ReFINEd Halifax Volume 2 Issue 2 2016

FALL 2016 VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2

HALIFAX

BEST of the

BEST 2016

LIFESTYLE YOU DESERVE FOREST LAKES COUNTRY CLUB

TASTES OF THE PROVINCE Wine, Seafood & BBQ CELEBRATE FALL Annapolis Valley Special Section HALIFAX POP EXPLOSION Local Talent, WorldRenowned Performers

Experience the Extraordinary at Audi Halifax

Introducing the all-new Audi A4.

Progress is intense.

Form, function and innovation you can feel. The all-new Audi A4 offers our most progressive technology yet, including an available driver-focused virtual cockpit, Bang & Olufsen® 3D Sound, and LED headlights. Book a test drive today to experience it for yourself.

The all-new Audi A4 Starting from

$43,200

*

Visit audihalifax.com for details.

AudiHalifax

6077 Columbus Street Halifax, Nova Scotia Telephone 902 453 2834 www.audihalifax.com

©2016 Audi Canada. *Base MSRP of a new and unregistered 2017 Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro Komfort S tronic is $45,822, including $2,095 freight and PDI, $10 OMVIC fee, $22 EHF (tires), $100 a/c levy and $395 dealer admin fee. License, insurance, registration, options, and applicable taxes are extra. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Dealer may sell or lease for less. European model shown with features that may be available on the Canadian model. Vehicles shown for illustration purposes only. “Bang & Olufsen” is a registered trademark of Bang & Olufsen A/S. “Audi”, “A4”, “Vorsprung durch Technik”, and the four rings emblem are trademarks of AUDI AG registered in Canada. To fi nd out more about Audi, visit Audi Halifax, call 1-800-FOR-AUDI, or visit us at www.audi.ca.

“I Want it All”

Planning to wed in the Halifax or Dartmouth area? “I Want it All” package is available at BEST WESTERN PLUS Dartmouth Hotel & Suites. Brides and grooms can create a beautiful wedding that gives guests a little bit of everything. With a 4,200-sq.-ft. ballroom that can be decorated in your wedding’s particular style or theme, cocktail hour, a three-course dinner, and complimentary Jacuzzi suite for the newlyweds, “I Want it All” offers exceptional value, offered by a team of professionals with a combined 75 years of hospitality experience.

Photography by our preferred wedding photographer Chantal Routhier Photography | www.chantalrouthierphotography.com Designs by our preferred wedding decorator Stephanie Brown | www.skystldesign.com

902.463.2000 | 15 Spectacle Lake Drive, Dartmouth | www.bestwesterndartmouth.com

HALIFAX

Fall 2016 Volume 2 Issue 2 Owner / Publisher Seann Gervason seann@refinedmagazine.ca Editor Lori McKay lori@refinedmagazine.ca

FIRST WORD With ReFINEd editor LORI MCKAY

S

“Autumn... the year’s last, loveliest smile.”

– William Cullen Bryant

eptember finds us enjoying the last of summer’s warm weather and welcoming the beautiful colours of the fall. This is also the time when we bring you our annual Best of the Best special edition — featuring some great businesses in and around Halifax.

For many people, fall means back to routine. But it doesn’t have to mean an end to travel, entertaining or even barbecue season.

In this issue you’ll find a mouth-watering selection of barbecue recipes — along with some great wine pairing suggestions — that will keep you enjoying the great outdoors well into winter.

I had the opportunity to spend a few days at Nova Scotia’s beautiful Fox Harb’r this summer. While there, I interviewed the resort’s executive chef, Shane Robilliard, who has created a menu at their Cape Cliff restaurant that celebrates Nova Scotia seafood and local fare. Check out my story.

This issue’s cover feature showcases nature and luxury in a new premium resort-style community. Find out more in our cover story.

Also in this issue, we have travel stories on France and Costa Rica, a feature on the Halifax Pop Explosion — with an exclusive interview with local singer Mo Kenney — and a special section on the beautiful Annapolis Valley.

Enjoy!

Lori Best of the Best There are a multitude of qualities that make a best business, including customer service, quality products, company culture and effective marketing. This issue aims to highlight some of these engaging companies — telling their stories of accomplishment and entrepreneurship.

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Advertising Sales Tracey Wallace Designer Ghislaine Moffitt Contributing Writers Katrina Geenevasen-Garlough, Cheryl Doherty, Angela Campagnoni, Amanda Hookey, Matt Jamieson, Anita Draycott, Matthew Harpell, Kris Webster, Tori Stafford Cover Photography Courtesy of Forest Lakes Country Club Photography Bruce Jollimore, Steve Jess, Geoffrey Creighton, Stoo Metz, Mike Swiech, Halifolks, Vanessa Heins, Paul Wright, Gaelle Beri, Scott Blackburn, Rick Rodney, Tony Koukos, David Elliott Distribution & Subscriptions seann@refinedmagazine.ca 902.476.4700

Seann Gervason Owner / Publisher seann@refinedmagazine.ca 902.476.4700

Tracey Wallace Director of Sales & Marketing traceyw@refinedmagazine.ca 902.441.4456

Ghislaine Moffitt Designer ghislainem@refinedmagazine.ca

ReFINEd Halifax is published by ReFINEd Magazine Ltd., which is independently owned. Opinions expressed in ReFINEd Magazine Ltd. are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or advertisers. ReFINEd Magazine Ltd. does not assume liability for content.

All rights reserved ©ReFINEd Magazine Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. For reproduction requests, please call 902.476.4700.

Canada Post Publication Agreement #41818060. Return all undeliverables to 1511 Lockhart Mountain Road, Coldbrook, Nova Scotia, B4R 1C1.

CONTENTS

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2

24

54

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

46

64

STYLE & BEAUTY | 6

Halifax Pop Explosion

Cover Feature: Forest Lakes Country Club

YOUR HEALTH | 10 FOOD & DRINK | 24

92

CITY LIFE | 45

Annapolis Valley

RECREATION & TRAVELSCAPES | 50 AT HOME | 61 BUSINESS TO BUSINESS | 80 MOTORING | 88

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5

STYLE & BEAUTY

ACTS OF HUMAN KINDNESS ARE ALWAYS IN

Fashion

By Angela Campagnoni

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STYLE & BEAUTY

LEFT DESIGNER Donn Sabean ABOVE DESIGNER Anthony El-cid BOTH PHOTOS BY Mike Swiech Photography

A

s Atlantic Fashion Week (AFW) is coming into its 10th season this fall, I found myself sitting back and contemplating if I have really accomplished what I set out to do. And if I am truly honest with myself, the answer is no.

My reasoning is complicated. AFW is a fabulous event. We’ve received wonderful national press, been able to shine the spotlight on our local talent and it has become a staple amongst the industry… So why would I think it is not totally ‘there’ yet? That answer comes back to why I started this event in the first place.

STYLE & BEAUTY

Angela is the director and creator of Atlantic Fashion Week and has more than 25 years in the fashion industry.

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What fuelled my passion to start AFW was to help designers become sustainable with their dreams. It stemmed from personally knowing what it felt like to close the door on my own design house, which happened shortly after I finished college. When I was at an age of fearlessness and naivety and thought I could do anything … until reality set in.

Although I had the creative talent, there were major holes in my business skills — something many artists need help with.

Which is why AFW is changing and going back to the root of its origins.

I have taken the time to step back and see the big picture.

And through this journey I have found myself surrounded by others who are passionate about their message, and passionate about change.

ABOVE DESIGNER Anthony El-cid PHOTO

BY Mike Swiech Photography MIDDLE L-R Jody Euloth, Mesh Media; Barb Stegemann and Angela Campagnoni BOTTOM Paul LeBlanc, The Human Preservation Company PHOTO BY Halifolks

People like those at The Human Preservation Company, founded by Paul LeBlanc and Shawn King. With the phrase “behuman” proudly displayed on their clothing line, it’s a simple yet powerful reminder to be just that, human. The backstory is an amazing journey of how one simple act of kindness touched the heart of co-founder Leblanc and turned into this fantastic company.

Check out this local Halifax-based company at www. humanpreservation.com and read not only how they began, but also where they are going. It’s truly inspirational.

We are at a critical time on this planet. It has become a time when watching the news generally leaves me feeling sad for humanity. It is through this simple yet powerful message that the founders hope to remind people that a simple act of kindness can change a person’s day or even their life.

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STYLE & BEAUTY

Another incredible person I have met is Barb Stegemann. If you have not had the chance to hear her story or learn more about her amazing journey, then now is the time.

Through Atlantic Fashion Week, I am proud to be hosting one of this year’s Atlantic Film Festival events on Sept. 21 at the Oxford Theatre. It is the world premiere of Perfume War, directed by Michael Melski and cowritten by Barb Stegemann, founder of The 7 Virtues, a Halifax company that sources fair market natural essential oils from nations rebuilding after war or conflict.

Perfume War is about two friends and their unstoppable fight for world peace. Captain Trevor Greene’s mission in Afghanistan ends violently with a Taliban axe in his head.

Miraculously, he survives to see his friend Barb Stegemann, a single mom, carry on his peace mission with a new strategy — perfume. In an “art of war” maneuverer, she takes what the enemy loves most, the poppy crop, by purchasing rose and orange blossom oils, which pay Afghan farmers twice the income over illegal poppy. Scientists marvel at Greene’s recovery, while Stegemann helps rebuild in Afghanistan and Rwanda.

This movie shows the strength of an amazing woman who battles to keep her company afloat at a retail level, while changing lives globally. Since her journey began, Stegemann has been featured on CNN, CBC and Bloomberg TV, and in print media around the world, including The Wall Street Journal Magazine and The London Sunday Times. Stegemann is also the author of a bestselling book, The 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen, which empowers women to flex their buying power to reverse issues of war and poverty. She is a popular keynote speaker on the subject of retail activism. You can learn more about Stegemann and these initiatives at www.the7virtues.com, watch the movie trailer at www.perfumewar.com or find her line of fragrances at The Bay. Getting to know these companies, and through my own work with meeting young designers, has reminded me the power one person can have to change the lives of others. I am excited for the direction Atlantic Fashion Week will be taking in the future, and I will be launching new initiatives to be revealed in the coming months.

Be sure to follow the journey with me at www.angelacampagnoni.com, and see upcoming events throughout the year at www.atlanticfashionweek.com

Barb Stegemann

STYLE & BEAUTY

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9

YOUR HEALTH

Tips to Improve

YOUR WELLBEING

By Amanda Hookey

Life is busy, but taking care of yourself needs to be a priority! Your overall lifestyle can be improved with simple routine changes that will boost your mood, add enjoyment and help remove toxins from your body. By simply tweaking your exercise level and diet you can improve your health tenfold. Here are five simple ways.

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Inhale. Exhale. Outdoors.

Drink. Drink. Repeat.

Get outside and explore the wideopen landscapes this wonderful province has to offer. Not only will it allow you to connect with nature, but it will provide exercise as well. Adding 30 minutes of exercise to your daily routine can reduce stress and improve your mood — so why not head outside for it? The sounds in nature induce a natural Zen-like environment, creating a therapeutic balance between the two. Go hiking. Meditate in nature.

Inhale fresh air. Clear your head.

Water is a necessity of life, but are you drinking enough? If you are dehydrated, your body will send warnings signs that cause pain and ailments. Drinking anywhere from eight to 10 glasses of water a day optimizes bodily function and helps prevent kidney and liver failure by flushing the digestive system.

YOUR HEALTH

Now is the time to take responsibility for your health! Become mindful about what you ingest and what techniques you use to get exercise and reduce stress.

Remember, life is all about balance, and routines you start today may reduce your risk of illness tomorrow.

Eat. Be Merry.

Ingest. Detoxify. Release.

Laugh. Release. Remedy.

Quinoa, salmon and seaweed are just a few superfoods that pack a nutritional punch. When implemented into your diet they can boost your metabolism, assist with mental clarity and help you reach your optimal weight. By reducing empty calories, you will feel fuller longer. Next time you’re at the market, stock up!

Detoxifying is a proven technique to eliminate harmful toxins from your body, which improves mood and body function. Drinking tea has been known to cleanse the body internally of toxins, and according to Dr. Iman A. Hakim, director of Health Promotional Sciences at the Arizona Cancer Center, “green tea is rich in polyphenols, which are antioxidants and inducers of phase-2 detoxification enzymes.” Phase-2 enzymes filter harmful substances from your liver and facilitate the removal of carcinogens.

Laughter is one way to brighten your mood, reduce stress and release endorphins. “Your sense of humor is one of the most powerful tools you have to make certain that your daily mood and emotional state support good health,” says Paul E. McGhee, Ph.D, developmental psychologist and author of The Laughter Remedy.

So, if you find yourself grumpy, change your perspective and find something to laugh about.

By releasing those mood stabilizing endorphins, you’ll be a happier you.

YOUR HEALTH

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11

BEST

PILATES

of the

BEST 2016

FITNESS FOR A HEALTHY

MIND & BODY Classes for any age, body type, fitness level and personality

By Lori McKay Photos Stoo Metz

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ooking for a new exercise routine that transforms the way you look and feel? Consider a class designed for your mind and body.

“Our classes are all about training the body to move with more strength, ease, and grace,” says Christy Sanford, owner of Studio in Essence in Halifax. “By dedicating time to this two to three times a week you will transform the way your body looks, feels and performs.

Movements you only dreamed about will become possible in this process. Our trainers are experts in their fields and will guide you there.”

Studio in Essence is a fully equipped Pilates studio with six reformers, Pilates chairs, and different specialized equipment. With 20 instructors on staff, they offer classes in Pilates, pole fitness, aerial yoga, acrobatics and Gyrotonic.

“A strong core and proper form is the key to change,” says Sanford. “We have a six or eight student limit on our Pilates classes, which ensures clients receive the individual attention and guidance needed for results.”

Sanford was first introduced to pilates after she was injured in a car accident in 1999 — it was when she learned firsthand how it could recover, strengthen and revitalize the body.

She ran the Pilates program at what was then Nubody’s for many years before she became interested in teaching specialized equipment classes. This led her to open her own small Pilates business on Barrington Street in 2004. Within a few months she noticed pole fitness

YOUR HEALTH

was becoming popular in places like California and thought she’d try it here.

“It really took off,” says Sanford.

move the body in endless circular motions creating a more consistent and fluid flow of energy.”

Within a year, she moved to a larger downtown location where she remained for nine years. “While I was there, pole and acrobatics evolved into a full aerial program. We got into aerial silks and aerial hoop and now we do trapeze, as well.”

The classes offered at the studio are a varied mix, which appeals to a range of clients, from children to young professionals to seniors. “It’s very diverse and the diversity is what allows me to offer different things at all different times of the day.”

The business moved to City Centre Atlantic in Halifax, above Pete’s Fine Foods, a year and a half ago. They now have 5,000 square feet of space, with four separate studios. “Our students love our more convenient location with parking in the building.”

As Pilates is rehabilitative, many of Studio in Essence’s clients are recovering from an injury, but Sanford didn’t want the studio to feel like a hospital. She wanted to make it different.

Sanford has spent the past 10 years studying GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS®, travelling all over the world to study with the best Master Trainers in this method. She recently acquired a new machine called the Archway, which is the only one of its kind in Atlantic Canada.

“It’s like a monkey bar for adults. The rungs of the ladder help you stretch and strengthen in new ways that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. The machine’s system of pulleys and rotating disks

“When I first started Pilates I found the options where you go to be clinical. I felt uncomfortable in that environment. It felt like going to physio. We work with a lot of people post-rehab, but we try to make it fun so the studio is very colourful, full of natural light and artistic.”

An important part of Studio In Essence is acrobatic dance. Sanford began this journey as the first Atlantic female DJ in 1995. She quickly grew tired of playing records and became one of the first and top female breakdancers in Canada. Ten years ago she switched gears to pole and aerial arts, where she has performed and

YOUR HEALTH

“Gyrotonic has helped me be pain free following my car accident. The stretching, fluid movements of Gyrotonic has helped me strengthen and rehabilitate my neck, shoulders and back. Christy is a wonderful, positive, patient teacher. I enjoy my sessions and my body feels great.”

– Dr. Kathy Montgomery, client

competed across Canada ever since. A master trainer, Sanford loves to share her enthusiasm for fitness with others and in addition to personal training, she offers certification in aerial, pole fitness, Pilates mat, Pilates reformer and Gyrotonic.

Email studioinessence@gmail.com for more information.

Studio In Essence 1535 Dresden Row Suite 203 902.405.5500 studioinessence@gmail.com www.studioinessence.com

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STEP TOWARD AN ACTIVE YOU!

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The Products You Need: Footwear • Custom Orthotics • Braces • Medical Products Compression Therapy • Fitness Products

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902.468.7911 Cole Harbour Satellite Location Forest Hills Medical Clinic 4 Forest Hills Parkway Call for Appointment.

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EA

EXPERT ADVICE

EXPERT ADVICE

Compression Socks: A Fashion Revolution

in the ankles, instead the full athletic performance or training socks are a better option.

A Fit For Everyone

W

hat do you know about compression socks or sports calf sleeves? Probably not as much as you think.

vein problem, the condition can worsen over time and lead to permanent vein damage or serious vein diseases, such as leg ulcers and blood clots.

