Goodlife Vaughan March/April Edition 2016

GoodLife Vaughan Edition

SERVING VAUGHAN

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elevate yourENTRANCE

ON TAP:ON TAP:ON TAP:Spring is bock

FORESTTO TABLETO TABLETO TABLECooking with wild leeks

YORKREGION.COM/GOODLIFE

Call or visit Pine Tree Lincoln toschedule your test drive today!

PINE TREE LINCOLN100 Auto Park CircleVaughan, ON. L4L 9T51-888-592-9549www.pinetreelincoln.com

The Remo Ferri Group of Automobiles

With standard features like Intelligent All-Wheel Drive to handlechanging weather conditions, and well-appointed interiors for anunprecedented level of comfort, Lincoln has everything you needto arrive in style.

The Entirely New

2016 MKX • Mid-Size SUV

Vehicle(s) may be shown with optional equipment. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offers. Offers only valid at participating dealers. Retail offers may be cancelled or changed at any time without notice. See yourLincoln Dealer for complete details or call the Lincoln Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-387-9333. For factory orders, a customer may either take advantage of eligible raincheckable Lincoln retail customer promotionalincentives/offers available at the time of vehicle factory order or time of vehicle delivery, but not both or combinations thereof. Retail offers not combinable with any CPA/GPC or Daily Rental incentives, the Commercial UpfitProgram or the Commercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP). *Bridge of Weir is a trademark of Bridge of Weir Leather Company Limited. **Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgmentand need to control the vehicle. ©2015 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US #1REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE IN VAUGHAN

When it comes to selling real estate, we know our stuff.Working with the most productive real estate network gives you an unbeatable advantage andputs you ahead of the competition. We are number one for a reason and we thank you for that.

THEWORLD’S LARGEST PRIVATELY OWNEDREAL ESTATE SERVICES COMPANY

Gabriel BianchiBroker of Record / Owner

Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX. RE/MAX agents areinvolved in over a third of all home sales in Canada. Remarkably, that’s a homesold by a RE/MAX agent every two minutes. The core strength of the RE/MAXnetwork is the quality of it’s realtors.

BROKERAG E , INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

Call us today and let’s choose a Premier Realtor® that isjust for you 416.987.8000 • www.remax-premier.ca

We Celebrate our Award with our 383 Premier RealtorsLocated in our 6 Local Offices, serving 4,300 Families in 2015

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 3

Call or visit Pine Tree Lincoln toschedule your test drive today!

PINE TREE LINCOLN100 Auto Park CircleVaughan, ON. L4L 9T51-888-592-9549www.pinetreelincoln.com

The Remo Ferri Group of Automobiles

With standard features like Intelligent All-Wheel Drive to handlechanging weather conditions, and well-appointed interiors for anunprecedented level of comfort, Lincoln has everything you needto arrive in style.

The Entirely New

2016 MKX • Mid-Size SUV

Vehicle(s) may be shown with optional equipment. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offers. Offers only valid at participating dealers. Retail offers may be cancelled or changed at any time without notice. See yourLincoln Dealer for complete details or call the Lincoln Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-387-9333. For factory orders, a customer may either take advantage of eligible raincheckable Lincoln retail customer promotionalincentives/offers available at the time of vehicle factory order or time of vehicle delivery, but not both or combinations thereof. Retail offers not combinable with any CPA/GPC or Daily Rental incentives, the Commercial UpfitProgram or the Commercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP). *Bridge of Weir is a trademark of Bridge of Weir Leather Company Limited. **Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgmentand need to control the vehicle. ©2015 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US #1REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE IN VAUGHAN

When it comes to selling real estate, we know our stuff.Working with the most productive real estate network gives you an unbeatable advantage andputs you ahead of the competition. We are number one for a reason and we thank you for that.

THEWORLD’S LARGEST PRIVATELY OWNEDREAL ESTATE SERVICES COMPANY

Gabriel BianchiBroker of Record / Owner

Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX. RE/MAX agents areinvolved in over a third of all home sales in Canada. Remarkably, that’s a homesold by a RE/MAX agent every two minutes. The core strength of the RE/MAXnetwork is the quality of it’s realtors.

BROKERAG E , INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

Call us today and let’s choose a Premier Realtor® that isjust for you 416.987.8000 • www.remax-premier.ca

We Celebrate our Award with our 383 Premier RealtorsLocated in our 6 Local Offices, serving 4,300 Families in 2015

4 | GoodLife • March - April 2016

It takes morethan bricksand mortar

to builda greatcommunityWe support the organizations that makeYork Region a great place to live,work and play.

CharacterCommunity

Yellow BrickHouse OSPCA

United WayLocalHospitals

Women’s Centreof York Region

Chambersof Commerce

York RegionAbuse Program

CHATSBig BrothersBig Sisters

CanadianCancer Society

and manymore...

GoodLife, Vaughan is published by Metroland Media, York Region. Statements, opinions and points

of view are those of the sources and writers and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher, advertisers or

GoodLife magazine.

Contents copyrighted. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article, photograph or artwork without

written consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Submissions are welcome from writers and photographers. We assume no responsibility for unsolicited material.

GoodLife29-8611 Weston Rd., Vaughan, ON L4L 9P1

905-264-8703

Publisher

Dana Robbins

regional general Manager

Shaun Sauve

editor

Lee Ann Waterman

Contributors

Emily Blackman • Bart Card • Jim Craigmyle

Jonathan Hiltz • Naomi Hiltz • Andrew Hind

Robin LeBlanc • Joann MacDonald • Julie Miguel

Chris Palmer • Tracy Smith

adVertising direCtor

Maureen Christie

adVertising Manager

Tanya Pacheco

adVertising sales

Mike Cudmore • Steve Fasciano • Nino Michela

Joseph Montagnese • Tony Segreti

Howie Taylor

regional direCtor,

ProduCtion and CreatiVe serViCes

Katherine Porcheron

editorial design

Emily Ayranto

direCtor of business adMinistration

Rob Lazurko

direCtor of distribution

Mike Banville


THANK YOU VAUGHAN!WE ARE HONOURED TO HAVE BEEN CHOSEN #1 INTHE VAUGHAN CITIZEN READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS Voted Best Used

Car Dealership

contents

20We Like ItGarden art

Modern UpdateYoung couple renovates OldWoodbridge home

Luxurious Log CabinUnique home in the woods isalso close to amenities

Elevate Your EntranceMake a memorable fi rst impression

Rooms Gone RightAwkward bathroom now a contemporary, spa-like space

Rooms Gone RightDesigner brings sleek, functional styleto dated master suite

Backyard Living3 tips for a multifunctional outdoor space

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THANK YOU VAUGHAN!WE ARE HONOURED TO HAVE BEEN CHOSEN #1 INTHE VAUGHAN CITIZEN READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS Voted Best Used

Car Dealership

We Like ItGarden art

Modern UpdateYoung couple renovates OldWoodbridge home

Luxurious Log CabinUnique home in the woods isalso close to amenities

Elevate Your EntranceMake a memorable fi rst impression

Rooms Gone RightAwkward bathroom now a contemporary, spa-like space

Rooms Gone RightDesigner brings sleek, functional styleto dated master suite

Backyard Living3 tips for a multifunctional outdoor space

contents

Warm Up to SpringA meal for the season

Picking the Right PathHow to choose a private school for your child

Experiential EducationSummer camp teaches kids about themselves

EventsArts, culture and outdoor events for the whole family

PortfolioGal Fridman gets kids ready to rock

Travel Welcome to Spice Island

In the CrowdVaughan in Motion South Beach Party

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In the KitchenCiao Roma serves up pizza al taglio

On TapSpring is Bock

From Forest to TableNow is the time to harvest wild leeks

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Experiential Education

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Experiential EducationSummer camp teaches kids about themselves

EventsArts, culture and outdoor events for the whole family

PortfolioGal Fridman gets kids ready to rock

Travel Welcome to Spice Island

In the CrowdVaughan in Motion South Beach Party


JoANNMACDONALDwriter

A vegan food blogger and nature enthusiast, Joann MacDonald is the proud mother of two children and two beagle-mix rescue dogs. Fuelled by tofu and green tea, she has been writing for as long as she can remember and is a graduate of Western University’s journalism program. Visit her at womaninreallife.com.

tRACySMITHwriter

A freelance writer, health enthusiast and daughter of a general contractor, Tracy Smith loves writing stories that bring people together in their homes and community (and that have great before-and-after shots). Her work has appeared in national and local publications and she is a regular contributor to GoodLife magazine, covering the Rooms Gone Right column since its inception.

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[email protected] follow us@goodlifeyork | www.yorkregion.com/goodlife

LEEANNWATERMANEditor

It was an unusual winter. I went running in capris and a T-shirt on Dec. 24 and didn’t get out on my snowshoes once all season. On one Sunday in early February, I opened all the windows in my house to let the fresh warm air in and added another layer of mulch to protect my garlic, which had sent up 10-centimetre shoots. I didn’t keep track, but I am pretty sure our yard had more green days than white over the past three or four months—and the view out the back door was a constant reminder that I had neglected the fall cleanup of my perennial beds.

It wasn’t the kind of winter I wanted—think deep snow and lots of crisp, clear days—but, by early this month, I was still ready to bid it goodbye.

March is the month I plan for summer. I inventory my vegetable seeds, place an order or two with my favourite suppliers and sketch out my plots. I take note of any home and yard improvement or upkeep projects my husband and I should tackle. And I start working through the details of our summer vacation plans: trails to hike, restaurants to try, campsites and inns to visit.

This issue of GoodLife will help you get a start on your warm weather plans, too. With the help of York Region Arts Council, we’ve sourced some garden-inspired items from local artists for our regular We Like It feature. We offer advice for sprucing up your front entrance and ask handyman and television personality Chris Palmer for his tips in creating a multifunctional backyard.

If you’re looking for a new recipe to try, consider a trip to your local forest to harvest some leeks for a salad, risotto or gnocchi or let Emily Blackman inspire you with an early spring menu centred around lamb stew with roasted root vegetables.

I hope you enjoy this issue. We’ll be back in May. In the meantime, you can fi nd us at yorkregion.com/goodlife.

Lee Ann Waterman

editor’s note

JIMCRAIGMYLEphotographer

Jim Craigmyle was born in London, England and grew up in Montreal. He had an early start to photography with his interest beginning at the age of 10. He studied photography at Dawson College and Concordia University and began his career in commercial photography in Montreal before relocating to Ontario in 1996. He began his own business in 1993 shooting stock photography. Much of his commercial work is represented by Corbis.

Julie Miguel is a digital content producer with a specialization in food media. Her experience includes hosting, food journalism, recipe development, branding, food styling and photography. She is not a trained chef, however, but a home cook with a lot of real life experience. She placed seventh on the inaugural season of CTV’s MasterChef Canada. Since then, she has made appearances on The Marilyn Denis Show as well as other local television shows.

JULIEMIGUELfood writer/photographer

NAoMIHILTZphotographer

Naomi Hiltz has been a commercial photographer and graphic designer for more than 15 years. She founded a photographic and graphic design company, specializing in product, food, family and real estate photography. Prior to this, she studied photography, graphic design and fi lm production at York University. She has always wanted to be in visual arts and continues her love of creating and documenting life’s signifi cant moments.


