer means road trips, so follow along, because I can't wait to spill the tea on everything local.

See you in the fall. Sláinte!

Read PEI Living Magazine online: www.issuu.com/peilivingmagazine

Jackie Herbert Food & Drink Editor jherbert@pei-living.ca

FOOD & DRINK - FOODIE FUN BACK TO SCHOOL WITH KITCHENS UNLIMITED Kitchens Unlimited, House of Kitchens & Fine Dining, features a wide selection of stylish, functional top-quality kitchenware, from brand names you know and love.

Kitchens Unlimited Confederation Court Mall 134 Kent Street, Charlottetown 902.566.2252

Ann Chaisson, Manager

MASON CASH CANE MIXING BOWL

JAMIE OLIVER COOKWARE

Made from high-quality earthenware, making them durable when mixing, yet light enough to hold comfortably.

The wide, shallow shape allows for kneading within the bowl, if required. These bowls are as relevant today as when they were designed in 1901. Still made in Europe.

ENDURANCE BISCUIT/COOKIE CUT TERS

The new range of baking tools is a home baker’s dream.

Designed to withstand temperatures up to 475°F, Jamie Oliver bakeware won’t warp and the heavy-duty carbon steel construction and non-stick QuanTanium coating means it is made to last.

BANNETON BREAD PROOFING

Baskets - 100 per cent natural rattan cane construction, suitable for any dough rising, including sourdough bread. A great gift for family and friends who have taken up baking bread.

Round basket 10”x 3.5” and oval basket 16”x 6”x 3”.

Set of four dishwasher safe heavy-duty stainless steel cutters that nest together for easy storing.

VITROMAX

NOMAAD ECO CUP Do you find the enamel cast iron cookware too heavy?

Check out Vitromax. This lightweight glass ceramic cookware can be used on stove tops, ovens, and microwaves and is freezer and dishwasher safe. This beautiful cookware, made in France, can be used on gas, electric, halogen and ceramic stove tops.

Made from bamboo and corn fibres, reusable for up to four years. When it is time for you and your cup to part ways, place the cup in your compost, there is no need for this cup to end up in any landfill.

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

7

FOOD & DRINK

Cheers

to local wine

â–² Jaime Matos, Matos Winery & Distillery 8

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

They say good things come in groups of threes. They do! Matos Estate Winery & Distillery, Newman Estate Winery, and Rossignol Estate Winery are the names of the three wineries found right here on Prince Edward Island! What’s great about them is that each winery is so unique with the wine they produce it’s worth a visit to all three!

W

By Jackie Herbert, Food & Drink Editor Photos Evan Ceretti

hat can you expect during a visit to one of the Island wineries? All Island Wineries offer wine sampling, guided tours throughout the vineyard and winery, and you can even enjoy a glass of your favourite while relaxing in their vineyards.

Taking advantage of the sunny slopes of St. Catherine’s Matos Winery & Distillery is able to grow vines like Chardonnay, and Gamay. Whereas Rossignol and Newman Estate have been growing more common grape varietals for Atlantic Canada in the Eastern region of PEI like Seyval Blanc, Marechal Foch and Vidal. Winemaker Jim Matos has a knack for assessing PEI’s micro-climates in the Central Coastal Region of the Island and choosing the right grapes varietals for each slope within his vineyard. Inside the cozy winery, wife Heather Matos can be found intriguing her guests with some of their popular wines like the Rosé, Wildberry Gamay or the Strawberry Chardonnay. A portion of the winery includes several distinctive distilled products from sweet flavours of fresh oranges, to the captivating appearance of the sugar magic found in each unique bottle of Anisette. When visiting, ask about their Portuguesestyle liqueurs.

Further east, down a red dirt road in Murray River, winemaker Mike

Newman concentrates on traditional earth-driven styles of wine-making by upholding the methods of the eastern shore region. Newman Estate Winery is considered a boutique winery, which means guests can only purchase the small batch wines directly at the winery as they are not sold in retail outlets. Newman prefers to operate his winery as a small-run, limited production hand-crafted artisanal winery, which only adds to the charm of his estate. Newman produces off dry and dry white & red wines, often experimenting with blends to create a variety of styles. Further from his wine making training in California, Newman has become comfortable with the environmental factors of Prince Edward Island, and uses that to his advantage when producing his vintages. Gazing out across the endless rows of vines from the top of the winery balcony, is described by many as a romantic experience, not soon forgotten.

Located about 15 kilometers away from Newman Estate, on the shores of the Northumberland Strait is the picturesque Rossignol Estate Winery, the oldest winery on Prince Edward Island. Growing a variety of grapes in the vineyard, along with some of the fruit that is used in the fruit wines, winemaker John Rossignol takes great pride in the care he shows the grapes he uses to produce wines like L’Acadie Blanc, High Bank Red, and Marechal

Foch. Inside the apple orchard, found within the Estate, there is an oasis appreciated by small group gatherings under the peaceful canopy of the gazebo. Back inside the winery, it not only serves as a tasting room for over 15 different wines and liqueurs, but as a charming gift shop as well. It features several local artisans’ wares, even small print replicas of the wine bottle labels, which are created by artist and wife of the winemaker, Dagny Rossignol.

Like many small operations found throughout Prince Edward Island, the proud owners are active in every step of the process, from planting to pruning to hand harvesting. Prince Edward Island wineries offer an experience that other wine regions don’t. You actually meet the winemaker, the owners, the families.

Originally from South Eastern Ontario, Jackie, her husband and teenage son, moved to PEI in 2016. While taking on a rather ambitious home renovation project, she also started a tour operation.

HOP|SIP|SWIRL TASTING TOURS is a private winery, brewery & distillery business focusing on the ever growing local artisan beverage industry. She's a true believer that life doesn't get better by chance. It gets better by choice.

We welcome Jackie Herbert to our team as PEI Living's Food & Drink Editor.

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

9

F O OFDO O & DD R& I D NR KI N K

Grab your favourite person and a blanket, and get ready to enjoy an old-fashioned picnic...

Island-style!

AN ISLAND PICNIC

By Jackie Herbert, Food & Drink Editor Photo Vlada Karpovich

Best of Samuel’s PEI Picnic Basket Located in Summerside, PEI, Samuel’s Coffee House, like so many other businesses, adapted to the change in how they serve their customers. Early in the spring, owner Moyna Matheson and her team decided to offer not just a takeout style meal, but a picnic complete with everything you need to head out to the park and have a real classic style picnic. Their picnics can be shared among two or three people and offer traditional sandwiches, salad,

Coast Craft Soda. Come hungry, this picnic fills three to four people up, and that’s Gouda! Cheesy, we know.

Picnic Days When the team at The Inn at Bay Fortune were on the quest to find a way to gather friends and families around their dinner tables, they quickly reimagined the PEI picnic. Taking inspiration from early picnic days in Fortune, this traveling feast can be enjoyed on the front lawn of the Inn, at the beach or on your patio. In keeping with the Fireworks theme of farm to table, most picnic items are carefully selected from the gardens found on the property (including Farmer Kevin’s Salad) or are locally-sourced from nearby farmers and fishers.

Slow roasted meats and seasonal vegetables, summer salads, handmade sourdough bread and delicious sweet treats are included in the picnic, all you need is a partner or two!

Brown Bag Picnic

local chips, their famous raspberry pie, and other baked treats, plus your drink of choice. As a sweet little gesture, they’ve included a postcard from Oh Hey PEI Stationary to send to someone special as an invitation to join you next year on a PEI picnic. Samuel's really has thought of everything with this one!

Pizza Picnic Glasgow Glen Farm in New Glasgow has taken a different approach to picnics. They offer a pizza style picnic

to enjoy right on their farm! Several brightly coloured picnic tables are waiting for you and your family and friends to have a casual style pizza picnic. What makes these pizzas so incredibly tasty is the variety of artisan Gouda cheese they use, made fresh right on-site! The pizza picnic comes not only with two incredible pizzas of choice, but one sweetza. Sweetza? Yes, a sweet pizza! Warm fruit with a touch of sweetness, makes this daily inspired pizza impossible to have just one piece of! Wash it down with a cold East

Thursday through Sunday all summer long, you can order your picnic from Riverdale Orchard in Bonshaw. Enjoy it in the orchard at one of the family pods or, take it away to the next open-air concert. Tradition is a common word heard around their orchard, and the picnic the 2 Scots have curated is no different. It’s a simple, but pleasant customary brown bag picnic. The picnic includes a traditional Scottish Roll stuffed with your favourite fillings, accompanied by a fresh crisp apple from the orchard, and tasty Scottish cake of the week. It’s highly recommended to pair this bagged lunch with a glass of their awardwinning cider 2 Scots 3 Apples or newly pressed 2 Scots Go Wild! See you there!

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

11

F O O D & D R I N K - W I L L T R AV E L F O R W I N E

Maritime Small Town Sipping

By Lesley Quinn

There is a saying in the wine world: “What grows together goes together.” Often the best food and wine pairings work so well together because both the food and wine come from the same area.

▲ Lesley Quinn (Photo: Kimberly Rashed)

CMS & FWS SOMMELIER 2017 Atlantic Canada Top Sommelier 403.835.5939 Lesley Quinn was born and raised in Prince Edward Island. Her first opportunity in wine came as Junior Sommelier at the Ritz-Carlton in the Cayman Islands. They supported her as she completed the first two levels of the Court of Master Sommeliers to become a Certified Sommelier. Work has taken her to Calgary, Vancouver, Halifax, and Turkey. Wine has taken her to France, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Chile, and California. In 2017 she won the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers Top Somm Competition Atlantic division.

Now back on PEI, she’s sharing her knowledge in the guise of Stellar Somm Wine Experts. Ask her what her favourite wine is and she says “I love all my babies equally.”

Want to learn more about wine?

Head to www.stellarsomm.com

The

Maritimes are fortunate to have an abundance of great local food, particularly in the seafood department, and I’m here to tell you we certainly have no shortage of great local wines to pair with them.

Let’s take a tour around the Maritimes with a meal celebrating everything local.

Oysters and Bubbles East Coast oysters are world famous and for good reason. They taste like a dip in the ocean on a hot summer’s day, refreshing, briny, and oh so yummy.

They are my favourite way to start a meal - you can add lemon, mignonette, horseradish, or cocktail sauce. You can bake ‘em, smoke ‘em, and even BBQ them. Imagine my delight when I

found out during my wine studies that a classic pairing was sparkling wine and oysters. We may think it all starts and ends with Champagne, but just like oysters, the sparkling wines made right in Nova Scotia are sensational.

These effervescent wines are so well matched to our oysters because they are both influenced by the sea. Here are my favourite bubbles and oyster matchups. For a briny Cascumpec, the Blanc de Blancs from Blomidon. For Mary Manette’s smoked oysters, the Benjamin Bridge NV Brut. With the creamy, nutty characteristics of Colville Bay oysters, try the 2011 Cuvée Brut from Gaspereau. If you love mignonette or cocktail sauce on your oysters, pick up a bottle of Lightfoot and Wolfville’s Sparkling Rosé, but for a real treat

try the region’s trailblazers together: Raspberry Point oysters with L’Acadie Vineyards Prestige Brut au naturel, just like nature intended.

Lobster and Oaked Whites For many, lobster is a high-end, luxury menu item. But local legend tells us that here on PEI lobster could be commonly found in "less wealthy" children’s lunches, while the “rich” kids, on the other hand, had bologna

in theirs. I can’t imagine trying to sell a piece of bologna to a guest for $30/ pound, but here in the Maritimes we are so blessed to have an abundance of this luxurious crustacean. The two things you usually get with your lobster are lemon and butter; a locally made oaked white wine can provide the same two flavours. Try Luckett Vineyards Buried White or Planters Ridge Chardonnay if you lean more towards enjoying a rich buttery lobster. Or if you prefer the mouthwatering effect of lemon, try Mercator’s Sauvage Sur Lie or the Cuvée Ancienne Chardonnay from Lightfoot and Wolfville. A classic lobster side dish, in my opinion, will always be potato salad, and we certainly have got lots of those around here!

PEI Beef or Maritime Mushrooms with Reds Steak and red wine: not exactly a wine pairing newsflash here, but because of our cooler climate, the red wines here don’t always develop the big bold tannins that help cut through a wellmarbled steak, like ribeye, so go for a leaner cut like sirloin or tenderloin (and your waistline will thank you). Grill it up and try it with Grand Pré’s 20, or Jost’s Great Big Friggin' Red. For those of us

things are lovely, I want sugar at the end of a good meal, and I want it in my wine and my dessert. The blueberries grown in the Maritimes may be smaller in stature but boy do they pack a powerful punch. Pureed and poured over a brown sugar and oat crumble, you have a dessert only a church social could compete with. But this final course wouldn’t be complete without a fortified fruit wine like Rossignol’s Crème de Cassis. They use Island grown blackcurrants to produce an

who have made the decision to switch to plant based alternatives, try grilling up some mushrooms. I love Maritime Mushrooms’ lion’s mane mushrooms as they are good for your memory, but local chanterelles in the fall are also delicious. Mushrooms have a rustic flavour profile and are best matched to earthy red wines like Lightfoot and Wolfville’s Pinot Noir, Matos’ GamayNoir and Mercator’s Marquette.

intense aromatic wine that is smooth without being syrupy, and has a slight astringency on the finish to help even out your palate after all that sweetness.

Blueberry Crumble with Cassis

Happy small town sipping!

This little local tour includes just my top picks; I sincerely encourage you to get out there, explore your neighbourhood, because - like I said earlier - what grows together goes together.

Every great meal should end on something sweet, whether it is a kind word to your host and chef or a shared laugh among your dinner guests...nah, I’m just pulling your leg - while those

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

13

FOOD & DRINK

PEI’s Lobster Fishery Serves Up Both Lobster and Community This Summer

By Brianne Hogan Photos Stephen Harris

When you think of summer on PEI, you probably think of fresh lobster and the joy of sharing a delicious lobster dinner with friends. The lobster fishery is truly at the heart of PEI for many Islanders; they can attest that life on the Island seems to ebb and flow with the lobster season.

P

rince Edward Island lobster is not just for Islanders; it’s a seafood staple that’s beloved around the world. It is known in the lobster market as a gourmet delicacy, thanks to its hard shells and tender juicy meat.

There are more than 1,200 lobster fishers on PEI who operate during two seasons: the spring season, and the fall fishing season. The spring fishing season takes place from late April through the end of June, and the fall season spans from August through October. It’s a yearly tradition that Islanders have looked forward to for more than 150 years.

The lobster fishery is also a key driver of PEI’s economy. “Aside from the

14

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

sense of identity and great reputation the industry gives to the Island, the PEI lobster industry contributes to the Island economy through landing values, processing plants, and of course public consumption,” says Dave MacEwen, director of Marine Fisheries and Seafood Services for the Department of Fisheries and Communities.

However, like many industries this year, the lobster fishery was also affected by COVID-19. In addition to an economic impact, MacEwen says the industry was also impacted by timing and logistics. This year’s lobster fishing season was delayed from April 30 to May 15, and was also extended from the end of June to July 4th.

Other difficulties faced were logistics on boats considering social distance

Some favourite ways to enjoy lobster at home with family and loved ones can include everything from creating a PEI lobster and mussel chowder with baby red potatoes to lobster tacos or your own surf & turf menu. (see recipes on pages 14-19)

protocols, and the lack of availability oftemporary foreign workers.

Due to the changes and challenges from COVID-19, MacEwen says it's more important than ever for Islanders to support the lobster industry.

“Supporting local businesses is important every year, but this year is especially important,” he says. “There are all kinds of ways to support local, but some of the best ways include shopping at a local fish mart and supporting locally owned and sourced restaurants. Making sure it is a local PEI product not only ensures great taste, but also supports your local fisher and neighbour. It’s just another great excuse to eat PEI seafood.”

At the heart of the PEI lobster fishery, says MacEwen, is that it acts as a “true community.”

“From the crowds that cheer on the crews on setting day, to the friends and neighbours that celebrate with fishers on landing day, Island lobster fishers are a staple in rural Prince Edward Island communities.”

PEI Department of Fisheries and Communities 548 Main Street, Montague 902.838.0983

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

15

G O O D E AT S

Lobster Tacos with Mango Cucumber Salsa

Recipe by Canada's Food Island Photo Stephen Harris

LOCAL PAIRING Matos Winery & Distillery Gamay-Noir – Medium Dry Light Red Wine from the Beaujolais area of France.

Light-bodied, coming from the same family as the Pinot Noir www.matoswinery.com 16

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

INGREDIENTS 2 -2 lb cooked lobsters, roughly chopped into small pieces, claws set aside ½ tsp smoked paprika ½ tsp ground cumin ½ tsp ground coriander ¼ tsp cayenne pepper 2 tbsp olive oil 2 ripe mangos, small dice ½ red onion, finely diced 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced 2 mini cucumbers, small dice 2 limes ¼ cup roughly chopped cilantro, plus extra leaves for garnish Salt, to taste Freshly ground pepper, to taste 12 fresh corn tortillas ½ cup crumbled feta METHOD In a large bowl toss together the chopped lobster, claws, spices, juice of one lime and olive oil, mix well. Season with salt and pepper.

In a medium sized bowl mix together the mango, red onion, jalapeno, cucumber, and cilantro Season with the juice of one lime and salt and pepper to taste.

Heat a large cast iron pan over medium high heat. Once hot, individually char the tortillas for about 30 seconds per side until hot and lightly coloured.

To assemble, top each warm tortilla with a spoonful of the lobster mixture and then a spoonful of mango salsa and sprinkle over the crumbled feta. Garnish with more cilantro leaves if desired.

Serves 4 | Total time: 20 minutes

SUMMER SUMMER 2020 2020

www.pei-living.ca www.pei-living.ca

17 17

G O O D E AT S

Surf & Turf Lobster & Beef Burger with Crispy Oven Fries

Recipe by Canada's Food Island Photo Stephen Harris

18

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

INGREDIENTS 4 large PEI russet potatoes, cut into ¼ inch matchsticks 2 tbsp olive oil 2 – 2 lb lobsters, cooked 1.25 lb ground beef 1 small onion, coarsely grated 2 garlic cloves, finely grated 2 mini cucumbers, sliced thinly lengthwise 1 lemon, zested and juiced 1 tbsp chopped dill ¼ cup mayo 1 pkg pea shoots Salt, to taste Freshly ground pepper, to taste 4 brioche burger buns METHOD Preheat oven to 450 °F. On a parchment paper lined baking tray, toss potatoes with olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Bake for 20 – 22 minutes or until golden and tender, flipping the potatoes halfway through baking.

In a small bowl, mix together sliced cucumber, dill, lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper, let sit and marinate while you prepare the burgers.

In a large bowl combine ground beef, grated onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.

Form into four two-inch wide patties.

Remove lobster meat from shells, cut the lobster tails in half lengthwise and remove the claws carefully. Set aside.

Heat a grill pan or bbq over medium high heat.

Once hot add burger patties, cooking four to six minutes on each side.

LOCAL PAIRING Do Gooder APA Life is good with this go-to ale. A favourite style of the head brewer who values flavour balance as much as hop character. Named in tribute to all the good folks who helped make the Upstreet dream a reality. This’ll do ya good! www.upstreet.ca

Once potatoes are finished, turn the oven to broil. Broil halved buns on the top rack for one to two minutes until golden brown.

To assemble burgers, add mayo to the bottom of the bun, add a few pea shoots, then top with the burger and then half of the lobster tail and one claw per burger, and top with the marinated cucumbers. Serve with the crispy oven fries on the side.

Serves 4 SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

19

G O O D E AT S

PEI Lobster & Mussel Chowder with Baby Red Potatoes 20

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

Recipe by Canada's Food Island Photo Stephen Harris

INGREDIENTS 1 medium onion, peeled and halved 1 bay leaf 1 garlic clove, peeled and smashed ½ tsp black peppercorns 6 sprigs fresh thyme 2 lb lobster 2 cups white wine 3 cups water ½ fennel bulb, and fronds 1 can (398 ml) fish stock 2 lbs mussels, scrubbed and debearded 2 tbsp unsalted butter 1 lb baby red potatoes, halved 1/2 cup 35 per cent cream Salt, to taste Freshly ground pepper, to taste Smoked paprika, for garnish ¼ cup parsley, roughly chopped Baguette, for serving

Yield: 10 cups | Serves 6-8 Total time: 20 minutes

METHOD Combine the onion, garlic and white wine, one cup water, bay leaf, peppercorns and thyme in a large pot. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the lobster, cover and reduce heat to medium and steam the lobster for 12 minutes. Remove the lobster. Set aside to cool. Add the remaining two cups of water and the fish broth, bring to simmer and then add mussels.

Cover the pot and continue cooking until the mussels begin to open, about four minutes. Strain, reserve the broth and set the mussels aside to cool.

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until soft, about six to eight minutes. Add the potatoes, cook for one minute, add the strained broth, bring to a simmer and let cook for eight to 10 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.

While potatoes are cooking, remove the lobster meat from its shell. Cut the tail meat into small chunks. Carefully slice the claw meat in half lengthwise. Set aside. Take the mussels out of their shells. Once the potatoes are tender, add the lobster-tail meat and mussels to the broth. Simmer gently until the shellfish is warmed through, about one to two minutes, stir in the cream.

Season with salt and pepper. Ladle the chowder into bowls.

Garnish each bowl with half a lobster claw, a sprinkle of smoked paprika and parsley. Serve with a crusty baguette.

LOCAL PAIRING Matos Winery & Distillery's Chardonnay - dry, crisp white wine on the palate with a hint of fruitiness. www.matoswinery.com

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

21

FOOD & DRINK

FROM THE ISLAND OF PICO – TO THE ISLAND OF PRINCE EDWARD

▲ Jaime and Heather Matos

By Story Sheidow Photos Evan Ceretti

T

he offerings from Matos Winery and Distillery are equally as unique as the story behind them. And with selections bearing names like Angelica, Anisette, and Bagaco, that’s saying a lot.

Owners Jaime and Heather Matos take inspiration from their Portuguese roots in all that they do with the Island winery and vineyard, which they opened in 2011. “Jaime and I were both born on the island of Pico in the Azores,” says Heather Matos.

“Everyone kept telling us to visit the Maritimes as it was very similar to the Azores, so we decided to do that. We came to PEI and absolutely fell in love with the Island and the laid back way of life. This was supposed to be a semiretirement hobby, and has taken on a life of its own- in a good way.”

From the cherished family recipes used for their spirits, to the unique method in which they distill their grapes, they are deeply influenced by their mutual upbringings on Pico- producing a perfect harmony of intrigue and palatability with their products that is unlike any other here on PEI. “The most unique spirit that we offer is the Anisette, simply because of the presentation of the bottle. The idea for these was from watching Jaime’s dad make them back home, bringing a bit of our Portuguese style to our winery.” The clear glass bottle of Anisette showcases a complete stem of fennel, seed and all, encased in a delicate covering of sugar crystals. The overall effect is truly eye-catching, so much so you’d almost hate to drink it…

ALMOST.

But their true focus is on their awardwinning wines. “We offer three dry, unoaked wines; Chardonnay, Rose and Gamay-Noir. We also offer two dessert wines that are very unique in how we produce them. They are sweet, but not like an ‘ice wine’ sweet. We take the finished wine and infuse it with the essence- a definite must to try.” The pair uses an unusual variety of grapes, which are harder to grow but produce a better quality of wine, in their staple products at the vineyard. It’s the quality, not the quantity, in which Matos Winery finds pride.

However, it’s these qualities that bring people to their doors in droves.

Their winery tours, currently offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays, are warm and inviting, and offer guests a peek into the beauty and traditions of Portugal. Heather Matos explains,

AWARDS 2011 - Gamay-Noir SILVER – Canadian Wine Awards 2012 - Gamay-Noir BRONZE – Canadian Wine Awards 2013 - Rose – GOLD – Atlantic Canadian Wine Awards 2013 - Chardonnay – BRONZE – Atlantic Canadian Wine Awards 2014 - Chardonnay – BRONZE – Finger Lakes International Wine Competition 2014 - Gamay-Noir – BRONZE – Finger Lakes International Wine Competition 2014 - Bagaco – BRONZE – Finger Lakes International Wine Competition 2014 - Angelica – BRONZE – Finger Lakes International Wine Competition 2014 - Anisette – BRONZE – Finger Lakes International Wine Competition 2016 - Gamay-Noir – BRONZE – National Wine Awards of Canada

TOURS $15.00 + HST per person Tour of the vineyard with explanation of vines from time of planting. Tour of winery with explanation of equipment.

“Guests get a tour of the vineyard with an explanation of the vines from time of planting to now, and then a tour of the winery with an explanation of the equipment and what we do from harvest to bottling. After that they go to the gift shop at the front for samples.

Everyone in the tour group gets four complimentary samples per person and then they are free to make purchases if they chose to do so.” Both locals and tourists alike flock to Matos Winery and Distillery not only for their tours, but also to purchase items from their shop.

gift shop- a tantalizing feature that draws in a wide array of patrons eager for a one-of-a-kind product.

“I have been told it feels like a hug when you walk in the door,” says Heather Matos with pride. That's much like the “hug” the couple feels from the Islanders who support them. “I always tell people that the medals we have won are amazing, but none of them compare to the loyalty and support we have received from the Islanders.

Tourists are great but the ones that support us year round are our medals.”

Takes about an hour to an hour and a half. Tours need to be booked a day or two in advance.

Gift shop open.

