Winter 2011 | SouthFields Village Voice. page 1
Day Tripping Exploring Belfountain
Community Spirit Volunteerism is just the tip of the iceberg in Caledon
Celebrating Winter How and where to get the most of the season
Master of the Arctic Local landscape artist Cory Trepanier shares what drives him
page 2. SouthFields Village Voice | Winter 2011
Community Contact Info Community Information .....................................................................211 Municipal Information ........................................................................311 Brian Zimmerman, By-law Enforcement ................................905.584.2273 Overnight Parking (before 1 a.m.) ............................... 905.584.2272 x4131 Region of Peel .....................................................................905.791.7800 Waste Management.............................................................905.584.2216 Water and Water & Wastewater Billing..................................905.791.8711 Health Line Peel ..................................................................905.799.7700 Ontario Works......................................................................905.793.9200 Town of Caledon ..................................................................905.584.2272 Region of Peel Councillor Ward 2, Allan Thompson .................416.319.6543 Area Councillor, Gord McClure ...............................................905.843-9797 Telehealth Ontario ............................................................ 1.866.797.0000 Call 9-1-1 for emergency services Caledon Fire (non-emergency) ............................... 905.584.2272 ext. 4303 Caledon OPP Mobile .............................................................................. *OPP (*677) Caledon East ....................................................................905.584.2241 24-hr Non-emergency/Foot Patrol.................................. 1.888.310.1122 Crime Stoppers ..............................................................1.800.222.TIPS Caledon/Dufferin Victim Services ..........................................905.951.3838 Caledon Community Services ................................................905.951.2300 Caledon Community Living ...................................................905.857.9691 Caledon Meals on Wheels .....................................................905.857.7651 Caledon Seniors Council .......................................................905.584.0591 Caledon Parent-Child Centre.................................................905.857.0090 Child Development Resource Connection Peel ...............................................................905.507.9360 Distress Centre Peel .............................................................905.278.7055 Hospice Caledon ............................................................... 1.800.305.7905
List of advertisers Advertiser Page #10 Self Storage 21 Antica Osteria Ristorante 17 The Ascot Room 31 Brampton Flight Centre 34 Broadway Farm’s Market 12 Caledon Hills Cycling 26 Caledon Ski Club 27 Cheltenham General Store 23 Cheltenham Veterinary Hospital 18 Choice Auto The Consulate Dr. Dhir Chaudhury & Associates Downey’s Farm Market Forster’s winter reading picks Gift Basket Tree Head to Toe Spa Headliners Hair Design Inglewood General Store Kostynyk Denture Centre Mayfield Dental Mayfield Medical Centre Michele Skawski, RRSI Realty Inc. Natalie Kay Lifestyle photography RBC Royal Bank Salisbury Garden Supplies StateFarm The Belfountain Inn The Shed Coffee Bar The Top of the Hill Bed & Breakfast TopNotch Consignment Furniture Torbram Electric Supply Village Bistro We Take Care Zap Electrical
22 29 17 14 16 36 31 30 35 24 7 33 25 4 5 19 37 13 28 11 15 40 39 32 10
phone number 905.838.1266 905.495.5555 519.927.9787 905.838.1400 905.843.9225 905.838.1698 519.927.5221 905.838.2727 905.846.0525 or 905.838.3451 905.838.3450 905.584.6286 905.457.7677 905.838.2990 905.951.1501 905.838.5283 905.838.5714 905.838.3767 905.838.4386 905.857.4464 905.840.0225 905.495.3306 905.838.5012 416.803.7109 905.970.2093 905.846.2810 905.846.1444 ext. 222 519.927.9219 519-927-5692 905-838-3790 647.297.0611 905.495.3538 519.927.1919 416.388.9443 647.668.9353
Herb Campbell Public School ................................................905-838-3952 Mayfield Secondary School ...................................................905.846.6060 St. Rita Elementary School ...................................................905.840.3467 Robert F. Hall Catholic Secondary School ...............................905.584.1670 Town of Caledon ............................................................ www.caledon.ca Region of Peel ............................................................www.peelregion.ca ROAD WATCH .................................................. www.roadwatchcaledon.ca Caledon Public Library .....................................www.caledon.library.on.ca Volunteer Caledon ........................................www.volunteer-caledon.org Peel Public Health..................................................www.immunizepeel.ca
Holiday Market Travel Teresa Watroba
Coscorp After Sales Service ..................................................905.821.6814 Monarch After Sales Service................................... 416.491.7446 ext. 3583
Jacobi Designs Rita Leslie
SouthFields Residents Association Kenneth Bokor, Chairman .......kenneth.bokor@gmail.com or 905.996.0058
JL Tutoring Home Services Joe Lise
905.996.0277 jlise@rogers.com
SW Bookkeeping Services Stanley Watroba
905.495.7035 SWatroba0413@rogers.com
SouthFields Village Voice Yevgenia Casale, Editor .................... villagevoice@pras.ca or 905.846.4852 (Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/SFVillageVoice)
We do that! Village of SouthFields Service Directory 905.846.3684 teresa.hmt@rogers.com 416.206.6829 jacobi-designs@hotmail.com
Winter 2011 | SouthFields Village Voice. page 3
Inside this issue Thank you to our contributors: Dr. David Kirkham (Cheltenham Veterinary Hospital) Donna Kamiel-Forster (Forster’s Book Garden) Freyda Tartak Holly Bokor Jennifer Rogers (Coalition of Concerned Citizens) Kenneth Bokor Leigh Booth (Caledon Hills Cycling and Outdoor Centre) Mary Maw (Caledon Public Library) Michelle Liske Michele Skawski (RRSI Realty Inc.) Dr. Nibal Kellow Pasat (Mayfield Dental) Rita Leslie (Jacobi Designs) Stanley Watroba (SW Bookkeeping Services) Teresa Watroba (Holiday Market Travel) Cover: A section of Cory Trepanier’s Mount Thor, 9 ft x 5 ft, oil on linen. Mount Thor is located east of Pangnirtung, Auyuittuq National Park, Baffin Island, Nunavut. ISSN 1923-855X Published quarterly by PRAS Publishing thanks to the support of our advertisers. Be sure to mention you saw their ad here! Annual subscription rate: $19.96 + HST.. To order send Paypal or Electronic Interac payment to: subscribe_villagevoice@pras.ca
To place an advertisement or request a media kit email villagevoice@pras.ca or call 905.846.4852. The publication is distributed door-to-door and at select locations throughout Caledon West on the first of March, June, September and December. Content in articles and advertising are the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the magazine. It is the responsibility of those submitting content and photography to ensure that they have the legal right to use and distribute it. All content is the property of PRAS Publishing or the contributors and cannot be reproduced without written consent from the magazine. Submit all inquiries to villagevoice@pras.ca. For past issues visit www.pras.ca.
Send in your stuff! Contributions are welcome and encouraged. Send your artwork, poetry, short stories, articles, and photographs to villagevoice@pras.ca. Advertising space is available. The ‘We do that! Village of SouthFields Service Directory’ listing is free to all SouthFields villagers.
Contents From the editor’s desk Capturing photographers Engineering focus Letters from Council Town of Caledon economic development A word from Kenneth Bokor What we’ve been up to Tips for staying out of holiday debt SouthFields branch of Santa’s workshop Winter travel destination ideas Stretching your travel budget Eliminating holiday hosting anxiety Cupid baby, point it that way Caledon Public Library Winter reading picks Active lifestyles are essential for pet health How a challenge shaped a community Secret to being more productive How to find space for your stuff Everybody goes home Dental health tips A wise investment Catching up on your retirement savings Getting the most out of winter Must see destination: The Village of Belfountain It ain’t cool to be cold What staying home taught me Winter lip service, taking away the hurt Cory Trepanier, master of the Arctic Things about town and notable accomplishments Lateral thinking Fleeting moments and afterthoughts
4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 11 12 13 14 16 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 25 26 28 31 32 33 34 36 37 38
page 4. SouthFields Village Voice | Winter 2011
From the editor’s Desk... Each issue of this magazine starts off with a vision for where I think we will end up. For the most part it is a general guideline. The process is so organic it can be described as hitching a ride up Jack’s magic bean stalk. There’s gold at the top and what a ride up. I am so grateful for all the support and enthusiasm of all the people who have agreed to take part. The vision is simple: Create a communication piece for a community. One that will encourage people to explore and take pride in their own backyard. To do a job I can say that I am proud of, I have been doing just that. Thank you to Headlines for my great new hair cut and to Natalie Kay for taking a decent shot of it. Thank you to the Village Bistro for letting me introduce my parents to a place they loved (for once) and to The Shed for my favorite place for an espresso outside of the Annex. While we’re on the to my darling family for your compassion, support, and subject, Cheltenham General Store’s coffee is so good I understanding. I couldn’t live this dream without you. keep looking for excuses to go back. Happy holidays and all the best in the new year, Most of all, thank you to all the people who risk their lives to help make Caledon the safest place to live, and
Yevgenia Casale
Capturing photographers Editors meet photographers in different ways. Sometimes at a party, sometimes by stepping on toes, and sometimes because it is an emerging artist wanting exposure. Natalie Kay wanted to place an ad. Instead I got her to take some pictures. I have to say that working with Natalie is nothing Natalie taking pics at but a joy. She is Top of the Hill B&B always ready to do what it takes and is patient beyond belief. Timing made it difficult to showcase more of her work this
time around but she did contribute the majority of the photos to be featured in the March issue. David Walker, leads a double life. His day job takes him all over the world and what little time he has left he devotes to photography. Last issue featured a photo by Pete Paterson that was sent to us by the Caledon Countryside Alliance. Pete has an extensive portfolio and a diverse client list. His work is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Pete Paterson, with the photo of Karen & Jennifer, of CCA, above.
It was a privilege to have a chance to sit down and chat with Pete and I encourage you to check out his
portfolio, which you can find online at www.petepaterson.com. Chances are you might recognize some of it.
Winter 2011 | SouthFields Village Voice. page 5
Engineering focus David Walker is an engineer, by trade, working for a company that provides technology to business around the world. The job offers ample opportunity to travel to various countries and experience local cultures. Visiting the industrial parts of the countries has allowed him to see how people really work and live, day-to-day. It is always interesting to meet an engineer who admits to an artistic side. So, we asked Dave a few questions:
is fleeting and becomes a memory all too fast. To me, it is worth capturing the level of achievement through photography so that the feeling of achievement is remembered, which is a good feeling for the person; athletic achievement is a good example of this.