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Everything you need for that special day

we like it

gardenartWith the arrival of spring comes the urge to spend more time enjoying the out of doors. With the help of York Region Arts Council, GoodLife has sourced works from local artists that speak to the season—functional pieces for entertaining al fresco, items to add interest to your backyard or art that brings the outdoors in.

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yorkregion.com/goodlife | 13yorkregion.com/goodlife |yorkregion.com/goodlife |yorkregion.com/goodlife |yorkregion.com/goodlife |yorkregion.com/goodlife |yorkregion.com/goodlife | 1313yorkregion.com/goodlife |yorkregion.com/goodlife |yorkregion.com/goodlife |yorkregion.com/goodlife |

1 This unique vase was smoke-fi red in a barrel with combustible materials to add

age and interest to the piece. Helen O’Sullivan | $70 artistmarketplace.ca

2 The more tails a kitsune has, the older and wiser it is. This silver fox, which is

just over a foot high, was carved from a curved piece of metal and fi nished with a clear coat to protect its fi nish. Daniella Boerhof | $150 metallytwisted.com

3 About the size of the palm of your hand, these fi sh are designed to swim

through your garden, with your potted plants or perhaps in a vase on your window sill. Each one is handmade from sheet metal and carries a personality of its own. Daniella Boerhof | $55 metallytwisted.com

4 This functional clay pitcher in cheerful yellow can be used for water, juice,

sangria—or as an interesting vase. It has hand carved detail at the base. Helen O’Sullivan | $65 artistmarketplace.ca

5 Crafted by hand, every fl ower is unique and will bring a bright splash of colour

and joy to any garden. A variety of colours, heights and styles are available. No watering needed. Daniella Boerhof | $45 to $85 each metallytwisted.com

6 “The petals of pansies always remind me of dancing skirts, swirling delightfully in

the wind. I wish to capture the liveliness of these spring fl owers as they dance in the breeze.” Betty Wong | watercolour on paper wrapped around canvas and varnished, 18 by 24 inches | $500 artistmarketplace.ca

7 Enjoy your morning coffee or afternoon tea outside in one of these dishwasher-

safe clay mugs. Helen O’Sullivan | $22 each artistmarketplace.ca

8 This hanging acorn birdhouse is a beautiful artistic piece that functions as

a home for your feathered friends. Daniella Boerhof | $300 metallytwisted.com

9 Made of a combination of fi ne and sterling silver, this fun little bird is sitting

on three eggs in a nest. The ring is dynamic, allowing the bird to pivot on a riveted post. Amanda Brittin | $120 artistmarketplace.ca

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home tour|Old Woodbridge


By Julie miguel | PHotogRAPHy By Jim Craigmyle

Old treasure gets a

mOdeRn Update



A great place to raise a family and a great space to entertain were the top considerations when this young couple went house hunting. Their find was a 30-year-old home in Old Woodbridge that they knew they could renovate to suit their style and meet their functional needs.

The location—close to family on a private court—and lot—a large backyard filled with mature trees—were perfect. And the structure was sound.

“The home has great bones,” the husband says. “So we were able to customize it without making major structural changes.”

While some might have been tempted to take down walls and create a more open space, this pair found the existing layout brought a cosy feel to the spacious home.

But they left their mark in other ways—which is obvious from the moment you open the front door.

The two-storey foyer features a stunning bay window that stretches to the ceiling and allows the afternoon sun to pour in. An open-riser stair-case with glass railings, as well as glossy 24-by-48-inch porcelain tiles in a creamy neutral, help give the entrance a grand and airy feel.

“When we bought the home, we knew that we were going to replace the traditional oak

spindles with a more modern approach,” he says. “We are really happy with the mix of glass, wood and drywall, it really makes a statement and we love the way it opens up the space.”

Throughout the house are touches that speak to the couple’s desire to hang on to some of the original charm, while bringing in more modern details. They saved the original plaster crown mouldings, but added seven-inch square-edged baseboards. They kept much of the original oak floors and refinished them with a darker, matte finish. A neutral colour palette showcases the home’s subtle architectural details, as well as their personal art and collectibles.

The kitchen, which the homeowners say is truly the heart of their home, was designed to be modern and functional with entertaining in mind.

“Our favourite feature in the kitchen is the large peninsula,” the wife says. “My husband and I find ourselves here eating breakfast every morning. Guests sit and have munchies while I’m prepping food. It really allows me to be pres-ent and part of the conversation when we are en-tertaining. As our family grows, it will become a place where our children can sit and do home-work, eat breakfast and help with meal prep.”

The kitchen is predominantly white, with


grey-brown cabinetry on the peninsula adding some contrast. All the cabinetry is finished tex-tured laminate, chosen for durability and mini-mal maintenance. The Caesarstone counters and porcelain tile floor can also stand up to regular use by the young family.

High-end stainless steel appliances—a side-by-side refrigerator, Wolf stove, canopy exhaust and double apron-front sink—were a must for a family that loves to cook.

But it’s the tile that really makes a statement—elongated rectangles of dolomite marble laid in a herringbone pattern provide subtle texture and a luxurious feel to this otherwise simple space.

A large eating area takes full advantage of the morning sun, with solarium-style windows. The homeowners chose a glass and chrome table and an airy atom-style chandelier to maximize the view from the kitchen to the backyard.

Off the kitchen is a spacious dining room space, which has been updated with seven-inch oil-rubbed, hand-scraped plank hardwood flooring, for a relaxed yet elegant feel. A black caged light fixture adds a modern, industrial touch. The homeowners plan to incorporate a wine feature and butler’s pantry to this space in the future, but, for now, are happy with a com-fortable space that works well for both formal

and family dinner parties. The sunken living room—with plenty of cosy

seating around a 62-inch modern gas fireplace—is where the family spends much of its time. The room also features a fully seamless media centre wall, with surround sound and a 60-inch flat panel television.

Their daughter, as well as nieces, nephews and friends, also makes good use of the play loft, which features wall-to-wall built-in storage and an open window to the main living room.

“Our daughter loves her new space. She has already hosted quite a few play dates,” says mom. “The built-ins allow us to keep her toys organized and out of the way when she’s not at play.”

Upstairs are four large bedrooms, including a completely updated master suite. The bedroom is a neutral relaxing space punctuated with colourful family photographs. The bath features a budget-friendly designer tub, glass shower and double vanity set against a feature wall of wavy porcelain tile in a high-gloss white.

With interior renovations behind them, the couple is eying updates to the backyard. But, for now, they are happy for the approaching warmer weather and a chance to appreciate the outdoor space as much as they are enjoying the inside.


Discover your maximum potentialthrough the stuDy of martial arts.Studies show that students enrolled in martial arts programs have increasedself-esteem and improved focus and concentration abilities in the classroom.With 43 years of martial arts instruction under its belt, Northern KarateSchools is the trusted choice for many men, women and children in the GTA.With 10 world-renowned locations, NKS offers award-winning programstaught by instructors with decades of experience.

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WOODBRIDGE

3883 Rutherford Rd.905.265.7777

VAUGHAN

4350 Steeles Ave. W.905.856.4047

MAPLE

225 McNaughton Rd. E905.303.5202

SoURCESFoyerGlass railing: Sierra Glass, BeetonTiles: Cercan Tile, Woodbridge

KitchenRefrigerator: KitchenAidStove: WolfExhaust: Vent-A-HoodSink: KohlerFaucet: MoenCabinetry: Nima Kitchens, ConcordCounters: Caesarstone, Cornerstone Marble & Granite, WoodbridgeBacksplash: Marble Granite Depot, North YorkFloor tile: Profi le Tile, North YorkTable: UpCountry, TorontoChandelier: Elte Market, Toronto

Dining roomLight: Structube

Living roomFireplace: Heatilator

Powder roomTile: Cercan Tile, WoodbridgeVanity: Nima Kitchens, ConcordFaucet: Grohe, Lowe’sSink: Kohler

Master bathBathtub: ZittaSinks: KohlerFaucets: Rubinet Faucet Company, ConcordTile: Ciot, VaughanWall scones: West Elm, Toronto



Discover your maximum potentialthrough the stuDy of martial arts.Studies show that students enrolled in martial arts programs have increasedself-esteem and improved focus and concentration abilities in the classroom.With 43 years of martial arts instruction under its belt, Northern KarateSchools is the trusted choice for many men, women and children in the GTA.With 10 world-renowned locations, NKS offers award-winning programstaught by instructors with decades of experience.

WWW.NORTHERNKARATE.COM

WOODBRIDGE

3883 Rutherford Rd.905.265.7777

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4350 Steeles Ave. W.905.856.4047

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home tour|Schomberg

A LUXURIOUSCABININ THE

WOODS


By DAWN RITCHIE

Many indulge in the romantic notion of one day living in a log cabin in the woods. The dream is often dashed however by the reality of the se-clusion of remote locations. 4072 Second Line in Schomberg is neither a cabin nor is it remote. This handcrafted executive log home possesses all the benefi ts of a private forested property, but in a prime locale close to every amenity.

“You can see our soldier trees from the 400,” says owner Thomas Giffi n, referencing the im-mense towering white pines that stand at the foot of his driveway. “They are well over 100 years old. One was blasted apart by lightning and then just grew again, strong as ever.” With a constitution like that, it’s no wonder white pines have a life span of 400 years—and isn’t it fortu-nate that this superb home has been constructed from just such a timber.

Giffi n has always been partial to a country set-

ting. His family has lived on farm properties for decades and bought here because the land offered a similar tranquility. A perpetual stream that runs near the property’s eastern boundary bring visi-tors including deer and fox to the land.

“The peace, the quiet and the wildlife are the main draws,” he says. “There are more dog walk-ers than there are vehicles that come up here, which is great.” But working in Toronto also re-quired easy access to the city and the mere min-utes to the 400 was a clincher. “The proximity to Hwy. 400 and Hwy. 9 is unparallelled. This close to the highway and as quiet as can be.”

Built in 1991, the residence was constructed on a severance lot from the Mills Farm. “It wasn’t usable farm land due to the slope,” Giffi n says. The severance took place in the mid-1980s, but the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority didn’t approve construction until 1989. »



“I really appreciate the quality and craftsman-ship of the home,” says Giffin, who works in the metal fabrication and combustion business. “The full log construction, hand hewn beams. This is not a post and beam home. There’s no wood siding. No drywall in the interior, other than the ceilings. The main section of the home is all magnificent hand hewn white pine logs, with mortar chinking outside and in.”

Ensconced by beech, white pine, hemlock and shagbark hickory trees, the home strikes an imposing figure on the crest of the hill. There is a discernible energy and hospitality in those grand wood beams. It is like the soul of the for-est remains alive in the very structure.

At the base of the stairs that climb to the main entrance, a great red granite millstone embed-ded in the asphalt driveway is your welcome mat. “It came from a mill in Belfountain,” Giffin explains.

Flagstone steps take you up a level to the cedar wraparound deck that leads to the front door—the perfect spot for an evening nightcap when the tree canopy is lit. State-of-the-art, en-vironmentally friendly landscape lighting was installed on the trees.

“They’re on photocells that trigger on when it gets dark. It’s a peaceful, easy feeling. People have actually stopped to say, ‘I can’t believe the lighting you have here. It’s magical.’”