Matos Winery & Distillery 3156 West River Road., Rte 9, St. Catherines 902.675.9463 heather@MatosWinery.com www.MatosWinery.com

While many of their wines and spirits are sold in liquor stores on a larger scale, some are only available at their SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

23

FOOD & DRINK

Have You Heard? Haskap Berries Are Trendy!

By Jackie Herbert Photos Jonathan Farber

H

askap is an ancient Ainu name which translates to “berry of long life and good vision.” They are an excellent source of Vitamins C and A and potassium; they are high in fibre and produce three times as many antioxidants as blueberries, which help with overall digestion and promote a healthy immune system.

Haskap berries are the new superfood!

Haskap is also widely known to protect against inflammation, and several chronic diseases. These super-berries are believed to benefit conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, cancer, stroke, arthritis, even cataracts.

Healthy and delicious!

▲ Jackie Herbert Food & Drink Editor jherbert@pei-living.ca

24

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

The native version of haskap are better known as honeysuckle which grows wild throughout bogs and wooded areas of Canada. However, not all honeysuckle are created equally. Most are undesirable in taste,

therefore haskap berries are a type of edible honeysuckle that have been commercially cultivated for flavour and are relatively new to PEI. These bush-like plants grow to be four to six feet tall and approximately four feet around. And, depending on space, they can be grown in a row or spaced between bushes. They produce juicy berries relatively young, are cold climate friendly and are easy to care for. Netting is often used to keep birds away as they can destroy a bush in a very short time. With so many culinary uses, these fruit plants are a great option for the backyard Island gardener.

For commercial growers, it’s not often farmers have the chance at growing a brand-new crop on their land. A chance like this may only come but once in a lifetime. For some farmers, like Lynn Townsend and her daughter Becky, they “wouldn’t give up an opportunity to be

HASKAP PIE FILLING Haskap berries have twice as much juice in them as any other berry. We have found that frozen berries work better for pie filling instead of the fresh berry. If you use the fresh berry they tend to continue to leak out juice after baking.

INGREDIENTS 4 cups of frozen Haskap berries 1 1/2 cups sugar 4 tbsp cornstarch 1/4 cup of strained juice METHOD Place the frozen berries in a colander to thaw and drain overnight.

a part of growing something unique like this on PEI.” The family started growing haskap bushes 11 years ago and now have 2500 bushes with five varieties at their Rollo Bay, U-Pick operation.

So, what do haskap berries taste like?

Imagine a mouthful of blueberries and raspberries, with a few blackcurrants thrown in. A great balance of sweet, tangy, and tart. The berries are soft, without a distinctive skin like grapes or blueberries, it’s almost as if they melt in your mouth!

Most people assume Haskap are of the blueberry and cranberry family but in fact they are actually closely related to the tomato. There are several uses for these tasty berries, from jams and jellies, cakes, muffins, and syrups, to wines and liqueurs. With such a variety of uses and the supreme nutritional value, it’s no wonder haskap are catching on with growers and consumers alike.

Save the strained juice. One option is to mix the juice with sparkling water on ice with a sweetener of your choice for a refreshing drink.

Place drained berries in a medium saucepan with the sugar.

Bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer. Add the cornstarch to the 1/4 cup of juice. Add this slowly to the berry/sugar mixture while it is simmering and stir to thicken. Cool when thickened and pour into prebaked tart crusts.

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

25

TAP INTO SUNSHINE AT THE PEI BREWING CO.

By Story Sheidow Photos Courtesy of MHG

D

elicious handcrafted local beer and cooler brands Gahan, Beach Chair Lager, After Hour Series, and Colliding Tides come to mind when you hear the name PEI Brewing Company, but that’s just the beginning. At their taproom on Kensington Road, they’re sparking up their wood-fired oven with a delicious new menu of artisanal pizzas, burgers, and even an amazing “Backyard Lobster Roll”.

Since their kitchen re-opened in June, under the new direction of chef Adam Loo, the PEI Brewing Company has been busy; with the launch of their new menu, the addition of a brandnew patio with comfortable seating for 26 patrons, and their newly planned schedule for entertainment including

comedy shows and live music, the PEIBC hasn’t skipped a beat this year.

Taproom general manager, Ryan Feldman, is elated about the menu and corresponding new take-out specials the PEIBC Taproom is offering. “For just $22 and $24 respectively, you can enjoy a six-pack of your favourite beer or Colliding Tides and one of our fresh wood-fired pizzas,” says Feldman.

Patrons can choose between their classic pizza, traditional Margherita with tomatoes and basil, BBQ Chicken with red onions, or their bacon-loaded garlic fingers (with house-made donair sauce) for their pairing, and with each pizza measuring up at ten inches, it’s perfect for sharing, or keeping all for yourself. “Guests can order for delivery or pick up through the MHG Delivered

mobile app. This is available through Google Play, the app store, or through our website under the "Order Online" tab,” Feldman continues.

MHG Delivered is the Murphy Hospitality Group’s unique delivery service, linking all eight of their PEI restaurants and services for customers, and transforming “ordering takeout” into a seamless virtual dining experience. Users can order beer, food, and even something from the MHG Market and have it delivered to their door by one of MHG’s dedicated drivers. This ease of use gives the PEI Brewing Company a one-up in a time where online ordering and home delivery has become an essential service.

public or private events, and even during current times of low capacity requirements, is able to safely host larger groups with ease.

With these spaces combined, plus the outside patio, the PEIBC can offer something for everyone, whether it be to read a good book, go out for a nice dinner, grab a pint after work, or watch a live show. And with the new food menu- you may never want to leave. But don’t fret; even from home they’ve still got you covered with MHG Delivered. Find it in your app store and try it out today.

And if you’d prefer, you can pick-up your order at the taproom, browse their PEIBC merchandise like PEIBC, Gahan, Beach Chair Lager, After Hours Series and Colliding Tides hats, t-shirts, glassware, and sweaters - all available for purchase - grab a pint while you wait, or dine-in and enjoy the incredible architecture of the taproom and brewhouse. The taproom offers all of their flagship beverages on tap, and well as a colourful rotation of limitededition seasonals for you to discover.

Having opened its doors in 2013, the PEIBC grounds are an experience unto themselves. With ceilings over 20 feet tall, a large waterfall feature, and a suspended second-floor dining hall, the Taproom is a definite must-see requiring full-size highway lights just to illuminate the industrial, yet cozy space. The adjoining event room is a whole other story; with ample room and a unique layout, it’s the perfect venue not only for live music, but also art shows, weddings, and other

PEI Brewing Company 96 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown 902.629.2739 www.peibrewingcompany.com

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

27

FOOD & DRINK

For Adam Sweet, his introduction to handcrafted Japanese knives has changed his outlook on cooking. As he explains, a good knife not only improves the precision in your cooking, it changes the way your food tastes.

The

COOK'S EDGE

By Clara Deacon Photos Evan Ceretti

Originally from Fredericton, NB, Adam is a classically trained chef who has worked in the restaurant industry across Canada for more than 17 years. After moving back east from Calgary, he opened up The Cook’s Edge, a store that specializes in selling and sharpening hand-forged Japanese knives, in 2015.

“I saw that there was a vibrant food scene here in PEI, but there was limited access to the tools and knives that the chefs needed,” he says.

What is so special about Japanese knives?

Adam says they are the best knives money can buy.

“They are made from extremely hard steel that can be sharpened to a fine edge and stay much sharper for longer than other types of knives.”

Among his most popular knife types are the gyuto, the santoku and the bunka. The gyuto is a multipurpose chef’s knife, which is also great for carving meat. The santoku is a common knife shape found in most households that can be used for slicing,

mincing and dicing. The bunka knife is mainly used for cutting vegetables and has a pointy tip that allows for a perfect dice.

The good news is, these knives are not only for professionals, they are for home cooks too. The Cook’s Edge clientele is pretty evenly split between the two. They also offer a number of other products, including mandolins, peelers, whisks and more.

“I only carry products that I have used and would personally recommend. I enjoy assisting people in finding the perfect knife or kitchen tool that they are looking for,” he says.

The key to maintaining a Japanese knife is keeping it sharp. To this end, The Cook’s Edge offers sharpening services as well as instructional classes for those who have purchased knife sharpening supplies and want to learn to do it themselves.

In February of this year, Adam took a trip to Japan to create partnerships and meet new knife makers for sourcing and expanding his product line.

“It was amazing to spend time in Sakai, where there is such a rich history of knife making, dating back 600 years,” he says.

“Because of this trip, I now have access to rarer and more specialty knives. I would love to continue growing and offering more amazing products to my customers.”

Some of the Japanese blacksmiths and knife companies The Cook’s Edge is proud to carry at the shop and work with include: Shosui Takeda, Sakai Kikumori, Yoshikazu Tanaka, Takeshi Saji, Yu Kurosaki, Sakai Takayuki, Yoshimi Kato, Yamawaki Cutlery, Sukenari, Masamoto, Nigara Hamono, and Shigeki Tanaka, with plans on adding more to the lineup.

“I only carry products that I have used and would personally recommend. I enjoy assisting people in finding the perfect knife or kitchen tool that they are looking for."

- Adam Sweet, owner of The Cook's Edge

What’s next for The Cook’s Edge? Adam hopes to expand to other locations in Atlantic Canada.

“I have done pop-up shops in all of the Atlantic provinces, but it is my dream to set up some new permanent locations.”

The Cook’s Edge 63 Pownal Street, Charlottetown 902.370.2470 www.thecooksedge.com

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

29

FOOD & DRINK

READER FAVOURITE PEI LIVING MAGAZINE 2019 JUST FOR LICKS ICE CREAM CONTEST

This Venture is on a Roll!

By Clara Deacon Photos Jacqui Chaisson & Truckin' Roll

L

ocally sourced, natural, fresh, quality ingredients. That’s what you can expect when you order a handcrafted sweet treat from Truckin’ Roll to beat the heat this summer. But at Truckin’ Roll, it’s more than just ice cream, it’s an experience.

For owners Jalen MacLeod and Amanda Beaton, Truckin’ Roll is a product of their love story.

“Because Jalen used to work away overseas, we wanted to find a way to be together, and create our own, cool, impactful business that represented our values, and could keep Jalen closer to home,” says owner Amanda Beaton. ▲ Jalen MacLeod 30

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

It was through their travels that they came across rolled ice cream, an alternative way to prepare the dessert, as opposed to scooping. After brainstorming countless business ideas, they decided that handcrafted ice cream out of a truck would be a unique product to offer and explore in PEI. From there, they made the leap, applying to have a food truck business location in Charlottetown.

“Once we got the approval, it was pedal to the metal. We sourced a truck, bought a machine, and spent countless hours curating a recipe. We finally opened the hatch for the first time in July 2018,” she says.

▲ (L-R) Amanda Beaton, Sherry Sonier (winner of the 2019 Just For Licks ice cream contest)

Truckin’ Roll is housed in a 1958 Citroen H VAN, originally a French mail truck, that stands out as much as their quality ice cream. Their recipes use natural ingredients and avoid white processed sugar and artificial products, instead using local goods like Island maple syrup and sea salt, to name a few.

They also have perfected a coconut cream recipe that is completely vegan, allowing every flavour to be made dairy-free. And this is all served to you in fully compostable bowls, with birchwood spoons, avoiding single-use plastics.

Truckin’ Roll is also an avid community member and supporter and seeks out opportunities to collaborate with local businesses and artists, often showcasing local talent in the park at their downtown Charlottetown location while people wait for their ice cream.

“For us, it’s important to give people who live plant-based lifestyles, and people who are lactose intolerant, a multitude of options, where they don’t usually have many. We are also proud to be a business with zero consumer waste,” she says.

You can check out Truckin’ Roll on the corner of Church and Grafton Street in Charlottetown or at their second truck location that was opened this season on the deck of Richard’s Fresh Seafood in Victoria By the Sea.

Among their best sellers are the “Chocolate Affair,” a gooey vegan chocolate brownie made in collaboration with Stir It Up Vegan Kitchen. Another favourite is the light and refreshing “Mint to Be” rolled ice cream that features fresh raspberries and mint, topped with lime juice and Island honey.

“We believe that community is everything and it's up to individuals to show up for one another. We support local businesses wherever possible and work together to bring customers to each other – it’s the local economy where it all starts,” she says.

Truckin' Roll Church & Grafton Street Charlottetown 902.218.7321 www.truckinroll.com

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

31

FOOD & DRINK

BUCH...

PLEASE!

By Story Sheidow

Kombucha might sound like a strange brew, but it starts with some pretty familiar beginnings. The popular fermented drink begins its life as a basic black tea, sweetened with a generous dose of white sugar. It’s what comes next, however, that changes everything.

32

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

ENTER THE SCOBY Next, the SCOBY (or Symbiotic Colony Of Bacteria and Yeast), which resembles a thick gelatinous pancake, is added to the tea, along with a cup of a previous batch of ‘buch. This is when the magic happens. Over the course of the next week to ten days, the SCOBY, a living organism, works its magic: digesting sugars and replacing their sweetness with a tart, tangy punch and some delightful carbonation to boot. Once complete, the brewer can add flavour and bottle it up to further ferment and marry the flavours. And what about your SCOBY? Well, the brewing process produces a new baby SCOBY (which looks like a thick white film on top of the original "mother"), so you can split them up and find the baby a new home, or keep it with its mom for the next batch.

Sounds weird, am I right? Well, yeah, it kind of is. So why do we drink kombucha?

GUT HEALTHY, ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIFUNGAL All fermented foods have gut health benefits, and kombucha is no different. Through the fermentation process, lactic acid, which has a probiotic function, is created, and works to stimulate the immune system and enhance antimicrobial activity. These characteristics alone make kombucha an excellent addition to your routine.

As the SCOBY works its magic, it also creates acetic acid (a natural acid also found in vinegar), which can kill microorganisms such as harmful bacteria, viruses, and

yeast infections. This acid is what gives kombucha its tangy flavour. Acetic acid is helpful to balance pH and stabilize blood sugars, and has even been known to improve heart health.

A GREAT ALTERNATIVE TO SODA OR BEER Natural effervescence gives ‘buch a lovely bubbliness- great for folks who are looking to replace their pop addiction with something healthier. And for people who tend to reach for a beer to unwind, kombucha is an even better choice.

With bitter flavours like ginger and hops, or sweeter blends like blueberry, cherry, or strawberry, kombucha can easily replace most brews and mixed drinks. Here on PEI, we’re so fortunate to have local ‘buch brewers Heart Beet Organics whose taps can be found in most local craft beer bars and taprooms, as well as numerous stores and restaurants. This accessibility makes kombucha a realistic and reliable drink of choice, even when out on the town. Heart Beet has also opened their own kombucha bar this year – the Farmacy + Fermentary on Great George Street – offering a rotating selection of their well-known kombucha flavours, as well as local cider, and their house-made shrubs and other unique mixed drinks. The ambiance is warm, inviting, and relaxing, and their food is incredible, and filled to the brim with a wide variety of additional fermented creations.

So if you’re looking to try something new, or have ever been interested in kombucha, PEI is one of the best places to explore your curiosity. Grab a bottle at your local market or craft beer store, or stop by the Farmacy today to taste what all the fuss is about.

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

33

FOOD & DRINK

One Hook, One Line, One Boat, One Tuna

By Kristen Johnson Photos Sara Bakker

◄ Jason Tompkins

holders. This meant that each tuna license holder is only guaranteed one tuna now each season,” says Tompkins. The changes encouraged fishers to take better care of the one tuna they are allowed. “Due to these conservation methods, we have see the West Atlantic Bluefin stocks rebound by over 60%,” he says, “and this January our rod and reel fishery in Atlantic Canada received its Ocean Wise recommendation as a sustainable fishery. “

F

ishing for Bluefin tuna in PEI has a long history. “It is tied very closely to the people living across the Island. Whether in Tignish, Alberton, Naufrage or North Lake, whenever a fish is landed the whole community comes down to see it being unloaded off the boat,” says Jason Tompkins of One Tuna. “This has been the same for the last 40-50 years,” Tompkins has been part of this story for over 20 years.

Tompkins started as a tuna technician, and is now the owner of One Tuna, Canada’s only CFIA certified Bluefin tuna processing plant. “We were seeing a trend of global tuna markets getting saturated with fish from around the globe which was lowering prices to PEI fishermen,” he says. “This would allow us to cut and freeze Bluefin during poor market conditions or if we have a fish not desired by the market” Until recently, the tuna fishery on PEI was open or derby style. About fifteen years ago, this was changed because the stock was declining.

“Quotas were cut back and divided out evenly amongst the Island license

In return, One Tuna has created jobs for Islanders and is helping the Bluefin industry on PEI. “Having the opportunity to build our plant here in North Lake, helping Island fishers while developing new international markets for Canadian Bluefin has been tremendously satisfying,” says Tompkins.

The name of the company, and its motto are born from this decision.

“Our motto One hook, one line, one boat, one tuna represents that we are an artisanal, day boat, rod and reel fishery,” says Tompkins. The Bluefin processed at the plant is caught on one hook, one line and by one boat out of North Lake.

One Tuna 6295 Northside Rd, Elmira 902.215.8862 Jason@OneTuna.com www.onetuna.com

One Tuna is committed to maintaining the sustainability of the Bluefin industry on PEI. “Sustainability in our business is everything. Bluefin was a touchy subject back in the mid 2000’s. We saw stocks declining and were worried that we may have fished to hard, to fast,” Tompkins describes. “As a family business, I want my children to be able to learn and take over from me one day. The only way to ensure that is to make sure stock levels and our conservations methods are adhered to and continued.”

902.838.4030

The Rural Action Centre, an organization that works to promote economic growth, has been a great help along the way and assisted him and his plans for One Tuna. “The Rural Action Centre was instrumental in helping me get started,” he said. “They provided a lot of support, shared their knowledge and connected me with key contacts. In the end, CBDC ended up financing the mortgage on my building.”

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

35

C O V E R F E AT U R E

Commitment to Success

Photo by Jenna Keenan

By Kristen Johnson

“I’ve always said ‘you can do whatever you want to do. Just choose. There is neither a right nor wrong decision, just make a commitment.’”

- Jessie Inman, MBA, ICD.D Photo by Len Currie

Adventure runs in Jessie Inman’s blood. “I’ve jumped out of planes, sailed on a tall ship to Antarctica and run businesses around the world,” she says. Inman has visited seventy countries and every continent. Her sense of adventure has pushed her along the way, but her driving force is commitment. “The first time I sailed to Antarctica, the name of the boat was Commitment,” she says. “I’ve always said ‘you can do whatever you want to do. Just choose. There is neither a right nor wrong decision, just make a commitment.’”

This philosophy has taken her to great heights. Inman has trekked at high altitudes and summited Kilimanjaro while also having an amazing corporate career. She was extensively involved in international trade and worked on the environmental side of the energy sector in Australia and Canada. As company

president, she built partnerships and factories in Java, as well as cocreated an International Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia where she was Canada’s Investment Advisor.

In 1998, while working in Indonesia, Jessie met and married her soulmate Allan Hart. A chance meeting that would change her life. She credits Allan as her greatest supporter, her best friend, mentor, adventure partner and her rock. Together they have traveled the world and worked on several business ventures. She is also quick to acknowledge the encouragement of her family, many friends and colleagues that have always been there for her throughout her business career and in her personal life.

In 2011, she brought her expertise back to the Island by becoming the first female CEO of the Confederation

Centre. During her seven-year tenure working alongside a talented team, she oversaw a major renovation, actively pursued a sustainable funding model for the Centre and added focus to arts education. Inman is most proud of the collaborations she led with diverse artistic and cultural groups to produce the epic musical Evangeline as well as the Canada 150 Dream Catchers project, a national celebration of Indigenous culture whose legacy can still be seen in Memorial Hall. “As a CEO or a corporate director, I believe it is important to motivate people and corporations to continue to innovate, develop and grow,” says Inman.

She is not even close to slowing down.

Inman is actively seeking new board positions locally and nationally and is available to share her knowledge and experiences with groups large and small. With a special interest in the Canadian Arctic and her ongoing love for her country and pursuit of new knowledge, Jessie recently joined the Royal Canadian Navy Canadian Leaders at Sea (CLaS) program.

Jessie Inman, MBA, ICD.D 902.394.7140 jessie@jessieinman.com www.jessieinman.com

▲ Commanding Officer Corey Gleason of the new ship, Harry DeWolf, presenting Jessie Inman with a medal for the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Leaders at Sea. (Photo by Lieutenant(N) Linda Coleman, Public Affairs | Imagery Officer, Halifax, Naval Headquarters, RCN.)

Inman has been asked to share her skills and stories with others as a motivational speaker. “I’ve given hundreds of speeches in my life, from school groups to commencement speeches to senior business leaders from around the world,” she says. “It always comes back to commitment.

You can do what you want to do. Just decide and commit.”

When asked how she has managed to see and do so much, Inman claims, “I don’t think I could have had such an exciting and fulfilling career without focusing my mind through meditation, yoga and fitness in general.” Wellness is an integral part of her life; as an instructor of Modo Yoga, Jessie believes we can all gain from the principles of yoga. “I believe it would be a different world if people were able to embrace the positive physical and mental impacts of practicing yoga and meditation as part of their wellness lifestyle,” she says.

▲ Allan Hart and Jessie Inman

Because of her commitment to health and well-being, Inman has been asked to pose in several lifestyle ads, and you can find an example of her new modelling career in another feature in this issue (page 108).

Photo by Jenna Keenan SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

37

BUSINESS

BUSINESS, STRESS AND THE NEW NORMAL Everyone thinks that being an entrepreneur is glamorous. No boss.

No one telling you what to do. Freedom to innovate. Creating a new path. Lots of money, fancy cars, new offices. It is hard work but the work pays off. This can be something of an entrepreneur myth.

By Jill Stewart, Your Life Design Inc.

38

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

T

he reality is we don’t see the sacrifices entrepreneurs make to create success. We don’t see the stress that entrepreneurs face that leads to mental health problems like depression and anxiety.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) reports that two thirds (62 per cent) of Canadian entrepreneurs feel depressed at least once a week. In fact, nearly half (46 per cent) say that mental health issues interfere with their ability to work. Why would this be?

According to Yvon Gasse, Professor and Director of the Entrepreneurship Centre at Laval University, key characteristics that make great entrepreneurs are creativity, empathy, adaptiveness, independence, risktaking, multi-tasking, and crisismanagement skills. But these very characteristics—the need for variety, ability to take financial risks—can also have impacts our mental well-being and on those around us.

Now, add COVID-19 to the mix of entrepreneurship, which at the best of times can be uncertain, and this brings about all new heights to the levels of stress. So how do we recognize stress in ourselves, especially during these times of COVID? Stress can affect us in many ways. Obvious signs of stress are depression or anxiety; anger; irritability or restlessness; feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, or unfocused; trouble sleeping or sleeping too much; racing thoughts or constant worry; problems with your memory or concentration; and making bad decisions.

And how do we deal with stress during times of COVID? You need to take care

of yourself by eating healthy, wellbalanced meals; exercising on a regular basis; and getting plenty of sleep.

Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out. If news events are causing you stress, take a break from listening or watching the news.

While drugs and alcohol may seem to help relieve stress, they can create additional problems and increase the stress you are already feeling. So avoid them as a choice to manage your stress.

An experienced entrepreneur said to me recently, “part of business success is having a good accountant and a good therapist.”

entrepreneurs can learn how to gain mental resiliency, increase personal productivity and overcome limitations.

We have witnessed that COVID-19 has brought a whole new level of transitions, losses and an unknown future to entrepreneurs. People have been in crisis mode, and now the realities and impacts seem to be setting in. Therapists can create a safe space to help people navigate through turbulent waters.

Entrepreneurs would be wise to take care of themselves wholly, both physically and mentally, and accept that the very traits that make life seem unusually difficult at times are likely the same ones that allow them to stand out so brilliantly.

Talking to others makes you feel better. Share your problems and how you are feeling and coping with a parent, friend, counselor, doctor, or someone you trust.

Recognize when you need more help.

If problems continue and you become sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, talk to a professional counselor for therapy.

How often do you see a therapist as part of a business plan? Many entrepreneurs don’t factor therapy into their budget. They may believe in business coaching - to create a firm vision for the future short and longterm goals of their business - but often therapy is overlooked. An experienced entrepreneur said to me recently, “part of business success is having a good accountant and a good therapist.”

With self-awareness, psychological support and emotional intelligence,

Jill Stewart, founder of Your Life Design Inc. is a registered social worker in Prince Edward Island (PEI). She holds Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees, in addition to certificates in Management and Adult Education.

Jill has held a faculty position at Holland College (Human Services) since 2007. Her specialty is working with busy professionals in her private online therapy practice. She grew up on a potato farm in Elmsdale, PEI and now lives in Argyle Shore with her husband Dr. Adam Fenech and her dog Maggie. www.yourlifedesign.ca 902.316.0745

SUMMER 2020 SUMMER/FALL

www.pei-living.ca

39

BUSINESS

Supporting You and Your People

THE MOMENTUM HR PROJECT

By CBDC/Rural Action Centre

â–˛ (L-R) Martina MacDonald, Margaret Gallant,Terra Quinn

The Human Resources Pilot Project was launched as a project of the Rural Action Centre in Montague. It began five years ago as a one-year program designed to provide essential and practical Human Resources Management advisory services for businesses in Eastern PEI.

40

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

The goal was to identify five local businesses with growth potential to engage in one-on-one, customized Human Resource advisory services for one year. The project is now into its 5th year under the leadership of Margaret Gallant, HR specialist. The new project is now named the Momentum HR Project.