When you say your photos are almost obvious in their message what does that mean to you? How did you learn your skill When I take a photograph, some as a photographer? settings are adjusted, an angle By taking lots of photographs, selected, and then a moment David Walker, saving the moment. studying work I like of other chosen to press the button; photographers, and reading the subject people have done all the work, I am just web articles about photography. To improve, I try to recording their effort. An example is the Bolton Fall be critical of my work (does it tell a story, what is the Fair, organizing the fair requires rigorous planning and central subject, are there distracting elements in the execution, many people and resources are involved, on photo, etc.). the fair day, I walk around and take photographs of all Photographers capture reality, one that is often this effort. manipulated based on angles, lighting, and through cropping. You could say that if a picture tells a thousand words, a photo could tell a thousand lies. Do you feel there are reasonable limits for image manipulation or is it just another form of selfexpression, digital tools being comparable to an impressionist painter’s brush? Your new home doesn’t come with I think it depends on the intended use of the mortgage advice. photograph. Documentary or journalistic photography I do. requires limited digital manipulation, brightness, contrast, and sharpening may be acceptable; that being Joseph Battaglia said, it also has to accurately represent the story. Choosing which photographic elements to include in an image is like choosing which words to include in a body of text; chosen elements comprise the message. Does it matter if the selection of picture elements is done digitally or at the time of capture? Why do you like to capture people? People that have achieved extraordinary goals have put a tremendous commitment in time and money to achieve their goal. Often family and friends have also contributed time and effort to elevate the person to the extraordinary level. All in all a large investment of time and, either directly or indirectly, money are made to achieve the goal. Sometimes, the achievement
Mortgage Specialist
416-453-9668 Joseph.Battaglia@rbc.com
Advice you can bank on All personal lending products and residential mortgages are offered by Royal Bank of Canada and are subject to its standard lending criteria. ®Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. ™ Trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada.
page 6. SouthFields Village Voice | Winter 2011
Letters from Council The results of October 25th show a town united. The residents of Caledon have told their Council to keep doing what we’re doing. Keep our rate of growth manageable and most of all affordable, stick to a responsible financial plan that balances our community’s needs with our ability to pay for them, protect our environment, respect and maintain our built and natural heritage and keep our community safe. The past four years were vital in our Town’s evolution and we have laid a solid foundation for the future we will all share; not only during this upcoming term of council but for decades to come. This past term delivered many significant initiatives and these have laid the groundwork for a certain, secure, and prosperous future for our Town. Council will continue to build on this foundation as we progress through the upcoming term. The plans and the strategies we have in place to achieve the vision you have set for your Town are living documents; they chart a course for success and yet provide us with the ability to respond to unforeseen opportunities in ways that can only benefit our community. Once again, we are going to listen to you, the residents of Caledon. It is your interests, your wants and wishes for the future of our Town that will guide us in setting the priorities for new initiatives Council will pursue on your behalf. I have often said that Caledon is a “community of communities” and it is this reality that gives our Town character and supplements our quality of life; a quality of life that is second to none in Ontario and I dare say in Canada. Yet our communities speak with one very clear voice when the future of our Town is concerned. This Council was given a clear mandate by the residents of Caledon; we were told we are on the right track and we were also told we can do more. I can assure you, we continue to work with the residents of our community to ensure Caledon continues to be a Town that is second to none. Marolyn Morrison, Mayor of the Town of Caledon
My sincere thank you to our Ward 2 residents for their vote of confidence and returning me to Council. I have listened, acted and worked hard on your behalf these past seven years and I promise to serve you well over the next four. Committees of Council Residents are invited to submit applications to serve on committees for the coming term of Council. Council committees, such as Heritage Caledon, Property Standards, Public Library Board, among others, run for the same period as the four-year term of council. The Application Form(s) and the Terms of Reference for each committee are available on the Town of Caledon website: www.caledon.ca (go to “Resident Services” and “Committees”), at the Town Hall office at 6311 Old Church Road, Caledon East or from my website. An application must be submitted for each committee. Operation Red Nose Statistics show the number one reason impaired drivers will get behind the wheel is to not leave their vehicles behind. Now entering its 26th year Operation Red Nose is a national volunteer service that helps get drivers and their vehicles home after a party. Offered for the first time in Caledon last year, volunteers drove 170 vehicles and 364 residents safely home after holiday parties. The program runs from Fri. Nov. 26 until New Year’s Day at 3 am. Volunteers can call Diane Tolstoy at 905-880-0804 or fill out an online form. Complete details are available at www.OperationRedNoseCaledon.com. Thanks to Stan Janes and Diane Tolstoy for bringing this great program to Caledon! Communication During the last term of council I maintained a councilor’s website. The current agreement expires at the end of the 2010 council term and it will be up to the new council to decide if they want to continue with the existing format. In the meantime, I have re-routed my councilor website to www.allanforcaledon.ca. In closing, from my family to yours, our very best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season and New Year.
Allan Thompson, Regional Councillor, Ward 2
Winter 2011 | SouthFields Village Voice. page 7
Letter from Trustee Stan Cameron It is with real pride that I write this school lives. As a family, we learned challenge we faced, we resolved letter to the residents of Caledon to work with: Anaphylaxis to nuts, it with help from caring, giving West. Thank you for your support and talented teachers and school helping children do their math, on Election Day. As a postadministrators. No one needs secondary school educator who to go through these educational has worked with young people stages alone. Parents can’t do for 30 years, I see my new it by themselves. Teachers Caledon Public School Board need parents’ help and Trustee role as an extension of administrators hold those helping students and families keys that might help us find feel success through education. solutions. We need each Both of my university daughters other and I encourage the were educated in Peel District triad of families, teachers and School Board schools from JK administrators to continue to grade 12. We are very proud working closely together - with “Family and friends, without them we don’t have of the education they received our students’ educational success much”, says Stan Cameron, pictured here with and of the families, teachers and as the priority. wife, Debbie and daughters Carly and Kayla. administrators we met along this Kind regards, important path. We know firsthand no textbooks, homework on top Stan Cameron of the value and the need for family of homework, busing challenges, Public School Board Trustee involvement in their children’s portables, etc. But with every Note to SouthFields villagers: Herb Campbell Public School’s principal Matthew McCutcheon, has been appointed to principal at the new Mayfield West Public School, set to open September 2012.
Town of Caledon Economic Development There are a number of resources available to local businesses: Caledon Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) allows access to business services and resources such as marketing, technology, financing and mentoring. The Ontario Commercialization Network (OCN) supports companies that are working to bring new innovation to market through the Research Innovation Commercialization (RIC) Centre. The RIC Centre offers safe shepherding to mentoring and resources to accelerate time to market in the fields of advanced manufacturing, aerospace, life sciences and ICT/digital media. Doctors seeking doctors The Town of Caledon has a number of family practices looking to add another family physician. For details contact Sandra Dolson at 905.584.2272 x4152.
Doctors accepting new patients Dr. Adenwala 905.857.5368 Dr. El Khouly 905.857.3474 Dr. Kankaria 905.857.8855 Dr. Takhar 905.951.1234
page 8. SouthFields Village Voice | Winter 2011
A word from Kenneth Bokor Dear Village of SouthFields resident, The Summer is over and Winter is fast approaching. Seems like only a short time ago my family and I moved here. There were only 4 other homes occupied. Now we have over 175 homes occupied. As Chair of our Residents Association, it was great to see about 40 Residents attend our last RA Meeting on November 4th. Thanks to Allan Thompson, our Ward 2 Regional Councillor, and Jan Sperling, Landscape Project Co-ordinator with the town, for coming to answer questions and provide an overview of what we can expect over the next few months. Meeting Summary: • We are part of the “Mayfield West” Plan of Caledon, bordered by Dixie Road on the East, Mayfield Road on the South, Chinguacousy Road on the West and Old School Road on the North. • The Village is planned at roughly 2850 homes of 9000 Residents, with 4 zones: South, North, Centre, West A and West B. The current Phases occupied and/or under construction are in zones South and Village Centre. • School Busing - I worked with both school Boards to assign 2 additional bus stops in our area, making a total of three stops and will be in effect for the remainder of the current school year. No more stops will be added. Thanks to Trustees Stan Cameron and Frank Di Cosola for getting that done so quickly. • Parks - The Neighborhood Park (Village Square) on Learmont, between Benadir and Losino, will be built next summer. It should have some kind of play area
in the centre. The Community Park at Learmont and Larson Peak will contain a multi-purpose sports field, splash pad and change room/washroom building. Opening for this Park is slated for 2012/2013. • Garbage Cans at Pond paths - We are still working with the Town and Developers to get at least a couple of these installed temporarily. • Transit - Yes, we will get a bus running along Kennedy Road and then west to Hwy 10. Should be a limited day run. This won’t start for another 5-7 years. • Moscorp Planning Applications - Next areas to be developed are across from the Sales Office, on the West Side of Kennedy Road. ETA 12-18 months. • Brentwood Planning Application - The Town has approved 64 3-level condo/freehold townhomes on the south-west corner of (new) Kennedy Road and Waterville Way. • Monarch has released a couple of Phases of condo/ freehold townhomes for the block east of Learmont, north of Abbotside Way. Construction should be starting within the next 6-12 months. • Sidewalks - Reminder please don’t block sidewalks with parked cars. You may be ticketed. • If you own a pet, please pick up afterwards and not let it run off-leash. Residents are finding pet droppings on their lawns, etc. By-law enforcement will ticket if you do not pick up after your pet. • Trees - Planting is complete along most major streets and now appearing on home lawns. Most of Phases 1 & 2 should be done before winter. Orange flag = tree ! Well, that’s about it for this issue. If anyone would like more information on these or other topics, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email or drop by. Our next RA Meeting is booked for Thursday, March 3, 2011, starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Margaret Dunn Branch of the Public Library in Valleywood. Reminder: Send me an email to kenneth.bokor@gmail. com to be added to my RA Mailing List. You will be notified about upcoming meetings, etc. Also, I am working on a RA Podcast, more info coming soon. On behalf of my family, I would like to wish all our current and upcoming residents a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and safe New Year! Regards,
Kenneth Bokor source: Mayfield West Community Design Plan: Vision and Community Structure. Village of SouthFields is projected to have 2,845 housing units (approximately 9,000 people).
SouthFields Villager Kenneth Bokor, an experienced community group leader has volunteered to lead the VSRA and encourages residents to get involved for a strong, safe, and vibrant community.
Winter Wint Wi nter nt er 2011 201 2 011 01 1 | So SouthField SouthFields ldss Vi Vill Village llag age e Vo Voic Voice. ice. ic e. p pag page age e9
What we’ve been up to At the moment, The Village of SouthFields is a curious mixture of people settling in to new routines, while others are either just moving in or eagerly awaiting the completion of their new homes. Construction crews are working away, with workers and residents try to stay out of each other’s way. Aside from the dust it is a pretty clean situation. Each morning, residents are awoken to the sound of the coffee truck horn bringing surprisingly good coffee to the crews. Interestingly enough, Coffee Truck Magazine reports that this is a $1.2 billion dollar industry in Canada. Actually, the most surprising thing about this is that there is a “Coffee Truck Magazine” in the first place. His tea is pretty good, too. Even within the chaos and impermanence around us people are managing to achieve some sense of normalcy. Lovely landscaping is popping up everywhere and entire streets that just a month ago were tastefully adorned with the seasonal pumpkin and haystack decorations are now showing signs that Santa is on his way.
People are taking pride in where they live and every opportunity to get outside to enjoy their families and their neighbours. The parks are still coming but that isn’t keeping fathers from heading outside to toss the ball around with their sons and mothers from taking regular evening walks with their daughters. Each night couples stroll together through The Village and wave at neighbours, sometimes stopping to chat and sometimes continuing on, engrossed in each other’s company. Colder weather and shorter days are keeping people indoors but those who do venture outside are greeted by an unfamiliar calm that only bad weather can bring. The lull in construction is welcome change and a taste of what life will be like once The Village will be complete. Despite predictions of a bitterly cold winter ahead, it is difficult not to feel warmth at the thought of belonging to a place like this.