Compression socks now come in many different styles, materials, colours and levels of compression that are designed for everyday wear by everyone.

Medical grade compression can be very helpful for people with existing conditions and symptoms, such as heavy and tired feeling legs, edema (swelling) from the accumulation of fluids, varicose veins and lymphedema. Compression may also be highly beneficial as a preventative measure to preserve still healthy legs and boost the return blood circulation in your legs to the heart and lungs.

Compression Socks & Pregnancy

Your physician can prescribe the level of compression and length of compression socks/stockings that are right for your legs. A certified fitter will take several measurements of your legs to ensure you get the proper size. You do not need a prescription for compression socks that have a low level of compression.

Identifying Vein Problems The main job of the veins in your legs is to return blood to your heart. The calf muscle in your lower leg is the main pump that keeps the blood in the veins flowing in the right direction. When we walk, the contraction and relaxation of the calf muscle helps the veins move the blood up the leg. There are one-way valves in the veins that only allow the blood to flow in one direction; if they are not doing their job blood is able to flow back down the leg causing the veins to swell. These can be seen on your legs as spider veins or varicose veins. When compressing the dilated veins, the compression applied by the socks must be “graduated,� and it is important that a medical company following medical standards makes them. If you ignore a

Pregnancy plays a role in the development of varicose veins.

Approximately 30 per cent of women pregnant for the first time, and 55 per cent of women who have had two or more full term pregnancies develop varicose veins. Women who are pregnant are also at a high risk for the development of a Deep Vein Thrombosis, known as DVT. One reason is the increased blood volume at full term.

Wearing compression socks can help keep your legs healthy during pregnancy.

Compression Socks & Sports In addition to socks for everyday use, there is also athletic performance and training compression socks and calf sleeves, which reduces tiring muscle vibrations, help to counterbalance the stress exerted during sporting activities and promote lactic acid flush out for faster recovery. Muscles are better supported over extended distances, continue to perform for longer and the positive impact on circulation protects the vein system under persistent stress, which in turn promotes a quicker recovery. Calf sleeves should not be worn if you have any edema or swelling

YOUR HEALTH

Jen Estabrooks Co-owner, General Manager Soles in Motion 121 Ilsley Ave, Burnside Park, Dartmouth 902.468.7911 solesinmotion.ca

Keeping you in motion!

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EA

EXPERT ADVICE

EXPERT ADVICE

GIVE YOUR VISION SOME THOUGHT THIS FALL In the coming months, we will wrap up our gardens, prepare homes and cottages for winter, and firm up plans for travel and gatherings. Fall offers a new slate of opportunities. It’s time to take stock — as well as stock up — on harvest goodies, and drink in the crisp fall air. Be ready to enjoy the beautiful fall colours by giving your vision some thought.

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e take our healthy eyes and clear vision for granted, but a routine checkup is always a

good idea.

For growing children, an eye examination can uncover potential vision problems that can stand in the way of their learning process. Up to 80 per cent of learning in school is visual or has a significant visual component. As younger kids and most elementary school-aged children have no frame of reference to know that their vision isn’t clear, vision changes can manifest as behavioural problems and feelings of inadequacy for many learning tasks. If vision correction

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is prescribed, we also need to catch up with expected changes as kids grow and change throughout their school years and through young adulthood.

As children get older, begin to drive and contemplate post-secondary education and careers, demands on vision increase.

In some universities, class sizes can dictate large classrooms where a student may be further away from lecturers, projected lecture notes or note boards.

Increased computer and smartphone use and night driving can also cause comfort issues, as well as highlight the need for fine-tuning glasses or contact lenses.

As we get older, we become more susceptible to eye disorders and diseases related to ageing and other medical conditions. With the state of imaging technologies available to your optometrist, it is possible to detect and act upon problems before you ever experience vision changes or loss.

Persistent irritation, redness, pain, inflammation and sudden vision changes or loss are more obvious reasons to see an optometrist and, if necessary, be referred to an ophthalmologist.

Just like seeing your dentist or family physician, a visit to your optometrist is a useful and essential health checkup.

YOUR HEALTH

So, we wave goodbye to summer and slide into the season of fall with all its colours and checklists. But when it’s time to shift gears and take care of ourselves and our own, consider checking up on the eyes that allow you to take in everything the coming season has to offer.

Enjoy!

Dr. Jeff Buchanan-Dorrance Optometrist & CEO West Halifax Optometry Group 2828 Windsor St., Halifax 902.406.2020 www.westhalifaxoptometry.ca

EA

EXPERT ADVICE

EXPERT ADVICE

GUM RECESSION: CAUSES, PREVENTION & TREATMENT

I

n our daily practice, we often encounter patients who present with gingival recession, a.k.a. gum recession. An undesirable condition, gum recession results in the exposure of roots of teeth, tooth sensitivity, root decay and un-esthetic appearance of teeth.

Gum recession has been classified by the American Academy of Periodontology as a developmental or acquired condition.1 It is often associated with the loss of soft and hard tissues (such as gum and bone) surrounding the tooth. An American Survey2 found that 88 per cent of individuals 65 years of age and older had at least one site with gingival recession. The same study found recession to be present in about 50 per cent of individuals between ages 18 to 64. In our dental practice, approximately 55 per cent of all patients referred for periodontal therapy require treatment for gum recession. Therefore, it is fair to say that gum recession is quite common.

What causes gum recession?

Common causes of gum recession are: 1. Trauma from tooth brushing or flossing 2. Tooth malposition 3. Oral jewelry 4. Muscle pull 5. Periodontal disease 1 2

How can gum recession be prevented?

Can recessions be treated?

Proper tooth brushing and flossing using a soft toothbrush is effective in preventing gum recession. Timely orthodontic therapy to correct tooth malposition, which contributes to recession, is yet another measure of prevention. Finally, we have seen numerous cases of advanced gum recession caused by oral jewelry. In most cases encountered, complete repair of the recession is not possible due to the advanced nature of the condition.

Therefore, avoiding oral jewelry altogether can prevent gum recession and other oral lesions as well.

Yes of course. Gum recession can be treated by a surgical procedure, known as gum graft surgery. In our practice, over half of our daily activities involves treatment of gum recession. The gold standard in gum graft surgery is the complete restoration of the lost soft and hard tissues. The treatment should also include measures to prevent future recession. It is noteworthy that early treatment of recession is key to successful treatment. Surgical treatment of mild to moderate recessions will usually result in complete success, whereas treatment of advanced recessions will not result in complete restoration of the lost tissues.

What happens to teeth with gum recession?

Initially patients do not experience any symptoms since the affected roots are protected by cementum. Cementum, however, wears out quickly, exposing the layer underneath, the dentine.

Once dentine is exposed, teeth become temperature sensitive. Tooth sensitivity is the principal reason most patients seek treatment for gum recession. If left untreated, exposed roots can develop decay, which further undermines the tooth. Last, but by no means least, gum recession can create an unaesthetic appearance for most individuals, especially when affected teeth show when they smile.

Classification of Periodontal Disease and conditions, Ann Periodontol 1999; 4:i, 1-112 Kassab MM & Cohen RE (Journal of American Dental Association 2003

YOUR HEALTH

Dr. Edmond Ghiabi Periodontist Pinnacle Dental Specialists 255 Lacewood Dr., Suite 307 Halifax 902.407.7377 admin@pdsns.com www.pdsns.com

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Retreat From the

Ordinary

By Katrina Geenevasen-Garlough

Seeking a transformative experienced designed to renew and revitalize you to your very core? A yoga retreat may be the answer.

S

piritual author Eckhart Tole once said, “Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have.” Perhaps this is true, but it can be hard to be mindful and present when we’re wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Between getting out the door in the morning, putting dinner on the table in the evening and surviving the hectic workday in between, it’s often difficult to catch a breath, let alone live gratefully in the present. Indeed, most of us are just thankful to fall into bed, exhausted, once the day is over.

It’s been proven time and time again that slowing down and being more

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mindful is essential to overall health and happiness, and yoga retreats have become an essential part of the overall health equation for many people. They force you to unplug, be present and immerse yourself in your yoga practice.

The best part? You don’t need to be an experienced yogi to take part.

If you’re new to yoga retreats, you may find yourself wondering what they entail. In addition to the expected yoga classes, you’ll find that many retreats also provide participants with delicious and wholesome meals, the opportunity to take part in restful meditations and calming walks, and chances to nurture your spirit with a book. If you simply

YOUR HEALTH

can’t bear the thought of being totally secluded from home, some even offer Wi-Fi. Still need some convincing? It’s important to remember that to be able to serve others, you must first serve yourself. Taking a break and stepping away from it all — all work obligations and family responsibilities — can allow you to recharge and be better equipped to handle what life throws at you.

Remember to journal while you’re on your retreat. Once you’re home, you might slip too easily back into your old routines. Reading back on your experiences may help you establish new routines aimed at better self-care.

Retreats will also help you gain an important sense of mindfulness — this can help improve both your physical and mental health. It takes some practice, but with dedication you’ll find you learn to notice how you’re feeling and what you’re doing.

If you’ve recently gone through a major life change — a divorce, or the loss of a loved one, for example — you might find that participating in a retreat provides you with the opportunity to make a fresh start and to find balance within your life.

YOUR HEALTH

If you’re still undecided, consider this: yoga retreats are located in some of the world’s most beautiful locations. Whether you want to perfect your eagle pose on the idyllic beaches of Thailand, or master your half moon pose on a mountaintop in the Himalayas, there are endless locales to choose from. Want to stay close to home?

There are always wonderful retreats being held at beautiful locations throughout Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.

Don’t waste any more time finding your inner peace; you owe it to you.

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BEST of the

ORTHODONTICS

BEST 2016

PUT YOUR BEST SMILE FORWARD “We treat our patients like we would family.”

– Dr. Magda Barnard

Y

our smile is your first chance to make a good impression, so it’s important that you take very good care of it!

Sometimes that care involves seeing an orthodontist. At Bedford Orthodontics, you are guaranteed to get the best professional care. Doctors Magda Barnard and Lee Erickson bring professionalism, knowledge, integrity and experience when caring for your oral health.

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“Patients come first at Bedford Orthodontics,” says Dr. Barnard.

“We treat our patients like we would family. We strive to provide the best possible care in a friendly, caring and fun environment.”

Both Dr. Erickson and Barnard are perfectionists when it comes to your teeth, and work hard to ensure each and every patient has the smile they dream of. “We leave no stone unturned to do so.

We use the latest and best technology

YOUR HEALTH

and are constantly updating our systems as technology updates,” says Barnard.

People typically think of getting braces for cosmetic reasons, but there are also many functional reasons for needing braces. According to Dr. Barnard, an impacted tooth can create many problems, including a possible cyst and damage of a neighbouring tooth or teeth.

Other reasons for getting braces include spacing, food impaction, crowded teeth, misaligned bite, misaligned jaws,

“I can’t say enough about Dr. Erickson and his bedside manner. He was very friendly and directed his questions and comments to both my daughter, who is 11 years old, and myself. He clearly explained what he believed could be done, but did not pressure us in any way to invest in braces. Thank you again for such good care.” – C.E. “I am very happy with my Invisalign.

It suits my lifestyle, and I am very happy to be a client at Bedford Orthodontics. Dr. Barnard is very sweet and you can see her passion for her career." – J.M. “I loved my experience at Bedford Orthodontics! And better yet, I absolutely love my results!”

– M.W.

Bedford Orthodontics utilize. Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that gradually move the teeth into place. Dr. Erickson and Dr. Barnard use a special scanner that allows fabrication of Invisalign aligners without molds of the teeth.

Dr. Magda Barnard and Dr. Lee Erickson

significant overbites, open bites, cross bites and deep bites. These are all conditions that can cause problems if not taken care of.

“There are also many aesthetic reasons for getting braces,” explains Dr. Barnard.

If someone is shy or unhappy with their smile, seeing an orthodontist can help increase their confidence. “Tooth loss, lack of teeth showing on smiling, narrow smiles and certain types of jaw misalignments can make someone look older prematurely. Braces can benefit you functionally and make you look younger.” She adds that braces may also be needed when teeth are lost due to trauma or other reasons, such as deep cavities.

Preventative orthodontics is a big part of the practice at Bedford Orthodontics.

Dr. Barnard recommends you start taking your child to an orthodontist by age seven. “This allows us to guide the child’s teeth and jaw development and enables us to spot and prevent problems,” she advises. “We can guide teeth to come into better alignment and this can simplify braces in the future or prevent them altogether for some children.”

Gone are the days of the dreaded ‘metal mouth’ braces, and Bedford Orthodontics is on top of all of the latest technologies and products. Today’s metal or clear braces are smaller, more comfortable and easier to clean — plus, teeth move precisely due to the cutting edge technology that the doctors at

YOUR HEALTH

The attitudes about braces have changed dramatically over the last few decades.

“In fact, braces have even become a fashion accessory,” says Dr. Barnard. “We have a variety of great looking braces that our patients love adding colours to.”

The entire team at Bedford Orthodontics goes out of their way to make each visit a great experience. “By offering a free consultation, Bedford Orthodontics is able to answer all your questions and help you feel comfortable about your treatment. The best compliment is when patients tell us that they are thrilled with their smiles and that they have fun in our office,” says Dr. Barnard.

Bedford Orthodontics Sunnyside Mall, Suite 206 1595 Bedford Hwy, Bedford 902.835.6531 www.bedfordortho.com

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EXPERT ADVICE

EXPERT ADVICE

What Are Your Options?

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hen looking to straighten their teeth, adults will often seek an inconspicuous route. Fixed braces on the front surfaces of the teeth can be tooth-coloured and blend in well.

A lot of our patients get asked by friends if they are wearing a retainer — the wire is the only component that is readily visible! In photos, it’s difficult to tell that someone is even wearing clear braces.

The patient in this photo has braces on (figure 1). For a completely clear (and removable) option Invisalign is a great choice (figure 2).

Invisalign is a series of clear tray aligners that progressively straighten teeth according to a treatment plan that your orthodontist designs. The aligners look and feel like transparent retainers.

When Invisalign first came out it was suitable only for minor crowding and bite problems. Nowadays, it has advanced to treat severe crowding issues and some significant bite problems to a perfect result. Invisalign can align teeth, eliminate an overbite, close an openbite and correct some crossbites. We can even use Invisalign when a patient needs a tooth (or teeth) taken out and wants to close spaces. It can also be used for a patient that needs to have spaces opened for implants or teeth up-righted for bridgework. We can close spaces very well with Invisalign. If neither clear braces nor Invisalign are appealing, then

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fixed braces on the back surfaces of the teeth are a great option. These are called lingual braces and are not visible at all to others. Our patients do mention that lingual braces take a little while for their tongues to get used to, and the cost of these braces can be much higher than Invisalign or clear braces.

Adults tend to have busy schedules, and may be juggling careers, a home and children. Often the time commitment with braces may be a concern. However, braces will not take as much time as one would imagine. With the advancements in technology, you may need to see your orthodontist initially for one or two longer visits, and then be able to go six to eight weeks, or even a bit longer, between most visits. Appointments that follow initial braces placement or Invisalign delivery usually only take about 15 to 20 minutes each. Total treatment time typically varies between six months and 28 months, depending of the severity of the dental issues.

Adult orthodontics can be virtually invisible, can address complex bite issues, close spaces or open spaces for implants or bridgework, and it can even help with some headaches and jaw aches! Plus, it can totally change your look. It can create a fuller and wider smile, improve facial balance and esthetics, straighten teeth and make your look more youthful at any age!

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TOP Figure 1 BOTTOM Figure 2

Dr. Magda Barnard B.Sc., D.D.S. (with distinction), M.Sc. (Orthodontics), F.R.C.D(C) Suite 206, Sunnyside Mall 1595 Bedford Highway, Bedford 902.835.6531 www.bedfordortho.com

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EXPERT ADVICE

EXPERT ADVICE

from a Chiropractic Perspective

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all is approaching and with it is back to school time. Whether you are a young or mature student, the following are tips for a healthy spine and improved wellbeing.

Backpack: Select a backpack that fits properly, and be mindful of the contents and weight. Use both straps and make sure it’s not hanging too low when you are walking. Be careful when taking the straps on and off — use a higher surface, such as a table, if the backpack is heavy.

Two wide padded shoulder straps and a waist strap are preferable. Also, put heavier contents on the bottom. Mature students should consider a luggage style computer bag with a long handle and wheels.

Sitting Posture: Make sure you are not slumped or slouching too much and try to keep both feet on the floor while at school. While at home studying on the computer or at a desk, make sure the setup is conducive for proper ergonomics. Sit with your shoulders back and relaxed, chin tucked in and make sure you have an arch in the lower back like a “C.” Reading: Consider a bookstand to prop up textbooks while reading and studying to keep the book at eye level; this helps reduce stress placed on the neck and upper back area.

Computer: Consider using a separate keyboard when using a laptop to study.

It will help the positioning of the head and arms. Also, make use of proper ergonomics if your screen is a Smart TV; sit with proper posture on the couch. If checking emails and texts using apps on a smartphone, be careful with the positioning of your arms and head; slouching and flexing forward over a device can cause abhorrent postural changes to the neck, shoulders, wrists, mid and low back.