Supporting You and Your People The success of the pilot project has been incredible. The most common thing we kept hearing was, "it is not long enough," shares Martina MacDonald, Executive Director of the Rural Action Centre and CBDC East. Companies are building business confidence, and we wanted to support them further.

Phase two of the project began with three parts: Classroom Training We identified businesses that wanted further HR training via a customized HR program that would meet them where they are and build on the experience they already had.

HR Coaching The second aspect was to offer HR coaching to all past participants.

Coaching helps businesses/people to gain clarity and propels them forward.

HR Coordinator The third facet was hiring an HR Coordinator. Terra Quinn joined the project to help with its moving pieces.

We live in volatile economic times, and change is inevitable. Over the last few months, we have dealt with lots of change, and the outcomes for many businesses has been remarkable. They were able to pivot, move, and change when required. They did this with no previous pandemic experience; the HR consultant worked with clients to understand the importance of treating people like people. Appreciating changes occur in the organization as a whole; it is also happening at the individual level for each employee.

Finally, when we have good relationships, we have good solutions.

Strengthening human resources is a vital link to a business's succeeding and economic growth. Fundamentally it is trust that moves any one person, company, or community forward or backward.

To sustain a rural business means supporting a community. The project fundamentally considers the importance of rural development and growth and the economic impact to community.

CBDC/Rural Action Centre 540 Main St, Montague 902.838.4030 www.cbdc.ca www.ruralactioncentres.ca

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

41

Get Fixed at Cracked Device Co.

By Story Sheidow Photos Evan Ceretti

▲ Lori Ashley

In a time where ‘reduce, re-use, recycle’ is the new consumer mantra, getting your cell phone, tablet, or gaming system serviced as opposed to replaced can be your best option when faced with a damaged device.

Cracked Device Co., on Capitol Drive in Charlottetown, specialize in exactly thatbringing your ‘cracked’ device new life.

42

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

You

might be surprised to learn that there are many more repairable parts of a cell phone aside from the classic cracked screen: Cameras and camera lenses, earphone speakers, and charge ports are some of the more common issues that turn up at the store, though that’s just the tip of the iceberg. At Cracked, they save devices on the daily.

“The benefit of repairing is that it's usually cheaper to repair than to replace, and when replacing with a phone company, you usually have to also upgrade your phone contract as well,” says Owner Lori Ashley.

We all know the frustration of sacrificing your phone plan for a new device. Perhaps you’ve got some free loyalty data, or even an unlimited plan, and the new plans don’t live up to the one you know and love.

Owners feel like they have no other option: either they pay for a new device out of pocket, or renew their contract to get a hardware upgrade and let go of their current plan. But four years ago, Ashley opened Cracked Device Co., to offer cell phone owners a third, more cost effective option.

But repairs are only just a part of what they do.

Cracked Device Co. also sells a variety of phone accessories, as well as replacement batteries, something many people don’t think about until their battery stops holding a charge. At Cracked they can replace both accessible and internal, built-in batteries, and give you top-notch advice to make the most of your new one. “The more cycles your iPhone’s battery goes through, the weaker the battery chemistry gets and the sooner you’ll need to replace it,” says Ashley.

“So the less you have to charge it up, the longer the battery will last.” So, how should we be charging our devices? Ashley tackles this question often. “First, it’s best to not completely discharge the battery to 0% all the time, nor is it ideal to charge it up all the way to 100%,” says Ashley. “Ideally, you want to keep it between 30% and 80% so that you’re not putting a strain on the battery one way or the other. In other words, partial recharges are better than complete recharges.”

Giving our devices just a little extra TLC can lengthen their life substantially. And with no environmentally friendly way to dispose of all these old phones, choosing to repair is not only good for the planet, but also for your pocketbook as well. So why not hold onto a good thing?

Cracked Device Co. 61 Capital Dr, Charlottetown 902.218.6344 www.crackeddevice.ca

E X P E RT A DV I C E - F I N A N C I A L

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN THE STOCK MARKET GOES DOWN? Submitted by Evan Patkai, B.B.A.

Financial Advisor Member of Advocis

Markets usually go up and down. But does it help to stay invested when it drops during a pandemic? Yes, it does.

44 44

www.pei-living.ca www.pei-living.ca SUMMER SUMMER 2020 2020

This article is for information and illustrative purposes only. It's not intended to provide specific financial, tax, insurance, investment, legal or accounting advice. It does not constitute a specific offer to buy and/or sell securities. We've compiled information in this article from sources believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made with respect to its timeliness or accuracy. Š Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2020

It's

tough to see a drop in your investment portfolio. It's a financial setback that may make you feel concerned or anxious. Luckily, there's a high chance that this setback is temporary.

Since the beginning of March 2020, when the pandemic first spiked, investors all around the world had experienced market volatility.* (*Market volatility refers to dramatic swings or ups and downs in the markets.)

When the stock markets go down drastically, it's only natural to want to do something to reduce the volatility. Perhaps you want to sell your investments or make changes to your portfolio. But if you already have a diversified portfolio,* that may not be the best thing to do right now. (*A diversified portfolio includes various assets like stocks, fixed income, and commodities. These assets may react differently to the same economic event.

The value of one may rise while the value of another may fall. This lowers your overall risk because no matter what happens in the market, some assets will still have gains.)

"If you have a diversified portfolio and your financial objectives haven't changed, then the best course of action is to stay invested in the markets," says Sun Life Financial advisor Brian Burlacoff.

Why stay invested, even in a volatile market?

Because historically the markets have bounced back and recovered.

Many different events have sparked volatility in the past. But if you look to history as a guide, you'll see that these events play out in a similar way.

Whether it's SARS in 2003, the swine flu in 2009, Ebola in 2014 or Zika in 2016, there's usually a similar pattern that follows, says Burlacoff. Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic has driven a lot of economic disruption.

"When the event occurs, markets become volatile. They move to the downside, but then they eventually recover," he explains. "The pattern here is that markets are always upwardly biased in the long run. A diversified portfolio is always upwardly biased in the long run."

Even through problems like the Tech Meltdown in 2000 and the Financial Crisis from 2007-2009, the market has recovered from downturns and produced gains, adds Burlacoff. And, those who stay invested have realized these gains over the long term.

What happens if you sell when the markets are down?

First, you'll turn a paper loss into a real loss, explains Burlacoff. Then, once you're out of the market, you'll have to decide when to get back into the market.

Are you worried about volatility risk or inflation risk?

Or maybe you're concerned that your portfolio lacks diversification? In such cases, talking to a professional may help. This is a good time to reach out to your advisor if you have one, or to find an advisor if you don't. (Many advisors now provide consultations by phone or video chat.)

An advisor can help you: • Make well-informed decisions, • Understand what your risk tolerance is • Make a plan and build an investment portfolio that meets your long-term goals • Feel assured in times of uncertainty, knowing you've taken steps to prepare • Avoid making emotionally driven decisions about your savings.

"When markets start to recover, they often recover swiftly, significantly and unexpectedly," says Burlacoff.

So what happens when markets recover unexpectedly?

Contact me to build a plan that will fit your life.

"You have to be in the market to get the gains that are there," he says. "And if you're out of the market, you can suffer significant financial losses over a long period of time."

Keep your financial goals on track If you want to keep your finances on track through this pandemic, start by asking yourself these three questions: 1. Have your financial goals changed?

2. Do you have a diversified portfolio?

3. How comfortable are you with risk?

If your goals haven't changed and you have a diversified portfolio, then you may be better off staying the course and sticking to your original plan Remember, history tells us that markets grow over the long term.

▲ Evan Patkai, B.B.A. Financial Advisor Member of Advocis (Photo: Evan Ceretti Photography)

Patkai & Son Financial Services Inc. 184 Buchanan Drive, Charlottetown 902.894.8513 ext. 222 Cell 902.940.6414 evan.patkai@sunlife.com www.sunlife.ca/evan.patkai

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

25 Years of Handmade Soap, Made Right Here on PEI

By Kristen Johnson Photos Evan Ceretti

46

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

Did

y o u know that Moonsnail got its start because the owner, Jennifer Ridgway, decided to make soap for her friends and family one Christmas? “It worked out so well that I reserved a booth at the Farmers Market and designed the whole business and initial product line between Christmas and New Years then started Moonsnail at the Farmers Market in February,” says Ridgway. It has been 25 years since then, and she has grown her business to produce up to 25,000 bars of hand-cut soap each year! “I have received so much help along the way,” she states, “my amazing staff have truly been the secret to Moonsnail’s success.”

Moonsnail makes over 20 different varieties of soap, plus other products such as aloe soother gel and spray for sunburn and spearmint spritzers for hot days. There is also the Red Clay and Kelp line to help you remember the lazy days of summer long into the cooler weather.

You can see Ridgway and her team of dedicated staff making their full product line in the Moonsnail studio on Water Street in Charlottetown.

“We handcraft over 60 bath, body and skincare creations right here, in a woman-led, dynamic workplace that has been supplying Islanders and doing mail order all over the world,” says Ridgway. They make their completely natural products all on site in an open work environment, and are happy to show you what they are up to. “The open production area is just behind the shop,” she says. “You can take a tour and learn about soap making, or watch as creams, balms or bath salts are made and packaged.”

Even the pandemic did not slow them down. They were able to reduce staffing to one person at a time to ensure physical distancing. This meant that they could still make their products, do mail orders and offer curbside pickup. Ridgway says their mail orders were up over 500 per cent!

The store has reopened, but they are still accepting online orders that can be shipped anywhere in the world, or picked up curbside. “Since reopening we have been so overwhelmed with customers coming in who want to support us, it has truly been beyond our expectations.”

You may have noticed that there is more than soap at the store. Moonsnail boasts a gallery of unique products from many talented local artisans. “We have so many great new items this year,” says Ridgway. “Elva Rose earrings from Danielle Doucette, PEI Potter's Cove pottery by Marilyn MacLean, wonderful artwork with foxes and other creatures by Ashley Anne Clark, a brand new delivery of colourful pottery from Robert McMillan, and silver and enamel jewellery from Ayelet Stewart are all available in store.”

You can pop in and see Ridgway and her team in action in Downtown Charlottetown Monday through Friday from 9-9 and Sundays from 12-5.

Moonsnail Soapworks 85 Water St, Charlottetown 902.892.7627 www.moonsnailsoapworks.com

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

47

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

Have you ever felt like there are too many things to be done and not enough time to do them? Perhaps time management and low productivity are leading to rising stress levels? It may be time for a coach.

48

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

Time Out

By Kristen Johnson Photos Story Thorburn

science behind procrastination and motivation. “On the whole, I teach groups tangible ways to support productivity while reducing stress,” states Switzer.

Kailea Switzer, a Harvard-trained time management and organization coach, is here to help. “We often have such long to-do lists that it’s easier to focus on what we haven’t done vs. what we have achieved. This makes it hard to relax and unwind even when we are off the clock,” says Switzer.

Switzer has developed a method to help people learn how to be organized in her one-to-one coaching packages that take place over three months.

“Despite the common belief that you either ‘are’ or ‘aren’t’ organized, these skills can be developed,” she states.

“The key is approaching them in the same way we learn other kinds of skills; for example, playing an instrument.”

The time frame is important, too. Switzer feels that this is the most effective amount of time to “individualize the systems to your life, ensure they work for you in a meaningful way, and allow you to feel confident in your ability to maintain the skills moving forward.”

Switzer initially focused on coaching university students, but began to see that these skills are beneficial to people in all walks of life. Since then, she has worked with business owners, artists, new parents, directors, professionals and more.

In addition to helping individuals, Switzer also provides professional development training for workplaces.

This focuses on time management, proactive planning and mental de-cluttering, as well as the brain

Coaching is not just about productivity.

It is also about improving a person's quality of life. “I help people who want to reduce personal daily stress and who often feel they have too many balls in the air,” says Switzer. “My goal is to help people feel confident that they’ve done enough each day, while also giving themselves permission to rest and play, and prioritize time for the things that bring their life meaning.”

This has become even more evident since COVID-19 has changed the way that many people work. With so many people working from home for the first time, Switzer saw the need for something new.

“I created webinars for workplaces around best practices when managing our own time, ways to incorporate gentle structure to reduce anxiety, and how we can support ourselves through the emotional experience of uncertainty.”

Switzer has also seen that many people are benefiting from changes due to the pandemic. ”Lately people have been telling me that COVID-19 has paradoxically brought increased joy to their lives. In slowing down and simplifying, their connection to what is truly meaningful has been amplified.

As much relief as transitioning out of pandemic times will eventually bring us, some people want to protect what they’ve gained in terms of time with loved ones, time for self-care, and time for rest."

Thank you to our model (right), Ellen Egan (Writer & Creative Consultant)

“My goal is to help people feel confident they’ve done enough each day, while also giving themselves permission to rest and play, and prioritize time for the things that bring their life meaning.”

- Kailea Switzer

kailea@kaileaswitzer.com www.kaileaswitzer.com SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

49

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

PHARMASAVE CORNWALL Building Relationships With Patients in the Community

By Brianne Hogan Photos Evan Ceretti

50

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

One

of the first things you feel when you first enter Pharmasave Cornwall is an immediate sense of community. This is not an accident, according to pharmacist and owner Wally Kowalchuk.

Having worked for different chain drug stores in various roles for most of his career, Kowalchuk had the opportunity to work in smaller community pharmacies on the Island, which inspired him in becoming an owner of a smaller healthcare focused pharmacy.

“It felt more personal,” he says. “I truly enjoyed seeing the value of building relationships with patients in the community.”

When the opportunity came along to start a small format pharmacy in Cornwall where he resides, Kowalchuk says he “ jumped at the chance and never looked back.” As a result Pharmasave Cornwall is a “communitybased and focused pharmacy. Most of my staff as well as myself live and work in the community. We try to deliver that personal experience you would expect from a neighbour.”

In Kowalchuk’s case, that sentiment is in the literal sense. He’s actively involved in his local church and the Knights of Columbus, and says he likes to “spend my advertising dollars locally and donate to support local initiatives.

My staff share similar values, and value being part of the community. We like to call people by their names.”

Not surprisingly, Kowalchuk says loyalty is extremely important to him and his staff. “Without patient loyalty, we would not be here. We appreciate all the loyalty and feedback we receive, either in person or on social media.

With trust, loyalty develops. Our pharmacy staff strive to go the distance to ensure that.”

When maintaining that loyalty, Kowalchuk says it comes down to their friendly, professional, personal service while also doing what they can to satisfy their customers and looking out for their health and well-being.

This includes offering a wide range of pharmacy health care services to help patients manage their medication and health as well as services such as automatic refilling of maintenance medications, prescription extensions, compliance packaging, injection services, emergency prescribing, and requesting refills from prescribers.

“We strive to offer the products and health care services people look for in our community to stay well, including those hard-to-get items through special ordering,” says Kowalchuk.

In these uncertain times, Kowalchuk’s advice to Islanders is “to continue to monitor public health information and follow their recommendations and also call ahead for pharmacy services or prescription refills.”

In terms of safety measures implemented at Pharmasave Cornwall, Kowalchuk says they took it seriously from the start, implementing plexiglass around the dispensary and cash register, signage and frequent store cleaning procedures, and making hand sanitizer available.

“We also set up new rules for patients on daily medication management and we offered more frequent touch-free deliveries and curbside pickup,” he says.

While Kowalchuk admits this summer is definitely “different,” he says “the community support has been awesome. Thank you. With your support we will offer our services for many years to come.”

Pharmasave Cornwall 25 Meadowbank Road, Cornwall 902.629.6870 www.pharmasave.com

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

51

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

By Kristen Johnson Photos Omar Broderick

Healing Your Skin with PEI Plant Extracts ▲ Above: Reid Barnett 52

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

PEI summers can be hard on your skin – the salt water can be drying, the sun damaging, and some sunscreen products can clog your pores. Did you know that there are plants growing on PEI that can help to alleviate many of these issues? Reid Barnett, owner of Trillium Skincare, has been busy identifying and incorporating PEI plant extracts for use in his latest skincare line.

Barnett has been formulating natural skincare for 15 years and is very excited about his newest line, Trillium Skincare. Among the many advanced ingredients, it contains extracts from Canadian willowherb and crambe

abyssinica, two local plants Barnett has found to be very effective.

Abyssinian oil, one of the up and coming oils in the market, is excellent for skin hydration and conditioning.

“The complex oil is produced from the flowers of the crambe abyssinica plant, which belongs to the mustard family, and is known for high concentrations of linoleic and linolenic acids, along with many vitamins and beneficial nutrients,” says Barnett.

The crambe plants produce dainty white flowers that can be seen growing across the Island all summer.

Local farmers are contracted to grow

“Plants that you see growing in fields this summer will be found in our products as early as fall.”

- Reid Barnett, owner of Trillium Skincare

with the willowherb extract produce a wonderful soothing feeling that will calm irritated or challenged skin conditions,” says Barnett.

You will find oils derived from crambe abyssinica and willowherb in the latest line of Trillium products. Barnett is also currently evaluating numerous other local plant extracts. “This is the most natural and most powerful line I have made to date,” he says. So while you will find many PEI plant extracts and other natural ingredients, there are many things you are guaranteed not to find. The entire Trillium line is free of parabens, scent, and siloxanes, as well as being cruelty free.

THE NO’S: No parabens No PEG ingredients No scent No siloxanes (i.e. dimethicone) No SLS or SLES Cruelty free

crambe, then the seeds are processed in Kensington by Technology Crops International. “Plants that you see growing in fields this summer will be found in our products as early as fall,” says Barnett.

Abyssinian oil is said to reduce inflammation and improve skin tone.

“It is a non-comedogenic lightweight oil that is fast absorbing and promotes smooth, supple skin which can also aid in reducing the look of wrinkles,” says Barnett.

Willowherb, also know as fireweed, is another locally grown plant extract that is used in the new Trillium line. Barnett

states, “We love this extract because of its long history of medicinal use by our First Nations people and the many benefits it has been shown to address.”

Different parts of the plant have been used to treat a multitude of maladies, but the new line from Trillium includes extracts from the stem, leaves and flowers. These have been used to treat many skin problems, such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, burns and wounds.

Trillium Skincare www.trilliumskincare.ca

“I have incorporated Canadian willowherb in the lines I have developed for its anti-inflammatory benefits, its antioxidant properties and the fact that it will stop the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Products SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

53

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

MONTAGUE PHARMASAVE A community-based store that prides itself on loyalty and trust.

By Brianne Hogan Photos Evan Ceretti

"One of the things I really like about our store is the connection between the staff and the people in the community.”

- Jonathan Broderick

D

espite the darkness of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pharmasave Montague’s dedication to its community shines through as its staff continues to put the health and well-being of their customers and patients first.

“One of the things I really like about our store is the connection between the staff and the people in the community,” says pharmacist and co-owner Jonathan Broderick. “Our staff are part of the community. They take pride in helping their friends and neighbours and those connections naturally lead to great customer service.”

When it comes to customer service in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Broderick says what sets Pharmasave apart from franchises or big box stores is its “ability to

54

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

be flexible and responsive based on the needs of the community and its citizens. As we've seen with COVID-19, it is a very difficult landscape for businesses, especially ones based on the need for foot traffic in the store. As an independently-owned pharmacy, being able to make those decisions at the community and store level as opposed to a head office means we can tailor those changes to fit into the specific needs of our community.”

Safety measures for both staff and customers have been put in place, including floor markings, signage, hand sanitation stations and physical barriers for cash and pharmacy counters. The store also offers contact free delivery in the area and can do curbside pickup orders as well. As an essential service, Broderick says the safety and convenience for their customers and patients remains crucial.

“COVID-19 has illustrated the important role that community pharmacies play in addressing the healthcare needs of the community,” says Broderick.

With or without the havoc that COVID-19 has wrought, Broderick says, “Operating with our patients' needs as top priority is important and something we strive to do at all times.”

As a result of putting their customers first, Broderick says these relationships “lead to loyalty. We know it is important to always treat patients and customers how we would like to be treated.”

Broderick stresses that he doesn’t use the words "trust" or "loyalty" lightly.

“Trust or loyalty are nice words and are important, but you only can have them when you build relationships with your patients and customers,” he says.

“When they know you not just as the

pharmacist or the staff helping them, but as a person, it makes it easier for them to approach you, ask opinions about health questions or products in the store. It is nice to think that our store is a welcoming place that makes people feel comfortable and served whenever they enter.”

Pharmasave Montague 521 Main Street, Montague 902.838.2561 www.pharmasave.com

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

55

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

C

ount Connie MacPherson, owner of the Charlottetown, PEI franchise, among those lives changed. Four years ago, after the sudden death of her husband, Dave, and with a goal of taking better care of herself, MacPherson turned to Ewyn Weight Loss Studios in Ontario, where she lived at the time.

“What I really liked about Ewyn when I walked in was their approach to weight loss. It’s not a fad, you’re not going to come in and lose 20 pounds in a week; it’s more about a lifelong sustainable, healthy weight loss,” she says, noting the Ewyn approach helped her lose weight, feel healthier, and regain a sense of control.

▲ (L-R) Joyce Gregory, Connie MacPherson, Alicia Roberts

Support and Accountability Key to Client Success at Ewyn Weight Loss Studios At Ewyn Weight Loss Studios it’s all about changing habits, changing mindsets, and ultimately changing lives.

By Laura Jean Grant Photos Evan Ceretti

56

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

So, when an opportunity to bring Ewyn Weight Loss Studios to her home province of PEI opened up, MacPherson jumped at the chance. Since opening the Charlottetown franchise in 2018, MacPherson and health coaches Joyce Gregory and Alicia Roberts have seen clients of all ages and all weight loss goals – whether it be 10 lbs. or 150 lbs.

– achieving great results.

“It’s really rewarding to see people succeed,” says MacPherson. “You get invested in them personally and they become part of the Ewyn family and the clients are all very supportive of each other. No one is in it alone.”

heart of the Ewyn Weight Loss Studios approach.

“I’ve watched so many men and women transform their bodies and become healthier every day. Knowing I can help people achieve goals they never knew were possible until walking in our doors, has been the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done,” notes Roberts.

“Helping others to achieve their goals and dreams is a true joy,” adds Gregory.

Meal planning that incorporates everyday grocery items and one-onone health coaching on everything from exercise to eating habits are at the

“Our plan is about healing your body with healthy food that your body needs which is why we don’t cut out any food group. It’s more about changing habits,” explains MacPherson, noting that some people struggle with eating enough of the right foods, while for others evening snacking is the issue. “Everyone has a different struggle.”

“I have lost close to 80 lbs, I have lost the pain I had in both my knees … and I have gained so much more, including a boost in my self-esteem, a healthier lifestyle, and great new friendships.” – Angela “Anyone who is genuine and wants to lose weight - Ewyn is your answer. It definitely was mine.” - Pauline

MacPherson says staff support clients through all stages of the weight loss process.

“Ewyn gave me confidence for the first time in my life. I have more energy and am not sore anymore.” - Sharon

“It’s not hit your goal and done, we’re with you throughout everything. It’s about overall health, mentally and physically.”

“I feel so much healthier and happier fueling my body with nutrition. I’m down 35 lbs and have never felt better.” - Emily

Ewyn Weight Loss Studios 15 St. Peters Road, Charlottetown 902.892.1011 ewynstudiocharlottetown@gmail.com

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

57

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

RESTORE AND DESTRESS WITH YOGA Looking for the perfect yoga for you and your lifestyle? Here's how you can tell the difference between Anusara and Ashtanga, or hot yoga and Hatha.

By Jacqui Chaisson Photo Gabrielle Elleirbag 58

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

ANUSARA

HOT YOGA

RESTORATIVE

Developed by American yogi John Friend in 1997, Anusara yoga is a relative newcomer to the yoga world.

Based on the belief that we’re all filled with an intrinsic goodness, Anusara seeks to use the physical practice of yoga to help students open their hearts, experience grace, and let their inner goodness shine through. Classes, which are specifically sequenced by the teacher to explore one of Friend's Universal Principles of Alignment, are rigorous for the body and the mind.

There are many types of hot yoga; the sequences vary from style to style, although Bikram is considered the original form of hot yoga.

Temperatures in the room and method of heating varies, but typically temperature would fall between 33 and 40 degrees Celsius. Keep in mind that the more regularly you practice hot yoga, the more your body will acclimatize to the heat.

Restorative yoga is a delicious way to relax and soothe frayed nerves.

Restorative classes use bolsters, blankets, and blocks to prop students in passive poses so the body can experience the benefits of a pose without having to exert any effort.

A good restorative class is more rejuvenating than a nap. Studios and gyms often offer them on Friday nights, when just about everyone could use some profound rest.

ASHTANGA Ashtanga is based on ancient yoga teachings, but it was popularized and brought to the West by Pattabhi Jois (pronounced "pah-tah-bee joyce") in the 1970s. It's a rigorous style of yoga that follows a specific sequence of postures and is similar to vinyasa yoga, as each style links every movement to a breath. The difference is that Ashtanga always performs the exact same poses in the exact same order. This is a hot, sweaty, physically demanding practice.

HATHA Hatha yoga is a generic term that refers to any type of yoga that teaches physical postures. Nearly every type of yoga class taught in the West is hatha yoga. When a class is marketed as hatha, it generally means that you will get a gentle introduction to the most basic yoga postures. You probably won't work up a sweat in a hatha yoga class, but you should end up leaving class feeling longer, looser, and more relaxed.

Proponents of hot yoga love it for its detoxification benefits, and the fact that it increases heart rate. It also allows for greater focus on breath and mental awareness, and allows you to move safely and deeper into postures.