Once inside, you step onto handsome Span-ish mission red terra-cotta tile flooring that winds through the foyer all the way into the powder room and then on to the kitchen and dining room. Quiet music plays gently in the background as you drink in the calming atmo-sphere.

Industrial pendant lights hang from the soar-ing vaulted ceilings, providing evening light, though unnecessary during daylight hours. Pre-mium European Sikora windows that tilt open from the top or swing open from the side are installed throughout the home. Two sport deco-rative etchings of wild geese and blue jays in the transoms above. They complement the wildlife art pieces Giffin has sprinkled throughout his home—including exquisite Walter Ruch bird carvings of Baltimore orioles, Canada geese and blue jays.

“My mother and father collected them over many years,” Giffen says. He was a famous artist from Muskoka.”

home tour|Schomberg

“The main section of the home is all magnificent hand hewn white pine logs, with mortar chinking outside and in.”


Taxidermy pieces include a red-tailed hawk in mid-flight attack atop an antique armoire. “There’s a story behind that piece. The hawk was in hot pursuit of a mourning dove and the dove took a sharp left and the hawk did not. It flew right into the sliding glass door, killing itself instantly.”

Red-tailed hawks are a protected species, so Giffin took the bird to Ministry of Natural Resources in Aurora where a conservation of-ficer determined he hadn’t killed it and it was so tagged, allowing him to have it mounted. “I mounted it in a testament to the way it died, in attack mode. The taxidermist had to go to a game farm to acquire a pheasant as its prey be-cause doves are also a protected species.”

The living room is filled with captivating an-tiques, including two unique dough boxes for bread making that act as side tables. A wood-burning cast iron fireplace implanted in the brick fireplace surround that reaches to the vaulted ceiling provides warmth and atmosphere.

The white dining room set and light grey kitchen behind with Jenn Air stainless steel ap-pliances, black granite counters and island bring a perfect break from all the wood.

Around the corner from the kitchen, you’ll find a lovely wallpapered powder room with vessel sink and granite counters as well as the generous master bedroom and en suite with California shutters. Double vessel sinks rest on a black granite countertop and the tempered glass spa shower with dark porcelain tiling holds a rain head shower.

Downstairs is a spacious living area, two more bedrooms, bathroom and laundry.

A well-loved open loft on the second level is the location of the home office and reading area. Overhead fans spin above the oak-pegged hard-wood floors, dressed with an elegant Indo Tabriz rug in understated grey and rose tones. Antique stone picture chairs and a carved leaf table de-light the eyes. The dowelling in the beams is vis-ible from this angle and the immense windows at either end of the loft along with two dormers provide tremendous views of the forest beyond.

“You can see the whole world from those chairs,” says Giffin, who tells the story of how his forest fills with thousands of blue jays for two weeks every year when the beechnuts rip-en. “It’s something to witness. They clean out the forest and then they’re gone.”

“The soaring vaulted ceilings are somehow warm and

comforting, like you are being held in the embrace of nature.


Paint, Dutch Tulip, Benjamin Moore Aura Grand Entrance

home décor|entrances


As visitors arrive at your home, the front entrance is the fi rst thing they encounter and the fi rst impression they will have of you, your home and what awaits them behind your closed doors. Amazing entrances have a way of welcoming guests in and making them feel at home before they’ve even stepped foot inside. Whether you are imagining a grandiose entryway or decorating a simple stoop, here are a few helpful hints to make your entrance memorable.

A way to get thereIt might sound super simple, but providing visi-

tors with a way to get to your front door is important. Guests want to know how to get to your entrance: Are they walking across the front lawn? Do they go to the side door? The front entrance should have a very clear route to get to it and the area should be clean and ac-cessible; tromping through muddy grass or tripping on an uneven piece of pavement is not a great way to begin a visit. Stone paths, steps that widen out from the front door, hedges and lighting can all assist in guiding visi-tors to your entrance.

Make it popFront doors are a great place to add a pop of colour

and bit of glamour to your home. “We are big advocates of having a nicely painted

front door to set the tone for the rest of the house,” says Shima Yazdan, operations manager at Niche Decor in Aurora. “Any shade from a vibrant red to a rich, glossy black. It shows you care about your home and it’s an

opportunity to make a great fi rst impression and have some fun.”

But what colour to choose? Picking a palette for the exterior of your home is as important as picking one for the interior, says Katherine Porath of Katherine Joy Interiors in Newmarket.

“Take the time to get it right and recruit professional help if you are not sure,” Porath advises. “Consider all of the exterior elements, including windows, garage doors, fascia and eaves, and the colour of your stone or siding. Having more than three colours working to-gether often becomes too chaotic and distracting.”

Paint brands offer a myriad of colours to choose from. Benjamin Moore recently introduced its Aura Grand Entrance collection with 32 custom colours dripping with character, class and beauty. Formulated specifi cally for front doors, the paint has a luxurious and smooth fi nish, is easy to apply and clean up, plus it is reinforced with urethane for outstanding durability, says Sharon Grech, colour and design expert at Benja-min Moore.

Finish off the look with the right lighting (see side-bar), an urn or container with some seasonal greenery and accessories such as street numbers, a doorknocker, mat and mailbox.

Choose items that complement one another in style, colour or material and add to the architectural features of your home. For example, if your house is very tradi-tional in style, a sleek and modern silver mailbox may clash with your look, but a classic black metal one may hit the mark perfectly. »

By traCy smith

ELEVATEYOURENTRANCE


Paint, similar to Venetial Sky, Benjamin Moore Aura Grand Entrance Paint, similar to Viennese Café, Benjamin Moore Aura Grand Entrance | Mat, saturday afternoons, Aurora

ClassiC Colours that impress

10 Downey Street English Scone Impressionist RubyBlackened Moss

Interior decorator Katherine Porath shares her favourite paint choices for 2016 from Benjamin Moore’s Aurora Grand Entrance Line. “Blackened Moss is a deep green with a hint of black that would look great with most red-brick homes,” she says.



Paint, Aegean Teal, Benjamin Moore | Mat, saturday afternoons, Aurora Paint, Stuart Gold HC-10, Benjamin Moore | Mat, saturday afternoons, Aurora

Notting Hill Blue Port of Call Viennese Café Wild Blueberry

“When choosing a bold colour for your front door, celebrate it in one spot, but don’t go overboard by adding it to shutters or the garage door.”


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Since 1965, Best Way Stone has made being a family owned and operated company a central tenet in how we do business. This family

approach to service has been the foundation for building loyal and lasting relationships with our customers, allowing the company to

thrive within the community. Best Way Stone is deeply rooted and proud to be serving the Greater Toronto Area and beyond while staying

committed to continuously providing the greatest quality and most innovative products. For information about our products, contact us at

1-800-BESTWAY (237-8929) or visit us at bestwaystone.com

lighten upLighting serves both practical and esthetic purposes at your front entrance. Mary Lou Sorce of Prima Lighting in Vaughan offers the following tips for choosing the right light for your home.

Make it a focal point. The front entrance light should be a state-ment maker and be larger than garage and side-entrance lights. Size should be substantial and large enough to be seen from the street. Pick a style that complements rather than competes with your exterior style. (Lights shown available at Prima Lighting.)

Get the details right. Fixtures are meant to create a glow not an unnatural spotlight. If a fi xture calls for multiple 60-watt bulbs, use 40-watt to soften the look. Junction boxes for lights beside a single door should be hung at approximately two-thirds the height of the door (usually 72 to 80 inches). For double doors or single doors with sidelights, fi xtures should be located at approximately three-quarters the height of the door. For overhead pendants, the fi xture should hang above the top of the door or, if there is a window above, in the middle of the window.



LOVE YOURLANDSCAPE

Since 1965, Best Way Stone has made being a family owned and operated company a central tenet in how we do business. This family

approach to service has been the foundation for building loyal and lasting relationships with our customers, allowing the company to

thrive within the community. Best Way Stone is deeply rooted and proud to be serving the Greater Toronto Area and beyond while staying

committed to continuously providing the greatest quality and most innovative products. For information about our products, contact us at

1-800-BESTWAY (237-8929) or visit us at bestwaystone.com


rooms gone right|wet room

wet room:

A bathroom in which the shower

is completely open or placed

behind a single glass panel and

the shower fl oor is fl ush with

the rest of the room and water

drains through a linear drain in

the fl oor.


WetAwkward bathroom

now a contemporary, spa-like space

By traCy smith | PHotogRAPHy By Jim Craigmyle

All

Quite often, after purchasing a home, new owners are left scratching their heads when inspecting some of the design and construction choices that were made before they arrived on the scene.

Take the Lee family’s upstairs bathroom.“It was all wrong in its layout,” Nympha Lee recalls. “The room was

long and narrow and the shower was placed in the middle, enclosed with walls and a bulkhead. There was a porthole window that was completely blocked from view.”

After finishing other parts of the home and living with the awkward layout for a decade, Lee decided it was time to tackle the second-floor bathroom.

She tried to figure out a new floor plan on her own, but given the odd dimensions of the room and the complexities of plumbing and wiring, her vision kept coming up short.

On a referral from a friend, she contacted Aurora-based design consul-tant Jackie Venneri in hopes of getting some professional assistance with the plan.

“I was stuck and didn’t know how to solve our bathroom problems,” she says. “From Day 1, Jackie was amazing and thought of things that I would never have been able to on my own.” »


StyLE goALA contemporary look with a spa-like feel.

WHy tHE CHANgE?• Awkward and narrow layout• Wear and tear• Blocked window• Poor drainage• Builder-grade products

RENoVAtIoN CHECK LISt• Eye-catching, contemporary design and layout• Two sinks• Added storage for two daughters and guests• Window visible• Durability

SPLURgES“There are some things that I didn’t want to cheap out on, because they are integral to a great washroom,” says homeowner Nympha Lee.• Soaker tub• Tiles• Lighting• Heated fl oors

BARgAINS“We took advantage of trade prices at Restoration Hardware and Home-Sense for some of the accessories, including the toilet paper holder and hooks, ” says design consultant Jackie Venneri.

REACtIoNS“I love the new bathroom because I have my own space,” says Hannah Lee, 15. “With two sinks, a huge mirror and lots of drawers, my sister and I, or even my friends when they are over, can share the bathroom, but still have our own spots to get ready.”“I love the heated fl oors. My feet are always cold and the new fl oor in the bathroom is so cosy,” says Caden Lee, 11. “Oh and I really like the rain showerhead. It’s like a waterfall dripping from the ceiling.”

SoURCESContractor: Step Toe Carpentry, NewmarketDesign: Jackie Venneri, Style it With Jackie Lighting: Union LightingTile: Ciot, Vaughan Custom vanity: Imperial Cabinetry Paint: Intense White Benjamin Moore OC-51

benjamin Mooreintense White oC-51

rooms gone right|wet room

The concept of a wet room—a bathroom in which the shower is completely open or placed behind a single glass panel and the shower fl oor is fl ush with the rest of the room, with the water escaping through a linear drain in the fl oor—was appealing in that it would make use of every single centimetre of space.

Venneri explains that additional elements, like the monochromatic colour scheme, large mir-rors, large tiles and wall-mounted vanities, were specifi cally chosen to create a spacious, spa-like bathroom.

“The new layout made the room feel huge and the design was really contemporary and chic—perfect for my two daughters as they enter the teen years,” Lee says.