How cool is this? This past Halloween was a first for The Village and the streets were crowded with a fine assortment of ghouls, goblins, monsters, princesses, and even a monkey or two. Witches and monsters greeted us at their doors with handfuls of delicious fodder. But one family really deserved top marks for their efforts. They were great sports, posing each time somebody asked to take a picture, and they even agreed to don Keo ta their costumes the next day so that we could get a Neig Carmo s hbo urho ini, hold photo to share with you. in od
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“Oh, I always make my own costumes for Halloween,” says Keota. Well, we can’t wait to see what you come up with next year. Special thanks to Don Rose from M&M Meat Shops, at Mayfield Road and Hurontario Street, for sponsoring this issue’s SouthFields Village Voice Neighborhood Spirit Award with a $25 gift card. Congratulations Carmosini family! Check out the flashing lights!
page 10. SouthFields Village Voice | Winter 2011
Tips for staying out of holiday debt by Stanley Watroba You don’t have to go into debt to have a happy and memorable holiday season. The following tips will help you stay out of debt and avoid a financial holiday hangover. 1. Save up. Spend cash instead of credit for your holiday purchases to avoid holiday debt. Put aside something from each paycheck to finance your purchases. 2. Set spending limits. Look at your monthly budget and figure out how much you can realistically spend for gifts without going into debt. 3. Make a list of all the people you need or want to buy gifts for. Include money you will spend on cards, postage, parties, decorations, entertainment, etc.
4. Decide on how much you’ll spend on each person on your list, than add the list up to make sure it doesn’t exceed your spending limit. You don’t have to splurge on everyone in your life. People appreciate simple and meaningful over expensive and useless. 5. Start your Christmas shopping early. If you don’t wait until the last minute you’ll have more time to comparison shop. 6. Ignore “big sales”. Usually they’re not really sales. They trick you into buying more than you otherwise would. Stick to your list.
8. Don’t buy if you can’t afford to pay. Remember you are borrowing from your future income. Only charge what you can afford and you’ll avoid paying your holiday debt until the next holiday season. Remember, Christmas is a time to spend with the people you care and love. They will treasure the time together long after the presents have been opened. You don’t have to spend a lot to have a stress free and happy Christmas. Wishing everyone a peaceful, joyful and merry Christmas from your neighborhood bookkeeper.
7. Leave your credit card at home. If you must use credit, pick one card and stick to your credit limit.
SouthFields villager, Stanley Watroba provides bookkeeping services for small and medium sized business.
The SouthFields branch of Santa’s workshop and marvelling at all the gadgets these guys carry. It’s like working for Santa’s workshop. One of the perks is getting to sit in on all the product demos. They’ve even got speaker light bulbs. You want high quality wireless, indoor/ outdoor surround sound? “Chances are if you can think of it Just screw one into your we probably have it,” says Taylor. pot light socket or table lamp. SouthFields Villager, Sherry Taylor, knows a lot about home décor. The Humber College graduate has over a decade of experience working for home comfort providers. For the past five years she’s been working for Torbram Electric Supply
When Sherry moved to the Village of SouthFields she asked her boss if he wouldn’t mind her bringing home some catalogues for the neighbours. This stuff is just too good to keep quiet. Lucky for us, they loved the idea. They even
put together a marketing campaign for her (Shop for your home, from the comfort of your home). “I want to help people make it the home of their dreams without the hassle of shopping around,“ says Sherry. So, with both Christmas and Valentine`s coming right around the corner, if you really want to do
something special to make life more fun or easier around the house, all you have to do is invite Sherry over for tea. No, she won’t install the stuff (though she did it in her house). For that you can always call Zap Electrical, owned and operated by a fellow SouthFields villager, Matthew Pasat.
Winter 2011 | SouthFields Village Voice. page 11
Winter travel destination ideas by Teresa Watroba Within a few hours flying time, we have beautiful Caribbean Islands with glorious beaches and a wide selection of hotels from moderate to luxury all inclusive resorts, i.e. Sandals, Riu, Melia or Barcelo hotels. Bigger islands like Cuba and the Dominican Republic tend to offer better deals. For families, Melia Punta Cana offers a free stay for 2 kids. For couples I recommend the quiet beachfront of Negril in Jamaica or Riviera Maya in Mexico. Some hotels, like Breezes Resort Spa & Golf Club, besides beach activities, offer spa facilities and unlimited golf. For eco-lovers Costa Rica is a perfect place to visit and I recommend Paradisus Playa Conchal hotel which is set in the green forest along the Pacific coast.
Cruises are very popular for exploring different islands without packing and unpacking. Itineraries include many destinations like the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Asia, South America, Hawaii and South Pacific. One of the most affordable cruise lines is Carnival. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity or Princess tend to be more expensive but offer higher standards. In Las Vegas, the “Entertainment Capital of the World� you can try your luck in the casinos and enjoy spectacular stage shows. Bring in the New Year in Las Vegas where the party never ends. Enjoy the extravagant fireworks display on The Strip and take part in the massive outdoor party on Fremont Street with its many live performances. Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year. SouthFields villager Teresa Watroba is an Independent Travel Consultant.
Stretching your travel budget Do your homework Call AAA or CAA, or when traveling abroad the local tourism office, for maps and advice. Find out about renovations and conventions before going, to avoid disappointment. Also, many galleries offer free/discount admission at specific times. Not every meal has to be fancy If breakfast is not included with your hotel stay buy something for the morning. In Europe, restaurants often have two prices depending on if you sit at a table or at the bar. A large water bottle can be refilled many times. If tap water is not suitable for drinking, restaurants will fill one with fizzy water for you, especially if you just ate there. Also, eat with the locals. The food is better and cheaper.
Book only first and last Plan where your will sleep on the first and last nights. Use local tourist offices to find deals in safe areas of the city for the rest. Plan transportation The same train tickets may have a different price depending on where and how you buy them. On-line can offer a surcharge not applied at the ticket window. Take advantage of others Take what you read on TripAdvisor. com with a grain of salt. But, it will give you an idea of what you can expect. Websites like Hotwire and Priceline let you book better hotels for a fraction of the price. Its better on Monday Be flexible with travel dates. Airlines tend to offer discounts for flying on off peak days. Mondays are the cheapest day to fly out
on. Some websites will offer an expanded search option to look for prices around your specified date. Fancier airports charge airlines more to use them. Those costs are passed along to customers. Flying out of a smaller airport is typically going to cost a third of the price.
page 12. SouthFields Village Voice | Winter 2011
Eliminating holiday hosting anxiety “Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot... But the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT! The Grinch hated Christmas, the whole Christmas season! Now, please don’t ask why. No one quite knows the reason. It could be” that hosting for the holidays made him turn green and hairy all over. If you feel a little Grinchy you’re in luck. Hosting can be easy. You might even find yourself cutting the roast beast. I accept thanks, leftovers, and monetary gifts. Don’t cook What? Host and not cook? Heresy! Actually, this is a really good idea. You have enough to worry about without the meal.
prepared for you, in them. Your guests will think you did all the cooking when it comes out of your magic oven.
When Allan Thompson wanted to host a victory party he went to Wings Flight Grill Restaurant and hired personal chef Jason Taylor to serve hors d’oeuvres while guests, like Spirit Tree Estate Cidery owner Tom Wilson, brought treats.
Pot lucks are fabulous at bringing family together. If they ask, let them bring salad, appetizers or dessert.
Hire a personal chef to bring the food, cook, serve, and clean up. He can even be that extra pair of hands in the kitchen.
Take your dishes to Broadway Farm’s Market and get something
Get catering from Village Bistro. The food
The perfect turkey Recipe yield: 24 servings from 1 (18 pound) turkey Ingredients
Directions
1 (18 lb) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed 2 large onions, peeled and chopped 4 carrots, peeled and chopped 4 stalks celery, chopped ½ cup butter, melted 2 cups kosher salt 2 sprigs fresh thyme 1 bay leaf 1 cup dry white wine
1. Rub the turkey inside and out with kosher salt. Place bird in large stock pot. Cover with cold water. Place in refrigerator. Allow turkey to soak in the salt and water mixture for 12 hours, or overnight. 2. Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Rinse turkey thoroughly. Discard brine. Place uncovered turkey in fridge for a few hours. 3. Brush bird with 1/4 cup of melted butter. Put breast side down on roasting rack in shallow roasting pan. Stuff with 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery, 1 sprig of thyme, and bay leaf. Scatter rest of veggies and thyme around bottom of pan. Cover with wine.
4. Roast uncovered 3 ½ to 4 hrs. in the preheated oven, until internal temperature of the thigh reaches 180 °F (85 °C). Carefully turn turkey breast side up about ⅔ through the roasting time. Brush with remaining butter. Let stand about 30 minutes before carving. (Recipe source: www.allrecipes.com)
is great and delivered to you. House specialties include fish and lamb. Don’t host The best way to take the stress out of hosting is to change the venue. The Belfountain Inn offers an intimate setting with a flare for spicing it up. For those who don’t want spice but all the flavour, Village Bistro takes casual fine dining to new heights. Both places try to use fresh, locally grown food whenever possible. If you are looking for formal Italian, try The Consulate dining lounge on Innis Lake, inside the Royal Ambassador Event Centre or Antica Osteria Italian Ristorante. All of these places are highly recommend.
Winter 2011 | SouthFields Village Voice. page 13
Cupid baby, point it that way... One of the toughest things to catch is the eye of the person you would like to get to know a whole lot better. From personal experience, it is a good idea to temper trying too hard with actually being yourself.
Cross the sexual divide When there is a lot of competition vying for the same prize, the thing to do is find a different approach. Most people are just a little too attached to gender roles. While women do play pool, most people think it’s a guy’s thing. A girl who can offer some serious competition at a man’s sport is a turn-on. Come close enough to winning without actually doing it. After a few dates go ahead and beat him. That will show that he’s “a great teacher” and keep him on his toes. Works like a charm. Many of the world’s greatest chefs are men but cooking is still seen as a chick thing. Whipping up a great batch of muffins for the bake sale is sure to get some notice. Especially, if it comes from a guy that is better known for running with the football.
Do what you do well A person who is not focused on the task at hand is not focused on anything. Keeping one eye on them, and the other on whatever it is you are trying to impress them with will not fool anybody. Being confident about yourself means that you won’t do things just to impress others. The result will automatically draw the attention back to you without you even trying.
Make yourself available Sitting home with a good book or watching the tube will make it pretty hard to get noticed by anybody. Get out there. Just remember: You may not always want what you catch. If you go to unusual places to meet somebody, it may turn out that
those are the places they like to be in most. If you aren’t comfortable with that, you have only yourself to blame. When you meet somebody doing what you love, the person you attract will have a much better chance of turning into that life partner you were looking for.