IYENGAR Iyengar yoga was developed and popularized by B.K.S. Iyengar (pronounced "eye-yen-gar"). Iyengar is a very meticulous style of yoga, with utmost attention paid to finding the proper alignment in a pose. In order to help each student find the proper alignment, an Iyengar studio will stock a wide array of yoga props — blocks, blankets, straps, chairs, bolsters are all common. There isn't a lot of jumping around in Iyengar classes, so you won't get your heart rate up, but you'll be amazed to discover how physically and mentally challenging it is to stay put. Iyengar teachers must undergo a comprehensive training — if you have an injury or chronic condition, Iyengar is probably your best choice to ensure you get the knowledgeable instruction you need.

VINYASA Vinyasa (pronounced "vin-yah-sah") is a Sanskrit word for a phrase that roughly translates as "to place in a special way," referring—in hatha yoga—to a sequence of poses.

Vinyasa classes are known for their fluid, movement-intensive practices.

Vinyasa teachers choreograph their classes to smoothly transition from pose to pose, and often play music to keep things lively. The intensity of the practice is similar to Ashtanga, but no two vinyasa classes are the same. If you hate routine and love to test your physical limits, vinyasa may be just your ticket.

Check to see which types of yoga are available in your area and try a few out to determine which one is perfect for you.

Always consult with your doctor before begining any new exercise regimen.

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

59

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

60

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

Meet Dr. Jayne Toombs Family Vision Centre

By Kristen Johnson Photos Kimberly Rashed

Dr. Toombs has been practicing optometry for 31 years as a part of Family Vision Centre in Charlottetown.

After growing up in Kensington, she completed a BSc in nutrition from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax followed by a graduate degree in optometry in Glasgow, Scotland.

When she is not behind a phoropter (that is the instrument with all the dials and knobs), you can find her biking, camping and enjoying time with her friends.

Q and A: What is your favourite part of your job?

Many of my patients are like family.

I saw them when they were children and now I’m seeing their children.

One of my favourite parts of being in this health profession is that I get to help improve people’s quality of life by improving their vision and taking care of their eye health. I love being able to interact and learn about so many people every day.

What is the importance of a regular eye exam?

Regardless of age or visual ability, it’s important to have your eyes examined regularly. Vision and eyesight are often taken for granted, but even a slight

visual impairment can cause lifelong challenges.

Should you have your eyes checked even if you do not think you need glasses?

An eye health exam is a comprehensive assessment. During the exam, the optometrist not only determines the need for glasses, but looks for diseases as well. Some eye diseases are painless and can eventually cause you to lose your eyesight. Diseases such as diabetes and hypertension have secondary effects on the eyes that can cause blindness.

How often should people have an eye exam?

Adults ages 20-64 should be checked every two years, while people ages 65 and older should be examined annually.

At what age should children have their first eye exam?

should have their first eye exam between birth and 24 months old.

Preschool children should be screened every two years and children ages 6-19 every year.

What changes have been made at Family Vision Centre due to COVID-19?

We have made many changes as directed by the province of PEI. There are several clear barriers in place, as well as decals and arrows on the floor to indicate traffic flow. Some seating has been removed to allow for social distancing. High touch areas are cleaned frequently and all frames are cleaned after being tried on. We have limited the number of people in the office at one time, and all are wearing masks.

Family Vision Centre 111 Pownal St, Charlottetown 902.566.4418 www.familyvisioncentre.com

Many factors influence the frequency of eye exams, but in general, a child

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

61

HOME EDITOR

IT'S GOOD TO BE HOME FOR THE SUMMER Welcome to The Home and Cottage section of PEI Living Magazine Summer 2020. It is an absolutely beautiful summer to be here in Prince Edward Island. Despite living under so many restrictions Islanders have come together. And while this year has been a time of uncertainty and change it is one that has come with found opportunities.

There are so many positive and healthy takeaways from our shared situation.

We have been forced to take stock of our health. More than ever people are enjoying fresh air activities like taking a time out for a walk or a run, going for a bike ride or enjoying water sports like swimming, paddle boarding or kayaking.

Encouragement to “Staycation” means getting the chance to enjoy this wonderful Island we call home.

A moment to explore Prince Edward Island by taking part in local activities, exploring parks and beaches. This is also a great time to support our local shops, restaurants and markets.

Inside our homes people have been tackling organization and home improvement projects that perhaps would otherwise have been put off for another day. People are discovering new past times like the joy of baking and/ or cooking. Gardening has become the new “it thing”. More than ever before we are growing our own fresh veggies and herbs in whatever space we have available whether in the ground or in container pots.

For the Home and Cottage features we have put together a few DIY projects that are easy to do in a weekend. We are showcasing a coastal cottage renovation sure to inspire you with its laid back vibes and hip style. We were invited into the outdoor spaces of real Islanders homes. A chance to explore and share how they are #peiliving, decorating, designing and creating their own personal outdoor havens. A round up of patios, decks, pools, gardens and entertaining areas.

Home really is where the heart is. Take care and best to all.

Read PEI Living Magazine online: www.issuu.com/peilivingmagazine

62

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

Susan Snow susan@pei-living.ca

H O M E & C OT TA G E TAKE COMFORT

FIRE IT UP Create ambiance and a focal point for your seating arrangement with a propane fire table, a wood burning fire pit or a patio chiminea. A well-placed propane patio heater on your deck will keep you cozy and warm on the chilly summer evenings and into the fall.

Cozy up your yard with comfy and long-lasting furniture.

Investing in low maintenance and durable materials like teak, resin, mesh and metal will offer years of use and longevity. Sunbrella fabric, which is fade and water resistant, is a great choice for outdoor cushions.

GO FOR THE GLOW Make a style statement with lighting.

Whether it’s all-the-rage string lights, solar lanterns, twinkle lights, garden spotlights or LED pathway lights, having various types of lighting will add to the evening atmosphere.

OUTSIDE

ENTERTAINING ESSENTIALS

IS THE NEW INSIDE Up your home staycation game with your own personal outdoor oasis. Ideal for lounging, reading and a natural gathering spot for playing board games or entertaining with friends, give your outdoor spaces some extra love and attention this summer.

Melamine or plastic dinnerware and glasses are the perfect patio accessories. Available in endless patterns or colours to suit your dĂŠcor. Non-breakable, they are family friendly, party ready and the ideal choice for poolside usage.

Susan

GET GROWING

MADE IN THE SHADE

Flowers and plants are a must have. Make your outdoor spaces pretty by adding pops of colour to your patio with flowering baskets, planter boxes and potted greenery.

Consider trying your hand at container growing by planting veggie and herb pots or mini gardens for yummy late summer harvest.

Stylish market umbrellas will add interest and shelter from the hot sun.

Look for a sturdy metal posts, a tilting option and heavy-duty bases when purchasing your umbrella.

If you have the space, other options to consider are installing awnings, sun sails, pergolas and/or gazebos.

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

63

H O M E & C O T TA G E

A Breath of Fresh Air Out with the old and in with the new. A seaside retreat gets a stylish makeover in keeping with the times.

Words & Photos by Susan Snow Designed by Moving Designz

t

his renovation mainly consisted of easy cosmetic updates such as paint, lighting and new furniture and colourful accessories.

The dated kitchen and bathrooms needed to be completely gutted and replaced with new plumbing fixtures and cabinetry.

You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.

The main entrance to the house is through a sunroom that is flooded with light from a wall of windows and doors on either end of the room, allowing a cool sea breeze to flow through. Painting the original honey coloured pine walls, trim work and ceilings white instantly transformed the walls with an up to date shiplap feature. The space went from feeling dark and cramped to bright and airy.

New wall sconces featuring clear glass shades and a large flower petal mirror were added to bounce light throughout the space.

A newly purchased cottage located on the north shore of Prince Edward Island had almost everything the homeowners could think of; a fabulous ocean view, a peaceful location and loads of space for family and friends.

A wicker resin sofa from the homeowners’ main residence was the perfect addition to create seating.

A cozy place to spread out and read or catch an afternoon cat nap.

Grounding the space and adding a layer of colour is a durable indoor/ outdoor area rug. The sunroom was short on closet space so a rustic armoire was sourced from a local antique shop and given a fresh coat of green paint. Hooks and shelving inside the unit contain out of sight storage space to tuck away coats, footwear, umbrellas and whatnot, clearing the clutter.

before SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

65

The first floor is open plan and encompasses four zones; the dining area, a casual four piece seating area, the living room and the kitchen. The eclectic furniture pieces were selected in natural materials and together harmoniously create a calm earthy pared down beach style.

A weathered buffet cabinet in a washed cream colour features stunning hand carved doors reminiscent of the soft wood tones found in driftwood that can be found at the beach close by. Double duty; it cleverly houses extra storage space for dishware, napkins, placemats and other accessories.

In the living room, two navy sofas are topped with an assortment of brightly-coloured toss cushions, adding a fun punch of pattern. The area rug and window shades are made from natural elements of woven seagrass and bamboo.

before 66

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

The cabinets were painted with Benjamin Moore Hale Navy.

before â—„The floating shelves display a pretty collection of day to day dishware. A roman shade with a pretty floral print adds a nice pop of colour and can be closed when the cottage is not in use.

▲ The original kitchen was removed and replaced with a clean coastal modern style. The footprint of the original kitchen remained the same, saving the homeowners money, since they didn’t have to move any electrical or plumbing fixtures.

The white upper and lower navy cabinets in combination with floating shelves visually expand the kitchen, making it feel larger. Classic white marble hexagon tile was used in the backsplash along with a low maintenance white solid surface countertop. A deep square stainless steel sink, a modern pull-down faucet and all new stainless steel appliances take this kitchen from drab to fab.

before ▲ The master suite’s original layout had a door that opened into the sleeping area.

Flipping the bed’s location, the room opened up with more space. The master bed is decked out with gorgeous navy bedding with accent cushions in orange and taupe. White-washed wood furniture and bedside lamps flow with the rest of the cottage. ▲ A seating nook to one side of the room makes good use of the room's low under-eave location. Two down-filled slipcovered swivel rocking chairs in a blue and white ticking stripe fabric compliment the rest of the bedroom's décor.

68

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

A charming bedside table was painted in a bright coral and then slightly distressed, adding a pop of colour and inspiration for the colour scheme.

before

With the three extra bedrooms the cottage has enough room to accommodate five guests. The single beds can be pushed together to create a king-size bed when needed. Walls were stripped of fussy borders and repainted a pale neutral shade of gray. This wall colour was painted in throughout cottage including the guest rooms.

A couple of inexpensive hardware store five panel doors were used as headboards after they were cut down and attached to the wall at the head of the beds. In the downstairs double bedroom the original brass beds sprang to life with an application of white spray paint.

Thank you to the homeowners who invited us to share their beautifil spaces.

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

69

H O M E & C O T TA G E

Experience stress-free contemporary living at THE GOWER Luxury Apartments in Parkdale

By Brianne Hogan Photos Evan Ceretti

If you’re looking for a taste of contemporary living in Charlottetown, realtor Kris Fournier suggests taking a look at The Gower. Located in the established neighbourhood of Parkdale, the luxury apartment complex features modern designs and high-end amenities and is only minutes away from downtown Charlottetown.

Fournier says the apartments are for those “who are desiring stress free living.” With easy access to a wide variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment venues, along with a beautiful view of the Hillsborough River, the rental units range from $1550 $3000 and feature both two-bedroom, two-bathroom and one-bedroom, onebathroom options. All units include sleek interior features such as stainless steel appliances and solid surface countertops in addition to in-suite laundry and an en suite bathroom. For even more added space, each unit has a private balcony area, and storage

70

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

options are plentiful, with walk-in closets within each room, as well as available basement storage. Heat and AC is also included in the rent. Another bonus? Each unit is pet-friendly too.

Fournier says, coming from a construction background, he naturally felt connected to the development and became involved thanks to having previously worked with the developers.

“They knew my knowledge and passion for the industry and personability. I was following the development of the project and I was thrilled to assist them in the renting of the units.”

There are multiple perks to the Gower luxury apartments, including heated underground parking, an elevator, outside guest parking, secured entries, and even a common room with a kitchenette for bigger events. Not to mention, for those who are transitioning from a house to apartment living, there is the added bonus of easy maintenance—meaning no shoveling or yard work. The Gower is also just minutes away from downtown Charlottetown, J. Frank MacAulay Park, Belvedere Golf Club and Red Shores Racetrack & Casino, which gives residents a slew of options when it comes to enjoying the sights of the city.

“It seemed like a natural fit to help people transition and downsize from their homes to these beautiful units,” says Fournier of renting the units.

“I enjoy helping people find homes regardless if it's selling or renting them a place.”

UNITS RANGE FROM $1550 - $3000 All units include: • Six-piece appliance set • Private balcony • Heat and A/C • In-suite laundry • One or two bedrooms • One or two baths • En suite bath • Walk-in closet • Air exchange system • Underground parking spot

RE/MAX Charlottetown Realty 268 Grafton Street, Charlottetown 902.629.4889 kris@krisfournier.com www.weknowpei.com

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

71

H O M E & C O T TA G E

MATERIAL GIRL FABRICS & CUSTOM SEWING

By Jacqui Chaisson

72

Christine Zareck saw a need in the market for custom sewing and beautiful fabrics, and using her entrepreneurial super skills, offered a solution. Material Girl opened for business in March 2018.

Since then Zareck has proven her company can sew anything!

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

Material Girl Fabrics offers “sew” much more than custom sewing. Her North River Road location is home to the most amazing array of fabric choices for the discerning D.I.Y. home decorator or industry professional.

“I’m really excited to offer selections from Stout Fabrics, which has so many beautiful options in bold botanicals, whimsical prints and sumptuous textures for 2020,” said Zareck. In fact, Material Girl is the exclusive distributor in the Maritimes for this exceptional brand.

Zareck invites you to come into her Charlottetown showroom and let her knowledgeable staff assist you in finding the perfect, on-trend choice for

▼ BOTANICAL Look for bold, oversized florals or sweet botanical prints. Mix and match with your favourite solid colours, bringing your desgn together.

◄ WHIMSICAL Add that fun touch of whimsy to your decor with animal prints and stylized botanicals. Large scale prints or delicate patterns make it easy to personalize your space.

Whimsical

the Blues

Botanical ▲ THE BLUES 2020 Pantone Color of the Year is Classic Blue, a shade reminiscent of the sky at dusk. You’re going to see this hue in everything from home decor to high fashion.

T

AL

GIRL F A

B

DA

S

T

A

O

M

N

S

At Material Girl, you’re welcomed into the showroom by the shop’s friendly Papillons: Bobbin and Stitches, but you’ll stay for the knowledgeable advice and friendly conversation.

RI

IC

E

CU

Material Girl offers custom sewing, repairs and alterations for both interior and exterior applications. “We have an extensive array of custom solutions for your home decor needs, such as window treatments like draperies and Roman shades, as well as upholstery, slipcovers and accent cushions.”

Zareck offers her clients in-home consultations and the option to bring in the fabric of their choice for any custom sewing project.

Fabric brands they offer include: Stout, Kravet, Robert Allen, Fabricut, Maxwell, JF Fabrics, Alendel, Ennis, Charlotte, Barrow and Unique. All fabric shown is available at Material Girl.

R

“This year, blue is the new grey, so take the opportunity to update your home by incorporating this versatile hue into your decor. Also look for tranquil hues and lots of texture for 2020,” said Zareck.

Material Girl can also provide custom solutions for your outdoor requirements. They use high quality Sunbrella outdoor fabrics for essentials such as patio enclosures and outdoor furniture, plus specialty items like boat canvas/covers, vinyl flooring and clear vinyl replacement.

MA

completing your project and adding an instant touch of personality to your home.

SEWING C

A

Material Girl Fabrics 565 North River Road, Charlottetown materialgirl.pei@gmail.com 902.218.7128 SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

73

H O M E & C O T TA G E

Sunny Side

OU T From gorgeous outdoor rooms to patios, decks and gardens, Prince Edward Island really does live up to its reputation as the Garden of the Gulf. Whether big or small and everything in between, we were invited to put the spotlight on the backyards of Islanders and how they get the most from out of their outdoor spaces.

Words and photos by Susan Snow, Home Editor

An "egg-cellent" idea.

Rural Islanders are renting backyard chickens.

Important Tip: When thinking about a pool, a homeowner needs to ensure their enclosure meets local bylaws and requirements such as proper fencing.

â–˛ RESORTING AT HOME Creating their own personal backyard holiday spin, more and more Islanders are taking the plunge and investing in backyard pools. Once considered a luxury item, backyard pools are now becoming normal. When the weather's hot, there is nothing quite like the convenience of walking out of your door and taking a refreshing dip, or spending a summer afternoon playing in the water and lounging by the pool with kids, family and friends.

Inspired by resort style living, this yard was turned into a calm tranquil oasis. The star of the outdoor space is the fifty-four by twelve foot lap style pool in an inviting shade of aqua blue, a colour that is echoed in the poolside umbrella. Bringing life to the pool deck the homeowners,

have a wide assortment of plants, flowers, shrubs and a perennial flower border along the fence featuring low maintenance ferns and hostas. An oversized sectional sofa, chairs and loungers provide plenty of seating options.

A propane powered fire table takes the chill off at night and the area is lit with string lights strung over the pool and seating area. â—„ A SUMMER SHADE GARDEN Endless Summer blue hydrangea plants flourish in the partially shaded seating area. Developed to bloom nonstop from early summer to late fall, this low maintenance perennial shrub is a favourite among gardeners for its capacity to fill in spaces and continuously produce beautiful large flowers all season long.

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

75

THE SLEEPING PORCH Hearkening back to days-goneby, these homeowners elevated the luxury of outdoor living by bringing back the sleeping porch.

With its overhead ceiling and halfwalls nothing could be more inviting than this fully furnished, private sanctuary, located on the second floor of an Island heritage home. Filled to the brim with loads of colour, texture, flowers and artwork, this is the place dreams are made of.

(Photo by The Black House)

▲ SHELTERING OUTSIDE With uninterrupted views to the yard and the gardens beyond, this sunroom offers an extension of outdoor living space. Surrounded by screened in windows and doors, it protects the homeowners from unwanted pesky mosquitoes and flies, along with wind, rain and direct sunshine. Filled with cheerful colours and all-weather furnishings, it is a perfect spot for an afternoon nap, a game of cards or an evening spent listening to the sounds of nature.

► GREEN LIVING This is every gardener’s dream room, your very own greenhouse. Under the glassed-in roof and walls, this slice of heaven and relaxation is one corner of a busy working greenhouse. On one side of the greenhouse (not shown) is everything needed to start and your own garden, the pots, bags of soil, and garden tools. With loads of extra space in the building, the homeowners decided to make it the ultimate greenhouse by adding a comfy lounge chair and a bistro table and chair set. When window coverings on the roof are open, it makes the perfect spot for stargazing or a moonlit meal.

Thank you to the homeowners who invited us to share their beautifil spaces.

76

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

A sleeping porch: the perfect spot to chill out, nap, read a book, play Scrabble or enjoy an afternoon happy hour with guests.

â–˛ DINING AL FRESCO Nothing is better than a casual meal outside on a beautiful summer day or evening. All you need is a table and chair set, and an umbrella to protect against a sudden light rain. The homeowners took it one step further and added a rug to visually anchor the space. Strategically placed vines and trees along the fence provide atmosphere, intimacy and privacy. (Photo by The Black House)

â—„ A FISH TALE Very few homes on the Island have their own private fishponds. This homeowner created a backyard patch of paradise by installing numerous connecting pools. This one little corner of the pool is filled with water flowers, lily pads and an abundance of colourful koi and goldfish. What started as a small colony of a couple of fish has grown into hundreds over the years. The secret to keeping them thriving in our cold climate is a very deep pond. They are hardy fish and will go into dormancy during the coldest of winters by hanging out at the bottom of the pool where temperatures are the warmest.

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

77

H O M E & C O T TA G E

78

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

A New Way To Connect With Clients

By Katie Ingram Photos Sara Bakker The pandemic will eventually end, but it may change PEI’s real estate market indefinitely.

“We’re seeing a number of trends emerging right now,” says Thamara Paparoni, a realtor with Provincial Realty who works in both the Charlottetown and Cornwall areas.

Paparoni speaks fluent Spanish, and says it’s her varied life experiences, which have included living on three continents—and in 14 different houses—that help her stand out and connect with clients. She recognizes that life and business aren't as they were.

“The pandemic has forever changed people. They are seeking safety and they are nesting. This will eventually take demand for PEI properties to levels previously unimaginable.”

Paparoni says Canadians' desire for safety is translating into more sales, as out of province buyers are considering property purchases in PEI. “I’m getting inquiries from people who want to get away from cities and come to a place that’s considered safe, but still has a great quality of life,” she says. “As someone who moved to PEI from a heavily populated area in South America, I can relate. The trend is obvious to me.”

The pandemic has also changed local buyers’ views toward recreational properties.

“Folks are using their annual vacation budget to put toward a cottage property so they can enjoy all that our island has to offer,” says Paparoni.

“Disney World doesn’t look so appealing anymore.”

Both trends are expected to drive demand, so property prices on the Island are expected to increase as well.

“It’s still early days, but the beginnings of a strong trend are here,” says Paparoni. “Unfortunately, most people don’t spot a trend until it’s too late.”

to quickly adapt that has led to her success.

It’s no surprise that Paparoni was the recent recipient of the Provincial Realty Titanium Award, which awards team members with some of the highest sales in the company. “Her business continues to grow dramatically each year with her easygoing, positive attitude,” says her broker, Greg MacDougall.

She is currently working with both local and off-Island buyers.

Technology has also become an important tool in the real estate industry, she adds. Along with using Zoom for work, realtors can also use 3D virtual tours to show off their listings.

“People are buying properties without ever setting foot in them. Demand for Provincial’s 3D camera technology has never been stronger,” says Paparoni.

“Why live in fear in a big city when you can buy a palace in rural PEI and work using Zoom?”

If Paparoni is right, PEI’s real estate market will look very different a few years from now, but it's her ability

Thamara Paparoni - Provincial Realty 18 Great George Street, Charlottetown 902.316.1623 thamara.paparoni@provincialrealty.ca www.thamarapaparoni.com

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

79

H O M E & C O T TA G E

Island Business Offers International Artistry

By Story Sheidow Photos Sara Bakker Do you want a bathroom sink best described as “basic”, “simple”, or even just “white,” or one made from millionyear-old trees that have petrified to stone? In a nutshell, that’s the difference between Wicker Emporium and other major retail furniture outlets.

Unlike most furniture stores, which carry large brands and resell the same items time and time again, Wicker Emporium focuses on unique and often one-of-a-kind furniture pieces and repurposed décor that can truly be described as art. Stephanie Briggs, owner of Wicker Emporium in Charlottetown, can’t help but get excited when talking about the subject. “Some of my favourites are our reclaimed wood items; it’s always reassuring to know that things can have many lives. For instance, we have tables made from old Indian wooden houses, dressers made from very old window shutters, we even had a wall unit made from a 150-year-old canoe.

Oh, and I forgot to mention an old favourite of mine, a bar made from the front of a VW camper van- complete with working headlamps!”

“Our products are from literally around the world, for example: India, Indonesia, Croatia, Italy, and Ukraine and of course, Canada,” explains Briggs. “We have our own designs manufactured by trusted partners that fit the style we believe will both stand the test of time and look good in both

80

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

► Stephanie Briggs, owner (Photo by Jenna MacFarlane)

modern and country settings. Our goal is to provide 'something different,' be it an item of furniture or a beautiful accent piece that may well become a treasured heirloom.” Briggs adds, “Virtually all products are hand-picked by myself, not out of a catalogue or from a website, but straight from the country of origin.”

Being an independent, privately owned business, Briggs has been able to instill her own values into the Wicker Emporium brand- something she finds imperative in this day and age. “The ‘Wicker’ brand is 50 years old, and the world has come a long way in those 50 years, and small as we are, we want to play our part in continuing to make it a better place for us all to live in harmony and re-use and protect it wherever we can,” says Briggs.

Thankfully, now more than ever, consumers are looking for that “greener option” when buying new items. And no matter your style, be it rustic, wabi-sabi, or Scandinavian, Wicker Emporium has something that will surely enchant you, while leaving that "buyer’s guilt" behind.

In these current times, where we’re all spending a little TOO much time at home, interior design projects have been in full force for many Islanders.

From de-cluttering to complete room makeovers, we’re all realizing how important it is to create a space you can love, and support local businesses while doing so. For this reason, many

are choosing Wicker Emporium when looking for something new. “Our plan is to continue to offer the best products we can in furniture and décor to grace people’s homes and make them feel good, that’s a big plus point during a lockdown,” says Briggs. “For us it’s now business as usual, but just in a slightly unusual way!”

Wicker Emporium 43 Babineau Avenue, Charlottetown 902.370.9245 www.facebook.com/wickeremporiumSpencerDrive www.wickeremporium.ca

E X P E RT A DV I C E - H O M E B U I L D E R

TRENDS IN CUSTOM HOME BUILDING

By Darren MacKenzie

82

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

2020 has been a year of change, a year that has introduced a new normal. The events of the last eight months have made us appreciate our homes more than ever before and the home building trends you'll see for the next few years reflect this fact.

Prefab or Manufactured Prefabricated homes are not a new thing on the market, but are often able to achieve a higher standard of quality than site-built homes where the raw materials and shell of the house are often left exposed to the weather for extended periods of time. In addition, the uncertain and unpredictable weather in Canada, and on the Island in particular, can affect the timeline dramatically.

air quality in homes, especially with builds that are well-sealed and energy efficient. In addition, consumers are looking for healthier cabinetry materials that are formaldehyde-free. A popular trend in Europe, some manufacturers across North America may already be offering formaldehyde-free kitchens and bathrooms.