Packing: If moving into a new place for school, label boxes so you know which ones are heavy. Lift carefully with knees bent and back straight, and keep the box close to you. Ask for help when/if the box is too heavy.

Outlook: Stay positive and believe you can do well in school.

Exercise: Try to use the stairs and walk as much as possible at school and on campus. Buy supportive footwear that has adequate heel and arch support. Try to also avoid hand-me-down footwear, and being in style doesn’t mean it is great for walking in. Also warm up and stretch regularly.

See a chiropractor: Visit your chiropractor for spinal check-ups and adjustments. This will help with balancing the alignment in the spine, and help you feel better while studying and sitting. Many children have numerous falls and stressors placed on their spines, and chiropractic adjustments can restore balance and help the nervous system and body function well.

Sleep: Get adequate rest at night and try not to study, watch TV or use gadgets such as an iPad while in bed.

Time management: Try to avoid all nighters. Keep a planner and keep up with the material. Time management is key to succeeding in school.

Diet: Get adequate nutrition and stay away from processed foods and refined sugars. Consult a nutritionist and a naturopath if needed to help in this area.

Make sure you are drinking lots of water and take a good probiotic and vitamin D to help boost your immune system.

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Dr. Tasia Lazaros B.Sc.(H), D.C. Healthy Link Chiropractic Wellness Ctr. Inc. 362 Lacewood Dr Ste 201, Halifax 902.446.5465 drt@healthylinkwellness.ca www.healthylinkwellness.ca

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Take your Appetite on an Adventure Along the Nova Scotia Seafood Trail

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njoy authentic seafood chowder, freshly shucked oysters, seaside lobster boils and other unforgettable culinary experiences as you wind your way along Nova Scotia’s beautiful seacoast. The trail brings together a collection of restaurant, retail and fisheries experiences that highlight the province’s incredible seafood products.

“Nova Scotia has the best seafood in the world,” says Janice Ruddock, executive director of Taste of Nova Scotia. “The Seafood Trail brings our incredible seafood and culinary experiences to more people... to make it easier for visitors

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and locals to find delicious, fresh, local seafood wherever they go in Nova Scotia.”

When paired with the Good Cheer Trail (launched in 2015), these two trails offer an easy way for visitors and locals to sample what Nova Scotia has to offer. A partnership between Tourism Nova Scotia, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Taste of Nova Scotia, both trails are annual culinary tourism initiatives that run from June 1 to Oct. 31.

For a list of participating locations, a map and additional information on the trail, visit www.novascotiaculinarytrails.com

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The first of its kind in Canada, the Nova Scotia Seafood Trail has 85 participants offering more than 200 seafood-specific culinary tourism experiences across the province.

PHOTO COURTESY OF Taste of Nova Scotia

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Agricola Street Seafood Chowder Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS 3 tbsp (45ml) butter 1/3 cup (80ml) carrots, diced* 1/8 cup (30ml) celery, diced 3/8 (90ml) onions, diced 1 sprig thyme 1/3 cup (80ml) white wine 3/4 cup (185ml) heavy cream 2 cups (500ml) milk 1 tbsp cornstarch 1/2 cup (125 ml) yellow flesh potatoes, diced 3 oz scallops** 3 oz salmon 12 mussels 12 clams 5 sprigs dill, chopped salt & pepper

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DIRECTIONS Start by making the base: Melt one tablespoon of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced carrots, celery and onions, and sweat until onions are translucent.

Add thyme and then deglaze the pan with white wine until liquid is reduced by half.

Add the cream and milk and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Whisk in the corn starch. Add the diced potatoes and cook until almost fork tender.

Before serving, melt the remaining butter in pan over medium heat and add all the seafood. Once the clams and mussels have opened, transfer seafood into the chowder base. Add dill and season to taste.

RECIPE HINTS *Pick up farm-fresh seasonal produce from Noggins Corner Farm Market, Stirling Fruit Farms, Masstown Market or one of the many other Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia. **Get your seafood locally from Evan’s Seafoods & Restaurant, Fisherman’s Market International, Clearwater Seafoods Ltd. Victoria Co-op Fisheries, NovaCan Live Seafood, or Gidney Fisheries Ltd. Recipe provided by: Agricola Street Brasserie Recipe and photo courtesy of Taste of Nova Scotia

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Land & Sea Salad with Avon 25 Vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS 3 ears Annapolis Valley corn, steamed, kernels removed* 1/4 cup (60 ml) red onion, finely sliced 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup (250ml) cold water shrimp, cooked 1-1/2 (375ml) cups microgreens 12 scallops, seared, seasoned with salt & pepper** salt & pepper

DIRECTIONS Place corn kernels, red onion, cherry tomatoes and shrimp in a bowl. Place micro greens in a separate bowl.

Dress each with a bit of vinaigrette and season to taste with salt and pepper.

To plate, place equal amounts of the corn mixture on individual plates or in bowls. Top each with three share scallops and a small handful of microgreens.

RECIPE HINTS Saint-Famille Avon 25 Vinagrette 1/4 cup (60ml) Sainte-Famille Avon 25 1 tsp (5ml) honey*** 1 tsp (5ml) dijon mustard 3 tbsp (45ml) fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup (125ml) extra-virgin olive oil Season to taste salt & pepper

*Get your vegetables from Noggins Corner Farm Market, Stirling Fruit Farms, Masstown Market or one of the many other farmers’ markets of Nova Scotia **Pick up your scallops/seafood from Clearwater Retail Shops or Fisherman’s Market International ***Try local honey from Cornect Family Farm Recipe provided by: Sainte-Famille Wines Recipe and photo courtesy of Taste of Nova Scotia

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Maple Pecan Butter Tart

INGREDIENTS Maple Filling: 3 eggs 1/2 cup brown sugar 3/4 cup maple syrup 1/4 cup corn syrup 1/4 cup butter (unsalted), melted 1-1/2 cup chopped pecans Tart Crust: 200 g flour 70g sugar 100g butter, cold (unsalted) 3 egg yolks 1 tsp vanilla pinch salt

DIRECTIONS (Tart crust) Preheat oven to 350F. In a food processor add the flour, salt sugar and the cold butter, making sure to cut the butter into small cubes. Pulse the mixture until the mixture looks like small pebbles or becomes granular. Add the vanilla and one yolk at a time, pulsing the mixture in between each yolk addition.

After last yolk has been added, pulse mixture until it starts forming a ball. At this stage, place on a work surface and lightly work the dough until it all holds together. If you are comfortable rolling the dough out, do so on a floured surface.

Should fit a 10-inch tart mould. If you don’t want to roll, you can simply press the dough into the tart pan making sure the thickness of the dough is the same throughout. Chill tart dough while making filling.

(Filling) Whisk Eggs and brown sugar until well mixed, whisk in the maple syrup, corn syrup and melted butter. Stir in the pecans. Place tart on a cookie sheet and fill the tart with the pecan mixture. Place in the oven, middle rack and back for approximately 40-50 minutes. The crust will be golden brown and the mixture will have set.

Let cool. Best served at room temperature. Can top with whip cream.

Recipe provided by: Chef Matt Krizan, Mateus Bistro Recipe and photo courtesy of Taste of Nova Scotia

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Masstown Market Cranberry Orange Scones

INGREDIENTS 2-3/4 cups (690ml) all-purpose flour 4 tsp (20ml) baking powder 1/4 cup (60ml) granulated sugar (plus extra for topping) 1/4 cup (60ml) instant skim milk powder 1/4 tsp (1ml) salt 1/2 cup (125ml) shortening 1 cup (250ml) cold water 1 tsp (5ml) finely granulated orange zest 3/4 cup (190ml) Nova Scotia cranberries*

Makes 8 scones

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, skim milk powder and salt in a bowl.

Cut in shortening using a pastry blender. Add the water, orange zest and cranberries. Gently stir with a fork to mix wet and dry ingredients.

On a sheet of wax paper, or lightly floured surface, carefully knead the dough several times until ingredients are uniformly mixed. Form dough into a ball, and place on the prepared pan. Flatten the ball into an 8-inch circle, about 1-inch (2.5 cm) think. Use a knife to score across each round, making 4 cross cuts, to form 8 scones. Sprinkle granulated sugar on top.

Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until light golden brown.

RECIPE HINTS *Try using Terra Beata Cranberries or other local fruit from Nova Scotia farmers’ markets in your scones Recipe provided by: Masstown Market Recipe and photo courtesy of Taste of Nova Scotia

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Nova 7 Cocktail

INGREDIENTS handful ice 1 dash lavender tincture (substitute with a sprig of lavender or rosemary) 3/4 oz local vodka* 1/2 oz Cointreau (orange-flavoured liqueur) 1 oz grapefruit juice 3 oz chilled Benjamin Bridge Nova 7

Makes 1 drink

DIRECTIONS Add ice to wine glass to chill Add lavender to shaker tin or mixing glass. If using fresh lavender, or substituting with fresh rosemary, muddle lightly to bruise the herb and release essential oils Add remaining ingredients, except Nova 7, to tin or mixing glass.

Fill with ice and seal Shake hard for 10 seconds, discard ice, strain mix into wine glass Top your wine glass with well-chilled Nova 7 Recipe provided by: Jeff Van Horne Food styling and photography by: Jessica Emin Recipe and photo courtesy of Taste of Nova Scotia

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“Just Good Food” KINGS ARMS PUB With 30 years of history behind it, The Kings

Arms Pub is a landmark in the Kentville community and Annapolis Valley.

With an emphasis on “Just Good Food,” owner Joey Murphy offers some of the best feel good meals you can find, which you can enjoy in a relaxed pub style environment or on the beautiful Victorian garden style patio.

Emphasizing meals that are completely made in-house (right down to the mayonnaise), The Kings Arms Pub should be high on your list of stops while exploring the Annapolis Valley!

Kings Arms Pub by Lew Murphy 390 Main St., Kentville | 902.678.0066 | www.kingsarmspub.ca

The Perfect Pair

SMOKED & OAKED

By Amanda Hookey

Just because summer is over doesn't mean you have to put away the barbecue. The grill is perfect for quick, easy dinners after work or school, and weekend get-togethers. But do you always know the best wine to pair with barbecued food? In the following text, you’ll ďŹ nd some great go-to wines to match your grilled fare.

Beef: The Big, Bold and the Outrageous A simple rule applies when matching beef to its grapey mate: the fattier the meat, the bigger the red. The trick is finding the proper amount of acid in a wine to cut through the fat. Second to this, is balancing the fruit flavours in a wine with the char on the meat. The smoke imbued onto meats during the grilling process is an awesome match for an oaked Cabernet Sauvignon. The oaky-ness satisfies the char, while red fruits blend perfectly with its fleshy counterparts. Fat joins forces with tenacity and delivers a wonderful show. The duo works nicely together; combined, they are a work of art.

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Smokes & Oaks Chardonnay has a propensity for being a good teammate with white meats. The grape is often finished in oaked, steel and lees, while ageing thus adds a woodiness to the wines. Ageing can also dictate which food is better suited to the wine. A typical summer seafood experience would pair grilled lobster with an oaked chardonnay. The oak from the Chardonnay will complement the smoked flavours from the grill. The smooth textures of the two will dance nicely together and give you a buttery treat.

Alternative, International & Inspirational Gewürztraminer is a truly underutilized but highly compatible wine.

Its oiliness and lack of acid allows you to match it to the bossy flavours of curried pork or chicken, and Asian foods. Undertones of lychee and a perfumed nose make pairing a breeze with spicier dishes. Vegetarian cuisine is typically hard to find a pair for, but tofu, tempeh and grilled veggies such as portabella mushrooms, eggplant and zucchini come to life with Gewürztraminer.

The aforementioned food and wine combinations are meant to be a compendium of wines with barbecue distinction. The guide should allow you to pick a wine that will be good for your next get-together. While I suggest some matches, it does not necessarily mean that any wine has to be sipped with any one food. The beauty in finding the perfect pair comes down to trying them on your own.

Salad: Your Grill’s Friend Salads show up at barbecues too! Having chilled Sauvignon Blanc is never a bad idea. The pungent properties of this wine are an appropriate match with the herbaceous flavours of vegetables such as asparagus and leafy greens.

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4Sliders that are big on taste

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Beef

Chicken

4 slices bacon 1 onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 3 pounds lean ground beef 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Salt and pepper 24 small dinner rolls

4 chicken cutlets 1-cup teriyaki marinade 1/3-cup mayonnaise 1 large clove garlic, grated Dash salt & ground black pepper Nonstick grilling spray 4 slices fresh pineapple 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese, quartered Lettuce, optional

In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Discard all but two tablespoons of bacon fat.

Cook onion in bacon fat until translucent, about three minutes, and then add garlic and cook 30 seconds longer. Remove mixture from pan and let cool. Crumble bacon when cool enough to handle. In a large bowl combine beef, bacon, onion mixture, Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper, and mix well.

Combine chicken and teriyaki marinade in resealable food storage bag. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, stir together mayonnaise, garlic, salt and pepper in small bowl; set aside.

Place chicken and pineapple slices on grill grate; grill on both sides or until chicken is cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and pineapple is browned lightly.

Form into 24 small patties and chill.

Pork 12 ounces extra-lean ground pork 1-1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 2 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about 1/2 cup)

Vegetarian 1/2 red onion, finely diced 6 button or baby bella mushrooms, diced Salt and pepper 1-15 ounce can kidney (or black) beans, well rinsed and drained 3/4 cup cooked quinoa 1 Tbsp chili powder (or sub cumin)

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup raw walnuts, crushed or ground into a loose meal (divided)

1/2 ripe peeled avocado

OPTIONAL: For even more flavour, add a shake of vegan Worcestershire or A-1 sauce when adding the chili powder. Yield: 10

2 small ripe tomatoes, sliced 8 small Bibb lettuce leaves Combine pork, parsley, salt, and garlic powder in a medium bowl, gently mixing with hands. Divide mixture into eight equal portions, shaping each into a 1/4-inch- thick patty. Lightly coat both sides of patties with cooking spray.

Combine lemon juice and avocado in a bowl; mash avocado with a fork, and stir to combine.

Spread avocado mixture evenly over bottom halves of buns. Place one patty on each bottom bun. Top each with tomato slice and lettuce leaf.

Top with top halves of buns. Serve immediately.

Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add a bit of olive oil.

When hot, add the onion and slowly sauté; season with salt and pepper. When the onions are soft turn up the heat to medium and add the mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms and onions are slightly browned and fragrant.

Remove from heat and add beans and mash. You’re looking for a rough mash, so you can leave some whole or halved if you want. Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl, add the quinoa, chili powder or cumin and stir. Lastly, add the walnuts a little at a time until the mixture is thick and malleable enough to form into patties.

Pop in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to cool. Once chilled, form into eight small patties. Cook longer to dry them out even more and achieve more crisp.

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SPANISH 2 Tbs sea salt 1 Tbs smoked paprika 2 oranges, zested and juiced 2 Tbs chopped flat leaf parsley

TEX MEX 1 cup ancho chile powder 1/3 cup smoked paprika 3 Tbs dried oregano 3 Tbs dried mustard 3 Tbs dried coriander 1 Tbs cumin 1 Tbs salt 1 Tbs black pepper zest of 2 limes

MONTREAL 2 Tbs paprika 2 Tbs crushed black pepper 2 Tbs kosher salt

DIRECTIONS Combine ingredients, rub all over marbled beef slabs (think ribeye, strip and sirloin) and pop it in the fridge (two hours max) to soak up all those beautiful flavours. Cook in cast-iron skillet or grill on the barbecue to desired doneness.

1 Tbs granulated garlic 1 Tbs granulated onion 1 Tbs crushed coriander 1 Tbs dill 1 Tbs crushed red pepper flakes

TIP For the juiciest steak possible, salt your beef after you’ve cooked it.

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Biodynamic Wine Making

Myths & Realities

By Cheryl Doherty

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he past decade or so has seen consumers move toward products and manufacturers who exhibit a closer connection to our planet, a rejection of chemicals and over processing, and the purchase of more organic foods. Wine has not been exempted from the desire for a more “natural� consumption experience, and

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this desire instigated a rise in organically produced wine and also something called biodynamic wine making.

Biodynamic agriculture is not new. It was initially developed in the 1920s

by Austrian philosopher, architect and author Rudolf Steiner. It began with the use of organic farming practices, natural

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manures and compost and the absence of chemical sprays and treatments.

It evolved to include the ecology of farming; treating the farm as an ecosystem that must maintain balance.

Biodynamic farming uses astrological calendars for planting, maintenance and harvesting of crops, including root days, flower days, leaf days and fruit

days. Although skeptics often dismiss this part of the theory, many of these lunar days coincide with Farmer’s Almanac planting schedules.