Chocolate Martini Recipe yield: 2 servings Ingredients * 4 fluid ounces chocolate liqueur * 3 fluid ounces vodka * 1 (1 ounce) square semisweet chocolate, grated Directions In a cocktail mixer full of ice, combine chocolate liqueur and vodka. Shake vigorously and strain into 2 chilled martini glasses. Garnish with chocolate shavings. (Recipe source: www.allrecipes.com)
page 14. SouthFields Village Voice | Winter 2011
S’no place like Caledon Public Library this winter During this holiday season,come celebrate a world of different cultures at our Festivals From Around the World. These family programs teach about such festivals as Kwanzaa at the Belfountain Branch on December 9th, Christmas at the Caledon East Branch on December 16th, Solstice at the Alton Branch on December 21st, Epiphany at the Albion Bolton Branch on January 6th and the Chinese New Year on February 3rd at the Inglewood Branch. All festivals begin at 6:45 pm. A special Winter Sing-A-Long Family Story Time will be held at the Inglewood Branch on Tuesday, December 14th @ 6:45 pm. We will have a “Get Crafty” workshop at the Margaret Dunn Valleywood Branch on Saturday December 18th @ 10:30 a.m. Children ages 10 years and up will make a journal for themselves or someone special. In January, the fun continues with weekly story time programs at all seven branches. Family Literacy Day will be celebrated with an entire month of activities. Join in and learn how play can help with literacy, numeracy and learning.
by Mary Maw Enjoy board, card, word and video games for all ages with great prizes. New for 2011 will be our Paws to Read Program. This program will pair children who are reluctant or struggling readers with a Child Certified Therapy Dog and handler for a weekly reading session. Plans are underway for Spanish and Mandarin classes, health and wellness, gardening and computer workshops just to name a few. We currently offer 8 adult book clubs, 2 senior book clubs and 2 kids/ teen book clubs with plans to add at least 2 more in the New Year. These clubs meet on a monthly basis at various branches and new members are always welcome.
programming we offer and the same can be said for our services and resources. We are committed to staying relevant to our patrons as we continue to offer everything from books, magazines, movies and more. We offer wireless, free usage of desktop computers, free downloadable audiobooks and e-books and access to information in a range of new ways. Our selection of e-resources and databases includes everything from health resources to auto repair; access to daily newspapers and magazines to genealogy to environmental issues. All you need is a library card.
HYPE – our virtual Teen Advisory Committee provides an interactive We continue to offer award winning space that teens will find inviting monthly seniors programs at a and relevant to their lives. We have number of branches. Caledon our own Facebook page, a Twitter seniors are invited to join us at the account and even a YouTube Albion Bolton Branch on February channel. 10, 2011 for a Seniors Lunch. We This winter, drop in at any of our will be celebrating the Chinese New seven branches – they’re warm, Year with an afternoon of good welcoming and have so much to food, good fun and entertainment, offer both children and adults alike. in partnership with Caledon Meals Caledon Public Library is waiting… on Wheels. what are you waiting for? Caledon Public Library is extremely proud of the innovative
Winter 2011 | SouthFields Village Voice. page 15
Friends of Caledon Public Library’s 2010 Adult Poetry Contest Winners This fall, The SouthFields Village Voice was asked to serve on a panel of judges for the Friends of the Caledon Public Library Adult Poetry Contest. Prizes were awarded in early October, at a special local authors event hosted at Forster’s Book Garden. 1st Place Winner: 2nd Place Winner: 3rd Place Winner: Life Imitating Sport, by Hugh Marchand Inspiration , by Heather Alyce Woodley Pilot Light, by Amanda Elias How to traverse a life: Her hair a flaming halo, Spirit bound by fleshy ropes First you need to practice Her eyes ice-crystal pools, enshackled does protest, to slip the bonds of blood and bone Find a steep moraine to cross She collects only fairy dust and to the ethers mesh. Look two jumps ahead As she drifts about. Then moving quickly What hungers line the cracks of night, Shapeless magic Alight upon a knife-edge Becomes her material What slakes a desert thirst? Watch for crumble, ambush ice, As she reworks time and place What stirs the hunter from his blind Instability with wildness to converse? Into unforgettable art. One foot at a time Beyond the pulse of night or day, about Moving shadows try desperately One per hazard, if you please the planes of earth, To escape her clutch. Don’t stay long on the two-foot island within the warmth of sacred flames Fleeting thoughts seek shelter Word is out that you are coming From her regal sweep. recognition’s noiseless birth. Barracudas massing. Ephemeral forms beat their wings A backlit moment turns back on itself, But anyway if you look ahead Against her consuming power. time after time, yet again, You’ll have the comfort seeing and leaps into the pilot’s eyes Vain protests these When your cheating equilibrium will fail to ease an ancient pain. Against the forces of majesty, And brace yourself for falling And in her hallowed presence Falling isn’t always fatal The creative forces kneel But, bloody hell, it hurts. In reverence to their Muse. Dropping pearls from her fingertips, Anointing each with fairy dust, Tipping a hat to She rises upward, smiles, and is gone.
road safety
The store is located at King and Hurontario, an intersection familiar with fatal collisions, many of them head-on. Facing south, it marks the end of a long uninterrupted stretch of road, resulting in vehicles traveling at high speeds and failing to stop for amber and red lights. Thoy feels that though not usually a popular option, in this case, a red light camera might be a good thing.
Hetalia, by Holly Bokor
TopNotch Consignment Furnishings owner, Keith Thoy, spent many years investigating plane crash sites before retiring to Caledon and opening up his fantastic shop. Following a number of fatalities on Caledon roads, this past autumn, Keith would like to remind people to stay vigilant while driving.
page 16. SouthFields Village Voice | Winter 2011
A Dog’s Purpose A Novel for Humans by W. Bruce Cameron
Humour columnist Bruce Cameron, author of 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter has crafted a beautiful, uplifting story in A Dog’s Purpose. Like The Art of Racing in the Rain, This is a lovely, sometimes funny, uplifting story about man’s best friend written from the dog’s perspective. His first life goes by fast, born part of a stray mutt’s litter who is suspicious of both humans and many other dogs. He is strangely drawn to humans even though his mother tries to teach him otherwise. He makes some close human friends, learns all the rules of dog hierarchies, how to play and hunt and has a fairly good, albeit, short life. Surprised to be reborn as a puppy with a memory of his first life, “Bailey” becomes best friend to eight-year-old Ethan. When Ethan grows up and goes to college Bailey learns to be the “good dog” he’s always wanted to be, but questions his purpose in life. Next, Bailey is reborn, as “Emma,” an excellent rescue dog. Though she’s ‘the best dog she can be,’ Emma still questions her purpose. Through subsequent lives, our friend continues to be the best dog he can be until, by chance, he is reunited with now older Ethan. Bailey discovers his true purpose and can finally rest.
What’cha reading?
The Book of Human Skin
Half Brother
by Michelle Lovric
by Kenneth Oppel
“This is going to be a little uncomfortable.” Thus begins Michelle Lovric’s The Book of Human Skin… and she isn’t kidding. The narrative unfolds in five voices. The first voice belongs to Minguillo, born the same night an earthquake shook Peru. His father avoided him whenever possible and his mother cringed every time she had to feed him. When his younger sister Marcella is born, Minguillo discovers his father’s will leaves him nothing and that everything will go to his sister. From that moment on, he begins a carefully calculated campaign to torture Marcella and to collect books bound in human flesh. The other voices belong to Marcella, his loving, forgiving, artistic sister who survives because of her good nature and two of the household servants; Sor Loreta, a dangerous zealot in the form of a fanatical self-mutilating nun; Dr. Santo Aldobrandini, a young doctor who falls in love with Marcella; and Giani, an illiterate peasant with little education, whose sense of outrage at what Minguillo has done to Macella, practically leaps off the page. The book is wonderfully written and historically accurate. If you like historical fiction, you will be carried away by the characters in The Book of Human Skin. Like Shakespeare, Lovic “cleans it up nicely” at the end.
Share your reading picks for a chance to win a $20 gift certificate for Forster’s Book Garden. Submit by February 1, 2011 to villagevoice@pras.ca.
In Half Brother, Kenneth Oppel, author of the Silverwing and Airborn series combines family dynamics, a coming of age story and scientific ethics in a well researched historic narrative that is both fun and revealing. The year is 1973 and 13 yearold Ben Tomlin’s father is doing research to try to prove he can teach chimps to speak using sign language. Ben’s mother is doing a thesis on cross-fostering (one species raising another), so Zan, a baby chimpanzee, has come to live with them as part of the family. Funny antics resulting from life with a chimpanzee offset the serious telling of Ben’s relationship with his father. Dr. Tomlin is very much the scientist, not allowing his emotions to cloud his experiment. Ben disagrees with his father’s methods and begins to openly rebel. What happens to Zan when the experiment is over? Do humans have the right to do this to animals? Kenneth Oppel’s writing is enchanting and well researched. This book is highly recommended for anybody over the age of 10.
Winter 2011 | SouthFields Village Voice. page 17
Giving thanks Earlier this year Domenic Greco, owner of Antica Osteria Ristorante suffered an aneurism and was rushed in to seven hours of surgery, at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre’s Schulic Heart Centre, to replace a heart valve and aorta. The operation was performed by Staff Surgeon, Dr. Fuad Moussa. The owner of Antica Osteria calls his patrons “friends”,
Domenic Grecco with Dr. Faud Moussa
after all that’s who they become after so many return visits. So having to step away from the restaurant was not easy. Thanks to the support of Dr. Moussa and his staff, restaurant manager Angelo, his wife Silvana, their son, and loyal staff at the restaurant, Angelo was able to reluctantly take several months away to recuperate. Domenic is now attending physiotherapy twice weekly and is progressing well. Silvana and Domenic Greco, both felt immense gratitude to Dr. Moussa and all who supported him
3088 Mayfield Rd. (Northwest of Hurontario St.) View all of our menus & reserve online at www.an caosteria.ca or call (905) 495-5555 Current Events @ An ca Osteria: · Any Pasta on our Lunch Menu only $8.99! · New Fall & Winter Menu · New Years Eve Gala with two sea ngs · Valen ne’s Special Weekend · Look for our Seafood Event Night in the New Year
for saving Domenic’s life and guiding the family through the healing process. So on October 24th, 2010 Antica Osteria Ristorante hosted an event that raised $12,600 for cardiovascular projects headed by Dr. Faud Moussa, at the Schulich Heart Centre. Highlights of the gala included a savoury four course dinner paired with exceptional wine, the presence of Dr. F. Moussa and colleagues, live entertainment and an auction.
Antica Osteria is the ultimate expression of what Italian food should be. From a simple Insalata del Orto to a savoury rack of lamb or succulent seafood platter, paired with an amazing selection of worldwide wines we will satisfy all of your taste buds. Join us for lunch or dinner Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. and Saturday & Sunday from 5:00 p.m.