Natural Light

Manufactured builds also avoid labour overruns and damaged materials from lying in the rain. Indoor shop manufacturing also lends itself better to material reuse and recycling, as smaller pieces of wood and Insulation can be sorted, stored and later reused.

Windows are not just for taking advantage of the views. The trend of installing not just larger windows but more windows is assisted by the more energy efficient windows available on the market. Larger windows help with passive heating and cooling and eliminate the need for turning on lights during daylight hours.

Green Building

Laneway Houses

Focusing on greener building practices has become less of a trend and more expected in the building industry.

The higher cost of energy combined with an increasing awareness of the global climate crisis is a driving force behind more energy-efficient home construction. Everything from installing solar panels to choosing more energy efficient windows and doors can make a build greener.

Larger Canadian cities like Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver are encouraging existing home owners to build laneway or coach houses. With an aging population these smaller builds can be used as in-law suites, guest accommodations or rental income opportunities. Typically these builds are smaller in square footage and built to be energy efficient.

Passive Heating and Cooling Passive heating and cooling in homes is simply a matter of determining where the sun exposure is, and trying to capture and keep as much of that heat as you can in the winter while keeping it out in the summer. The position of the sun, the placement of shade trees or other natural features of your lot can create natural ways to control your home's heating or cooling requirements.

Healthier Homes New non-toxic building products are introduced to the market regularly, but what is important is when consumers ask for more eco-friendly material options. Homeowners are more concerned with protecting indoor

design a truly unique home. Be aware that converting a historic building can become a bottomless pit for your budget, ensure you have the building inspected throughly before moving ahead with any plans.

It's exciting and rewarding to plan and build a home. Whether it's your first home or the dream home you've been planning for years, it will be a memorable event in your lifetime.

Darren MacKenzie Master Builder/Owner MacKenzie Builder Services Ltd.

Mass Timber Panels Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and Mass Timber Panels (MTP) are more frequently replacing metal and solid wood as structural beams in buildings and homes. Although this has not yet become a popular choice on the Island, it is a great trend towards preserving natural resources and old growth trees, as they are made from post-industrial waste wood as well as smaller dimension trees from logging that are normally too small for any commercial use.

MacKenzie Builder Services Ltd. 262 Howe Point Road, Eglington 902.687.1508 C: 902.969.0425 E: darren@mackenziebuilders.ca www.mackenziebuilders.ca

Historic Conversions Converting a church or barn into a home isn't something new, but it's increasing in popularity. In addition to preserving historic or existing buildings, it allows the homeowner to SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

83

H O M E & C O T TA G E

Michele Harmer of Powerhouse Realty PEI Inc. Real Estate Expertise With a Side of Legal "Know How"

By Brianne Hogan Photos Story Thorburn

“I moved to PEI April 2013 from the U.K. with one suitcase, no job and nowhere to live,” recalls real estate agent Michele Harmer of Powerhouse Realty PEI Inc. “I was relatively young and my husband and I wanted an adventure and to find somewhere amazing to start a family. We found that here on PEI.”

84

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

W

hile Harmer worked in law back in the U.K., she soon established herself as a realtor on the Island. It wasn’t a far jump for Harmer as her grandfather was a real estate agent in Ireland, and her uncle and cousin are both realtors.

“I’ve always been around people talking about property prices and fluctuations in the market,” she says. “It’s something that naturally interests me, from seeing how house prices change depending on social and economic factors to seeing people buy their first home and feel that homeownership pride for the first time.”

When it comes to what makes her stand out as a realtor, Harmer says her law education and legal background have helped tremendously when it comes to helping her real estate clients wade through the often confusing legal jargon.

“I can explain it to them in straightforward terms. Especially as a first time home buyer, when you see the amount of paperwork involved and contractual terms, it can feel like you are signing your life away without really understanding what’s happening,” she says. “I’m able to explain every part of the contract and explain the reasoning behind why it’s even in the contract so that my clients are well informed and feel that their interests are being protected.”

Protection has certainly come to mean something new during this uncertain time of COVID-19. Harmer ensures that she and Powerhouse Realty have invested in new ways of being able to support their clients safely and efficiently, including using teleconferencing, and investing in new tools such as a 360-degree camera that allows the realtors to virtually show and market homes without the need for physical showings. They have also implemented the use of

face visors and infrared thermometers which they use to check if clients have a fever. “At first, there was some understandable concern about showing and listing houses, but we’ve actually seen the market take off in an unexpected way,” she says. “Prices remained stable during COVID and now that restrictions have lifted, we’re experiencing an overwhelming amount of buyers' interest.”

Currently Harmer is showing a picturesque three-bedroom, threebath house located in the heart of Charlottetown at 16 Lansdowne Avenue in Brighton. A perfect family home located on a quiet street with mature trees, the residence is close to schools and Victoria Park, and has a private deck area, garage and a stunning balcony staircase.

Harmer says she’s “very optimistic” about the future of PEI’s real estate market. “The market has bounced back strong after COVID, we still have houses being listed and we’ve never had such a high demand from buyers,” she says. “Our ability as an island to respond to COVID and contain the spread has made us a desirable location in an unexpected but beneficial way.”

Michele Harmer Powerhouse Realty PEI Inc. 902.940.7382 michele@powerhouserealtypei.com www.powerhouserealtypei.com

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

85

H O M E & C O T TA G E

SOLAR TAKING ITS TURN IN THE SPOTLIGHT

By Laura Jean Grant Photos Evan Ceretti

T

here’s nothing quite like a gorgeous, sunny summer day in Prince Edward Island. Whether it’s a day at the beach, a round of golf with friends, or a visit to an Island attraction, having the sun shine just adds to the experience.

But sunny days have an added bonus for a growing number of PEI homeowners who are turning to solar power. Nick Campbell, a resident of Cornwall, is one of them.

“To see the power that we’re producing right now makes a sunny day that much more enjoyable,” he said, noting that he is excited by the possibilities since having solar panels installed a few months ago. “We have a nearly directly south-facing roof so we’re a nearly ideal candidate for solar. We should be net zero this year, so we will generate so much in the summer that it should offset our use for the winter. We

“We want to be a community player and have long-term roots in PEI.” - Shamor Paul

should come very close to, or possibly even do better than net zero with the system we have right now.”

Campbell said he had been considering switching to solar for some time now, but it became more affordable recently with the solar rebate through efficiencyPEI and the turnkey solution provided by Sunly Energy and Polaron Solartech, the companies he chose to guide him through his transition to solar power.

“It was very smooth, very easy, and there was great communication the whole way, explaining what had to be done,” he said. “They helped prepare the paperwork for us and went through it all with me beforehand. Actually, every single point of contact we’ve had with Sunly has been excellent.”

Shamor Paul, a civil engineer and co-founder of Sunly Energy, said

being upfront with customers, educating them, and ensuring they are comfortable with all aspects of the technology and process just makes good business sense. From the initial consultation, to site assessments, design, financing and rebate approvals, installation and post-install customer support, Sunly and Polaron Solartech work with their customers to simplify what can be a daunting process.

“Solar is definitely something that is recognizable these days but not fully understood. Having people understand exactly what it is, how it’s going to help them both immediately and in the long term, ultimately means that they’re going to have a more positive experience,” said Paul, noting they help with the smallest of details, from pre-installation paperwork and permits right down to post-installation seasonal panel tilting on the ground mount systems. “For the first seasonal

changeover we actually go back and show the client how to do it, the safest way to do it and things like that, so we’re not just leaving them with a manual and saying ‘good luck.’”

Paul said solar is a great way for people to take control of their energy costs while remaining connected to Maritime Electric or their local utility provider.

In addition to the financial benefits of solar, Paul said their customers – located mainly in PEI and Nova Scotia – are predominantly motivated by doing their part for the environment and reducing their carbon footprint.

“They’re looking to do things in the best interests of their community and the Island,” he said, adding that those are motivations Sunly shares. “Sunly wants to be a community player. We want to have long-term roots in PEI.”

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

87

H O M E & C O T TA G E

The Sky’s The L mit

By Story Sheidow

88

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

You no longer have to be raking in six figures to go solar. With new programs and government incentives, solar power is now more accessible than ever.

I just had panels installed at my own home this summer. So I can tell you first-hand that no, it’s not too good to be true.

- Story Sheidow

not too good to be true. Through the rebate and financing programs I was able to install a complete system and replace my monthly electric bill with a low-interest loan payment. And the best part? The extra electricity created during the summer months is banked

by Maritime Electric, and available to use in the winter when production is low.

R

ecently, the provincial government (through efficiencyPEI) launched an incredible solar rebate program: up to $10,000 back when you install a residential solar array. This, paired with great available financing options (such as Finance PEI’s 5 per cent loan program specifically offered for solar) means that solar panels are now accessible to virtually everyone who owns a home.

And I should know- I just had panels installed at my own home this summer.

So I can tell you firsthand that no, it’s

Jason Hibbard, co-founder and President of Sunly Energy, says his company has been extremely busy this year. Sunly offers a 0 per cent interest equipment lease over a 12-year term for homeowners- a great option for owners of all income levels. “In many cases, our clients are paying less to finance the system than they would for the power (kWh) charged by their utility company. This means they are actually saving money in the first year.

If someone has a decent credit rating and their property is not completely shaded by trees, solar can be very accessible to an everyday person,” says Hibbard.

relieve the stress of the unknown,” says Eye. “More and more people, especially during the current world situation, want to know exactly what they are paying per month, and for some it’s worth borrowing the money to have a fixed monthly cost, allowing for better budgeting moving forward.” Having installed the largest systems in the Maritimes, Eye has also seen a huge increase in interest in both small and large-scale systems here on the Island.

So what if you own under an acre?

For homeowners on smaller parcels of land, there are still options. Depending on the exposure and level of shade, solar panels can be mounted directly to the roof rather than on ground racks; perfect for folks in the city looking to improve both their sustainability and their property value.

So whether you’re a small or large homeowner, with a modest or sixfigure salary, solar energy is definitely worth looking into, because right now "the sky’s the limit.”

M.B. Eye Electrical also offers inhouse financing options on all of their products, and owner, Matt Eye, sees the added benefits of a locked-in financing agreement vs. a monthly electric bill. “With power rates always on the climb, and month-to-month bills, people are turning to solar to SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

89

H O M E & C O T TA G E

LET THE SUN SHINE

By Kristen Johnson Photos Omar Broderick

For eleven years, Matt Eye of M.B. Eye Electrical Inc. has been providing customers with solutions. “As fully certified electrical contractors, we offer the best products with industry leading technology,” says Eye. “Our first step is hearing the clients' needs and tailoring a specific solution to benefit the best.”

equipment to make sure the system will last, plus the right products for our region. Eye also mentions the importance of cost versus price. “We may not always be the lowest price and we are okay with that.” He believes in using the best equipment to make sure the system will be around for decades.

Eye works with all types of power, but specializes in solar. “As an electrical contractor, I have always been interested in making power,” he says.

“By that I mean anything - cars, trucks, motorcycles, generators, magnetism.

With today’s environment, it was very attractive to me to have a fuel source looking down on us every day that is not being used to its full potential.”

Of installing the solar arrays, Eye says, “Our process is pretty simple. We use a mix of old school hands-on approach with new world technology.” Panels can either go on the roof or ground, and there are several things to consider when choosing what is best for each situation. “Roof solar is tricky because not all roof structures can withstand the weight and wind forces on them with solar installed,” says Eye. “The last thing you want is your solar panels sitting in your living room in the middle of a winter storm.”

He has taken this interest in harnessing the power of the sun to grow one of PEI’s first solar installation businesses.

One of the first steps to installing solar is choosing the right equipment. At M.B. Eye, they use only the top industry

90

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

Ground mounted solar has several benefits, from perfect positioning to bifacial panels that produce energy

from both sides. Either way, “every project is engineered site specific so the client can have a total peace of mind knowing their solar investment will withstand the test of time,” says Eye. While spring tends to be a very busy time for all of us, this spring was quite different due to COVID-19. “During the pandemic, we decided as a company to close, as we felt our services were nonessential,” he states. “We wanted to be part of the solution, not the cause.

It was not an easy decision for me personally, as I have never really taken time off.”

“It was the right decision as a company to do our part. We closed for about seven weeks, bumping forward everything we could,” says Eye. “Our government has done a great job dealing with this day to day unknown and I’m very glad to be back to work and very proud to be living on PEI.”

“Solar works well on PEI because we have long sunny days and lots of forward thinking people who care about their future.”

– Matt Eye

M.B. Eye Electrical Inc. 60 St Peters Rd, Charlottetown, 902.892.8839 matt@mbeyeelectrical.com www.mbeyeelectrical.com

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

91

H O M E & C O T TA G E

Experience Outstanding Real Estate Service with MELANIE SHAW

By Kristen Johnson Photos Evan Ceretti

◄ Melanie Shaw at a unique new listing. The property includes a house with a separate suite, outbuildings for a successful dog kennel business and an acreage.

It is set in a beautiful location beside the Confederation Trail and only about 20 minutes to Charlottetown.

For over 30 years, Melanie Shaw has been selling real estate at a high level and marketing homes and businesses to find the right fit by matching the property to the buyer. “I believe that people deserve an exceptional real estate experience,” says Melanie. Her attitude and professional manner show that she strives to make her clients’ experience the very best. “Buying and selling properties is a process, and I want to help people make a

92

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

good decision by educating them and keeping them fully informed.”

listing. “My focus is to find the right buyer for each property,” says Shaw.

As a top sales representative with Royal LePage, she has a host of happy clients. “My business is based upon a steady growth of satisfied clients, which is a result of my approach to the business and the many years of strategic negotiating and situational business experience,” says Shaw.

She uses professional photos, drones and videography to help market each

Melanie lists homes of all sizes, in rural and urban settings, as well as vacation homes and acreages. She is currently listing a remarkably unique property and business. Over the years, she has helped clients to buy and sell many distinctive properties and homes, but this listing may be the most unique.

“I’ve been in the business for years and have never seen an opportunity like this,” says Shaw. The listing includes a new residence, property, and a successful business. Melanie calls this a “full package sale with everything set up and ready for you to make a new lifestyle.”

First, there is a well-established dog boarding, grooming and breeding business on-site. To house the business, there is a kennel building, reception area, grooming area, laundry room and washroom, and extra boarding spaces for smaller dogs.

The listing also boasts a beautiful new house with a fully finished basement suite. “The sellers have set up this suite as a vacation rental ‘bed and bark’ for visitors with pets. They can leave their pets on-site at the boarding facility while they day-trip around the Island,” says Shaw.

Shaw

TEAM

In addition, there is a newly built 960 square foot garage/workshop, a restored original barn and about five acres of land. The property is in Eastern PEI, and is situated just beside the Confederation Trail.

Melanie Shaw - The Shaw Team Royal LePage Prince Edward Realty 902.213.5235 melanieshawhomes@gmail.com www.shawhomes.ca

WE BELIEVE THAT YOU DESERVE AN EXCEPTIONAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

93

3 DIY WEEKEND

PROJECTS

Words & Photos By Susan Snow

BRANCH OUT Bring the outdoors in with a one of a kind nature inspired piece of furniture. I’ve seen these stumps selling for hundreds of dollars in home furnishing stores. Why not save a few dollars and make your own? I found the wood by the side of the road from a recently cut down tree, which inspired me to give it a try.

The supplies to do this project are pretty simple. A stump, the drier the better for removing the bark. A chisel and hammer to remove the bark, a power sander— if you don’t have one, they can be rented— and a small can of leftover paint. Since I had everything at home and the wood was a find, this project was free!

Steps: Peel off all the bark with the chisel and hammer. Tip: keeping the chisel vertical will help to avoid making deep chips into the wood. Once the bark is all removed let the stump dry out in the sunlight for a day. When it feels dry use the sander to buff it until the surface is smooth. Give it a few good swipes with a paintbrush to remove any dust. Choose a paint colour of your liking and paint the sides, leaving the top rings exposed, or stain it natural. And voila, your very own side table, stool or plant stand.

94

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

H O M E & C O T TA G E

PLANK CHALLENGE Have you ever tried BBQ salmon on a plank? If not, you have to try your hand at planking salmon as the smoky flavour it imparts is super delicious. I picked up some wood planks at the hardware store at very little cost. You can choose cedar or even maple. Just make sure the wood is untreated and natural.

To prepare, soak the wood planks overnight so they don’t catch fire while cooking. The planks will smoke but should not burn.

I used a whole side of salmon, but smaller fillets will work just as well. Place your fish directly on top of the plank and season it well with sea salt and fresh cracked pepper. Top it with fresh lemon slices and fresh dill weed to add even more flavour. Cook it on your grill until it is done to your liking. Impress your taste buds and your guests with this easy and tasty dish perfect for dining al fresco.

HATS OFF

If you are like me and happen to have a collection of well-loved hats that are no longer wearable, don’t throw them out. Instead create an interesting wall installation. They can be hung on the wall using pin tacks in the arrangement of your choosing. They make a great addition to an entry or a bedroom wall in place of artwork. If you don’t have any, look for them at thrift shops as a cheap and cheerful wall decoration.

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

95

H O M E & C O T TA G E

A PLACE TO CALL HOME Royal LePage’s Kimberly Rashed is passionate about helping you maximize your home's full potential.

By Brianne Hogan Photos Alaina Rashed 96

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

Royal LePage realtor Kimberly Rashed says when it comes to selling homes it’s the first-time home buyers that “always hit me in the heartstrings because it's such a special time.”

Rashed says it’s a process she doesn’t take lightly. “It’s about the feeling of having that place to call home. To make memories. To build a family. It's a very special and also scary moment all at the same time.”

Rashed says that every home buying or selling experience of hers has been meaningful in its own way. “I love what I do, so I'm excited about each and every first home, dream home, or that home we thought we might never find.”

A background in sales, including running her own photography and image consulting business, combined with a number of years' background in property title and sales for the province, naturally led Rashed to real estate.

Rashed says her experience with imagery and marketing, including being well-versed with social media platforms, combined with her passion for real estate and her clients, is what helps her stand out.

“When showing your home, you want to present it in the best possible light.

Buyers should be able to imagine themselves living there and be eager to make an offer. Purchasing a new home can often be a decision based more on emotion than on logic, so engaging all of their senses is a great way to make your home the most appealing.”

When it comes to her selling strategy, Rashed is nothing but honest with her clients. “I'm going to give it to you straight. That's my sales style. I've been passionate about sales all of my life and have been on both sides of the coin. I've always appreciated it when a salesperson would give it to me straight. We all want to make a buck but it does not do my reputation justice to get any of my clients steered in the wrong direction.”

Rashed says her enthusiasm for her job as a realtor helps her to set an example for her four children. “I want them to see that you truly can have it all. A beautiful family, a fulfilling career, all while staying true to your own personal needs. I tend to thrive under pressure and real estate certainly suits my career of choice as well as running a large family.”

As someone who’s only ever called Prince Edward Island "home," Rashed is passionate about helping clients find the same sense of sanctuary and family she’s always felt as an Islander.

“Our endless spectacular beaches, relaxed Maritime vibe, and that friendly 'know your neighbour' mentality you don’t just find anywhere. I think my love and appreciation for the island contribute to my passion in helping others find the same.”

902.628.7403 kimberly@royallepage.ca

Prince Edward Realty

Her experience with capturing the perfect shot helps her create the perfect curb appeal for your home, which means getting the interior camera-ready, and having your property in tip-top condition.

“Our endless spectacular beaches, relaxed Maritime vibe, and that friendly 'know your neighbour' mentality you don’t just find anywhere."

- Kim Rashed SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

97

H O M E & C O T TA G E

Start Fresh

By Kristen Johnson Photos Evan Ceretti

Janet and Alan Preston of Hearts and Flowers may have been in business for many years, but they get to start fresh many times a week. “We are 43 years young in this business,” says Alan Preston. “We are as old as our freshest flowers that arrive three times weekly. It’s like a new season starts with each shipment of fresh flowers and plants.”

“Our customers are kind, thoughtful people … they send flowers!” ▲(L-R) Alan and Janet Preston 98

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

- Alan Preston

▲Emilie Willis, summer staff designer

These fresh flowers make the base for Preston’s business. “I enjoy sourcing the freshest product, cutting fresh flowers in clean buckets with water treated with flower food,” he says. This is how he continues to create such beautiful and unique arrangements for his customers.

“Our customers send us orders for flowers and plants to be delivered on PEI,” he says. “We have customers all over the world who have relatives and friends on PEI.” They can all count on the arrangements from Hearts and Flowers to be fresh, healthy and made with care. Preston is proud of his product, and happy to offer it to his customers. “Our customers are kind, thoughtful people,” he says. “They send flowers!”

Hearts and Flowers is proud to offer a large variety of locally produced cut flowers, as well as flowers grown in other parts of Canada. These flowers are especially popular in weddings.

“We like to source most of our flowers for weddings here on PEI and from growers in Canada,” says Preston.

“We highlight our bouquets with local greenery from beaches and meadows of PEI that Janet and I forage to find.”

He also likes to add local flair to his seasonal bouquets. “Late summer and early autumn are highlighted with harvest arrangements. Using natural flowers, gourds, branches, berries and mosses, we celebrate the abundance

of our Island,” he says. “Warm colours, mossy textures, branches flowing in our arrangements are all used to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and the season of Thanksgiving. It’s not uncommon for us to use seashells, driftwood and our red rocks to create a design base.”

In addition to cut flowers, Hearts and Flowers carries beautiful, unique houseplants. “Each week we try to bring in a selection of young plants that our customers are looking for,” says Preston. “We only deal with suppliers who we have found to produce quality plants.” Preston and his team are happy to give advice on growing plants, as well as suggesting plants that will work in low light, medium, or high light areas of the house.

▲ Mary Langille, floral designer

“Plants have become a strong component for our recovery,” he says.

For those seeking to add a little life indoors this fall, Hearts and Flowers has beautiful planters, plant food and insect deterrent to help your houseplants thrive so that you can enjoy them long past the last summer blooms.

Hearts and Flowers 149 Great George St, Charlottetown, 902.566.1499 1.800.693.2211 www.heartsandflowers.ca

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

99

STYLE EDITOR

Shop Local: Every small purchase makes a big difference.

S

ummer is in full swing and I, for one, am HERE FOR IT!! We had a slight hiccup in the beginning (I am not going there) but we are getting a full dose of it now. Pretty sure we’re all gonna hold on tight to any shred of summer right through into early fall.

Who’s with me? To say we deserve it, is an understatement!

Each and every issue is, of course, focused on anything and everything local. I mean it is “PEI” Living afterall.

Even more so than others, in this issue I wanted to pose the question to my ever so gracious models “What does 'shop local' mean to you?” Our understanding of the importance of “local” has never been as paramount as it is today.

Let's be honest, this summer is a little different. After a heightened few months, we’re taking time to chill. We’re working from home, staycationing and taking every opportunity to soak up what we can of our fave island season. I really let life dictate fashion in this issue. We’re highlighting pieces that work double duty taking you from work to play without a second's hesitation. Cycling to work? We’ve got a denim just for you. Need a little zen on your lunch break? Stylish culottes are the way to go.

So, what does shop local mean to me?

I myself have been an entrepreneur for years. There is a true sense of community built up from hardworking, passionate local entrepreneurs. We truly love what we do and work hard to serve and support our community.

The personalized experience you get when you choose local is what sets it apart. I know myself how excited I get each time a client chooses to work with me which always motivates me to do my absolute best. You are doing that for someone each time you shop local, dine local and experience local. When our local entrepreneurs thrive, our entire community thrives.

Read PEI Living Magazine online: www.issuu.com/peilivingmagazine

100

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

Kimberly Rashed kimberly.peiliving@gmail.com (photo: Jenna Keenan)

BERMUDA BAHAMA

UTILITY JUMPSUIT

You know how the song goes pretty mama. Raise your hand if you’re happy to see the barely-there short shorts go by the wayside.

(Raising ALL OF THE HANDS over here) This once preppy fashion statement is back and in all forms. From cut-off denim to biker shorts and formal pleated dress shorts.

Pair this look with an on-thego sneaker look or dressed up with a blazer and pump.

Utilities included (or not included?) Give us a grown-up onesie any day am I right?!?!? Jumpsuits take a little leap into the utility realm this season but that does not mean we’re here to work. We’re here for cocktails on the patio, jaunts to our fave boutique, and tons of fab summer fun only. Up dos and bling will separate you from the pack in this trendy no nonsense head-to-toe look.

AU NATUREL Bohemian mood is strong in the bag trend department this season.

Raffia, straw and wicker bags are no longer reserved as your beach goto. They’ve taken on a sophisticated role this season in more structured everyday shapes.

SUMMER TREND WATCH

Get your summer fashion on with our fave top summer trends. Some of them may be on repeat, but we're happily diving in head first this season.

SEEING NEON Yup, they’re at it again. Here to energize us and add a little spark to our looks.

If you only chose to delve into bright accessories or nail color last time we introduced this trend, then let me challenge you to take it a step further this time around. Get your highlighter orange on! Neon purple skies make some great inspo these days.

- Kimberly Rashed, Style Editor

LIVIN' ON THE EDGE Can you say boss bitch mood for the win? This edgy look says you mean business. I love the strong vibe of the chunky chain links mixed with something softer.

Pair this with a lightweight blouse or take it to the max with a strong power suit.

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

101

STYLE

l a c o L Shop !