One of the more interesting parts of biodynamic farming includes the use of herbal and mineral “preparations” in the vineyard. During the occupation of Austria by the Third Reich, these preparations were banned as being occultic, and were used secretly. They were given numbers to identify themselves as opposed to names. Two of the most well known are Cow Horn Manure (500) and Cow Horn Silica (501). Cow horn manure is fermented cow dung, and is generally the first preparation used when a farm changes to a biodynamic system. It is believed to be the basis for good soil fertility. A cow’s horn is filled with manure from a lactating cow and is buried in a pit about 18 inches deep. After about four months it is dug up and turned into a spray, which is applied to the ground twice in late fall and twice in early spring. Cow horn silica is created when finely ground quartz crystals are placed in a horn and buried during the hot months. The resulting preparation is sprayed as a fine mist over the plants in the vineyard. It is believed to enhance photosynthesis and strengthen the plants against disease.

Biodynamic winemaking also requires the use of natural yeasts for fermentation, something rarely used by commercial winemakers due to possible instabilities created in the wine or the risk of partial, or “stuck” fermentations.

Biodynamic wine making is controversial, mostly due to some of the “mystic” practices that surround it, but most producers and an increasing number of critics agree biodynamic farms have healthier ecosystems and healthier grapes. There have been poor examples of biodynamic wines, but this can also be said of wines made in more conventional traditions.

Nova Scotia currently has one winery using biodynamic principles in certified organic vineyards. Established in 2009, Lightfoot & Wolfville released its first wines in 2015 to critical acclaim. The 2014 vintages have recently been released. Their use of European vinifera vines and natural yeast fermentation make their wines unique in Nova Scotia, and somewhat challenging to produce. The quality, however, is evident; these are definitely wines to experience.

pairing Lightfoot & Wolfville Ancienne Chardonnay Estate grown grapes, fermented on indigenous yeast and aged 18 months in French oak.

Tasting Notes: Rich medium yellow hue, aromas of lemon and pear with undercurrents of hazelnuts and soft smoke. Full bodied palate with excellent balance of acidity and buttery texture. Pear, lemon zest and vanilla with lingering finish.

Food Pairing: Oven roasted chicken with sage infused cream sauce, oven fried whole potatoes and steamed summer vegetables.

Cheryl Doherty Cheryl is a certifed sommelier and co-owner of The Old Triangle, a successful quartet of restaurants/pubs in Atlantic Canada. Cheryl is a member of the board of directors of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers Atlantic and National Chapters.

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Behind the Scenes of one of Nova Scotia's

Dining Rooms

By Lori McKay

Fox Harb’r is known for its 18-hole championship golf course, private jetport and deep-sea marina, but did you know the prestigious five-star resort also offers a unique food destination? With a tranquil dÊcor that includes fresh lilies from their own greenhouse on the tables and a picturesque view of the green and the Northumberland Strait, guests will find local fare and sustainable seafood in abundance on the menu.

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tilizing fresh local ingredients, executive chef Shane Robilliard has created a menu at Fox Harb’r that celebrates Nova Scotia.

Robilliard, who has been with the resort for a year and a half, has brought a number of new initiatives to the Cape Cliff dining room — No. 1 on that list is his commitment to sourcing local, which starts with their seafood.

“All the seafood is local. I fish my own trout out of our trout ponds. That’s about as local as you can possibly get,” says Robilliard, who is also food and beverage director at the resort.

“We buy lobster in Pugwash, which is just 20 minutes away.

Our lobsters aren’t out of the water much more than 20 minutes before they’re in our restaurant. That’s pretty cool.”

Cape Cliff is certified by Ocean Wise, a Vancouver Aquarium conservation program that educates and empowers consumers about sustainable seafood.

“Shane Robilliard’s hands-on approach — working daily with his culinary team in developing a very successful kitchen brigade — has been very rewarding for the resort. His leadership has led his service team to reach new heights in service excellence, which has been noted on a daily basis by our guests and members.”

– Kevin Toth, president Fox Harb’r

“We only use Ocean Wise certified seafood products here, and that’s a big thing for me,” says Robilliard. “I believe in sustainability and nurturing the ocean. Ocean Wise and sustainability in general isn’t talked about that much on the east coast… People don’t think about it in their day-to-day operations or day-to-day purchases. I think it’s important that we as chefs take that and run with it, and educate people as much as we can.”

And seafood is front and centre on Cape Cliff’s menu, with lobster being their top request.

“When people come to the Maritimes one of the first things they look for is fresh lobster. We’re fortunate that we have some of the freshest lobster that you’re ever going to find anywhere.

There’s lobster ravioli, one-and-half-pound lobsters, there’s lobster benny, there’s lobster frittata, there’s lobster pasta, there’s lobsters rolls, of course. There’s even a lobster poutine on the menu. We do lobster big time.”

He said they hosted a few larger events this summer and in a three-day period they went through 510 lobsters.

In addition to seafood, Fox Harb’r is reducing the restaurant’s carbon footprint in other ways.

The resort has been growing its own produce on a smaller scale for about 10 years, but Robilliard has taken it to another level and partnered with Fox Harb’r horticulturist Michael Steward to grow their own salad greens, vegetables and herbs, which creates a unique dining experience for guests.

“If you’re a chef and there’s a guy who wants to grow food for you, I don’t understand how you could not want to use that,” says Robilliard with a laugh. “We use as much local as we can. Our chicken farmer, who raises all of our chicken as well as our eggs and our turkeys, is only about 15 minutes away. I go to Truro every

FOOD & DRINK

Did you know?

Fox Harb’r has two man-made trout ponds on the property, which they stock yearly. The ponds are also available for guests for recreational fishing (and releasing). The rock removed from the ground for the ponds was used to build the $22 million rock seawall that protects the resort’s coastal land from erosion, a process that took four years to complete.

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Saturday to buy as much produce as I can from local suppliers. I buy stuff at the Pork Shop...As much as humanly possible, we buy local.”

Originally from British Columbia — or “from away,” as Nova Scotians call it — Robilliard worked as a chef at The Fairmont in B.C. for 10 years.

When he moved to Nova Scotia six years ago he spent a few years in the front of the house, instead of the kitchen, learning valuable management experience. He was the general manager at a number of Halifax restaurants and ran his own restaurant for a short time.

“But I was missing the kitchen side of things and when Kevin (Fox Harb’r president Kevin Toth) was in need of someone, it was literally the perfect job for me because I get to do both. I get to run a half million dollar wine program, be the chef of an amazing food and beverage operation and I get to do some pretty cool stuff.”

Wine is a big part of the Fox Harb’r experience, and Cape Cliff houses one of the largest wine cellars in Atlantic Canada, with 270 selections from all over the world.

“We’re doing as much as we can with the local product, but we also have a huge selection of international wines,” says Robilliard. “We have a heavy focus on Bordeaux. Anything from a $5,000 Bordeaux … We also have scotches on the list that are $250 an ounce.”

The resort has also started its own vineyard and has entered into a partnership with Jost Vineyards. They hope to have their first grapes ready for 2018.

People often associate the resort — which is owned by former Tim Hortons owner Ron Joyce — with a private club, but the resort is looking to change that image. You don’t have to be a member to dine at Cape Cliff or take in one of Fox Harb’r’s other activities — be it golfing, clay shooting, or a visit to the spa — but you do need to call ahead of time and make a reservation.

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FOOD & DRINK

Shane Robilliard, chef

RECIPE COURTESY Shane Robilliard

and season. Remove scallop puree and fold in chopped up lobster meat in a stainless steel bowl. Lay out 20” of saran wrap on a table and place the scallop and lobster mix in a line in the middle of the saran about 1” thick. Fold over the saran width wise and then use the saran to roll the mixture into a log shape. Wrap this log in tin foil and seal as best you can on the ends. Just before you’re about to serve, poach this in seasoned water for approx nine minutes on a low boil.

To prepare the potatoes:

Digby Scallop and Northumberland Lobster Terrine Vanilla Scented Yukon Gold Potato, Wilted Spinach and Vanilla Beurre Blanc

Cut the Yukon gold potatoes into 1” thick slices and use a 3” round cutter to make perfect silver dollar shaped discs; you will need a total of 12 discs. Place in chicken stock that has had half of the vanilla pod scraped into it, and the pod tossed in as well. Season the chicken stock with a little salt. Simmer on low heat for 10 min.

Sauté half of the shallots on low heat until translucent, then add the spinach and half the white wine and wilt the spinach. Add a splash of cream, salt and pepper and reserve.

To prepare the buerre blanc:

(Serves 4)

Ingredients

2 vanilla bean pods split in half lengthwise

For the Terrine

100ml white wine

2-1 1/2 lb lobster

1 shallot, finely chopped

400g fresh sustainable Digby scallops

300g butter, unsalted and cubed into half-inch cubes at room temperature

120ml heavy whipping cream 3 sprigs of dill, finely chopped 5 pc of chives, finely chopped salt and pepper

For the Potatoes 2 large Yukon gold potatoes 600g baby spinach 150ml heavy cream 200ml fish stock 1L chicken stock

Salt and pepper

To prepare the terrine: Cook the two lobsters in a large pot of salted water for five minutes, just until they are cooked enough to remove from the shell. Dip in ice water after to shock cool them. De-shell and chop all the tail, knuckle and internal meat into half-inch cubes. Reserve claws to the side. In a food processer, place the scallops and puree until smooth. Add cream, herbs

FOOD & DRINK

Sauté the other half of the shallots in a heavy bottom stainless steel pot.

Add 150ml of the cooking liquid for the potatoes, the fish stock, scrape the other half of the vanilla bean pod and put the paste in and simmer until reduced by three quarters. Reduce heat to very low and add the butter cubes one at a time, whisking constantly so the butter emulsifies. Once the last of the butter is incorporated, strain and set aside.

To assemble: Place three potato discs on the bottom of the plate, place creamed spinach on top. Cut the terrine into four pieces and one piece on top of the spinach. Place one claw in top then drizzle the entire dish with the buerre blanc. Garnish with fresh pansy petals to bring bright colour to the dish.

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RECIPE COURTESY Shane Robilliard

Pan Seared Rainbow Trout Minted Cous Cous & Brunoise Vegetables (Serves 2)

Ingredients

1 oz vegetable oil

1 whole Rainbow trout or two filet of Rainbow Trout

Salt and pepper

2 cups cous cous 3 sprigs mint 2 cups light fish stock or chicken stock 1 tsp finely chopped shallots 1/2 yellow bell pepper finely diced 1/2 red bell pepper finely diced 2oz finely diced carrot 2oz finely diced green zucchini 2oz finely diced yellow zucchini 1tblsp capers Juice of one lemon 2oz white wine 4 lemon segments (fine part of the lemon between the fiber that holds the lemon together) 4 oz butter Fresh chopped fine herbs

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3 oz all purpose flour If you have a whole trout you will need to filet, de-bone and dry the two filets of trout. If you are using a filet, you just need to dry the filet off.

To prepare the couscous Bring stock to a boil and season well with salt and pepper. Add mint that has been very finely sliced and cous cous, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, cover and let stand for 15 minutes.

turn over and finish for approximately eight minutes in a 350-degree oven.

To prepare the sauce Saute shallot in a small amount of the butter on medium heat; add all the other vegetables once the shallots are translucent. Add oil and lemon juice and simmer until reduced by 3/4, add lemons, herbs, capers and simmer for one min. Reduce heat to very low and then add butter, whisking until the butter in incorporated but not simmering. If you boil the butter it won’t emulsify.

To prepare the filet of trout

To Serve

Make three small incisions into the skin so that the trout filet doesn’t curl when it is put in the frying pan. Season well on both sides with salt and pepper.

Dredge in flour on both sides. Heat pan to smoking hot then fry with the skin side down first, until the skin is crisp, then

Spoon the cous cous into the middle of the plate, lay the filet on top and then spoon half of the sauce/vegetables on top of the trout. Always serve the skin side up in order to show off the nice crispy skin. Garnish with edible flowers or micro greens.

FOOD & DRINK

CITY LIFE

events FALL

AUGUST 16 – OCTOBER 9 Beauty and the Beast Neptune Theatre

OCTOBER 22 A Night in Black & White - Laing House 10th Masquerade Ball | Cunard Centre

SEPTEMBER 15 – 22 36th Atlantic Film Festival Various Halifax locations

OCTOBER 28 – 30 Dartmouth Handcrafters Guild Christmas Craft Show 2016 | Dartmouth Sportsplex

SEPTEMBER 16 – 7 Maritime Race Weekend Eastern Passage

OCTOBER 29 – 30 Sci-Fi Symphony: A Hal-Con Event Rebecca Cohn Auditorium

SEPTEMBER 24 The Cask Beer Throwdown Olympic Community Centre

NOVEMBER 1 Symphony Nova Scotia Presents James Ehnes in Recital | Rebecca Cohn Auditorium

SEPTEMBER 30 – OCTOBER 1 The Barra MacNeils Rebecca Cohn Auditorium

NOVEMBER 3 Nature Trust 19th Annual Dinner & Auction Cunard Centre

OCTOBER 13 Janina’s Chopin and Beethoven’s Fifth Rebecca Cohn Auditorium

NOVEMBER 4 – 6 Hal-Con Sci Fi, Fantasy, Comic Book and Gaming Convention | World Trade and Convention Centre

OCTOBER 15 Nocturne: Art at Night Various Halifax & Dartmouth locations

NOVEMBER 11 Remembrance Day at the Army Museum Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

OCTOBER 19 – 22 Halifax Pop Explosion Music Festival Various Halifax locations

NOVEMBER 18 – 19 The Piano Men: Music of Billy Joel and Elton John | Rebecca Cohn Auditorium

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Halifax Pop Explosion Bringing Together Strong Local Talent and World-Renowned Performers

By Matt Jamieson

Mo Kenney PHOTO BY Paul Wright

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CITY LIFE

FOUR YEARS AGO, MO KENNEY MADE HER HALIFAX POP EXPLOSION DEBUT FOR A HANDFUL OF ONLOOKERS IN A TINY ART GALLERY ON GOTTINGEN STREET. THIS OCTOBER, SHE’LL RETURN TO THE FESTIVAL IN FRONT OF 1,000 PEOPLE AND THE HELP OF AN ENTIRE SYMPHONY.

K

enney is slated to perform with Symphony Nova Scotia as part of Halifax Pop Explosion, an annual celebration of independent music and art running Oct. 19-22. Her performance will be just one of the dozens of trend-setting acts that will take stages scattered around the Halifax peninsula.

“I’m excited, but I’m also super nervous,” the singersongwriter says with a laugh.

When Kenney steps onto the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium stage the night of Oct. 21, it will be her fourth time on a Pop Explosion bill. It also won’t be her first time performing with Symphony Nova Scotia. In 2013, she joined her long-time friend and collaborator Joel Plaskett as he performed with the Symphony. Kenney played two of her own songs, and accompanied Plaskett for a few of his.

TUNS PHOTO BY Vanessa Heins

“It was a magical night,” she says. “To be able to share the stage with Joel, who is a good friend, that was really awesome.”

Kenney will join an impressive list of performers to team up with Symphony Nova Scotia as part of the Pop Explosion, including Plaskett, Ron Sexsmith, Dan Mangan, Rich Aucoin and Basia Bulat. A native of Waverly, Nova Scotia, the 26-year-old has performed at each iteration of the festival since 2012, when she made her debut.

“It’s been a really special festival for me, I’ve kind of grown with it,” she says.

Since its inception in 1993, the Pop Explosion has had a knack for booking big-name talent just before they achieve their big name status. The festival’s past lineups read like an awards night guest list Basia Bulat

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Voivod PHOTO BY Gaelle Beri

"We can showcase everything Halifax has to offer. From the north end to the south end."

– James Boyle, Pop Explosion executive director

for the decade’s most influential talent: Elliot Smith (1995), Broken Social Scene (2003), Grammy-winners Arcade Fire (2004), and Halifax legends Sloan (many times).

“We have the opportunity to put bands on stages before they hit Grammy-level territory,” says Pop Explosion executive director James Boyle. “For us, it’s really just about finding good music.”

This year the Pop Explosion continues that tradition with a full slate of marquee talent. The 2016 bill features American soul singer Charles Bradley, Newfoundland indie rockers Hey Rosetta!, Toronto-based electronic powerhouse Keys N Krates, and Montréal metal icons Voivod, among others.

It’s a diverse lineup, which is exactly what the festival is going for.

“The festival’s diversity is really special,” says Boyle. “You’ll see more metal music or hip hop because there’s not a lot of festivals in the area that will do that.”

The festival also puts the ‘Halifax’ in Halifax Pop Explosion by showcasing as much local talent as possible. Boyle makes a point of pairing Halifax and Atlantic Canada-based artists with headliners to maximize fans’ chances of hearing something new and exciting from their hometown. For example, this year’s schedule has North Preston’s Reeny

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TOP Keys n Krates; MIDDLE Hey Rosetta!

PHOTO BY Scott Blackburn; BOTTOM White Lung PHOTO BY Rick Rodney

Smith opening for Bradley and Halifax heavy metal veterans Black Moor warming up the crowd for Voivod.

“We try to represent our community by putting as many Halifax bands on stage as possible,” says Boyle. In keeping with the theme of showcasing Halifax, the festival partners with a slew of local venues to host its shows. While many music festivals are held in the middle of summer in a remote field, the Pop Explosion prides itself on its urban-showcase model, which takes fans all over the city to venues large and small.