Antica Osteria Italian Ristorante
page 18. SouthFields Village Voice | Winter 2011
Achieving pet fitness through moderate activity by Dr. David Kirkham Physical activity, in combination with nutrition, is an influential predictor of your pet’s wellbeing and overall health. Arguably one of the easiest goals to achieve, activity is often neglected or lost in our busy day-to-day lifestyles. Your own activity level and desired exercise involvement should be considered when welcoming new pets into the home. A typical English Bulldog shouldn’t be expected to complete a 5 km run in a respectable time any more than
a typical Border Collie would be expected to be satisfied with a quick trip to the mailbox and back. Canine obesity and complications that are the direct result of, or exacerbated by obesity are on the rise. Consistent low to moderate intensity exercise is the key to canine fitness. Walks present a daily opportunity to refresh our dogs’ obedience training and work towards new behaviours. As our pets age, the desire to promote mobility may become hindered by osteoarthritis or injury. For this subset of my patients, I typically
David Keith with best pal Cooper out for a walk by the Cheltenham General Store.
recommend very low intensity exercises that are cognitively engaging, short retrieval or touch exercises are two options. Your vet
can advise what best suits your pet in these instances to make sure that you are providing the type of exercise that will have the desired result. Without a doubt, feline obesity mirrors that of our canine friends. Fortunately, as cat owners we are often able to exploit their hunting instincts to encourage activity. Games that include toys, beams of light or food dispensing balls can all be employed. Simply moving your cat’s feeding station around the house may assist in promoting a minimum level of exercise. Common sense must be employed and your pet should always be permitted to dictate their level of activity. A very gradual introduction to exercise is required for our more sedentary pets. Overweight animals that acutely overexert will likely incur injury that may require medication or even surgery to repair. I strongly encourage pet owners to discuss their pets’ lifestyles with their veterinarian. This will allow us, as a veterinary community, to ensure that your pets are appropriately protected against injury and disease. It really isn’t so different from the advice we seek from our doctor before we start a new diet or exercise regime. The time spent maintaining your pet’s activity level is not only likely to promote health but strengthens the human-animal bond. This bond is at the root of our interactions with and affection for our pets.
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How a challenge shaped a community: The story of the Coalition of Concerned Citizens The Coalition of Concerned Citizens (CCC) formed in 1996 to oppose the Rockfort Quarry application proposed by the James Dick Construction Company. The Town of Caledon is the only municipality in Ontario to include a policy for appropriate aggregate extraction in their Official Plan. The amendment known as OPA 161, approved by the Province of Ontario, was developed by The Town following consultation with key stakeholders and consultants. Rockfort is located at Olde Baseline and Winston Churchill Boulevard, where the Paris Moraine and the Niagara Escarpment converge.
by Jennifer Rogers The application proposed mining 75 to 100 feet below the water table to extract up to 2.5 million tons per year out of an area designated in OPA 161 as ‘reserve’ because it is surrounded by over 20 environmentally sensitive areas. It is home to a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna, with underground aquifers supplying wells for residents and 65% of the Credit River base-flow. Led by Penny Richardson, what started as a handful of residents committed to good land use planning in Caledon grew into a support base of over 5,000. The CCC organized petitions to Government, held information meetings, and published newsletters and a website (CoalitionCaledon. com) to provide supporters with the latest news. we carry firewood
The issue went before the Ontario
Municipal Board (OMB). The hearing began in September 2009 and ended in May 2010. The CCC was represented by numerous expert witnesses and legal council. To cover expenses throughout the 13 year fight the Coalition raised over $1.6 million through volunteer organized fund raising initiatives. The now famous Great Big Garage Sale, held annually on the last Saturday in April, attracts thousands of bargain hunters from far and wide. Each September, the CCC hosts a golf tournament, planned by a volunteer committee, followed by a dinner complete with silent and live auctions. Players come from all over Ontario, some calling it their favourite event of the year. The CCC evolved from a small group to a large one championing the voice of the people proving that leadership, determination, hard work, staying true to your principles and with strong support from your neighbourhood a community defines itself.
And the verdict is in... On November 12, 2010, the OMB came down with a decision denying the Rockfort Quarry application. The company has 30 days to appeal the verdict.
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Dec. 22, 2010 Resuming regular Monday to Saturday hours on March 14, 2011
We contacted Greg Sweetnam, Vice President of Resources at James Dick Group Ltd., for a response. “The Board indicated that it was time that alternatives to aggregates for infrastructure construction be found. We don’t know what that material is and neither does anyone in the civilized world. We simply can’t build the next CN Tower out of mud and wood chips. A decision informed by this principle could never have had a positive outcome for an aggregate company. The fact that there is no substitute material was the driver behind the application in the first place.” said Sweetnam.
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The secret to being more productive by Freyda Tartak
A
new year is a time to reflect on the past and look to the future. For things we might regret it is important to remember that a failure is actually just an opportunity to do better next time.
Succeeding in sales, and in life, is about two things: Effective time management and the ability to open closed doors. Anticipating rejection and developing a toolkit for turning a “no” into a “yes” is what differentiates top performers from everybody else. Time management It is a lot easier to keep an existing customer than to develop a new one. Maintaining current relationships is just as important as finding new opportunities. Planning out each day of the work week according to a 30-30-30 rule is a proven way of ensuring that no one aspect of the job becomes overshadowed by another. Dealing with demanding customers and putting out fires can easily railroad your day. But, sales targets still need to be met. By ensuring that 30% of your time is spent on maintaining existing accounts, 30% is spent on developing new leads, and 30% is devoted to putting out fires and following up on current jobs, you can stay on top of things without missing any opportunities. Due diligence Gaining market intelligence and keeping on top of current trends is just one aspect of sales. Understanding how trends affect your customer’s market segment and specific business is what enables you to offer timely solutions. The best people to offer this insight are the customers. Regular face time builds trust and encourages them to pick you over the competition. Customers are busy running their businesses and personal lives. They may be too busy to stay on top of the most recent industry developments. Becoming their industry information source builds customer loyalty
and gets you in on the ground floor of the purchase decision cycle. While sourcing quotes is standard business practice, having a strong relationship with the client can have a significantly impact on RFQ requirements. Follow through Not keeping your word is a terrific way to lose credibility. Sometimes, saying “no” is the wisest choice when compared to what will happen when the customer gets a lot less than they anticipated. Still, you can’t always under-promise and over-deliver. Over time, people start to expect this and it can come back in a negative way when it becomes necessary to scale back. Somebody who is just starting out might be tempted to personally deliver every finished job. When all that hard work starts to pay off there may no longer be the time for such a personal touch. Unless the transition is properly managed it can erode at that hard earned customer loyalty. Quantify the soft and lumpy Even after a problem is defined, clients are often unable to quantify either its true worth or how beneficial the fix may be. She may hesitate to invest in a solution. if she can’t justify the expense. Absolutely anything and everything has a dollar value. Key performance indicators and industry benchmarks help fill information gaps that are either not divulged or are too difficult to determine. Appreciate that anything that does not have hard numbers behind it, like the cost of material, can be brought back to time or overhead expenses. The use of basic fraction allocation allows for empirical analysis, a powerful sales tool. All of a sudden the conversation changes from “we can’t afford to do this right now” to “we can’t afford not to.” Follow up A dissatisfied customer can become your biggest champion if handled properly. Good feedback is nice but, negative feedback is priceless. A bad experience can be turned around into a sales gold mine in the right hands. After all, it isn’t the problem, it’s how it is handled that will really be remembered.
Image source: Microsoft clipart
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How to find space for your stuff in a new place by Rita Leslie If getting organized is at the top of your Holiday Wish going to. Keep daily worn items at an accessible height List, you’re not alone! The desire to get organized is and use the vertical storage to your advantage. Let the a mindset that helps to let go of the past, live in the packing begin as you learn to let go of what no longer present and move on into the serves your needs. Purge and give future. away. Celebrate this moment. Pack, rack and stack Purge by giving Most of us are challenged by the It is the season of giving, perfect past, material items with memories time to recycle and remember those galore. We can only linger in the in need. College students need past not live in it. Allow yourself to just about everything from glasses, have a small area in your home to dishes, cutlery, DVDs, blankets, etc . hold those memories. Remember Seniors welcome books, magazines, the present is new stuff that has to craft items, etc. All kids enjoy a new One SouthFields villager’s answer to keeping his garage organized. fit your space. Also plan for more toy to play with. Junk for you is stuff because we always know there will be more in the another person’s treasure. Go online to Craigslist and future. advertise your stuff. You may be surprised how many need what you no longer require. Curbing sentimentality Start with the one room that is not too challenging. In conclusion there are tons of storage systems and Now think of your daily needs in that room right now. ideas to use when storing but if you haven’t figured out Ask yourself what do I use daily? If you are in your what to pack, rack and stack then no storage system in closet right now, start trying on clothes in front of the the world will help. You can’t keep everything from a mirror and let’s see how fast the box fills up. If you previous space and think its going to work in your new haven’t worn it in two years, chances are you’re not space. Therefore you must start thinking about what you need on a daily basis. One more thing, the next time you are out shopping think about where you will put it, if it is going to fit, and who will use it. Always ask those questions when justifying your purchases. Even a good deal might not look so good when it is adding to the clutter. SouthFields Villager Rita Leslie owns and operates Jacobi Designs, specializing in Interior & Exterior Decorating
From Head to Toe Spa in the quaint village of Cheltenham just above the General Store.
905 838 5714 For appointments call
Rejuvenation for beauty, health and wellness. We will transform you into a newer, more centered and restful person.
14386 Creditview Rd., Cheltenham, ON website: www.fromheadtotoespa.ca email: fromheadtotoespa@rogers.com
Photo credit: Natalie Kay
page 22. SouthFields Village Voice | Winter 2011
The calm of a beautiful morning is broken by the wail of fire engine sirens speeding down the big hill. Shelly Craig, owner of the B&B at the top of the hill is just finishing our historic walk of Cheltenham when she pauses, midsentence. “I’d better call my sister-in-law and see if everybody is okay,” she says as a blur of red whizzes past us. Shelly isn’t just talking about the people at the emergency. “My nephew is in that second truck.” Caledon has one of the largest, primarily volunteer fire departments in Ontario, with only 14 full-time firefighters out of the Bolton office, the remaining 240 are volunteers.
Caledon firefighters are renowned for their “vast amount of care and compassion and high degree of professionalism,” says Fire Chief Brad Bigrigg. “We routinely help people who come from outside of the area and without exception they comment on the level of service they receive.” When considering that Chief Bigrigg is managing a largely volunteer based essential service, a couple of questions spring to mind. First, why would a person put himself at risk this way, with so little in return? Second, since they are volunteers these people don’t have to respond. How do you make sure that the needs of the community are met? Speaking with the Chief, you immediately feel his passion and love for both his job and his brethren. He understands that success depends on doing everything possible to reduce the amount of firefighters that you need and the amount of time that they have to spend handling a fire. He does not expect anybody to put aside their work or family commitments to respond to a call, and appreciates that just about everyone of them have someplace else they need to be. “If we can demobilize them sooner it’s better for us, I don’t want to be tying up volunteer firefighters longer than absolutely necessary,” says the Chief.
Volunteer firefighter Gary Byrne, on his way home after battlling a house fire on Kennedy Road.