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rooms gone right|master suite

Clean + Modern

Designer brings sleek, functional style to dated master suite

By lee ann waterman | PHotogRAPHy By Jim Craigmyle

In the bedroom, panels of dark-stained walnut provide a dramatic backdrop to the bed. The décor is minimal: simple nightstands with matching lamps, wall-mounted television, lucite table, director-style chair in white leather, a framed wedding portrait.


Clean + Modern

Designer brings sleek, functional style to dated master suite

By lee ann waterman | PHotogRAPHy By Jim Craigmyle



rooms gone right|master suite

To hear Sandi Meisels describe the state of the master suite when she and husband Tom Meisels bought their Thornhill home seven years ago, you have to marvel a little at their confi dence and vi-sion.

She depicts a space dominated by a room-for-four jacuzzi-style tub and featuring two water closets, a cramped shower, minimal closet space and multi-coffered ceiling.

It was going to take more than a fresh coat of paint and new tile to take the space from dated and dysfunctional to sleek, modern and practical.

The Meisels hired Tracy Kundell, designer and owner of Avalon Interiors, to oversee the trans-formation.

Her fi rst step was to bring the room back to bare bones, removing fi xtures and some interior walls. A little investigating proved the coffers were not structural, which meant the ceiling could be raised several feet, instantly adding a sense of spa-

ciousness and grandeur.The new layout had to accommodate a large

skylight in the centre of the room. The Meisels wanted to preserve this feature for the natural light it brought to the space. The solution was to relocate the plumbing, construct a separate water closet and build a wall that stopped several feet short of the newly raised ceiling to separate the closets, sinks, shower and tub from the bedroom. The bathroom/dressing room side of the suite is accessed via a pair of barn-style doors.

Meisels admits to deferring to her husband and Kundell on the fi nishes. “They can see how things will come together. I don’t have that gift.”

Matching vanities in a honed limestone are joined by a lower make-up table, all lit by dra-matic vertical scones.

A wall of mosaic tile in a modern linear pattern runs behind the soaker tub and expansive shower built for two, with matching showerheads featur-

ing rainfall and handheld options.Custom maple cabinetry with a rich warm stain

houses clothes, shoes and accessories, towels and toiletries with room to spare.

In the bedroom, panels of dark-stained walnut provide a dramatic backdrop to the bed.

The décor is minimal: simple nightstands with matching lamps, wall-mounted television, lu-cite table, director-style chair in white leather, a framed wedding portrait.

Meisels is also quick to point out thepractical elements of the room, too: the full-length mirrors on the backs of the barn doors, the fl oat-ing nightstands and vanities that make cleaning the fl oors a breeze, the mirror inside the shower for shaving.

The overall look is modern but not trendy, sleek but still warm. “I didn’t want it to be dated, I didn’t want to be doing this again in 10 years,” Meisels says.

StyLE goALClean and modern, yet functional and com-fortable master suite

WHy tHE CHANgE?Existing space did not work with the home-owners’ sense of style or functional needs.“It wasn’t us,” homeowner Sandi Meisels says.

RENoVAtIoN CHECK LIStRemove giant tub.• Build a large shower.• Eliminate one water closet.• Raise the ceilings.• Add sleek, modern fi nishes.•

FAVoURItE FEAtURESThe fl oor-to-ceiling walnut wall behind the bed: It took the cabinetmaker two attempts to achieve the look Tom Meisels wanted—panels with the woodgrain fl owing between them and no visible nails.

SoURCESFloor tile: 12 by 24 Escarpment Light Honed, CiotWall tile: Mosaique Lamelle Argille, CiotFreestanding soaker tub: Slik PortfoliiPlumbing fi xtures: TapsCustom-made bed: Whittington Furniture Co.Fabric for bed: Avant Garde Venice, 610Mill work: Avalon Interiors design, custom fabrication by California Kitchens


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By Chris palmer

home improvement | outdoor spaces

When the warmer weather hits, the backyard becomes a “one-size-fi ts-all” for the entire family. It’s an extension of your home that fi lls many roles: a space to entertain friends, a playroom for your kids and, if you’re at all like me, a workshop. And while we may retreat inside during the winter months, there’s no denying the urge to spend every possible moment in the outdoors while we can.

So why not create a space that you can use for any occasion?

here are three tips to create the ultimate multi-functional backyard retreat that will help you save pennies and space.

Multi-purpose outdoor furniture is not only fun to experiment with, it maximizes your space. I’m an advocate for getting the most function out of every piece—especially those you can make yourself. My DIY go-to is the per-fect addition to your yard—a multi-functional raised box that can be used as planter, bench and storage box.

The beauty of this piece is that it allows you to switch up its utility based on your mood or activity. With yards getting smaller, planters are increasingly becoming the top choice for gar-dening enthusiasts short on space. This planter easily transforms into a bench, giving you ad-ditional seating for outdoor entertaining.

I’m also a huge fan of hidden storage. While

yards were made to get messy, too much clut-ter can take away from the natural setting. An outdoor storage box gives you a pot to stash those toys or gardening tools at a moment’s no-tice or store blankets for those cooler summer evenings spent lounging on the deck.

You can fi nd detailed plans for this multi-use box at handcraftedbychrispalmer.com.

Choose furniture with versatility1

tips for amultifunctionaloutdoor space3{ make the most of your backyard


You wouldn’t skimp on a bed or dining room table inside your house, so don’t pinch the pennies for those important purchases for your yard either. Just like a good quality couch, certain staple pieces can bring func-tion and style to your outdoor space.

Simplicity is key when selecting those anchor items. Invest in a harvest table, for example, and you’ll automatically inject some versatility. Its look can be elevated to host a formal dinner party with a nice table runner and some quality dishware or used as a buffet table for serving up veggie plat-ters and mini-burgers at your child’s birthday party.

A good outdoor living room set can go far, especially with the increas-ingly popular “chat and chill” model of furniture. You can get the best bang for your buck by investing in furniture with a variety of confi gu-rations—comfy lounge chairs and sectional pieces that can be grouped with ottomans, coffee tables or side tables or separated off into intimate vignettes.

Ultimately, your backyard is the most coveted room of your house once the warm weather hits. Don’t let the space go to waste! Invest in simple anchor pieces and materials that can be complemented by multifunctional items and clever use of accessories. This will help boost the functionality of your outdoor space and open up its potential year after year.

Often billed as Canada’s favourite handyman, Chris Palmer creates custom projects through his company Handcrafted by Chris Palmer. He made his television debut on the hit HGTV show Canada’s Handyman Challenge and is now a regular guest expert on Global Morning Toronto. See Palmer at the GoodLife Home & Outdoor Lifestyle Show, April 29, 20 and May 1 at the Markham Fairgrounds. For more information, visit handcraftedbychrispalmer.com.

If your yard has multifunctional spaces, using one material will help create a cohesive aesthetic. And if you’re dealing with a small yard, a single colour can create the illusion of a bigger space. It will also give you a blank canvas to play with and allow you to change up the look of your backyard at a moment’s notice. Get creative with your backyard accessories, incor-porating items such as upcycled furniture to add a personal touch.

MicroPro Sienna (pictured) is my material of choice for outdoor proj-ects. It’s a pressure-treated wood that is environmentally friendly and certifi ed low VOC and comes ready-to-build in a beautiful brown tone, without initial staining. It can be used above or below ground and in fresh water—giving you the versatility to use it on a variety of projects. It’s suit-able for big jobs like decks or docks, but also a great option for fun DIYs like raised planters or even children’s play sets.

invest in simple pieces

stick to one surface material

3

2

in the kitchen|Ciao Roma Pizzeria

When in Ciao Roma...Vaughan restaurant serves up pizza al taglio

StoRy AND PHotogRAPHy By Julie miguel

Owner Rob Federici


Pizza al taglio—or by the cut—was a concept that Rob Federici, owner of Ciao Roma Pizzeria, felt Woodbridge was missing. In his pizzeria, large rectangular pizzas are cut in half length-wise, then in strips of varying sizes, which are sold by weight.

Growing up in a Woodbridge Italian house-hold where cooking as a family was an everyday occurrence, Federici learned young how to pre-pare Roman and Calabrese cuisine.

The family- and self-taught chef also credits his travels—he has visited 20 countries—as in-spiration for his cooking and Italy, naturally, as the most signifi cant part of this story. Federici has travelled to the country of his ancestors ev-ery year of his life. At 10 years old, he found himself in Rome eating pizza al taglio, an early life experience that later infl uenced his decision to open Ciao Roma.

At 24 and a recent university graduate, Fed-erici began to develop his business plan.

As the fi rst stepping-stone in his journey, he returned to Rome to discover the best pizza al taglio in the city. After a two-month search, he found what he was looking for—and persuad-ed the pizzeria owner to let him hang around awhile. Federici paid the pizzeria to work and learn, putting in four 50-hour weeks beside

head pizzaiolo Valerio Chiapparelli, who now practises his craft at Ciao Roma.

He returned to Canada and spent the next 11 months planning. He chose the location at Weston Road and Highway 7 because it is sur-rounded by businesses as well as residential neighbourhoods and was, he felt, lacking in lunch spots.

The week before the offi cial opening, Federici gave away pizza for free. He knew once people tried his pizza, they would tell their friends and they would all come back for more. He was right. Five years later, customers come in droves to this hot little pizza shop in the centre of the city.

The menu features classic Italian pizza ingre-dients—olive oil, garlic, salami, prosciutto, Par-mesan, mozzarella, tomato, arugula and rapini.

The restaurant, which Federici designed, fea-tures cobblestone fl oors and an open kitchen and speaks to his idea of an authentic Roman pizzeria.

Ciao Roma Pizzeria12A-28 Roytec Rd., Woodbridge905-264-2121crpizza.ca

INgREDIENtS

450 g (1 lb) pizza dough

1 mild Italian sausage

1 bunch rapini

22 mL (1-1/2 tbsp) extra virgin olive oil

1 mL (1/4 tsp) fi ne sea salt

pinch garlic powder

1 mL (1/4 tsp) chilli fl akes

salt and pepper to taste

MEtHoD

Heat oven to 450 F.Heat 15 mL (1 tbsp) of olive oil in frying pan. Remove sausage from casing and add to pan, breaking up into small pieces. Saute until goldenBring pot of water to boil and add rapini, cook-ing until stems are soft. transfer to bowl of cold water to cool. Drain and squeeze to re-move excess water. Add to frying pan with cooked sausage.Flavour sausage mixture with 7 mL (1/2 tbsp) extra virgin olive oil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper and chili fl akes. Sauté together for a minute or two.Spread dough into a rectangle. top with stuff-ing, leaving space on one edge.Starting from the edge with mixture, tightly roll the dough. Brush edge with extra virgin olive oil to help seal. twist the endsPlace on greased baking sheet and place in oven.When the roll starts to brown, brush with ex-tra virgin olive oil and continue cooking until golden, a total of 20-25 minutes.

stuffeD pizza roll



By roBin leBlanC

The days are getting a little longer and the temperature is, bit by bit, getting a little warmer. At this time of year, I like a beer that strikes the balance between dark, warming notes of caramel and roasted malts to fi ght the cold and a lighter body to refresh during the warm moments. In such cases as this, bock is my go-to spring beer.