“We can showcase everything Halifax has to offer,” says Boyle. “From the north end to the south end.”

The festival’s wide selection of passes and wristbands allow attendees to venue-hop throughout the city each night of the festival. Start your night at the 1,800-person Halifax Forum Multipurpose Centre, duck over to the Marquee for a drink and performance, then dance the night away at Reflections until 3 a.m.

For Kenney, the Pop Explosion represents what’s great about Halifax music: bringing together strong local talent with worldrenowned performers. “A lot of bands, if they’re doing a Canadian tour, often stop at Montréal and don’t come further east,” she says. “So it’s cool to have a festival like this to bring bands like that to Halifax.”

Moving forward, Boyle doesn’t see the Pop Explosion slowing down anytime soon. “We consider Halifax a music city,” he says. “We think it could be the live music capital of Canada, and the Pop Explosion is a big part of that.”

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RECREATION & TRAVELSCAPES

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RECREATION & TRAVELSCAPES

COSTA RICA

Surf, Wildlife, Rainforests & Adventures

By Lori McKay

I

n Costa Rica, the frequently used expression ‘pura vida’ has many uses.

Spanish for ‘pure life,’ it’s a greeting, a synonym and a lifestyle.

“There are so many things to love about Costa Rica, but it’s the people that really make it,” says Ashley Jean, business development manager for Canadian tour company G Adventures. “‘Pura vida’ is a way of life there. It’s stress-free, everyone’s accepted, everything’s accepted and it’s just a really happy, laid back atmosphere. You feel it from the moment you arrive. It’s a vibe I can’t even explain.”

From pristine beaches and smoldering volcanoes to tropical plants and exotic wildlife, life in Costa Rica is good in many ways.

Jean, who recently returned from a trip to Costa Rica with 14 travel agents from across Canada, says the country is a perfect travel destination for a wide range of people. The rainforest-covered mountains are a paradise for ecotourism, travellers love the unique hiking opportunities, and the water is ideal for surfing, diving, deep-water fishing and snorkeling. The wildlife is another big draw. Exotic animals such as turtles and toucans are common sights. Resorts offer relaxation with luxury spas and beautiful golf courses.

And accommodations can be found in private and secluded environments at a variety of price points, offering all the modern comforts of home.

“I recommend it all the time for people getting into adventure travel or those just looking to get away from the typical destinations. It’s so incredibly diverse,” says Jean, a seasoned traveller herself, who has visited more than 50 countries.

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QUICK FACTS LOCATION Costa Rica is a country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua, Panama, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea POPULATION Approximately 4.5 million people CAPITAL San José GEOGRAPHY The northernmost regions are flat and arid and the south is covered by jungle

She says many people spend time on the Pacific side, which is great for surfing and enjoying beaches and wildlife, but also recommends the Caribbean side.

“The Caribbean side offers a completely different feel than the rest of the country; different people, culture, food … everything.

There are some really great beaches there too, and different wildlife than you’ll find anywhere else.”

Visiting the centre of the country is also a unique experience. The charming town of La Fortuna is just 6.4 km from the Arenal Volcano, which is visible from the town on clear days. “It’s a great place to do some volcano trekking, white water rafting, canyoneering and nature hikes. You can also enjoy a different culture and the town.”

She says the Monteverde cloud forests are also a must-see destination. A different temperature than the rest of the country, it’s a lot cooler and damper, and again different wildlife, insects and flora. “You can do some amazing trekking, canopy walking and zip lining. You can do zip lining everywhere, but everyone will tell you it’s the best in Monteverde.”

traveller was 21 and the oldest was 72.

Everyone enjoyed it. The general consensus for Costa Rica is that if you want to relax and have a beach vacation or cultural experience, it’s great. And if you really want to amp it up and go all out, you can do that too.”

She recommends a mix of tour and solo travel. Vacationers can do a tour portion that hits all the highlights and tourist spots. Local guides will organize everything and make it stress free. “It’s also nice to have some time on your own,” says Jean. “I’ll usually go earlier or stay after the tour and do a few things on my own. Some of the great things about Costa Rica is that most people speak English, it’s very safe to get around, and it’s easy to do your own thing if you want to do that.”

A beach fanatic, Jean says she loved the coastal experience of her trip to Costa Rica and particularly enjoyed Manuel Antonio, a national park on the Pacific side.

Jean says it’s a great vacation for people of all ages. “On our last trip the youngest

“The wildlife was unbelievable. You’re on the beach and monkeys are running up to you and trying to take your purse,” she says with a laugh. “So much wildlife and beautiful crystal clear waters and white sands. There was an area to do some surfing and a really nice town with great food and a little shopping.”

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WEATHER December through April are nice months to visit, as the landscape is green and the rain typically holds off. The long rainy season runs from May through to mid-November. The Caribbean coast receives rain year round.

THINGS TO DO • Check out the Arenal Volcano in Arenal National Park • Sightsee in San José • Hike the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve • Zip-line in Monteverde and Selvatura Park • Check out stunning national parks, including Manuel Antonio and Tortuguero • Go wildlife spotting in Corcovado National Park • Relax and enjoy beautiful, pristine beaches

Plan Your Next Holiday Adventure with

TravelOnly

JOIN TravelOnly and Autumn Fiske on a 9-DAY TRIP TO COSTA RICA with G Adventures & National Geographic March 26 - April 3, 2017

Space is Limited, Book Today!

Autumn Fiske is a full-service Travel Expert from Bedford. She is passionate about different cultures, food, languages, natural landmarks, architecture and history. Her passion for travel has taken her to various countries in North and Central America, and she spent a year and a half living in Spain and travelling around Europe. After graduating from Mount Saint Vincent University with her Bachelor’s in Tourism, she decided to start her own travel business with TravelOnly — a fully trusted Canadian travel agency in business for more than 40 years.

Services Offered · Full service Travel Agent · All-inclusives · River & ocean cruising · Escorted groups · Private groups · Destination weddings & honeymoons

· Transportation services (car, rail, air, etc.) · Travel insurance with Manulife Financial · Solo travel & MUCH MORE!

Autumn Fiske Travel Expert afiske@travelonly.com 902.222.9796 www.afiske.travelonly.com facebook.com/travelonlywithautumnfiske

Looking for a Unique Golf Vacation with Gourmet Appeal?

Consider

FRANCE

By Anita Draycott Photos courtesy of Château des Vigiers

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RECREATION & TRAVELSCAPES

If ever a nation has mastered the art of living well, it’s the French. Think champagne, foie gras, haute couture, fairytale castles and you think of France, right? But did you know that France also has more than 500 golf courses? You don’t have to parler Français. A green is a green, a slice is a slice, and a birdie is a birdie. I’ve enjoyed golf and the good life all over France but there’s one gem that comes about as close as it gets to living out the fairytale fantasy.

T

ucked into the famous vineyards between Bordeaux and Bergerac, Château des Vigiers will wow you from the first glimpse.

A white swan glides upon a lake beside the 18th green. Behind is the grand 16th century Château, nicknamed “le Petit Versailles.” I knew I was in the heart of the Dordogne, famous for its foie gras, wine and truffles, when I spotted bottles of Château des Vigiers’ own estate wine on sale at the pro shop.

Des Vigiers was the creation of Lars and Elisabeth Petersson who bought the (then) decrepit property in 1989. Lars supervised the golf course construction and château restoration while his wife proved her talents as the interior decorator. Her romantic and luxurious vision for the Château’s

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interiors is the stuff of dreams. A sweeping staircase leads to beamedceiling bedrooms decorated with rich tapestries, Oriental carpets and canopy beds. Bathrooms are wall-to-wall marble.

A fire burning in one of the salons tempts you to curl up with a book on the generous velvet sofa.

Newer accommodations at Relais des Vigiers, are located next to the first tee and within a few yards of the pro shop

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and Brasserie restaurant. Each of the 40 rooms is bright, airy, and refreshingly spacious with a fragrance of crisp linen and modern, streamlined furnishings.

Although modern, solar-powered and eco-friendly, Relais des Vigiers still pays homage to tradition. The architectural concept is based on the traditional tobacco-drying barns, typical of the Dordogne, and Relais des Vigiers is constructed from locally sourced sustainable materials.

RECREATION & TRAVELSCAPES

But let’s get back to the golf. As befits such grand style, the 27-hole course (Les Vignes, 3,372 yards; Le Lac, 3,212 yards; La Vallée, 3,403 yards) designed by Donald Steel, considered one of Europe’s best “natural” golf course architects, radiates amongst the plum orchards, vineyards and forests, using the dramatic red-roofed Château and lake as its centrepiece. When asked by Golf World to name his favourite hole, Steel chose the 9th of Le Lac — a dogleg over a ridge

for the second shot over the lake onto the green in front of the Château. Also tastefully landscaped into the tract is a driving range on which the distance flags are appropriately anchored into wine barrels, plus a six-hole academy training course.

I could happily have played 36 holes a day here but the charming concierge suggested some tempting outings. In the walled, medieval town of Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO Heritage Site, they arranged a tour of the cellars and a wine tasting at the prestigious Angelus winery whose vintages are found on some of the world’s poshest wine lists.

Another day, I drove toward Bordeaux to the Les Sources de Caudalie, a unique vinothérapie spa where you literally steep in a barrel of mineral water and wine extracts. Mathilde Thomas, daughter of the owners of the Château Haut Lafitte winery, has created a unique series of rejuvenating treatments using grape extracts and the estate’s hot spring water. Where but in France would you indulge in a Crushed Cabernet Scrub or a Pulp Friction massage using fresh grapes and essential oils?

Back at des Vigiers, the staff treated me like a longtime friend and houseguest.

The chef gave me his recipes for scrambled eggs spiked with truffles and a fabulous fig and peach soufflé. The chap in the pro shop had my clubs ready on trolleys each morning. It was almost like being queen of the castle with my own private golf course.

Usually I’d play a round after a leisurely breakfast, go sightseeing in the afternoon and shoot a few holes before evening aperitifs. The cuisine was decadent and delicious and the wine outstanding.

It was a lifestyle to which I could enthusiastically become accustomed.

Aah, la vie en rose.

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BEST of the

RV DEALERSHIP

BEST 2016

2017 Cedar Creek Cottage Park Model 40CCK Interior

The RV Lifestyle Starts at

PINE ACRES

By Lori McKay

“Everybody is happy when they’re buying an RV,” says Darrell Morrell, sales manager at Pine Acres RV in Stewiacke. “It’s something they’re buying for fun ... Camping is what they love to do.”

“We have options to suit a range of lifestyles and budgets,” says owner Andrew Brown. “We specialize in all different levels of campers. From small travel trailers right up to luxury motor homes.”

T

Brown grew up in the RV business. His parents started the company in their yard in Kensington P.E.I. in 1994 and he began working in the family business when he was 21. Today, Pine Acres has four locations in Atlantic Canada. In addition to Stewiacke, which Brown opened in 2012, and P.E.I., they also have locations in Moncton and Hampton, N.B.

he lifestyle offers people the ability to go where they want, when they want and have their personal belongings with them.

Whether it’s a park model or a high-end fifth wheel, what you purchase comes down to personal choice and budget.

With more than 150 RVs onsite, Pine Acres has one of the largest selections in the province.

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Ranging from 16 to 44 feet in length, most of the dealership’s RVs come equipped with a master bedroom and have the option of additional rooms with bunk beds. Many include extra amenities such as a fireplace, air conditioning, solid surface countertops, full exterior paint and self-leveling systems. They can also custom order models with exact specifications.

RECREATION & TRAVELSCAPES

They carry established brand names such as Prowler, Sunset Trail, Shasta,

Cedar Creek, Wildwood, KZ-RV and Newmar.

They also specialize in park models and destination trailers such as the Cedar Creek Cottage, Hampton, Sierra and Wildwood Lodge.

Many of the brands — including Prowler, Cedar Creek and Sunset Trail — are exclusive to Pine Acres.

“Prowler is our No. 1 selling name brand,” says Brown. “Cedar Creek specializes in high-end park models and fifth wheels, and we sell a lot of these too. We actually sell a lot of the high-end models. The high-end fifth wheel is a specialty to Pine Acres.”

He says one of the most recent and higher-end models they started carrying is the Riverstone – a 43-foot, ultra-luxury fifth wheel. “It’s the most luxurious fifth wheel you can buy around here. It has a 60-inch TV, three air conditioners, power management systems, self- leveling systems, induction cooktops, ultra luxurious furniture and appliances, and high-end cabinetry.”

The lifestyle attracts not only families, Brown says, but retirees and snowbirds that take their RVs south during the winter months. “An RV enables you to see different territories and meet new people.”

Brown says in addition to their exclusive products, it’s their service team that sets them apart from their competitors. Pine Acres will deliver and set up a new destination park model anywhere in Nova Scotia, and has one of the largest staff service departments in the region, which includes offsite service.

The Prowler name has been around since 1969, and is the No. 1 selling brand name of all time!

“If you have a broken down fridge or maintenance issues of any kind, our service department will go right to your campsite to fix the problem,” says Brown. “We travel from Yarmouth to Cape Breton — all over Nova Scotia — and with locations in P.E.I. and New Brunswick, you’re never far away from one of our dealerships in the Maritimes.”

Pine Acres RV Ltd. 16 Garden Gate Lane Stewiacke, N.S. 902.639.1509 80 Commerce St. Moncton, N.B. 506.388.5751 25 Phaeton Dr. Hampton, N.B. 506.832.5751 Route 2 Kensington, P.E.I. 877.966.2267

L-R David Keith, Eugene Manley and Darrell Morrell

Andrew Brown, owner

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“The next time you plan to travel and want assurance that experienced, seasoned professionals are checking on your home, contact us.”

– owners Dan Tanner and Ed Lilly

L-R Dan Tanner and Ed Lilly

security and property management.

Reliable HomeCheck guarantees discreet, documented home protection to each of its clients. Tanner and Lilly will inspect your home themselves — they don’t contract out the service.

TRAVELLING SOUTH? Don’t Forget to Protect Your Home While You’re Away

N

ova Scotia’s winters are long, cold and damp; it’s easy to see why so many people head south to enjoy some sun and relaxation. But whether it’s a few months in Florida, a week or two in the Caribbean or a vacation visiting friends and family, it’s important to protect your home while you’re away. You wouldn’t want your vacation memories ruined by coming home to a weather-damaged house or a break-in.

Heavy snow, rain and wind can cause power outages, leaks and damaged roofs. If you’re not home to deal with an issue right away, the damage can be very costly.

Vacant homes can also be targets for vandals and thieves, especially if the home appears unoccupied for weeks on end. Snowy driveways and walkways are a dead giveaway and can be an invitation for criminals.

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Many home insurance policies specifically require someone to monitor your home and property while you’re away. This can involve a range of duties, including actually entering your home every few days to look around for any issues. The sooner a problem is detected, the less costly the damage.

“We will secure and fully examine the property inside and out for signs of intrusion, storm damage, power outages or water issues,” says Lilly. They also pick up mail, shovel walkways and even open and close the blinds to uphold the appearance of an occupied home.

“As a person’s home is often their most valuable investment, it’s important to consider these winter-weather risks, understand the details of your insurance policy and put a plan in place before travelling,” says Tanner.

Reliable HomeCheck Call or text: 902.476.2278 | 902.489.4200 www.reliablehomecheck.com

But finding the right person to trust with the keys to your home can be a daunting task. Family, friends and neighbours are not always available and sometimes they aren’t comfortable taking on the responsibility. This is where a qualified company such as Reliable HomeCheck can save the day. Reliable HomeCheck, a Halifax company, provides a full roster of property service options to insure your home looks occupied and is properly monitored when you’re not home.

Standard service packages include:

The company is owned and operated

by Dan Tanner and Ed Lilly, who have extensive experience with policing,

•24/seven telephone contact

RECREATION & TRAVELSCAPES

•Pre-contract consultation free of charge •Act as 24/seven property reference for alarm company •Regularly visit property; check building and property for water, intrusion and irregularities •Remove flyers/junk mail from view •Alter lighting/shades/audio •Indoor plant care (maximum five plants) •Activity log provided; forwarded if required

AT HOME

Photo courtesy Lisa Sandham Interior Design

The Modern

KITCHEN

Incorporating Glass into Cabinetry and Backsplash

By Tori Stafford

Pristine and sleek, glass has the ability to open up a room and can be used in all styles of kitchen design — from traditional or stately to contemporary or ultra-modern — especially when incorporating technology. The applications of glass are nearly limitless when you consider options in texture, facets, clarity, finish and colour.

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“I love using glass, especially when it’s a modern or contemporary design. I love mixing materials in the kitchen so the fronts aren’t so monotonous. I look at a kitchen as more than just functional; I like to make it look like a piece of art” - Lisa Sandham

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Clear Choices in Cabinetry For fashion or function, the use of glass in cabinet fronts can enhance any design theme, with options in textures, clarity, etching, faceting, frosting and even stained glass. Including glass fronts on cabinets is also a way to avoid the bland monotone that solid front cabinets can create, explains interior designer Lisa Sandham.

“I love using glass, especially when it’s a modern or contemporary design. I love mixing materials in the kitchen so the fronts aren’t so monotonous. I look at a kitchen as more than just functional; I like to make it look like a piece of art,” says Sandham, who also points to glass as a means of bringing in colour.