The department continuously takes advantage of emerging technologies. “We have some of the best firefighting apparatus in the province and have implemented things like additives in water to make it more effective, thermal imaging cameras, and air monitoring/gas detection equipment,” he continues. They also drill both overall and personal safety into our firefighters. The last thing that they see before going out on a call out of the Snelgrove station is a big sign that says ‘EVERYBODY GOES HOME.’ Volunteer firefighters receive exactly the same training
Winter 2011 | SouthFields Village Voice. page 23
really bad car accident,” says as the paid staff and are able Officer Goldberg. to take back a high degree of medical competencies and Over the last few years, team building skills that can be the nature of the dangers transported to their other lives. that face both the full-time If you speak with any of them, and volunteer people who they’ll all say the same thing: choose to serve and protect “It’s a brotherhood. Once a us has changed. As much as firefighter, always a firefighter.” technology has made it a little That’s not to say that everybody safer to fight fires, society has is male. The department changed. “There are changes employs one full-time female Cheltenham General Store’s Sherry and Darryl Judge in chemical technology; quite firefighter, one full-time often we are treating people female public education officer and ten volunteer who are victims of violence; and more frequently we female firefighters. have to deal with volatile people (having to watch According to the chief most do it because they get a high sense of self satisfaction out of it. Volunteer firefighters like, Dave Livingston and Darryl Judge, call it something else: Community Spirit. In Caledon, the word volunteer seems inadequate. We are more prone to use the term ‘community spirit’ because volunteering is just part of it. Behind it is the notion of not having to be told when to pitch in. If something is amiss, you just roll up your sleeves, jump in, and do your part. The only reward is to know that next time it might be you or somebody you love and everybody will be there for you like you were for them. It’s called actually living somewhere, being there. Not just residing in a dwelling. This is why Tom Goldberg became an auxiliary police officer. Like firefighters, auxiliary officers are trained along with regular police officers so that they can serve along side them. The difference is that auxiliary officers are an extension, not a replacement for regular OPP officers. “I do it because it is community support at its highest, to be there for the good and the bad. From making a Santa Clause parade safe to assisting in a
Jim and Dave Livingston with Officer Goldberg at Village of SouthFields Day, 2010
human behaviour and watch what people are doing around them). Society has changed and technology has changed,” says Chief Bigrigg. What few people seem to realize is that without the people who choose to put their own lives at risk to make us safer, it wouldn’t get done. If they decided to stop what they are doing the cost to society would be insurmountable.
page 24. SouthFields Village Voice | Winter 2011
Dental health tips by Dr. Nibal Kellow Pasat Taking care of your mouth and teeth throughout your whole life can prevent serious problems. • For infants and children, their first set of teeth (baby teeth) is already formed at birth. Diet during pregnancy and sometimes antibiotics taken during pregnancy have an effect on the formation of those teeth. • For new erupting baby teeth (under 1 year old) clean them with wet wash cloths. Letting your baby go to bed with a milk bottle is a known cause of early baby tooth decay. • As children grow up encourage them to brush their teeth and help them with the brushing and flossing. • Start taking your children to the dentist when they are three years old, unless there is a concern. • Baby teeth are important as they maintain spaces for permanent teeth. • Encourage your children to eat low sugar snacks and avoid sticky or chew candies as they cause sugar to stay on the teeth longer. • Teens and adults should brush at least twice a day for two minutes, and floss once will help you have pleasant breath and fewer or no cavities. • Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco. These can stain teeth and cause bad breath and cancer. • Wear mouth guard while playing sports. • Periodontal disease can lead to several medical problems. • Patients with diabetes and smokers are more prone to gingivitis and periodontitis. • At the end healthy teeth in a healthy mouth, will help you have a healthy body SouthFields Villager Dr. Kellow Passat, owns and opperates Mayfield Dental
Winter 2011 | SouthFields Village Voice. page 25
A wise investment… by Michele Skawski In the last issue, the editor said “the word subdivision’ is not part of the Village Voice vocabulary.” This brought a smile to my face as this sentiment was the crux of the battle behind the past municipal election. “The evil developers” were pitted against guardians of Caledon’s Official Plan.
If your friends or family get the urge to Live in Caledon, I am a full service Realtor® with intimate knowledge of Caledon & its surrounding areas, making buying or selling a home a smooth & worry-free experience.
What fueled the passion was the question of who would control development. Would the Official Plan stand as is, or be amended to allow more aggressive growth? Would we build villages or subdivisions? Caledon’s Official Plan is the blueprint for growth, growth that was provincially mandated. Growth is not all bad. Industrial/commercial growth offsets residential taxes, creates jobs and is part of Caledon’s vision as a place to “Live, Work, Play”. You may be a resident of SouthFields because you found the right house at the right price but chances are you were looking for more. You were looking for a sense of community, green spaces to walk the dog and the convenience of being close to services. You were looking for a home, not just a house in a subdivision. The Village of SouthFields is the culmination of years of research and visioning, looking beyond traditional development practices and creating a new model that better fits modern lifestyle needs and values.
LiveinCaledon.ca has Community Profiles & Events, Homeowner Resource Information, and, of course, Real Estate Listings & Information.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any real estate-related questions that you would like to see answered in this publication or privately, by phone or email.
Michele Skawski Sales Representative
Caledon Home Office: 905-838-5012 Office: 416-220-4728 michele@LiveinCaledon.ca
Your Caledon Real Estate Connection
nearby commercial/ industrial development, are all necessary components of live, work, play. They are also why we call SouthFields, a Village, not a subdivision. SouthFields is an excellent example of effective collaboration between the Town and the various stake holders - including the developers.
The Town’s insistence on walking paths and green spaces, a village core with live/work opportunities and
Michele Skawski is a resident of nearby Cheltenham and specializes in the Caledon West real estate market.
Catching up on your retirement savings by Nelson Santos For the boomer generation, saving for a comfortable retirement has always been an important goal. “Even for those who have set up retirement savings plans, meeting retirement goals can be a challenge,” says Lee Anne Davies, head, Retirement Strategies, RBC. “This is especially true for those who haven’t saved diligently or who have been faced with a mid-life job loss or divorce. However, it is never too late to catch-up.”
Consider the following strategies to help meet your retirement goal: a. Focus on long term goals: Build a financial plan personalized for your long term priorities. Don’t let short term market or economic changes sway you from your goals. b. Create a savings habit: Regular investing using strategies, like an automatic RRSP contribution program, help build a nest egg from small but consistent savings. Investigate your unused
contribution room. Consider topping up your RRSP on receiving work bonuses or tax refunds. c. Reduce your debt: Making regular payments to reduce debt can make it difficult to find money for an RRSP contribution. Generally, the best strategy is to start reducing high-interest debt, such as credit card debt, then focus on lower-interest debt, such as a mortgage. Nelson Santos manages the RBC branch at Mayfield Rd. and Hurontario St.
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Getting the most out of winter in Caledon West by Leigh Booth Winter in Caledon ushers in the opportunity to embrace activities like cross country skiing, snow shoeing, winter hiking and just getting out either by yourself or with family and friends to enjoy the fresh air and exercise.
and includes part of the Niagara Escarpment and Cataract Falls on the Credit River. In the depths of winter, the rising mist from the falls and slow falling water to is transformed to streams of ice and glistening vegetation, frozen in time.
The Terra Cotta Conservation Another hidden wonderland is the Area (TCCA) is a jewel to be Toronto Region Conservation Area rediscovered. With a renewed property, Glen Haffy Conservation Family fun at the Caledon Ski Club vision, controlled land use, an eye Area. While this property is well on conservation, and funding, the TCCA has brought supported as an active summer destination it is not back skating, snowshoeing and cross country skiing with currently promoted for winter activities. Its size and groomed trails and ski rentals. vast array of trails are ideal for the adventurous souls that want to check out some backcountry skiing or shoe Forks of the Credit Provincial Park is the perfect place shoeing. The property allows ample opportunity to get to test your adventuring prowess. Due to its popularity, snowshoes are usually not required on the main trails but out and be part of nature while getting fit. may be a necessity off the beaten path. The wilds of winter add a wondrous visual aspect. The park has rolling terrain
Winter activity: It’s best to go prepared Plan for current conditions and for what could arise while you are out, especially in remote and semiremote areas. Unexpected adverse weather conditions, sudden darkness, and physical encounters (minor or major) can all turn a fun-filled day into a day of survival. Clothing - Layer and opt for material made that takes moisture away (“wick”) from the body. Wear a hat most of the heat from your body leaves from the top of your head. Avoid cotton fabrics. Foot Wear - Insulated, waterproof footwear with decent support for those uneven parts of the trail is a must. First Aid - A basic first aid kit could save your life. Energy - Winter trudging expends much more energy than summer activities. Energy bars, gels or beans are good choices, being light and compact. Hydration – Water is critical, but can freeze so opt for an insulated water bottle and pack it upside down because it freezes from the top.
Leigh Booth works at Caledon Hills Cycling and Outdoor Centre,Th store is well known throughout Caledon for their expertis
Winter Wint Wi nter 2011 201 2 011 1 | So Sout SouthFields uthF hFie ield ldss Vi Vill Village llag age ag e Vo Voic Voice. ice. e. p pag page age ag e 27
Capturing the Caledon experience The year is 1958. Helen and Ross Wortly are relaxing at home on a 50 acre rented farm just north of Inglewood. One of them turns to the other and says something along the lines of : “Dear, wouldn’t it be lovely to ski down that hill in our yard?” Ross and Helen got a few friends together and floated the idea past them. Turns out everybody loved it so they went ahead and created a private ski club on the property. Flash forward a few years to 1967, a centennial year for the Confederation, and a chance to relocate to the current location off Mississauga Road, in Belfountain.
and credit their success to being able to provide 100% snow making coverage. During winter it is one of the premier places in Caledon to enjoy a true family experience. They have six chair lifts, and two magic carpets (conveyor lifts used to help develop young skiers). Caledon Ski Club members see winter as something to celebrate, not survive. For non-skiers or people looking for something a bit different, the club has a thirteen kilometre snow shoe trail that loops around the property. If snow shoeing is a bit tame for your taste there is always snowboarding in the half-pipe and terrain park.
That was the year Mike Porter, Enjoying a day on the slopes. current General Manager of the ski club, came on board. His task is to deliver on Of the 200 acres that are home to the club, only 50 members expectations of a Caledon experience. “This are skiing terrain, with 23 ski runs. The rest is forest. is like a mini Switzerland. You’re in the middle of a The ski runs are cut strategically to work with the winter wonderland,” says Porter. land to preserve the natural feel and elegance of the Today, the Caledon Ski Club boasts over 3,200 members, one of the largest private structure ski clubs in the world. They have set the standard in Ontario
club, adding a European feel to the slopes and offering plenty of opportunity for diversity in the skiing experience. Slopes are laid out through a valley in the Caledon Escarpment with state of the art grooming. The club is renowned in the industry, even having received top ratings from “Snow Man”, a man who has made it his life’s mission to know these things. Kids as young as eight are able to take advantage of the club’s excellent ski school programs, with private lessons also available. For families with very young children there is a small daycare available to members, on site. It is not unusual to see 1,200 to 1,500 skiers having a great time, with plenty of room to accommodate more.