PEI Our island’s local boutique shops have so much fabulous fashion to offer. You'll find inclusive sizing and styles because our community of retailers work tirelessly to get to know their customer. It feels great to build relationships within the community while supporting our local entrepreneurs but it also garners great personalized shopping experiences.

What does shop local mean to you?

“Support for Island businesses keeps our Island vibrant and promotes local jobs. Our local businesses are owned by people who live in our communities and invest in our Island. These are some of the reasons why I choose to shop local.”

Words and photos by Kimberly Rashed, Style Editor

Jenene Wooldridge Executive Director L’nuey

Styled by: Style Becomes Her

Hair: Tanya Bernard Makeup: Devan Myers Wardrobe: JEMS Boutique

Models: Jenene Woolridge, Bassey Amba, Tracey Gairns Brioux, Amanda Dover and Donna Welsh.

102

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

“Shopping local is very important to me, as an entrepreneur myself, I have an inkling of the hard-work these amazing men and women put into their various crafts and business and its something that should be promoted and rewarded. The community is amazing and any little thing I could do to contribute to it, I’m all in�

Bassey Amba - health and fitness enthusiast Wardrobe: Eastwood Ave. Menswear

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

103

“As an entrepreneur myself, I have a deep appreciation and respect for local business owners. It feels good knowing that supporting local businesses also means we are supporting local families. “ Tracey Gairns Brioux, Founder and Owner, Reset Breathe Model: Tracey Gaines Brioux Dress: My Little Stash

104

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

"I shop local because it’s a more fun and personal experience with more selection of unique items. Shopping local helps support my friends and neighbours, creates jobs and keeps money in my own community." (Right) Model: Amanda Dover Wardrobe: kc Clothing Bag: Luxury Market

"I enjoy shopping local. I feel I get a more personal experience.

Business and shop owners always go out of their way to make it enjoyable. Shopping local supports our local economy, which is a great feeling." (Left) Model: Donna Welsh Wardrobe: kc Clothing

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

105

Model: Jenene Wooldridge Hair: Tanya Bernard Makeup: Devan Myers Clothing: JEMS Boutique

106

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

Model: Bassey Amba Wardrobe: Eastwood Ave. Menswear

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

107

STYLE

Celebrating Milestones With Nortons Jewellers Ltd.

By Jacqui Chaisson Photos Evan Ceretti Over the last 45 years Nortons Jewellers remains one of downtown Charlottetown’s oldest and most successful family run businesses. Step inside the store and you will find the most beautiful and largest selection of diamonds, coloured stones, fine jewellery, sterling silver and time pieces on Prince Edward Island.

Being a jeweller is an art form and this father and son pair really know their stuff when it comes to stones and jewellery. In fact, everything single piece of jewellery in the store is hand-picked under the discriminating eye of owner Peter Norton and his son Craig Norton who is a certified GIA diamond specialist and practicing goldsmith. Working together they ensure that their inventory encompasses a wide variety of styles and tastes with something for every budget. Pieces of jewellery that celebrate special occasions in life; engagements, weddings, birthdays, graduations, births, job promotions to name a few. â–˛ Photo courtesy of NOAM CARVER

108

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

Nortons specialty has always been their exquisite array of diamonds in every size, shape and colour. We are

proud to carry the Forevermark brand of diamonds which includes the Forevermark Black Label Collection featuring the most brilliant cut diamonds in the world. Pioneered by the famous DeBeers diamond family each Forevermark diamond comes with the promise that it is beautiful, rare, and responsibly sourced.

"We also carry our own brand of Canadian diamonds and the Canada Rocks brand. To complement our diamonds, we have a vast array of ring settings featuring award winning Canadian designer Noam Carver, International brand Simon G and wedding bands by Crown Ring and Bleu Royal. Says Norton, “We have had thousands of Islanders get engaged and begin their “happily-ever after’s with Nortons.”

The team at Nortons strive for a consultative and engaging experience with the objective of finding the perfect piece of jewellery to fit your needs.

“If you don’t find what you want from our curated selection Nortons can custom create or recreate anything your heart desires in precious metals,” says Norton, ”if you have a vision we can make it”. From start to finish Nortons team of specialists will guide you through the process with skilled artisans helping you create the design of your dreams.

Nortons services include watch repairs, battery replacement and in-house jewellery repairs. They carry celebrated brands like Pandora, Swarovski, Elle, Simon G fine fashion jewellery and Keith Jack Celtic inspired jewellery along with quality watches from Tissot, Bulova, Bering and Citizen plus other fashion watch brands Among the elegant displays of earrings, bracelets, pendants, and necklaces you’re sure to find the perfect piece of jewellery for yourself or someone special.

Local community involvement and giving back to the community is very important to Nortons. Organizations such as the Heart and Stroke Foundation have benefited with close to $1,000,000 raised for through the annual Nortons Razzle Dazzle Gala.

Other charitable organizations such as Rotary, QEH, and many local sports teams have also been part of the Nortons giving back history.

Nortons Jewellers is looking forward to continuing its tradition of being the most trusted and comprehensive jewellers on Prince Edward Island where Islanders celebrate the special moments in their lives with a beautiful gift of jewellery.

Thank you to our models, Allan Hart and Jessie Inman.

Nortons Jewellers Ltd. 160 Queen Street, Charlottetown 902.894.3922 www.nortonsjewellers.com

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

109

STYLE

Sustainability Leads The Way In The "New Normal"

By Story Sheidow Photos Evan Ceretti “It’s no secret that we can’t just consume our way to a more sustainable world, “ says Viena Jayde Ålander, co-creator of the new Naturally Canada Emporium, and collaborator of eco.spirit, located in Confederation Court Mall in Charlottetown.

“We started out being sustainable and earth friendly ourselves. From there, we researched products to use in our own lives, and it grew into a dream.” Along with founder and owner Kimberley Milette, the pair is fervent about creating a better future through sustainable practices- and it shows.

As an off-shoot of the successful Canadian online store, www.

110

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

Havana Dress by Nomadshempwear.

NaturallyCanada.com, eco.spirit was meant to be the brick and mortar home, to further diversify the product line-up and take things to even more of a local level. With the launch of the new online store, this mission won’t be left behind; local artisans will now have a dedicated space to display their work, on the website. With Island contributors such as John Dart, of Pidwell Lane Antiques and Collectible's

(an “upcycler” and antique picker for over 30 years), among others, eco. spirit pushes the sustainability mantra one-step further by offering vintage and repurposed items as well.

"We certainly have a focus on ecoconscious textiles and slow fashion; but it's really more meaningful than that, we are aiming to have a plethora of uniquely sustainable goods, on top

them at her store. Ålander adds, “We are proudly Canadian, providing mostly Canadian products, but also supporting global brands that are really making a difference for our planet.”

▲ Kimberley Milette (photo: Omar Broderick)

of new eco-conscious clothing. We provide a space for vintage pieces, as well; doing our part to keep some of the pre-existing clothing out of landfills.

We recognize that it is not enough just to provide sustainable clothing,” says Ålander. “Providing a space to give clothing a new home, instead of a landfill, is a humble way to help move sustainability towards being the new normal.”

The store also offers an impressive selection of earth friendly, high quality new merchandise, from yoga pants made of recycled bottles, to handmade moccasins; each item perfectly balancing quality and ethics without compromising beauty and functionality.

Eco.spirit has quickly become the local hub for environmentally conscious fashion, skincare, art, and fabric, full of innovative products falling under the ‘sustainable’ banner. Says Milette regarding their selection, “We carry the following pioneers of Canadian ecofriendly designers; to name a few and growing: Nomads Hempwear, Brenda Laine Designs, Echo Verde, Effortseco…” the list goes on. It’s obvious she has a deep respect for these designers, and is honoured to carry

Having www.NaturallyCanada.com under their wing as a well-established online shop, it was a logical step for the pair to integrate eco.spirit into its scope when the pandemic hit and storefronts were turning to a more virtual representation. This shift has been a change for the two, but their outlook remains confident: “The future of eco.spirit and the online store, as a result of COVID-19, is a positive one.

We will slowly begin shifting our focus to growing the inventory in the online shop, and as the inventory gets larger, we work towards making our footprint smaller and allowing the future of our brick and mortar store to unfold as the situation progresses.”

Looking at the bigger picture, Milette and Ålander see recent events as an opportunity for improvement worldwide with climate change and the environment. “We don’t know exactly what the future holds, but we see a shift in the world of sustainability; and we will be there to provide not only products, but support and information, and solutions for a healthier earth; because more than ever, people are realizing we are in this together,” says Ålander. “We genuinely just want to be sustainable, and this website is giving us the opportunity to share useful information and make earth healthy products accessible to every human that wants to make a difference.”

▲ Viena Jayde Ålander, co-creator of Naturally Canada Emporium, is a visionary in sustainability.

As a maker, she is always trying to upcycle broken & unwanted things, into peculiar creations.

She has a mild obsession and wild collection of rocks; her (reusable) bag is often a plethora of these finds.

She is also a logophile; simply, a lover of words.

▲ John Dart (photo: Omar Broderick)

eco.spirit.emporium Confederation Court Mall 134 Kent Street, Charlottetown 902.790.6323 www.naturallycanada.com

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

111

An Island Boutique That’s For All Women

By Alana Lauren Photos Evan Ceretti

D

ebra Wellner has been carrying clothes for women of all sizes and ages since the opening of Chameleon’s Hanger in the Confederation Court Mall. Before Wellner offered clothing in the shop, she opened her storefront as Merle Norman Cosmetics in 1982 and began adding fashion accessories to her inventory as the business grew.

A decade later, her store had become a hub for women of all ages and sizes to shop for beauty products, accessories and clothing.

When asked about the kind of clientele the store attracts, it is clear that the Island’s community-oriented values are well integrated into the business.

Wellner explains that their customers are also their friends, that she knows their families and about their lives.

112

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

“We even know where some of them vacation!” she laughs, making it apparent that her relationships with the customers at Chameleon’s Hanger are an integral part of her success. The COVID-19 outbreak put those relationships to the test when the boutique was forced to close, but Wellner remarked on how wonderful her customers have been in supporting her since Chameleon’s Hanger was able to open again. “We had an incredible re-opening,” she says, “our clients really showed up and supported us, so that was awesome.”

It’s not surprising in the least. The business has, after all, been created with Islanders in mind, which is evident when talking to Wellner about her inventory. The store boasts name

brands such as Tribal, FDJ, Soft, and of course, Merle Norman Cosmetics, but you won’t find luxury price tags.

Chameleon’s Hanger keeps its prices affordable so that Islanders have access to high quality clothing and accessories without breaking the bank. Wellner really has created a contemporary boutique that is “for everyone.”

Before opening Chameleon’s Hanger/ Merle Norman Cosmetics, Wellner attended the University of Prince Edward Island and graduated with a degree in business. She was born with an entrepreneurial spirit and had often dreamed of opening a business of her own. After completing her degree, Wellner saw an opportunity to combine her passion for beauty and fashion. “I’ve been very fortunate to have owned my business all these years, and to have my loyal clientele and incredible staff to thank for my longevity.”

You can find Chameleon’s Hanger inside the Confederation Court Mall, located at 134 Kent Street in Charlottetown. The boutique is on the ground level of the mall, right next to TD Bank and operates during mall hours, Monday-Saturday. ◄ Top: (Right)) Hillary MacDonald - Soya Thank you to our models Dawna MacDonald and daughter Hillary MacDonald.

Concept Bike Jacket, Tank and zebra Jeans

by Tribal. (Left) Dawna MacDonald - Soya Concept Cardigan, tank, Red Coral Pants. All accessories by MERX jewellery ◄ (Left) Hillary MacDonald - Tribal Jeanswear, Soya Concept sweater. (Right) Dawna MacDonald - Michael Tyler Flared Denim Suit, Soya Concept Blouse.

Chameleon's Hanger & Merle Norman Cosmetics 134 Kent St, Charlottetown 902.566.1063 www.chameleonshanger.com www.merlenorman.com

▲Above: (Right) Dawna MacDonald - Soya Concept and Tribal Jeanswear. (Left) Hillary MacDonald - Tribal Sportwear All Accessories

by MERX jewellery.

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

113

easy street

Keepin' it Casual!

Who’s here for a no nonsense chill summer? We sure are! No time to fuss between work and play these days. We need a look that can hit the yoga studio for some Zen in one moment then a patio with pals for lunch. Comfort and style come together with pieces that literally do it all.

Model: Bassey Amba Wardrobe: kc Clothing

114

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020 Words and photos by Kimberly Rashed , Style Editor

Styled by Style Becomes Her

Model: Jenene Wooldridge Hair: Tanya Bernard Makeup: Devan Myers Clothing: JEMS Boutique Earrings: Melissa Peter-Paul SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

115

Model: Bassey Amba Wardrobe: kc Clothing 116

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

Model: Tracey Gairns Brioux Wardrobe: kc Clothing SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

117

Model: Tracey Gairns Brioux Wardrobe: kc Clothing

118

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

Model:Donna Welsh Wardrobe: JEMS Boutique

Model:Amanda Dover Wardrobe: JEMS Boutique

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

119

MAKING NO-SEW MASKS AT HOME

W

ith the recommendation to wear masks in a public setting where social distancing is hard to maintain, comes the need to have your own face covering ready and available. While there are many local sellers of nonmedical masks on PEI, another option is to make your own.

As we adjust to the new normal, it can be helpful to have more than one mask available, for example in your car or in your bag, let’s say if yours is in the wash, or if you forgot it at home.

Now, sewing can be a barrier to entry for some. The good news is I’ve found an easy, no-sew mask, with accessible materials that you can find at home – like that one shirt that never gets worn or that extra fabric you’ve been hanging on to for a future project.

Words and photos by Clara Deacon

Step 1.

Variations on the no-sew mask There are a number of variations that you can consider when making your own mask.

Step 2.

Step 3.

Materials: - Cotton fabric - 2 hair ties Step 1: Cut out a piece of fabric Cut out a 20” x 14” rectangular piece of cotton fabric. You can adjust the sizing by a few inches, but this is a helpful starting point.

Step 2: Fold the top and bottom towards the center Placing the rectangle on a flat surface, fold in the top and bottom edges to meet at the centre.

Step 3: Slide two hair elastics on each end Take two hair elastics and slide one on to each end of the rectangle, leaving them about 6” apart.

Step 4: Fold in both sides Fold in the left and right ends of the rectangle towards the centre. The side that is facing you is now the inside of your mask.

Step 5: Adjust the hair ties behind your ears Hold up your mask, and adjust the hair ties behind your ears, with the mask 120

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

covering your mouth and nose. If the mask is too large or too small, readjust the hair ties to be closer or further away from the center.

Step 4.

Step 5.

The CDC recommends cotton fabric, generally speaking, with the Government of Canada adding the importance of tightly woven fabric. I’ve seen patterns using pillowcases, t-shirts, or even bandanas or handkerchiefs, that all follow the same process. The common recommendation for all DIY face coverings is to have at minimum two layers of fabric.

Instead of hair ties, you could alternatively use elastic bands or even tie together skinny pieces of fabric to make your own ear loops. For added structure around your nose, I have also seen a small piece of pipe cleaner or twist tie stuck to the inside using double sided tape.

The variations are endless, but the message stays the same: nosew masks are a way for you to have a number of options that are customizable in terms of sizing, are easy to wash and reuse and help keep yourself and others safe.

For more information on wearing nonmedical masks or face coverings, visit the Government of Canada’s guidelines at canada.ca/covid19.

Clara Deacon is a communications specialist from the South Shore of PEI. Outside of writing, she also enjoys dancing, knitting, cooking, and playing the piano.

Stunning sunsets and the sweet love of animals await at

Serenity

Mini Farm & Vacation Home

Serenity Mini Farm & Vacation Home has only been in operation for two years, but there are already countless stories of visitors who have had one-of-a-kind experiences at the eight-acre piece of PEI paradise.

By Laura Jean Grant Photos Jacqui Chaisson SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

121

“I want people to come here and relax and get away from the busyness of everyday life and this world of crazy technology that we live in now. I want them to leave here feeling rested, refreshed, and restored and ready to go back and face the real world again.”

- Kim MacLeod

▲(L-R) Kim MacLeod and daughter, Gracee

F

rom a big-city teenager seeing a sky full of stars for the first time, to a couple who came simply to spend a weekend sitting with the goats, to families with young kids who discover the unconditional love of animals and jump at the chance to help with barn chores - the anecdotes she hears from her customers are what make running the business so rewarding for owner Kim MacLeod.

Serenity Mini Farm & Vacation Home in Vernon Bridge, PEI gives customers the truly unique experience of living on a farm while also having all the comforts of home, as well as a playground, canoes and kayaks, and a bonfire pit.

And don’t forget swimming in the Vernon River and seeing spectacular sunsets over the water. The animals that guests have access to represent any animal-lover’s dream.

“The feedback I’ve gotten from people and how thankful they are when they’re leaving, that really warms my heart,” she says. “I want people to come here and relax and get away from the busyness of everyday life and this world of crazy technology that we live in now. I want them to leave here feeling rested, refreshed, and restored and ready to go back and face the real world again.”

“We have six horses, a miniature donkey, five goats and nine chickens and a bunny rabbit and lots of cats and dogs,” says MacLeod, noting that by the time most guests leave they have established a special connection with one or more of the animals. “A lot of them have picked a favourite pet. We have one kitty in particular – his name is Tuxedo – and he just wins the heart of everybody that comes here. He’s one

of our barn kitties and he just follows people. He’ll follow them down to the river and if they’re sitting in one of the chairs overlooking the river, unwinding after a busy day, he’s up on the arm of the chair or on their lap. He’ll walk up to the house to the bonfire pit or be around when they’re on the swings and slide set.”

Animals have been a source of comfort for MacLeod throughout her life and, in fact, she grew up on the farm property where her home is located.

“I was always in the barn with the animals as a child. My parents always knew where to find me,” she recalls.

The same was true of her own kids, as well as foster children she brought into her home over the course of 13 years.

“When we had foster kids, that was when I really got to see what animals could do for people,” she says, explaining that when they were upset the animals would comfort them. “You could just see the stress and anxiety leave their body and they’d calm down and everything was okay.”

With her own children now grown, MacLeod decided a couple of years ago that her animals had enough love and her house enough room to share with visitors. She transformed the lower level into a separate suite for guests, and opened Serenity Mini Farm & Vacation Home in 2018.

“When I started my little business, I thought people would absolutely love to come here from away, people from big cities and places where they can’t have pets, or they have really busy lives in the city and they want their children to experience animals, and that has been a lot of the people that have come here,” says MacLeod.

In her first two years in operation, MacLeod was booked throughout the summer months and even into the fall. Like so many tourism operators, the coronavirus pandemic has put a damper on the 2020 season at Serenity, but MacLeod is taking it as an opportunity to grow and expand for the future. A gazebo near the bonfire is in the works, as is a brand new offgrid cottage, and MacLeod is already looking forward to welcoming guests to her eastern PEI property in 2021.

“We’re actually very central to anywhere on PEI … so people can come and stay here and they’re 20 minutes from Charlottetown, a 45-minute drive from Cavendish, and a 45-minute drive from East Point.”

And at the end of their day, they can return home to a beautiful sunset, a bonfire, and Tuxedo to keep them company.

THE VACATION HOME FEATURES: - Three bedrooms (two queen beds and one double) and a cot (accommodates up to 7 people) - A completely equipped kitchenette, plus a BBQ on the deck - A large cozy living area with a TV, games, and books - An office area

Serenity Mini Farm & Vacation Home 902.393.0668 serenitymfvh@gmail.com www.airbnb.ca/rooms/25885531

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

123

FA M I LY

Back to the Swing of Things

By Kristen Johnson Photos Story Thorburn

G

oing back to school each September is always a big adjustment for children and families. This year is likely to be a bit more of a challenge. Most students have been out of a classroom setting since March break due to COVID-19.

Ann Myers from Sylvan Learning Centre offers us some suggestions on how to help ease students back into school.

“Preparing them for a positive return to a school structure will be essential," says Myers, “We all know that extra review will be needed in those first few weeks and months. Students will need to be reassured more than ever that the educational system is there to support them every step of the way.” Many may have anxiety because they have not been doing a lot of reading or math for months, but it’s never too late to get in a little practice before school starts.

As the director of Sylvan Learning Centre, Myers also knows that additional practice and focused teaching are key to a student’s success.

She says, “Sylvan offers support in the core areas of math, reading and writing.

We also have French, homework support and enrichment.” Students have been coming to Sylvan over the summer to get a refresher of skills to help prepare them for returning to class in the fall.

▲ Ann Myers

124

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

Sylvan works with parents and teachers to provide the best learning

environment for the child. Myers says, “We welcome working with teachers to coordinate learning needs for our students. Our mindset is, the more people working together to help the child, the better.”

Ann suggests that gradually changing your current schedule can help reduce a child’s stress about going back to school. “Start small and work your way up to establishing systems,” she suggests. “Returning to a school routine a few weeks before the first day of school is always a good start.

It will not be popular amongst the non-adults in your house, but earlier bedtimes can be done gradually so that those early September mornings start off as positive as possible.” Also, if your child is going to a new school, she recommends getting a school tour. Knowing the layout and a few key areas of the school can be beneficial for reducing anxiety.

Ann believes one of the biggest things we can do to help our children is keeping a positive mindset. “It can be easy to focus on all the ways that things are going to be different and see them as challenges or perhaps even inconveniences,” says Myers. “We can also see them as opportunities to do our small part in keeping everyone around us safe.” As parents and teachers, our attitudes will have a direct impact on how our children respond.

Myers offers one last bit of advice that we can all take to heart. “Be patient,” she says. “The first few hours, days and even weeks of this process will be a whole new learning curve - for all of us. I think it is important for everyone to take a moment and reflect on how well we have done to help control the impact that COVID-19 has had on our province. We can do this, together!”

Sylvan offers assessments, academic coaching in reading, writing, math, study skills, homework support, and French. Also, enrichment, exam proctoring, and video game design.

SUMMER 2020

Sylvan PEI ann@peilearning.ca 902.367.3678 www.SylvanPEI.ca

www.pei-living.ca

125

INSPIRING ENTREPRENEUR

PEI Travel Concierge "Let us do the planning, while you do the relaxing."

Desiree Carter and her husband, Mitchell, operate a successful business in Souris.

"The biggest surprise to us, when we embarked on our rental business, was how many international guests we hosted, and how far they travelled to come to PEI. It was quite eye-opening." says Carter.

Recognizing the need for a service in PEI that offered visitors everything from airport services to personal shopping, Carter launched PEI Travel Concierge in July of 2020.

"Our system is seamless; we are a single point of contact for all things PEI. We can essentially assist visitors to the Island with anything they may need, all at one touchpoint," says Carter. "We understand how valuable time is; we will take care of all their needs on PEI, so they can focus on their vacation or business while on the Island."

PEI Travel Concierge works with other Island businesses to access services they can not supply themselves.

"We have eleven exclusive experiential itineraries. These are upscale custom packages, everything from accommodation itineraries and private aviation tours to golfing and private chef dinners; sunset cruises; luxury picnic services; fishing; spa services; photography and everything in between. It’s exciting."

"We can also build exclusive packages for those looking for something tailored specifically for them."

PEI Travel Concierge: relax they'll take care of the little things while you create memories of your visit to the Island.

PEI Travel Concierge 902.940.0594 peitravelconcierge@gmail.com www.peitravelconcierge.com

â–˛ Desiree and Mitchell Carter with daughter, Cadence 126

FA M I LY

WILD ROSE HORSE SANCTUARY

She stands in an overcrowded corral with no shelter from the rain. The combination of persistent hunger, a painful injury on her flank from the kick of a larger horse and the thick mud and manure, make it difficult for her to stay on her feet. Her tired body jolts in pain with the electro-shock that prods her and instinctively she bolts forward into the slaughterhouse. The smell of blood and fear surround her and she can hear the panic of those who have already entered the kill chute. The captive-bolt gun designed to bring her a quick death is often ineffective and amidst the screams of agony in front of her and she struggles to escape – but her fate is inevitable.

Her death will be brutal and terrifying.

Words & photos by Jacqui Chaisson

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

127

"On April 15, 2019 we saved Goldie from a kill pen in Louisiana, she was heavy in foal. She was heading to Mexico for slaughter on April 16. On the morning of April 16 she was found in the pasture at the kill pen with her newborn foal. We had a scheduled truck arriving to transport the horses we had saved from this kill pen to Tennessee for quarantine. The truck transporter ensured that Goldie and her newborn foal were in a separate pen in the truck. The truck then broke down on route to Tennessee. This ended up being a two-day trip. We were very thankful to the transporter for ensuring that Goldie and Journey were well taken care of as well as others on the truck.

An employee of the kill pen who found Journey came up with a suggestion for his name since he had such a long way to travel on his first day coming into this world. Journey seemed very fitting for his name. Just one of the many stories of rescue that help us cope with the many we can't save."

- Dianne Proper

128

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

She is just one of the thousands of horses and mules that are bound for kill pens and slaughterhouses. Often, they are shipped for 24 hours or more in crowded trucks with no food, water or rest – some die, and many are injured.

Even more are shipped overseas alive in overcrowded crates, primarily to Japan, where horsemeat is considered a delicacy.

It’s readily accepted that horses bound for slaughter must be old, lame or simply not suitable for riding. Contrary to this belief, they range from six months to old-aged, pregnant mares, race horses and everything in between.

Most horses going to slaughter have nothing wrong with them, they are broke to ride, harness, and very gentle.