Originally brewed as an ale in the town of Einbeck, Germany in the 14th century, bocks

were later adopted by Munich brewers and altered as a lager. There are several theories on how the bock style—which translates to “billy goat”— received its name. Many believe that the Bavarian dialect altered the name of the beer’s place of origin so “Einbeck” was pronounced “Ein Bock.” Another theory is that it was due to the beer being primarily brewed in the winter months, ruled by the star sign of Capricorn.

Whatever the origin, bocks, as well as their offshoots, are unquestionably the traditional beverage to celebrate the coming of spring. With that, it’s a good thing that Ontario has both local and international options to help bring in the season properly.

Robin LeBlanc is an award-winning beer writer, owner of thethirstywench.com and co-author of The Ontario Craft Beer Guide, to be published in May.

on tap|spring beer

Spring is ‘bock’Salute its arrival with this fantastic and traditional beer style

1. Celebrator Doppelbock

Ayinger Brewery

ABV: 6.9% LCBO#: 254656

This Bavarian brewery has been operating since 1877 and has been making this award-winning, world-class beer for about as long. Doppelbock translates “double bock,” which means it tends to pack a punch fl avour-wise and, boy, Celebrator does that. Molasses, coffee, chocolate, dark fruit and berries dance together in a creamy mouth feel with a light-bodied, dark chocolate fi nish.

2. Captivator Doppelbock

Tree Brewing Co.

ABV: 8% LCBO#: 288951

Since 1996 this Kelowna, B.C. brewery has been delivering fantastic beers and, by making frequent appearances on LCBO seasonal shelves, has become very familiar to Ontario residents. The Captivator Doppelbock is a boozy tribute to the bock’s monastic history, where it was a substantial meal substitute during Lent. The beer pours a coppery brown and contains sweet bready aromas and distinct fl avour notes of plum, fi g and caramel with an earth-like, biscuity fi nish.

3. Bock Me Gently

Big Rig Brewery

ABV: 7.2% LCBO#: 443408

Award-winning Big Rig Brewery is one of Ottawa’s fastest growing breweries, thanks to the star power of its co-founder, Ottawa Senators defenceman Chris “Big Rig” Phillips, and the talent of brewmaster Lon Ladell. While originally brought in during the winter months, local LCBOs and Beer Stores have been carrying this beer well into the spring. Called a Copper Bock because of its distinct colour, Bock Me Gently has beautiful sweet, bready fl avours with toffee and roasted malt, paired with a light, earthy mouth feel and a crisp fi nish.

1.

3.

2.


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food|wild leeks

now is the timeto harvest wild leeks

Woodlands will soon be bursting with broad green leaves shooting up among last autumn’s fallen leaves. From a distance, they look something like trilliums that have yet to burst into bloom, but they are, in fact, something far different, something far more fl avourful. The shoots blanketing the forest fl oor are wild leeks, also known as ramps, a cousin of the leek found in supermarkets.

Full of garlic-y fl avor, wild leeks provide a unique taste to dishes. Why not head out into the woods to eagerly—but judiciously—harvest ramps to sample nature’s bounty yourself?

Wild leeks are usually one of the fi rst things you see sprouting in the spring forest, typically in areas where the soil is sandy and moist. They have broad, smooth, vibrant-green leaves, easily distinguished from other plants by the burgundy or purple tints at the base of the stem. If in doubt, tear a leaf and take a sniff—there should be a strong onion scent.

Wild leeks are harvestable for three to fi ve

weeks, starting around late April. Most people are after the scallion-like bulb rooted within the moist soil, which can be used in any number of dishes, ranging from bruschetta to a Camembert leek sauce for escargot. They can be used interchangeably with onions, though they are slightly stronger is taste and scent.

Harvest the scallions no later than Mother’s Day, by which time they usually dry out. Always wash leeks thoroughly as they will have dirt and grit within their folds.

Be careful harvesting bulbs. If you pick an entire patch, they will not return the following year; a leek is a bulb and will divide naturally, but if an entire patch is harvested it will take years to recover. As a result, it’s best to sparingly harvest a scallion here and another there to keep the population healthy.

While a wild leek scallion is treasured, most people, inexplicably, discard the leaves, when in fact they are versatile and tasty. And harvesting just the leaves ensures the plant returns the following year. When the stem is burgundy

at the base, it’s mature and can be cut. Simply wash and pull off any brown bits.

Use leek leaves in a salad mixed at a one-to-two ratio with lettuce. For a great spring salad with lots of taste, crumble in English blue cheese, add some sundried cranberries and maple walnuts and toss with a light vinaigrette.

Want to make use of both the leaves and stem? Consider making wild leek butter. It’s perfect for making garlic bread and oh-so easy. Simply blend equal parts chopped leek and soft butter in a food processor until smooth. The butter can be refrigerated and used at your leisure for months.

In recent years the local food movement has grown rapidly, almost exploding, as more and more people become passionate about buying locally sourced food. It doesn’t get much more local than the wooded hill outside your kitchen door, does it? Nor does it get more fl avourful in the case of wild leeks. Grab a knife, pull on your boots and head off into the woods to do some shopping. »

By anDrew hinD



ingreDients

5 bunches of wild leeks

2 L (8 cups) vinegar

500 mL (2 cups) white sugar

250 mL (1 cup) kosher salt

125 mL (1/2 cup) pickling spices (I use dried anise, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, cardamom, mustard seed, garlic, onion, rosemary and pink peppercorn)

methoD

Combine all ingredients and 1 L (4 cups) water in a container that fi ts nicely in the refrigerator. As these are cold pickled, they must be kept refrigerated. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic fi lm. Let leeks sit for at least one week, though it’s best if left for two weeks before consuming.

Serves 4 to 6

gnoCChi ingreDients

500 g (17-1/2 oz) ricotta cheese

225 g (8 oz) all purpose fl our

1 whole egg

2 cloves of roasted garlic, pureed

200 g (7 oz) fi nely sliced and cooked wild leeks

125 g (4-1/2 oz) Parmesan cheese (grated)

salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste

250 mL (1 cup) cornmeal for rolling

methoD

Put a pot of salted water on to boil.

In a large stainless steel bowl, place ricotta and Parmesan, making a well in the centre. Sprinkle with 200 g (7 oz) of fl our. Crack egg into bowl.

Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Add roast-ed garlic and leeks. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture starts to cling to the edges of the bowl. If the mixture is too wet or soft, add more fl our. If the mixture is too dry, add a little milk or cream.

Sprinkle mixture with a light dusting of fl our and cover with a damp cloth. Refrigerate for 30 min-utes.

Roll dough into desired size and cut into equal parts, using a palette knife. Place separately and dust with cornmeal.

Blanch gnocchi for 2 to 3 minutes or until they begin to fl oat. Using a slotted spoon, remove gnocchi from water and cool on a greased tray.

Pickled Wild LeeksBy anDrew hinD

Briars Wild Leek and Parmesan Gnocchi with Heirloom Tomato RelishBy treVor leDlie, exeCutiVe Chef at the Briars resort

tomato relish ingreDients

3 heirloom tomatoes, fi nely diced

2 shallots fi nely diced

1/2 clove garlic puree

4 leaves basil, fi nely chopped

15 mL (1 tbsp) olive oil


methoD

Combine fi rst four ingredients. Mix with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

to fi nish and plate

Sauté gnocchi in a hot pan with butter or olive oil or both.

top with the tomato relish.

food|wild leeks


Serves 6 appetizers or 3 main courses.

mushrooms ingreDients

15 mL (1 tbsp) butter


500 mL (2 cups) mushrooms, sliced

1 mL (1/4 tsp) garlic, minced

2 mL (1/2 tsp) jalapeno, minced

5 mL (1 tsp) thyme, chopped

15 mL (1 tbsp) white wine


methoD

Heat oil and butter in large frying pan over medi-um to high heat. When butter foams, add mush-rooms and sauté for 3 minutes. Add shallots and garlic. Sauté for 20 seconds and deglaze with wine. Add thyme, season and set aside.

BalsamiC Jus ingreDients

500 mL (2 cups) white balsamic vinegar

250 mL (1 cup) vegetable stock

125 mL (1/2 cup) brown sugar

1 garlic clove

methoD

Combine all ingredients in saucepan and reduce by half over medium heat.

Ontario Mushroom and Wild Leek Risotto with White Balsamic Reduction By treVor leDlie, exeCutiVe Chef at the Briars resort

risotto ingreDients

30 mL (2 tbsp) extra virgin olive oil


250 mL (1 cup) wild leeks, sliced

60 mL (1/4 cup) red onion, diced

1 fresh bay leaf

1 clove garlic, minced

2 mL (1/2 tsp) jalapeno, minced

500 mL (2 cups) arborio rice

500 mL (2 cups) white wine

12 snow peas, sliced thin

1 yellow zucchini, diced and cooked

1 tomato, diced

5 mL (1 tsp) truffle oil (optional)

5 mL (1 tsp) white balsamic vinegar

125 mL (1/2 cup) grated grana podano

1,250 mL (5 cups) vegetable stock, hot


methoD

Heat olive oil and 30 mL (2 tbsp) butter in a large heavy saucepan on medium heat. Add on-ions, bay leaf and garlic, cover tightly and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in rice and sauté, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Stir in wine and wait for bubbles to ap-pear. Add 250 mL (1 cup) of stock and vinegar, cook and stir until all the liquid is absorbed. Repeat, adding 125 mL (1/2 cup) of stock at a time, until risotto is creamy but still al dente. Fold in mushrooms, snow peas, wild leeks and zucchini, add remaining butter, jalapeno, chopped tomato, truffle oil, chopped thyme and podano.

Season to taste and serve in a hot bowl with a drizzle of balsamic jus.

“Ramps are the first sign of spring and the first real local green of the year. We add them to quite a few dishes. I have always wanted to pickle some, but there are never any left….”— Trevor Ledlie, executive chef at The Briars Resort


WARM UP TO SPRINGSpring is the time to slowly introduce a more colourful and lighter style of cooking.

While stews and dense breads are warming as winter fades, the brightness of a lemony chopped salad and brown butter scallops hint at the warmer weather to come.

food|warm up to spring

RECIPES AND PHotogRAPHy By emily BlaCKman


Brown Butter Scallops with Parsnip PuréeServes 4 to 6

ingreDients

680 g (1-1/2 lb) scallops



1 lemon, zest and juice

2 parsnips, peeled and cubed

30 mL (2 tbsp) whipping cream

pinch of nutmeg

salt and pepper

methoD

In a small pot, steam the parsnips until they are very soft. Place parsnips in a food processor or blender and add cream, nutmeg and a little salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. Check seasoning and add more cream, if necessary. If there are any remain-ing chunky bits, pass though a fi ne mesh sieve.Heat a skillet over medium high heat. While the pan is heating, pat the scallops dry.Add olive oil and sear scallops on one side, sea-son with salt and pepper. Flip when they start to brown and add butter. Scallops only take a few minutes to cook and should be fi nished as soon as the butter starts to brown. Add a squeeze of lemon and remove from heat.to plate, spoon purée on to plate and place scal-lops on top. Drizzle with butter and top with lemon zest.

ingreDients

1/2 head iceberg lettuce

2 cups spinach, chopped

1/2 onion, sliced

10 cherry tomatoes, halved

4 mushrooms

Vinaigrette1 lemon, zest and juice

80 mL (1/3 cup) olive oil

1 mL (1/4 tsp) pepper

2 mL (1/2 tsp) salt

10 mL (2 tsp) honey

5 mL (1 tsp) Dijon

methoD

to make the vinaigrette, place all the ingre-dients into a mason jar, screw on the lid and shake. Chop lettuce into strips then chop strips in half or thirds, depending on the size of the head. Place lettuce in serving bowl, add spinach and toss.Add onions, cherry tomatoes and blue cheese.top with dressing and serve. Note: this salad can be made with whatever vegetables you enjoy. But be sure to add ice-berg lettuce for a nice crunch. the simple lem-on vinaigrette will complement any vegetables you love.