The versatility of glass fronts in cabinetry also allows cabinets to serve as a way to bring in colour or design elements when using transparent glass. Using clear glass in the fronts of upper cabinets allows the cabinetry to act as a display case. These

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can showcase coloured ceramics, china, glassware, metal kitchenware such as silver teapots or copper cookware, or even items less associated to the kitchen, such as family heirlooms that complement your design aesthetic.

Glass in Backsplash While the idea of glass in the kitchen might bring to mind an immaculate, shiny and perfectly organized space, it’s no secret the room where storing, preparing and cooking meals take place sees its fair share of messes — another reason glass is so great in the heart of the home.

Whether applied in mosaic, subway tiles or on a mounted pane spanning the length of a counter, glass in backsplash is a surefire bet for an easy wipe down while making spaghetti or after a minor blender mishap.

An altogether different use of glass in backsplash is the use of glass panes to

cover an image or a photograph. One such installation is that of Toronto-based photographer Tony Koukos, whose world travel photography has the ability to transport and inspire.

“The concept came first. A client recently purchased a penthouse in downtown Toronto and we were curating some art for his residence. His request was ‘a big burst of colour in the allwhite kitchen that you can see from the dining and living room,’” Koukos says of his backsplash installation, which uses his image, Le Metro, taken during the restoration of the Paris Underground.

“After finding the perfect production partner, I was able to source tempered glass and do a direct-to-glass print.”

Moisture and heat-resistant, this application allows Koukos’ clients to make his images from around the world into their own personal murals, an idea his urbanite clients have eagerly embraced, he says.

“The response has been incredible,” says Koukos. “Many downtown dwellers reside in glass boxes in the sky with very little wall space. A custom kitchen backsplash is an inexpensive way to personalize a space and add a design element.”

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Photo courtesy Tony Koukos Photography

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BEST of the

BEST 2016

NEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Luxury You Can Afford, Lifestyle You Deserve FOREST LAKES COUNTRY CLUB

Atlantic Canada ,s Four Season Resort

By Lori McKay

Nature and luxury were taken into consideration at every planning stage of Forest Lakes Country Club, a premium resort-style community presently under construction in the heart of Nova Scotia. Offering spectacular lakes, golf greens, nature at its finest and beautiful homes, the community is designed to appeal to residents and guests of all ages.

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“We want people to know Forest Lakes Country Club is offering something very special...” – Kristi Wenaus, VP sales and marketing

“We pride ourselves on being unique,” says VP sales and marketing, Kristi Wenaus. “Forest Lakes is unlike anything else in Atlantic Canada. When you live here you’re going to be living in a community that is environmentally sound, at one with nature and has amazing amenities and activities. We know there are a lot of housing options out there, but we want people to know Forest Lakes is offering something truly special and has something for everyone.”

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ACTIVE LIFESTYLE Located half an hour from Halifax in West Hants on 1,700 acres of land, the community will feature year-round activities for residents and guests, including the only Nicklaus Design golf course east of Ontario. The golf course is scheduled to open for limited play in 2018. “The Nicklaus brand itself exudes luxury,” adds Wenaus.

Residents and guests will also be able to enjoy cross-country skiing, skating, horseback riding, fishing, boating and swimming. There is boathouse with a bon fire area and many kilometres of walking trails for people to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.

A village centre — which will be open to both residents and visitors — is also planned for the community. “It will be similar to what you would find at Whistler or Mont Tremblant, with the same look and feel. It will have boutique shops, a hotel and spa, restaurants, a farmers’ market and a family entertainment centre.”

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REFINED & ELEGANT HOMES Each house, condo and townhouse at Forest Lakes Country Club will embrace Nova Scotia’s spectacular natural beauty.

Custom options such as beams, floorto-ceiling windows and open concept designs will be common features available to homebuyers. Every home is designed with a well-planned use of space and welcoming qualities, such as covered terraces, fireplaces and openplan kitchens.

“We have 18 homes in our Country Collection and each is very different, unique and luxurious in its own right,” says Wenaus, who notes buyers are also welcome to use their own builder, within Forest Lakes’ specific covenants.

Wenaus says guests of their events and open houses often comment on the quality of the workmanship in a Forest Lakes home. “We pride ourselves on being the best and using the best local and international suppliers. Our high quality craftsmanship and attention to detail gives every residence a refined and elegant finish.”

Three show homes are currently on display and there are numerous other builds happening around the development, including a 12-unit condominium complex, The Edgewater.

The Edgewater building is unlike anything else in the region, designed

by DTJ Design, an international award winning architectural firm, the building will look like a building at the bottom of a Colorado ski hill. “We have had tremendous interest in this building,” notes Wenaus. “It’s 70 per cent sold and we just recently started building.”

“Our high quality craftsmanship and attention to detail gives every residence a refined and elegant finish.”

– Kristi Wenaus, VP sales and marketing

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Wenaus says in addition to golfers, the community appeals to a wide range of homebuyers. “Forest Lakes Country Club is perfect for people who are downsizing, moving here internationally or from Ontario or out west. We have first and second homebuyers; full and part time residents, locals and internationals. We have people who live in the valley or the Windsor area and want to move closer to the city, and we have people in the city who want to get closer to nature.

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We have young families and couples just starting their careers and retirees leaving the workforce. We don’t have one specific demographic but we have something for everyone and it’s certainly affordable.”

ENVIRONMENT Green building practices are incorporated into the construction of every home and throughout the entire community. As members of the Canada Green Building Council, Forest Lakes’ homes will exceed minimum energy performance levels, providing owners with lower operating costs and enhancing the home’s property value.

Homes in The Woodlands, for example, are designed to reduce energy and water consumption through the developer’s sustainable building practices and

rainwater harvesting, careful product selection and intelligent design.

TRAVEL Forest Lakes Country Club is currently in discussions with the province to build a highway interchange for the community, which will be for residents and the surrounding community to use. “We’re working very hard to make that happen in the next few years,” says Wenaus.

Forest Lakes Country Club is located 10 minutes from Windsor — close to wine country; a 40-minute drive from the airport; and 35 minutes from downtown Halifax.

Forest Lakes Country Club Ardoise, West Hants, Nova Scotia www.forestlakescountryclub.ca

ENTER TO WIN ENTER TO WIN A GOURMET DINNER FOR 10 AT THE STUNNING LODGE AT FOREST LAKES WITH CHEF MICHAEL HOWELL Visit info.forestlakes.ca/devourdinner/ to enter

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www.jlclements.com | 902.403.5009 | jlclements@eastlink.ca

BEST of the

LIGHTING

BEST 2016

THE BEST OF ALL WORLDS Atlantic Lighting offers small-town service and hospitality, with trend-setting global selection

By Lori McKay Photos David Elliott

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ith its eye-catching front windows, an open and engaging showroom, and products that showcase the latest lighting trends, it’s easy to see why Atlantic Lighting Studio customers love visiting the store.

The company’s website allows customers to view and purchase merchandise with the same quality that’s available in-store.

“Customer service is the backbone of Atlantic Lighting Studio,” says

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MacQuarrie, who is one of only six Certified Lighting Consultants across Canada. “After each online order is made, a representative from Atlantic Lighting Studio follows up with a call to the customer to make sure they know what they are ordering, and to offer expert advice … making sure the lighting they have chosen best suits their needs.”

MacQuarrie says she often receives positive comments from customers who appreciate their unique service and products. “Clients are always amazed at how much personal service they get

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here, and how our team takes such an interest in their project. The staff also hear comments from tourists like, ‘I’m from Ottawa or New York, etc., and I cannot find selection in my home city like what you have here.’”

Atlantic Lighting Studio’s 1,900-squarefoot showroom enables customers to experience all aspects of light, whether it’s the design room, where people can experience the different effects light layering can have on a space, or the colour temperature display that allows them to choose the most

complementary bulb for their fixture, task or room colours.

These are just some of the features found throughout the showroom, which was named a Residential Lighting Magazine finalist for 2016 Showroom of the Year.

“The technology and innovations are constantly changing and we stay on top by continually updating our training.

We use our knowledge to guide clients toward the right decisions,” says MacQuarrie, who has more than 20 years of experience in the lighting industry.

Once a customer begins speaking with one of the studio’s team members, they quickly realize how much there is to know about lighting. Atlantic Lighting Studio offers custom lighting layouts for new homes — taking into account any architectural features of the home as well as the client’s lifestyle and preferences. Some homeowners have paintings or sculptures they would like highlighted. MacQuarrie notes that clients can enjoy their home and property more when they are properly lit for tasks and safety.

“Lighting has evolved dramatically in the past 10 years. Clients are realizing how important lighting is with regards to function and beauty within their homes. It can make a huge difference to how a home looks and feels,” says MacQuarrie.

Atlantic Lighting Studio 430 Main St., Wolfville 902.542.3431 AtlanticLightingStudio.com

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BEST of the

ROOFING

BEST 2016

QUALITY WORK, Professional Service “Whether you are looking for residential or commercial services, we have the expertise to tackle just about any roof.” – Larry Mader

By Lori McKay Photos Steve Jess

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pecializing in both residential and commercial roofing, Larry Mader says his main focus on each project they work on, is quality.

“It starts with the approach to the customer, right through to the finished

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product,” says Mader. “We do everything in our power to give people the best quality of roof their budget allows.”

Mader says they put into your roof what your roof needs, given the pitch, ventilation systems and condition the

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roof is in, and their price structure is based on that.

“We don’t simply re-skin a roof to make it look good,” says Mader. “Our focus is on doing the job correctly. We take a roof apart and all the components of a roof

— if they were there prior, or not — will be there when the job is complete. The emphasis for us is on the quality of the project, and doing it correctly.”

He says their customers are always impressed with their professionalism, which is one of the things he hears about most from customers. “They often comment on the conduct of the men and our care to protect their environment — their lawn, plants, shrubbery and overall maintenance of their property. We make it look as though we were never there.”

me one day, ‘Larry you look bored. Why don’t you come help me out?’ I did, and I learned a lot. He showed me the dos and don’ts in the business. I was a quick learner.”

Mader moved back to Nova Scotia and continued working in the roofing business, eventually starting his own company in 1993. “I went to the first Ideal Home show with a booth. I was the company; I had no employees at the time. Within the first year I had two crews and I never looked back.”

With a team of about 30 employees who work all year long, Mader’s Roofing has a great dedication to safety and is certified under the Department of Labour.

Mader says he works hard to stay on top of the latest techniques, products and technologies so he’s prepared to tackle any job.

And no matter what your roofing needs, Mader’s Roofing is up for the task. “The tougher and more challenging the job, the more we like it. There’s no project too big, too small or too intricate for us to do.”

“We’re not simply a re-roofing company,” he says. “We know there are always new technologies and materials that can be used to improve the longevity of the roofs we work on, and customers will benefit from our knowledge. It’s a never ending challenge to keep up on modern products, but tried and true still prevail in the roofing business,” he says.

One of the company’s bigger summer projects this year was the back roof of the University of King’s College in Halifax.

“It’s a very complex, high, intricate roof,” says Mader, noting the roof has 15 dormers. “It’s cut up so you have to know what you’re doing to do a job like that.”

Mader first got his start in roofing in Toronto. The company he had been working for was sold, and he found himself looking for work. A roofer who worked on high-end Toronto homes lived in the same building. “He said to

Mader encourages people to check out their user-friendly website, which is smartphone and tablet friendly. “You can look through our site on your iPhone and book a free estimate or an appointment right from there.”

Mader’s Roofing Lower Sackville 902.492.2868 902.830.4236 info@madersroofing.com www.madersroofing.com

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“Larry, very professional work! I like the 3-D appearance of the roof and the colour is perfect. Thank you also for the care your team took to protect our gardens. You left the property very tidy! Wouldn’t have known you were here.”

– Jim & Beth “Mader’s Roofing and Larry Mader have been doing my personal home and my commercial building for many years, from small repairs to entire roofs. They are excellent to deal with on all levels, and Mr. Mader takes personal interest in every job and follows through to the finish. He is professional and I highly recommend him and his experience.”– Ross McNeil “I just want to thank you and your crew for the great job you did on the roof a couple of months ago, it looks fantastic and I noticed your attention to detail around the vent stack, etc.”

– Tim Harmon | DQ Canada Inc.

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BEST of the

REMODELING

BEST 2016

Create Your DREAM SPACE With Case Design/Remodeling

By Lori McKay Photos courtesy of Case Design/Remodeling

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hether you’re renovating a bathroom, kitchen, basement or your entire home, there are multiple stages to the process.

From concept and design to scheduling and craftsmanship, each level of the project needs specific attention.

When you call on Case Design/Remodeling to do your home project, you won’t have to call anyone else. Their turnkey approach is different than others in the industry as they offer all the services you need under one roof. Staff at Case includes an in-house architect, trained kitchen and bath designers, construction and project managers, as well as certified aging-in-place specialists.

“We’re not just builders,” says owner Maurice Meagher, “we’re ‘design and build’ coupled together.

We design and build kitchens, bathrooms, additions, basements, and complete whole-house renovations and remodeling projects.”

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“We are dedicated to making your experience the best it can be.”

– Maurice Meagher, owner Case Design/Remodeling

Case’s professional craftsmen have yet to meet a task they couldn’t solve.

“Each project is unique and has its own challenges,” says Meagher. “The projects that make the most sense for us are the ones that need a design component, require different trades skills, and where different Maurice Meagher, selections/options need to be made. A lot of our jobs, regardless of the size, encompass different complexities.”

With an amazing attention to detail and desire to exceed every expectation, Case offers experience and competence that is unmatched in the industry.

“Each project begins with the design phase,” says Meagher, “where a creative interior designer will help clients select the right materials, finishes and features to create just the look they’re going for.”

Case’s talented architectural designers will make smart use of your square-footage, maximizing its impact and effectiveness.

“Our goal is to create a stylish, high-functioning and beautiful space, tailored to your specific needs.”

The team will then guide the project through the detail and selection process, and the build. Case looks after all supplies, delivery, permitting and inspections.

He says that by following a good process and having a good system it ensures each project goes well.

“We are dedicated to making your experience the best it can be,” says Meagher, who also owns Archadeck of Nova Scotia, a multiple award winning deck-building company. “The depth of our experience and the formal process that we use throughout the design, material selections and construction sets us apart. It’s led to us receiving an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.”

Visit Case Design/Remodeling’s new location at 2569 Windsor St., Halifax.

Case Design/Remodeling 2569 Windsor St., Halifax, NS 902.454.CASE (2273) halifax@caseremodeling.com casehalifax.com

Case Design/Remodeling offers customers a turnkey approach, looking at projects through three phases: Phase 1: Design. They put together preliminary concepts and are able to provide full colour renderings, project budgeting numbers — with cost ranges for the design options presented — and timelines.

Phase 2: Detail and Select. The team will help clients select cabinetry, tile, countertops, flooring, trim details, etc. This is where they’re able to provide a comprehensive fixed price and payment schedule.

Phase 3: Build. Case includes and looks after all permitting and inspections. They have project and construction managers that build and complete every aspect of the project.

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BEST of the

CABINETS

BEST 2016

CREATIVITY, VALUE & SERVICE Cabinetworks: Building Kitchen Cabinets Since 1983

By Lori McKay

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esigning a new kitchen is not a project the average homeowner takes on every day. It’s a big decision and a big investment. It’s also an exciting endeavour, especially when you work with a professional. In business for more than 30 years, Cabinetworks Ltd. in Burnside offers just the kind of service many homeowners are looking for.

“We’re trusted professionals, and our aim is to provide exceptional quality and service,” says Cabinetworks’ kitchen designer Nina Boulanger.

Cabinetworks’ 3,000-sq.-ft showroom has seven large kitchen displays with countless accessories to make food preparation easy. “It’s a great place to look around and get ideas,” says Boulanger.

Guests to the showroom will see firsthand the company’s emphasis on craftsmanship, featuring a range of cabinetry materials — from traditional wood and MDF to high gloss thermofoil — and a wide selection of finishes and options: various door styles, wood species, solid colours and stains. They also specialize in refacing cabinetry.

Boulanger says customers also look for a broad range of countertop options, and they appreciate Cabinetworks’ selection, which include

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L-R Norm Patey, Nina Boulanger, Michael Garden and Glen MacDonald

their most popular — Quartz, granite and Corian — along with the more economical laminate.

new to a customer when they come in,” says Boulanger, who has been a kitchen designer for 10 years.

“We recognize that cabinetry and kitchen trends are in a continuous state of evolution,” says Boulanger, who notes that shaker style and painted white kitchens are still the most popular.

She says pullouts have become a popular kitchen feature, given the recycling programs in HRM. “We have a two-bin, three-bin, four-bin, a pullout, a corner one that spins … The list goes on.” She says they also offer corner pull out drawers, which are very popular.

Cabinetworks also build cabinets for other areas of the home, including built-ins for living rooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms and pantries. With a staff of 14, the business looks after all its own installs.