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Must see destination:
The Village of Belfountain The Hills of Caledon are bursting with stories of murder, intrigue, legend, romance, greed, jealousy, prejudice, pride, and accolades. Don’t be fooled by the mild mannered townsfolk who call theirs a sleepy bedroom community where nothing ever happens. Take Belfountain, just 20 minutes north of Brampton up Mississauga Road. As with most of the historic hamlets and villages around Caledon, this one was established because the location was an idyllic setting for a grist mill. Originally, the town was called McCurdy’s Village, after the McCurdy family, early village founders and land owners. According to one story, back in the eighteen hundreds, Mr. Bull got into a heated exchange with Mr. McCurdy, from whom he rented the grist and woodcutting mills. Bull knocked McCurdy to the
ground, killing him, and got sent to jail for one year.
file the report in Toronto, they got into a fatal car crash.
When the town blacksmith, Henderson, constructed a huge tub to cool the metal rim of wagon wheels the town got nicknamed “Tubtown.” The folks got together before the name made its way onto maps and voted for Bellefountain, or Belfountain, or Bellfountain (they weren’t strong at spelling back then, the same map would show all three versions). Rather than referring to the majestic waters of the Credit River, the name was likely referring to “a beautiful beginning,”
McCurdy was said to have established a Silver Mine, not far to the east of Belfountain. Originally he began digging in an area known as the Devil’s Pulpit and it is said that if there was a mine it would have been located in a depression known as Hogg’s Hollow. As Margaret Whiteside wrote in 1975’s Belfountain and the Tubtown Pioneers, “Today few of the local inhabitants know even of the location of Hogg’s Hollow, while even fewer know the tale of McCurdy’s Silver Mine.”
Stories abound about the hills just to the north about men risking everything for riches. One legend tells of some geologists who took away samples, telling locals that they had found a large deposit of valuable minerals. On their way to
These days, Devil’s Pulpit, located just off the Forks of the Credit on Escarpment Sideroad, is a golf course owned by Trivial Pursuit co-inventor Scott Abbott. It got its name from the legend of the indigenous people who lived in the area. “A young man from a southern band fell in love with a young woman from a northern band. Having been refused her hand in marriage, the young man stole her away to his home at the cliff ’s edge overlooking the Forks of the Credit. When warriors came to rescue the young woman, a battle ensued. The northern band was defeated. The young woman did not share her captor’s love, she pined away and died. Angered by these events, the god of lightning struck the cliff near the young man’s home. A great chasm opened, stranding him on a rocky outcropping. No longer able to reach the mainland he starved to death
Winter 2011 | SouthFields Village Voice. page 29
on what became known as the Devil’s Pulpit,” writes Nicola Ross, a local author and historian. The main intersection in Belfoutain is a center point for anybody coming from Erin, Orangeville, Brampton, or the rest of Caledon. “It doesn’t matter how you get here. Eventually, you get here,” says Michelle Stewart, manager of The Shed.
Just up the street is the Caledon Ski Club for winter family fun. They offer families (cont’d next page...) (... cont’d from previous page) “the true Caledon Experience.” Winter sports enthusiasts will love its family friendly, European feel. For those who want to stay overnight, a B&B recently opened in the village, just down hill from the Belfountain Public School and local branch of the Public Library. The school is the big draw for students in grades one through six. It averages about 120 kids from within the village and neighbouring communities.
On the west side of the street is the Town Commons, recently refurbished by the local residents group. Belfountain has an active community group whose mission is to enhance the cultural, Five years ago a group of parents ecological and historical elements introduced the idea of “eco-school” of Belfountain. On the east side “It doesn’t matter how you get here. and the staff embraced it. The is The Shed, founded by cyclist Eventually, you get here,” says Shed manager Michelle Stewart. new focus has garnered attention Dave and interior decorator across the country, including the Eddie Horner. The husband and University of Toronto’s Edward Burtynsky Award in wife team saw a use for the location which was sitting empty for a while after a turn as a gas station. At one point the place was an Indian motorcycle dealership, but more about that in the March issue. Belfountain has a strong cyclist community and Dave felt that what they were missing was a place to relax or grab that quick espresso fix. It’s a place to either linger or pop in on your way to elsewhere. It serves as the local gathering spot and invites people to bring in their instruments for acoustic performances, occasionally offering after-hours ticketed events with special guests. Across the street from the coffee house is The Ascot Room, a high-end ladies apparel shop that prides itself on carrying pieces that few other retailers have the opportunity to present. Owner Genie Hayward, is a professional buyer by trade with a passion for fine clothes and horses. Around the corner is The Belfountain Inn. Chef Rossy Earle, winner of Caledon Living’s prestigious 2010 Caledon Culinary Challenge, serves up casual fine dining using locally grown ingredients with a flair for spicing it up. The Inn is also a great destination for pub nights and offers an amazing view with a quaint, cozy atmosphere.
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recognition of teaching excellence in environmental education and the 2009 Outstanding K-12 Teacher, Outstanding K-12 School or School District in all of Canada at the 2010 EECOM Annual Conference, held at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. “The eco-focus affects kids respect for nature, all in a very authentic way. They’re not just doing it because you’ve been told to write about it. They write about their experiences. None of it is contrived,” says Belfountain
Santa’s helper, Peter LeClaire
Public School Principal John Harrower. “We work closely with the Conservation Authority. Every class has a ‘pet project’. The grade four class built and installed nesting boxes for flying squirrels and continue to monitor the progress. There was a lot of excitement when one of the squirrels had more than one litter.”
At the General Store with Maureen Wrycraft and Lynn Wood
Peter LeClaire sometimes makes The Shed his office away from the office. He is another local cycling enthusiast and Chair of Santa Clause for local kids. Each year they get a bunch of Santas in the Town Hall, fix the phones to read ‘North Pole’ and call the kids on Christmas (parents fill out a form). Back in the village core, you might be lucky
enough to run in to Maureen Wrycraft, part-owner of the building that houses The Shed, The General Store and another store that offers an eclectic collection of just about everything. Samantha Shephard reopened The General Store in honour of the graciousness of past generations. It offers something she feels we are all in search of these days. “This used to be a lovely country hamlet and now a lot of people don’t experience the history and really appreciate the charm of a country hamlet,” says her mom Lynn Wood. “A lot of pioneers lived here. A couple of the Group of Seven. We had amazing gardens and the Women’s Institute taught quilting and sewing to local farm women. When somebody died, the family didn’t have to cook for a week,” continued Maureen. “The General Store used to be the heart of the community. The post office used to be located here. Didn’t matter your class or denomination, everybody came to the General Store,” added Lynn. There are many way to get to Belfountain. The most scenic is along the Forks of the Credit.
Winter 2011 | SouthFields Village Voice. page 31
It ain’t cool to be cold When Jack Frost comes to town consider both style and inclement weather when dressing for special occasions. Indoor temperature controls mean that despite being miserable outside, inside feels warmer than standing beneath the blazing sun of an August afternoon. Layer, layer, layer Men pretty much have to wear suits regardless of the climate.... poor souls. Women have the benefit of choice, one that includes the use of shawls and scarves. These come in an assortment of styles and colors, and can work with any outfit. A long scarf can be lowered and raised over shoulders with the utmost grace, on demand. As the night progresses and the dance floor heats up, it can be draped off the back of your chair until needed again. Bring a shoe bag Everybody knows that shoes make the outfit. You wouldn’t want those beauties wrecked out in the sleet and snow. Arrive in boots and leaving them at the coat
check. Then go ahead and slip on those sexy sling back sandals or whaever else suits the outfit. Fabulous outerwear Do not underestimate the importance of outerwear. Even if most of the night it will be hanging in the coat room, arriving and leaving in style is even more important than what you do in between. It doesn’t have to be fur or leather if that isn’t your thing. But, it does have to match the occasion. In fact, it is better to leave the coat in the car and get dropped off at the door than to arrive in your utility parka. Smart accessories Keep in mind that long dangling earrings are really easy to lose when you wear winter coats and scarves. Also, winter weather brings its own sets of challenges. It may be a good idea to get a clutch bag or purse that can fit all of the essentials like a package of tissue, hand sanitizer, make-up, keys, and mad money. New styles come with attractive wrist straps or bracelets attached, making them easy to hold on to.
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What staying home taught me by Michelle Liske My children are now four and six and the question about returning to work has been the topic of conversation for my husband and I for a few months now. I was fortunate enough to be able to have the title, “Stay-at-home-mom” for the past 5 years. The decision to resign from my job, a career that defined a large part of me for the better part of a decade wasn’t an easy one. Towards the end of my maternity leave with my first child, when I had to contemplate home care vs. centre, I was left feeling physically ill about leaving my child with strangers as I returned to work. So I closed shop on the professional part of my life and embraced motherhood. Well sort of. I mean, ‘Supermom’, really? Did this term ever do anyone a favour? My house never looked so disheveled and I have never been more disorganized and exhausted since becoming a SAHM. My beds don’t get made unless guests are visiting and I seem to have less time to do anything anymore. Baking almost always means buying the cookie dough that is already formed with seasonal faces on them (they are very tasty, by the way) and baking them. (“From scratch!” I tell my daughter).
like her kids as much as she does if she didn’t go back to work after her maternity leaves. I understand what she was saying. Bottom line is we all love our children and making the decision to return to work is an incredibly personal one. For many people it is an issue of finances. End of story. For others it becomes an issue of personal needs. I remember talking to the delivery person for 20 minutes at my front door (I think he thought I was coming undone – perhaps I was) just so that I could engage in adult conversation. I used to thank God every day for Dora and Diego as they were the angels that gave me the opportunity to take a shower (what a luxury in the early child rearing days!). Another friend used to keep a copy of Dostoyevsky’s, The Brothers Karamazov on the kitchen counter next to the bottle-drying rack. When I asked her why she chose that to read (I mean aren’t all of us responsible moms supposed to be reading The Baby Whisperer or Family First?) she responded by saying, “If I don’t, I fear my brain
I find myself elbow deep in play dough and paper airplanes. Giving pony rides on my back, trips to the zoo, park and bookstore have filled my days. These past five years have taught me a lot about what is important. A close friend once confessed to me that she doesn’t think she would Image source for lady and and lips opposite: Microsoft clipart
will dissolve”, as she was sucking up cheerios with a hand-vac straight off the highchair tray. I get her, too.
I look back and ask myself, for all Be it staying home or going back t my work, letting go is the hardest part faults as a mom and making the decision to stay home, was it worth it? My daughter answered the question for me the other day by giving me the biggest compliment a mother could ask for. At the doctor’s office she was asked what she was going to be when she grows up. She replied, “A Mom”.
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Winter lip service, taking away the hurt Chapped lips are just plain painful. They are unsightly and, for people who are prone to them, can increase the chances of getting cold sores. By dealing with this particular winter hazard from the inside out, the solution is easier than you think. Keep hydrated The human body is comprised mostly of water. Having said that you may think that there are fluids to spare. However, water is integral to everything from how our brain functions to how our skin looks and feels. When the air gets drier it gets moisture from where ever it can, sucking it out of anything and anybody, making skin itchy and dry when the temperature dips below comfortable.
The air around you isn’t the only thing that steals moisture away from the skin. Internal organs depend on water to function. With less to go around the body takes from the skin to maintain essential functions such as movement and thought. Even breathing and the beating of your heart are affected. Increasing fluid intake will feed your skin and rehydrate all of your internal organs. That’s why it is more effective than just slapping on some moisturizer or lip gloss. Slapping on an external layer over top of your lips will just temporarily lock in any existing moisture.