Chopped Salad with Simple Lemon

Vinaigrette


Lamb Stew with Roasted Root Vegetables

Whole-Grain Soda Bread

Serves 4 to 6

ingreDients

900 g (2 lbs) lamb shoulder, cubed

2 onions, coarsely chopped

2 white turnip, peeled and cubed

6 small carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise

5 small beets, peeled and halved


250 mL (1 cup) chicken stock

250 mL (1 cup) Sawdust City Red Rocket Stout

4 fresh bay leaves

30 mL (2 tbsp) maple syrup

salt and pepper

methoD

In a large skillet or dutch oven, heat 30 mL (2 tbsp) of olive oil over medium high heat. Add lamb shoulder and sprinkle with salt and pep-per. Brown meat on all sides and remove from pan.Add onions to pan and cook until softened and starting to brown. Deglaze the pan with beer, then add chicken stock, lamb, bay leaves and maple syrup. Reduce heat to simmer and let cook for 1-1/2 hours.While stew is simmering, heat oven to 400 F.Place beets, turnip and carrots in roasting pan. Keep beets separate from the other vegetables as they will turn everything bright red. top with remaining 30 mL (2 tbsp) of olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast for 45 minutes, until vegetables are soft and starting to brown. Set aside.When stew has cooked for 1-1/2 hours, add vegetables and simmer gently for 30 minutes.Serve hot with a piece of buttered soda bread.

ingreDients

450 g (1 lb) coarse whole-wheat fl our

50 g (1-3/4 oz) rolled oats

5 mL (1 tsp) salt

5 mL (1 tsp) baking soda

30 mL (2 tbsp) maple syrup

450 mL (2 cups) buttermilk, or milk with 15 mL (1 tbsp) lemon juice

15 mL (1 tbsp) melted butter

methoD

Preheat oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Whisk together dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and make a well in the middle. Stir maple syrup into buttermilk until well mixed, then pour into the well and, very quickly, stir together with your hands until you have a soft, sticky dough.Form dough into a round and place on baking sheet. Cut a deep cross on top of the dough. Bake 50 minutes to an hour, it, until crust is golden and loaf sounds hollow when tapped un-derneath.Brush with melted butter and leave to cool slight-ly before serving. It is best eaten soon after bak-ing.

food|warm up to spring

WhiskyLemonade with Honey and Mint

Serves 1

ingreDients

1/2 lemon, juice and zest

10 mL (2 tsp) honey, local if possible

30 mL (1 oz) whisky

2 sprigs mint, plus one for garnish

30 mL (1 oz) water

ice cubes

methoD

Using a peeler, remove a long piece of zest off the lemon. Slice into thin strips to use as a garnish.In a shaker, place room temperature whisky, honey and lemon juice. Shake until honey is dissolved.Add three ice cubes and two sprigs of mint. Shake until shaker is cold to the touch and drink is thoroughly mixed.Strain into a tall glass over more ice and gar-nish with the lemon peel and mint.

Buttermilk Whisky PieingreDients

125 mL (1/2 cup) butter

310 mL (1-1/4 cup) sugar

30 mL (2 tbsp) fl our

3 eggs

250 mL (1 cup) buttermilk

5 mL (1 tsp) vanilla

15 mL (1 tbsp) whisky

5 mL (1 tsp) nutmeg

zest of half a lemon

Crust

5175g (6 oz) all-purpose fl our

5 mL (1 tsp) kosher salt

5 mL (1 tsp) sugar

160 mL (2/3 cups) unsalted butter, cut into cubes

60 mL (4 tbsp) cold water

methoD

Combine 100 g (3-1/2 oz) of fl our and salt in bowl of a food processor. Pulse twice to incorporate.Spread butter cubes evenly over surface. Pulse until no dry fl our remains and dough begins to collect in clumps, about 25 short pulses.Use a rubber spatula to spread dough evenly around bowl. Sprinkle with remaining 75 g (2-1/2 oz) of fl our and pulse until dough is just barely broken up, about 5 short pulses. transfer dough to a large bowl.Sprinkle with water then, using a rubber spatula, fold and press dough until it comes together into a ball. Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.Roll out dough and place in a 23-cm (9-inch) pie plate.Preheat oven to 350 F.Cream together softened butter and sugar. Mix in remaining ingredients. Pour into crust and bake 45 minutes, untiltop is golden.Wait until completely cool to slice.



Picking the right pathHow to choose a private school for your child

education|private schools


Picking the right pathHow to choose a private school for your child As parents, we want the best for our kids—

including the best education. In Canada, we are fortunate to have access to one of the top-ranking public education systems in the world (Organi-zation for Economic Co-operation and Develop-ment’s Program for International Student Assess-ment fi ndings). In addition, in Ontario, there are also more than 700 private and independent schools offering instruction to approximately 5 per cent of the province’s students.

why private?According to Ontario’s Private Schools: Who

Chooses them and Why?, a 2007 study con-ducted by the Fraser Institute, parents choose to send their kids to private school for a variety of reasons, including: class size; the dedication of teachers; morals, values and religion; emphasis on academic quality; supportive, nurturing envi-ronments with individualized attention for each child; safety; character development, increased independence and confi dence building; and dis-appointment with public or separate schools.

“We switched our two sons to private school because one of our sons needed additional sup-port that his old school couldn’t provide and our other son needed more of a challenge,” says Aurora resident Brad Smith. “We switched to a private school so our children could receive the attention they needed; at their new school, they are viewed as individual people to develop and are fl ourishing as a result.”

finding ‘the best’ schoolCommitting to a private or independent

school is a choice that will impact your child, family, routine and, undoubtedly, pocketbook, so making the right choice is important.

“The most important question isn’t ‘Which is the best school?’ rather it’s ‘Which environment will my child be the most successful in?’” ex-plains Glen Herbert of Our Kids Media. “These questions won’t have the same answers and best-school lists cater to a very one-dimensional view (i.e. top athletic results, best academic scores or

most famous graduates). These lists fail to paint the whole picture of what a school has to offer and it’s important to remember that what works well for one child may not work at all for an-other.”

To fi nd the best school for your child, you will need to devote some time to research. Consider some of the following criteria:

• large school with countless facilities and amenities or a smaller, family-like setting• a strict academic focus or a well-rounded education of the entire child• co-ed or not• day school or boarding school• rural or urban setting• athletic options• teaching methods • school philosophy and values• class sizes • specifi c extracurriculars or leadership opportunities “When we were choosing a private school for

our boys, we knew we wanted an environment that focused on a well-rounded student—aca-demics, leadership and extracurriculars,” Smith shares. “It was also important to us that our boys be in separate homeroom classes and the school we chose had to be large enough to accommo-date this.”

financial fi tAnnual tuitions can vary by tens of thousands

of dollars between private school options, so a discussion surrounding the costs you are willing to put aside for school is important. Ask schools about additional fees that may be expected or re-quired in addition to annual tuitions, including athletic fees, uniforms, books, technology rent-als, instruments and donations.

philosophical fi tWhile every school’s philosophy speaks to

excellence and development of students, the ap-proach will vary and you’ll need to fi nd the right fi t for your family. »

By traCy smith


The Hill Academy in Vaughan, for example, is an independent high school designed for dedi-cated student athletes that focuses on athlet-ics and academics, university scholarships and peak performance.

“I switched to the Hill Academy because the university I am attending next fall (Harvard) be-lieved it was a much better balance of academics and athletics for me,” explains Dalton Follows, who will graduate in 2016. “I am constantly in-spired by the culture of passion, dedication and hard work that is reinforced at the Hill. I know I will miss my time at the Hill Academy, but the lessons I have learned here, I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”

Some families seek an academic environment that reinforces religious values and tradition. Villanova College, a co-ed independent Catholic school in King City, has a mission that includes spirituality and Augustinian values are a corner-stone of its approach.

The Montessori self-directed approach to learning is the guiding principle at several schools in the region, including TMS in Rich-mond Hill, Trillium School in Markham, Aurora Montessori School and Unionville Montessori School (UMS).

“The heart of the Montessori method tells us to ‘follow the child,’” explains Rosemin Remtul-la, director of education at UMS.

“Under the guidance of the teacher, students at UMS are given the opportunity to learn at their own pace and to understand concepts fully before moving on to a new lesson; we teach to each student individually rather than to the en-tire class as one. By allowing and encouraging children to develop independence and self-dis-cipline, Montessori sets a pattern for a lifetime of good work habits and a real sense of respon-sibility.”

the essential school visit“The single most important thing any family

can do during their decision-making process is to visit the school they are interested in, with their child, during the school day,” says Michael Roy, director of admissions, marketing and busi-ness development at St. Andrews College in Au-rora, Canada’s largest all-boys boarding school.

“By visiting during school hours, parents and prospective students get to see the campus in action—what it looks like, feels like, what every-one is doing, what activities are going on, how the teachers and students interact—and they have the opportunity to decide if they could re-ally see themselves attending there.”

Background checkAll private and independent schools are not

created equal and it is important to look into each school’s accreditations. Principals and teachers at non-public schools are not required to be certifi ed by Ontario’s College of Teachers; educators may have higher levels of degrees and experience, but with no offi cial requirement, it is important to fi nd out more about staff creden-tials. There are a number of different associations and accreditations for private and independent schools—CAIS, The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), the International Boys’ School Coalition, the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA) and the Association of Christian Schools (ACSI)—that can help iden-tify what professional standards, requirements and attributes certain schools attain.

Private school expos, fairs and open houses are held on a regular basis during the year and are great ways to get to know more about the schools you are interested in. Check your local newspaper, school websites and ourkids.net/school/events for upcoming events.

private versus independentthe terms private and independent are

often used interchangeably when refer-ring to any non-public school, however the terms can mean different things. Accord-ing to the Canadian Accredited Indepen-dent Schools’ (CAIS) website, independent schools are generally not-for-profi t organi-zations that are accountable to a board of trustees and because of their charitable status, donations may be eligible for tax receipts; private schools are for-profi t or-ganizations and have many different and varying management structures. Both types of schools do not receiving funding from the government.

extracurricularsone of the benefi ts of private schools

is students are exposed to subjects, in-terests and activities that they might not otherwise have the opportunity of learning about.

Interested in radio and television arts? Pickering College has the only CRtC-licensed school radio station in Canada. Students can also take equestrian train-ing and compete in horse shows. Union-ville Montessori offers Mandarin, ballet and cooking classes after school. At St. Andrew’s, there are programs ranging from squash to the pipes and drums band.