There is a false assumption that horses available at auctions are going to new loving homes. Unfortunately, the majority go to kill buyers who ship them out for slaughter to Mexico, Montreal or Western Canada. More than 54,000 horses were slaughtered (2016), this is the last year data is available as the Canadian government has concealed horse slaughter stats for the last four years.

What most people do not understand is that the kill chutes are not made for an animal as large as a horse. Because it's instinctual for them to seek escape and panic when confined, this means the captive-bolt gun often misses its target (the center of the forehead) and the process needs to be repeated.

In some cases processing the animal begins prior to death. It's a brutal industry that is inhumane.

Gerhard Foerg and Dianne Proper have been involved with saving horses for the past 40 years, "We saved horses that were going to slaughter, thrown away because they could no longer work or just not wanted by their owners." said Proper

"These horses end up in kill pens through no fault of their own therefore they are branded as meat horses, but they are not meat horses. Most of these horses are very usable, being broke to ride, broke to harness, very gentle and very loving. They seem to know what happened to them and they reward us every day for saving them. Every one of these horses have experienced trauma and we feel so blessed to have them in our care and help with their healing process and once again trust humans.

In a small way we are hoping to make a difference in every horse's life we can save. If we can just accomplish this we feel happiness."

- Dianne Proper

Sisters, Keisha and Kaelyn Oosterveld SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

129

joined Proper in 2011. "The girls had a rocky start to life so we became a family." said Proper, "They've been actively involved with horses from the ages of six and four.

The family felt compelled to save lives and make a difference, when they stumbled upon killpens in USA after inquiring about a mule they wanted to buy. "After we found out about all these horses going to slaughter we wanted to help and began to save as many as we could care for. Reba was the first mule we saved from the killpens." says Proper In addition, they felt the need to raise public awareness about horse slaughter in North America and in the hope that other people might save some lives as well. "A very dear friend we met while on this journey of saving horses, Mae, who is an advocate for saving wild mustang horses, was a real inspiration to us starting a sanctuary as well." says Proper In the summer of 2016 the family moved from Ontario and Wild Rose Horse Sanctuary was opened at 284 Upton Rd, Saint Peters Bay in eastern PEI. The 55 acre property is home to 104 horses (28 had been saved prior to move to PEI and 76 since April/2019).

In addition to the horses you will find Olaf, a jersey steer saved in December 2014 from a white veal barn; Charlie, Oliver and Minnie, three sheep saved on the day which they were born in 2010; a goose named Gus, four llama/ alpacas; Lily, Snookers, Lizzie and Leo, saved from an elderly couple that could not care for them any longer and Penny, a pot-bellied pig who was no longer wanted by her previous owner.

"We also have seven dogs. Four were saved from puppy mills and the other three came from homes that simply tossed them away." says Proper "We also have several cats which were feral and just found wandering, with time and love they are now very loving."

are a registered non-profit charity but, caring for the animals is costly. We always have veterinary care such as vaccinations, worming, emergency care for illness and regular hoof trimmings which certainly tend to accumulate in costs."

There will also be a need for winter coats for horses who are not acclimatized to our cold winters or those older horses that cannot handle the winter as well as younger ones.

â–˛ (L-R) Dianne Proper, Gerhard Foerg, Keisha Oosterveld (15 yrs), Kaelyn Oosterveld (13 yrs)

Wild Rose Horse Sanctuary is facing an unexpected challenge, in February Foerg was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma cancer in his blood, immune system and bone marrow. He has finished his chemo treatments and is now scheduled to have a stem cell transplant this September. Recovery time could be up to one year, therefore as of August 5 Foerg is not able to help with this year's harvest.

"We are in the midst of haying season and we need to cut, rake, bale and wrap 2000 round bales of hay and 500 round bales of straw," said Proper "The sanctuary is pushed to the limit, financially and physically."

Volunteers are needed to help with hay and straw crops and of course, financial support. There will be extra labour costs to help finish crops, supplies such as baler twine, plastic wrap, fuel. "Financial support would help us to cover some of these accumulated costs and as well as for caring for the horses." said Proper, "We

Currently the horses are housed in four barns, two located on the farm and two barns off-site. Proper's ultimate hope would be to have all our horses home together on the main farm. But, this would mean an addition onto the existing barns or construct a new barn.

"We certainly would be very thankful to donations of building supplies in order to assist with this."

Although Wild Rose already has a few volunteers and their vet offers reduced rates for some procedures, the sanctuary would appreciate any donations either monetary, services, hay bales and hay fields, and feed.

"At this time we cannot save any more lives but, we certainly can use help to continue in caring for the horses we have saved by volunteering services, supplies or by donating to Wild Rose Sanctuary." said Proper.

The sky is the limit for what Wild Rose could offer to these horses. "We could have trail rides, offer riding lessons to children as well as adults that do not have the opportunity to have their own horses."

My suggestion? Just go out to Wild Rose, spend some time with the horses. Walk amongst them and you'll see in spite of what men have done to them they still want to trust us.

â–˛ (L-R) Dianne Proper and Keisha Oosterveld accepting a donation from Bud Stewart.

This whole vision would not have been possible without the inspiration, encouraging words, and endless help from our dear friends, Tom Hahn, Kim Ryan of Island Veterinary Services, Steve Brousseau, Rachel Collier, Mae Martini, Rene Reese Mulligan.

Bert and Marlene Taylor, Keith and Donna Taylor, Gordon and Karen Jackson, James MacDonald, Karen and Vivian MacAulay and Moonlight International PEI. Food for thought, "follow your heart and let the horses be your guide."

- Dianne Proper

Contact Wild Rose Horse Sanctuary by visiting their website, by phone or stay in touch by liking their Facebook page www.wildrosesanctuary.ca 902.978.1819

Spending time with horses gives you a sense of peace.

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

131

FA M I LY

A TASTE FOR ADVENTURE

By Kristen Johnson Photos Story Thorburn, Mike Needham & Nature Space Eco Resort

I

magine paddling around a secluded beach on a kayak, and then enjoying a five-course lunch of the freshest shellfish available. Nature Space Eco Resort is pleased to offer this and other nature-based experiences on the Island this summer.

Shimmering waters and fresh seafood await you on a new and unique PEI experience. ▲(Back L-R) Jarrod and Heather Gunn McQuillan, (Front L-R) Finlay and Emma Photo: Story Thorburn

132

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

“For more than a decade we’ve dreamed of creating culinary experiences paired with adventure,” says Heather Gunn McQuillan. She and her partner Jarrod have built this business around their strengths and interests. Jarrod has worked in the PEI shellfish industry for more than ten years, has been actively involved in local food movements, and is a highly acclaimed kayaking instructor. Heather is a yoga teacher and a wellness advocate. Together, they have grown a business that focuses on their personal passions including nature, wellness,

paddling, food, and bringing people together.

At Nature Space, kayaking is a highlight. “Nothing whets the appetite better than a bit of activity, and there’s no better way to get on the water and immerse yourself in nature than by kayak,” says Jarrod. You can enjoy KaYOGA (kayaking and yoga combined), a nature tour by kayak, or culinary kayak tours including Paddles and Pints, a partnership with Bogside Brewing on the Montague River.

The signature experience, The Beach Feast, combines a bit of everything.

“It is a four to five-hour culinary kayak experience allowing participants to sample the best in PEI shellfish in a five-course lunch, on a secluded beach, after a delightful nature enriched

▲ Photo: Story Thorburn

paddle,” says Jarrod. “After paddling, our guests get a chance to actively participate in the preparation of the lunch and get to learn how to shuck oysters and prepare shellfish.”

The Gunn McQuillans are excited to partner with other like-minded Islanders who are dedicated to local food production and culinary experiences. For example, the Oyster Lovers Kayak Experience is a partnership with Raspberry Point Oyster Co. where people are allowed to paddle through their active oyster leases, learn about oysters through hands-on experiences, and taste oysters.

to open later this fall, and we will have packages available that include unique accommodations, private hot tubs, and our nature-based experiences, including some new ones for the fall and winter season,” says Jarrod.

Heather and Jarrod are excited to continue to grow their business on PEI. “We are filled with so much gratitude!” says Heather. “We have been overwhelmed by the support of our neighbours, our community and the province. We hope that as we build and grow Nature Space Eco Resort, we can reciprocate the spirit of generosity and community.”

Outdoor activities are common on PEI, but this summer they have been especially popular because of COVID-19. “When it comes to practicing ‘Safe Six,’ there’s no better place to do so than from the seat of a kayak. Social distancing is only natural when paddling. Additionally, getting outside and being in nature is good for you,” says Heather. “It’s pretty much the perfect activity for this summer!”

▲ Photo: Mike Needham

Nature Space Eco Resort 902.916.0136 info@naturespaceresort.com www.naturespaceresort.com

In the coming months, Jarrod and Heather will have even more to offer at their property in St. Peters Harbour.

“Our year-round glamping resort is set ▲ Photo: Story Thorburn

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

133

FA M I LY

Global Pet Foods PEI Stores Go Virtual With Online Tours and Shopping

By Brianne Hogan Photos Evan Ceretti

134

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

“We want our customers to know that we care just as much about their health and safety as we do about the health and happiness of their furry family members."

- Kieran Atkinson

L

ike many stores, Global Pet Foods PEI has undergone some changes in recent months. In response to COVID-19, the pet-friendly chain, with locations both in Charlottetown and Summerside, has put “all the health and safety measures in place,” says Kieran Atkinson, business development manager of Global Pet Foods for PEI and Newfoundland. Stores maintain a “vigorous” cleaning schedule, says Atkinson, while also providing protective equipment for staff, acrylic shields at each cash register, hand sanitizing stations and floor decals to maintain social distancing.

“We want our customers to know that we care just as much about their health and safety as we do about the health and happiness of their furry family members,” he says. “Our biggest priority is to ensure all our customers feel safe when they shop at our Island locations, and we’ll continue to take any steps necessary to reflect that.”

Additionally, Global Pet Foods stores have made some changes online in an effort to ensure the safety of their customers’ shopping experience. The first new addition was implementing virtual tours of each location.

Customers can take a 360-degree virtual tour of both Island stores using

their computer, tablet or smartphone at globalpetfoodspei.ca/locations.

Atkinson says the virtual tour was created in order to allow customers to see the brands and selection of products they carry, as well as to understand each store’s layout before their visit, in order to limit the time spent in-store.

While most customers have responded positively to the new virtual tours, Atkinson admits that some prefer to communicate with the store’s staff in-person. He stresses that the tours “are not a replacement for our team of Healthy Pet Specialists. We are more than happy to give advice or support, whether it’s over the phone, via email or social media, or in person with the necessary health measures in place.”

Online shopping is another new change for the pet supply chain. “We were already developing an online shopping option, but our timeline and launch were moved up significantly because of the pandemic,” says Atkinson. “We wanted to ensure Islanders had every option possible for purchasing their pet’s favourite products in light of recent events.”

Since it is a recent move, all products might not be immediately available to buy online. However, if a customer

doesn’t see their favourite product on the website, they can still complete their purchase by phone. Customers currently have the option to pick up their order in-store or curbside, with a ship-to-home option launching at a later date. While the online shopping feature has only been recently added, Atkinson says the feedback has been positive. “Customers like how easy the site is to use, and they like having the option to purchase their items online if they need to.”

In light of the changes at Global Pet Foods, Atkinson says they are grateful for the loyalty and support received from their Islander customers. “We really appreciate all our customers’ support of our local business over the last several months, as well as their continued understanding while we have adapted to meet their needs.”

Global Pet Foods 405 University Ave, Charlottetown 902.368.1326 454 Granville St, Summerside 902.724.1326 www.globalpetfoodspei.ca

FA M I LY

Developing a Happy and Well-Mannered Companion

By Joyce Robertson Photos Sara Bakker

W

ould it surprise you to find out that your dog is feeling just like us during this time of COVID-19? Your dog is showing signs of stress and feeling a bit overwhelmed. You might question why is this the case?

While the whole province was shutting down in March 2020 and Islanders were being advised to remain at home as much as possible and to work reduced schedules at their workplaces, I wasn’t too upset by this direction as I got to spend more time home with my dog Jackson. I quickly got my home office organized. Life with a dog is great until it is not.

In times like this, it is normal to feel a mix of emotions like fear, anxiety, uncertainty, sadness and disappointment. People feel frustrated that their daily schedules have shifted and their routine has changed. Animal behaviorists recognize that dogs react to our emotions. They pick up on our stress and concerns and react in a similar manner. This is known as “emotional contagion." People are acting differently from how they normally do and dogs are trying to understand and adapt to us. Sudden disruptions to their home schedule and routines, lack of personal space and quiet time can trigger anxieties in your dog.

Just as you had to develop a new schedule and routine, your dog needs your help in setting a regular daily schedule of predictable mealtimes, walk breaks, training, play and nap times. If their daily schedule and activities become more predictable to them, they will have less anxiety.

Puppies who missed early socialization and training because of COVID-19 restrictions may experience more fear and anxiety related issues because there were fewer opportunities for them to socialize with new people and other puppies. There is a critical time period in puppy development (eight weeks – 16 weeks) in which early puppy socialization to new people, places and things can prevent the future onset of fear related anxieties.

For instance, it is very beneficial for puppies of all ages to be introduced and socialize appropriately with people wearing all sorts of face masks.

With the current easing of some COVID-19 restrictions, people are returning to workplaces and to their daily activities outside of the home. This change in your schedule and routine may result in your dog experiencing significant separation anxiety from the family. It may be helpful to start leaving your home for short periods of time and gradually extend your leave until your dog is better able to cope with your absence.

As you adjust to your “new normal” your dog will need to adjust to your new schedule and routine.

Red Dog Training has updated training materials to reflect training challenges posed by COVID-19. We provide puppy socialization courses and a range of classroom and in-home dog training services. All training is provided in a safe manner following guidance provided by the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer.

242 North River Rd., Charlottetown 902.213.1043 www.reddogtraining.ca

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

137

FA M I LY

The Perfect Seaside Getaway:

THE INN AT SPRY POINT

By Katie Ingram Photos Sara Bakker

For guests at The Inn at Spry Point, it’s like stepping into a sanctuary away from everyday life. “There’s no sound of cars or traffic; it’s just listening to the sound of the wind, waves and birds,” says owner David Wilmer.

▲ David Wilmer.

138

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

Nestled on 18 acres, near the edge of the Island, The Inn at Spry Point opened in 2000. It features 15 guest rooms, some with balconies that overlook the coastline and nearby hiking and walking trails. Even though The Inn is about “escaping for a while,” it also boasts many modern amenities and features, including an extensive wine cellar and wine list that is prepared and curated by Wilmer himself, a complimentary breakfast, hiking trails around and on the property, meeting and banquet facilities, and free wi-fi throughout the building.

Some features have been purposely left out — such as televisions in rooms — so the focus is on the guests and what’s around them.

“The point is to get people to forget about their hectic, busy lives and reconnect with nature and people, and just get a nice break,” says Wilmer.

At the beginning of March, Wilmer says The Inn was having its best year in

over a decade, but then COVID-19 hit.

Many guests had to cancel or postpone their visit. While Wilmer does get a lot of business from the Maritime provinces, about 25 per cent comes from Ontario and 35 per cent from the United States. Without these guests, The Inn’s future was in question.

However, he received help from the Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC), which has enabled him to stay open.

Due to a drop in guest numbers, The Inn will have a shorter season this year, stopping just before Labour Day. This, combined with a slower season, has a benefit though: a better Inn at Spry Point for 2021.

“It’s provided me a great opportunity for repairs and renovations,” says Wilmer. “For all practical purposes, when I do open next year, The Inn will be in great shape.”

“They provided a lifeline that will allow us to survive until next year,” he says.

“It’s been a huge help.”

The Inn at Spry Point 902.583.2400 innkeeper@innatsprypoint.com www.innatsprypoint.com

For those who do visit The Inn this year, Wilmer added extra cleaning practices and social distancing protocols, such as direction circles on the floor and staircases designated for one-way use.

With fewer guests, he can space out who uses what room, so there can be days between room usage, which also helps with virus concerns.

902.838.4030

“People should be coming with a great comfort that things are going to be safe,” he says.

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

139

10

FA M I LY

!

THINGS THAT ARE A UNIQUE ISLAND EXPERIENCE

This year we have a unique opportunity to explore the Island and understand why it’s such a popular destination for 1000s of visitors every year!

Experience an Island Sunset Grab your favourite people and head to the beach for an Island sunset. Bring your camera and blanket for the perfect end to an Island day.

Go Birdwatching There are confirmed sightings of 363 bird species on PEI. How many can you spot this summer and fall?

Stompin’ Tom Centre Commemorating one of Canada’s greatest folk and country singer-songwriters of all time. Free live entertainment, 1-2 pm daily. Evening dinner theatres, ceilidhs and more. Gift shop exhibits and food service 11 am to 7 pm. Daily evening shows (extended hours). Also featuring interactive exhibits, experiences and chef prepared “Taste of PEI” menu!

14024 Route 14, Skinners Pond 902.882.3214 • www.stompintomcentre.com

140

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

An Island Summer Tradition The Brackley Drive-In Theatre is a place “where families can afford to have fun.” Come out and enjoy current first run Hollywood blockbusters. As your vehicle comes around the bend and pulls up to the tollbooth, your family is transported back to a simpler time. Whether it’s carefree family time, just the two of you or all your friends, you can relax and enjoy the show. Don’t forget your favourite blanket and pillow, or lawn chair to sit outside.

The Brackley Drive-In allows you to enjoy the stars under the stars. Note that it’s cash-only at the gate - cash and debit at the canteen.

3164 Brackley Point Rd, Brackley Beach

www.drivein.ca

Collect Sea Glass

Hiking on the Brookvale Trail Brookvale Trail is a 6.4 kilometre lightly trafficked loop trail located near Brookvale, that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until September.

There is something magical about sea glass. Spend a relaxing afternoon scouring the beaches for unique pieces of sea glass, it’s a great activity for the kids and it’s free.

Explore the Island Tip to Tip!

Make this the year you explore PEI from tip to tip!

Take the scenic routes and discover all the wonderful little villages and towns that make the Island such a wonderful place to visit and realize how lucky we are to call it home.

Island-Original Ice Cream Holman’s Ice Cream Parlour, Summerside

Using the freshest of natural ingredients, Holman’s make from scratch all of their ice creams, toppings, and desserts. They also boast an authentic 80-year-old soda fountain where they handcraft your favourite soda flavour, float, or other specialty soda fountain favourite.

Truckin’ Roll, Charlottetown Truckin’ Roll offers a unique ice cream experience, using a handrolled technique fusing ingredients

Cherry On Top, East Point at the Lighthouse

The Great Canadian Soap Co., Brackley Beach More than just soap! Located on Portage Road, Brackley Beach, you'll discover not only the best goat milk ice cream, but other incredible products made from goat's milk. Even though the dairy isn't open for 2020, their goat milk ice cream will be available prepackaged at the soap shop.

like fresh raspberries, blackberries, or vegan chocolate brownies with fresh mint, basil, honey, or lemon, and sweetened using only pure maple syrup, this ice cream has all of the rich flavour with none of the refined sugar.

This shop’s ice cream is completely homemade on-site and served on hand rolled waffle cones. They are known for their FreakShakes, crazy milkshakes topped with tasty treats and customers can’t stop asking for their salted caramel ice cream - yummy.

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

141

142

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

UNCOVERING RARE VINYL AND VINTAGE GEAR AT BACK ALLEY MUSIC

A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

By Clara Deacon Photos Sara Bakker

From metal and soul, to blues and jazz vinyl, you name it, Back Alley Music has probably got it. riginally opened in 1992, Back Alley buys and sells new and used vinyl, record players, amplifiers, speakers, posters, rock memorabilia and everything else music related.

Not surprisingly, current owner and musician Pat Deighan was a returning customer of the former Back Alley Disks.

“I remember Back Alley Disks as the ‘cool record store.’ It had underground music and new artists that people were drawn to. And, it was a place to hang out and talk about music,” he says.

Pat went on to work and manage the store, eventually purchasing the business in 2010 with his wife Meghann from Michelle Morrison and Ian Forgeron. As a vinyl collector himself, he emphasized the importance of keeping the store as a community hub.

offering a large selection of new and used vinyl, alongside stereo systems and old gear from the 50s to the 90s.

They also fix and refurbish classic gear, keeping the equipment at a reasonable price for customers.

“I’ve come across some really interesting finds throughout the years, like vintage gear and signed posters and records. Part of the thrill of being a collector is in the hunt. It’s a lot of fun

“Local musicians and music lovers like to come in to Back Alley, not only to check out the latest vinyl, but also to connect. What’s unique about this store is that it brings people together. For me, by talking to people in the shop, I find I learn something new every day.”

- Pat Deighan

uncovering new and uniue finds. I love the history of it all,” he says.

“Local musicians and music lovers like to come in to Back Alley, not only to check out the latest vinyl, but also to connect. What’s unique about this store is that it brings people together.

For me, by talking to people in the shop, I find I learn something new every day,” he says.

When Back Alley moved to Queen Street in 2018, the shop expanded and now includes more stock and selection.

They also offer occasional Saturday afternoon shows and open mics, and also host Cured Creations as a food vendor.

Back Alley has evolved over the years and continues to adjust to its customers and the industry. What used to be a small bin of vinyl with lots of CDs, has completely flipped, now

While the pandemic has presented challenging times for many small businesses on the Island, Back Alley explored new ways of connecting with their customers. Starting in April 2020,

they began posting new vinyl on their Facebook page for sale.

“Before I knew it, we were delivering vinyl all over PEI. Sometimes you have to roll with the punches, and I’m grateful that we were able to continue engaging with our community,” he says.

Looking forward, Back Alley plans to continue growing their stock – maintaining a good variety and keeping their selection fresh. As always, customers with merchandise to sell are welcome to drop into the shop during business hours or call the store to talk about their record collections, big or small.

Back Alley Music 257 Queen Street, Charlottetown www.backalleymusicpei.com

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

143

WOMEN IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Q&A

with Audrey Currie & Bianca McGregor

"The creative process is therapeutic. It's fun to make beautiful things that hold meaning to the wearer." â–² (L-R) Audrey Currie, Bianca McGregor (Photo by Jacqui Chaisson)

144

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

Q. When did the business open?

Audrey: We registered the business in 2016 and took a little over a year to carefully source our components before testing our finished products at various markets and fairs on the Island. We wanted to make sure that all of the materials we use come from sources where no child labour is used or workers are underpaid. We also wanted to make sure the sterling was high quality.

Q. Who are the owners of the business?

Bianca: Myself and my mother, Audrey.

Q. Do you have a storefront?

Audrey: We now have two seasonal storefronts! One in Mariner's Cove Boardwalk in Cavendish, and we just opened another at Peakes Quay this past Canada Day. Q. How can people find you?

Bianca: People can visit our website at www.mcgregorandcurrie.ca or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

Q. What type(s) of jewellery do you create?

Bianca: We specialize in sand resin jewelry set in sterling silver. Basically we take sand from popular beaches, or people bring us sand, and we set it in pendants, rings, bracelets, charms, earrings etc., using a jeweller's grade resin. Our pieces make really personalized gifts. We get a lot of people purchasing gifts for family members living away, or they'll show up with sand from the beach they got engaged or married on. We use the same process to set just about anything people want - crushed shells are popular, dirt from family farms and even ashes from loved ones and pets.

We've expanded our customizable lines to

include aromatherapy jewelry using lava beads, as well as our newest line of Morse code jewelry where people can spell out custom messages using sterling silver, gold and rose gold beads as dots and dashes.

We also bezel (back and side with sterling silver) one-of-a-kind sea glass into stunning pendants and, for people who are a little less nostalgic and all about pretty things, we also make a line of crystal and pearl jewelry using Swarovski elements.

Q. Are custom pieces available?

Audrey: Yes, all of our lines are highly customizable. That's the point. We want our customers to have something that is special to them.

Q. Do both of you create the pieces?

Bianca: I make all of the resin jewelry and anything that needs to be assembled. Mom creates all of the one-of-a-kind sea glass pieces. These require a lot of torch work, sanding and polishing and can be labour intensive.

Q. What inspires you when you're creating a piece?

Audrey: Our customers. A lot of great stories about engagements, weddings, growing up at the beach, and exciting travel destinations come with the little bags of sand and other elements that get dropped off at our shop.

Q. What is your favourite aspect of what you do?

Bianca: Knowing that we help people give such thoughtful and unique gifts to their loved ones. A pendant is just a thing, but the experience it represents - going to your grandparents' cottage every summer, the beach you got engaged on, or that amazing vacation you'll never forget - that's special and we get to be a part of that.

Q. Have you always been a creative person?

Audrey: Both Bianca and I are creative people and we're doing what we enjoy.

Q. What kind of training did you receive?

Q. Do you have any plans to add more types of jewellery, etc., in the future?

Audrey: I graduated in Fine Arts from the Alberta College of Art + Design.

I majored in metals and worked as a goldsmith for a few years before pursuing a career in teaching. Bianca is a Business Administration graduate from UPEI. I've been teaching her some more complicated jewelry making skills.

Bianca: We're currently sourcing a line of lockets that we can customize with sand or other elements as well as pictures provided by customers. Mom is also working on a little Island fox bezel that I will fill with either blonde, red or black sand.

Q. What do you love the most about what you do?

We consistently support Anderson House.

Considering our customer base and wearers are women, we thought we should do something to help women.

Bianca: The creative process is therapeutic.

It's fun to make beautiful things that hold meaning to the wearer.