When a client comes into the Cabinetworks showroom, Boulanger and the staff recognize their customers are often doing their kitchen for the first time. “An average person does 1.5 kitchens in their lifetime, so everything is

Boulanger says people recognize and appreciate the service they offer, along with their products. “We have third generations coming back to us. They don’t just say, ‘Oh, my parents got their kitchen here.’ They say ‘My grandparents and my parents got their kitchen here,’ and they want one too. I find that really interesting because I’ve had that happen at least three times this year.”

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Whether you are seeking an entire kitchen remodel, a new countertop or looking to reface your existing cabinets, you will find everything you’re looking for at Cabinetworks.

“From the knowledgeable designers to the dedicated production crew and installers, we work as a team to ensure each customer is thrilled with their new kitchen,” says Boulanger.

Cabinetworks Ltd. 75 Akerley Blvd.

Dartmouth, N.S. 902.468.8118 www.cabinetworks.ca

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BEST of the

WINDOWS & DOORS

BEST 2016

OUTSTANDING SERVICE, QUALITY PRODUCTS

The Ultimate Customer Shopping Experience for Windows and Doors

By Lori McKay Photos Steve Jess

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hen buying new windows and doors, you expect them to last a very long time. In fact, most homeowners only purchase them once.

The choices are vast and complex, and for most people, it’s a big investment that can be overwhelming. But once you understand your options, you’ll be able to make informed decisions and good selections. The best way to do this is by working with a professional.

Bob Wood, owner of Revolution Windows and Doors Ltd., has been in the window business for 20 years.

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Wood started out working for a small manufacturer and learned the ropes.

During the early years of his career, he visited various manufacturing plants throughout North America and saw how windows were constructed.

“Those three lines offer us an incredible product selection. We probably have the largest window and door selection in Atlantic Canada.”

“I just got a really good grasp on it,” says Wood, who launched Revolution Windows and Doors in early 2006.

Servicing everything they sell, Revolution offers windows and doors in all types of materials, including aluminum clad wood; solid wood; vinyl; fiberglass; and aluminum clad vinyl.

The Dartmouth-based company carries three major lines, which include Laflamme Doors and Windows, Sierra Pacific Windows and Pella Windows and Doors.

Like most industries, window and door technology is always evolving. You can currently buy advanced products such as sliding doors with heated glass, or windows with blinds between the glass.

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Pella Insynctive technology allows for automated blinds you can control from your smart phone, home computer or iPad. “It’s the future for a lot of homes, and it’s starting to catch on,” says Wood. “We’ve really started promoting them the last six months.”

A lot of their products have unique features. Laflamme Windows, for example, have auto locks, which not a lot of competitors yet offer. So if they’re closed — single hung or double hung, or side slider window — it automatically locks when you close the window sash. There’s no figuring out which way to turn the window lock switch to make sure the window is locked.

In their 10th year, Wood says the company sees a fair amount of repeat business, but a lot of their customers are new as well.

“A person will start a project and buy a couple of windows and doors to see how they like them. Then a year or two later they’ll get a few more done. They’ll often do their homes in phases, replacing the windows that need to be replaced the most, first.”

He says this also allows people to try the products.

Wood says they have two important qualities that set them apart form their competitors. The first is product.

“We have very, very few service calls. Next to none, really.

The reason is we sell most of our windows with features like stainless steel exterior hardware, including stainless steel ball bearing hinges on most of our swing doors... quality things that help alleviate service calls. They’re just very good products, and the national companies stand behind them. It comes down to the fact that they put more research and development into the process.”

The second feature that sets Revolution Windows and Doors apart, he says, is the level of service they offer. “A lot of the products out there are decent. It’s following up with the customers, getting back to them and finding out what they want that makes the difference,” says Wood. “We’re very customer oriented. We know how important customer service is. It’s the referrals that make a difference — happy customers tell friends and family. It’s a huge part of our business.”

The company offers installation within the city and up to an hour and half outside HRM. Working with homeowners, contractors, renovators and builders, they ship windows and doors all over Atlantic Canada.

Revolution Windows and Doors Ltd. 270 Wyse Road, Dartmouth, NS T 902.464.5050 F 902.464.4747 info@revolutionwindowsanddoors.com www.revolutionwindowsanddoors.com Bob Wood, owner

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BUSINESS TO BUSINESS

THE BEST STRATEGY: Have One & Write it Down

By Matthew Harpell

Fall. The blissful season of crisp air, nature’s beauty and pumpkin spice everything. With it, this beloved change of season brings a return to routine — albeit an opportunity to start anew. Soon enough, we will become lost in the confines of agendas, rushing and an endless to do list. The majority of us will also fall victim to the trap of time, where we fill our plates to the brim and wear the “I’m busy” badge of honour… but to what end?

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BUSINESS TO BUSINESS

hy do we do this? Do we really need to do everything?

Are we guilty of chasing a falsified, self-fulfilling prophecy: important people are busy, so, I’m going to be (or at least appear) busy? Have we lost sight of how to plan strategically, prioritize and say, “No?” Make no mistake, it is not a time management issue, it is purely about strategy and planning.

What is your company’s strategy?

Chances are, if you have one at all, your strategy has become a pie-in-the-sky vision — the right thing to say when speaking with prospects. This is not strategy. Strategy was never meant to be the secret handshake of senior executives. It is meant to provide direction, guidance and purpose, and should be used as a benchmark for identifying when business is askew or wandering aimlessly into the “too busy” abyss.

Strategy is intricate and requires effort, but it is not rocket science. The best strategy is to have one. Although strategic planning should be a formal, inclusive and continuous process, there are key components to help draw a map around “too busy.”

KNOW YOUR PURPOSE An unwritten strategy is a mere idea.

What is your purpose and what are your sought-after accomplishments?

As owners/company leadership, it is your duty to ensure everyone is on the same page, literally. Everyone, at all times, should look up, see the strategy, and then ask, “Is what I’m doing now on strategy?” If the answer is, “No,” move on. Be sure to reward yourself and others who are wise enough to recognize the difference between busy and effective.

Write it down, pin it up.

KNOW YOUR TARGET (NOT JUST YOUR BULLSEYE) An ideal target is irrelevant. The ideal target could be astronauts on a 10-year mission unable to communicate. In other words, if the bullseye is unreachable, you’ll miss the target altogether. Be quick to measure “who cares?” and even quicker to measure “where are they?”

Hold a white-boarding session, create profiles, and identify all the places (on/ offline) they frequent and every point of potential interaction. You may be surprised to learn that those who place greatest value in your purpose are the stars you weren’t shooting for in the first place. Write it down, pin it up.

KNOW YOUR (UNREHEARSED) VALUE Perhaps the most difficult aspect (and most vital) of strategy creation is the articulation and communication of value. First, determine what your audience values most, such as time, money, reputation, etc. Second, clearly illustrate the ability of your company to attribute such value, specifically. Third, solidify the “why us” for your company.

Do the logo test: if you are able to place a competitor’s logo next to your value claims, go back to the drawing board.

Lastly, ditch the pitch. Clients/patients are likely to know as much, or more, about any given subject at any given time and they will determine whether or not something is of value. Listen more, say less, and know your company’s unrehearsed value. Write it down, pin it up.

KNOW YOUR GAME PLAN Only after you’ve determined the who, what, where and why (above) are you able to make a plan for the when and how. Too often, owners/company

BUSINESS TO BUSINESS

leadership mistakenly identify the game plan and strategy as one and the same. This — deadlines and execution without purpose or direction — is fertile ground for “too busy.” Pick a deadline, develop a work-back schedule, separate “mandatory” from “ideal” activities and, then, prioritize according to the purpose, desired accomplishments, target and value. Write it down, pin it up.

So, this autumn, be sure that your routine doesn’t shift from an “improvement” to a “completion” mindset — don’t get fooled into thinking “too busy” is a synonym for success. Take advantage of a fresh start, gather around, sip some pumpkin spice lattes, and do some strategic planning.

Who knows, if you plan effectively, you may be able to hire an office barista before the leaves change next fall.

Matthew Harpell is the founder and owner of Matlen Strategy, a company that aims to save time, improve results and reduce burden by providing business planning and support for owners and company leadership who are too busy working ‘in’ the business to find time to work ‘on’ the business.

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EA

EXPERT ADVICE

EXPERT ADVICE

FINDING A FINANCIAL PARTNERSHIP “My spouse and I have a wonderful relationship in many respects, but one area we don’t see eye-to-eye is finance. He feels like I spend too much on clothes and gifts, and I think if he buys one more thing for ‘man land’ I will lose my mind. How can we get on the same page?”

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hat a great question. We talk about this in our office all the time. What is fascinating is that money seems to still be a taboo subject in so many lives. We seem to have an easier time talking about our sex lives than our money!

The other interesting thing about money is that so much of how we feel and talk about money comes from our parents and childhood. So, the first step to getting on the same page is taking a trip down memory lane. How did your parents treat money? Did they spend it, and not seem to care about it? Did they talk or act like they did not have any? Did they seem stressed about it? Get your spouse to do the same reflecting.

I find that there tends to be two patterns.

We unconsciously either adopt the same habits, or do the exact opposite.

When you reflect upon your upbringing, do you see yourself adopting a similar or opposite pattern? One example

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is someone who grows up without much or in a family that experiences significant financial distress, they make the determination that that will never happen to them. So they work hard and are determined to buy whatever they want because they don’t want to be without.

to spend your money? The incentive you and your spouse need to change your approach to money and spending needs to be big enough that it influences a change in behaviour. And you need to be on the same page to achieve the longterm financial success you seek.

These exercises form a great basis for understanding why you treat money the way you do — your money mindset, if you will. And now, the conversation must begin. These conversations won’t always be easy, and assuming a non-judgmental tone to your discussion will be helpful.

One thing to consider is introducing a third party to the discussion. Some will find a therapist beneficial, while others use their financial advisor. The financial advisor is not a therapist, but can focus on uncovering your overall goals, and show you how your spending is helping or not helping you achieve them. A good advisor will help you with a plan that can show you how to deploy your money in a way that you both understand and agree with. I believe a cash flow plan that simplifies your financial life is better than a complicated budget, and that is what you need to get your advisor to help you with.

Finally, you need to figure out your “why.”

Why is it important to be on the same page and have an agreement about how

BUSINESS TO BUSINESS

Wendy Brookhouse MBA, CCS, CHS Founder and Chief Strategist Black Star Group wendy@blackstar.group

FIT TO WORK Encouraging a Healthy Workplace

By Katrina Geenevasen-Garlough

I

magine an office with on-site physicians and nurses, a gourmet cafeteria that provides three meals a day, physical fitness programs, a gym, and access to perks like massages. Sounds unbelievable, doesn’t it? To the more than 5,700 employees at Google, it’s reality.

While such a health-conscious workplace will remain only a dream for the majority of office workers, many employers are taking steps to create a healthy environment for their staff. Such forward thinking not only increases productivity, it makes for happier and healthier employees, as well. Here’s a few ways to take your personnel from stressed-out to blissed-out.

Go Green

Move It Employees today work long hours — and many of those hours are spent sitting at a desk. This not only contributes to a strained neck and sore shoulders; prolonged sitting can also contribute to heart disease, poor circulation in legs and muscle degradation, among other things. One way to combat these health hazards is with the help of a height-adjustable treadmill desk; it’s a gentle and effective way to integrate movement into everyday work tasks. Most models top out at around two miles per hour, so you won’t break a sweat during your average workday, but you will burn calories.

You have to start somewhere, so begin by choosing a variety of plants to distribute around the office. Not only do they enhance the overall appearance of the workplace, they have the potential to help reduce stress and air pollutants. The Peace Lily is a great first choice; they tolerate low-light conditions quite well and are known for their ability to keep the air around them cleaner. The Corn Plant is another suitable option; they are easy to care for (why add to the stress of the office with a plant that requires lots of upkeep?) and they are also known for their pollutant-eliminating abilities.

If such an expensive piece of equipment is not in the company’s budget, move your meeting out of the boardroom and into the great outdoors with walking meetings. Contrary to popular belief, walking does not hamper effectiveness. In fact, increased blood flow can bolster creativity and overall thinking.

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Take a Seat

If such an active environment just isn’t going to happen at your workplace, consider providing a variety of options for desk seating. Exercise balls — normally reserved for time at the gym — engage core body muscles, abs and large lower back muscles in order to hold the body upright and balanced on the ball. Users also gain better posture, because the chair lacks any kind of back.

A balance stool is another option. Much like an exercise ball, they force users to sit up straight. Some models even bounce up and down, further engaging those core muscles that are far too often ignored sitting in a standard office chair.

Meanwhile, kneeling chairs can reduce some lower-body strain, while encouraging good posture at the same time. In a kneeling chair, the shins provide stability, allowing the user to remain seated. When titled slightly forward, the spine is in a more neutral position. This can help to ease lower back pain commonly associated with sitting for long periods of time.

Corporate Gym Memberships

According to the Canadian Obesity Network, one in four adult Canadians has clinical obesity. But this number does not have to be so startlingly high; many gyms today offer great deals and corporate memberships. If you think such spending is too costly, consider this: work related stress is the No. 1 health risk affecting Canadian employees. This not only impacts employee attendance, but benefit costs and short and long term disability leaves.

Break Away

Encourage your employees to take active breaks throughout their workday; this also means eating lunch someplace other than their desk. It’s not always easy to step away from the computer, but it’s vital for overall health. Just a few minutes of fresh air and sunshine will help to improve overall productivity and mood. Be serious about blocking time aside; consider two 15-minute breaks (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) for your employees.

However you go about encouraging a healthy workplace, just remember a better work environment equals a better employee.

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BUSINESS TO BUSINESS

A TEAM APPROACH TO YOUR FINANCES Assante Hydrostone approaches your financial health as a complete plan, and advisors work as a team to ensure you get more.

By Lori McKay Photos Bruce Jollimore

A

great reputation is built through great work. And with great work, comes growth. Six years ago, a group of financial planning advisors combined three Halifax and Dartmouth offices to form Assante Hydrostone at 5548 Kaye Street. This summer, the business expanded their office space to accommodate new advisors and office staff.

“Often people go to financial advisors for investments, but we offer a lot more than that,” says Doane. “We’re not only about investment planning, but also estate and insurance planning, full financial plans, looking toward retirement ... we’re about bringing them all together for the individual or family. That’s what we do.

That’s what we focus on. We dig in a little deeper than others and that’s what sets us apart.”

“We originally came together here at this location to bring everybody under one roof,” says Stephen Doane, Branch Operations Manager. “Since that time, our team has grown considerably.”

Senior Financial Advisor, Assante Capital Management Ltd. Richard Nickerson says there is a lot of synergy in the office, which benefits clients in various ways.

Offering a full range of financial planning services and solutions, Assante Hydrostone advisors work closely with other members of each client’s financial team — such as their accountant and lawyer — to combine the individual pieces together to form a complete wealth management plan.

“We have a collection of advisors with diverse backgrounds. For example, we have a chartered accountant, we have an advisor that focuses on charitable gift planning —there’s a lot of cooperation in the branch. If something’s outside your area of expertise, you can lean on the other advisors for assistance and advice,” says Nickerson.

BUSINESS TO BUSINESS

The Assante Hydrostone location is home to 48 staff, including six operational staff. There are also six sub branches throughout the province, with another 14 employees.

Following extensive renovations, Assante Hydrostone now has 12,500 square feet of office space, including a large, modern reception area at street level, a second boardroom, additional offices, and supplemental meeting spaces. The space allows for easier operations and a more comfortable environment for clients.

Assante Capital Management Ltd. 5548 Kaye Street, Suite 201 Halifax, N.S. 902.466.4234 888.305.7526 assantehydrostone.com

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BEST of the

SIGN COMPANY

BEST 2016

THE HEARTBEAT OF HARD WORK

By Kris Webster Photos Steve Jess

T

he harder you work the harder your heart beats. This is not only true in your veins, but is synonymous with your business, too.

Michael Maheux Jr., general manager of Pulse Signs, has spent many long hours perfecting the art of sign making. The addition of a second bucket truck has greatly improved installation capabilities and efficiency.

A recent merger with their parent company, Minuteman Press, and a move into a 15,000-square-foot building gave them the tools and space for continued growth and expansion. There is no task Maheux won’t undertake when it comes to signage, decaling and large format

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printing. Being challenged and getting those veins pumping shows in the quality of product being produced at 60 Williams Ave., off Akerley in Burnside.

With additional staff and the latest in digital equipment in its new facility, Pulse Signs & Design is ready to take on all your sign projects or large format needs with ease.

A strong heartbeat means you’re healthy.

It means you’re primed, wide-awake and ready to tackle what comes your way. It’s your pulse that keeps you strong and vibrant, which is why Pulse Signs & Design continues to grow and remains focused as the heartbeat of your business.

BUSINESS TO BUSINESS

Pulse Signs & Design Inc. 60 Williams Ave., Dartmouth 902.434.4787 sales@pulsesigns.ca www.pulsesigns.ca

PRINTING

BEST of the

BEST 2016

DESIGN, PRINT & PROMOTE

By Kris Webster Photos Steve Jess

C

hange is not always considered a good word.

Why? Because it often involves hard work, long hours and absolute dedication. Change is painful. Change is what Minuteman Press has gone through time and time again — from a small shop in Cole Harbour to a new 15,000-square-foot building in Burnside.