Get more rest Sometimes it seems difficult to make time for sleep. However, aside from replacing lost moisture, getting enough sleep is the best way to allow skin to recover from a hard day’s work. When a person rests their heartbeat slows. Their organs are not working as hard and their skin is permitted to regain a bit of the elasticity it lost through the day Watch what you eat Caffeinated beverages such as pop, coffee and tea may satisfy a craving and offer digesting assistance but, they do nothing for keeping moisture in the body. Salt and sugar both love to drink up any moisture around them. Just put a drop of water on a pile of salt or sugar and see how quickly it disappears. While a bowl of soup or a nice green salad is a great way to add moisture to your body, a cup of espresso and a chocolate cake are not so you might want to chase it down with a tall glass of water, like they do in Italy. Damp is best Applying moisturizer to dry skin will not absorb properly. The dry layer of dead skin
cells will act as a barrier. Always dampen the skin and pat dry before applying any sort of cream or lotion. Locking in moisture is important. Despite all your best efforts cold weather is still a recipe for cracked skin so dress you lips. Opt for products containing natural ingredients such as emu oil or beeswax, which do the job without any adverse effects.
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Cory Trepanier, master of the Arctic After months of planning and preparing for my interview with Cory Trepanier I was finally sitting at the drive-thru window, ready to order the three-milk with half sugar coffee that I was going to present him with. It turns out that there is a universal truth amongst Canadians with a penchant for travelling to remote and dangerous locations: They really appreciate a good cup of Timmies. I learned that from watching CNN.
Thanks to the recommendation of a couple of friends, Cory agreed to break away from his studio to speak with me and all I could come up with was: Why? Why would any reasonable person voluntarily leave his young family to fly off to the Arctic for seven weeks of gruelling, back breaking cross-terrain hiking in one of the coldest and wildest places in the world, carrying enough gear to break the back of a mule, for a few landscape paintings and a documentary about the trip? Well, that wasn’t the only question. I also wanted to know how he managed to convince his brother to come along for the ride and come back with Jan still there, even if she was the one who spent months preparing and packaging dehydrated meals for the trip. Granted his artwork is brilliant but let’s face it he doesn’t have to travel to the Arctic to find a great landscape. As Cory says, “Canada is a landscape painter’s paradise”. I have found myself travelling through some of the most beautiful places on Earth and thinking that they didn’t compare to what Canada has to offer. But given his impressive ability to transport what the eye sees through to a canvass, there must be a point to the peril. Then I started getting cynical. He’s probably doing it to make an environmental statement about melting polar ice caps. I rolled my eyes and kept driving up a street I usually drive past until I just about missed his driveway. Actually, I did miss it but managed to make a “safe and legal U-turn.” Okay, I’m
not sure it was either safe or legal but it was a U-turn. I was impressed. The custom made sign welcoming visitors to Cory Trepanier’s Originals Studio, along with the cute little ‘parking’ (pointing to a grass lawn) and ‘entrance’ (pointing to a century farm house) said as much about his attention to detail as his humble and respectful approach to both his subject and audience. At this point, I have to tell you that as brilliant (have I used this word to describe him already? Bear with me, there isn’t a better one) as Cory is a painter and self-promoter here is a person that is well deserving of numerous thick biographical volumes. He is as much ordinary as he is extraordinary, and as much the typical Caledon resident as he is an atypical human being.
Cory with Yukon. Boy, oh boy, does this dog jum
If this was a biography I would probably have to devote a few chapters to his love affair with his wife, at least a couple of chapters about Yukon, the family dog, and a few more about his devotion to his kids. A good third of the
Winter 2011 | SouthFields Village Voice. page 35
have a very collaborative community. People support each other and there are many examples of how local artists have influenced each other’s direction. Barb Campbell, who lives nearby, introduced Cory to the idea of adventure training and this served as great preparation for his massive undertaking, Into the Arctic.
Taking a rest in his viewing chair, in front of the Coronation Fiord on Baffin Island
book would have to be about his relationship with his brother, exploring the backwoods of Northern Ontario in their teens. In watching the video journals from the trip on his website (www.intothearctic.com), I am amazed at how much he did not say. There was a marked lack of political agenda and a humble respect for the land, flora and wildlife encountered. “Going there changed me,” he said. “After having a chance to meet and speak with the Inuit people who served as my guides, I realized that I don’t know what to think… what the truth is. A lot of what you hear here from the environmentalist movement serves a political agenda and does not necessarily reflect the truth. The Earth changes. It always has. Beneath the glaciers we have discovered fossilized trees, which proves that the Artic used to be warm. So, who knows what the truth is? I just think that if I show people the beauty that is up there they will grow to love it as I do and when you love something you tend to take care of it. So maybe if people grow to love what I have seen as much as I do, they will take better care of the planet.” But why the Arctic? “I felt like I couldn’t really call myself a Canadian landscape painter if I had not travelled to and painted the most remote and beautiful places in Canada. I remember watching a documentary by one of my idols, Bill Mason, and being struck by the idea of the canoe as the only way to reach remote areas for the purpose of painting them, rather than just using it as a recreational vehicle.” He then started thinking of places to go himself. The local arts scene is somewhat reminiscent of prewar rue Montmartre, in Paris France. Caledon tends to
By the end of the interview I realize that there was a natural progression of life circumstances which found Cory and his brother braving the elements and returning to embark on the largest artistic undertaking of his career. These days, Cory is sequestered in a large barn, turned studio, working on a 15 ft. × 5.5 ft. canvass of the Coronation Fiord on Baffin Island. A much smaller scale of the canvass was painted during his trip and sits on an easel beside the large canvass. Cory believes that marketing is an important aspect of being able to continue doing what he does. We all need to pay for hydro. His flair for it is admirable. His work is organized into projects. Into the Arctic, is one. Trepanier Originals, is another. Take a stroll through his virtual art gallery (www.trepanieroriginals.com). Just be prepared to stay awhile.
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Things about town and notable accomplishments The Friends of Terra Cotta Society invite everybody to gather on December 21, 2010, for a Hayride and Caroling. Meet at the east parking lot of The Terra Cotta Inn and enjoy a hot cup of apple cider. The trailers will be all decked out for the event with bails of hay and lights. Tour the Hamlet, singing at all the doors before returning for the grand finale at the inn. The event takes about 1.5 hours and they never know how many people will show up, though it is always a great draw for families with kids. Bring a nonperishable food item for the Food Bank to pay your way into the fun. Contact Yvonne Sanchez (905-702-0480 or email at gpsanchez@rogers.com) so she has an idea of how much apple cider to pour in the pot. Congratulations to 12-year old Joshua VanAmelsvoort on his Iron-man at the IHRA Nationals in Grand Bend Iron-man and Bensen Show Joshua, pictured here with his Me The Money Tour 2005 Half Scale Jr. Dragster wins. Joshua recently appeared on The Rick Mercer Report, where Rick drove Joshua’s car down the track. This year’s opening weekend of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair was kicked of with 360 of Canada’s top dairy youth from 50 teams across seven Canadian provinces Back row, left to right: The 2010 taking part in the Peel Region team for the Canadian Classic Junior Dairy Show - Larissa 31st annual Classic Smith, Julia Thompson, Lindsay Canadian Junior Bebbington, Mikayla Eastman and Dairy Show. This elite Katie Early; front row, left to right: Kyle Carberry, Ryan Thompson, event is the country’s Peter Christie and Jordan premier dairy youth Thompson event, bringing the best of the best to the cattle show ring. Representing the Region of Peel are eight 4H members from Caledon. Great job team on your best finish in recent years, team.
To this day, Peel is the only county or provincial team who can boast of having four conformation winners: Connie Dixon (1984), Jim Bursey (1985), Steve Fraser (1996) and Lisa Wood (1999). “Exhibiting my 4-H project at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is what I work towards beginning in May.” said Bebbington, pictured bottom left. Being selected to represent their associations is a great honor for the kids. “No matter where you place at the Royal you walk away with memories you will never forget and friends that will last you a lifetime.” Be sure to follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/SFVillageVoice for instant alerts and updates between issues.
Winter 2011 | SouthFields Village Voice. page 37
Lateral thinking
woman Are the two spheres the same size?
Will you let the brick’s perspective fool you? * Puzzles devised by Š Kevin Stone [www.brainbashers.com]
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Fleeting moments and afterthoughts b y Ye v g e n i a C a s a l e
Photo Credit: Natalie Kay, “The Hand”, November 2010.
My husband’s old boss buried her husband recently. He was in his late 40’s, well-loved and passionate about life and the people around him.
The food was fantastic and so was the wine. The place is run by a son and his mother. He said, “Go ahead and take a seat. My mother will bring you the menus.”
My husband went to show support for her and I went to support him. She greeted everybody with a full bear hug that seemed to last a very long time. She appeared at peace and calm, except that my face felt a little wet after. I didn’t expect such an authentic hug so only returned one arm before quickly realizing that it wasn’t enough. I thought she was just being polite and admired her for holding up so well just as a man walked in and she completely broke down in his arms.
Then, we watched the poor woman, struggling and exhausted, bring us our bread. When the place first opened you used to see an older man behind the counter. I kept wondering if she was there because it was what helped her get through without him or if her son just needed a smack across the back of his head.
That was when I realized she needed those hugs. Everybody got one and there were a lot of people there. At night, when she would be left alone, a single mother and a widow, she must have known these hugs would be what would get her through. My husband, a man whom I often turn to and admire for his inner strength, was grateful for not having had to go alone. We stayed a while and then did something we rarely get a chance to do these days. We went out for dinner, alone, at Zorba’s. Zorba was the title character of an old Anthony Quinn movie about a man living in the moment, as passionately as possible. It is so ironic how that was the place we ended up in.
It took us a while to get back to Caledon. The traffic on the Don Valley Parking Lot was horrible even for that time of night and the weather was truly miserable. Cold, windy and drizzling a pitiful rain that couldn’t decide if it wanted to let loose a torrent or just pester us all the way home. I wanted to go to sleep. Over the next week life resumed its normal hectic pattern. But my hectic pattern is something that I’ve earned the right to be proud of. I live in one of the most scenic places on earth and am finally doing what I’ve always wanted to do. I love my husband, my family and even my in-laws. I love Caledon and am constantly blessed with the opportunity to meet wonderful people who all seem to share something so uniquely Caledon that there really is no other place I’d rather call home.
Experience
Winter 2011 | SouthFields Village Voice. page 39
18371 Hurontario St., Caledon Village (20 minutes North of Brampton)
(519)
927-1919
Reservations recommended. Serving dinner from Monday to Saturday starting at 5 p.m. Available for private lunch or Sunday parties and catering. Village Bistro is a charming and family friendly destination point. We specialize in traditional and modern style bistro fare, Chef Warren's features include: Impeccably fresh fish, Canadian Beef, local game, and pastas. Teresa will ensure that you receive a warm welcome and caring service. At Village Bistro our guests always come back again.
Casual fine dining in Caledon Village
From our family to yours, Seasons`s Greetings & Happy New Year! ~Warren & Teresa Gelinas
page 40. SouthFields Village Voice | Winter 2011