For more information call 905-943-6116

www.markhamhomeshow.com

Home & OutdoorLifestyle Show

April29th, 30th &May 1st, 2016

MarkhamFairgrounds

p r e s e n t s

Friday 12:00 pmto 8 pm SatUrday 10 amto 6 pm SUNday 11 amto 5 pm

admission: $5 - adults, $3 - Seniors, Children & parking FrEE

Guest Speakers &More Prize infowill be available soon!

over

100Exhibitors,

Guest Speakers &How-todemos!

Come meet local businessesoffering a wide range ofexciting Home, Backyard

& Cottage productsand services.

Lots of great prizes including:

Traeger BBQPellet Grillprovided by

MarkhamHomeHardware

education|private schools

For more information call 905-943-6116

www.markhamhomeshow.com

Home & OutdoorLifestyle Show

April29th, 30th &May 1st, 2016

MarkhamFairgrounds

p r e s e n t s

Friday 12:00 pmto 8 pm SatUrday 10 amto 6 pm SUNday 11 amto 5 pm

admission: $5 - adults, $3 - Seniors, Children & parking FrEE

Guest Speakers &More Prize infowill be available soon!

over

100Exhibitors,

Guest Speakers &How-todemos!

Come meet local businessesoffering a wide range ofexciting Home, Backyard

& Cottage productsand services.

Lots of great prizes including:

Traeger BBQPellet Grillprovided by

MarkhamHomeHardware

Experiential education

summer camp teaches kids about themselves

you can’t blame a kid for being happy when school lets out for summer. But two months of freedommeans something different for parents. Challenged to keep children active, safe and entertained, parents

turn to summer camps. thankfully, summer camps are not merely babysitting opportunities for working parents—the right camps offer a wealth of experiences, learning opportunities and skills.

By Joann maCDonalD


education|summer camps

“Campers can benefi t from social interactions and make new and sometimes lifelong friends,” says Lauren Steckley, manager of recreation pro-grams for Richmond Hill’s community services department. The town offers summer camp pro-grams for children and teens ages four to 18 in a wide variety of interests, including crafts, sports, dance, theatre and science.

“Campers can experience new things, such as specialized sports or photography, and learn new skills, such as cooking or computer programs,” Steckley says. “Campers can also benefi t from physical exercise and activities and enjoy fresh air when they play outdoors.”

Steckley says young campers gain indepen-dence when participating in programs without their parents. And camp staff may act as positive role models for children.

“Experiences at camp could give campers pos-itive memories that last a lifetime,” she says.

Summer camps may offer some children a chance to further explore a subject they enjoy and feel they don’t get enough exposure to at school. Donna Burwell-Stevens, an artist-in-the-school at schools throughout York Region, offers art programs to children ages seven to 13 in her

Newmarket home each summer. She believes a summer arts program can give children with an aptitude for art an opportunity to shine.

“I tell parents of kids who love art, ‘Encourage them, because art is a form of expression and, for some, it’s their form of release, so if they have issues or problems, art is therapeutic. It can be a lifelong passion.’”

Art practice also increases fi ne motor skills, a benefi t that’s not just for toddlers.

“It’s something that people can become more adept at when they’re practising,” Burwell-Ste-vens says. “There are a lot of techniques that can be learned. Art programs offer children the abil-ity to express themselves through art—having fun, experimenting, trying art techniques and materials.”

“School teaches you information that you memorize and learn. Camp teaches you about yourself and others,” says Heather Heagle, exec-utive director of the Ontario Camps Association (OCA). A voluntary, non-profi t organization, OCA is devoted to maintaining high standards for organized camping.

Heagle says the member camps share a vision to enrich the lives of children and families and

to nurture values such as honesty, fairness and integrity. She believes that camp experiences can help kids recognize and protect the worth of ev-ery person, including themselves.

“Building relationships and demonstrating concern for others is important,” she says. “There is so much technology today that children don’t learn this piece as much. Camps put the onus back on the child to build that relationship, to build the care and concern.”

While some parents are fearful of sending their child to overnight camp, Heagle urges them to reconsider.

“Homesickness is a good thing, because it teaches the child about themselves, teaches them independence,” Heagle says. “We’re not happy all the time. Parents today want to shield their children. They can’t fi nd the tools they need to get back to happy.”

Heagle says that most children who feel home-sick don’t actually want to go home. They simply want to talk to somebody about their feelings. To minimize the odds of a child giving up on the camp experience, Heagle advises allowing the child to have a say in what camp he or she attends. »



Camps to ConsiDer

Camp arowhonEncourage your little urbanite to put down that personal

electronic device and explore the vast wilderness of Algonquin Park. Camp Arowhon is set deep in the interior of Algonquin on teepee Lake.

“Camp Arowhon’s social safety tool kit ensures the emo-tional and social well-being of every child, in a community where kids take on safe challenges and grow self-confidence,” says director Joanne Kates. Campers enjoy water sports such as sailing, canoeing and windsurfing, plus horseback riding and outdoor adventures such as climbing, ziplining, canoe trips and exploring nature. If that isn’t enough to capture your child’s attention, there’s archery, arts and crafts, drama, gui-tar, fitness, tennis, basketball and frisbee golf.

Information: camparowhon.com

Camp hurondaowned and operated by the Canadian Diabetes Associa-

tion, Camp Huronda is located on the beautiful shores of Lake Waseosa in Huntsville the camp is one of 12 D-Camps across the country for children living with type 1 diabetes. Nestled on over 110 acres of land, Camp Huronda offers traditional sum-mer camp activities like pottery, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, archery, climbing, outdoor living skills, art, drama and land sports, as well as a sense of community and belong-ing. Camp Huronda allows living with diabetes to simply be part of the day while helping kids thrive and become their own advocates.

Information: dcamps.ca/summer-camps/camp-huronda

olympia sports Campyour sporty child is sure to love this Muskoka waterfront

sports camp. olympia boasts more than 90 sports and ac-tivities. Campers receive focused instruction in their chosen specialty.

“At olympia we believe every camper embarks on a hero’s journey, where they don’t just improve in their sport or activ-ity, but they become the best versions of themselves,” says marketing coordinator Michelle Stockstill. “We help campers set goals and give them the tools and guidance they need in order to achieve them.”

the camp has over 45,000 square feet of indoor training space, including six indoor pro basketball courts, a yoga stu-dio, a weight room and an aerobics floor. Set on 40 acres of land, olympia’s outdoor space includes three full-size playing fields, two beach volleyball courts, rope courses and a 40-foot tall, four-sided climbing tower.

Information: olympiasportscamp.com

10 tips for suCCessful oVernight Camp

the ontario Camps Association offers this advice to help your child mentally and emotionally prepare for an overnight camp experience.

1. Visit and tour the camp with your child prior to the first day.

2. Call other parents whose children attend the camp for information and references. Schedule a get-together so your camper can get to know their camp friends.

3. get excited with your child. Mark the first day of camp on the calendar, talk about what to expect and how they can cope with different situations they may face.

4. Don’t schedule a significant family event for when your child is at camp. the disappointment of missing a family celebration will outweigh the positive camp experience.

5. tell your child that homesickness is normal and encourage them to talk to other campers or counsellors about their feelings. Even the most tearful will eventually adjust. Don’t promise to pick your child up if he/she is homesick. Communicate confidence in your child’s ability to handle being away from home.

6. Pack a favourite item or send your child to camp with a friend to ease homesickness. When writing to your child, don’t dwell on how much you miss them or what they are missing at home.

7. Write your child letters (even a few days before camp starts so they’ll get them in the first few days).

8. talk with your child about what to expect at camp. Are calls home allowed? Is there a time for parents to visit?

9. After your child returns home, encourage them to practice their new skills and encourage them to maintain friendships through emails, letters or phone calls.

10. Ask the camp director for a list of essential items to pack, as this will vary from camp to camp, depending on the activities.

Find more tips at ontariocampsassociation.ca.

11education|summer camps


events

1sugarbush maple syrup festivaluntil april 3

Kortright Centre for Conservation, woodbridgeA much-anticipated annual event with activities for the whole family. Enjoy guided tours of the sugarbush, syrup-making demonstrations, pan-cakes with fresh maple syrup and more.Information: maplesyrupfest.com

2on Paperuntil may 1

mcmichael Canadian art Collection, KleinburgMost great works of art begin with a drawing. Ideas come out on paper first. there is a degree of intimacy and immediacy that is inherent with works on paper and this exhibition aims to celebrate these qualities in art. Highlights of this exhibition include a comprehensive exhibition of Clarence gagnon’s original artworks for Maria Chapdelaine, a diary/sketch-book by Emily Carr, David Milne watercolours, including a never-before publicly exhibited water-colour called Morning Paper, watercolours by AJ Casson and more.Information: mcmichael.com

3for every seasonuntil may

mcmichael Canadian art Collection, KleinburgCelebrate Canada’s four distinct seasons through beautiful landscape paintings by great Canadian artists. this exhibition presents painted works by artists such as Emily Carr, Clarence gagnon, David Milne, Lawren Harris, J.E.H. MacDonald and others from the perma-nent collection. Four of the McMichael’s lower level galleries are each dedicated to one of the seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter.Information: mcmichael.com

4field trip: sarah anne Johnson until June 5

mcmichael Canadian art Collection, KleinburgPart of the Scotiabank CoNtACt Photography Festival, Field trip: Sarah Anne Johnson shows the artist’s latest project about Canada’s outdoor music festivals. Johnson sees these festivals as a forum for a community of people coming together to create a modern day Diony-sian celebration through a connection to nature, music, dance and the rejection of social norms. Information: mcmichael.com

5Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Business achievement awards

april 7universal event space, VaughanEnjoy cocktails, dinner, presentation of the chamber’s annual Business Achievement Awards and guest speaker David Chilton, Cana-dian author, investor and television personality.Information: vaughanchamber.ca

6gran gala D’opera italianaapril 10

st. peter’s Catholic Church, Vaughanthe Rotary Club of Woodbridge presents a spring concert featuring maestro gianmario Cavallaro, tenor Aaron Caruso, soprano Sara Papini and 25 Elements from the toronto opera.Information: portal.clubrunner.ca/1169

7hand in hand galaapril 30

Copper Creek, KleinburgA memorable evening in support of Cedar Centre (formerly the york Region Abuse Pro-gram), featuring cocktails, dinner, dance, live entertainment and live and silent auction. Information: handinhandgala.com

11 in your communityto DOTHINGS

8four winds Kite festivalapril 30 and may 1

Kortright Centre for Conservation, woodbridgeEnjoy kite flying demonstrations, springtime activities and wind-themed interpretive hikes.Information: kortright.org

9high style, low maintenancemay 4

Vellore Village Community Centre, VaughanCan a beautiful garden be simple to achieve? It’s easier than you might think. Learn how to choose the best plants, follow healthy garden practices and incorporate design elements that make your garden easier to maintain.Information: york.ca/seminars

10the Joys of a rain gardenmay 12

Kortright Centre for Conservation, woodbridgeRain gardens are beautiful outdoor spaces with a lot going on just below the surface. their spe-cial design absorbs excess rainwater, filtering it as it returns to the soil. Be inspired by an outdoor tour while learning how to create the right rain garden for your property. Information: york.ca/seminars

11 Vaughan film festival may 16 to 19

the Vaughan Film Festival is an exciting four-day event that showcases multi-genre short film, providing independent film another platform in which to present their work. Public screenings of Canadian and international cinema are followed by sensational social events. As a non-for-profit organization, the festival supports arts education by granting various scholarships and bursaries to young filmmakers, art students and educational institutions in the city.Information: vaughanfilmfestival.com

looking for something fun to do?Check out events on yorkregion.comonlinefor every season

Franklin Carmichael (1890-1945), Farm, Haliburton, 1940, oil on hardboard

sugarbush Maple syrup festival

Vaughan film festival


portfolio |Gal Fridman

reaDy to roCKGal Fridman puts his own spin on music classes

By Jonathan hiltz | PHotogRAPHy By naomi hiltz

“There’s just something about seeing your dad play the guitar when you’re a kid, you see him as some kind of superhero,” Fridman says. He was also influenced by his mother, who he watched teach group piano classes at a local community centre in his native Israel.