Adding a state-of-the-art press, a full embroidery and clothing department, and a sign division integration, Minuteman has grown by leaps and bounds over the years.

When president Mike Maheux expanded two years ago, he thought that was going to be it for a while, but aggressive marketing and growth has

led to another expansion. Minuteman Press is now located in a beautiful shop at 60 Williams Ave. (behind Leon’s, off Akerley). And with both Maheux’s children running the show, there is an undying commitment to do better and serve the public with the utmost in customer care and perfection.

The new location enables Minuteman to do things it couldn’t do before.

Embroidery, for example, is now a large part of the operation, with its own department with experienced professionals, they are able to provide customers with same-day turnaround service. Minuteman Press also has three delivery vehicles in metro, which ensures prompt distribution of printed material, signage, large format printing and a host of promotional products.

BUSINESS TO BUSINESS

So yes, change is hard. But in the end, change makes a better company. Change isn’t a bad word... not at all... It’s a great word.

Dartmouth Location 60 Williams Ave., Burnside 902.434.1434 Halifax Location 19 Crane Lake Drive, Halifax 902.450.0508 info@mmphalifax.com www.mmphalifax.com

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MOTORING

Audi: SPORTY, SOPHISTICATED & PROGRESSIVE

By Matt Jamieson

Audi has long been a pioneer of luxury vehicles with a splash of sportiness, and that hasn’t changed with the German brand’s 2017 lineup.

With several all-new entries hitting showrooms, Audi is re-emphasizing its mantra of sporty, sophisticated and progressive autos.

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MOTORING

THE HIGHLY POPULAR AND HIGHLY RESPECTED LUXURY SUV WILL SURELY TURN SOME HEADS WITH ITS ENHANCED AND UPDATED LOOK AND FEEL.

N

ow entering its fourth generation, the Audi A4 remains one of the company’s most popular cars. This sleek sedan has undergone some massive yet exciting changes for 2017. The lighter, more fuel efficient A4 boasts Audi’s world-famous Quattro all-wheel drive technology, providing impressive handling and unparalleled safety. Sporting the increased muscle of its 2.0 TFSI engine, which adds power while increasing efficiency, the A4 promises high performance and fuel efficiency whether it’s on the Autobahn or the Bedford Highway.

“The car feels smooth as silk,” says David MacLeod, assistant sales manager at Audi Halifax.

“The overall balance of the car is really impressive.”

Audi has also committed to the intelligence of its lineup through some impressive new technology.

Every 2017 comes with the option of the brand new virtual cockpit, which transforms the dashboard into an all-in-one information system.

Eschewing dusty analog instruments in favour of a high-resolution 12.3-inch digital display, the virtual cockpit has the ability to display maps, music, speed limits, weather information, and much more right behind the steering wheel.

Also brand new for 2017 is the Audi Q7. The highly popular and highly respected luxury SUV will surely turn some heads with its enhanced and updated look and feel.

Crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, the Q7 shed 40kg from the 2016 model. However, you

MOTORING

wouldn’t know it if you’re sitting in the driver’s seat, as the interior feels large and roomy, while the outside is refined and conservative.

Audi has learned a lot testing its vehicles on the blazing fast conditions of Germany’s Autobahn over the past century. One of its enduring lessons is how to craft a silent cockpit. This learning is demonstrated beautifully when driving the Q7.

“It’s the quietest Audi I’ve driven,” says Macleod.

“If it were loud at 100km/h on our highways, what’s it going to be like going 200km/h in Germany?”

The Q7 has a unique feel, as if to glide across the road while still feeling the traction. It’s balanced steering and smooth braking highlight its egalitarian weight distribution, as the vehicle feels level even through very fast cornering.

For this reason, the seven-seat standard SUV could likely be mistaken for a sedan if someone were able to drive it blindfolded. It manages to defy its size and deliver a smooth, satisfying ride.

Of course, the Q7 comes with all the bells and whistles associated with Audi. This includes the highly intelligent virtual cockpit, lane departure warnings, 3D sound system and a whole lot more.

The A4 and Q7 are just a pair of highlights from Audi’s 2017 lineup, a selection that shows how sportiness and luxury can combine to make a truly memorable driving experience.

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LUXURY SUPERCARS

IN A CLASS OF THEIR OWN

Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Staking its claim as “the most powerful muscle car on the planet,” the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat boasts a mind-boggling 707 horsepower engine guaranteed to turn heads wherever you go.

By Katrina Geenevasen-Garlough

The crème de la crème of the automotive world, luxury supercars allow drivers to take the wheel in ways that are anything but standard. Here, we look at a few rides guaranteed to get your motor running.

An aggressive, sexy car, it features a supercharged 6.2-litre engine — the “most powerful production V8 engine ever,” says the company.

Drivers are able to choose between a new HP90 eight-speed automatic transmission or manually shift gears with a Tremec six-speed transmission.

And the options don’t end there; choose between Nappa leather with Alcantara inserts and ultra-premium Laguna leather. Take your pick; either way, you’re guaranteed the ride of your life.

Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang Your eyes may be on the road, but when you’re in this car, all other eyes will be on you. According to the company, “From the signature HID headlamps to the standard signature LED Tri-bar tail lamps, the 2016 Mustang attracts attention from every angle.” Does it ever.

Car enthusiasts will appreciate the car’s naturally aspirated 5.2-litre, 90-degree V8 engine with a flat-plane crankshaft, Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

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MOTORING

“If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough.” - Mario Andretti

Corvette Stingray

magnetic ride control and carbonfibre wheels.

And if you just appreciate a seductively sexy car, you’re all set with this beauty.

It’s modeled after the classic Mustang fastback, its design sleek and sporty enough to attract drivers of all kinds.

Dual exhaust pipes come standard, and enhance the look and performance of the car.

Camaro stands out in every way possible — and there’s no denying it’s true. Designed to improve airflow and performance, the car is aerodynamically “chiseled to perfection,” says Chevy. It has a roof that features a stylish reverse Mohawk channel, and lift-reducing stanchion spoiler, among other qualities.

And that’s just the exterior.

Those into customization will love the ability to choose from a long list of options, including 12 available wheel designs.

Inside, the car screams style. With features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an available eight-inch radio touch screen and tailored stitching, drivers will no doubt be noticed and envied wherever they choose to go.

Chevy Camaro

Corvette Stingray

It was April when a highway patrol officer clocked an unidentified man from Minnesota hurtling 171-mph down the highway in his 2016 Chevy Camaro, proving just how fast this set of wheels can fly.

Take control of the road in a bold and daring way with the 2016 Corvette Stingray. According to Chevrolet, it’s the “quickest, most powerful, most refined Stingray ever made.”

Boasting a “strong yet sophisticated design,” the company says the 2016

A “perfect driving machine” its performance epitomizes precision and it features brilliant engineering. Every

MOTORING

element of the provocative design serves a purpose, says Chevrolet, from functional exterior vents to intelligent driver controls.

It’s features the world’s fastest-acting suspension, and 6.2 litre V8 engine.

Drivers can choose between a sevenspeed manual with active rev matching, or available eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. Take your pick: the road is yours.

There’s a Stingray for every driver, with design packages that take customization to a whole new level. Depending on your style, choose between Twilight Blue, Spice Red or Jet Black Suede packages.

If you’re into technology, you’ll love the Stingray’s performance data recorder.

It lets drivers log drive videos with real-time performance data onto a SD memory card so they can improve driving ability. Someone else behind the wheel? Don’t fret. Valet mode, which also records video and data, gives you peace of mind.

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ANNAPOLIS VALLEY FEATURE

ENJOY

All the Annapolis Valley Has to Offer

Get lost in a corn maze, purchase local produce from a u-pick or farm market, stroll among the Pumpkin People, pick your own perfect pumpkin, sit back and savour a glass of wine in a local vineyard … and just enjoy some time in the Annapolis Valley this fall. The Valley is also the prefect destination for family-friendly festivals — such as the annual Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off and the Pumpkin Regatta, and so much more!

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ANNAPOLIS VALLEY FEATURE

Windsor A Town for all Seasons The fall is a colourful, exciting time in Windsor. As you meander through the Avon Region, enjoy the “gourdgeous” fall foliage, or sample seasonal specialties at the bistros, cafés and restaurants. Check out the annual Pumpkin Weigh-off; the Children’s Wish Pumpkin Parade and the world’s first and largest Pumpkin Regatta, where seasoned and novice paddlers try to manoeuver their PVCs (personal vegetable crafts) 800 meters across Lake Pesaquid.

Enjoy a cosy night in a charming country inn or bed and breakfast; check out the distinctive shops; and meet some of the friendly folks who make Windsor a great destination anytime of the year. www.town.windsor.ns.ca 902.798.6679

WINDSOR-WEST HANTS PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

32nd annual Pumpkin Weigh-off

Don’t miss the annual Pumpkin Weighoff at The Dill Farm, 400 College Rd., Windsor, on Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Rain date is Sunday, Oct. 2) Prizes awarded for: Heaviest pumpkin, squash, field pumpkin and tomato; and longest gourd. GPC Howard Dill Award presented to the best looking pumpkin www.worldsbiggestpumpkins.com 902.798.2728

18th Annual Pumpkin Regatta

Join the fun on Sunday, Oct. 9 at the world’s first and largest pumpkin regatta. Festivities get underway with the Wishmaker’s Parade at noon. Ride the rails on the Tregothic Creek miniature railway before heading to the pumpkin carnival around Lake Pesaquid for the regatta start at 2 p.m. www.worldsbiggestpumpkins.com 902.798.1708

ANNAPOLIS VALLEY FEATURE

BIG Pumpkin Country

Visit Howard Dill’s Pumpkin Farm and see where “Atlantic Giants” are grown. This pumpkin variety started the international craze of giant pumpkin growing and rowing. There are more than 100 sites globally that compete in the annual Giant Pumpkin Commonwealth Weigh-offs in October.

The Dill Farm, at 400 College Rd., is open daily, September and October from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Kentville FAMILY FUN

Family life is easy and fun in Kentville because there is always something awesome to do, especially in the fall! Come down for Harvest Festival Oct. 1. Take a moonlit Pumpkin Walk at Miners Marsh for all ages on Oct. 19. Those who dare can visit on the weekends and tour the “Infirmary of Lost Souls” Haunted Hospital, and everyone is welcome to check out the 300 Pumpkin People on display the whole month of October!

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Hiking trails through hardwood forest, along old rail beds and amongst green spaces, are all on offer in Kentville. Bird sanctuaries, protected marshlands and scenic farmland are part of the natural landscape and easily accessible for folks looking for relaxed and easy ways to get up close and personal with nature.

MOUNTAIN BIKE KENTVILLE

Some of the best mountain bike trails in Nova Scotia are found in Kentville. “The Gorge” provides downhill rides through wooded rocky trails that challenge and excite.

TOWN OF KENTVILLE 354 Main Street Kentville, Nova Scotia 902.679.2500 kentville.ca

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ANNAPOLIS VALLEY FEATURE

VALLEY

10

SOME OF THE BEST THINGS TO SEE & DO

1

Pumpkin People Harvest

Festival on Oct. 1 launches the appearance of more than 300 Pumpkin People in Kentville! Bring the whole family for some small town harvest fun in Centre Square.

Check out the Pumpkin People building workshop, food vendors, flea market, live music, face painting, pumpkin carving, candy toss and an overall good time. After that, Pumpkin People stay out on display all over town for the whole month of October. Visit Kentville.ca to plan your visit!

2

Land of Gourds & Giants The Avon Region offers

“gourdgeous” fall foliage and is home to the 251st Hants County Exhibition, North America’s oldest agricultural fair. Check out the garden giants at the Windsor-West Hants Pumpkin Weigh-off or the Annapolis Valley Giant Vegetable Growers competition and weigh-off in Waterville. Visitors to the region can sample seasonal specialties, boutique shopping or curl up in one of the charming inns or B&Bs.

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3

Wine Country With more than

70 grape growers and 11 established wineries, the Valley region offers a wide range of robust reds and sparkling whites. Each winery makes the most of the fall harvest, offering various events to celebrate the splendour of our wine culture.

The cooler northern grapes and the fertile landscape boast a true Nova Scotian flavour. Tidal Bay, our first appellation wine, is distinctly Nova Scotian, mixing local grape varieties perfectly to meet the Tidal Bay seal of approval. www.winesofnovascotia.ca

5

Nova Scotia Wine Country Tours Grab a group of

friends and hop on the Wolfville Magic Winery Bus, a tradition double decker bus, or ‘sip’ back and relax on a guided winery tour with a knowledgeable tour guide, such as Go North Tours or Grape Escapes. Whether on your own or as part of a group tour, you can enjoy a simple afternoon escape or a wonderful overnight stay in the Annapolis Valley. www.wolfvillemagicwinerybus.ca www.novascotiawinetours.com

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4

Fair Trade & Buy Local

Fair-trade is dedicated to the growth of small business around the world. The Just Us! Centre for Small Farms is committed to engaging farming and food in a local and global context.

Wolfville has been declared Canada’s first Fair Trade Town for its commitment to fair trade coffees and teas.

The Valley is rich with meat, dairy, vine ripened produce and preserves. Buying local is a great way to eat healthy and support our farms and rural communities. www.centreforsmallfarms.ca

6

Adventure

Located in the Avon Region is Martock, home to OnTree Fun and Adventure Park. Offering 13 unique courses, OnTree offers physical challenges for people of all ages on its high rope courses, zip lines and other activities amongst the trees. For winter fun, check out Ski Martock, Nova Scotia’s premiere winter destination for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. Just minutes from Windsor, both outdoor adventures ensure a safe and fun family experience for all skills. www.ontreepark.com | www.martock.com

ANNAPOLIS VALLEY FEATURE

7

Hiking Find some of the best

hiking terrain — combined with the most spectacular scenery — between the Annapolis Valley and the Bay of Fundy Shore.

Walking and hiking have become the world’s No. 1 way to enjoy the outdoors, and the Annapolis Valley is one of the best places in Nova Scotia to find hiking opportunities. Leisure walks along the rails to trails active transportation systems, hikes along shorelines, and climbs through thickly wooded forests are all on the roster in the Valley. Start planning by visiting scotianhiker.com

9

Nature Stroll along the Cornwallis

River, do some bird watching in a sanctuary, meditate in beautiful gardens, paddle a lake, find a hidden waterfall, or get up close and personal with wildlife in protected wetlands. The Annapolis Valley offers so many opportunities to get outside and connect with nature you’ll find it difficult to choose! Plan a one-day experience, or fill a week with relaxation, serenity and peace in the outdoors. For a list of destinations, start with valleytourism.ca

8

Oaklawn Farm Zoo

Oaklawn Farm offers a traditional family farm-like setting, along with a mix of exotic animal species. Located in the west end of the Annapolis Valley, the farm is only a 15 minute drive from the spectacular Bay of Fundy, known for the world’s highest tides. Oaklawn Farm provides an up close animal experience, in a natural environment. From chickens to monkeys, horses, lions and pythons, you’re sure to discover the animal in you!

10

Corn Mazes

Get lost in the fun! There are at least five different fun and exciting corn mazes to check out in the Valley. In addition to u-picks, farm markets and other attractions, you can pick your own pumpkin to take home! Enjoy farm fresh produce and home baked treats. Breathe in the crisp, outdoor fall air and get lost in the corn. You can’t beat a true valley experience and corn mazes are a Valley specialty!

For info on where to find the best mazes, check out valleyfamilyfun.ca

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Harvest

Known as the breadbasket of Nova Scotia, the Annapolis Valley is the prefect destination for family-friendly activities.

Renowned for its apples, the Annapolis Valley is home to many farms, u-picks and vineyards that are popular destinations for those who want farm-fresh or to experience where their food comes from.

Locavore restaurants pride themselves on using the same ingredients from the land throughout the Annapolis Valley and the Avon Region.

Tourists, residents and families alike can explore the richness of harvest time in the Valley.

FARMERS' MARKETS

Windsor Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Windsor Waterfront (until mid-December) windsorfarmersmarket@gmail.com

Wolfville Saturdays year-around 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. www.wolfvillefarmersmarket.com

Kentville Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Centre Square Winter Market Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Lions Club (River Street) November-May www.kentvillefarmersmarket.com

For more information, check out: farmersmarketsnovascotia.ca

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ANNAPOLIS VALLEY FEATURE

L L FA TO T O ES H P NT CO

Celebrate Fall

in the

Annapolis Valley With colourful trees and landscapes, apple orchards, wineries and pumpkin patches, the Valley is a photographer’s dream in autumn!

ReFINEd magazine, The Town of Windsor and The Town of Kentville want to see your fall photos! Send us your pictures for a chance to have your photo, name and town/city published in our next issue of ReFINEd magazine.

A selection of five photos will be chosen and published.

(Amateur photographers only)

Win a swag bag full of prizes valued up to $500!

Submissions close Oct. 31 Send photos to: lori@refinedmagazine.ca

Sen

ANNd Us Your A VAL POLIS L Pho EY tos

See Where The Road Leads, And Enjoy What Life Has To Offer!

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