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

145

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

▲ (L-R) Vishtèn, Tara MacLean and Dennis Ellsworth, Sirène et Matelot

THE MONT-CARMEL SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

KEEPING THE SPIRIT ALIVE… ONLINE!

By Brianne Hogan Photos Courtesy of Coopérative de développement culturel et patrimonial de Mont-Carmel

Artistic Director Christian Gallant was set to announce his programming for the Mont-Carmel Summer Concert Series 2020 back in March. But then COVID-19 hit, and, suddenly, all plans changed as our life and our summer immediately turned uncertain.

“Initially, we held back making any decisions because we weren’t sure whether or not we would be able to put on our annual concert series and what that might look like if we did,” says Gallant. “We had to consider the world in which we are living now. When we decided to go online, we had to carefully choose our artists in order to ensure that those selected could pull off what we had envisioned.”

146

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

▲ (L-R) Meaghan Blanchard, Cynthia MacLeod, Adyn Townes

After giving it some careful thought, the Coopérative de développement culturel et patrimonial de MontCarmel, the organization that hosts the concert series each year, decided that even a pandemic wouldn’t stop their annual concert series from happening.

“It was really important for us to keep it alive,” says Gallant."Before we started back in 2008 there were lots of things in the community that had closed down. Tourist attractions and resorts had closed. Grocery stores and gas stations had closed. Many businesses were closed so there wasn’t a lot for tourists to do when they passed through. So, that’s where the idea for the concert series was born.”

Since then, says Gallant, the MontCarmel Summer Concert Series “has been all about bringing people together”, and in a time in which we’ve been living apart from one another for so long, its message couldn’t be more potent.

Since safety is a top concern at this time, instead of hosting live performances, the concert series is being done entirely virtually, streaming from the cooperative’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CDCPMC.

The Mont-Carmel Summer Concert Series “has been all about bringing people together”, and in a time in which we’ve been living apart from one another for so long, its message couldn’t be more potent.

- Christian Gallant

While previously the series would host a two-hour-long concert that would include three or four artists per week, this summer the Mont-Carmel Summer Concert Series is streaming a 45-minute performance featuring one artist on Facebook every Sunday at 7 p.m.

“We know that keeping someone’s attention span on social media isn’t an easy feat,” says Gallant. “It’s a happy mix. We might get people who tune in for two or three minutes or we’ll get someone who will sit through and watch the entire show.”

By streaming the concert series this year, we have opened it up to a brand new market and it is allowing more people to take it in than ever before.

While the series has always remained popular throughout the years according to Gallant their 200-seat venue was always between 75-100 per cent at capacity for each and every single performance ¬ now, “our concert series is available to the entire world,” he says. “Our series is available to anyone anywhere who has an internet connection and who wants to watch.

Folks can either watch it live or they can watch it later. That’s another benefit of putting it on social media.

If someone misses a performance, it can be streamed at a later date. Or, if they loved it so much, audiences have the opportunity to watch it a second or third time.”

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

147

▲ (L-R) Peggy Clinton and Johnny Ross, Ivan Hicks, Vivian Hicks, Troy MacGillivray and Zakk Cormier (group), Lawrence Maxwell

And while Gallant admits the concert series is a little different this summer, he assures us that it has the same focus. “We’ve always presented a mixture of francophone singer-songwriters and anglophone singer-songwriters. It’s also extremely important for us to keep the Celtic tradition alive as well, complete with fiddles, so that the audience feels like they’re at a kitchen party, given that we are located in an Acadian region. We are still able to maintain that vibe on social media.”

Upcoming artists in August include Josiane & Jacques Comeau on August 2nd, Cynthia MacLeod on August 9th, Peggy Clinton & Johnny Ross on August 16th, Caroline Bernard & Rémi Arsenault on August 23rd and Meaghan Blanchard on August 30th. Previous artists have included Sirène et Matelot, Vishtèn, Lawrence Maxwell and Les Fireflies.

Gallant says the response from artists has been nothing but positive as they have embraced learning how to produce quality video while also getting creative with their chosen personal venues. Past performers have hosted their show in everything from an outdoor woodshed to a living room.

Thanks to the concert series’ funding partners and sponsors, the series was able to pay artists professional wages, which Gallant says is important at this time.

148

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

“Artists have been hit hard by COVID-19. They lost months’ worth of gigs, which means they lost months’ worth of income. So, we’re happy to be able to offer professional fees even if they are working from the inside of their living room or their outdoor woodshed.”

Gallant says staying home is another one of the perks to streaming the series: no one has to leave his or her home to watch the shows. “Audience members have top-notch quality artists performing for them in the comfort of their own homes at a time that is convenient for them. Folks don’t have to go anywhere, and we felt that during this time of need we all need to stick together. So, we decided to offer the entire concert series for free this year!”

While the Mont-Carmel Summer Concert Series might be free this summer, it’s definitely not short of the quality that loyal audience members have come to expect from it.

“What makes the concert series stand out is the feeling you get when you’re in our venue with our performers. Artists love performing in our venue because they are so close to the audience— they get to mingle with the audience, they can have conversations with the audience. That human interaction is what makes it so special.”

And while there might not be as much human interaction this summer, Gallant assures us that when it comes to the Mont-Carmel Summer Concert Series “We’re keeping that same spirit alive… online!”

WHILE THE MONT-CARMEL SUMMER CONCERT SERIES MIGHT BE FREE THIS SUMMER, IT’S DEFINITELY NOT SHORT OF THE QUALITY THAT LOYAL AUDIENCE MEMBERS HAVE COME TO EXPECT FROM IT.

▲ (L-R) Les Fireflies, Josiane and Jacques Comeau, Caroline Bernard

FUN FACTS • Since 2008, the Mont-Carmel Summer Concert Series has presented over 800 artists and 315 dancers and has welcomed over 16 000 spectators from near and far!

• The Mont-Carmel Summer Concert Series was a nominee in the Event of the Year award category with Music PEI in 2018, 2017 & 2016.

• Artistic Director Christian Gallant, was a nominee in the Live Music Presenter of the Year award category with Music PEI for his programming of the Mont-Carmel Summer Concert Series in 2018, 2017 & 2016.

• In 2016, the Cooperative was honoured with the Cooperative of the Year award from the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of Prince Edward Island.

• In 2015, The Journal-Pioneer conducted a survey on its website. The Mont-Carmel Summer Concert Series was voted as being the Prince County venue with the best entertainment of the summer! The results of the survey were: Mont-Carmel Summer Concert Series (32%), Harbourfront Theatre (18%), Indian River Festival (16%), Albert & Crown (11%) and others (23%).

“The Mont-Carmel Summer Concert Series is, quite honestly, a pearl among the riches of Prince Edward Island. The series and its organizers grandly succeed at showcasing the proud Acadian culture of the region as well as featuring other distinguished artists who, together, highlight the world-class talent here in the Maritimes. On top of this, Christian Gallant and his team understand the value of thinking forward, ensuring the series also gives the artists of tomorrow the opportunity to shine, thus, building stronger ties within the community and beyond. In an economy where delivering high-quality art (live performance, visual or other mediums) is increasingly difficult, the Mont-Carmel Summer Concert Series stands out as a community leader and justly deserves its recognition and financial support.”

Charlie A’Court, Singer-Songwriter - NS

“A true showcase of world-class talent with quintessential Acadian hospitality, the Mont-Carmel Summer Concert Series should be on every summer to-do list for Islanders and visitors alike.”

Cynthia MacLeod - PE

“It's always such a treat for us to play at the Mont-Carmel Summer Concert Series. We've been lucky to be included in the line-up for several seasons now and it's always a highlight of our summer tour. Such a wonderful sense of community and support for local and international artists, a true gem in the musical landscape of PEI.” Cassie & Maggie MacDonald - NS

Follow us @CDCPMC www.cooperativeculturelledemontcarmel.com SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

149

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT - BOOK REPORT

DYSTOPIAN LIT

By Kristen Johnson

Back in April, when I noticed that I was reading my third dystopian book of the month, I joked that I must be reading them because “at least it’s not THIS bad yet.” I kept picking up increasingly odd books that inhabited worlds of surveillance states, post-apocalyptic ruins and contagion. This made no sense. Why would I want to read about disaster and collapse in the most uncertain of times?

At first, I thought I was just being pessimistic or morbid. Then I started to notice that I was not alone in seeking solace in dystopias. This had become “a thing.” Friends were posting similar books on Goodreads; others were asking for recommendations of books containing pandemics. We were doing this together, but why?

Perhaps we felt that we could learn from the characters when they were faced with harrowing situations. Maybe we could learn from their mistakes so we could better prepare for the unknown. Or maybe it’s just what I thought in the beginning. At least it’s not THIS bad yet.

Golden State by Ben H. Winters California has been turned into Golden State, a land where truth is law and lies are illegal. Citizens know nothing of the origins of their seeming utopia, or anything of the outside world. There is a bit of crime noir in this novel that follows a member of the Speculative Force, one hand in a vast network of state surveillance.

Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler A teenaged narrator lives in a near-future California city that is barely holding on to a semblance of civilization. The economic collapse, war, famine, and water shortage have led to an era of extreme violence. After her family is killed and she is forced out of the seeming stability of her compound, she joins other refugees on a voyage north to safety.

In the final book of the series, one last team of scientists enters Area X to try and solve its mysteries before it spreads beyond control.

Radicalized by Cory Doctorow This Canada Reads 2020 book is actually a series of timely short stories.

There are themes of immigration, artificial intelligence, health care reform, police brutality and, in the last story, of a collapsing civilization. A multimillionaire has the forethought to plan for the apocalypse. He builds a bunker, stocks it with food and water, and invites a select group of people to join him in case of emergency. What could go wrong?

Acceptance by Jeff VanderMeer (Southern Reach #3) Strange things happen to people who enter Area X. Some come home changed; some are never seen again. The area is slowly expanding, swallowing up towns, people, and the scientists there to study it. Inanimate objects breathe and buildings are alive.

Kristen Johnson is a homesteader and home-school mom who lives in Eastern PEI. She loves to spend her free time between the pages of a book.

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

151

ARTIST PROFILE

Patricia Bourque

By Story Sheidow

This particular image (#1) was taken on the north shore, I was in the National Park in Cavendish; it's past the lights of towns and cities and dark enough with minimal moonlight, that I was able to capture it. It's extra challenging this far south with clouds, and I didn't have great gear then. Most people think we are able to see the lights with the naked eye, but this far south it's a rarity. Last time I saw the dancing lights was in the 80s. Camera sensors using long exposure can capture the colours our eyes cannot.” ▲ Patricia Bourque

P

atricia Bourque is Mi’kmaq First Nation, and was born and raised here on the Island. She has taken photos for most of her life: “Photography found me,” says Bourque. The result is a decades-long history of capturing real-life moments in time.

Upon being asked what the most coveted moments were, she said, “My favourite thing to photograph is wildlife. Being in nature is what grounds me, centres me, brings me so much joy. It's a moment I'm alone in nature; just me and wildlife. It's always an honour for me when they allow me to photograph them, it feels sacred and very special.”

I wanted to know more about these moments from behind the lens, so Bourque curated some of her favourite images, and described them from her perspective- this time using words, not pictures.

“I love photographing the aurora borealis. It's so hard here on PEI so far south. It's been a few years since I had a good opportunity; when everything lines up, clear skies, time and just the right solar flares.

152

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

“The following image (#2) was taken for my first series, 'My Two Worlds,' I photographed Kindra Bernard in her traditional jingle dress. She is Mi'kmaq First Nation from Abegweit First Nation, PEI. I wanted to make sure people knew it was taken on Prince Edward Island, thus the red sandstone. The jingle dress is sacred, considered the prayer dance amongst Indigenous people; I had her pose in dance positions: prayers for the land, and water. Water is life. Water is sacred.”

“This was named 'See'er' (#3) peeking behind her eagle fan, it portrays protection, and sacredness. An elder once called me a see'er, because of my gift of seeing beauty, and so much more.”

“Sun Beaming Through the Trees, (#4) was taken on Lennox Island First Nation on the trails. Evening light. This was during filming of a commercial, it was some downtime and they were using the fog machine. I was sitting on the ground just enjoying the moment and saw the light shining through the trees and fog...I was happy, and that moment needed to be captured. That's what it's all about for me, mood, feelings, energy...whatever is happening in that moment, just is the perfect recipe for a picture.”

1

Aurora Borealis

4

3

Sun Beaming Through the Trees

"See'er"

2

My Two Worlds

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

153

WHEELS

Experience Service Like Never Before

By Story Sheidow Photos Evan Ceretti

“It’s often said in the automotive industry that the sales department will sell you your first car, and the service department will sell you every one thereafter,” says Neal Noseworthy, general manager of Hillside Motors in Charlottetown.

Noseworthy recognizes that while selling cars is pertinent, it’s the service provided and the people behind it, that keep customers returning again and again. Service providers like Barb Stewart.

“Barb has been with us for almost four years. From her charming British accent to her unbelievable organizational skills that were no doubt honed during her time served in the British Armed Forces. Barb is often the reason customers keep coming back to Hillside to get their maintenance and service work done,” says Noseworthy.

From routine care like oil changes, brakes, and wipers, to unforeseen circumstances, the service department ◄ Neal Noseworthy

at Hillside Chevrolet have some of the most qualified technicians in the industry. “Continuous learning is also a key part of our business,” says Noseworthy. “Our technicians and advisors do courses through General Motors monthly to stay up to date on the ever changing technologies that go into the vehicles we sell,” he adds.

advisor. From there, you will be offered our drop off and pick up service via the Hillside shuttle, or depending on the scenario you may opt to wait for your vehicle in our service waiting area/ showroom. We offer complimentary coffee, tea, and snacks etc. to our waiting customers or those dropping their vehicles off.”

And through all of that, the customer is still at the core. Because of this, Hillside Chevrolet is constantly monitoring the market to keep their prices competitive, and even price match on tires and brakes, with a 30-day guarantee.

And what if you’re not waiting for your vehicle? Hillside has that covered, too.

“We maintain contact throughout the process of servicing your vehicle to keep you updated on the status via text, email, or phone call depending on your preference. When service work is completed we give your car a complimentary wash through our state-of-the-art automated Hillside express car wash.”

So, just what does servicing your car or truck look like at Hillside Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac?

Noseworthy explains the process: “Upon entering Hillside for service we have a drive thru to drop off your vehicle and to confirm the work to be completed with your certified service

With 46 years under their belt as the Island’s only full-line GM dealership, Hillside Chevrolet has perfected the art of the happy customer. Visit them on St. Peters Road and experience service like never before.

Hillside Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac 113 St. Peters Road, Charlottetown 902.368.2438 www.hillsidecadillac.com

Imaging picking up your car, not only fixed and ready to go, but also sparkling clean? Only at Hillside Motors is this their regular, every day service.

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

155

WHEELS

Before you hit the road ensure you and your vehicle are ready.

ROADTRIP? 156

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

As

Islanders get adjusted to a safe and socially-distant return to work, provinces are loosening restrictions on travel. As your car may have sat relatively idle over the last few months, the following tips can help ensure your vehicle is ready when you are, while you, the driver, stay informed and safe.

Whether you're headed back to work, road-tripping the Atlantic Bubble, or simply making a grocery store run, thoughtful preparation can help you successfully navigate a safe transition back to the roads.

Maintain and repair: give your car a thorough basic inspection If your vehicle hasn't been in use for a few months, it's important to conduct a few checks before driving again.

Batteries can drain, tires can lose pressure and worse.

Battery maintenance: Make sure your car battery is free of dirt and corrosion with a simple visual inspection. If it's looking worse for the wear, check your driver's manual for how to remove the battery and have a local auto parts store check its charge. Of all simple car repairs, a battery replacement is perhaps the easiest.

Air pressure and tire tread: Consult your driver's manual, then ensure your tires are in the right PSI range (typically 30-35) by checking their inflation with a tire pressure gauge. While checking your tire pressure, you should also evaluate the tread on your tires. This is easy to do by sticking a coin in the tread gaps with heads facing down. If the head is fully visible, it's safe to say that you need new tires.

Motor oil: With minimal use of your car over the last few months, it's a great time to consider changing your motor oil. It is a best practice to change your oil and oil filter as specified in your owner's manual. If you're still using conventional oil, strongly consider switching to a synthetic motor oil. Synthetic motor oil offers improved wear protection and low/ high temperature performance over conventional motor oils, particularly in modern turbocharged engines.

Think about your first refuel: Try to reduce surface contact at the pump For customers filling up their vehicles for the first time in a while, many service stations are sanitizing surfaces and pump handles more frequently and encouraging the use of contactless payment.

Use the pay-at-the-pump option: Using this method reduces contact with others and helps maintain social distancing. In addition, it's quicker and you won't be tempted by those candy bars at the cash.

Gloves, masks, paper towels and sanitizers: For actual pump handle contact, a disposable glove or even one of the paper towels next to the squeegee can be used when holding the pump nozzle. Beyond that, always carry hand sanitizer in your glove box.

As you return to the roads, conduct thorough vehicle checks and take proactive measures at the pump to ensure a smooth and safe driving experience.

And above all, remember to be kind and stay safe.

SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

157

WHEELS

EXHILARATING PERFORMANCE MEETS INSPIRED LUXURY The all-new 2020 Lincoln Nautilus offers comfort, safety, and cutting-edge technology

By Brianne Hogan Photos Evan Ceretti

158

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

D

rivers who are interested in a vehicle that combines first-class luxury, inventive technology and the greatest of safety measures might want to consider adding the Nautilus to their list of must-sees.

“Today’s driver is more concerned with vehicle features that make driving more comfortable, connected and safe, and the Nautilus definitely delivers on each of these fronts,” says Lucy Gotell, Marketing Manager at Fair Isle Lincoln in Charlottetown.

Let’s start with safety. The all-new Nautilus boasts some of today’s most in-demand features to keep you and your family secure while on the road, including standard Blind Spot Detection with Cross-Traffic Alert and the Rear View Camera. Also included are Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, which can help drivers avoid traffic accidents by detecting vehicles, providing warnings and automatically applying the brakes if you don’t take action, and Lane-Keeping

▲ (L-R) Lucy Gotell, Ryan Williams

System, which monitors road markings and can tell when you’re drifting out of your lane, using steering and alerts to help keep you on track.

Also available is the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Plus safety package, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-And-Go and Lane Centering. This feature adjusts your Nautilus to the pace of the vehicle ahead of you, allowing you to come to a complete stop and then restart once traffic begins to move, while also providing steering support to keep your vehicle centred. Active Park Assist Plus is perfect for those who need a little extra help getting in and out of tight parking spaces. And the 360-Degree Camera provides a birds-eye view around your vehicle for that extra sense of security.

Another perk, says Gotell, is the Lincoln Way App that’s available to all Lincoln owners.

“It lets you do things like access a personal concierge, find parking, check local fuel prices and operate your vehicle remotely,

all from the convenience of your phone.”

The app also connects you to your chosen local dealership if in need of repairs, allowing you to arrange for Pickup & Delivery, as well as view your maintenance schedule and service history.

Considering a road trip? Lincoln Connect lets you and your passengers enjoy seamless internet connectivity while inside your Nautilus. Featuring a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Lincoln Connect allows up to 10 devices to connect at the same time. In addition, you can access your hotspot from up to 50 feet away, which means taking breaks throughout your trip just got a little more connected and productive.

Today’s Lincoln vehicles are geared toward discerning drivers who appreciate the finer things in life and want more from a vehicle than just a big engine or sporty appearance. The Lincoln brand is known for elegance and comfort, and the Nautilus, as well as the other vehicles available as part of their 2020 lineup, provides a sanctuary for both drivers and passengers.

Fair Isle Lincoln If you’re someone who loves to listen to 116 St. Peters Rd, your favourite albums or satellite radio, the Charlottetown Nautilus’ Revel Audio System recreates 902.368.3673 the live music experience from the comfort of your vehicle. Options include the lgotell@fairisleford.com 13-speaker Revel Audio System as well www.fairislelincoln.ca as a 19-speaker system for truly impressive sound.

SUMMER 2020 www.pei-living.ca

159

We’re growing.

Watch for the first edition of HFX Living magazine this fall!

Welcome, Halifax!

Little Bird Publishing is thrilled to announce our latest endeavour ... HFX Living magazine.

There has never been a better time to celebrate places close to home, and this new magazine will do just that, with a focus on life in Nova Scotia. We will cover all the same great content as PEI Living, including health, home, style, food & drink, culture, local business and more. Join us in welcoming the team of HFX Living.

160

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

Coming to a coffee table near you!

Meet the HFX Living Team Lori McKay PUBLISHER/EDITOR

Bruce Jollimore PHOTOGRAPHER

Heather Laura Clarke WRITER

Rachael Shrum PHOTOGRAPHER

Angela Campagnoni FASHION EDITOR

Colleen Thompson FOOD & DRINK EDITOR

Bruce is the owner of Bruce Jollimore Photography in Dartmouth, N.S. He is a graduate of NSCAD and the NSCC, where he honed his craft and gained skills in emerging photographic technologies. A people person, Bruce is also an artist and enjoys photographing everything from sports and lifestyle to portraits and corporate. He lives in Dartmouth with his family.

Lori has worked as a magazine and newspaper editor for more than 20 years. She has an MFA in creative nonfiction and a bachelor of journalism from the University of King’s College.

Lori lives in Dartmouth, N.S., with her husband, two teenage children and a friendly black lab. In the summers, her family runs Wildwood Water Sports, a canoe, kayak and paddleboard rental business along the historic Shubenacadie Canal.

Heather is an award-winning journalist and columnist whose work appears in newspapers and magazines across North America. She says her favourite part of writing professionally is having the opportunity to chat with interesting Atlantic Canadians and share their stories.

Rachael is a photographer and NSCAD grad from Halifax, N.S. As an introspective and easygoing person, she loves that photography allows her to meet and connect with so many interesting people. With an intuitive approach to weddings and portraits, she aims to create images that are emotive and often evoke nostalgia.

Angela is a published author and fashion columnist with 30 years experience in the fashion industry. She is also the founder and executive director of Atlantic Fashion Week.

Colleen is an award-winning writer and photographer with more than 1,000 bylines.

She currently writes, edits, photographs, plans, sources and develops content for several US and Canadian publications and clients. A qualified wine sommelier, she loves wine without pomp and ceremony.

If there’s a wild beach she’s in her happy place and is always in search of new ones.

We’d love to hear from you - www.hfx-living.ca SUMMER 2020

www.pei-living.ca

161

MEET THE TEAM It takes a team of creative people and almost three months to get each edition of PEI Living to your coffee table. In the upcoming issues we thought it would be fun to introduce you to the minds behind the magazine. PEI Living wouldn't be possible without the passionate dedication of everyone involved.

A PASSION FOR CREATING BEAUTIFUL SPACES Q&A with Susan Snow, Home Editor

Q. How do you choose the content for the Home & Cottage section of the magazine?

Since the magazine is published quarterly, it makes sense to create content that is relevant to the season.

We strive to include new and fresh design perspectives, easy to do DIY projects and feature local homes that inspire the readers. Our ultimate goal is to provide content that is engaging, beautiful and consistent. For example, the summer issue is the perfect time to highlight a charming cottage and create a seasonal DIY project.

Q. What does it take to go from idea to printed pages?

Photo: LaVie In Pictures

Q. How did you become Home Editor of PEI Living?

Throughout my career and with my interior design business, Moving Designz, I have kept busy creating and contributing content for various media and publications. I started following PEI Living Magazine after I picked up a printed copy and in 2018 the publisher, Jacqui Chaisson, approached me to take on the role of home editor, planning content for the Home & Cottage section. I have always loved the saying “when opportunity knocks answer the door."

162

www.pei-living.ca SUMMER 2020

Q. What plans do you have for the Home & Cottage section?

I’d like to include an "ask a designer" page where readers can contact me with home design questions.

Q. What is your favourite space in your home?

My favourite space, when the weather permits, is definitely outside puttering around in my flower and vegetable gardens. Being outside and nurturing plants gives me a huge sense of calmness, achievement and gratitude for Mother Earth.

Initially I develop ideas for the issue, then the publisher and I meet and brainstorm to form a cohesive plan of work that needs to be completed in order to meet the publishing deadline.

The plan includes stories and articles that need to be photographed, written and then produced as magazine pages.

When the content is finalized I schedule the photography shoot(s) which include staging the property.

After the photography is completed, the graphic designer and I collaborate on the page layout, including choosing the images; selecting the font style; and deciding on a colour scheme.

When the first draft of the layout is completed the page files are emailed to me and I write the copy. The pages usually go back and forth several times as the layout is adjusted, tweaked and edited. Once this work is done and the final layout is approved it is ready for publishing when the entire magazine is completed.

Email PEI Living's home editor, Susan Snow at susan@pei-living.ca

THE UNDENIABLE 2020 CADILLAC XT5

4 YEARS/80,000 KM MAINTENANCE INCLUDED All new Cadillac models come with 4 years or 80,000 KM of Premium Care Maintenance, whichever comes first.

Services include: • Oil Change • Tire Rotation

• Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection • Air Filter Replacement • Courtesy Transport

DRIVE IT TO BELIEVE IT SCHEDULE A TEST DRIVE 113 St Peters Rd, Charlottetown | 902.368.2438 | www.hillsidecadillac.com

HERE’S A

LINEUP LOOK FORWARD TO

YOU CAN

Lincoln’s 2020 Vehicle Lineup is Available Now at Fair Isle Lincoln in Charlottetown

Fair Isle Lincoln | 116 St Peters Rd, Charlottetown | 902.368.3673 | www.fairislelincoln.ca