In 1998, when Fridman was eight years

old, the family moved to Canada, settling in Thornhill. His mother quickly picked up where she had left off teaching piano and young Gal was recruited make flyers and post them all over the community.

Fridman continued to study music and also develop his business sense and build a network

of people who shared his passion. He earned a master’s degree in business music and technology from the Berklee College of Music in Boston. His primary instrument is guitar, although he also plays bass, drums, keyboard and ukulele and works behind the scenes recording and producing.

Gal Fridman grew up in a musical family. His mother is a classically trained pianist and his father plays guitar. They were his first teachers—his mom taught him piano at a young age and his dad showed

him his first chords on the guitar—on his path to becoming a musician.

From left: Instructor Holt Stuart-Hitchcox, omer Karo, tami Sorovaiski, Roee yehezkel, Eric Fridman, Joey Hodes and Rockstar music founder gal Fridman.


In 2012, with the opening of the Schwartz/Reisman Centre, a Jewish community centre located in Maple that offers social, cultural, spiritual, educational and physical activities, Fridman saw an opportunity to put his own spin on music classes.

Rockstar Music was born.Led by university education musicians,

teachers and recording industry professionals, Rockstar takes a less than traditional approach to teaching kids how to play guitar, keyboards or drums. Fridman recognized that most students are not interested in learning musical theory; they just want to play the music from their favourite bands.

“I knew that if the kids didn’t love it, they would drop it,” he says. “I wanted to make learning music as fun as making music itself.”

Rockstar offers rock band programs and in-home private lessons across York Region—as well as regular jam sessions.

“The jams are all about learning music, making friends, building confidence and performing live,” Fridman says.

Students are placed into a band based on age, level and instrument (guitar, drums, bass, keyboard and vocals). The instructors take them through the entire production process, from picking a set list to performance techniques.

“It’s very hands on,” Fridman says. “The students pick the songs, they learn to create arrangements, they learn applied theory and rhythm, they learn to improvise and solo. Students interested in song writing will compose an original song in their clinic band sessions.

“We teach music as a language, meaning students don’t have to study theory for a year before they can play,” he continues. “They experience playing music and jamming right from day one.

“The main goal of Rockstar Music is to inspire a love of music in every child.”

Rockstar’s teachers, he says, play an integral role in building that love.

“We take time to develop our instructors and provide them with the proper resources to be successful. Our network of teachers truly loves music and we are always looking for people passionate about passing the baton to the next generation.”

While Rockstar does offer one-on-one lessons, it emphasizes group learning.

“Imagine learning to play soccer and only ever playing the game with your coach,” Fridman says. “The private aspect of music instruction is important, it’s where you learn the skills, however, without jams, there would be no point.”

Fridman has plans to bring Rockstar to more community centres, creating a multi-arts hub with other partners in York Region, all the while continuing to develop current programs.

Rockstar Music Schwartz/Reisman Centre, 9600 Bathurst St., Maple rockstarmusic.ca 647-JAM-ROCK (526-7625)


travel|Grenada

By Bart CarD

Spice iSlandWelcOme tO

As a native Bermudian, I’ve certainly experienced my fair share of the Caribbean. I’ve criss-crossed the Islands, in fact,

spending time in Bermuda, Barbados, Jamaica and all points in between. yet the nation state of grenada, in the West Indies,

has remained a tiny parcel of the Caribbean I had yet to have the opportunity to fully explore.


Yes, I do recall a quick stint in Grenada once—a stay that lasted all of one day. I was a passenger on a Holland American Line Cruise some

20 years ago and we dropped anchor and took a tender in to St. George, the island capital. A submerged volcanic crater forms St. George’s naturally deep harbour. One of the most picturesque in the region, it is a port of call for several cruise lines, yachts, ferries, cargo and other boats. I do, of course, remember this as if it were present day because I have the scar on the bottom of my right foot to prove it.

As other passengers dashed off the Holland American to conduct their shopping and take a trip to the local market, my eye caught a glimpse of the brilliant white, hot sand of the Grand Anse Beach. The two-mile beach was to become my first Grenada experience. I couldn’t wait to stroll along Grand Anse and enjoy a dip in the cool blue waters before joining my fel-low passengers shopping.

Yet my agenda was quickly cut short as I suffered a slight injury—something sliced my foot and I knew in an instance that it couldn’t be the work of a seashell. Looking down, I noticed a discharged and shredded 50-calibre shell casing.

Upon further inspection, of both my bloodied foot and the shell casing, my mind raced back to 1983 and 1984 when a military faction within Maurice Bishop’s New Jewel Movement took control of Grenada. As a former solider in the British Army, I’m always fascinated with wartime activities. The turmoil and purported threat to the United States medical students stranded on the island served as the catalyst for the famed rescue mission by U.S. forces a short time later. The overwhelming support for the action by the Grenadine population was evident from the start and has not subsided today.

Grenada is one of the best-kept secrets of the Caribbean. Its three is-lands of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique are located in the east-ern Caribbean between St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the north and Trinidad and Tobago to the south.

Once home to Arawaks, Ciboneys and Caribs, it was sighted by Chris-topher Columbus on his third voyage in 1498. Following colonial wars in the 18th century when France and Britain traded the island back and forth, it became solely under British control in 1783 and achieved inde-pendence in 1974. »

travel|Grenada

This time around, there was no rush for me to head to the Grenada beaches for I was prepared to spend a relaxing week on the island soaking up the sun in addition to Grenada’s rich history, fine food and accommodations.

I quickly settled in for the majority of my stay at the Secret Harbour Resort. This tremendous facility has all the ingredients for a perfect tropi-cal getaway, offering superb vistas of the sea from every deluxe suite. The Old World Mediterranean ambiance is felt in sweeping patio arches and sunny, tiled terraces bordered with bougainvillea. This is a hotel with atmosphere and charm, a hotel made for romance.

Close by is The Moorings, a spectacular marina where people fly in from across the world to board their yachts for outstanding sailing. Sailors find them-selves drawn by the picturesque harbours lined with sun-drenched beaches, waterfalls cascading amidst lofty mountains perfumed by fragrant spices. It is here at The Moorings you sense the pastoral country life of the people—an easy-going spirit that greets your first step on these sparkling sands. Grenada is one of the few Caribbean destinations where eco-tourism is a main at-traction.

Every article I have ever read concerning this beautiful destination makes reference to Grenada as “Spice Island” and yes, the smell of nutmeg does hang in the air. Grenada is the world’s second-largest nutmeg producer, but aside from the spices, Grenada is so much more. It is the friendli-ness of the locals and the popular activities—ranging from savouring the local cuisine to enjoying the resounding sound of steel bands. A pastel rainbow of dockside warehouses sur-rounds St. George’s harbour, while the Carenage on the water-front has duty-free shops that offer great bargains. Other stops to note include the Concord Waterfall, Dougaldston Spice Boucan, Leaper’s Hill, Morne Fendue Plantation House, the Levera National Park and the River Antoine Rum Distillery.

You mustn’t forget to drop by Camerhogne Park on the Grand Anse Beach for First Impressions’ whale and dolphin tour. And if diving is more your style, the underwater scenery in Grenada is every bit as breathtaking as it is above the waves. From lazy drift dives over coral gardens to an eerie and challenging explora-tion of the wrecks of the Bianca C, these waters are captivating more and more visitors each year. The farthest site is around Kick ’em Jenny and Isle de Rhonde, where the underwater visibility is unparalleled and the sea life magnificent. Divers can easily do two dives a day for a week without exhausting Grenada’s dive sites.

Perhaps one of the finest resorts in Grenada is Laluna Hotel, an exclusive, Italian-owned romantic hideaway in Morne Rouge. Fea-turing 16 one and two-bedroom cottages, the resort combines In-donesian elements with open-styled Italian architecture. Bedrooms with king-sized beds open onto large verandahs, creating unique indoor/outdoor living rooms.

travel|Grenada



If enjoying the exclusive hand-made soaps and lotions from a monastery in the Italian Alps haven’t kept you from venturing out, partake in a special dinner in the intimate environment of the thatched-roof dining room. Situated di-rectly on the beach, the restaurant offers a great experience, with tempting dishes prepared by the hotel’s European chef, popular Italian wines and romantic views of the bay.

Laluna has recently expanded its accommo-dation options, adding the luxury villas of La-luna Estates.

Back home in Ontario, recalling my Gre-nada adventures, I smile to myself as I sit in front of my laptop, out of the corner of my eye I can see 50-calibre shell casing I stepped on years ago. From its original home on the Grand Anse Beach, the Grenada souvenir is

now housed on my office bookcase. I guess I have come full circle, where Grenada is con-cerned. I’m content to share my pleasant memories of this beautiful Caribbean island—instead of my first, more painful recollection.

For more information: grenadagrenadines.com, secretharbour.com, laluna.com


in the crowd

VAUGHAN IN MOTIONVaughan in Motion held a South Beach Party, Feb. 5 in support of the volunteer-run organization’s ongoing goal of providing funds and equipment for cancer care in the community.

NAOMI HILTZ PHOTOGRAPHY

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

10 11 12

14 1513

Judi Borgatti and Frank Borgatti1.

Dr. Matilda Ng, Amy Macaluso, 2. Eric Wong and Margaret Wong

Steve Kerwin and Larry Calhoun3.

Sebastian Garofalo and Lisa 4. Garofalo

Michael Peri and Chanel 5. Granzotto

Angelina Gushue, Melissa 6. Mazzuca and Antonella Trichilo

Lorella Fiorini and Fani Molent7.

Adrianne Cataneo, Dr. Greg 8. D’Orio, Deanna Cataneo and Matthew Carinci

Phil Mendoza, Onett Mendoza, 9. Frank Fernandez, Larry Calhoun, Steve Kerwin, Leonard Lyn and Nancy Lyn

Saidamir Mukhitdinov, Chanisse 10. Ursini, Meagan Lo and A.J. Fox

Vaughan in Motion co-founders 11. Dr. Greg D’Orio and Peter Bidali and Frank Peri

Vaughan in Motion co-founders 12. Dr. Greg D’Orio and Peter Bidali,Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, Regional Councillor Mario Ferri and Regional Councillor Michael DiBiase

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and 13. MP for King-Vaughan Deb Shulte

Iyden Naderi and Sharon Hou14.

Andrea Wilde, Jennifer Graham, 15. Tammy Reilly, Arleen Hammond and Ashley Bell

416-736-6500spectrumrealtyservices.com

8400 Jane St, Unit 9, Vaughan

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A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES...At Spectrum, we’re dedicated to giving you unparalleled options.

Goodlife Vaughan March/April Edition 2016

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